cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Between Global and Local: Exploring Regional Food Systems from the Perspectives of Four Communities in the U.S. Northeast

Emphasis on local foods and local food systems has often meant that the importance of other scales goes unrecognized or underappreciated. While each scale has limitations, some food system experts now assert the benefits of the regional scale for its ability to foster a more sufficient, diverse, affordable, and resilient food system. This paper contributes to this debate by exploring people’s perceptions of regionally produced foods. Seven focus groups were conducted with a total of 51 participants across four locations in the U.S. Northeast. Topics discussed included the importance of knowing where food is sourced, how people described their region, personal connections to the region, globalization of food, importance of food origin, perceived benefits and drawbacks of regional foods, and the sense of efficacy and engagement involving food. While many participants were familiar with the concept of the local food system, their perceptions of the regional scale were weaker, less formed, and more diver­gent. These focus groups provide founda­tional insights into emerging consumer definitions and values related to regional food systems, which may help develop appropriately targeted messages to reinforce regional benefits.
José María Arguedas, Creator of Creators: Arte Popular in the Field of Cultural Production

A characteristic gesture of Latin American vanguards was to appropriate “folk art” to canons of national taste and aesthetics. Bourdieu has much to contribute to our understanding of the shift these objects underwent from items of daily use to aesthetic objects. Looking at the process through the novelist Jose Maria Arguedas, who wrote extensively on arte popular, this chapter suggests, first, that items were transformed in acts of consecration ultimately benefiting the consecrator, the metropolitan tastemaker, or the collector. Though on its face always inclusive and democratic, the gesture thus paradoxically increased the autonomy of the cosmopolitan artistic field. Second, national processes were inseparable from the wider regional and transnational circulation of ideas, people, and collectibles (here, Surrealism and the revolutionary Mexican discourse). The chapter proposes to adopt Pascale Casanova’s notion of dual historicization within separate but complementary fields to describe this double aspect of the move from artisanal object to high art.
Time-Dependent Semiclassical Scattering Theory. II. Atomic Collisions

We derive "classical" equations for the relative motion of two atoms as their insides make a given quantum transition. The classical changes in relative energy and angular momentum associated with this description just balance the corresponding quantum changes in internal energy and angular momentum for the transition involved. The work is based on a generalization of Hamilton's principle, suggested in a natural way by Feynman's formulation of quantum mechanics; the semiclassical scattering theory which emerges is, in essence, a justification and extension of the impact-parameter method. Applications to low-energy atomic collisions are discussed briefly.
The Effectiveness of Prehabilitation (Prehab) in Both Functional and Economic Outcomes Following Spinal Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Rehabilitation prior to orthopedic surgery (prehab) has been studied with more frequency and studies have shown reduced costs and improved functional outcomes among patients who have undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This literature review is to determine whether prehab improves functional outcomes and reduces costs following spinal surgery. PubMed, CINHAL via EBSCO and EMBASE via Ovid were searched with publication date restrictions from May 2006 to May 2016 for the terms ‘physical therapy’, ‘physiotherapy’, ‘prehabilitation’ or ‘prehab’, ‘spine’ or ‘spinal’, and ‘preoperative’ or ‘pre-op’. The search yielded 737 eligible articles which were screened by two independent reviewers. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) with adults who participated in preoperative exercise interventions as part of a prehab or preoperative exercise program for spinal surgery versus standard care were included. Methodology and results of the studies were critically appraised in conformity with PRISMA guidelines. Three RCTs were included, all of which analyzed outcomes of prehab following lumbar spinal surgery. Two of the articles were of high quality and three were of low quality. None of the studies demonstrated a statistically significant difference in pain scores or disability questionnaires in the intervention groups postoperatively, however, no negative effects were reported either. With neuroscience education, patient’s reported feeling prepared for surgery and expressed positive outlook regarding the intervention. Two of the studies found perioperative intervention reduced the total cost of healthcare spending associated with spinal surgery. Due to the heterogeneity of the outcome measures, a meta-analysis was not possible. There is lack of significant evidence looking at functional outcomes using physical therapy prior to spinal surgery. Prehab should continue to be researched prior to spinal surgery to determine effectiveness in patient outcomes.
Recognition Molecules Are Trailblazers for Axon Pathways

Issue: Neurons do not stop making or revising synapses at birth, and many may continue these processes throughout adulthood. Neurotrophic growth factors may signal an axon to sprout, and then recognition molecules blaze the pathway for the growing axon by attracting it in one direction while repelling it from another.
Augmented Reality Teaching and Learning

This literature review focuses on augmented realities (AR) for learning that utilize mobile, context-aware technologies (e.g., smartphones, tablets), which enable participants to interact with digital information embedded within the physical environment. We summarize research findings about AR in formal and informal learning environments (i.e., schools, universities, museums, parks, zoos, etc.), with an emphasis on the affordances and limitations associated with AR as it relates to teaching, learning, and instructional design. As a cognitive tool and pedagogical approach, AR is primarily aligned with situated and constructivist learning theory, as it positions the learner within a real-world physical and social context while guiding, scaffolding and facilitating participatory and metacognitive learning processes such as authentic inquiry, active observation, peer coaching, reciprocal teaching and legitimate peripheral participation with multiple modes of representation.
Growth performance and digestive and metabolic responses of gilts penned individually or in groups of four.

Two experiments were conducted to identify factors involved in the growth retardation of pigs housed in groups. In each experiment, 60 gilts were allotted to two treatments in a randomized complete block design. Twelve gilts were penned individually with one feeder, one waterer, and a space allowance of 1.5 m2 per pen. Forty-eight gilts were allocated to 12 groups of four and penned together with four feeders, four waterers, and a space allowance of 6 m2 per pen. In Exp. 1 there were 60 growing gilts (initial and final BW of 17.9 and 50.8 kg, respectively), and in Exp. 2 there were 60 finishing gilts (initial and final BW of 46.0 and 118.3 kg, respectively). In Exp. 1 there was a trend (P < .10) toward greater final BW, ADG, and average backfat thickness of gilts penned individually. Apparent digestibilities of DM, CP, and energy tended (P < .10) to be greater and plasma NEFA concentrations were lower (P < .05) for gilts penned individually. Plasma concentrations of urea and glucose were similar between treatments. In Exp. 2, ADG was greater (P < .05) and there was a trend (P < .10) for greater final weight, ADFI, loin weight, and primal cut weight of gilts penned individually. Apparent digestibilities of DM, CP, and energy and the plasma concentrations of urea, glucose, and NEFA were similar in both treatments. In summary, growing gilts penned four per group had reductions in daily gain, backfat thickness, and apparent digestibilities of DM, CP, and energy and increases in plasma NEFA concentrations. Finishing gilts penned four per group had reductions in daily gain and feed intake with no changes in apparent nutrient digestibilities or plasma metabolite concentrations compared to individually penned gilts.
Contextual Behavior Analysis in the Assessment Process

The ecosystems perspective offers a framework for assessment that takes into account the contextual web within which the client is inextricably enmeshed. To be immediately useful, however, the pers...
Epichloë endophytes of Poa alsodes employ alternative mechanisms for host defense: insecticidal versus deterrence

Some cool-season pooid grasses partner with symbiotic fungal endophytes in the Epichloe genus for defense against insect herbivores via fungal alkaloids. Poa alsodes, North American woodland grass, independently hosts two species of Epichloe that vary by produced alkaloids. E. alsodes produces insecticidal N-acetylnorloline. E. schardlii var. pennsylvanica (E. schardlii hereafter) has the gene for peramine, an insect-deterring alkaloid, production, but peramine was not detected. We tested the effects of the two endophytes on survival, feeding preference, and plant damage by the generalist herbivore, Spodoptera frugiperda. No larvae survived when feeding on plants harboring E. alsodes. In contrast, survival was only slightly reduced by plants harboring E. schardlii. However, larvae that fed on E. schardlii infected plants experienced delayed development and reduced pupal mass. Uninfected plants and plants infected with E. schardlii were damaged severely when single larvae fed upon them, whereas larvae fed negligibly on plants infected with E. alsodes. Preference did not match performance. Larvae strongly avoided feeding on E. schardlii but not E. alsodes-infected leaves where survival was zero. When E. schardlii was experimentally removed, larval leaf choices suggested that this endophyte is responsible for deterrence. High levels of N-acetylnorloline were detected from E. alsodes infected plants. Peramine was not detected in the experimental plants harboring E. schardlii, so it remains unclear what mechanisms caused avoidance and developmental delays. The two endophytes may protect their common host in different ways: E. alsodes by larval mortality and E. schardlii by deterring feeding and negative effects on development.
Lower and Upper Bounds on the Capacity of a Class of Gaussian Relay Channels

In this paper, we consider a relay network where the relay and destination receive the sources signal through two independent Gaussian channels. We first state an upper bound based on a genie case (the link between the relay and the destination supporting infinite rate). Then we derive a lower bound by finding an achievable rate using Wyner-Ziv noisy data compression scheme.
Unemployment transitions in the mexican labour market and the role of job search channels

This study examines the overall effects of a set of personal characteristics, search channels and financial variables on the probability of transitioning from unemployment to employment. Using the National Occupational and Employment Survey 2005-2015 (ENOE in Spanish). There seems to be a positive and strong correlation between being formally employed and transitioning to a formal employment in period t + 1 . There is a “wait unemployment”, because those with lower levels of education experience more transitions relative to more educated individuals. There seems to be a presence of a “scarring effect” which is picked up when introducing the duration of weeks of job search in the estimation, and means that unemployment spells are positively associated with remaining unemployed. Finally, women seem to benefit more when using different types of search channels such as uploading or replying a job offer online and using newspapers or classified ads to get a job.
Transient Demagnetization Characteristics of Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines with Stator Inter-Turn Short Circuit Faults for Automotive Applications

This paper investigates the transient progression towards irreversible demagnetization for the 2004 Prius interior permanent magnet (IPM) synchronous machine under the influence of a large demagnetizing MMF triggered by the excessive fault current generated by an inter-turn short circuit fault. An equivalent circuit coupled with Finite Element (FE) analysis is used to determine the inter-turn short-circuit fault current, as well as the magnetic behaviors of the Prius IPM machine subject to such a fault current. In particular, the propagation of the demagnetizing MMF throughout the conductive laminations as well as the conductive permanent magnet material is illustrated, and the transient degradation of the permanent magnet flux density below the knee point is presented. The transient analysis indicates even an early-stage inter-turn fault can ultimately trigger the onset of irreversible demagnetization of significant portions of the rotor magnets, when the benchmark machine is operating at the vicinity of the maximum torque-speed limit indicated by its capability curve. In addition, the irreversible demagnetization caused by an excessive demagnetization MMF can occur within a few electrical cycles, and the corner of the magnet adjacent to the faulty stator winding is the most vulnerable part to become irreversibly demagnetized. Furthermore, the impact of inter-turn fault severity factor and the fault equivalent resistance are also investigated, which reveals irreversible demagnetization can happen even during a one-turn short-circuit fault, and the irreversible demagnetization ratio is proportional to the number of faulty turns.
Dilworth’s Work on Decompositions in Semimodular Lattices

In a series of papers written over a period of twenty years, the first one appearing in 1940, Dilworth investigated representations of an element a in a complete lattice as a meet a = ∧Q of a set Q of completely meet irreducible elements. For brevity we refer to such a representation, or to the set Q itself, as a decomposition of a. The decomposition is said to be irredundant if no proper subset of Q is a decomposition of a. The survey paper [9] by Dilworth provides an excellent summary of the principal results obtained.
High-Resolution Resting-State Functional Connectivity of the Extended Amygdala.

Abstract The extended amygdala has been implicated as a critical region in the neurocircuitry underlying anxiety. The circuitry of the extended amygdala, including the central (CeA) and basolateral...
Does obesity impact lumbar sagittal alignment and clinical outcomes after a posterior lumbar spine fusion

The purpose of this study is to compare clinical patient-reported outcomes and radiographic sagittal parameters between obese and non-obese patients following open posterior lumbar spine fusion (PLSF). A retrospective cohort study was conducted for patients who underwent open PLSF from 2011 to 2018. Patients were classified as obese as per Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines if their body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2. Preoperative and final visual analog scale (VAS) back pain, VAS leg pain, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were obtained for both obese and non-obese groups. Achievement of minimal clinically important difference was evaluated. Preoperative, immediate postoperative, and final lumbar plain radiographs were assessed to measure spinopelvic parameters. Additionally, postoperative complication measures were collected. A total of 569 patients were included; 290 (50.97%) patients with BMI < 30 (non-obese) and 279 (49.03%) patients with BMI ≥ 30 (obese). Patients classified as obese were more likely to have a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001), and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System of ≥ 3 (p < 0.001). Obese patients had significantly longer operative times (p < 0.001) compared to non-obese patients. There was no difference in radiographic measurements, patient-reported outcomes, postoperative complications, or reoperations between groups. Obese patients had significantly more comorbidities and longer operative time compared to non-obese patients. However, sagittal parameters, patient-reported outcomes, inpatient complications, length of hospital stay, and reoperations were similar between groups. Given these findings, open PLSF can be considered safe and effective in obese patients after thorough consideration of related comorbidities. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
Control of Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile Infection in Long-Term Care Facilities/Nursing Homes

Infection control measures are one of the cornerstones to prevent transmission of Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile in a healthcare setting. However, implementing these measures in a long-term care facility (LTCF) setting presents with a unique set of challenges that are not seen in acute care hospitals. This chapter describes the various infection control measures that can be implemented to control C. difficile and the potential strategies to adapt them in an LTCF setting.
The Effects of Temporal Action-Sound Congruence on Evaluations of Conductor Quality

Vision serves a fundamental role in the human experience of musical performance. In conducting, this particular heuristic influences both expressive and coordinative aspects of musical activity. En...
PAN RNA: transcriptional exhaust from a viral engine.

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also designated human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), has been linked to Kaposi’s sarcoma, as well as to primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and a subset of multicentric Castleman’s disease. KSHV genomes are maintained as episomes within infected cells and the virus exhibits a biphasic life cycle consisting of a life-long latent phase during which only a few viral genes are expressed and no viral progeny are produced and a transient lytic reactivation phase, in which a full repertoire of ~ 80 lytic genes are activated in a temporally regulated manner culminating in the release of new virions. Lytic replication is initiated by a single viral protein, K-Rta (ORF50), which activates more than 80 viral genes from multiple resident viral episomes (i.e., viral chromosomes). One of the major targets of K-Rta is a long non-coding nuclear RNA, PAN RNA (polyadenylated nuclear RNA), a lncRNA that accumulates to exceedingly high levels in the nucleus during viral reactivation. K-Rta directly binds to the PAN RNA promoter and robustly activates PAN RNA expression. Although PAN RNA has been known for over 20 years, its role in viral replication is still incompletely understood. In this perspective, we will briefly review the current understanding of PAN RNA and then describe our current working model of this RNA. The model is based on our observations concerning events that occur during KSHV lytic reactivation including (i) a marked accumulation of RNA Pol II at the PAN promoter, (ii) genomic looping emanating from the PAN locus, (iii) interaction of a second viral lytic protein (ORF57) with K-Rta, PAN RNA and RNA Pol II, (iv) the essential requirement for PAN RNA expression in cis for optimal transcriptional execution needed for the entire lytic program, and (v) ORF57 recruitment of RNA Pol II to the PAN genomic locus. Together our results generate a model in which the PAN locus serves as a hub for sequestration/trapping of the cellular transcriptional machinery proximal to viral episomes. Sequestration at the PAN locus facilitates high levels of viral transcription throughout the viral genome during lytic replication. ORF57 acts as a transcription-dependent transactivator at the PAN locus by binding to both Rta and PAN to locally trap RNA Pol II. The resulting accumulation of high levels of nuclear PAN RNA created by this process is an inducible enhancer-derived (eRNA) by-product that litters the infected cell nucleus.
Coinfection in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients: Where are influenza virus and rhinovirus/enterovirus?

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has been declared a global pandemic. Our goal was to determine whether coinfections with other respiratory pathogens occur in a significant subset of SARS‐CoV‐2 infected patients in the greater New York City metropolitan area. During the period from March 16, 2020 through April 20, 2020, our laboratory detected SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in 8,990 patients of a total 18,704 tested by real‐time reverse‐transcription‐polymerase‐chain‐reaction amplification (SARS‐CoV‐2 Test, cobas® 6800 system, RocheDiagnostics). Amongst the patients who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2, 1,204 were also tested for other respiratory viruses, and concurrent infection was found in only 36 (< 3%). In comparison, coinfection with at least one non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 respiratory viral pathogen was found in 13.1% of patients who tested negative for SARS‐CoV‐2. Additionally, in patients who tested negative for SARS‐CoV‐2, the most common respiratory virus co‐infections were those commonly seen circulating in the community including rhinovirus/enterovirus, influenza viruses and coronavirus NL63, whereas non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 coronaviridae were the most common concurrent respiratory viruses found in SARS‐CoV‐2 –positive patients. Additional studies are needed to establish whether simultaneous viral infection in SARS‐CoV‐2 patients could potential drive viral interference or influence disease outcomes.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
User Interface for an Immersive Virtual Reality Greenhouse for Training Precision Agriculture.

In the past 50 years, farm producers have increased use of electronic control systems for controlled environment agriculture in greenhouses and animal production. These systems use environmental sensors to automate environmental management of greenhouses and can lead to significantly larger yields. However, mismanagement of a CEA system can also lead to loss of entire crops. Due to the sensitivity of crops in CEA and potential losses, students are rarely allowed to work directly with CEA systems. In order to increase opportunities for students to interact with CEA systems, an immersive virtual greenhouse simulation was created. Implementing realistic interfaces for physical tasks and for the CEA system provides students with ‘hands-on’ training in the virtual greenhouse. However, there are challenges that limit implementation of physical actions and realistic interfaces in virtual reality. We consider interfaces for three types of interactions: system interactions, physical greenhouse interactions, and interactions with the CEA system. Potential interface designs are presented with a discussion of the benefits and costs associated with each design.
Metabolic profiling during malaria reveals the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in regulating kidney injury

Systemic metabolic reprogramming induced by infection exerts profound, pathogen-specific effects on infection outcome. Here, we detail the host immune and metabolic response during sickness and recovery in a mouse model of malaria. We describe extensive alterations in metabolism during acute infection, and identify increases in host-derived metabolites that signal through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a transcription factor with immunomodulatory functions. We find that Ahr-/- mice are more susceptible to malaria and develop high plasma heme and acute kidney injury. This phenotype is dependent on AHR in Tek-expressing radioresistant cells. Our findings identify a role for AHR in limiting tissue damage during malaria. Furthermore, this work demonstrates the critical role of host metabolism in surviving infection.
Hybrid method for representing ions in implicit solvation calculations

Fast and accurate calculations of the electrostatic features of highly charged biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, and highly charged proteins are crucial and challenging tasks. Traditional implicit solvent methods calculate the electrostatic features quickly, but these methods are not able to balance the high net biomolecular charges effectively. Explicit solvent methods add unbalanced ions to neutralize the highly charged biomolecules in molecular dynamic simulations, which require more expensive computing resources. Here we report developing a novel method, Hybridizing Ions Treatment (HIT), which hybridizes the implicit solvent method with an explicit method to realistically calculate the electrostatic potential for highly charged biomolecules. HIT utilizes the ionic distribution from an explicit method to predict the bound ions. The bound ions are then added in the implicit solvent method to perform the electrostatic potential calculations. In this study, two training sets were developed to optimize parameters for HIT. The performance on the testing set demonstrates that HIT significantly improves the electrostatic calculations. Results on molecular motors myosin and kinesin reveal some mechanisms and explain some previous experimental findings. HIT can be widely used to study highly charged biomolecules, including DNA, RNA, molecular motors, and other highly charged biomolecules. The HIT package is available at http://compbio.utep.edu/static/downloads/download_hit.zip.
Consumer Bankruptcy Policy: Ability to Pay and Catholic Social Teaching

An essay is presented on consumer bankruptcy policy in the U.S. It informs about the significant changes in the consumer bankruptcy introduced by the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 including incorporation of an ability-to-pay test as a requirement for getting the benefits of the act. It reviews the Catholic social teaching related to the interrelationship between the dignity of man and his rights and duties to promote justice and the common good.
Circadian Gene Selection for Time-to-event Phenotype by Integrating CNV and RNAseq Data

Abstract Background The endoge/nous circadian clock, which controls daily rhythms in the expression of at least half of the mammalian genome, has a major influence on cell physiology. Consequently, disruption of the circadian system is associated with wide range of diseases including cancer. While several circadian clock genes have been associated with cancer progression, little is known about the survival when two or more platforms are considered together. Our goal was to determine if survival outcomes are associated with circadian clock function. To accomplish this goal, we developed a Bayesian hierarchical survival model coupled with the global local shrinkage prior and applied this model to available RNASeq and Copy Number Variation data to select significant circadian genes associates with cancer progression. Results Using a Bayesian shrinkage approach with the Bayesian accelerated failure time (AFT) model we showed the circadian clock associated gene DEC1 is positively correlated to survival outcome in breast cancer patients. The R package circgene implementing the methodology is available at https://github.com/MAITYA02/circgene . Conclusions The proposed Bayesian hierarchical model is the first shrinkage prior based model in its kind which integrates two omics platforms to identify the significant circadian gene for cancer survival.
Iris-ocular-periocular: toward more accurate biometrics for off-angle images

Iris is one of the most well-known biometrics; it is a nonintrusive and contactless authentication technique with high accuracy, enhanced security, and unique distinctiveness. However, its dependence on image quality and its frontal image acquisition requirement limit its recognition performance and hinder its potential use in standoff applications. Standoff biometric systems require a less controlled environment than traditional systems, so their captured images will likely be nonideal, including off-angle. We present convolutional neural network (CNN)-based deep learning frameworks to improve the recognition performance of iris, ocular, and periocular biometric modalities for off-angle images. Our contribution is fourfold: first, the performances of popular AlexNet, GoogLeNet, and ResNet50 architectures are presented for off-angle biometrics. Second, we study the effect of the gaze angle difference between training and testing images on iris, ocular, and periocular recognitions. Third, we investigate the network behavior for untrained gaze angles and the information fusion capability of CNN networks at multiple off-angle images. Finally, deep learning-based results are compared with a traditional iris recognition algorithm using the gallery approach. Our results with off-angle images ranging from −50 deg to 50 deg in gaze angle show that the proposed methods improve the recognition performance of iris, ocular, and periocular recognition.
Molecular derangements and the diagnosis of ACTH-Dependent Cushing's syndrome.

Endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with morbidities (diabetes, hypertension, clotting disorders ) and shortens life because of infections, pulmonary thromboembolism, and cardiovascular disease. Its clinical presentation is immensely variable, and diagnosis and treatment are often delayed. Thus, there are many opportunities for basic and clinical research leading to better tests, faster diagnosis, and optimized medical treatments. This review focusses on CS caused by excessive ACTH production. It describes current concepts of the regulation of ACTH synthesis and secretion by normal corticotropes, and mechanisms by which dysregulation occurs in corticotrope (termed "Cushing's disease") and non-corticotrope (so-called "ectopic") ACTH-producing tumors. ACTH causes adrenal gland synthesis and pulsatile release of cortisol; the excess ACTH in these forms of CS leads to the hypercortisolism of endogenous CS. Again, the differences between healthy individuals and those with CS are highlighted. The clinical presentations and their use in the interpretation of CS screening tests are described. The tests used for screening and differential diagnosis of CS are presented, along with their relationship to cortisol dynamics, pathophysiology, and negative glucocorticoid feedback regulation in the two forms of ACTH-dependent CS. Finally, several gaps in current understanding are highlighted in the hope of stimulating additional research into this challenging disorder.
Hybrid-Lp Finding Advanced Starting Points for Simplex, and Pivoting LP Methods

The simplex method has proven its efficiency in practice for linear programming (LP) problems of various types and sizes. However, its theoretical worst-case complexity in addition to its poor performance for very large-scale LP problems has driven researchers to develop alternative methods for LP problems. In this paper, we develop the hybrid-LP; a two-phase approach for solving LP problems. Rather than following a path of extreme points on the boundary of the feasible region as in the simplex method, the first phase of the hybrid-LP moves through the interior of the feasible region to obtain an improved and advanced initial basic feasible solution (BFS). Then, in the second phase simplex or other LP methods can be used to find the optimal solution. Since the introduction of polynomial-time methods for LP, a considerable amount of research has focused on interior-point methods for solving large-scale LP problems. Although fewer iterations are needed for interior-point methods to converge to a solution, the iterations are computationally intensive. Our approach is a hybrid method that uses a computationally efficient pivot to move in the interior of the feasible region in its first phase. This single iteration is able to bypassing several extreme points to an improved BFS, which can then be used as a starting point in any LP method in the second phase of the method. Our approach can also be modified to perform a number of interior pivots in the first phase based on the trade-off between the number of iterations and the running time. The hybrid-LP uses an efficient pivoting iteration which is computationally comparable to the standard simplex iteration. Another feature is adaptability in finding the advanced starting point by avoiding the boundaries of the feasible region. In addition, the hybrid-LP has the ability to start from a feasible point which may not be a BFS. Our computational experiments demonstrate that the hybrid-LP reduces both the number of iterations and the running time compared to the simplex method on a wide range of test problems.
Virulent Ethnocentrism and Conflict Intractability: Puzzles and Challenges for 3rd Party Intervenors

This article addresses complex identity-based conflicts, such as those associated with the ending of the Cold War (e.g., Bosnia). It suggests that in many identity-based conflicts, historical memories of outrage and victimhood ("chosen traumas") have persevered across centuries, thereby keeping the conflicting parties "in history." The paper examines the role of virulent ethnocentrism in such intractable conflicts. It also examines the role of "nature" and "nurture" in embedding the universal tendency for humans to divide their species into "them" and "us" within a highly charged emotional context. The paper argues that the complexity of these conflicts has at least four dimensions which challenge the skills and good intentions of third parties: 1. Under stress parties' affective level (limbic brain) tends to override their cognitive level (neocortical brain), thereby enhancing the likelihood of experiencing "feeling is believing" instead of "seeing is believing." Parties may then not be susceptible to the efforts of third parties which often occur at the cognitive level. Such efforts do not necessarily "trickle down" to the affective level where "chosen traumas" are buried. 2. Third parties may have to first deal with an original, historical conflict (e.g., Turkey-Armenia, 1915) before they can deal with one of its more recent variations (Azerbaijan-Armenia, 1990s). 3. Analytically, third parties should employ comprehensive approaches to "capturing the complexity" of historically-/identity-based conflicts. Otherwise their intentions to "do no harm" may not only fail, but may make matters worse. 4. Effective third party intervention may then call for coordination among "multitrack" actors performing different roles at the same or at different points in time; in effect, the collaboration and "co-evolution" of approaches corresponding to otherwise competing paradigms (e.g., Political Realism, Idealism, Marxism, Non-Marxist Radical Thought
The Sociopolitical Context of Education in Post-Civil Rights Birmingham.

Drawing on scholarship from the politics and history of education, narrative and archival data, and the author's emic perspectives, this article examines social and political transformations in the Birmingham City Schools (BCS) and some of the surrounding metropolitan school districts during the pre- and post-classical phases of the American civil rights movement. The BCS, in particular, has encountered a fate similar to urban districts across the U.S. South and nation, most notably, severe fiscal, social, and economic problems precipitated by historic racial inequities, the exodus of middle-class White and African American students and families to the surrounding suburbs, and increased enrollment of students who are socially and economically disenfranchised. Moreover, the district has been beset by inter- and intraracial school governance controversies and shrinking legal, political, and financial commitments from federal, state, and local governments. The question deliberated is whether or not post-civi...
Abstract #LB-281: MicroPET/CT Evaluation of 64Cu Labeled Bevacizumab as A New Tumor Early Detection Probe for PET Imaging In Breast Cancer Orthotopic and Bone Metastasis Model, Compared With 18FDG

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 18-22, 2009; Denver, CO Purpose: To develop and demonstrate the feasibility of a new positron emission tomography (PET) imaging probe targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with higher tumor specificity and decreased background compared with fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) for local and metastatic tumor detection in breast cancer orthotopic and bone metastasis model. Method and Materials: Bevacizumab is a FDA approved monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting VEGF, the most dominant pro-angiogenesis factor. Bevacizumab was conjugated to a macrocyclic ligand (DOTA) and labeled with a positron emitter, 64Cu. MicroPET/CT imaging was conducted in mouse orthotopic and bone metastasis model by implanting GFP expressing MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line (n = 5 for each model). 64Cu-bevacizumab was administered intravenously into each mouse at a dose of 200µCi/40µg mAb. Mice were imaged with microPET/CT scanner at 1h, 4h, 24h and 44h post-injection (p.i.). For comparison with 64Cu-bevacizumab imaging, 18FDG was injected one day before the administration of 64Cu-bevacizumab in the same mouse, and the images were acquired at 1h post-injection. Optical imaging was conducted to verify the tumor location and compare with the PET localization. Biodistribution studies were performed at 44h p.i. Results: With 64Cu-bevacizumab PET imaging, tumors were successfully detected with clear contour and contrast at corresponding sites determined by optical imaging in orthotopic model. Biodistribution results confirmed high accumulation of 64Cu-DOTA-bevacizumab in tumors. In the metastatic model, 64Cu-bevacizumab not only successfully detected the bone metastasis at joints, scapula, and jaw, but also detected the brain metastasis. Tumor findings were confirmed by optical and CT imaging. 18FDG imaging had decreased tumor contrast and failed in detecting the majority of the tumors, especially the metastatic tumors. On 64Cu-bevacizumab images, conventional non-tumor related sites of high 18FDG uptake such as brain, muscle, kidneys and bladder did not appear and there was much less activity in the heart. Conclusion: Results in these mouse breast cancer model studies suggest that 64Cu-DOTA-bevacizumab can be used as a tumor detection agent for local and metastatic breast cancer with good sensitivity, improved tumor-tissue contrast and lower non-tumor tissue related background activity compared to 18FDG imaging. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr LB-281.
Linkage disequilibrium between the FES, D15S127, and BLM loci in Ashkenazi Jews with Bloom syndrome.

Bloom syndrome (BS) is more common in the Ashkenazi Jewish than in any other population. Approximately 1 in 110 Ashkenazi Jews carries blm, the BS mutation. The locus mutated in BS, BLM, maps to chromosome subband 15q26.1, tightly linked to the proto-oncogene FES. We have investigated the basis for the increased frequency of blm in the Ashkenazim by genotyping polymorphic microsatellite loci tightly linked to BLM in affected and unaffected individuals from Ashkenazi Jewish and non-Ashkenazi populations. A striking association of the C3 allele at FES with blm (delta = .422; p = 5.52 x 10(-7)) and of the 145-bp and 147-bp alleles at D15S127 with blm (delta = .392 and delta = .483, respectively; p = 2.8 x 10(-5) and p = 5.4 x 10(-7), respectively) was detected in Ashkenazi Jews with BS. This linkage disequilibrium constitutes strong support for a founder-effect hypothesis: the chromosome in the hypothetical founder who carried blm also carried the C3 allele at FES and either the 145-bp or the 147-bp allele at D15S127.
Edge spin accumulation in two-dimensional electron and hole systems in a quasiballistic regime

We consider a two-dimensional structure with spin-orbit-related splitting of the electron (hole) spectrum and calculate the edge spin density which appears due to the intrinsic mechanism of spin-orbit interaction in the presence of a charge current through the structure. We concentrate on the quasiballistic case when a mean-free path, being much smaller than the sample size, is larger than the spin precession length determined by the value of the spin-orbit splitting. We show that regardless of the presence or absence of the bulk spin current, the main source of the edge spin density is the boundary scattering itself. The character of the edge spin density depends on the smoothness of the bulk impurity potential. We have calculated the edge spin density profile for an arbitrary smoothness of the scattering potential in the bulk, and discussed relation to the existing experiments for two-dimensional holes.
Markov Chain Monte Carlo based multiuser/MIMO detector: 802.11ac implementation and measurement

There is a strong need in wireless communication systems for better, low-complexity detectors. Here we demonstrate the implementation, simulation, and real-world measurements of such a near-optimal approximate ML method called Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) within an 802.11ac WiFi framework. Detail is provided on the relationship between SNR, channel matrix condition number (CN), and bit error rate (BER). The importance of considering condition number in real-world measurements is demonstrated.
Hysteroscopy in the evaluation of female infertility

Abstract Endometrial and tubal causes of female infertility have been sought with the use of endometrial biopsy, the Rubin test, hysterosalpingography, and laparoscopy. Hysteroscopy, used as an adjunct to these methods, can increase their effectiveness in evaluating uterine or tubal factors that may account directly or indirectly for reproductive failure. Hysteroscopy was included in the diagnostic evaluation of 142 patients with a diagnosis of primary or secondary infertility. In 62% visually recognizable abnormalities were found, such as intrauterine adhesions, endometrial polyps, submucous leiomyomas, and uterine septa, that could explain the infertilitiy. In 31.7% of 63 patients who had an abnormal hysterosalpingogram, hysteroscopy demonstrated a normal uterine cavity. Even though hysteroscopy is useful as a diagnostic and therapeutic adjunct to traditional methods for evaluation of uterine factors in infertility, it does not replace or excude them. Rather, it complements the procedures, particularly when abnormal hysterosalpingograms have been obtained, when intrauterine adhesions are suspected, or when there is abnormal uterine bleeding. Performed concomitantly with laparoscopy, hysteroscopy becomes the most effective technique for evaluation of the uterine and tubal conditions that may play a role in female infertility.
Neuropsychological function and cerebral glucose utilization in isolated memory impairment and Alzheimer's disease

We hypothesized that 20 patients with isolated memory impairment (IMI) would demonstrate [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose utilization and a progression of neuropsychological symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease (AD). IMI subjects performed similarly to AD in recall and verbal fluency, but comparable to normal subjects in other areas of cognitive functioning. A positron emission tomography (PET) diagnostic index based on parietal Z-scores categorized IMI patients into normal and abnormal metabolic patterns. Ten of the original 20 IMI patients (50%) reflected PET AD abnormalities. Clinical information was available for IMI patients at three-year follow-up. Ten (50%) had converted to AD, three were found to have pseudodementia and the seven remained IMI. Of the 10 IMI patients with an originally normal PET index, three (30%) were diagnosed with AD at three years. Of the 10 with an abnormal index originally, seven (70%) converted to AD. The finding that memory deficit in IMI was as pronounced as that in AD patients is consistent with the notion that memory is an initial symptom of AD. A substantial number of the IMI patients reflected regional hypometabolism similar to AD, suggesting that IMI is likely an early stage in progressive dementia. A large percentage of IMI patients converted clinically to AD within three years of initial study, though we observed impaired memory functioning well before a clinical diagnosis of AD could be made. In addition to potential clinical utility, IMI and PET represent an opportunity to study dementia in relation to brain chemistry at a time when brain pathology is in the process of development.
Histamine-releasing activity (HRA). I. Production by mitogen- or antigen-stimulated human mononuclear cells

Supernatants from 1- to 2-day cultures of human mononuclear cells induced the release of histamine from basophils. Generation of this histamine-releasing activity (HRA) was stimulated by addition of concanavalin A to the cell cultures. Mononuclear cells were also cultured with SKSD and Candida albicans antigens. Stimulation of HRA production by these antigens was correlated with positive delayed skin reactions. Serial dilutions of supernatants assayed for HRA provided a semiquantitative determination of the level of HRA in mitogen- or antigen-stimulated samples. Antigen increased HRA production when added during the first or second day of culture. Generation of HRA probably requires active protein synthesis, since puromycin was inhibitory, and since preformed HRA could not be recovered from lysed cells. HRA was detected in supernatants after 4 hr, and the effects of antigen stimulation were apparent after 8 hr of culture. Replacement of supernatants with fresh culture medium allowed continued synthesis of substantial quantities of HRA during the second day of culture. A linear correlation was observed between the amount of HRA produced and the mononuclear cell concentration. Our findings provide evidence for the interaction of lymphocytes and basophils via a soluble mediator.
Abstract 14720: Determinants of Ethnic Differences in Cardiorespiratory Fitness: The Dallas Heart Study

Introduction: Studies have shown significant differences in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among different ethnic groups. However, it is unclear how much of these differences can be explained by differences in body mass index (BMI), lifestyle behaviors and socioeconomic status (SES) among these groups. Methods: The study consisted of Dallas Heart Study Phase 2 participants without cardiovascular disease who had a baseline CRF measurement using a submaximal treadmill test. CRF was estimated as the peak oxygen uptake (ml/kg/min) from a submaximal exercise heart rate measurement using the previously published Givoni’s equation and Hellerstein’s formula protocol. Lifestyle behaviors included in the analysis were self reported physical activity (PA) and smoking. Self reported education years and income were used as proxy measures of SES. Multiple multivariable adjusted linear regression models were constructed to determine the cross-sectional association of between ethnicity and cardiorespiratory fitness. Res...