cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Speech Separation Using Speaker Inventory

Overlapped speech is one of the main challenges in conversational speech applications such as meeting transcription. Blind speech separation and speech extraction are two common approaches to this problem. Both of them, however, suffer from limitations resulting from the lack of abilities to either leverage additional information or process multiple speakers simultaneously. In this work, we propose a novel method called speech separation using speaker inventory (SSUSI), which combines the advantages of both approaches and thus solves their problems. SSUSI makes use of a speaker inventory, i.e. a pool of pre-enrolled speaker signals, and jointly separates all participating speakers. This is achieved by a specially designed attention mechanism, eliminating the need for accurate speaker identities. Experimental results show that SSUSI outperforms permutation invariant training based blind speech separation by up to 48% relatively in word error rate (WER). Compared with speech extraction, SSUSI reduces computation time by up to 70% and improves the WER by more than 13% relatively.
P2.13 Image-Guided and Targeted Therapy Using Theranostic Nanoparticles for Personalized Cancer Treatment

ABSTRACT Highly heterogeneous cancer cells represent the major challenge in clinical oncology for the treatment of human cancers. Novel therapeutic approaches that enable the application of personalized therapy for cancer patients hold great promise for effective treatment while minimizing systemic toxicity. We have developed an integrated cancer image-therapy protocol that takes advantages of multifunctionality of theranostic nanoparticles and advanced molecular imaging methods for biomarker-targeted tumor imaging and drug delivery, MRI monitoring therapeutic response, and optical image-guided surgery. Multifunctional magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) developed by our group are targeted to epidermal growth factor receptor, Her-2/Neu, and urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, which are biomarkers highly expressed in many types of human cancers. These receptor-targeted IONPs have capacity to carry single or multiple therapeutic agents for drug delivery, near infrared fluorescence and spectroscopic optical imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They are also designed to overcome physical and intrinsic barriers that reduce efficiency of drug delivery and confer drug resistance in human cancers. We have shown specificity and sensitivity of optical and MR imaging using the nanoparticles as targeted molecular contrast agents in orthotopic human breast, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer xenograft models. The development of biomarker targeted MRI nanoparticle probes should allow determining the level of biomarker expression in tumors using a non-invasive imaging approach for selection of the appropriate patients for targeted therapy. Based on the targeted imaging nanoparticles, we further developed methods to encapsulate or conjugate chemotherapy drugs into the nanoparticles. Efficacy of targeted therapy and MRI-monitoring drug delivery and response after systemic delivery of the theranostic nanoparticles has been demonstrated in orthotopic human breast, pancreatic and ovarian cancer xenograft models in nude mice. Since drug resistant residual tumors contain nanoparticles that produce optical signals, we applied hand-held optical imaging devices for detection and removal of drug resistant tumor lesions in the surgical cavity to prevent local recurrence and distant metastasis. The ultimate goal of our research is to translate this biomarker targeted therapy and image-guided treatment and surgery protocol into clinical applications for personalized management of cancer patients. Download : Download full-size image Fig. 1 . An integrated therapy-imaging approach for personalized therapy and effective treatment of drug-resistant cancers
SWOT analysis on the potential growth of Football 5-a-side programme across the United States: an exploratory case study approach for athletes with visual impairment

Football 5-a-side is a Paralympic sport played among athletes with visual impairment. Although the sport has been featured in the Paralympics since 2004, it is still at its infant stage with only 5...
Socioeconomic Status Drives Racial Disparities in HPV-negative Head and Neck Cancer Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To determine drivers of the racial disparity in stage at diagnosis and overall survival (OS) between black and white patients with HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS Data were examined from of a population-based HNSCC study in North Carolina. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess racial disparities in stage at diagnosis and OS with sequential adjustment sets. RESULTS A total of 340 black patients and 864 white patients diagnosed with HPV-negative HNSCC were included. In the unadjusted model, black patients had increased odds of advanced T stage at diagnosis (OR 2.0; 95% CI [1.5-2.5]) and worse OS (HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6) compared to white patients. After adjusting for age, sex, tumor site, tobacco use, and alcohol use, the racial disparity persisted for advanced T-stage at diagnosis (OR 1.7; 95% CI [1.3-2.3]) and showed a non-significant trend for worse OS (HR 1.1, 95% CI 0.9-1.3). After adding SES to the adjustment set, the association between race and stage at diagnosis was lost (OR: 1.0; 95% CI [0.8-1.5]). Further, black patients had slightly favorable OS compared to white patients (HR 0.8, 95% CI [0.6-1.0]; P = .024). CONCLUSIONS SES has an important contribution to the racial disparity in stage at diagnosis and OS for HPV-negative HNSCC. Low SES can serve as a target for interventions aimed at mitigating the racial disparities in head and neck cancer. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 131:1301-1309, 2021.
Characterizing slopes for torus knots, II

A slope $\frac pq$ is called a characterizing slope for a given knot $K_0\subset S^3$ if whenever the $\frac pq$--surgery on a knot $K\subset S^3$ is homeomorphic to the $\frac pq$--surgery on $K_0$ via an orientation preserving homeomorphism, then $K=K_0$. In a previous paper, we showed that, outside a certain finite set of slopes, only the negative integers could possibly be non-characterizing slopes for the torus knot $T_{5,2}$. Applying recent work of Baldwin--Hu--Sivek, we improve our result by showing that a nontrivial slope $\frac pq$ is a characterizing slope for $T_{5,2}$ if $\frac pq>-1$ and $\frac pq\notin \{0,1, \pm\frac12,\pm\frac13\}$. In particular, every nontrivial L-space slope of $T_{5,2}$ is characterizing for $T_{5,2}$. As a consequence, if a nontrivial $\frac pq$-surgery on a non-torus knot in $S^3$ yields a manifold of finite fundamental group, then $|p|>9$.
Data Visualization and Infographics in 10-K Filings

The Securities and Exchange Commission encourages the presentation of financial data in graphical form (infographics) to improve users’ ability to understand financial disclosures. We examine a large sample of infographics disclosed in 10-K filings and find a dramatic increase in their use from 2003-2020. We explore firm characteristics associated with the presentation of infographics and the types of information disclosed. We find significantly positive associations between infographics and the magnitude of both 10-K filing abnormal returns and analysts’ forecast revisions. The return results are attributable to both qualitative and quantitative infographics, but especially for those containing non-financial key performance indicators. The forecast revision results are attributable to infographics containing GAAP and macroeconomic information. Overall, our evidence suggests that infographics have become an important element of corporate disclosure.
Statistics Is Easy: Case Studies on Real Scientific Datasets

Abstract Computational analysis of natural science experiments often confronts noisy data due to natural variability in environment or measurement. Drawing conclusions in the face of such noise ent...
Abstract 2403: Pyruvate dehydrogenase mediates chemo-resistance in pancreatic cancer

Background: Resistance of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) to current treatment regimens contributes to the dismal prognosis for patients diagnosed with the disease. Accumulated evidence indicates that metabolic alterations may play a role in chemo-resistance. In this project, we investigated the role of pyruvate dehydrogenase Alpha1 (PDHA1) in chemo-resistance. Methods: Wild type and Gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cell lines MIA PaCa-2, HPAF-II, and UN-KPC-961 were used. Mitochondrial respiration, ATP production and glycolytic activities were measured by seahorse. PDHA1 was overexpressed or its activity inhibited by over-expressing PDHA1 kinase in these cells and cancer cell survival was measured by MTT and cancer stemness measured by Western and RT-PCR. PDHA1 level was measured in human and mouse PDAC tissues. Results: Seahorse analysis showed a significantly lower mitochondrial activity, ATP production, and increased glycolytic activity and lactate production in gemcitabine-resistant compared to non- resistant pancreatic cancer cells. PDHA1 mRNA and protein levels were less in gemcitabine-resistant cancer cells compared to non-resistant cells. PDHA1 levels were less in human PDAC tissues from patients and mice who developed resistance to chemotherapy. PDHA1 over-expression in gemcitabine-resistant cancer cells reversed resistance to chemotherapy, decreased cancer cell survival and decreased expression of cancer stemness markers. Whereas, PDHA1 inhibition by over-expressing PDHA1 kinase, in non-resistant cancer cells, induced resistance to chemotherapy, increased cancer cell survival and increased expression of cancer stemness markers. We found that inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) (class 1 and 2) increased transcription level of PDHA1 and reversed chemo-resistance. Conclusion: We show that PDHA1 is a regulator of chemo-resistance in pancreatic cancer cells. PDHA1is a novel target for treating chemo-resistant PDAC. Citation Format: Fouzia Zayou, Chintan Chheda, Adrian Lim, Omer H. Elmadbouh, Stephen J. Pandol, Mouad Edderkaoui. Pyruvate dehydrogenase mediates chemo-resistance in pancreatic cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2403.
A Systematic Framework for Assessing the Clinical Impact of Polygenic Risk Scores

Clinically-actionable risk models may be significantly improved by including genetic information via polygenic risk scores (PRSs). Several attempts to determine the degree of PRS improvement have reached inconclusive answers, likely due to their focus on a few diseases and statistics. This investigation aims to address this uncertainty by comprehensively analyzing 23 diseases within the UK Biobank. Our results show that including the PRS to a base model containing age and sex significantly improves prediction accuracy, as measured by ROC curves, in a majority 21 of 23 diseases. Furthermore, we find over 100 instances in which lifestyle-modifications or medications reduce disease risk for individuals in the top PRS quintile significantly more than for individuals in the bottom PRS quintile. Lastly, we find minimal confounding by social and demographic factors, and describe an effective methodology for PRS creation. Together, these results indicate that PRSs carry far greater clinical impact than previously known.
Consumer Perceptions, Behaviors, and Knowledge of Food Waste in a Rural American State

Understanding consumer knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards food waste is critical for informing evidence-based programs to advance sustainable food systems. A lack of knowledge regarding consumer food waste at the local level limits the ability to inform place-based solutions that are locally relevant. We administered an online survey to examine consumer perceptions, behaviors, and knowledge of food waste at the household level in Montana, a rural state in the United States. The majority of surveyed participants (58%) reported that they waste 10% or less of procured food. Almost half the participants (48%) are willing to take additional action to reduce food waste. Social factors including guilt and setting a good example were found to be greater motivators for reducing food waste compared to economic and environmental factors. Most survey participants (80%) perceive it would not be difficult to notably reduce their household` food waste. Overall, participants’ reporting of their household’s food waste quantity is lower than national quantities while their willingness to reduce food waste was higher than findings from a national survey. This study highlights the need for place-based solutions that are locally relevant to reduce household food waste towards enhancing the sustainability of food systems for supporting planetary health.
An Exploration of Educators’ Technology Integration in the Middle Grades

This research explored teacher in-school educational technology use for middle grades instruction. A quantitative investigation examined adoption of technology, sources of acquired skills, use freq...
Distortion Correction in 3D-Modeling of Root Systems for Plant Phenotyping

Root Phenotyping is an important tool in predicting the life and growth of plants. Many systems have been developed to automate the process of extracting root traits using 3D imaging system, however, not many of those systems corrected for the distortions that frequently appear during this process. In this paper we present a new method to compensate for light refractions that occur due to hydroponic substrates – gel-based platforms for growing plants. As our results demonstrate, our method provides an accurate 3D point cloud containing the coordinates of the surface of the root system with error smaller than 0.16 mm in average and standard deviation of less than 0.13 mm.
A Simplified Approach for Roadway Slope Development in Vehicle Simulation

A simplified approach for creating road surface elevation information for simulation of vehicle vertical response to roadway unevenness is presented. Roadways for single and parallel track simulations as well as averaged roads for variable velocity simulation are developed. Sets of correctly chosen random roadway slopes are appropriately averaged for the variable velocity simulation. The procedure generates approximately "white" slope spectral density roadways in the frequency ranges of interest and the elevation profiles are representative of average road profiles. The method is quite simple in practice yet suffices for many parameter studies of suspensions and the like.
Transformations of 2-(isopropylideneaminoöxy)propionic acid

Abstract The carboxylic acid group in 2-(isopropylideneaminooxy)propionic acid (Ia) has been transformed into a number of other functional groups. Conversion of (−)-Ia to (+)-1,2-propanediol established the absolute configuration of the former as S and, secondarily, that of (+)-2-(2,4,5,7-tetranitro-9-fluorenylideneaminooxy)propionic acid (+)-II, as S. Correlation of configurations of II and 9,10-dihydrodibenzo[c,g]phenanthrene (III) was made on the basis of earlier results.
Formulas for Wood Shear Walls

Formulas are presented for the analysis of typical wood-frame shear walls with sheathing attached by nails or other types of discrete fasteners. Formulas are derived for the sheathing fastener forces, for the linear shear stiffness of a wall, and for the nonlinear shear load-strain behavior of a wall. These formulas are shown to be in agreement with the results of load tests and of finite element, linear, and nonlinear analyses. Details of the load tests and finite element analyses are given. The formulas are relatively simple and should be applicable to the design of wood frame shear walls with plywood or other types of sheathing.
Promissory Fraud: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

The purpose of this comment is to analyze the potential benefits and costs of the doctrine of promissory fraud, prompted by the generally positive evaluation of the doctrine contained in an accompanying article by Ian Ayres and Gregory Klass. The analysis is premised upon the notion that the principal effect of the doctrine of promissory fraud is to encourage prospective promisors who believe that there is a low probability that they will perform their promises either to disclose this information or to refrain from promising. However, using the doctrine of promissory fraud in this fashion only seems likely to be beneficial in circumstances where the promise is not otherwise enforceable under contract law. Moreover, in these circumstances, for a variety of reasons, the threat of liability for promissory fraud is likely to discourage promisors from making certain types of socially beneficial promises. These costs have to be balanced against any benefits associated with the doctrine, keeping in mind the fact that to the extent that the doctrine qualifies as a default rule both its costs and benefits are limited by the costs of contracting around it.
The Theory of Materials Failure, by Richard M. Christensen. Scope: monograph. Level: postgraduate, advanced undergraduates

This book is intended as a very advanced undergraduate or graduate textbook. It is appropriate for senior undergraduates, first- and second-year graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in mechan...
Effect of hypothyroidism on adenylyl cyclase activity and subtype gene expression in brown adipose tissue

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) expresses several adenylyl cyclase (AC) subtypes, and adrenergic stimulation selectively upregulates AC-III gene expression. Previous studies have described synergistic interactions between the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) on the regulation of gene expression in BAT. Because adrenergic stimulation also increases the activity of BAT type II thyroxine 5'-deiodinase (DII) and local T3 generation is important for many functional responses in BAT, we examined the effects of thyroid hormone status on the expression of various AC subtypes. Hypothyroidism selectively increased AC-III mRNA levels in BAT but not in white adipose tissue. Of the other subtypes examined, hypothyroidism did not alter AC-VI mRNA levels and slightly reduced AC-IX mRNA levels in BAT. The increase in AC-III expression was paralleled by an increase in forskolin-stimulated AC activity in BAT membranes. Sympathetic denervation of BAT abolished the increase in both AC activity and AC-III mRNA expression produced by hypothyroidism, but did not affect the expression of other subtypes. Surgical denervation also prevented the induction of AC-III in the cold-stressed euthyroid rat, but injections of T3 failed to alter AC-III expression in intact or denervated BAT. Our results indicate that T3 does not directly affect expression of AC-III. Rather, hypothyroidism increases BAT AC-III expression indirectly via an increase in sympathetic stimulation. Furthermore, our results strongly indicate that the increase in AC activity in hypothyroid BAT is due to increased expression of AC-III.
Optofluidic waveguides: II. Fabrication and structures

We review fabrication methods and common structures for optofluidic waveguides, defined as structures capable of optical confinement and transmission through fluid filled cores. Cited structures include those based on total internal reflection, metallic coatings, and interference based confinement. Configurations include optical fibers and waveguides fabricated on flat substrates (integrated waveguides). Some examples of optofluidic waveguides that are included in this review are Photonic Crystal Fibers (PCFs) and two-dimensional photonic crystal arrays, Bragg fibers and waveguides, and Anti Resonant Reflecting Optical Waveguides (ARROWs). An emphasis is placed on integrated ARROWs fabricated using a thin-film deposition process, which illustrates how optofluidic waveguides can be combined with other microfluidic elements in the creation of lab-on-a-chip devices.
Grabbe's Napoleon, Büchner's Danton, and the Masses

(1967). Grabbe's Napoleon, Buchner's Danton, and the Masses. Symposium: A Quarterly Journal in Modern Literatures: Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 316-323.
Isolation and characterization of a type II restriction endonuclease from Streptococcus thermophilus.

A type II restriction endonuclease Sth1341 was isolated from Streptococcus thermophilus strain 134. The enzyme is an isoschizomer of HpaII. The restriction endonuclease is most active at Mg(II) ⩾5 mM; in the pH range of 7.5–8; temperature of 50°–55°C; and (KCl) or (NaCl) below 100 mM. Double digestion and ligation experiments showed that Sth1341 apparently recognized and cleaves DNA at the sequence C1CGG to produce two-base, 5′-protruding ends.
Time-resolved study of surface spin effect on spin-lattice relaxation in Fe3O4 nanocrystals.

The role of surface spins in the relaxation of magnetization in optically excited Fe3O4 nanocrystals has been investigated via time-resolved Faraday rotation measurements. The time scale of the magnetization recovery following the optically induced demagnetization increased from 250 to 350 ps as the size of the nanocrystals increased from 5 to 15 nm. From analysis of the data with a simple model relating the spin−lattice relaxation rate to the average spin−orbit coupling strength of the interior and surface spins, we estimated the relative efficiency of surface in spin−lattice relaxation with respect to the interior spins. Our analysis indicates that, in Fe3O4 nanocrystals passivated with oleic acid, the surface is 3 times more efficient in spin−lattice relaxation than the interior.
MR imaging findings suggestive of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background Endothelial damage, hypertension and cytotoxic medications may serve as risk factors for the posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in systemic lupus erythematosus. There have been few case reports of these findings in pediatric lupus patients.
Reaction of tetramethyl‐1,2‐dioxetane with triphenylphosphine: Activation parameters for the formation of 2,2‐dihydro‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐2,2,2‐triphenyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaphospholane

The reaction of tetramethyl-1,2-dioxetane (1) and triphenylphosphine (2) in benzene-d6 produced 2,2-dihydro-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2,2,2-triphenyl-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane (3) in ˜90% yield over the temperature range of 6–60°. Pinacolone and triphenylphosphine oxide (4) were the major side products [additionally acetone (from thermolysis of 1) and tetramethyloxirane (5) were noted at the higher temperatures]. Thermal decomposition of 3 produced only 4 and 5. Kinetic studies were carried out by the chemiluminescence method. The rate of phosphorane was found to be first order with respect to each reagent. The activation parameters for the reaction of 1 and 2 were: Ea ≅ 9.8 ± 0.6 kcal/mole; ΔS≠ = −28 eu; k30° = 1.8 m−1sec−1 (range = 10–60°). Preliminary results for the reaction of 1 and tris (p-chlorophenyl)phosphine were: Ea ˜ 11 kcal/mole, ΔS≠ = −24 eu, k30° = 1.3 M−1sec−1 while those for the reaction of 1 and tris(p-anisyl)phosphine were: Ea ˜ 8.6 kcal/mole, ΔS≠ = −29 eu, k30° = 4.9 M−1 sec−1.
Local variability in the 410-km mantle discontinuity under a hotspot

Abstract Observations of the natural variability in the structure of seismic discontinuities in the Earth's mantle can be used to infer spatial variations in temperature and composition. Here I present a high-resolution analysis of converted seismic waves from the olivine–wadsleyite phase transition beneath Rarotonga, Cook Islands. New advances in seismic signal processing permit the determination of local variations in phase transition thickness in addition to variations in absolute depth. I find that the depth and thickness of the phase transition vary systematically underneath the island, and further that temperature alone is insufficient to explain these observations. A chemical anomaly is required, consistent with the presence of a plume in the mantle.
Intravenous self-administration of d- and l-amphetamine by dog.

The relative potency of d- and l-amphetamine to maintain i.v. self-administration behavior was studied. 5 dogs were trained to work for response-contingent drug infusions until a stable drug intake per 4 hr daily session was achieved. Then 2 unit doses of d-amphetamine (0.05 and 0.10 mg/kg/infusion) and 3 unit doses of l-amphetamine (0.20, 0.40 and 0.80 mg/kg/infusion) were evaluated in a parallel line bioassay. Each combination of drug and unit dose was examined separately for 5 consecutive daily sessions. Order of treatment presentation was determined by a Latin square design. By comparing the unit doses of d- and l-amphetamine which yielded the same rate of self-administration it was found that 1 mg of the l-isomer is equivalent to 0.17 mg of the d-isomer.
Polyethylene carboxylate-bound triruthenium clusters as alcohol oxidation catalysts

Abstract We have found that addition of polyethylene oligomers containing a terminal carboxylic acid group to solutions of [(CH 3 CH 2 CO 2 ) 6 Ru 3 O(H 2 O) 3 ] + CH 3 CH 2 CO 2 − allows us to recover quantitatively and reuse this ruthenium cluster as a catalyst for oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols with oxygen.
Multivariate geometrical analysis of catalytic residues in the penicillin-binding proteins.

Abstract Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) are bacterial enzymes involved in the final stages of cell wall biosynthesis, and are targets of the β-lactam antibiotics. They can be subdivided into essential high-molecular-mass (HMM) and non-essential low-molecular-mass (LMM) PBPs, and further divided into subclasses based on sequence homologies. PBPs can catalyze transpeptidase or hydrolase (carboxypeptidase and endopeptidase) reactions. The PBPs are of interest for their role in bacterial cell wall biosynthesis, and as mechanistically interesting enzymes which can catalyze alternative reaction pathways using the same catalytic machinery. A global catalytic residue comparison seemed likely to provide insight into structure-function correlations within the PBPs. More than 90 PBP structures were aligned, and a number (40) of active site geometrical parameters extracted. This dataset was analyzed using both univariate and multivariate statistical methods. Several interesting relationships were observed. (1) Distribution of the dihedral angle for the SXXK-motif Lys side chain (DA_1) was bimodal, and strongly correlated with HMM/transpeptidase vs LMM/hydrolase classification/activity (P
A distributed, real-time and non-parametric approach to demand response in the smart grid

This paper considers a novel approach to demand response in a smart grid, wherein a set of flexible loads with given energy requirements and deadlines for completion adjust their instantaneous power consumption in such a way as to make the aggregate total power consumption on the grid as smooth as possible. Each load periodically adjusts its own power level using only a minimal amount of feedback i.e. the aggregate power consumption observed in the previous period, and knowledge of its own energy requirement and deadline. Our approach allows for a fully distributed, real-time implementation and does not require any knowledge of arrival process statistics or forecasts of future load. We illustrate the working of our algorithm with a detailed simulation of generation and load for a fictional small city modeled after the city of Ames, IA using data from a variety of sources. In this simulation, charging electric vehicles serve as flexible loads. We also present an approximate analysis of the bahaviour of flexible loads in our scheme based on a continuous time version of the proposed algorithm to gain insight into its properties and limitations.
A computerized system for wild land use planning and environmental impact assessment

Abstract The paper describes a computerized system useful for examining the physical, economic and environmental consequences of alternative wild land use decisions. The system consists of a set of simulation models linked to a geographic data base by an information storage and retrieval subsystem. The simulation models cover forest production, timber harvesting, recreation, fish-wildlife-insect dynamics, atmospheric, and hydrologic processes. System inputs consist of land-use and management decision alternatives. The consequences of these system inputs can be evaluated at varying scales of spatial and temporal resolutions in terms of goods, services, and environmental impacts. Uses to date suggest that the system is a valuable aid to land-use planners and forest management decision makers.
A human actor model for social science

This article presents a model of the production of human behaviour, grounded in a pragmatist perspective. The model has two components: a small set of considered behaviours, and a set of motivators which I group into four subsets: material, reproductive, and two sets of attributional motivators. The model is based on a minimum principle. A person performs that considered behaviour which comes closest to ideal in light of the person's motivators. I show that both declining marginal utility and satisfying follow as deductions from the model. In addition, especially with the inclusion of attributional motivators, the model accounts for a variety of findings in social science. I also show how it can generate theory and testable empirical predictions.
Latino Parents' Plans to Communicate About Sexuality With their Children

This study investigated 86 Latino parents' intentions to communicate about sexuality issues with their children. They reported on their history of sexuality education, when they would first discuss sexuality-related topics, and their perceived effectiveness of each topic. Compared with a sample of Caucasian parents, Latino parents intended to discuss sexual abuse/molestation at an earlier age, but planned to discuss human reproduction, intercourse, and AIDS at significantly later ages. Suggestions for assisting Latino parents with communications regarding sexuality topics are provided.
Competition in New Zealand's electricity business

Abstract The utilities in New Zealand are well on their way toward privatization and open competition. Using the venue of New Zealand's third annual customer convention as a forum, Utilities Policy asked one of the convention's keynote speakers, Clark Geilings to report through discussions with key decision-makers, the status of the latest events in New Zealand.
On an efficient dynamic programming technique of F. F. Yao

Abstract A very useful technique of F. F. Yao for providing efficient dynamic programming algorithms involves establishing the so called quadrangle inequalities on cost functions. A major application of this technique is in speeding up the classical dynamic programming algorithm for optimal binary search trees. We consider a generalization of the classical problem, which arises from considering search strategies on a sequential access file or tape. For this problem, Yao's quadrangle inequalities are not strong enough to lead to a speedup of the dynamic programming algorithm. Here, we extend the domain of efficient dynamic programming by establishing strong quadrangle inequalities which do imply a speedup.
IMMEDIATE VERSUS REMOTE JUDGEMENTS : DELAY OF RESPONSE AND RATE OF STIMULUS PRESENTATION IN TIME ESTIMATION

A systematic replication of Vitulli and Shepard's 1996 study showed that a change in response requirements (verbal estimation) from circling time intervals on a scoring sheet in the older study to writing subjective time estimates in the present study did not alter the robust effects of a delay in retrospective judgement. A complete 2 x 2 x 2 factorial analysis of variance showed main effects for rate (fast versus slow) of stimulus (random digits, 1-5) presentation and delay of estimate (immediate versus remote), yet there were no interactions among rate, delay, or sex. The interpolation of "filler tasks" between the end of the target interval and subjective estimate of the duration of the target interval significantly increased perceived time compared to estimates made immediately after the target interval.
Persistence of termiticides in Hawaiian soils.

Bioassay and residue analysis data on termiticide-treated soils revealed that after 7 years of exposure in the field there were wide differences among the soils treated with the termiticides both in toxicity, or the availability of the toxicants to the test termites, and residues, and the toxicities and residues were not closely related. On the basis of the 7th-year toxicity to test termites, soils treated with 7 termiticides ranked in the following order: dieldrin> aldrin> heptachlor> chlordane > DDT> lindane > sodium arsenite. In relation to residues present the order was DDT > chlordane > heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide > aldrin and converted dieldrin> dieldrin > lindane > sodium arsenite. A further ranking on the basis of percentage of termiticide remaining was DDT> dieldrin > chlordane > aldrin and converted dieldrin > heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide > lindane > sodium arsenite. Additional bioassay data were obtained at the end of the 8th and 9th years, and from the standpoint of toxicity, after 9 years dieldrin and aldrin were clearly superior to the other termiticides in the tests.
Radiometric Errors in Complex Fourier Transform Spectrometry

A complex spectrum arises from the Fourier transform of an asymmetric interferogram. A rigorous derivation shows that the rms noise in the real part of that spectrum is indeed given by the commonly used relation σR = 2X ×NEP/(ηAΩ τN), where NEP is the delay-independent and uncorrelated detector noise-equivalent power per unit bandwidth, ±X is the delay range measured with N samples averaging for a time τ per sample, η is the system optical efficiency, and AΩ is the system throughput. A real spectrum produced by complex calibration with two complex reference spectra [Appl. Opt.27, 3210 (1988)] has a variance σL2 = σR2 + σc2(Lh - Ls)2/(Lh - Lc)2 + σh2(Ls - Lc)2/(Lh - Lc)2, valid for σR, σc, and σh small compared with Lh - Lc, where Ls, Lh, and Lc are scene, hot reference, and cold reference spectra, respectively, and σc and σh are the respective combined uncertainties in knowledge and measurement of the hot and cold reference spectra.
Isolation and characterization of 17 microsatellite loci for the house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)

The house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) has emerged recently as a model species in studies of sexual selection, reproductive physiology, population genetics, and epizootic disease ecology. Here we describe 17 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci for this species. In a sample of 36 individuals, we observed an average of 16 alleles per locus and heterozygosity ranged from 0.61 to 0.97. One locus showed significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg proportions, but no significant gametic disequilibrium was observed among any of the loci. Amplification by polymerase chain reaction was optimized under similar parameters across loci, thereby facilitating multiplexing and rapid multilocus genotyping.
Wildlife corridors as a connected subgraph problem

Abstract Wildlife corridors connect areas of biological significance to mitigate the negative ecological impacts of habitat fragmentation. In this article we formalize the optimal corridor design as a connected subgraph problem , which maximizes the amount of suitable habitat in a fully connected parcel network linking core habitat areas, subject to a constraint on the funds available for land acquisition. To solve this challenging computational problem, we propose a hybrid approach that combines graph algorithms with Mixed Integer Programming-based optimization. We apply this technique to the design of corridors for grizzly bears in the U.S. Northern Rockies, illustrating the underlying computational complexities by varying the granularity of the parcels available for acquisition. The approach that is introduced is general and can be applied to other species or other similar problems, such as those occurring in social networks.
A set of thirty-six prose passages calibrated for complexity

Thirty-six 150-word prose passages were selected which ranged in difficulty from first-grade material to the most difficult technical prose. They were calibrated for complexity by means of the cloze technique. Three different cloze techniques were used: the traditional one that deletes every fifth word, one that deletes only a single word, and one in which S proceeds through the passage trying to guess each of its words. The sum of the three cloze scores for a passage is a rather reliable measure of its complexity, a measure based upon 2400 responses, i.e., responses by 16 different Ss to each of its 150 words.
A Primer on Walrasian Theories of Economic Behavior

The story of the body of economic analysis that were initiated by LA©on Walras can be divided into developments before and after 1930. During the period before 1930 there were two phases to the story. The first was the seminal achievement of Walras. The second was the refinements and extensions made by the generation of Walrasian theorists that followed him. During the period after 1930 the story is also divided into two phases. One is the work that has been done on the type of Walrasian model in which there are no disequilibrium transactions. The other is the beginning of work on the behavior of general equilibrium systems in which disequilibrium transactions and production occur. These phases will be sketched very briefly with the objective of giving a beginner's introduction to some major aspects of the history of general equilibrium theory.
Delayed crack propagation in a steel pressure vessel due to thermal stresses

Abstract One phase of the catastrophic failure of a pressure vessel is examined. The vessel contained liquid propane and butane as well as an aqueous amine solution used to remove hydrogen sulfide from the hydrocarbons. A circumferential crack was first detected by observation of a vapor plume jetting from the outside of the vessel. According to a report on the failure by the US National Bureau of Standards, about 15 min after the crack was observed, an eyewitness noticed that it had extended considerably in length and very shortly after this observation, catastrophic crack propagation occurred around the circumference. It is shown in this paper that for the thermal conditions existing on and around the initial through-wall crack a delay time of about 15 min would be expected before the initial crack extends due to combined pressure and thermal stresses. There is a subsequent stable but rapidly accelerating growth for a period of about 7 s at which point the crack growth becomes unstable.
Increasing the thermoelectric power factor of polymer composites using a semiconducting stabilizer for carbon nanotubes

Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) copolymer latex-based composites were prepared with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), stabilized with sodium deoxycholate (DOC) or meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl) porphine (TCPP). SEM images show that a segregated MWCNT network developed during drying, which resulted in relatively low percolation thresholds (1.62 and 2.17 wt.% MWCNT for DOC and TCPP, respectively). The electrical conductivity (σ) of TCPP-stabilized composites is very similar to that of DOC-stabilized, while the thermopower (or Seebeck coefficient (S)) is five times as large. This enhanced thermopower suggests the MWCNT:TCPP/PVAc composite will have an order of magnitude greater power factor (S2σ), which is an important measure of efficiency for thermoelectric materials (i.e., materials capable of converting a thermal gradient to a voltage). The thermal conductivity of these composites remains comparable to typical polymeric materials due to numerous tube–tube connections that act as phonon scattering centers. The universality of this approach was confirmed using much more electrically conductive double-walled carbon nanotube-filled composites that showed similar improvement with TCPP stabilization. It is possible that other porphyrin derivatives, or semiconducting molecules capable of stabilizing nanotubes in water, could be used to further enhance the Seebeck coefficient and improve the ability of these composites to convert waste heat into electricity.
Flexible Gen-2 Hand-held Optical Imager: Flat and Curved Phantom Studies

A gen-2 hand-held based optical imager is developed with a flexible probe head to contour to different curved breast tissues. Targets are imaged within slab and curved breast phantoms, and resolution studies are ongoing.
Development of a wetland constructed for the treatment of groundwater contaminated by chlorinated ethenes

An upward-flowing subsurface supply wetland designed to mimic natural wetland systems shows evidence of sequential dechlorination of PCE in contaminated groundwater. An inherent microzonation in the rhizosphere of plants that extend roots over 1 m into the soil apparently sustains communities of microbes responsible for both anaerobic and aerobic activity. PCE dechlorination and production of methane near the bottom of the soil column suggest that anaerobic or reducing conditions exist there, but core samples indicate roots may create oxygen-enriched zones throughout the depth of the wetland. Methane is available to stimulate oxidative co-metabolism via methane monooxygenases and those enzymes may be responsible for removal of trichloroethene (TCE) microzones where higher levels of oxygen is supplied by abundant roots. Samples taken during different seasons show elevated degradation during the warmer months but mid-winter samples show significant removal of PCE and its breakdown products. Herbaceous plants derived from local wetland species grew well and did not appear to be visibly harmed by the PCE or its by-products. Core sampling of the root system indicates that more roots are found when a mixture of wetland plant species are planted. Bench-scale experiments with 14C labeled TCE show that wetland plants can also play a role in bioremediation by venting volatiles to the atmosphere. We suggest that minor modifications such as increased organic matter in the soil may lead to more rapid establishment of wetland performance.
Motivating factors for high rates of influenza vaccination among healthcare workers.

Abstract Background Recent guidance from related regulatory agencies and medical societies supports mandatory vaccination of healthcare workers (HCW) against influenza. At St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a pediatric oncology referral center, more than 90% of HCWs receive vaccine each year without a policy mandating immunization. Factors associated with HCW uptake of influenza vaccines have not previously been evaluated in a high compliance rate setting. Methods A structured, anonymous, electronic questionnaire was distributed in August 2010 to employees (HCW and non-HCW). Demographics, prior receipt of influenza vaccines, reasons for acceptance or refusal of seasonal and 2009 H1N1 pandemic vaccine, and attitudes on mandatory vaccination were assessed. Results 95.0% of 925 HCWs and 63.1% of all 3227 qualifying employees responded to the survey. 93.8% and 75.2% of HCW reported receiving seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines, respectively, in the 2009–2010 season. Benefits to self and/or patients were cited as the most frequent reasons for accepting seasonal (83.5% and 78.3%, respectively) and 2009 H1N1 (85.9% and 81.1%, respectively) vaccination. 36.6% of HCWs opposed mandating influenza vaccination; 88.2% and 59.9% of whom reported receiving the seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines, respectively. Violation of freedom of choice and personal autonomy were the most frequently reported reasons for opposition. Conclusion In this cohort of HCWs with a high influenza vaccination rate, realistic assessments of the potential benefits of vaccination appear to have driven the choice to accept immunization. Despite this, mandating vaccination was viewed unfavorably by a significant minority of vaccinated individuals. Employee concerns over autonomy should be addressed as institutions transition to mandatory vaccination policies.
On estimation of secret message length in LSB steganography in spatial domain

In this paper, we present a new method for estimating the secret message length of bit-streams embedded using the Least Significant Bit embedding (LSB) at random pixel positions. We introduce the concept of a weighted stego image and then formulate the problem of determining the unknown message length as a simple optimization problem. The methodology is further refined to obtain more stable and accurate results for a wide spectrum of natural images. One of the advantages of the new method is its modular structure and a clean mathematical derivation that enables elegant estimator accuracy analysis using statistical image models.
When “we” changes “me”: The two-dimensional model of relational self-change and relationship outcomes

Individuals in close relationships may perceive changes to their self-concepts as a result of being with their partners. According to the two-dimensional model of relational self-change, these changes occur across two dimensions, namely direction, which reflects whether the self-concept has gained or lost content, and valence, which reflects whether the self-concept content is positive or negative. These two dimensions combine to create four distinct self-change processes, whereby individuals gain positive traits (self-expansion), gain negative traits (self-adulteration), lose positive traits (self-contraction), and lose negative traits (self-pruning). Study 1 used a longitudinal design and revealed that changes in each of the four self-processes were associated with subsequent relationship satisfaction and commitment. To further investigate the association of self-change with relationship quality, Study 2 found that processes associated with self-concept improvement (i.e., self-expansion and self-pruning...
Iclickers and student performance

Abstract We ask if students using the iclicker classroom response system to answer graded questions perform better on exams than students asked the same ungraded questions without the iclicker. Students using iclickers averaged 3–4 percentage points higher and had a higher proportion of grades in the range B+ to A. However, based on the sample of students who allowed us to access their academic records, the differences are not significant controlling for academic and demographic variables.
UWL Physics Rocket Team: Final Report

The goal of this year's collegiate rocket competition was to design and successfully launch a one-stage, high-powered rocket that, during its ascent, would transmit live video from a downward looking camera to a ground based receiver. In order to be considered a successful launch, the rocket was to attain an altitude near 3000 feet, electronically deploy a recovery parachute attached to all parts of the rocket, succeed in transmitting live video throughout the ascent, and safely land in a flyable condition. To achieve these requirements, the UWL Physics Rocket Team used OpenRocket to sketch a design that best fit the specifications of the competition. After it was discovered that programs such as OpenRocket are capable of doing the brunt of the theoretical work, it was decided that the majority of the essential components of our rocket would be hand built to increase the feeling of personal accomplishment. The design of our rocket utilizes a dual deployment recovery system, with the bottom section housing a custom made motor mount, the middle section housing the electronics for recording flight data, and the top-most section housing the equipment for the recording and transmitting of live video.