cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Research on automatic indication values of pointer gauges based on computer vision

This paper mainly discusses the application of computer visual technology in embedded image recognition system. We propose and realize a new system called automatic recognition system of analog display instruments using computer vision. After the brief introduction of the characteristics of computer visual technology and embedded system, this paper analyzes the principles and the developing status of computer visual technology used in embedded system, proposes the automatic recognition system of analog display instruments using computer vision, which is on the basis of the application characteristics. Its working principles are just like the principles of the visual system of human being, “analyzing” the images “viewed” by the system, and obtaining the information needed. This paper designs the software and hardware system through focusing on the digital image processing technology and the application circumstances of the embedded system. The following key problems have been studied: how to realize automatic recognition of analog display instruments, how to solve automatic judgment of different kinds of indicator dial, how to eliminate disturbance cased by light and circumstances while exact result, how to realize the image collecting with high quality while low cost, how to improve the efficiency of data collection and image recognition(speed and accuracy)and how to correspond the each module design in hardware and software to improve the system's performance and stabilization. At the end, this paper designs automatic recognition program of analog display instruments.
Tips for creating a block language with blockly

Blockly is an open source library that makes it easy to add block based visual programming to an app. It is designed to be flexible and supports a large set of features for different applications. It has been used for programming animated characters on a screen; creating story scripts; controlling robots; and even generating legal documents. But Blockly is not itself a language; developers who use Blockly create their own block languages. When developers create an app using Blockly, they should carefully consider the style, which blocks to use, and what APIs and language features are right for their audience.
Effects of patient factors on inpatient mortality after complex liver, pancreatic and gastric resections.

Background There is mixed evidence that patients who receive care in hospitals with a low case volume for complex gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary operations have an increased risk of inpatient death. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed of patients who had complex gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary operations in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project 2012 National Inpatient Sample. Multivariable weighted hierarchical generalized linear models were used to test the relationship between hospital case volume and probability of inpatient death, with detailed adjustments for the concurrent effects of differences in associated patient co-morbidities. Results A total of 8260 pancreaticoduodenectomies, 2750 major hepatectomies and 3250 total gastrectomies were identified. Inpatient death occurred in 3·6 per cent of patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy, 4·9 per cent after major hepatectomy and 4·6 per cent after total gastrectomy. Mean hospital case volume was 50·6 (median 40) for pancreaticoduodenectomy, 23·6 (median 15) for major hepatectomy, 15·1 (median 10) for total gastrectomy and 70·2 (median 50) for any of the three operations. Hospital case volume was not a statistically significant predictor of mortality after any operation (all P ≥ 0·188). Patient characteristics including age and co-morbidity were highly significant predictors of mortality (P < 0·001). No significant improvements in model performance were obtained by adding hospital case volume to any model that already included adjustments for patient-level differences in age and co-morbid disease, for any functional format (P ≥ 0·146 for all C statistic differences from baseline). Conclusion Patient co-morbidity, not hospital case volume, was associated with significant differences in inpatient mortality following complex gastric, pancreatic and hepatobiliary resections.
Comparative Effectiveness of Vedolizumab vs. Infliximab Induction Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis: Experience of a Real-World Cohort at a Tertiary Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center.

Background Vedolizumab (VDZ), an adhesion molecule inhibitor and infliximab (IFX), a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker, are both approved as first-line induction agents in moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). However, there are no head-to-head studies comparing the relative effectiveness of the two agents. Here we provide a real-world comparison of these two agents. Methods We conducted an ambidirectional cohort study of adult UC patients seen at our tertiary inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) center from 2012 to 2017. Each patient had moderately to severely active UC via partial Mayo score and was induced with IFX or VDZ. They were followed until assessment of clinical response. Poisson regression was used to calculate clinical response rates and rate ratios. Results Of 59 patients who met inclusion criteria, 27 and 32 patients were induced with IFX and VDZ, respectively. Totally, 18/27 (66.7%) patients induced with IFX vs. 24/32 (78.1%) patients induced with VDZ were clinical responders. Response rates per 100 person-weeks (PW) were similar for VDZ (5.21) and IFX (5.38). The effectiveness in terms of induction of clinical response (incidence rate ratio, IRR) was not statistically significant for VDZ vs. IFX (IRR 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53 - 1.77). Among TNF blocker naive patients, IRR was also not statistically significant between VDZ (6.74/100 PW) and IFX (6.48/100 PW) (IRR 1.04, 95% CI 0.47 - 2.29). Among TNF blocker experienced patients, there was a higher response rate for VDZ (4.52) vs. IFX (2.29) per 100 PW, but the IRR did not reveal statistical significance (IRR 1.97, 95% CI 0.45 - 8.63) due to small sample size of TNF blocker experienced patients who received IFX. Five patients developed severe infection or adverse reaction during IFX induction requiring exclusion, whereas no VDZ patients were excluded for this reason. Conclusions Our study revealed a higher proportion of patients who responded to VDZ vs. IFX; however when accounting for period between induction and assessment of clinical response, rates of clinical response were similar. A key difference between the two groups was the higher response rate in the VDZ group among TNF blocker experienced patients; however, a larger cohort is needed to further elaborate on this difference. VDZ held its own against IFX and this study strengthens its standing as a first-line agent among TNF blocker naive as well as TNF blocker experienced UC patients.
The Moral Priorities of Rap Listeners

A cross-cultural approach to moral psychology starts from researchers withholding judgments about universal right and wrong and instead exploring what the members of a community subjectively perceive to be moral or immoral in their local context. This study seeks to identify the moral concerns that are most relevant to listeners of hip-hop music. We use validated psychological surveys including the Moral Foundations Questionnaire (Graham, Haidt, & Nosek 2009) to assess which moral concerns are most central to hip-hop listeners. Results show that hip-hop listeners prioritize concerns of justice and authenticity more than non-listeners and deprioritize concerns of respecting authority. These results suggest that the concept of the “good person” within hip-hop culture is fundamentally a person that is oriented towards social justice, rebellion against the status quo, and a deep devotion to keeping it real. Results are followed by a discussion of the role of youth subcultures in moral socialization.
Performance of a large-scale magnetorheological elastomer–based vibration isolator for highway bridges:

This study presents an experimental investigation on the magnetorheological effect of a new magnetorheological elastomer–based adaptive bridge isolation bearing system. Two identical magnetorheolog...
A new species of Paraceratotingis Henry, Montemayor & Knudson from Guyana (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Tingidae).

Paraceratotingishenryisp. n., is described from Guyana. Color photographs and a diagnostic key are provided to aid in distinguishing the species of Paraceratotingis Henry, Montemayor, and Knudson. Diagnoses are also provided.
321 ADDRESSING TEEN PREGNANCY IN TORRINGTON, WYOMING.

Purpose of Study Torrington, WY, has a high rate of teen pregnancy. A community project was developed to address the prevalence of teen pregnancy in Torrington and to review the educational opportunities available for teens with respect to sexual activity and teen pregnancy. Methods Informal interviews were conducted with a public health nurse, a nurse practitioner specializing in family planning, and a local physician to understand current programs that address teen pregnancy-related issues, including sex education, pregnancy prevention, and support programs for teen mothers. A literature search was performed using PubMed to obtain information about teen pregnancy rates, contraceptive use, and sex education programs and a new brochure was developed. A discussion was held with local physicians to review the brochure. A focus group for local teen females was also organized to discuss teen pregnancy and to review acceptance of the new teen pregnancy brochure. Results A lack of sex education and awareness of the right to confidential health care with respect to sex-related issues were considered to be issues that may need to be resolved. Both teen acceptance and physician acceptance of the brochure were positive. Conclusion Integration within a community is a first step to identifying a community problem that needs to be addressed. Meeting with community leaders and the target population, in addition to reviewing the latest medical literature, is useful for identifying a community problem such as teen pregnancy. Bringing attention to a community problem is essential for initiating an intervention.
Agency Laundering and Algorithmic Decision Systems

This paper has two aims. The first is to explain a type of wrong that arises when agents obscure responsibility for their actions. Call it “agency laundering.” The second is to use the concept of agency laundering to understand the underlying moral issues in a number of recent cases involving algorithmic decision systems.
The Supplement Adulterant β-Methylphenethylamine Increases Blood Pressure by Acting at Peripheral Norepinephrine Transporters.

β-Methylphenethylamine [(BMPEA), 2-phenylpropan-1-amine] is a structural isomer of amphetamine (1-phenylpropan-2-amine) that has been identified in preworkout and weight loss supplements, yet little information is available about its pharmacology. Here, the neurochemical and cardiovascular effects of BMPEA and its analogs, N-methyl-2-phenylpropan-1-amine (MPPA) and N,N-dimethyl-2-phenylpropan-1-amine (DMPPA), were compared with structurally related amphetamines. As expected, amphetamine and methamphetamine were potent substrate-type releasing agents at dopamine transporters (DATs) and norepinephrine transporters (NETs) in rat brain synaptosomes. BMPEA and MPPA were also substrates at DATs and NETs, but they were at least 10-fold less potent than amphetamine. DMPPA was a weak substrate only at NETs. Importantly, the releasing actions of BMPEA and MPPA were more potent at NETs than DATs. Amphetamine produced significant dose-related increases in blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and locomotor activity in conscious rats fitted with surgically implanted biotelemetry transmitters. BMPEA, MPPA, and DMPPA produced increases in BP that were similar to the effects of amphetamine, but the compounds failed to substantially affect HR or activity. The hypertensive effect of BMPEA was reversed by the α-adrenergic antagonist prazosin but not the ganglionic blocker chlorisondamine. Radioligand binding at various G protein–coupled receptors did not identify nontransporter sites of action that could account for cardiovascular effects of BMPEA or its analogs. Our results show that BMPEA, MPPA, and DMPPA are biologically active. The compounds are unlikely to be abused due to weak effects at DATs, but they could produce adverse cardiovascular effects via substrate activity at peripheral NET sites.
Feasibility and Effectiveness of Intervention With the Playskin Lift Exoskeletal Garment for Infants at Risk.

Background Infants born preterm and/or with brain injury often exhibit delays in the development of reaching and object exploration, increasing their risk of associated delays in cognitive development. Objective The objective of this study was to longitudinally evaluate feasibility of use of the novel Playskin Lift exoskeletal garment (Playskin; developed and trademarked by Dr. Lobo's Super Suits FUNctional Fashion and Wearable Technology Program at the University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA), the assistive and rehabilitative effects of intervention with the garment on reaching and object exploration ability, and to relate changes in reaching and object exploration to changes in cognition during intervention for infants at risk for developmental delays. Design A multiple baseline single-case design with 1- to 2-month Baseline, 4-month Intervention, and 1-month Postintervention phases was implemented. Methods Ten infants born preterm and/or with brain injury, mean [SD] age 2.2 [1.3] months at the beginning of the study, were assessed biweekly throughout the study both with and without the Playskin Lift. Assessments included a Reaching Assessment and the cognitive subscale of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development. Reaching and object exploration behaviors were coded from videos of the Reaching Assessment. Results were analyzed using multilevel modeling in SAS. Results The Playskin Lift improved infants' reaching ability, hand orientation for grasp and object exploration, and multimodal object exploration when worn within sessions, especially during the Intervention phase. The garment also improved independent reaching and object exploration across time during the Intervention phase, with retention of gains in the Postintervention phase. Improvement in reaching ability was positively related to changes in cognitive outcomes during the Intervention phase. Limitations Limitations included modest sample size and the potential confounds of development and experience with time. Conclusions The Playskin Lift can serve as a feasible, effective, and accessible assistive and rehabilitative device to advance reaching, object exploration, and cognition for infants at risk for future delays.
Technical Status of Mine Water Control in China and Its Development Strategy

In this paper, investigation of mine water disasters was conducted, the current situation of mine water prevention and control was analyzed, the basic theories and practical technology for mine water control were summarized, and some science and technology countermeasures were developed to prevent and control mine water disasters, which can be briefly summarized as studying basic theories, developing key technology and equipment, constructing research and development platform, and strengthening safety management.
A mini review of cobalt-based nanocatalyst in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Abstract Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis, converting syngas to hydrocarbons, provides a green alternative for fuel production. Cobalt is one of the most intensively studied F-T catalysts due to its great activity, high stability, and relatively low cost. In this mini review, we summarized some recent advancements in the development of cobalt-based F-T catalysts focusing on the effects of particle size, surface oxidation states, crystallography, and bimetallic particles, with emphasis on the research from our group. Furthermore, non-steady state conditions were investigated to access the initial kinetics using chemical transient kinetics (CTK) experiments, which could bring more insights into the reaction mechanism and catalyst design.
“The Deep Root Snapped”: Reproductive Violence and Family Un/Making in Quan Barry’s She Weeps Each Time You’re Born

In Quan Barry’s novel She Weeps Each Time You’re Born, the use of magical, motherhood-related tropes produces a critical, imaginative response to multi-generational traumas of colonialism, war, sexual violence, and diaspora. Bringing together ideas from the emerging fields of critical adoption studies and critical refugee studies, Hong examines the novel through the lens of reproductive violence, parsing the forms of family un/making (i.e., the destruction and adaptive construction or reconstruction of family units) that such violence engenders. Hong argues that Barry’s position as a biracial, transnational adoptee writing in the aftermath of US military empire guides and enables her fashioning of Vietnamese adaptive (including adoptive) families and communities in the face of widespread reproductive violence and forced migration.
High Resolution Data Analysis: Plans and Prospects

A report on the progress on the high resolution data analysis of the ADMX experimental results is presented. In this paper, tools are developed and tested on a blind injection mimicking a Maxwellian like signal in the frequency domain. This blind injection will be used as a test bed which can be later implemented on all the high resolution data. The high resolution data is stored in the Fermilab server. In this analysis a PostgreSQL query was made to ensure the blind injection is in the middle of the frequency spectrum and 19 such files were found. The time series data is read using a c++ program. An apodization function is applied on the time series data and zero filled to reduce the frequency spacing in order to achieve a better interpolation. A FFTW header is used to compute the Fourier transform of the time series data. A Savitzky–Golay filter is applied on the unnormalized power which then can be used to remove the spectral shape. Each frequency spectrum has a bandwidth of 50 kHz.
Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma: imaging features and clinical findings.

To describe imaging and clinical features of primary mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MCS) and evaluate for presence of a distinct biphasic pattern on imaging. Patients with a pathologic diagnosis of MCS were identified along with imaging of their primary tumor. Size, location, appearance (lytic, sclerotic, or mixed), presence, extent and distribution of calcifications, cortical destruction, soft tissue extension, periosteal reaction, contrast enhancement, and radiotracer uptake were recorded. The presence of T2-hyperintense tumor lobules on MRI and a biphasic morphology (distinct calcified and non-calcified components) on CT were assessed. Presence and location of metastases were documented. Twenty-three patients (mean age 28.0 ± 13.8 years) were reviewed (13 skeletal, 10 extraskeletal). Overall mean tumor size was 10.2 ± 7.2 cm, 7.1 ± 7.3 cm in non-metastatic and 13.2 ± 5.9 cm (p = 0.004) in metastatic cases. Locations were extremities (n = 11), head/neck (n = 4), chest wall (n = 4), pelvis (n = 3), and retroperitoneum (n = 1). Skeletal MCS were aggressive mixed lytic and sclerotic (n = 8), purely lytic (n = 4), or juxtacortical (n = 1) lesions with cortical destruction and soft tissue extension. Chondroid calcifications were common (80%). On MRI, the presence of T2-hyperintense lobules was seen in 35%. A biphasic morphology on imaging was seen in 30%. Metastases were common (52%) with the most common site being the lungs (75%). All tumors were hypermetabolic with a mean SUVmax of 14.3 (5.6–34) on PET/CT. Skeletal MCS commonly present as aggressive lytic bone lesions with chondroid calcifications. A biphasic morphology was seen in one-third of cases. Metastases were common at initial presentation and more commonly seen with larger tumors.
Nonthermal Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition of Two-Dimensional Molybdenum Disulfide.

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is being studied for a wide range of applications including lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen evolution reaction catalysts. In this paper, we present a single-step nont...
Peak stimulated emission cross sections and quantum efficiencies of Sm3+ and Sm3+-Eu3+ co-doped bismuth boro-tellurite glasses

Abstract The effect of host glass composition and co-doping with Eu3+ on the optical properties of Sm3+ has been investigated in bismuth boro-tellurite glasses. The intensity parameters Ωt (t = 2,4,6), radiative transition probability (Arad) and radiative lifetimes (τrad) are obtained from optical absorption studies. Excitation spectra show that there exists energy transfer from Sm3+ to Eu3+ and vice versa. From fluorescence studies, fluorescence decay time (τexp), radiative quantum efficiencies (η), branching ratios (β) and peak stimulated emission cross section (σp) are obtained. The highest η of Sm3+ doped bismuth boro-tellurite glasses is found to be 60% and for Sm3+-Eu3+ co-doped glasses, it is 74%. Changing the host glass composition and co-doping with Eu3+ ions, the η of the glasses can be improved. The σp of Sm3+-Eu3+ doped glasses is found to be larger than that of singly doped Sm3+ glasses. Our results indicate that modifying the host glass composition and co-doping with Eu3+ can improve the emission characteristics of Sm3+ ions. Bismuth boro-tellurite glasses with enhanced values for η and σp are suitable for photonic devices and photovoltaic applications.
Machine Learning for the Complex, Multi-scale Datasets in Fusion Energy

ML/AI techniques, particularly based on deep learning, will increasingly be used to accelerate scientific discovery for fusion experiment and simulation. Fusion energy devices have many disparate diagnostic instruments, capturing a broad range of interacting physics phenomena over multiple time and spatial scales. Also, fusion experiments are increasingly built to run longer pulses, with a goal of eventually running a reactor continuously. The confluence of these facts leads to large, complex datasets with phenomena manifest over long sequences. A key challenge is enabling scientists/engineers to utilize these datasets, for example to automatically catalog events of interest, predict the onset of phenomena such as tokamak disruptions, and enable comparisons to models/simulation. Given the size, multiple modalities, and multi-scale nature of fusion data, deep learning models are attractive, but at these scales requires utilizing HPC resources. Many ML/AI techniques not fully utilized now will demand even more HPC resources, such as self-supervised learning to help fusion scientists create AI models with less labelled data, and advanced sequence models which use less GPU memory at the expense of increased compute. Additionally, deep learning models will enable faster, more in-depth analysis than previously available, such as extracting physics model parameters from data using conditional variational autoencoders, instead of slower techniques such as Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). Comparison to simulation will also be enhanced through direct acceleration of simulation kernels using deep learning. These ML/AI techniques will give fusion scientists faster results, allowing more efficient machine use, and faster scientific discovery.
Public Policy Analysis: Ideas and Impacts

Both economists and political scientists have made important contributions to the field of public policy analysis. Economists have stressed the roles of competition, natural monopolies, information asymmetries, externalities, incentives, and federalism in promoting or undermining efficiency. Political scientists, in contrast, have focused more on the mechanics of agenda change, the likelihood of nonincremental policy change, and how the policy-making process varies across issue areas. Economists have influenced government decisions that led to the creation of public utility commissions, emissions trading, revenue sharing, and health maintenance organizations. Political scientists have influenced government decisions on the design of political institutions (environmental impact statements, legislative redistricting) and on the choice of public policies (criminal justice strategies, welfare reform). In general, the presence of a scholarly consensus facilitates the use of policy analysis. However, interest group politics and electoral incentives also play an important role.
Patient characteristics, outcomes, and trends in extremity sarcoma management by surgeon specialty.

Abstract Background Extremity soft tissue sarcoma is managed by oncological trained general or orthopedic surgeons, but limited data exist comparing patient characteristics and outcomes between the 2 specialties. Methods Patients were identified from the 2008 to 2017 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program who underwent limb-sparing resection of extremity soft tissue sarcoma by either general surgeons or orthopedic surgeons. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with general surgeons compared with OS. Length of stay was assessed using Poisson regression. Procedure annual percent change was analyzed using Joinpoint Regression. Results The majority of extremity soft tissue sarcoma cases were performed by general surgeons (N = 304, 69.4%), but general surgeons’ resections significantly decreased (35.2%) over the study period (annual percent change –5.8, P Conclusion Although postoperative outcomes for extremity soft tissue sarcoma are comparable between general and orthopedic surgeons, treatment and perioperative management differences exist. Future investigation focused on understanding these differences in perioperative management across specialties may help identify areas for quality improvement in care of patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma.
A tetracycline derivative, minocycline, reduces inflammation and protects against focal cerebral ischemia

One of the reasons for the insufficient effectiveness of treatment of acute ischemic stroke may be secondary inflammation of the brain tissue, which, according to the results of modern studies, significantly worsens the consequences and outcome of the disease.
Design of Open-Porous Three-Dimensional Starfish-like Co3O4/Ni Forest Electrode for Efficient Energy Storage Devices

Abstract A binder-free positive electrode material of 3D starfish-like Co3O4/Ni forest is fabricated via a novel and facile hydrothermal process. The morphological studies clearly showed the construction of starfish-like micro-flowers of Co3O4 nanostructure forest densely covered on the entire Ni current collector. The 3D-Co3O4/Ni electrode displayed an areal capacity as high as 143.28 mC cm-2 at 0.5 mA cm-2 and higher stability of 88.4% after 5000 cycles. Moreover, the fabricated 3D-Co3O4/Ni||3D-Bi2O3/Ti supercapattery delivered a maximum areal capacitance of 24.73 mF cm-2, the energy density of 6.73 μWh cm-2 and power density of 5250 μW cm-2 with good cycling stability > 71% capacity retention after 5000 cycles. The higher electrochemical performance of the electrode is delivered due to the availability of abundant electrochemically active sites in the 3D starfish-like Co3O4 microflower, which facilities a higher electrochemical reaction. The starfish-like forest architectures allow rapid ion diffusion, and the binder-free electrode reduces the contact resistance, which fastens the electron transport. These tolerable results prompt the as-prepared electrode with 3D starfish-like Co3O4 microflower nanostructure morphology as an auspicious positive electrode material for electrochemical energy storage devices.
Regulation and Immunohistochemical Localization of βγ-Stimulated Adenylyl Cyclases in Mouse Hippocampus

Specific forms of synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation (LTP) are modulated by or require increases in cAMP. The various adenylyl cyclase isoforms possess unique regulatory properties, and thus cAMP increases in a given cell type or tissue in response to converging signals are subject to the properties of the adenylyl cyclase isoforms expressed. In most tissues, adenylyl cyclase activity is stimulated by neurotransmitters or hormones via stimulatory G-protein (Gs)-coupled receptors and is inhibited via inhibitory G-protein (Gi)-linked receptors. However, in the hippocampus, stimulation of Gi-coupled receptors potentiates Gs-stimulated cAMP levels. This effect may be associated with the regulatory properties of adenylyl cyclase types 2 and 4 (AC2 and AC4), isoforms that are potentiated by the βγ subunit of Gi in vitro . Although AC2 has been shown to be stimulated by βγ in whole cells, reports describing the sensitivity of AC4 to βγ in vivo have yet to emerge. Our results demonstrate that Gs-mediated stimulation of AC4 is potentiated by βγ released from activated Gi-coupled receptors in intact human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. Furthermore, we show that the AC2 and AC4 proteins are expressed in the mouse hippocampal formation and that they colocalize with MAP2, a dendritic and/or postsynaptic marker. The presence of AC2 and AC4 in the hippocampus and the ability of each of these enzymes to detect coincident activation of Gs- and Gi-coupled receptors suggest that they may play a crucial role in certain forms of synaptic plasticity by coordinating such overlapping synaptic inputs.
A Concept for Global Optimization using the Function Imbedding Technique

Global optimal solutions for nonconvex problems are found by using the Function Imbedding Technique to imbed a nonconvex function into a higher dimensional convex function so that the original problem can be transformed into the problem of finding the mini-max solution of a related Lagrangian function. The Lagrangian function is chesen so that the associate dual cost function is concave, and so that the global optimal solution can be obtained from the saddle point of the Lagrangian, which can be found using ordinary numerical methods. A general theory is developed for determining when the duality gap vanishes.
Across-arc geochemical trends in the Izu-Bonin arc: Contributions from the subducting slab

[1] We propose that across-arc differences in the geochemistry of Izu-Bonin arc magmas are controlled by the addition of fertile-slab fluids to depleted mantle at the volcanic front, and residual-slab fluids to fertile mantle in the back arc without slab melting or contemporaneous back arc spreading. The arc consists of a volcanic front, an extensional zone, and seamount chains (the Western Seamounts) that trend into the Shikoku Basin. Each province produces a distinct suite of arc-like volcanic rocks that have relative Nb depletions and high ratios of fluid-mobile elements to high field strength elements. The volcanic front has the lowest concentrations of incompatible elements and the strongest relative enrichments of fluid-mobile elements (high U/Nb, Ba/Nb, Pb/Zr, Th/Nb, 206Pb/204Pb, ɛNd, and 87Sr/86Sr). A fluid derived from both sediment and altered oceanic crust explains most of the slab-related characteristics of the volcanic front. The Western Seamounts and some of the extensional zone rocks have lower ɛNd, 87Sr/86Sr, 206Pb/204Pb, Ba/Th, and U/Th; moderate Ba/Nb and U/Nb; and similar or higher Th/Nb and Th/Nd. Although the lower ɛNd and higher Th/Nd tempt a sediment melt explanation, a lack of correlation between the strongest sediment proxies, such as ɛNd, Th/Nb, and Ce/Ce*, precludes sediment melts. The subduction component for the Western Seamounts is probably a fluid dehydrated from a residual slab that was depleted in fluid-mobile elements beneath (as well as trenchward of) the volcanic front. This depleted fluid is added to elementally and isotopically more enriched mantle beneath the Western Seamounts.
Rhetoric Unlobotomized: Transformation of Terministic Screens (Part 2 of 3 in the Rhetoric Series)

Historically, rhetoric as an art has been considered both weak and nefarious. The authors, in a three part series on rhetoric, describe the "lobotomization" of rhetoric, its true power, and its applications with individuals and organizations. The second part of this paper covers the nature of humans and their relationship with language, including the automatic formation of two parts of the rhetorical person: character armor (or identity) and terministic screens (or webs of words). Character armor is how we want others to see us, while terministic screens is the means through which we see the world. This paper sets the stage for viewing organizations in rhetorical terms, which is the topic of the third paper.
Selective antigen-specific CD4(+) T-cell, but not CD8(+) T- or B-cell, tolerance corrupts cancer immunotherapy.

Self-tolerance, presumably through lineage-unbiased elimination of self-antigen-specific lymphocytes (CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and B cells), creates a formidable barrier to cancer immunotherapy. In contrast to this prevailing paradigm, we demonstrate that for some antigens, self-tolerance reflects selective elimination of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells, but preservation of CD8+ T- and B-cell populations. In mice, antigen-specific CD4+ T-cell tolerance restricted CD8+ T- and B-cell responses targeting the endogenous self-antigen guanylyl cyclase c (GUCY2C) in colorectal cancer. Although selective CD4+ T-cell tolerance blocked GUCY2C-specific antitumor immunity and memory responses, it offered a unique solution to the inefficacy of GUCY2C vaccines through recruitment of self-antigen-independent CD4+ T-cell help. Incorporating CD4+ T-cell epitopes from foreign antigens into vaccines against GUCY2C reconstituted CD4+ T-cell help, revealing the latent functional capacity of GUCY2C-specific CD8+ T- and B-cell pools, producing durable antitumor immunity without autoimmunity. Incorporating CD4+ T-cell epitopes from foreign antigens into vaccines targeting self-antigens in melanoma (Trp2) and breast cancer (Her2) produced similar results, suggesting selective CD4+ T-cell tolerance underlies ineffective vaccination against many cancer antigens. Thus, identification of self-antigens characterized by selective CD4+ T-cell tolerance and abrogation of such tolerance through self-antigen-independent T-cell help is essential for future immunotherapeutics.
Comparative evaluation of culture- and BAX polymerase chain reaction-based detection methods for Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in environmental and raw fish samples.

Two commercial polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based Listeria detection systems, the BAX for Screening/Listeria monocytogenes and the BAX for Screening/Genus Listeria, and a culture-based detection system, the Biosynth L. monocytogenes Detection System (LMDS), were evaluated for their ability to detect L. monocytogenes and Listeria spp. in raw ingredients and the processing environment. For detection of L. monocytogenes from raw fish, enrichment was performed in Listeria enrichment broth (LEB), followed by plating on both Oxford agar and LMDS L. monocytogenes plating medium (LMPM). Detection of Listeria and L. monocytogenes from environmental samples was performed using LMDS enrichment medium, followed by plating on both Oxford agar and LMPM. A total of 512 environmental samples and 315 raw fish were taken from two smoked fish processing facilities and screened using these molecular and cultural Listeria detection methods. The BAX for Screening/L. monocytogenes was used to screen raw fish and was 84.8% se...
Tocilizumab for steroid refractory acute graft-versus-host disease

Acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD) is a frequent and often lethal complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant despite prophylaxis. Tocilizumab is a humanized anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody that has evidence of activity in patients with steroid refractory (SR) GVHD. We retrospectively report on nine patients with grade 3 or 4 SR aGVHD who received tocilizumab. Eight mg/kg of tocilizumab was administered intravenously every 3-4 weeks. aGVHD grading and responses were based on consensus criteria. Median age at transplant was 48 years. Five patients had alternate donor sources. Median time from aGVHD onset to tocilizumab administration was 44 days. Two patients had complete responses and two had partial responses. Median survival from start of tocilizumab was 26 days (range 13-1054). Our limited experience demonstrated an overall response rate of 44% (CR + PR); however, this response was not durable. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal time for tocilizumab initiation.
Diagnostic Studies of Pediatric Bone Tumors: Pathology and Imaging

The unique pattern of distribution of bone tumors and the nature of their interaction with native bone creates distinct radiologic-pathologic correlates that are critical in the diagnostic evaluation of these lesions. The rarity of these lesions makes them especially daunting for the general pathologist and radiologist faced with the diagnostic evaluation of these entities. This chapter presents a richly illustrated synopsis of common pediatric bone lesions based on a rational integrated approach incorporating the gross anatomy of the lesions (via radiologic imaging) and pathologic analysis. This chapter presents entities and their mimics based on their anatomic location within the bone just as they would present in “real life”. This integrated approach, with emphasis on overlapping features of different entities, provides practical guidance for health care providers and trainees.
The Life Event Calendar Method in Criminological Research

The life events calendar (LEC), used in a number of fields for collecting retrospective data on one or more aspects of individuals’ lives, has been variously referred to as the “life history calendar,” “event history calendar,” “life chart interview,” “calendar method,” “calendar interviewing,” and “timeline followback” method. Regardless of the name, the method capitalizes on what is known about the storage of autobiographical memory and involves entering key time markers on a calendar in order to facilitate the recall of events and life circumstances.
Prospective evaluation of complications of dorsal penile nerve block for neonatal circumcision.

Objective. To evaluate the complications of the dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) when used for routine neonatal circumcisions. Methods. All male newborns born in a community hospital between November 1, 1989 and August 31, 1990, and circumcised after DPNB were evaluated. Questionnaires were completed at the time of hospital discharge and at a health supervision visit 2 weeks later. Results. Questionnaires were returned for 491 (85%) eligible patients. The only complication of DPNB found was bruising at the site of injection in 54 patients (11%). All bruising had resolved by the 2-week visit, and none was thought to have any clinical significance. Conclusion. DPNB is a safe method of decreasing the pain and stress of neonatal circumcision.
Fabrication of sub-cell size "spiky" nanoparticles and their interfaces with biological cells.

Chip-based arrays of vertical nanowires (NWs) have attracted biomedical research interest for their one dimensional architecture and cell-interface properties, yet delivery of these devices in solution is not possible due to the inherent attachment of NWs to a planar substrate. To overcome this structural limitation, we report synthesis of hierarchical nanoparticles covered with stiff NWs, namely “spiky particles” which combine the advantages of supported vertical nanowires and aqueous delivery of suspended nanoparticles. ZnO NWs were grown onto SiO2 nanoparticles using a solution-based synthesis to avoid dispersing particles grown on solid substrates, and increase the particle quantity. These spiky particles can be fabricated with tunable particle and nanowire dimensions. The cell membrane interface with these hierarchical nanostructures were examined using scanning electron microscopy to determine the extent of engulfment and interaction.
Innovation in Welfare Policy: Evaluating State Efforts to Encourage Work among Low-Income Families1

This article examines what states are doing to help Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) recipients move into the workforce and become self-supporting. We first present documentation regarding many different state TANF policies aimed at encouraging work, including benefit structures, time limits, work requirements, sanctions, and work supports. We then discuss how effective these policies are at helping welfare recipients get jobs and increase their income, by reviewing research on each of these elements. We conclude that the TANF program has been effective in increasing employment and decreasing welfare caseloads and expenses, but that this has not resulted in overall income gains for welfare recipients in the long run. We also conclude that the most promising state programs have a strong employment focus combined with focused training and educational opportunities. In addition, we also find that sanctions appear to be harming those most in need of assistance, and therefore that such policies should be reevaluated and refocused.
Tutorial Series 10 LSI/VLSI Design Automation

Advanced design aids will increase a designer's efficiency and reduce costs. As a result, a chip will contain more of a total system design.
Gender and Economics in Muslim Communities: A Critical Feminist and Postcolonial Analysis

ABSTRACTThis contribution seeks to delineate the broad contours of a transnational, anti-imperial feminist perspective on gender and economics in Muslim communities by bringing together feminist analyses of Orientalist tropes, development discourses and policies, and macro- and microeconomic trends. The goal is to facilitate conversations among scholars who have tended to work within their respective disciplinary and methodological silos despite shared interests. This approach pays special attention to intersectionality, historicity, and structural constraints by focusing on the diversity of the experiences of women and men by religion, location, citizenship, class, age, ethnicity, race, marital status, and other factors. It recognizes the complex relationships between the economic, political, cultural, and religious spheres and the role of local and transnational histories, economies, and politics in shaping people's lives. Finally, it emphasizes that openness to different methodological approaches can s...
Automated test data generation using an iterative relaxation method

An important problem that arises in path oriented testing is the generation of test data that causes a program to follow a given path. In this paper, we present a novel program execution based approach using an iterative relaxation method to address the above problem. In this method, test data generation is initiated with an arbitrarily chosen input from a given domain. This input is then iteratively refined to obtain an input on which all the branch predicates on the given path evaluate to the desired outcome. In each iteration the program statements relevant to the evaluation of each branch predicate on the path are executed, and a set of linear constraints is derived. The constraints are then solved to obtain the increments for the input. These increments are added to the current input to obtain the input for the next iteration. The relaxation technique used in deriving the constraints provides feedback on the amount by which each input variable should be adjusted for the branches on the path to evaluate to the desired outcome.When the branch conditions on a path are linear functions of input variables, our technique either finds a solution for such paths in one iteration or it guarantees that the path is infeasible. In contrast, existing execution based approaches may require an unacceptably large number of iterations for relatively long paths because they consider only one input variable and one branch predicate at a time and use backtracking. When the branch conditions on a path are nonlinear functions of input variables, though it may take more then one iteration to derive a desired input, the set of constraints to be solved in each iteration is linear and is solved using Gaussian elimination. This makes our technique practical and suitable for automation.
Active nuclear receptors exhibit highly correlated AF-2 domain motions.

Nuclear receptor ligand binding domains (LBDs) convert ligand binding events into changes in gene expression by recruiting transcriptional coregulators to a conserved activation function-2 (AF-2) surface. While most nuclear receptor LBDs form homo- or heterodimers, the human nuclear receptor pregnane X receptor (PXR) forms a unique and essential homodimer and is proposed to assemble into a functional heterotetramer with the retinoid X receptor (RXR). How the homodimer interface, which is located 30 A from the AF-2, would affect function at this critical surface has remained unclear. By using 20- to 30-ns molecular dynamics simulations on PXR in various oligomerization states, we observed a remarkably high degree of correlated motion in the PXR–RXR heterotetramer, most notably in the four helices that create the AF-2 domain. The function of such correlation may be to create “active-capable” receptor complexes that are ready to bind to transcriptional coactivators. Indeed, we found in additional simulations that active-capable receptor complexes involving other orphan or steroid nuclear receptors also exhibit highly correlated AF-2 domain motions. We further propose a mechanism for the transmission of long-range motions through the nuclear receptor LBD to the AF-2 surface. Taken together, our findings indicate that long-range motions within the LBD scaffold are critical to nuclear receptor function by promoting a mobile AF-2 state ready to bind coactivators.
Developing self-management education in coronary artery disease

Abstract We describe a three-step approach to develop and evaluate a novel coronary artery disease (CAD) self-management educational workbook. First, we conducted interviews using grounded theory methods with a diverse CAD cohort ( n = 61) to identify needs and perceptions. Second, we developed the workbook, incorporating themes that emerged from the qualitative interviews. Finally, 225 people with CAD used the workbook in a longitudinal study and we evaluated their use of and experience with the workbook at 12 months. 12-month evaluation data revealed that the workbook: provided practical health information; enhanced behavior-specific self-efficacy; and reinforced that healthy behaviors decrease risk. Participants who read the workbook had greater within-patient increases in physical activity at 12-months compared with non-readers ( p = 0.093) and among Black/Hispanic participants, workbook readers' increases were significant (592 vs. −645 kilocalories per week, p = 0.035). A self-management educational workbook developed using qualitative methods can provide relevant, disease-specific health information for patients with CAD.
Ultraviolet radiation effects on growth processes of Blepharisma undulans

Abstract 1. 1. The effect of selected dosages of monochromatic ultraviolet light of wavelengths 238, 245, 253, 265, 280, 302, 313, 366 mμ were studied on the following: 1) regeneration of cut Blepharisma ; 2) division rate; 3) conjugation; 4) survival of colored and bleached individuals. 2. 2. No evidence for photoreactivation could be demonstrated in the ultraviolet injured animals. 3. 3. Fission was most delayed at wavelength 280 mμ at the first division, but a somewhat longer delay was observed at 254 and 265 mμ for the third division. 4. 4. The action spectrum for survival after large dosages of ultraviolet light best fits a curve that is a composite for a mixture of nucleic acid and protein, rather than either substance alone.