cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Genetics of Interferon Action

As is the case for interferon production being under cellular genetic control, the actions of interferon are also under cellular genetic regulation, in this case the inducer of the actions being interferon itself. It will be described in detail in Sections IX and X that the interferon must induce new cellular messenger RNA and protein synthesis for cells to become refractory to viruses (Lockart, 1964; Taylor, 1964) and to develop some of the non-antiviral functions, and the cell nucleus must be present at the time of interferon treatment but not afterwards (Radke et al., 1974; Young, Pringle, and Follett, 1975). Thus it has been possible to employ the same basic approaches that were described in Section V to determine the cellular chromosomal compliments necessary for response to interferon. These, again, include studies in hybrid cells whose parents produce interferons with different host-ranges which have eliminated different chromosomes and involve making correlations with presence or absence of specific chromosomes and sensitivities to the interferons. After such studies show such correlations it is also possible to perform gene dosage experiments in aneuploid cells with abnormal numbers of particular chromosomes. Again, it is necessary to interpret such data carefully, for as described for studies on genetic controls of interferon production (Section V), numerous epigenetic factors can modulate interferon sensitivities of cells or their abilities to express antiviral or non-antiviral actions.
Flow sorting of X and Y chromosome-bearing spermatozoa into two populations.

The only established difference on which to base the separation of X and Y chromosome-bearing spermatozoa is chromosomal constitution. This difference is quantifiable both from chromosome morphology (karyotype) and from DNA content. Flow cytometric techniques were used to measure relative DNA content of the X and Y populations and to flow-sort spermatozoa from Chinchilla laniger. Epididymal spermatozoa were recovered in PBS, fixed in 80% ethanol, treated with papain and dithioerythritol, and stained for DNA with Hoechst 33342. Sperm nuclei were analyzed and sorted on an EPICS V flow cytometer/cell sorter, modified specifically for spermatozoa. Two clearly resolved peaks (coefficient of variation < 1.5%) with approximately 7.5% difference in DNA content between X and Y chromosome-bearing spermatozoa were evident. Sperm nuclei were sorted from a portion of the X and Y peaks at a rate of 55 nuclei/sec for each population. Purities of individual X and Y populations averaged 95% as determined by reanalysis of the sorted populations. Successful sorting of Chinchilla X and Y chromosome-bearing spermatozoa into separate populations may aid in the identification of a biochemical marker that could be used to discriminate between the two sperm populations and lead to a practical procedure for sexing spermatozoa.
Reengineering the IEEE-USA policy organization

Members of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) that reside in the US have funded IEEE-USA, an organization with mandatory membership fees that are included in the annual IEEE membership dues. Supporting the development of national policies that serve the special interests of IEEE-USA members has been one of the responsibilities of IEEE-USA. The policy proposals developed by IEEE-USA are formulated by committees composed of US technical representatives from the various technical societies that make-up the overall international component of IEEE. The author proposes to reorganize IEEE-USA so that the Washington, DC office is retained to provide an interface with the President and the Congress, but the current policy committees would be restructured. The author also recommends changing the goals of IEEE-USA from supporting member interests to providing the costs and benefits of various policy alternatives of interest to IEEE-USA members. Finally, policy analysis and synthesis by IEEE USA committees would be published in IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management and other IEEE journals in parallel with their distribution to Congress and the President. Funding support for IEEE-USA would be retained as a condition of membership for US members.
Analysis of tactile and visual confusion matrices

Confusion matrices were compiled for uppercase letters and for braille characters presented to observers in two ways: as raised touch stimuli and as visual stimuli that had been optically filtered of their higher spatial frequencies. These and other existing matrices were subjected to a number of analyses, including the choice model and hierarchical clustering. The strong similarity of the visual and tactile matrices from this study lends additional support to the claim that visual recognition of low-pass filtered characters, to a first approximation, can be taken as a model of tactile recognition of small two-dimensional raised patterns. Besides this, the analysis questions the widely held assumption that response bias contributes significantly to the stimulus-response contingencies in a character-recognition task.
Discrete-time and continuous-time constant modulus algorithm analysis

The purpose of this study is to analyze the properties of one of the most common blind adaptive techniques, the Constant Modulus Algorithm, in a mathematical sense. In this paper, the discrete-time and continuous-time Constant Modulus Algorithm is presented. Convergence behavior of two adaptation algorithm, the steepest descent algorithm and the stochastic gradient algorithm, is discussed in both discrete-time and continuous-time cases. The stochastic gradient algorithm performance of each case is characterized and terms of steady state error. The results of computer simulations are presented. Finally, conclusions and recommendations for future research are given. >
A Tax or Not a Tax: That is the Question

This piece is part of the author’s probably misguided effort to take seriously the Sixteenth Amendment phrase “taxes on incomes.” The piece (in form a letter to the editor, but complete with footnotes!) responds to a reader who had noted that, because of a cap, the basic Social Security “tax” does not reach higher levels of income. Because the author had earlier argued that a tax “on” incomes should result in higher tax liability for higher-income persons, it might seem that the Social Security levy is unconstitutional (or the author just wrong). This piece makes several points: (1) The Social Security levy might be understood as payment for a specific benefit, a retirement and disability plan, not a tax. If so, constitutionality would not depend on the taxing power. (2) Even if the levy is a tax, it might still be treated as a “tax on incomes” because by far most Americans have income less than the cap and therefore do pay an amount tied to income. (3) In any event, there are serious issues here, and no court has explicitly addressed the relationship between Social Security levies and the taxing power.
Does below-bandgap absorption improve solar cell efficiency?

The Shockley-Queisser (S-Q) model assumes that the absorptance spectrum of a solar cell is a Heaviside step-function centered at the bandgap energy, i.e. zero below and unity above the bandgap. The absorptance of a practical solar cell is always non-zero below the absorber bandgap. For example, the Urbach tail of bulk semiconductors makes the absorptance an exponential decay function below the bandgap. The presence of an Urbach tail reduces the efficiency when the absorber's bandgap is lower than the optimum value of 1.3 eV predicted by the S-Q model. A very small efficiency improvement (≤ 0.17 %) is possible only for those solar cells with bandgaps greater than 1.3 eV, of which their theoretical efficiency limits are substantially below the S-Q limit. A proof is presented to show that the maximum efficiency is obtained when the absorptance spectrum is a Heaviside step-function centered at the optimum bandgap given by the S-Q model; any other absorptance spectra will not beat this efficiency. A similar approach can be applied to the case of low dimensional structures such as quantum wells, quantum wires/nano wires, and quantum dots.
Inactivation of Salmonella on tainted foods: using blue light to disinfect cucumbers and processed meat products.

Foodborne illness resulting from infectious organisms occurring in vegetables and processed meat is a serious health concern in the United States. Improved and cost-effective techniques for disinfection are needed. Visible light in the blue range (405 nm) was administered to processed meat that had been inoculated with Escherichia coli. One application of light energy at doses of 10, 30, 60, and 100 J/cm2 was applied, in vitro. In the case of vegetables contaminated with Salmonella (cucumbers), 464 nm light was used at 6, 12, and 18 J/cm2. In both cases, after 20 hours of incubation, colony-forming units were counted and compared to controls to determine whether the light energy inhibited growth of E. coli or Salmonella. E. coli – 405 nm light at doses of 30, 60, and 100 J/cm2 were all effective inhibitors of the organism. Kill rates of 75.61 – 96.34% were achieved. Salmonella – 464 nm light at doses of 6, 12, and 18 J/cm2 produced significant inactivation of the organism. Kill rates of 80.23–100% were obtained. Blue light, delivered in the wavelength/dose combinations used in this study is an effective inhibitor of both E. coli and Salmonella on actual foodstuffs. Blue light should be considered as a potentially effective tool in the effort to protect humans from foodborne illnesses.
Biotechnology's Prescription for Patent Reform

On June 8, 2005, Congressman Lamar Smith introduced H.R. 2795, the Patent Reform Act of 2005, aimed at improving the quality and certainty of issued patents, simplifying the patent procurement process, harmonizing U.S. law with international practice, and reining in abusive patent enforcement practices. Congress has set the legislation aside for the time being, but will likely revisit the issue again shortly. The biotechnology industry, one of the fastest growing sectors in the United States economy, strongly opposes many of the proposed reforms. This paper considers the Congressional testimonies of the Biotechnology Industry Organization ("BIO") and other representatives of biotechnology's interests, and finds that the industry's adamant opposition to many of the proposals is driven largely by a belief that biotechnology patents function primarily as tools for securing investment funding, and the fear that investment in biotechnology will be adversely impacted if investors perceive that patent reform has weakened the rights of patent owners and inventors. The paper also considers how the biotechnology sector might be impacted if the proposed reforms are enacted into law, and describes some recent biotechnology cases wherein the outcome might have been different if the reforms had already been in place.
Ionic Conduction in Nanostructured Membranes Based on Polymerized Protic Ionic Liquids

Polymerized ionic-liquids (PILs) are promising materials whose ionic properties can be tuned based on their chemistry. By incorporating PILs into block copolymer (BCP) structures, it is possible to provide complementary functionality (i.e., structural stability) and transport tunability to ion-conducting materials. In this study, we describe the self-assembly and conductivity of novel poly(styrene-block-histamine methacrylamide) diblock copolymers (PS-b-PHMA) and the resulting PS-b-PIL derivatives obtained after treatment with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). These materials self-assemble into ordered BCP structures with tunable domain sizes as demonstrated by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). PS-b-PHMA membranes show conductivities up to 2 × 10–4 S/cm at room temperature, which increase by an order of magnitude in the presence of acid. In addition, both PHMA- and PIL-based membranes exhibit lower water uptake (λ = 4–6 and 8–10, respectively) in comparison with mos...
Sinusoidal dilatation occurring in livers of mice with a transplanted testicular tumor.

Summary1. Mice having a transplanted interstitial cell testicular tumor developed sinusoidal dilatation in the liver, spleen and adrenal glands. 2. These changes were more marked in animals with intra-mesenteric transplants than in animals with subcutaneous transplants. 3. This testicular tumor did not have any hormonal activity in castrate animals.
BI-16CIRCULATING PROTEIN ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL BRAIN TUMOR BIOMARKERS

BACKGROUND: Blood-based, circulating biomarkers play an important role in the detection and care for many cancer types. Such a biomarker is not clinically available for gliomas, even though there is pressing need for improved assessment of disease response and progression. The objective of this study was to explore eight potential biomarkers in their ability to discriminate among glioblastomas (WHO Grade IV), low grade gliomas (WHO Grade II), and healthy controls. METHODS: We collected pre-operative plasma from 34 patients with gliomas (WHO grade IV, n = 23; WHO grade II, n = 11), and we collected plasma from healthy subjects as controls (n = 15). Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, we measured plasma concentrations of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurogranin, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), intracellular adhesion molecule 5 (ICAM-5), metallothionein-3 (MT3), beta-synuclein, S100B, and neuron specific enolase (NSE). RESULTS: The distributions of plasma protein concentrations demonstrated a high degree of overlap among WHO grade IV, WHO grade II, and healthy subjects. We found statistically significant differences between WHO grade IV tumors and healthy controls for ICAM-5 (p < 0.05, increased in grade IV) and BDNF (p < 0.05 decreased in grade IV), however not for the other markers tested. Whether blood was collected pre- or post-anesthesia affected some protein levels significantly (p < 0.05). We noticed that gliosarcomas (WHO Grade IV, n = 2) had substantially elevated levels of several biomarkers compared to glioblastomas and healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis concludes that the eight circulating proteins are not glioma-specific biomarkers. Anesthesia may have an effect on plasma protein levels in plasma that future circulating biomarker studies should take into account. Gliosarcomas were under-represented in our sample, but they appear to have markedly higher levels of some of the studied proteins which deserves further evaluation.
Stroke Symptoms With Absence of Recognized Stroke Are Associated With Cognitive Impairment and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults With Diabetes

Self-reported stroke symptoms may represent unrecognized cerebrovascular events leading to poorer cognitive and mental health. We examined relationships between stroke symptoms, cognitive impairment, and depressive symptoms in a high-risk sample: 247 adults aged ≥65 with diabetes. Stroke symptoms were assessed using the Questionnaire for Verifying Stroke-free Status, cognitive impairment was measured with the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status, and depressive symptoms were measured using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. In 206 participants without history of stroke/transient ischemic attack, 27.7% reported stroke symptoms, with sudden loss of comprehension most frequently reported (11.7%). Having >1 versus 0 stroke symptoms was associated with greater odds of cognitive impairment (odds ratio = 3.04, 95% confidence interval 1.15-8.05) and more depressive symptoms (b= 2.60,P< .001) while controlling for age, race, gender, education, diabetes duration, diabetes severity, and cardiovascular comorbidities. Better recognition and treatment of cerebrovascular problems in older adults with diabetes may lead to improved cognition and mental health.
Extremes in body mass index affect overall survival in women with cervical cancer.

Abstract Objective To examine the effect of BMI on pathologic findings, cancer recurrence and survival in cervical cancer patients. Methods A retrospective cohort study of cervical cancer patients treated from July 2000 to March 2013 was performed. BMI was calculated, and patients were classified by BMI. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included stage, histopathology, disease-specific survival (DSS) and recurrence free survival (RFS). Kaplan–Meier survival curves were generated and compared using Cox proportional hazard ratios. Results Of 632 eligible patients, 24 (4%) were underweight, 191 (30%) were normal weight, 417 (66%) were overweight/obese. There was no difference in age (p = 0.91), stage at presentation (p = 0.91), grade (p = 0.46), or histology (p = 0.76) between weight categories. There were fewer White patients in the underweight (54%) and overweight/obese (58%) groups compared to the normal weight (71%) group (p = 0.04). After controlling for prognostic factors, underweight and overweight/obese patients had worse median RFS than normal weight patients (7.6 v 25.0 months, p = 0.01 and 20.3 v 25.0 months, p = 0.03). Underweight patients also had worse OS (10.4 v 28.4 months, p = 0.031) and DSS (13.8 v 28.4 months, p = 0.04) compared to normal weight patients. Overweight/obese patients had worse OS than normal weight patients (22.2 v 28.4 months, p = 0.03) and a trend toward worse DSS (21.9 v 28.4 months, p = 0.09). Conclusion Both extremes of weight (underweight and overweight/obesity) were associated with worse survival in patients with cervical cancer. Optimizing weight in cervical cancer patients may improve outcomes in these patients.
Archaeological Survey and Backhoe Testing for Flume No. 3 Right-of-Way at Coleto Creek Reservoir, Goliad County, Texas

During August 1983, archaeological survey and testing were conducted at Flume No.3 for the Coleto Creek power plant reservoir in Goliad County, Texas. The work included survey of the entire Flume No.3 route, testing one site (41 GD 30B) located at the flume outlet on Coleto Creek, survey and testing of an alternate fl ume route downstream, and testi ng at another site designated 41 GD 31. The right-of-way survey revealed a historic site (41 GD 48) in the proposed spoil area; no further work is recommended at this site. Testing at 41 GD 30B provided necessary additional information on the site's area and depth. It was judged that the flume outflow could damage the integrity of the site, and that the site should be avoided or the impact mitigated. Survey and testing of the alternate, downstream flume route indicated this route provides the best alternative for reservoir outflow since no cultural resources were found on the surface and a possible buried component at 41 GD 31 would probably be too deeply buried to be affected.
Epidemiological analysis of AIDS in Dali prefecture in 2004

Objective The present study was designed to understand the status quo and trend of AIDS epidemic in Dali prefecture.Methods The data from AIDS/HIV serological surveillance in Dali prefecture in 2004 were analyzed.Results Serological surveillance was done on 13 961 high-risk population in Dali in 2004,of whom 1222 cases were found to be infected with AIDS/ HIV.The HIV positive detection rate was 0.62% at the sentinel sites for pregnant women,11.65% at the sentinel sites for drug abusers and 0.68% at the sentinel sites of STD clinics.77.09% of the victims were infected through blood transmission,18.49% through sexual transmission and 1.15% through mother-to-baby transmission,with the transmission route unknown in 3.27% of the infected.Young adults accounted for 85.92% of all the infected,with peasants and the unemployed predominantly involved in terms of occupation,constituting 44.76% and 36.99% respectively.Conclusion In recent years,AIDS spreading has become wider and wider in Dali Prefecture,with blood transmission as a predominant route and sexual transmission increasing year by year.HIV infection is found among unlicensed prostitutes in 12 counties/cities of the prefecture.HIV infection is increasing among pregnant women.The epidemic situation of HIV infection in Dali Prefecture must be taken seriously.
Data, Technology and the Challenges of Abundance.

1. ABSTRACT It is no secret that we live in good times for experts in data-centric technologies. There are ample resources for research in our area from both federal and private sources. There are unprecedented opportunities for researchers to interact with and influence companies of all sizes, from startups to major Internet services. Skilled human resources are flocking to our area from across the globe, flooding our courses and applying for research opportunities. Entire new areas of study and profession are being planned around Data Science. The database research community has never had it so good, but the opportunities before us raise significant questions that we need to tackle in short order. A short list of concerns includes the following:
Efficient Gesture Storage and Retrieval for Multiple Applications Using a Relational Data Model of Open Sound Control.

The role of database technology in real-time interactive music systems is the subject of theoretical elaboration and experimentation in this paper. Example applications are presented along with their informational access requirements. An architecture for a gesture storage/retrieval database is presented using a data-warehousing layer model, featuring a real-time interface that enables operation with interactive systems. An experimental implementation of this design is presented, OSC Stream DB, that uses a relational schema to store and retrieve bundled OSC messages from a PostgreSQL database backend. Its data access layer is optimized for object-retrieval, time jumps/traversals, metadata based search and content-based search. A case study is conducted with a high-rate touch-sensing gesture interface. A benchmark is created for the real-time interface and tested up to the storage of millions of objects. Recommendations for the use of OSC in real-time gesture applications are given based on the concepts and results of this paper.
Oil, International Trade and Inflation

Five small nations, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, with less than 2 per cent of the world’s population, control over two-thirds of the world’s known crude oil reserves. These nations form the backbone of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Since its formation in the 1960s OPEC has had as its primary goal and preoccupation the use of its control over oil supplies to continue to redistribute the world’s income and wealth from oil consuming nations to oil producing nations. This redistribution was to be accomplished via market pricing policies which generated significant economic rents to the producers without inducing the consuming nations to search for alternative energy sources to reduce the importance of oil to a minor internationally traded commodity.
Another look at ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis of placenta accreta

AbstractObjective: To compare the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of placenta accreta, to examine the success of various sonographic and MRI features to correctly predict invasive placenta, and to define a specific role for MRI in placenta accreta.Methods: After Institutional Review Board approval, a blinded retrospective review was undertaken of US and MRI findings from 45 patients who had an obstetrical US and placental MRI between August 2006 and January 2012. Correlation with clinical history and pathologic findings was performed.Results: US and MRI had similar sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values for placenta accreta. The best predictors of invasion by US were loss of the myometrial mantle, increased intraplacental vascularity and loss of the bladder wall echogenicity. The best predictors of invasion by MRI were loss of retroplacental myometrial mantle, a heterogeneous placenta, and intraplacental hemorrhage. Body mass i...
Impact of thrombosis on pulmonary endothelial injury and repair following sepsis

The prevailing morbidity and mortality in sepsis are largely due to multiple organ dysfunction (MOD), most commonly lung injury, as well as renal and cardiac dysfunction. Despite recent advances in defining many aspects of the pathogenesis of sepsis-related MOD, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), there are currently no effective pharmacological or cell-based treatments for the disease. Human and animal studies have shown that pulmonary thrombosis is common in sepsis-induced ARDS, and preclinical studies have shown that anticoagulation may improve outcome following sepsis challenge. The potential beneficial effect of anticoagulation on outcome is unconvincing in clinical studies, however, and these discrepancies may arise from the multiple and sometimes opposing actions of thrombosis on the pulmonary endothelium following sepsis. It has been suggested, for example, that mild pulmonary thrombosis prevents escape of bacterial infection into the circulation, while severe thrombosis causes hypoxia and results in pulmonary endothelial damage. Evidence from both human and animal studies has demonstrated the key role of microvascular leakage in determining the outcome of sepsis. In this review, we describe thrombosis-dependent mechanisms that regulate pulmonary endothelial injury and repair following sepsis, including activation of the coagulation cascade by tissue factor and stimulation of vascular repair by hypoxia-inducible factors. Targeting such mechanisms through anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and reparative methods may represent a novel approach for the treatment of septic patients.
Cancer Microenvironments as Therapeutic Targets

The microenvironment of solid tumors is a complex amalgam of soluble and insoluble molecules and cells that together constitute an indispensable regulator of tumor growth. Among several questions confronting tumor biologists today are (i) identification of nonparenchymal cells affecting cancer development and progression, (ii) determining how stromal cells regulate patient outcome, and (iii) determining the identity of critical molecular pathways in tumor microenvironment that regulate neoplastic progression. To address these questions, the molecular and cellular architecture of neoplastic tissue must be evaluated to identify functionally significant molecules to target for anticancer therapy. This article focuses on the major subtypes of host cells commonly found in tumor stroma and discusses tractable approaches to target them for anticancer therapy.
Treatment use, sources of payment, and financial barriers to treatment among individuals with opioid use disorder following the national implementation of the ACA

Abstract Introduction Despite increasing rates of opioid misuse and hospitalizations, rates of treatment for those with opioid use disorder (OUD) are very low. This study examined the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) insurance expansion on improving rates of insurance, health care access, and treatment for those with OUD. Methods Data on individuals ages 18–64 with OUD come from the 2008–2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (N = 4100). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the trends of health care insurance, treatment and barriers to care across the stages of ACA implementation: pre-ACA (2008–2009), partial-ACA (2010–2013), and national implementation (2014). All models were adjusted for predisposing, enabling, and need factors. Results In both adjusted and unadjusted comparisons, national implementation of the ACA was associated with significant improvements in outcome measures for those with OUD. Multivariable analyses indicate that, after national implementation, those with OUD were significantly less likely to be uninsured and were less likely to report financial barriers as a reason for not receiving substance use treatment, relative to the pre-ACA period. Individuals were also more likely to receive substance use treatment and were more likely to report that insurance paid for treatment after national implementation of the ACA relative to the pre-ACA period. These results persisted when national implementation was compared relative to partial-implementation. Conclusions National implementation of the ACA has helped to reduce rates of uninsurance, barriers to care, and improve rates of substance use treatment for those with OUD.
A 51-Year-Old Woman With an Increasing Chest Wall Mass Years After Resection of an Early Stage Lung Cancer

Case Presentation A 51-year-old woman was found to have a new 14 × 6 mm soft tissue mass under the right serratus muscle on a CT scan of the chest performed for routine surveillance due to her history of stage I lung cancer. A follow-up CT scan performed 4 months later showed that the mass had increased in size to 22 × 8 mm. The patient presents to the oncology clinic to discuss the results of the CT scan. She has no pain or swelling on the right lateral chest and no cough, fever, or shortness of breath. She is at her baseline health with good appetite and functional status.
Connecting Different Proof Styles

We consider formal relation between the three common program verification strategies. In particular, we prove that each strategy is both sound and complete. The completeness result implies that given any proof of correctness of a sequential program one can derive a proof in each of the above strategies.
Developing Countries, New Trade Barriers, and the Global Economic Crisis

This chapter identifies a number of stylized facts regarding the evolving pattern of import protection associated with the global economic crisis of 2008-2009, with a special focus on developing countries. While the major G-20 member economies of the international trading system largely refrained from using protectionist instruments that had been used during earlier eras of crisis - such as across-the-board increases in applied tariffs and the imposition of new quantitative restrictions - much of the new protectionism came in the form of potentially WTO-consistent use of temporary trade barriers such as antidumping, countervailing duties, and safeguards. Nevertheless, the incidence of new trade barriers that did take place during the crisis was developing economy-centric in nature: it was disproportionately imposed by developing economies on developing economy exporters with the potential to impact much South-South trade. Finally, the chapter explores policy implications for developing countries in the post-global economic crisis, rules-based trading system.
Teaching Enterprise Integration and Architecture – Tools, Patterns, and Model Problems

This paper describes the design and delivery of a new course introducing the joint topics of enterprise integration and enterprise architecture. Planned for an Information Technology curriculum, the course sits at the crossroads of Computer Science and Information Systems and is intended for upper level undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in any of these three disciplines. The course builds from an introduction to business operating models into a study of enterprise architecture and finishes with a design project in enterprise integration. The ArchiMate enterprise architecture modeling standard is applied using an open source tool. Model problems are developed in the tool to motivate class lectures and student design assignments. Design patterns form the basis of learning recurring solutions of integration problems. A final project challenges students to respond to a Request for Proposal to provide integration consulting services to a recently merged enterprise business.
Psychiatric Aspects of Wilson Disease

Psychiatric disturbances represent an important diagnostic and therapeutic issue in Wilson disease (WD). They represent a significant part of the clinical presentation of WD and can present at any point in the course of the illness. In this chapter, we are going to discuss relevant aspects of the clinical evaluation of psychiatric symptoms in WD, prevalence of psychiatric symptoms, significance of psychiatric symptoms, and treatment considerations.
Systemic therapy in patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

e21550Background: Treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (cSCCHN) is complex. Radiotherapy is often recommended after surgery for high-risk cancers but the rol...
Should social scientists be distanced from or engaged with the people they study

This commentary focuses on two important contrasts in the behavioral sciences: (i) default versus nondefault study populations, where default samples have been used disproportionately (for psychology, the default is undergraduates at major research universities), and (ii) the adoption of a distant versus close (engaged) attitude toward study samples. Previous research has shown a strong correlation between these contrasts, where default samples and distant perspectives are the norm. Distancing is sometimes seen as necessary for objectivity, and an engaged orientation is sometimes criticized as biased, advocacy research, especially if the researcher shares a social group membership with the study population (e.g., a black male researcher studying black male students). The lack of diversity in study samples has been paralleled by a lack of diversity in the researchers themselves. The salience of default samples and distancing in prior research creates potential (and presumed) risk factors for engaged research with nondefault samples. However, a distant perspective poses risks as well, and particularly so for research with nondefault populations. We suggest that engaged research can usefully encourage attention to the study context and taking the perspective of study samples, both of which are good research practices. More broadly, we argue that social and educational sciences need skepticism, interestedness, and engagement, not distancing. Fostering an engaged perspective in research may also foster a more diverse population of social scientists.
Methods for augmented reality e-commerce

A new type of e-commerce system and related techniques are presented in this dissertation that customers of this type of e-commerce could visually bring product into their physical environment for interaction. The development and user study of this e-commerce system are provided. A new modeling method, which recovers 3D model directly from 2D photos without knowing camera information, is also presented to reduce the modeling cost of this new type of e-commerce. Also an immersive AR environment with GPU based occlusion is also presented to improve the rendering and usability of AR applications. Experiment results and data show the validity of these new technologies.
Shaping Our Tools: Contestability as a Means to Promote Responsible Algorithmic Decision Making in the Professions

Algorithmic systems, particularly those based on machine learning, are increasingly being used to help us reason and make decisions. Effective systems that also align with societal values require not only designs that foster in-the-moment human engagement with such systems but also governance models that support ongoing critical engagement with system processes and outputs. Using the case of expert decision-support systems, we introduce the concept of contestability. We argue that contestability has distinct advantages over transparency and explainability, two policy objectives often offered as antidotes to the challenges posed by black-box algorithmic systems. We then discuss contestable design and governance principles as applied to clinical decision support (CDS) systems used by health-care professionals to aid medical decisions. We explain current governance frameworks around the use of these systems — particularly laws and professional standards — and point out their limitations. We argue that approaches focused on contestability better promote professionals’ continued, active engagement with algorithmic systems than current frameworks.
The last empress. Saint Richgard and the end of the Carolingian dynasty

The end of the Carolingian dynasty is often portrayed as the result of the weak reign of Emperor Charles III. His former wife Richgard, with whom he had not produced an heir, became a nun after the...
Towards Adaptive Packet Scheduler with Deep-Q Reinforcement Learning

The traditional way to design a packet scheduler is usually based on the prior knowledge of networking environments. With advanced networking technologies, we propose a Deep-Q (DQ) learning framework for packet scheduler to take advantage of more available information. The packet scheduler optimizes the application-specific quality of service (QoS) requirements, and adapt to the changing network environment. The DQ framework integrates the online Q-learning algorithm and a deep neural network, making it applicable to problems of large size. Without any prior training or network traffic models, the DQ-based scheduler progressively learns a good policy in real-time, based directly on the available observations.
Generalized hydrodynamic analysis of transport through a finite open nanopore for two-component single-file systems

Single-file diffusion (SFD) in finite open nanopores is characterized by nonzero spatially varying tracer diffusion coefficients within a generalized hydrodynamic description. This contrasts with infinite SFD systems where tracer diffusivity vanishes. In standard tracer counterpermeation (TCP) analysis, two reservoirs, each containing a different species, are connected to opposite ends of a finite pore. We implement an extended TCP analysis to allow the two reservoirs to contain slightly different mixtures of the two species. Then, determination of diffusion fluxes through the pore allows extraction of diffusion coefficients for near-constant partial concentrations of the two species. This analysis is applied for a lattice-gas model describing two-component SFD through a finite linear pore represented by a one-dimensional array of cells. Two types of particles, A and B, can hop only to adjacent empty cells with generally different rates, h_{A} and h_{B}. Particles are noninteracting other than exclusion of multiple cell occupancy. Results reveal generalized hydrodynamic tracer diffusion coefficients which adopt small values inversely proportional to pore length in the pore center, but which are strongly enhanced near pore openings.
“Reality-Based Hope”: Lessons Learned in the Single Payer Movement

In this conclusion chapter, I outline how the lessons learned from the analysis presented in this book can be applied to other mobilization efforts for progressive reform. These lessons are Lesson 1: The Importance of Recognizing Success in All Its Forms; Lesson 2: Creating Hope Is Key—Especially in the Absence of Success; Lesson 3: Sometimes Social Movements Must Create Opportunities, Not Just Act on Them; Lesson 4: Social Movements Should Build Intersectional Alliances While Also Maintaining Focus; Lesson 5: When Defining the Enemy, Proceed with Caution; Lesson 6: The Making of Heroes—Leadership in the Movement; Lesson 7: The Movement Needs Everyday on the Ground Warriors More than Heroes; Lesson 8: Recognizing the Importance of Narrative Strategy and Tactics; Lesson 9: When the Goal Is Social Justice, We Need Someone to Reach for the Moon; and Lesson 10: Onward to Single Payer.
High power submillimeter gyrotrons

High power, submillimeter gyrotron oscillator experiments are presently being conducted at M.I.T. These experiments are designed to operate at second harmonic and generate output powers up to 100 kW for 1 μsec pulses. To achieve second harmonic emission three different cavity configurations have been explored, a tapered cavity, a slotted cavity, and a cavity with an output iris. In the last cavity, second harmonic emission was observed at 301 GHz and 339 GHz, with output powers of 4-6 kW.
Latent Change Score Models for the Study of Development and Dynamics in Organizational Research

The empirical study of change has proven to be one of the most vexing challenges in organizational science. Fortunately, contemporary methodologies originating from developmental psychology may pro...
Identification of crystal plasticity model parameters by multi-objective optimization integrating microstructural evolution and mechanical data

Abstract Crystal plasticity models evolve a polycrystalline yield surface using meso-scale descriptions of deformation mechanisms . The activation of deformation mechanisms is governed by crystallography and a set of model parameters, which are typically calibrated through the fitting of mechanical data such as stress–strain curves and elastic lattice strains. Microstructural data such as phase fractions and texture evolution are used for verifying crystal plasticity parameters. In this work, we use a multi-objective genetic algorithm to identify hardening parameters from flow stress curves with an option to incorporate texture into the optimization approach. Robust, generalized objective functions are developed and used to identify sets of parameters pertaining to dislocation density-based hardening laws in visco-plastic and elasto-plastic self-consistent (VPSC and EPSC) homogenization models. First, the parameters are identified for pure Nb directly from texture using an objective function based on generalized spherical harmonics . Since texture evolution is driven by the relative contribution of active slip systems, the parameters governing the evolution of slip resistance ratios can be recovered from fitting discrete textures at a series of strains. Next, a comprehensive set of load reversal data for dual phase (DP) 780 steel is used to fit a hardening law and a back-stress law in EPSC. Finally, parameters pertaining to a complex hardening law for the evolution of slip and twinning in pure α -Ti are identified. Remarkably, using texture as an objective in combination with stress–strain objectives constrains the model of Ti to fully reproduce not only stress–strain and texture evolution but also hierarchical twinning measurements as a function of initial grain size and texture. Furthermore, given an appropriate model fit to representative experimental texture evolution, underlying twin volume fractions contributing to texture evolution can be predicted.
Covid-19 Pneumonia and Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis

Introduction: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a rare, severe fungal infection with a poor prognosis and high mortality rate. IPA is mainly noted in patients with immunosuppressed status, hematological malignancies and stem cell transplants. Diagnosis is challenging and requires a high index of suspicion. Current literature supports treating patients with severe covid-19 pneumonia with high dose dexamethasone therapy for a prolonged period of time which may cause significant immune suppression. Here, we present a case of a patient with covid-19 pneumonia who developed IPA after dexamethasone and tocilizumab therapy. Case report: Patient is a 75-year-old male who was admitted to the medical ICU with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure secondary to covid-19 pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation immediately on presentation to the emergency room. The patient had a past history of cavitary lung disease secondary to tuberculosis in 2018 and had completed treatment with 4-drug therapy. During this hospitalization, three sputum samples were negative for acid fast bacillus. He was started on dexamethasone therapy of 6mg daily for 10 days and received a single dose of tocilizumab. The patient initially improved but started to worsen again on the ninth day requiring increased ventilatory support and pronation therapy. His sputum culture grew Aspergillus FLavus. CT chest showed increased parenchymal infiltrates around prior cavitary lung disease. Serum aspergillus galactomannan antigen returned positive. Patient was started on intravenous Voriconazole. After initial improvement, the patient developed hemoptysis and worsening oxygenation. As per the family's wishes, patient was transitioned to comfort care and he passed away after compassionate extubation. Discussion:Treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia with high dose dexamethasone therapy may inadvertently cause an immunosuppressed state. These immunosuppressive effects may be further compounded by concurrent use of tocilizumab. Relative immunosuppression combined with possible epithelial damage due to viral infection may be a mechanism for development of IPA. A case series from France reported possible IPA in 9 of 27 (33.3%) ICU patients with COVID-19 with an expectedly high observed mortality rate. Conclusion: Clinicians should carry a high index of suspicion and pursue early investigations for other infections in COVID-19 patients who are not recovering or have worsened after initial improvement. Careful use of steroids in patients with prior structural lung disease is also warranted as they may be at high risk of developing IPA due to pre-existing aspergillus colonization.
Assessing financial toxicity in patients with metastatic breast cancer: A single institution experience during the COVID-19 pandemic

176Background: Assessment of financial toxicity (FTox) is recommended as a component of comprehensive supportive care for patients with metastatic cancer. FTox is common in patients with metastatic...
An informed veterinarian can help clients profit from the cattle cycle.

The cattle cycle is the single most important force impacting your clients' beef cow profits. The alternative "booms and busts" associated with the cattle cycle have long been of great concern to beef cow producers. Always the question arises as to why the beef industry cannot maintain a sustainable growth in animal numbers that would prevent the economic booms and busts associated with the cattle cycle. Much of the year to year variation in beef prices is driven by cattle numbers (i.e., beef supply). The cattle cycle is the single most important force determining beef supply and cattle prices. AB cattle numbers go up, beef prices go down. As cattle numbers go down, beef prices go up. It is almost that simple.1 If we can predict cattle cycles, then we should be able to predict beef price cycles. If we can predict beef price cycles, then we should be able to identify production strategies that will allow your beef cow clients to profit from the cattle cycle. When your beef cow clients profit from the cattle cycle, your veterinary practice will also profit from the cattle cycle.