cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are Back-to-School Sales Tax Holidays Progressive or Regressive?

Sales tax holidays are temporary suspensions of tax rates applicable to selected goods. In the United States, sales tax holidays are popular among states during “back-to-school” seasons for educational supplies and new clothing. One motivation for these policies is to provide state assistance to households with children for necessary goods. This paper investigates the distributional impact across income groups on school supplies’ and apparel purchases during these holidays for a panel of nearly 170,000 households from 2004 to 2016. Judging by conventional household income elasticities the tax savings are very progressively distributed. However, we demonstrate tax holidays to be poorly targeted if judged by the intention of arranging transfers to low income households or households with children. For instance, an equivalent cash transfer to households with children and less than $20,000 in income would have a revenue cost of five percent of what is waived by the sales tax holidays.
Abstract 3425: Mutations in DNA repair and microtubule assembly genes found in triple negative breast tumors treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Up to 20% of breast cancer is clinically defined as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacking estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. Because no targeted therapy is available, cytotoxic chemotherapy is the primary mode of adjuvant TNBC therapy, but is effective in ~30% patients. In order to determine molecular underpinnings of chemotherapy resistance in TNBC, we analyzed 12 TNBC patient tumor samples collected post neoadjuvant chemotherapy using DNA/RNA sequencing. DNA analysis showed two tumors contained TP53 inactivating mutations and two tumors PIK3CA activating mutations. In addition, a number of mutations in the DNA repair pathway genes were identified including XRCC1, XRCC3, and ATXR, suggesting that DNA damaging nature of chemotherapy agents may have enriched these mutations. In addition, we found mutations in the genes involved in microtubule assembly including BUB3 and APC2, suggesting that these gene mutations may confer resistance to taxol, an anti-microtubule chemotherapy agent. RNA sequencing revealed a true heterogeneous nature of TNBE in that unsupervised clustering did not identify any distinct gene signature correlative of chemotherapy resistance. We are currently evaluating phenotypes related to chemotherapy resistance using cells genetically engineered with the BUB3 or APC2 mutations. Citation Format: Michael Grant, George Snipes, Rebecca Halperin, Paul Heaton, Suwon Kim. Mutations in DNA repair and microtubule assembly genes found in triple negative breast tumors treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3425.
Bank Financing and Growth: Evidence from Early 1900s Texas

This paper explores the consequences of a deepening in financial markets by examining the case of Texas at the turn of the last century. In the early 1900s, the Texas legislature legalized state-chartered banks, and, as a result, Texas experienced increased financial-market depth. The evidence presented below suggests that newly-established state banks played an important role in local economic development, and that the role was linked to agriculture more than to manufacturing. It suggests that banks mostly provided short-term credit to farms for the crop itself, rather than providing credit to farms for improvements or credit to manufacturing firms. The results provide insights for policymakers considering the role of community banks today and more generally, for those considering policies to improve growth in agriculture-based economies today.
Nitrogen direct analysis in real time time-of-flight mass spectrometry (N2 DART-TOFMS) for rapid screening of forensic drugs.

Rationale Over the last ten years, helium direct analysis in real time time-of-flight mass spectrometry (He DART-TOFMS) has become an established technique in rapid screening of forensic drugs to decrease the time necessary to triage forensic drug cases, therefore contributing to backlog reduction and more timely criminal prosecution. Recently, we demonstrated that N2 DART was able to efficiently ionize all polar compounds except for a few extremely small ones such as methanol and acetonitrile. Therefore, N2 DART-TOFMS should be a suitable technique for rapid screening of forensic drugs. Methods Nitrogen direct analysis in real time time-of-flight mass spectrometry (N2 DART-TOFMS) was performed using a JEOL AccuTOF mass spectrometer with an IonSense DART-100 ion source. A 3-min analytical protocol was used for the analysis of each sample. Sample introduction was accomplished by moving the closed end of a melting point capillary where approximately 1 μL sample solution was deposited or the exposed inside of a freshly cut tablet across the N2 gas stream between the DART-100 ion source and orifice 1 of the AccuTOF. Results Ten commonly abused drugs, eight synthetic cannabinoids and four controlled prescription drugs (CPDs) were analyzed. The limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be approximately 10 μg/mL or 10 pg in quantities. All drugs at the LOD level were positively identified using their [M + H]+ ions with mass errors less than 5 mDa. The identification were further supported by in-source fragment ions and characteristic N2 DART ions that are not commonly generated by He DART, e.g. [M + H + O]+ and [M + H + 2O]+ ions. Conclusions It was concluded that the 3-min analytical protocol could be utilized in the analysis of seized drugs in the form of tablets and powders or prepared in solution. In consideration that N2 is readily available in the air and He is a non-renewable resource, N2 DART-TOFMS is a greener, cheaper and more convenient alternative to He DART-TOFMS in rapid screening of forensic drugs.
A cranberry proanthocyanidin rich extract induces both apoptosis and autophagy in human SEG-1 esophageal adenocarcinoma cells

621 Esophageal adenocarcinoma and its only recognized precursor lesion, Barrett’s esophagus, has rapidly increased during the past three decades throughout much of the Westernized world. Increasing rates have been linked to chronic reflux, obesity, the presence of hiatal hernia, and multiple nutritional factors. Generally plant-based diets have been associated with reduction of risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma and those of animal origin with risk escalation. In turn, our laboratory has been evaluating the chemopreventive potential of fruits and fruit constituents against esophageal cancer and esophageal premalignancy. Cranberry proanthocyanidins are known to have a role in maintaining urinary tract health and recently limited in vivo anda number of in vitro investigations andhave reported that cranberry extracts impact multiple cancer-associated processes in breast, colon, prostate and esophageal cancer cell lines. This study sought to investigate the effects of a cranberry proanthocyanidin rich extract (PAC) on programmed cell death in human SEG-1 esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) cells. Preliminary work with PAC showed potent inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis induction at a single time-point and expression array studies supported that the effects were caspase independent. Thus, Seg-1 EAC cells were pretreated with PAC [25 or 50 μg/ml] and assessed for induction of apoptosis, autophagy, and expression of select proteins over-time utilizing flow cytometry and annexin V staining, transmission electron microscopy, and western blot methods, respectively. PAC treatment induced apoptosis in SEG-1 cells by 3.4, 6.3, 5.7, 4.6 and 2.5-fold following 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours of treatment. PAC also increased levels of PARP cleavage in a time and a dose-dependent manner further supporting its pro-apoptotic effects. In addition, parallel increases in autophagy were noted following PAC treatment as evidenced by striking morphological changes which included focal chromatin condensation, increased autophagic vacuole formation as early as 3 hours post-treatment, as well as the presence of empty vacuoles and greater numbers of vacuoles filled with cellular debris compared to vehicle-treated cells at 12 and 24 hours. Levels of Beclin-1 did not appear to change with PAC treatment. P21 levels markedly increased following PAC treatment and modest increases were noted in cytochrome C levels. These findings support that PAC is a potent inducer of both apoptosis and autophagy and that further research is warranted to improve our understanding of the interplay between these two modes of programmed cell death and to assess other key molecules involved.
Differences in social information are critical to understanding aggressive behavior in animal dominance hierarchies

Sociality often involves conflict as individuals compete with group members for resources. In many species, including humans, individuals assort into dominance hierarchies. Individuals with more social information may be able to better optimize which individuals they challenge and in doing so, improve their overall rank in the hierarchy. Understanding how information is perceived, processed, and used by individuals in hierarchical systems is critical to understanding how animals make aggression decisions because different types of information can underlie different kinds of aggression strategies. This review summarizes recent research on the effect of five information types on animal conflict: Firstly, individual experience; secondly, recognition abilities; thirdly, social context; fourthly, transitive inference; and finally, network or global inference. This increased understanding of the information underlying social interactions can begin to provide new insight into structured conflict and could be useful to better understand strategic decision-making, social plasticity, and the cognitive load of sociality across species, including humans.
“Go up onto a High Mountain” (Is. 40:9): Theophanic Exegesis as Mystical Ascent in On First Principles

Origen of Alexandria’s exegetical method in On First Principles draws on theophanic language to explicate the Christian interpreter’s mystical ascent toward the contemplation of God through scriptu...
Public Interest in Textured Breast Implants Recall: A Google Trends Analysis

Large-scale media coverage of health care outcomes can have a profound influence on health care utilization by the general population. Google trends (GT), an online resource, allows for tracking of global search volumes as a proxy for determining public interest. To utilize GT to characterize measurable effects on public interest in breast implant removal procedures and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) following March 2019 FDA Advisory Committee Meeting and July 2019 public statements by the FDA and Allergan announcing the voluntary recall of BIOCELL® textured breast implants. GT databases of search volumes were collected for terms related to 3 categories including Allergan BIOCELL® textured breast implants, BIA-ALCL, and breast implant removal from January 2004 to October 2019. The short-term and long-term interests were determined by the percent change in monthly search volumes with respect to the announcements from Allergan and FDA Advisory Committee Meeting. Following Allergan’s recall announcement, public interest in “textured breast implants” and “allergan breast implant” peaked in July 2019 and rose 456% and 669%, respectively. Public interest in “anaplastic large cell lymphoma breast implant” and “ALCL cancer” rose 200 and 175%, respectively. Long-term interest in all implant removal terms was found to be higher after March 2019 FDA Advisory Committee Meeting than beforehand (p < 0.05). GT data correlate with shifts in real-world health care utilization and public interest caused by high-profile media coverage, making it a useful tool for providers for real-time prediction of trends in public health in response to observable influences. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Awareness about and willingness to use long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) among people who use drugs.

Abstract In the Bangkok Tenofovir Study of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP; TDF/FTC), adherence was poor. Long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) for HIV prevention may help overcome adherence challenges and is currently being tested in clinical trials, but not in people who use drugs (PWUD), an important key population that remains highly vulnerable to HIV. Since PWUD are not currently included in trials of LAI-PrEP, we sought to examine awareness about LAI-PrEP and factors associated with willingness to use LAI-PrEP in this understudied population. Participants included 234 HIV-negative people with opioid use disorder and self-reported HIV–risk behaviors recruited from Connecticut's largest addiction treatment program. We analyzed data from a standardized assessment using audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) to assess the independent factors associated with willingness to use LAI-PrEP. While only 25.6% of participants were aware of LAI-PrEP (67.1% had heard of oral PrEP), after being given a description of it, 73.5% were willing to use it, if it were available. Participants were most commonly concerned about long-term side effects (76.9%) of LAI-PrEP. Independent correlates of willingness to use LAI-PrEP were female sex (aOR = 2.181, p = 0.018), recent visit to healthcare provider (aOR = 2.9, p = 0.023), high perceived risk of acquiring HIV (aOR = 3.3, p = 0.007), and having previously taken oral PrEP (aOR = 3.284, p = 0.017). Findings suggest that PWUD are highly interested in PrEP, especially in LAI-PrEP formulations. Our results indicate the potential for LAI-PrEP, as an alternative to oral daily PrEP, to be implemented into existing evidence-based HIV-based HIV prevention efforts that target high-risk PWUD.
Advanced Persistent Threats in Autonomous Driving

In this paper, we consider the problem of detecting performance related advanced persistent threats on a system of connected automated vehicles (CAVs) possibly mixed with connected, but manually driven vehicles (CMVs), operating over an urban area or highway and its feeder roads. We show how the emerging edge computing infrastructure deployed on the roadside for traffic monitoring can be exploited for this task. We briefly propose an approach that estimates an "abnormality" measure of each vehicle and performance anomalies for each type of attack in order to better track the vehicles that are affected early on in a performance attack and thereby facilitate root cause analysis. We also note several challenges in using such an approach.
A mass-conservative predictor-corrector solution to the 1D Richards equation with adaptive time control

Abstract The predictor-corrector-type (P-C) numerical solution to the 1D Richards equation only requires one matrix inversion operation per time step, making it attractive in terms of computational cost. However, the mass conservation could be violated at the saturated-unsaturated interface. A new post-allocation procedure is designed for the P-C method, which redistributes moisture after the corrector step to achieve strict mass balance. A novel adaptive time-stepping strategy is proposed to further improve model efficiency and robustness. It adjusts time step size based on both moisture difference and the Courant number. The proposed solution method and time control strategies are tested and compared with an analytical solution, the previous P-C solution and other existing iterative solutions. The new method shows good conservation property and good agreements to the existing solutions. Compared to the iterative methods that occasionally experience convergence issues, the proposed P-C method is more robust. The new time-control strategy improves computational efficiency compared to the original P-C method, but it remains less efficient than iterative methods for most of the tested scenarios because of its explicit treatment of the corrector step.
Trailhead for quantum simulation of SU(3) Yang-Mills lattice gauge theory in the local multiplet basis

Maintaining local interactions in the quantum simulation of gauge field theories relegates most states in the Hilbert space to be unphysical -- theoretically benign, but experimentally difficult to avoid. Reformulations of the gauge fields can modify the ratio of physical to gauge-variant states often through classically preprocessing the Hilbert space and modifying the representation of the field on qubit degrees of freedom. This paper considers the implications of representing SU(3) Yang-Mills gauge theory on a lattice of irreducible representations in both a global basis of projected global quantum numbers and a local basis in which controlled-plaquette operators support efficient time evolution. Classically integrating over the internal gauge space at each vertex (e.g., color isospin and color hypercharge) significantly reduces both the qubit requirements and the dimensionality of the unphysical Hilbert space. Initiating tuning procedures that may inform future calculations at scale, the time evolution of one- and two-plaquettes are implemented on one of IBM's superconducting quantum devices, and early benchmark quantities are identified. The potential advantages of qudit environments, with either constrained 2D hexagonal or 1D nearest-neighbor internal state connectivity, are discussed for future large-scale calculations.
SynChrono: A Scalable, Physics-Based Simulation Platform For Testing Groups of Autonomous Vehicles and/or Robots

This contribution is concerned with the topic of using simulation to understand the behavior of groups of mutually interacting autonomous vehicles (AVs) or robots engaged in traffic/maneuvers that involve coordinated operation. We outline the structure of a multi-agent simulator called SYN-CHRONO and provide results pertaining to its scalability and ability to run real-time scenarios with humans in the loop. SYN-CHRONO is a scalable multi-agent, high-fidelity environment whose purpose is that of testing AV and robot control strategies. Four main components make up the core of the simulation platform: a physics-based dynamics engine that can simulate rigid and compliant systems, fluid-solid interactions, and deformable terrains; a module that provides sensing simulation; an agent-to-agent communication server; dynamic virtual worlds, which host the interacting agents operating in a coordinated scenario. The platform provides a virtual proving ground that can be used to answer questions such as "what will an AV do when it skids on a patch of ice and moves one way while facing the other way?"; "is a new agent-control strategy robust enough to handle unforeseen circumstances?"; and "what is the effect of a loss of communication between agents engaged in a coordinated maneuver?". Full videos based on work in the paper are available at https://tinyurl.com/ChronoIROS2020 and additional descriptions on the particular version of software used is available at https://github.com/uwsbel/publications-data/tree/master/2020/IROS.
Amanda Comes to Western Theological Seminary

In the fall of 2015, Amanda Kragt, a young woman with Down Syndrome, enrolled in a Hebrew course at Western Theological Seminary (WTS). This article traces how Western Theological Seminary’s unders...
A comprehensive analysis of authorship trends in Skeletal Radiology since inception from 1976 to 2020

The purpose of this study is to explore authorship trends within the musculoskeletal radiology subspecialty-focused journal, Skeletal Radiology, from inception to 2020. Skeletal Radiology articles published in 1976, 1986, 1996, 2006, 2016, and 2020 were reviewed. For each article, the number of authors, the number of distinct institutions, the names of first and last authors, the country of the first author, the article length, and the number of article references were recorded. A total of 885 articles passed the exclusion criteria to be included in the study. Since inception, there has been a significant increase in the number of SR articles published (P = 0.02), the mean number of authors per article (P < 0.01), the mean number of references per article (P < 0.01), the mean number of distinct institutions per article (P = 0.02), and the mean number of pages per article (P < 0.01). The proportion of female first and last authors significantly increased (P = 0.02, P = 0.02). There was a significant increase in the proportion of articles published from Asia (P = 0.04). However, no significant changes in the proportion of articles published from other regions were observed. Similar to authorship trends in other medical journals, Skeletal Radiology demonstrated upward trends in authorship count, distinct institutional count, and article length. A rise in first and last female authorship was observed. Finally, an increase in the proportion of authors from Asia was observed while no significant changes in the proportion of authors from other regions were demonstrated.
The Leading Lucys of Contract Lore

In teaching contract law, there is value in emphasizing a few “leading cases.” The majority of judicial opinions filling Contracts casebooks present variations on their central themes. Leading cases also attract scholarly scrutiny. Sometimes it sullies the reputation of one or more of the parties. Three Contracts classics illustrate the point. All three involve parties named “Lucy” (or its derivation, “Lucille”). The cases govern some of contract law’s most important concepts, involving formation, consideration, and remedies. Research into the Lucy Cases has uncovered backstories of duplicity, villainy, and incompetence. Lucy v. Zehmer is key to understanding the manifestation element of contract formation, yet Lucy has been revealed to be a flim-flamer. Lucy Duff-Gordon’s infamy does not detract from the value of Wood v. Lucy, Lady Duff-Gordon when teaching the evolution of consideration. A critique of Willie and Lucille’s hapless lawyer in Peevyhouse v. Garland Coal can be used to instruct upon a wide range of contract remedies. Flawed as the participants may be, the cases endure. Bad characters can offer good lessons.
Superporous agarose scaffolds for encapsulation of adult human islets and human stem-cell-derived β cells for intravascular bioartificial pancreas applications.

Type 1 diabetic patients with severe hypoglycemia unawareness have benefitted from cellular therapies, such as pancreas or islet transplantation; however, donor shortage and the need for immunosuppression limits widespread clinical application. We previously developed an intravascular bioartificial pancreas (iBAP) using silicon nanopore membranes (SNM) for immunoprotection. To ensure ample nutrient delivery, the iBAP will need a cell scaffold with high hydraulic permeability to provide mechanical support and maintain islet viability and function. Here, we examine the feasibility of superporous agarose (SPA) as a potential cell scaffold in the iBAP. SPA exhibits 66-fold greater hydraulic permeability than the SNM along with a short ( 95%) and biphasic insulin responses to dynamic glucose stimulus. These findings suggest that the SPA scaffold will not limit nutrient delivery in a convection-based bioartificial pancreas and merits continued investigation.
Category learning in a transitive inference paradigm

The implied order of a ranked set of visual images can be learned without reliance on information that explicitly signals their order. Such learning is difficult to explain by associative mechanisms, but can be accounted for by cognitive representations and processes such as transitive inference. Our study sought to determine if those processes also apply to learning categories of images. We asked whether participants can (a) infer that stimulus images belonged to familiar categories, even when the images for each trial were unique, and (b) sort those categories into an ordering that obeys transitivity. Participants received minimal verbal instruction and a single session of training. Despite this, they learned the implied order of lists of fixed stimuli and lists of ordered categories, using trial-unique exemplars. We trained two groups, one for which stimuli were constant throughout training and testing (n = 60), and one for which exemplars of each category were trial-unique (n = 50). Our findings suggest that differing cognitive processes may underpin serial learning when learning about specific stimuli as opposed to stimulus categories.
Irregular Regions and Constrained Optimization

The study of equilibrium configurations in structural mechanics leads to the necessity of obtaining numerical solutions of high order elliptic boundary-value problems. A method is presented for the solution of these problems in realistic geometries. The method is based on considering a given irregular region as imbedded in a simple region such as a rectangle and working with the variational problem corresponding to the given partial differential equation. The original boundary conditions become linear constraints. A discretized version of the resulting problem is then solved using dynamic programming. Existence and stability are demonstrated in the case of the potential equation.
Women in the Interregnum: Kate Chopin's 'The Awakening' and Nadine Gordimer's 'July's People'

This essay is a comparative study of two novels about women caught in a liminal position, as the society in which they live enters a period of profound change. Both protagonists are irresistibly drawn to the possibilities of change, even though these possibilities are indefinable and their pursuit perilous and traumatic, because the women find themselves marginalized by the present patriarchal structure of society, in which they find no fulfilling role. Moreover, this society in each case is a historical anomaly—further marginalizing each protagonist—although the beginning of transition points toward a form of potential normalization: one of these societies is New Orleans in the late nineteenth century, the other South Africa a century later. The authors of the fictive depictions of these societies are the American Kate Chopin, who died in 1904, and South African Nadine Gordimer, born in 1923; obviously, therefore, Chopin could not have read Gordimer's work, and there is no actual evidence that the well-r...
Systemic (non-Organ Specific) Autoimmune Disorders

Early in the development of immune system, immune cells recognizing organs and tissues of self are destroyed. Thus, immune system does not attack its own cells or tissues. Systemic autoimmune disorders occur when this process is disrupted and immune cells start attacking body organs and tissues. Systemic auto-immune disorder may involve many organs but may be non-specific with respect of an organ.
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infection leads to appearance of aberrant tight junctions strands in the lateral membrane of intestinal epithelial cells

Infection of intestinal epithelial cells with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) disrupts tight junction (TJ) architecture and barrier function. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of EPEC on TJ protein interactions and localization. Human intestinal epithelial cells (T84) were infected for 1, 3 or 6 h with EPEC. To probe the TJ protein-protein interactions, co-immunoprecipitations were performed. The associations between ZO-1, occludin and claudin-1 progressively decreased after infection. Corresponding morphological changes were analysed by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. Tight junction proteins progressively lost their apically restricted localization. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy revealed the appearance of aberrant strands throughout the lateral membrane that contained claudin-1 and occludin as determined by immunogold labelling. These structural alterations were accompanied by a loss of barrier function. Mutation of the gene encoding EspF, important in the disruption of TJs by EPEC, prevented the disruption of TJs. Tight junction structure normalized following eradication of EPEC with gentamicin and overnight recovery. This is the first demonstration that a microbial pathogen can cause aberrant TJ strands in the lateral membrane of host cells. We speculate that the disruption of integral and cytoplasmic TJ protein interactions following EPEC infection allows TJ strands to form or diffuse into the lateral plasma membrane.
The Measure of a MAC: A Quasi-Experimental Protocol for Tokenizing Force Majeure Clauses in M&A Agreements

We develop a protocol for using a well known lawyer-coded data set on Material Adverse Change/Effect clauses in acquisitions agreements to tokenize and calibrate a machine learning algorithm of textual analysis. Our protocol, built on both regular expression (RE) and latent semantic analysis (LSA) approaches, is designed to replicate, correct, and extend the reach of the hand-coded data. Our preliminary results indicate that both approaches perform well, though a hybridized approach improves predictive power even more. We employ Monte Carlo simulations show that our results generally carry over to out-of-sample predictions. We conclude that similar approaches could be used much more broadly in empirical legal scholarship, most specifically in the study of transactional documents in business law.
The internet is not a big truck: toward quantifying network neutrality

We present a novel measurement-based effort to quantify the prevalence of Internet "port blocking." Port blocking is a form of policy control that relies on the coupling between applications and their assigned transport port. Networks block traffic on specific ports, and the coincident applications, for technical, economic or regulatory reasons. Quantifying port blocking is technically interesting and highly relevant to current network neutrality debates. Our scheme induces a large number of widely distributed hosts into sending packets to an IP address and port of our choice. By intelligently selecting these "referrals," our infrastructure enables us to construct a per-BGP prefix map of the extent of discriminatory blocking, with emphasis on contentious ports, i.e. VPNs, email, file sharing, etc. Our results represent some of the first measurements of network neutrality and aversion.
Decision theory = performance measure theory + uncertainty theory

The decision theory is defined typically as the combination of utility theory and probability theory. In this paper we generalize the decision theory as the performance measure theory and uncertainty theory. Intelligent agents look for approximate optimal decisions under bounded resources and uncertainty. The $-calculus process algebra for problem solving applies the cost performance measures to converge to optimal solutions with minimal problem solving costs, and allows to incorporate probabilities, fuzzy sets and rough sets to deal with uncertainty and incompleteness.
Shifts in U.S. Wind Turbine Equipment Trade in 2010

This paper examines shifts in U.S. wind turbine trade from 2009 to 2010. The results of this analysis indicate that U.S. wind turbine imports decreased significantly from 2009 to 2010 due to a decline in the size of the U.S. market, lower wind turbine prices, several foreign producers’ installations decreasing faster than the market, and the opening of several new U.S. manufacturing plants. U.S. exports rose in 2010 as U.S. producers took advantage of growing markets in Canada and Mexico, but exports remain limited in comparison to imports.
Folklore and Identity in Dracula

Bram Stoker's Dracula employs certain folkloric motifs to express a set of themes grouped under the heading of hegemonic angst. In Stoker's tale of reverse imperialism, the vampiric invader, in a kind of carnivalesque inversion, plays the role of the historical Cortes or the Quijote's captive. Dracula's chief victims, Lucy and Mina, remind us of La Malinche, Cervantes's Zoraida, and other ancient and medieval examples of the sequestered native princess.
Measured Meals: Nutrition in America: By Jessica Mudry

(2012). Measured Meals: Nutrition in America: By Jessica Mudry. Food, Culture & Society: Vol. 15, No. 3, pp. 515-518.
Laboratory Tests Useful in Rheumatological Evaluation

In the common rheumatic (connective tissue) disease eli D ica I rna nifesta tions. e.g., patient's symptoms, the pattcrn and distribution of joint involvement, extra-articular physical findings and chronicity, offer the best diagnostic clues. No single test or battery of tests can supplant a good history, a thorough physical examination, and pertinent x-rays. The value of laboratory tests. however. cannot be negated. Under some circumstances, certain tests are vita I for diagnosis and proper treatment. Septic arthritis and crystal-induced synovitis (gout and pseudogout) are two good examples where laboratory tests are required for absolute diagnosis. The purpose of the present article is to concisely review lhe principles. applications and diagnostic signi.ficance of the laboratory tests t.hat are widely used in clinical rheumatology.
The mouse sperm glycine receptor/chloride channel: cellular localization and involvement in the acrosome reaction initiated by glycine

Previously, we reported that glycine initiates the in vitro acrosome reaction (AR) of porcine and human sperm by a mechanism that includes the glycine receptor/Cl- channel (GlyR) and that this receptor/channel is required for the zona-pellucida-initiated AR. Because mouse sperm are important tools in the study of fertilization, we investigated whether glycine initiated the mouse sperm AR and whether the sperm GlyR was involved in that initiation. Glycine (250 microM to 1 mM) initiated the AR of capacitated but not noncapacitated mouse sperm. The glycine-initiated AR was significantly inhibited by 50 nM strychnine, a neuronal GlyR antagonist. The neuronal GlyR agonists taurine and beta-alanine did not initiate the AR at 1 mM or 5 mM. A monoclonal antibody against the rat spinal cord GlyR significantly inhibited the glycine-initiated AR but not the spontaneous AR. Indirect immunofluorescence localization studies with that monoclonal antibody and postfixed live sperm detected 3 patterns of immunoreactivity involving 2 sites in the periacrosomal plasma membrane. These patterns were as follows: type A localization on the plasma membrane overlying the tip of the anterior acrosomal region; type B localization on the plasma membrane overlying the posterior part of the acrosomal equatorial segment and/or, in acrosome-reacted sperm, the posterior part of the modified equatorial segment; and type C localization that included both type A and type B. Type A and type C localization were only observed on the acrosome-intact sperm. During capacitation, the number of the sperm showing type A localization increased. Our results demonstrate that mouse sperm provide an excellent model for studying the role of the GlyR in the acrosome reaction.
A Truly Level Playing Field for International Business: Improving the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery Using Clear Standards

Combating bribery in international business has become increasingly important in a global economic environment in which deregulation and privatization are popular trends. The Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development's (OECD's) Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions is an important step towards leveling the playing field for foreign companies competing for business abroad. However, this Note concludes that, in order to improve the uniform application of the Convention, the Convention's signatory parties should: (1) adopt a minimum five-year statute of limitations requirement; (2) adopt a fiveyear maximum term of imprisonment for natural persons convicted of bribery; and (3) impose a fine of not less than $175,000 U.S. dollars (USD) for individuals convicted of bribery.
Analysis of glial cell differentiation in peripheral nervous tissue: I. S100 accumulation in quail embryo spinal ganglion cultures

Abstract Levels of S100, a protein characteristic of nerve supportive tissue, undergo two distinct transitions during the development of avian embryonic spinal ganglia. Radioimmunoassay shows that both transitions also occur in cultured spinal ganglia. However, homogeneous cultures of supportive cell precursors from 5-day embryonic spinal ganglia fail to undergo the second developmental transition marked by large increases of S100. Immunohistochemistry, utilizing peroxidase-anti-peroxidase procedures, reveals that homogeneous supportive cell cultures stain lightly and uniformly for S100 whereas whole ganglion cultures contain some intensely stained cells, which are only associated with neuron cell bodies or fibers. Neurons, therefore, may be required to induce high S100 levels in differentiating supportive cells.
Distributed system control based upon combinatorial and probabilistic characterizations of associated decoupling factors

This paper examines the propensities of distributed control systems to lapse into temporally and topologically decoupled states and recommends a generally viable control methodology for distributed systems which reduces this propensity.
Facial Filler Complications.

Abstract The use of facial fillers has greatly expanded over the past several years. Along with increased use comes a rise in documented complications, ranging from poor cosmetic result to nodules, granulomas, necrosis, and blindness. Awareness of the potential types of complications and options for management, in addition to the underlying facial anatomy, are imperative to delivering the best patient care. This article defines the complications and how to treat them and provides suggestions to avoid serious adverse outcomes.
Catholic Social Teaching: A communitarian democratic capitalism for the new world order

Catholic Social Teaching has taken a remarkable turn with the May 1991 document on economic ethics,Centesimus Annus. During their one hundred year history, church documents were notable for their courageous championing of the rights of the least advantaged; they were much less distinguished for their understanding of how markets and incentives function in capitalism. Most business leaders admired church teaching for its compassion but had little respect for its competence. With this most recent document, however, there is a growing conviction that the church may have come of age in economic ethics. Even theWall Street Journal has celebratedCentesimus Annus. The article outlines the highlights of the document and its points of continuity with the tradition. Responses from business and the academy are also briefly considered.
Prediction of compressor stall for distorted and undistorted flow by use of a multistage compressor simulation on the digital computer

A simulation technique is presented for the prediction of compressor stall for axial-flow compressors for clean and distorted inlet flow. The simulation is implemented on the digital computer and uses stage stacking and lumped-volume gas dynamics. The resulting nonlinear differential equations are linearized about a steady-state operating point, and a Routh-Hurwitz stability test is performed on the linear system matrix. Parallel compressor theory is utilized to extend the technique to the distorted inlet flow problem. The method is applied to the eight-stage J85-13 compressor.
Measuring the mass of fission fragments using the HRIBF 25-MV tandem accelerator

A method whereby mass differences can be measured using the 25-MV tandem accelerator at the Holifield radioactive ion beam facility (HRIBF) is presented. The technique is unconventional in that mass differences will be measured as position differences at the image of the energy-analyzing magnet following the accelerator and will be made at energies where independent isobaric determination will be possible by a ΔE measurement. The technique is appropriate where the unknown mass is the most neutron-rich isobaric constituent of the beam, such as for neutron-rich fission fragments.
The effect of diblocks and ripening on the Izod impact of bulk PS/PB blends

Bulk blends were used to study the effectiveness of various PS-PB diblock copolymers in improving the impact strength of PS/PB blends. The blends were produced by compositional quenching, and further ripened to control particle size and the diblock concentration at the homopolymer interface. It was found that an optimal molecular weight of diblock copolymer exists for the maximum notched Izod. Low molecular weight diblocks provided insufficient adhesion due to lack of entanglements, and high molecular weight diblocks provided insufficient interfacial concentration due to stearic crowding. The maximum notched Izod, for 23% rubber phase volume, was achieved with 1-μ particles, a copolymer surface density of 0.17 chains/nm2, some crosslinking, and a medium molecular weight, tapered diblock, Mw = 154,000, having a 30% PS content. The combination of high impact strength, 6.2 ft.-lbf./in., and high modulus, 2.2 GPa, significantly exceeds that of commercially available super high-impact polystyrene. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 72: 1165–1176, 1999
An Empirically Derived Hierarchy of Adaptive Mechanisms and its Usefulness as a Potential Diagnostic Axis

This report empirically examines the utility of the model of ego mechanisms of defense to explain psychological resilience in 307 middle aged men with socially disadvantaged childhoods. The sample has been prospectively followed for forty years. The model arranges defense mechanisms along a hierarchy reflecting severity of psychopathology and hypothetical immaturity. The value of this hierarchy of defenses in relation to diagnosis is discussed.
Three‐dimensional reconstruction of asteroids from radar observations

A program of research has recently been initiated under the NASA Innovative Research Program to develop and test techniques for reconstructing the three-dimensional shapes of asteroids from ground-based radar observations. Presently, no methods exist to do this and the full scientific potential of current radar data sets lies untapped. The situation will become even more pronounced in approximately two years when the upgraded Arecibo radar system becomes capable of regularly producing asteroid data sets with very fine spatial resolution and high signal-to-noise ratios. If successful, the proposed research will significantly increase our knowledge of these objects. The potential and limitations of the techniques developed will be rigorously tested in a series of computer simulations and optical scattering experiments with scale models.
Assessment of the Level of Interactivity of E-Government Functions

ABSTRACT Electronic delivery of information and services has been a key element of many e-government efforts. Interactive e-government functions allow two-way communication and facilitate information exchange and service delivery in a timely manner. This paper presents the findings of a content analysis of 242 local government Web sites about their e-government practices, and considers whether the content of these sites is related to higher levels of computer and Internet use by citizens in those jurisdictions. E-government functions are examined in terms of the level of user control and system responsiveness, which range from one-way, semi-interactive to two-way interactive. This study also develops an index to assess the level of interactivity of e-government functions. Major findings indicate that local governments tend to offer more interactive e-government services on their Web sites in areas where the number of households with computer(s) and Internet connection athome is higher. With knowledge of t...
Axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer: A decision analysis of T1 lesions

Background: The value of routine axillary dissection for patients with breast cancer is still being debated. The argument centers around whether the information gained by knowing the lymph node status, which aids in making the decision about adjuvant chemotherapy, justifies the morbidity. This study quantitatively analyzes the potential outcomes of routine, selective, and no axillary dissection.
Long-term maternal morbidity associated with repeat cesarean delivery

Concern regarding the association between cesarean delivery and long-term maternal morbidity is growing as the rate of cesarean delivery continues to increase. Observational evidence suggests that the risk of morbidity increases with increasing number of cesarean deliveries. The dominant maternal risk in subsequent pregnancies is placenta accreta spectrum disorder and its associated complications. A history of multiple cesarean deliveries is the major risk factor for this condition. Pregnancies following cesarean delivery also have increased risk for other types of abnormal placentation, reduced fetal growth, preterm birth, and possibly stillbirth. Chronic maternal morbidities associated with cesarean delivery include pelvic pain and adhesions. Adverse reproductive effects may include decreased fertility and increased risk of spontaneous abortion and ectopic pregnancy. Clinicians and patients need to be aware of the long-term risks associated with cesarean delivery so that they can be considered when determining the method of delivery for first and subsequent births.
Mine detection performance comparison between manual sweeping and tele-operated robotic system

Mine detection is a dangerous and physically demanding task that is very well-suited for robotic applications. In the experiment described in this paper, we try to determine whether a remotely-operated robotic mine detection system equipped with a hand-held mine detector can match the performance of a human equipped with a hand-held mine detector. To achieve this objective, we developed the Robotic Mine Sweeper (RMS). The RMS platform is capable of accurately sweeping and mapping mine lanes using common detectors, such as the Minelab F3 Mine Detector or the AN/PSS-14. The RMS is fully remote controlled from a safe distance by a laptop via a redundant wireless connection link. Data collected from the mine detector and various sensors mounted on the robot are transmitted and logged in real-time to the remote user interface and simultaneously graphically displayed. In addition, a stereo color camera mounted on top of the robot sends a live picture of the terrain. The system plays audio feedback from the detector to further enhance the user's situational awareness. The user is trained to drag and drop various icons onto the user interface map to locate mines and non-mine clutter objects. We ran experiments with the RMS to compare its detection and false alarm rates with those obtained when the user physically sweeps the detectors in the field. The results of two trials: one with the Minelab F3, the other with the Cyterra AN/PSS-14 are presented here.
Flux growth of pure and doped zircons

Abstract A flux growth technique has been utilized to produce large (up to 2 mm) crystals of pure zircon (ZrSiO 4 ). A variety of other dopants have been used to produce zircons with measurable amounts of trace elements. Observed changes in morphology are interpreted to be the result of growth mechanisms associated with element substitutions in the zircon structure.
The impact of funding on research collaboration: Evidence from a developing country☆

Abstract In this paper we evaluate the impact of research grants on the amount of collaboration among scientific researchers in Argentina. We find a positive and significant impact of funding on collaboration which is measured in terms of the number of co-authors for publications in peer-reviewed journals. Our identification strategy is based on comparing collaboration indicators for researchers with financially supported projects with those of a control group of researchers who submitted projects that were accepted in terms of quality, but not supported because of shortage of funds. We obtain consistent results by using different non-experimental techniques including difference-in-differences models combined with propensity score matching algorithms.