cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ON THE FOUNDATIONS OF MATHEMATICAL ECONOMICS

Kumaraswamy Vela Velupillai74 presents a constructivist perspective on the foundations of mathematical economics, praising the views of Feynman in developing path integrals and Dirac in developing the delta function. He sees their approach as consistent with the Bishop constructive mathematics and considers its view on the Bolzano-Weierstrass, Hahn-Banach, and intermediate value theorems, and then the implications of these arguments for such "crown jewels" of mathematical economics as the existence of general equilibrium and the second welfare theorem. He also relates these ideas to the weakening of certain assumptions to allow for more general results as shown by Rosser51 in his extension of Godel's incompleteness theorem in his opening section. This paper considers these arguments in reverse order, moving from the matters of economics applications to the broader issue of constructivist mathematics, concluding by considering the views of Rosser on these matters, drawing both on his writings and on personal conversations with him.
Numerical simulation of the fluid-structure interaction between air blast waves and free-standing plates

A numerical method is used to compute the flow field corresponding to blast waves of different incident profiles propagating in air and impinging on free-standing plates. The method is suitable for the consideration of compressibility effects in the fluid and their influence on the plate dynamics. The history of the pressure experienced by the plate is extracted from numerical simulations for arbitrary blast strengths and plate masses and used to infer the impulse per unit area transmitted to the plate. The numerical results complement some recent analytical solutions in the intermediate range of plate masses and arbitrary blast intensities where exact solutions are not available. The resulting beneficial effect of the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) in reducing transmitted impulse in the presence of compressibility effects is discussed. In particular, it is shown that in order to take advantage of the impulse reduction provided by the FSI effect, large plate displacements are required which, in effect, may limit the practical applicability of exploiting FSI effects in the design of blast-mitigating systems.
A translation/rotation/scaling/occlusion invariant neural network for 2D/3D object classification

Classifying objects that are distorted by similarity transforms and detection/occlusion noise is a difficult pattern recognition task. A novel and robust neural network solution based on detected surface boundary points is presented. The method operates in two stages. The object is first parametrically represented by a surface reconstruction neural network (SRNN) trained by the boundary points sampled from the exemplar object. When later presented with a distorted object, this parametric representation reduces the effects caused by detection/occlusion and also allows the mismatch information backpropagated through the SRNN to iteratively determine the best similarity transform of the distorted object. The distance measure can then be computed in the reconstructed representation domain between the exemplar object and the aligned distorted object. >
Reply: The Concept of Capital

Edward Denison and I agree that the correct theoretical concept of capital is to consider two capital goods equivalent if they generate the same real net revenue, defined as gross revenue minus variable operating costs measured at a fixed set of output and input prices. Although I showed in my book that the correct concept could be fully implemented for commercial aircraft and electric generating equipment, for other products I was able only partially to take operating costs into account. As a result, both Denison and I agree that my radical revision to the official capital goods deflators does not go far enough and is biased toward understating improvements in quality. Our disagreement comes down to research strategy: I believe that I have progressed partway toward the ultimate goal of implementing the correct concept, while he views such a full implementation as infeasible. As a result, he advocates a return to the traditional criterion of base-period production cost, even though this yields price deflators that ignore improvements in performance (as for computers) and improvements in operating efficiency (as for successive generations of jet aircraft) made possible by technological advances that reduct the cost of production.
Fluorescent Leukocytes Enter Plaque on the Microscope Stage

Atherosclerosis is a disease driven by lipid accumulation and leukocyte influx in the vessel wall.1 Because visualizing leukocyte behavior in vivo is the holy grail for those interested in understanding leukocyte migration, major progress has been made in developing intravital microscopy approaches to study leukocyte movement. Understanding how certain leukocytes, such as T cells, participate in various diseases including cancer2,3 has been one of intravital microscopy’s success stories. The technology has also proven beneficial for understanding basic processes of leukocyte biology, such as the patrolling behavior of monocytes,4 monocyte movement within the spleen,5 the existence of neutrophil slings,6 and the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells to leukocytes in the bone marrow.7 These 3-dimensional methods that combine high temporal resolution, (sub)cellular spatial resolution, and multicolor encoding for multiple cells or proteins can inform on in vivo biology in unprecedented ways, including real-time interaction of cells with each other and the tissue environment. Article, see p 770 One of the major challenges in performing intravital microscopy in live animals is the need to control respiratory, peristaltic, and cardiovascular motion. The beating heart (and to a somewhat lesser degree, the arterial vasculature) in a live animal moves rapidly with a high amplitude of motion. Without sophisticated stabilization methods, cardiovascular motion makes it impossible to focus on a cell residing in tissue, let alone isolation and resolution …
Firm Capital: The Obscure Organizational Assets

Representing the majority of business enterprises, employment, and a substantial portion of the global GDP, collectively, SMEs are significant economic engines. Individually, however, they cannot begin to match the physical and financial, hard capital, assets of their “big business” counterparts. Consequently, their potential growth and survival may depend on how well they can harness the firm capital assets available to them. Firm capital, as defined here, consists of intellectual, customer, structural, cultural, and social capital. This paper explores the sources and uses of firm capital and its role in securing competitive advantage, new income streams, successful leadership transition, and constructive training and mentoring initiatives.
Phase Transitions of Adsorbates: IV, Mechanism of Frost Action in Hardened Cement Paste*

The dimensional changes and the thermograms of cement specimens were determined during temperature cycles (+5° to - 60°C, 0.33°C/min). In each case, freezing processes at -8° and -40°C and melting processes at -11° and 0°C were observed. The results could be explained by a theory previously developed for the porous-glass-water system. At the higher temperature, freezing occurs on the outer surface of the specimen; at the lower temperature, it occurs in the pores after redistribution of the water. Because water does not freeze in pores filled on adsorption, it migrates out of these pores when the relative humidity (expressed in terms of the vapor pressure of undercooled water), unavoidably decreases on cooling. Expansion is deleterious when the water content of the paste is significantly greater than the equilibrium value at the prevailing relative humidity. The effects of the water/ cement ratio, degree of saturation, air entrainment, sample dimensions, and cooling rate were consistent with the theory.
Exploring the Relationship between Conduct Disorder and Residential Treatment Outcomes.

We examined the differential outcomes in residential treatment for youths with conduct disorder (CD)—with special attention paid to interactions with age and gender—in a sample of children and adolescents in 50 residential treatment centers and group homes across Illinois. Multi-disciplinary teams rated youths ages 6–20 (N = 457) on measures of mental health and other factors within 30 days of admission, about 7 months after admission, and at discharge. While both groups initially responded similarly to treatment, the CD group performed better relative to the non-CD group over the full course of treatment, showing healthier relative change on five outcomes variables and more significant improvement. Age range moderated the relationship between CD group membership and change in work/school performance. There were significant between groups differences within the youngest age group (6–11 years) in which the CD group worsened relative to the non-CD group.
Effects of age, weight, hormones, and hibernation on breeding success in boreal toads (Bufo boreas boreas).

Abstract The goals of this study were to test the effects of exogenous hormones and hibernation on breeding behavior and gamete release by boreal toads ( Bufo boreas boreas ). Each year, a subset of 77 toads was hibernated and then paired with hibernated or nonhibernated mates and treated with luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analogue (LHRHa), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), or left untreated. Amplexus and egg and sperm production were recorded. At 1 yr of age, only 19% of pairs exhibited amplexus, and no sperm or eggs were produced. At 2 and 3 yr of age, most male toads treated with LHRHa exhibited amplexus (56.9% and 100%, respectively). Among 2-yr-old males, amplexus was more prevalent (P
Transmission Capacity of Wireless Ad Hoc Networks: Successive Interference Cancellation vs. Joint Detection

The performance benefits of two interference cancellation methods, successive interference cancellation (SIC) and joint detection (JD), in wireless ad hoc networks are compared within the transmission capacity framework. SIC involves successively decoding and subtracting out strong interfering signals until the desired signal can be decoded, while higher-complexity JD refers to simultaneously decoding the desired signal and the signals of a few strong interferers. Tools from stochastic geometry are used to develop bounds on the outage probability as a function of the spatial density of interferers. These bounds show that SIC performs nearly as well as JD when the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) threshold is less than one, but that SIC is essentially useless for SIR thresholds larger than one whereas JD provides a significant outage benefit regardless of the SIR threshold.
Measuring chemical emissions using open-path Fourier transform infrared (OP-FTIR) spectroscopy and computer-assisted tomography

This paper reports on a "eld study that was part of a large-scale, multi-seasonal research study with the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, to measure nitrogen emissions from an intensive swine con"nement facility. The study measured emission rates using tracer gases and a horizontal network of open-path Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) optical rays placed less than a meter above the surface of an approximately 6 acre intensive swine waste lagoon in Eastern North Carolina. This network of rays simultaneously monitored the ammonia and the tracer gases every 2 min. The open-path measurements were combined with the mathematical mapping techniques of computer-assisted tomography (CAT) to create two-dimensional concentration maps of the gases for the entire lagoon surface. For this study, a ratioing technique was applied to the tomographic concentration maps to estimate the nitrogen emission rates (from ammonia) using known tracer emission rates. The average concentrations of ammonia measured in August, November, and May were 0.81, 0.25, and 0.74 ppm, respectively. In general, ammonia concentrations were lowest at the center of the lagoon and could vary across a lagoon from 2 to 4 times depending upon the time of the day and the meteorological conditions. Emission rates were only calculated for November and May, up until midnight. In November 1997, the average #ux was 1910 gNm -min (range 542}4695 gN m-min) and in May the average #ux was 4775 gNm -min (range 2572}8499 gNm -min). This study was important because it not only provided nitrogen emission rate measurements using a new technology which can measure concentrations over large areas in real time, it was the "rst large-scale outdoor "eld study using this application. 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Expression and localization of the novel and highly conserved gametocyte-specific factor 1 during oogenesis and spermatogenesis

Objective To determine the onset of gametocyte-specific factor 1 ( Gtsf1 ) expression in embryogenesis and its relation to Nobox ; and to determine its localization during gonadal development and gametocyte maturation. Design Developmental animal study. Setting University reproductive biology laboratory. Animal(s) Mice ranging in age from embryonic day 12.5 to 8 weeks. Intervention(s) Polymerase chain reaction and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed to determine the onset of and relative messenger RNA expression. Western blot was performed to confirm protein expression and antibody specificity. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used determine localization of expression. Main Outcome Measure(s) Gtsf1 messenger RNA expression levels during embryogenesis through adulthood in wild-type mice and in newborn Nobox knockout mice; GTSF1 expression and localization in postnatal mice. Result(s) Gtsf1 functions downstream of Nobox and is highly expressed in embryonic male and female gonads, localizing to germ cells throughout development. GTSF1 expression is confined to the cytoplasm in all stages of postnatal oocyte maturation and to prespermatogonia during early postnatal testicular development. Conclusion(s) The expression pattern of Gtsf1 and its high conservation suggests that it may play an important role in germ cell development. Further characterization of Gtsf1 may elucidate mechanisms involved in premature ovarian failure.
Endogenous axoplasmic proteins and proteins containing nuclear localization signal sequences use the retrograde axonal transport/nuclear import pathway in Aplysia neurons

When the nuclear localization signal peptide (sp) of the SV 40 large T antigen was coupled to human serum albumin (HSA), rhodaminated (r), and microinjected into axons of Aplysia neurons in vitro, the rHSA-sp was conveyed through the axon to the cell body and then into the nucleus (Ambron et al., 1992). But since rHSA-sp is an artificial construct, we needed to determine whether naturally occurring nuclear proteins use this pathway. We therefore injected calf thymus histone H-1 and Xenopus oocyte nucleoplasmin into axons. By 3 hr both were retrogradely transported and targeted into the nucleus, though histone H-1 less efficiently than rHSA-sp or nucleoplasmin. In contrast, neither rHSA, nor rHSA conjugated to a peptide with a random distribution of basic amino acids, was transported or imported. To see if proteins that use the pathway remain intact, we coupled sp to HRP. When injected into varicosities, the HRP-sp was transported/imported to the nucleus, where it was enzymatically active. A key issue was to determine whether endogenous proteins use this pathway. Consequently, axoplasm was extruded from Aplysia nerves and the proteins were fractionated by size. SDS-PAGE and Western blots showed that two fractions contained proteins that were recognized by an affinity-purified antibody to sp: fraction 3 included sp83, and fraction 4 contained sp75. In addition, these two proteins were found in nuclei isolated from neurons. To assess transport, the total proteins in the fractions were rhodaminated and injected into varicosities. Fraction 3, but not fraction 4, contained protein that was transported through the axon to the nucleus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Network Signal Design Problem for Long-Range Travel Forecasting

The network signal design problem (NSDP) seeks the optimal deployment of traffic signals in a growing urban area. This paper is especially concerned with how signals may be optimally deployed over a very long period of time for the purpose of creating realistic networks for travel forecasting. The NSDP is very difficult to solve for long-range problems because of the large number of possible solutions, the high cost of evaluating the merits of just a single solution, and the complexities of how signal delay affects traffic patterns and how traffic patterns affect signal delay. The paper describes the NSDP, introduces a reasonable set of simplifications based on transportation planning and traffic engineering practice, describes experiences with a possible heuristic algorithm for problem solution, and contrasts this method with current planning practice and other research. The long-range algorithm embeds a “strategic” algorithm for finding an optimal deployment for a single time period with constant travel...
Adaptive Wavelet Filtering for Data Enhancement in Wireless Sensor Networks

Noise (from different sources), data dimension, and fading can have dramatic effects on the performance of wireless sensor networks and the decisions made at the fusion center. Any of these parameters alone or their combined result can affect the final outcome of a wireless sensor network. As such, total elimination of these parameters could also be damaging to the final outcome, as it may result in removing useful information that can benefit the decision making process. Several efforts have been made to find the optimal balance between which parameters, where, and how to remove them. For the most part, experts in the field agree that it is more beneficial to remove noise and/or compress data at the node level. We have developed computationally low power, low bandwidth, and low cost filters that will remove the noise and compress the data so that a decision can be made at the node level. This wavelet-based method is guaranteed to converge to a stationary point for both uncorrelated and correlated sensor data. This is mainly stressed so that the low power, low bandwidth, and low computational overhead of the wireless sensor network node constraints are met while fused datasets can still be used to make reliable decisions.
Thresholded Basis Pursuit: LP Algorithm for Order-Wise Optimal Support Recovery for Sparse and Approximately Sparse Signals From Noisy Random Measurements

In this paper, we present a linear programming solution for sign pattern recovery of a sparse signal, x, from noisy random projections of the signal. We consider two types of noise models: input noise, where noise enters before the random projection, and output noise, where noise enters after the random projection. Sign pattern recovery involves the estimation of sign pattern of a sparse signal. Our idea is to pretend that no noise exists and solve the noiseless l1 problem, namely, min ||β||1 s.t. y - Gβ and quantizing the resulting solution. We show that the quantized solution perfectly reconstructs the sign pattern of a sufficiently sparse signal. Specifically, we show that the sign pattern of an arbitrary k-sparse, n-dimensional signal x can be recovered with SNR - Ω(log n) and measurements scaling as m = Ω,(log n /k) for all sparsity levels k satisfying 0 <; k ≤ an, where a is a sufficiently small positive constant. Surprisingly, this bound matches the optimal Max-Likelihood performance bounds in terms of SNR, re quired number of measurements, and admissible sparsity level in an order-wise sense. In contrast to our results, previous results based on LASSO and Max-Correlation techniques either assume significantly larger SNR, sub-linear sparsity levels or restrictive assumptions on signal sets. Our proof technique is based on noisy perturbation of the noiseless l1 problem, in that, we estimate the maximum admissible noise level before sign pattern recovery fails.
The molecular engineering of acenes: avoiding the drawbacks of improved solubility [organic electronics materials]

Acenes such as anthracene, tetracene and pentacene are high-performance components of several classes of organic devices. Significant research has been aimed at making these normally insoluble materials into compounds that can be processed by solution methods. We report our approach to acene solubilization by careful consideration of how substituents affect the solid-state order of the materials. This change in native order leads to increases in conductivity, and in collaboration with the Jackson group has shown TFT mobilities >0.5 cm/sup 2//Vs from both vapor and solution. With this initial data in hand, we report our progress on second-generation materials designed to address the shortcomings of our initial compounds.
Evaluation of adhesion formation and host tissue response to intra-abdominal polytetrafluoroethylene mesh and composite prosthetic mesh.

Background The purpose of this study was to measure the extent of adhesion formation to ePTFE mesh (DualMesh®, W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc, Flagstaff, AZ) and two composite prosthetic materials, ePTFE and polypropylene (Bard®Composix™, C.R. Bard, Inc, Murray Hill, NJ) and hyaluronic acid/carboxymethylcellulose and polypropylene (Sepramesh™, Genzyme Corp, Cambridge, MA) after their intra-abdominal placement on an intact peritoneum, simulating laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, and to evaluate host tissue response to the prosthetic biomaterials. Materials and methods Through a midline laparotomy, a 2 × 2 cm piece of mesh ( n = 60) was sewn to an intact peritoneum on each side of a midline incision in 30 New Zealand white rabbits. Mesh adhesions were scored using a modified Diamond scale (0 = 0%, 1 = 1–25%, 2 = 26–50%, 3 >50%) at 1, 3, 9, and 16 weeks by serial microlaparoscopy (2 mm). All laparoscopic evaluations were videotaped for blinded scoring by three surgeons. Host tissue response was graded (1–4) for inflammation, tissue ingrowth, and mesothelialization. The predominant cell type (polymorphonuclear leukocytes versus foreign body giant cell) was recorded. Statistical differences ( P value t test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results The mean adhesion score was significantly ( P Conclusions Placing ePTFE mesh (DualMesh®) intra-abdominal against an intact peritoneum results in significantly fewer adhesions than the composite prosthetic meshes during a 4-month follow-up. The host tissue response is equivalent for the three prosthetic biomaterials. The long-term consequences of increased adhesion formation to the composite meshes and the ultimate biocompatibility of the nonabsorbable and absorbable barriers on the polypropylene mesh are to be determined.
Aspect in English and Russian flashback discourses

An important issue that often comes up in research on Russian aspect concerns the puzzling choice of the imperfective versus the perfective aspect in cases where both seem to be possible and seem to have similar meanings. This paper investigates flashback discourses, which often exemplify such cases and reveal criteria for how the choice is made. I provide an analysis of the two aspects in Russian based on these criteria, as well as a comparison of these two aspects to the English perfect and progressive.
Management of Vesicourethral Anastomotic Stricture

Anastomotic strictures or bladder neck contractures are an uncommon complication after radical prostatectomy. While the majority of men with bladder neck contractures are successfully treated endoscopically, a significant number require multiple procedures, and a subset requires open reconstruction. Open surgical repair of refractory bladder neck contracture is a challenging procedure that needs to be tailored to the individual. Careful consideration must be paid to preexisting post-prostatectomy incontinence and de novo incontinence after management of bladder neck contractures as this often requires concurrent or subsequent management with artificial urinary sphincter placement.
Survey of Ebola Preparedness in Washington State Emergency Departments.

Objective The 2014 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa remains the most deadly in history. Emergency departments (EDs) are more likely to come into contact with potential EVD patients. It is important for EDs to be prepared to care for suspected EVD patients. Our objective was to understand the perceived challenges experienced by Washington State ED medical directors in EVD preparedness. Methods An anonymous, electronic survey was sent to a convenience sample of ED medical directors across Washington State between November and February of 2014–2015. The perceived challenges of and attitudes toward EVD preparations were assessed and reported as stratified proportions. Results Of 85 medical directors contacted, 59 responses (69%) were received. This included EDs with annual patient volumes of 60,000 (12 hospitals, 20%). Among the perceived challenges in EVD preparations were spatial modifications (eg, building an anteroom for donning and doffing of personal protective equipment) and waste management planning. Ninety-five percent of respondents moderately or strongly agreed that it is important to have a predesignated hospital to care for EVD patients. Conclusions Washington State ED medical directors have faced significant challenges in ensuring their EDs are prepared to safely care for suspected EVD patients. Attitudes toward EVD preparations are mixed. Varying levels of perceived importance may represent an additional barrier to statewide EVD preparedness. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:662–668)
Hawaiian Raphignathoidea : Family Caligonellidae (Acari: Prostigmata), with descriptions of five new taxa and a key to genera and species

Five new species in the family Caligonellidae from the Hawaiian Islands are described and illustrated: Coptocheles nakaharai n. sp., C. kalapanensis n. sp., C. solanii n. sp., Molothrognathus colei , n. sp., and M. conantae n. sp. The genus Molothrognathus and Neognathus spectabilis Summers & Schlinger, 1955, are reported from the islands for the first time. A key to the genera and species of Hawaiian caligonellids and some discussions on the morphology, biology, ecology, and distribution of the caligonellids are included.
Two-Photon Excited Fluorescence Imaging and Oxygen Flux Analysis of Optical Redox Ratios in Breast Cancer Cells

Dynamic, label-free imaging of cell metabolism using two photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) microscopy typically employs dual wavelength excitation of NADH and FAD+. The intrinsic fluorescence from these two cofactors can be used to calculate an optical redox ratio (ORR) that reflects the cellular metabolic state. In this work, we imaged MCF7 breast cancer cells under normal culture conditions and in response to the mitochondrial disruptors oligomycin and FCCP. By comparing TPEF with conventional oxygen flux analysis (seahorse assay) we validate the ORR for dynamic metabolic imaging over a range of relevant conditions.
Fine-Mapping of Type 2 Diabetes Loci

Genetic association analyses have identified a large number of loci that are associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, the underlying functional T2D variants at most loci remain unknown. Identification of functional T2D variants can be critical to identifying the target gene(s) and direction of effect by which a locus influences T2D risk. A useful approach to narrow a search for these variants is to perform fine-mapping. In this approach, large sample sizes and defined regions are analyzed using genotypes for as many variants as possible through imputation, arrays of densely spaced markers, or sequencing. Meta-analyses are performed in genetically homogeneous and/or in ancestrally diverse samples, and evidence of multiple association signals in a region is dissected. Credible sets of variants for each association signal are then annotated for potential effects on gene function or regulation that can be examined in laboratory studies. Use of the identified variants may improve power to detect interactions with other variants or the environment and may improve genetic predictions of T2D risk.
Microchambers with Solid-State Phosphorescent Sensor for Measuring Single Mitochondrial Respiration.

It is now well established that, even within a single cell, multiple copies of the mitochondrial genome may be present (genetic heteroplasmy). It would be interesting to develop techniques to determine if and to what extent this genetic variation results in functional variation from one mitochondrion to the next (functional heteroplasmy). Measuring mitochondrial respiration can reveal the organelles’ functional capacity for Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and determine mitochondrial damage that may arise from genetic or age related defects. However, available technologies require significant quantities of mitochondria. Here, we develop a technology to assay the respiration of a single mitochondrion. Our “micro-respirometer” consists of micron sized chambers etched out of borofloat glass substrates and coated with an oxygen sensitive phosphorescent dye Pt(II) meso-tetra(pentafluorophenyl)porphine (PtTFPP) mixed with polystyrene. The chambers are sealed with a polydimethylsiloxane layer coated with oxygen impermeable Viton rubber to prevent diffusion of oxygen from the environment. As the mitochondria consume oxygen in the chamber, the phosphorescence signal increases, allowing direct determination of the respiration rate. Experiments with coupled vs. uncoupled mitochondria showed a substantial difference in respiration, confirming the validity of the microchambers as single mitochondrial respirometers. This demonstration could enable future high-throughput assays of mitochondrial respiration and benefit the study of mitochondrial functional heterogeneity, and its role in health and disease.
Becoming Culturally Competent: Adapting Education to Contemporary Social Norms

The rise in public awareness regarding the importance of cultural proficiency is traced through a brief historical overview of pivotal events in the American educational system. Then two important levels of analysis, administrative and teacher-student, are used so as to show how cultural proficiency can be integrated into the educational system. Finally some simple recommendations are provided.
Subcriticality Monitoring for the Accelerator-Driven Thorium Reactor (ADTR TM ) Control

Measuring the reactivity of the accelerator-driven thorium reactor (ADTR) core accurately ensures safe, optimal performance of the reactor. The preferred method is to momentarily drop the accelerator beam current.
CT-04 Using the american college of rheumatology and systemic lupus international collaborating clinics criteria to measure disease severity in discoid lupus erythematosus

Background Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) progresses to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in up to 28% of cases. The 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria were developed to improve the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. So far, the SLICC criteria have not been evaluated in DLE. Methods This is a case-control study comparing patients with DLE who meet ACR and/or SLICC criteria for SLE against patients with DLE-only disease. The data was obtained from an ongoing database with 142 DLE patients at Penn and from their respective medical records. Results Using the ACR criteria, 75 (53%) patients were classified as DLE/SLE and 67 (47%) as DLE-only, compared with 66 (47%) DLE/SLE and 76 (53%) DLE-only patients using the SLICC criteria (p = 0.08). This net increase of eight patients meeting ACR criteria was due to the presence of the photosensitivity criterion and fewer immunologic criteria under ACR. Due to the immunologic criteria requirement under SLICC, it can be challenging to determine an SLE diagnosis retrospectively. Overall, DLE/SLE patients were more likely than DLE-only patients to exhibit hematologic and immunologic criteria with respect to leukopenia (ACR p Conclusion These findings suggest that DLE patients who meet SLE criteria are more likely than their DLE-only counterparts to have more significant internal disease. Both ACR and SLICC criteria are useful in distinguishing DLE patients with internal organ involvement from those without. DLE-only patients may have significant skin disease with 25% of DLE-only patients having moderate to severe skin disease.
Unseen Disruptions and the Emergence of New Organizations

This article develops the theoretical process of organizational speciation to explain how certain new organizations are able to emerge and subsequently disrupt the organizational ecosystem by leveraging the blind spots of existing organizations. The process of organizational speciation addresses the means by which new organizations develop, compete for resources, and survive over time. As a theory of organizational communication, organizational speciation is particularly useful for understanding how rapid disruptions emerge. Changes in a number of industries are utilized to illustrate the process of speciation. This article lays a foundation for research examining how organizations understand and respond to rapid change.
A phase I and pharmacokinetic (PK) study of intravenous (IV) calcitriol and gefitinib assessing EGFR pharmacodynamic (PD) interactions through serial skin biopsies

3995 Introduction: Calcitriol has antitumor activity in a variety of pre-clinical models. We have recently shown that calcitriol, at a concentration of 10nM (not achievable with oral administration), potentiates the antitumor activity of gefitinib in vitro and in vivo . Calcitriol treatment was associated with down-regulation of pAKT and upregulation of pEGFR expression. We have initiated a phase I clinical trial of IV calcitriol and fixed dose gefitinib to determine the maximum tolerated dose of this combination and the PK and PD interaction between these two agents. Methods: Patients with refractory solid tumors are eligible for study treatment provided they have normal organ function, ECOG performance status 0-2, and no history of hypercalcemia. IV calcitriol is infused over 1 hour weekly except Day 8. Gefitinib 250 mg is given orally once a day starting Day 8. Calcitriol is escalated in 3 + 3 design (dose levels (DL): 10, 15, 20, 26, 34, 44, 57, 74, 96, and 125 mcg). No intrapatient escalation is allowed. Calcitriol PKs are obtained on D1 and 15. Punch skin biopsies are obtained pre-study, Day 1 (8 hrs after calcitriol: calcitriol effect), Day 14 (pre-calcitriol: gefitinib effect), and Day 15 (post-calcitriol: calcitriol + gefitinib effect). Results: To date, 24 patients (median age 67; 18/6 M/F) have been treated without a dose-limiting toxicity. Toxicity has been limited to rash (4 patients with grade 2). No hypercalcemia or hyperphosphatemia was noted in cohorts 1-8. Accrual on study is ongoing. No responses have been documented. Stable disease was noted in 1 patient each with NSCLC, penile cancer, GIST, and prostate cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis of EGFR signaling in serial skin biopsies has been performed on cohorts 1-5. Single agent calcitriol (day 1 biopsy) slightly induced EGFR activity (pEGFR, pERK). Gefitinib (day 14 biospy) was associated with marked down-regulation of EGFR signaling in the skin (pEGFR, pERK, pAKT). The addition of calcitriol (day 15 biopsy) attenuated the gefitinib-mediated inhibition of EGFR, ERK, and AKT activity. The relationship between calcitriol dose and AUC was linear over the dose range studied (DL 1-6). At DL 6 (57mcg), the AUC and C max were 30 ng.hr/ml and 8.8 nM. Gefitinib administration had no effect on calcitriol PK profile. Conclusion: At DL ≤ 5, calcitriol attenuates gefitinib-mediated EGFR inhibition. Weekly IV calcitriol can be escalated safely to doses ≥ 57mcg /week (≥ DL7). AUCs achieved at these levels have been associated with antitumor activity in pre-clinical models. These findings support further the investigation of IV calcitriol as an antitumor agent in future clinical studies. Supported by NCI grants CA67267, CA95045 and CA85142
Looking through a different lens: Examining the inequality-mortality association in U.S. counties using spatial panel models.

Abstract Two areas still need further examination in the ecological study of inequality and mortality. First, the evidence for the relationship between income inequality and mortality remains inconclusive, particularly when the analytic unit is small (e.g., county in the U.S.). Second, most previous studies are cross-sectional and are unable to address the recent diverging patterns whereby mortality has decreased and income inequality increased. This study aims to contribute to both topic areas by studying the relationship between inequality and mortality via a spatiotemporal approach that simultaneously considers the spatial structure and the temporal trends of inequality and mortality using county panel data between 1990 and 2010 for the conterminous U.S. Using both spatial panel random effect and spatial panel fixed effect models, we found that (a) income inequality was not a significant factor for mortality after taking into account the spatiotemporal structure and the most salient factors for mortality (e.g., socioeconomic status); (b) the spatial panel fixed effect model indicated that income inequality was negatively associated with mortality over the time, a relationship mirroring the diverging patterns; and (c) the significant spatial and temporal fixed effects suggested that both dimensions are critical factors in understanding the inequality-mortality relationship in the U.S. Our findings lend support to the argument that income inequality does not affect mortality and suggest that the cross-sectional findings may be a consequence of ignoring the temporal trends.
Extreme Space Weather Events: A GOES Perspective

Abstract For more than 40 years, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has continuously monitored the solar and near-Earth space environments in support of space weather operations. Data from this period have covered a wide range of geophysical conditions including periods of extreme space weather such as the great geomagnetic storm of Mar. 1989, the 2000 Bastille Day storm, and the 2003 Halloween storms. While not specifically addressed here, these storms have stressed our technology infrastructure in unexpected and surprising ways (see companion Chapter 24 of this volume). This chapter is focused on space weather data obtained from NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) spacecraft. Signatures for extreme space weather events are in most cases readily apparent in the satellite data. Nevertheless, supporting space weather data from non-GOES sources are included in order to place the extreme cases in their overall environmental context. We present 12 cases of extreme space weather starting with the Mar. 1989 geomagnetic storm and ending with the Saint Patrick's Day storm of 2012. For each case study, an extensive literature search was performed to augment the overall discussions.
Neurofibromin (NF1) genetic variant structure-function analyses using a full-length mouse cDNA.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is caused by pathogenic variants or mutations in the NF1 gene that encodes neurofibromin. We describe here a new approach to determining the functional consequences of NF1 genetic variants. We established a heterologous cell culture expression system using a full-length mouse Nf1 cDNA (mNf1) and human cell lines. We demonstrate that the full-length murine cDNA produces a > 250 kDa neurofibromin protein that is capable of modulating Ras signaling. We created mutant cDNAs representing NF1 patient variants with different clinically relevant phenotypes, and assessed their ability to produce mature neurofibromin and restore Nf1 activity in NF1-/- cells. These cDNAs represent variants in multiple protein domains and various types of clinically relevant predicted variants. This approach will help advance research on neurofibromin structure and function, determine pathogenicity for missense variants, and allow for the development of activity assays and variant-directed therapeutics.
Mechano-Magnetic Telemetry for Underground Water Infrastructure Monitoring

This study reports on the theory of operation, design principles, and results from laboratory and field tests of a magnetic telemetry system for communication with underground infrastructure sensors using rotating permanent magnets as the sources and compact magnetometers as the receivers. Many cities seek ways to monitor underground water pipes with centrally managed Internet of Things (IoT) systems. This requires the development of numerous reliable low-cost wireless sensors, such as moisture sensors and flow meters, which can transmit information from subterranean pipes to surface-mounted receivers. Traditional megahertz radio communication systems are often unable to penetrate through multiple feet of earthen and manmade materials and have impractically large energy requirements which preclude the use of long-life batteries, require complex (and expensive) built-in energy harvesting systems, or long leads that run antennas near to the surface. Low-power magnetic signaling systems do not suffer from this drawback: low-frequency electromagnetic waves readily penetrate through several feet of earth and water. Traditional magnetic telemetry systems that use energy-inefficient large induction coils and antennas as sources and receivers are not practical for underground IoT-type sensing applications. However, rotating a permanent magnet creates a completely reversing oscillating magnetic field. The recent proliferation of strong rare-earth permanent magnets and high-sensitivity magnetometers enables alternative magnetic telemetry system concepts with significantly more compact formats and lower energy consumption. The system used in this study represents a novel combination of megahertz radio and magnetic signaling techniques for the purposes of underground infrastructure monitoring. In this study, two subterranean infrastructure sensors exploit this phenomenon to transmit information to an aboveground radio-networked magnetometer receiver. A flow meter uses a propeller to directly rotate a diametrically magnetized neodymium magnet. A moisture sensor rotates a magnet with a low-power electric motor. Laboratory performance and field tests establish the capabilities of magnetic telemetry for IoT-linked leak-detection sensors. Remote datalogging with encryption demonstrates the viability of integrating sensors and surface receivers into a LoRa wireless IoT network.
A Qualitative Study of Faculty Techniques for Giving Feedback to Interns Following an Observed Standardized Patient Encounter

After an evaluative exercise with standardized patients, 24 Internal Medicine interns each received immediate verbal feedback about their performance from a faculty observer. This study uses qualitative methods to describe the techniques employed by faculty members when providing feedback in this one-on-one setting. One group of techniques was linked to the interns’ self-assessment; a second group consisted of various instructional techniques that resulted in teaching based on the observed performance; the third group of techniques were characterized by reliance on questioning. A small number of faculty used one or more techniques that appeared to inhibit the flow of the session.
PALERMO CONVENTION IN OUR LEGAL SYSTEM: PART OF OUR NATIONAL LAW OR MERELY A SOURCE OF LAW

Article 38 of the 2000 Palermo Convention sets out that the Convention will enter into force after a minimum requirement of ratifying or acceding States are fulfilled that is 40 countries. The Indonesian Government had signed the Palermo Convention on December 12, 2000 and had continued to ratify on April 20, 2009. Here the debate begins in regard with the legal status of the Convention that has been ratified by the Indonesia Government, whether the Convention applies for Indonesia or in Indonesia. In the era of Professor Mochtar Kusumaatmadja, treaties that had been ratified or acceded by the Indonesian Government would ipso facto be enforceable in Indonesia, therefore academics and practitioners convinced that Indonesia was a monist State even though in practice it never showed it. That Indonesia has been running the monism concept, I have repeatedly argued through my writings. It is because the constitutional law experts have defined and described some terms in a wrong way, such as the meaning of ratification of the Vienna Convention 1969, of approval of Parliament under Article 11 of the 1945 Indonesian Constitution, of ratification act set out by Law Nr. 24 of 2000 in regard with International Treaties as well as the meaning of self-executing and non-self-executing treaties. This paper would like to propose a different point of view on the practice of the Indonesian legal system in regard with treaties, especially the legal status of the 2000 Palermo Convention in our legal system. In addition to it, this paper also would like to identify the difference between the international obligations burdened by Indonesia as a State party, with the direct application of the Convention in our national courts, which unfortunately those two concepts are often associated with each other.
Subsurface Sensing of Properties and Defects in Wood and Wood Products

The application of subsurface sensing to wood and wood-based materials is covered in four parts: (1) basic properties; (2) mechanical properties; (3) internal defects; and (4) adhesive bonding. The basic properties include moisture content, density, and grain orientation. Mechanical properties depend heavily on detection of basic properties, and emphasize those properties that are needed to predict strength in service. Internal defects relate to both green materials (trees and logs) and materials in service, primarily heavy dimension. Adhesive bonding includes both bond quality and bond formation. This review will address the determination of physical and mechanical properties of these materials; the detection of defects, both growth and processing; and the combined measurements to determine the conditions of such materials in various stages of processing or end-use. Subsurface sensing of wood and wood-based materials can be defined as any technique to acquire properties of these materials in a non-invasive manner and therefore will be considered similar to nondestructive evaluation.