cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exact and approximate EM estimation of mutually exciting hawkes processes

Motivated by the availability of continuous event sequences that trace the social behavior in a population e.g. email, we believe that mutually exciting Hawkes processes provide a realistic and informative model for these sequences. For complex mutually exciting processes, the numerical optimization used for univariate self exciting processes may not provide stable estimates. Furthermore, convergence can be exceedingly slow, making estimation computationally expensive and multiple random restarts doubly so. We derive an expectation maximization algorithm for maximum likelihood estimation mutually exciting processes that is faster, more robust, and less biased than estimation based on numerical optimization. For an exponentially decaying excitement function, each EM step can be computed in a single $$O(N)$$ pass through the data, for $$N$$ observations, without requiring the entire dataset to be in memory. More generally, exact inference is $$\Theta (N^{2})$$ , but we identify some simple $$\Theta (N)$$ approximation strategies that seem to provide good estimates while reducing the computational cost.
Detecting Cognitive Change in the Math Skills of Low-Achieving Adolescents:

Current methods for detecting growth of students’ problem-solving skills in math focus mainly on analyzing changes in test scores. Score-level analysis, however, may fail to reflect subtle changes that might be evident at the item level. This article demonstrates a method for studying item-level changes using data from a multiwave experiment with a teaching method called enhanced anchored instruction (EAI). The analysis combines a mixture Rasch model for detecting individual differences within latent groups with a latent transition analysis model for tracking changes in latent group membership over the course of EAI. The analysis clearly indicates the effects of EAI and how they differ for members of each latent class. Comparisons are provided with a standard analysis of changes in test scores. Implications of the new approach are discussed for detecting subtle transformations in the math performance of students across a range of ability levels.
Constitutional Democracy and World Politics: A Response to Gartzke and Naoi

According to our constitutional conception, modern democracy is multi- dimensional: it incorporates the values of faction control, minority rights protection, and informed deliberation, as well as political accountability+ The impact of multi- lateral organizations ~MLOs! on democracy is often not straightforward: it requires careful analysis of how particular MLOs interact with preexisting domestic political institutions within specific issue-areas+ Thus we reject the conventional wisdom that MLOs are necessarily democracy-degrading simply because they are not directly par- ticipatory+ Gartzke and Naoi's critique misstates our views on some fundamental issues+ We clarify our analyses of the multidimensional nature of constitutional democracy; the relationship between democracy and multilateralism; the Madisonian distinction between interest groups that support the general interest and those that do not; and our understanding of the current state of research+ We suggest possibilities for fur- ther elaborating our argument, theoretically and empirically+ Our IO article "Democracy-Enhancing Multilateralism" 1 reframes the ongoing debate over the consequences of multilateralism for democracy by challenging con- ventional claims about the "democratic deficit" problem in global governance+ First, we argue that democracy is an internally complex political ideal that should not be identified simply with mass electoral accountability+ We defend instead a con- stitutional conception of democracy, in which properly constituted democratic polit- ical institutions promote informed deliberation, faction control, and minority rights protection, as well as political accountability+ Second, we argue that the impact of various multilateral organizations ~MLOs! on constitutional democracy depends on how particular MLOs interact with domestic democratic institutions within spe- cific issue-areas+ These two arguments lead us to question the conventional wis- dom that MLOs are necessarily democracy-degrading because they are not directly
Medical management of nephropathy in type I diabetes mellitus: current recommendations.

Diabetic nephropathy is the single most common cause of end-stage renal disease in the United States. Recently, several major therapeutic interventions have been developed and demonstrated to slow or halt the progression of renal failure in patients with diabetes and diabetic kidney disease. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial demonstrated that microalbuminuria developed in fewer patients in the intensive blood sugar control group than in the conventional therapy group. Similarly, the risk of developing proteinuria was reduced by intensive blood sugar control. Multiple studies have demonstrated that in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes and proteinuria, lowering the systemic blood pressure slows the rate of decline in renal function and improves patients9 survival. In the recently completed trial of ACE inhibition in diabetic nephropathy, ACE inhibitors were specifically shown to decrease dramatically the risk of doubling of serum creatinine or reaching a combined outcome of end-stage renal disease or death. In studies in small numbers of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes and established diabetic nephropathy, dietary protein restriction has also been demonstrated to slow the rate of decline of renal function. New potential interventions currently undergoing study include the use of aldose reductase inhibitors, the use of drugs that prevent the formation of advanced glycosylation end-products, and the use of angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Thus, several established benefits have recently been demonstrated to help prevent the development of or slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy, including blood pressure control, blood sugar control, and treatment with ACE inhibitors. Dietary protein restriction may also be of benefit. Multiple new interventions are undergoing clinical trials currently.
Blue light sensory systems in plants

Plant development is influenced by many environmental stimuli, including light, temperature and gravity. Of these stimuli, light is of particular importance because plants depend on it for energy and, thus, for survival. Moreover, virtually all stages of plant development are regulated in part by light through the action of various photosensory systems. Examples of light-regulated processes include germination, stem growth, leaf and root development, tropic responses and flower induction. This review provides an analysis of recent investigations of blue light sensory systems in plants. Current results suggest that plants respond to blue light through a complex photosensory network that incorporates the action of multiple blue light perception systems.
Tourism in US Global Cities: A Comparison of New York and Los Angeles

Tourism has become a key component of both the Los Angeles and New York City economies and an integral part of each city’s urban redevelopment efforts. Its growth has influenced each city’s social ...
Transcription and Translation are Coupled in Archaea

Polysomes have been visualized by electron microscopy attached directly to dispersed strands of genomic DNA extruded from lysed cells of the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakaraensis. These complexes are consistent with transcription and translation being coupled in this Archaeon, with translation of transcripts being initiated before the transcript is complete.
An improved method for predicting the accuracy of genetic stock identification

Estimating the accuracy of genetic stock identification (GSI) that can be expected given a previously collected baseline requires simulation. The conventional method involves repeatedly simulating mixtures by resampling from the baseline, simulating new baselines by resampling from the baseline, and analyzing the simulated mixtures with the simulated baselines. We show that this overestimates the predicted accuracy of GSI. The bias is profound for closely related populations and increases as more genetic data (loci and (or) alleles) are added to the analysis. We develop a new method based on leave-one-out cross validation and show that it yields essentially unbiased estimates of GSI accu- racy. Applying both our method and the conventional method to a coastwide baseline of 166 Chinook salmon (Onco- rhynchus tshawytscha) populations shows that the conventional method provides severely biased predictions of accuracy for some individual populations. The bias for reporting units (aggregations of closely related populations) is moderate, but still present.
The Role of Counseling Psychology in Preventing Male Violence Against Female Intimates

Counseling psychology has a unique and important role to play in the reduction and elimination of interpersonal violence. This article provides a context for furthering preventative efforts within counseling psychology specifically aimed at ending and/or mitigating the effects of male violence against women. A brief discussion of social and cultural considerations in prevention is presented. Suggestions for involvement at five levels of prevention (stopping male violence from ever occurring; delaying the onset of abusive behavior; reducing the impact of men’s violence; strengthening knowledge, attitudes, and behavior promoting healthy relationships; and supporting institutional policies that promote healthy relationships) are provided. Future directions in training, funding, research, and employment for the counseling field are suggested.
DUSKY-FOOTED WOODRAT DEMOGRAPHY AND PRESCRIBED FIRE IN A CALIFORNIA OAK WOODLAND

Abstract We investigated the effects of prescribed understory fire and shrub density on a population of dusky-footed woodrats (Neotoma fuscipes) live-trapped each spring and fall from October 1993 to 2001. We performed model selection with program MARK on capture–recapture data using Pollock's robust design to estimate survival and temporary emigration. Abundance increased from 1993 to a peak in 1997 and then decreased steadily from 1997 to 2001, accompanied by reduced reproduction. Survival was age- and time-dependent. Differential temporary emigration probabilities were explained by home-range size differences. Survival and abundance were higher in plots with high shrub cover vs. plots with low shrub cover. A low-medium intensity, prescribed understory fire in the fall of 1997 had no negative effect on survival or temporary emigration. The only fire-related negative demographic effect was a reduction in the number of juveniles per adult female on burned plots in the spring immediately after the fire. Pr...
War, politics, and superheroes: ethics and propaganda in comics and film, by Marc DiPaolo

Equal parts historical investigation and ethical evaluation, Marc DiPaolo’s 2011 monograph War, Politics, and Superheroes is a valuable contribution to the field of comics studies. Starting with th...
Agency policy preferences, congressional letter-marking and the allocation of distributive policy benefits*

When allocating distributive benefits, bureaucrats must balance their own policy preferences with requests from members of Congress. The elimination of earmarking may provide agency personnel with greater discretion in the allocation of distributive benefits. Using a novel data set of congressional letters written in support of their community’s air traffic control towers, we estimate a model that explores the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to issue national interest exemptions to continue operations at towers slated for closure as a result of budget sequestration. Our analysis suggests that members of Congress do not enjoy the influence they possessed under earmarking when using a new method, letter-marking, to influence how agencies distribute benefits.
247 : Stat1 inhibits mitochondrial biogenesis

Stat1 plays a central role in orchestrating responses to a variety of pathogens by activating the transcription of nuclear encoded genes that mediate the antiviral, antigrowth, and the immune surveillance effects of interferons. Previous studies have indicated that Stat3 plays a role in energy metabolism. Since Stat1 and Stat3 often have antagonist actions, we performed metabolic cage analysis. These studies indicate that Stat1−/− mice display increased energy expenditure compared to Stat1+/+ mice. Furthermore, nuclear magnetic resonance show increased fat storage in Stat1−/− mice. Consistent with elevated energy expenditure, Stat1−/− mice show increased mitochondrial biogenesis in the liver which is a primary response to fasting. Interestingly, Stat1 protein levels are decreased in the livers of fasted mice. RNA levels of PGC1α, a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis is increased in fed Stat1−/− mice compared with Stat1+/+ mice. No further changes in PGC1α levels are observed in livers from fasted Stat1−/− animals while fasted wild type mice have increased levels of PGC1α. These results suggest that Stat1 represses the expression of PGC1a. To explore this possibility, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation assays to examine the binding of Stat1 to the promoter of PGC1α in fed mice and fasted animals. Stat1 binding to the PGC1α promoter was observed in fed mice, and binding was lost in fasted animals. These results identify a previously unknown role of Stat1 in regulation of energy metabolism.
Quantitative Performance Analysis of Haptic Devices With Parallelogram Subsystems

Parallel-architecture haptic devices offer significant advantages over serial-architecture counterparts in applications requiring high stiffness and high accuracy. To this end, many haptic devices have been created and deployed by modularly piecing together several serial-chain arms to form an in-parallel system. Furthermore, recent haptic devices design such as the Sensable’s PHANToM Premium line of haptic devices and Quanser’s High Definition Haptic Device (HD)2 placed the 2nd actuated joint (of a 2-DOF RR serial manipulator) at the base of the device that allowed the control of the 2nd joint through a parallelogram/fourbar structure. This design is favorable from the view point of reducing the overall weight that the first motor has to carry. However, such design choices can affect the overall system performance which depends both on the nature of the individual arms as well as their interactions. In this paper, we build on the rich theoretical background of constrained articulated mechanical systems to provide a systematic framework for formulation of system-level kinematic performance from individual-arm characteristics. Specifically, we discuss: (i) development of pertinent symbolic equations; (ii) generalization to arbitrary architectures; and (iii) combined symbolic/numeric analyses of performance, focusing on manipulability and stiffness. These aspects are illustrated using the example of Quanser High Definition Haptic Device (HD)2 — an in-parallel haptic device formed by coupling two 3-link PHANToM 1.5 type serial chain manipulators with appropriate passive joints.© 2011 ASME
Hydraulic Solution of an Algebraic Equation of the nth Degree

(1901). Hydraulic Solution of an Algebraic Equation of the nth Degree. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 58-59.
Computer-delivered, Home-based, Attentional Retraining Reduces Drinking Behavior in Heavy Drinkers

To examine the impact of a computer-delivered, home-based, alcohol-specific attention modification program (AMP), 41 heavy drinking college students were randomly assigned to AMP or an attention control condition (ACC). Participants selected 10 alcohol-related words most relevant to their own drinking experience as well as 10 neutral words not related to alcohol. These personalized stimuli were used in an attention retaining program based upon the probe detection paradigm twice weekly for 4 weeks. Participants in the AMP condition reported decreased drinking, whereas those in the ACC condition reported no change in their drinking. These preliminary data suggest that a computer-delivered, home-delivered, attention-retraining for alcohol treatment may be an inexpensive and efficacious adjunct to standard alcohol treatments.
Jakarta Under Water: The 2007 Flood and The Debate On Jakarta’s Future Water Infrastructure

This paper examines the debate in the wake of the 2007 flood in Jakarta, the biggest one to occur in the city’s history. By analyzing textual sources both online and in the archives as well as interviews with several actors in the debate, I demonstrate that a new socio-political condition in Indonesia facilitated a vibrant discourse in the wake of a so-called “natural disaster.” In a democratizing society such as Indonesia, state actors no longer monopolized the social production of a “risk object” or a source of danger or harm. I show that the Indonesian public, who participated in the debate, shaped “networks of risk objects” either by “emplacing” a risk object (i.e. defining an entity as an object and linking it to a potential harm) or by “displacing” it (i.e. challenging the existence of a risk object or delinking it from a putative danger) (Hilgartner, 1992). These non-state actors managed to insert themselves into a sphere once dominated by the technocrats, in large part because the press was no longer controlled by the state. In doing so, they exposed the messiness and vulnerability of the city’s water management system. The “risk objects” they identified to run the whole gamut of entities that make up the entire Jakarta’s water management socio-technical system, which includes water technologies, laws, practices, institutions, conditions, policies, and the environment.
Self-Infantilizing Women: Paternalism in Abortion Lawmaking and Legislator Gender

3 Introduction 4 Theory: Women for Women 6 Words Matter: Informing Choice and Building Framework 8 Women-Protective Framework in Anti-Abortion Law 12 Methodology 16 Results 22 Analysis: Why Self-Infantilize? 24 Conclusion 29 References 31 Table of Surveyed Bills 35 SELF-INFANTILIZING WOMEN 3 Abstract: Mainstream feminist political science discourse primarily focuses on abortion as an issue of male dominance over female individuals, and little research has been conducted to determine whether female lawmakers, too, are complicit in paternalism in anti-abortion rhetoric and lawmaking, and the implications of such self-infantilization. The present thesis surveys the existence of paternalistic language in state-level anti-abortion bills for the 2016 legislative session, and analyzes the results by legislator gender. The data conveys that both male and female legislators employ paternalistic language in anti-abortion legislation, which implies there is more to the abortion debate than gender differences. This paper explores the implications and potential causes of female legislators utilizing self-infantilizing language in the context of antiabortion legislation, and argues the need for a significant reorientation of the abortion debate away from men versus women, and towards a discussion of the complex and varied intersections of race, wealth, age, gender and other social factors that affect a woman’s ability to access abortion. Mainstream feminist political science discourse primarily focuses on abortion as an issue of male dominance over female individuals, and little research has been conducted to determine whether female lawmakers, too, are complicit in paternalism in anti-abortion rhetoric and lawmaking, and the implications of such self-infantilization. The present thesis surveys the existence of paternalistic language in state-level anti-abortion bills for the 2016 legislative session, and analyzes the results by legislator gender. The data conveys that both male and female legislators employ paternalistic language in anti-abortion legislation, which implies there is more to the abortion debate than gender differences. This paper explores the implications and potential causes of female legislators utilizing self-infantilizing language in the context of antiabortion legislation, and argues the need for a significant reorientation of the abortion debate away from men versus women, and towards a discussion of the complex and varied intersections of race, wealth, age, gender and other social factors that affect a woman’s ability to access abortion. SELF-INFANTILIZING WOMEN 4
Rule 5: Stay Focused

Staying focused means three things: first, sticking with goals and priorities as defined in your financial plan, and the asset allocation and portfolio selection that serves these goals; second, adjust asset allocation and portfolio selection in response to changes in the macroeconomic and microeconomic conditions that give an advantage to one asset category over another, and to one stock over another. Third, stick with companies with sound economic fundamentals. Staying focused is easier said than done, as it takes patience, persistence, and discipline, very few investors can endure. Patience to perform “due-diligence,” to go over the economic and financial indicators that determine whether a company has sustainable competitive advantage and can maintain it; persistence to overcome the failures, setbacks, and temptations that may take you off your financial plan; and discipline to play the game right, to comply with all the rules and regulations: know what you are doing, work out all the details, and close your ears to sirens, who hype your emotions.
Sphingolipid De Novo Biosynthesis: A Rheostat of Cardiovascular Homeostasis

Sphingolipids (SL) are both fundamental structural components of the eukaryotic membranes and signaling molecules that regulate a variety of biological functions. The highly-bioactive lipids, ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate, have emerged as important regulators of cardiovascular function in health and disease. In this review we discuss recent insights into the role of SLs, particularly ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate, in the pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system. We also highlight advances into the molecular mechanisms regulating serine palmitoyltransferase, the first and rate-limiting enzyme of de novo SL biosynthesis, with an emphasis on the recently discovered inhibitors of serine palmitoyltransferase, ORMDL and NOGO-B proteins. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating this biosynthetic pathway may lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Age and growth, reproductive biology, and histology in Atlantic needlefish (Strongylura marina) in a coastal freshwater lake

The Atlantic needlefish (Strongylura marina) is a coastal epipelagic species inhabiting shallow coastal waters along the western Atlantic coast from Maine to Brazil. Little has been published about the species due to lack of commercial or sport value. A population exists in Lake Mattamuskeet, a coastal lake connected to Pamlico Sound (NC, USA) via four man-made canals, and fish access is controlled by water-control structures. Herein we describe the life history and age and growth dynamics of the species in the lake. Based on anecdotal and state reports, we believe this species may exhibit anadromy. Sampling was from March to May 1997 and 1998, and from March to October 2001. We also collected from another coastal watershed to complete the length distribution. Spring adults had a high gonadosomatic index compared with autumn (fall) adults, which had atresia. No eggs or age-0 fish were captured in the lake during summer. The four length cohorts matched growth and back-calculated length at age. Otoliths were linearly related to fish length and were used for ageing and growth calculations. Although we found no direct evidence of spawning, data compilation suggests that Atlantic needlefish could be using this lake for reproduction.
Experimental Studies on Cultured Species

Several species of trichomycetes are available in axenic culture, and this has permitted the design and analysis of various experiments, some strictly in vitro, others in vivo. Mosquito larvae have been the host of choice for studies with Smittium spp. because of the relative ease with which the larvae can be manipulated and raised axenically in the laboratory, their short developmental cycles, and the background of information on their growth and physiology available to investigators. The fungi used in experimental studies have been Amoebidium parasiticum, Smittium culisetae, S. culicis, S. simulii, S. mucronatum, and several isolates of unidentified Smittium species. Currently available cultures are listed in Appendix C, and methods for their isolation and maintenance in culture are given in Chapter 3.
Daily Reservoir Sedimentation Model: Case Study from the Fena Valley Reservoir, Guam

AbstractA model to compute reservoir sedimentation rates at daily timescales is presented. The model uses streamflow and sediment load data from nearby stream gauges to obtain an initial estimate o...
Activated HGF-c-Met Axis in Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly morbid disease. Recent developments including Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved molecular targeted agent's pembrolizumab and cetuximab show promise but did not improve the five-year survival which is currently less than 40%. The hepatocyte growth factor receptor; also known as mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met) and its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are overexpressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC); and regulates tumor progression and response to therapy. The c-Met pathway has been shown to regulate many cellular processes such as cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. The c-Met pathway is involved in cross-talk, activation, and perpetuation of other signaling pathways, curbing the cogency of a blockade molecule on a single pathway. The receptor and its ligand act on several downstream effectors including phospholipase C gamma (PLCγ), cellular Src kinase (c-Src), phosphotidylinsitol-3-OH kinase (PI3K) alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (Akt), mitogen activate protein kinase (MAPK), and wingless-related integration site (Wnt) pathways. They are also known to cross-talk with other receptors; namely epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and specifically contribute to treatment resistance. Clinical trials targeting the c-Met axis in HNSCC have been undertaken because of significant preclinical work demonstrating a relationship between HGF/c-Met signaling and cancer cell survival. Here we focus on HGF/c-Met impact on cellular signaling in HNSCC to potentiate tumor growth and disrupt therapeutic efficacy. Herein we summarize the current understanding of HGF/c-Met signaling and its effects on HNSCC. The intertwining of c-Met signaling with other signaling pathways provides opportunities for more robust and specific therapies, leading to better clinical outcomes.
Customer emotions minute by minute: How guests experience different emotions within the same service environment

Abstract For years, the importance of customer emotions has been recognized in the service literature. Despite existing research, the discrete emotions generated by each service encounter within the theme park setting deserves more attention. The present research uses a quantitative research method to ascertain the various customer emotions experienced throughout the theme park experience using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Data was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression as well as correlation analysis. Results indicate that the emotions most likely to produce a satisfying theme park experience take place when enjoying rides, dining, and interacting with others. In contrast, the emotions generated while buying tickets were negatively associated with a satisfying theme park experience. Based on the results of this study, the authors provide a series of recommendations to generate positive emotions at key service encounters within the theme park experience.
The Elastic and Diffusional Interaction of Spherical Inhomogeneities in a Uniaxial Stress Field

The influence of an applied uniaxial stress field on the coarsening kinetics of two elastically and diffusionally interacting coherent spherical particles (inhomogeneities) is examined. The particles do not possess an eigenstrain but have elastic constants different from those of the matrix phase, and it is assumed that compositional inhomogeneity in the matrix does not engender stress. Under these assumptions, the elastic fields are obtained to first order in the difference between the elastic constants of the particle and matrix phases. The coupled equations of diffusion and elasticity are then solved and expressions obtained for the matrix composition field, the local normal velocities of the particles, the isotropic particle growth rates, and the velocity of the particles’ centers of mass. The coarsening kinetics are independent of the sign of the elastic inhomogeneity to first order in the difference in elastic constants, when the far-field composition is chosen such that mass is only exchanged between particles. There are large ranges of the thermophysical parameters that allow for inverse coarsening, i.e., the smaller particle grows at the expense of the larger particle. The solutions obtained herein provide a basis for examining the influence of an external stress on microstructural evolution in the late stages of the precipitation process (coarsening).
In Silico Models to Predict QT Prolongation

hERG-mediated sudden death as a side effect of non-antiarrhythmic drugs has been receiving increased regulatory attention. Perhaps owing to the unique shape of the ligand-binding site and its hydrophobic character, the hERG channel has been shown to interact with pharmaceuticals of widely varying structure. A number of in silico approaches have attempted to predict hERG channel blockade. Some of these approaches are aimed primarily at filtering out potential hERG blockers in the context of virtual libraries, while others involve understanding structure–activity relationships governing hERG–drug interactions. This chapter summarizes the most recent efforts in this emerging field.
Regional behavior of pesticide residues in the United States

Originally we became interested in the regional behavior of pesticides through our work on pesticide residue persistence and worker reentry into pesticide- treated crops. The regionality of worker reentry incidents has been reviewed by Gunther et al. (1977) and Nigg and Stamper (1982). Delayed fieldworker reentry illnesses have clustered in the central valley of California. In particular, the longer (3 to 60 day) acute reentry incidents have been limited to California (Fig. 1). Worker reentry regionality has been attributed primarily to weather, use of organophosphate insecticides, and dusty field conditions (Gunther et al. 1977).
Bioremediation of PAH-Contaminated Soil via In-Vessel Composting

This study is being conducted to investigate the biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in contaminated soil using composting technology. Pyrene, a four-ring aromatic hydrocarbon, was chosen as a model PAH compound for the study. Preliminary investigations were carried out to assess the feasibility of soil composting by monitoring (a) carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio, (b) microbial consortia diversity, (c) coefficient of permeability and (d) moisture content. The soil was augmented with composted sludge, which was used as a bulking agent and nutrient supplement, in quantities ranging from 0-50% dry weight basis. Tests were conducted in both batch and continuous composters. In the batch composter, forty grams of soil/sludge mixtures in different proportions were spiked with 13.5 mg/kg (dry weight basis) of unlabeled pyrene. The batch composters were aerated and placed in a constant temperature water bath for a period of 21 days. Samples were soxhelet extracted and analyzed on the High Performance Liquid Chromatograph to determine the reduction in pyrene concentration. Analysis of these samples is in progress. In the continuous composter, the soil/sludge mixtures are spiked with both labeled and un-labclcd pyrene to obtain a total radioactivity of 13.5 µci. This process is being monitored for temperature, moisture content, volatile solids and microbial population. Mineralization of pyrene is assessed by quantifying 14CO2 produced.
Epigenetics of aging

The aging phenotype is the result of a complex interaction between genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors, and it is among the most complex phenotypes studied to date. Evidence suggests that epigenetic factors, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNA expression, may affect the aging process and may be one of the central mechanisms by which aging predisposes to many age-related diseases. The total number of altered methylation sites increases with increasing age, such that they could serve as a biomarker for chronological age. This chapter summarizes the mechanisms by which these epigenetic factors contribute to aging and how they may affect the complex physiology of aging, lifespan and age-associated diseases.
The development and testing of a module on child functioning for identifying children with disabilities on surveys. II: Question development and pretesting.

Abstract Background This paper is part of a series of articles documenting the development of a module on child functioning by UNICEF in collaboration with the Washington Group on Disability Statistics (WG). This paper documents the contribution of Cognitive Interview (CI) question evaluation methods to the development of the final module. Objective The overall goal of this project was to develop a cross-nationally comparable module to measure child functioning and disability. Specifically, the goals of the question evaluation study were to investigate question interpretation, sources of error and bias and to use the results iteratively in the development of the final module. Methods As is standard in CI studies, data were gathered through one-one-one, in-depth interviews. A total of four rounds of testing, comprising 385 Cognitive Interviews, were conducted across six countries. Qualitative data analysis methods were used to identify patterns of question interpretation and areas of potential error and bias among sub-groups of respondents. Results Through an iterative process of testing and revision, analytic findings from these interviews were used to guide decisions on question inclusion, revision and deletion. Four types of revisions were made: 1) changing, deleting or adding specific words; 2) moving, deleting or adding clarifying phrases; 3) revising or deleting items for conceptual clarity; and 4) adding examples. Conclusions These efforts to reduce error and bias resulted in a validated module that can provide cross-nationally comparable measures of child functioning.
The relationship between extreme temperature and emergency incidences: a time series analysis in Shenzhen, China

Extreme temperature has been reported to be associated with an increase in acute disease incidence in several cities. However, few similar studies were carried out in Shenzhen, which is a subtropical city located in the southern China. This study explored the relationship between the emergency incidences and extreme temperatures, and investigated the role of air pollutants played in the temperature-related effects on human health in Shenzhen. We conducted a distributed lag nonlinear model study on the effect of extreme temperatures on emergency incidences in Shenzhen city during 2013–2017. Here, only the total emergency incidences, emergency incidences for respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases were taken into consideration. Air pollution, subgroups, and seasons were adjusted to investigate the impacts of extreme temperatures on emergency incidences. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated with the R software. From lag 0 to 21 days, the RR of temperature-total emergency department visits, temperature-cardiovascular, and temperature-respiratory diseases was 1.09 (95% CI: 0.98–1.20), 1.22 (95% CI: 0.96–1.56), and 1.06 (95% CI: 0.70–1.60) at extremely low temperature (first percent of temperature, 10 °C), respectively. During the same lag days, the RR was 1.02 (95 % CI: 0.92–1.14), 0.64 (95% CI: 0.49–0.86), and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.56–1.53) between extremely high temperature and total emergency department visits, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases, respectively. The cumulative effects gradually went up with time for all types of emergency incidences in warm seasons (5 days moving average of temperature < 22 °C). However, the cumulative effects of total emergency incidences and Cvd emergency incidences were increased within the first lag 5 days, and then decreased until lag 21 in hot seasons (5 days moving average of temperature ≥ 22 °C). The cumulative effects of Res emergency incidences showed a declined trend from lag 0 to lag 21. The elderly (≥ 65, P1: RR = 1.49, 95% CI (1.30, 1.71); P99: RR = 0.86, 95% CI (0.71, 1.04)) and men (P1: RR = 1.27, 95% CI (1.14, 1.42)) seemed to be more vulnerable to extreme temperature than the younger (≤ 64, P1: RR = 1.19, 95% CI (1.08, 1.32); P99: RR = 1.00, 95% CI (0.89, 1.12)) and women (P1: RR = 1.17, 95%CI (1.06, 1.30)). The effects of extremely low temperature on all types of emergency incidences were stronger than those of extremely high temperature in the whole year. In addition, impacts of cold weather lasted about several days while those of hot weather were acute and rapid. An increased frequency of emergency incidences is predicted by rising temperatures variations. These results have clinical and public health implications for the management of emergency incidences.
Da entrevista ao texto biográfico: a construção narrativa de dados em uma pesquisa sobre formação de professores

Neste artigo realizamos a interpretacao de textos biograficos produzidos a partir de entrevistas com estudantes mais velhos do curso de Ciencias Biologicas de um Instituto Federal. Esta foi uma estrategia no interior de uma pesquisa com abordagem biografica, na qual buscamos compreender os sentidos atribuidos a formacao inicial pelos licenciandos, a partir de suas historias de vida. Utilizamos como referenciais as contribuicoes de Novoa e Finger; Bolivar; Delory-Momberger; Ferrarotti; Josso; Ricoeur. Os dados foram construidos de forma narrativa, por isso a opcao pelos textos biograficos como material para interpretacao. Na interpretacao construimos uma narracao que conjugou elementos tal e quais foram ditos pelos estudantes, ao mesmo tempo, em que fizemos descricoes interpretativas que vao alem dos seus horizontes. Dois principais motivos foram depreendidos: a dialetica entre o individual e o coletivo; a demarcacao de um modo de encarar o curso superior como superacao dos dramas vividos ao longo da vida. Os textos biograficos mostraram como os individuos analisam e percebem a realidade, como organizam suas experiencias e dao sentido ao que se vive e ao mundo em que vivem. Percebemos que curso estudado tem transformado a forma como os alunos mais velhos vivem sua formacao e como se relacionam com ela.
Introducing DyMonDS-as-a-Service (DyMaaS) for Internet of Things

With recent trends in computation and communication architecture, it is becoming possible to simulate complex networked dynamical systems by employing high-fidelity models. The inherent spatial and temporal complexity of these systems, however, still acts as a roadblock. It is thus desirable to have adaptive platform design facilitating zooming-in and out of the models to emulate time-evolution of processes at a desired spatial and temporal granularity. In this paper, we propose new computing and networking abstractions, that can embrace physical dynamics and computations in a unified manner, by taking advantage of the inherent structure. We further design multi-rate numerical methods that can be implemented by computing architectures to facilitate adaptive zooming-in and out of the models spanning multiple spatial and temporal layers. These methods are all embedded in a platform called Dynamic Monitoring and Decision Systems (DyMonDS). We introduce a new service model of cloud computing called DyMonDS-as-a-Service (DyMaas), for use by operators at various spatial granularities to efficiently emulate the interconnection of IoT devices. The usage of this platform is described in the context of an electric microgrid system emulation.
Burnout and Emotional Well-Being among Nephrology Fellows: A National Online Survey.

Background Physician burnout and emotional distress are associated with work dissatisfaction and provision of suboptimal patient care. Little is known about burnout among nephrology fellows. Methods Validated items on burnout, depressive symptoms, and well being were included in the American Society of Nephrology annual survey emailed to US nephrology fellows in May to June 2018. Burnout was defined as an affirmative response to two single-item questions of experiencing emotional exhaustion or depersonalization. Results Responses from 347 of 808 eligible first- and second-year adult nephrology fellows were examined (response rate=42.9%). Most fellows were aged 30-34 years (56.8%), male (62.0%), married or partnered (72.6%), international medical graduates (62.5%), and pursuing a clinical nephrology fellowship (87.0%). Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were reported by 28.0% and 14.4% of the fellows, respectively, with an overall burnout prevalence of 30.0%. Most fellows indicated having strong program leadership (75.2%), positive work-life balance (69.2%), presence of social support (89.3%), and career satisfaction (73.2%); 44.7% reported a disruptive work environment and 35.4% reported depressive symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression revealed a statistically significant association between female gender (odds ratio [OR], 1.90; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.09 to 3.32), poor work-life balance (OR, 3.97; 95% CI, 2.22 to 7.07), or a disruptive work environment (OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.48 to 4.66) and burnout. Conclusions About one third of US nephrology fellows surveyed reported experiencing burnout and depressive symptoms. Further exploration of burnout-especially that reported by female physicians, as well as burnout associated with poor work-life balance or a disruptive work environment-is warranted to develop targeted efforts that may enhance the educational experience and emotional well being of nephrology fellows.
Cellular Neural Networks

Many complex scientific problems can be formulated with a regular 2-D or 3-D grid. Direct interaction between the signals on various grid points is limited within a finite local neighborhood, which is sometimes called the receptive field. The original cellular neural network (CNN) paradigm was first proposed by Chua and Yang in 1988 [1, 2]. The two most fundamental ingredients of the CNN paradigm are: the use of analog processing cells with continuous dsignal values, and local interaction within a finite radius. Many results on the algorithm development, VLSI implementations of CNN systems are reported in the first three IEEE International Workshops on Cellular Neural Networks and Their Applications (Budapest, Hungary, 1990; Munich, Germany, 1992; Rome, Italy, 1994); the book entitled: Cellular Neural Networks, which was edited by T. Roska, J. Vandewalle; and papers published in IEEE Trans. on Circuits and Systems, and other IEEE journals and conference proceedings.
Fool's gold: diseased marijuana and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome.

Dear Editor, I am writing in response to the article by Gajendran et al 1 and the editorial by Ron Shay, 'Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome: the conundrum is here to stay'.2 As an emic cultural investigator (anthropologist) and from my vantage point, the problem of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome could easily go away just as quickly as it has appeared. There is a large disconnect between the professional medical community and the marijuana subculture. The majority of the latter are somewhat in denial that cannabis is the cause of this condition and, on the flip side, doctors feel strongly about their conclusions. Perhaps both can be right, because in the marijuana subculture community there are two types of marijuana: 'the sticky, skunky weed' or the 'the bunk weed', 'the dank or the regs' or otherwise viewed as the 'good stuff versus not good stuff'. Were any of the samples of consumed marijuana analyzed during the marijuana hyperemesis diagnosis, as presented in Gajendran et al's paper? Examining the marijuana consumed may help to understand the …
Risk Assessment of Human Consumption of Meat From Fenbendazole-Treated Pheasants

Fenbendazole is a benzimidazole-class anthelmintic that is used for the control of immature and adult stages of internal parasites, such as nematodes and trematodes, in domestic food-animal species. It is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for treating pheasants despite Syngamus trachea being one of the most prevalent nematodes that parasitize pheasants. Because it is a highly effective treatment, e.g., 90% effectiveness against S. trachea, and there are very few alternative therapeutic options, this anthelminthic is used in an extra-label manner in the pheasant industry, but few studies have been conducted assessing risks to humans. Therefore, we conducted a risk assessment to evaluate the potential repeat-dose and reproductive, teratogenic, and carcinogenic human risks that may be associated with the consumption of tissues from pheasants that were previously treated with fenbendazole. We conducted a quantitative risk assessment applying both deterministic and stochastic approaches using different fenbendazole sulfone residue limits (tolerance, maximum residue limits, and analytical limit of detection) established in different poultry species by the Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency, and other regulatory agencies in Japan, Turkey, and New Zealand. Our results show that fenbendazole poses minimal risk to humans when administered to pheasants in an extra-label manner, and a comparison of different fenbendazole sulfone residue limits can help assess how conservative the withdrawal interval should be after extra-label drug use.
Model Minority Stereotype: Addressing Impacts of Racism and Inequities on Asian American Adolescents Development

Research related to racial discrimination has shown negative consequences on Asian American adolescents’ mental health outcomes. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has fueled xenophobic and sinoph...
IPO Governance Case

Orthotec was a successful medtech company that had passed from the original founders to a new generation of owner-managers. In order to buy out the founders, the new owners were looking for a way to raise new capital for expansion as well. From among several options to select, the new owner-managers chose the private equity route. Conflicts soon arose with the new private equity investors joining the board resulting in a conflict that could not be resolved. Eventually, Orthotec was sold to a larger international company who closed the operation, thus leaving the initial aspirations of the company unfulfilled. Investors, management and employees all turned out losers in this conflict.