cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) Genetic Polymorphisms in Predicting the Development of Macrocytic Anemia in HIV+ Patients.

Anemia is the most common hematologic morbidity in HIV+ patients and is associated with increased mortality. In previous studies, we have examined anemia-associated mortality in over 30,000 HIV+ men cared for within the VA system, and have confirmed the increased mortality previously shown to be associated with anemia. Most strikingly, however, we have demonstrated that macrocytosis in particular is an independent risk factor for early mortality even after correcting for alcohol abuse, liver disease, or therapy with AZT. We hypothesize that macrocytosis reflects a proinflammatory state associated with HIV and magnified by co-morbidities. We have therefore sought to link anemia with known markers of underlying inflammation. Genetic variants that affect the level of cytokine gene expression have been shown to influence the development of anemia associated with a variety of illnesses. One such polymorphism occurs in the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene, a cytokine secreted by macrophages and T-cells that induces release of TNF and IL-6 from macrophages. Our group has defined two polymorphisms in the promoter of the human MIF gene that affect the level of MIF expression. The first, a tetranucleotide CATT repeat, occurs 5-8 times within a Pit-1transcription factor binding site, and increased numbers of repeats are associated with higher levels of MIF expression. The second, a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), has been identified at −173 bp (G/C), although its significance in predicting cytokine levels has been hard to separate from the associated CATT repeat polymorphism. High expression MIF polymorphisms have been shown to correlate with the development of anemia in the setting of malaria, to influence recovery from community acquired pneumonia, and to increase the severity of manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. We therefore undertook to examine whether MIF polymorphisms might influence the development of anemia in the setting of HIV. We wished to test the hypothesis that the presence of high-expressing alleles of MIF predisposes to the development of anemia in the setting of HIV, particularly in association with other co-morbid conditions. In order to address this question, genomic DNA isolated/extracted from blood collected as part of the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) has been genotyped for the polymorphisms using a PCR based method. These data are being correlated with anemia, mean corpuscular volume, and CD4 count. We are using Cox proportional hazards models stratified by age, race, HIV severity, and co-morbid disease to examine associations between anemia type/severity and MIF gene polymorphisms. We are currently analyzing the prevalence of high-expressing MIF alleles in non-anemic and anemic patients with and without HIV, using multivariate analysis to identify correlations of genotype with markers of morbidity. It is hoped that these studies will provide insight into the etiology of anemia in HIV+ patients in general, and of macrocytic anemia in particular.
Broad bond rating change and irresponsible corporate social responsibility activities

Abstract This study investigates the association between whether firms are near a broad bond rating change (a rating with a plus or minus specification) and their level of irresponsible corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Using a 24-year panel sample with 1182 U.S. firms and 11,335 firm-year observations, we find that firms near a broad bond rating change tend to reduce their irresponsible CSR activities more than firms that are not near a broad bond rating change. The results persist through a battery of robustness checks. Furthermore, we find that our results are stronger for high growth firms.
Hardware supported persistent object address translation

Emerging non-volatile main memory technologies create a new opportunity for writing programs with a large, byte-addressable persistent storage that can be accessed through regular memory instructions. These new memory-as-storage technologies impose significant challenges to current programming models. In particular, some emerging persistent programming frameworks, like the NVM Library (NVML), implement relocatable persistent objects that can be mapped anywhere in the virtual address space. To make this work, persistent objects are referenced using object identifiers (ObjectID), rather than pointers, that need to be translated to an address before the object can be read or written. Frequent translation from ObjectID to address incurs significant overhead. We propose treating ObjectIDs as a new persistent memory address space and provide hardware support for efficiently translating ObjectIDs to virtual addresses. With our design, a program can use load and store instructions to directly access persistent data using ObjectIDs, and these new instructions can reduce the programming complexity of this system. We also describe several possible microarchitectural designs and evaluate them. We evaluate our design on Sniper modeling both in-order and out-of-order processors with 6 micro-benchmarks and the TPC-C application. The results show our design can give significant speedup over the baseline system using software translation. We demonstrate for the Pipelined implementation that our design has an average speedup of 1.96X and 1.58X on an in-order and out-of-order processor, respectively, over the baseline system on microbenchmarks that place persistent data randomly into persistent pools. For the same in-order and out-of-order microarchitectures, we measure a speedup of 1.17X and 1.12X, respectively, on the TPC-C application when B+ Trees are put in different pools and rewritten to use our new hardware. CCS CONCEPTS • Computer systems organization → Superscalar architectures; • Hardware → Memory and dense storage;
Space-time development of in-medium hadronization : scenario for leading hadrons

Lepton deep inelastic scattering off nuclei at medium energies gives the opportunity to study the space-time development of hadronization. Indeed, for these kinematics, the production length is comparable to the nuclear size. Based on the Berger model [1] and dipole phenomenology, we built a model for vacuum and in-medium hadronization. The model, which includes vacuum energy loss, induced energy loss and nuclear absorption in a parameter-free way successfully describes Hermes data [2, 3]. In a future publication, Fermi motion will be taken into account and the model will be applied to CLAS Eg2 data, at Jefferson laboratory.
Acute Hypoxemia in Infants With Cyanotic Complex Cardiac Anatomy: Simulation Cases for Pediatric Fellows.

Introduction Cardiopulmonary compromises are infrequent but high-acuity events that occur at pediatric hospitals. Simulation is a powerful modality to teach fellows in pediatric critical care, card...
Bayesian Decision Theory

In this chapter we shall present a review of decision theory based on the Bayesian approach to statistical inference and decision making. Decision theory deals with the development of methods and techniques that are appropriate for making decisions in an optimal fashion. In fact, statistics itself is sometimes described as the science of decision making under uncertainty. Although decision theory may not encompass the entire field of statistics, the importance of decision theory has steadily grown during the past 30 years as virtually all the classical problems of statistical inference, and many new problems as well, have been formulated in decision-theoretic terms.
"I Want to Know More!": Children Are Sensitive to Explanation Quality When Exploring New Information.

When someone encounters an explanation perceived as weak, this may lead to a feeling of deprivation or tension that can be resolved by engaging in additional learning. This study examined to what extent children respond to weak explanations by seeking additional learning opportunities. Seven- to ten-year-olds (N = 81) explored questions and explanations (circular or mechanistic) about 12 animals using a novel Android tablet application. After rating the quality of an initial explanation, children could request and receive additional information or return to the main menu to choose a new animal to explore. Consistent with past research, there were both developmental and IQ-related differences in how children evaluated explanation quality. But across development, children were more likely to request additional information in response to circular explanations than mechanistic explanations. Importantly, children were also more likely to request additional information in direct response to explanations that they themselves had assigned low ratings, regardless of explanation type. In addition, there was significant variability in both children's explanation evaluation and their exploration, suggesting important directions for future research. The findings support the deprivation theory of curiosity and offer implications for education.
Naturalness, wild-animal suffering, and Palmer on laissez-faire

This essay explores the tension between concern for the suffering of wild animals and concern about massive human influence on nature. It examines Clare Palmer’s animal ethics and its attempt to balance a commitment to the laissez-faire policy of nonintervention in nature with our obligations to animals. The paper contrasts her approach with an alternative defence of this laissez-faire intuition based on a significant and increasingly important environmental value: Respect for an Independent Nature (RIN). The paper articulates and defends naturalness value and explores its implications for the laissez-faire intuition and for concern about wild-animal suffering.
Relationship Between Prepregnancy Overweight, Obesity, and Preterm Birth in Puerto Rico.

Objectives We examined the association between prepregnancy body mass index (PP-BMI) and preterm birth (PTB) among women in Puerto Rico (PR) as a potentially modifiable risk factor. Methods We conducted a retrospective study using the birth certificate data files from 2005 to 2012 developed by the PR Department of Health to examine the relationship between PP-BMI and PTB. Logistic regression was used to determine crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the categories of PP-BMI of overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2), obesity (≥ 30 kg/m2), and overweight and obesity together (≥ 25 kg/m2) and PTB. Stratified analysis explored the associations between PP-BMI and PTB by region within PR and year. Results Following exclusions of birth records with missing data, 343,508 births were included in our analysis. The percentage of PTB decreased from 18.6 to 15.2 during our study period. Statistically significant differences were observed between preterm and full term births across all covariates. Overweight (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.06, 1.11), obesity (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.14, 1.20), and overweight and obesity together (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.09, 1.14) were significantly associated with increased odds of PTB after adjusting for confounders. The associations between PP-BMI and PTB persisted across all regions and years. Conclusions for Practice PP-BMI is associated with increased odds of PTB among women in PR and the associations were consistent in exploratory analyses. Future research should examine the relationship between PP-BMI and PTB among other Hispanic subgroups and among Puerto Ricans in the mainland United States.
Oral injuries in children less than 24 months of age in a pediatric emergency department.

Abstract Background Oral injuries in young children may indicate physical abuse. The prevalence of oral injuries in young children presenting to the emergency department is unknown. These data would assist providers in making decisions about the need for further abuse evaluation. Objective To determine the prevalence of oral injuries, associated chief complaints and characteristics, and frequency of abuse evaluations in children younger than 24 months presenting to a pediatric emergency department (PED). Participants and Setting: Twelve pediatric emergency medicine physicians consecutively enrolled children younger than 24 months in a tertiary care PED. Methods We performed a prospective observational study. Enrolled patients underwent a complete oral examination. Providers recorded patient demographics, type of chief complaint, oral injury details, developmental ability, and the presence of an abuse evaluation. Results Oral injuries occurred in 36/1303 (2.8%, 95% CI 1.9–3.8%) and were more common in patients with traumatic (26/200, 13%) versus medical chief complaints (10/1,103, 0.9%) (p Conclusions The prevalence of oral injuries in children
Pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS): A review of current available literature.

Abstract Objective Pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS) is a complex syndrome posing a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Our objective was to summarize the available literature regarding its prevalence, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Data Sources A PubMed search was performed to include English language articles with the following search terms: pollen food syndrome, pollen food allergy syndrome, PFAS, oral allergy syndrome, OAS, food anaphylaxis, food components. Study Selections Human articles discussing PFAS. Results Varying reports have been made of the prevalence of PFAS, ranging from 4.7% to greater than 20% in children and 13% to 58% in adults. Prevalence varies widely by geographic region. PFAS is typically the results of class II food allergens (e.g. sensitized to anaeroallergen, but reaction occurs due to cross reactivity from a food allergen). Commonly these reactions are limited to the oropharynx due to the lability of the proteins causing the reaction. As multiple families of proteins with varying stability cause PFAS, severe systemic reactions are also possible, as anaphylactic shock has been documented in up to 1.7% of reactions. Conclusion Pollen food allergy syndrome therefore cannot be dismissed as a benign food allergy, but it needs to be approached individually based on known risk factors.
Abstract 138: Acute Stimulation of Neuro-Adipose Connections Increase Blood Pressure Responses in Male Mice Exposed to Early Life Stress

Visceral adiposity increases sympathetic activation and the risk for obesity-induced hypertension. Experimental stimulation of afferent excitatory signals from adipose tissue contributes to increas...
Association between residential greenness and exposure to volatile organic compounds.

Abstract Residential proximity to vegetation and plants is associated with many health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and mental stress. Although the mechanisms by which proximity to greenness affects health remain unclear, plants have been shown to remove particulate air pollution. However, the association between residential-area vegetation and exposure to volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) has not been investigated. We recruited a cohort of 213 non-smoking individuals and estimated peak, cumulative, and contemporaneous greenery using satellite-derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) near their residence. We found that the urinary metabolites of exposure to VOCs - acrolein, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, benzene, 1-bromopropane, propylene oxide were inversely associated (7–31% lower) with 0.1 higher peak NDVI values within 100 m radius of the participants’ home. These associations were significant at radii ranging from 25 to 300 m. Strongest associations were observed within a 200 m radius, where VOC metabolites were 22% lower per 0.1 unit higher NDVI. Of the 18 measured urinary metabolites, 7 were positively associated with variation of greenness within a 200 m radius of homes. The percent of tree canopy and street trees around participants’ residence were less strongly associated with metabolite levels. The associations between urinary VOC metabolites and residential NDVI values were stronger in winter than in summer, and in participants who were more educated, White, and those who lived close to areas of high traffic. These findings suggest high levels of residential greenness are associated with lower VOC exposure, particularly in winter.
Controlling the Optical Properties of Dynamic Windows Based on Reversible Metal Electrodeposition

We describe physicochemical strategies that allow for control of the transmission and color of dynamic windows based on reversible metal electrodeposition. The electrolyte composition and voltage profile used for Bi and Cu electrodeposition significantly affect the color of the devices as quantified by La*b* space colorimetry (L = lightness, a* = red/green coordinate, b* = yellow/blue coordinate). First, in terms of electrolyte composition, we find that although increasing the Cu ion concentration improves the maximum attainable opacity of the devices, it decreases the color neutrality of the windows. Second, we demonstrate that altering the electrodeposition voltage profile affects the average size of the metal electrodeposits, which in turn dictates device color during tinting. Through a combination of SEM-EDX imaging and Mie theory calculations, we develop a model that satisfactorily predicts the relationship between electrodeposit morphology and color neutrality. By using pulsed electrodeposition to f...
Trends in Pediatric Primary Care Visits Among Commercially Insured US Children, 2008-2016.

Importance Primary care is the foundation of pediatric care. While policy interventions have focused on improving access and quality of primary care, trends in overall use of primary care among children have not been described. Objective To assess trends in primary care visit rates and out-of-pocket costs, to examine variation in these trends by patient and visit characteristics, and to assess shifts to alternative care options (eg, retail clinics, urgent care, and telemedicine). Design, Setting, and Participants Observational cohort study of claims data from 2008 to 2016 for children 17 years and younger covered by a large national commercial health plan. Visit rate per 100 child-years was determined for each year overall, by child and geographic characteristics, and by visit type (eg, primary diagnosis), and trends were assessed with a series of child-year Poisson models. Data were analyzed from November 2017 to September 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures Visits to primary care and other settings. Results This cohort study included more than 71 million pediatric primary care visits over 29 million pediatric child-years (51% male in 2008 and 2016; 37% between 12-17 years in 2008 and 38% between 12-17 years in 2016). Unadjusted results for primary care visit rates per 100 child-years decreased from 259.6 in 2008 to 227.2 in 2016, yielding a regression-estimated change in primary care visits across the 9 years of −14.4% (95% CI, −15.0% to −13.9%; absolute change: −32.4 visits per 100 child-years). After controlling for shifts in demographics, the relative decrease was −12.8% (95% CI, −13.3% to −12.2%). Preventive care visits per 100 child-years increased from 74.9 in 2008 to 83.2 visits in 2016 (9.9% change in visit rate; 95% CI, 9.0%-10.9%; absolute change: 8.3 visits per 100 child-years), while problem-based visits per 100 child-years decreased from 184.7 in 2008 to 144.1 in 2016 (−24.1%; 95% CI, −24.6% to −23.5%; absolute change: −40.6 visits per 100 child-years). Visit rates decreased for all diagnostic groups except for the behavioral and psychiatric category. Out-of-pocket costs for problem-based primary care visits increased by 42% during the same period. Per 100 child-years, visits to other acute care venues increased from 21.3 to 27.6 (30.3%; 95% CI, 28.5% to 32.1%; absolute change: 6.3 visits per 100 child-years) and visits to specialists from 45.2 to 53.5 (16.4%; 95% CI, 14.8% to 18.0%, absolute change: 8.3 visits per 100 child-years). Conclusions and Relevance Primary care visit rates among commercially insured children decreased over the last decade. Increases in out-of-pocket costs and shifts to other venues appear to explain some of this decrease.
Examining Athlete Ally through resource mobilization theory.

Social movement organizations have played an important role in athlete activism. Countless athlete activists have all benefited from having organizations supporting their social justice efforts. On...
The impact of work from home (wfh) on workload and productivity in terms of different tasks and occupations

Most people have to work from home (WFH) due to stay-at-home orders in response to COVID-19 pandemic. The shifting of work environment from regular office to home has caused changes in workload and productivity, which may lead to reduced salaries for employees, economic loss of the companies, and impacts on the national economy. Thus, it is urgent to explore the impacts of WFH on workload and productivity of different employees. A nationwide survey was distributed to collect data about the workload and productivity of regular work and WFH considering different types of tasks and occupations. The findings indicate that WFH causes an increase in workload for all participants by three hours per week and a loss of productivity for 38% participants. Moreover, the technical issues, such as less efficiency of online communication technologies, are the core reasons for the decrease in productivity. For different occupations, employees who regularly work in an office or workstation show a higher workload because their major work can be done at home but require more time due to the technical issues, while on-site occupations and many researchers have less workload because their major work cannot be done at home, such as onsite work and experiments. Then, the workload and complexity of tasks lead to the differences in productivity. In the future, the key problems are how to address the technical issues and strengthen the human-computer interaction to improve the productivity, and support on-site work and lab-based tasks to improve the feasibility of WFH.
Exploring Patterns of Positive and Negative School Climate Experiences among Staff Members in California

Improving school climate remains a priority for improving academic achievement and social emotional learning, and for reducing violence and promoting safe schools. This study examined staff member ...
Loss of Fgf-responsive Pea3 transcription factors results in ciliopathy-associated phenotypes during early zebrafish development

Abstract FGF signaling is used reiteratively during development and elicits several different responses, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, or migration. We parsed the complex FGF intracellular response by creating triple homozygous mutants in the Pea3 subgroup of ETS transcription factors, designated 3etv mutants. The Pea3 proteins Etv4 and Etv5 are expressed in areas of FGF activity; however, their role in FGF signal transduction as either positive or negative modulators of FGF activity was unclear. Using 3etv mutants, we found these genes act redundantly and have phenotypes consistent with known FGF defects in inner ear, pectoral fin, and posterior mesoderm development. Additionally, we uncovered a novel role for the FGF/Pea3 pathway during body axis straightening. 3etv larvae develop a curly-tail up (CTU) phenotype that we linked to mis-regulation of the polycystin and urotensin pathways, which have opposing actions to ensure a straight body orientation along the dorsal-ventral axis. We find that the Etv4/5 transcription factors act as positive regulators of FGF signaling and propose a model where Etv4/5 are required for cilia function downstream of Fgf8a. Summary Statement Pea3 transcription factor triple mutants reveal a role for FGF signaling in balancing polycystin and urotensin signaling to achieve a straight body axis.
Recall effectiveness, strategy, and task complexity in the U.S. meat and poultry industry

Abstract An increasing emphasis on social responsibility from consumers, media, and government agencies has expanded the discourse around product recalls from what can be done to prevent a product recall to also include what can be done to make a product recall more effective to reduce harm to consumers. Surprisingly, little research has addressed the latter, leaving a gap in our understanding, while a substantive body of research has investigated the former. As a result of this gap, managers face a dilemma regarding what recall strategy to adopt in order to conduct an effective recall and reduce harm to consumers. To address this dilemma, we empirically examine how recall strategy affects two measures of recall effectiveness, recall completion time and recalled product recovered, using secondary data from recalls regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture from 2005 to 2015. We further investigate how the difficulty or complexity associated with the recall task may moderate the relationship between recall strategies and recall effectiveness. Our results provide managers with actionable guidance regarding the influence of different recall strategies, and indicate that the effect of recall strategy on performance may depend on the complexity of the recall recovery task.
Spinal Cord Compression

Malignant spinal cord compression is a dreaded consequence of advanced cancer. Patients with this condition have an average life expectancy of 3–6 months. Diagnosis is dependent upon a high index of suspicion, thorough physical exam, and advanced imaging. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment is required to ensure optimal outcomes. This chapter will explore the epidemiology and risk factors for metastatic spinal cord compression. We will discuss the pathophysiology of the condition and clinical presentation. Finally, we will review management of the condition and its implications for planning future care.
Effects of Behaviorally Supported Exercise and Exercise-Induced Mood Changes on Elevated Blood Pressure and Hypertension in African American Adults with Severe Obesity

African Americans with obesity have high rates of hypertension. Exercise has been shown to significantly reduce high blood pressure; however, effects through associated reductions in anxiety and depression are unclear. African American adults with either class 2 or 3 obesity (n = 86; Mage = 43.4 years) and either elevated blood pressure (n = 16) or stage 1 (n = 33) or stage 2 (n = 37) hypertension participated in a theoretically driven community-based weight-management program. There were significant increases in exercise outputs; while systolic and diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and depression significantly decreased from baseline–month 6. Increased exercise significantly predicted reduced anxiety, depression, and diastolic blood pressure. Change in anxiety significantly mediated the relationship between exercise and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure changes. Increasing exercise from the equivalent of 1.5 to 4.5 moderate bouts/week reduced elevated blood pressure/hypertension in African American adults with severe obesity largely through their exercise-associated improvement in anxiety.
Category-2 shunt valve marketed as MRI-Conditional malfunction following routine 3 T magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract Background CSF diversion techniques have been in use for decades, with the first plastic-based ventricular shunt designs originating in the 1960 s. The first generation of valves, termed fixed differential pressure (DP) valves, have a fixed flow rate (low, medium, or high) and require surgical replacement of the valve in order to alter CSF flow dynamics. Second-generation valves, including GAV, dual switch, Delta, Orbis-Sigma, and Sophysa/Siphon X, incorporate an antisiphon mechanism to avoid over drainage. Other second-generation valves are programmable differential pressure valves, and include the Sophy, SPV, CHPV, and Strata NCS. MRI conditional programmable shunts has become a feature of newer models and generations of shunt valves. The benefit of MRI conditionality is considerable, as it diminishes concern for valve setting changes due to MRI magnetism and hence theoretically eliminates the need for post-MRI setting verification. Here we present the case of a patient with a category-2 shunt valve marketed as MRI-conditional placed in 2018 with subsequent valve setting change following MRI and inability to perform external shunt valve setting adjustment following MRI. Case Description: The patient is a 35 year-old woman with a history of posterior fossa medulloblastoma, who underwent surgical resection of this tumor in 2017. Following tumor resection, she developed hydrocephalus, for which she underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement with the category-2 shunt valve marketed as MRI-conditional. She underwent follow-up brain MRI that was performed at 1.5 Tesla, and in accordance with valve manufacturer guidelines. The following morning, her mental status declined and EEG demonstrated left-hemisphere rhythmic delta activity, for which she was loaded with antiepileptic medications. Head CT (Fig. 2) demonstrated evidence of hydrocephalus with transependymal CSF flow. VPS series showed the category-2 shunt valve marketed as MRI-conditional (Certas Plus) at a setting of 7.0, in contrast to her prior setting of 4.0. An emergent VPS revision was performed, at which time the valve was replaced. Conclusions In this case, we present a patient with a shunt valve that is marketed as designed to minimize the unintended setting changes from magnetic interference 3 T MRI, which demonstrated evidence of unexpected setting change with inability to externally adjust following routine MRI. Within 48 h of MRI, she had developed symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure for which she required emergent surgical shunt revision. This case demonstrates the necessity of constant vigilance of possible valve complications, regardless of reported product features. Monitoring valve function closely can avoid potentially fatal malfunctions when detected early.
Using "The Brain" Tool To Create An Identity Mind Map

Location: JC Room G The goal of the mind map is to create a graphic description of a studentâs identity. I have collected the examples over the last ten years of teaching on line and face-to-face and will share selected mind maps with the permission of each creator. These will show a variety of approaches from hand drawn creations to on-line interactive, flexible, and expandable depictions. The mind map exercise is like the concept map approach with a central theme, branches, and subbranches; but all information in the mind map comes from the studentsâ own brain as they do a mental inventory of their accomplishments, recall formative experiences, and contemplate how they fit within their current or planned practice or profession. After showing the examples, I plan to demonstrate âThe Brainâ that will showcase the ease and power of that application. Finally, I plan to provide a template to each of the workshop participants to help them get started on their own mind-map and a link to the on-line application. For those interested in exploring their own identity further, they can expand their creation later at their own convenience or download and use âThe Brainâ that is available on line at no cost.
AGNOSTIC NOMINALISM: RESPONSE TO OTÁVIO BUENO

Otavio Bueno gives a positive and accurate summary of my defense of Platonism, with special emphasis on the epistemological issues. He criticizes “skeptical nominalism”, and proposes instead an “agnostic nominalism”, which treats mathematical objects as “objects of thought”, and neither rejects nor accepts abstract entities. In my response I argue that the main problem for nominalism is to account for abstract properties and relations, and that treating mathematical objects as objects of thought does not provide a satisfactory solution to that end. Resumo: Otavio Bueno apresenta um resumo positivo e correto de minha defesa do Platonismo, com enfase especial nos aspectos epistemologicos. Ele critica o “nominalismo cetico” e propoe um “nominalismo agnostico” que trata os objetos matematicos como “objetos de pensamento”, sem rejeitar ou aceitar entes abstratos. Em minha replica argumento que o problema principal para o nominalismo e dar conta das propriedades e relacoes abstratas, e que tratar os objetos matematicos como objetos de pensamento nao e uma solucao satisfatoria para esse fim. Palavras chave: Verdade. Prova. Nominalismo. Platonismo.
MapReduce SVM Game

Abstract Despite technological advances making computing devices faster, smaller, and more prevalent in today's age, data generation and collection has outpaced data processing capabilities. Simply having more compute platforms does not provide a means of addressing challenging problems in the big data era. Rather, alternative processing approaches are needed and the application of machine learning to big data is hugely important. The MapReduce programming paradigm is an alternative to conventional supercomputing approaches, and requires less stringent data passing constrained problem decompositions. Rather, MapReduce relies upon defining a means of partitioning the desired problem so that subsets may be computed independently and recom- bined to yield the net desired result. However, not all machine learning algorithms are amenable to such an approach. Game-theoretic algorithms are often innately distributed, consisting of local interactions between players without requiring a central authority and are iterative by nature rather than requiring extensive retraining. Effectively, a game-theoretic approach to machine learning is well suited for the MapReduce paradigm and provides a novel, alternative new perspective to addressing the big data problem. In this paper we present a variant of our Support Vector Machine (SVM) Game classifier which may be used in a distributed manner, and show an illustrative example of applying this algorithm.
Segmentation and Texture-Based Hierarchical Rendering Techniques for Large-Scale Real-Color Biomedical Image Data

Hierarchical, texture-based rendering is a key technology for exploring large scale datasets. We describe a framework for an interactive rendering system based on a client/server model. The system supports various output media from immersive 3-D environments to desktop based rendering systems. It uses web-based transport mechanisms to transfer the data between the server and the client application. This allows us to access and explore large-scale data sets from remote locations over the Internet. Hierarchical space-subdivision, wavelet compression, and progressive data transmission are used to visualize the data on the client side.
Identification of a cell-surface protein involved in PC12 cell-substratum adhesion and neurite outgrowth on laminin and collagen.

On substrata coated with laminin or native collagen (Types I/III), PC12 cells employ an active adhesion mechanism (i.e., one inhibited at low temperature, by azide or in the absence of divalent cations) to attach and extend neurites; on substrata coated with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) or polylysine, by contrast, PC12 cells attach via a passive mechanism and fail to extend neurites (Turner et al., 1987). This paper reports the isolation of 2 monoclonal antibodies (3A3 and 1B1) that promote retraction of neurites extended on laminin and collagen. In studies of initial cell attachment, 3A3 inhibited active attachment to laminin or collagen but not passive attachment to WGA or polylysine, whereas 1B1 inhibited both active and passive attachment. The more potent of the antibodies, 3A3, precipitates 2 radioactive protein bands (of approximately 185 and 125 kDa) from 1% Nonidet P-40 extracts of metabolically labeled PC12 cells. The properties of these proteins suggest that the antigen recognized by 3A3 is a member of the integrin family of matrix receptors. The other monoclonal antibody, 1B1, reacts with many PC12 proteins, including both bands precipitated by 3A3. The available data strongly suggest that an integrin with specificity for both laminin and collagen mediates PC12 adhesion to the substratum at both the cell body and the neurite growth cone.
Beyond "lesbian bed death".

Abstract Myths about lesbian sexuality continue to exist but none have received such widespread discussion as “lesbian bed death”, a myth that has become a clinical entity even though it lacks definitional clarity and empirical validity. Its users, often relying on gender socialization theory, overgeneralize and essentialize lesbian women's sexual experiences, obscuring the diversity of lesbian sexual experience. This paper critiques the use of the term “lesbian bed death” and provides examples from sex research and lesbian literature of the panoply of lesbian passions and play.
The Design of the PROMIS Compiler

PROMIS is a multilingual, parallelizing, and retargetable compiler with an integrated frontend and backend operating on a single unified/universal intermediate representation. This paper describes the organization and the major features of the PROMIS compiler.
Judicial Retention Elections

Nineteen states require periodic voter review of incumbent state judges. Voters are given a referendum of whether to retain the current justice or judge. Although few judges lose a retention election, there is considerable variability to the electoral margin. These judicial retention elections are low information contests, and it is not clear how voters make decisions. Bar polls, the result of a survey of a state’s lawyers, are one form of information on how judges are perceived. Much of the scholarly literature on the effect of bar polls on judicial retention election outcomes is decades old, state specific, and mixed in terms of results. Research findings disagree on whether bar polls influence retention election results (Carbon 1980; Goldstein 1980; Stookey and Watson 1980; Hall 1985) or not (Jenkins 1977; Johnson, et al. 1978; Griffin and Horan 1979, 1983; Scheb 1983). This paper investigates the relationship between a judge’s evaluation from bar polls and subsequent electoral outcome and margin. Retention election data are available for several states (IA, IL, MO) and for district courts, appeals courts, and supreme courts. Data extend from 1970-2010, although bar polls are not available for all elections. Measures of partisanship and demographic characteristics are used as control variables. Findings strongly support the view that bar polls do serve as information sources for voters in the aggregate. A judge’s evaluation by attorneys is related to retention election margin.
An Interpretive Argument for Blended Course Design

As courses that once regularly met face-to-face are increasingly offered in blended or fully online formats, questions have been raised about the comparability of instruction, teacher and student roles, and overall quality of the learning experience. The present study offers a five-inference interpretive argument (Chapelle, Enright & Jamieson, 2008a; Kane, 2006) that may be used to guide the design and implementation of blended language curriculum and instruction in which tasks are viewed as micro-formative assessments. An example compares the language practiced and produced by students during three language tasks that were carried out both online and in a classroom setting. Finally, suggestions to guide the gathering of validity evidence for blended language course design are offered.
Metabolic response to glucose ingested with various amounts of protein

Seven healthy, normal-weight subjects were fed breakfasts of 50 g protein, 50 g glucose, and 10, 30, or 50 g protein plus 50 g glucose in random sequence. Plasma glucose, insulin, C peptide, glucagon, nonesterified fatty acids, and alpha-amino nitrogen were then measured from samples obtained over 4 h. The postmeal net area of each response curve was calculated. Ingestion of 50 g protein alone did not change the serum glucose concentration. The various amounts of protein ingested with 50 g glucose also did not alter the serum glucose response compared with that observed with 50 g glucose alone. Ingestion of the various amounts of protein also did not result in a further increase in insulin concentration when ingested with glucose, except with the 50-g-protein dose. This increase was modest. Ingestion of glucose resulted in a decrease in alpha-amino nitrogen and glucagon concentrations whereas ingestion of protein increased them as expected. Additions of progressively larger amounts of protein to the glucose meal resulted in a progressive increase in the alpha-amino-nitrogen- and glucagon-area responses. The relationship was curvilinear for both the alpha-amino-nitrogen response and the glucagon response. The null point, that is, the protein dose ingested with 50 g glucose at which there would be no change in area response, was estimated to be 9 g protein for alpha-amino nitrogen and 5 g protein for glucagon.
Linguistic Diversity and National Unity: Language Ecology in Thailand

Linguistic Diversity and National Unity: Language Ecology in Thailand. William A. Smalley. Chicago and London: University of Chicago Press, 1994. 436 pp.
CANONICAL POLYGONS FOR FINITELY GENERATED FUCHSIAN GROUPS

We consider finitely generated Fuchsian groups G. For such groups Fricke defined a class of fundamental polygons which he called canonical. The two most important distinguishing properties of these polygons are that they are strictly convex and have the smallest possible number of sides. A canonical polygon P in Fricke's sense depends on a choice of a certain "standard" system of generators S for G. Fricke proved that for a given G and S canonical polygons always exist. His proof is rather complicated. Also, Fricke's polygons are not canonical in the technical sense; there are infinitely many P for a given G and S. In this paper, we shall construct a uniquely determined fundamental polygon P which satisfies all of Fricke's conditions for every given G of positive genus and for every given S. We call this P a canonical Fricke polygon. For every given G of genus zero, and S, we shall define a uniquely determined fundamental polygon P which we call a canonical polygon without accidental vertices. From this P, one can obtain in infinitely many ways polygons satisfying l~'ricke's conditions. Our canonical polygons are invariant under similarity transformations of the group G if G is of the first kind. If G is of the second kind, this statement remains true after a suitable modification which will be clear from the construction. The proof involves elementary explicit constructions, and continuity arguments which use quasiconformal mappings, as developed by Ahlfors and Bers. We give a geometric interpretation of the canonical polygons in the last section. This interpretation provided the heuristic idea for the formulation of the main theorem.
Relativistic semiclassical atomic transition rates

Abstract This paper gives a new semiclassical (WKB) solution of the one-electron Dirac equation for electrons in a spherically symmetric atomic potential. The two-component wave-function has several favorable formal properties: it exactly satisfies a relativistic probability conservation equation and exactly reduces to the nonrelativistic semiclassical solution in every detail (including the Langer modification). The solution gives satisfactory predictions of energy-levels, orbit radii and radiative line-strengths.
Impact of donor hepatitis C virus infection status on death and need for liver transplant in hepatitis C virus-positive kidney transplant recipients.

Background Only 29% of deceased donor kidney recipients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) receive HCV-positive (HCV+) kidneys. These kidneys are discarded 2.5 times more often than their HCV-negative (HCV−) counterparts, possibly due to the sense that an HCV+ kidney may adversely affect recipient liver function. The goals of this study were to characterize liver disease in HCV+ kidney recipients and compare rates of liver-related outcomes by kidney donor HCV status. Study Design Observational cohort study. Setting & Participants 6,250 patients with HCV who had a kidney transplant in 1995-2008 as captured in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database. Liver-related outcomes were assessed by cross-linking with the liver waitlist and transplant data sets. Predictor HCV status of transplanted kidney. Outcomes Joining the liver waitlist, receiving a liver transplant, death. Measurements Time to event. Results Only 63 (1%) of HCV+ kidney recipients eventually joined the liver waitlist during the 13-year study period. Those who received HCV+ kidneys had a 2.6-fold higher hazard of joining the liver list ( P Limitations We lacked data for HCV viral load and genotype of both HCV+ recipients and transplanted HCV+ kidneys. Conclusions Because transplant with an HCV+ kidney may reduce waiting-time by more than a year for an HCV+ patient and there is a high risk of kidney waitlist mortality, a 2% increased rate of adverse liver outcomes and 2% increased rate of death at 3 years should not universally preclude the use of HCV+ kidneys when the intended recipient is also HCV+.
Pre-big-bang inflation requires fine-tuning

The pre-big-bang cosmology inspired by superstring theories has been suggested as an alternative to slow-roll inflation. We analyze, in both the Jordan and Einstein frames, the effect of spatial curvature on this scenario and show that too much curvature --- of either sign --- reduces the duration of the inflationary era to such an extent that the flatness and horizon problems are not solved. Hence, a fine-tuning of initial conditions is required to obtain enough inflation to solve the cosmological problems.
Iron, primary production and carbon-nitrogen flux studies during the JGOFS North Atlantic bloom experiment

Primary production was measured every other day towards the end (18–31 May) of the 1989 North Atlantic spring bloom. Rates varied with light and averaged 90.4 mmol C m−2 day−1 at the 47°N, 20°W station. Productivities measured south of Iceland (59°30′N, 20°45′W) were somewhat lower, averaging 83.6 mmol C m−2 day−1. Carbon and nitrogen fluxes were estimated using free-floating, VERTEX type particle trap arrays. To obtain mean rates representative of the North Atlantic spring bloom, flux data from three trap deployments were combined and fitted to normalized power functions: mmol C m−2 day−1 = 14.35 (z/100)−0.946, mmol N m−2 day−1 = 2.34(z/100)−1.02, with depth z in meters. Regeneration rates were: mmol C m−2 day−1 = 0.136(z/100)−1.946, mmol N m−2 day−1 = 0.0239(z/100)−2.02. The carbon export rate from the upper 35 m for the entire NABE study period (24 April to 1 June) was 39 mmol m−2 day−1. This value divided by the averaged productivity for the entire study (86 mmol N m−2 day−1) gave an F-ratio of 0.45. Concentrations of Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in water samples provided by JGOFS NABE scientists involved with primary productivity measurements. Although little contamination was observed for Cu, Ni and Pb, relatively large amounts of Zn (10 nmol kg−1) were found in some cases. In subsequent studies it was learned that this quantity of Zn can depress productivity rates by 25%. North Atlantic dissolved Fe concentrations were similar to those occurring in the Pacific (surface = 0.07; deep = 0.5–0.6 nmol kg−1). Although no evidence of Fe deficiency was found in enrichment experiments, the addition of nmol amounts of Fe did increase CO2 uptake and POC formation by factors of 1.3–1.7. In this region, most of the phytoplankton's Fe requirement is probably met via the lateral transport of Fe from distant continental margins.