cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of Pharmacogenomics in Global Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical Trials and Ethical Implications

Decades ago, pharmacogenetic research established that one’s genetic profile might predict efficacy and safety of medicines. Polymorphic expression of isoenzymes of the cytochrome P-450 enzyme system explains a significant amount of the variability of inter-individual responses to medicines. In Alzheimer’s disease, the highly variable clinical response to cholinesterase inhibitors metabolized by the liver is explained on this basis. More recently, translation of basic pharmacogenomic research through the drug development process has led to the approval of ”personalized“ medicines, for example, in the field of oncology, cardiology and psychiatry, based on an individual’s underlying genotypic variance of phenotypically expressed pathogenic targets and pathways. Translational pharmacogenomic research in Alzheimer’s disease has emerged as a viable alternative to the study of large populations with similar phenotypic expression of symptoms through stratification of sub-groups based on ApoE carrier status in clinical trials. When initiating a global research protocol, it is incumbent upon sponsors to actively engage stakeholders in developing and underdeveloped countries, including local government authorities, regulatory bodies, ethics review boards, community representatives and participants, to address all aspects of the clinical trial, especially informed consent, which may be more challenging in countries where local customs and practices dictate the need for innovative approaches. Implementation of pharmacogenomics in the clinical trial requires further attention to ethical detail related to what kind of informed consent is needed for use of stored DNA samples for future, unforeseen related or unrelated research, whether and to whom to disclose current and future study results, and ways by which the benefits of current and future discoveries are shared by stakeholders in developed and underdeveloped or developing countries.
Analyzing the Communicative Functions of Aberrant Behavior

This paper presents some issues related to the assessment of possible communicative functions of aberrant behavior. These issues are addressed in terms of both the behavioral and the pragmatics lit...
An Interactive Web Based Spatio-Temporal Visualization System

Exploratory data analysis can be used to uncover several hidden but interesting patterns that may not be obvious otherwise. Spatio-temporal data offer numerous challenges for such analyses and several approaches have been proposed to address them. In this paper, we present an interactive web based system that can visualize large spatio-temporal data set on a standard web browser. This approach is applied to visualize a large spatio-temporal data set with 2.5 million records and several key patterns of the data are revealed in this process.
Toward a Flourishing Neighborhood: the Association of Happiness and Sense of Community

Although a substantial amount of literature has focused on correlates of happiness, a growing body of research has begun to look at how happiness affects certain life outcomes. Among these are the relationships we have with individuals and with the community itself. The aim of this study was to further this understanding by examining the association between happiness and sense of community (SOC). Data were collected from the monthly Florida Consumer Attitude Survey from 502 adult residents within a neighborhood setting. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to measure the effect of happiness on SOC above and beyond the influence of demographics, neighborhood characteristics, and reported health. Results indicated that age, income, number of years lived in the neighborhood, reported health, and happiness all significantly contributed to SOC, suggesting that happy people may be more connected to their neighborhoods. This relationship has implications for future research as SOC has been shown to be a catalyst for both individual social participation and neighboring as well as community level efficacy and social capital.
3D Deep Convolutional Neural Network Revealed the Value of Brain Network Overlap in Differentiating Autism Spectrum Disorder from Healthy Controls

Spatial distribution patterns of functional brain networks derived from resting state fMRI data have been widely examined in the literature. However, the spatial overlap patterns among those brain networks have been rarely investigated, though spatial overlap is a fundamental principle of functional brain network organization. To bridge this gap, this paper presents an effective 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) framework to derive discriminative and meaningful spatial brain network overlap patterns that can characterize and differentiate Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from healthy controls. Our experimental results demonstrated that the spatial distribution patterns of connectome-scale functional network maps per se have little discrimination power in differentiating ASD from controls via the CNN framework. In contrast, the spatial overlap patterns instead of spatial patterns per se among these connectome-scale networks, learned via the same CNN framework, have remarkable differentiation power in separating ASD from controls. Our work suggested the promise of using CNN deep learning methodologies to discover discriminative and meaningful spatial network overlap patterns and their applications in functional connectomics of brain disorders such as ASD.
A phase I trial of low-dose inhaled carbon monoxide in sepsis-induced ARDS

BACKGROUND. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a prevalent disease with significant mortality for which no effective pharmacologic therapy exists. Low-dose inhaled carbon monoxide (iCO) confers cytoprotection in preclinical models of sepsis and ARDS. METHODS. We conducted a phase I dose escalation trial to assess feasibility and safety of low-dose iCO administration in patients with sepsis-induced ARDS. Twelve participants were randomized to iCO or placebo air 2:1 in two cohorts. Four subjects each were administered iCO (100 ppm in cohort 1 or 200 ppm in cohort 2) or placebo for 90 minutes for up to 5 consecutive days. Primary outcomes included the incidence of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) level ≥10%, prespecified administration-associated adverse events (AEs), and severe adverse events (SAEs). Secondary endpoints included the accuracy of the Coburn-Forster-Kane (CFK) equation to predict COHb levels, biomarker levels, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS. No participants exceeded a COHb level of 10%, and there were no administration-associated AEs or study-related SAEs. CO-treated participants had a significant increase in COHb (3.48% ± 0.7% [cohort 1]; 4.9% ± 0.28% [cohort 2]) compared with placebo-treated subjects (1.97% ± 0.39%). The CFK equation was highly accurate at predicting COHb levels, particularly in cohort 2 (R2 = 0.9205; P < 0.0001). Circulating mitochondrial DNA levels were reduced in iCO-treated participants compared with placebo-treated subjects. CONCLUSION. Precise administration of low-dose iCO is feasible, well-tolerated, and appears to be safe in patients with sepsis-induced ARDS. Excellent agreement between predicted and observed COHb should ensure that COHb levels remain in the target range during future efficacy trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION. ClinicalTrials.gov {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT02425579","term_id":"NCT02425579"}}NCT02425579. FUNDING. NIH grants P01HL108801, KL2TR002385, K08HL130557, and K08GM102695.
Strengths-based restorative approaches to reentry : The evolution of creative restitution, reintegration and destigmitization 1

Efforts to assist in the reintegration of prisoners back into society are typically either risk-based or need-based. An alternative philosophy for reintegration, strengths-based (or ‘restorative’) reentry, treats people returning from prison as assets to be utilized rather than threats. This chapter explores the theory behind these efforts, drawing on one of the original formulations of this perspective in the work of the psychologist Albert Eglash. Eglash argues that the process of redemption requires more than just punishment or providing compensation to one’s victims, but involves individuals going a ‘second mile.’ This ‘second mile,’ which he calls ‘creative restitution’ involves making up for one’s wrong-doing by working to help others, in particular other prisoners or those at risk of going to prison. We argue that these strengths-based efforts work primarily as a stigma management strategy. Individuals who have been punished for doing wrong can redeem their reputations through explicit involvement in help-giving behaviors and other efforts to contribute positively to society. This change in public perceptions can then lead to changes in the person’s own self-beliefs and self-identity. We conclude by exploring a new development in the strengths-based movement, which we describe as going a ‘third mile.’ This involves more direct efforts at stigma reduction through activism on ex-prisoner issues on a political level. We argue that this is a natural next step in efforts towards destigmatization.
Seasonal patterns in hydrochemical mixing in three Great Lakes rivermouth ecosystems

Abstract Rivermouth ecosystems in the Laurentian Great Lakes represent complex hydrologic mixing zones where lake and river water combine to form biologically productive areas that are functionally similar to marine estuaries. As urban, industrial, shipping, and recreational centers, rivermouths are the focus of human interactions with the Great Lakes and, likewise, may represent critical habitat for larval fish and other biota. The hydrology and related geomorphology in these deltaic systems form the basis for ecosystem processes and wetland habitat structure but are poorly understood. To this end, we examined hydrogeomorphic structure and lake-tributary mixing in three rivermouths of intermediate size using water chemistry, stable isotopes, and current profiling over a five-month period. In rivermouths of this size, the maximum depth of the rivermouth ecosystem influenced water mixing, with temperature-related, density-dependent wedging and layering that isolated lake water below river water occurring in deeper systems. The inherent size of the rivermouth ecosystem, local geomorphology, and human modifications such as shoreline armoring and dredging influenced mixing by altering the propensity for density differences to occur. The improved scientific understanding and framework for characterizing hydrogeomorphic processes in Great Lakes rivermouths across a disturbance gradient is useful for conservation, management, restoration, and protection of critical habitats needed by native species.
Once more, with feeling: using sentiment analysis to improve models of relationships between non-state actors

We collect an original corpus of official documents released by Hezbollah and use text analysis to create a measure of their relationships with other non-state groups. Despite recent research that ...
Dynamico: A Multilevel Programming Model of World Trade and Development*

Publisher Summary The concern to provide the United Nations (UN) secretariat with effective and flexible tools for policy assessment and design has stimulated the probing of several complementary procedures of economic analysis. Among the approaches that have been devised in recent years, the one based on multiregion activity analysis has been singled out for its policy relevance, analytical power, and computational flexibility. Although it is aggregate in scope and still unsatisfactory in its data base, the resulting modeling framework provides seldom-available information on inputs and outputs as well as implicit price relations in the world economy. Because of its normative nature, the model contributes to an order-of-magnitude assessment of the opportunity cost of alternative resource-management policies in each of the economies that it includes as well as in the world. The findings of the model are the product of seldom-realized interactions, not only between different world regions but also between the real and value economic variables in each of them. These combined results shed light on the production and exchange linkages within and between each regional system and on the allocative implications of different patterns of world trade and development. DYNAMICO is based on a geographical partition of the world into five developed and five developing regions. These 10 regions are treated as a homogenous whole on the basis of a representative matrix of intermediate and final flows of commodities and primary resources and of a vector of policy targets.
CHAPTER SIX – FUNCTIONS

Publisher Summary The concept of a function has been developed as a means of organizing and assisting in the study of relationships. As graphs are powerful means of exhibiting relationships, this chapter discusses the Cartesian or rectangular coordinate system. The system of real numbers can be associated with points on the real number line, that is, it can be seen that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the system of real numbers and points on the real number line. An analogous way to handle points in a plane can be developed; it is called Cartesian or rectangular coordinate system. The Cartesian coordinate system provides a means of drawing a picture or graph of an equation in two variables. In general, the graph of an equation in two variables x and y means the set in the plane of all points P(x, y), whose coordinates (x, y) satisfy the given equation. The chapter describes a function and presents a number of ways of viewing the function concept. It also explores a few special types of functional relationships—increasing and decreasing functions.
Surgical Strategies for Cerebral Revascularization in Patients with Limited Bypass Conduit Options and Unexpected Intraoperative Difficulties.

Background Cerebral bypass procedures are complex and require substantial experience and skills and thorough preoperative planning. Cerebrovascular surgeons face increasingly complex bypass cases because most routine cases are managed by endovascular means, and because increasing numbers of patients have complex medical problems that affect available and suitable bypass conduit options. We report the cases of several patients undergoing cerebral bypass with limited bypass conduit alternatives, in whom there were unexpected intraoperative difficulties requiring complex solutions. Methods The neurological surgery department database was reviewed to identify patients who had undergone cerebral bypass procedures during a 13-year period in whom there were limited available bypass conduits, and in whom unexpected intraoperative difficulties were encountered during cerebral bypass. Results Patient outcomes and graft patency were evaluated for 13 patients including 6 with ischemia, 3 with giant aneurysms, 2 with mycotic aneurysms, 1 with dissecting aneurysm, and 1 with gunshot-induced pseudoaneurysm. Median duration of follow-up was 43 months. In 12 of 13 patients, bypass graft/grafts were patent on the last computed tomography angiogram. In 1 patient, a prophylactic bypass procedure, the graft was not filling, probably because of lack of demand. Two patients died during follow-up of unrelated causes. Conclusions Cerebrovascular surgeons should be versatile in dealing with patients with complex bypass. When there are limited available conduit options, we find that collaboration with other surgical specialties (e.g., plastics and vascular) is helpful. In patients in whom extreme intraoperative difficulties are expected, thorough preoperative planning with multiple backup plans should be exercised, as described in this report.
Message from the EduPar-20 Workshop Chairs.

Welcome to the NSF/TCPP Workshop on Parallel and Distributed Computing Education (EduPar-20) proceedings. The EduPar-20 workshop, held in conjunction with the IEEE International Parallel and Computing Symposium (IPDPS), is devoted to the development and assessment of educational and curricular innovations and resources for undergraduate and graduate education in Parallel and Distributed Computing (PDC). EduPar brings together individuals from academia, industry, and other educational and research institutes to explore new ideas, challenges, and experiences related to PDC pedagogy and curricula. The workshop is designed in coordination with the IEEE TCPP curriculum initiative on parallel and distributed computing (http://www.cs.gsu.edu/~tcpp/curriculum) for computer science and computer engineering undergraduates, and is supported by the NSF and the NSF-supported Center for Parallel and Distributed Computing Curriculum Development and Educational Resources (CDER).
A human milk-mimicking fluid for PIV experiments

It is essential to formulate a refractive index (RI)-matched fluid to use in silicone phantom models for particle image velocimetry (PIV) experiments. In this work, an extensive effort to develop a non-Newtonian human milk-mimicking fluid (HMMF) with different concentrations of sodium iodide (NaI), glycerol (Gly), xanthan gum (XG), and distilled water (DW) is conducted. Measurements of RI and density are fitted onto a linear empirical expression relating to the NaI and Gly concentration. The Cross model was utilized to find the nonlinear viscosity model of raw human milk. HMMF solution is generated from a multi-constrained optimization. The matched HMMF, suitable for use in the lactating human breast phantom with bifurcated ductal structures, is achieved with composition of 15.69% NaI, 30.27% Gly, 54.02% water and 0.02% XG by weight percentage resulting in a non-Newtonian viscosity matched with that of human milk.
Pretrial Dismissal in the Interest of Justice: A Response to COVID-19 and Protest Arrests

The coronavirus pandemic, which, when paired with unsanitary and overcrowded incarceration conditions, can transform a few months’ sentence into a lifelong health condition or death, compounds the inherent dangers of incarceration in America. Since March 2020, defense attorneys have argued for the release of their clients pending trial, persuasively contending that their clients should not be exposed to a potentially lethal contagious disease for a mere allegation of violating a law. This Essay proposes that courts use their authority to dismiss such cases in the interest of justice and provide a counter to prosecutorial discretion, which has failed to lead us out of over-incarceration in the midst of a pandemic. Fourteen states and Puerto Rico have long recognized judicial power to dismiss a case not on the legal merits, but in the interest of justice. Courts have historically invoked that power to respond to health crises. When COVID-19 transforms any type of carceral punishment into a lethal punishment, courts are equipped to consider these factual circumstances and take an action that most resonates with justice: dismissal. Similarly, when protesters are arrested, courts have occasionally dismissed charges in the interest of justice to protect the principles of freedom of speech. With tens of thousands of individuals arrested at protests during the pandemic, for crimes ranging from curfew violation to disorderly conduct to sedition, dismissal based on public interest and factual context rather than legal propriety may safeguard respect for the criminal legal process in a time when it is most challenged. Finally, state prosecutors nationally anticipate filing charges against defendants once the COVID-19 pandemic abates. In the face of what might be an overwhelming and under-scrutinized docket of cases, dismissal in the interest of justice may become a necessary judicial tool. Judges can dismiss charges in order to manage the docket, focus on higher-level criminal charges, and disrupt the heightened pressure on defendants to plead guilty, particularly to low-level offenses. Quick guilty pleas can result in defendants pleading to unsubstantiated allegations or to crimes they did not commit. This Essay proceeds in four parts. Part I introduces dismissal in the interest of justice, while Part II discusses the impact of COVID-19 on people incarcerated in jails and prisons and the relevance of dismissals during the pandemic. Part III explores the application of dismissal in the interest of justice to protest arrests during the pandemic and protecting freedom of speech principles. Lastly, Part IV suggests that judges dismiss stockpiled charges for which defendants received a citation or are released on bond and months later will face a criminal proceeding. These dismissals can lead to greater efficiency for courts as they face an overwhelming docket of backlogged cases.
MCOLN1 gene therapy corrects neurologic dysfunction in the mouse model of mucolipidosis IV

Mucolipidosis IV (MLIV) is an orphan disease leading to debilitating psychomotor deficits and vision loss. It is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the MCOLN1 gene that encodes the lysosomal transient receptor potential channel mucolipin1, or TRPML1. With no existing therapy, the unmet need in this disease is very high. Here, we showed that AAV-mediated CNS-targeted gene transfer of the human MCOLN1 gene rescued motor function and alleviated brain pathology in the MLIV mouse model. Using the AAV-PHP.b vector in symptomatic mice, we showed long-term reversal of declined motor function and significant delay of paralysis. Next, using self-complementary AAV9 clinical candidate vector, we showed that its intracerebroventricular administration in post-natal day 1 mice significantly improved motor function, myelination and reduced lysosomal storage load in the MLIV mouse brain. Based on our data and general advancements in the gene therapy field, we propose scAAV9-mediated CSF-targeted MCOLN1 gene transfer as a therapeutic strategy in MLIV.
Confirmation of Xp22.11 Duplication as a Germline Susceptibility Alteration in a Wilms Tumor Arising in Horseshoe Kidney

BACKGROUND There is strong evidence of a genetic contribution to Wilms tumor, such as WT1 gene variation or epigenetic changes at chromosome locus 11p15. A previous genome wide association study (GWAS) of Wilms tumor identified other significant association loci including Xp22. Case report: A 4-year-old girl developed a Wilms tumor of the left isthmus of a horseshoe kidney. Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) of peripheral blood showed a 563 kb copy number gain at Xp22.11 that included PRDX4 and ZFX. PRDX4 has been shown to play an active role in the tumorigenesis of malignant neoplasms in various organs. Beckwith-Wiedemann methylation analysis and WT1 sequencing were negative. Whole exome sequencing of peripheral blood revealed pathogenic variant in PMS2 gene (c.765C > A), which is consistent with Lynch syndrome. Conclusion: We report a case of Wilms tumor with germline Xp22.11 duplication which further supports this locus as germline susceptibility alteration for Wilms Tumor.
Single-cell RNA sequencing in pancreatic cancer.

The application of single-cell RNA sequencing platforms has generated notable insights into the heterogeneity underlying pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), encompassing both the neoplastic compartment and the tumour microenvironment. In this Comment, we discuss the most pertinent findings gleaned from both mouse models and human PDAC samples, as well as future opportunities.
Do Reason-Based Abortion Bans Prevent Eugenics?

Two judges of the U.S. Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett and Clarence Thomas, as well as several other U.S. Federal Court of Appeals judges have argued that reason‑based abortion bans are designed to prevent eugenics. Eleven states currently prohibit doctors from performing an abortion if they know that the reason the patient is seeking one is because of the predicted gender, race, and/or disability of the fetus. These prohibitions apply from the moment the biological sex and genetic defects of the fetus can be identified, which is well before viability. Many are closely watching to see whether the new composition of the Court will impact its abortion jurisprudence. The Court’s refusal to prevent the Texas law that allows private actors to enforce a pre‑viability prohibition on abortion has recently gained national attention.3 Another case that is being closely watched is Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which could permit states to enact prohibitions on pre‑viability abortions. This Essay discusses a lesser‑known case through which Roe v. Wade could be gutted—by declaring reason‑based bans constitutional. If the Court finds that one reason‑based abortion ban is constitutionally permissible, it will open the door for states to destroy the fundamental right to abortion by enacting many more reasons for why abortion is impermissible.
Book Review: Handbook of Survival Analysis, 1st ed., edited by J. P. Klein, H. C. van Houwelingen, J. G. Ibrahim, and T. H. Scheike

This is the first edition of the Handbook of Survival Analysis, which is designed to provide a broad coverage of various methodology topics in survival analysis developed in the past three decades....
Astroglial NF-κB mediates oxidative stress by regulation of NADPH oxidase in a model of retinal ischemia reperfusion injury

Astrocytes undergo rapid activation after injury, which is mediated in part by the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB). Consequently, activated astrocytes have been shown to induce the NF-κB regulated phagocyte NADPH oxidase (PHOX), resulting in elevated production of reactive oxygen species. We investigated the regulatory mechanisms of PHOX-induced oxidative stress in astrocytes and its non-cell-autonomous effects on retinal ganglion cell loss following retinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. To study PHOX activity and neurotoxicity mediated by glial NF-κB, we employed GFAP-IκBα-dn transgenic mice, where the NF-κB canonical pathway is suppressed specifically in astrocytes. Our analysis showed that NF-κB activation in astrocytes correlated with an increased expression of PHOX and reactive oxygen species production in primary cells and whole retinas subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation or IR injury. Selective blockade of NF-κB in astrocytes or application of NADPH oxidase inhibitors suppressed retinal ganglion cell loss in co-cultures with astroglia challenged by oxygen-glucose deprivation. Furthermore, genetic suppression of astroglial NF-κB reduced oxidative stress in ganglion layer neurons in vivo in retinal IR. Collectively, our results suggest that astroglial NF-κB-regulated PHOX activity is a crucial toxicity pathway in the pathogenesis of retinal IR injury.
Investigation of azimuthal stresses due to welding and cooldown

For some time, it has been known that a prestress in the cold mass skin surrounding the yoke was desirable for the prevention of unwanted “loose” coil effects on the performance of magnets. From practical experience, it was determined that the hoop stresses developed by seam welding were adequate to provide the desired preload on the coils.
Infrared specular reflectance of pressed crystal powders and mixtures.

Crystal-optic reflectance data from the literature, reflectance measurements at near-normal incidence of pressed powders and from faces of crystals between 1500 and 200 cm−1 are compared. Reststrahlen bands of more than twenty inorganic substances, ranging from sodium nitrate to quartz and magnesium oxide, were scrutinized. Differences among the reflectances of various pellets pressed from ground crystals, microcrystals (size below 20 μm), and smokes (smaller than 1 μm) of the same substance were mostly negligible. Factor of 3 deviations from nominal pressure (11 kbar) also were not significant. Measured powder reflectances agree with averaged crystal-optic reflectances if the low density of powders of harder substances is taken into account (as was partially proved by increasing the pressure to 110 kbar). Mixed powders often showed serious weakening of some nonoverlapping component bands; overlapping bands may become enhanced or weakened. This severely limits the usefulness of the reflection method to obtain information on the composition of mixtures. Band shifts, when they occur, are small. Analogies to two-mode behavior of mixed crystals in lattice-disorder studies may exist. The results cannot be explained by any of the effective medium mixing rules or absorption index averaging of classical oscillator theory.
Comparison of a Hand-Held and Fixed Dynamometer in Measuring Strength of Patients With Neuromuscular Disease

While numerous studies report acceptable reliability of hand-held dynamometers, very little information is available on factors affecting measurements and comparisons with other force measurement systems. A hand-held dynamometer was compared to a fixed dynamometer to determine if the two systems of force measurement yielded comparable results. Twenty-one patients with neuromuscular disease were measured for maximal isometric strength of 12 muscle groups with both force measurement systems using standardized positioning and stabilization procedures. Only one of the 12 muscle groups tested demonstrated significantly different force measurements between the two systems. Good association was found between both systems in force measurements, with Pearson correlation coefficients ranging from .76 to .90. We conclude that a hand-held dynamometer and a fixed dynamometer yield comparable results in patients with neuromuscular disease, provided that testing is limited to muscle groups producing relatively low forces.
How thick is a liquid-vapor interface?

The structure of the interface of an argonlike fluid in equilibrium with its vapor near the triple point is studied using Monte Carlo simulation. By referring particle coordinates to the capillary waves and calculating the transverse structure factor in that reference frame, one can determine the penetration depth of the capillary waves into the bulk as a function of the wave vector. The penetration depth of the lowest capillary mode is consistent with the interfacial thickness as determined from the intrinsic density profile, and the data for the higher modes suggest that the penetration depth might be independent ofk.
Summer programming in rural communities: Unique challenges

During the past several decades, child poverty rates have been higher in rural than in urban areas, and now 2.5 million children live in deep poverty in rural America. Studies indicate that poor children are most affected by the typical “summer slide.” Summer programming has the ability to address the issues of academic loss, nutritional loss, and the lack of safe and constructive enrichment activities. However, poor rural communities face three major challenges in implementing summer programming: community resources, human capital, and accessibility. The success of Energy Express, a statewide award-winning six-week summer reading and nutrition program in West Virginia, documents strategies for overcoming the challenges faced by poor, rural communities in providing summer programs. Energy Express (1) uses community collaboration to augment resources and develop community ownership, (2) builds human capital and reverses the acknowledged brain drain by engaging college students and community volunteers in meaningful service, and (3) increases accessibility through creative transportation strategies. West Virginia University Extension Service, the outreach arm of the land-grant institution, partners with AmeriCorps, a national service program, and various state and local agencies and organizations to implement a program that produces robust results.
Modification of the carbon fiber/matrix interface using gas plasma treatment with acetylene and oxygen

Acetylene and oxygen gas plasma treatment of PAN-based carbon fibers to increase the interfacial shear strength was investigated. The effects of different gas mixtures and exposure times were studied. Changes in the fiber surface chemistry were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and wetting tests. The adhesion of epoxy to treated fibers was measured using the microbond technique and untreated fibers were tested to serve as controls. It was found that a significant improvement (α = 0.01) in the interfacial shear strength was obtained for fibers exposed to the plasma for 1 min at a ratio of 2 : 1 (acetylene/oxygen). However, the plasma treatments did not influence significantly (α = 0.01) the tensile strength of any of the fibers. FTIR analysis of the plasma film produced on glass slides under the treatment conditions showed that the expected chemical film composition for polyacetylene was achieved. Analysis of the fiber surface by wetting tests in...
“History, Huh, Yeah What is it Good for? Absolutely Nothing” … or is it?

Human resource development (HRD) professionals have an obligation to provide programs/products with the highest probability of success. The exclusion of workers' perspectives, from their standpoint, would seem to produce suboptimal results. Therefore, consulting workers' literature, labor and working class histories, management histories, and other sources that represent the workers' lived experiences would, on the face of it, provide additional data that would help gain insights into the root cause failure of past programs and increase the probability of success. These data sources also raise awareness of topics not typically found in a managerial discourse. Suggested sources are included.
Taming free energy landscapes with RNA chaperones.

Many non-coding RNAs fold into complex three-dimensional structures, yet the self-assembly of RNA structure is hampered by mispairing, weak tertiary interactions, electrostatic barriers, and the frequent requirement that the 5’ and 3’ ends of the transcript interact. This rugged free energy landscape for RNA folding means that some RNA molecules in a population rapidly form their native structure, while many others become kinetically trapped in misfolded conformations. Transient binding of RNA chaperone proteins destabilize misfolded intermediates and lower the transition states between conformations, producing a smoother landscape that increases the rate of folding and the probability that a molecule will find the native structure. DEAD-box proteins couple the chemical potential of ATP hydrolysis with repetitive cycles of RNA binding and release, expanding the range of conditions under which they can refold RNA structures.
Cooling performance of a microchannel heat sink with nanofluids

Abstract In this paper, the cooling performance of a microchannel heat sink with nanoparticle–fluid suspensions (“nanofluids”) is numerically investigated. By using a theoretical model of thermal conductivity of nanofluids that accounts for the fundamental role of Brownian motion, we investigate the temperature contours and thermal resistance of a microchannel heat sink with nanofluids such as 6 nm copper-in-water and 2 nm diamond-in-water. The results show that the cooling performance of a microchannel heat sink with water-based nanofluids containing diamond (1 vol.%, 2 nm) at the fixed pumping power of 2.25 W is enhanced by about 10% compared with that of a microchannel heat sink with water. Nanofluids reduce both the thermal resistance and the temperature difference between the heated microchannel wall and the coolant. Finally, the potential of deploying a combined microchannel heat sink with nanofluids as the next generation cooling devices for removing ultra-high heat flux is shown.
Nutritional Factors Influencing Growth and Lipase Production by Geotrichum Candidum

The conditions necessary for optimum microbial lipase activity vary with the source of the enzyme, the substrate, and the treatment accorded the lipase preparation. Similarly, it appears that the production of bacterial and fungal lipases is related directly to the nutritional and physical environment of the cultures under observation. Thus, it has been suggested (1) that certain bacterial tipases are adaptive in nature and that production is stimulated by the presence of specific substrates, or that the elaboration of the enzyme d,epends upon preferential utilization of certain substrates by the organisms. Peters and Nelson (3) observed with Candida lipolytica that low lipase activity was associated with conditions favorable for rapid growth, whereas high lipase activity was associated with less favorable conditions. In this connection, Tammisto (9) suggested that the failure of certain lipolytic species to hydrolize fat when they were grown on glycerol-fat agar was due to the inactivation of the lipase by acids developed in the glycerol fermentation. This viewpoint is partially substantianted by the observation (2) that the extracellular lipase of Geotrichum candidum is completely inactive at pH 4.0 and that activity rapidly diminishes between pH 5.0 and pH 4.0. Specifically, lipase production has been reported to be influenced by the presence of certain buffers (3), carbohydrates (3, 10), vitamins (4), nitrogen sources (10), agar (10), fats (7), and various combinations of nutrients (9) in the cnlture medium. However, the varied responses of different microorganisms have no t permitted a unified concept of the influence of the components of the growth medium on microbial lipase production. The characteristics of the lipase (2) and some of the factors influencing the rate of liberation of water insoluble fat ty acids in cream by G. candidum (6) have been described recently. I t is the purpose of this report to present data pertaining to the influence of media components on the growth and lipase production by G. candidum.
Feasibility of noninvasive mechanical ventilation in the treatment of acute respiratory failure in postoperative cancer patients

Purpose: Patients with cancer who require mechanical ventilation have high mortality rates. Although oncological patients have multiple clinical problems, including nutritional and immunological deficiencies, added complications from mechanical ventilation by themselves may be life-threatening and may further compromise the ability of these patients to recover from an episode of acute respiratory failure (ARF). Noninvasive mechanical ventilatory support (NIMV) using positive-pressure-ventilation delivered through a mask has gained popularity for the treatment of ARF and may limit some mechanical ventilation complications. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate NIMV in cancer patients with ARE Materials and Methods: All patients admitted to thesurgical intensive care unit (SICU) at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center from August 1, 1994, to April 15,1996, with hypoxemic or hypercapnic ARF were eligible for this study. NIMV was delivered with the BIPAP S/T D (Respironics, Murrysville, PA) device. The initial settings were adjusted to achieve a tidal volume of 5 to 7 mL/kg and a Sao 2 greater than 0.90. Demographic data, duration of therapy, and need for endotracheal intubation were recorded for each patient. Results: Sixty patients were included in this study. There were 21 women (35%) and 39 men. The primary cancer sites of these patients were gastrointestinal (25 patients), genitourinary (15), hematological (8), lung (6), sarcoma (4), and skin (2). Fifty-three patients (88%) had hypoxemic ARF and 7 had hypercapnic ARE The mean duration of NIMV was 1.83 days (range, 1 to 5 days) with a median of 2 days. Forty-two patients (70%) were weaned from NIMV and were spared a clotracheal intubation. The remaining 18 patients deteriorated and ultimately required intubation and assisted mechanical ventilation. No complications related to the use of NIMV were seen in this study population. Conclusions: NIMV was effective in the treatment ofARF in cancer patients at our institution substantially decreasing the need for intubation. This ventilatory technique is a viable option for cancer patients with ARF.
Incentive Contracts and Price Differential Acceptance Tests

Abstract It may be economically advantageous to both consumer and producer to enter into an incentive type contract in which the price paid for a product depends upon the outcome of an acceptance test. If no test is performed, a product of some minimum quality is produced and the consumer suffers a considerable penalty. The outcome of the test will reflect, to some degree, the quality of the product. If the consumer agrees to pay a premium dependent upon the outcome, the producer will be motivated to invest money in improving his product and both parties may expect to profit from the arrangement. This paper constitutes an unconventional approach to acceptance testing, in which the test is viewed not as a procedure to obtain information but rather as motivation toward product improvement. Admissible strategies are defined and their properties are studied. An application to repairable systems is considered in detail.
The Use of Phototherapy in Couples and Family Counseling

ABSTRACT Couples and family counselors have a long history of using creative techniques with their clients. Counselors can use creative arts to help clients express deep emotions, gain self-awareness, and move toward individual and family goals. There are numerous ways in which counselors can incorporate creative strategies in their work with couples and families. This article provides an overview of the creative technique of phototherapy, which uses family photos and home movies to explore family dynamics. An illustrative example is provided.
Efficient subtraction of insect rRNA prior to transcriptome analysis of Wolbachia-Drosophila lateral gene transfer

Numerous methods exist for enriching bacterial or mammalian mRNA prior to transcriptome experiments. Yet there persists a need for methods to enrich for mRNA in non-mammalian animal systems. For example, insects contain many important and interesting obligate intracellular bacteria, including endosymbionts and vector-borne pathogens. Such obligate intracellular bacteria are difficult to study by traditional methods. Therefore, genomics has greatly increased our understanding of these bacteria. Efficient subtraction methods are needed for removing both bacteria and insect rRNA in these systems to enable transcriptome-based studies. A method is described that efficiently removes >95% of insect rRNA from total RNA samples, as determined by microfluidics and transcriptome sequencing. This subtraction yielded a 6.2-fold increase in mRNA abundance. Such a host rRNA-depletion strategy, in combination with bacterial rRNA depletion, is necessary to analyze transcription of obligate intracellular bacteria. Here, transcripts were identified that arise from a lateral gene transfer of an entire Wolbachia bacterial genome into a Drosophila ananassae chromosome. In this case, an rRNA depletion strategy is preferred over polyA-based enrichment since transcripts arising from bacteria-to-animal lateral gene transfer may not be poly-adenylated. This enrichment method yields a significant increase in mRNA abundance when poly-A selection is not suitable. It can be used in combination with bacterial rRNA subtraction to enable experiments to simultaneously measure bacteria and insect mRNA in vector and endosymbiont biology experiments.
A Note on Growth Poles

The bitter truth is this: growth does not appear everywhere at the same time; it becomes manifest at points or poles of growth, with variable intensity; it spreads through different channels, with variable terminal effects on the whole of the economy.1
An Integrated Method for Spectrum Extraction and Compound Identification from Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Data

A method is presented for extracting individual component spectra from gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) data files and then using these spectra to identify target compounds by matching spectra in a reference library. It extends a published “model peak” approach which uses selected ion chromatograms as models for component shape. On the basis of this shape, individual mass spectral peak abundance profiles are extracted to produce a “purified” spectrum. In the present work, ion-counting noise is explicitly treated and a number of characteristic features of GC/MS data are taken into account. This allows spectrum extraction to be reliably performed down to very low signal levels and for overlapping components. A spectrum match factor for compound identification is developed that incorporates a number of new corrections, some of which employ information derived from chromatographic behavior. Test results suggest that the ability of this system to identify compounds is comparable to that of conventional analysis.
Gender differences in mate selection criteria: Sociobiological or socioeconomic explanation?☆

Abstract Past research has demonstrated clear gender differences in reported mate selection criteria. Compared to women, men place more importance on physical attractiveness and women place more importance than men do on the earning capacity of a potential mate. These gender differences have been explained using both sociobiological propositions and differences in the relative economic power of men and women. The present study tested the structural powerlessness hypothesis as an explanation for women's greater emphasis on the earning capacity of a potential spouse. Samples of college students (N = 997) and community members (N = 282) were asked to report expected personal income and to rate the importance of listed characteristics in a potential mate. Consistent with past research, men placed more emphasis on the item Good Looks , whereas women placed more importance on the item Good Financial Prospect . Contrary to the structural powerless model, women's expected income was positively related to ratings of the importance of a potential mate's earning capacity in the college sample and was unrelated to women's ratings of the item Good Financial Prospect in the community sample. Findings are discussed in terms of both evolutionary psychology and gender differences in access to financial resources.
Constraints Imposed By Variations In Pore Water Salinity On Models of Fluid Migration In Sedimentary Basins

Many oil and gas-bearing strata in sedimentary basins world-wide contain pore waters that have salinities far in excess of the waters originally deposited with these strata. The presence of these saline waters places important constraints on the modeling of subsurface fluid migration. Spatial variations in the salinity of pore fluids have the potential capacity for both driving fluid flow and for serving as tracers of past and present pathways of fluid flow and solute transport. Models of fluid migration which are not able to account for the observed salinity variations in a sedimentary basin may yield an incomplete or even erroneous interpretation of the past, present, and future migration of subsurface fluids in the basin.
Psychosocial implications of clinical trials on patients with age-related macular degeneration and pathologic myopia as seen in the photodynamic therapy trials.

Abstract Photodynamic therapy is a combination of the systemically injected photosensitizing drug, verteporfin, and the subsequent exposure of the affected retina to a low-beam diode laser. Eligible participants in the photodynamic therapy clinical trial were those with “wet” cases of age-related macular degeneration with subfoveal, predominantly classic lesions. The expected outcome of the treatment is to preserve vision, not to restore lost vision. Study participants are frustrated in their performance of daily activities and often have unrealistic expectations of photodynamic therapy treatment outcomes (eg, improved vision). Frustration and fear are evident at visits during which their actual vision loss is measured. One of our goals is to help the patients have realistic expectations of treatment outcomes. (Insight 2001;26:40-3)
Analytical solution of general one-dimensional Fokker-Planck equation

Abstract The analytical solution of a general one-dimensional Fokker-Planck equation is obtained based upon Girsanov's transformation. Both the drift and the diffusion coefficients may depend on the state as well as time. An example of application is provided at the end.