cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional and Quantitative Alterations in T Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Acute Toxoplasmosis

The cellular immune response to Toxoplasma gondii has been studied in 23 patients with acute toxoplasma infection. Abnormalities of T cell subpopulations included a marked and significant elevation in suppressor (Leu 2) T cells in patients with prolonged symptoms due to acute infection and either a decrease in the number of T helper cells or an increase in the number of suppressor cells--or both--in patients with asymptomatic lymphadenopathy. There was no significant difference in lymphocyte proliferation to phytohemagglutinin or pokeweed mitogen among the various groups tested. The peak lymphocyte response to toxoplasma antigen, however, was significantly depressed in patients with acute infection compared with that in chronically infected control patients. The kinetics of the depression were consistent with the induction of a non-Leu 2 suppressor cell. These results demonstrate marked quantitative alterations in T lymphocyte subpopulations and functional alterations of T cells to toxoplasma antigen during infection with T. gondii.
Maintenance of gonads of frog larvae on synthetic media.

SummaryOvaries and testes of second-year larvae of Rana catesbeiana were cultured on synthetic media for varying periods of time up to 28 days. The organs were not as well maintained as on media from natural sources, but proliferation of non-germinal cells and young germ cells occurred on some of the tested media.
The Technique for Seed Production of Qianxiangyou 302,a Aromatic Hybrid Rice Variety,in Eastern Guizhou

Qianxiangyou 302,a quality aromatic hybrid rice variety,was tested to study its seed production technique in Yuping county,Guizhou from 2006 to 2007.The sowing time of the male and female parent was determined on 26,March and 26,April respectively according to their characteristic and performance in Yuping county and their flowering stages were well-matched.The results showed that 234.7 kg/667m2of seeding yield was obtained under the selected sowing time of male and female parents and other suitable cultivation measures.The paper puts forward some suggestions for raising seeding yield of Qianxiangyou 302 in eastern Guizhou.
Implementation and Effects of India's National School-Based Iron Supplementation Program

Reducing the rate of anemia is a primary public health concern in many developing countries. This paper studies the Indian government's school-based Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation program. We provide a descriptive analysis of program implementation patterns across 377 schools in the state of Odisha. We document that the more advantaged blocks had more consistent tablet distribution, and that distribution within the less advantaged blocks was less predictable, and plausibly random. We use this quasi-random variation to estimate the causal effect of the policy using a difference-in-differences strategy. The IFA program had no effect on hemoglobin levels at the mean, but there is a significantly larger effect for moderately anemic students in schools that were more recently distributing tablets, relative to schools that had run out of tablets. These results suggest that school-based supplementation has the potential to improve hemoglobin levels, but that breaks in supplementation – either due to inconsistent tablet distribution or the constraints of a school calendar – limit the long-term efficacy of school-based supplementation programs.
The protective effects of allopurinol and superoxide dismutase on noise-induced cochlear damage.

Several studies have demonstrated that noise exposure may result in local vasoconstriction of cochlear vessels. The subsequent decrease in cochlear blood flow may lead to hypoxia and predispose to ...
Conjoint Analysis as a Methodological Approach in Ethics Research

One of the criticisms leveled against previous ethics research in marketing is the lack of systematic manipulation of ethical issues (practices) that underlie "scenarios," the primary research methodology. To correct for this, the present paper illu-strates the use of conjoint analysis as an alternative research methodology. As the paper demonstrates, not only does the use of conjoint analysis help overcome the problem of lack of systematic manipulation of ethical issues underlying scenarios but it also allows for the statistical explication of the ethicality of these issues.
Leukocytes in the Vaso-Occlusive Process

Sickle cell disease (SCD) results from a single mutation in the β-globin gene, leading to clinical manifestations that extend far beyond the mutated hemoglobin in red blood cells (RBCs). SCD is associated with a chronic inflammatory condition that, in the presence of a “second hit”, can produce vaso-occlusive crises (VOC), the major cause of morbidity and mortality of the disease. Leukocytes play an important role in the vaso-occlusive phenomenon, as suggested initially by the findings of clinical studies that high leukocyte count strongly correlates with clinical severity of the disease. Further, intravital microscopy studies in SCD mice have revealed that sickle RBCs directly interact with adherent neutrophils in post-capillary and collecting venules. These heterotypic interactions are mediated by activated αMβ2 (Mac-1) integrin polarized on the leading edge of adherent neutrophils, resulting in severe VOC. A multistep and multicellular model for the vaso-occlusive process is proposed in which endothelial cells are activated by sickle RBCs and multiple inflammatory mediators, leading to the recruitment of adherent leukocytes. The recruited adherent neutrophils capture circulating sickle RBCs, resulting in reduced blood flow and vascular occlusion in the microcirculation. This model has triggered several clinical trials targeting drivers of vaso-occlusion, and suggests a major contribution of leukocytes to sickle cell VOC.
Maritime and Port Activity Analysis Tool

Safety and productivity are crucial considerations when evaluating the effectiveness management has exhibited in their control of the operations involved with maritime transport and port management. Recent maritime and port management research has been concentrated primarily on the use of state-of-the-art technologies that result in the level of productivity becoming less dependent on the workforce. However, industry experts have consistently recognized and been concerned about challenges that remain in the enhancement of workforce productivity and safety. No readily available guide describing how to conduct activity analysis has existed until now. Hence, this research project involves the investigation and application of “activity analysis” methodologies. Activity analysis denotes the extension of simple work sampling so that it becomes a continuous productivity and safety improvement program. Such a program entails a cyclical process designed to quantify the activities of craft workers to identify barriers to safety and optimal productivity, to implement improvements for reducing or eliminating these barriers.
Clinical trials in pediatric neuro-oncology: what is missing and how we can improve

Brain tumors are the most common solid tumor in childhood, yet outcomes vary dramatically. High-grade gliomas have dismal outcomes with poor survival. By contrast, low-grade gliomas, have high survival rates, but children suffer from morbidity of tumor burden and therapy-associated side effects. In this article, we discuss how current trial designs often miss the opportunity to include end points beyond tumor response and thus fail to offer complete assessments of therapeutic approaches. Quality of life, neurocognitive function and neurofunctional deficits need to be considered when assessing overall success of a therapy. Herein, we identify specific end points that should be included in the interpretation of clinical trial results and accordingly, offer a more comprehensive approach to treatment decision-making.
Do phantom harmonization efforts translate into harmonized patient images

Scanners with different performance characteristics and reconstruction protocols can produce images that show large variations in uptake in small lesions. There have been a number of studies aimed at reducing this variability for clinical trials using phantom data to optimize the acquisition and/or reconstruction protocols. The underlying assumption is that the protocols that harmonize the phantom images will also result in reduced variability in patient images among scanners/sites. The goal of this study was to use patient data with embedded lesions of known uptake to test this assumption. The NEMA image quality (IQ) phantom with hot spheres (diam.: 10–37 mm) was scanned on two time-of-flight (TOF) PET scanners and reconstructed using a list-mode TOF ordered subsets expectation maximization (OSEM) algorithm. Patient FDG data were also acquired on these scanners and the data stored in list-mode format. List-mode events from spheres measured in air on these systems were embedded into the phantom and patient list-mode data to insert 5–6 spheres in the phantom background region and the patient liver and lung regions with a known (9.7:1) uptake with respect to the local uptake. The impact of applying post-reconstruction filtering (both resolution recovery and Gaussian smoothing) on the phantom and patient images was also studied to determine if changes measured with the phantom images using these post-filters would be the same as those measured with patient images. Contrast recovery coefficient (CRC) values measured from lesion embedding studies on the phantoms and patients agree with one another, although CRC max showed greater variability. Additionally, relative changes in CRC brought about by application of the reconstruction post-filters to the patient images were consistent with those observed for the phantom images. This study illustrates, therefore, that these methods may be used to harmonize patient studies by first optimizing (and harmonizing) the reconstruction approach with the NEMA IQ phantom.
Time domain spectrum allocation using game theory for cognitive radios

The currently available unlicensed spectrum is reaching its limit and various demands for applications and data rates in wireless communications requires additional spectrum which imposes limits on spectrum access. These requirements demand for efficient and intelligent use of spectrum. The system model and the problem of the optimum spectrum allocation in cognitive radios are introduced and formulated in this paper. We find a lower limit of the demanded allocations for all the users in the system and the optimal solution which attains this lower bound. An algorithm which finds these optimum coefficients is introduced to find the optimum spectrum allocation in time domain. The convergence of this algorithm is shown using the Gram matrices. Simulations are provided to support the mathematical formalism and the convergence of the algorithm.
Using Predicted Bicyclist and Pedestrian Route Choice to Enhance Mode Choice Models

Recent advances in bicyclist and pedestrian route choice modeling have shown that a variety of attributes affect the paths chosen for cycling and walking. They also allow one to estimate the effect on route choice of specific network changes, such as new bicycle facilities or pedestrian crossings. Route choices do not, however, tell one anything explicit about changes in decisions to walk or cycle in the first place. Cyclists might go out of their way to use a bike lane or to avoid a busy street, but how do those same features along a potential route influence the choice to cycle instead of using another travel mode? Route choice models are applied to predict the cycling and walking routes considered for a given trip, and the resulting route-level attributes are used to predict trip mode choice. In general, existing route preferences do carry over to mode choice, but with important differences, especially for bicycle facility types and female cyclists. The results show that available off-street paths and ...
Amiodarone for the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death

Although not a substitute for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), amiodarone is effective for the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death when compared with placebo (number needed to treat [NNT] = 47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 33 to 100), but it does not significantly lower all-cause mortality in those at high risk.
Measuring Business School Faculty Perceptions of Student Cheating.

ABSTRACTDealing with academic dishonesty remains an ongoing issue for business school faculty. In this study, using an online survey, the authors examined responses of 233 business school faculty from a Tier 1 Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business–accredited university and measured their perceptions of undergraduate cheating and reporting of such behavior. Study results showed promise for measuring 3 types of cheating behavior scales: paper based, internet based, and direct exam. Faculty who formally reported a cheating incident perceived a higher general cheating problem, and higher levels of paper-based, internet-based, and direct exam cheating than the faculty who had never reported a student.
Research in fibromyalgia: past, present and future

Research in regard to fibromyalgia has greatly increased during the last 5 years. Initially, investigators concentrated on clinical descriptions and diagnostic criteria. Early pathophysiologic aspects studied included sleep disturbances and psychiatric aspects of the syndrome. More recently, studies have focused on peripheral tissue abnormalities, including sophisticated studies of abnormal muscle metabolism, immunologic and neurotransmitter abnormalities. Future suggested research directions are reviewed.
Gap-alert? Quantity surcharge practices vs. guest expectations

Abstract This study explores whether customers are aware of the hotel industry’s counter-intuitive practice of quoting higher daily room rates for longer stays. We assess and characterize the relationship between customers’ room rate expectations and length of stay (LOS), and contrast them with the industry’s pricing practice of quantity-surcharges along a spectrum of stay periods. We find that most guests expect to pay less when they stay longer, hence the gap. Interestingly, we find that the longer the stay, the larger this LOS-induced gap between the hotels’ quoted rates and their customers’ rate expectations, and that the gap’s rise is non-linear.
Inference for Spatial Autocorrelation Functions

Some general methods are proposed for generating confidence interval estimates for parameters of a variogram model. Particular attention is paid to scale and shape parameters and to joint estimation procedures for the scale parameter and the replication variance (nugget effect). The connection is made to formal testing of the hypothesis of the absence of spatial autocorrelation at a specified distance scale.
Plasma-driven Z-pinch X-ray loading and momentum coupling in meteorite and planetary materials

X-ray momentum coupling coefficients, CM, were determined by measuring stress waveforms in planetary materials subjected to impulsive radiation loading from the Sandia National Laboratories Z-machine. Velocity interferometry (VISAR) diagnostics provided equation-of-state data. Targets were iron and stone meteorites, magnesium-rich olivine (dunite) solid and powder (~5–300 μm), and Si, Al, and Fe calibration targets. Samples were ~1-mm thick and, except for Si, backed by LiF single-crystal windows. X-ray spectra combined thermal radiation (blackbody 170–237 eV) and line emissions from pinch materials (Cu, Ni, Al, or stainless steel). Target fluences of 0.4–1.7 kJ/cm2 at intensities of 43–260GW/cm2 produced plasma pressures of 2.6–12.4 GPa. The short (~5 ns) drive pulses gave rise to attenuating stress waves in the samples. The attenuating wave impulse is constant, allowing accurate CM measurements from rear-surface motion. CM was 1.9 − 3.1 × 10−5 s/m for stony meteorites, 2.7 and 0.5 × 10−5 s/m for solid and powdered dunite, 0.8 − 1.4 × 10−5 s/m for iron meteorites, and 0.3, 1.8, and 2.7 × 10−5 s/m respectively for Si, Fe, and Al calibration targets. Results are consistent with geometric scaling from recent laser hohlraum measurements. CTH hydrocode modeling of X-ray coupling to porous silica corroborated experimental measurements and supported extrapolations to other materials. CTH-modeled CM for porous materials was low and consistent with experimental results. Analytic modeling (BBAY) of X-ray radiation-induced momentum coupling to selected materials was also performed, often producing higher CM values than experimental results. Reasons for the higher values include neglect of solid ejecta mechanisms, turbulent mixing of heterogeneous phases, variances in heats of melt/vaporization, sample inhomogeneities, wave interactions at the sample/window boundary, and finite sample/window sizes. The measurements validate application of CM to (inhomogeneous) planetary materials from high-intensity soft X-ray radiation.
Leveraging a Legacy of Activism: Black Lives Matter and the Future of HIV Prevention for Black MSM

This year marks the 30th anniversary of AIDS Education and Prevention. As we approach the United Nations goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030, it is a useful time to reflect on and learn from history. In the United States, no such endeavor can be successful without addressing the specific context of Black men who have sex with men. In this commentary I highlight factors that led us to a state in which Black MSM represent approximately a quarter of all people living with HIV in the United States. I also look back at the power of activism during the beginning of the HIV epidemic. Using Black Lives Matter as a contemporary framework, I highlight natural linkages between activism 30 years ago, its incarnation and relationship to public health today, and its promise as the way forward in achieving the elimination of AIDS for Black MSM by 2030.
Audition and Hearing

The sense of hearing allows an organism to determine objects in its world based on the sound produced by these objects. When many sound sources are present simultaneously, the sound from each is combined into one complex sound field that forms the input for auditory processing. The auditory periphery codes for the frequency, level, and temporal structure of the complex sound field. Higher auditory centers use neural information provided by the peripheral code to assist in the determination of sound sources and the segregation of competing sources. The spectral–temporal peripheral code is generated by the biomechanical and neural properties of the cochlea, relayed to auditory brainstem nuclei by the auditory nerve, and further processed by the auditory cortex. The spectral–temporal representation of the acoustic input results from biomechanical vibration of the cochlear partition leading to stimulation of inner hair cells that generate neural impulses in the auditory nerve. The motile activity of the outer hair cells interacts with the biomechanical vibrations of the cochlear partition to sharpen the spectral resolution and improve the sensitivity of the inner hair cells' ability to code for spectral properties of the incoming sound. Brainstem nuclei and the auditory cortex process the temporal regularity, temporal envelope, spectral structure, and binaural differences contained in the spectral–temporal neural pattern as a basis for sound source determination and segregation.
Oxidative Pathways of Mitochondria

ATP is the immediate source of energy used by cells to do chemical, mechanical, and osmotic work. Obligate and facultative anaerobic organisms can survive on the ATP synthesized during the glycolytic breakdown of sugars to pyruvic acid.
Chemical Aspects of 237Np Mössbauer Spectroscopy

The 237Np Mossbauer effect has been especially useful in studies of neptunium chemistry, by virtue of its excellent resolution and straightforward experimental techniques. Neptunium can have valences from +3 to +7, and a broad range of compounds can be prepared that are analogous to those of other actinide elements. Studies on neptunium compounds, for example, have a ready application to the analogous compounds of uranium and plutonium. The emphasis in this paper will be on the application of the 237Np Mossbauer effect to problems in neptunium chemistry.
The Invisible Harm of Downplaying a Romantic Partner’s Aggression:

Nonphysical forms of partner aggression are common and more harmful than is widely recognized. Such aggression does not leave physical marks but nonetheless predicts invisible harm, including unhap...
Modeling the impact of climate change on a rare color morph in fish

Abstract Species are typically comprised of a large number of genotypes, some of which are rare. Rare genotypes that are temperature-sensitive will predictably be impacted by climate change more profoundly than common genotypes for which gene expression does not depend on temperature. Computer simulations were used in this study to analyze the impact of changing temperatures on a very rare melanic morph that expresses a temperature-sensitive phenotype and is found in an abundant fish species (Gambusia holbrooki). This numerical model assesses the frequency of the two natural color morphs, silver and black-spotted, over time and iterates in each generation, incorporating survival estimates for different life stages based upon data collected during empirical experiments. Using the current projections for mean surface temperature increase, which are 2.5° F to 10.4° F by the year 2100, the impact of warming environment on the mosquitofish population was analyzed. Three different climate warming scenarios were used to address annual temperature fluctuations and incorporate predicted temperature rise at correspondingly minimal, mid, and maximum levels. Our results indicate that increasing temperatures will seriously affect the rare color morph and in some cases will result in extinction. The minimal climate-warming scenario produced lower extinction risks for the rare morph; however, it still decreased the frequency of the rare genotype to minimal values. The mid-range warming scenario produced a higher risk of extinction, while the maximum warming scenario resulted in the extinction of the rare color morph. The results of this study shed light on the possibility that the effects of climate change may have important ramifications for rare genotypes in nature and will likely drive some rare species genotypes to extinction.
DIMENSIONLESS PARAMETERS FOR HOMOGENEOUS EARTH SLOPES

Modified dimensionless parameters are developed for the effective stress analysis of homogeneous earth slopes. It is shown that the number of dimensionless variables considered in earlier investigations may be reduced, resulting in a considerable savings in computation. New stability charts have been constructed from existing data. Using these or similar charts, the practicing engineer may more easily obtain stability solutions for a wider range of problems than was formerly possible. Methods of analysis are advanced to deal with complex pore-pressure distribution.
Trophic Ecology of Olympic Mudminnow (Novumbra hubbsi) in Lake Ozette, Washington

Washington State's only endemic fish, Olympic mudminnow (Novumbra hubbsi), was listed as state “Sensitive” in 1999 due to a small range and concern about population declines and threats, including impacts from nonnative competitors and predators. We investigated the trophic ecology of Olympic mudminnow to identify habitat and foraging specialization across three sites in Lake Ozette (Olympic National Park, Washington), and evaluate evidence for resource interactions with sympatric fish species. Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen from dominant co-occurring fish—yellow perch (Percaflavescens), prickly sculpin (Cottus asper), and northern pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus oregonensis)—were evaluated for evidence of competition with and predation on Olympic mudminnow using trophic niche overlap and stable isotope mixing models. Evidence from co-occurrence and isotope analyses supported spatial and trophic segregation of Olympic mudminnow, and reduced likelihood of competitive and predatory relationships. Of the sympatric fish examined, prickly sculpin may be the most likely to experience biotic interactions with Olympic mudminnow. These results are consistent with other research demonstrating strong habitat and microhabitat specialization by Olympic mudminnow and suggest that access to these favored habitats may be an important mediating factor in defining the potential for biotic interactions with other species, including nonnative fishes.
Wnt Antagonists in Hematopoietic and Immune Cell Fate: Implications for Osteoporosis Therapies.

We reviewed the current literature on the roles of the Wnt antagonists sclerostin (Sost) and sclerostin-containing domain protein 1 (Sostdc1) on bone homeostasis, the relationship of the hypoxia-inducible factor (Hif) and von Hippel-Lindau (Vhl) pathways on Sost expression, and how changes in bone induced by depletion of Sost, Sostdc1, and Vhl affect hematopoietic cells. B cell development is adversely affected in Sost-knockout mice and is more severely affected in Vhl-knockout mice. Inflammation in the Sost−/− bone microenvironment could alter hematopoietic stem cell behavior. Sostdc1−/− mice display defects in natural killer cell development and cytotoxicity. Depletion of Sost and Sostdc1 have effects on immune cell function that warrant investigation in patients receiving Wnt antagonist-depleting therapies for treatment of bone diseases. Additional clinical applications for manipulation of Wnt antagonists include cancer immunotherapies, stem cell transplantation, and directed differentiation to immune lineages.
The effects of family structure and race on decision-making in child welfare

Decision-making among child welfare professionals is complex, influencing children and their families. The primary aim of this study was to examine how removal decisions of case managers are affect...
Influential Factors of Successful Hepatitis C Treatment in Elderly Patients.

Background: Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an infection associated with an increased risk of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and morbidity and mortality. Treating HCV poses challenges in the elderly population due to the lack of evidence and complexity of patients. Objective: This study aims to evaluate factors that influence HCV treatment success in elderly patients, especially those over age of 70, such as pill burden and comorbidities, in addition to drug interactions and adverse effects. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of patients treated at our urban academic institution from 2014-2016. Results: Sixty-two patients over the age of 70 were included in this study. The sustained virologic response rate 12 weeks after the completion of treatment (SVR12) was 79%. In a multi-variate analysis, cirrhosis, age closer to 70, and longer duration of treatment were statistically significantly more likely to lead to treatment failure. Though not statistically significant, other factors that may negatively influence achievement of SVR12 were cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disease, multi-tablet HCV regimen, time to initiation of HCV treatment > 90 days, and prior treatment experience. Pill burden of other prescribed medications did not impact SVR12. Adverse events and drug interactions were common in the population. Conclusions: Overall SVR12 rate in the elderly population was lower than that reported in the literature. Factors associated with lower treatment success, especially cirrhosis, should be considered when treating an elderly population. Further data is needed on the impact of other factors on SVR12 attainment in an elderly patient population. Article Type: Original Research
Robert Haggerty, the New Morbidities, and the Dissonance between Education and Child Health Needs.

1. Julia A. McMillan, MD* 1. *Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD > In April 2018, the American Board of Pediatrics Foundation; the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; and invited pediatric department chairs and pediatric residency program directors participated in a 2-day workshop dedicated to developing ways to prepare future pediatricians to meet the behavioral and mental health needs of children, needs that are increasing each year. Each participant pledged to develop a way. One way is to spread the word of such needs. What follows is a commentary by one of the workshop facilitators. > > —JZ Anniversaries are appropriate occasions to mark longevity and to celebrate achievements and progress, and the 40th anniversary of Pediatrics in Review (PIR) is no exception. As we celebrate the achievements of the past 40 years, however, it is also important to recognize opportunities that have been missed, warnings that have not been heeded. Robert J. Haggerty was the first editor-in-chief of PIR , and he served in that capacity for 25 years. Although Dr Haggerty is well-known and respected for his service as the founding editor of PIR, it is his recognition of the importance of what he called the biosocial aspects of pediatrics for which he may be best remembered. Just 4 years before the first issue of PIR was published, Dr Haggerty and coeditors Klaus Roghman and Ivan Pless wrote of the importance of biosocial considerations in child health. They cited, in particular, behavior disorders in preschool children, inadequate functioning in schools, and adjustment issues during adolescence. They called for a shift in the orientation of pediatric training programs and for allowing for more time during pediatric office visits to address these problems, which they called the new morbidities . (1) Dr Haggerty and his colleagues at the University of Rochester advocated a multidisciplinary approach to child health, addressing psychological problems and …
The Necessary Ornaments of Place: Similarity and Alterity in the Persianate Imaginary

This article analyzes representations of place in seventeenth-century texts to consider how early modern Persians made sense of the world. The Persian formulation of alterity stands in contrast to Edward Said’s formulation about Orientalism, by which Europe makes itself into the West. In early modern Persianate Asia, common representations of place appear in geographical and travel writing. These shared features, which I call ornaments, adorned both places that shared a learned Persian language, Muslim rule, and those beyond, in other parts of Asia and Africa. The presence or absence of these ornaments made the world intelligible for early modern Persians, creating categories of similarity and alterity that were partial, diffuse, and aporetic, defying the self-other distinctions of Orientalism. This form of knowledge about the self and the world then generated the possibility for encounters different from both modern colonial power and the nation-state.
Optimal influenza vaccine distribution with equity

Abstract This paper is concerned with the optimal influenza vaccine distribution in a heterogeneous population consisting of multiple subgroups. We employ a compartmental model for influenza transmission and formulate a mathematical program to minimize the number of vaccine doses distributed to effectively extinguish an emerging outbreak in its early stages. We propose an equity constraint to help public health authorities consider fairness when making vaccine distribution decisions. We develop an exact solution approach that generates a vaccine distribution policy with a solution quality guarantee. We perform sensitivity analyses on key epidemic parameters in order to illustrate the application of the proposed model. We then analyze the scalability of the solution approach for a population consisting of subgroups based on geographic location and age. We finally demonstrate the proposed model’s ability to consider vaccine coverage inequity and discuss a derivative-free optimization approach, as an alternative solution method which can consider various different objective functions and constraints. Our results indicate that consideration of group-specific transmission dynamics is paramount to the optimal distribution of influenza vaccines.
Mobile Robot Controller Performance over Unexpected Terrain Disturbances

This document describes the study of several trajectory tracking controllers’ relative performance for correcting unplanned motion disturbances. The controllers examined include proportional derivative integral (PID) feedback, feedback linearization (DFL), nonlinear feedback (NLF), and model predictive control (MPC). The terrain disturbances included a fiberboard and an aluminum pipe. Testing was conducted with a TurtleBot2 and VICON motion capture utilizing the Robot Operating System (ROS) for communication.
Reconsidering Jean Renoir’s La Marseillaise through editor Marguerite Renoir

Director Jean Renoir’s 1930s films are considered some of the most influential in film history. However, little is known about Renoir’s team of collaborators who helped to realise these ground-brea...
Particulate Optical Properties in the Mediterranean and Black Seas Through Calipso Spaceborne Lidar Measurements

New applications on global-scale plankton retrievals using the CALIOP (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with orthogonal Polarization) lidar measurements on the CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations) satellite recently suggested that space-based lidars could provide information about the depth distribution of optical scattering. Assessing the oceanic surface layer’s optical properties through CALIOP is one of the reasons of the extension of the CALIOP mission for another 3 years (2018-2020). The objective of this work is the evaluation of the potential CALIOP ocean products in the Mediterranean and Black seas using the ocean color products provided by the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Systems (CMEMS).
Microstructural Injury to Left-Sided Perisylvian White Matter Predicts Language Decline After Brain Radiation Therapy

Purpose Our purpose was to investigate the association between imaging biomarkers of radiation-induced white matter (WM) injury within perisylvian regions and longitudinal language decline in patients with brain tumors. Methods and Materials Patients with primary brain tumors (n = 44) on a prospective trial underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and language assessments of naming (Boston Naming Test [BNT]) and fluency (Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System Category Fluency [DKEFS-CF]) at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after fractionated radiation therapy (RT). Reliable change indices of language function (0-6 months), accounting for practice effects (RCI-PE), evaluated decline. Bilateral perisylvian WM regions (superficial WM subadjacent to Broca’s area and the superior temporal gyrus [STG], inferior longitudinal fasciculus [ILF], inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus [IFOF], and arcuate fasciculus) were autosegmented. We quantified volume and diffusion measures of WM microstructure: fractional anisotropy (FA; lower values indicate disruption) and mean diffusivity (MD; higher values indicate injury). Linear mixed-effects models assessed mean dose as predictor of imaging biomarker change and imaging biomarkers as longitudinal predictors of language scores. Results DKEFS-CF scores declined at 6 months post-RT (RCI-PE, -0.483; P = .01), whereas BNT scores improved (RCI-PE, 0.262; P = .04). Higher mean dose to left and right regions was predictive of decreased volume (left-STG, P = .02; right-ILF and IFOF, P = .03), decreased FA (left-WM tracts, all P Conclusions Patients with primary brain tumors experience language fluency decline post-RT. Poorer fluency and naming function may be explained by microstructural injury to left-sided perisylvian WM, representing potential dose-avoidance targets for language preservation.
Studies on Neuronal-Glial Metabolism of Glutamate in Cerebellar Slices

Evidence has rapidly accumulated during the past few years that glia, as well as neurons, contribute to the metabolism and, therefore, the regulation of the transmitter function of the amino acids glutamate/aspartate and GABA (for recent reviews, Schoffeniels et al., 1978; Fonnum, 1978; Hertz, 1979). These conclusions are, for the most part, consistent with prior biochemical studies which demonstrated the compartmentation of glutamate metabolism in brain (Balazs and Cremer, 1973; Berl et al., 1975). Such studies have indicated that exogeneously supplied glutamate, aspartate and GABA appear to be metabolized largely in a “small” compartment associated with glial cells. Since glial cells do have high affinity uptake systems for these amino acids, it may well be that one function of glial cells is to aid in the rapid inactivation of neuroactive amino acids released into the synaptic cleft (Schrier and Thomson, 1974; Nicklas and Browning, 1978). Central to this concept and consistent with the experimentally-observed rapid conversion of exogenous glutamate and ammonia to glutamine, is the demonstration by Norenberg and his colleagues (1979) of the astrocytic localization of glutamine synthetase. An understanding of the metabolism of glutamine in the various “compartments” of CNS tissue is probably pivotal to elaborating the regulation of the metabolism of transmitter glutamate/aspartate and GABA. Glutamine has been postulated to be a major precursor of neuronal, i.e. transmitter pools, of these neuroactive amino acids (Van den Berg, et al., 1975; Benjamin and Quastel, 1974), as well as being a deactivated form of the neuroexcitatory, and potentially neurotoxic, glutamate (Nicklas et al., 1980). Thus, glutamate (and GABA) levels within the nerve terminal can be maintained by glutamine derived from the extracellular environment which, in turn, can be replenished by synthesis in the glia via glutamine synthetase. This flow of glutamate (and, perhaps, GABA) into glial cells with a return flow of glutamine into nerve endings is consistent with a great deal of available evidence. The latter point has been recently questioned (Hertz, 1979). However, whether glutaminase is or is not singularly localized in neurons, or whether glutamine is or is not preferentially taken up by nerve endings may not be overriding problems. Glutaminase activity can be regulated by a number of factors, including the concentration of glutamate. Release of glutamate during transmission will lower the intracellular concentration of glutamate and this event, in itself, might trigger glutaminase activity (Bradford and Ward, 1976; Benjamin, 1981). Therefore, the control of these systems may depend not upon a differential distribution of glutaminase between neurons and glia but rather upon a delicate poising of glutamate: glutamine ratios within these cells.
“Why would Benjamin Franklin want to know if lightning was electricity?” elementary teachers and students making sense of the nature of science during interactive read-alouds

The present study examines the pedagogical use of reading aloud of science trade books as an effective tool for teaching nature of science (NOS) to elementary students. To this end, we explore elementary teachers’ and students’ dialogic negotiation of NOS during interactive science read-alouds, as well as potential interactions between their sense-making patterns, NOS views, and trade-book representations of NOS. It was found that, when a book had explicit NOS aspects in it, a teacher with more informed NOS views was able to facilitate a more extended, open-ended, and inclusive discussion about NOS. Conversely, when the trade book had very explicit connections, a teacher with naive NOS views was able to only superficially address these NOS aspects without going beyond or elaborating on the information available in the book. Furthermore, the latter discussion was characteristically close-ended, exclusive of students, and limited in sense-making. These findings underscore the need for further investigation of how particular NOS aspects are narrativized in science trade-books, and how elementary teachers can effectively guide students while facilitating explicit negotiation of particular types of trade book representations of NOS during interactive science read-alouds. It is argued that improving elementary science instruction requires a more sophisticated, theory-based understanding of how NOS instruction is mediated by stories and storytelling.
Fork It: Supporting Stateful Alternatives in Computational Notebooks

Computational notebooks, which seamlessly interleave code with results, have become a popular tool for data scientists due to the iterative nature of exploratory tasks. However, notebooks provide a single execution state for users to manipulate through creating and manipulating variables. When exploring alternatives, data scientists must carefully create many-step manipulations in visually distant cells. We conducted formative interviews with 6 professional data scientists, motivating design principles behind exposing multiple states. We introduce forking — creating a new interpreter session — and backtracking — navigating through previous states. We implement these interactions as an extension to notebooks that help data scientists more directly express and navigate through decision points a single notebook. In a qualitative evaluation, 11 professional data scientists found the tool would be useful for exploring alternatives and debugging code to create a predictive model. Their insights highlight further challenges to scaling this functionality.
Grades Are Not Money

Your grade is not a bounty paidfor capturing the answer and bringing it dead or alive,dumping it headfirst into my bucket.I don’t want my car designed by an engineerwho didn’t learn to engineerbut,...
Biocene 2018 - Welcome to the Period of New Life

Biocene is the period of new life. When our descendants look back at this period in time, they will see evidence, in the geologic and electronic record, of anthropic climate change, growing population, and scarcity of resources. But they will also see the rebirth of human ingenuity as we overcame the challenges that faced us through nature-inspired exploration. The Periodic Table of Life (PeTaL) is a proposed tool and open source framework that uses artificial intelligence to aid in the systematic inquiry of biology for its application to human systems. This presentation defines the PeTaL concept and workflow. Biomimicry, biophysics, biomimetics, bionics and numerous other terms refer to the use of biology and biological principles to inform practices in other disciplines. For the most part, the domain of inquiry in these fields have been confined to extant biological models with the proponents of biomimicry often citing the evolutionary success of extant organisms relative to extinct ones. The primary objective of this paper is to expand the domain of inquiry for human processes that seek to model those that are, were or could be found in nature with examples that relate to the field of aerospace and to spur development of tools that can work together to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence in problem solving. Specifically specialized fields such as paleomimesis, anthropomimesis and physioteleology are proposed in conjunction with artificial evolution. Blockchain technology may be vital in allowing open source design tools such as PeTaL to democratize design and yet protect intellectual property. The overarching philosophy outlined here can be thought of as physiomimetics, a holistic and systematic way of learning from natural history. The backbone of PeTaL integrates an unstructured database with an ontological model consisting of function, morphology, environment, state of matter and ecosystem. Tools include text classification, thesaurus, data visualization, and analysis. Applications of PeTaL include guiding human space exploration, understanding human and geological history, and discovering new or extinct life.
A new topological semimetal candidate: SmMnBi2

The new compound SmMnBi2 has been synthesized by the self-flux method and shown to crystallize in space group I4/mmm with a = 4.5054 (4) A, c = 20.5914 (19) A and Z = 4. Its structure comprises two-dimensional square Mn-nets layers, puckered rock-salt-like SmBi slabs and two-dimensional square Bi-nets layers, alternating along the c axis in an …Mn-net–SmBi slab–Bi-net–SmBi slab–Mn-net… sequence. Surprisingly, the atomic arrangement differs from its neighboring compound EuMnBi2 which has similar layers but with a different stacking arrangement. This gives rise to edge-shared square planar MnBi4 polyhedral layers in SmMnBi2 while EuMnBi2 has edge-shared MnBi4 tetrahedral layers. The MMnX2 (M = alkaline earth/rare earth metals, X = Sb/Bi) family has emerged as topological Dirac or Weyl semimetal candidates, all of them sharing similar structural features. Although SmMnBi2 has a different stacking arrangement to EuMnBi2, its layer structure still makes it a topological Dirac or Weyl semimetal candidate.
Anharmonic Compression of the Glitter Lattice

A previous report has described the crystal structure of glitter, it is a dense 3-,4-connected net composed of ethylenic columns that run parallel to the -axis of the unit cell. Such a structure invites speculation as to its relative stiffness along that axis. A semi-empirical expression due to Cohen was used in a previous communication to estimate its zero-pressure bulk modulus, this estimate exceeds that of any known material at 440 GPa. Further, by treating the ethylenic units as harmonic springs, a correction was computed for the elastic deformation of the carbon-carbon double bonds along the -axis. This correction is on the order of 300 GPa for deformations of the double bonds of approximately 0.1 A. The present communication treats the ethylenic units along the -axis of glitter as anharmonic springs obeying a Morse potential and a Morse’s law force. Within the anharmonic approximation, at modest bond length deformations, x', the bulk modulus at pressure of the glitter lattice exceeds 1 TPa.
High density arrays of micromirrors

We established and achieved our goal to (1) fabricate and evaluate test structures based on the micromirror design optimized for maskless lithography applications, (2) perform system analysis and code development for the maskless lithography concept, and (3) identify specifications for micromirror arrays (MMAs) for LLNL�s adaptive optics (AO) applications and conceptualize new devices.
Development of a shingle-type solar cell module

The development of a solar cell module, which is suitable for use in place of shingles on the sloping roofs of residental or commercial buildings, is reported. The design consists of nineteen series-connected 53 mm diameter solar cells arranged in a closely packed hexagon configuration. The shingle solar cell module consists of two basic functional parts: an exposed rigid portion which contains the solar cell assembly, and a semi-flexible portion which is overlapped by the higher courses of the roof installation. Consideration is given to the semi-flexible substrate configuration and solar cell and module-to-module interconnectors. The results of an electrical performance analysis are given and it is noted that high specific power output can be attributed to the efficient packing of the circular cells within the hexagon shape. The shingle should function for at least 15 years, with a specific power output of 98 W/sq w.
Ureterocele: Treatment by transurethral resection

Abstract 1. 1. The most probable developmental cause of ureterocele is discussed. 2. 2. Early recognition of ureterocele by complete urologic investigation of recurrent or persistent pyuria in children is emphasized. 3. 3. Various methods of treatment of ureteroceles are considered and the suggestion is made that many are amenable to simple transurethral resection of a portion of the wall with an electrotome. 4. 4. One case of ureterocele, with reduplication of the ureter and pelvis, treated by transurethral resection is reported.
Soviet Communal Living: An Oral History Of The Kommunalka

In Soviet Communal Living, journalist Paola Messana aims to give the Western reader an insider’s view of life in communal apartments both under communism and today. A foreword from Studies in Oral ...