cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behavior of accelerated gradient methods near critical points of nonconvex functions

We examine the behavior of accelerated gradient methods in smooth nonconvex unconstrained optimization, focusing in particular on their behavior near strict saddle points. Accelerated methods are iterative methods that typically step along a direction that is a linear combination of the previous step and the gradient of the function evaluated at a point at or near the current iterate. (The previous step encodes gradient information from earlier stages in the iterative process). We show by means of the stable manifold theorem that the heavy-ball method is unlikely to converge to strict saddle points, which are points at which the gradient of the objective is zero but the Hessian has at least one negative eigenvalue. We then examine the behavior of the heavy-ball method and other accelerated gradient methods in the vicinity of a strict saddle point of a nonconvex quadratic function, showing that both methods can diverge from this point more rapidly than the steepest-descent method.
Ocular Disease in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are on a spectrum of a rare and potentially fatal immune-mediated mucocutaneous disease. As mortality rates decrease, more survivors are left with chronic complications including those of the ocular surface. SJS/TEN can result in severe, debilitating ocular surface disease that can lead to corneal blindness. Ophthalmic care from the time of admission onwards is crucial in mitigating the acute and chronic manifestations of SJS/TEN. This chapter discusses the ocular manifestations of disease in the acute and chronic phases, systemic and topical treatment, and the future of care in SJS/TEN.
Examining the asymmetric monetary policy response to foreign exchange market conditions in emerging and developing economies

In many emerging market economies that have adopted inflation targeting, policymakers are concerned with the effects that strong appreciation/depreciation pressures and excessive volatility in exchange rates may have on economic stability and their ability to reach their inflation targets. The research in this paper addresses whether central banks have an asymmetric response to exchange rate conditions with respect to meeting their monetary policy objectives. Using a panel of 30 emerging market and developing economies, we employ a panel threshold regression analysis to determine whether policymakers respond differently during appreciation versus depreciation periods, during periods of high versus low exchange rate volatility, or when the country has a relatively high exchange rate pass-through effect. We find that policymakers react more strongly and significantly to depreciations with increases in domestic interest rates, while remaining inactive during periods of appreciation. Yet, during appreciationary periods, they react more strongly to deviations in output from its potential, suggesting a concern over competitiveness. Furthermore, volatility in exchange rates is a significant concern to policymakers, as they regularly claim, and when volatility is sufficiently high, policymakers react with higher interest rates to maintain stability and mitigate capital outflows. Lastly, with a stronger exchange rate pass-through effect, policymakers are more responsive to depreciationary pressure as it affects their ability to reach inflation targets.
Legacy and Current-Use Contaminants in Sediments Alter Macroinvertebrate Communities in Southeastern US Streams.

Sediment contamination of freshwater streams in urban areas is a recognized and growing concern. As a part of a comprehensive regional stream-quality assessment, stream-bed sediment was sampled from streams spanning a gradient of urban intensity in the Piedmont ecoregion of the southeastern United States. We evaluated relations between a broad suite of sediment contaminants (metals, current-use pesticides, organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, brominated diphenyl ethers, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), ambient sediment toxicity, and macroinvertebrate communities from 76 sites. Sediment toxicity was evaluated by conducting whole-sediment laboratory toxicity testing with the amphipod Hyalella azteca (for 28 d) and the midge Chironomus dilutus (for 10 d). Approximately one-third of the sediment samples were identified as toxic for at least one test species endpoint, although concentrations of contaminants infrequently exceeded toxicity benchmarks. Ratios of contaminant concentrations relative to their benchmarks, both individually and as summed benchmark quotients, were explored on a carbon-normalized and a dry-weight basis. Invertebrate taxa measures from ecological surveys tended to decline with increasing urbanization and with sediment contamination. Toxicity test endpoints were more strongly related to sediment contamination than invertebrate community measures were. Sediment chemistry and sediment toxicity provided moderate and weak, respectively, explanatory power for the similarity/dissimilarity of invertebrate communities. The results indicate that current single-chemical sediment benchmarks may underestimate the effects from mixtures of sediment contaminants experienced by lotic invertebrates. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1219-1232. Published 2020. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Extending Erdős–Beck's theorem to higher dimensions

Abstract Erdős-Beck's theorem states that n points in the plane with at most n − x points collinear define at least cxn lines for some positive constant c. It implies n points in the plane define Θ ( n 2 ) lines unless most of the points (i.e. n − o ( n ) points) are collinear. In this paper, we will present two ways to extend this result to higher dimensions. Given a set S of n points in R d , we want to estimate a lower bound of the number of hyperplanes they define (a hyperplane is defined or spanned by S if it contains d + 1 points of S in general position). Our first result says the number of spanned hyperplanes is at least c x n d − 1 if there exists some hyperplane that contains n − x points of S and is saturated (as defined in Definition 1.3 ). Our second result says n points in R d define Θ ( n d ) hyperplanes unless most of the points belong to the union of a collection of flats whose dimension sum to less than d. Our result has an application to point-hyperplane incidences and a potential application to the point covering problem.
Machine Learning Prediction of Surgical Intervention for Small Bowel Obstruction

ABSTRACT Small bowel obstruction (SBO) results in >350,000 operations and >$2 billion annual health care expenditures in the US. Prompt, effective identification of patients at high/low surgery risk could improve survival, lower complication rates, and shorten hospitalization lengths. SBO surgery prediction models were developed based on SBO-related encounters in the Duke University Health System between 2013 and 2017. A total of 3,910 encounters among 3,374 unique patients were identified. Performance was assessed in each hour after admission when predicting whether patients will (a) receive surgery within 24 hours, and (b) receive surgery during the current encounter. Potential benefits of model-based discharge were assessed using the incorrect discharge rate and average reduction in hospital stay. Model-based discharge of low-risk patients was projected to reduce the average length of stay among patients not receiving surgery by >60 hours while maintaining an incorrect discharge rate lower than the observed readmission rate (9.3%). AUROC for the 24-hour prediction task increased from 0.644 to 0.779 at 12 and 72 hours post-admission, respectively. Future work will prospectively explore the benefits of model deployment in an inpatient setting.
Clinical features and prognosis of severe meconium aspiration syndrome with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

OBJECTIVES To study the clinical features and prognosis of neonates with severe meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 60 neonates with severe MAS who were admitted from January 2017 to December 2019. According to the presence or absence of ARDS, they were divided into two groups: ARDS (n=45) and non-ARDS (n=15). Clinical features and prognosis were compared between the two groups. RESULTS Among the 60 neonates with severe MAS, 45 (75%) developed ARDS. Arterial blood gas analysis showed that the ARDS group had a significantly higher median oxygenation index within 1 hour after birth than the non-ARDS group (4.7 vs 2.1, P 0.05). The ARDS group had a significantly higher incidence rate of shock than the non-ARDS group (84% vs 47%, P 0.05). The ARDS group required a longer median duration of mechanical ventilation than the non-ARDS group (53 hours vs 3 hours, P<0.05). In the ARDS group, 43 neonates (96%) were cured and 2 neonates (4%) died. In the non-ARDS group, all 15 neonates (100%) were cured. CONCLUSIONS Neonates with severe MAS and ARDS tend to develop respiratory distress earlier, require a longer duration of mechanical ventilation, and have a higher incidence rate of shock. During the management of children with severe MAS, it is recommended to closely monitor oxygenation index, give timely diagnosis and treatment of ARDS, evaluate tissue perfusion, and actively prevent and treat shock. Citation.
Patient-reported outcomes in human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal cancer

This review explores how human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal cancer affects health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and the role patient-reported outcomes (PROs) can play in optimizing treatment. PRO measures (PROMs) are comprehensive, subjective assessments of patients' day-to-day HR-QoL. Developed through a scientifically robust, multistage process, PROMs offer insight into patients' symptoms, function, and satisfaction with care. The use of PROMs can increase symptom awareness, stimulate discussion, and enhance shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers.
When Drills and Pipelines Cross Indigenous Lands in the Americas

From the Missouri River, passing through the Sonora Desert, all the way down to the Amazon Forest and the Andean Mountains, drills and pipelines are crossing over indigenous lands. In an energy-thirsty continent, there is no land left to spare, not even tribal land. Many of these energy infrastructure projects involve international investments that are protected by treaties and enforced by arbitral tribunals. At the same time, tribal communities have an internationally recognized right to receive prior and informed consultation before they are affected by projects of this nature. The Article focuses on the clash of rights between energy extraction companies investing abroad, and persons in indigenous communities whose lands are being condemned or disturbed to facilitate these companies’ extraction activities. As the Article explains, international treaties force the State to protect both these interests and set up norms, backed by international judicial interpretations, that prioritize the economic benefits of resource extraction in the name of public benefits. Consequently, when the rights of investors and communities clash, governments almost categorically side with the interests of foreign investors, at the sacrifice of the interests of local communities. The Article sees this course as endorsing a societal view that elevates economic considerations over noneconomic considerations and advocates a more pluralistic societal view that sees noneconomic considerations on par with (and at times, of superior importance to) economic considerations.
PROPERTY Mortgages, Liens, and Security: Provide for Notice of Lien Rights to Owners of Real Property, Contractors, and Providers of Labor, Services or Materials

The Act provides that owners or contractors of real property must provide written notice of the identities of the property owner, the contractor, and any surety or construction lender for a construction project to persons who are not in privity of contract with the project contractor and who provide labor, services, or materials for the improvement of the property. Such written notice must also be filed with the clerk of the superior court of the county in which the project is located. The Act further provides that a person who supplies labor, services, or materials for the improvement of real property must give written notice to the owner and contractor of his name and a description of services which were provided.
Interactions of recombinant human pulmonary surfactant protein D and SP-D multimers with influenza A

To further study the structure and function of surfactant protein D (SP-D), recombinant human SP-D (rhSP-D) was isolated from the culture medium of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells stably transfected with a full-length hSP-D cDNA. Although a significant fraction of the secreted rhSP-D was recovered as dodecamers similar to recombinant rat SP-D (rrSP-D), a major fraction accumulated as multimers of dodecamers indistinguishable from human proteinosis SP-D. As previously shown for the rat protein, rhSP-D agglutinated specific strains of influenza A virus (IAV), inhibited viral hemagglutinin activity, and protected neutrophils (PMN) from deactivation by IAV. However, the potency of rhSP-D multimers was severalfold greater than for purified dodecamers, comparable to natural, proteinosis hSP-D. Although rhSP-D multimers were also more potent than the serum collectins in mediating viral aggregation and protection of PMN, they were less potent than conglutinin in inhibiting infectivity in vitro. These studies establish that the propensity of hSP-D to form multimers of dodecamers is determined by its primary structure and demonstrate carbohydrate recognition domain valency-dependent interactions of SP-D with IAV.
Fluorescence in Forensic Science

Emission spectroscopy, which in the forensic science context historically has meant (carbon) arc spectroscopy, is occasionally still employed in paint examination and some other trace evidence areas, but has largely been replaced by atomic absorption (AA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and other analytical techniques. Notwithstanding its intrinsically very high sensitivity, molecular fluorescence spectroscopy is not utilized as a general technique of forensic analysis either, because spectra tend to be broad and featureless. Fluorescence spectral examination may occasionally be used in areas such as document examination, specifically for ink differentiation in instances of document alteration, but fluorescence spectra as such tend to pertain primarily to the arena of research. This is not to say, however, that the photoluminescence phenomenon is not exploited in criminalistics, the examination of articles of physical evidence recovered from the crime scene. Indeed, it is widely and effectively employed in tagging or labeling modalities and via the inherent fluorescence itself of trace evidence. Fluorescence-based approaches to authentication of currency and passports, identification of valuables, origin specification of gun powders and explosives, surveillance, and so on, are less directly pertinent to forensic science. These areas of fluorescence tagging will thus not be dealt with in detail. In criminalistics, photoluminescence is today the mode par excellence for ultrasensitive latent fingerprint detection. It is also employed in detection of body fluids, visualization of fibers, ink discrimination, and so on. Thus, the focus in this article will be on visualization and imaging. We begin, however, with discussion of the basic molecular photoluminescence phenomenon and description of some useful spectroscopic measurements, namely luminescence and excitation spectra, and luminescence lifetime determination by time-gated and phase-resolved techniques. These set the stage for the latest advances in photoluminescence visualization in physical evidence processing, with emphasis on fingerprints, the most prominent photoluminescence application in forensic science.
A study of haptic interactions with an under actuated robot in three dimensions

As haptic devices become more common, the afford-ability, complexity, and size of the device are all factors in considering appropriate applications. A popular haptic device is the PHANTOM Omni, a six degree of freedom (6 DOF) positioning manipulator with 3 DOF force feedback. To increase the usability of the class of under actuated devices that include the common PHANTOM Omni, an impedance requiring full 6 DOF force feedback control law for under actuated devices based on a virtual mechanism (VM) was developed. The goal of this control law is to mask the un-actuated joints of a physical robot manipulator (RM) using force feedback on the actuated joints. The control theory includes using a VM as a constraint for the RM. Weighted matrices and the pseudo inverse Jacobian control law place the VM as to minimize the error between the current RM position and somewhere on the path of the VM. A pseudo inverse Jacobian control law is used to generate a force to send to user of the RM. The theory is tested using the PHANTOM Omni with six cases where the importance of the position error and orientation error for the manipulator are varied.
Naming and Forgetting in Queneau's Pierrot mon ami

Pierrot mon ami (1943) ranks among Raymond Queneau's most inscrutable works. While "clearly written with the [detective] genre in mind," it nonetheless fails to specify exactly what crime—if any— has been committed. While set primarily in the ahistorical hedonism of an amusement park—the Uni-Park—the novel depicts characters who incessantly turn a wistful, even melancholy gaze toward a distant past, a sort of lost Golden Age. And even as it elaborates this constant stream of reminiscences, it erects a screen of forgetfulness, of disappearance, of loss that renders the very idea of memory (and thus of investigation, and thus of knowledge) somehow suspect. As Eugenie Pradonet, estranged wife of the manager of the Uni-Park, tells for her adolescent daughter: "Some day you'll have a past, Yvonne, and you'll see what a funny thing it is. Over here, it's in pieces: nothing left. Over there, it's all cluttered with weeds, and doesn't look familiar either. And then some parts of it seem so pretty that you repaint them every year, sometimes one color, sometimes another, until they don't look anything like they used to." Eugenie characterizes memory as an abandoned building, and the act of remembering as a stroll around this building; thus the act of remembering is, it would seem, nothing more than the act of realizing what one has forgotten.
Strong-Field Control of X-Ray Processes

Abstract In x-ray science, cross-sections for x-ray absorption in matter are typically assumed to be invariants, depending only on the atomic and spatial composition of the material. However, by utilizing strong electromagnetic fields, it is possible to modify x-ray absorption cross-sections in a controlled way. This allows one to use x-rays to gain deeper insight into strong-field processes. As an application, strong electromagnetic fields may be utilized to control the propagation of x-rays through a medium. Gas-phase systems are particularly suitable for illustrating the basic principles underlying combined x-ray and laser interactions. We discuss three different scenarios for modifying resonant x-ray absorption near an inner-shell edge: (1) Strong-field ionization of the target particles at laser intensities in the range 1014–1015 W/cm2; (2) modification of electronic structure of inner-shell-excited systems by laser dressing at 1012–1013 W/cm2; (3) control of resonant x-ray absorption by molecules through laser-induced spatial alignment at 1011–1012 W/cm2.
Mapping Coastal Risks and Social Vulnerability: Current Tools and Legal Risks

Extreme weather events and nuisance flooding are increasing, with communities already experiencing impacts. Both the identification of local hazards and the assessment of local vulnerabilities can protect people, their property, and their livelihoods. This paper provides an overview for local governments of the social vulnerability data sets that are currently available, how social vulnerability is currently being used and could be used, and what legal risks might be associated with utilizing it. A typical factor used to determine social vulnerability is race or ethnicity. The use of race specifically raises legal concerns, primarily based on the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. In this paper, we discuss the equal protection analysis framework and the potential legal challenges associated with using race as a factor in in making decisions based on maps or other decision-support tools that include social vulnerability criteria. However, these tools can be used to help local governments ensure critical functions and services.
Asymptomatic “placental prolapse” with cervical funneling in a patient with complete placenta previa

We describe the transvaginal sonographic findings in a patient with complete placenta previa and increased risk of preterm birth owing to a prior history of mid-trimester pregnancy loss in whom we observed a short cervix and prolapse of the placenta and fetal membranes into the endocervical canal. We believe that this could lead to antepartum hemorrhage and mandate close observation when diagnosed. We introduced the term "placental prolapse" to describe our finding.
A comprehensive study of Antarctic algal symbioses: minimal impacts of endophyte presence in most species of macroalgal hosts

Many species of macroalgae along the western Antarctic Peninsula have a high coverage of filamentous algal endophytes. A previous field study showed that endophyte presence negatively impacts growth and survival in some Antarctic algae, but can have no impact on others. We examined nine species of common macroalgal hosts from the area surrounding Palmer Station, Antarctica, to examine fine-scale impacts of endophyte presence on host physiology. Physiological parameters were selected based on their potential to influence fitness of host algae. These included photosynthetic parameters, thallus toughness and susceptibility to grazers in those species previously known to be chemically defended. We found that few macroalgal hosts are impacted by the presence of endophytes and that these impacts are not consistent across all physiological parameters. Iridaea cordata and Pachymenia sp. were the only species among the nine examined that demonstrated physiological stress in the presence of endophytes. Out of four ...
Place, Personalism, Anarchism, & Fantasy: Recasting Late Modernism

This essay outlines an ongoing critical intervention in the growing field of late modernist studies by recuperating anarchism as a political philosophy for English language writers of the 1930s and 1940s. The first section gives an overview of the development of late modernism as a critical category and how its early basis in Marxist criticism developed from the Auden generation. The second section traces new and expanded international networks made visible through attention to anarchist rather than Marxist sensibilities. The third section considers the development of fantasy genre fiction based on the emergence of major authors from the antiauthoritarian literary networks outlined and as a continuation of the political transformation of activism to literary aesthetics and form. The conclusion anticipates coming expansions in the critical corpus through attentiveness to anarchism more broadly in late modernist studies and the new modernist studies generally.
Some remarks on R-contact flows

Let (M, α) be an R-contact manifold, then the set of periodic points of the characteristic vector field is a nonempty union of closed, totally geodesic odd-dimensional submanifolds. Moreover, the R-metric cannot have nonpositive sectional curvature. We also prove that no R-contact form can exist on any torus.
Binary‐optics miniature Talbot cavities for laser beam addition

A miniature external cavity has been fabricated from a single 4.5 mm substrate for coherent beam addition of a linear AlGaAs laser array. Binary‐optics elements are fabricated on the front surface for laser beam collimation and onto the back surface for lateral mode selection. Near‐diffraction‐limited performance has been observed with up to 80% of the far‐field power contained in the central lobe.
Adaptive expectations, rational expectations, and money demand in hyperinflation Germany

Abstract In the recent literature Sargent and Wallace ( IER , June, 1973) have estimated the demand equation for money in hyperinflation under the restriction that the adaptive formula of Phillip Cagan yields rational inflation expectations in the sense of John Muth. The present paper finds evidence to reject for the Germany case the proposition that adaptive expectations are rational. The procedure employed is basically to overfit the stochastic representation for the inflation rate implied by the ‘adaptive-is-rational’ hypothesis. The paper also puts forward and applies a two-step procedure to estimate the important money demand elasticity in hyperinflation. The procedure returns reasonable results with large estimated standard errors.
Effects of medial septal stimulation on hypothalamically-elicited intraspecific attack and associated hissing in cats.

Abstract Stimulation of the medial region of the cat septum facilitates intraspecific attack and associated hissing elicited from the ventromedial hypothalamus. This facilitative influence did not extend to lateral hypothalamically-elicited predatory attack, nor do the data indicate a suppression of predatory attack coincident with facilitation of intraspecific attack.
Intraspecific variation and population structure of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica, revealed with RFLP analysis of the non‐transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA

Little information is available on genetic variation within and between populations of pest cockroaches. In this study, intraspecific Hind III polymorphism was investigated in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (Linnaeus) (Dictyoptera, Blattaria: Blattellidae), using restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) of the non-transcribed spacer (NTS) region of ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Individual male insects were collected from infestations at three different pig farms. Each population was characterized by Hind III restriction fragment frequencies and haplotype (a particu- lar X-chromosome pattern) frequencies. The inheritance of the X-chromosome Hind III rDNA patterns over 12 generations (3 years) follows Mendelian patterns, and the stabi- lity of this polymorphic marker indicates infrequent genetic recombination of variable sites. Although pairwise genetic distance measures were uncorrelated with geographical distance, the pattern of genetic differentiation of the three cockroach populations sug- gests that human-mediated transport of cockroaches is an important force in shaping the population genetic structure of cockroach infestations, at least at the regional scale of 10 - 100 km. Sequence variation in the ribosomal NTS is a useful marker, and RFLP of rDNA is a simple, robust and reproducible technique for differentiating recently diverged cockroach populations.
Late Argon Laser Suture Lysis after Mitomycin C Trabeculectomy

Background: Argon laser suture lysis has been effectively used in the early postoperative period to enhance filtration after trabeculectomy. The most substantial reductions in intraocular pressure (10P) occur when laser suture lysis is performed during the first 2 postoperative weeks, and virtually no effect has been reported after the fourth postoperative week. Mitomycin C, used as adjunct therapy, improves the success rate of trabeculectomy in high-risk eyes and may change the time course for effective suture lysis. Methods: The authors used late laser suture lysis in five high-risk patients after mitomycin C trabeculectomy. The mean patient age was 66.8 ± 15.7 years, and laser suture lysis was performed an average of 13 ± 5.8 weeks (range, 7-21 weeks) after surgery. Results: The mean 101? before suture lysis was 20.2 ± 3.8 mmHg. The average 101? reduction immediately after suture lysis was 11.4 ± 3.9 mmHg. The average IOP 3 to 4 months after laser suture lysis was 9.4 ± 3.4 mmHg. Conclusions: The authors postulate that,adjunctive mitomycin C therapy markedly delays wound healing and appears to extend the period that laser suture lysis is clinically effective.
Rethinking the stalk effect: A new hypothesis explaining suprasellar tumor-induced hyperprolactinemia

The pars tuberalis is a distinct subdivision of the pituitary gland but its function remains poorly understood. Suprasellar tumors in this pars tuberalis region are frequently accompanied by hyperprolactinemia. As these tumors do not immunoreact for any of the established pituitary hormones, they are classified as nonsecretory. It has been postulated that these suprasellar tumors induce hyperprolactinemia by compressing the pituitary stalk, resulting in impaired dopamine delivery to the pituitary and, consequently, disinhibition of the lactotropes. An alternative hypothesis proposed is that suprasellar tumors secrete a specific pars tuberalis factor that stimulates prolactin secretion. Hypothesized candidates are the preprotachykinin A derived tachykinins, substance P and/or neurokinin A.
Effect of growth factors and antitumor drugs on normal and Vall2Ha-ras transformed C3H 10T1/2 cell transplasma membrane electron transport and growth

Bothras and the transplasma membrane electron transport system have been implicated in the control of cell growth. Since the loss of growth regulation is at the heart of the cancerous phenotype, we have investigated the effect of factors like antitumor drugs, which inhibit cell growth, and growth factors which either cause or prepare the cells for growth. We have found that growth factors increase the plasma membrane electron transport of the normal cells but not that of the cells which have been transfected with oncogenicras (which have a 2–5-fold faster basal rate). In the presence of adriamycin the activity of the electron transport system is and cell numbers are decreased more in normal cells than in the cells which have been transfected with the oncogenic version of the Harveyras gene. Cisplatin inhibits cell growth but does not inhibit ferricyanide reduction. Ferricyanide alone or in conjunction with EGF or TPA does not stimulate cell proliferation with either cell line in the absence of fetal calf serum, so simple activation of plasma membrane electron transport is not sufficient to activate a complete growth response.
The Huff model in retrospect

The probabilistic model of consumer spatial behavior formulated by Huff in 1962 continues to be used extensively by academicians and professional analysts in a variety of different applications. Consumer patronage, transportation demand, and economic impact are a few examples of such applications. The widespread use of the model has resulted in a number of misuses due to misconceptions and lack of knowledge on key issues. This article highlights key operational problems such as parameter estimation, choice set determination, variable selection and interpretation, and so on. The theoretical underpinning of the model is shown to be rooted in Central Place Theory. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Visualization of repetitive DNA sequences in human chromosomes with transcription activator-like effectors

We describe a transcription activator-like effector (TALE)-based strategy, termed "TALEColor," for labeling specific repetitive DNA sequences in human chromosomes. We designed TALEs for the human telomeric repeat and fused them with any of numerous fluorescent proteins (FPs). Expression of these TALE-telomere-FP fusion proteins in human osteosarcoma's (U2OS) cells resulted in bright signals coincident with telomeres. We also designed TALEs for centromeric sequences unique to certain chromosomes, enabling us to localize specific human chromosomes in live cells. Meanwhile we generated TALE-FPs in vitro and used them as probes to detect telomeres in fixed cells. Using human cells with different average telomere lengths, we found that the TALEColor signals correlated positively with telomere length. In addition, suspension cells were followed by imaging flow cytometry to resolve cell populations with differing telomere lengths. These methods may have significant potential both for basic chromosome and genome research as well as in clinical applications.
Measuring the fuzziness of human thoughts: An application of fuzzy sets to sociological research

Conventionally, sociologists measure the membership of an individual to a group by a “0 or 1” characteristic function. But when the definition of that group is fuzzy and an individual is neither a full member nor a nonmember, this dichotomous characteristic function may distort the reality. Instead of the “0 or 1” characteristic function by classical set theory, fuzzy set theory introduces a membership function which is a gradation from 0 to 1 to measure the degree to which an object (an individual) belongs to a concept (a group). Based on the rationale of fuzzy set theory, we suggest some new methods of data collection and analysis. Among several noteworthy findings, two points are emphasized: 1) the fuzzy set is an appropriate way of measuring the fuzziness of human thought; and 2) it allows one to relax the conventional assumption that all individuals have identical distributions and deviations around their means.
Metal-organic frameworks: size almost doesn't matter.

A newly developed microdiffraction technique for solving the structure of very small single crystals hails a new era in the structural characterization of complex materials.
Sound induced photisms in pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis

Synesthesia is defined as the simultaneous experience of one rimary sensation in another sensemode, for instance, the hearing f a number may trigger the perception of a particular color [1]. ynesthesia may be developmental, or acquired. This author previusly reported apatientwith epileptic ictal synesthesia of temporal obe origin as late sequel of encephalitis, and a second patient ith volitionally reproduced miniaturized TV-like sectoral syneshesia, as an exceptional secondary form of eidetic memory [2,3]. ound inducedphotisms constitute an acquired synesthetic clinical henomenon, initially reported by Jacobs et al. in 1981 [4]. These nvestigatorsdescribedninepatientswithvisual loss resulting from esions of the optic nerves or chiasm due to multiple sclerosis, umors and vasculitis. The authors hypothesized that deaffereniation of the visual cortex allowed the appearance of symptoms. heir group of patients exhibited a gamut of sound induced visual henomena, encompassing the perception of simple white flashes f light in one extreme, to the perception of colorful and complex allucinations in the other. Of significance, sound photisms were erceived only over the defective portion of their vision,while starle was a common precipitant [4]. The patient herein described had o apparent visual loss, albeit, the photisms were lateralized to he periphery of his field of vision. Startle was a universal precipiant. There were no paroxysmal electroencephalographic changes oted during the experimental elicitation of sound photisms dur-
A Mirror Mount For Cryogenic Environments

The finite element method was used to study the effect of mount-induced aberrations on the optical surface of a lightweight double arch mirror subjected to cryogenic temperatures. The mount design was controlled by the requirements imposed on the optical surface quality and stress levels. The finite element analysis was used to define the feasible range of mount parameters and the selection of a design within the feasible region. The final design consisted of three spring-loaded Invar T-clamps that uniquely define the location of the mirror, three radially compliant parallel spring guides that remove the effect of radial contraction of structure in cryogenic temperatures, and a flexible baseplate that was used to reduce the effect of temperature-induced baseplate tilt errors. The experimental results from the application of this system to an existing 20-inch fused silica double arch mirror are shown, and possible improvements in system performance are discussed.
Wildland fire emissions, carbon, and climate: Modeling fuel consumption

Fuel consumption specifies the amount of vegetative biomass consumed during wildland fire. It is a two-stage process of pyrolysis and combustion that occurs simultaneously and at different rates depending on the characteristics and condition of the fuel, weather, topography, and in the case of prescribed fire, ignition rate and pattern. Fuel consumption is the basic process that leads to heat absorbing emissions called greenhouse gas and other aerosol emissions that can impact atmospheric and ecosystem processes, carbon stocks, and land surface reflectance. It is a critical requirement for greenhouse gas emission inventories. There are several fuel consumption models widely used by scientists and land managers including the First Order Fire Effects Model, Consume, and CanFIRE. However, these models have not been thoroughly evaluated with an independent, quality assured, fuel consumption data set. Furthermore, anecdotal evidence indicates the models have limited ability to predict consumption of specific fuel bed categories such as tree crowns, deep organic layers, and rotten logs that can contribute significantly to greenhouse gases. If we are to move forward in our ability to assess the contribution of wildland fire to greenhouse gas to the atmosphere, our current fuel consumption models must be evaluated and modified to improve their predictive capabilities. Finally, information is lacking on how much black and brown carbon from wildland fire is generated during the combustion process and how much remains on site becoming sequestered in soils, partially offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. This synthesis focuses on the process and modeling of fuel consumption and knowledge gaps that will improve our ability to predict fuel consumption and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions.
Kinetic studies on the inhibition of glycolytic kinases of human erythrocytes by 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid.

Abstract 1. 1. In addition to its primary role as regulator of hemoglobin oxygenation, 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid has been cited as an inhibitor of several enzymes in the erythrocyte. In this paper four enzymes of glycolysis [hexokinase (ATP: d :hexose 6-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.1), phosphofructokinase (ATP: d -fructose 6-phosphate I-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.11), phosphoglycerate kinase (ATP:3-phospho- d -glycerate I-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.2.3), and pyruvate kinase (ATP: pyruvate phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.40) were partially purified from the human red blood cell and the effect of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate upon their activities was measured. 2. 2. It was demonstrated that in addition to hexokinase, about which there had been conflicting previous reports, the other three kinases are inhibited at normal intracellular levels of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, but that a marked variation in sensitivity exists. 3. 3. Kinetic studies of this inhibition reveal that generally 2,3-diphosphoglycerate is competitive with ATP, ADP, or the ATP-2 Mg2+ complex. A tabular summary of the K i and K m values for these enzymes is given. 4. 4. It is concluded from these experiments together with studies on glucose utilization by cells containing varying amounts of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate that inhibition of hexokinase is probably the most significant step in regulation of glycolysis by 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. 5. 5. The competitive effect between, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate and ATP on these four kinases and its possible significance in mammalian erythrocytes is discussed briefly.
Presented at the Fifty-ninth Annual Meeting of the Pacific Coast Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, Ojai, California, October 1118, 1992.

At last year's meeting of the Pacific Coast Obstetrical and Gynecological Society I presented, as part of a seminar on access to care, a report on the Oregon Health Plan. 1 A year later the plan has still not been implemented, and, although the national debate on health care reform intensifies and the number of proposals for change mount, the Oregon Plan is, if anything, further away from implementation than it was a year ago. The plan has never been a proposal for universal reform, nor has it ever claimed to be the perfect solution for the many problems that confront our health care services. It is simply a modest suggestion with a single purpose to increase access to some health care for those poorer members of Oregon's society, working and nonworking, who do not have health insurance. The plan is revolutionary in that it attempts to define and limit the content of care at the same time as greatly expanding the population served, as opposed to the current system, which defines and limits the population served with virtually no restrictions on the services provided. My justification in presenting this topic to the society again is that the struggles experienced in the difficult gestation and as yet undelivered Oregon Plan are, I believe, illustrative of the problems that face our specialty and our profession, and I believe they deserve some further scrutiny. The starting point for the plan had a women's health care context, because the Oregon Legislative Emergency Board voted in 1987 to spend some $150,000 on extending prenatal services rather than to purchase an out-of-state bone marrow transplant for young Coby Howard, who suffered from leukemia. Clearly there can be criticism about the timing, the circumstances, the credentials of the decision makers, and the decision
Special organism isolation: attempting to bridge the gap.

There have been many changes in infection control in the 10 years since the last publication of isolation guidelines for hospitals by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hospitals since have used the 1988 CDC Update on Universal Precautions as a minimum because it is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Even before these changes, Lynch and Jackson described the concept of body substance isolation, which is intended primarily to decrease cross-transmission between patients. Many hospitals' universal precautions policies also incorporate the concept of body substance isolation to prevent the transmission of non-bloodborne as well as bloodborne pathogens. The 1988 CDC update states that the use of universal precautions does not eliminate the need for other category- or disease-specific isolation, or an institution's own system of isolation precautions.West Haven Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Connecticut and the University Health System and Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, have adopted a universal precautions/body substance isolation (UP/BSI) policy as a standard for all patients in an attempt to lessen the confusion. All three hospitals are large, university-affiliated, tertiary care teaching institutions. Blood and all body fluids or tissue from all patients are considered potentially infectious and barrier precautions are used accordingly. Body substance isolation has been shown to decrease the transmission of some non-blood-borne pathogens.
The Hotter the Engine, the Better

Jet turbine engines have benefited from decades of development of nickel-based superalloys, which have allowed a steady increase in engine operating temperatures and led to improved performance and efficiency. However, operating temperatures are now reaching limits posed by the melting temperatures ( T m) of these materials. New materials, including alloys based on metals with higher melting points, such as molybdenum (Mo) and niobium (Nb) alloyed with silicon (Si), are now being seriously examined as alternatives by academic and industrial groups.
Future directions for gemcitabine in the treatment of genitourinary cancer.

Abstract Because of an annual morbidity of 225,000 patients and mortality of over 56,000 patients per year in the United States from metastatic genitourinary malignancies, there is a great need for new systemic agents. With its activity and low toxicity, gemcitabine has begun to play a growing role in genitourinary cancer treatment and clinical trials. Substantial activity has been reported for gemcitabine combinations in the treatment of bladder cancer (median survival in one study of nearly 20 months) and for gemcitabine alone or in combinations in testicular cancer patients. Lower (but real) levels of activity have also been observed for gemcitabine combinations in renal carcinoma (17% response rate) and for monotherapy in hormone-refractory prostate cancer (7%). These data suggest the need for further trials of gemcitabine alone or in combinations in genitourinary cancer patients. Semin Oncol 29 (suppl 3):40-45. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
An Assessment of the Relative Value of Knowledge Transfer Processes to Project Success

As activities of companies become global there is an emerging need to understand the processes that lead to the success of large projects in which the core competency is centered in a parent company; an engineering department in a foreign subsidiary; and customers that are distributed across the globe. This situation requires an ever-increasing role for project managers (PM) to cross international boundaries. The modern PM must consider many facets of their responsibilities including: managing corporate knowledge as a strategic asset; transferring corporate knowledge to the project team and transferring engineering capabilities back to corporate; and, developing customer requirements that ensure project success. In order to meet these responsibilities, the project manager needs to understand the diversity of technical communication from parent to subsidiary, the cultural vagaries of these communications, in addition to maintaining an eye on knowledge transfer. The challenge for an organization is to manage knowledge transfer between headquarters and its subsidiaries optimally. This initial study will investigate the factors associated with successes of international projects examining cultural and knowledge transfer processes of industrial companies and their subsidiaries. It plans to improve understanding of how communication structures and mechanisms of companies are integrating factors between culture and knowledge transfer and how they impact project success.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Deriving Minimal Features for Human-Like Facial Expressions in Robotic Faces

This study explores deriving minimal features for a robotic face to convey information (via facial expressions) that people can perceive and understand. Recent research in computer vision has shown that a small number of moving points/lines can be used to capture the majority of information ( $$\sim $$ 95 %) in human facial expressions. Here, we apply such findings to a minimalist robot face design, which was run through a series of experiments with human subjects (n = 75) exploring the effect of various factors, including added neck motion and degree of expression. Facial expression identification rates were similar to more complex robots. In addition, added neck motion significantly improved facial expression identification rates to 100 % for all expressions (except Fear). The Negative Attitudes towards Robots (NARS) and Godspeed scales were also collected to examine user perceptions, e.g. perceived animacy and intelligence. The project aims to answer a number of fundamental questions about robotic face design, as well as to develop inexpensive and replicable robotic faces for experimental purposes.