cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accelerating Stochastic Simulation with Interactive Neural Processes.

Stochastic simulations such as large-scale, spatiotemporal, age-structured epidemic models are computationally expensive at fine-grained resolution. We propose Interactive Neural Process (INP), an interactive framework to continuously learn a deep learning surrogate model and accelerate simulation. Our framework is based on the novel integration of Bayesian active learning, stochastic simulation and deep sequence modeling. In particular, we develop a novel spatiotemporal neural process model to mimic the underlying process dynamics. Our model automatically infers the latent process which describes the intrinsic uncertainty of the simulator. This also gives rise to a new acquisition function that can quantify the uncertainty of deep learning predictions. We design Bayesian active learning algorithms to iteratively query the simulator, gather more data, and continuously improve the model. We perform theoretical analysis and demonstrate that our approach reduces sample complexity compared with random sampling in high dimension. Empirically, we demonstrate our framework can faithfully imitate the behavior of a complex infectious disease simulator with a small number of examples, enabling rapid simulation and scenario exploration.
Challenges and Opportunities in Engaging Primary Care Providers in BRCA Testing: Results from the BFOR Study.

Engaging primary care providers (PCPs) in BRCA1/2 testing and results disclosure would increase testing access. The BRCA Founder OutReach (BFOR) study is a prospective study of BRCA1/2 founder mutation screening among individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent that sought to involve participants’ PCPs in results disclosure. We used quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate PCPs’ perspectives, knowledge, and experience disclosing results in BFOR. Among PCPs nominated by BFOR participants to disclose BRCA1/2 results, we assessed the proportion agreeing to disclose. To examine PCP’s perspectives, knowledge, and willingness to disclose results, we surveyed 501 nominated PCPs. To examine PCPs’ experiences disclosing results in BFOR, we surveyed 101 PCPs and conducted 10 semi-structured interviews. In the BFOR study overall, PCPs agreed to disclose their patient’s results 40.5% of the time. Two hundred thirty-four PCPs (46.7%) responded to the initial survey. Responding PCPs were more likely to agree to disclose patients’ results than non-responders (57.3% vs. 28.6%, p<0.001). Among all respondents, most felt very (19.7%) or somewhat (39.1%) qualified to share results. Among PCPs declining to disclose, insufficient knowledge was the most common reason. In multivariable logistic regression, feeling qualified was the only variable significantly associated with agreeing to disclose results (OR 6.53, 95% CI 3.31, 12.88). In post-disclosure surveys (response rate=55%), PCPs reported largely positive experiences. Interview findings suggested that although PCPs valued the study-provided educational materials, they desired better integration of results and decision support into workflows. Barriers exist to incorporating BRCA1/2 testing into primary care. Most PCPs declined to disclose their patients’ BFOR results, although survey respondents were motivated and had positive disclosure experiences. PCP training and integrated decision support could be beneficial. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03351803), November 24, 2017
Electronic health record-integrated approach for collection of patient-reported outcome measures: a retrospective evaluation.

Background The integration of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) into clinical care presents many challenges for health systems. PROMs provide quantitative data regarding patient-reported health status. However, the most effective model for collecting PROMs has not been established. Therefore the purpose of this study is to report the development and preliminary evaluation of the standardized collection of PROMs within a department of orthopedic surgery at a large academic health center. Methods We utilized the Users' Guide to Integrating Patient-Reported Outcomes in Electronic Health Records by Gensheimer et al., 2018 as a framework to describe the development of PROMs collection initiative. We framed our initiative by operationalizing the three aspects of PROM collection development: Planning, Selection, and Engagement. Next, we performed a preliminary evaluation of our initiative by assessing the response rate of patients completing PROMs (no. of PROMs completed/no. of PROMs administered) across the entire department (18 clinics), ambulatory clinics only (14 clinics), and hospital-based clinics only (4 clinics). Lastly, we reported on the mean response rates for the top 5 and bottom 5 orthopaedic providers to describe the variability across providers. Results We described the development of a fully-integrated, population health based implementation strategy leveraging the existing resources of our local EHR to maximize clinical utility of PROMs and routine collection. We collected a large volume of PROMs over a 13 month period (n = 10,951) across 18 clinical sites, 7 clinical specialties and over 100 providers. The response rates varied across the department, ranging from 29 to 42%, depending on active status for the portal to the electronic health record (MyChart). The highest single provider mean response rate was 52%, and the lowest provider rate was 13%. Rates were similar between hospital-based (26%) and ambulatory clinics (29%). Conclusions We found that our standardized PROMs collection initiative, informed by Gensheimer et al., achieved scope and scale, but faced challenges in achieving a high response rate commensurate with existing literature. However, most studies reported a targeted recruitment strategy within a narrow clinical population. Further research is needed to elucidate the trade-off between scalability and response rates in PROM collection initiatives.
Comparison of Cost Changes for Dermatology Residency Applications due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The financial burden placed on medical students includes not only school tuition costs, but also residency application costs. A survey study found that some medical students took loans of up to $7,000 for the interview process, while others took great cost-saving measures, such as opting to sleep in restaurants.1 In 2014, matched applicants paid an average $11,324 for dermatology residency applications, with costs consistently rising (Table 1).2-3 We believe COVID-19 restrictions may have reduced application costs with virtual interviews and with away rotations being discouraged.
Keynote Iterative Methods

In this chapter we give an introduction to the basic (sub)gradient-based methods for minimizing a convex function on a Hilbert space. We pay special attention to the proximal point algorithm and the gradient method, which are interpreted as time discretizations of the steepest descent differential inclusion. Moreover, these methods, along with some extensions and variants, are the building blocks for other - more sophisticated - methods that exploit particular features of the problems, such as the structure of the feasible (or constraint) set. The choice of proximal- or gradient-type schemes depends strongly on the regularity of the objective function.
Dose-dependent pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine in rats: determination of the formation clearance of carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide.

The dose dependency of carbamazepine pharmacokinetics was characterized in rats, a common test animal for antiepileptic drug efficacy. With a randomized Latin square schedule, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg doses of carbamazepine were injected intravenously into six Sprague-Dawley rats followed by the administration of a 5 or 10 mg/kg i.v. dose of CBZ-E to each rat. Following administration, the concentrations of CBZ and carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide (CBZ-E) in whole blood were determined by a reverse-phase HPLC assay. Plasma protein binding of both carbamazepine and CBZ-E was linear over the concentration range observed in this study. Carbamazepine concentration-time plots were log-linear, but the slopes were not parallel. Carbamazepine total-body clearances were 15.1 +/- 3.26, 13.4 +/- 5.66, and 10.0 +/- 3.11 ml/min/kg at the 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg doses, respectively (significance of difference between the 5 and the 20 mg/kg dose = 0.06 less than P less than 0.05; Kruskal-Wallis test, Dunn's procedure). However, the formation clearance to CBZ-E did not change, suggesting that metabolism via other pathways was decreased at higher carbamazepine doses.
Genetic and pharmacological analysis of neurotransmitters controlling egg laying in C. elegans

We have investigated the neurotransmitters used to control egg-laying in C. elegans. Previous studies suggested that 5-HT released by the HSN motor neurons stimulates egg laying, and that tricyclic antidepressants potentiate egg laying by blocking reuptake of 5-HT by the HSN neurons. We report studies of the wild type and a mutant that lacks detectable 5-HT that suggest 5-HT is not required for egg-laying. Furthermore, we find that ACh is required for egg laying in response to 5-HT, suggesting that 5-HT is not sufficient to activate egg laying. The dominant egl-2(n693) mutation, which causes animals to lay eggs in response to tricyclics but not 5-HT, also conflicts with the model for egg laying. Experiments in which the HSN neurons or 5-HT are removed from egl-2 animals indicate that the action of tricyclics cannot be explained by a block of 5-HT reuptake. We find that D2 family dopamine antagonists can also induce egg laying in egl-2(n693) mutants, and that dopamine inhibits egg laying in the wild type. These results suggest that dominant egl-2 mutations activate an inhibitory dopaminergic pathway that can be blocked by tricyclics and D2 antagonists. We also find that these drugs stimulate egg laying in mutants lacking 5-HT or the HSN neurons, consistent with a target on the egg-laying muscles. In contrast to tricyclics, fluoxetine and other selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors appear to be specific for 5-HT reuptake in C. elegans egg laying.
Important Special Cases of the Logistic Model

In this chapter, several important special cases of the logistic model involving a single (0, 1) exposure variable are considered with their corresponding odds ratio expressions. In particular, focus is on defining the independent variables that go into the model and on computing the odds ratio for each special case. Models that account for the potential confounding effects and potential interaction effects of covariates are emphasized.
Minocycline-induced blue-green discoloration of bone. A case report.

The long-term use of minocycline has been associated with skin and tooth hyperpigmentation, but cases of bone discoloration have been reported only rarely1-5. Darkly colored bone that is encountered during a routine arthroplasty presents a dilemma because of the uncertainty regarding its etiology, the structural soundness of the bone, and the ability of the bone to heal. We report the case of an elderly man with a history of long-term minocycline use in whom blue-green discoloration of bone was found during routine total knee arthroplasty. The patient was informed that data concerning this case would be submitted for publication. An eighty-one-year-old man was referred to us with a five-year history of severe, progressive pain in the right knee. His medical history was remarkable for hypertension, benign prostatic hypertrophy, gastroesophageal reflux disease, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, and rosacea. His medications included atenolol, felodipine, oxybutynin, rabeprazole, rofecoxib, and minocycline, the latter of which was used for treatment of rosacea. Physical examination featured an antalgic gait, a valgus deformity of the knee of 12° on the right side and of 10° on the left side, a range of motion of the knee from 10° to 110° on the right side and from 0° to 120° on the left side, medial and lateral joint-line tenderness of both knees, and no signs of joint laxity. Examination of the skin revealed large, poorly circumscribed, dusky blue-gray patches of hyperpigmentation over the posterior part …
Fuzzy logic based Euchre game design on palm PDA

The goal of this paper is to investigate the use of fuzzy logic in game playing environment. First, the card game of Euchre was chosen to be simulated. After that a game strategy that a human goes through needed to be implemented through an algorithm the computer could understand. This was achieved by using several basic Surgeno's fuzzy models in neural networks by Yen and Langari, (1999). In addition to the fuzzy logic involved, classical logic was used for various playing schemes to create a hybrid logical interface. One final unique aspect of this project was the use of the palm operating system. In the end, the palm played an intelligent and competitive game of cards.
Inequality, Collective Action, and Taxing and Spending Patterns of State and Local Governments

Scholars have examined how inequality influences the development of different types of institutions. This article takes a historical perspective to examine how economic inequality and challenges to collective action may have contributed to different taxing and spending patterns of state and local governments in the United States. Particularly before the Great Depression, differences existed in the absolute and relative size of state and local governments, the use of various tax instruments to fund government operations, and the size and nature of spending programs. The evidence suggests that those areas with greater economic equality chose to acquire common goods and services collectively and to impose taxes to fund those expenditures at a greater relative level than areas with greater inequality. These patterns continued through World War II, and, to a much lesser extent, to the present day. This article also examines the substantial changes in the relative roles of local, state, and federal governments in assessing taxes and providing common goods and services.
Cyclin D1 Expression in Melanocytic Lesions of the Skin

Background: Progression through the cell cycle is controlled by cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases and cyclin-dependent kinase-inhibitory proteins. The role of cyclin D1 in the development, progression and prognosis of melanomas is controversial. The goal of this study is to evaluate the role of cyclin D1 in benign and malignant melanocytic lesions of the skin. Methods: A total of 101 melanocytic lesions of the skin including compound nevi (21), intradermal nevi (18), melanoma in situ (3), primary invasive melanoma (30), and metastatic melanoma (29) were evaluated for cyclin D1 overexpression by immunohistochemistry. The following tiered system was used for scoring: 0% of cells with nuclear staining (score 0), 1–19% nuclear staining (score 1), 20–49% nuclear staining (score 2), and 50% or greater nuclear staining (score 3). Results: The average score for primary melanomas was significantly higher compared to nevi (p = 0.0046), and for in situ melanomas compared to primary invasive melanomas (p = 0.011). There was slightly higher level of expression in compound nevi versus intradermal nevi. Conclusion: Our study indicates that cyclin D1 expression is increased in malignant compared to benign melanocytic lesions. Further studies are needed to ascertain the biological role of cyclin D1 in melanocytic lesions of the skin.
Interferon-gamma promoter hypomethylation and increased expression in chronic periodontitis

Zhang S, Crivello A, Offenbacher S, Moretti A, Paquette DW, Barros SP. Interferon-gamma promoter hypomethylation and increased expression in chronic periodontitis. J Clin Periodontol current year 2010; 37: 953–961. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2010.01616.x. Abstract Aim: The goal of this investigation was to determine whether epigenetic modifications in the IFNG promoter are associated with an increase of IFNG transcription in different stages of periodontal diseases. Materials and Methods: DNA was extracted from gingival biopsy samples collected from 47 total sites from 47 different subjects: 23 periodontally healthy sites, 12 experimentally induced gingivitis sites and 12 chronic periodontitis sites. Levels of DNA methylation within the IFNG promoter containing six CpG dinucleotides were determined using pyrosequencing technology. Interferon gamma mRNA expression was analysed by quantitative polymerase chain reactions using isolated RNA from part of the biological samples mentioned above. Results: The methylation level of all six analysed CpG sites within the IFNG promoter region in the periodontitis biopsies {52% [interquartile range, IQR (43.8%, 63%)]} was significantly lower than periodontally healthy samples {62% [IQR (51.3%, 74%)], p=0.007} and gingivitis biopsies {63% [IQR (55%, 74%)], p=0.02}. The transcriptional level of IFNG in periodontitis biopsies was 1.96-fold and significantly higher than tissues with periodontal health (p=0.04). Although the mRNA level from experimental gingivitis samples exhibited an 8.5-fold increase as compared with periodontally healthy samples, no significant methylation difference was observed in experimental gingivitis sample. Conclusions: A hypomethylation profile within IFNG promoter region is related to an increase of IFNG transcription present in the chronic periodontitis biopsies, while such an increase of IFNG in experimentally induced gingivitis seems independent of promoter methylation alteration.
A Theoretical Framework for the Analysis of Thermoelectroelastic Heterogeneous Media with Applications

A rigorous theoretical framework is presented for the analysis of thermoelectroelastic heterogeneous media. These materials include, among others, piezoelectric composite media which exhibit pyroelectricity. Formal definitions of a representative volume element, phase constitutive behavior, and numerous averaging theorems are presented. Expression for the average fields in the constituent phases in terms of thermal and electroelastic concentration factors are presented as are exact expressions for the effective moduli in terms of the concentration factors. An approach is presented to estimate the phase concentration factors which is based on the rigorous solution for the auxiliary problem of a single piezoelectric inhomogeneity embedded in an infinite matrix (which is also outlined). The theoretical principles are presented in the framework of a convenient 9 x 9 and 9 x 1 matrix formulation which greatly simplifies their numerical implementation. The framework presented here allows for the clean delineation between exact and assumed relations and allows a clear interpretation of all assumptions. Applications are made to polycrystalline piezoelectric ceramics, cracked piezoelectric solids, and two-phase piezoelectric composites.
Smithian Domestic Product and the U.S. economy

Abstract This study examines Adam Smith's concept of national product (referred to as Smithian Domestic Product, or SDP) which he articulated in The Wealth of Nations . In contrast to Gross Domestic Product (which measures the production of things that have value), Smith's measure is more plutological. It measures the production of things critical for the accumulation of wealth. Given the global interest in economic growth and improvements in living standards, SDP is potentially useful as a complement to the GDP measure. As a preliminary effort to assess that potential, SDP and GDP estimates for the U.S. economy were compared for the period from 1949 to 2002. For two major macroeconomic events in the past decade (the economic boom of the 1990s and the recent recession), SDP appears to perform better than the GDP measure.
Retrospective evaluation of the conversion of amlodipine to alternative calcium channel blockers.

Study objective To evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and costs associated with a formulary conversion from amlodipine to alternative calcium channel blockers. Design Retrospective study. Setting Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Patients One hundred patients with hypertension who were receiving amlodipine. Intervention Data from a random sample of 100 patients who were taking amlodipine and converted to a formulary calcium channel blocker from February 1, 1999-October 30, 1999, were entered into an Excel database for evaluation of the conversion. Measurements and main results Patients were required to have a diagnosis of hypertension and have had two consecutive clinic visits with blood pressure measurements (and no changes in antihypertensive therapy) before conversion. End points were changes in average systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) from the two clinic visits before and after conversion. In addition, data were collected and analyzed with regard to adverse drug reactions, average dosage of the alternative calcium channel blocker, number of additional antihypertensives begun or discontinued, and number of dosage changes in antihypertensives within the two visits after conversion, and the overall cost impact of conversion. Average systolic blood pressure was reduced from 141.6 +/- 15.1 to 139.2 +/- 15.3 mm Hg after the conversion (NS). Average diastolic blood pressure was significantly reduced from 74 +/- 9.5 to 72.6 +/- 10.1 mm Hg after conversion (p=0.032), as was MAP (97.0 +/-q 9.3 to 94.8 +/- 10.0 mm Hg, p=0.026). Five patients had other changes in therapy made concurrently at the time of conversion, and 19 had changes after conversion. When these patients were excluded from analysis, the reduction in systolic blood pressure after conversion was significant (141.4 +/- 14.5 to 137.7 +/- 14.3 mm Hg, p=0.022), as were reductions in diastolic blood pressure (74.4 +/- 9.4 to 71.7 +/- 9.8 mm Hg, p=0.014) and MAP (96.7 +/- 9.1 to 93.7 +/- 9.3 mm Hg, p=0.007). Of patients who had postconversion changes in therapy, 8 (42%) were converted to diltiazem ER, nifedipine CC, or doses of felodipine that were 50% of the original dose of amlodipine. The overall cost impact of the conversion was a net savings of $14,858/year for each 100 patients converted. Conclusion Conversion from amlodipine to other calcium channel blockers resulted in statistically significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure and MAP, and was safe as well as cost-effective. Conversion to calcium channel antagonists other than felodipine or less than equal dosages of felodipine may require dosage titration. When converting patients from amlodipine, dosages usually should be equal to those of felodipine; if converting to other calcium channel antagonists, the need for adjustments should be anticipated.
Airway complications of infant botulism: ten-year experience with 60 cases.

Abstract Objective: The study goal was to understand the incidence, etiology, and management of airway complications in infant botulism. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the period from January 1, 1987, to December 31, 1997. Setting: Urban tertiary care children's hospital. Results: Of 60 children with infant botulism, 37 (61.7%) required endotracheal intubation for a mean of 21 days. No patient required a tracheostomy. Airway complications (stridor, subglottic stenosis, granuloma formation) occurred in 5 (13.5%) of 37 patients, with 3 requiring surgical bronchoscopy. Of the 37 children, 14 (37.8%), including 4 with airway complications, had endotracheal tube leak pressures recorded. In 3 (50%) of 6 patients with measured leak pressures of greater than 40 cm H2O, airway complications developed. Complications did not develop in patients with leak pressures of less than 20 cm H2O. No correlation between length of intubation and complications could be established. Conclusion: Airway complications in infant botulism may be accompanied by high leak pressures and can be managed with endoscopic techniques. The study data suggest that leak pressures should be measured on a regular basis and maintained at less than 20 to 25 cm H2O. A prospective trial to study this issue is warranted. Tracheotomy is not routinely necessary. A high index of suspicion, early diagnosis, and prompt intervention are required for the optimal management of airway complications in infant botulism. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2002;126:234-9.)
Failure of SCH 23390 to function as a discriminative stimulus in rats

Abstract Four rats were studied in a two-lever, food-reinforced drug discrimination paradigm using the D1 dopamine antagonist SCH 23390 (0.03 mg/kg, IP, 30 minutes prior to the session) and saline as the training stimuli. After at least 100 training sessions there was no evidence of stimulus control over responding by SCH 23390 in 3 of the 4 rats, and only briefly in the fourth. On the other hand, food delivery exerted control over behavior indicating that SCH 23390 did not disrupt control of behavior by the reinforcing stimulus. An increase in training dose to 0.06 mg/kg for an additional 12 sessions did not improve discriminative accuracy although this dose reduced rate of responding to an extent that made further training using 0.06 mg/kg untenable. The results provide no evidence of stimulus control of behavior by SCH 23390 and suggest that SCH 23390 does not function as a discriminative stimulus in rats.
Lymphadenopathy, cough, and fever in a 51‐year‐old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus: case report of lymphomatoid granulomatosis

Introduction Lymphomatoid granulomatosis is a rare, often fatal lymphoproliferative disease that is most common in immunosuppressed patients such as those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, organ transplant, or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. It has been described in patients with a variety of autoimmune disorders including Sjogren’s syndrome (1), ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis (2), Crohn’s disease, Hashimoto thyroiditis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (3). This report is the first to describe lymphomatoid granulomatosis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Red blood cell distribution width: reference intervals for neonates

AbstractObjective: To create reference intervals for red blood cell distribution width (RDW) of neonates and to use these intervals to better understand and classify hematopathology of neonates.Study design: This was a retrospective analysis of data from neonates born between 1/1/2001 and 12/31/2011, who had a complete blood cell count (CBC) in the first 14 days. The first RDW recorded from each was displayed according to gestational and postnatal age. Correlation between RDW and reticulocyte count was sought when the two tests were obtained simultaneously. Focused studies were performed on the 20 neonates with the highest and the 10 with the lowest RDW values.Results: RDW values from 165 613 CBCs were included. RDW reference intervals for neonates are higher than for older children and adults. At birth, the lower reference limit for term and late preterm neonates is 15.5%. The upper reference limit is 20%, and is slightly higher (up to 23%) in preterm neonates. For term and late preterm neonates the rang...
Trends in penetrating keratoplasty in the United States 1980–2005

In this review, we analyze the trends in corneal transplantation over the past 25 years in the United States. The most dramatic change was the progressive sharp increase in the number of corneal transplants performed during the 1980s, corresponding with the rise of pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) as the leading indication for keratoplasty. More recently, there has been a steady annual decline in total keratoplasties for more than a decade, corresponding with a decline in the cases performed for PBK, which still accounts for the highest percentage of cases done. Regrafts have been an increasingly important indication for keratoplasty, as older grafts fail. Keratoconus, Fuchs dystrophy, and other inherited diseases have remained consistent indications for keratoplasty during the last quarter century.
On the relationship between acoustic energy density flux near the jet and far field acoustic intensity

By measurement and analysis, the relationship between the distribution of the outflow of acoustic energy over the jet boundary and the far-field intensity is considered. The physical quantity used is the gradient of the pressure evaluated on a geometrical plane at the smallest possible radial distance from the jet axis, but outside the vortical region, in the area where the homogeneous wave equation is reasonably well satisfied. The numerical and experimental procedures involved have been checked out by using a known source. Results indicate that the acoustic power output per unit length of the jet, in the region from which the sound emanates, peaks at approximately 9 diameters downstream. The acoustic emission for a jet Strouhal number of about 0.3 exceeds the emission for all other Strouhal numbers nearly everywhere along the measurement plane. However, the far-field peak intensity distribution obtained from the contribution of each station was found to depend on the spatial extent of the region where sound emanates from the jet, which, in turn, depends more on the far-field angle than on the Strouhal number.
Presentation of the Mineralogical Society of America Award for 2013 to Wendy Li-Wen Mao

Fellow mineralogists, I am honored to present to you Wendy Li-Wen Mao, a friend and colleague of mine in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences at Stanford University as well as the Department of Photon Science at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Wendy is receiving the 2013 MSA Award for her exceptional contributions to the field of mineral physics. However, before I tell you about Wendy’s blossoming scientific career and her many outstanding scientific contributions, I would like to share a few personal things I have learned about Wendy from Agnes Mao, her mother who is here today, and from my own observations of Wendy over the past six years. According to Agnes, Wendy was a quiet and exceptionally well-behaved baby, in contrast to Wendy’s 5-month old son, whom I call “Action Jackson”. Action Jackson is in the audience with his father Benson. According to Wendy, Jackson has kept her awake most nights since his birth. Agnes also told me that Wendy loved to collect things as a child, including minerals, coins, stamps, and Cabbage Patch dolls. I can vouch for this because every flat surface in Wendy’s office at Stanford is covered by things she has collected recently, including many pieces of serpentine and other minerals, …
Broadband dielectric spectroscopic characterization of Nafion® chemical degradation

Abstract H + -form Nafion 212 films were chemically degraded via Fenton's reagent and characteristic polymer chain motions were analyzed using broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The β -relaxation peak maximum frequency ( f max ) shifts to higher temperatures upon degradation, reflecting slower chain motions. Perhaps this is due to an upward shift in average molecular weight caused by low molecular weight fragments being leached out of the membrane during the degradation experiment. Permittivity data for degraded and undegraded materials were fitted to the Havriliak–Negami equation. The quantities extracted from these fits were the relaxation time ( τ ) and parameters that reflect the breadth and asymmetry of the distribution of τ . These parameters were also used in the Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann–Hesse (VFTH) equation which was well-fitted to relaxation time versus temperature data. The increase in the Vogel temperature with degradation reflects more restricted chains. The distribution of relaxation time curve shifts to longer times, broadens, and is transformed from being bi- to tri-modal which reflects an increase in microstructural heterogeneity after degradation. It is concluded that dielectric spectroscopy can be a powerful tool in assessing the chemical degradation of Nafion membranes in the fuel cell environment.
Single-cell detection: test of microbial contamination using capillary electrophoresis.

Single cells of bacteria and fungi were detected using a capillary electrophoresis-based test for microbial contamination in laboratory samples. This technique utilizes a dilute cationic surfactant buffer to sweep microorganisms out of the sample zone and a small plug of “blocking agent” to negate the cells' mobility and induce aggregation. Analysis times are generally under 10 min. Previously, a nutrient broth media was reported as an effective blocking agent; however, the natural background fluorescence from the nutrient broth limited the detection sensitivity to ∼50 cells. In order to enhance the sensitivity of the technique down to a single cell, an alternative synthetic blocking agent was sought. Various potential blocking agents were screened including salts, polypeptides, small organic zwitterions, and surfactants. Zwitterionic surfactants are shown to be attractive alternatives to a nutrient broth blocker and mimic the nutrient broth's effects on cellular aggregation and mobility. Specifically, ca...
Effect of Nitrate, Perchlorate, and Water on Uranyl(VI) Speciation in a Room-Temperature Ionic Liquid: A Spectroscopic Investigation

Room-temperature ionic liquids form potentially important solvents in novel nuclear waste reprocessing methods, and the solvation, speciation, and complexation behaviors of lanthanides and actinides in these solvents are of great current interest. In the study reported here, the coordination environment of uranyl(VI) in solutions of the room-temperature ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIM][Tf2N]) containing perchlorate, tetrabutylammonium nitrate, and water was investigated using Raman, ATR-FTIR, and NMR spectroscopies in order to better understand the role played in uranyl(VI) solution chemistry in room-temperature ionic liquids by water and other small, weakly complexing ligands. The 2H NMR chemical shift for water in a solution of uranyl perchlorate hexahydrate in [EMIM][Tf2N] appears at 6.52 ppm, indicating that water is coordinated to uranyl(VI). A broad ν(OH) stretching mode at 3370 cm–1 in the ATR-FTIR spectrum shows that this coordinated water is engag...
Technology and Social Sensibility in South Korea: A Case Study of Mobile Phone Advertising

Technology has culturally localized meanings. In other words, technology stands out in people's modes of living and particular social sensibilities grounding the local history and social structure. In Korean society, technology is manifested as an image of humanity, happiness, and even romance, so that one's happiness and success in a lifetime are compatible with their levels of technological progress. I define this particular local tendency in Korea as “Confucian technological culture.” Specifically, I examine a phase of Korea's technological culture applying semiotic analysis to Korean mobile phone advertisements.
Fatigue behavior of friction plug welds in 2195 Al–Li alloy

Abstract The focus of this paper will be on the fatigue behavior of friction stir welded 2195 Al–Li plates that contain friction plug welds. Tensile tests were performed for specimens containing base metal, friction stir welded 2195-T8, and friction stir welded 2195-T8 containing a friction plug weld consisting of a 2195-T8 plug. The ultimate strength was determined for base metal, friction stir welded material, and friction plug welded material. Fatigue properties were determined for both the friction stir weld and friction plug welded specimens in the medium to high cycle regimes. Comparison of the results show that the friction plug weld reduced both the UTS and fatigue life as compared to specimens containing only friction stir weld. The reduction in fatigue life is most likely due to the complication of weld geometry, interacting heat affected zones, and strength mismatch between base metal, friction stir weld, and plug material.
Spurious dependencies and EDA scalability

Numerous studies have shown that advanced estimation of distribution algorithms (EDAs) often discover spurious (unnecessary) dependencies. Nonetheless, only little prior work exists that would study the effects of spurious dependencies on EDA performance. This paper examines the effects of spurious dependencies on the performance and scalability of EDAs with the main focus on EDAs with marginal product models and the onemax problem. A theoretical model is proposed to analyze the effects of spurious dependencies on the population sizing in EDAs and the theory is verified with experiments. The effects of spurious dependencies on the number of generations are studied empirically. The effects of replacement strategies on the performance of EDAs with spurious linkage are also investigated.
Human leukemic cells: properties of an RNA synthesized in the presence of actinomycin D.

Abstract RNA biosynthesis in the presence of high concentrations of actinomycin D has been studied, utilizing human cells derived from normal healthy donors, patients with infectious mononucleosis and acute lymphatic leukemia. Actinomycin D-resistant RNA synthesis ranged from 18–38, with a higher percentage in human leukemic (CCRF-CEM; CCRF-HSB) cells, as compared with normal (CCRF-EFB; CCRF-TOH) human lymphocytic cells. The RNA synthesized in the presence of actinomycin D was resistant to ribonuclease (A and T 1 ); and greater resistance was observed in human leukemic cells as compared to the other lymphocytic cells studied herein. Sucrose density gradient analyses and exclusion column chromatography indicated that this particular ribonuclease-resistant RNA synthesized in the presence of actinomycin D exhibited the sedimentation characteristics of low molecular weight RNA (4S). Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analyses indicated that this particular RNA is similar to 4 S RNA, which is synthesized in the absence of actinomycin D. Biochemical and biophysical studies indicate that this particular RNA behaves like double-stranded RNA, and its properties are similar to viral RNA. The nature and apparent presence of this double-stranded viral-like RNA in human leukemic lymphocytes, and its possible implication in ‘neoplastic transformation’ are considered.
Renegotiating Indonesian secularism through debates on Ahmadiyya and Shia

Commentators have mainly viewed the Ahmadiyya debate in Indonesia either as a controversy over heterodoxy or as an episode raising questions about the human rights of ‘religious minorities’. Instea...
New Soil Insecticides for the Control of Potato-Infesting Wireworms

Nineteen band and broadcast insecticidal treatments were evaluated for wireworm control on potatoes. Analysis of paired-plot data indicated that several organo-phosphorus insecticides were effective in reducing wireworm populations and damage to the tubers. Among these were Bayer 25141 ( O, O -diethyl O-[p -(methylsulfinyl) phenyl] phosphorothioate), diazinon, parathion, phorate and Zinophos® ( O, O -diethyl O-2-pyrazinyl phosphorothioate). Niagara 10242 (2, 3-dihydro-2, 2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate), a carbamate, also was effective. The data indicate that with good cultural practices the number of tubers per hill and their weight is not necessarily directly correlated with the degree of wireworm control.
Latina/o Families: Solidarity and the Common Good

����� ��� Solidarity is a key virtue in Christian family ethics. Emphasizing the institutional and practical dimensions of this principle, this essay claims that inter- and intrafamily solidarity are critical aspects of a Christian family ethics emanating from Latina/o theological anthropology and family practices. Interfamily solidarity, exemplified by the Latina/o family practice of extended communal family, emphasizes the integral dynamic between family solidarity and the common good. Intrafamily solidarity simultaneously critiques abusive dynamics in Latina/o families while asserting the necessary dialectic between individual and familial flourishing. This articulation of family solidarity asserts a robust role for extended communal families in fostering cooperation across difference in civic life.
Real-time service process admission control with schedule reorganization

This paper addresses the problem of resource reservation for applications using the real-time service-oriented architecture paradigm. Real-time services must be completed by their deadlines. They can be scheduled anywhere within an execution interval. Some services have a large execution interval which gives them more flexibility during admission control. However, the conventional approach for real-time process scheduling is to reserve a fixed schedule on the first come, first served basis and thus does not take advantage of this flexibility. In this paper, a reorganization algorithm is presented to relocate existing reservations in order to accommodate new requests that have less flexibility. For service process reservations, intermediate deadlines may also be adjusted to further increase the flexibility of service reservations. Simulation results show that reorganization can greatly enhance the acceptance ratio of real-time requests in most situations.
Building Earthquake-Resistant Houses in Haiti: The Homeowner-Driven Model

Earthquakes are deadly. Every year, thousands of people in developing countries die when buildings collapse on them, and hundreds of thousands more are left homeless. It’s not the earthquake that kills people, it’s the collapse of buildings that were poorly designed and built. The potential for tragedy only increases as more people move to cities and more buildings are constructed using concrete, which can be dangerous without good design and building standards. The recent disaster in Haiti is a tragic reminder of these facts. But these are man-made problems, and they have man-made solutions. People in Haiti who have lost their homes are ideal candidates for homeowner-driven reconstruction, a low-cost, high-impact rebuilding model used successfully by governments in India, Indonesia, and China, and implemented on the ground by Build Change. So far, over 70,000 people in Indonesia and China live in safer homes because of Build Change’s work. In Indonesia, houses we helped construct were tested in an earthquake that struck on September 30, 2009. None of the houses that met our minimum standard for earthquake safety was damaged in the earthquake. In addition to designing earthquake-resistant houses in developing countries, we train builders, homeowners, engineers, and government officials to build them. Working directly with homeowners to choose a design and hire and oversee builders is a rewarding process that results in safer houses and satisfied homeown
A Tornado Watch Scale to Improve Public Response

A tornado refuge rubric was revised into a six-level, hierarchical Tornado Watch Scale (TWS) from level 0 to level 5 based on the likelihood of high or low-impact tornadic events. Levels correspond to an estimate of the maximum potential tornado intensity for a given day and include refuge/sheltercategories of ‘‘adequate,’’ ‘‘questionable,’’ or ‘‘inadequate,’’ which encompass a range of refuge/shelter locations taken from the Enhanced Fujita scale. Ratings are based on a conservative estimate of damage indicators in high winds and the safetyofapersontakingrefugeinsidebuildingsofvaryingstructuraldesign.Audiorecordingssimilartothose used in current NOAA weather radio communications were developed for each TWS intensity level. Recordings representing an existing tornado watch, existing particularly dangerous situation (PDS) tornado watch, and three proposed levels from the TWS were then used in interviews with Alabama residents to determine how changes to the information contained in the watch statements would affect each participant’s tornado safety actions and risk perception. Participants were also questioned about their knowledge and past experience with tornado hazards and their preference between the existing NWS tornado watches and the TWS. Results indicate a strong preference for the TWS when compared to existing products. The TWS was favored for providing additional information, containing descriptions of expected severity, and being easy to understand. The TWS also elicits more adequate safety decisions and more appropriate risk perception when compared to existing products, and these increases in safety were statistically significant.
Robert T. Sprouse and Fundamental Concepts of Financial Accounting

SYNOPSIS: This paper reviews the life and contributions of the late Robert T. Sprouse to the conceptual development of financial accounting. He was an influential accounting academic and standard setter who is perhaps best known for his joint monograph with Maurice Moonitz, A Tentative Set of Broad Accounting Principles for Business Enterprises, which provided a springboard for the development and use of fundamental concepts that are expressed or implied in the FASB conceptual framework, accounting standards, and related publications and have changed the way we analyze and resolve financial accounting and reporting issues.
Promotion of Technology Commercialization and Local Economy Development by Non-Research-Intensive Universities

In the last 25 years, the research conducted in universities, hospitals, and research institutions has resulted in the creation of over 4500 new companies based on the licenses obtained from these institutions. In the same period, there has been a 1500 percent increase in the number of patents granted to universities. These achievements have been primarily at research universities and research institutions, and have not been enjoyed by the overwhelming majority of educational institutions that are not research-intensive. This paper examines technology commercialization activities at non-research-intensive universities and recommends means by which they can generate more intellectual property in a cost-effective manner. These universities can increase financial opportunities for themselves and their communities and can be more effective in job creation and local economic development by adopting policies that are different from those of their research-intensive counterparts. They can use their resources more creatively to promote creation of intellectual property, faculty entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary cooperation among facultyCopyright © 2006 by ASME
Neuron-Restricted Expression of the Rat Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Gene Is Conferred by a Cell-Specific Protein Complex that Binds Repeated CAATT Elements

GnRH gene expression is restricted to a tiny population of neurons scattered throughout the mediobasal hypothalamus. The combination of a 300-bp enhancer and the 173-bp promoter from the rat GnRH gene can confer this narrow specificity in transgenic mice and in transfections of hypothalamic GT1-7 cells. In the present study, we identify repeated CAATT elements in the 3' region of the rat GnRH enhancer that bind a tissue-restricted protein complex and play a significant role in cell-restricted expression of the GnRH gene. Deletions of multiple repeats demonstrate their importance in transcriptional activity. In fact, even mutation of a single repeat reduces expression. This reduction can be compensated by the conserved GnRH promoter, which also contains such elements and binds this protein complex. In Southwestern analysis, three proteins from GT1-7 nuclear extract bind to the CAATT element, and these proteins are not found in NIH3T3 cells. This cell-specific protein complex has properties of the Q50 homeodomain family of transcription factors and binds to as many as seven binding sites in the enhancer and promoter to play a key role in GnRH gene expression in the hypothalamus.
Charitable organizations' storytelling influence on donors' emotions and intentions

Abstract The stories told by charitable organizations are typically designed to take the consumer through different emotional stages. This research probes the view that following exposure to the inciting incident or problem statement in the appeal for a particular charity, the consumer feels negative emotions. These feelings convert into anticipated positive emotions when the consumer is given the opportunity to help the person in need through a donation. Feedback that donors receive from the charitable organization will help to strengthen the emotional pay-off and enhances future donation intentions. The research utilizes an experimental design and data from 319 undergraduate students in a large U.S. university to confirm these hypotheses. Theoretical and managerial implications are then presented.