cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization for aerospace conceptual design through the use of genetic algorithms

Using a genetic algorithm (GA) as a non-calculus-based global search method allows optimization-like techniques to be applied in the conceptual phase of design, which traditionally has been dominated by qualitative or subjective decision making. Features of the GA provide several advantages for conceptual design including: the ability to combine discrete, integer and continuous variables, the population-based search, no requirement for an initial design, and the ability to address non-convex, multimodal and discontinuous functions. Examples of applications to aerospace system conceptual design include aerospace vehicle design and satellite constellation design. A multiobjective design approach using the GA is also discussed.
Mixed-crystal infrared studies of chain-folding in polyethylene single crystals: Low-temperature and molecular weight studies

Infrared spectra of 40 PEH/1 PED mixed crystals have been obtained at low temperature as a function of the molecular weight of the PED. The band contour in the CD2 bending region was resolved into crystalline and noncrystalline components by a least-squares fitting of Gaussian-plus-Lorentzian bands. The splittings of the crystalline component were analyzed in terms of the theory for finite chains of coupled oscillators, with the help of normal coordinate calculations for certain structures. Together with some results on n-paraffin mixed crystals, our studies show that (i) the spectroscopic observations are associated with interactions of crystalline stems of a single molecule; (ii) the observed crystalline splittings are incompatible with an essentially “switchboard” model of chain folding; (iii) adjacent reentry folding predominates, with folding along single (110) and (200) planes occurring; and (iv) for high molecular weights of PED double (110) fold planes prevail. These results are seen to be consistent with the morphologies known to be associated with the conditions of crystallization.
A New Methodology for Predicting Software Reliability in the Random Field Environments

This paper presents a new methodology for predicting software reliability in the field environment. Our work differs from some existing models that assume a constant failure detection rate for software testing and field operation environments, as this new methodology considers the random environmental effects on software reliability. Assuming that all the random effects of the field environments can be captured by a unit-free environmental factor, eta, which is modeled as a random-distributed variable, we establish a generalized random field environment (RFE) software reliability model that covers both the testing phase and the operating phase in the software development cycle. Based on the generalized RFE model, two specific random field environmental reliability models are proposed for predicting software reliability in the field environment: the gamma-RFE model, and the beta-RFE model. A set of software failure data from a telecommunication software application is used to illustrate the proposed models, both of which provide very good fittings to the software failures in both testing and operation environments. This new methodology provides a viable way to model the user environments, and further makes adjustments to the reliability prediction for similar software products. Based on the generalized software reliability model, further work may include the development of software cost models and the optimum software release policies under random field environments
Optimization of the NMS6b weather model code

The Army needs timely and accurate weather forecasting to support the prediction of battlefield conditions. The Army Research Laboratory Major Shared Resource Center (ARL MSRC) was tasked with optimizing the nonhydrastatic model simulation (NMS) weather forecasting code for potential Army use. This code is written for parallel execution on shared memory architectures using OpenMP directives. As written, the code does not run on distributed memory nodes. The NMS code consists of approximately 190,000 lines of Fortran code and 4,000 lines of C code, and was developed by Dr. Greg Tripoli of the University of Wisconsin. The code features a unique variable stepped topography representation designed to handle steep slopes. It is designed to faithfully represent flows in the presence of arbitrarily rough topography while maintaining sensitivity to subtle impacts of weak topography. We give a brief description of the NMS code, followed by the initial performance rate and our optimization goal, a short discussion of our approach, an explanation of the optimization work, our final benchmark results, and finally a brief mention of what future work could be done.
Foster Parents' Perceptions of Factors that Promote or Inhibit Successful Fostering.

A better understanding of kinship foster families' perceptions of the familial factors and parenting beliefs that promote or inhibit successful fostering can inform child welfare practice and policy. To this end, and to extend previous research [Buehler, C., Cox, M. E., and Cuddeback, G. (2003). Foster parents' perceptions of factors that promote or inhibit successful fostering. Qualitative Social Work: Research and Practice, 2(1), 61-84.], semi-structured interviews were conducted with kinship foster parents to explore their perceptions with regard to the familial factors and parenting beliefs that promote or inhibit successful fostering. Nine kinship foster parents from 8 families were interviewed. The results of this study were compared to the results of the Buehler et al. [Buehler, C., Cox, M. E., and Cuddeback, G. (2003). Foster parents' perceptions of factors that promote or inhibit successful fostering. Qualitative Social Work: Research and Practice, 2(1), 61-84.] study on nonkinship foster parents. Similar themes emerged from both groups, but kinship foster parents described more complex issues with their families- of-origin. Characteristics that promote successful fostering of kin include support of family, commitment to children, faith, good parenting abilities, church involvement, flexibility, and adequate resources. Characteristics that inhibit successful fostering of kin include strained relations with birth family, poor discipline strategies, inability to deal with “the system,” lack of resources, and inability to deal with children's emotional, behavioral, physical problems. The findings suggest a need to focus on special training and support services for kinship foster parents, as well as assessments specific to kinship fostering.
The potential for clinically significant drug‐drug interactions in patients receiving CYP 2D6 model substrate/drugs and fluoxetine/paroxetine or sertraline

While fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline are all SSRI antidepressants, they are markedly different in their inhibitory effect on the human drug-metabolizing enzyme, CYP 2D6. Fluoxetine and paroxetine, at their lowest usually effective antidepressant dose, produce comparable and substantial inhibition of this enzyme while sertraline does not [1]. Previous studies found combined treatment with drugs capable of decreasing the seizure threshold and drugs capable of inhibiting the metabolism of the former drugs to be an important risk factor for seizures/myoclonus [2]. The current study determined the relative frequency of the combined use of fluoxetine/paroxetine versus sertraline with drugs principally cleared via 2D6 in a Midwestern US Veterans Affairs health care network. Method The medication regimens of 461 outpatients being treated with fluoxetine or paroxetine and 435 with sertraline were examined to determine whether they were also receiving a drug whose clearance was preferentially dependent upon 2D6. In each drug combination, substantial inhibition of 2D6 function had the potential for causing a clinically significant drug-drug interaction (DDI). A sub-analysis was conducted on patients in whom the 2D6 substrate/drug had a narrow therapeutic index, to determine whether the dose was potentially dangerous, given substantial inhibition of 2D6. Finally, the drug alert system was examined to determine whether it would have predicted a significant and/or serious DDI. Results 39.7% (183 patients: 90 fluoxetine, 92 paroxetine and 1 on both) of patients being treated with fluoxetine/paroxetine were also receiving a 2D6 model substrate/drug versus 34.2% (149 patients) of patients on sertraline. In 8.4% of patients being treated with fluoxetine/paroxetine and 8.0% with sertraline, the coadministered 2D6-model substrate/drug had a narrow therapeutic index. 21.3% of the patients being treated concomitantly with either fluoxetine or paroxetine and a 2D6 model substrate/drug were receiving a dose of the latter high enough to be a significant risk for a serious DDI. In 50% of the drug combinations, the DDI was not identified by the drug information system employed. Conclusion There was no significant difference in frequency of fluoxetine/paroxetine or sertraline use in combination with 2D6 model substrate/drugs. 50% of the 16 potentially serious adverse drug combinations were not in the drug alert system employed, suggesting the need to move from a system based on published studies to one based on mechanisms underlying DDIs. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P71–P71; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.266
A POCS-based algorithm to attack image watermarks embedded in DFT amplitudes

During recent years, digital watermarking has drawn a lot of attention as a means to protect the copyright of image data. Numerous algorithms have been proposed in different domains. Particularly, a set of these algorithms embed the watermark information in the amplitudes of the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) coefficients. However, studies have shown that the image can be reconstructed by using only the DFT phase information. It is a common belief that watermarking algorithms can be improved by evaluating possible attacking methods and modifying the algorithms accordingly. We propose an algorithm to attack the watermarks embedded in DFT amplitudes. The proposed attacking algorithm uses projection onto convex sets (POCS). The results show that it may be necessary to embed the watermark information in both amplitudes and phases of the DFT coefficients.
THE EFFECTS OF CHOICE ON SELF-CONTROL

Three adolescents with traumatic brain injury performed a physical therapy task in the absence of programmed consequences or duration requirements. Next, the experimenter gave the participants the options of a smaller immediate reinforcer with no response requirement or a larger delayed reinforcer with a response requirement. Self-control training exposed participants to a procedure during which they chose between a smaller immediate reinforcer and a progressively increasing delayed reinforcer whose values varied and were determined by a die roll. The participants chose whether they or the experimenter rolled the die. All participants initially demonstrated low baseline durations of the physical therapy task, chose the smaller immediate reinforcer during the choice baseline, and changed their preference to the larger delayed reinforcer during self-control training.
RAPID-HARDENING CONCRETE MIXES

Results of experimental investigation of the properties of rapid-hardening concrete are presented. Three types of cements that can achieve 14 MPa compressive strength and 2.4 MPa modulus of rupture after 3 h at 22°C and remain workable for 10 to 15 min were selected based on an extensive literature review. The variables in this study were (1) cement type, (2) cement content, (3) water-cement ratio, (4) use of admixtures, and (5) temperature. The measured parameters were (1) strength gain with time, (2) slump loss with time, (3) workability, (4) plastic and drying shrinkage, and (5) relationship between compressive strength and modulus of rupture. Test results showed that for those selected cements it is possible to achieve a workable concrete having 14 MPa compressive strength and 2.4 MPa modulus of rupture after 3 h. The strength gain in flexure was more rapid than the strength gain in compression. The concrete had good flowable characteristics with vibration, and the use of retarding admixtures increased workability time up to 25 min. Plastic and drying shrinkage test results showed that rapid-hardening cement is more susceptible to plastic shrinkage than ASTM Type I cement, and care should be taken that exposed surfaces are protected by curing to avoid water loss.
Further Numerical Calculations of the Circulation of the Atmosphere of Venus

Results of two-dimensional simulations of the deep circulation of Venus are presented. They prove that the high surface temperature can only be explained by the greenhouse effect, and that Goody and Robinson's (1966) dynamical model is not valid. Analytical radiative equilibrium solutions for a semi-grey atmosphere, both with and without an internal heat source, are presented. It is shown that the greenhouse effect is sufficient to produce the high surface temperature if the thermal optical depth is much greater than 100 and the ratio of solar to thermal optical depths does not exceed 0.005. A two-dimensional version of a three-dimensional model is used to test the validity of the new mechanism proposed by Gierasch (1975) to explain the 4-day circulation. Numerical experiments with large horizontal viscosities failed to show strong zonal velocities even for the case of large Prandtl numbers. It is observed that the dissipation of angular momentum introduced by the strong horizontal diffusion more than compensates for the upward transport of angular momentum due to the Hadley cell.
Creating a just world : Leadership for the twenty-first century

Sociology, has at least three possible political functions or consequences: 1) control—to maintain the status quo; 2) unmasking—to reveal how the status quo is maintained; and 3) liberation—to help change the status quo for the better…. A sociology of liberation must give us ideas about how to get to the future as well as ideas of what it might look like. Joan Acker (1978), “Issues in the Sociological Study of Women's Work.” What do I mean by leadership? Well, taking charge of a situation so that things go right. Trade union steward quoted in Pamela Roby (1995c), “The Meaning of Leadership.”
Population Structure of an Endemic Species of Yellowcheek Darter, Etheostoma moorei (Raney and Suttkus), of the Upper Little Red River, Arkansas

Abstract The yellowcheek darter, Etheostoma moorei (Raney and Suttkus), is an endemic species of the upper Little Red River, Arkansas. Population estimates over the past two decades have identified an 80% reduction in numbers. Seventeen presumptive loci and six meristic characters were analyzed for 85 individuals to determine the relatedness of populations from three headwater streams. Genetic distances, based on allozyme analysis ranged from 0.000 to 0.213, with each stream population partitioning into distinct subpopulations. Turkey Fork individuals had high genetic distance values from Middle and South Fork individuals. None of the six meristic features studied demonstrated significant differences between stream sites. These findings and previous ecological and life history studies all suggest that the Turkey Fork and Middle/South Fork populations be treated as unique management units.
New image contrasts from diffusion tensor imaging: theory, meaning, and usefulness of DTI-based image contrast

This chapter discusses how to visualize the diffusion ellipsoid at each pixel, in order to appreciate the neuroanatomy. For this purpose, the 3D ellipsoid is placed at each pixel. However, this is not a practical method for routine use. First of all, ellipsoids become too small to be visualized at each pixel unless a small region of the brain is magnified. Even if they are magnified, there are such freedoms for viewing as view angle, light source, and shading. As the human eye can effectively appreciate only images with 8-bit (256) grayscale ( pixel intensity) or 24-bit (red/green/blue, RGB) color presentation, it becomes important to reduce the six-parameter/pixel information to 8-bit grayscale or 24-bit color presentation. The two most commonly used images with grayscale are the average apparent diffusion constant (ADC) and the anisotropy map. There are many ways to present the extent of anisotropy. The easiest way is to take the ratio of the longest and shortest axes ( λ 1 /λ 3 ). The more elongated the ellipsoid, the larger the number becomes. Unfortunately, this simple metric is known to be very sensitive to measurement noise. A more elegant way is to use metrics related to the difference of the three parameters λ 1 , λ 2 , and λ 3 .
An Outside View What Observers Say About Others’ Races and Hispanic Origins

Outsiders’ views of a person’s race or Hispanic origin can affect how she sees herself, how she reports her race/ethnicity, and her social and economic experiences. Social processes of constructing race are complicated for people whose identity is not reflected back to them in interactions, and mismatched identification gives insight into social assumptions. Using unique linked data from the 2000 and 2010 censuses, we find that in 90% of our 3.7 million cases, proxy reports (e.g., neighbors) of a person’s race/ethnicity match responses given by the household. Match rates are high for non-Hispanic Whites, Blacks, and Asians and for Hispanic ethnicity. Matches are much less common for other groups (American Indian/Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, Some Other Race, multiracial, and the race(s) of Hispanics). Proxies often report biracial Black-Whites as Black, but tend to report biracial American Indian-Whites, Asian-Whites, and Pacific Islander-Whites as non-Hispanic White rather than as people of color. Pro...
A Robust Model-Based Algorithm for Localizing Marine Mammal Transients

Given the increasing interest in the effects of sound on marine mammals, a new model-based algorithm for localizing transient noises around a sparse, widely-distributed array of receivers has been developed and tested with real acoustic data. The robustness of the algorithm is illustrated in its application to two different scenarios with equal success: localizing humpback whales near Hawaii and blue whales near California. The algorithm is novel in its use of acoustic propagation modeling and in construction of an ambiguity surface to identify the most probable whale location in a horizontal plane around an array. A description of the algorithm and examples of its application to marine mammal localization are provided.
Employer-Sponsored Education Assistance and MBA Quality: An Application of the Alchian-Allen Substitution Hypothesis

Does employer-sponsored education assistance (ESEA) benefits affect individuals' MBA program selection? The Alchian-Allen Substitution Hypothesis suggests that ESEA benefits act as a per unit subsidy on MBA programs, lowering the relative demand for higher-quality MBA programs. Using national MBA enrollment data, we find that those who exercise ESEA benefits are 5.4% less likely to attend an MBA program with any admissions standards than those who do not exercise ESEA benefits. Furthermore, full-time workers and full-time students who exercise ESEA benefits are most likely to attend the lowest quality MBA programs. Our research offers unique insight into the unintended consequences of offering fringe benefits to workers.
Numerical Study of the Micro-Pulling-Down Process for Sapphire Fiber Crystal Growth†

Numerical simulation is conducted to study the micro-pulling-down process for the growth of sapphire fiber crystal. Using the CrysMAS package, the fundamental equations for heat transfer, fluid flo...
The effect of dexamethasone on urinary acidification.

Although it is well recognized that mineralocorticoids enhance renal acid excretion, the effect of glucocorticoids on renal acidification is unclear. Oral administration of dexamethasone to six healthy volunteers for 1 week at a daily dose of 4.5 mg was associated with mild respiratory alkalosis and a small but statistically significant increase in baseline urine pH. However, neither the ability to lower urine pH nor to excrete titratable acid and ammonium after NH4Cl acid-loading was altered. Administration of a single intravenous dose of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (7.5 mg) was associated with a significant rise in urine pH and potassium excretion and decreased titratable acid, ammonium , and phosphorus excretion in the absence of changes in blood acid-base status, creatinine clearance, or urine flow.
Real-time imaging of radiofrequency cardiac ablation using optical coherence tomography

Catheter ablation using radiofrequency (RF) energy is a clinical procedure to destroy abnormal conduction pathways, and cure arrhythmias. We present real-time imaging of lesion formation during in-vitro application of RF energy on the endocardium.
More evidence on U.S. Catholic church attendance

Hadaway, Marler et Chaves ont recemment affirme que la participation hebdomadaire aux services religieux aux Etats-Unis est de moitie moins importante que le taux generalement accepte. Au sujet des catholiques, leur resultat est base sur des donnees provenant de 18 dioceses. L'A. a voulu elargir le champ de recherche en utilisant les donnees de 48 dioceses catholiques comportant approximativement 38% de catholiques americains. Les resultats sont les memes: la participation hebdomadaire dans ces dioceses est de 26%. Ces resultats sont un point de depart pour affirmer que les taux de participation bases sur des donnees auto-reportees, sont largement gonfles
Educating for Freedom and Responsibility: Lessons From the First Amendment Schools Project.

The First Amendment Schools project holds rich lessons in how to change school cultures into “laboratories of democracy”—as well as in how to increase the odds of success for any school reform effort. School reform programs of any sort need to make sure to build in sustainability, to provide ways to spread their lessons beyond the schools initially targeted for reform, and to build in key measures of accountability that will help broader constituencies see their value. It also will help enormously if leaders bring with them a deep understanding of organizational change and leadership theory.
The evolution of left atrial appendage occlusion: EWOLUTION and the WATCHMAN in practice

This editorial refers to ‘Implant success and safety of left atrial appendage closure with the WATCHMAN device: peri-procedural outcomes from the EWOLUTION registry’†, by L.V.A. Boersma et al . on page 2465 . Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are considered the standard for determining the benefit–risk balance of medical treatments due to the strength of their internal validity, or the validity of the results in the enrolled population. However, they are often limited in terms of their external validity, or their applicability to the larger patient populations who will receive the treatment in practice. Trials traditionally enrol highly specified patients, employing relatively strict criteria that exclude medically complex individuals either explicitly or implicitly, resulting in populations that can differ substantially from those treated in practice.1 While clinicians may feel comfortable applying the results of trials to patients who meet these enrolment criteria, clinical decision-making becomes more challenging in proportion to the patient's complexity. Trials of technologies have an additional potential limitation: operators involved and the centres in which they practise may be recruited because of their experience, and thus may have greater success with the procedure. Assuming that procedural outcomes in RCTs can be extrapolated to all centres and operators can be hazardous.2 Because of the restricted populations and operators involved in traditional randomized trials, other sources of data are helpful in understanding the procedural and clinical outcomes of medical technologies in the ‘real world.’ Observational data are critical complements to RCTs because they provide this broader perspective ( Figure 1 ). Registries have evolved to serve as a critical component of post-market device surveillance in practice.3 In this issue …
Study of Three Dimensions of Academic Character of PhD Students in Science and Engineering

In the popularization of higher education in our country,larger numbers of young PhD students in science and engineering are trained in a full-time manner.In order to improve the quality of doctoral training,the students' academic character is explored from three dimensional perspectives — a lofty moral strength as its basis,a healthy personality as its guarantee and continual creativity as its key.A discussion is also presented on the ways to enhance these three components of fine academic character.
Internet-Initiated Patient Characteristics:

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the differences between patients who access an oculoplastic practice via the Internet from patients who are referred by other physicians or patients. A retro...
Books & Resource Reviews

Reviews the book “Making Stories: A Practical Guide for Organizational Leaders and Human Resource Specialists,” by Terrence L. Gargiulo.
A SiGe Ka-band cryogenic low-noise amplifier

The design and characterization of a cryogenic silicon germanium integrated circuit amplifier operating at a center frequency of 22 GHz is presented. The packaged amplifier is measured at 15 K and achieves a gain of 25 dB and a noise temperature below 35 K, which is consistent with simulated performance. It is believed that this is the first reporting of a cryogenic silicon germanium low-noise amplifier operating above 10GHz and that the measured results represent the lowest reported noise temperature for any silicon based low-noise amplifier operating at these frequencies.
Engaging Students in Survey Research Projects across Research Methods and Statistics Courses

One innovative way to help students make sense of survey research has been to create a multifaceted, collaborative assignment that promotes critical thinking, comparative analysis, self-reflection,...
Statistical Methods to Apportion Heavy Metals

Although statistical methods have been and will be important means of determining the sources of airborne heavy metals, these methods are often ill suited to the task. This paper examines the limitations of standard statistical methods in general and regression and factor analysis in particular. New statistical methods must be developed that have a sound physical basis and can overcome or minimize the problems of working with atmospheric data. Examples of such new methods are given.
The Verbal Noncommunicator

This report presents a case study of a child with language-impairment who demonstrated specific pragmatic disabilities. H, a 9:11-year-old male, was observed interacting with an adult, a language a...
Understanding metal inhibition: The effect of copper (Cu2+) on DNA containing samples

Abstract Copper wires are a common component of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and are increasingly found in forensic evidence. When processed for DNA, ions from the metal can be co-extracted with the genetic material, and potentially cause complications during the analysis procedure. It was determined in this project that copper ions do have adverse effects on DNA processing by either interacting directly with the DNA or affecting the electrophoretic mobility of the molecule. It was also found that these negative effects could be improved by utilizing a purification method capable of reducing the amount of copper carry-over into the sample.
Synergy with combination of AKT inhibitor (MK-2206) and paclitaxel in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

e13532 Background: Though there have been many advances in the treatment of HNSCC, the 5-year survival rate remains at 50%. This is partly due to molecular alterations such as the activation of the...
Directing solar photons to sustainably meet food, energy, and water needs.

As we approach a “Full Earth” of over ten billion people within the next century, unprecedented demands will be placed on food, energy and water (FEW) supplies. The grand challenge before us is to sustainably meet humanity’s FEW needs using scarcer resources. To overcome this challenge, we propose the utilization of the entire solar spectrum by redirecting solar photons to maximize FEW production from a given land area. We present novel solar spectrum unbundling FEW systems (SUFEWS), which can meet FEW needs locally while reducing the overall environmental impact of meeting these needs. The ability to meet FEW needs locally is critical, as significant population growth is expected in less-developed areas of the world. The proposed system presents a solution to harness the same amount of solar products (crops, electricity, and purified water) that could otherwise require ~60% more land if SUFEWS were not used—a major step for Full Earth preparedness.
A Bifurcation in the Family of Periodic Orbits for the Spatial Isosceles 3 Body Problem

In this paper we describe a 1-dimensional family of initial conditions $$\Sigma $$ that provides reduced periodic solutions of the spatial isosceles 3-body problem. This family $$\Sigma $$ contains a bifurcation point that make it look like the union of two embedded smooth curves. We will explain how the trajectories of the bodies in the solutions coming from one of the embedded curves have two symmetries while those coming from the other embedded curve only have one symmetry. We give an explanation for the existence of this bifurcation point.
Music of the 7Ts: Predicting and Decoding Multivoxel fMRI Responses with Acoustic, Schematic, and Categorical Music Features.

Underlying the experience of listening to music are parallel streams of auditory, categorical, and schematic qualia, whose representations and cortical organization remain largely unresolved. We collected high-field (7T) fMRI data in a music listening task, and analyzed the data using multivariate decoding and stimulus-encoding models. Twenty subjects participated in the experiment, which measured BOLD responses evoked by naturalistic listening to 25 music clips from five genres. Our first analysis applied machine classification to the multivoxel patterns that were evoked in temporal cortex. Results yielded above-chance levels for both stimulus identification and genre classification–cross-validated by holding out data from multiple of the stimuli during model training and then testing decoding performance on the held-out data. Genre model misclassifications were significantly correlated with those in a corresponding behavioral music categorization task, supporting the hypothesis that geometric properties of multivoxel pattern spaces underlie observed musical behavior. A second analysis employed a spherical searchlight regression analysis which predicted multivoxel pattern responses to music features representing melody and harmony across a large area of cortex. The resulting prediction-accuracy maps yielded significant clusters in the temporal, frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes, as well as in the parahippocampal gyrus and the cerebellum. These maps provide evidence in support of our hypothesis that geometric properties of music cognition are neurally encoded as multivoxel representational spaces. The maps also reveal a cortical topography that differentially encodes categorical and absolute-pitch information in distributed and overlapping networks, with smaller specialized regions that encode tonal music information in relative-pitch representations.
Classification models and municipal bond ratings

Bond rating studies have received and continue to receive considerable attention in the literature on government finance. This study focuses on two major issues of municipal bond ratings that occupy the center-stage of these discussions: What charac-teristics does a rating institution analyze when assigning rating to a government? How significant are these characteristics in predicting the ratings given by these institutions? Using a combination of economic, financial, and demographic factors, the study reexamines these questions on a select group of cities.
Sharing of Typical- and Super-enhancers Among Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Mature Hematopoietic Cells

Pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) give rise to all blood cells. A general view is that cell fate decisions are governed by key transcription factors and chromatin states including histone modifications at promoters and enhancers. Enhancers can be defined by H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac), and divided into typical- and super-enhancers, TEs and SEs. Super-enhancers play critical roles in establishing cell identity and disease processes. We find severe contractions of TEs and SEs in HSC compared to other cell types and HSC TE and SE exhibit dynamic changes in mature hematopoietic cells. Enhancer contraction in HSC is due, in part, to balances of histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases at these loci. HSC SEs contribute to developmental processes while TE serve as foci for acquisition of critical mature cell functions. Autoimmune disease-associated genetic variants are enriched at TE rather than SE. Thus, TE and SE dynamics play key roles in HSC developmental processes.
How it Happened: Discovering and Archiving the Evolution of a Story Using Social Signals

Social networks like Twitter and Facebook are the largest sources of public opinion and real-time information on the Internet. If an event is of general interest, news articles follow and eventually a Wikipedia page. We propose the problem of automatic event story generation and archiving by combining social and news data to construct a new type of document in the form of a Wiki-like page structure. We introduce a technique that shows the evolution of a story as perceived by the crowd in social media, along with editorially authored articles annotated with examples of social media as supporting evidence. At the core of our research, is the temporally sensitive extraction of data that serve as context for retrieval purposes. Our approach includes a fine-grained vote counting strategy that is used for weighting purposes, pseudo-relevance feedback and query expansion with social data and web query logs along with a timeline algorithm as the base for a story. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach by processing a dataset comprising millions of English language tweets generated over a one year period and present a full implementation of our system.
Queering the war dead: gold star families and the politics of estrangement

ABSTRACTContemporary practices of mourning individuals lost to war violence assert correct and incorrect practices of grieving. Successful practices will emphasize the heroism and the sacrifice of ...
Extending the Assessment of Functions of Vocalizations in Children with Limited Verbal Repertoires

The current study examined the effectiveness of an experimental functional analysis for assessing the functions of emergent vocal-verbal behavior in children with developmental disabilities. Experiment 1 consisted of a systematic replication of Lerman et al. (2005). Participants were 3 children with developmental disabilities, between the ages of 2 and 5 years, with limited vocal-verbal repertoires, who could emit at least two clear vocalizations. Results indicated that for all participants, targeted vocalizations functioned as mands, tacts, or both. The purpose of Experiment 2 was to address some of the limitations of Experiment 1 while using a different experimental design. Results of Experiment 2 suggested that participants’ targeted vocalizations served as tacts, echoics, or both. Results are discussed in terms of the utility of this methodology for the selection and development of effective language interventions as well as implications for our current knowledge of verbal behavior.
Sperm count results from 861 American chemical/agricultural workers from 14 separate studies*

This article presents data from 861 men who have participated in 14 separate occupational studies on testicular function. This population represents the largest series taken from occupational studies. The mean and median sperm counts were 107.1 and 83.0million/ml of semen, respectively. The percentage of men with sperm counts A major issue in occupational studies requiring semen samples is how to successfully recruit the target population to participate. The number of semen samples requested can influence willingness to participate. Data from 137 men, each with three separate sperm counts, indicate that a single sample will suffice for an occupational study.
TexTonic: Interactive visualization for exploration and discovery of very large text collections:

TexTonic is a visual analytic system for interactive exploration of very large unstructured text collections. TexTonic visualizes hierarchical clusters of representative terms, snippets, and docume...
Visual Loss, Overview

Visual loss is a common complaint among patients with neurological diseases. Indeed, the visual pathways traverse one-third of the supratentorial brain mass and are frequently affected by structural lesions.
The impact of radiation treatment planning technique on unplanned hospital admissions.

Abstract Purpose Treatment burdens and toxicities related to palliative radiation therapy (RT) may lead to unplanned hospital admissions (UHAs). The likelihood for these toxicities may be related to treatment technique. We compared rates of UHA between patients receiving nonconformal (2-dimensional) and conformal (3-dimensional or higher) radiation treatments to bone metastases involving the vertebral column. Methods and materials We retrospectively analyzed patients treated with RT for bone metastases at a single tertiary care center between 2010 and 2017. We compared rates of RT-related UHA within 90 days of receiving radiation using Cox competing risk regression models. Results We identified 326 patients with bone metastases involving the vertebral column, 139 of whom received radiation by nonconformal technique and 187 by conformal technique. On multivariable analysis, conformal techniques were associated with a reduced risk of 90-day UHA (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14-0.88). Other significant factors include hematologic cancer (HR: 0.17; 95% CI, 0.03-0.82) and baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score ≥2 (HR: 3.02; 95% CI, 1.05-8.69). Conclusions The utilization of conformal (non-2-dimensional) radiation treatment plans may help reduce treatment-related toxicities and consequently UHAs after palliation of bone metastases.
Cost-savings achieved in two semesters through the adoption of open educational resources

Textbooks represent a significant portion of the overall cost of higher education in the United States. The burden of these costs is typically shouldered by students, those who support them, and the taxpayers who fund the grants and student loans which pay for textbooks. Open educational resources (OER) provide students a way to receive high-quality learning materials at little or no cost to students. We report on the cost savings achieved by students at eight colleges when these colleges began utilizing OER in place of traditional commercial textbooks.
Inline laser power measurement by photon momentum.

We present a novel measurement scheme and instrumentation for quantifying laser power by means of photon momentum. The optical design is optimized such that the incoming laser beam is minimally perturbed and is available for other purposes along the incoming beam axis. Additionally, the geometry of the instrument gives access to the small but measurable transmittance between two passive mirrors that face the force sensor. The force sensor is based on a commercially available weighing instrument (“scale”) that has a temporal response of approximately 5 s and a readability of approximately 1 μg (∼2 W). Our measurement results demonstrate beam profile and power for 500 W, but the mirror and mass (or force) calibration are suitable for very high power up to 50 kW and beyond. The optics are based on commercially available, off-the-shelf mirrors optimized for the angle of incidence and maximum reflectance at the wavelength of 1070 nm. The size of the complete instrument has an input aperture of O75 mm, but this constraint is only a matter of optimizing the beam path and box geometry.
Reperfusion Inflammatory State of Human Lungs during Cellular Ex-Vivo Perfusion

Purpose Normothermic cellular ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) can provide a platform for studying ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), with the donor lungs being the only source of cytokine appearance in the perfusate. The inflammatory effects of cellular EVLP on lungs are inadequately explored. Herein, we aimed to examine the reperfusion inflammatory state during cellular EVLP in relation to donor factors and impact on lung function. Methods For research purposes, 42 clinically rejected donor lungs underwent normothermic cellular EVLP with open left atrium and flow equivalent to 100% of cardiac output for 2 hours. Reasons for rejection were donor old age, smoking history, low PO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio, or unavailability of a matched recipient. Perfusate samples were collected at the beginning of EVLP (0 hours), then at 1 and 2 hours of EVLP. Lung weight was measured at the end of EVLP as an indicator for the degree of edema. Data were presented as median (interquartile range). Results Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were significantly up-regulated in the EVLP perfusate at 1 and 2 hours compared to baseline 0 hours (p Conclusion Cytokine array has shown that cellular EVLP is associated with reperfusion inflammatory state in human lungs. IL-1β and IL-10 were mostly affected by donor factors, while IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α had the most effect on lung function during EVLP. These results suggest that cellular EVLP can be utilized to study human lung IRI and develop therapeutic targets.
Abstract 233: Bispecific HER2 ADC: Making more potent HER2 ADC by improving target internalization

Trastuzumab-emtansine (T-DM1) targets the well-characterized breast cancer oncogene HER2, and has shown success in the clinic, but tumors expressing intermediate levels of HER2 remain resistant to T-DM1 therapy, apparently due to insufficient lysosomal trafficking of T-DM1. Here, we engineered bispecific HER2-DM1 conjugates that bridge HER2 with the rapidly internalizing receptor APLP2. The high affinity arm of HER2xAPLP2 bispecific antibodies mediates surface binding to HER2+ tumor cells (but not to HER2- normal cells). After binding to HER2, the low affinity APLP2 arm promotes antibody internalization and lysosomal degradation. The strength of the APLP2 arm allows for modulation of the degree of internalization, degradation and killing. In in vitro killing assays, HER2xAPLP2-DM1 were significantly more potent than T-DM1 in cell lines expressing high (IHC3+) and intermediate (IHC 2+) levels of HER2, albeit induced little or no killing in cell lines expressing low HER2 levels (IHC 1+). Monovalent APLP2-ADCs induced little or no killing in all cell lines tested. Selected HER2xAPLP2-DM1 conjugates had acceptable PK profile in APLP2 humanized mice while significantly outperforming T-DM1 in inhibiting growth of IHC2+ tumor xenografts. These data pave the way to generate clinical candidate ADCs that will improve on T-DM1. In addition, our study opens up a possibility to exploit internalizing proteins such as APLP2 in combination with bispecific antibodies to enhance efficacy of ADCs. Citation Format: Andres Perez Bay, Anuj Kalsy, Shiwani Tiwari, Bo Luan, Art Kunz, Zhaoyuan Chen, Li Zhang, Terra Potocky, Thomas Nittoli, Gavin Thurston, Christopher Daly, Julian Andreev. Bispecific HER2 ADC: Making more potent HER2 ADC by improving target internalization [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 233.
The genetic consequences of primate social organization: a review of macaques, baboons and vervet monkeys

Primates, as long-lived, iteroparous, socially complex mammals, offer the opportunity to assess the effects of behavior and demography on genetic structure. Because it is difficult to obtain tissue samples from wild primate populations, research in this area has largely been confined to terrestrial and semi-terrestrial old world monkeys (e.g., rhesus and Japanese macaques, vervets and several subspecies of baboons). However, these species display a multi-male, multi-female social structure commonly found in many other primate and non-primate mammals. Electrophoretic analyses of blood proteins from individually recognized and/or marked wild Himalayan rhesus monkeys, themselves the subject of long-term behavioral and demographic research, have begun to reveal the genetic consequences of such phenomena as social group fission, malelimited dispersion, non-consanguineous mating patterns, and agonistically defined male dominance. Specifically, rhesus social groups, consisting primarily of clusters of maternal relatives, appear to be nonrandom samples of a population's genotypes and genes. The genetic effects of social group fission are highly dependent on each group's size, demographic structure, and average degree of relatedness. In all cases fission contributes to the degree of intergroup genetic differentiation. Male-limited dispersion appears both to retard genetic differentiation between social groups and to lead to mating patterns that result in an avoidance of consanguinity. Groups, therefore, appear to be genetically outbred. Comparing these results with studies of other free-ranging or wild cercopithecines allows several generalizations: (a) genetic variation seems to be evenly distributed throughout each local population of multi-male social groups; (b) social groups, however, because they contain clusters of relatives, are distinctive in their specific frequencies of genes; (c) the degree of genetic differentiation between a population's social groups, because of the effects of social group fission and non-deterministic forms of male dispersal, is somewhat greater than expected on the basis of migration rates alone; and (d) the asymmetrical pattern of dispersion with respect to sex effectively precludes inbreeding in any one social group or the population as a whole. These observations have important implications for understanding the unusually rapid rates of evolution among the primates.
Generalized expected value of continuous random variables and its applications

In this work, we develop a generalized expected value (GE) of a continuous random variable and propose a novel estimate of GE. Asymptotic normality of this estimator (namely “KWA”) is established a...
Catalytic Consequences of Oxidant, Alkene, and Pore Structures on Alkene Epoxidations within Titanium Silicates

Ti atoms incorporated into the framework of zeolite *BEA (Ti-BEA) or grafted onto SBA-15 (Ti-SBA-15) catalyze alkene epoxidation with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), t-butyl hydrogen peroxide (TBHP), or ...