cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermocycling and dwell times in microleakage evaluation for bonded restorations

Objectives. To answer criticisms of an insufficient number of cycles in thermocycling in an earlier paper (Wendt et al., 1992), this study was initiated to evaluate the effect of different dwell times during long-term thermocycling in microleakage analysis of bonded restoratives. Methods. A total of 90 resin-bonded restorations, Tytin/Liner F, (Kerr/Bisco), APH/Universal Bond 3, (LD Caulk) and Heliomolar/Syntac, (Vivadent), were inserted in Class V preparations in human third molars. Group A restorations were stored in 0.5% basic fuchsin dye for 166 h. Group B restorations were thermocycled for 5000 cycles in 0.5% basic fuchsin dye baths at 5 ± 1°C and 55 ± 1°C with a dwell time of 10 s in each bath. Group C was thermocycled as in Group B but with a dwell time of 60 s. Readings by defined criteria were taken from each of two 1 mm sections along the cemental margin. Results. There were no significant differences (p < 0.05) in the extent of dye penetration at the tooth restoration interface for the thermocycled composite restorations when compared to composite restorations with no thermocycling. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the extent of dye penetration at the tooth restoration interface for the thermocycled amalgam restorations when compared to dye-exposed amalgam specimens with no thermocycling. Significance. During microleakage analysis, the need for thermocycling is dependent upon the extent the restorative is thermally conductive in relation to its mass. The dwell time should be clinically relevant, i.e., 10 s, and is important only if the restorative is thermally conductive.
A radioimmunoassay for parathymosin.

Abstract Parathymosin, a polypeptide that is structurally related to prothymosin α, has been shown to block the in vivo immunoenhancing effects of prothymosin α (Haritos, A.A., Salvin, S.B., Blacher, R., Stein, S. and Horecker, B.L. (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 82, 1050). To evaluate the content of parathymosin in tissues and fluids, we have developed a radioimmunoassay using an antiserum raised in a rabbit against parathymosin isolated from rat liver. Neither thymosin α1 nor prothymosin α show significant cross-reactivity with this antiserum. Based on competition experiments with peptide fragments derived from parathymosin and on the lack of cross-reactivity with proathymosin α, the major epitope appears to comprise a region in parathymosin including amino acid residues 26–32. Using this radioimmunoassay, which detects as little as 4 pmol of parathymosin, it was confirmed that highest concentrations, ca. 230–240 μg/g of fresh tissue, are present in liver and kidney, followed by brain, lung, thymus and spleen. The content of parathymosin in circulating human leukocytes, 2–3 pmol/ml whole blood, was one-fifth of the quantity of prothymosin α. With this radioimmunoassay, parathymosin could not be detected in human plasma.
Comparative Psychology: An Epigenetic Approach.

This article describes a comparative psychology course oriented around the themes of phylogeny and ontogeny. Accordingly, the course emphasizes the evolution and development of behavioral processes. Significant features of the course include discussion of the concept of integrative levels and Schneirla's approach/withdrawal theory. The course evaluates genetic determinism as used by ethologists and sociobiologists and stresses the principle of parsimony.
Stress and Buckling Analyses of Multitube, Vapor-Anode, Nb-1Zr/C-103 AMTEC Cells

Linearstressand buckling analysesofNb-1Zr/C-103 AMTECcells, mounted in a radioisotope generatorcone guration, are performed using e nite element analysis software. The stress analyses indicated that the total induced VonMisesstressesinthestructuralsupportmembersofthecellswillnotexceed86%ofthetemperature-dependent yield stresses of their respective materials. The buckling analyses indicated the need to add ribs to reinforce the cell wall and to decrease the pressure of the inert cover gas present in the generator during launch to 125 kPa. The total mass of the ribbed Nb-1Zr/C-103 cell is 171.5 g, and its specie c mass at the predicted maximum electric power of 8.0 W e is 21.3 g/We.
State lotteries and externalities to their participants

The degree of participation in state lotteries can either increase or decrease expected returns. It is theoretically possible for unfair bets to become more than fair as participation in lotteries changes. In addition, the purchase of every combination of numbers can be more than a fair bet and such a purchase may increase the expected return to other lottery players.
Hygromycin A: preparation of aminocyclitol analogs defining the minimum functionality required for biological activity

Abstract Analogs of hygromycin A in which the aminocyclitol is replaced by dihydroxycyclohexylamine and trihydroxycyclohexylamine (with stereochemistry matching that of the natural product) have been prepared. The latter was prepared both in racemic form (starting with 1,3-cyclohexadiene) and as a single enantiomer (by degradation of hygromycin A.) Antibacterial activities against key animal pathogens are reported.
Personality Correlates of Moral Reasoning and Attitudes toward Authority

The purpose of this study was to explore the relations of empathy and socialization to moral reasoning and attitudes toward authority. 105 undergraduates completed the empathy and socialization sca...
Development of a Prototype for a Center for Women's Health at an Academic Medical Center

ABSTRACT The development of a centralized program in women's health is a challenge in a decentralized academic medical center and in the environment of healthcare transformation. The Center for Women's Health at the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center has allowed the clinical and educational abilities of an academic faculty interested in gender-specific health to operate in the delivery of coordinated care. Within the structure of an academic environment come advantages and unique opportunities for solving deficiencies in healthcare but also the need to overcome obstacles inherent in a large system. Flexibility and creative problem solving are key to meeting the challenges of the changing environment of healthcare. Here we describe ventures to develop a model program of clinical care and education in the gender science of women's health.
Median nerve compression in the proximal forearm

Thirty-nine limbs in 36 patients underwent surgical decompression of the median nerve in the proximal forearm. Seventeen patients with 19 limbs had prior ipsilateral carpal tunnel releases, and 24 had workers' compensation claims related to heavy labor or repetitive tasks. The most common presenting complaints were paresthesias/numbness in the distribution of the median nerve and pain in the forearm or hand. The most common physical finding was a positive pronator compression test, followed by median nerve hypesthesia. Elbow to wrist nerve conduction tests were obtained in 37 of 39 limbs and were abnormal in 12. Intraoperatively, the nerve was compressed at the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon in 22 limbs, pronator teres in 13 limbs, and both in 4 limbs. Postoperatively, 30 limbs had complete or partial relief of symptoms; in a sub-group of 19 limbs that had a prior failed carpal tunnel release, 14 had complete or partial relief. Although there was a trend toward better results in patients with normal preoperative nerve conduction tests and intraoperative compression at the flexor digitorum superficialis, the difference was not significant.
Deaths resulting from animal attacks in the United States

The objective of this study was to elucidate the etiology and frequency of deaths in the United States from encounters with animals. The number of deaths from venomous and nonvenomous animals is reported annually to the US Department of Health and Human Services and published in Vital Statistics of the United States. This study is a survey of all animal-related fatalities listed as E-codes 905-906 reported in the Vital Statistics of the United States from 1979 through 1990. Data were extracted uniformly from the annual reports and analyzed using descriptive statistics. From 1979 through 1990, there were 1882 animal-related deaths in the United States. Venomous animals caused 718 deaths; nonvenomous animals caused 1164 deaths. Most deaths occurred among white males. The home site was the location of injury for the majority of deaths. The majority of venomous animal-related deaths were from hymenoptera; "other specified animal" caused the majority of nonvenomous deaths. An annual average of 157 deaths from animal attacks occurred in the United States between 1979 and 1990. Both fatal and nonfatal animal-related injuries are under-recognized public health hazards. Health care providers should educate their patients on exercising caution around animals, seeking medical care after an animal injury, carrying epinephrine kits if they have a history of systemic reactions to insect stings, and wearing helmets and other protective equipment when riding or working around large animals.
Who benefits from transit subsidies? recent evidence from six metropolitan areas☆

Abstract On the basis of detailed case studies of six U.S. metropolitan areas, this paper examines variations among cities in the income-redistributive impact of transit subsidies in 1980. The distribution of subsidies in each city is estimated through analysis of the socioeconomic characteristics of riders on each type of transit service and the degree to which each type of service was subsidized. The estimated distribution of the transit tax burden reflects the tax mix used for transit finance in each city as well as the composition of funding by level of government. The subsidy and tax cost distributions are compared to calculate the distribution of net subsidies in each area. Causes of the variation among cities in redistributive impact are discussed, and recommendations are made for increasing the progressivity of transit finance.
Using Haptics to Assist Performers in Making Gestures to a Musical Instrument

Haptic technology, providing force cues and creating a programmable physical instrument interface, can assist musicians in making gestures. The finite reaction time of the human motor control system implies that the execution of a brief musical gesture does not rely on immediate feedback from the senses, rather it is preprogrammed to some degree. Consequently, we suggest designing relatively simple and deterministic interfaces for providing haptic assistance. In this paper, we consider the specific problem of assisting a musician in selecting pitches from a continuous range. We build on a prior study by O’Modhrain of the accuracy of pitches selected by musicians on a Theremin-like haptic interface. To improve the assistance, we augment the interface with programmed detents so that the musician can feel the locations of equal tempered pitches. Nevertheless, the musician can still perform arbitrary pitch inflections such as glissandi, falls, and scoops. We investigate various forms of haptic detents, including fixed detent levels and forcesensitive detent levels. Preliminary results from a subject test confirm improved accuracy in pitch selection brought about by detents.
Angiotensin II exerts positive feedback on the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system by an angiotensin converting enzyme-dependent mechanism.

Background Plasma angiotensin II (ANG II) is not increased significantly in renovascular hypertension (RVH), but tissue ANG II levels are elevated in both kidneys of renovascular rats. Because the contralateral, non-ischemic kidney is critical for maintenance of hypertension in RVH, this study sought to understand the mechanism by which intrarenal ANG II levels are augmented in the non-ischemic kidney. This study tested the hypothesis that an incremental increase in plasma ANG II induces the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the non-ischemic kidney by an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) dependent mechanism. Methods To simulate the incremental increase in plasma ANG II induced by the ischemic kidney in RVH, an ANG II infusion model was used. This model used a chronic infusion of ANG II (40 ng/min) or vehicle by osmotic minipump into uninephrectomized rats. Parallel groups were treated with the ACE inhibitor Enalaprilat (200 mg/kg/day). Intrarenal ACE activity was measured by radioenzymatic assay. ANG II levels were quantified by radioimmunoassay. Results Hypertension was evident in ANG II-infused rats, compared to control rats (155 ± 4 versus 112 ± 1 mmHg; P versus 155 ± 4 mmHg; P versus 25.2 ± 6.8 units/mg protein; P versus 59.2 ± 11.9 units/mg protein; P versus 23.0 ± 3.2 fmol/mg tissue; P versus 52.9 ± 7.1 fmol/mg tissue; P Conclusion Incremental changes in plasma ANG II induce de novo production of ANG II in the non-ischemic kidney to augment intrarenal ANG II content. ACE inhibition blocks this positive feedback loop, suggesting that ANG II activates the intrarenal RAS by an ACE-dependent mechanism. The impact of ACE inhibition on blood pressure suggests that this feedback loop may be an important mechanism for maintenance of hypertension in RVH.
Thermodynamic Modeling of Phase Diagrams in Binary Alkali Silicate Systems

A thermodynamic modeling of phase diagrams in binary alkali silicate systems is described by using the Gibbs free energy of the phases. Simple models employing regular, quasi-regular, and subregular solution models were applied to describe the liquid phase. The interaction parameters of the liquid phases were obtained by using the liquidus curves of silica (and subliquidus data) through a multiple linear regression method. The present calculated liquidus curves agree very well with Cs2O—SiO2 and Rb2O—SiO2 systems. In the K2O—, Na2O—, and Li2O—SiO2 systems, the calculations permitted discrimination between sets of data and, based upon the calculation choices, could be correctly made to select the most appropriate phase diagram. Also, the spinodals were calculated where phase separation can occur by a spinodal decomposition process.
A bi-plane video-based system for studying the mechanics of arterial bifurcations

Many arterial diseases manifest at bifurcations, as for example, atherosclerosis and aneurysms. Findings over the last three decades reveal the important role of mechanics in the genesis and treatment of such diseases, yet there are few reports on the mechanical behavior of, or stresses in, arterial bifurcations. This current situation is due, in large part, to the difficulty of performing the requisite experiments. In this paper, we describe a new loading frame and bi-plane video system that allows us to collect pressure-regional strain data on excised arterial bifurcations while preserving the native in-plane and out-of-plane orientations of the parent and daughter branches. This capability is achieved by mounting three cannulation stages, each with radial, vertical, and azimuthal degrees of freedom, on a circular frame that allows circumferential placement of the stages to approximate the branch angle of the arterial bifurcation. The bi-plane cameras image tracking markers affixed to the inner portion of the cannulated bifurcation at multiple pressures. Illustrative data from tests on six bovine coronary artery bifurcations reveal both the utility and challenges of performing such tests, and provide guidance for interpreting these much-needed experiments.
Effects of a century of land cover and climate change on the hydrology of the Puget Sound basin

The Puget Sound basin in northwestern Washington, USA has experienced substantial land cover and climate change over the last century. Using a spatially distributed hydrology model (the Distributed Hydrology-Soil-Vegetation Model, DHSVM) the concurrent effects of changing climate (primarily temperature) and land cover in the basin are deconvolved, based on land cover maps for 1883 and 2002, and gridded climate data for 1915–2006. It is found that land cover and temperature change effects on streamflow have occurred differently at high and low elevations. In the lowlands, land cover has occurred primarily as conversion of forest to urban or partially urban land use, and here the land cover signal dominates temperature change. In the uplands, both land cover and temperature change have played important roles. Temperature change is especially important at intermediate elevations (so-called transient snow zone), where the winter snow line is most sensitive to temperature change—notwithstanding the effects of forest harvest over the same part of the basin. Model simulations show that current land cover results in higher fall, winter and early spring streamflow but lower summer flow; higher annual maximum flow and higher annual mean streamflow compared with pre-development conditions, which is largely consistent with a trend analysis of model residuals. Land cover change effects in urban and partially urban basins have resulted in changes in annual flow, annual maximum flows, fall and summer flows. For the upland portion of the basin, shifts in the seasonal distribution of streamflows (higher spring flow and lower summer flow) are clearly related to rising temperatures, but annual streamflow has not changed much. Copyright  2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Size and composition distribution dynamics of alloy nanoparticle electrocatalysts probed by anomalous small angle X-ray scattering (ASAXS)

Anomalous small angle X-ray scattering (ASAXS) is shown to be an ideal technique to investigate the particle size and particle composition dynamics of carbon-supported alloy nanoparticle electrocatalysts at the atomic scale. In this technique, SAXS data are obtained at different X-ray energies close to a metal absorption edge, where the metal scattering strength changes, providing element specificity. ASAXS is used to, first, establish relationships between annealing temperature and the resulting particle size distribution for Pt25Cu75 alloy nanoparticle electrocatalyst precursors. The Pt specific ASAXS profiles were fitted with log-normal distributions. High annealing temperatures during alloy synthesis caused a significant shift in the alloy particle size distribution towards larger particle diameters. Second, ASAXS was used to characterize electrochemical Cu dissolution and dealloying processes of a carbon-supported Pt25Cu75 electrocatalyst precursor in acidic electrolytes. By performing ASAXS at both the Pt and Cu absorption edges, the unique power of this technique is demonstrated for probing composition dynamics at the atomic scale. These ASAXS measurements provided detailed information on the changes in the size distribution function of the Pt atoms and Cu atoms. A shift in the Cu scattering profile towards larger scattering vectors indicated the removal of Cu atoms from the alloy particle surface suggesting the formation of a Pt enriched Pt shell surrounding a Pt–Cu core. Together with XRD and TEM, ASAXS is proposed to play an increasingly important role in the mechanistic study of degradation phenomena of alloy nanoparticle electrocatalysts at the atomic scale.
Highly efficient (In2Te3)x(GeTe)3−3x thermoelectric materials: a substitute for TAGS

GeTe is a versatile base compound to produce highly efficient p-type thermoelectric materials such as the TAGS materials (AgSbTe2)1-x(GeTe)x and GeTe-PbTe nanocomposites. The pure GeTe composition shows a very high power factor, ~42 μW cm(-1) K(-2), between 673 K and 823 K, which is among the highest power factors that have ever been reported in this temperature range. However, its relatively high thermal conductivity limits the dimensionless figure of merit ZT to values of only unity. In this paper, we present an efficient approach to reduce the thermal conductivity by preparing (In2Te3)x(GeTe)(3-3x) solid solutions. In spite of a slight degradation of the electronic properties, the drastic reduction of the thermal conductivity due to a synergistic combination of reduced electronic thermal conductivity, strong alloy scattering, and vacancy phonon scattering leads to ZT values as high as 1.35 at 823 K for the x = 0.05 sample. Our results show that (In2Te3)x(GeTe)(3-3x) is a prospective substitute for TAGS as a p-leg element for high-temperature power generation.
Visualizing combinatorial auctions

We propose a novel scheme to visualize combinatorial auctions; auctions that involve the simultaneous sale of multiple items. Buyers bid on complementary sets of items, or bundles, where the utility of securing all the items in the bundle is more than the sum of the utility of the individual items. Our visualizations use concentric rings divided into arcs to visualize the bundles in an auction. The arcs’ positions and overlaps allow viewers to identify and follow bidding strategies. Properties of color, texture, and motion are used to represent different attributes of the auction, including active bundles, prices bid for each bundle, winning bids, and bidders’ interests. Keyframe animations are used to show changes in an auction over time. We demonstrate our visualization technique on a standard testbed dataset generated by researchers to evaluate combinatorial auction bid strategies, and on recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) auctions designed to allocate wireless spectrum licenses to cell phone service providers.
A comparison of tryptic digests of bovine and equine cytochrome C by comprehensive reversed-phase HPLC–CE

Comprehensive two-dimensional reversed-phase HPLC–capillary electrophoresis (RP HPLC–CE) was used to compare the tryptic digest fingerprints of horse heart cytochrome C and bovine heart cytochrome C. The peptide fragments were labeled with fluorescamine and detected with a fluorescence detector. The two-dimensional separation system proved to be reproducible enough to identify some species differences in the tryptic digest fingerprints. Improvements in instrumentation and daily procedures yielding faster analysis times and better reproducibility compared to a previous system are described. Improvements in software yielding gray-scale images of the two-dimensional data are described. Identification of selected tryptic fragments was achieved.
Population Genetics of Duplicated Disease-Defense Genes, hm1 and hm2 , in Maize ( Zea mays ssp. mays L.) and Its Wild Ancestor ( Zea mays ssp. parviglumis )

Plant defense genes are subject to nonneutral evolutionary dynamics. Here we investigate the evolutionary dynamics of the duplicated defense genes hm1 and hm2 in maize and its wild ancestor Zea mays ssp. parviglumis. Both genes have been shown to confer resistance to the fungal pathogen Cochliobolus carbonum race 1, but the effectiveness of resistance differs between loci. The genes also display different population histories. The hm1 locus has the highest nucleotide diversity of any gene yet sampled in the wild ancestor of maize, and it contains a large number of indel polymorphisms. There is no evidence, however, that high diversity in hm1 is a product of nonneutral evolution. In contrast, hm2 has very low nucleotide diversity in the wild ancestor of maize. The distribution of hm2 polymorphic sites is consistent with nonneutral evolution, as indicated by Tajima's D and other neutrality tests. In addition, one hm2 haplotype is more frequent than expected under the equilibrium neutral model, suggesting hitchhiking selection. Both defense genes retain >80% of the level of genetic variation in maize relative to the wild ancestor, and this level is similar to other maize genes that were not subject to artificial selection during domestication.
Parasitic Emission Suppression in Arrays of Individually Addressable Silicon Microcavity Plasma Devices

Full addressability of arrays of Si microcavity plasma devices has been demonstrated by adopting a split top electrode design. Arrays of pyramidal microcavities with emitting apertures of 100 times 100 mum2, a pixel pitch of 200 mum, and sizes as large as 512 times 512 pixels have been fabricated in 250-mum-thick Si(100) wafers. Parasitic capacitance is responsible for weak emission from adjacent microcavities when a single pixel is addressed but the suppression of nearest neighbor fluorescence with the current array design is ~6 dB. Any pixel in the array can be addressed with an rms voltage as low as 240 V when the array is operating in 500 torr of Ne.
End-to-end performance and fairness in multihop wireless backhaul networks

Wireless IEEE 802.11 networks in residences, small businesses, and public "hot spots" typically encounter the wireline access link (DSL, cable modem, T1, etc.) as the slowest and most expensive part of the end-to-end path. Consequently, network architectures have been proposed that employ multiple wireless hops in route to and from the wired Internet. Unfortunately, use of current media access and transport protocols for such systems can result in severe unfairness and even starvation for flows that are an increasing number of hops away from a wired Internet entry point. Our objective is to study fairness and end-to-end performance in multihop wireless backhaul networks via the following methodology. First, we develop a formal reference model that characterizes objectives such as removing spatial bias (i.e., providing performance that is independent of the number of wireless hops to a wire) and maximizing spatial reuse. Second, we perform an extensive set of simulation experiments to quantify the impact of the key performance factors towards achieving these goals. For example, we study the roles of the MAC protocol, end-to-end congestion control, antenna technology, and traffic types. Next, we develop and study a distributed layer 2 fairness algorithm which targets to achieve the fairness of the reference model without modification to TCP. Finally, we study the critical relationship between fairness and aggregate throughput and in particular study the fairness-constrained system capacity of multihop wireless backhaul networks.
Insufficient Production and Tissue Delivery of CD4+Memory T Cells in Rapidly Progressive Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

The mechanisms linking human immunodeficiency virus replication to the progressive immunodeficiency of acquired immune deficiency syndrome are controversial, particularly the relative contribution of CD4+ T cell destruction. Here, we used the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) model to investigate the relationship between systemic CD4+ T cell dynamics and rapid disease progression. Of 18 rhesus macaques (RMs) infected with CCR5-tropic SIVmac239 (n = 14) or CXCR4-tropic SIVmac155T3 (n = 4), 4 of the former group manifested end-stage SIV disease by 200 d after infection. In SIVmac155T3 infections, naive CD4+ T cells were dramatically depleted, but this population was spared by SIVmac239, even in rapid progressors. In contrast, all SIVmac239-infected RMs demonstrated substantial systemic depletion of CD4+ memory T cells by day 28 after infection. Surprisingly, the extent of CD4+ memory T cell depletion was not, by itself, a strong predictor of rapid progression. However, in all RMs destined for stable infection, this depletion was countered by a striking increase in production of short-lived CD4+ memory T cells, many of which rapidly migrated to tissue. In all rapid progressors (P < 0.0001), production of these cells initiated but failed by day 42 of infection, and tissue delivery of new CD4+ memory T cells ceased. Thus, although profound depletion of tissue CD4+ memory T cells appeared to be a prerequisite for early pathogenesis, it was the inability to respond to this depletion with sustained production of tissue-homing CD4+ memory T cells that best distinguished rapid progressors, suggesting that mechanisms of the CD4+ memory T cell generation play a crucial role in maintaining immune homeostasis in stable SIV infection.
PÆDIATRICIANS LOOK AT CHILDREN AWAITING ADENOTONSILLECTOMY

Abstract A two-year investigation was done on the " routine " adenotonsillectomy waiting-list in a children's hospital. In a third of cases a decision for or against operation could not be made at initial examination, but by observation over two years nearly half the children were considered not to need operation. Comparison between those apparently benefiting from operation and those remaining well without operation suggested that children with fewer than 2 sore throats and fewer than 14 days off school per year did not require operation. Those with 5 or more sore throats and more than 3 weeks off school per year seemed to benefit from operation. Those with intermediate symptoms should be kept under outpatient review. An observed difference of opinion between paediatrician and otorhinolaryngological surgeon as to what constituted normal tonsillar appearances led to a test of observer reliability which showed results little better than chance.
High-quality texture reconstruction from multiple scans

The creation of three-dimensional digital content by scanning real objects has become common practice in graphics applications for which visual quality is paramount, such as animation, e-commerce, and virtual museums. While a lot of attention has been devoted recently to the problem of accurately capturing the geometry of scanned objects, the acquisition of high-quality textures is equally important, but not as widely studied. In this paper, we focus on methods to construct accurate digital models of scanned objects by integrating high-quality texture and normal maps with geometric data. These methods are designed for use with inexpensive, electronic camera-based systems in which low-resolution range images and high-resolution intensity images are acquired. The resulting models are well-suited for interactive rendering on the latest-generation graphics hardware with support for bump mapping. Our contributions include new techniques for processing range, reflectance, and surface normal data, for image-based registration of scans, and for reconstructing high-quality textures for the output digital object.
An Overview of Adolescent Eating Behavior Barriers to Implementing Dietary Guidelines

Adolescents continue to report food and nutrient intake and physical activity levels that conflict with the U.S. Dietary Guidelines and the Year 2000 objectives. Some of the barriers to healthier eating and exercise are related to factors within the adolescent's environment, such as access to healthy food choices or availability of preventive nutritional guidance as part of routine health care. Many barriers, though, fit into the theoretical framework that attempts to describe determinants of other risky behaviors of adolescents. These include (1) adolescent and peer subgroup norms that devalue healthy eating behavior; (2) participation in other risky behaviors; (3) low competency (actual and perceived) in sports, food selection, and food preparation; and (4) familial and cultural expectations. Implications were discussed for intervention approaches and policy recommendations that help confront these barriers.
Measurement of Richtmyer–Meshkov mode coupling under steady shock conditions and at high energy density

Abstract We present experiments observing Richtmyer–Meshkov mode coupling and bubble competition in a system arising from well-characterized initial conditions and driven by a strong (Mach ~ 8) shock. These measurements and the analysis method developed to interpret them provide an important step toward the possibility of observing self-similarity under such conditions, as well as a general platform for performing and analyzing hydrodynamic instability experiments. A key feature of these experiments is that the shock is sustained sufficiently long that this nonlinear behavior occurs without decay of the shock velocity or other hydrodynamic properties of the system, which facilitates analysis and allows the results to be used in the study of analytic models.
Test of Scale Model Post-Tensioned Flat Plate

The testing sequence and observed behavior of a one-third scale model prestressed concrete flat plate with unbonded tendons is reported. The nine-panel model was 2.9-in. thick with 8-in. x 8-in. columns spaced 10 ft on center both directions. Draped ¼-in. diam seven-wire strands provided the prestress force with their distribution 70% in the column strip and 30% in the middle strip each direction. Bonded reinforcement was provided only in the immediate column regions where the ACI-ASCE Committee No.423 minimum, 0.15% of the column strip area, was supplied as top bars. Flexural strength and behavior was excellent and yield line analysis showed very good agreement with measured strength. Failure in shear occurred following flexural yield line development at load level above the ACI code factored load. Shear strength analysis showed the ACI-ASCE Committee equation to be safe for design of prestressed flat plates. Cracking was well controlled by the minimum bonded reinforcement. Use of the equivalent frame of ACI Code was supported for design.
Wireless communications games in fixed and random environments

Most of the work on power control in wireless communications has focused on the fixed deterministic (thermal) noise paradigm, which results in elegant distributed power control schemes with desired convergence properties. In this paper, we lift the deterministic noise assumption. Instead, we consider a generalized stochastic noise framework, akin to a random environment, which not only incorporates the intrinsic thermal noise at the receivers but also the effect of potential interferers that are extraneous to the communication links under consideration. Given this random environment framework, we develop a game-theoretic formulation where N links play a non-cooperative game, inducing a distributed power control scheme. We first examine the deterministic game and show the existence and uniqueness of the Nash equilibrium. We then study the stochastic behavior of the equilibrium under the random environment. The results indicate that the long-run behavior of the corresponding power control is “stable” (explained technically below), demonstrating its robustness and, hence, applicability.
Variations in Individual Decision Making: Children, Adults, and Economic Theory

This study examines differences in individual decision making between children and adults using a paired lottery choice experiment. A lottery choice experiment involves selecting between two options, one with a small difference in payoffs and one with a large difference in payoffs, for each of ten decisions with increasing probability of obtaining the higher payoff. Based on subject decisions, risk preferences can be inferred. Particular attention is given to age and gender differences. The main result reveals that children choose significantly fewer â€œsafeâ€ lotteries than adults on average. Specifically, children act as risk-seeking in low winning percentage lotteries. There is no significant difference in safe choices between genders in both samples. These findings can prove to be an important asset when developing policies to curb hazardous behavior in children.
Extending Building Information Models Semiautomatically Using Semantic Natural Language Processing Techniques

AbstractAutomated compliance checking (ACC) of building designs requires automated extraction of information from building information models (BIMs). However, current industry foundation classes (IFC)-based BIMs provide limited support for ACC, because they lack the necessary information that is needed to perform compliance checking (CC). In this paper, the authors propose a new method for extending the IFC schema to incorporate CC-related information, in an objective and semiautomated manner. The method utilizes semantic natural language processing techniques and machine learning techniques to extract concepts from documents that are related to CC (e.g., building codes) and match the extracted concepts to concepts in the IFC class hierarchy. The proposed method includes a set of methods/algorithms that are combined into one computational platform: (1) a method for concept extraction that utilizes pattern-matching-based rules to extract regulatory concepts from CC-related regulatory documents; (2) a metho...
Parental Accommodation Predicts Symptom Severity at Long-Term Follow-Up in Children with Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: A Preliminary Investigation

Pediatric obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition affecting millions of children. Though well intentioned, accommodation (i.e., a parent’s attempt to assuage their child’s distress and anxiety) is thought to increase OCD symptom severity and may cause greater OCD-related impairment. The present study sought to examine the relative contribution of parental accommodation in predicting OCD symptom severity. Children between the ages of 6 and 18 (and their parents) participated in a prospective, longitudinal study investigating the course of pediatric OCD utilizing a longitudinal design. Data was collected at intake (n = 30) and two-years (n = 22) post-intake controlling for age, anxiety and depression. Parental accommodation (measured at intake) significantly predicted OCD symptom severity and was the strongest predictor at both intake and two-year follow-up. These preliminary findings highlight the importance of further research seeking to delineate factors relevant to the development and maintenance of accommodation as well as parent-level variables that might mediate the relationship between accommodation and OCD symptom severity.
Bleeding Martyrs: The Body of the Tyrant/Saint, the Limits of ‘Constancy’, and the Extremity of the Passions in Julius Caesar

In Julius Caesar, Shakespeare further emphasizes his identity as a rebel poet-playwright by aligning himself with the anti-Augustan Ovid, as he does throughout his Roman poems and plays. Shakespeare here uses the figure of Caesar — with its multifaceted legacy in history, legend, and myth — to explore the complex and ambivalent associations inherited from these past traditions and to expose the direct link between Christianity and its pagan Roman past. In foregrounding Antony’s rhetoric over the bleeding body of Caesar, Shakespeare documents the making of a martyr, showing how the blood and wounds of the body accrue meaning when transposed into a holy icon, simultaneously unveiling that process and reinvesting it with ritual meaning onstage. Shakespeare further extends this ambivalence by opening up larger debates concerning the limits of ‘constancy’ and the turbulence of fiery passion at the micro- and macrocosmic levels, involving pivotal questions that he explores throughout his Roman poems and plays.
Phased array far field in the time domain

The far field definition used by the IEEE comes from a narrow band formulation (time-harmonic fields). This paper looks at the far field definition from a broadband signal perspective. A time domain definition of far field in terms of the pulse dispersion for large, wideband phased arrays is presented. It is shown that far field in the time domain depends upon the instantaneous bandwidth of the signal.
Philadelphia's ``Black Mafia'': Assessing and advancing current interpretations

In the history and the study of organizedcrime, the validity and reliability ofsources have been particularly problematicmatters. Governmental fact-finding bodiesare frequently cited in this research area,including the now-defunct PennsylvaniaCrime Commission. For example, studiesoccasionally reference Philadelphia's``Black Mafia,'' and each of these inquiriesrelies upon the work of the PennsylvaniaCrime Commission for ``analysis'' of thegroup. In this article, the Commission'sfindings are presented and then critiqued. Significant Black Mafia activitiesunder-researched by the Commission are nextanalyzed, adding context to the currentunderstanding of the group. The articlechallenges current assumptions, places thegroup's history in context, and illustratesthe utility of primary source research.
Perceptions of High School Biology Teachers in Christian Schools on Relationships Between Religious Beliefs and Teaching Evolution

ABSTRACTThis mixed method study explored Christian teachers’ beliefs in religious schools on evolution, their attitudes toward evolution, and their perceptions on the effect of those beliefs on the teaching of evolutionary content. Teachers (N = 52) from Association for Christian Schools International (ACSI) accredited schools in California and Hawaii participated in the quantitative component of the study. Path analysis revealed that teacher beliefs had a significant effect on attitude, and attitude a significant effect on evolution teaching. Biology teachers were further interviewed from the sample. Results showed that teachers’ beliefs regarding evolution and their Christian faith were mixed and complex.
Sol-gel synthesis and thermoelectric properties of AZO films with pyrolytic carbon inclusions

Abstract We report on our measurements of the thermoelectric properties, including the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, power factor, and dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT), at room temperature, in various sol-gel prepared films of Al-doped ZnO with as prepared Al to Zn molar ratios ranging from 0% to 10%. As a result of the sol-gel processing, these films have C-based impurities that affect both their thermal and electrical properties. While normally considered an unwanted feature, these C inclusions could be engineered and used to modify the properties of the Al-ZnO system for certain applications. Our samples showed, for Al contents smaller than 1%, an apparently strong electron contribution to the thermal conductivity despite the low observed electrical conductivity, and a roughly constant ratio of the thermal to electrical conductivity (Lorenz number)−1 as a function of Al content up to ∼ 2%. We believe that this metallic character may be a result of increased phonon scattering due to C inclusions and grain-boundary scattering.
Global temporal dynamic landscape of pathogen-mediated subversion of Arabidopsis innate immunity

The universal nature of networks’ structural and physical properties across diverse systems offers a better prospect to elucidate the interplay between a system and its environment. In the last decade, several large-scale transcriptome and interactome studies were conducted to understand the complex and dynamic nature of interactions between Arabidopsis and its bacterial pathogen, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. We took advantage of these publicly available datasets and performed “-omics”-based integrative, and network topology analyses to decipher the transcriptional and protein-protein interaction activities of effector targets. We demonstrated that effector targets exhibit shorter distance to differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and possess increased information centrality. Intriguingly, effector targets are differentially expressed in a sequential manner and make for 1% of the total DEGs at any time point of infection with virulent or defense-inducing DC3000 strains. We revealed that DC3000 significantly alters the expression levels of 71% effector targets and their downstream physical interacting proteins in Arabidopsis interactome. Our integrative “-omics”-–based analyses identified dynamic complexes associated with MTI and disease susceptibility. Finally, we discovered five novel plant defense players using a systems biology-fueled top-to-bottom approach and demonstrated immune-related functions for them, further validating the power and resolution of our network analyses.
Attitudes towards refugee education and its link to xenophobia in the United States

AbstractThis paper attempts to deconstruct the resistance among a majority of Americans to admit Syrian refugees. Using a survey of secondary and post-secondary students and faculty in New Mexico, I attempt to draw conclusions regarding this resistance.
Multi-modal data fusion of Voice and EMG data for robotic control

Wearable electronic equipment is constantly evolving and is increasing the integration of humans with technology. Available in various forms, these flexible and bendable devices sense and can measure the physiological and muscular changes in the human body and may use those signals to machine control. The MYO gesture band, one such device, captures Electromyography data (EMG) using myoelectric signals and translates them to be used as input signals through some predefined gestures. Use of this device in a multi-modal environment will not only increase the possible types of work that can be accomplished with the help of such device, but it will also help in improving the accuracy of the tasks performed. This paper addresses the fusion of input modalities such as speech and myoelectric signals captured through a microphone and MYO band, respectively, to control a robotic arm. Experimental results obtained as well as their accuracies for performance analysis are also presented.
Language/Dialect Recognition Based on Unsupervised Deep Learning

Over the past decade, bottleneck features within an i-Vector framework have been used for state-of-the-art language/dialect identification (LID/DID). However, traditional bottleneck feature extraction requires additional transcribed speech information. Alternatively, two types of unsupervised deep learning methods are introduced in this study. To address this limitation, an unsupervised bottleneck feature extraction approach is proposed, which is derived from the traditional bottleneck structure but trained with estimated phonetic labels. In addition, based on a generative modeling autoencoder, two types of latent variable learning algorithms are introduced for speech feature processing, which have been previous considered for image processing/reconstruction. Specifically, a variational autoencoder and adversarial autoencoder are utilized on alternative phase of speech processing. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods, three corpora are evaluated: 1) a four Chinese dialect dataset, 2) a five Arabic dialect corpus, and 3) multigenre broadcast challenge corpus (MGB-3) for arabic DID. The proposed features are shown to outperform traditional acoustic feature MFCCs consistently across three corpora. Taken collectively, the proposed features achieve up to a relative +58% improvement in $C_{\text{avg}}$ for LID/DID without the need of any secondary speech corpora.
Relationships Among Race/Ethnicity, Gender, and Mental Health Status in Patient–Provider Interactions:

Patient–provider interactions are associated with improved health outcomes and are of particular importance to individuals with mental health disabilities. We examine the relation between having a ...
Reasons Makes Muslim Superhero Ms. Marvel Kamala Khan Awesome Just Like Everyone

Ms. Marvel Kamala Khan is a new name in Marvel comics, a name that represents minor communities of America, it is not the first time by a minor representation, there are various Muslim minority hero or heroine comes into focus in American society but they are not that popular or centre of the focus, Ms. Marvel Kamala Khan episode of Marvel comics is the most popular among US people, though they do not want any more diversity but because of its realism and authenticity, this episode receives 2015 Hugo award. The achievement credits her role as the superhero that she does for various reasons such as escape US society beyond the class, religion, identity, race from evil human and inhuman, a role model for the young generation, teenage, generation why (who always raises their voice for change, for new things), represents on behalf of the minorities in front of US political leadership, an image of innovation, change among kids, teenage and even elders. Kamala’s character is an example of feminism, diversity, stereotype, enthusiasm, boldness, promise and ground base. Her super heroism is the combination of empowerment, fantasy, and assimilation. Therefore, I choose to write on her as my final project. I am not a teenage but as a generation X, I am also motivated through her activities that she performed, taking all kind of social-political-stereotypical–religious challenges from her friends, family, and outsiders as well.