cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a Structural Role for Acid-Fast Lipids in Oocyst Walls of Cryptosporidium, Toxoplasma, and Eimeria

Coccidia are protozoan parasites that cause significant human disease and are of major agricultural importance. Cryp- tosporidium spp. cause diarrhea in humans and animals, while Toxoplasmacauses disseminated infections in fetuses and un- treated AIDS patients. Eimeriais a major pathogen of commercial chickens. Oocysts, which are the infectious form of Cryptospo- ridiumandEimeriaand one of two infectious forms of Toxoplasma(the other is tissue cysts in undercooked meat), have a multilayered wall. Recently we showed that the inner layer of the oocyst walls of ToxoplasmaandEimeriais a porous scaffold of fibers of-1,3-glucan, which are also present in fungal walls but are absent from Cryptosporidium oocyst walls. Here we present evidence for a structural role for lipids in the oocyst walls of Cryptosporidium,Toxoplasma, andEimeria. Briefly, oocyst walls of each organism label with acid-fast stains that bind to lipids in the walls of mycobacteria. Polyketide synthases similar to those that make mycobacterial wall lipids are abundant in oocysts of ToxoplasmaandEimeriaand are predicted inCryptosporidium. The outer layer of oocyst wall of Eimeriaand the entire oocyst wall ofCryptosporidium are dissolved by organic solvents. Oocyst wall lipids are complex mixtures of triglycerides, some of which contain polyhydroxy fatty acyl chains like those present in plant cutin or elongated fatty acyl chains like mycolic acids. We propose a two-layered model of the oocyst wall (glucan and acid-fast lipids) that resembles the two-layered walls of mycobacteria (peptidoglycan and acid-fast lipids) and plants (cellulose and cutin). IMPORTANCE Oocysts, which are essential for the fecal-oral spread of coccidia, have a wall that is thought responsible for their survival in the environment and for their transit through the stomach and small intestine. While oocyst walls of Toxoplasmaand Eimeriaare strengthened by a porous scaffold offibrils of -1,3-glucan and by proteins cross-linked by dityrosines, both are ab- sent from walls ofCryptosporidium. We show here that all oocyst walls are acid fast, have a rigid bilayer, dissolve in organic sol- vents, and contain a complex set of triglycerides rich in polyhydroxy and long fatty acyl chains that might be synthesized by an abundant polyketide synthase. These results suggest the possibility that coccidia build a waxy coat of acid-fast lipids in the oocyst wall that makes them resistant to environmental stress.
Disease control and ototoxicity using intensity-modulated radiation therapy tumor-bed boost for medulloblastoma.

Purpose We previously reported excellent local control for treating medulloblastoma with a limited boost to the tumor bed. In order to decrease ototoxicity, we subsequently implemented a tumor-bed boost using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), the clinical results of which we report here. Patients and Methods A total of 33 patients with newly diagnosed medulloblastoma, 25 with standard risk, and 8 with high risk, were treated on an IMRT tumor-bed boost following craniospinal irradiation (CSI). Six standard-risk patients were treated with an institutional protocol with 18 Gy CSI in conjunction with intrathecal iodine-131-labeled monoclonal antibody. The majority of patients received concurrent vincristine and standard adjuvant chemotherapy. Pure-tone audiograms were graded according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0. Results Median age was 9 years old (range, 4–46 years old). Median follow-up was 63 months. Kaplan-Meier estimates of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates for standard-risk patients who received 23.4 or 36 Gy CSI (not including those who received 18 Gy CSI with radioimmunotherapy) were 81.4% and 88.4%, respectively, at 5 years; 5-year PFS and OS rates for high-risk patients were both 87.5%. There were no isolated posterior fossa failures outside of the boost volume. Posttreatment audiograms were available for 31 patients, of whom 6%, at a median follow-up of 19 months, had developed Grade 3 hearing loss. Conclusion An IMRT tumor-bed boost results in excellent local control while delivering a low mean dose to the cochlea, resulting in a low rate of ototoxicity.
Intermodulation Characteristics of X-Band IMPATT Amplifiers

Abstract The intermodulation products produced when two equal amplitude signals are applied to the input of an X-band IMPATT diode amplifier have been measured. A Si p+nn+ IMPATT diode was operated in a double-slug-tuned reflection amplifier circuit that was tuned to provide 20 dB of small-signal gain at 9.340 GHz. The intermodulation tests consist of measurements of the magnitudes and frequencies of the amplifier output signals as a function of the input signal drive levels and frequency separations. The gain and single-frequency characteristics of the amplifier were also measured and are used along with the theoretical device and circuit admittance characteristics as a basis for explanation of the intermodulation results. A low-frequency dominance mechanism is found to exist in which the low-frequency signals are amplified more than the high-frequency signals. This mechanism becomes more significant as the amplifier drive level is increased.
Strategies for Control of Zidovudine Concentrations in Serum

There are several clinical scenarios in which knowledge of zidovudine disposition may be important. This study evaluated the clinical utility of pharmacokinetic parameters for zidovudine derived from sparse serum concentration data obtained in an outpatient setting. Twelve human immunodeficiency virus-infected participants had two serum zidovudine concentrations determinations obtained on two different clinic visits, 2 to 38 days apart. Zidovudine concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. A one-compartment oral absorption model was used to describe zidovudine disposition. Three different approaches were used to estimate pharmacokinetic parameters: Bayesian estimation with one or two concentrations and least squares with one concentration. The ability of these parameters to predict concentrations measured during the second clinic visit was assessed by calculation of precision and bias and compared with predictions using standard fixed or weight-adjusted parameters. Estimated pharmacokinetic parameters for zidovudine were consistent with literature values; there was no statistically significant difference among the parameters calculated with the three estimation strategies. Absorptive phase concentrations were poorly predicted by all methods (mean percent bias, 157 to 249%; mean percent precision, 389 to 537%). Predictive ability for concentrations obtained in the elimination phase was strikingly improved: mean percent bias, -17 to 70%; mean percent precision, 40 to 95%. Bayesian and least-squares estimated parameters were statistically better than fixed-parameter values for predicting concentrations in the elimination phase. These observations provide a modeling framework to determine pharmacokinetic disposition of zidovudine in an individual, screen for the existence of a drug interaction, and conduct concentration-controlled clinical trials.
Artificial light at night alters delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in response to acute stress in Siberian hamsters

Several physiological and behavioral processes rely on precisely timed light information derived from the natural solar cycle. Using this information, traits have adapted to allow individuals within specific niches to optimize survival and reproduction, but urbanization by humans has significantly altered natural habitats. Nighttime light exposure alters immune function in several species, which could lead to decreased fitness or survival, particularly in the face of an environmental challenge. We exposed male Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) to five lux of light at night for four weeks, and then administered six hours of acute restraint stress. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response was assessed immediately following stress. Acute restraint increased the DTH reaction in dark nights, but exposure to nighttime light prevented this response. Exposure to light at night prolonged the DTH response in non-stressed control hamsters. These results suggest that light pollution may significantly alter physiological responses in Siberian hamsters, particularly in response to a salient environmental challenge such as stress.
Data and range-bounded polynomials in ENO methods

Abstract Essentially non-oscillatory (ENO) methods and weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) methods are of fundamental importance in the numerical solution of hyperbolic equations. A key property of such equations is that the solution must remain positive or lie between bounds. A modification of the polynomials used in ENO methods to ensure that the modified polynomials are either bounded by adjacent values (data-bounded) or lie within a specified range (range-bounded) is considered. It is shown that this approach helps both in the range boundedness in the preservation of extrema in the ENO polynomial solution.
Semantic relations and Alzheimer's disease: an early and disproportionate deficit in functional knowledge

This experiment explored knowledge of four types of semantic relations (superordinate category, part, property, and function) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) subjects and age- and education-matched controls. Moderate AD subjects showed the greatest disruption on functional relations, intermediate disruption on part and property relations, and the least disruption on category relations; mild AD subjects showed a similar pattern but significant deficits only on functions. We suggest that the disproportionate deficit on functions reflects a greater cognitive complexity of functions than other semantic relations that renders them more vulnerable either to disrupted processing or to structural degradation of the network of associations among semantic concepts.
Distinguishing Clinically Important from Unimportant Prostate Cancers Before Treatment: Value of Systematic Biopsies

AbstractPurpose: We assessed the ability of diagnostic tests to distinguish clinically unimportant cancers.Materials and Methods: We correlated T stage (based on digital examination and ultrasound), prostate specific antigen (PSA), PSA density and pathological features of cancer in systematic biopsy specimens with features of cancer in 170 radical prostatectomy specimens. Clinically unimportant cancers were defined as small (0.5 cm.3 or less), well or moderately differentiated and confined to the prostate.Results: Of the patients 10 percent had an unimportant cancer. On logistic regression analysis the 2 significant predictors were maximum length of cancer in any core and PSA density. Of 12 patients with maximum cancer length 2 mm. or less and PSA density less than 0.1, 75 percent had an unimportant cancer compared to 5 percent of the remaining 158 (p less than 0.0005).Conclusions: Quantitative analysis of systematic biopsy specimens combined with PSA density provides valuable staging information and help...
Genetic reconstitution of the high-affinity L-arabinose transport system.

Abstract Expression plasmids containing various portions of araFGH operon sequences were assayed for their ability to facilitate the high-affinity L-arabinose transport process in a strain lacking the chromosomal copy of this operon. Accumulation studies demonstrated that the specific induction of all three operon coding sequences was necessary to restore high-affinity L-arabinose transport. Kinetic analysis of this genetically reconstituted transport system indicated that it functions with essentially wild-type parameters. Therefore, L-arabinose-binding protein-mediated transport appears to require only two inducible membrane-associated components (araG and araH) in addition to the binding protein (araF).
Quantitative small animal PET imaging with nonconventional nuclides

Abstract Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has gained a tremendous momentum recently for clinical applications notably with the availability of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose for staging and evaluation of therapy efficacy in various types of cancers. Nonconventional positron emitting nuclides are now being investigated for the development of novel imaging and therapeutic strategies. However, these nuclides have less than ideal imaging properties. This article compares the performance for imaging of nonconventional nuclides such as 61 Cu, 68 Ga, 86 Y and 94m Tc with the standard imaging nuclide 18 F for high-resolution small animal PET imaging. Quantitative imaging performance was evaluated in terms of spatial resolution and hot spheres recovery coefficients from image resolution and image quality phantoms representing the mouse. The data were reconstructed using algorithms of 2D filtered-back-projection, 2D ordered-subsets expectation maximization and maximum-a-posteriori. It is shown that the spatial resolution point spread function can be well explained by a double-gaussian function due to the generally long range of the positron. We show that, with the knowledge of the measured point spread functions, the accurate activity concentration in small lesions can be recovered when imaging with long-range positron emitters.
The Software Coverage Plan

Software can provide some of the best tests for complex hardware. The problem is fitting the code into a coverage-driven verification regime.
Fractal dimension of 3-blocks in four-, five-, and six-dimensional percolation systems.

Using Monte Carlo simulations, we study the distributions of the 3-block mass ${N}_{3}$ in four-, five-, and six-dimensional percolation systems. Because the probability of creating large 3-blocks in these dimensions is very small, we use a ``go with the winners'' method of statistical enhancement to simulate configurations having probability as small as ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}30}.$ In earlier work, the fractal dimensions of 3-blocks, ${d}_{3},$ in 2D (two dimensional) and 3D were found to be $1.20\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1$ and $1.15\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1,$ respectively, consistent with the possibility that the fractal dimension might be the same in all dimensions. We find that the fractal dimension of 3-blocks decreases rapidly in higher dimensions, and estimate ${d}_{3}=0.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2$ (4D) and $0.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2$ (5D). At the upper critical dimension of percolation, ${d}_{c}=6,$ our simulations are consistent with ${d}_{3}=0$ with logarithmic corrections to power-law scaling.
Large‐Field‐of‐View Wide‐Spectrum Artificial Reflecting Superposition Compound Eyes

In nature, reflecting superposition compound eyes (RSCEs) found in shrimps, lobsters and some other decapods are extraordinary imaging systems with numerous optical features such as minimum chromatic aberration, wide-angle field of view (FOV), high sensitivity to light and superb acuity to motion. Here, we present life-sized, large-FOV, wide-spectrum artificial RSCEs as optical imaging devices inspired by the unique designs of their natural counterparts. Our devices can form real, clear images based on reflection rather than refraction, hence avoiding chromatic aberration due to dispersion by the optical materials. Compared to imaging at visible wavelengths using conventional refractive lenses of comparable size, our artificial RSCEs demonstrate minimum chromatic aberration, exceptional FOV up to 165° without distortion, modest aberrations and comparable imaging quality without any post-image processing. Together with an augmenting cruciform pattern surrounding each focused image, our large-FOV, wide-spectrum artificial RSCEs possess enhanced motion-tracking capability ideal for diverse applications in military, security, medical imaging and astronomy.
Increased DNA methylation in the suicide brain.

Clinical studies find that childhood adversity and stress-ful life events in adulthood increase the risk for major depression and for suicide. The predispositions to either major depression or suicide are thought to depend on genetic risk factors or epigenetic effects. We investigated DNA methylation signatures postmortem in brains of suicides with diagnosis of major depressive disorder. DNA methylation levels were determined at single C-phosphate-G (CpG) resolution sites within ventral prefrontal cortex of 53 suicides and nonpsychiatric controls, aged 16 to 89 years. We found that DNA methylation increases throughout the lifespan. Suicides showed an 8-fold greater number of methylated CpG sites relative to controls (P<2.2x10-16), with greater DNA methylation changes over and above the increased methylation observed in normal aging. This increased DNA methylation may be a significant contributor to the neuropathology and psychopathology underlying the risk of suicide in depression.
Mild mitochondrial metabolic deficits by α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase inhibition cause prominent changes in intracellular autophagic signaling: Potential role in the pathobiology of Alzheimer's disease

Brain activities of the mitochondrial enzyme α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC) are reduced in Alzheimer's disease and other age-related neurodegenerative disorders. The goal of the present study was to test the consequences of mild impairment of KGDHC on the structure, protein signaling and dynamics (mitophagy, fusion, fission, biogenesis) of the mitochondria. Inhibition of KGDHC reduced its in situ activity by 23-53% in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, but neither altered the mitochondrial membrane potential nor the ATP levels at any tested time-points. The attenuated KGDHC activity increased translocation of dynamin-related protein-1 (Drp1) and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3) from the cytosol to the mitochondria, and promoted mitochondrial cytochrome c release. Inhibition of KGDHC also increased the negative surface charges (anionic phospholipids as assessed by Annexin V binding) on the mitochondria. Morphological assessments of the mitochondria revealed increased fission and mitophagy. Taken together, our results suggest the existence of the regulation of the mitochondrial dynamism including fission and fusion by the mitochondrial KGDHC activity via the involvement of the cytosolic and mitochondrial protein signaling molecules. A better understanding of the link among mild impairment of metabolism, induction of mitophagy/autophagy and altered protein signaling will help to identify new mechanisms of neurodegeneration and reveal potential new therapeutic approaches.
An Experimental Study of Microburst-Wind Induced Loads on a Wind Turbine Model

An experimental study to quantify microburst-wind induced loads acting on a wind turbine model was performed in the present study. The microburst flow field was simulated by using a steady impinging jet generated by a laboratory microburst simulator. Velocity and turbulence intensity profiles were measured at different radial locations with and without the wind turbine model mounted. Measurement results suggest that both mean and dynamic wind loads acting to the wind turbine model are functions of radial locations, operating status, and orientation angles of the wind turbine model in related to the morcoburst-wind. The maximum mean radial-direction force and bending moment were found when the wind tubeine model was mounted at the transitional region (r/D=0.5) of the microburst–wind and with orientation angles of 0 and 180 degrees. It is also found that a stationary wind turbine experiences larger mean radial-direction force and bending moment than a rotating one, particularly at r/D=0.5, while a rotating wind turbine suffers larger dynamic wind loads than its counterpart. Moreover, FFT results suggest that dynamic wind loads of a stationary wind turbine model are dominated by the macro flow features of the microburst wind, while those of the rotating case are also determined by the rotating frequency of the wind turbine blades.
Failure of urecholine to potentiate the pancreatic response to exogenous stimuli.

SummaryThe gastric and pancreatic secretory responses to gastrin, secretin, Cecekin, and Urecholine have been studied in conscious dogs with gastric and pancreatic fistulas. Dose response curves to secretin, Cecekin, and gastrin were compared with similar responses obtained using a background of Urecholine stimulation. Although augmentation of the gastric secretory response to gastrin by Urecholine was confirmed, no augmentation of the pancreatic responses to these stimuli was seen.
Unblinded CGM Should Replace Blinded CGM in the Clinical Management of Diabetes

The original continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) were limited to 3-day, blinded observation periods where glucose data was hidden from patients and later retrospectively analyzed by a provider to help guide the management of diabetes. Unblinded CGM, released several years later, allows patients to view their glucose data in real-time amidst their daily routines, enabling them to better understand how variables such as activity, nutrition, and medications affect glucose levels. Research studies consistently demonstrate improved glycemic control and reduced hypoglycemia in children and adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes while using unblinded CGM.1-4 As such, we believe that all CGM usage in clinical practice should be in real-time, unblinded mode for short-term and long-term wear periods.
Research on ecological barrier to Chang-Zhu-Tan metropolitan area

Constructing of the city(group) ecological barrier is one of the focal points of ecological construction of China.With rapid urbanization process,urban areas,land acquisition,population and construction scale expand continuously,ecological security situation is increasingly serious,and ecological environmental protection pressure increases.The ecological barrier construction of Changzhutan(CZT) Urban Agglomeration has aroused much concern since the Urban Agglomeration was approved as an experimental area of Two-oriented Society. According to relevant principles of landscape ecology and conservation biology,based on the social research,special investigations,monographic studies and academic discussion,the pressure,demand and capacity of regional ecology were analyzed,the space level,structure,layout,function areas of ecological barrier in CZT city cluster were scientifically zoned by Modern high-tech as RS,GIS,GPS,etc.,the direction and the goals of the various functional areas construction were defined,the measures of the partition management and classifying protection were proposed,the construction projects of protection planning before 2020 were programmed. The results showed that city group must arrange city space scientifically,and reserve enough ecological bases to build a strong ecological barrier preferentially based on the capacity of eco-environment,by way of ecological isolation group.In accordance with the main functional division and targeting,we must manage and arrange ecological lands strictly and rationally,strengthen plan and overall coordination in different departments,and conserve forest and wetland according to laws strictly.In addition,we must enhance public finance trans-payment and social financing efforts,carry out ecological barrier project construction earnestly,try to improve environment quality and maintain regional ecological balance to achieve the developmental goal of resource-saving,environment-friendly society with high urban quality and comprehensive competitiveness.The results may provide a scientific method and basis for urban ecological barrier construction,which also provide references for the construction of ecological barriers of other cities(city groups).
Grade-Level Differences in Future-Oriented Self-Concept During Early Adolescence: Potential Relevance to School Nursing

The middle school and early high school years are a time of significant development, including an increasing ability to envision oneself in the future. Little is known about how adolescents' future-oriented self-concept (i.e., possible selves) differs across grade levels, although this knowledge may aid in establishing rapport with students and building effective health promotion and risk reduction interventions. Therefore, this study explored grade-level differences in hoped for and feared possible selves in a sample of sixth- to ninth-grade students (n = 2,498; M age = 12.72, SD = 1.15; 51.3% female). Findings suggest that adolescents list a variety of possible selves, and the content differs according to grade level. These findings offer helpful insight for intervention work aimed at improving student outcomes and preventing risk behavior. Understanding what adolescents hope and fear for themselves in the future may be particularly beneficial for school nurses in identifying the unique challenges students experience and tailoring health promotion efforts.
Philanthropy and voluntary action in the First World War: mobilizing charity

In this much welcome contribution to the field of First World War studies, Peter Grant examines the role of voluntary action in Great Britain during the conflict. Grant explains that the resulting ...
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Spirulina platensis Extract via the Modulation of Histone Deacetylases

We previously demonstrated that the organic extract of Spirulina platensis (SPE), an edible blue-green alga, possesses potent anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated if the regulation of histone deacetylases (HDACs) play a role in the anti-inflammatory effect of SPE in macrophages. Treatment of macrophages with SPE rapidly and dose-dependently reduced HDAC2, 3, and 4 proteins which preceded decreases in their mRNA levels. Degradation of HDAC4 protein was attenuated in the presence of inhibitors of calpain proteases, lysosomal acidification, and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, respectively, but not a proteasome inhibitor. Acetylated histone H3 was increased in SPE-treated macrophages to a similar level as macrophages treated with a pan-HDAC inhibitor, with concomitant inhibition of inflammatory gene expression upon LPS stimulation. Knockdown of HDAC3 increased basal and LPS-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression, while HDAC4 knockdown increased basal expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), but attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory gene expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that SPE decreased p65 binding and H3K9/K14 acetylation at the Il-1β and tumor necrosis factor α (Tnfα) promoters. Our results suggest that SPE increased global histone H3 acetylation by facilitating HDAC protein degradation, but decreases histone H3K9/K14 acetylation and p65 binding at the promoters of Il-1β and Tnfα to exert its anti-inflammatory effect.
Preneoplastic Lesions of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the preneoplastic lesions of the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT), which includes the oral cavity, the pharynx, and the larynx. These sites form a functional and anatomical unit, share exposure to the same etiopathogenetic factors, and show the same spectrum of preinvasive changes associated with the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which is their most common malignancy. The identification of preneoplastic lesions of the UADT—through clinical, morphological, and molecular means—lays the premises for early detection and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The chapter presents histological features of UADT lesions, including their classification and their molecular features, which is followed by a description of their clinical features, the correlation existing between histological and clinical classifications (that is, gross and microscopic features), and their risk of progression. Microscopic grading of the preneoplastic lesions of the UADT is of paramount importance biologically and clinically because the probability of malignant progression into invasive cancer of these lesions is dictated by their grade. This correlation highlights the importance of obtaining a biopsy of all suspect lesions and the priority to be given to a microscopic examination over a clinical examination.
Patient-centered outcomes research to improve asthma outcomes

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute is funding 8 comparative effectiveness research projects to improve patient-centered outcomes for African American and Hispanic/Latino patients with uncontrolled asthma. These projects aim to compare multilevel interventions with known efficacy at the community, home, and health system levels to enhance patient and clinician uptake of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's National Asthma Education Prevention Program guidelines and improve outcomes. The National Asthma Education Prevention Program guidelines provide clinicians with a range of acceptable approaches for the diagnosis and management of asthma and define general practices that meet the needs of most patients. Yet disparities in asthma care and outcomes remain pervasive for African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute AsthmaNet consortium has identified several top research priorities for pediatric and adult populations, including a recommendation to examine tailored approaches based on race/ethnicity. In addition, the guidelines emphasize the need for studies that focus on multicomponent interventions recognizing that single interventions are generally ineffective. This article will describe the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute–funded asthma projects and how they are individually and collectively addressing evidence gaps in asthma care by focusing on multicomponent and tailored approaches for improving outcomes and reducing disparities for African American and Hispanic/Latino patients.
Do I Know My Body Size? An Examination of College Students Involved in Fashion

Female college students often show their interests in fashion by volunteering to be a model for a senior fashion show. Also, their preferences of a certain clothing style reflect or be reflective of their fashion involvement. This raised following questions: What are the actual and perceived body sizes of the college students wanting to be a fashion model? Do they have any distinctive body image perception? Do they have a better understanding of their weight status and sizes? Thus, this study aims 1) to understand how college students involved in fashion perceive their body images and 2) to assess their body image discrepancies between the actual body sizes and perceived sizes.
Evaluating driver drowsiness countermeasures

ABSTRACTObjective: Driver drowsiness contributes to a substantial number of fatal and nonfatal crashes, with recent estimates attributing up to 21% of fatal crashes to drowsiness. This article describes recent NHTSA research on in-vehicle drowsiness countermeasures. Recent advances in technology and state detection algorithms have shown success in detecting drowsiness using a variety of data sources, including camera-based eye tracking, steering wheel position, yaw rate, and vehicle lane position. However, detection is just the first step in reducing drowsy driving crashes. Countermeasures are also needed to provide feedback to the driver, modify driver behavior, and prevent crashes. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of in-vehicle drowsiness countermeasures in reducing drowsy lane departures. The tested countermeasures included different warning modalities in either a discrete or staged interface.Methods: Data were collected from 72 young adult drivers (age 21–32) in the high-fideli...
The benefits and challenges of Collective and Creative Storytelling through visceral methods within the neoliberal university: Debate title: Better than text? Critical reflections on the practices of visceral methodologies in human geography

Abstract This contribution describes three phenomenon regarding visceral methods. It highlights the importance of collaborative data creation, and the opportunity of creativity to produce pleasure, laughter, as well as to see and sense power. But it also demonstrates the danger posed by the neoliberal university to the further development and implementation of visceral methods.
Orthotropic Thin Shell Elasticity Estimation for Surface Registration

Elastic physical models have been widely used to regularize deformations in different medical object registration tasks. Traditional approaches usually assume uniform isotropic tissue elasticity (a constant regularization weight) across the whole domain, which contradicts human tissue elasticity being not only inhomogeneous but also anisotropic. We focus on producing more physically realistic deformations for the task of surface registration. We model the surface as an orthotropic elastic thin shell, and we propose a novel statistical framework to estimate inhomogeneous and anisotropic shell elasticity parameters only from a group of known surface deformations. With this framework we show that a joint estimation of within-patient surface deformations and the shell elasticity parameters can improve groupwise registration accuracy. The method is tested in the context of endoscopic reconstruction-surface registration.
Celebrating Difference: Best Practices in Culturally Responsive Teaching Online.

Culturally responsive teaching and design practices flip the online classroom by creating an environment that acknowledges, celebrates, and builds upon the cultural capital that learners and teachers bring to the online classroom. Challenges exist in all phases of online course design, including the ability to create online courses that reflect the instructor’s commitment to inclusive excellence, diversity, and social justice. Designing an online environment that supports all learners regardless of their backgrounds is important in their future success as professionals; thus, it is important for faculty to design courses with all students in mind. The purpose of this article is to share best practices in the design of culturally and linguistically responsive online courses that support the culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students we serve. Based on Gay’s (2010) culturally responsive teaching practices, this article provides examples of online activities that are validating; comprehensive; multi-dimensional; empowering; transformative, and emancipatory.
Hidden Orders, Trading Costs and Information

This paper explores the use of non-displayed (reserve) depth in Nasdaq market-maker quotes in SuperSOES. Non-displayed size represents 25 percent of the dollar-depth at the NBBO in the Nasdaq 100; this appears to be additional depth provided to the market, rather than a shift away from displayed depth to non-displayed depth. Market participants tend to use reserve size more for firms with high idiosyncratic risk and high volatility. While the presence of hidden depth at the inside has no effect on effective half-spreads, the information content of a trade (as measured by the midquote adjustment in the 30 minutes post-trade) is significantly lower when reserve size is quoted, suggesting reserve size is a signal of short-term price movements. Although this information impact is present at thirty second and five minute intervals post-trade for many classes of market participants, the presence of non-displayed depth by investment banks and wirehouses is predictive of price changes up to 30 minutes post-trade. Displayed depth does not predict daily returns, but the reserve size quotes of investment banks and wirehouses is indicative of which stocks will increase or decrease in price over the course of the day's trading. This effect is strongest at earnings releases, where only investment bank and wirehouse non-displayed depth predicts returns of individual stocks in the wake of an earnings announcement.
How Do You Use Problem-Based Learning to Improve Interdisciplinary Thinking?

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an increasingly popular interdisciplinary pedagogy. In this chapter, we discuss its roots, benefits, and potential trade-offs and give practical advice applicable to a variety of academic disciplines.
Detection of the cervical spondylotic myelopathy using noninvasive microwave imaging technique

This paper represents a newly developed noninvasive diagnostic method for cervical myelopathy detection using the microwave imaging technology. In this technique, the neck will be illuminated by the electromagnetic waveform using a UWB antenna. Then the scattered field by the neck will be measured by the receiver UWB antennas at various locations around the neck. We have simulated a simple model of a neck for detecting cervical myelopathy using CST software. The computed results demonstrate the high feasibility of using microwave technique to diagnoses the cervical myelopathy.
Children’s challenge and threat appraisals vary by discrete emotion, age, and gender:

Three decades of research have examined children’s challenge and threat appraisals, yet unresolved issues remain. This study provides new insight about three central, open questions in this field: How do challenge and threat appraisals relate to events eliciting discrete negative emotions? How do challenge appraisals develop across childhood, and are there gender differences across development? In this cross-sectional study, 172 children (three age groups: 3–5 years, 6–8 years, and 9–11 years) and 89 young adults (ages 17–26) described sad, scary, and anger-provoking autobiographical experiences and were asked whether the event was something they could handle (a challenge appraisal) or whether it was just too much (a threat appraisal). Challenge appraisals were associated with anger-eliciting events more often than with sad or scary events. In line with predictions, challenge appraisals steadily increased across age groups. In early childhood, girls made more challenge appraisals than boys, but young adul...
Exploring and Leveraging Chinese International Students' Strengths for Success

This study used an Appreciative Education framework to explore the strengths of Chinese international students and to identify areas where support is needed during their transition to U.S. higher education settings. Using a convergent mixed methods design with data collected from surveys, interviews and focus groups, the complex nature of the transition process was explored. While commitment and motivation, as well as familial support, were identified as strengths based on survey data, interview and focus group data revealed additional strengths and how students leverage these strengths to support their transition. The findings led to insights and recommendations for higher education professionals working with Chinese international students specifically and offered approaches to better understand and support international students in general.
QNDE of a 3-D Carbon-Carbon Composite Using Photoacoustic Microscopy

A composite is composed of several distinct material components, one of which is contiguous and forms a matrix. The overall properties of the composite material are some average of the properties of its components. The fiber reinforced composites, like the carbon-carbon composites, are heterogenous materials consisting of reinforcement fibers embedded in a matrix. In most cases, the matrix may be considered homogenous and isotropic, but not the fiber reinforcement, which are highly anisotropic fibers. These fibers are grouped into yarns and woven in specific directions. The thermal properties of the matrix and the fibers are usually different. Thermally, the fibers are more conductive than the matrix and play a dominant role in the heat transfer through the composite, especially when the heat flux is parallel to one of the fiber reinforcement directions. The complex nature and strong thermal anisotropy of the fiber reinforcement makes characterization and modeling of 3-D carbon-carbon composites very difficult. Recently, [1,2,3,4,5] using the flash method for measuring thermal diffusivity, the in-situ thermal properties of the constituents of composite materials were determined.
Knotting and linking in macromolecules

Abstract In the 1980’s, knotting in DNA became a fundamental research dimension in the study of the mechanisms by which enzymes act on it. Later, the first compelling identification of knotting in proteins, in 2000, launched the study of knotting in protein structures, and linear macromolecules more generally, following on theoretical efforts of the 1960’s. The linking occurring in structures such as DNA, with the articulation of the relationship between linking, twisting, and writhe, and, more directly, linking in Olympic gels has been of interest to geometers, molecular biologists, and polymer physicists since the 1960’s. More recently, a new mathematical analysis of both global and local facets of knotting and linking is providing promising discoveries. Following a discussion of the topological structures of knotting and linking, we will consider some of their applications, and close with a consideration of new questions that suggest attractive directions for future research.
Abstract TP340: Resumption of Anticoagulation after Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Risks, Benefits and Impact on Outcome

Introduction: The risks, benefits and impact on outcome of anticoagulation following spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are not well established. Methods: Prospectively collected data of IC...
Option Strangles: An Analysis of Selling Equity Insurance

Our results suggest, selling SPY strangles are generally profitable across a variety of widths. However, the payoff profile of a short option strangle exposes the contract seller to a potential for unlimited losses. Our evidence on maximum draw-downs indicates that losses on some positions can be the equivalent of the profits gained on approximately forty prior positions. This payoff profile has given rise to the metaphor of selling option contracts as the equivalent of “picking up nickels in front of a steam roller.” The goal of our paper is to analyze the full return characteristics of option strangles and to develop a set of models to help investors avoid getting steam-rolled. As a result, we forecast the likelihood of profitability of SPY strangles. We use information that is available at the time a position is under consideration to attempt to avoid strangle positions with potentially large losses.
A review of the process physics and material screening methods for polymer powder bed fusion additive manufacturing

Abstract Powder bed fusion (PBF) is one of seven different classes of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies identified by ASTM and ISO. In polymer PBF, an infra-red energy source selectively fuses powder particles layer-by-layer into a three-dimensional structure. This enables the production of parts without the use of a mold, which is useful for prototyping and low-volume production. The early research in polymer PBF has focused largely on exploring the expanded design space afforded by the technology and modeling the heat transfer during fabrication. These are aspects that emphasize the manufacturing process and resultant quality in a material agnostic manner. Early investigations into structure-process-property relationships focused on the industrially dominant polyamide family. Only recently has research been conducted towards expanding the PBF material portfolio beyond nylon-12 and its composites. Guiding this research is the knowledge gained from studying the behavior of polyamides in PBF, which resulted in pervasive guidelines for material screening and process parameter development in polymer PBF, including the concepts of a “stable sintering region” and utilizing the “energy melt ratio” to set machine parameters. However, these guidelines are largely empirical and disproportionately focus on process parameter effects on the mechanical properties of the printed parts, instead of the intrinsic polymer properties and first principles of polymer science and engineering. This review categorically compiles the PBF AM literature by the three process sub-functions: powder recoating, energy input, and coalescence and cooling. The literature outlining the governing physics, structure-property-processing relationships enabling printing, and the process-structure-property relationships enabling targeted final part properties are discussed within each sub-function. Establishing these polymer-manufacturing relationships, both for printability and for final part property prediction, is important to aid in the identification and adaptation of existing polymers, and development of novel polymers, for PBF AM.
SLOPE: Structural Locality-Aware Programming Model for Composing Array Data Analysis

MapReduce brought on the Big Data revolution. However, its impact on scientific data analyses has been limited because of fundamental limitations in its data and programming models. Scientific data is typically stored as multidimensional arrays, while MapReduce is based on key-value (KV) pairs. Applying MapReduce to analyze array-based scientific data requires a conversion of arrays to KV pairs. This conversion incurs a large storage overhead and loses structural information embedded in the array. For example, analysis operations, such as convolution, are defined on the neighbors of an array element. Accessing these neighbors is straightforward using array indexes, but requires complex and expensive operations like self-join in the KV data model. In this work, we introduce a novel ‘structural locality’-aware programming model (SLOPE) to compose data analysis directly on multidimensional arrays. We also develop a parallel execution engine for SLOPE to transparently partition the data, to cache intermediate results, to support in-place modification, and to recover from failures. Our evaluations with real applications show that SLOPE is over ninety thousand times faster than Apache Spark and is \(38\%\) faster than TensorFlow.
Effect of brass composition and phases on stress corrosion mitigation by laser shock peening

Abstract While laser shock peening (LSP) is meant to mitigate stress corrosion cracking (SCC) by inducing compressive residual stress, it is also known to produce dense dislocation tangles in the treated surface. The impact of such microstructure changes on SCC resistance is material-dependent and not well-understood. In this study single-phase brass 260 and two-phase brass 280 with different zinc content were LSP treated and subjected to SCC. Besides the competing effects of compressive stress and dislocation generation, dezincification was identified as a contributor to SCC specifically in brasses. Reduction of dezincification from LSP was evaluated using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).