cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physical Disability and Social Interaction: Factors Associated with Low Social Contact and Home Confinement in Disabled Older Women (The Women's Health and Aging Study)

Objectives. This study examines the association of disability and social interaction, measured as in-person contact with non-household members and home confinement, and identifies sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and healthrelated factors that modify this relationship. Methods. Participants were 1,002 moderately to severely disabled community-dwelling women aged 65 and older from the Women's Health and Aging Study, identified by screening an age-stratified random sample of Medicare beneficiaries in Baltimore, Maryland. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of low social interaction associated with disability and each independent modifier. Results. In a typical week, 23% did not visit with anyone residing outside their households and 17% did not leave their homes. In addition to and independent of disability level, older age, not completing high school, having a driver in the home, hearing difficulties and incontinence were associated with low social contact; older age and African American race were related to home confinement. African American women living alone are especially vulnerable to home confinement. Discussion. Physical disability is not necessarily socially disabling, as many of the most severely disabled in our study had at least daily social interaction. Improvements in social interaction appear possible through more effective management of certain health conditions and attention to potential sociocultural barriers.
Modeling and identification of alternative folding in regulatory RNAs using context-sensitive HMMS

Recent research on gene regulation has revealed that many non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are actively involved in controlling various gene-regulatory networks. For such ncRNAs, their secondary structures play crucial roles in carrying out their functions. Interestingly enough, many regulatory RNAs can choose from two alternative structures based on external factors, which enables the RNAs to regulate the expression of certain genes in an environment-dependent manner. The existence of alternative structures give rise to complex correlations in the primary sequence of the RNA. In this paper, we propose an efficient method for modeling alternative secondary structures in regulatory RNAs. The proposed method can be applied to the prediction of novel regulatory RNAs in genome sequences.
Applied Behavior Analysis And The Treatment of Childhood Psychopathology And Developmental Disabilities

This chapter provides a description and examples of the use of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in the treatment of childhood psychopathology and developmental disabilities. This task is a daunting one given that many of the single topics that are discussed in the following pages can, and have, served as topics for entire chapters and texts. This limitation means we are not able to delve into each topic in a comprehensive manner. However, we do provide an overview of the important topics related to ABA and its use in the treatment of childhood psychopathology and developmental disabilities. In addition, we provide a discussion of literature-based examples for these ABA-based treatments, brief examples of generalization of treatment effects, and discussion of effectiveness. It is important to note that ABA is not a single treatment. It is more accurate to say that ABA represents an approach to treatment as opposed to a specific type of treatment. This approach includes a number of treatment strategies that can be used to address the behavioral symptoms associated with childhood psychopathology and the behavioral challenges
Cerebral blood velocity regulation during progressive blood loss compared with lower body negative pressure in humans

Lower body negative pressure (LBNP) is often used to simulate blood loss in humans. It is unknown if cerebral blood flow responses to actual blood loss are analogous to simulated blood loss during ...
Teaching introductory computer graphics with the processing language

Different approaches to teaching introductory computer graphics have been documented in the literature over the years. Different languages, environments, API's, and graphical standards have been proposed. Some unusual approaches have included using games and gaming engines, animation and simulations, and even spreadsheets. A common characterization of the different teaching methods is a bottom-up approach (basic algorithms and primitives first) versus a top-down approach (functional modules of an application). Many texts use OpenGL as the API of choice for teaching graphical functions and capabilities in a top-down means. One problem with this approach is the student becomes API-centric, and sees graphics concepts through the eyes of the system being used. Criticism of the bottom up approach is that students need to learn the math and low-level algorithms before they can begin creating useful and interesting applications. At the United States Air Force Academy, we have taught the introductory computer graphics course using both approaches. In the most recent implementation, we chose a more bottom up approach to emphasize fundamental algorithms and concepts in an API-agnostic fashion. To allow students to quickly advance to interesting applications, we chose the open-source Processing language and environment. Processing (www.processing.org) was developed at MIT as a way to teach the fundamentals of computer programming in a visual context. It is a Java-based language without requiring knowledge or experience with object-oriented concepts. It is well suited for people with minimal programming experience, and as a rapid prototyping tool. The ease of quickly creating interactive graphical applications makes it a good choice for learning fundamental graphic algorithms and applying them to interesting applications. This paper will describe our approach of using Processing to teach graphics, include sample programming projects, and report on student attitudes and performance.
Evaluating the Potential of the Original Texas Land Survey for Mapping Historical Land and Vegetation Cover

This paper reports on research to evaluate the potential of Original Texas Land Survey (OTLS) to generate information that can be used to quantitatively map historical vegetation cover and analyse pertinent aspects of vegetation ecology. Research was conducted in Brazos County in east-central Texas. OTLS data are easy to acquire and convert to geo-referenced autecological information. Reconstructing and mapping vegetation and land cover, conducting vegetation- and species-site analyses with to soil-ecological maps, reconstructing vegetation assemblages and forest structure can be easily accomplished. Due to the irregular surveying framework used by OTLS, mapping gradational grassland-savannah ecotone boundaries is impracticable.
Contractile properties and myosin phenotype of single motor units from neonatal rats.

The unloaded shortening velocity (Vus), twitch time to peak force (TTP), and myosin heavy chain (MHC) composition of motor units from soleus muscles of neonatal rats (7-8 and 16-18 days) were compared. The Vus range was from 2.2 to 7.1 fiber lengths (fl).s-1 and was unchanged from 7-8 to 16-18 days. TTP shifted from 7-8 (range, 66-120) to 16-18 days (range, 41-95). MHC-specific antibody staining of motor units revealed a correlation between MHC and Vus of individual motor units. Slowest motor units contained type I MHC. Intermediate Vus motor units contained both embryonic, neonatal, and/or type IIa MHCs. Fastest motor units contained neonatal and/or type IIa MHCs. These findings demonstrate that an individual motor unit of a neonatal muscle contains a nonrandom distribution of fiber types. The range of myosins present within the motor units of the soleus translates into a range of possible Vus.
Reversible Deactivation of Motor Cortex Reveals Functional Connectivity with Posterior Parietal Cortex in the Prosimian Galago (Otolemur garnettii).

We examined the functional macrocircuitry of frontoparietal networks in the neocortex of prosimian primates ( Otolemur garnettii ) using a microfluidic thermal regulator to reversibly deactivate selected regions of motor cortex (M1). During deactivation of either forelimb or mouth/face movement domains within M1, we used long-train intracortical microstimulation techniques to evoke movements from the rostral division of posterior parietal cortex (PPCr). We found that deactivation of M1 movement domains in most instances abolished movements evoked in PPCr. The most common effect of deactivating M1 was to abolish evoked movements in a homotopic domain in PPCr. For example, deactivating M1 forelimb lift domains resulted in loss of evoked movement in forelimb domains in PPCr. However, at some sites, we also observed heterotopic effects; deactivating a specific domain in M1 (e.g., forelimb lift) resulted in loss of evoked movement in a different movement domain in PPCr (e.g., hand-to-mouth or eye-blink). At most sites examined in PPCr, rewarming M1 resulted in a reestablishment of the baseline movement at the same amplitude as that observed before cooling. However, at some sites, reactivation did not result in a return to baseline movement or to the full amplitude of the baseline movement. We discuss our findings in the context of frontoparietal circuits and how they may subserve a repertoire of ecologically relevant behaviors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The posterior parietal cortex (PPC) of primates integrates sensory information used to guide movements. Different modules within PPC and motor cortex (M1) appear to control various motor behaviors (e.g., reaching, defense, and feeding). How these modules work together may vary across species and may explain differences in dexterity and even the capacity for tool use. We investigated the functional connectivity of these modules in galagos, a prosimian primate with relatively simple frontoparietal circuitry. By deactivating a reaching module in M1, we interfered with the function of similar PPC modules and occasionally unrelated PPC modules as well (e.g., eye blink). This circuitry in galagos, therefore, is more complex than in nonprimates, indicating that it has been altered with the expansion of primate PPC.
Acute Tubular Necrosis of an Allograft Kidney following Total Hip Replacement. A Case Report

The lateral decubitus position is frequently used for operative procedures on the hip. This position is usually well tolerated by the patient, and complications involving the internal organs are uncommon. We report the case of a patient who had postoperative acute tubular necrosis of a transplanted cadaveric kidney that had been functioning well. This unusual complication followed a left total hip replacement and was thought to be secondary to a positioning device that caused obstruction of the blood supply to the cadaveric kidney. A thirty-seven-year-old man who had steroid-related bilateral degenerative hip disease was scheduled for a left total hip replacement. Five years earlier, a successful transplant of a cadaveric kidney had been performed because of renal failure secondary to poorly controlled hypertension. The kidney had been functioning well, with a usual baseline creatinine level of 1.6 milligrams per deciliter (141 micromoles per liter) (normal range, 0.6 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter [fifty-three to 106 micromoles per liter]). The patient also had a remote history of coronary angioplasty, had smoked for twenty years, and had hypertension, which was controlled with the use of antihypertensives. His usual medications included Vasotec (enalapril maleate), Procardia (nifedipine), Imuran (azathioprine), cyclosporin A, prednisone, and aspirin. The results of the physical examination before the hip replacement were unremarkable except for the bilateral dysfunction of the hip. The patient weighed sixty kilograms and was 180 centimeters tall. The allograft kidney was easily visible in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen and was non-tender to palpation. Apart from the mildly elevated level of creatinine, the laboratory values were within normal limits. Induction of general anesthesia with five milligrams of midazolam, 500 micrograms of fentanyl, 120 milligrams of succinylcholine, and 400 milligrams of Pentothal (thiopental) was uneventful. The maintenance anesthetics were oxygen and nitrous oxide with isoflurane. One …
A MOOC based on blended pedagogy

We describe three iterations of a Massive Open Online Course MOOC developed from online preparation materials for a reformed introductory physics classroom at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in which the teaching staff interact with small groups of students doing problems using an expert problem-solving pedagogy. The MOOC contains an e-text, simple checkpoint problems and homework. We show how certain course design aspects affect student behaviour: a frequent quizzes correlated with students reading a large fraction of the e-text, and b When homework sets are arranged by increasing instructor-estimated difficulty, we found strong correlations between difficulty and time to solution, but weak correlations with percent correct. Modifications to the second offering of the course resulted in higher retention. These modifications included targeting physics teachers and posting materials well in advance. We define retention as certificates earned relative to participants who make a significant effort on the second assignment. Retention measured this way varied between 44% and 72%, being highest in the course aimed at teachers. We show that there is significant learning among MOOC participants. Applying item response theory to common homework problems showed that the MOOC participants had significantly higher ability than students in a Massachusetts Institute of Technology course and that they maintained this advantage over the duration of the MOOC.
Representing Paralympians: The ‘Other’ Athletes in Canadian Print Media Coverage of London 2012

AbstractIn our highly mediated society, media culture plays a critical role in socialization and offers a conduit for the naturalization of ideas. By this reasoning, stories told by the media about Paralympic athletes have the potential to influence our understanding of disability. This study reveals the representation of Paralympic athletes in Canada’s two national newspapers the National Post and the Globe and Mail surrounding the London 2012 Paralympic Games. A total of 88 articles were collected over a 40-day period from 15 August 2012 to 23 September 2012. A critical disability studies lens guided methods of media frames analysis. Results demonstrated that coverage favoured an athletic frame, but medicalization and ‘supercrip’ stories remained highly pervasive. The presence of these underlying messages indicates that disability is still viewed as a problem to be solved or a situation to be overcome. These ideas are discussed as forms of 'Othering', problematizing representations that the media contin...
Antithrombic Activity of Plasma: Quantitative Interrelationships.∗

SummaryIn the destruction of thrombin by plasma “antithrombin,” heparin serves merely as a catalyst. The amount of thrombin eventually destroyed by a given amount of plasma is dependent fundamentally upon the amount of co-factor present. The concentrations may be expressed by the following equation:where Y is the amount of thrombin destroyed, X is the amount of thrombin remaining, and P is the amount of plasma (bovine) present in the reaction mixture.
Physicians' Aid in Dying

PROPONENTS of Initiative 119 in the state of Washington have gathered more than the 150,000 signatures required to put the initiative on the ballot in November 1991.1 The measure would amend the state's natural-death act to permit "physician aid in dying," defined as "a medical service provided in person by a physician that will end the life of a conscious and mentally competent qualified person in a dignified, painless and humane manner, when requested voluntarily by the patient through a written directive executed at the time the service is desired." Although the wording of the initiative does not give details . . .
Performance analysis of a hardware implemented complex signal kurtosis radio-frequency interference detector

In the field of microwave radiometry, Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) consistently degrades the value of scientific results. Through the use of digital receivers and signal processing, the effects of RFI on scientific measurements can be reduced depending on certain circumstances. As technology allows us to implement wider band digital receivers for ra-diometry, the problem of RFI mitigation changes. Our work focuses on finding a detector that outperforms real kurtosis in wide band scenarios. The algorithm implemented is a complex signal kurtosis detector which was modeled and simulated. The performance of both complex and real signal kurtosis is evaluated for continuous wave, pulsed continuous wave, and wide band quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) modulations. The use of complex signal kurtosis increased the detectability of interference.
Identifying essential Streptococcus sanguinis genes using genome-wide deletion mutation

Essential genes in pathogens are important for the development of antibacterial drugs. In this report, we described a protocol to identify essential genes in the Streptococcus sanguinis SK36 strain using genome-wide deletion mutation. A fusion PCR-based method is used to construct gene deletion fragments, which contain kanamycin resistance cassettes with two flanking arms of DNA upstream and downstream of the target gene. The linear fused PCR amplicons were transformed into S. sanguinis SK36 cells. No kanamycin-resistant transformants suggested the gene essentiality because the deletion of the essential gene renders a lethal phenotype of the transformants. The putative essential genes were further confirmed by independent transformations up to five attempts. The false nonessential genes were also identified by removing double-band mutants.
Cyber Security and the Need for International Governance

Cybercrime is a borderless crime where the repercussions and consequences are endless; the United Nations’ Security Council should have a prominent role in establishing international laws to govern and mitigate the effects of these cybercrimes that plague a multitude of nation States. At the end of World War II, there was a need to organize the Security Council to maintain international peace. However, the chief concern in 1945 was to have an armed troop ready to prevent invasions by one country to another. The purpose of this article is to discuss the role of the Security Council and how it should evolve to address the advances in technology and the cyber threats that stem from the widespread use of the Internet. This article reviews the inception of the Security Council and describes its purpose from the date of inception in 1945 to current times as it relates to cyber security. This article also defines cyber-security and the emerging threats that every nation State faces. Finally, it describes the role that the Security Council should play to implement an international policy that enforces cyber-security for all member nation States.
Use of Body Components as Reference Standards for Basal Metabolic Rate

Abstract Thirty-seven variables, including those representing skeletal size, lean body mass, fat mass, water content, and total mass of the body, were measured in 100 male students 18–20 years old. The relationships of the above body components to basal oxygen intake showed weight, water-free mass, and lean body mass to be better reference standards than body surface area for the comparison of basal metabolic rates.
Brief Historical Overview on the Use of Animals in Research

The relationship between animals and man has evolved over several millennia and it is now recognized that a multitude of biological similarities allow us to use animals as models to better understand basic biological, physiological, and pathological processes with import to both human and animal health. A great deal has been learned from animals that spontaneously develop disease, as well as from new models that have been genetically manipulated. An appreciation for the importance to control animal care variables that might affect the integrity of research, as well as a desire to optimize animal health and wellbeing has led to development of standards for animal care and evolution in approaches to ensuring a sound environment for animal maintenance.
Detectability and Invariance Properties for Set Dynamical Systems

Abstract: Invariance properties and convergence of solutions of set dynamical systems are studied. Using a framework for systems with set-valued states, notions of stability and detectability, similar to the existing results for classical dynamical systems, are defined and used to obtain information about the convergence properties of solutions. In particular, it is shown that local stability, detectability, and boundedness can be combined to conclude convergence of set-valued solutions. Under the assumption of bounded solutions and outer semicontinuity of the set-valued maps that define the system’s dynamics, invariance properties for set dynamical systems are also presented along with an invariance principle. The invariance principle involves the use of Lyapunov-like functions to locate invariant sets. Examples illustrate the results.
Improving discrimination in antepartum depression screening using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

Abstract Background Universal screening of pregnant women for postpartum depression has recently been recommended; however, optimal application of depression screening tools in stratifying risk has not been defined. The current study examines new approaches to improve the ability of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to stratify risk for postpartum depression, including alternate cut points, use of a continuous measure, and incorporation of other putative risk factors. Methods An observational cohort study of 4939 women screened both antepartum and postpartum with a negative EPDS screen antepartum(i.e. EPDS Results 287 women(5.8%) screened positive for postpartum depression. An antepartum EPDS cut-off 95%) at all antepartum EPDS cut-off values from 4 to 8. Discrimination was improved(AUC ranging from 0.70 to 0.73) when the antepartum EPDS was combined with a prior history of major depressive disorder before pregnancy. Limitations An inability to assess EPDS subscales and a relatively low prevalence of depression in this cohort. Conclusions Though an antepartum EPDS cut-off score 5 yielded the greatest discrimination identifying women at low risk for postpartum depression, the negative predictive value was insufficient to substitute for postpartum screening.
Abstract 141: Increasing Storage Age of Transfused Red Blood Cell Units Is Not Associated with Cardiac Surgical Outcomes

Introduction: First-in, first-out institutional blood management practices are based on evidence associating increased risk of sequelae from exposure to older red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. Non...
Limited Information Estimation

In the present chapter we examine several “limited information ” estimators that provide consistent estimates of the structural coefficients of the ith equation of a system of simultaneous equations. The term limited information refers to the fact that only the information specific to the equation under investigation is utilized in the estimation process. The a priori information present in other equations and the fact that the structural disturbances of various equations may be contemporaneously correlated are not used in estimation. The utilization of this additional information would constitute “full information ” estimation. Such methods are discussed in the following chapter.
A fast direct solver for boundary value problems on locally perturbed geometries

Abstract Many applications including optimal design and adaptive discretization techniques involve solving several boundary value problems on geometries that are local perturbations of an original geometry. This manuscript presents a fast direct solver for boundary value problems that are recast as boundary integral equations. The idea is to write the discretized boundary integral equation on a new geometry as a low rank update to the discretized problem on the original geometry. Using the Sherman–Morrison formula, the inverse can be expressed in terms of the inverse of the original system applied to the low rank factors and the right hand side. Numerical results illustrate for problems where perturbation is localized the fast direct solver is three times faster than building a new solver from scratch.
Examining the Psychosocial Impact of Genetic Testing for Cardiomyopathies

Inherited cardiomyopathies, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), are the most common monogenic cause of cardiac disease and can rarely lead to sudden cardiac death (SCD). They are characterized by incomplete and age-dependent penetrance and are usually initially symptomatic in adulthood yet can present in childhood as well. Over 20 genes have been identified to cause HCM, and more than 40 genes are known to cause DCM. Genetic testing for these genes has been integrated into medical care; however, the psychological impact of genetic testing and the impact of the uncertainty that comes with receiving these results have not been well studied. This study surveyed 90 adult probands and relatives with a personal or family history of cardiomyopathy from a single hospital-based cardiac genetic program to determine the psychosocial impact of genetic testing for cardiomyopathies. Standardized psychological instruments including an adapted Multidimensional Impact of Cancer Risk Assessment (aMICRA), Impact of Event Scale (IES), and Satisfaction with Decision (SWD) scales were utilized. Patients with positive genetic test results had higher scores for intrusive thoughts, avoidance, and distress when compared to those with negative genetic test results and were also more likely to make or plan to make life changes because of the results of their genetic testing. Satisfaction with the decision to undergo genetic testing was similar regardless of genetic test results. The results of this study provide insight into the patient experience of genetic testing for cardiomyopathies and how these experiences are associated with genetic test results and cardiac history.
Multidimensional chemobehavior analysis of flavonoids and neuroactive compounds in zebrafish.

Abstract The comparative analysis of complex behavioral phenotypes is valuable as a reductionist tool for both drug discovery and defining chemical bioactivity. Flavonoids are a diverse class of chemicals that elicit robust neuroactive and hormonal actions, though bioactivity information is limited for many, particularly for neurobehavioral endpoints. Here, we used a zebrafish larval chemomotor response (LCR) bioassay to comparatively evaluate a suite of 24 flavonoids, and in addition a panel of 30 model neuroactive compounds representing diverse modes of action (e.g. caffeine, chlorpyrifos, methamphetamine, nicotine, picrotoxin). Naive larval zebrafish were exposed to concentration ranges of each compound at 120 hour post-fertilization (hpf) and locomotor activity measured for 5 h. The model neuroactive compounds were largely behaviorally bioactive (20 of 30) with most effects phenotypic of their known modes of action. Flavonoids rapidly and broadly elicited hyperactive locomotor effects (22 of 24). Multidimensional analyses compared responses over time and identified three distinct bioactive groups of flavonoids based on efficacy and potency. Using GABAergics to modulate hyperactive responses, two flavonoids, (S)-equol and kaempferol were tested for GABAA receptor antagonism, as well as a known GABAA receptor antagonist, picrotoxin. Pharmacological intervention with positive allosteric modulators of the GABAA receptor, alfaxalone and chlormethiazole, ameliorated the hyperactive response to picrotoxin, but not for (S)-equol or kaempferol. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that flavonoids are differentially bioactive and that the chemobehavioral effects likely do not involve a GABAA receptor mediated mode of action. Overall, the integrative zebrafish platform provides a useful framework for comparatively evaluating high-content chemobehavioral data for sets of structurally- and mechanistically-related flavonoids and neuroactive compounds.
Genetic Aspects of Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation

Nitrogen fixation is the reduction of molecular dinitrogen (N2) to ammonia. This process, along with nitrate reduction, brings nitrogen from inorganic form into the organic world, for ammonia is the form of nitrogen which can be assimilated into amino acids. Fixed nitrogen is generated chemically by the Haber process, in which gaseous nitrogen and hydrogen are combined at high temperature and pressure to yield ammonia. This industrial process provides most of the ammonium fertilizer used in agriculture, and consumes vast amounts of petrochemical fuel every year (Postgate, 1982).
Perceptions of and Implicit Attitudes Toward Women: The Influence of Parental Status, Race, and Label Choice

PERCEPTIONS OF AND IMPLICIT ATTITUDES TOWARD WOMEN: THE INFLUENCE OF PARENTAL STATUS, RACE, AND LABEL CHOICE By Annalucia Bays, B.S. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2014 Major Director: Kathleen M. Ingram, J.D., Ph.D. Associate Professor, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs Department of Psychology Previous research suggests that childfree and childless women are perceived more negatively than mothers. This study investigated attitudes based on parental status, race, and descriptive label. Undergraduate students (N = 386) were randomized to consider targets described as childless, childfree, or mothers/parents. Participants completed a personality characteristic rating scale, the competence and warmth scales of the Stereotype Content Model, an evaluation thermometer, a measure of pronatalism, and a Single Category Implicit Association Test. Childless and childfree women of all races were perceived more negatively than mothers, and women in all parental status groups were ambivalently stereotyped. Implicit attitudes favored parents and childfree targets; however, neither positive nor negative attitudes were demonstrated toward childless targets. Implicit and explicit attitudes were related yet distinct constructs for childless and childfree targets, but were unrelated for parents. With these findings, this study makes a unique contribution to the literature on childlessness and childfreedom.
Green tea and bilberry extracts but not vitamin C protect retinal epithelial cells from oxidative damage

Cells of the retinal epithelium are subjected to high levels of free radicals due to exposure to light and both naturally occurring and exogenous oxidants. The present study investigated the effect...
Flow of Personnel

One way that successful managers gain insight into the organizational culture of agencies around than is by talking with insiders. Occasionally, individuals will cross an organizational boundary and become employed elsewhere. Depending on their position, their access to in-house information, and their own perceptiveness, such people can prove to be invaluable resources. But there are other ways to penetrate organizational boundaries. A common tactic, within the overall flow of personnel strategy, is to establish liaison personnel within key agencies. While still employed by the police, fire, or public works unit, for example, secure relationships with a particular individual can pay handsome dividends, especially in times of potential conflict. Let’s examine both of these tactics through some actual examples.
The Chicago Latino film festival: shaping Latin American/Latino cinema in The United States

ABSTRACTFounded in 1985, the Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF) is one of the oldest and largest festivals devoted to Spanish and Portuguese-language films in the United States. One of the festiva...
Force modeling for hybrid manufacturing

Abstract This paper investigates the cutting forces during the machining of additively manufactured metals. Two pairs of workpieces were produced by powder bed direct metal selective laser sintering. These workpieces included a 17-4 stainless steel substrate (wrought) and a 17-4 stainless steel additively manufactured rib. After manufacture, one pair was annealed and the other was maintained in the as-produced state. Each was then machined to identify a cutting force model for the various material states. An instantaneous force, nonlinear optimization model was applied to determine the mechanistic cutting force coefficients. Due to the nonlinear dependence on the commanded feed per tooth, a power law fit was applied to the chip thickness-dependent cutting force coefficients. It was determined that there are only minor differences in the cutting force coefficients between the various material states. The strongest effect was annealing, which increased the mean coefficients in almost all cases, particularly for the additively manufactured bulk material.
Symptom response analysis of a randomized controlled trial of reflexology for symptom management among women with advanced breast cancer

To examine symptom responses resulting from a home-based reflexology intervention delivered by a friend/family caregivers to women with advanced breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, targeted, and/or hormonal therapy. Patient-caregiver dyads (N = 256) were randomized to 4 weekly reflexology sessions or attention control. Caregivers in the intervention group were trained by a reflexology practitioner in a 30-min protocol. During the 4 weeks, both groups completed telephone symptom assessments using the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory. Those who completed at least one weekly call were included in this secondary analysis (N = 209). Each symptom was categorized as mild, moderate, or severe using established interference-based cut-points. Symptom response meant an improvement by at least one category or remaining mild. Symptom responses were treated as multiple events within patients and analyzed using generalized estimating equations technique. Reflexology was more successful than attention control in producing responses for pain (OR = 1.84, 95% CI (1.05, 3.23), p = 0.03), with no significant differences for other symptoms. In the reflexology group, greater probability of response across all symptoms was associated with lower number of comorbid condition and lower depressive symptomatology at baseline. Compared to odds of responses on pain (chosen as a referent symptom), greater odds of symptom response were found for disturbed sleep and difficulty remembering with older aged participants. Home-based caregiver-delivered reflexology was helpful in decreasing patient-reported pain. Age, comorbid conditions, and depression are potentially important tailoring factors for future research and can be used to identify patients who may benefit from reflexology. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01582971
Residual-based stabilized formulation for the solution of inverse elliptic partial differential equations

Abstract We consider an inverse problem where the forward problem is that of linear plane stress elasticity, or equivalently, that of linear heat/hydraulic conduction. We demonstrate that the linearized version of the saddle point problem obtained from the minimization problem inherits some stability from the forward elliptic problem. In particular, it is stable for the response variable and the Lagrange multiplier, but not for the material property field. This lack of stability implies that we are unable to prove optimal convergence with mesh refinement for the overall problem. We overcome this difficulty by adding to the saddle point problem a residual-based term that provides sufficient stability, and prove optimal convergence in an energy-like norm. We verify these estimates through simple numerical examples. We note that while we have considered a specific model for an inverse elliptic problem in this manuscript, similar ideas could be developed for a broad class of inverse elliptic problems.
Effects of Visual and Aural Presentation Styles and Rhythm on Working Memory as Measured by Monosyllabic Sequential Digit Recall.

Although information is frequently paired with music to enhance recall, there is a lack of basic research investigating how aspects of recorded music, as well as how it is presented, facilitate wor...
Isotropic conversion loss as a measure of quasi-optical mixer efficiency

Conversion loss is an important practical measure of conventional mixer performance, but the usual definition of conversion loss is often inconvenient and inadequate when applied to quasi-optical mixers with integrated antennas. We herein define a new quantity called isotropic conversion loss (L iso ) which not only characterizes quasi-optical mixers with greater accuracy, but is also easier to measure in the laboratory. Experimental results from tests of two different mixers demonstrate the utility of the new measure L iso .
Intimate partner violence, prenatal stress, and substance use among pregnant Black women.

Objectives We examine the mediation effects of prenatal stress on the associations between intimate partner violence (IPV) experience and the most common forms of substance use (i.e., cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and marijuana use) among pregnant Black women. Design Cross-sectional. Sample Black women (N = 203) from metropolitan Detroit, Michigan and Columbus, Ohio, were recruited between 8 and 29 weeks of gestation. Measurements Women were asked about IPV experience during 12 months prior to the start of the pregnancy, perceived stress during pregnancy, and substance use during pregnancy. Results Intimate partner violence prior to pregnancy was positively associated with cigarette smoking and marijuana use but not with alcohol use during pregnancy. IPV prior to pregnancy was also positively associated with higher levels of perceived stress during pregnancy after controlling for covariates. Path analysis indicated that IPV had an indirect effect on marijuana use through perceived stress (standardized indirect effect = 0.026, SE = 0.020, 95% CI = 0.005-0.064, p =.017). Conclusions Perceived stress during pregnancy partially mediated the association between previous experience of IPV and marijuana use among pregnant Black women. Interventions are needed to reduce IPV that would lower stress during pregnancy and consequently substance abuse to improve pregnancy outcomes and maternal and newborn health.
Spatial estimation methods for mapping corn silage and grain yield monitor data

Harvester-mounted yield monitor systems are increasingly used to document corn (Zea mays L.) yield. The three most commonly used spatial estimation methods to convert point data gathered with yield monitors to regular, grid-based, raster maps include nearest neighbor (NN), inverse distance weighting (IDW) and kriging. Seven spatial estimation methods (NN, IDW using 10, 20, 30 and all data points and kriging with exponential and Matern covariance functions) were evaluated to determine the method that most accurately captures intra-field spatial variability of corn silage and corn grain yield in New York. Yield monitor data from two dairy farms and two grain operations were cleaned using Yield Editor prior to spatial analyses. The dataset included 7–10 years of data per farm for a combined 7484 ha (245 fields) of silage and 6971 ha (253 fields) of grain. Data were split into training (80%) and cross-validation datasets (remaining 20% of the data). Normalized root mean squared error (NRMSE) was used to evaluate the accuracy of the spatial estimation methods. Kriging with the Matern covariance function resulted in the most accurate corn silage and grain yield raster maps both at the farm and field level. There were statistically significant differences in NRMSE between kriging with the Matern isotropic covariance function and all other models for both corn silage and grain, regardless of field size, year when data were obtained or farm that supplied the data. These results are beneficial to ensure accurate and precise spatial mapping of yield products toward optimized corn growth management.
The NLRP3 Inflammasome in Platelets Is Upregulated in Sickle Cell Disease and Promotes Platelet Aggregation and In Vitro Thrombosis

Abstract Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a severe monogenic disorder characterized by chronic hemolysis and abnormal coagulation and inflammation. Activated platelets play a critical role at the interphase of thrombosis and inflammation in the disease context. Sensing of free heme, a degradation byproduct of hemoglobin oxidation during hemolysis, involves the pattern recognition receptor nucleotide-binding domain leucine rich repeat containing protein 3 (NLRP3), which typically forms multiprotein inflammasome complexes and controls caspase-1 activity and cleavage of IL-1β not only in immune cells but also platelets. We have shown recently that the NLRP3 inflammasome in platelets controls platelet activation, aggregation, and in vitro thrombus formation, which was dependent on platelet bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). The role of the platelet NLRP3 inflammasome and BTK in SCD, however, is unexplored. Platelets were isolated from humanized SCD mice (Townes), which express human sickle hemoglobin, and patients with SCD in steady state and acute vasoocclusive crisis. Platelet NLRP3 activity, as monitored by caspase 1 activation (assessed by fluorescent labeled inhibitor of caspase-1, FLICA), and cleavage and secretion of IL1β (assessed by Western blot and ELISA), was significantly elevated in SCD patients in steady state as compared to healthy subjects (FLICA: mean 340.3 ± 30.2 SD vs. mean 262.2 ± 33.9 SD, p Our data show that the platelet NLRP3 inflammasome is upregulated in SCD via heme, which results in elevated platelet aggregation and in vitro thombus formation, and is potentially targetable using BTK inhibitors for affected patients. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Unpacking administrative rank: Intercity competition and the remaking of local state space in China

Abstract The literature on interurban competition emphasizes that market rules as an external coercive power dominate local state space conductive to economic growth. Is there another external coercive power, other than the market as a hidden hand, to promote and mitigate interurban competition? Addressing this question, this paper specifies that the Chinese state's political efforts to downplay the role of the market in, and remake the rule of, interurban competition could have far reaching implications for urban political economy. The two cases are Ruili and Wanding, two border cities located on the edge of China's southwestern borderland adjacent to Myanmar. While reranking is supposed to balance out the inefficiencies of market principles in interurban competition, multiple rounds of reranking in Ruili and Wanding in the past seven decades indicate that this political orchestration can accelerate interurban competition into a cutthroat game for economic growth and thus create problems for macro economic management. Nevertheless, it can become a political tool to revamp the game by strategically selecting some cities as nodes of development at the sacrifice of urban fortunes of other cities. In this process, market rules operate in parallel with, and sometimes succumb to, the principle of political order from above. This finding expands the geographies of the state: the co-constitution of the local and the national becomes necessary and pragmatic since interurban competition is not a territorially-conditioned endeavor, but remains open to extralocal stakeholders—upper-level governments in this case—who can remake local state space.
Design of fast walking with one- versus two-at-a-time swing leg motions for RoboSimian

This paper presents two prototype fast walking gaits for the quadruped robot RoboSimian, along with experimental results for each. The first gait uses a statically stable one-at-a-time swing-leg crawl. The second gait uses a two-at-a-time swingleg motion, which requires deliberate planning of zero-moment point (ZMP) to balance the robot on a narrow support base. Of particular focus are the development of practical means to exploit the fact that RoboSimian has high-dimensionality, with seven actuators per limb, as a means of partially overcoming low joint velocity limits at each joint. For both gaits, we use an inverse kinematics (IK) table that has been designed to maximize the reachable workspace of each limb while minimizing joint velocities during end effector motions. Even with the simplification provided by use of IK solutions, there are still a wide range of variables left open in the design of each gait. We discuss these and present practical methodologies for parameterizing and subsequently deriving approximate time-optimal solutions for each gait type, subject to joint velocity limits of the robot and to real-world requirements for safety margins in maintaining adequate balance. Results show that careful choice of parameters for each of the gaits improves their respective walking speeds significantly. Finally, we compare the fastest achievable walking speeds of each gait and find they are nearly equivalent, given current performance limits of the robot.
The Influence of Sensitivity Disclosures on Investor Judgments

This study presents the results of an experiment that examines how sensitivity disclosures influence investors' judgments of the reliability of financial statement items. A sensitivity disclosure uses "parameters" to describe the slope of change in a financial statement item value in response to change in an input that underlies the item. Since sensitivity can be depicted using any two points along the slope of change, managers can choose different parameters to communicate the same sensitivity. In our experiment, we manipulate the magnitude of the parameters (i.e., points along the slope of change) used in the sensitivity disclosure for the capitalized software development asset of a hypothetical firm. The results indicate that investors' reliability judgments decrease as the reported parameters increase. Mediation analysis provides evidence that the effect of parameters on investors' reliability judgments occurs through their impact on the size of the set of alternative financial statement item values investors perceive as a result of observing the sensitivity information. Additional evidence suggests that the effect of parameters reflects an unintentional reliance on the set of alternative values made available by the parameters, rather than a conscious response to a perceived management signal about reliability through parameter choice. This study has implications for disclosure requirements given the increasing acceptance of measurement attributes that require estimation (e.g., fair value), and improves our understanding of how disclosures influence investors' reliability judgments.
Ultra low energy cloud computing using adaptive load prediction

The explosion of cloud computing networks throughout the world has lead to a need to reduce the sizeable energy footprint of cloud systems. We discuss a research investigation leading to ultra-low power cloud computing systems. Our methods apply to system such as those used in data centers and web hosting companies. Our analysis indicates massive power reductions up to 80% when optimal dynamical allocation of data center components occurs. We base this upon the application of adaptive load prediction and smart task distribution systems that can be built from current commercial off the shelf (COTS) components integrated with our new concepts. We show that adaptive prediction algorithm in ultra-low power cloud models, coupled with optimal task allocation, leads to design methods for cloud computer architectures optimized around low latency, lower power, and energy dissipation proportional to workloads.