cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Digital Asset Management System for libraries

Cataloging, searching and retrieving digital information can present hurdles in many libraries. Current methods of storing and retrieving information through databases involve the use of traditional relational architecture model. However, as new technologies and methods evolve, an object-oriented (OO) architecture model can better serve libraries' cataloging needs. This paper explores the possibility of using OO architecture model to provide scalable digital asset management system that can track multiple library assets and provide cross-sectional views of the assets. By implementing the OO model, end user will have greater power over data without programmers' involvement. The proposed approach can also be applied to cataloging, searching, and retrieving of other digital asset information that includes, but not limited to, equipments in engineering/science laboratories or facilities, business offices or facilities, manufacturing plants or warehouses, and city offices or storage areas and so on.
A new method for intra-operative identification of insulinomas.

A case is presented in which toluidine blue-O was used to identify an islet-cell tumour of the pancreas. Metastatic deposits in two lymph-nodes were also stained. The method is recommended in exploration of the pancreas, especially when no tumour is palpable, or to identify metastatic spread of an islet-cell tumour.
Temporally sequenced intelligent block-matching and motion-segmentation using locally coupled networks

Motion-based segmentation is a very important capability for computer vision and video analysis. It depends fundamentally on the system's ability to estimate optic flow using temporally proximate image frames. This is often done using block-matching. However, block-matching is sensitive to the presence of observational noise, which is inevitable in real images. Also, images often include regions of homogeneous intensity, where block-matching is problematic. A better method in this case is to estimate motion at the region level. In the approach described in this paper, we have attempted to address the noise-sensitivity and texture-insufficiency problems using a two-pathway system. The pixel-level pathway is a multilayer pulse-coupled neural network (PCNN)-like locally coupled network used to correct outliers in the block-matching motion estimates and produce improved estimates in regions with sufficient texture. In contrast, the region-level pathway is used to estimate the motion for regions with little intensity variation. In this pathway, a PCNN network first partitions intensity images into homogeneous regions, and a motion vector is then determined for the whole region. The optic flows from both pathways are fused together based on the estimated intensity variation. The fused optic flow is then segmented by a one-layer PCNN network. Results on synthetic and real images are presented to demonstrate that the accuracy of segmentation is improved significantly by taking advantage of the complementary strengths and weaknesses of the two pathways.
An n-channel MOSFET with Schottky source and drain

An n-channel MOSFET with Schottky source and drain (SBMOSFET) has been successfully fabricated using tantalum for the Schottky electrodes. For long gatelengths (100 µm), there are no significant differences in the characteristics of these SBMOSFET's compared to those of conventional MOSFET's. A significant current reduction is observed in SBMOSFET's having 10-µm gatelengths, however, due to the barrier between source and channel. In spite of the substantial barrier height (0.7 V) between tantalum and p-silicon, still larger barriers and a reduction in the isolation gap between source and channel are desirable for high-drive-high-speed device operation.
Harmonic balance analysis of output impedance matching in active RF/microwave frequency multipliers

This paper analyzes output impedance matching concepts in RF and microwave frequency multipliers and power amplifiers. Classical techniques for developing an optimum load at the desired output harmonic are explored. Harmonic balance analysis of an idealized device model is utilized to examine these classical methods. Harmonic balance analysis is also utilized to explore the effects of non-ideal loads on the desired amplifier/multiplier harmonic output.
The B2 domain of VIVIPAROUS1 is bi-functional and regulates nuclear localization and transactivation

The transcriptional regulator VIVIPAROUS1 (VP1) is composed of four functional domains that control different aspects of gene expression during seed development. The B2 domain is required for its role as a transcriptional activator, functioning at the site of transcription and/or for its transport into the nucleus. Previous work showed that the B2 domain was required for transactivation of the Em promoter. We demonstrate that VP1::GFP localizes to the nucleus of barley (Hordeum vulgare) aleurone cells, but when B2 is deleted, nuclear accumulation is lost. However, the B2 domain itself is not sufficient for nuclear localization of GFP::GUS. Using point mutagenesis on the putative NLS within B2, we show that the VP1::GFP still accumulates in the nucleus. Utilizing a comparative approach, through the alignment of B2 domains from various VP1/ABI3 proteins, oincluding the ABI3 orthologs from Physcomitrella patens, revealed the involvement of other conserved amino acids. Mutating VP1 at the conserved threonine on the N-terminal side of the putative NLS and at a conserved arginine-glutamine-arginine sequence on the C-terminal side prevented nuclear localization of VP1. A single amino acid change, from alanine to threonine, within this NLS found in the Arabidopsis abi3-7 mutant prevents transcription of AtEm1 and AtEm6 in vivo. We show that this same mutation in VP1 prevents transactivation of the Em-GUS reporter in barley aleurone but does not interfere with nuclear localization. Our data demonstrate that the B2 domain of VP1 is bi-functional in nature regulating both nuclear localization and transactivation.
Protein Conformation and Diagnostic Tests: The Prion Protein

Background: Many clinical diagnostic tests depend on the accurate detection and quantification of proteins and peptides and their functions. Alterations of protein structure, and the resulting consequences on dynamics, can affect the outcome of laboratory tests. These changes can be a result of mutations, other in vivo factors, or even the experimental conditions of the diagnostic test. Approach: The relationship between protein structure and dynamics and experimentally observable properties used in diagnostic assays are discussed in light of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, or prion diseases. Content: This review describes current efforts and possible future directions of prion diagnostic development. Recent advances in therapeutic development are also addressed. Summary: The intent of the review is to highlight the role of protein dynamics and conformational change in protein-based diagnostics and treatments for prion disease.
Estimating the Induced Price Increase for Canadian Pacific Halibut with the Introduction of the Individual Vessel Quota Program

British Columbia's Individual Vessel Quota (IVQ) system for Pacific halibut was implemented in 1991. Part of the anticipated benefits of an IVQ program for a formerly derby-style fishery are derived from additional revenues generated from an increased season length, which allows for more of the product to be marketed fresh and for new market niches to be developed. This paper is one of the first to empirically examine the ex vessel price effects and the resulting revenue effects of an IVQ system for a derby fishery in which IVQs are imposed. It is found that the price received for B.C. Pacific halibut has increased substantially over what it would have been is there were no IVQ program, and that the price increase grew during the four years during which the program was implemented. The total revenue benefit from the IVQ system to the B.C. fishers over the four years examined totaled C$23·22 million.
Law and Economics of Consumer Finance

This survey of the law and economics of consumer finance discusses economic models of consumer lending, and evaluates the major consumer finance laws in light of them. We focus on usury laws, restrictions on creditor remedies such as the ban on expansive security interests, bankruptcy law, limitations on third-party defenses such as the holder in due course doctrine, information disclosure rules including the Truth in Lending Act, and anti-discrimination law. We also discuss the empirical literature.
Bisulfite Patch PCR enables multiplexed sequencing of promoter methylation across cancer samples

Aberrant DNA methylation frequently occurs at gene promoters during cancer progression. It is important to identify these loci because they are often misregulated and drive tumorigenesis. Bisulfite sequencing is the most direct and highest resolution assay for identifying aberrant promoter methylation. Recently, genomic capture methods have been combined with next-generation sequencing to enable genome-scale surveys of methylation in individual samples. However, it is challenging to validate candidate loci identified by these approaches because an efficient method to bisulfite sequence more than 50 differentially methylated loci across a large number of samples does not exist. To address this problem, we developed Bisulfite Patch PCR, which enables highly multiplexed bisulfite PCR and sequencing across many samples. Using this method, we successfully amplified 100% of 94 targeted gene promoters simultaneously in the same reaction. By incorporating sample-specific DNA barcodes into the amplicons, we analyzed 48 samples in a single run of the 454 Life Sciences (Roche) FLX sequencer. The method requires small amounts of starting DNA (250 ng) and does not require a shotgun library construction. The method was highly specific; 90% of sequencing reads aligned to targeted loci. The targeted promoters were from genes that are frequently mutated in breast and colon cancer, and the samples included breast and colon tumor and adjacent normal tissue. This approach allowed us to identify nine gene promoters that exhibit tumor-specific DNA methylation defects that occur frequently in colon and breast cancer. We also analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms to observe DNA methylation that accumulated on specific alleles during tumor development. This method is broadly applicable for studying DNA methylation across large numbers of patient samples using next-generation sequencing.
ABO, D blood typing and subtyping using plug-based microfluidics.

A plug-based microﬂuidic approach was used to perform multiple agglutination assays in parallel without crosscontamination and using only microliter volumes of blood. To perform agglutination assays on-chip, a microﬂuidic device was designed to combine aqueous streams of antibody, buffer, and red blood cells (RBCs) to form droplets 30-40 nL in volume surrounded by a ﬂuorinated carrier ﬂuid. Using this approach, proof-of-concept ABO and D (Rh) blood typing and group A subtyping were successfully performed by screening against multiple antigens without cross-contamination. On-chip subtyping distinguished common A1 and A2 RBCs by using a lectinbased dilution assay. This ﬂexible platform was extended to differentiate rare, weakly agglutinating RBCs of A subtypes by analyzing agglutination avidity as a function of shear rate. Quantitative analysis of changes in contrast within plugs revealed subtleties in agglutination kinetics and enabled characterization of agglutination of rare blood subtypes. Finally, this platform was used to detect bacteria, demonstrating the potential usefulness of this assay in detecting sepsis and the potential for applications in agglutination-based viral detection. The speed, control, and minimal sample consumption provided by this technology present an advance for point of care applications, blood typing of newborns, and general blood assays in small model organisms.
Fractionation of Lactoperoxidase and Lactoferrin from Bovine Whey Using a Cation Exchange Membrane

A microporous membrane containing immobilized sulfonic acid moieties was used for the rapid fractionation of the cations lactoperoxidase (LP) and lactoferrin (LF) from whey. The breakthrough curves of LP and LF, the LP activity and LF concentration in the elution peaks for different whey loading volumes, and the stability of membrane performance over repeated cycles of loading and elution were measured. Recovery was unaffected by an 8-fold scale-up exercise and repeated cycling, and was 73 ± 6% for LP and 50±5% for LF. The membrane system was more rapid, smaller in size, and used a higher flow rate than traditional bead-based systems.
Goethe's Symbol Re‐Considered: Anglo‐American and French Refractions

This study sketches the continued relevance for 19th and 20th century writers of Goethe's symbol/allegory distinction. Beginning with Maximen und Reflexionen, where Goethe expresses his preference for the symbol because in it “Idee” and “Bild” are intrinsically linked with each other, the essay traces Goethe's Symbol through its manifestations in Anglo-American Romanticism, French Surrealism, and 20th century literary criticism. It describes how writers as diverse as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Andre Breton, and Stanley Fish have drawn on Goethe's suggestive theory to define their own disparate epistemologies.
IL-17A inhibits airway reactivity induced by respiratory syncytial virus infection during allergic airway inflammation

Background Viral infections are the most frequent cause of asthma exacerbations and are linked to increased airway reactivity (AR) and inflammation. Mice infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation (OVA/RSV) had increased AR compared with OVA or RSV mice alone. Furthermore, interleukin 17A (IL-17A) was only increased in OVA/RSV mice. Objective To determine whether IL-17A increases AR and inflammation in the OVA/RSV model. Methods Wild-type (WT) BALB/c and IL-17A knockout (KO) mice underwent mock, RSV, OVA or OVA/RSV protocols. Lungs, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and/or mediastinal lymph nodes (MLNs) were harvested after infection. Cytokine expression was determined by ELISA in the lungs or BAL fluid. MLNs were restimulated with either OVA (323–229) peptide or RSV M2 (127–135) peptide and IL-17A protein expression was analysed. AR was determined by methacholine challenge. Results RSV increased IL-17A protein expression by OVA-specific T cells 6 days after infection. OVA/RSV mice had decreased interferon-β protein expression compared with RSV mice. OVA/RSV mice had increased IL-23p19 mRNA expression in lung homogenates compared with mock, OVA or RSV mice. Unexpectedly, IL-17A KO OVA/RSV mice had increased AR compared with WT OVA/RSV mice. Furthermore, IL-17A KO OVA/RSV mice had increased eosinophils, lymphocytes and IL-13 protein expression in BAL fluid compared with WT OVA/RSV mice. Conclusions IL-17A negatively regulated AR and airway inflammation in OVA/RSV mice. This finding is important because IL-17A has been identified as a potential therapeutic target in asthma, and inhibiting IL-17A in the setting of virally-induced asthma exacerbations may have adverse consequences.
PLGA Microparticles Encapsulating Prostaglandin E1-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (PGE1-HPβCD) Complex for the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

To test the efficacy and viability of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres encapsulating an inclusion complex of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) for pulmonary delivery of PGE1 for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a disease of pulmonary circulation. PLGA-based microparticulate formulations of PGE1-HPβCD inclusion complex or plain PGE1 were prepared by a double-emulsion solvent evaporation method. HPβCD was used as a complexing agent to increase the aqueous solubility of PGE1, act as a porosigen to produce large porous particles, and promote absorption of PGE1. Particles were characterized for micromeritic properties, in vivo absorption, metabolic degradation, and acute safety. Incorporation of HPβCD in the microparticles resulted in development of large particles with internal pores, which, despite large mean diameters, had aerodynamic diameters in the inhalable range of 1 to 5 μm. HPβCD incorporation also resulted in a significant increase in the amount of drug released in vitro in simulated interstitial lung fluid, showing a desirable burst release profile required for immediate hemodynamic effects. Compared to plain PLGA microparticles, entrapment efficiency was decreased upon complexation with HPβCD. In vivo absorption profile indicated prolonged availability of PGE1 in circulation following pulmonary administration of the optimized microparticulate formulations, with an extended half-life of almost 4 hours. Metabolic degradation and acute toxicity studies suggested that microparticulate formulations were stable under physiological conditions and safe for the lungs and respiratory epithelium. This study demonstrates the feasibility of PGE1-HPβCD complex encapsulated in PLGA microparticles as a potential delivery system for controlled release of inhaled PGE1.
Iron-induced Nickel Deficiency in Pecan

Economic loss resulting from nickel (Ni) deficiency can occur in horticultural and agronomic crops. This study assesses whether excessive iron (Fe) can induce Ni deficiency.BothchelatedFeanddiethylenetriaminepentaaceticacid(DPTA;acommonly used Fe-chelant) induces Ni deficiency in pecan (Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch). Foliar sprays of Fe (Fe-DPTA (1.1995 g·L L1 )) during early post-budbreak shoot growth can trigger, or increase in severity, Ni deficiency symptoms in the emerging pecan canopy. Deficiency is also inducible in greenhouse-grown 'Desirable' seedlings at budbreak by Fe-DPTA application to soil and to a much lesser extent by DPTA alone. Endogenous Fe, just after budbreak, triggers Ni deficiency-associated distortions in pecan seedling leaf growth and morphology when the Fe:Ni is '150 or greater with subsequent severity being proportional to the Fe:Ni ratio and Fe:Ni '1200 or greater triggering extreme dwarfing of canopy organs. Timely treatment of symptomatic organs with foliar-applied Ni-sulfate restores normal growth, whereas foliar treatment with salts of other transition metals (titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, copper, zinc, and molybdenum) of possible metabolic significance is ineffective. Results indicate that excessive endogenous Fe, and DPTA to a lesser extent, in organs and tissues during early post-budbreak growth can trigger Ni deficiency. A similar Fe on Ni antagonism may also occur with the Ni-associated nutritional physiology of other crops; thus, excessive exposure to chelated Fe not only triggers Ni deficiency in pecan, but may also occur in other horticultural and agronomic crops.
Interlaboratory standardization of measurements of glycohemoglobins

The diversity of methods used to measure glycohemoglobins (GHb) makes it difficult to compare patients' results among laboratories. We reported previously the feasibility of providing comparable results from different assays by use of common calibrators. We here compare results from seven different GHb methods calibrated by use of hemolysates assayed by a precise ion-exchange high-performance liquid-chromatographic (HPLC) method for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Thus, regardless of the GHb species measured by the seven methods, results were referenced to the HbA1c content of the calibrators. Without this calibration, GHb values for single samples varied, e.g., from 4.0% to 8.1% and from 10% to 14.2% in the normal and high ranges, respectively. Calibration decreased between-method variability (single sample ranges of, e.g., 4.8% to 5.4% and 9.4% to 10.2% in the normal and high ranges, respectively) and improved interassay precision. We conclude that this approach to calibration of GHb measurements allows direct comparison of results obtained by different methods and improves precision.
Assured Safety Drill With Bi-Stable Bit Retraction Mechanism

A handheld, portable cranial drilling tool for safely creating holes in the skull without damaging brain tissue is presented. Such a device is essential for neurosurgeons and mid-level practitioners treating patients with traumatic brain injury. A typical procedure creates a small hole for inserting sensors to monitor intra-cranial pressure measurements and/or removing excess fluid. Drilling holes in emergency settings with existing tools is difficult and dangerous due to the risk of a drill bit unintentionally plunging into brain tissue. Cranial perforators, which counter-bore holes and automatically stop upon skull penetration, do exist but are limited to large diameter hole size and an operating room environment. The tool presented here is compatible with a large range of bit diameters and provides safe, reliable access. This is accomplished through a dynamic bi-stable linkage that supports drilling when force is applied against the skull but retracts upon penetration when the reaction force is diminished. Retraction is achieved when centrifugal forces from rotating masses overpower the axial forces, thus changing the state of the bi-stable mechanism. Initial testing on ex-vivo animal structures has demonstrated that the device can withdraw the drill bit in sufficient time to eliminate the risk of soft tissue damage. Ease of use and portability of the device will enable its use in unregulated environments such as hospital emergency rooms and emergency disaster relief areas.
Distribution of arthropod predators and their responses to Euxesta spp. (Diptera: Ulidiidae) in the laboratory and in corn fields in south Florida

Abstract Injury caused by picture-winged flies or corn silk flies (Diptera: Ulidiidae) is a major limiting factor of corn (Zea mays L.: Poales: Poaceae) yields in Florida. Growers have relied heavily on chemical insecticides for control of these pests. However, we are exploring other methods, such as the use of biological control by predatory arthropods, which may be factors in an integrated pest management (IPM) program. Thus, information on the distribution of the flies and their predators and responses of the predators to the flies is potentially useful. Taylor's Power Law, Iwao's Patchiness Regression, and the Index of Dispersion were used to study distribution patterns of arthropods found on sweet corn ears in 2010. Arthropod groups included eggs and larvae of Euxesta stigmatias (Loew), E. eluta (Loew), E. annonae F. (Diptera: Ulidiidae), nymphs and adults of Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), and larvae of Anotylus insignitus (Gravenhorst) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae). In each season i...
Preference patterns for skewed gambles in rhesus monkeys.

While standard models of risky choice account for the first and second statistical moments of reward outcome distributions (mean and variance, respectively), they often ignore the third moment, skewness. Determining a decision-maker's attitude about skewness is useful because it can help constrain process models of the mental steps involved in risky choice. We measured three rhesus monkeys’ preferences for gambles whose outcome distributions had almost identical means and variances but differed in skewness. We tested five distributions of skewness: strong negative, weak negative, normal, weak positive and strong positive. Monkeys preferred positively skewed gambles to negatively skewed ones and preferred strongly skewed and normal (i.e. unskewed) gambles to weakly skewed ones. This pattern of preferences cannot be explained solely by monotonic deformations of the utility curve or any other popular single account, but can be accounted for by multiple interacting factors.
Literacy and cognitive change among ethnically diverse elders

Research concerned with relations between literacy level and assessment of cognition among ethnically diverse elders is presented. The evidence suggests that literacy has a profound effect on neuropsychological measures across verbal and nonverbal domains, and that this effect is independent of other demographic and experiential factors such as age, years of education, sex, ethnicity, and language use. It appears that reading level is a more sensitive predictor of baseline test performance, and also that literacy skills are protective against memory decline. Adjustment for reading level, which in part reflects quality of education, overcomes the limitations of years of education as an index of educational experience among multicultural elders and thus can improve the specificity of certain neuropsychological measures. Differences in organization of visuospatial information, lack of previous exposure to stimuli, and difficulties with interpretation of the logical functions of language are possible factors ...
Toward a General Theory of Morality

What I should like to do in this last chapter is to give a brief, and quite cursory sketch of a general theory of morality, based on the conclusions that I reached in Chapter VII. In addition, I should like to discuss further a few scattered points that I raised at various times earlier in the book, but did not then treat fully. The argument of the chapter, consequently, will be diffuse rather than precise and general rather than detailed. My object will be served, however, if I am able to indicate the main lines that I believe a satisfactory theory of the moral life must follow. To develop such a theory from the conclusions I reached in the last chapter. I shall attempt to do the following: (1) Derive a positive theory of moral obligation from the negative one I have already elaborated and (2) justify certain practical qualifications in the extreme position on moral obligation that my theory seems to imply. I shall take up these two tasks first.
An Experimental and Computational Study of Jet-A Fueled Pulse Detonation Engine Operation

An experimental and computational study regarding the operation of a Jet-A-fueled pulse detonation engine has been performed. In the experiments, liquid Jet-A fuel is injected into the head end of the engine in the form of atomized droplets. Preheated air serves to entrain and evaporate the fuel droplets, which are then spark ignited after traversing a finite length of pre-vaporizer section. The operation of the engine was investigated over a range of initial temperatures and pressures characteristic of high Mach-number operation or conventional gas turbine compressor discharge conditions. Pressure transducers and ionization probes were utilized to measure the absolute pressure rise and propagation speed of the combustion wave in order to verify detonation. Consistent and repeatable detonations have been observed in Jet-A / air mixtures at initial temperatures and pressures ranging from 225 - 312 F and 1.0 2.4 atm at frequencies up to 25 Hz. In addition, computational simulations of detonation propagation in an ideal-tube PDE fueled with Jet-A/air mixtures are presented.
Optimization and Adjoint-Based CFD for the Conceptual Design of Low Sonic Boom Aircraft

Sonic boom tailoring techniques for aircraft roughly the size and weight of a business jet have been demonstrated in flight-test,1 suggesting that the design of low-boom or even boom-less aircraft may be possible; however, the computational cost and complexity associated with current state-of-the-art tools makes e↵ective conceptual-level design infeasible when using traditional optimization approaches. Ongoing e↵orts in low sonic boom design have focused on gradient-driven shaping of the signature in the near-field2,3 or on the ground4,5 to directly drive the high-fidelity shape optimization. Gradient-driven and gradient-free approaches incorporating an integrated objective in the form of a noise level are described by Alonso6 et al. Low-fidelity, linearized (area-rule) approaches are also described in Ref. 6; however, these methods by definition are unable to accurately capture the non-linear features — namely, shocks — present in supersonic flows. While invaluable during design exploration, details of the shape produced by such approaches do not readily carry over to equivalent high-fidelity representations of the geometry. This paper presents an approach that decouples the low-boom aircraft design problem into two discrete components. Sonic boom minimization is performed using an approach based on linear theory, where a low-dimensionality, parametrized form of the near-field pressure signal enables rapid discovery of candidate target signal shapes. These target signals are then used in an inverse-design CFD framework, where a gradient-driven optimizer coupled with a discrete adjoint approach e ciently solves for the vehicle shape whose near-field signal matches the supplied target. A parametric geometry modeler is used to generate the surface triangulations and surface sensitivities required by this approach. A multi-disciplinary conceptual design tool is used to provide bounds for the high-fidelity shape optimization, ensuring that the final design is able to meet performance goals such as cruise range and takeo↵ field length. The current work starts with a discussion of the components comprising the design approach. Particular attention is paid to the linear component, which integrates a variety of tools to provide a robust, automated system for sonic boom minimization. Studies with simple axisymmetric bodies are then performed to characterize the mesh required for accurate resolution of near-field pressure signals in the CFD domain. This is followed by application of the adjoint-driven inverse-design component, again using a simple axisymmetric
300 EARLY PREVENTION OF TYPE 2 DIABETES THROUGH YOUTH EDUCATION IN REXBURG, IDAHO.

Purpose of Study Diabetes mellitus is an increasingly important problem in rural America. A government report estimated that one in three children born in the year 2000 would develop type 2 diabetes. It is postulated that early intervention focused on behavioral characteristics may help prevent diabetes. This project focused on developing such a pilot intervention among youth in Rexburg, ID. Methods A local Cub Scout pack provided an ideal audience for a simple and potentially effective message on diabetes prevention. Approximately 15 kids participated in a 10-minute interactive presentation designed to (1) convey a basic understanding of diabetes, (2) establish the importance of physical activity in preventing type 2 diabetes, (3) promote involvement in physical activities, and (4) encourage parental involvement. Visual aids, including sports equipment, insulin needles, and glucose monitors, were used. A parental handout addressing home-intervention techniques was also provided. Results The boys easily grasped the message that physical activity can help prevent diabetes. Furthermore, several parents desired additional information. Judging by the parental inquiries, youth enthusiasm, and informal feedback, the presentation9s educational objectives were fulfilled. Conclusion This age group appears highly receptive to encouragement about physical activity. Further studies are required to evaluate similar interventions for behavioral characteristics, including diet and sedentary behavior. In addition, the observed parental interest suggests that a successful adult intervention program could be designed focusing on family prevention.
Abstract A51: Ethnic and gender disparities in limb-salvage rates among pediatric sarcoma patients

Introduction: Racial and ethnic disparities in limb-salvage surgery have been reported among adult sarcoma patients. The purpose of this work was to explore treatment patterns by ethnicity and gender in a cohort of pediatric sarcoma patients Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all consecutive patients under the age of 18 treated for sarcoma at the study institution with diagnoses from 1999 to 2011 who underwent surgery for limb salvage or amputation. Statistical analysis of patient demographics (age, sex, ethnicity and BMI) was performed to assess for factors associated with limb salvage surgery. Results: 51 records were identified as pediatric patients who underwent surgery for extremity sarcoma in the defined study period. 5 records were excluded due to inadequate availability of body site or surgery type documentation, leaving a cohort of 46 patients. Hispanic patients were more likely to undergo amputation (10 of 36) compared to non-Hispanics (5 of 10; p = 0.03). Female patients were more likely to have had limb salvage (8 of 17) than males (7 of 29; p = 0.04). Logistic regression analysis showed no difference between likelihood of limb salvage and amputation when stratified by BMI or age. Conclusions: Hispanic ethnicity and male gender were predictors of amputation in a cohort of pediatric sarcoma patients undergoing surgical treatment. Further study should be devoted to identifying underlying factors for ethnic and gender discrepancies between treatment groups. Citation Format: Jeremy Somerson, Isaac Kim, Rajiv Rajani. Ethnic and gender disparities in limb-salvage rates among pediatric sarcoma patients. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A51.
Study of TiH_2 on the Foaming Process of Foamed Aluminium

TiH_2 was used for vesicant in aluminiumfoam.At 700 ℃,TiH_2 decomposed in liquid aluminium with 3 period.The first is speediness decompose period(t60 s.The second is speed-down decompose period(60 st120 s) and the last is residual decompose period(t120 s).
Speech/Nonspeech Segmentation in Web Videos

Speech transcription of web videos requires first detecting segments with transcribable speech. We refer to this as segmentation. Commonly used segmentation techniques are inadequate for domains such as YouTube, where videos may have a large variety of background and recording conditions. In this work, we investigate alternative audio features and a discriminative classifier, which together yield a lower frame error rate (25.3%) on YouTube videos compared to the commonly used Gaussian mixture models trained on cepstral features (30.6%). The alternative audio features perform particularly well in noisy conditions.
Changes in Grade and Stage of Recurrent Bladder Tumors

AbstractA retrospective study with adequate followup of 5 years or longer of 114 patients who had transurethral resection for cure or control of bladder tumors and in whom there were 1 or more recurrences is reported. There was recurrence of the tumor in a higher grade in 19 per cent of the cases and in a higher stage in 22 per cent. The interval between the treatment of the original tumor and a recurrence in a higher grade or stage varied from 0.25 (3 months) to 27 years. When a low grade or low stage tumor recurs in a higher category in less than 3 years more aggressive treatment should be considered.
Dyslipidemia and Coronary Artery Disease in the Elderly

Risk factors that predict atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in younger individuals also predict risk in older people. Although the relative risk of cardiovascular disease associated with any given risk factor may decrease as individuals get older, the absolute risk of morbidity and mortality increases markedly with age. Because the elderly carry the greatest burden of atherosclerosis, they should not be excluded automatically from cholesterol-lowering interventions with either diet or drugs. Such interventions, however, should be undertaken with special attention to their potential adverse effects in the older population.
Development of a novel class of monocyclic and bicyclic alkyl amides that exhibit CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptor affinity and receptor activation

CB 1 and CB 2 cannabinoid receptors can be activated by several different classes of agonists, including cannabinoids such as Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol and 9-nor-9β-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol, and eicosanoids such as arachidonylethanolamide. Structure-activity relationship studies have identified potential pharmacophoric elements for binding to cannabinoid receptors by both cannabinoids and eicosanoids. Molecular models have hypothesized conformational, spatial, and pharmacophoric distance requirements based upon radioligand binding data whereby overlap of pharmacophoric elements of the two classes disclose a low energy conformation of arachidonylethanolamide that can occupy the same receptor space as cannabinoid ligands. To test this model, we have developed a novel class of monocyclic and bicyclic alkyl amide cannabinoid receptor ligands. Further, we predicted a spatial conformation for these compounds in a molecular model based on the pharmacophoric and structural requirements for binding to the CB 1 cannabinoid receptor.
Innovations in Civic Education: Developing Civic Agency Through Action Civics

AbstractIt is imperative that schools and communities give students opportunities to participate in active citizenship and prepare them with the important skills and dispositions needed to become informed citizens. Action civics is a promising practice that puts students at the heart of civics learning by providing them with the opportunity to learn about civic and political action by engaging in a cycle of research, action, and reflection about problems they care about. As a response to move civics education toward a more action-oriented approach, the researchers planned and hosted two iterations of a summer civics institute for students entering 5th–9th grades. Using Jessica Gingold’s (2013) framework for action civics evaluation, this mixed-method research study explores the outcomes of the iEngage Summer Civics Institutes. Findings suggest that iEngage successfully incorporated four key competences from this framework, including producing 21st-century positive youth leaders, producing active and infor...
Abdominal Wall Hernias: Emergency Ventral Hernia Repair

The number of patients presenting acutely due to complications from a ventral hernia is increasing. Complications may include incarceration, bowel obstruction, strangulation, acute worsening of pain, and skin rupture with associated ascites leak. Emergency ventral hernia repair is associated with worse outcomes than elective repair due to increased severity of patient comorbidities; acute inflammation and contamination; and metabolic, electrolyte, and nutritional disturbances. These factors present a unique set of challenges for surgeons treating an already complex disease. Surgeons must decide whether to perform a limited or definitive repair and carefully consider the surgical techniques they utilize as advanced techniques may be less effective and pose greater risk in the acute setting. Additional challenges include patients with cirrhosis, pregnancy, fascial dehiscence from a recent surgery, or an open abdomen. Perioperative management strategies to consider include the use of a nasogastric tube, pain management, early nutritional support, abdominal binders, and drain utilization/management.
Understanding Immigrants’ Mode Choice behavior in Florida: Analysis of Neighborhood Effects and Cultural Assimilation

Abstract The goal of this study is to develop Multinomial Logit models for mode choice behaviour of immigrants, with key focuses on neighbourhood effects and behavioural assimilation. The first aspect assumes a linkage between social network ties and immigrants’ chosen mode of transportation, while the second dimension explores the gradual propensity towards alternative mode usage with regard to immigrants’ settlement period in the United States. Factor analysis was carried out to establish neighbourhood typologies based on income, family structure, and education. Mode choice models were then developed for work, shopping, social and recreational, and other trip purposes to evaluate the impacts of various land use patterns, neighbourhood typology, and socioeconomic and demographic attributes on immigrants’ travel behaviour. Estimated coefficients for each alternative mode (i.e., high-occupancy vehicle, public transit, and non-motorized transport) were compared to single-occupancy vehicles (SOV). The model results revealed significant influences of neighbourhood and land use variables on the usage of alternative modes among immigrants. Incorporating these indicators into the demand forecasting process is expected to provide a better understanding of diverse travel patterns for the unique composition of population groups in Florida.
A new insight into the dependence of relaxation time on frequency in viscoelastic surfactant solutions: From experimental to modeling study

Abstract Hypothesis The relaxation time in viscoelastic surfactant solutions is a function of temperature, salt/surfactant concentrations, resting conditions, as well as shear frequency. The simplistic assumption of a single and constant relaxation time is not representative of all relaxation modes in these solutions especially at high frequencies. Experiments Steady-state and oscillatory measurements are carried out to study the effects of high temperature, concentration and resting condition on the rheology of surfactants/salt mixtures including a non-ionic and a zwitterionic/anionic surfactant system. Furthermore, a novel semi-empirical rheological model is deducted based on Cates theory. This model introduces, for the first time, a frequency-dependence for the continuous relaxation time spectrum. Findings At high temperatures, the non-ionic surfactant become more viscoelastic and the zwitterionic/anionic system loses its viscoelasticity. The addition of surfactant/salt improves the viscoelasticity of both systems, and, for the zwitterionic/anionic mixture, increasing the resting temperature improves its viscoelasticity. In addition, the proposed model significantly improves predictions of traditional Maxwell model for different viscoelastic surfactant solutions (using data from this study and the literature) for a considerable range of surfactant and salt combinations at a wide range of temperature.
“Evidence”: Garth Risk Hallberg’s City on Fire, the Gutenberg Parenthesis, and Generation X at Midlife

Though Garth Risk Hallberg’s City on Fire has been read as a historical novel about the 1970s, this article argues that it is better understood as a meditation on the arrival of digital communicati...
Public health significance of feeding low levels of antibiotics to animals.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the feeding of low levels of antibiotics to farm animals, which was introduced experimentally in 1949 and commercially in 1950. Chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, penicillin, and streptomycin were the first to be used, and other antibiotics, especially bacitracin and tylosin, soon came into use. The initial use of low-level antibiotic feeding was to promote growth of chickens, pigs, and calves. The use of antibiotic feeds has increased the production of food for human beings. No deleterious effects on public health in the United States that are attributable by experimental evidence to the use of antibiotics in animal feeds have been reported in more than 20 years of such use. The chapter concludes that the use of antibiotic feeds for farm animals is of benefit to the consumer. There is no evidence that, as practiced in Canada and the United States, it leads to the accumulation of significant residues in meat. Nor is there evidence for the spread of transferable resistance from farms into microorganisms that may cause public health problems.
Myocardial Oxygen Transport During Leftward Shifts of the Oxygen Dissociation Curve by Carbamylation or Hypothermia

The heart is a highly aerobic organ whose ability to adjust to shifts in the O2 dissociation curve is of considerable interest (Harkin, 1977). For example, hypothermia is known to increase hemoglobin O2 affinity and is often used by surgeons in conjunction with other forms of cardioplegia during cardiac surgery (Hearse, 1981). In evaluating the usefulness of hypothermia for myocardial protection it is important to understand how the coronary circulation adapts to the potential ill effects of an increase in hemoglobin-O2 affinity.
Los silencios del canónigo: Francisco Manrique Cabrera y su "Historia de la literatura puertorriqueña"

In 1956 Francisco Manrique Cabrera published a history of Puerto Rican literature, a text that many believed was the first ever dealing with this topic. The present article studies this history’s supposed merit of having been the first of its kind by comparing it with Josefina Rivera de Alvarez’s dictionary of Puerto Rican literature, a book which deserves the merit that traditionally has been awarded to Cabrera’s work. It also studies the cultural context in which these two foundational works appeared. The article, therefore, studies the texts’ ideological structures and their organizing principles, especially in Cabrera’s work, as these can be seen in this book’s prologue. The article also examines the absences and silences in the book’s preface since these marked the entire work. These are contrasted with questions about the same topic formulated by other intellectuals of the period, particularly by Tomas Blanco.
Ancestor Tree for Arbitrary Multi-Terminal Cut Functions

In many applications, a function is defined on the cuts of a network. In the max-flow min-cut theorem, the function on a cut is simply the sum of all capacities of edges across the cut, and we want the minimum value of a cut separating a given pair of nodes. To find the minimum cuts separating\((\begin{array}{*{20}c} n \\ 2 \\ \end{array} )\) pairs of nodes, we only needn − 1 computations to construct the cut-tree. In general, we can define arbitrary values associated with all cuts in a network, and assume that there is a routine which gives the minimum cut separating a pair of nodes. To find the minimum cuts separating\((\begin{array}{*{20}c} n \\ 2 \\ \end{array} )\) pairs of nodes, we also only needn − 1 routine calls to construct a binary tree which gives all\((\begin{array}{*{20}c} n \\ 2 \\ \end{array} )\)minimum partitions. The binary tree is analogous to the cut-tree of Gomory and Hu.
Background in Analysis

If I : a i ≦ xi ≦ b i , i = 1, ..., n, is an interval in R n (see I.2.2), then the elementary volume v(I) of I is defined by the formula $$ v\left( I \right) = \left( {{b_1} - {a_1}} \right)...\left( {{b_n} - {a_n}} \right) $$ .
Kernelized temporal cut for online temporal segmentation and recognition

We address the problem of unsupervised online segmenting human motion sequences into different actions. Kernelized Temporal Cut (KTC), is proposed to sequentially cut the structured sequential data into different regimes. KTC extends previous works on online change-point detection by incorporating Hilbert space embedding of distributions to handle the nonparametric and high dimensionality issues. Based on KTC, a realtime online algorithm and a hierarchical extension are proposed for detecting both action transitions and cyclic motions at the same time. We evaluate and compare the approach to state-of-the-art methods on motion capture data, depth sensor data and videos. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, which yields realtime segmentation, and produces higher action segmentation accuracy. Furthermore, by combining with sequence matching algorithms, we can online recognize actions of an arbitrary person from an arbitrary viewpoint, given realtime depth sensor input.