cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiac and mood-related changes during short-term abstinence from crack cocaine: the identification of possible withdrawal phenomena

Studies assessing withdrawal phenomenon during short-term abstinence from chronic cocaine use have been limited. Although cocaine abusers are reported to be at increased risk for cardiac disorders, little research has assessed cardiac parameters in cocaine abusers and subsequent changes in these parameters that may be associated with the discontinuation of cocaine use. In this study, we categorize 441 chronic cocaine abusers into three groups based on self-reported length of abstinence from cocaine use at entry into a trial approved by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) assessing the use of pergolide mesylate in treating relapse and craving in crack cocaine abuse. Electrocardiogram (ECG) PR intervals were found to be correlated positively with length of abstinence, returning to normal population levels within 30 days. In addition, levels of generalized anxiety, nervousness, and heart racing were found to be correlated negatively with length of abstinence from crack cocaine. This work provides preliminary evidence of cardiac and mood-related parameters that are associated with cocaine abstinence and that may indicate specific withdrawal phenomena in chronic users. In addition, these results suggest that the risk of cardiomyopathies associated with abnormal atrial-ventricular polarization may dissipate relatively quickly in abusing individuals.
Cross-Cultural Training Scientist-Practitioner Model and Methods

Despite the existence of Criteria 2 -cultural and individual differences -in the American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation of doctoral training in counseling psychology, few programs offer, much less require, course work on service delivery to or research with ethnic minorities. The goal of this article is to present a model for organizing and evaluating cross-cultural content throughout each phase of clinical and research training during doctoral study in scientist-practitioner programs. First described is an overview of the separate course, area of concentration, interdisciplinary, and integration models for the promotion of cultural understanding in psychology. Then a series of specific recommendations along the lines of the integration model are provided for the development of cross-cultural competence beginning with institutional modifications at the departmental level. Specific additions to research and clinical course work are suggested along with information on available resources for...
Hot flashes and their management in breast cancer.

Objectives: To review literature relevant to defining and managing hot flashes in women with breast cancer. Data Sources: Published literature on hot flashes in women with breast cancer and in healthy women. Conclusions: The etiology of hot flashes is influenced by several breast cancer treatment-related factors. Hot flashes are a prevalent, severe problem that can negatively impact quality of life. Certain women are at higher risk for hot flashes following breast cancer treatment. Little research supports the safety or effectiveness of treatments in women with breast cancer. Implications for Nursing Practice: Implications include the need to improve patient education, perform comprehensive symptom assessments, and counsel women about various treatment alternatives.
An experiment on texture segmentation using modulated wavelets

A textured image is considered to be produced by a smooth signal, representing in part the illumination environment, modulated by some frequencies determined by surface characteristics of the textures. Through expansion of the smooth signal into wavelets, a textured image may be decomposed into modulated "wavelets" providing multiresolution information. It is shown that the corresponding wavelet coefficients can be obtained efficiently by using the standard wavelet transform while the associated h and g filters are modulated accordingly. A set of multichannel filters is designed through the use of a modulated "wavelet' multiresolution decomposition, providing both spatial frequency and orientation selectivity. Based on these multichannel amplitude responses as discriminating features, an image containing multiple textures can be effectively segmented. The potential of this approach is shown by experimental results.
Direct cloning of large genomic sequences

The discovery of an efficient mechanism of homologous recombination between two linear DNA substrates enables direct cloning of large genomic sequences.
Predicting Persistence of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Suicidal Adolescents

Prospective predictors of persistent nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) were examined in adolescents admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit for suicidal behaviors and followed naturalistically for 6 months. Seventy-one (77%) participants reported NSSI at baseline, and 40 (56%) persisted at the 6 month follow-up. Those who endorsed automatic positive reinforcement (APR) as the predominant reason for NSSI were more likely to persist in NSSI. Depression over follow-up, but not at baseline, also predicted persistence. These results suggest that helping high-risk adolescents to identify alternative ways of generating emotion(s) to counter the effects of APR that may accompany NSSI should be a high priority treatment target. Language: en
SAVES: An augmented virtuality strategy for training construction hazard recognition

Although the ratio of injuries and fatalities have decreased since 2009, yet their high rates still makes construction to be one of the top hazardous industries. OSHA and many companies -- that treat safety as their core value -- have stated repeatedly their strong desire for novel methods that speed up safety improvements. Improving the capability of hazard recognition in construction work is frequently identified as the first step towards building all other safety procedures. Without sufficient awareness and proper training on hazard recognition, even the best safety programs would not touch their desired expectations. Also, there is a need to better understand how different safety programs can maximize hazard recognition skills in workers. In response to these urgent needs, this paper explored a new training strategy for improving hazard recognition capability of construction workers. An augmented virtuality (AV) environment named SAVES (System for Augmented Virtuality Environment Safety) was developed and tested. SAVES integrates BIM with photographs of typical energy sources on a jobsite, allowing trainees to navigate and explore the built-in augmented training scenarios. This paper presents the model development and the implementation results, to validate how such AV method can be designed to improve the capability of hazard recognition. The modeling process, analysis and the lessons learned are discussed in detail.
A quantitative comparison of lightning-induced electron precipitation and VLF signal perturbations

[1] VLF signal perturbations recorded on the Holographic Array for Ionospheric/ Lightning Research (HAIL) are quantitatively related to a comprehensive model of lightning-induced electron precipitation (LEP) events. The model consists of three major components: a test-particle model of gyroresonant whistler-induced electron precipitation, a Monte Carlo simulation of energy deposition into the ionosphere, and a model of VLF subionospheric signal propagation. For the two representative LEP events studied, the model calculates peak VLF amplitude perturbations within a factor of three of those observed, well within the expected variability of radiation belt flux levels. The phase response of the observed VLF signal to precipitation varied dramatically over the course of the two nights and this variability in phase response is not properly reproduced by the model. The model calculates a peak in the precipitation that is poleward displaced ∼6° from the causative lightning flash, consistent with observations. The modeled precipitated energy flux (E > 45 keV) peaks at ∼1 x 10 -2 (ergs s -1 cm -2 ), resulting in a peak loss of ∼0.001% from a single flux tube at L ∼2.2, consistent with previous satellite measurements of LEP events. The precipitation calculated by the model is highly dependent on the near-loss-cone trapped radiation belt flux levels assumed, and hence our main objective is not to compare the model calculations and the VLF signal observations on an absolute basis but is rather to develop metrics with which we can characterize the VLF signal perturbations recorded on HAIL in terms of the associated precipitation flux. Metrics quantifying the ionospheric density enhancement (N ILDE ) and the electron precipitation (Γ) along a VLF signal path are strongly correlated with the VLF signal perturbations calculated by the model. A conversion ratio Ψ, relating VLF signal amplitude perturbations (AA) to the time-integrated precipitation (100-300 keV) along the VLF path (Ψ = r/AA), of 1.2 ± 0.3 x 10 10 (el m -1 /dB) is suggested for precipitation events of similar location and characteristics to those examined. The total precipitation (100-300 keV) induced by one of the representative LEP events is estimated at ∼1.8 ± 0.4 × 10 16 electrons, calculated directly from the conversion ratio Ψ and observations of VLF signal perturbations.
Calcineurin localization in skeletal muscle offers insights into potential new targets.

SUMMARY The Ca 21 /calmodulin-activated protein phosphatase, calcineurin, is believed to regulate the development and function of skeletal and cardiac muscle. Striated muscle contains many calcineurin substrates, a few of which have been colocalized or found in molecular complexes with calcineurin. We examined the subcellular distribution of calcineurin in developing rat skeletal muscle cells and adult mouse skeletal muscle fibers by immunofluorescence microscopy. We found low levels of calcineurin immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm of myoblasts and higher levels in cytoplasmic vesicles of myotubes. Most of these vesicles were not immunoreactive for ryanodine receptors and, those that were, represented a small fraction of nascent triad junctions. In adult myofibers, calcineurin was largely associated with triads. Weaker calcineurin immunoreactivity occurred in the sarcoplasmic reticulum at the level of the M line. Unexpectedly, we found tiny clusters of calcineurin associated with nucleoli of developing myofiber nuclei. There were one to three clusters per nucleolus, either within or at the edges of fibrillar centers where ribosomal genes are transcribed. This suggests a role for calcineurin in regulating ribosome synthesis. Our findings suggest a variety of potential new targets and pathways through which calcineurin could regulate skeletal muscle development and plasticity and underscore the importance of spatial specificity in this regulation. (J Histochem Cytochem 54:119–128, 2006)
Individual reactivity and physiology of the stress response.

The biological response to stress involves the activation of two main neuroendocrine components, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathoadrenal medullary systems. Looking at the responses to stressors in a laboratory setting, e.g., cortisol production after exercising on a treadmill, is a valid and controlled way to study how people react to psychological and physical stressors. A common finding in such studies is that individuals respond bimodally to stress. More recently, researchers have been interested in the possible reasons why healthy individuals exhibit differential reactivity to stressors. The literature on the neuroendocrine responses to stress, with a particular focus on investigations of individual reactivity to psychological and physical stressors, is reviewed.
Parasite-responsive IgSF members in the snail Biomphalaria glabrata : characterization of novel genes with tandemly arranged IgSF domains and a fibrinogen domain

Two novel genes of the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF), FREP3 and FREP7, are reported from the snail Biomphalaria glabrata, a prominent intermediate host of the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni. They resemble other B. glabrata genes that encode fibrinogen-related proteins (FREPs), but differ in that they encode proteins with two tandemly arranged IgSF domains followed by a C-terminal fibrinogen domain. FREPs are hemolymph proteins that increase in abundance following exposure to a digenetic trematode, Echinostoma paraensei, and that bind to and precipitate parasite antigens. Within each gene, the two IgSF-coding regions are dissimilar from one another: the N-terminal IgSF1 domain is encoded by a single exon whereas the downstream IgSF2 domain is encoded by three exons. For both FREPs 3 and 7, the IgSF2 domain belongs to the variable (V) type, whereas the IgSF1 domain is not easily classified with respect to IgSF type. The fibrinogen-encoding region in both genes is relatively conserved and lacks introns. FREP3 exhibits extensive variation in the IgSF1 region. A ratio of nonsynonymous versus synonymous substitutions of 2.56 suggests that this region is under positive selection. A genomic fragment identifiable as FREP7 but lacking an exon was also found, further suggestive of variability within FREP IgSF-encoding regions. Insofar as FREPs are hypothesized to function in nonself recognition, the identification of additional novel FREP genes as part of a growing gene family in B. glabrata is of interest. Such genes, particularly given their variable nature, serve as a model to study the complexity of invertebrate defense responses.
Tensioned Metastable Fluid Detectors for active interrogation of Special Nuclear Materials

This paper describes the first step in developing a Tensioned Metastable Fluid Detector (TMFD) based method for active detection of Special Nuclear Materials (SNMs). One of the greatest difficulties in detection of SNMs by active interrogation is the task of distinguishing between the probing particles and the secondary particles that indicate the presence of SNMs. The TMFD's selective insensitivity and γ photon blindness features are advantageous for alleviating this problem. The working principle of the TMFD is discussed along with its applications for security. The experimental work to date involving detection of small quantities of uranium with conventional detectors is discussed along with results of fission neutron detection. Statistically significant detection was obtained within 5 minutes of counting to ascertain and measure conclusive evidence for the presence of a 25g sample of uranium containing ≪ 0.1g of 235U. Results of simulations of the TMFD experiments to come are presented, and the road map for developing the TMFD-based active interrogation detection system is laid out.
Neuroblastoma cells can actively eliminate supernumerary MYCN gene copies by micronucleus formation—sign of tumour cell revertance?

Human neuroblastoma cell lines frequently exhibit MYCN amplification and many are characterised by the presence of morphologically distinct cell types. The neuronal cells (N-cells) and the so-called flat cells (F-cells) are thought to represent manifestations of different neural crest cell lineages and are considered to be the consequence of neuroblastoma cell pluripotency. In this study, various neuroblastoma cell lines were examined for micronuclei. In F-cells of neuroblastoma cell lines with extrachromosomally amplified MYCN, we observed the frequent occurrence of micronuclei. Using fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with a MYCN specific probe, we demonstrated that these micronuclei were packed with MYCN hybridisation signals. In addition, in a minor percentage of cells, MYCN signals occurred in clusters, adhered to the nuclear membrane and aggregated in nuclear protrusions. In F-cells, a substantial reduction or lack of amplified MYCN copies was observed. These observations let us conclude that extrachromosomally amplified genes can be actively eliminated from the nucleus resulting in a dramatic loss of amplified sequences in the F-cells. Moreover, reduction or loss of amplified sequences in F-cells was shown to be accompanied by downregulation of MYCN expression, by a decrease in proliferative activity and by upregulation of molecules of the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I). Interestingly, F-cells are not restricted to neuroblastoma cell cultures, but also occur in cell lines of other tissue origin. All F-cells share important biological features, interpreted as cell revertance, i.e. loss of the malignant phenotype and properties. This fact, together with the demonstration that neuroblastoma cells do not differentiate into Schwann cells in vivo [1] Ambros et al. NEJM 1996, 334, 1505-1511, do not support the hypothesis that F-cells represent Schwannian/glial differentiation in vitro. We therefore postulate that the elimination of amplified MYCN gene copies in cultivated neuroblastoma cells is in line with the phenomenon of tumour cell revertance.
Conserved Aromatic Residue Confers Cation Selectivity in Claudin-2 and Claudin-10b

In tight junctions, both claudin-2 and claudin-10b form paracellular cation-selective pores by the interaction of the first ECL 1 with permeating ions. We hypothesized that a highly conserved aromatic residue near the pore selectivity filter of claudins contributes to cation selectivity by cation-π interaction with the permeating cation. To test this, we generated MDCK I Tet-off cells stably transfected with claudin-2 Tyr67 mutants. The Y67L mutant showed reduced cation selectivity compared with wild-type claudin-2 due to a decrease in Na+ permeability, without affecting the Cl− permeability. The Y67A mutant enlarged the pore size and further decreased the charge selectivity due to an increase in Cl− permeability. The Y67F mutant restored the Na+ permeability, Cl− permeability, and pore size back to wild-type. The accessibility of Y67C to methanethiosulfonate modification indicated that its side chain faces the lumen of the pore. In claudin-10b, the F66L mutant reduced cation selectivity, and the F66A mutant lost pore conductance. We conclude that the conserved aromatic residue near the cation pore domain of claudins contributes to cation selectivity by a dual role of cation-π interaction and a luminal steric effect. Our findings provide new insight into how ion selectivity is achieved in the paracellular pore. Background: Claudin pore domain contains a highly conserved aromatic residue. Results: Cation selectivity of claudin-2 and claudin-10b was impaired by substitution of residues lacking an aromatic group. Conclusion: The aromatic residue confers cation selectivity by cation-π interaction and restricting the pore diameter. Significance: This advances our understanding of the paracellular ion selectivity mechanism.
A framework for satisfying input and output encoding constraints

Three relevant encoding problems are input, output and state encoding. Several algorithms have been proposed for their solutions that decompose the problem into symbolic minimization (yielding a set of constraints) and constraint satisfaction. At least two exact formulations of the input encoding constraint satisfaction problem exist. However, a more important use of encoding is in state assignment of finite state machines where both input and output encoding constraints must be satisfied to obtain the most effective implementations. We develop a framework for the simultaneous satisfaction of input and output encoding constraints. We describe an algorithm, polynomial in the number of symbols to be encoded, to check for the existence of a solution for a set of input and output constraints. We provide an efficient algorithm that determines the minimum number of encoding bits required to satisfy all the given constraints. We demonstrate how heuristic algorithms can be developed within the framework. Finally, we discuss the use of this framework in solving a variety of encoding problems with different cost functions. Some preliminary results on medium sized machines are given for both exact and heuristic algorithms.
MRI subcortical hyperintensities in old and very old depressed outpatients: the important role of age in late-life depression.

Abstract Objective : There is increasing evidence that cerebrovascular factors play a key role in the etiology of late-life depression. This study examined the severity of subcortical hyperintensities (SH) and the relationship between SH and depression characteristics in two samples of elderly depressed outpatients differing in age. Methods : The samples consisted of 59 subjects age 60 and over, (69±5.6 years), who participated in a trial of sertraline, and 111 subjects age 75 and over, (79±4.1 years), who participated in a trial of citalopram. Results : The citalopram group was significantly older than the sertraline group and had more severe SH (72% vs. 42% high ratings). The High SH group was significantly older than the Low SH group in the sertraline study but there was no difference in age in the SH groups in the citalopram sample. There was no relationship between SH severity and baseline depression or age of onset. However, age strongly correlated with later age of onset. There was no relationship between SH severity and cardiovascular risk factors or treatment response in the sertraline sample. Conclusion : Age is a major factor for the development of SH and late-life depression. There may not be an association between SH and depression severity, cardiovascular risk factors, or treatment response in geriatric depressed outpatients. The etiologic factors and clinical course of late-life depression requires further study.
ECG findings in acute myocardial infarction: Are there sex-related differences?

Abstract Women with acute myocardial infarction are less likely than men to receive thrombolytic therapy. It is not known whether sex-related differences in the presenting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) account for this relative underutilization of acute reperfusion therapy in women. The authors examined the initial ECGs of 188 men and 185 women matched for age and history of previous acute myocardial infarction randomly selected from the Myocardial Infarction Triage and Intervention registry who presented within 4 hours of confirmed acute myocardial infarction. There were no sex-related differences in the number of leads with ST elevation, the presence of diagnostic ST elevation, or the overall magnitude of ST elevation. In addition, there was no sex-related difference in associated ECG findings that might effect physicians' utilization of acute reperfusion therapy, including the location of ST elevation (anterior vs inferior), the presence of abnormal Q waves in leads with ST elevation, the association of ST depression with ST elevation (reciprocal changes), or the presence of confounding factors, such as bundle branch block or hypertrophy. Differences in the presenting ECG do not explain the underutilization of acute reperfusion therapy in women.
Openness to Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries under Autocratic Rule

What explains variation in the policies that developing countries under autocratic rule adopt toward foreign direct investment (FDI)? Beginning from a series of assumptions about the relationship between economic growth and political survival, I argue that autocratic leaders’ propensity to turn to FDI in pursuit of these goals depends on three variables: the degree of substitutability between FDI and alternative economic resources to which leaders have access; the costs that leaders expect FDI to impose on domestic capital-owning elite; and the anticipated impact of closure to FDI on economic growth. In this paper, I argue that both FDI and oil exports are partially substitutable sources of “foreign exchange rents” that leaders of oil-exporting autocracies can leverage when faced with the need to import large quantities of physical capital in an attempt to stimulate growth. However, given FDI’s potentially harmful impact on host country capital-owning elite (whose political support may, under certain conditions, be important for the survival of autocratic incumbents), I argue that oil-exporting autocracies will be less open to FDI than non-oil-exporting autocracies. I subject this hypothesis to a series of empirical tests using an original dataset of FDI policy in 34 countries under autocratic rule from 1972-2010. Regression analyses reveal a negative relationship between oil wealth and FDI policy, with the most robust findings in the area of screening and approval procedures, employment quotas, and the recognition of international arbitral awards. These findings indicate that in countries under autocratic rule oil wealth is related to FDI policy in predictable ways, and suggest various directions for future research.
The Gap Between Current and Ideal Approaches to the Core EPAs: A Mixed Methods Study of Recent Medical School Graduates

In 2014, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) developed a list of Core Entrustable Professional Activities (Core EPAs) to optimize the transition from medical school to residency training. In the coming years, medical schools will begin implementing curriculum targeted toward the instruction and assessment of the Core EPAs. The purpose of this convergent mixed methods study was to examine the perspective of recent medical school graduates to describe their perceived preparation for each Core EPA-based skill and to identify potential predictors that contribute to those perceptions. Forty-four first-year residents from a single hospital system (representing 29 unique medical schools) completed a questionnaire and 15 residents participated in focus group sessions. Participants were asked to rate their overall preparedness for each of the Core EPAs and describe the instruction and assessment provided during medical school. Responses were further explored through three focus group sessions. Respondents felt most prepared for Core EPAs which emphasized skills related to history and physical examinations (EPAs 1, 5, and 6) and less prepared in skills such as entering orders and prescriptions (EPA 4), performing handovers (EPA 8), and identifying system failures (EPA 13). Perceived preparation was highly correlated with the presence of early and formal training, opportunities for experience, and explicit methods of assessment. Building upon the results of these data and principles of integrated curriculum design, the authors propose a longitudinal method to focus efforts in developing curriculum for the Core EPAs.
A Short-Channel $I$ – $V$ Model for 2-D MOSFETs

This paper presents an analytic $I$ – $V$ model for short-channel MOSFETs made of 2-D semiconductor material. First, a subthreshold current model is formulated based on the solutions to 2-D Poisson’s equation with negligible mobile charge. Next, a velocity saturation model is developed under the framework of a drift and diffusion long-channel model. These two models are then unified into an all region, short-channel $I$ – $V$ model with both drain induced barrier lowering and velocity saturation effects. Ballistic currents, including the intraband tunneling and the above-the-barrier transport, have been examined and compared with the thermionic currents.
When Less is More – the Value of Stereotactic Biopsy for Diagnosis in the Era of Cytoreductive Neuro-Oncology

For the vast majority of intracranial masses, the initial and preferred therapeutic response is “take it out.” That generally means for the neurosurgeon to attempt gross total resection. We could therefore consider that we are in the “Era of Cytoreductive Surgery.” But are some patients better served by a more conservative approach consisting of a stereotactic biopsy instead of cytoreductive surgery?
The Philosophy of Work in Robert Frost's TWO TRAMPS IN MUD TIME

Over the years, scholars and critics have subjected Robert Frost's classic poem “Two Tramps in Mud Time” to rigorous analysis and intense interpretive debate, exposing insights into Frost's views o...
Abstract A48: Role of premature mRNA cleavage and alternative polyadenylation in driving breast cancer

There is increasing appreciation that alterations to epigenetic mechanisms contribute directly to breast cancer development. In cancer cells, one such mechanism, called alternative polyadenylation (APA), has been observed to cause a general shortening of mRNA through the usage and premature cleavage of upstream poly(A) signals (PAS). However, while it is hypothesized that APA may be linked to cancer pathogenesis, specific examples of causality between APA and cancer development have remained elusive. We report the identification of a truncated tumor suppressor, MAGI3, at both the mRNA and protein levels from the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. Using 39 rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), we have determined that the truncated transcript arises due to premature cleavage and APA at a cryptic intronic PAS. We have previously demonstrated genetically and biochemically that MAGI3 functions as a mammary tumor suppressor by antagonizing the oncoprotein and Hippo pathway effector, YAP, via a physical sequestration mechanism. Importantly, here we find that the truncated gene product encoded by this aberrant MAGI3 transcript acts as a dominant-negative protein, preventing MAGI3-YAP physical association and thereby causing YAP nuclear activation and malignant transformation of cells. Since “epi-mutations” such as these play an important role in breast cancer development, yet cannot be detected by microarray or genome sequencing methodologies, we are currently undertaking analysis of large-scale, breast cancer RNA-Seq data to identify tumors that express the truncated driver mRNA and to determine the frequency of APA products in breast cancer. Knowledge of the clinically relevant proteins produced by APA that are unique to cancer cells may lead to new therapeutic opportunities for breast cancer. Citation Format: Thomas K. Ni, Charlotte Kuperwasser. Role of premature mRNA cleavage and alternative polyadenylation in driving breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Breast Cancer Research; Oct 17-20, 2015; Bellevue, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(2_Suppl):Abstract nr A48.
Vaccine therapies for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can slow the progression of indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), but few if any patients are cured with these modalities. Active immunotherapy, which attempts to harness the host’s own immune system to eradicate the malignant clone, has emerged as an important area of investigation in lymphoma. The attractiveness of this approach lies in the remarkable specificity of the adaptive immune system in recognizing tumor-associated or tumor-specific antigens. Even anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies cannot match the potential specificity of an active host immune response, as these agents deplete both normal and malignant B cells. Many investigators have thus sought to find ways to exploit the host’s own immune system to achieve the specific destruction of malignant cells.
Cumulative context effects and variant lexical representations: Word use and English final t/d deletion

Word production variability is widespread in speech, and rates of variant production correlate with many factors. Recent research suggests mental representation of both canonical word forms and distinct reduced variants, and that production and processing are sensitive to variant frequency. What factors lead to frequency-weighted variant representations? An experiment manipulated following context and word repetition for final t/d words in read, narrative English speech. Modeling the experimentally generated data statistically showed higher final-segment deletion in tokens followed by consonant-initial words, but no evidence of increased deletion with repetition, regardless of context. Deletion rates were also higher the greater a word's cumulative exposure to consonant contexts (measured from distributional statistics), but there was no effect of word frequency. Token effects are interpreted in terms of articulation processes. The type-level context effect is interpreted within exemplar and usage-based models of language to suggest that experiences with word variants in contexts register as frequency-weighted representations.
Evaluating smartphone-based dynamic security questions for fallback authentication: a field study

To address the limitations of static challenge question based fallback authentication mechanisms (e.g., easy predictability), recently, smartphone based autobiographical authentication mechanisms have been explored where challenge questions are not predetermined and are instead generated dynamically based on users' day-to-day activities captured by smartphones. However, as answering different types and styles of questions is likely to require different amounts of cognitive effort and affect users' performance, a thorough study is required to investigate the effect of type and style of challenge questions and answer selection mechanisms on users' recall performance and usability of such systems. Towards that, this paper explores seven different types of challenge questions where different types of questions are generated based on users' smartphone usage data. For evaluation, we conducted a field study for a period of 30 days with 24 participants who were recruited in pairs to simulate different kinds of adversaries (e.g., close friends, significant others). Our findings suggest that the question types do have a significant effect on user performance. Furthermore, to address the variations in users' accuracy across multiple sessions and question types, we investigate and present a Bayesian classifier based authentication algorithm that can authenticate legitimate users with high accuracy by leveraging individual response patterns.
Managing Stakeholders for Project Management Success: An Emergent Model of Stakeholders:

The world is in a state of constant flux and the systems perspective in the management literature has concerned itself with the adaptations that reflect this dynamic. However, while project management literature recognises the robustness of salient stakeholders, the literature has given little attention to managing the dynamic and shifting process of stakeholder management during the project life cycle. This conceptual paper uses both social network and stakeholder theories to integrate and extend the current theoretical body of literature in the field of project management to describe a more fine grained approach to managing stakeholders throughout the project life cycle. This in turn allows broader insights into the behavioural complexities of project management success. This is important because many authors and practicing managers forcefully state the importance of behavioural foundations in attaining project success.
On the Aerodynamics of Tractor-Trailers

Wind tunnel experiments on the aerodynamics of tractor-trailer models show that the drag on the model is sensitive to the width of the tractor-trailer gap (G) and to the angle of yaw with respect to wind direction. At zero-yaw, relatively low drag is measured up to a critical gap width G/√A ≈ 0.5, where A is the cross-sectional area. At the critical width the drag experiences a sharp and large increase; most of the drag contribution is attributed to the trailer alone. As the gap is widened further, tractor and trailer become increasingly decoupled from each other and the drag reaches a near-plateau, rising much more gradually.
Substance use, psychological distress, and quality of life (QOL) in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients with hematologic malignancies in early survivorship.

219 Background: Prior research identifies both the physical and psychological effects of cancer treatments as significant predictors of substance use among AYA. However, the prevalence of substance use and its effect on QOL and psychological well-being of AYA hematologic survivors has not been described. Methods: AYA patients (15-40 years at diagnosis) of acute leukemia, aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma undergoing curative intent therapy (on-treatment cohort) or 2 year completion of therapy and in remission (early survivor cohort) completed following measures: depression (CES-D), state anxiety (STAI-S), PTSD (PCL-C), QOL (FACIT-G). Semi-structured interviews evaluated substance use. Results: 62 AYA (26 on-treatment, 36 early survivors) were interviewed. For total population: median age at dx 26y (15-40); 64% male; 59% Ca; 79% college/post educ; 41% income <$75,000y; 52% and 48% lymphoma/ leukemia dx, respectively. Overall, 52% AYA reported the current use of a substance (ex. alcohol, nico...
What good are unmanned aircraft systems for agricultural remote sensing and precision agriculture

ABSTRACTRemote sensing from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) was expected to be an important new technology to assist farmers with precision agriculture, especially crop nutrient management. There a...
Characterizing strength and thermal properties of concrete for implementation of pavement mechanistic-empirical design in New Mexico

Abstract The format of the design and performance prediction of rigid pavements was reformed with the advent of Pavement mechanistic-empirical (ME) design procedure, which now serves as the state-of-the-art tool in pavement design. Various state agencies have either completed or in the process of calibration of distress prediction models and characterization of concrete materials to provide accurate inputs required by Pavement ME design software. There are numerous concrete properties for which input data is required in ME design software, but with previous research, it was found that the concrete strength and thermal properties including elastic modulus, modulus of rupture and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) are the most important ones that affect the design and performance of rigid pavements. Accurate rigid pavement design is heavily dependent on accuracy of these material inputs. This study is part of a New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) research project that focuses on the development of guidelines for characterizing Portland cement concrete (PCC) materials for paving mixes being used in New Mexico. Concrete mixes with 5 different coarse aggregates were tested for these pivotal concrete properties at the curing age of 7, 14, 28 and 90 days, and for CTE at 28 days. The laboratory test results represent level 1 PCC material inputs. The data collected offered an excellent opportunity to validate and refine the ME default level 2 models for estimating flexural strength and elastic modulus based on compressive strength data. The data demonstrated a slight deviation from the nationally calibrated models. CTE values of concrete based on aggregate type were established for these paving mixes. Further analysis verified the benefit of using the level 1 inputs over the default level 3 inputs for accurate pavement design and performance prediction. It was also highlighted that transverse cracking is the most significantly affected performance parameter between the pavement designed with level 1 and level 3 material inputs.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Hydrogen Adsorption in Finite and Infinite Bundles ofSingle Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Molecular dynamics simulations have been used to systematically study hydrogen storage in single walled carbon nanotubes of various diameters and chiralities using a recently developed curvature-dependent force field. Several fundamental issues related to the effects of nanotube size, chirality and the thickness of nanotube bundles have been examined. A novel methodology for the analysis of effective average adsorption energy and storage capacity was developed. Our simulation results suggest strong dependence of H2 adsorption energies on the nanotube diameter but less dependence on the chirality. Substantial lattice expansion upon H2 adsorption was found. The average adsorption energy increases with the lowering of nanotube diameter (higher curvature) and decreases with higher H2 loading. The calculated H2 vibrational power spectra and radial distribution functions indicate a strong attractive interaction between H2 and nanotube walls. The calculated diffusion coefficients are much higher than what has been reported for H2 in microporous materials such as zeolites, indicating that diffusivity does not present problem for adsorption energy and effective capacity hydrogen storage in carbon nanotubes. We show that adsorption energy and effective storage capacity can be defined in a distance-dependent manner, providing a more comprehensive understanding of adsorption behavior
Issues in Geriatric Research

With the increasing number and proportion of the population growing older, more emphasis has been placed upon addressing the issues that are related to aging. This rapid growth of the elderly sector of our population has also prompted concerns about spiraling health care costs and the necessity for substantial research advances in the prevention and treatment of disease. It is remarkable that until recent years, the special characteristics and needs of elderly patients were largely neglected.
Life satisfaction in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Looking beyond proxy reports

Problem A common clinical approach to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is to view them through an adult-proxy report of problems. There is little evidence on how children with ADHD evaluate their life satisfaction, how their evaluations compare with unaffected children, or how their perspectives might inform clinical practice. Methods A parallel convergent mixed-methods design was used to interview 20 children (aged, 7-11 years) with ADHD. This report presents the children's responses to the 40-item Multidimensional Student Life Satisfaction Scale. Parents/guardians ( N = 20) provided contextual data consisting of demographics, ADHD-related items, and health literacy. Findings Total life satisfaction (M = 3.08, SD = 0.35) fell within the 95% CI [2.91, 3.25] of comparative data. Overall subscale ratings (high to low) included: friends (M = 3.24, SD = 0.60), living environment (M = 3.14, SD = 0.51), family (M = 3.08, SD = 0.51), school (M = 3.0, SD = 0.65), and self (M = 2.93, SD = 0.60). Positive and negative associations are reported. Conclusions Including a measure of life satisfaction adds a child-centered approach to understanding children with ADHD beyond an adult-proxy report of problems that is contextually and clinically relevant.
Robust Continuous Finite Time Control of Double-Integrator Systems with Unknown Control Direction

A continuous sliding mode controller using super-twisting algorithm is presented for a class of double integrator systems with constant unknown control direction. The system is also considered to be perturbed by unknown non-vanishing Lipschitz disturbances. In contrast to existing continuous control solutions on this subject that at best can achieve exponential stability, the developed controller yields finite time convergence of the states to the origin of the system. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the robustness of the controller to unknown control direction.
Solar Power Forecasting with Model Selection Analysis

Solar power has been growing at an exponential rate during the recent years. Due to the increasing share of solar energy in the grid and the associated uncertainties, the task of solar power forecasting is very crucial and challenging. In this study, a specific PV site in the state of Florida is considered. Various forecasting models are constructed with combinations of multiple training lengths and feature selections. Using the past instances of power output and selected features such as temperature and wind speed, the forecasting accuracy is compared for the linear regression model, gradient boosting model, and neural network model.
Nonlinear tuning curve demonstration: Comparing a buried mine simulant with a clamped elastic plate—Cylindrical soil column oscillator

Experiments using soil-plate-oscillators (SPO) involve a cylindrical column of granular media (masonry sand) supported by a clamped circular elastic acrylic plate (12.7 cm diameter, 3.2 mm thick). The plate is clamped between two 20.3 cm O.D., 12.7 cm I.D., 6.4 cm thick flat toroidal brass “rings.” Two 15 cm diameter subwoofers (10 cm above the soil) are driven by an amplified swept sinusoidal chirp which drives the 2.5-cm soil column. A spectrum analyzer measures the laser Doppler vibrometer particle velocity versus frequency near the center of the column. The resonant frequency decreases with the increasing amplitude—representing softening in the nonlinear system. The back-bone curve (locus of the resonant frequency versus corresponding peak velocity coordinates) has a distinct arching shape where the slope of the velocity increases with the decreasing frequency. Here, the resonant frequency goes from 247 to 203 Hz. A lumped element bilinear hysteresis model describes the shape of the tuning curves and backbone curve. Next, a drum-like simulant (made by replacing the upper toroidal ring by a 0.64-cm thick ring) is buried 2.5-cm deep in an open square concrete tank (57 cm). Nonlinear tuning curve experiments “on” and “off” the mine are compared with the SPO results. Experiments using soil-plate-oscillators (SPO) involve a cylindrical column of granular media (masonry sand) supported by a clamped circular elastic acrylic plate (12.7 cm diameter, 3.2 mm thick). The plate is clamped between two 20.3 cm O.D., 12.7 cm I.D., 6.4 cm thick flat toroidal brass “rings.” Two 15 cm diameter subwoofers (10 cm above the soil) are driven by an amplified swept sinusoidal chirp which drives the 2.5-cm soil column. A spectrum analyzer measures the laser Doppler vibrometer particle velocity versus frequency near the center of the column. The resonant frequency decreases with the increasing amplitude—representing softening in the nonlinear system. The back-bone curve (locus of the resonant frequency versus corresponding peak velocity coordinates) has a distinct arching shape where the slope of the velocity increases with the decreasing frequency. Here, the resonant frequency goes from 247 to 203 Hz. A lumped element bilinear hysteresis model describes the shape of the tuning curves and ...
Estimating the probability and level of ambulatory mental health services use.

Abstract Analysis of the National Medical Care Utilization and Expenditure Survey for persons with positive out-of-pocket expenses for one or more ambulatory mental health visits indicates that demand for such visits is responsive to price, and considerably more so than demand for health visits. Income, education, and insurance coverage interact in predicting demand, and price elasticity varies across income groups.