cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of smoking, schizotypy, and eyes open/closed conditions on the γ1 rhythm phase synchrony of the electroencephalogram

This study aims at discrimination between various subject conditions and states on the basis of their electroencephalogram (EEG). For the purpose of such discrimination, phase synchrony (PS) coefficients were evaluated for two groups of participants. Statistical tests – such as two-factor ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis – were used to select sets of EEG electrodes producing statistically different PS coefficients between two groups. The coefficients selected were used by Euclidean, weighted Euclidean, and Mahalanobis distancebased classifiers, as well as by the classifier using a quadratic discriminant function, to test their suitability for reliable discrimination. The method above has been tested on the EEG of smokers and non-smokers, of high and low schizotypy individuals, and for the experimental conditions of eyes open and eyes closed. We have observed that the average � 1 rhythm PS is higher for high schizotypy non-smokers than for high schizotypy smokers and also higher for high schizotypy non-smokers than for low schizotypy non-smokers. Statistical tests showed that the differences between high schizotypy smokers and high schizotypy non-smokers are significant – at the 99% significance level – for a number of electrode pairs. The differences between the average � 1 rhythm PS of high schizotypy non-smokers and all other participants are also significant for a number of electrode pairs. On the other hand, the differences between the average phase synchrony of high schizotypy smokers and low schizotypy individuals do not exceed within-group variations. These observations may support the hypothesis of nicotine self-medication in schizophrenia patients. For the eyes closed condition, � 1 rhythm PS was also observed to be higher than for the eyes open condition. The Euclidean distance-based classifier showed, on average, better than 80% correct classification between the eyes open and eyes closed subject conditions while using a subset of the available electrode pairs (i.e., electrode masking). This discrimination could be useful, for instance, for automated vigilance monitoring.
Course and Severity of Substance Abuse Among Patients With Comorbid Major Depression

The authors assessed the course and severity of substance-related disorder (SRD) among patients with comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) by means of both retrospective and concurrent data. A total of 642 patients were assessed. Data on course included lifetime use, age at first use, years of use, use in the last year; periods of abstinence, and current diagnosis. Data on severity included two measures of SRD-associated problems, substance abuse vs. dependence, self-help activities, and number of substances being abused. SRD-MDD patients tended to manifest lower levels of cannabis, opiate, and cocaine use, and more SRD-only patients were abusing three or more substances. Men with SRD-MDD demonstrated longer mean durations of abstinence compared with men with SRD-only, whereas SRD-MDD women demonstrated shorter mean durations of abstinence, compared with women with SRD-only. MDD-SRD patients showed slightly less substance abuse, but SRD severity was comparable with SRD-only patients.
NAS honors earth scientists

Half of the awards to be presented at the April 26 meeting of the National Academy of Sciences to honor outstanding contributions to science will be given to earth scientists. Kerry E. Sieh, assistant professor of geology at the California Institute of Technology's Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, will receive the National Academy of Sciences Award for Initiatives in Research. In 1980, Bell Laboratories established the award, honoring William O. Baker, to provide additional funding for innovative research projects by young scientists. The award carries a $15,000 prize. Sieh was cited for ‘development and application of innovative field techniques for studying active faults to identify and date paleoearthquakes, thereby providing quantitative assessment of earthquake hazards.’
Africa's Geomosaic under Stress.

Abstract In 35 years, the colonial map of Subsaharan Africa has been transformed into a patchwork of four dozen independent states, many subject to severe devolutionary stresses. Domino effects hastened the decolonization process; a short-lived but significant buffer zone slowed it in southern Africa. During the period of Africa's transition, polarization in South Africa (socially as well as spatially) intensified. Core-periphery contrasts in the republic deepened; whereas integration and modernization increasingly mark the South Africa's core areas, the prospect for the periphery is bleak and instability may develop. Insurgencies, refugee flows, and environmental stresses buffet a politico-geographical framework that may appear stable on maps, but which may collapse from within.
Error control and energy consumption in communications for nomadic computing

We consider the problem of communications over a wireless channel in support of data transmissions from the perspective of small portable devices that must rely on limited battery energy. We model the channel outages as statistically correlated errors. Classic ARQ strategies are found to lead to a considerable waste of energy, due to the large number of transmissions. The use of finite energy sources in the face of dependent channel errors leads to new protocol design criteria. As an example, a simple probing scheme, which slows down the transmission rate when the channel is impaired, is show? to be more energy efficient, with a slight loss in throughput. A modified scheme that yields slightly better performance but requires some additional complexity is also studied. Some references on the modeling of battery cells are discussed to highlight the fact that battery charge capacity is strongly influenced by the available "relaxation time" between current pulses. A formal approach that can track complex models for power sources, including dynamic charge recovery, is also developed.
Determination of Ti, Zn, and Pb in lead-based house paints by EDXRF

Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry with a fundamental parameters program was used to non-destructively determine the relative concentrations of Ti, Zn, and Pb in lead-based house paints manufactured by National Lead (Dutch Boy), Sherwin-Williams, DeVoe, Davis of Baltimore, Benjamin-Moore, Eagle-Picher, Lowe Brothers and by several lesser known companies. The relative concentrations of Ti, Zn, and Pb in the paints were plotted three dimensionally which showed that the major paint manufacturers can be discriminated and identified. Spectral digital libraries were constructed from our manufacturers' paint reference collection to determine who produced the paint in a homeowner's paint chips. The analytical method discussed in this paper is well suited for the analyses of paint chips that have separated naturally from the substrate.
Phonological Processing Skills and Deficits in Adult Dyslexics

This article presents 4 experiments aimed at defining the primary underlying phonological processing deficit(s) in adult dyslexia. 5 phonological processes, all involving spoken language, were studied: phoneme perception, phoneme awareness, lexical retrieval of phonology, articulatory speed, and phonetic coding in verbal short-term memory. 2 differently ascertained adult dyslexic groups, familial dyslexics (n = 15) and clinic dyslexics (n = 15), were the subjects in each experiment. These dyslexic groups were chosen because deficits that persist until adulthood and that are found in differently ascertained dyslexic groups are more likely to be primary. Each dyslexic group was compared to 2 control groups, chronological age (CA) controls who were similar in age and sex, and younger reading age (RA) controls who were similar in reading age and sex. The main finding was a clear deficit in phoneme awareness in both dyslexic groups, with each dyslexic group performing significantly worse than both CA and RA controls. Moreover, performance on the 2 phoneme awareness tasks together uniquely accounted for substantial variance in nonword reading. The clinic but not the familial dyslexics appeared to have an additional deficit in verbal short-term memory. No clear deficits were found in either dyslexic group in phoneme perception, lexical retrieval, or articulatory speed.
Satellite Vegetation Index Data as a Tool to Forecast Population Dynamics of Medically Important Mosquitoes at Military Installations in the Continental United States

The United States faces many existing and emerging mosquito-borne disease threats, such as West Nile virus and Rift Valley fever. An important component of strategic prevention and control plans for these and other mosquito-borne diseases is forecasting the distribution, timing, and abundance of mosquito vector populations. Populations of many medically important mosquito species are closely tied to climate, and historical climate-population associations may be used to predict future population dynamics. Using 2003-2005 U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine mosquito surveillance data, we looked at populations of several known mosquito vectors of West Nile virus, as well as possible mosquito vectors of Rift Valley fever virus, at continental U.S. military installations. We compared population changes with concurrent patterns for a satellite-derived index of climate (normalized difference vegetation index) and observed instances of population changes appearing to be direct responses to climate. These preliminary findings are important first steps in developing an automated, climate-driven, early warning system to flag regions of the United States at elevated risk of mosquito-borne disease transmission.
IBM SmartSCOR - a SCOR based supply chain transformation platform through simulation and optimization techniques

Identified as a strategic area, supply chain transformation plays a critical role in today's IBM business. In this paper, we introduce an effort in IBM Research Division named SmartSCOR, which provides a comprehensive framework and methodology for On-Demand SCM problem-solving based on the cross-industry process standard Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model and a variety of simulation/optimization techniques. SmartSCOR sees transformation in two different levels, from supply chain strategy design/redesign to supply chain process improvement. Supply chain strategy design/redesign transforms a supply chain in a fundamental manner by means of manufacturing and distribution network reconfiguration, value chain integration, etc. Supply chain process improvement helps align the underlying business processes to strategy setting and get them streamlined. The two levels interact with each other and result in a profound while smooth transformation. SmartSCOR has been successfully applied in two supply chain transformation projects for validation and hardening.
What Criteria Exist for Determining How Much Load Can Be Lifted Safely

A literature survey on recommendations for the maximum weight of the load and work loads is presented. Three different criteria are reviewed to determine the "safe" weight and permissible work loads that a person can lift. These are biomechanical, psychophysical, and metabolic/heart rate. A comparison of recommended load limits based on each of the three criteria is presented. Maximum weight of the load and work loads based on the three criteria are also compared. The comparison shows that (1) the recommendations based on a given criterion are not in agreement, (2) the maximum permissible weights of the load based on psychophysical studies are lower than those based on biomechanical criteria, and (3) the psychophysical fatigue criteria, as compared to physiological fatigue criteria, will result in greater work loads at higher frequencies of lifting. Load-pace tradeoff and effects of lifting technique and location of load on acceptable work loads are also discussed.
Pulmonary vagal reflexes and breathing pattern are not altered in elastase-induced emphysema in rats.

The role of nonmyelinated and myelinated vagal afferents in pulmonary reflexes and breathing pattern was examined in elastase-treated emphysemic rats. Fourteen to 17 days after intratracheal instillation of 1 IU/gm of porcine pancreatic elastase or 0.5 mL of saline, elastase-treated rats had a decreased alveolar surface area to volume of parenchyma (Sv) (42.44 ± 1.7 vs. 31.51 ± 1.1 mm2/mm3), increased quasistatic compliance (QSC) (1.05 ± 0.06 vs. 1.25 ± 0.09 mL/cm H2O), functional residual capacity (FRC) (4.31 ± 0.10 vs. 5.88 ± 0.37 mL), residual volume (RV) (3.02 ± 0.14 vs. 4.27 ± 0.31 mL), and total lung capacity (TLC) (14.04 ± 0.28 vs. 15.58 ± 0.54 mL). There were no changes in the strength of the pulmonary chemoreflex, the strength of the Hering-Breuer inflation reflex, or breathing pattern before or after vagal perineural capsaicin treatment (VPCT) or vagotomy. There were, however, significant negative correlations between Sv and TLC, FRC and RV, and a near significant (p < . 09) negative correlation...
Measuring the relative efficiency of police precincts using data envelopment analysis

Abstract Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to measure the relative efficiency of the 14 police precincts in Taipei city, Taiwan. Our results indicate how DEA may be used to evaluate these police precincts from commonly available police statistical data for the years 1994–1996. To sharpen our efficiency estimates, we use window analysis, slack variable analysis, and output-oriented DEA models with both constant and variable returns to scale. The problem of the presence of non-discretionary input variables is explicitly treated in the models used. Potential improvements in technical efficiency of police precincts are examined by readjusting the particular output/input indicators. The analysis indicates that differences in operating environments, such as resident population and location factors, do not have a significant influence upon the efficiency of police precincts.
A Portable Noncontact Heartbeat and Respiration Monitoring System Using 5-GHz Radar

A portable noncontact heartbeat and respiration monitoring system operating in 5-GHz band is reported in this letter. Compared with the previously reported system operating at Ka-band, this system has been simplified to include only two PCB antennas, a palm-size PCB radio module, a data acquisition module, and a laptop. The system, powered by the laptop battery through USB connection, is compact, low-cost, and convenient for field test. A detection accuracy of better than 80% has been achieved at a distance of 2.8 m and at a low transmitted power of 20 muW. The system can be used for various applications in biology, medicine, and security.
INTRASPECIFIC PHYLOGEOGRAPHY AND ADAPTIVE DIVERGENCE IN THE WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKER

Abstract This study uses mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to examine the phylogeography of the White-headed Woodpecker (Picoides albolarvatus), one of the least-studied woodpeckers in North America. A mismatch distribution and calculation of Tajima's D indicate that the overall phylogeographic history of the species is characterized by a recent range expansion that probably occurred after the start of the Pleistocene. In addition, a nested clade phylogeographic analysis indicates that additional processes such as allopatric fragmentation and restricted gene flow have influenced the evolutionary history of this species. Traditionally, the White-headed Woodpecker has been split into two subspecies whose distributions meet in the northern part of the Transverse Ranges in California. The two subspecies differ morphologically, with the southern subspecies having a larger bill in proportion to its body size than the northern subspecies. Geographical variation in mtDNA is concordant with a division at the Transverse Ra...
The 2015 C. H. McCloy Lecture: Road Trip Toward More Inclusive Physical Activity: Maps, Mechanics, Detours, and Traveling Companions

This essay stems from the 35th annual C. H. McCloy Research Lecture at the 2015 SHAPE America National Convention & Expo in Seattle, WA. The lecture series has 2 main aims. First, it provides an annual forum for a contemporary scholar to delve deeply into her/his work and to share that work with her/his peers. Second, it is an enduring tribute to the pioneering work and influential career of Charles Henry McCloy (March 30, 1886–September 18, 1959), research professor emeritus at the University of Iowa. This essay is composed of 6 sections: a prologue, a biography of McCloy, my autobiography, the fundamental premises and overarching aims of my work, a summary of my research contributions aimed at promoting inclusive physical activity, and an epilogue. The entire article is built around the construct of maps, mechanics, detours, and traveling companions. Paradigm shifts and insights are unraveled as the work unfolds and becomes increasingly integrated. Rarely does a scholar have the chance to provide a narr...
Effect of diet quality on chronic toxicity of aqueous lead to the amphipod Hyalella azteca.

The authors investigated the chronic toxicity of aqueous Pb to the amphipod Hyalella azteca (Hyalella) in 42-d tests using 2 different diets: 1) the yeast + cereal leaf + trout pellet (YCT) diet, fed at the uniform low ration used in standard methods for sediment toxicity tests; and 2) a new diet of diatoms + TetraMin flakes (DT), fed at increasing rations over time, that has been optimized for use in Hyalella water-only tests. Test endpoints included survival, weight, biomass, fecundity, and total young. Lethal effects of Pb were similar for the DT and YCT tests (20% lethal concentration [LC20] = 13 μg/L and 15 μg/L, respectively, as filterable Pb). In contrast, weight and fecundity endpoints were not significantly affected in the DT test at Pb concentrations up to 63 µg/L, but these endpoints were significantly reduced by Pb in the YCT test-and in a 2005 test in the same laboratory with a diet of conditioned Rabbit Chow (RC-2005). The fecundity and total young endpoints from the YCT and RC-2005 tests were considered unreliable because fecundity in controls did not meet test acceptability criteria, but both of these tests still produced lower Pb effect concentrations (for weight or biomass) than the test with the DT diet. The lowest biotic ligand model-normalized effect concentrations for the 3 tests ranged from 3.7 μg/L (weight 20% effect concentration [EC20] for the RC-2005 test) to 8.2 μg/L (total young EC20 for the DT test), values that would rank Hyalella as the second or third most sensitive of 13 genera in a species sensitivity distribution for chronic Pb toxicity. These results demonstrate that toxicity tests with Hyalella fed optimal diets can meet more stringent test acceptability criteria for control performance, but suggest that results of these tests may underestimate sublethal toxic effects of Pb to Hyalella under suboptimal feeding regimes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1825-1834. Published 2015 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US Government work and as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Fibromen en fibroomachtige zwellingen

Bij het fibroom van het mondslijmvlies gaat het vrijwel zonder uitzondering om een door irritatie ontstane, meestal iets gesteelde en week aanvoelende nietverkleurde, solitaire zwelling van het slijmvlies. Een fibroom kan enkele millimeters maar ook enkele centimeters groot worden. Voorkeursplaatsen zijn plaatsen waar mechanische irritatie kan optreden, te weten het wangslijmvlies en de tongpunt (afbeelding 1); ook kunnen fibromen langs de rand van een niet goed passende prothese ontstaan (‘prothesefibroom’) (afbeelding 2). Merkwaardig genoeg komen fibromen betrekkelijk zelden op de onderlip voor, terwijl dat toch een plaats is waarop gemakkelijk met enige regelmaat kan worden gebeten.
Derivation and characterization of young and aged stem cell populations in an interleukin 1 receptor antagonist mouse model system

Recent evidence suggests that the IL1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) assumes an important role in regulating stem cell senescence, and a deficiency of IL1RN may contribute to impaired lung tissue repair associated with COPD pathogenesis. Here we isolated stem cells from the teeth of transgenic mice and compared them to bone marrow (BM) derived stem cells from control B6CO mice; B6 IL1RN overexpressing transgenic mice (T16); and B6 ILRN knockout mice (IL1RN KO) and tested the hypothesis that the IL1 pathway would also regulate stem cell functions in this unique dental stem cell pool. BM cells were obtained by flushing the medullar space of both femurs and establishing adherent cultures. Dental cells were obtained by digesting excised teeth and mandibular pocket overnight, followed by plating single cell suspensions for culture. Cells were then analyzed by immunohistochemistry for stem cell associated as well as for endothelial progenitor and pluripotency-associated markers. A viable stem cell population was obtained and established from the BM and the dental tissues of all mice strains. BM stem cell populations displayed CD105 and KDR surface markers and contained populations expressing the VEGFR2 endothelial progenitor marker, indicating a possible population of circulating endothelial progenitors. Dental cells from both young (8 wks) and old (10 mo) animals contained populations expressing pluripotency associated markers OCT4, Sox2, and NANOG, as well as the CD105 and Connexin43 surface markers. These results demonstrate that dental tissue derived precursor cells may be obtained from transgenic mice and tested in experimental emphysema models.
Hydrogen isotope trapping in Al–Cu binary alloys

Abstract The trapping mechanisms for hydrogen isotopes in Al– X Cu (0.0 at% X −1 (0.19±0.03 eV). Typical occupancy of this trap is high; for Al–2.6 at% Cu (a Cu composition comparable to that in AA2219) charged at 200 °C with 130 MPa D 2 for 68 days, there is ca. there is 3.15×10 −7 mol D bound to the precipitate trap per mol of Al, accounting for a third of the D in the charged sample.
Improving Text Normalization via Unsupervised Model and Discriminative Reranking

Various models have been developed for normalizing informal text. In this paper, we propose two methods to improve normalization performance. First is an unsupervised approach that automatically identifies pairs of a non-standard token and proper word from a large unlabeled corpus. We use semantic similarity based on continuous word vector representation, together with other surface similarity measurement. Second we propose a reranking strategy to combine the results from different systems. This allows us to incorporate information that is hard to model in individual systems as well as consider multiple systems to generate a final rank for a test case. Both word- and sentence-level optimization schemes are explored in this study. We evaluate our approach on data sets used in prior studies, and demonstrate that our proposed methods perform better than the state-of-the-art systems.
Reduced lung function in smokers in a lung cancer screening cohort with asbestos exposure and pleural plaques

Background While low dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for lung cancer is recommended for high-risk smokers, ages 55–74 years, information about asbestos exposure may not be routinely elicited. Asbestos exposure is associated with declining respiratory function over time; however, the effect of a history of asbestos exposure in LDCT screening cohorts is limited. We report the relationship between asbestos exposure and pulmonary function in a cohort of heavy smokers with a history of occupational asbestos exposure, hypothesizing that these subjects will have additional decreased pulmonary function. We also examined relationships between spirometric measurements and the presence of isolated pleural plaques. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed using data from the NYU Lung Cancer Biomarker Center cohort to compare study subjects with a history asbestos exposure primarily in the period since 1970 when tighter federal standards were in place (n = 359) to those without asbestos exposure (n = 1038) with respect to pulmonary function, LDCT lung imaging findings, and clinical symptoms. We further classified individuals with asbestos exposure by length of exposure time to examine the effect of duration of exposure on pulmonary function. Lastly, for asbestos-exposed participants, we examined the association of spirometric measurements with the presence of absence of isolated pleural plaques. Results Individuals with asbestos exposure had decreased FVC % predicted compared to those with no asbestos exposure (76% vs. 85% predicted, P < 0.01) and FEV1 % predicted (64% vs. 67% predicted, P < 0.01). Since there was no change in FEV1/FVC ratio, the findings are consistent with restrictive impairment. Those with ≥20 years of exposure had a lower mean FVC % predicted compared to those with less than 20 years of exposure (74% vs. 78% predicted, P = 0.017). Individuals with asbestos exposure were more likely to have pleural plaques (P < 0.001) on CT. Those with isolated pleural plaques had lower mean % predicted FEV1 (P = 0.005) and FVC (P = 0.001) compared to those without pleural plaques. Conclusions Occupational asbestos exposure in a cohort of heavy smokers was associated with a significant restrictive decline in pulmonary function, with longer duration of exposure associated with greater decline. The presence of isolated pleural plaques was also associated with reduced lung function. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:178–185, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Jack Ryan and Palisades Produce (B): Tough Decisions at Pacific Trust

This case series (see also the A case, UVA-E-0214) frames a common business situation in which the protagonist (in this case, a commercial lender who has made a mistake that could cost him his job) is faced with making a decision for which no outcome is desirable.
An Economic Analysis of the Impact of the Price Support Program Upon the Development of the Potato Industry in the United States

600 page Ph.D. thesis entitled "The Left Turn Hopsa Step in the Lithuanian Polka." I have not read the thesis-but I think that the title is superb. In few words the author tells us, not just what his thesis is about -but what it is not about. You don't have to read his title carefully to learn that he is not writing about the right turn hopsa step or about the Charleston. In many more words, I have tried to indicate that I am writing about the potato price support program and not about price support programs in general, and that I am concerned not with an overall appraisal of the potato price support program, but with its impact upon the development of the potato industry. With this introduction, I hope you will not be dismayed to learn from the following summary just how little there is to the thesis.
Human immunodeficiency virus, syphilis and hepatitis C virus prevalence trends among cross-border migrant Vietnamese female sex workers in Guangxi, China

Global literature indicates the burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis and hepatitis C virus (HCV) has disproportionately affected cross-border migrant female sex workers (FSW). However, few studies reported the HIV risk among Vietnamese FSW at borderline areas in China. We examined five consecutive years of HIV, syphilis, and HCV prevalence and corresponding risk factors among this group in Guangxi Province of China in the current study. Demographic and behavioral data as well as test results of blood samples for HIV/syphilis/HCV testing were collected from the annual National Sentinel Surveillance (NSS) from the year of 2010 to 2014. The prevalence trends were first examined by stratified demographic and behavioral status. Predictive models with logistic regression were further employed to identify risk predictors for HIV, syphilis and HCV combined with multiple imputation for missing data as well as restricted cubic splines for key continuous covariates. Moreover, weighted prevalence using the distribution of venue types among all FSW from the NSS survey as the standardized population was also reported. The overall prevalence of HIV, syphilis and HCV across the five year period was 3.2 % (95 % CI = 2.1 %,4.3 %), 6.9 % (95 % CI = 5.3 %,8. %), and 2.6 % (95 % CI = 1.6 %,3.6 %), respectively. HIV prevalence changed from 8.2 % (95 % CI = 0.5 %,15.9 %) in 2010 to 1.7 % (95 % CI = 0.4 %,3.0 %) in 2014, and the prevalence decreased notably among FSW who were younger than 25 years old, stayed less than six months, and who participated in the HIV prevention services (P 0.05). HCV prevalence increased from 0 % in 2010 to 2.2 % (95 % CI = 0.7 %, 3.7 %) in 2014. Multivariable analyses revealed that infection with HCV increased the odds of HIV and syphilis infection. Drug use (aOR = 44.0, 95C % = 16.3,129.5) increased the odds of HCV infection. The relatively higher HIV, syphilis and HCV prevalence among Vietnamese FSW compared to their Chinese counterparts sets a challenge for health officials at both sides. To curb the epidemic among the cross-border FSW, preventive action requires bilateral cooperation and action by health authorities of China and Vietnam. A national-level response system should be launched in order to tackle the urgently ever-increasing epidemic.
Sequence stratigraphic model for repeated “butter shale” Lagerstätten in the Ordovician (Katian) of the Cincinnati, Ohio region, USA

The “butter shale” Lagerstatten of the Cincinnati Arch have produced an abundance of articulated trilobites, along with assorted bivalves and cephalopods. These bluish gray shales are rich in clay, poorly calcified, and show vague internal bedding in outcrop. Butter shales form a repetitive motif with similar lithological and paleontological characteristics, suggesting conditions existed that can be explained by the interference between different orders of sequence stratigraphic cyclicity. The characteristics that define butter shales include rarity of coarser interbeds, homogenous, fine grain size, and abundance of burial horizons. The overriding control is siliciclastic sediment supply. During third-order transgressions, sediment supply to the basin is too low to produce thick shale-prone intervals. Conversely, during third-order falling stages, sediment supply is generally too high to favor butter shale deposition. Butter shales formed preferentially during a third-order highstand systems tract, and two subtly different variants resulted from the superimposed effects of higher order cycles. Highstands moderated by small-scale transgressions are characterized by lower background sedimentation and fewer, thinner mud deposition events. Superposition of small-scale sea-level fall on highstands produced increased background sedimentation, higher silt, and patchy fossil occurrences. Juxtaposition of various scaled highstand systems tracts provided the optimal butter shale conditions, characterized by elevated mud influx and frequent episodic burial events, leading to abundant, articulated trilobites and associated fauna. In these scenarios, episodic events provide sufficient mud to smother local faunas and create a soft, fine-grained substrate that prohibited recolonization by taxa adapted to firm substrates. Each scenario differs from the others with respect to sedimentology and faunal composition.
Zn-Promoted H-ZSM-5 for Endothermic Reforming of n-Hexane at High Pressures

The addition of Zn to H-ZSM-5 zeolites was studied for application to endothermic reforming in hypersonic aircraft engines. Temperature-programmed-desorption (TPD)/thermogravimetric-analysis (TGA) measurements with 2-propanamine on two H(Zn)-ZSM-5 samples showed that at low ion-exchange levels, less than 0.5 Zn/Al, each Zn cation displaces one Bronsted-acid site. Although rates for n-hexane conversion at 633 and 823 K and at a pressure of 137 bar decreased with the loss of Bronsted sites, Zn promotion greatly increased the production of H2 and the formation of small aromatic molecules. FTIR of adsorbed acetonitrile-d3 and calorimetric measurements of adsorbed CO at 195 K indicate that the exchanged Zn cations form Lewis-acid centers. A model in which the Zn cations, acting as Lewis-acid centers, polarize intermediates formed at Bronsted sites is presented as a way of understanding the observations.
Subliminal techniques as propaganda tools: review and critique

Research on perception without awareness has provoked strong emotional responses from individuals within and outside the scientific community, due in part to the perceived potential for abuse of subliminal techniques. In this paper, four basic issues regarding the use of subliminal techniques for propaganda purposes are discussed: (a) whether exposure to subliminal stimuli can produce significant, predictable changes in affect, cognition and behavior; (b) whether these effects are robust and powerful enough to make the use of subliminal techniques for propaganda purposes feasible; (c) whether the effects of subliminal stimulation are stable over time; and (d) whether subliminal influences can be resisted by unwilling subjects. Ethical issues raised by the use of covert attitude and behavior manipulation techniques are addressed
Enhancing Student Motivation and Learning within Adaptive Tutors.

My research is rooted in improving K-12 educational practice using motivational facets made possible through adaptive tutoring systems. In an attempt to isolate best practices within the science of learning, I conduct randomized controlled trials within ASSISTments, an online adaptive tutoring system that provides assistance and assessment to students around the world. My work also incorporates big data analytics through the establishment of data driven learning models that promote the use of finite assessment to optimize student modeling and enhance user motivation. This paper highlights a turning point in my research as I transition into PhD candidacy. My contributions thus far and my research goals are discussed, with consult sought on how to best meld the realms of my work moving forward. An iteration of this work has also been published as a Doctoral Consortium at AIED 2015 [4].
AFD-based model of EM lifetime and reservoir effect

We propose and experimentally validate an AFD (atomic flux divergence)-based MTTF (mean time to failure) model for wires with EM. We analyze traditional MTTF models and compare them to the proposed model. We use the AFD-based compensation model to quantitatively capture the reservoir effect and provide a relationship between the reservoir's volume and EM lifetime enhancement.
The vanishing Black Indian: Revisiting craniometry and historic collections

Objectives This article uses craniometric allocation as a platform for discussing the legacy of Samuel G. Morton's collection of crania, the process of racialization, and the value of contextualized biohistoric research perspectives in biological anthropology. Materials and Methods Standard craniometric measurements were recorded for seven Seminoles in the Samuel G. Morton Crania Collection and 10 European soldiers from the Fort St. Marks Military Cemetery; all individuals were men and died in Florida during the 19th century. Fordisc 3.1 was used to assess craniometric affinity with respect to three samples: the Forensic Data Bank, Howells data set, and an archival sample that best fits the target populations collected from 19th century Florida. Discriminant function analyses were used to evaluate how allocations change across the three comparative databases, which roughly reflect a temporal sequence. Results Most Seminoles allocated as Native American, while most soldiers allocated as Euro-American. Allocation of Seminole crania, however, was unstable across analysis runs with more individuals identifying as African Americans when compared to the Howells and Forensic Data Bank. To the contrary, most of the soldiers produced consistent allocations across analyses. Repeatability for the St. Marks sample was lower when using the archival sample database, contrary to expectations. For the Seminole crania, Cohen's κ indicates significantly lower repeatability. A possible Black Seminole individual was identified in the Morton Collection. Discussion Recent articles discussing the merits and weaknesses of comparative craniometry focus on methodological issues. In our biohistoric approach, we use the patterning of craniometric allocations across databases as a platform for discussing social race and its development during the 19th century, a process known as racialization. Here we propose that differences in repeatability for the Seminoles and Euro-American soldiers reflect this process and transformation of racialized identities during 19th century U.S. nation-building. In particular, notions of whiteness were and remain tightly controlled, while other racial categorizations were affected by legal, social, and political contexts that resulted in hybridity in lieu of boundedness.
“It Takes a Village”: On UX Librarianship and Building UX Capacity in Libraries

ABSTRACTWith growing interest in applying user experience (UX) methods to improve library interfaces, spaces, and services, it is critical to gain a deeper understanding of the organizational factors influencing libraries' adoption and incorporation of UX expertise. This article reports the results of semi-structured interviews with 16 UX librarians and focuses on how the positions were created, the benefits they have brought to their library, their biggest challenges, and the extent that their work is understood throughout the library. The article concludes with a preliminary model of library UX maturity and six critical directions for the future of UX librarianship.
Design and Choice of Visual Display Solutions in the Training Domain

Visual display solutions are a key element of computer-based system architectures intended for human-system interaction. Particularly in the training domain, an ill-matched visual display can render a system unusable or ineffectual, which may cause underutilization or a negative transfer of training. This article outlines a set of approaches and best practices used in research efforts focused on the design of novel military training systems.
Michelle Obama: Exploring the Narrative

ABSTRACTWhen Michelle Obama was first introduced to the American public in 2008, she was depicted in the media as an unpatriotic, stereotypical, angry Black woman. Today, she is more popular than the president. This study examines the narrative about Michelle Obama created by the first lady and the White House through YouTube videos uploaded in an attempt to redefine her in ways that are more acceptable to the public. The authors examine that narrative in videos posted by the White House, mainstream news and entertainment outlets, and allied organizations, with a focus on the intersectionality of gender, race and class in her story. The findings indicate that Obama's story reflects a neoliberal narrative framed by two themes: (a) the American Dream is achievable through education, hard work, and perseverance; and (b) motherhood and family are primary. Within this neoliberal narrative, racism and poverty are obstacles to be overcome through making the right choices, and gender is viewed through the narrow ...
Abstract 487: Aspirin Treatment Hampers the Use of Plasma MicroRNA-126 as Biomarker for the Progression of Vascular Disease

Rationale MicroRNA-126 (miR-126) facilitates angiogenesis and regulates endothelial cell function. Recent data suggest that miR-126 can serve as a biomarker for cardiovascular disease. Although endothelial cells are enriched for miR-126, platelets also comprise a major pool of miR-126. We investigated the contribution of platelets to the level of miR-126 circulating in the plasma from patients with type 2 diabetes and how this level is affected by aspirin. Methods & Results In vitro platelet activation resulted in the transfer of miR-126 from the platelet- to the plasma-compartment, which was prevented by aspirin. In vivo platelet activation was studied in patients with type 2 diabetes, who exhibit disease-mediated platelet activation and are prone to develop cardiovascular disease. Platelet activation was monitored by measuring soluble P-selectin in plasma and correlated significantly with circulating levels of miR-126. Administration of aspirin to the patients in a randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over design, resulted in platelet inhibition and concomitantly reduced circulating levels of platelet-derived microRNAs including miR-126. Conclusion The profile of circulating miRs constitutes a fingerprint of activated platelets rather then activated endothelial cells. In particular miR-126 can be derived from activated platelets and the circulating levels of this miRNA can be markedly reduced when aspirin is used in patho-physiological conditions associated with platelet activation such as diabetes type 2. Therefore, the use of platelet inhibitors should be taken into account when using plasma-levels of miR-126 as a biomarker.
Agricultural trade liberalization for food security in South Asia

Latest available figures indicate that close to 40 per cent of the worlds population suffering from hunger and malnutrition belongs to South Asia. Remarkable strides towards enhancing food production in the recent decades in the region seem to have limited impact on undernourishment that remains pervasive. While recognizing the multidimensionality and complexity of reasons behind persistent poverty and hunger in the region, this study identifies freer intraregional trade in food products as a partial but effective solution which can contribute to substantially enhance food security. Undertaking a detailed product-by-product analysis at a disaggregated level, with the objective of identifying agricultural and primary products -- that have both high regional trade potential and high sensitivity from a food security point of view, this study subjects the composition of food exports and imports of South Asian countries to a thorough examination. The concept of Additional Market Access Frontier (AMAF) is employed to assess the potential for imports of important food items by each South Asian country from regional trading partners, possibly at a cheaper price than current imports from the rest of the world. In aggregate, the analysis has shown trade complementarity in a wide range of food products within South Asia. From this, a list of 397 food products with trade potential of US$ one million or above were selected for more detailed analysis on possible impact of application of preferential tariff rates under the Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). Based on these analyses, the study offers a set of policy recommendations for selection of food products for trade liberalization measures under SAFTA as well as for correction of certain anomalies that currently exist in the application of preferential tariffs and in classification and standardization of traded food items. The study also suggests some measures to improve the operational efficiency of the SAARC Food Bank and SAARC Seed Bank and make them effective institutions in addressing food insecurity in South Asia.
Abstract LB-169: Targeted tumor prevention in Li-Fraumeni syndrome

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a rare, dominant cancer predisposition disorder. The majority of LFS cases are brought about by germline p53 mutations. Individuals affected develop a spectrum of cancers occurring since childhood or early adulthood (Mai et al, 2012). Tumors associated with LFS include but are not limited to sarcomas, lymphomas and leukemias, breast cancers, brain tumors, etc (Olivier et al, 2010; Mai et al, 2012). p53 is a tumor suppressor gene that regulates many cellular processes and prevents cancer formation, growth and dissemination. When inactivated by mutation, it not only loses its tumor suppressive function, but also acquires oncogenic properties. Mutations of p53 promote destabilization of its three-dimensional structure, which can cause p53 to partially unfold, aggregate and accumulate in cells (Xu et al, 2011). We developed a peptide, ReACp53, to arrest p53 clumping and accumulation, chaperone p53 to a functional state and promote its degradation, hence arresting tumor proliferation (Soragni et al, 2016). ReACp53 can also target p63 and p73 (Zheng et al, 2016). It has shown good tolerability and a favorable safety profile in vivo. In LFS patients and LFS animal models, p53 is undetectable in normal tissues. However, the protein starts to accumulate in tumors and pre-cancerous lesions (Lang et al, 2004; Soragni et al, unpublished data). As p53 accumulation is correlated with aggregation (Xu et al, 2011; Soragni et al, 2016), we postulated that, by periodically administering ReACp53, we could target this initial event early on, and prevent p53 accumulation and/or push the p53 aggregates-ridden cells into apoptosis (Soragni et al, 2016). Here, we tested ReACp53 as a tumor preventive agent, by administering it twice a week from weaning to LFS mice carrying the aggregation-prone R172H mutation (R175H in humans). ReACp53 delayed cancer onset resulting in a significant increase in overall survival (OS). The homozygous cohort (n=16/group) showed a 50% increase in median survival in ReACp53-treated mice (median OS 15.79 vs 23.93 weeks for vehicle vs ReACp53, p=0.005; HR=2.6). Heterozygous mice (n=8/group) showed a 36% increase in OS with a median of 58.86 vs 80.50 weeks for vehicle vs ReACp53 (p=0.03, HR=2.6). No long-term side effect was observed upon ReACp53 administration. The tumor spectrum reported differed between the two groups. Activation of a functional p53 response in mouse cells and LFS patient cells treated with ReACp53 is undergoing. Overall, our study supports ReACp53 therapy as a potential approach to tumor prevention in LFS. Citation Format: Alice Soragni, Nhan Phan, David Eisenberg. Targeted tumor prevention in Li-Fraumeni syndrome [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-169. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-LB-169
From the (East) River to the Sea: Palestine Activism in Arab New York

This paper analyzes the political rhetoric of two Palestine activist groups in New York City, with reference to the ways that the networks and communities they embed themselves in influence their actions and identity politics.
Patient-Centered Palliative Care in the Home

In America and other wealthy countries, the average life expectancy has increased and the burden of acute illness has decreased dramatically during the twentieth century (Covinsky et al., 1994). Contemporary Americans overwhelmingly die from chronic, progressive diseases (Glaser and Strauss, 1968). In their last years, chronic disease(s) and increasing disability challenge the resources of most Americans. Changes in the family structure (including smaller size), increased likelihood that children live at some distance from their parents, and the fact that most families require that two people work in order to be financially viable, mean that family members are less likely than in prior generations to be able to provide the increased levels of care required by aging relatives (Lynn and Adamson, 2003). Data from the Study to Understand Prognosis and Preferences for Outcomes and Risk of Treatments (SUPPORT) study indicate that when family members do provide this care, it requires significant sacrifices: almost one third of families spend down to poverty in order to care for their dying loved ones (Lunney et al., 2003). Despite the evident need for assistance, family members received inadequate information about existing community services to which they were entitled. Managing the current patterns of old age and death requires changes in the way health care is conceived, delivered and financed. Here we primarily focus on the role of Palliative Care in the changes in the conception and delivery of health services. The emerging discipline of Palliative Care represents a new conceptual approach to illness. Rather than being based on tissue and organ systems (e.g., cardiology and hematology), disease type (e.g., infectious disease, oncology)