cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diffuse reflectance of short-fiber-reinforced composites aligned by an electric field

Summary Objectives This study aims to characterize the translucency of aligned, short-fiber composites by determining the effects of filler particle orientation on the Kubelka–Munk absorption and scattering coefficients. Methods Rectangular composite specimens ( n =3) were filled with very short E-glass fibers. The fibers were oriented random, perpendicular, and parallel to the surface normal using an alternating electric field of 0.75 kV/mm. Diffuse reflectances of the composites on white and black backings were acquired with a spectrophotometer. The Kubelka–Munk model was then employed to calculate absorption and scattering coefficients. Results The ordering of the reflectances on a white backing is neither the same nor the reverse of the reflectances on the black backing. The effects of orientation were different for the absorption and scattering coefficients. Orientation parallel to the average light flux notably decreases the amount of absorption, while perpendicular orientation appreciably increases the amount of scattering. Significance Since orientation affects the absorption and scattering coefficients differently, the ordering of the reflectances may be different when the backing is varied. This is because the translucency is composed of two parameters (absorption and scattering) and cannot be adequately summarized with one parameter such as transmittance or reflectance. Therefore, the use of a diffuse reflectance model, such as Kubelka–Munk, is essential to a quantitative understanding of the translucency effects of filler orientation. Understanding how the filler orientation affects diffuse reflectance of composites will yield insight as to how the orientation of enamel rods affects the diffuse reflectance in teeth by analogy.
Youth Homicide in New York: A Preliminary Analysis

DURING the mid-1970s, public concern about serious crime, previously focused on the policies and practices of the criminal courts, suddenly and sharply veered toward fear of adolescent crime and profound dissatisfaction with the institutions of juvenile justice. In one sense this shift of focus is unremarkable: rates of serious adolescent criminality had been escalating sharply throughout the period from 1962 through the early 1970s.' Yet the public alarm surfaced as rates of serious crime by youths within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court were moderating and in many cases decreasing.2 Nonetheless, since 1975 the organization, mission, and existence of juvenile court processing have been assaulted from every conceivable ideological position and the response to public concern has been legal change.3
The Long Terminal Repeat of Jaagsiekte Sheep Retrovirus Is Preferentially Active in Differentiated Epithelial Cells of the Lungs

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is the etiologic agent of a contagious bronchioloalveolar carcinoma of sheep known as sheep pulmonary adenomatosis (SPA; ovine pulmonary carcinoma). JSRV is unique among retroviruses because it transforms the alveolar type II cells and the nonciliated bronchiolar cells (Clara cells) of the lungs; these cells are where JSRV is specifically expressed in both naturally and experimentally SPA-affected sheep. In this study, we investigated the cell specificity of JSRV expression. By transient-transfection assays of 23 different cell lines with a reporter plasmid driven by the JSRV long terminal repeat (LTR), pJS21-luc, we found that the JSRV LTR is preferentially active in cell lines derived from type II pneumocytes and Clara cells (MLE-15 and mtCC1-2 mouse cell lines). Reporter assays using progressive 5' deletions of pJS21-luc allowed us to establish that the JSRV enhancers are able to activate the JSRV proximal promoter in MLE-15 and mtCC1-2 cells, but they have very low activity in mouse cells of other lineages (e.g., NIH 3T3). The JSRV enhancers are able to activate heterologous promoters in both MLE-15 and 3T3 cells, although optimal activity is achieved in MLE-15 cells only with the homologous JSRV promoter. Thus, JSRV cell-specific LTR activity appears to result from an interaction between the enhancer elements and the JSRV proximal promoter elements. By mutation analysis, we established that an upstream NF-kappaB-like element appears to be responsible for approximately 50% of the JSRV LTR transcriptional activity in MLE-15 cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed evidence of a factor(s) that binds to this sequence. Antibody supershift experiments indicated that the factor(s) is not related to NF-kappaB component p50 or p52. This factor also appeared to be present in cells that do not support a high level of JSRV expression. Finally the JSRV(21) LTR contains putative enhancer binding motifs for transcription factors such as hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 (HNF-3) that are involved in lung-specific gene expression. Cotransfection experiments demonstrated that exogenous HNF-3 is able to enhance the expression of pJS21-luc in NIH 3T3 cells, which normally show minimal enhancer activity for the JSRV LTR.
Building a personalized audio equalizer interface with transfer learning and active learning

Potential users of audio production software, such as audio equalizers, may be discouraged by the complexity of the interface and a lack of clear affordances in typical interfaces. In this work, we create a personalized on-screen slider that lets the user manipulate the audio with an equalizer in terms of a descriptive term (e.g. "warm"). The system learns mappings by presenting a sequence of sounds to the user and correlating the gain in each frequency band with the user's preference rating. This method is extended and improved on by incorporating knowledge from a database of prior concepts taught to the system by prior users. This is done with a combination of active learning and simple transfer learning. Results on a study of 35 participants show personalized audio manipulation tool can be built with 10 times fewer interactions than is possible with the baseline approach.
Ionization behavior of proteins. I. Spectral titration of the tyrosyl groups of chymotrypsinogen and nitrated‐chymotrypsinogen

The ionization constants of the tyrosyl groups of chymotrypsinogen and of nitrated-chymotrypsinogen (two tyrosyl residues nitrated) have been determined by difference spectrophotometry. In chymotrypsinogen, two of the four tyrosyl groups ionize without any time dependence. Above pH greater than ca. 12.5, time-dependent spectral changes are seen for 0.7 group equivalent. The data can be fitted to the values of pK′1 9.75 ± 0.07, pK′2 11.55 ± 0.05, pK′3 13.30 ± 0.05. In nitrated-chymotrypsinogen, the two nitrated tyrosyl residues have pK′1 6.44 and pK′2 8.30. For both proteins, these pK′ values are in agreement with those evaluated from potentiometric titration and calorimetric data using computer-assisted curve-fitting analysis.
The distinctiveness of hardiness, positive emotionality, and negative emotionality in National Guard soldiers

Abstract Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to investigate the distinctiveness of hardiness (using the Short Hardiness Scale; Bartone, 1995 ) from the broader personality traits of negative emotionality and positive emotionality (NEM and PEM; assessed with items from the MMPI-2 PSY-5 scales); in a sample of 981 Army National Guard soldiers. Exploratory factor analyses demonstrated that hardiness items loaded on a separate factor from PEM and NEM items, and confirmatory factor analysis suggested that hardiness is not simply a sub-facet of either PEM or NEM. However, subsequent regression analyses found that hardiness did not predict symptoms of PTSD or depression beyond the effects of PEM and NEM among combat exposed soldiers.
Charts of three quantities associated with single-pole switching

The three quantities are (1) residual fault current, (2) steady-state recovery voltage, and (3) natural frequency of transient recovery voltage. Loci of constant values of each of these, plotted in rectangular coordinates of degree of zero-sequence shunt compensation versus degree of positive-sequence shunt compensation, are straight lines. The assignment of sets of such constant values gives a family of straight lines. The first family, representing fault current, are parallel and have positive slope. The third family, representing natural frequencies are parallel and have negative slope. The second family, representing recovery voltage, has differing slopes but all lines pass through a common point at coordinates 1,1.
Prototype Formation in Autism: Can Individuals with Autism Abstract Facial Prototypes?

Prototype formation is a critical skill for category learning. Research suggests that individuals with autism may have a deficit in prototype formation of some objects; however, results are mixed. This study used a natural category, faces, to further examine prototype formation in high-functioning individuals with autism. High-functioning children (age 8-13 years) and adults with autism (age 17-53 years) and matched controls were tested in a facial prototype formation task that has been used to test prototype formation abilities in typically developing infants and adults [Strauss, 1979]. Participants were familiarized to a series of faces depicting subtle variations in the spatial distance of facial features, and were then given a forced choice familiarity test between the mean prototype and the mode prototype. Overall, individuals in the autism group were significantly less likely to select the mean prototype face. Even though the children with autism showed this difference in prototype formation, this pattern was driven primarily by the adults, because the adults with autism were approximately four times less likely to select the mean prototype than were the control adults. These results provide further evidence that individuals with autism have difficulty abstracting subtle spatial information that is necessary not only for the formation of a mean prototype, but also for categorizing faces and objects.
Risk assessment and clinical decision making for colorectal cancer screening

Background Shared decision making (SDM) related to test preference has been advocated as a potentially effective strategy for increasing adherence to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, yet primary care providers (PCPs) are often reluctant to comply with patient preferences if they differ from their own. Risk stratification advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN) provides a rational strategy for reconciling these differences.
An Actor-Based Framework for Heterogeneous Computing Systems

This paper discusses a framework for supporting heterogeneous computing systems (HCS). HCS are physically distributed, potentially complex and evolving systems. HCS consist of a number of computers and interconnections which may have differing language and system support, and sometimes distinct computational (architectural) models. By providing a large number of computational resources to the user, HCS have the potential to allow highly eficient execution of ultra largescale applications. The paper provides a framework for addressing some of the significant problems in interoperability and resource management which result from the heterogeneity in HCS. It represents ideas and ongoing research in the area.
Radiation from finite microstrip patch arrays using infinite array approach

A DFT-based technique is presented for efficient analysis of large finite phased array antennas that can handle arbitrary complex excitations of the individual elements. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the versatility of the present approach for handling non-uniform excitations. The results of the study are reported for a representative example of a 7 /spl times/ 7 microstrip patch array, and good agreement has been found between the results derived by the DFT technique and the conventional MoM-based approach. For practical array antennas comprising of hundreds if not thousands of elements, it is not possible to use the direct MoM approach because of the extremely heavy burden on the computational time and the memory size, which can be estimated by extrapolating the corresponding requirements for the relatively small case of 7 /spl times/ 7 array reported here. In contrast to this, the proposed approach does not suffer from this limitation, since its computational complexity is almost independent of the number of elements in the finite structure.
Program management in a period of strategic realignment: a practitioner's perspective

Fundamental changes in public management are necessary as approaches shift to performance-based management. Academia offers useful insights to the problems facing public managers. Early experience with the Government Performance and Results Act provides additional insights into the process. An experienced line manager's interpretation of the academic literature and the recent experience suggests both practical suggestions and cautionary notes. If such suggestions are heeded, future public management can be a great improvement over the past.
TOWARD A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF POLITICIZED POLICING ATTITUDES: CONFLICTED CONSERVATISM AND SUPPORT FOR POLICE USE OF FORCE*

America is in the midst of an extraordinary public debate about police policy. “Conflicted conservatives,” who are symbolically conservative but operationally liberal, may have a disproportionate influence on policy making. Specifically, conflicted conservatives may be more likely to vote across party lines because they attend more to utilitarian concerns about social conditions and government performance than to symbolic issues. Prior criminological research, however, typically has treated conservatives as a homogenous group. We use data from the General Social Survey to explore the extent and correlates of global and situational support for police use of force among conflicted conservatives and other political groups. The findings from logistic regression models estimated with two analytic samples (N = 11,119 and 2,069) indicate that conflicted conservatives’ attitudes about police use of force are distinct from those of “consistent conservatives” who are both symbolically and operationally conservative, but do not reflect a unique consideration of utilitarian concerns over symbolic beliefs. Two other notable findings emerged: 1) Racial attitudes predicted support for police use of excessive force invariably across political groups and 2) public support for excessive force increased substantially during the first decade of the twenty-first century, sharply contrasting trends in general punitive sentiment.
High-rate codes with bounded PMEPR for BPSK and other symmetric constellations

In this letter, we consider the problem of constructing high-rate codes with low peak-to-mean-envelope power ratio (PMEPR) for multicarrier signals. Assuming coefficients of the multicarrier signal are chosen from a symmetric q-ary constellation, we construct codes with rate 1-(1/r)logq2 and PMEPR of less than crlogn for any r and n, where n is the number of subcarriers and c is a constant independent of n and r. The construction is based on dividing n subcarriers into n/r groups of r subcarriers and choosing a sign for each group to minimize the PMEPR. The signs are chosen using a variation of the algorithm proposed by the authors in previous papers. For large n, we can, in fact, construct a code with a rate of 1-O(1/logn) and PMEPR of less than clog2n. For binary phase-shift-keying-modulated signals, this partially solves the problem posed by Litsyn and implies a construction of 2n/2 codewords with PMEPR less than 2clogn
Effect of the nonglucocorticoid 21-aminosteroid u74006f on experimental cerebral vasospasm

Abstract The present work was performed to establish whether the nonglucocorticoid, 21-aminosteroid, U74006F, could prevent the development of delayed cerebral vasospasm after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage. The subarachnoid hemorrhage was produced by percutaneous injection of 4.5 mL of nonheparinized autologous blood into the cisterna magna of rabbits. U74006F (1 mg/kg) or placebo was injected intraperitoneally every 12 hours starting 12 hours prior to induction of hemorrhage for a total of six doses. The animals were sacrificed by perfusion fixation. The basilar artery was removed on day 2 and processed for morphometric analysis. Control/placebo and subarachnoid hemorrhage/placebo basilar artery diameters were 651.2 ± 25.4 and 366.3 ± 34.2 μ, respectively. Control/U74006F basilar artery diameters (669.8 ± 21.8 μ) were not significantly different from that of the control/placebo group. U74006F treatment greatly minimized subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced reduction in mean luminal diameter (563.7 ± 48.2 μ) (p
Overdispersion of the Molecular Clock Varies Between Yeast, Drosophila and Mammals

Although protein evolution can be approximated as a “molecular evolutionary clock,” it is well known that sequence change departs from a clock-like Poisson expectation. Through studying the deviations from a molecular clock, insight can be gained into the forces shaping evolution at the level of proteins. Generally, substitution patterns that show greater variance than the Poisson expectation are said to be “overdispersed.” Overdispersion of sequence change may result from temporal variation in the rate at which amino acid substitutions occur on a phylogeny. By comparing the genomes of four species of yeast, five species of Drosophila, and five species of mammals, we show that the extent of overdispersion shows a strong negative correlation with the effective population size of these organisms. Yeast proteins show very little overdispersion, while mammalian proteins show substantial overdispersion. Additionally, X-linked genes, which have reduced effective population size, have gene products that show increased overdispersion in both Drosophila and mammals. Our research suggests that mutational robustness is more pervasive in organisms with large population sizes and that robustness acts to stabilize the molecular evolutionary clock of sequence change.
COMPREENDENDO A MUDANÇA CONSTITUCIONAL INFORMAL

Amid much recent American work on the problem of informal constitutional change, this article stakes out a distinctive position. I argue that theories of constitutional change in the US must address the question of the relationship between the “small c” and “big C” Constitution and treat seriously the possibility of conflict between them. I stress the unavoidable role the text of the Constitution and structural doctrines of federalism and separation of powers play in this relationship and thus in constitutional change, both formal and informal. I therefore counsel against theories that rely solely on a practice-based approach or analogies between “small c” constitutional developments and British or Commonwealth traditions of the “unwritten” constitution and constitutional “conventions.” The alternative I advocate is to approach constitutional change from a historicist perspective that focuses attention on state building and the creation of new institutional capacities. This approach will allow us to make progress by highlighting that there can be multiple constitutional orders in a given historical era, thus accounting for the conflictual nature of contemporary constitutional development in the US.
Insights into Spliceosomal Activation from Conformational Dynamics of the U4/U6 di-snRNA

Many of the spliceosomal small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) undergo large-scale structural rearrangements during splicing. This is exemplified by the U6 snRNA which can exist in isolation in the U6 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP); basepaired with U4 in the U4/U6 di-snRNP, U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP, and spliceosomal B complex; or basepaired with the pre-mRNA intron and the U2 snRNA in the catalytic spliceosome. Through genetic evidence and structure probing from the Brow, Guthrie, and Luhrmann labs, it was previously proposed that the U4/U6 di-snRNA consisted of a three-helical junction core domain flanked by single stranded regions. Using single-molecule Forster resonance energy transfer (smFRET), we discovered a dynamic equilibrium between RNA conformations formed by the flanking single stranded regions. Our smFRET data is consistent with the presence of two mutually exclusive structures: (1) a U4/U6 di-snRNA containing both basepaired U4/U6 and the U6 telestem and (2) a U4/U6 di-snRNA with extended basepairin...
Determination of the Angle of Cutting Samples and C 13 for VTI Rocks

Summary An improved method to determine the elastic constant C13 and the angle of cutting samples for transverse isotropic rocks has been developed and tested. Other than traditional way of using Vp at 45 degree to the bedding planes to calculate C13, we estimate the measuring angle firstly and then use both Vp and Vsv measured at the real angle to determine C13. The accuracy of elastic constants estimation from laboratory measurement is critical for seismic anisotropy analysis. In this paper, we measured velocity anisotropy on 10 shale samples to verify this methods. The results show that our new method can calibrate the measuring angle and improve the accuracy of C13 determination. This new method is viable for both the threeplug technique and the single-plug technique of velocity anisotropy measurement.
Point-of-Care Microelectronic Diagnostics for Early Phase Rickettsial Infections

Rickettsial diseases (RD) are widely distributed in the world and account for seasonal outbreaks and epidemics. The greatest challenge to clinicians is diagnosing RD at early phases when antibiotic therapy is most effective. This burgeoning problem is further compounded by the unavailability of rapid point-of-care (POC) diagnostics for RD. The focus of this poster will be development and optimization of dielectrophoresis-enhanced microfluidic impedance biosensing (DEP-e-MIB) assay to detect the pathogenic cells in sera. In DEP-e-MIB assays, pathogens are labeled with a DEP label (polystyrene beads) and then injected into the DEP-e-MIB chip for capture of the labeled pathogens and reading impedance changes at the interdigitated electrodes. We have seen detection down to 10^5 cells. However, minor reduction in nonspecific binding can lead to large increment in signal to noise ratio. Specifically, we show how to reduce in the non-specific binding of immunobeads to the electrodes through the choice of bead surface chemistry (epoxy, carboxylate, and aldehyde), and the co-immobilization of polyethylene glycol with antibodies at the electrodes and the beads. Further we also show how this non-specific binding is affected by the use of DEP.
Opportunity, content and method: three elements in “American style” high quality high school physical education teaching——Taking Concordia International School of Shanghai for example

The second edition of National Standards for Physical Education(abbreviated as NASPE) revised and issued by the United States in 2004 put forward an important objective: every student in grades K1-K12 in the United States should have the opportunity to receive high quality physical education. While high quality physical education must include such there elements as equal learning opportunity, meaningful teaching content and suitable teaching method. Among many international schools in Shanghai, Concordia International School of Shanghai, which is famous for high quality teaching, is striving to realize this objective. It has a lot of new ideas and specific approaches in K9-K12(hereinafter referred to as high school) physical education curriculum teaching in terms of student learning opportunity and right assurance, curriculum teaching content selection, teaching method and mean application etc, which reflect the characteristics of modern American high quality high school physical education teaching to a certain extent, while this is exactly the link that is relatively weak in physical education reform in China and needs to be further strengthened.
Experiment on Hydrodynamic Interaction Between 2D Oval and Wall

The hydrodynamic characteristics of a 2D oval with length-thickness ratio 7.0 while moving near plane wall were presented.Towing-tank tests were conducted under six distinct wall clearances and five attack angles and the 2D characteristics of flow field were ensured by installing the oval model in a U-shape trough.The Reynolds numbers considered were in the range of 5×10 to 2×10.Through corresponding measuring data in unbounded flow field,the installing angle error of balance to model was eliminated in data processing.The regressive formulae of hydrodynamic coefficients relative to clearances,attack angles were given.Three typical interaction regions were divided, defined as Lifting,Mixed and Blocking Region.The experimental results indicate that even for the blunt-end body,there exists lifting effect similar to wing,and the lift-curve slope of oval in unbounded field is smaller than that of 2D wing. When the wall clearance is large,hydrodynamic coefficients vary linearly with attack angle,and the influence of wall increases with the decreasing of clearance. While for small clearance, there appear repulsion phenomena, and the variation of coefficients with attack angle is nonlinear.The effect of velocity on hydrodynamic coefficients is small at most cases, compared with other factors.
Toxicity of 1,2-diethylhydrazine Fed to Turkey Poults

Toxic effects of 1,2-diethylhydrazine, a putative furazolidone metabolite, were determined in turkey poults 2 to 5 weeks of age. The drug was administered either in the drinking water or by gastric intubation. Toxic effects included depression of growth, decreased feed intake, and increased feed conversion. There was no evidence of an induced cardiomyopathy. These findings indicate that the etiology of furazolidone toxicity involves more than one mechanism.
The effect of chronic hypoxia on wound healing.

In previous work, we have examined the effect of oxygen availability on subcellular function and have established that important oxidative reactions can adapt to changes in the oxygen environment (Mela et al, 1976). This work was extended on the macroscopic level in a study which pointed out that a state of moderate hypoxia resulted in decreased new bone formation and delayed fracture healing (Heppenstall and Goodwin, 1976). In all these studies, a state of chronic hypoxia was established by a surgical vascular shunting procedure. This method presents certain advantages over models used by other investigators in that it results in an unrestrained animal with normal carbon dioxide tensions and normal acid-base balance. In the present study using this model, we examined the effects of chronic hypoxia on the tensile strength, collagen formation, and tissue oxygen tension of healing wounds.
Fruit trees and vegetables for arid and semi-arid areas in north-west China

According to our survey and investigations, we have found that there are many species of fruit trees and vegetables which grow very well in the arid and semi-arid areas of north-west China. Most of them originated in China. The further development of these plants will play an important role in improving the ecological environment and the economic situation of the above regions. The main fruit trees and vegetables which are adapted to the arid and semi-arid areas of north west China are as follows: (1) Fruit tree species: Ziziphus jujuba, Z. spinosus, Diospyros kaki, Diospyros oleifera, D. lotus; Elaegnus angustifolia, Amygdalus communis, Prunus armeniaca, P. davidiana, P. persica, Pyrus ussuriensis, P. bretschneideri, Punica granatum, Crataegus pinnatifida, Pistacia vera, Malus asiatica, M. prunifolia, M. sieversii, M. pumila, Cotoneaster spp., Vitis spp., etc. Other wild species are used for rootstocks of initial genetic stocks for breeding. (2) Cucurbits and vegetables: Cucumis melo, Cucurbita moschata, Hemerocallis spp., Lilium spp., Allium spp., Capsicum annuum var. longum, etc. The present paper gives a brief introduction to their values, usages and potential usages, as well as some of the special cultivation and propagating techniques.
Stochastic electrochemistry and photoelectrochemistry of colloidal dye-sensitized anatase nanoparticles at a Pt ultramicroelectrode.

We report the stochastic interactions between dye sensitized anatase nanoparticles, suspended in a colloid, and a Pt ultramicroelectrode (UME) that result in step-wise behavior in the current vs. time response. The stochastic currents are observed in the dark and under illumination. In the dark, the currents are anodic, consistent with the oxidation of the dye N719 at the Pt surface. The electrochemical behavior of the dye was investigated in MeOH and MeCN with a quasireversible cyclic voltammogram (CV) observed at 1 V s−1. The anodic currents observed in the dark due to nanoparticles (NPs) at the Pt surface are consistent with the CVs in MeOH and MeCN. Under illumination cathodic steps are observed and assigned to the reduction of the oxidized form of the dye generated after electrons are injected into the TiO2 NPs. The colloidal behavior is a strong function of the history of the colloid with illumination time increasing the size of the agglomerates and with larger agglomerates being less photoelectrochemically active. Agglomerates of ca. 100 nm in diameter are proposed to be photoactive entities with a higher probability of detection that contribute to the staircase photocurrent response.
A model of phenotypic state dynamics initiates a promising approach to control heterogeneous malignant cell populations

A growing body of experimental evidence indicates a strong link between intratumoral heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance in cancer. In particular, tumor cells may survive therapy by switching their phenotypic identities to more resistant, drug-tolerant states. Computational models of phenotypic plasticity in response to cytotoxic therapy are needed: (1) to strengthen understanding of the interplay between phenotypic heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance, and (2) to identify potential strategies in silico that weaken resistance prior to in vitro testing. This work presents a linear time-invariant model of phenotypic state dynamics to deduce subpopulation-level behavior likely to affect temporal phenotypic composition and thus drug resistance. The model was identified under different therapeutic conditions with authentic biological data from a breast cancer cell line. Subsequent analysis suggested drug-induced effects on phenotypic state switching that could not be deduced directly from empirical observations. A bootstrap algorithm was implemented to identify statistically significant results: reduction in cell division under each therapeutic condition versus control. Further, Monte Carlo simulation was used to evaluate quality of model fit for two-way switching and net switching on synthetically generated data to determine the limitations of the latter assumption for subsequent modeling. Most importantly, the simple model structure initiated a control-theoretic approach for identifying promising combination treatments in silico to guide future laboratory testing.
451 STATURE AND OVERWEIGHT IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS.

Background Overweight in childhood has been associated with accelerated linear growth in prepubertal children. Childhood obesity increases the risk for adult short stature. Objectives To compare stature in a group of overweight children and adolescents with CDC 2000 growth charts for normal weight. Methods This study includes baseline anthropometric data from 416 patients with a body mass index ≥ 95 th percentile, in good health except for their obesity, referred to our lifestyle modification program. Study population was divided into two age groups: A, 8 to 11 years, and B, 12 to 16 years. Stature-for-age Z -score (zstatage) was used for comparisons. Results Group A was composed of 206 subjects, mean age 10.2 ± 1.1 years, and group B of 210 subjects; both groups were similar in ethnic distribution (Hispanic, 53%; Caucasian, 24%; African American, 11%; and other races, 12%). Boys and girls from group A were significantly taller than their normal-weight peers. In group B only boys were significantly taller than their normal weight peers. Data are summarized in the table. Conclusion In these overweight pediatric patients the mean stature-for-age z -score for height was statistically higher in all subgroups except in girls 12 to 16 years, suggesting that body mass index is not negatively impacting the linear growth.
Abstract 2117: TRAIL-induced apoptosis in TRAIL-resistant breast carcinoma

Recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (rhTRAIL), the optimized form of the endogenous death ligand TRAIL, shows therapeutic potential for cancer due to its ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells independent of p53, while exhibiting minimal toxicity to normal cells. Despite this, a majority of breast cancers display resistance to rhTRAIL treatment due to up-regulation of pro-apoptotic proteins, down-regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins, and/or up-regulation of death receptors (DR) 4 and 5. To overcome rhTRAIL resistance, natural compounds have been investigated as sensitizing agents. This study considered the application of the naturally occurring flavonol Quercetin (Q). Q has been shown to have the ability to up-regulate DR5 and down-regulate anti-apoptotic proteins in cancer cells, and thereby, making Q a favorable choice to be employed as a sensitizing agent. The intention of this study was to ascertain the capacity of Q to sensitize rhTRAIL-resistant triple negative breast cancer BT-20 cells and hormone-dependent breast cancer MCF-7 cells to rhTRAIL-induced apoptosis and elucidate the underlying mechanism for Q’s sensitization. Q demonstrated the ability to intensify rhTRAIL’s pro-apoptotic effects in the breast cancer BT-20 and MCF-7 cell lines as detected through Annexin V/PI assays followed by FACS analysis. In comparison to single agent treatments, the cotreatment of Q and rhTRAIL enhanced the induction of the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis as marked by PARP cleavage (a hallmark of apoptosis), activation of caspase 8, and activation of the executioner caspases 3 and 7. The mechanism for Q’s augmentation in breast cancer was determined to be through the down-regulation of c-FLIPL (caspase 8 inhibitor) in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, Q promoted the ubiquitination of c-FLIPL facilitating the proteasome-mediated degradation of c-FLIPL in breast cancer. An additional mechanism for Q’s sensitization was displayed in breast cancer BT-20 cells. Q up-regulated DR5 membrane and protein expression in breast cancer BT-20 cells in a dose-dependent manner. RT-PCR analysis revealed that Q’s influence on DR5 expression occurred at the transcriptional level in those breast cancer cells. Thus, these data suggest that the cotreatment of Q and rhTRAIL possesses the therapeutic potential to be an effective anti-breast carcinoma regimen. Citation Format: Jasmine M. Manouchehri, Michael Kalafatis. TRAIL-induced apoptosis in TRAIL-resistant breast carcinoma [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 2117. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2117
Buckling Imperfection Sensitivity of Conical Sandwich Composite Structures for Launch-Vehicles

Structural stability can be an important consideration in the design of large composite shell structures and therefore it is important to understand the buckling response of such structures. It is well known that geometric imperfections can significantly influence the buckling response of such structures by causing the buckling loads to be significantly lower than the theoretical buckling load of a geometrically perfect shell structure. Results are presented of an analytical study on the buckling imperfection sensitivity of large-scale conical sandwich structures for launch vehicles. In particular, representative structures from the Space Launch System launch-vehicle development activities will be considered. The study considered composite sandwich conical structures with multiple sandwich core thicknesses and facesheet layups consisting of tape and fabric composite layups. The results of this analytical study indicate that there is conservatism in the NASA current buckling knockdown factor of 0.33 for conical shell structures. Therefore, it is suggested that the buckling response of composite sandwich cones be further investigated through buckling tests and analytical predictions to potentially revise the buckling design recommendations for conical composite structures.
Non-Perturbative Theory of Above-Threshold Ionization

Within the past few years, the phenomenon called above-threshold ionization (ATI) has been observed [1–93], in which the spectrum of the photoe1ectrons from atomic ionization exhibits a series of peaks corresponding to the absorption of more than the minimum number of photons required for ionization. Starting with Kruit et al.[4], it was then discovered that the lowest order electron energy peaks were suppressed when continuing increases were made in the laser intensity- Most recently, observât ions [7–9] with circularly polarized light have revealed major qualitative and quantitative differences arising from the state of polarization.
Probability and Statistics in Experimental Physics

(1993). Probability and Statistics in Experimental Physics. Journal of Quality Technology: Vol. 25, No. 4, pp. 319-319.
Conhecimento sobre bonecos e a vida do bonequeiro

Como aprender a tornar-se bonequeiro em um tempo em que as formastradicionais parecem fora de moda e novas formas carecem de tradicao? John Bellexplora suas proprias experiencias de aprendizado com o Bread & Puppet Theater, de Peter Schumann, que associa metodos vanguardistas a um forte respeito a tradicao, e explica como ele combina ambas as abordagens em sua propria forma de ensinar, que busca incorporar um extenso conhecimento de praticas do teatro de bonecos do passado a uma abordagem aberta a invencao de novas tecnicas, mesclando velhas e novas formas de atuar com objetos.Palavras-chave: Teatro de Bonecos. Educacao. Bread & Puppet Theater. ObjetosAtuantes.
Examining the impact of celebrity endorsements across consumer segments: an empirical study of Tiger Woods’ endorsement effect on golf equipment

This paper empirically examines whether endorsement effects differ across consumer types–expert vs. novice. The study uses aggregate sales data from the golf equipment industry covering two unique retail channels (on-course and off-course) to estimate endorsement effects for Tiger Woods. The study finds that Tiger Woods’ endorsement of Titleist woods had a greater effect in the off-course retail channel frequented by novice golfers than the on-course channel frequented by experts. I determine that such an effect led to over 28 thousand more Titleist woods being sold and an additional $9.2 million in revenue for the 9 months prior to Tiger Woods switching to endorse Nike apparel and equipment. I also determine that Tiger Woods’ endorsement led to over $500,000 in additional profit for each of the last 5 months of his endorsement contract with Titleist, which provided a 49% Return on Investment from US sales of Titleist woods, putters, and irons. Lastly, I present preliminary evidence to explain a possible reason why the observed endorsement effects varied by consumer types—Tiger Woods’ endorsements were informative to consumers. Specifically, I find support indicating Tiger Woods’ endorsement was more informative to novice golfers than experts.
Education and Intervention Programs for Disordered Eating in the Active Female

After completing this chapter, you should have an understanding of the following: • The importance of self-esteem in the prevention and treatment of disordered eating. • The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) used to explain the process of health behavior change. • Athletes@Risk® prevention program. • General treatment principles. • Medical criteria for hospitalization. • Eating disorder organizations and resources.
Stage 0 Macular Holes: Observations by Optical Coherence Tomography

Objective To introduce the concept of a stage 0 macular hole based on optical coherence tomographic observations of the vitreoretinal interface in fellow eyes of patients with unilateral idiopathic macular holes, and to evaluate the subsequent risk of progression to a full-thickness macular hole. Design Retrospective observational case series. Participants Ninety-four patients with a unilateral stage 2, 3, or 4 full-thickness macular hole. Methods The medical records of patients with a unilateral macular hole diagnosed between 1994 and 2000 at the New England Eye Center were reviewed. Main outcome measure Development of a full-thickness macular hole in the fellow eye on biomicroscopic fundoscopy or optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results In 27 (28.7%) of 94 clinically normal fellow eyes, OCT detected an abnormality of the vitreoretinal interface but normal foveal anatomy. The vitreoretinal abnormalities were further subclassified into severe (4 eyes), moderate (8 eyes), and mild (15 eyes) based on the intensity and morphology of the OCT signal. One of the 4 (25%) severe cases progressed to a full-thickness macular hole, 4 of the 8 (50%) moderate cases became full-thickness macular holes, and no (0%) mild cases progressed to a full-thickness macular hole. Severe and moderate eyes seemed to share characteristic features on OCT that increased their risk of macular hole development (stage 0 macular hole). The macular hole–free survival at 48 months was 94% for stage 0–negative patients, versus 54% for stage 0–positive patients. Univariate analysis revealed that the presence of a stage 0 macular hole was significantly associated with an almost 6-fold increase in the risk of macular hole formation (relative risk: 5.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.16–28.61, P = 0.03). Conclusions A stage 0 macular hole has a normal biomicroscopic appearance clinically, but has salient features on OCT as a result of oblique vitreous traction. Optical coherence tomographic findings consist of a normal foveal contour and normal retinal thickness and must include the presence of a preretinal, minimally reflective, thin band inserting obliquely on at least one side of the fovea. The presence of a stage 0 macular hole in the fellow eye is a significant risk factor for the development of a second macular hole.
Transformative Innovation in Mining and Metallurgy

Established techniques supplied metal for the Industrial Revolution until the electrical age, urbanization, and accelerated transportation in the late nineteenth century created demand that could be met only with transformative innovations in mining, mineral beneficiation, and metallurgy. These happened. Earth- and rock-moving technologies pioneered in Massachusetts transferred westward and enabled underground- and open-pit mining on a scale never before seen. Beneficiation by froth flotation opened low-grade ores to exploitation. Electrowinning and electrolytic refining made pure and light metals. Then concerns about mineral depletion raised by nineteenth-century economists, echoed by mid-twentieth-century geologists, adopted by government agencies, and amplified by futurists were dispelled when geochemists untangled the processes of ore formation, only to be replaced by the realization that sinks, not sources, were limiting. Quantitative methods of tracing the flow of metals with their production wastes and emissions from extraction through use and onto discard revealed the size of the legacy from past mining and consequences of future production. Accidents with toxic tailings and acidic mine waters exposed the unfunded costs and lurking hazards of abandoned mine wastes. Now miners’ biggest problem was not finding more ore; it was gaining acceptance of their operations by communities, environmentalists, and regulators. Transformative innovations to make mining tolerable and remove the legacy of past extraction practices are the agenda for the twenty-first century.
Vision Impairment and Receipt of Eye Care Among Older Adults in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Importance Vision impairment (VI), including blindness, affects hundreds of millions globally, and 90% of those with VI live in low- and middle-income countries. Cross-national comparisons are important to elucidate the unique and shared factors associated with VI and receipt of eye care in different countries and to target those most in need. Objective To identify the characteristics associated with VI and receipt of eye care in a sample of low- and middle-income countries. Design, Setting, and Participants In this study of cross-sectional survey data from wave 1 of the World Health Organization Study on Global Aging and Adult Health, data on sociodemographic characteristics and health were collected from nationally representative samples in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa from 2007 to 2010. Probability sampling with multistage, stratified, random-cluster samples was used to identify households and participants. The survey was completed by 34 159 adults 50 years and older. Data were analyzed from December 2017 to February 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures We analyzed associations of individual-level and household-level covariates with 3 primary outcomes: distance VI (visual acuity worse than 6/18 in the better-seeing eye), near VI (visual acuity worse than 6/18 in the better-seeing eye), and receipt of an eye examination within the previous 2 years. Results The study sample in China consisted of 13 350 participants (50.2% female; mean [SD] age, 62.6 [9.0] years); in Ghana, 4725 participants (50.4% female; mean [SD] age, 64.2 [10.8] years); in India, 7150 participants (48.9% female; mean [SD] age, 61.5 [9.0] years); in Mexico, 2103 participants (52.3% female; mean [SD] age, 69.2 [9.2] years); in Russia, 3763 participants (61.1% female; mean [SD] age, 63.9 [10.4] years); and in South Africa, 3838 participants (55.9% female; mean [SD] age 61.6 [9.5]) (all demographic characteristics weighted to reflect respective populations). The weighted proportion of the study sample with distance VI ranged from 9.9% (95% CI, 9.3-10.5) in China to 25.4% (95% CI, 22.0-29.2) in Russia; near VI, from 28.5% (95% CI, 26.9-30.1) in Ghana to 43.1% (95% CI, 41.1-45.1) in India; and receipt of a recent eye examination, from 15.0% (95% CI, 13.8-16.2) in Ghana to 53.1% (95% CI, 49.3-56.8) in Russia. Educational attainment, medical comorbidities, and memory were significantly associated with all outcomes across most low- and middle-income countries. Female sex, low household wealth, food insecurity, no health insurance, rurality, disability, being unmarried, and low social participation were significantly associated with adverse vision-related outcomes, though less consistently. Conclusions and Relevance There are both common and unique characteristics associated with VI and receipt of eye care across low- and middle-income countries. Our findings suggest that recognizing these factors is important to identify those most at risk and allocate resources optimally. Additional local epidemiological studies are needed.