cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SEPARATION AND PARTIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ERYTHROPOIETIN FROM HUMAN URINE.

Crude erythropoietically active fractions were obtained by precipitation of urine from anemic patients with 80 % acetone at pH 4.0. The precipitate was lyophilized, dialyzed, and again lyophilized. Results from chemical analysis and stability studies are presented for this crude urinary powder. The crude urinary powder (CUP) was purified further by the following procedure: 1) CUP was dissolved in 0.0375 M NaCl (pH 4.5) and introduced into a DEAE cellulose column, and the activity was eluted with 0.15 M NaCl containing 0.05 M Na2HPO4; 2) the DEAE eluent was adjusted to 0.001 M phosphate (pH 6.7) and introduced into a calcium phosphate column, and the activity was eluted with 0.005 M phosphate (pH 6.7); and 3) this final eluent was precipitated with 80% ammonium sulfate. This material contained as much as 136 units/mg of protein and the recovery was approximately 25%.
Just Add Wheels: Leveraging Commodity Laptop Hardware for Robotics and AI Education

Along with steady gains in processing power, commodity laptops are increasingly becoming sensor-rich devices. This trend, driven by consumer demand and enabled by improvements in solid-state sensor technology, offers an ideal opportunity to integrate robotics into K‐12 and undergraduate education. By adding wheels, motors and a motor control board, a modern laptop can be transformed into a capable robot platform, for relatively little additional cost. We propose designing software and curricula around such platforms, leveraging hardware that many students already have in hand. In this paper, we motivate our laptop-centric approach, and demonstrate a proof-of-concept laptop robot based on an Apple MacBook laptop and an iRobot Create mobile base. The MacBook is equipped with a built-in camera and a three-axis accelerometer unit ‐ we use the camera for monocular simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), and the accelerometer for 360 degree collision detection. The paper closes with some suggestions for ways in which to foster more work in this direction.
Ultra low voltage complementary metal oxide semiconductor (ULV-CMOS) circuits: bulk CMOS operation below threshold (V/sub TO/)

To achieve greater reduction in inverter operating voltage and power consumption, ULV-CMOS circuits operating with supply voltages of 900 mV and lower were implemented using bulk processed CMOS transistors. The low voltage operation was achieved by applying the input to both the gate and body of the CMOS transistors. The input voltage forward biases the body to source junction(s), which in turn lowers the V/sub T/'s (threshold voltage) and makes the lower voltage operation possible. A flip-flop and a three stage inverter chain using this technique have been demonstrated.
Testis Tissue Explant Culture Supports Survival and Proliferation of Bovine Spermatogonial Stem Cells

Abstract The present study was designed to evaluate the survival and proliferation of bovine spermatogonial stem cells in an explant culture system over a 2-wk period. Explants of calf testicular parenchyma were placed on 0.45-μm pore membranes in culture and maintained for 1–2 wk. Histological examinations of fresh (t0) and cultured tissues revealed morphologically normal seminiferous tubules. Germ cell numbers/tubule increased (P ≤ 0.05) during culture when compared with t0, yet germ cell differentiation was not observed. Testosterone was present in medium throughout the culture period, indicating functional Leydig cells. Sertoli, spermatogonial, and spermatogonial stem cell viability was evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for cell-specific gene expression of stem cell factor, protein gene product 9.5, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor-α1, respectively. Results demonstrated the expression of all genes at t0, 1 wk, and 2 wk of culture. Single-cell s...
Patterns of gene expression among murine models of hemorrhagic shock/trauma and sepsis

Controversy remains whether the leukocyte genomic response to trauma or sepsis is dependent upon the initiating stimulus. Previous work illustrated poor correlations between historical models of mu...
Process to draft the program educational objectives for undergraduate engineering degree programs

This pre-conference workshop will engage the participants in the process to draft Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) appropriate for undergraduate engineering degree programs at ABET-accredited institutions of higher education. The PEOs must reflect the Mission Statement of the institution and serve as a yardstick of student achievement three to five years following graduation. The PEOs must be crafted such that measurable objective evidence can be obtained through appropriate alumni surveys. To be consistent and effective, the entire engineering department must contribute to the discussion, ratification, and eventual adoption of the PEOs. In order to ensure a meaningful contribution from all faculty members involved in defining the PEOs, this workshop presents a framework that facilitates the discussion and the steps which can be taken to define the PEOs that (1) adhere to the Mission of the University (2) achieve consistent and measurable expectations. In addition, the workshop discusses internal and external review procedures to periodically review and revise the language, assessment, and evaluation of the PEOs. The attendees should expect to gain the following from this workshop. • Understand the step-by-step process to draft and assess PEOs • Draft PEOs which establish the link between the Undergraduate Engineering Degree program and the Mission of the University • Work as individuals and on teams to develop the Department-wide consensus on the formulation and assessment language for each PEO • Learn to clearly distinguish the PEOs from student outcomes.
Association of health insurance with outcomes in adults ages 18 to 64 years with melanoma in the United States.

Background Studies evaluating insurance status and melanoma outcomes are limited. Objective We investigated whether health insurance correlates with more advanced disease, receipt of treatment, and survival in melanoma. Methods This was a cross-sectional analysis of 61,650 patients with cutaneous melanoma using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Results Under multivariate analysis, patients with either Medicaid insurance (hazard ratio, 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65-2.04; P P P P P P P P P Limitations This was a retrospective study. Conclusion Patients with melanoma and Medicaid or uninsured status were more likely to present with advanced disease and were less likely to receive treatment, likely contributing to an overall and cause-specific survival detriment. Addressing access to care may help improve these outcomes.
Electronic patient-reported data capture as the foundation of a learning health care system

6522 Background: In a “learning healthcare system” clinical decisions are supported by accurate information delivered at point of care; information gathered today iteratively informs future care an...
Blunted flow-mediated responses and diminished nitric oxide synthase expression in lymphatic thoracic ducts of a rat model of metabolic syndrome

Flow-mediated inhibition of contraction frequency is blunted in metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) thoracic ducts (TDs) despite a comparable response to exogenous NO. While the NOS inhibitor l-NAME abolis...
Abstract OI-1: Origin of Metastatic Traits in Breast Cancer

Metastasis represents the most devastating stage of cancer progression and is responsible for most of cancer-related death. How and when breast cancer cells acquire metastatic traits is a topic of intense investigation and debate in the field. It has become clear that the development of metastatic capability in cancer cells is a continuous process that is shaped by the tissue of origin of the primary tumor, early oncogenic events, as well as the stresses tumor cells endure when they encounter different microenvironments and therapeutic treatments. Many genes play multiple functions during primary tumorigenesis and metastatic progression, and may represent ideal targets for therapeutic intervention. In this lecture, I will discuss some latest findings in our understanding of the origin and evolution of metastasis traits in breast cancer, with emphasis on the connection of metastasis genes to early events of tumor initiation. Citation Format: Yibin Kang. Origin of Metastatic Traits in Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr OI-1.
Editorial: Introduction to the special issue on computational cognitive modeling

This special issue of Cognitive Systems Research features the top twelve papers from the 4^t^h International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (ICCM-2001). These papers represent the current trends in computational cognitive modeling, displaying both the diversity and commonalities of the field. This introduction to the special issue describes the motivations for the conference and the special issue, and overviews the diversity and commonalities found in the papers.
On complex periodic motions and bifurcations in a periodically forced, damped, hardening Duffing oscillator

Abstract In this paper, analytically predicted are complex periodic motions in the periodically forced, damped, hardening Duffing oscillator through discrete implicit maps of the corresponding differential equations. Bifurcation trees of periodic motions to chaos in such a hardening Duffing oscillator are obtained. The stability and bifurcation analysis of periodic motion in the bifurcation trees is carried out by eigenvalue analysis. The solutions of all discrete nodes of periodic motions are computed by the mapping structures of discrete implicit mapping. The frequency-amplitude characteristics of periodic motions are computed that are based on the discrete Fourier series. Thus, the bifurcation trees of periodic motions are also presented through frequency-amplitude curves. Finally, based on the analytical predictions, the initial conditions of periodic motions are selected, and numerical simulations of periodic motions are carried out for comparison of numerical and analytical predictions. The harmonic amplitude spectrums are also given for the approximate analytical expressions of periodic motions, which can also be used for comparison with experimental measurement. This study will give a better understanding of complex periodic motions in the hardening Duffing oscillator.
Sprinkler Irrigation Droplet Dynamics. I: Review and Theoretical Development

AbstractDroplet dynamics simulations are key to predicting sprinkler irrigation precipitation patterns. This paper includes derivations of equations describing droplet motion through a steady, uniform horizontal airflow (wind). The assumptions on which sprinkler irrigation droplet dynamics is based are stated, and the limitations they entail are highlighted. The motion of droplets is treated as an impulsively started accelerated motion of rigid spheres, originating at the sprinkler nozzle with known initial conditions, and involving no interactions between themselves. The following steps are used in the derivation of pertinent equations. First, the forces that the ambient air exerts on a water droplet undergoing a steady or accelerated rectilinear relative motion are defined, and their significance in the context of sprinkler irrigation droplet dynamics is discussed, based on which relevant equations are derived. This is followed by a discussion on the dynamics of accelerated motion of a water droplet thr...
A Calibration and Quality Assurance Program for Environmental Radon Measurements

The ideal facility for assessing the quality of radon measurements at environmental levels consists of: (1) an instrument whose response to radon and its progeny is determined from measurements of a certified or standard 226Ra source, and (2) a calibration room with a known radon concentration. The linkage between these two elements and additional quality control requirements are discussed here for some Environmental Measurements Laboratory radon measurements programs.
Ethanol-induced fatty liver in rats: effects of pyrazole and glucose.

SummaryThe acute administration of ethanol causes the accumulation of hepatic triglycerides in male rats and to a greater extent in female rats. Pyrazole, injected prior to ethanol administration, completely prevents accumulation of hepatic triglycerides in male rats, whereas in female rats the same treatment with pyrazole only partially lowers accumulation of hepatic triglycerides. Glucose administration simultaneously with ethanol decreases the concentration of hepatic triglycerides equally in both sexes.
Surgical treatment of mammary duct fistula

Objective To compare the effect of the different operation for mammary duct fistula (MDF). Method The clinical data of 85 cases of MDF were analysed retrospectively. Continuous section examinations between the multiple fistula was performed in 3 cases undergoing breastectomy.Results Among the 85 cases with 146 MDF, the opening located within 5cm around areola in 129 cases. MDF incision was performed on 38 cases, 34 cases cured, 4 cases recurred;MDF resection was performed in 44 cases, all the 44 cases were cured;simple mastectomy was performed on 3 cases of extensive breast inflammation,all the 3 cases cured. Conclusions Most of MDF occurs in main mammary duct. Most of the opening of MDF are around the areola. MDF incision or resection is the first choice of operation.
Research on Kalman Filtering Runoff Prediction-correction Method Based on Empirical Mode Decomposition

For the inevitable error existing in hydrological runoff prediction, a Kalman filter correction method based on empirical mode decomposition is presented, in which, the empirical mode decomposition is used to transform runoff into stationary process, and then combined with prediction error rule and different physical process background, the corrected dynamic system analysis technique based on Sigma point Kalman filtering is used to assimilate the output data of a single hydrological model and achieve the optimal control of multi-variable state equation to real-time correct runoff forecasting error. The real-time correction results of model show that the Kalman filter correction method based on empirical mode decomposition can improve runoff forecast accuracy.
License plate position algorithm in complicated scenes

A new algorithm for license plate position in complex backgrounds is proposed in this paper.The algorithm is decomposed into two parts,identification of candidate region and elimination of pseudo-region.The edge information and the texture features of license plate region are used to identify the candidate plates.The complexity of the algorithm is reduced and the accuracy of positioning is also improved.Then a sliding strip window is used to select connectivity blocks in the binary image of the candidate plate.And plate syntactic features are combined to evaluate the candidate plate.The low precision of license plate position in complex background and fuzzy image is solved effectively.Moreover,the results of the positioning provide important prior information for following character segmentation.Experimental results prove that the position method has good real-time performance and high positioning accuracy.In particular,it has strong robust performance for complex backgrounds and fuzzy images.
Subspecialization and general urology.

AbstractSubspecialization within urology is growing, affecting not only teaching and research but the general practice of urology as well. To evaluate present attitudes towards subspecialization a questionnaire was sent to the membership of the Western Section of the American Urological Association. The responses from 561 members (53 per cent) were tabulated by computer and analyzed. Of those in private practice 16 per cent consider themselves to be subspecialists, although half of these have had no formal training. More subspecialize in oncology, andrology and gynecology than in pediatric urology.Opinions toward issuing certificates of special competence are mixed but opposition to board certification is general. A majority of respondents believe that subspecialization might provide better care for some patients but would increase costs, especially for tertiary care. It would not result in inferior care for patients not having access to the subspecialist. Subspecialization would be expected to reduce the...
Introduction: Solid-State Quantum Repeaters

Quantum Information Processing [1] (QIP), roughly defined as that branch of physics, engineering and computer science that attempts to incorporate fundamental concepts from quantum mechanics in order to augment and improve on existing information processing capabilities, was initially proposed as an answer to a fundamental question in both theoretical physics and quantum chemistry: how to keep track of the gigantic state space that is present in large-scale quantum mechanical systems [2]? Such quantum simulation has since become the subject of an entire subfield of study [3], building on the intrinsic state space provided by quantum systems to understand fundamental properties of nature, especially in solid-state and many-body physics – properties and studies that would be intractable using classical mathematical tools based on digital computing power.
What Can You Do?: Studying Social-Agent Orientation and Agent Proactive Interactions with an Agent for Employees

Personal agent software is now in daily use in personal devices and in some organizational settings. While many advocate an agent sociality design paradigm that incorporates human-like features and social dialogues, it is unclear whether this is a good match for professionals who seek productivity instead of leisurely use. We conducted a 17-day field study of a prototype of a personal AI agent that helps employees find work-related information. Using log data, surveys, and interviews, we found individual differences in the preference for humanized social interactions (social-agent orientation), which led to different user needs and requirements for agent design. We also explored the effect of agent proactive interactions and found that they carried the risk of interruption, especially for users who were generally averse to interruptions at work. Further, we found that user differences in social-agent orientation and aversion to agent proactive interactions can be inferred from behavioral signals. Our results inform research into social agent design, proactive agent interaction, and personalization of AI agents.
Amusing Ourselves to Health: A Selected Review of Lab Findings

Scores of scientific studies from various disciplines support the widespread notion that humor and laughter benefit psychological and physiological health. Some of those studies are reviewed here in the context of immune system functions, pain and stress management, cognition, and interpersonal social networks. A final section considers ways in which people in later stages of life might benefit from applied humor and laughter interventions. But there are cautions to consider in the application of the many findings from empirical research on humor and laughter.
REVENUE AND TAXATION Income Taxes: Provide for Income Tax Credits for Purchase or Lease of Certain New Low-Emission Vehicles or Conversion of Conventionally Fueled Vehicles

The Act provides for an income tax credit to individuals and corporations who lease or purchase a new low-emission vehicle or who convert an existing conventionally fueled vehicle to a low emission vehicle on or after January 1, 1998. The new or converted vehicle must be registered in an area of Georgia that has not attained or maintained the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone as designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. For the purchase or lease of a new vehicle, the tax credit is $1500. For a converted vehicle, the tax credit equals the cost of conversion or $1500, whichever is less. The tax credit can be carried forward for three years from the taxable year of lease, purchase, or conversion. Additionally, the tax credit is not applicable to fleet operators of ten or more motor vehicles.
Recent advances in head and neck imaging

MRI is currently the technique of choice for the investigation of many disorders of the head and neck. Most authors feel that MRI is superior to CT for studies of the nasopharynx, upper oropharynx, and internal auditory canal. MRI and MRA have also proven useful in assessing lesions of the skull base and temporal bone. I shall highlight some of the recent advances in head and neck imaging, emphasizing oncologic imaging, and those areas which are under development.
Nationalism or Tribalism? Simko’s Revolt

In Iran, Kurdish aspirations for independence, economic progress, and cultural expression began to develop as a consequence of the political and economic processes of changing the lifestyle of tribes and nomads implemented by the central government of Reza Shah. This process, which started in the 1920s, included the forced settlement of the nomadic tribes of Kurdistan, and their eventual sedentarization, which, in turn, weakened the traditional social and economic ties of the community. This is not to say that any nomadic community which becomes sedentary also pursues ideas of national identity. In the case of the Kurds in Iran, largely due to the government’s repressive policies, Kurdish national aspirations for self-government, cultural expression, and economic progress have been nourished.
Paternalismo industrial, empresa extranjera y campamentos mineros en América Latina: un esfuerzo de historia laboral y transnacional

This article analyzes the history of paternalism and welfare capitalism in Latin American mines and industries during the first half of the twentieth century. From the perspective of labor history and the recent debates about transnational history, this article examines the similarities among different experiences of welfare capitalism as well as its impact on labor relations. Building on this analysis, it argues the importance of welfare capitalism as a managerial ideology and symbol of modernity and progress that sought to create an efficient and productive labor force. Despite the wide range of social benefits and the building of modern working-class neighborhoods and mining camps, Latin American welfare capitalism never displaced repressive practices and, as a result, was unable to shape the laborforce.
A Novel Approach To Improve the Efficiency of Block Freeze Concentration Using Ice Nucleation Proteins with Altered Ice Morphology.

Freeze concentration is a separation process with high success in product quality. The remaining challenge is to achieve high efficiency with low cost. This study aims to evaluate the potential of using ice nucleation proteins (INPs) as an effective method to improve the efficiency of block freeze concentration while also exploring the related mechanism of ice morphology. Our results show that INPs are able to significantly improve the efficiency of block freeze concentration in a desalination model. Using this experimental system, we estimate that approximately 50% of the energy cost can be saved by the inclusion of INPs in desalination cycles while still meeting the EPA standard of drinking water (<500 ppm). Our investigative tools for ice morphology include optical microscopy and X-ray computed tomography imaging analysis. Their use indicates that INPs promote the development of a lamellar structured ice matrix with larger hydraulic diameters, which facilitates brine drainage and contains less brine en...
Shipping Consolidation with Delivery Deadline and Expedited Shipment Options

Problem definition: Shipment consolidation is commonly used to take advantage of the economies of scale by avoiding some of the shipping costs. However, when pending current orders are consolidated with future orders it may require more expensive expedited shipment in order to meet shorter deadlines. In this paper, we study the optimal consolidation policy focusing on the trade-off between economies of scale and expedited shipping costs. Academic/Practical Relevance: Our work is motivated by the prevalence of consolidation in the supply chain industry and also by its potential application for online and omni-channel retailing, especially with the rise of, so-called, on-demand logistic services. In such situations, sellers, have the flexibility to take advantage of consolidation, by deciding from which warehouse to fulfill the orders and also when to ship the orders, as long as the orders deadlines are met. Methodology: We use Dynamic Programming to study the optimal policy and its structure. We also conduct intensive simulation tests to show the good performance of heuristics which we proposed based on structures of the optimal policy. Results: The optimal policies and their structures are characterized in settings with up to two warehouses, where the impact of expedited shipment on both shipping policy and order fulfillment policy are explored. Utilizing the insights of these structural properties, two easily implementable heuristics are proposed, which perform within 1-2% of the optimal in intensive numerical tests. Managerial Implications: Despite the complexity of the actual optimal consolidation policy, sellers can apply the two simple heuristic policies we proposed to get near-optimal performance in various cases.
THEORY AND MEASUREMENT OF VISUAL MECHANISMS : VII. THE FLICKER RESPONSE FUNCTION OUTSIDE THE FOVEA.

The several parameters of the flicker response contour (F – log I) are considered as a function of wave-length composition (white, blue, and red) and light-time fraction, for an extra-foveal region (monocular, temporal retina). These data are compared with those secured for the same image area centrally fixated at the fovea. The systematic changes in the parameters are shown to be in rational relation to other relevant excitability data. Since for two retinal regions the primary contours are quite different, the systematic nature of the behavior of the parameters in the two cases is a real test of the power of the analysis proposed. Theoretical interpretation is required to deal with the properties of sets of performance contours under systematically varied conditions, and cannot rely simply on the comparison of (for example) two contours under the same arbitrary conditions at two retinal locations. In particular it is emphasized that a qualitative separation must be made of the two factors of (a) number of units and (b) the frequencies of their actions, before the wave-length problem can be dealt with effectively.
Resource Allocation with Carrier Aggregation for Commercial Use of 3.5 GHz Spectrum

It is better to use the second paragraph of the chapter as an abstract as follows: In this chapter, we introduce an application-aware spectrum sharing approach for sharing the Federal under-utilized 3.5 GHz spectrum with commercial users. In our model, users are running elastic or inelastic traffic and each application running on the UE is assigned a utility function based on its type. Furthermore, each of the small cells’ users has a minimum required target utility for its application. In order for users located under the coverage area of the small cells’ eNodeBs, with the 3.5 GHz band resources, to meet their minimum required quality of experience (QoE), the network operator makes a decision regarding the need for sharing the macro cell’s resources to obtain additional resources. Our objective is to provide each user with a rate that satisfies its application’s minimum required utility through spectrum sharing approach and improve the overall QoE in the network. We present an application-aware spectrum sharing multi-stage algorithm that is based on resource allocation with carrier aggregation to allocate macro cell permanent resources and small cells’ leased resources to UEs based on a utility proportional fairness policy, and allocate each user’s application an aggregated rate that can at minimum achieve the application’s minimum required utility
Losing Pravda: Ethics and The Press in Post-Truth Russia

What happens when journalism is made superfluous? Combining ethnography, media analysis, moral and political theory this book examines the unravelling of professional journalism in Russia over the past twenty-five years, and its effects on society. It argues that, contrary to widespread assumptions, late Soviet-era journalists shared a cultural contract with their audiences, which ensured that their work was guided by a truth-telling ethic. Post-communist economic and political upheaval led not so much to greater press freedom as to the de-professionalization of journalism, as journalists found themselves having to monetize their truth-seeking skills. This has culminated in a perception of journalists as political prostitutes, or members of the 'second oldest profession', as they are commonly termed in Russia. Roudakova argues that this cultural shift has fundamentally eroded the value of truth-seeking and telling in Russian society.
Parametric Human Modeling

Occupants who are older or have different stature or body shapes than midsized, young males are often at greater risk of death and serious injuries in motor-vehicle crashes. Due to the time-consuming process of defining geometry targets and meshing, traditional finite element (FE), whole-body, human models do not adequately account for morphological variations in skeletons and external shapes of people's bodies, and therefore the results of the simulations are not representative of the whole human population. A great opportunity to broaden research in injury biomechanics is to improve parametric FE models by incorporating a wide range of human attributes to more adequately represent the occupants. This chapter first discusses the results of a literature review conducted to highlight the increased injury risks for vulnerable populations. Next, the factors associated with these increased risks, and the need to develop a parametric human model to account for the morphological and biomechanical variations among these populations, are presented. The method for developing the parametric human model is then introduced. This includes a general method for developing statistical models of human geometry, and a method to automate the model development process of mesh morphing. Finally, an example of parametric human modeling for occupants with various obesity levels is given. Brief introductions regarding material properties and validations of the parametric human models are also presented.
Helping all Students Become Einstein’s using Bibliotherapy when Teaching Mathematics to Prepare Students for a STEM World

Today, being confident and having a sound understanding of mathematics is critical in an age of STEM. Teachers must play in important role in seeing that all students display their confidence in their ability to do mathematics. This paper explains the process of using bibliotherapy when teaching mathematics to address both the math anxious or the math gifted student to build more math confidence in a STEM world. Often gifted students of mathematics can be made to feel bad by their peers just because they know mathematics and things come easy to them. Today there are many students in school that have math anxiety. Children's and adolescent literature has been recognized now as a means to teaching mathematics to students through the use of stories to make the mathematics concepts relevant and meaningful. Literature can also be used as a form of therapy, bibliotherapy, to reach students who may be frustrated with children picking on them for knowing a lot of mathematics or who are math anxious. Story and picture books such as Counting on Frank, Math Curse and A Gebra Named Al are now available to use in the classroom as forms of bibliotherapy in helping students come to terms with issues that haunt them as it relates to mathematics. Children's books can be beneficial to address the math anxious and even the gifted. In this paper the author proposes using reading and discussion (bibliotherapy) to help all students become confident in mathematics in the STEM world we live in.
Degree Aware Triangulation of Annular Regions

Generating constrained triangulation of point sites distributed in the plane is an important problem in computational geometry. We present theoretical and experimental investigation results for generating triangulations for polygons and point sites that address node degree constraints. We characterize point sites that have almost all vertices of odd degree. We present experimental results on the node degree distribution of Delaunay triangulation of point sites generated randomly. Additionally, we present a heuristic algorithm for triangulating a given normal annular region with increased number of even degree vertices.
Sound from the Boltzmann Equation

It is remarkable that after a hundred years we have still so much to learn about the Boltzmann equation. Professor Uhlenbeck has already mentioned some mathematical questions about the H-theorem for the spatially non-uniform case [1]. I would like to draw your attention to some recent results of E. Hauge, who shows that certain solutions of the non-linear Boltzmann equation show an approach to equilibrium which for long times is like an inverse power of the time, not exponential as one would expect [2]. This strange and surprising result is an example showing how much we have yet to learn about the solutions of the Boltzmann equation.
Spin Dependent Quark Forces and the Spin Content of the Nucleon

The spin crisis of the nucleon is that the quark spin contribution is only a small fraction of the nucleon spin. A relativistic Dirac equation approach is followed assuming three low mass current quarks in the nucleon described by a (1/2+)3 configuration. If the lower component contribution to the normalization of the quark wave function is about 0.18, then the axial charge of the nucleon can be reproduced. However including the same lower component to every quark wave function is not enough to resolve the spin crisis. The net u quark spin z component is predicted as 1.0 and the net d quark spin z component is predicted as −0.25, both in disagreement with experiment. These predictions can be brought into agreement with experiment if flavor independent but spin dependent forces are assumed between the quarks. The strength of the spin dependent force found by empirically fitting the nucleon spin data is shown to be comparable to the spin dependence that can explain the Δ-nucleon mass difference. The spin content of the Δ+ is then predicted using the interactions that reproduce the spin content of the proton.
Ethics and Agricultural Education: Determining Needs

Consumers today are faced with a changing world, both through technology and public opinion. As the consuming public becomes more interested in techniques used in the production of the food and fiber they demand, the agriculturist must necessarily become more involved in public relations. As Charles Blatz so eloquently points out in his book,Ethics and Agriculture: An anthology on current issues in world context:
A link between plasma membrane calcium ATPase 2 (PMCA2), estrogen and estrogen receptor α signaling in mechanical pain.

Earlier studies on genetically modified mice indicated that plasma membrane calcium ATPase 2 (PMCA2), a calcium extrusion pump, plays a novel and sex-dependent role in mechanical pain responses: female, but not male, PMCA2+/− mice manifest increased mechanical pain compared to female PMCA2+/+ mice. The goal of the present studies was to determine the contribution of ovarian steroids to the genotype- and sex-dependent manifestation of mechanical pain in PMCA2+/+ versus PMCA2+/− mice. Ovariectomy increased mechanical pain sensitivity and 17β-estradiol (E2) replacement restored it to basal levels in PMCA2+/+ mice, but not in PMCA2+/− littermates. Intrathecal administration of an estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) agonist induced ERα signaling in the dorsal horn (DH) of female PMCA2+/+ mice, but was ineffective in PMCA2+/− mice. In male PMCA2+/+ and PMCA2+/− mice, E2 treatment following orchidectomy did not recapitulate the genotype-dependent differential pain responses observed in females and the agonist did not elicit ERα signaling. These findings establish a novel, female-specific link between PMCA2, ERα and mechanical pain. It is postulated that PMCA2 is essential for adequate ERα signaling in the female DH and that impaired ERα signaling in the female PMCA2+/− mice hinders the analgesic effects of E2 leading to increased sensitivity to mechanical stimuli.
Imatinib is still recommended for frontline therapy for CML.

The treatment of chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) was revolutionized by the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) against the chimeric fusion protein BCR-ABL1. The introduction of imatinib, the first BCR-ABL1 TKI, changed a usually fatal disease with long-term survival of <15%1 into a manageable chronic condition for the vast majority of patients. After imatinib was approved for treating CP-CML, efforts to improve efficacy led to frontline approvals of 3 second-generation agents: nilotinib, dasatinib, and bosutinib. These agents have increased potency against BCR-ABL1, and they produce cytogenetic and molecular remissions more rapidly than imatinib; however, this has not yet translated into better long-term outcomes.2 When evaluating therapeutic options for newly diagnosed patients with CP-CML, one must consider clinically relevant end points such as progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) as well as tolerance, safety, cost, and possible discontinuation.3 Here, we review these end points to demonstrate that imatinib should still be recommended as frontline therapy for most adults with low- and intermediate-risk CP-CML.
Noisy Vibrational Response of a Cylindrical Object: Identification and Tracking

In this paper we discuss the signal processing of a cylindrical object, a pipe (in air), subjected to random excitations by a hammer-like surface from a cam-driven motor. The overall objective of this effort is to develop real-time hardware capable of monitoring mechanical systems (structures) for potential anomalies. We briefly discuss the development process: (1) theoretical modeling; (2) sophisticated simulations; (3) analysis; (4) controlled experiments; (5) signal processing; (6) modal frequency estimation; and (7) modal tracking. The primary emphasis is on the signal processing, modal extraction and tracking for single and multi-channel data.
Mycelium Artifacts: Exploring Shapeable and Accessible Biofabrication

We present our work with mycelium-the vegetative part of a fungus made up of fine filaments that can be grown on a substrate to take a specific form-as a sustainable and accessible biofabrication material for DIS. Over the course of one year, our interdisciplinary team experimented with growing diverse 3D forms out of mycelium. Drawing on examples from our hands-on work, our DIS demo will present three fabrication possibilities of mycelium 1) disposable low fidelity enclosures for rapid prototypes; 2) mycelium forms sculpted with everyday materials; and 3) physical replicas of 3D models grown out of mycelium. We also describe challenges and workarounds for adopting mycelium into HCI workflows based on the obstacles we encountered.
Overgrowth Syndromes Associated with Vascular Anomalies

Abstract Congenital overgrowth syndromes are characterized by excessive proliferation of an organ or region of the body 1 . Many of these syndromes are the result of unknown genetic mutations, however most can be traced back to somatic mutations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which serves as a regulatory cornerstone for cellular growth and angiogenesis. This review focuses on the clinical diagnosis and imaging findings of overgrowth syndromes associated with vascular anomalies within the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
The Effects of Bullets

Bullets cause wounds by interacting with body tissues. The kinetic energy (KE) of a bullet is given by the formula KE = 1/2 MV 2, where M is the bullet’s mass and V is the velocity. While the formula indicates how much energy is available, it does not describe how this energy is used nor the surgical magnitude of the problem.
Poly-pharmacy Interdisciplinary Review Process: A Strategy for Psychotropic Medication Oversight

Purpose: Youth in foster care are prescribed psychotropic medications at a rate 3 times higher than other Medicaid youth, and have a higher rate of polypharmacy. Children in foster care are also more likely to stay on these medications for longer than their Medicaid matched peers. Federal legislation has mandated increased oversight of psychotropic medications in this population, but limited data exist on the most effective strategy to accomplish this. A Polypharmacy Interdisciplinary Case Review (PICR) process was developed for foster youth prescribed >3 psychotropic medications as a strategy for …
A Holy Exchange: The Dedicatory Epistle of Clément Marot’s Translation of the Psalms

Clement Marot, poet and evangelical sympathizer, published his own translation of thirty psalms in 1541, which in itself was not remarkable at the time. However, what distinguishes this collection is the dedicatory epistle that precedes it. Marot does more than flatter the king, to whom he dedicates his work, or introduce the text that follows. In this article, I argue that Marot composes a dedicatory epistle that, while following contemporary conventions of the genre, takes advantage of those conventions to accomplish a specific evangelical goal in a complex and sensitive religious and political environment. The text creates a typical exchange between patron and poet—the patron’s protection in return for the poet’s gift of the text—but Marot ultimately intends to bypass his patron and bestow a more profound gift upon the French people by way of this exchange, namely, to further a more evangelical scriptural approach and devotional practice.
Team cognition in a cyber defense context: focus on social support behaviors

In the face of increasingly prominent cyber security issues, the organization of cyber team analysts has become crucial to thwart cyber threats. Few studies have examined the functioning of the team and the interaction between individuals in a cyber defense context and how the context influences team adaptation. The present study investigates team cognition in a cyber defense context and in particular the nature of task- or team-centered communication among analysts during a cyber defense simulation exercise. Results indicate that markers of situation assessment and shared mental models are both strategically present and linked. Nevertheless, the frequency of these markers varies depending on the quantity and quality of problems encountered; in particular, variations in social support behaviors are observed. Decreasing social support behaviors during high level activities suggests the adaptation of social behaviors depending on the threats and attacks on the system. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed in terms of theories and potential consequences for strategic adaptation and team resilience.
T'ai Chi for Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults: A Feasibility Trial

Objectives: T'ai chi (TC) has been found effective for improving chronic low back pain (cLBP). However, such studies did not include adults over 65 years of age. This study was designed to evaluate...
Estimating Preisach Density via Subset Selection

Preisach density is drawing increasing attention for interpreting material properties for memory and storage electronics. Preisach density can be linked to the observed hysteresis loops via the Preisach model that is based on the superposition of relay operators. Reconstructing Preisach density from hysteresis is an ill-posed problem with nonunique solutions. To alleviate ambiguities, we address Preisach density reconstruction as a constrained subset selection task utilizing structured sparsity regularizations. We validate our approach under various simulation settings and apply it on experimental band-excitation piezoresponse spectroscopy (BEPS) datasets to gain insights in microstructure-dependent properties of the tip-surface contact.
Functionalized Graphene Nanoparticles Induce Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Express Distinct Extracellular Matrix Proteins Mediating Osteogenesis.

Purpose The extracellular matrix (ECM) labyrinthine network secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) provides a microenvironment that enhances cell adherence, proliferation, viability, and differentiation. The potential of graphene-based nanomaterials to mimic a tissue-specific ECM has been recognized in designing bone tissue engineering scaffolds. In this study, we investigated the expression of specific ECM proteins when human fat-derived adult MSCs adhered and underwent osteogenic differentiation in the presence of functionalized graphene nanoparticles. Methods Graphene nanoparticles with 6-10% oxygen content were prepared and characterized by XPS, FTIR, AFM and Raman spectroscopy. Calcein-am and crystal violet staining were performed to evaluate viability and proliferation of human fat-derived MSCs on graphene nanoparticles. Alizarin red staining and quantitation were used to determine the effect of graphene nanoparticles on osteogenic differentiation. Finally, immunofluorescence assays were used to investigate the expression of ECM proteins during cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation. Results Our data show that in the presence of graphene, MSCs express specific integrin heterodimers and exhibit a distinct pattern of the corresponding bone-specific ECM proteins, primarily fibronectin, collagen I and vitronectin. Furthermore, MSCs undergo osteogenic differentiation spontaneously without any chemical induction, suggesting that the physicochemical properties of graphene nanoparticles might trigger the expression of bone-specific ECM. Conclusion Understanding the cell-graphene interactions resulting in an osteogenic niche for MSCs will significantly improve the application of graphene nanoparticles in bone repair and regeneration.
Analysis of abnormality of ECG in health examined persons

Objective To analyze the occurrence rate and distribution of electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities in health examined persons. Method 12 815 ECG data of different ages were reviewed according to age and sexuality. Results Among 12 815 cases,the electrocardiogram of normal and abnormal were-10 143 cases(79.1% ) and 2 672 cases (20.9% ) ; Prevalence major abnormal ECG was ST-T changes ( 16. 50% ) , sinus bradycardia (14. 70% ) .bundle branch block( 14.25% ) , sinus arrhytmia( 10. 89% ) in different ages; Most of abnormal ECG increased with age. A few abnormal ECG such as sinus bradycardia,sinus tachycardi preexcitation, however, decrease-with age. (3 ) Prevalence of most of abnormal ECG in male was higher than that in female, there were significant difference between two groups (χ~2=4.02, P <0.05). Conclusion Abnormal ECG in health persons contributes to early discoverg of heart disease. Key words: Electrocardiography; Arrhythmia; Health examination
Where and When: Sharpening the lens on geographic disparities in mortality.

This research was supported by the NIA (R01AG060109). The authors gratefully acknowledge use of the facilities of the Center for Demography of Health and Aging at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, funded by NIA Center Grant P30 AG017266. This paper uses data obtained from the public-use file of the National Longitudinal Mortality Study. The file is provided to persons interested in research by the U.S. Census Bureau. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Longitudinal Mortality Study, the Bureau of the Census, or the project sponsors: the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute on Aging, and the National Center for Health Statistics.