cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment of addictive behaviors in liver transplant patients

Very little addiction treatment research has been done concerning smoking cessation, illicit drugs, or even alcohol abuse in liver transplant patients. Our data suggest that a surprising number of patients who are awaiting a liver transplant for alcohol-related end-stage liver disease will return to drinking before transplantation. We found that motivational enhancement therapy afforded no marked benefit over treatment as usual for drinking, smoking, mood, or general health outcomes in alcoholics awaiting liver transplantation. Stably abstinent methadone-maintained opiate-dependent patients should not be tapered off methadone; are generally good candidates for liver transplant; show low relapse rates into illicit use of opiates; and may be at risk for more medical complications than their counterparts. Pre- and posttransplantation smoking rates are high and cause marked morbidity and mortality. Transplant teams should encourage smoking cessation treatments.Marijuana use in liver transplant recipients is not uncommon, and apart from the risk of developing aspergillosis, additional health risks have not yet been identified.
The Advent of Neo-Revisionism?

Five distinguished scholars offer separate commentaries on the article by Michael Cox and Caroline Kennedy-Pipe. All of the commentators reject the broad interpretation and many of the specific arguments put forth by Cox and Kennedy-Pipe. They point out several crucial issues that are omitted from the article and raise questions about the authors' sources, use of evidence, and selective invocation of secondary literature. They regret that Cox and Kennedy Pipe seem to dwell on a large number of the same matters that preoccupied radical revisionist historians in the 1960s. They argue that although Cox and Kennedy-Pipe offer a more sophisticated version of revisionism, their article suffers from many of the same shortcomings. Most of the commentators believe that the Marshall Plan merely reflected a division of Europe that was already well under way rather than being the precipitating cause. In that sense, the debate on the origins of the Cold War needs to go well beyond the issues raised by Cox and Kennedy-...
Length-dependence of cross-bridge mediated activation of the cardiac thin filament.

Abstract Length-dependent Ca 2+ activation of the thin filament plays a critical role in the steep force–length relationship of cardiac muscle (Frank-Starling relation). Recent evidence indicates that the increase in myofilament Ca 2+ sensitivity and Ca 2+ -troponin C affinity that occurs with increase in sarcomere length results from a cooperative activation of the thin filament by attached cross-bridges. At short sarcomere length the Ca 2+ sensitivity is lower because the access of cross-bridges for actin is reduced. The aim of this study was to determine the length-dependence of myosin-mediated thin filament activation in skinned bovine ventricular muscle, as assayed by the generation of force with progressive reduction of MgATP concentration in the absence of Ca 2+ . If the interaction between myosin and actin is weaker at short sarcomere length there should be a lower MgATP concentration needed to maintain the relaxed state. Contrary to expectation, the force–pMgATP relationship was not significantly influenced by change in sarcomere length. However this relationship became length-sensitive in the presence of phosphate analogs which stabilize weak-binding cross-bridges. We suggest that sarcomere length modulates Ca 2+ sensitivity by controlling the size of the population of thin filament regulatory units in the weakly-bound state.
Early teacher expectations disproportionately affect poor children's high school performance

This research used prospective longitudinal data to examine the associations between first-grade teachers' over- and underestimation of their students' math abilities, basic reading abilities, and language skills and the students' high school academic performance, with special attention to the subject area and moderating effects of student demographic characteristics. Teachers' inaccurate expectations in first grade predicted students' math, reading comprehension, vocabulary knowledge, and verbal reasoning standardized test scores at age 15. Significant interactions between students' family income and teachers' misperceptions of students' math and language skills were found, such that teachers' over- and underestimation of abilities had a stronger impact on students from lower income families than on students from more affluent homes. In contrast, the effects of teachers' misperceptions of students' basic reading abilities on performance at age 15 did not differ by income. These results have implications for understanding the complexities of self-fulfilling prophecies and for understanding the achievement gap between students from disadvantaged and advantaged homes.
Prescription Opioid Initiation, Correlates, and Consequences Among a Sample of OEF/OIF Military Personnel

Prescription opioid (PO) misuse represents a major health risk for many service members and veterans. This paper examines the pathways to misuse among a sample of US veterans who recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan to low-income, predominately minority sections of New York City. Recreational PO misuse was not common on deployment. Most PO misusers initiated use subsequent to PO use for pain management, an iatrogenic pathway. However, most PO users did not misuse them. Veterans that misused POs were more likely to have other reintegration problems including drug and alcohol use disorders, traumatic brain injury (TBI), unemployment, and homelessness.
The finite-difference computation of natural convection in a rectangular enclosure

A study is made of the natural convection of a fluid contained in a long horizontal enclosure of rectangular cross section with one vertical wall heated and the other cooled. Two-dimensional motion is assumed. The governing vorticity and energy transport equations are solved by an implicit alternating direction finite-difference method. Transient and steady state isothermals and streamlines are obtained for Grashof numbers up to 100,000 and for height-to-width ratios of 1, 2, and 3.
Increasing the proportion of women in academic medicine: one institution's response.

Objective To increase gender diversity among the physician consulting staff (PCS) at a major medical center. Design Because the proportion of female PCS at academic medical centers in the United States has not increased commensurately with increases in the proportion of female graduates from American medical schools, a modeling and graphing technique was developed to analyze this problem and recommend solutions for one large academic medical center. Material and Methods Personnel data, by gender and year from 1980 through 1994, were collected for all PCS at Mayo Clinic Rochester (MCR). These data were compared with similar data from other US academic medical centers and were used to develop models to predict the proportion of female PCS at MCR yearly until 2005, assuming various hiring and resignation patterns. Novel techniques were developed to illustrate and compare the models. Model-based predictions were compared with national projections, and a realistic target proportion of female PCS was defined on the basis of assumptions about the proportion of female graduates from medical school and internship programs during the next 10 years as well as probable hiring, retention, and resignation rates at MCR. To identify issues critical to recruitment, retention, and professional growth of female PCS at MCR, we used factor analysis to assess responses to a confidential questionnaire sent to all female faculty members. Results In 1994 and 1995, the proportion of female PCS was 25% at US academic medical centers but only 15% at MCR, and the rate at which this proportion increased from 1980 through 1994 at MCR was also lower than the national rate. Model-based predictions demonstrated that gradually (1.5% per year) increasing the female percentage of new recruits from 26% in 1995 to 40% in 2005 would achieve the targeted 25% female PCS in 13 years. Questionnaire responses from 119 (68%) of the 175 female PCS at MCR identified 6 important-recommendations for recruitment and retention of female PCS: survey resignees and candidates who decline positions; appoint more qualified women to policy-making committees; require sensitivity and diversity training for all staff (especially leaders); develop explicit, gender-sensitive criteria for selecting department and division chairs; compare Mayo gender and diversity data with national data at the department or division level; and develop mechanisms for mentoring junior female staff members. Conclusion We developed useful methods for analyzing the PCS gender distribution, defined feasible hiring strategies, and identified specific recommendations to enhance the professional experience of female PCS. These methods can provide a model for other institutions seeking to optimize gender diversity among their staff.
Exercise Can Prevent and Reverse the Severity of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of sudden death in young competitive athletes. However, exercise has also been shown to be beneficial in the setting of other cardiac diseases. We examined the ability of voluntary exercise to prevent or reverse the phenotypes of a murine model of HCM harboring a mutant myosin heavy chain (MyHC). No differences in voluntary cage wheel performance between nontransgenic (NTG) and HCM male mice were seen. Exercise prevented fibrosis, myocyte disarray, and induction of "hypertrophic" markers including NFAT activity when initiated before established HCM pathology. If initiated in older HCM animals with documented disease, exercise reversed myocyte disarray (but not fibrosis) and "hypertrophic" marker induction. In addition, exercise returned the increased levels of phosphorylated GSK-3beta to those of NTG and decreased levels of phosphorylated CREB in HCM mice to normal levels. Exercise in HCM mice also favorably impacted components of the apoptotic signaling pathway, including Bcl-2 (an inhibitor of apoptosis) and procaspase-9 (an effector of apoptosis) expression, and caspase-3 activity. Remarkably, there were no differences in mortality between exercised NTG and HCM mice. Thus, not only was exercise not harmful but also it was able to prevent and even reverse established cardiac disease phenotypes in this HCM model.
PROTEIN FORTIFICATION OF CORN TORTILLAS WITH OILSEED FLOURS

In work performed at the Food Protein R&D Center, three oilseed flours-deglanded liquid cyclone process (LCP) cottonseed flour, glandless cottonseed flour, and a high nitrogen solubility soy flour were used to fortify corn tortillas. Tortillas containing each of these flours blended with a corn tortilla flour to give 11%, 13%, and 15% protein in the blends were statistically compared in sensory tests for flavor, texture, and overall acceptability. An analysis of variance performed on panel scores indicated that the panel had no preference among the corn control tortillas and tortillas fortified with LCP and glandless cottonseed flours. The panel did, however, show a significant preference for each of these tortillas over soy-fortified tortillas. In color comparisons made with a Hunter Color-Difference meter, tortillas fortified with deglanded LCP cottonseed flour were increased in color over that of tortillas fortified with the other flours at the 11% protein level. As the amount of oilseed flours increased above the 11% blend level, the color of tortillas fortified with glandless and LCP increased noticeably. However, the color of soy-fortified tortillas essentially remained the same. Fortification of tortillas at the 11%, 13% and 15% blend levels increased the total protein by 18%, 40% and 61%, respectively. These tests indicated that protein-enriched tortillas can be prepared using oilseed flours.
Teachers' Grading Practices: Meaning and Values.

Classroom teachers do not always follow recommended grading practices. Why not? It is possible to conceptualize this question as a validity issue and ask whether teachers' concerns over the many uses of grades outweigh concerns about the interpretation of grades. The purpose of this study was to investigate the meaning classroom teachers associate with grades, the value judgments they make when considering grades, and whether the meaning or values associated with grades differed by whether teachers had measurement instruction. A sample of 84 teachers, 40 with and 44 without measurement instruction, responded to classroom grading scenarios in two ways–with multiple-choice responses indicating what they would do and with written responses to the question, “Why did you make this choice?” A coding scheme based on Messick's (1989a, 1989b) progressive matrix of facets of validity was used for quantitative and qualitative analyses of written responses. The meaning of grades is closely related to the idea of student work; grades are pay students earn for activities they perform. The relationship of this notion to classroom management should be investigated. Teachers do make value judgments when assigning grades and are especially concerned about being fair. Teachers also are concerned about the consequences of grade use, especially for developing student self-esteem and good attitudes toward future school work. Measurement instruction made very little difference, although it did reduce the amount of self-referenced grading reported.
Behavioral Studies and Genetic Alterations in Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) Neurocircuitry: Insights into Human Psychiatric Disorders

To maintain well-being, all organisms require the ability to re-establish homeostasis in the presence of adverse physiological or psychological experiences. The regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis during stress is important in preventing maladaptive responses that may increase susceptibility to affective disorders. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is a central stress hormone in the HPA axis pathway and has been implicated in stress-induced psychiatric disorders, reproductive and cardiac function, as well as energy metabolism. In the context of psychiatric disorders, CRH dysfunction is associated with the occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, anorexia nervosa, and anxiety disorders. Here, we review the synthesis, molecular signaling and regulation, as well as synaptic activity of CRH. We go on to summarize studies of altered CRH signaling in mutant animal models. This assembled data demonstrate an important role for CRH in neuroendocrine, autonomic, and behavioral correlates of adaptation and maladaptation. Next, we present findings regarding human genetic polymorphisms in CRH pathway genes that are associated with stress and psychiatric disorders. Finally, we discuss a role for regulators of CRH activity as potential sites for therapeutic intervention aimed at treating maladaptive behaviors associated with stress.
The Soudan Mine Experiment

The baryon decay detector installed in the Soudan mine is, at the present time (January 1981), nearing its initial operation. It is appropriate to review the design, construction and the physics possibilities for this first experiment expressly designed as a baryon decay detector.
Population density methods for large-scale modelling of neuronal networks with realistic synaptic kinetics: cutting the dimension down to size

Population density methods provide promising time-saving alternatives to direct Monte Carlo simulations of neuronal network activity, in which one tracks the state of thousands of individual neurons and synapses. A population density method has been found to be roughly a hundred times faster than direct simulation for various test networks of integrate-and-fire model neurons with instantaneous excitatory and inhibitory post-synaptic conductances. In this method, neurons are grouped into large populations of similar neurons. For each population, one calculates the evolution of a probability density function (PDF) which describes the distribution of neurons over state space. The population firing rate is then given by the total flux of probability across the threshold voltage for firing an action potential. Extending the method beyond instantaneous synapses is necessary for obtaining accurate results, because synaptic kinetics play an important role in network dynamics. Embellishments incorporating more realistic synaptic kinetics for the underlying neuron model increase the dimension of the PDF, which was one-dimensional in the instantaneous synapse case. This increase in dimension causes a substantial increase in computation time to find the exact PDF, decreasing the computational speed advantage of the population density method over direct Monte Carlo simulation. We report here on a one-dimensional model of the PDF for neurons with arbitrary synaptic kinetics. The method is more accurate than the mean-field method in the steady state, where the mean-field approximation works best, and also under dynamic-stimulus conditions. The method is much faster than direct simulations. Limitations of the method are demonstrated, and possible improvements are discussed.
Impact of collisional versus viscous dissipation on flow instabilities in gas–solid systems

Flow instabilities encountered in the homogeneous cooling of a gas‐solid system are considered via lattice-Boltzmann simulations. Unlike previous efforts, the relative contribution of the two mechanisms leading to instabilities is explored: viscous dissipation (fluid-phase effects) and collisional dissipation (particle-phase effects). The results indicate that the instabilities encountered in the gas‐solid system mimic those previously observed in their granular (no fluid) counterparts, namely a velocity vortex instability that precedes in time a clustering instability. We further observe that the onset of the instabilities is quicker in more dissipative systems, regardless of the source of the dissipation. Somewhat surprisingly however, a cross-over of the kinetic energy levels is observed during the evolution of the instability. Specifically, the kinetic energy of the gas‐solid system is seen to become greater than that of its granular counterpart (i.e. same restitution coefficient) after the vortex instability sets in. This cross-over of kinetic energy levels between a more dissipative system (gas‐solid) and a less dissipative system (granular) can be explained by the alignment of particle motion found in a vortex. Such alignment leads to a reduction in both collisional and viscous energy dissipation due to the more glancing nature of collisions.
All-Digital PLL with Ultra Fast Acquisition

A fully-digital frequency synthesizer for RF wireless applications has recently been proposed. At its foundation lies a digitally-controlled oscillator that deliberately avoids any analog tuning controls. The conventional phase/frequency detector, charge pump and RC loop filter are replaced by a time-to-digital converter and a simple digital loop filter. When implemented in a digital deep-submicron CMOS process, the proposed architecture is more advantageous over conventional charge-pump-based PLL's since it exploits signal processing capabilities of digital circuits and avoids relying on the fine voltage resolution of analog circuits. In this paper, we present novel techniques used in the all-digital PLL to achieve an ultra-fast frequency acquisition of les50 mus while maintaining excellent phase noise and spurious performance during transmission and reception. This approach has been validated and incorporated in a commercial single-chip Bluetooth radio realized in 130-nm CMOS
Why Paul Nathan Attacked Albert Ballin: The Transatlantic Mass Migration and the Privatization of Prussia's Eastern Border Inspection, 1886–1914

Albert Ballin was one of Imperial Germany's most successful business leaders. He early recognized the impact and possibilities of the expansion and integration of global markets. Within little more than a decade after he had joined the management of the Hamburg-Amerikanische-Paketfahrt-Aktien-Gesellschaft (HAPAG) in 1886, he turned an already significant enterprise into the world's largest steamship line. As a leading manager and later as HAPAG director general, Ballin was a major force behind Hamburg's rise to Imperial Germany's second largest city. Due in no small part to HAPAG's spectacular growth, Hamburg emerged as a key global port for passengers and freight by the turn of the century. But Ballin was not just a gifted business leader in a highly innovative economic sector; he also had access to some of the highest figures in Berlin. Ballin repeatedly met with the Kaiser and government members, and he used his long-standing contacts in England on several diplomatic missions to ease rising tensions between the two powers, albeit without lasting success.
Evaluation of a symmetry-based strategy for assembling protein complexes.

We evaluate a strategy for assembling proteins into large cage-like structures, based on the symmetry associated with the native protein's quaternary structure. Using a trimeric protein, KDPG aldolase, as a building block, two fusion proteins were designed that could assemble together upon mixing. The fusion proteins, designated A-(+) and A-(−), comprise the aldolase domain, a short, flexible spacer sequence, and a sequence designed to form a heterodimeric antiparallel coiled-coil between A-(+) and A-(−). The flexible spacer is included to minimize constraints on the ability of the fusion proteins to assemble into larger structures. On incubating together, A-(+) and A-(−) assembled into a mixture of complexes that were analyzed by size exclusion chromatography coupled to multi-angle laser light scattering, analytical ultracentrifugation, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Our analysis indicates that, despite the inherent flexibility of the assembly strategy, the proteins assemble into a limited number of globular structures. Dimeric and tetrameric complexes of A-(+) and A-(−) predominate, with some evidence for the formation of larger assemblies; e.g. octameric A-(+) : A-(−) complexes.
A note on “very noisy≓ channels

A “very noisy≓ channel is defined. This definition corresponds to many physical channels operating at low signal-to-noise ratio. For “very noisy≓ discrete input memoryless channels, the computation cutoff rate for sequential decoding, Rcomp, is shown to be one-half the capacity, C. Furthermore, that choice of input probabilities which achieves C also maximizes Rcomp, and vice versa.
Structure of Sarcocystis neurona sarcocysts.

The ultrastructure of Sarcocystis neurona sarcocysts was studied from muscle of an experimentally infected cat. The cat was killed 144 days after being fed sporocysts from a naturally infected opossum. Sarcocysts were microscopic, up to 700 μm long, and up to 50 μm wide. By light microscopy, the sarcocyst wall was 1–2 μm thick. Ultrastructurally, the sarcocyst wall consisted of numerous villar protrusions. The villar protrusions were up to 2.8 μm long and 0.4 μm wide, with a tapered end. Microtubules extended from the tip of the villus to the base and occasionally extended deep into the granular layer. The granular layer was ∼0.5 μm thick. Longitudinally cut bradyzoites were 5.2 by 1.2 (4.8–6.5 by 1.0–1.3) μm in size. Micronemes in bradyzoites were numerous and located in the anterior ⅓ of the conoidal end.
Partnerships, Worldviews and “Primal Vibration” Lesson Plans

This chapter offers six goals for arts-based service learning (ABSL) based on Indigenous Worldviews, including complementarity, peacefulness, ecological sustainability, happiness, health, trust in the universe and respect for diversity. It offers a number of specific lesson plans that relate to learning partnerships between American university students and the Achuar community of Wchirpas, Ecuador. The lesson plans also honour fundamental values common to many Indigenous cultures. In addition to the goals listed above, priorities for each plan focus on trance state learning, humour, respect, generosity, courage, honesty, humility and the balance between independence and belonging. In all lessons, art is understood as a sacred vibrational phenomenon that embraces place, movement and beauty.
Identification of Neuroradiology MRI Protocol Errors via a Quality-Driven Categorization Approach.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM In a recent study, Smith-Bindman et al [1] found that during the 15-year period spanning 1996 to 2010, MRI use in large integrated health care systems grew by 10% annually. Consequently, there has also been recent interest in standardizing MRI protocols for common clinical entities such as multiple sclerosis and stroke [2,3]. Acquisition of MRI studies involves a complex process with many steps, any one of which can be a source of errors that lead to suboptimal image quality and/or an inadequate study to answer clinical questions. Although there has been literature describing quality control protocols with regard to a particular sequence, such as diffusion-weighted imaging [4], adequate quality-driven approaches have not been described with regard to the global MRI examination protocolling process. Given the degree of complexity, identification of MRI protocolling errors with the ultimate aim of quality improvement (QI) can be challenging. We propose a systematic categorical approach for identifying and analyzing MRI protocolling errors. On this basis, the goals of this study were to quantify the incidence of neuroradiology MRI protocols
An Integrated Stress Testing Framework Via Markov Switching Simulation

The capturing of tail events, especially those that incur severe loss at rare chance, is one of the important objectives for modern risk analysis. However past behavior in financial data is not necessarily a correct reflection of the possible scenarios in the future. The economic turmoils in the recent years have called for a more forward looking approach to financial risk management that integrates expert knowledge on plausible future scenarios with classical risk management models calibrated on past behavior. As a complementary risk analysis tool, stress testing is getting more and more attention from both regulators and practioners. Nevertheless, classical risk analysis models, such as VaR models, based on historical data and stress testing are often disconnected. This disconnection can prevent a comprehensive view of the risk profile of a financial institution. This paper proposes a multi-period switching simulation based method for integrated stress testing risk analysis that incorporate plausible events that are not necessarily captured in history or in historical stressed calibration of risk models. An integrated risk model and stress testing framework not only leads to forward-looking tail risk measurement that mitigates the "Black Swan" effect, but also takes stress testing into advanced risk management decision making analysis like scenario based portfolio optimization.
Mobility Influences During Managerial Career Stages

A multivariate framework was used to determine the impact of 22 individual/career related factors on career mobility. Career mobility was represented by two criterion variables, rate of movement an...
Laser speckle micro rheology for micro-mechanical mapping of bio-materials(Conference Presentation)

Laser speckle Micro-rheology (LSM) is a novel optical tool for evaluating the viscoelastic properties of biomaterials. In LSM, a laser beam illuminates the specimen and scattered rays are collected through an objective by a high-speed CMOS camera. The self-interference of light rays forms a fluctuating speckle pattern captured by the CMOS sensor. Spatio-temporal correlation analysis of speckle images provides the intensity autocorrelation function, g2(t), for individual pixels. Next, the mean square displacements (MSD) of Brownian particles are deduced and substituted in the generalized Stokes-Einstein relation (GSER) to yield a 2D map of viscoelastic modulus, |G*(ω)|. To compare the accuracy, sensitivity, and dynamic range of LSM measurements with standard mechanical testing methods, homogeneous polyethylene glycol (PEG), agarose, and polyacrylamide (PA) gels, of assorted viscoelastic properties were fabricated and evaluated using LSM, shear rheology, and indentation-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM). Results showed a statistically significant, strong correlation between G* values measured by LSM and shear rheology (R=0.94, p<5x10-6) (|G*|: 30 Pa - 30 kPa at ω = 1 Hz). Likewise, strong correlation was observed between G* values measured by LSM and indentation moduli of AFM (R=0.94, p,0.05). Next, polyacrylamide substrates with micro-scale stiffness patterns were tested using LSM. The reconstructed |G*| maps illustrated the high sensitivity of LSM in resolving mechanical heterogeneities below 100 microns. These findings demonstrate the competent accuracy and sensitivity of LSM measurements. Moreover, the non-contact nature of LSM provides a major advantage over mechanical tests, making it suitable for in vivo studies in future.
SUN-RELATED SKIN DISEASES

Severe photoaging of the skin, which may be caused by exposure to both natural and artificial ultraviolet light, ultimately results in actinic keratoses and cancer. Cancers are common on the head, neck, arms, and hands. Because of the potential for metastasis, squamous cell carcinomas generally require surgical excision and histologic examination. Although metastasis is rare with basal cell carcinoma, neglected lesions around the eyes, nose, or ears can invade bone, nerves, and cartilage and may cause death. Avoidance of sun, physical protection, and regular use of sunscreens are recommended.
Differential equations with Mathematica (2nd ed.)

Differential Equations with Mathematica, Fourth Edition is a supplementing reference which uses the fundamental concepts of the popular platform to solve (analytically, numerically, and/or graphically) differential equations of interest to students, instructors, and scientists. Mathematica?s diversity makes it particularly well suited to performing calculations encountered when solving many ordinary and partial differential equations. In some cases, Mathematica?s built-in functions can immediately solve a differential equation by providing an explicit, implicit, or numerical solution. In other cases, mathematica can be used to perform the calculations encountered when solving a differential equation. Because one goal of elementary differential equations courses is to introduce students to basic methods and algorithms so that they gain proficiency in them, nearly every topic covered this book introduces basic commands, also including typical examples of their application. A study of differential equations relies on concepts from calculus and linear algebra, so this text also includes discussions of relevant commands useful in those areas. In many cases, seeing a solution graphically is most meaningful, so the book relies heavily on Mathematica?s outstanding graphics capabilities. Demonstrates how to take advantage of the advanced features of Mathematica 10Introduces the fundamental theory of ordinary and partial differential equations using Mathematica to solve typical problems of interest to students, instructors, scientists, and practitioners in many fieldsShowcases practical applications and case studies drawn from biology, physics, and engineering
Putting the actin cytoskeleton into perspective: pathophysiology of ischemic alterations.

The actin cytoskeleton plays an ever-increasingly understood role in mediating a myriad of processes necessary for cellular structure and function. New and exciting information regarding the dynami...
Grid Synchronization Phase-Locked Loop Strategy for Unbalance and Harmonic Distortion Conditions

The synthesis, design and analysis of a three-phase phase-locked loop (PLL) algorithm under grid voltage uncertainties is presented. Unlike other techniques, the proposed strategy is simple but yet, robust against unbalanced and distorted voltage conditions. The method does not rely on the symmetry of the three-phase voltages, like conventional PLL implementation techniques. Under phase lock, the reference voltage and the output voltage are in synchronism, hence they cross the zero axis at the same time. The proposed PLL implementation exploits this fact, by counting the difference between the zero crossing times of the grid voltage and the output voltage waveform, and generating an error signal proportional to this difference. This error is fed into a PI regulator which forces it to zero over time. The proposed algorithm is compared against two popular PLL techniques. Simulation and experimental results show better performance of the proposed PLL implementation in unbalanced grid voltage conditions.
Preparing Older Adults with Serious Illness To Formulate Their Goals for Medical Care in the Emergency Department

Abstract Background: Emergency department (ED) clinicians often lack training and resources to conduct advance care planning (ACP) conversations. The use of technology for health education is increasing, yet little is known if it can be used to engage older ED patients in ACP. Objective: To determine the feasibility of using tablets to provide ACP education (www.prepareforyourcare.org)(PREPARE) to older ED patients. Design: A feasibility study conducted in late 2014 and early 2015. Setting/Subjects: Subjects were recruited from a parent cohort of older adults enrolled in a survey about Geriatric ED care. Inclusion criteria were ≥65 years age and English speaking; exclusions were hearing or vision impairment or if clinically unstable. Measurements: Primary outcome was completion of ≥1 of 5 PREPARE modules. Secondary outcomes were ease of use (10-point scale; 1 = very hard, 10 = very easy) and the reasons for refusal to participate. Results: Sixty-one subjects were approached; 24 (39%) were interested in vi...
Apparel and Textiles Education: A Case for Rural-Urban Interface

The purpose of this study was to explore the understanding of these social learning and interaction concepts in AT curriculum (Saiki & Adomaitis, 2014) among students in different regions of the United States. The main research questions were: (1) Will students from two regions (rural and urban) have different definitions of (a) fast fashion and (b) apparel quality? (2)If there are rural and urban differences, how are the definitions different? The topic is significant because understanding how the demographics of students in AT programs can assist instructors in addressing student learning needs. It can also guide instructors in working with varied groups of students from different locations, such as in Land Grant Universities, State Colleges and online courses taught at different locations.
Digital breast tomosynthesis for detecting multifocal and multicentric breast cancer: influence of acquisition geometry on model observer performance in breast phantom images

Multifocal and multicentric breast cancer (MFMC), i.e., the presence of two or more tumor foci within the same breast, has an immense clinical impact on treatment planning and survival outcomes. Detecting multiple breast tumors is challenging as MFMC breast cancer is relatively uncommon, and human observers do not know the number or locations of tumors a priori. Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), in which an x-ray beam sweeps over a limited angular range across the breast, has the potential to improve the detection of multiple tumors.1, 2 However, prior efforts to optimize DBT image quality only considered unifocal breast cancers (e.g.,3-9), so the recommended geometries may not necessarily yield images that are informative for the task of detecting MFMC. Hence, the goal of this study is to employ a 3D multi-lesion (ml) channelized-Hotelling observer (CHO) to identify optimal DBT acquisition geometries for MFMC. Digital breast phantoms and simulated DBT scanners of different geometries (e.g., wide or narrow arc scans, different number of projections in each scan) were used to generate image data for the simulation study. Multiple 3D synthetic lesions were inserted into different breast regions to simulate MF cases and MC cases. 3D partial least squares (PLS) channels, and 3D Laguerre-Gauss (LG) channels were estimated to capture discriminant information and correlations among signals in locally varying anatomical backgrounds, enabling the model observer to make both image-level and location-specific detection decisions. The 3D ml-CHO with PLS channels outperformed that with LG channels in this study. The simulated MC cases and MC cases were not equally difficult for the ml-CHO to detect across the different simulated DBT geometries considered in this analysis. Also, the results suggest that the optimal design of DBT may vary as the task of clinical interest changes, e.g., a geometry that is better for finding at least one lesion may be worse for counting the number of lesions.
Panning for gold: Enhancing the precision of sensitivity test data

Sensitivity tests apply a range of stimulus values to experimental subjects and record binary responses in order to estimate the distribution of threshold values in the subject population, where thresholds delineate responses from nonresponses. In many applications, such as explosives engineering, individual tests are expensive and are conducted in small runs. Scarcity of data results in nonexistence of estimates, or estimates with low precision. We discuss various methods, such as combining test runs, covariate analysis, and penalized maximum likelihood, for enhancing precision and “mining more gold” from expensive test results.
Hypocretin/Orexin in Stress and Arousal

Since the initial discovery of the hypocretin (HCRT)/orexin peptide system, substantial information has been gained regarding the behavioral and physiological actions of this putative neurotransmitter system. The presence of HCRT within a variety of arousal-related systems and the demonstration of dysregulation of HCRT neurotransmission in narcolepsy prompted intense interest in the wake-promoting actions of this peptide system. Beyond the regulation of waking per se, emerging evidence suggests prominent actions of HCRT under high-arousal conditions, including stress. This chapter will review the arousal-enhancing (wake-promoting) actions of HCRT and recent evidence suggesting a potential role of HCRT in stress and other high arousal states. Included in this, will be a review of evidence suggesting an interaction between HCRT and corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) in the modulation of certain physiological and behavioral processes. Prior to discussion of this topic, it is useful to review briefly the concept of stress and the neurotransmitter systems implicated in the regulation of physiology and behavior in stress.
Invasion of privacy by smart meters: An analysis of consumer concerns

ABSTRACTWhile smart meters offer an innovative way to solve energy problems, they have also brought concerns regarding consumer privacy. In this study, we develop an instrument to measure the consumers’ concerns for information privacy (CFIP) in adopting smart meters, and propose a conceptual model to examine the relationship between privacy concerns, trusting beliefs, risk beliefs, and intention to adopt smart meters. Using both focus group study and survey methods, we show that CFIP can be measured by three dimensions: collection, secondary use, and improper access, and that the effect of CFIP on behavioral intention is fully mediated by risk beliefs.
Salivary metals, age, and gender correlate with cultivable oral Candida carriage levels.

Background: Little is known about the normal range of metal levels in unstimulated saliva, nor whether these might impact Candida carriage in healthy individuals. Both are important in determining ...
Memory profiles in Down syndrome across development: a review of memory abilities through the lifespan.

Down syndrome (DS) is associated with a variety of cognitive impairments, notably memory impairments. Due to the high prevalence rates of early-onset dementia associated with DS, it is imperative to understand the comprehensive development of memory impairments beginning in childhood and into adulthood, as this may help researchers identify precursors of dementia at earlier stages of development and pinpoint targets for memory intervention. The current paper provides a systematic, developmentally focused review of the nature of memory difficulties in DS across the lifespan. Specifically, this review summarizes what is known about long-term, short-term, and working memory abilities (distinguishing between verbal and nonverbal modalities) in DS, compared to both mental age-matched typically developing peers and individuals with other forms of intellectual disability (ID) at three developmental stages (i.e., preschool, adolescence, and adulthood). Additionally, this review examines the degree of impairment reported relative to typically developing mental age-matched peers in the existing literature by examining effect size data across memory domains as a function of age. With few exceptions, memory abilities were impaired across the lifespan compared to mental age-matched typically developing peers. Relative to other groups with ID, research findings are mixed. Our review of the literature identified a scarcity of memory studies in early childhood, particularly for STM and WM. In adulthood, research was limited in the LTM and WM domains and very little research has compared memory abilities in older adults with DS to those with typical development. Looking to the future, longitudinal studies could provide a better understanding of the developmental trajectory of memory abilities in DS, and the possible associations between memory abilities and real-world functioning. This research could ultimately inform interventions to improve independence and overall quality of life for those with DS and their families.
Race and (antisocial) personality

Abstract Background Race differences in crime and violence are dramatic in the United States but criminology has avoided offering explanations due mostly to political correctness. Method The current study draws on research on personality, race differences in personality, race and self-control, and race and psychopathy to examine whether personality is potentially useful for articulating race differences in offending. Results Findings on race differences in personality, self-control, and psychopathy are mixed and effect sizes among significant findings are small. Relying on the street code, one of the few theories that explicitly attempts to explain criminal violence perpetrated by African Americans, it is hypothesized that personality pathology potentially drives the violent adaptations that are attributed to the code. Conclusion The race-crime-personality linkages are equivocal at best and more research is needed to gauge the utility of personality as a basis for understanding race differences in crime and violence, particularly homicide.
Mangrove carbon assessment tool: Model development and sensitivity analysis

It is important to have the capability to assess carbon (C) dynamics in mangrove forests and estimate their role in mitigating climate change because of their high carbon density, the threats to their integrity from land-use change and sea-level rise, and functional linkages of the many goods and services. A process-based model for mangroves was developed by integrating new features with existing biogeochemical processes in Forest-DNDC for simulating C sequestration and turnover in mangrove ecosystems. The new model is used to assess (1) the dynamics of C, nitrogen and phosphorous in mangrove ecosystems, including above-and below-ground C in saline wetlands, (2) the impacts of ecological drivers, including climate, soil nitrogen and phosphorous deficit and salt stress, on mangrove production, (3) the production of methane, and aerobic and anaerobic oxidation of methane with sulfate, nitrate and nitrite reductions, (4) the contributions of dissolved inorganic C (DIC), dissolved organic C (DOC), particulate organic C (POC) and burial C (BC) to blue C, and (5) impacts of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on C sequestration in mangrove ecosystems. Model sensitivity analysis showed that C sequestration in mangrove ecosystems was highly sensitive to multiple ecological factors, including climate, soil phosphorus, salinity and sulfate, as well as latitude. The responses of different C components to these factors were distinct. The responses of gross and net primary productivity and aboveground biomass to alterations of mean daily temperature (MDT) were quadratic, or increasing or decreasing non-linearly with an increment or decrement in MDT, but leaf production was linear. Similarly, other mangrove C components, such as BC, DIC, DOC and POC, respond substantially to variations of the ecological drivers. The combined effects of the driving factors are complex due to their intricate interactions. For example, while mangrove productivity is sensitive to available phosphorous, phosphorous cannot mitigate the stress imposed by high salinity. These results highlight the value of a tool to assess C dynamics in mangroves, especially for regional or large mangrove forests.
A Separation Logic for Enforcing Declarative Information Flow Control Policies

In this paper, we present a program logic for proving that a program does not release information about sensitive data in an unintended way. The most important feature of the logic is that it provides a formal security guarantee while supporting “declassification policies” that describe precise conditions under which a piece of sensitive data can be released. We leverage the power of Hoare Logic to express the policies and security guarantee in terms of state predicates. This allows our system to be far more specific regarding declassification conditions than most other information flow systems.
Characterization of Industrially Important Materials Using X-Ray Diffraction Imaging Methods

The ability to obtain x-ray diffraction images quickly can enable improved process control through on-line materials characterization. The direct measurement of grain boundary velocities in situ at elevated temperatures, diffraction from melt spun alloy ribbons solidified only milliseconds earlier, or diffraction from shaped charge liner jets while in flight are shown as examples of real time dynamic characterization. Imaging of single crystal nickel alloy jet engine turbine blades using monochromatic asymmetric crystal topography in back reflection is examined. White beam synchrotron transmission topography of quartz precision oscillator crystals, ZnCdTe crystals used as substrates for HgCgTe, and GaAs substrates used for microwave integrated circuits is discussed.
On understanding television: Significant differences?

just six years after the development of a device that is eventually to change the entire concept and structure of the educational process. Six men, working as a team, have just finished an account of historical events, having done it in a manner never employed for this purpose before. They are proud of their work, but there are some rumblings about this method: it may be all right but it's only a novelty, and it would be better to stick to traditional methods. Up to this point, I'm sure this sounds familiar, but a few more details should make it completely clear. The time is 1462, just 500 years ago, and the new device is called the printing press. Now, this example may be a bit fanciful, though there is ample reason to believe that it could have happened. At any rate, its main purpose is to help set the focus for this presentation. It took more than 400 years to establish libraries widely and to make books available on the mass circulation basis