cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subseasonal variability of low cloud radiative properties over the southeast Pacific Ocean

Abstract. Subseasonal variability of cloud radiative properties in the persistent southeast Pacific stratocumulus deck is investigated using MODIS satellite observations and NCEP reanalysis data. A once-daily albedo proxy is derived based on the fractional coverage of low cloud (a macrophysical field) and the cloud albedo, with the latter broken down into contributions from microphysics (cloud droplet concentration) and macrophysics (liquid water path). Subseasonal albedo variability is dominated by the contribution of low cloud fraction variability, except within 10–15° of the South American coast, where cloud albedo variability contributes significantly. Covariance between cloud fraction and cloud albedo also contributes significantly and positively to the variance in albedo, which highlights how complex and inseparable the factors controlling albedo are. Droplet concentration variability contributes only weakly to the subseasonal variability of albedo, which emphasizes that attributing albedo variability to the indirect effects of aerosols against the backdrop of natural meteorological variability is extremely challenging. The dominant large scale meteorological variability is associated with the subtropical high pressure system. Two indices representing changes in the subtropical high strength and extent explain 80–90% of this variability, and significantly modulate the cloud microphysical, macrophysical, and radiative cloud properties. Variations in droplet concentration of up to 50% of the mean are associated with the meteorological driving. We hypothesize that these fluctuations in droplet concentration are a result of the large scale meteorology and their correlation with cloud macrophysical properties should not be used as evidence of aerosol effects. Mechanisms by which large scale meteorology affects cloud properties are explored. Our results support existing hypotheses linking cloud cover variability to changes in cold advection, subsidence, and lower tropospheric stability. Within 10° of the coast interactions between variability in the surface high pressure system and the orography appear to modulate both cloud macrophysical properties and aerosol transport through suppression of the marine boundary layer depth near the coast. This suggests one possible way in which cloud macrophysical properties and droplet concentration may be correlated independently of the second aerosol indirect effect. The results provide variability constraints for models that strive to represent both meteorological and aerosol impacts on stratocumulus clouds.
Four corners: east and west

In early Buddhist logic, it was standard to assume that for any state of affairs there were four possibilities: that it held, that it did not, both, or neither. This is the catuskoti. Classical logicians have had a hard time making sense of this, but it makes perfectly good sense in the semantics of various paraconsistent logics, such as First Degree Entailment. Matters are more complicated for later Buddhist thinkers, such as Nagarjuna, who appear to suggest that none or these options, or more than one, may hold. These possibilities may also be accommodated with contemporary logical techniques. The paper explains how.
Sipuleucel-T: a therapeutic cancer vaccine for the treatment of castration- or hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

Sipuleucel-T is a therapeutic cancer vaccine approved for the treatment of castration- or hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Through a novel process, it activates the body’s own antigen-presenting cells to induce an immune response to prostatic acid phosphatase, a protein found on prostate cancer cells. A treatment course consists of three total infusions spread 2 weeks apart. Throughout all phases of clinical trials, sipuleucel-T has been shown to be safe and well tolerated. Sipuleucel-T has demonstrated an ability to increase overall survival by approximately 4 months when compared with placebo. However, sipuleucel-T has not shown any improvement in affecting patients’ time to disease progression.
3D Video Quality Evaluation with Depth Quality Variations

In this paper we present the effect of depth quality on 3D video perception on autostereoscopic displays. This study was done using objective as well as subjective evaluation (using Phillips monitor). The goal of this work was to understand the impact of depth image quality and compression on the perceived 3D experience. Another objective is to evaluate the use of depth image quality as a measure of 3D quality. The experiments were conducted using a multi-view point Philips 3D display that uses a single view and depth image. The displays are tested using subjective evaluation experiments. The results show that depth image can be compressed significantly, to 0.0007 bits per pixel, without affecting the 3D perception significantly. We found that there is a relation between the perception of depth, depth complexity and motion. Motion and complexity of the depth image have a strong influence on the acceptable depth quality in 3D videos. While depth quality gives useful information about 3D perception, additional work is necessary for developing objective metrics based on depth quality.
In Search of a (Functional) Cure

Antiretroviral therapy suppresses HIV replication but does not eliminate the “latent reservoir” of HIV in infected cells. As such, there is no cure for HIV. But there is a group of patients, known as “HIV controllers,” who are able to spontaneously control HIV replication for many years without antiretroviral therapy. Understanding whether and how other HIV-infected patients are able to control the virus without therapy may provide insight toward the eventual development of a “functional cure” for HIV, with which patients who still have infected cells can control HIV replication without therapy. Saez-Cirion and colleagues describe, among 70 HIV-infected adults who received very early antiretroviral therapy (within 10 weeks of infection), 14 patients who have controlled HIV replication for many years after stopping therapy. These patients, who received antiretroviral therapy for a median 3 years before it was stopped, had more severe infection and a different genetic makeup than those of traditional HIV controllers. The authors analyzed these patients’ lymphocytes (white blood cells) to characterize the latent HIV reservoir and found that these patients had a much smaller latent reservoir than those of other HIV-infected patients even years after treatment was stopped, similar to that seen in HIV controllers. Interestingly, the latent reservoir was less likely to form in cell types with a long lifespan, which are thought to contain the latent reservoir in most HIV-infected patients. These findings suggest that development of therapeutic or immunologic strategies to reduce or prevent the formation of the latent reservoir, particularly in long-lived cells, may help achieve a functional cure in other patients. This study by Saez-Cirion et al. demonstrates a small but significant proportion of HIV-infected patients who, when treated very early, may achieve remission and a small latent viral reservoir. The findings also provide further support for earlier HIV treatment. Additional studies of patients treated very early are required to determine how some of these patients are able to achieve viral control. Such mechanistic insight may lead to a functional cure for HIV patients. A. Saez-Cirion et al. , Post-treatment HIV-1 controllers with a long-term virological remission after the interruption of early initiated antiretroviral therapy ANRS VISCONTI Study. PLoS Pathogens 9 , e1003211 (2013). [[Full Text]][1] [1]: http://www.plospathogens.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.ppat.1003211
Hubble Space Telescope Pointing Control System Design Improvement Study Results

Unexpected thermally induced disturbances originating in the solar arrays imposed deleterious effects on the pointing performance of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). A NASA redesign of the onboard pointing control system (PCS) brought the performance back into specification during a majority of the orbit time. As a result of this controller redesign effort, a wealth of flight data was collected and control design simulation models enhanced. Under sponsorship of the NASA Controls/Structures Interaction Program at the Marshall Space Flight Center, a study was conducted to determine if performance improvements could be obtained when advanced modern control techniques under study in the program were applied to the HST PCS. Five modern control techniques were applied to the problem. Flight data and simulation models were provided to the research teams. The methods considered were reduced-order model-based control, linear-quadratic-Gaussian-based control, analytically and numerically derived H^ control, covariance control, and dual-mode disturbance-accommodating control design. The performance of these designs was tested in a government-furnished nonlinear simulation of the HST. In general, some performance improvements over the NASA redesigned controller were seen in the simulation studies.
Emulsifying Properties of Salted Yolk After Pasteurization and Storage

Abstract The emulsifying properties of egg yolk containing 10% sodium chloride pasteurized by two methods were determined: One, a high temperature—short time method involved the use of heat treatments for five min. at 62°, 67°, 73°, and 78° C. The other, a low temperature—long time method involved holding times of 2, 4, 6 and 8 days at 52° C. Samples were evaluated immediately after pasteurization, as well as after storage for one week at 10° and −20° C. Phase inversion titrations with oil and water were used to determine emulsifying capacity. Natural egg yolk contains strongly polar phospholipids and lipoproteins, as well as weakly polar-cholesterol. The former supports o/w emulsions and the latter w/o emulsions. Neither emulsifier system appeared very sensitive to heat damage. Hence, salted egg yolk can be pasteurized at higher temperatures than previously used or investigated without damaging its emulsifying properties. Storing the product after pasteurization tended to reduce the oil needed to invert the emulsion from an o/w to w/o type, which suggests that storage may be more important than pasteurization conditions.
Cord Blood Transplantation: Hallmarks of the 20th Century

Significant advances have been made in cord blood research and transplantation in the 20th century. More than 1,000 cord blood transplants have been performed worldwide, successfully treating disorders such as Fanconi anemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, neuroblastoma, Gaucher disease, and hemoglobinopathies (after treatment with chemotherapy). Cord blood transplants have been successful with either matched or mismatched HLAs. Cord blood transplants are successful because they are a rich source of viable stem cells, have minimal maternal T-cell contamination from collection techniques, and their immunologically naive T cells are less likely to invoke a graft-vs-host reaction. This article will highlight strides in cord blood research, including cord blood banking, transplantation, and gene therapy.
The combined influence of genetic factors and sedentary activity on body mass changes from adolescence to young adulthood: the National Longitudinal Adolescent Health Study.

Introduction—Relatively few studies have interrogated gene-by sedentary behavior interactions on obesity phenotypes. Increasing sedentary behaviors (e.g., screen time: television, video, and computer use), have paralleled declines in physical activity in the United States and may play an important role in weight gain. Our purpose in this paper is to examine the possible influence of screen time during adolescence on the additive genetic variance of body mass change during a critical point in the lifecycle, the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. Methods—In the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, siblings and twin pairs (16.5±1.7 y) were followed into young adulthood (22.4±1.8 y). Self-reported screen time (hrs/wk) and body mass index (BMI kg/m 2 ), calculated from measured height and weight at adolescence and at young adulthood, was available for 3795 participants. We employed a variance component approach to estimate the interaction between genotype and screen time for body mass change. Additive genotype-by-screen time interactions were assessed using likelihood-ratio tests. Models were adjusted for race, age, sex, and age-by-sex interaction. Results—The genetic variation in body mass change was significantly larger in individuals with low (σG=27.59±1.58) compared to high (σG=18.76 ± 2.59) levels of screen time (P<0.003) during adolescence. Conclusions—Our findings demonstrate that sedentary behaviors during adolescence may interact with genetic factors to influence body mass change between adolescence and young adulthood. Accounting for obesity-related behaviors may improve current understanding of the genetic variation in body mass change.
Engineering the vaccinia virus L1 protein for increased neutralizing antibody response after DNA immunization

Background The licensed smallpox vaccine, comprised of infectious vaccinia virus, has associated adverse effects, particularly for immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, safer DNA and protein vaccines are being investigated. The L1 protein, a component of the mature virion membrane that is conserved in all sequenced poxviruses, is required for vaccinia virus entry into host cells and is a target for neutralizing antibody. When expressed by vaccinia virus, the unglycosylated, myristoylated L1 protein attaches to the viral membrane via a C-terminal transmembrane anchor without traversing the secretory pathway. The purpose of the present study was to investigate modifications of the gene expressing the L1 protein that would increase immunogenicity in mice when delivered by a gene gun.
The Cognitive Consequences of Concealing Feelings

When emotions arise, we are not powerless to overcome them: Adults actively regulate the extent to which their emotions are experienced and expressed in everyday life. Often, these efforts are aimed at looking and feeling better. However, theories of self-regulation and emotion suggest that some forms of emotion regulation may have unintended consequences for cognitive functioning. This article reviews studies that link expressive suppression, which involves concealing outward signs of emotion, with degraded memory, communication, and problem solving. Explanations for these consequences are considered, along with the possibility that not all forms of emotion regulation are cognitively costly. Recent research suggests that reappraisal, which entails changing how we think about an event to neutralize its emotional impact, leaves cognitive functioning intact. Thus, the cognitive consequences of keeping one's cool may vary according to how this is done.
Determinants of residual effects of hypnotics

Studies of hypnotics have generally focused on the effects the drugs have on sleep. It is now clear that they also have effects which can extend beyond the usual sleep period. These residual effects of hypnotics are assessed by studying the effects of these drugs on performance. This paper discusses the issues critical to evaluating studies of the effects of hypnotics on performance. Dose and half-life are important variables in determining the degree to which these daytime effects occur following nighttime use. However, a number of issues have yet to be clarified. Whether residual effects persist with chronic use is not clear. Whether any specific skill may be more or less sensitive to residual effects cannot be determined from the available information. Finally, the degree to which the decrements occur in different populations is not well understood.
Harsh environments, life history strategies, and adjustment: a longitudinal study of Oregon youth

We modeled the effects of harsh environments in childhood on adjustment in early emerging adulthood, through parenting style and the development of fast Life History Strategies (LHS; risky beliefs and behaviors) in adolescence. Participants were from the Oregon Youth Substance Use Project (N = 988; 85.7% White). Five cohorts of children in Grades 1-5 at recruitment were assessed through one-year post high school. Greater environmental harshness (neighborhood quality and family poverty) in Grades 1-6 predicted less parental investment at Grade 8. This parenting style was related to the development of fast LHS (favorable beliefs about substance users and willingness to use substances at Grade 9, and engagement in substance use and risky sexual behavior assessed across Grades 10-12). The indirect path from harsh environment through parenting and LHS to (less) psychological adjustment (indicated by lower life satisfaction, self-rated health, trait sociability, and higher depression) was significant (indirect effect -.024, p = .011, 95% CI = -.043, -.006.). This chain of development was comparable to that found by Gibbons et al. (2012) for an African-American sample that, unlike the present study, included perceived racial discrimination in the assessment of harsh environment.
Women labour employment in goat rearing - a case study of revine area of Mathura district

The labour use in goat rearing was 120, 215, 155, 145, 130 man-days respectively for land less, marginal, small, medium, & large farms. The overall extent for all groups was about 143 man-days. The maximum engagement in different operations of goat rearing was by marginal farmers followed by smali farmers and minimum being for landless families. Fem.3le workers put in the maximum man-days, which was followed by child workers. The overall figure during one year being 31 for male, 71 for female & 49 for children. The female labour is almost for whole year dnd puts maximum man-days per year. The maximum man-days were spent on grazing and minimum on grass cutting. The man-days spent on operations like grazing, feeding and cleaning were 84.87, 10.1 & 17.1 respectively. The utilization of female was more than male and children workers on all the farm's. The female labour utilization on different farms ranged between 60–96 man-days, with maximum on margmal farms and minimum on landless. Thus, women playa great role in goat occupations in the study area.
Genetic Analysis of Error-Prone Repair Systems in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The manner in which ultraviolet induced mutagenesis occurs in yeast is discussed and compared with ultraviolet mutagenesis in Escherichia coli. In both excision proficient and excision deficient strains of Escherichia coli, mutations arise as the square of the ultraviolet dose whereas in yeast, mutations arise as the square of the dose only in excision proficient strains. In excision defective yeast strains, mutations induced by ultraviolet arise with linear kinetics. Ultraviolet irradiation of excision proficient haploid or diploid yeast during G1 results in fixation of mutation in both DNA strands prior to DNA replication, whereas in excision defective strains, the frequency of two strand mutations is very low, and the frequency of one strand mutations and mutations appearing in the second post irradiation mitotic division is increased. All of these results in yeast can be explained by error prone excision repair of two closely spaced dimers in opposite DNA strands in excision proficient strains and occasional error prone filling of postreplication gaps, which are not usually overlapping daughter strand gaps, in excision defective yeast. The dependence of UV mutagenesis on functional RAD6, REV3, CDC8 and MMS3 gene functions is discussed. The MMS3 function appears to be required for UV mutagenesis in a./α diploids but is dispensible in a /a or α/α diploids and in haploids, suggesting that differences exist between error prone repair processes in haploids, a/a, α/α diploids vs. a/α diploids.
Relationships Between Body Measurements Obtained on Yearling Brangus Bulls and Measures of Carcass Merit Obtained from Their Steer Clone-Mates1

This study was designed to determine the relationship between ultrasonic and linear body measurements of yearling bulls and percentage retail product (pRP) of slaughter steers using genetically identical bulls and steers as experimental animals. Four groups of Brangus, second-generation nuclear transfer calves (two steers and two to four bulls per clone group) were used in this study. Serial (every 28 d) measurements of hip height (HH), body length (BL), rump length (RL), rump width (RW), shoulder width (SW), round mass (RNMS), metacarpal length and circumference (MCL and MCC), metatarsal length and circumference (MTL and MTC), and ultrasonic measurements of backfat thickness (BFT), Longissimus muscle area (LMA), Longissimus muscle depth (LMD), body wall thickness (BWT), rump fat thickness (RFT), and rump muscle depth (RMD) obtained on each bull from weaning (6 to 7 mo) until 16 to 17 mo of age were regressed on age to obtain 365-d age constant estimates for the traits. Steers were slaughtered between 480 and 520 d of age and percentage of retail cuts (trimmed to 0.64 em) was obtained. Genetic correlations of the adjusted traits of the bulls to age-constant percentage retail yield of the steers were obtained following Yamada (1962). The highest genetic correlations (P < 0.05) with PRP were 0.568, − 0.532, and − 0.523 with RNMS, RMD, and BIT, respectively. The best three-variable equation for predicting PRP developed from these data included RNMS, RL, and BFT (R2 = 0.80, P = 0.0001).
Automated bridge load rating determination utilizing strain response due to ambient traffic trucks

Abstract Approximately 11% of bridges in the United States are categorized as structurally deficient and there is a marked need of more accurately evaluating true structural capacity. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems can provide a timely indication of the need for maintenance, repair, rehabilitation and replacement of bridges and can greatly improve the apportionment and management of limited resources. This paper presents an Automated Ambient Traffic (AAT) approach for determining load rating of bridges monitored by the BECAS SHM system under ambient traffic. The AAT approach was developed through a process integration of truck detection, bridge model calibration, and bridge load rating: (1) the quasi-static bridge strain response and the characteristics of associated trucks are collected; (2) multiple trucks are randomly sampled from a historic Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) database; and (3) for each combination of strain response and truck selection, an Finite Element (FE) model is calibrated and used to calculate a load rating. Sampling strategies were discussed for appropriately quantifying the influence of uncertainties of truck characteristics on the calibration and load rating results. To demonstrate this approach, a sample three-span, five-girder, and two-lane steel girder/concrete deck (I-80) bridge was utilized. A load rating of the I-80 Bridge using the Traditional Known Truck (TKT) approach was performed to provide benchmark results. The results of the calibration and load rating using the AAT approach were derived using three different sampling strategies and compared to those using the TKT approach. The sampling strategy, selecting strain response with a spectrum of higher peak girder strains, associated trucks with a spectrum of higher gross vehicle weights, and two truck events on south and north lanes respectively for a calibration, resulted in the best calibration and load rating results. It was concluded that the AAT approach using the BECAS SHM system is a reliable method for continuously estimating the load carrying capacity of bridges.
Peripheral and Autonomic Neuropathy Due to Hereditary Amyloidosis in a Young Man with Arsenic Toxicity (P01.123)

Objective: To report a patient with coexisting arsenic toxicity and transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis. Background Arsenic toxicity can cause both central and peripheral dysfunction, manifesting as confusion, short-term memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and a sensorimotor neuropathy. The neuropathy is usually axonal in nature, predominantly affecting large fibers. TTR amyloidosis causes a sensorimotor polyneuropathy and an autonomic neuropathy with prominent orthostatic hypotension, urinary and bowel dysfunction, and impotence. As the disease progresses, cardiac rhythm disturbances, cachexia, renal failure, and worsening and often disabling polyneuropathy occur, with death 5 to 15 years after the onset of symptoms without appropriate treatment. Design/Methods: A 37-year-old man with no past medical history presented with numbness in his feet and hands, progressive dysphagia, weight loss, and orthostatic hypotension over a period of 1 year. Results: Examination demonstrated cachexia and significant orthostatic hypotension. He had symmetric decreased sensation in his feet and hands to light touch and pinprick, normal vibration and proprioception, and diffuse hyporeflexia. Electrodiagnostic studies showed evidence of peripheral autonomic dysfunction and were suggestive of a sensory neuronopathy. On heavy metal screening, high levels of arsenic were found in the serum and urine. No clinical improvement occurred after chelation therapy. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with duodenal biopsy was performed because of dysphagia and revealed submucosal deposits of amyloid. Genetic testing was positive for a mutation in the TTR gene, confirming the diagnosis of transthyretin amyloidosis. Conclusions: We report a case of confirmed TTR amyloidosis in a patient with coexistent arsenic toxicity. Whether the arsenic toxicity was contributory to his symptoms remains unclear. This complex case highlights the possibility of concurrent rare diagnoses and the importance of continued, thorough investigation for the most clinically applicable diagnosis and treatment. Disclosure: Dr. Gardon has nothing to disclose. Dr. Weathers has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Test Your Knowledge. Dr. Soni has nothing to disclose.
IMPACT OF ELECTRO-MAGNETICS AND IONIZATION ON MIXING AND COMBUSTION IN SCRAMJET COMBUSTORS

Preliminary numerical studies have been conducted to asses s the possible potential for enhancing fuel/air mixing and combustion in high-speed combustors through the generation and utilization of body-forces in and adjacent to fuel injection. Specifically, the model utilized here assumes localized electrostatic-type force fields and approximate force interactions associated with flush-wall hydrogen fuel injection in supersonic combustors. Results in this work indicate significant increases in mixing and combustion may be possible with relatively localized and weak force-fields and force interactions, resulting in large decreases in required combustor length for achieving adequate levels of mixing. Irreversibility associated with the modification to the flow-field is shown to be (potentially) approximately the same as the base-line case (no flow-field modification). Extrapolation of these results to engine-level performance estimations in terms of potential for generating engine thrust indicates significant possible gains in terms of increased specific impulse and increased specific thrust.
Biocytinase, an enzyme concerned with hydrolytic cleavage of biocytin.

SummaryThe existence in blood of an enzyme in relatively large amount, that accomplishes the hydrolysis of biocytin (∊-N-biotinyl-L-lysine) tentatively termed biocytinase has been pointed out. The enzyme has a pH optimum at 6.0-6.7 and requires for optimum effect the presence of an appropriate sulfhydryl compound.
Behaviors of two-step geogrid reinforced earth retaining wall on rigid foundation

Monitoring of a two-step reinforced earth retaining wall on the rigid foundation is carried out by use of field tests. The monitoring includes the reinforced earth bottom vertical foundation pressure and lateral earth pressure of the reinforced soil wall facing and the tensile strain in the reinforcement during construction and 1.5a post-construction. The vertical foundation pressure under reinforced earth bottom is non-linear along the reinforcement length. The maximum value of the vertical pressure is near the facing for the rigid foundation of the lower wall, while the maximum value close to end of the reinforcement for flexible foundation of the upper wall. The measured lateral earth pressure within the reinforced soil wall is non-linear along the height and the value is less than the active lateral earth pressure. The distribution of tensile strain in the geogrid reinforcements within the wall is a double peak value and the maximum strain is less than 0.4%. These monitoring results can be used as a reference for future study and design of geogrid reinforced earth retaining wall systems.
Discussions on Responding Ability Development of Disease Control and Prevention System

In face of the multiple emergency events of public health in the future,the important issue of disease control and prevention is improving responding ability,thereby safeguarding the public health and social harmony. The paper has two parts to discuss,one is the development of disease control and prevention system,and the other is how to improve the responding ability of the system to minimize the harm of emergency event to the public and social.
Based on science & technology, developing the traditional craft of rice wine

This article analyzes the advantage and disadvantage of traditional craft of Chinese rice wine in detail. It proposes that the traditional craft proved by modern scientific research, such as rice precise and white, wheat saccharifying agent, and long-time storage, indeed has fine characteristics, and should be inherited and developed. While winter slurry and water, soaking rice for a long time, using yeast made once a year to make wine for entire year, and workshop-based and done by hand, should be innovated. It will be mechanized and computerized that the Chinese rice wine makes the developing direction of the craft.
Pre-retirement planning--a nursing role.

Although nurses work with retirees and pre-retirees in a variety of different clinical settings, they have not traditionally been involved in pre-retirement planning. This article identifies topics...
Organ involvement other than lupus nephritis in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus:

In this review we critically analyze pulmonary, gastrointestinal and cardiac manifestations of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). Clinical manifestations of these organ systems may be the initial manifestation of cSLE; frequently occur with very active cSLE; and are potential life-threatening manifestations often presenting to the emergency department and requiring admission to the intensive care unit. Early recognition and treatment of the pulmonary, gastrointestinal and cardiac manifestations of cSLE will result in improved prognosis and better outcomes.
Chapter 5 – Coverings of Automata

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the coverings of automata. The chapter reviews Moore and Mealy machines. Simplicity of an automaton can be measured, for example, by the number of its states. Homomorphisms of automata, and homomorphism and covering are discussed. The admissible output-consistent decompositions, and reduction of covering of an automaton to covering of a semi-automaton are reviewed. Various theorems are proved in the chapter. Some properties of the notion of covering of semi-automata are derived. Construction of an auxiliary semi-automaton is reviewed. The chapter reviews the direct product of semi-automata, and the cascade product of semi-automata. The construction of a direct product can be, in an obvious way, generalized to any finite number of semi-automata with a common or appropriately translated set of inputs.
Predicting user response to sponsored advertising on social media via the technology acceptance model

Abstract Sponsored advertising has generated strong advertising revenues for Facebook in recent years. As sponsored ads are built on an interactive platform that could be seen as invasive to user privacy, the growth of this advertising platform has important implications for consumers, and advertisers alike. As little research is available on consumer response to sponsored advertising as an interactive technology innovation, the current study assesses the effects of user perceptions of privacy risk, intrusiveness concerns and utilities of sponsored advertising on consumer attitudes and purchase intent. Testing a model derived form the technology acceptance model (TAM), the study found that privacy and intrusiveness concerns are both valid antecedent variables to perceived usefulness but not perceived ease of use of sponsored advertising. While both antecedent variables also influence consumer attitudes toward sponsored advertising, only privacy concerns have an impact product purchase intentions. The hypothesized relations between perceived usefulness, ease of use, attitudes and purchase intentions were also validated.
The Small Intestine and Colon: Structure and Function

This chapter discusses a section of the alimentary tract that is second in importance only to the liver in the essential nature of the functions that it serves. The intestine must be able to digest a variety of nutrients after their initial exposure to pancreatic enzymes and bile and then be able to transport them, all the while conserving bodily electrolytes and water, and protecting itself against infectious agents ingested with the diet. The intestine is capable of performing immense work involving the bidirectional transport of ions and water in immense quantities each day, and the processing of a nearly infinite variety of foodstuffs, all performed while avoiding any material changes in bodily homeostasis. To summarize this activity, the chapter presents a short tabular and narrative survey of ionic transport and the movements of water, and discusses nutrient absorption. In intestine, mucosal protection is provided by the production of immunoglobulins (antibodies). Mucosal antibodies protect the host from proliferation of bacteria and viruses, and prevent penetration of the mucosa by enterotoxins and by luminal antigens. Intestinal secretions contain allantibody classes, but contrary to other body fluids, secretory IgA is present in the greatest quantity. Intestinal IgA, M, and E are produced largely in mucosal plasma cells. These, in turn, have arisen in mesenteric lymph nodes and in Peyer patches as lymphoblasts. The conversion of lymphoblasts to plasma cells is facilitated by the action of helper, thymus-derived, lymphocytes.
Racial discrimination mediates race differences in sleep problems: A longitudinal analysis.

Objectives To examine changes in sleep problems over a 1.5-year period among Black or African American (AA) and White or European American (EA) college students and to consider the role of racial discrimination as a mediator of race differences in sleep problems over time. Method Students attending a large, predominantly White university (N = 133, 41% AA, 57% female, mean age = 18.8, SD = .90) reported on habitual sleep characteristics and experiences of racial discrimination at baseline and follow-up assessments. A latent variable for sleep problems was assessed from reports of sleep latency, duration, efficiency, and quality. Longitudinal models were used to examine race differences in sleep problems over time and the mediating role of perceived discrimination. Covariates included age, gender, parent education, parent income, body mass index, self-rated physical health, and depressive symptoms. Each of the individual sleep measures was also examined separately, and sensitivity analyses were conducted using alternative formulations of the sleep problems measure. Results AAs had greater increases in sleep problems than EAs. Perceived discrimination was also associated with increases in sleep problems over time and mediated racial disparities in sleep. This pattern of findings was similar when each of the sleep indicators was considered separately and held with alternative sleep problems measures. Conclusions The findings highlight the importance of racial disparities in sleep across the college years and suggest that experiences of discrimination contribute to group disparities. (PsycINFO Database Record
The Role of Physical Activity in Healthy Living: Its Anti-Inflammatory Effects

A large body of evidence exists to support the benefits of regular physical activity and exercise in reducing morbidity and mortality through improvements in dyslipidemia, enhanced insulin sensitivity, a reduction in blood pressure, and beneficial changes in body mass and composition. Research aimed at understanding the pathophysiology of many common chronic diseases has shifted in recent decades from a focus on serum lipids and the proliferation of smooth muscle cells to the role of inflammation in chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis. Low-grade systemic inflammation can be detected by an elevation in a variety of circulating inflammatory biomarkers. In recent years, a direct association between physical activity and exercise and the release of cytokines with anti-inflammatory properties was revealed, which supports the benefit of regular physical activity in protecting individuals against certain chronic diseases. A review of the literature on the impact of exercise on inflammatory markers generally shows a positive effect of exercise and physical activity in observational studies but mixed results in randomized controlled studies.
Reinforcing Title VII with Zero Tolerance Rules

The basic premise of this article is that regulation, public or private, can affect workplace behavior. This article evaluates the potential of private regulation, that is, zero tolerance rules to deter and reduce workplace discrimination. Part II traces the evolution of equal employment laws from Reconstruction to Title VII and argues that Title VII has failed to achieve its deterrence and compensation goals. The statute's preoccupation with intent proof requirements, its stringent procedural burdens on employees, and its limited remedial potential give discrimination victims only partial remediation. Moreover, although courts have interpreted the statute to permit narrow forms of affirmative action, it does not assure fair treatment at the outset. As such, the statute has had only a limited effect on workplace culture. While statutory prohibitions remain the foundation of workplace
A Non-Linear Schema Theorem for genetic algorithms

We generalize Holland's Schema Theorem to the setting that genes are arranged, not necessarily in a linear sequence, but as the nodes in a connected graph. We have experimental results showing that the flourishing of building blocks can be expected for two distinct graphs we have investigated, one being a tree and the other being the lattice points in a cube in Euclidean 3-space.
Group members differ in relative prototypicality: Effects on the individual and the group

All groups are differentiated into more or less group-prototypical members. Central members readily influence and lead the group, and they define its identity. Peripheral members can feel voiceless and marginalized, as well as uncertain about their membership status - they may engage in extreme behaviors to try to win acceptance. These relative prototypicality dynamics sometimes benefit group performance but sometimes compromise performance.
Trauma exposure and disordered eating: A qualitative study.

Quantitative studies have demonstrated a positive association between trauma exposure and disordered eating. However, reasons for this relationship are unclear. We used qualitative methods to under...
Minimal activity of nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab) paclitaxel in relapsed or refractory lymphomas: results of a phase-I study

AbstractCompared with solvent-based taxanes, nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab®) paclitaxel has demonstrated improved efficacy and tolerability in several solid tumor malignancies. Studies evaluating nab paclitaxel in patients with lymphoma are lacking. In this planned phase-I/phase-II study, we sought to determine the safety and efficacy of nab-paclitaxel in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) lymphoma. Eligible patients (R/R to ≥2 prior systemic therapies) received weekly nab-paclitaxel on days 1, 8 and 15 every 28 days. Dosing was initiated at 100 mg/m2 with dose escalations in 25 mg/m2 increments up to 150 mg/m2 in a classic 3 + 3 design. Twenty heavily pretreated patients (median 5 prior regimens), including 65% with refractory disease, enrolled. The maximum dose tested was well tolerated and grade 3/4 hematologic adverse events (neutropenia 25%, thrombocytopenia 20% and anemia 15%) were modest. The overall response rate was 10% with two partial responses, leading to a decision to close the study p...
Beyond The Tempest : Language, Legitimacy, and La Frontera

This chapter considers the unique nature of borderland epistemologies as a means not only of scrutinizing Shakespeare’s relevance on the US–Mexico border, but also of bringing diversity to a field in need of diversification. The chapter interrogates Latinx invisibility in the realm of Shakespeare in popular culture—that is, the not-so-subtle coding of legitimate productions of Shakespeare as white—so as to examine what Latinx students see when they engage Shakespeare on social media, and more specifically within the popular realm of YouTube Shakespeare. Ultimately, this chapter looks to the way that digital technologies and the YouTube venue allow Latinxs to use Shakespeare to explore and negotiate linguistic and ethnic difference while affording a novel and diverse view of Shakespeare for us all.
The escalation dating abuse workshop for college students: Results of an efficacy RCT

Objective: Assess the efficacy of a college dating abuse (DA) prevention workshop. Participants: 85 students from Greek organizations. Methods: Two fraternities and two sororities were randomized t...
The effects of ruminal escape protein or fat on nutritional status of pregnant winter-grazing beef cows.

This study was designed to determine the influence of soybean meal supplementation, with or without additional ruminal escape protein or fat, on the nutritional status of pregnant winter-grazing beef cows. During two winters (Trials 1 and 2), approximately 60 prepartum beef cows grazed native foothills range each year. Cows were allotted randomly to five groups and supplemented (g/d) with either none (control); 570 soybean meal (SOY); 450 soybean meal plus 230 blood meal (SOY + BM); 140 soybean meal, 16 urea plus 450 corn gluten meal (SOY + CGM); or 570 soybean meal plus 210 animal fat (SOY + FAT). These supplements were designed to supply similar quantities of ruminal degraded protein while varying in escape protein quantity and source (SOY + BM and SOY + CGM). Condition scores and body weights were determined at trial initiation (mid-December) and conclusion (early March). Eight blood samples obtained over 4 d during three periods (9, 4 and 1 wk prior to parturition) were analyzed for concentrations of glucose, urea nitrogen (N), total bilirubin, creatinine, albumin, total protein and cholesterol. Cows in the control treatment experienced the greatest BW loss in both trials. In Trial 2, escape protein tended to decrease (P less than .06) BW loss compared to SOY, though loss tended to be greater (P less than .08) with SOY + CGM than with SOY + BM. Escape protein can enhance nutritional status when supplemented with .6 kg/d of soybean meal.
Numerical study of the effects of chemical dispersant on oil transport from an idealized underwater blowout

To investigate how chemical dispersant impacts the transport of oil slicks such as the one from the Deepwater Horizon, a multiscale large-eddy simulation approach is used to show that the breakup of the oil slick into small droplets changes the mean transport direction and horizontal spread of the oil plume.
Synthesis and electrochemical properties of new dicationic ionic liquids

Abstract Three classes of dicationic ionic liquids (DILs) were synthesized, in which the cationic species [N‑methyl pyrrolidinium (MPy), N‑butyl imidazolium (BIm) or diethylsulfide (DES)] were separated with oligoether moieties. The counter anions are either dicyanamide (DCA) or bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide (TFSI). The molecular structures of these compounds were identified by FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR analysis. The DILs were investigated for their potential as electrolyte solvents. Thermal behaviors were also studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showing excellent thermal stability up to 150 °C for all DILs. Their physicochemical properties were comprehensively characterized regarding their densities, melting points, viscosities, and miscibility with polar and nonpolar solvents. To compensate high viscosity limitation of DILs, two low viscosity ionic liquids (thinners), [MImEt] [DCA] and [MImEt] [TFSI] were used. To further improve the lithium ion conduction ability of the electrolyte systems, a lithium salt (LiTFSI) was added. Then several ternary electrolyte systems, LiTFSI in DILs/thinner (the weight ratio of DILs/thinner was fixed equal to 1/1) were developed, and their ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability were analyzed.
Influence of interfacial elasticity on liquid entrainment in thin foam films

Thin-film experiments with an interferometric apparatus show an absence of a strong relationship between interfacial elasticity and liquid entrainment in thin foam films, which can affect rational design of aesthetic and tactile properties in foaming consumer products.
Immunotherapy for Glioblastoma: Adoptive T-cell Strategies

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a devastating disease with an extremely poor prognosis. Immunotherapy via adoptive cell transfer (ACT), especially with T cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), represents a particularly promising approach. Despite the recent success of CAR T cells for blood cancers, the question remains whether this powerful anticancer therapy will ultimately work for brain tumors, and whether the primary immunologic challenges in this disease, which include antigenic heterogeneity, immune suppression, and T-cell exhaustion, can be adequately addressed. Here, we contextualize these concepts by reviewing recent developments in ACT for GBM, with a special focus on pioneering clinical trials of CAR T-cell therapy.
Distribution of Ethanol between Blood and Dorsal Subcutaneous Air of the Rat and the Feasibility of Using this Distribution Coefficient to Estimate Blood Ethanol

Equilibration of ethanol between dorsal subcutaneous air and blood is rapid, a steady state being already present in 60 seconds after air injection in the rat. The mean in vivo partition coefficient (blood/air) is 2,875, the linear regression coefficient having a standard error of 112, the high F value of this regression indicating the linearity and reliability of the estimates of calculated blood ethanol; the variance arises mainly from temperature variance of the air bleb. Although the concentration of alcohol in the blood must remain the standard of comparison, the production of the air bleb and its subsequent serial sampling is a virtually noninvasive technique which yields an almost immediate result at a sensitivity and specificity greater than that from the usual enzymatic determination of ethanol in blood.
Propane phosphonic acid anhydride: a new promoter for the one-pot Biginelli synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones

Propane phosphonic acid anhydride has been found to promote the Biginelli synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones. The use of this agent is characterized by moderate costs, low toxicity and simple workup conditions.