cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Suppression Assay for Functional Assessment of Human Regulatory T Cells

FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in controlling immune activation, maintenance of -homeostasis and the prevention of autoimmunity. Much effort has been focused in assessing their potential defects in certain human diseases and in developing potential Treg immunotherapy to cure autoimmune conditions. One cardinal feature of Tregs is their ability to suppress the activation and proliferation of effector T cells. The in vitro suppression assay is a convenient and relatively reliable method to quantify their suppressive function and validate their identity as true Tregs. This protocol describes a reliable, nonradioactive in vitro suppression assay to assess the immunosuppressive property of human Tregs in inhibiting proliferation of dye-labeled responder T cells using non-irradiated, HLA-DR(+) antigen presenting cells and soluble anti-CD3 antibodies as stimuli.
Quantitative Measurement and Imaging of Metal Fatigue

A simple electrochemical technique is described, which images and quantitatively measures the distribution and severity of fatigue damage in aluminum alloys. The technique is based upon (i) the creation of microcracks in a surface anodic oxide film during fatigue of the underlying metal, and (ii) the detection of these microcracks by contacting the surface with a gel electrode. When a voltage pulse is applied, current passes through the fatigue—induced microcracks in the oxide film, and an image of the sites of current flow is retained in the surface of the gel. The capabilities of the technique are illustrated by measurements on 6061-T6, 7075-T6 and 2024-T4 aluminum. The electrochemically formed images correlated directly with scanning electron micrographs of the specimens. Hairline fatigue cracks ≥10 μm long are easily imaged, while the charge flow during the formation of the image is a quantitative measure of the crack length. The accumulation of fatigue deformation prior to the appearance of a fatigue crack is also detected, and in this regard the sensitivity of the gel electrode exceeds that of a scanning electron microscope. The distribution of fatigue deformation may be mapped as early as 1% of the fatigue life, and the charge flow to the regions of most severe damage increases systematically with fatigue cycling as the density of microcracks in the oxide increases. The simplicity of this electrochemical gel electrode method renders it directly applicable to field investigations, and provides a new tool for quantitatively assessing the distribution of fatigue damage.
Multiple Cartridges Improve Edge Detection Algorithm for Fly Inspired Vision System

The compound vision system of a common housefly, Musca Domestica, has better motion detection and tracking capabilities as compared to traditional camera systems based on human vision. Therefore, a compound vision sensor that mimics the vision of a common housefly is far more advantageous in applications requiring object detection and obstacle avoidance. Recent proof-of-concept has shown that compound vision sensors possess motion hyperacuity characteristic of the fly's visual system with instantaneous edge detection capability; without the need of a computer processing system. However, the current Musca domestica inspired vision system, with one cartridge, cannot detect edges at the center of its field of view. In this paper, multi-cartridge sensor designs have been presented that allow more robust edge detection and orientation capability to the compound vision sensor design.
School Nurses on the Front Lines of Medicine: Emergencies Associated With Sport and Physical Activities: Part 1:

Illness and injury associated with sport and physical activities may occur in the school setting. Although most sport-related illness and injury in students are considered minor emergencies, life- and limb-threatening illnesses or injuries may occur, such as sudden cardiac arrest, heat stroke, status asthmaticus, catastrophic brain or cervical spine injuries, hypoglycemia, blunt chest/abdominal injuries, or extremity fractures requiring surgery. It is important for the school nurse to recognize potential life- and limb-threatening emergencies associated with sport and physical activity, to initiate stabilization of the student with life- and limb-threatening symptoms, and to triage these students to an appropriate level of care (back to the classroom, home with their guardian with follow up at their primary healthcare provider's office, or directly to the closest emergency department via emergency medical services). This article describes the initial assessment and management of three common emergencies associated with sport and physical activities.
Impact of Er:YAG laser on wound healing following nonsurgical therapy: A pilot study

The purpose is to examine early wound healing through histological analysis by characterizing connective tissue distribution and organization in the treated periodontium following nonsurgical therapy. Periodontal disease is a multifactorial pathological process that leads to the loss of the surrounding periodontium. Traditional periodontal therapies have proven beneficial in halting the progression of disease. The aim of this study is to investigate early wound healing in periodontal patients following hand/ultrasonic instrumentation alone, erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser instrumentation alone, or a combination of hand/ultrasonic instrumentation and Er:YAG laser instrumentation for the nonsurgical treatment of periodontitis by histologic evaluation. Twenty-one patients were randomized to receive nonsurgical therapy for the treatment of chronic periodontitis with three modalities prior to surgical therapy. Baseline clinical measurements were obtained prior to treatment. Wound healing was assessed by obtaining an otherwise discarded tissue sample following nonsurgical therapy of the selected study site. Samples were obtained at 2 or 6 weeks following initial therapy with a step-back incision and fixated for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. There were minimal between-group differences in the amount of collagen distribution when analyzing the Mallory-Heidenhain Azan trichrome, Picrosirus Red stain, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen at both time points. Descriptive analysis of baseline measurements showed no differences in probing depth change, bleeding on probing, and clinical attachment level following initial therapy between the three treatment groups at 2 or 6 weeks. Each treatment modality was effective in treating moderate to severe chronic periodontitis; however, the results of this study are inconclusive regarding superiority of any one treatment approach from a histologic and immunohistochemical perspective. Based on this assessment, there was increased fibroblast proliferation and collagen maturation between the 2- and 6-week time point after treatment in all treatment groups, with few apparent differences between treatment groups. This pilot study qualitatively evaluated early wound healing in periodontal patients following non surgical therapy with various treatment modalities. When comparing descriptive outcomes of Er:YAG laser therapy and hand/ultrasonic instrumentation there were minimal differences in collagen distribution and density between groups. The evaluated modalities were each effective treating periodontal patients with non surgical therapy.
Heat Transfer Augmentation Using Scale-Roughened Surfaces for Low-Reynolds Number Flows Generated by Piezoelectric Fans

We report a study of heat transfer augmentation enabled by structured surfaces at relatively low Reynolds numbers (120 c p < 1000. For jet-like flows generated by piezoelectric fans, the Nusselt number is increased by approximately 14%. Our results show that scale-patterned surfaces are promising to enable power-efficient thermal management solutions even at low Reynolds numbers.
Making Positive Changes Counseling (MPCC) Program: A Creative Adaptation of Motivational Interviewing for Use with Children in School Settings

ABSTRACTMotivational Interviewing (MI)-based counseling can be creatively adapted for working with elementary school students in disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) settings. The purp...
85. TEACHING RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS CHILD POVERTY: AN INNOVATIVE MULTIMODAL CURRICULUM

Background Because children in poverty are more likely to experience adverse health outcomes it is imperative that trainees learn to identify and mitigate poverty's negative effects. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a new residency curriculum on child poverty. Design/Methods We designed the Trainee Education in Advocacy and Community Health (TEACH) curriculum with input from trainees, educators, and community members based on objectives of the U.S. Child Poverty Curriculum. Pediatric residents were randomized to participate based on continuity clinic site. The curriculum includes 2 interactive modules, experiential learning at a government benefits application site, a museum exhibit on evictions, and a faculty debriefing. The curriculum was evaluated using a mixed methods approach including a survey assessing attitudes and experiences with child poverty, module pre/post-tests, written reflections, and qualitative analysis with inductive coding of audio-recordings of the debrief sessions to identify themes from the resident experience with the curriculum. Results Sixteen residents completed the curriculum between June and November 2018; 9 PL-1s, 5 PL-2s, and 2 PL-3s. All increased their confidence (p Conclusion The TEACH curriculum increased resident knowledge, confidence, and attitudes about child poverty. The modular format allows for reproducibility in other training programs. A community experience was key to enhancing empathy for families in poverty. Next steps include assessing a comparison group and knowledge application during a clinical encounter.
The Wounds That Never Heal: Transgression, Liminality, and Ethical Ruin in Battlefield Thresholds

For many veterans returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, homecoming is an encounter with an unrecognisable former homeland that has become a place of uncertainty and confounding moral landsca...
Specular Reflection of He 4 Atoms from the Surface of Liquid He 4

Measurements with a pulsed $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ atomic beam incident on the surface of liquid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ at $T=0.03$ K show that the probability of specular reflection depends only on the perpendicular momentum of the atom $\ensuremath{\hbar}kcos\ensuremath{\theta}$ and that it varies smoothly from 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ to less than ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ for $kcos\ensuremath{\theta}$ in the range from 0.05 to 0.6 ${\mathrm{\AA{}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The probability of diffuse inelastic scattering is less than 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. Contrary to theoretical expectations, there is no significant change in the reflection probability at the roton threshold at $k=0.5$ ${\mathrm{\AA{}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$.
Oncolytic virotherapy: a potential therapeutic approach for cholesteatoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the principles of oncolytic virotherapy and summarize the recent preliminary evidence on the efficacy of oncolytic virotherapy for cholesteatoma (CHST) treatment in vitro in human CHST cells and in a gerbil CHST model. RECENT FINDINGS The use of oncolytic virotherapy for nonmalignant lesions is innovative. In-vitro results showed that oncolytic herpes simplex virus 1 (oHSV) selectively targets and kills CHST cells. In a gerbil model of CHST, local oHSV injections were associated with a decrease in CHST volume and modulation of bony changes. SUMMARY Surgical treatment options for CHST are limited by high morbidity and recidivism, emphasizing the need for developing treatment alternatives. Preliminary results support the potential therapeutic effect of oncolytic virotherapy on CHST, yet further research is needed to evaluate this novel approach.
Cost-health literacy training in fellowship: A QI initiative.

80Background: Limited cost-health literacy is a significant factor in the physicians ability to discuss and navigate patient financial concerns. Because these skills are not formally taught during ...
Flow Synthesis of Metal Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots: From Rapid Parameter Space Mapping to AI-Guided Modular Manufacturing

Summary Microscale flow synthesis is a versatile technology for accelerated materials development and rapid process-structure-property mapping of solution-processed materials. Lead (Pb) halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs), with their outstanding optoelectronic properties and widespread applications in photonic devices, are an exciting high-priority material candidate for rapid exploration with flow synthesis strategies. Modular and reconfigurable flow synthesis platforms equipped with precursor formulation, controlled flow synthesis, and in situ diagnostic modules can enable high-throughput experimentation with real-time access to Pb halide PQD optoelectronic properties. In this review, we discuss recent efforts focused on in situ characterization, post-processing, artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced synthesis optimization, and mechanistic studies of Pb halide PQDs conducted utilizing flow synthesis techniques. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the recently developed AI-guided flow synthesis strategies for accelerated development and continuous manufacturing of Pb halide PQDs. Finally, we present current challenges and potential future directions toward enabling end-to-end continuous manufacturing of application-ready PQDs.
The holistic benefits of education for Indigenous language revitalisation and reclamation (ELR2)

This article explores research and practice on the holistic benefits of education for language revitalisation and reclamation – ELR2 – efforts that link home, school, and community in mutually supp...
Nonlinear and Amplification Response with Asymmetric Graphene-based Coherent Perfect Absorbers

This work reports a novel asymmetric bifacial graphene metasurface design exhibiting broadband coherent perfect absorption (CPA) at low terahertz (THz) frequencies. Nonlinear CPA performance without resorting to optical nonlinearities, as well as amplification are demonstrated based on wave interference phenomena taking place in this subwavelength structure. The proposed design is composed of two graphene square patch arrays with different dimensions stacked over an ultrathin dielectric substrate. Asymmetric reflection in a broad frequency range is obtained that leads to the presented broadband and nonlinear CPA response and amplifying performance. The proposed ultrathin broadband CPA device is expected to be an important component to several new on-chip THz communication devices, such as sensors, coherent detectors, all-optical modulators, and small-signal amplifiers.
Low Dose to White Matter Predicts Attention and Processing Speed Decline After Fractionated Brain RT.

Purpose/Objective(s) Attention and processing speed, an important neurocognitive function, is subserved in the brain by critical white matter (WM): the corpus callosum (CC) and intra-hemispheric white matter tracts (IHWM). We sought to characterize the dose-response relationship of these structures with decline in attention/processing speed at 6 months post-RT in patients with primary brain tumors, with particular attention to low doses. Materials/Methods On a prospective trial, 52 primary brain tumor patients receiving fractionated brain RT underwent volumetric MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, and neurocognitive assessments (for processing speed: Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Trail Making (D-KEFS-TM) Number Sequencing (TM-NS), D-KEFS-TM Letter Sequencing (TM-LS), and Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) Coding; for attention: D-KEFS-TM Visual Scanning (TM-VS) test and WAIS-IV Digit Span Digits Forward (DF) test. Reliable change indices were calculated and adjusted for practice effects (RCI-PE), with decrease in RCI-PE scored as decline. Regions of interest (ROIs) were autosegmented using open source software and atlas-based tractography, including: CC, all WM w/wo CC, total IHWM without CC, and right/left IHWM without CC. Censoring masks excluded tumor, surgical cavity, scarring, and edema. Planning CTs were co-registered to MRIs to extract DVH parameters for each ROI, including V10 Gy and V20 Gy. Univariate logistic regressions were used to test for dosimetric predictors of decline. Results Median age was 47y. Most patients (61.5%) had gliomas. Median prescription RT dose was 59.4 Gy. At baseline and 6 months, 37-43 patients completed the neurocognitive assessments, with 61-78% showing decline. Several significant associations between increasing relative volumes exposed to low dose and decline were seen in all assessments except TM-NS (Table). Investigation of mean and maximum dose parameters yielded similar results. Conclusion While maximum dose is typically considered the most relevant dosimetric parameter for toxicity endpoints in the brain, we also detected several significant logistic relationships between V10 and V20 to more diffuse white matter networks (CC and IHWM) and decline in attention and processing speed post-RT. Minimization of low dose bath, whether by planning optimization or use of more conformal modalities like protons, may be clinically relevant for preservation of these critical neurocognitive functions.
Measuring the hidden burden of violence: use of explicit and proxy codes in Minnesota injury hospitalizations, 2004-2014.

Purpose Commonly-used violence surveillance systems are biased towards certain populations due to overreporting or over-scrutinized. Hospital discharge data may offer a more representative view of violence, through use of proxy codes, i.e. diagnosis of injuries correlated with violence. The goals of this paper are to compare the trends in violence in Minnesota, and associations of county-level demographic characteristics with violence rates, measured through explicitly diagnosed violence and proxy codes. It is an exploration of how certain sub-populations are overrepresented in traditional surveillance systems. Methods Using Minnesota hospital discharge data linked with census data from 2004 to 2014, this study examined the distribution and time trends of explicit, proxy, and combined (proxy and explicit) codes for child abuse, intimate partner violence (IPV), and elder abuse. The associations between county-level risk factors (e.g., poverty) and county violence rates were estimated using negative binomial regression models with generalized estimation equations to account for clustering over time. Results The main finding was that the patterns of county-level violence differed depending on whether one used explicit or proxy codes. In particular, explicit codes suggested that child abuse and IPV trends were flat or decreased slightly from 2004 to 2014, while proxy codes suggested the opposite. Elder abuse increased during this timeframe for both explicit and proxy codes, but more dramatically when using proxy codes. In regard to the associations between county level characteristics and each violence subtype, previously identified county-level risk factors were more strongly related to explicitly-identified violence than to proxy-identified violence. Given the larger number of proxy-identified cases as compared with explicit-identified violence cases, the trends and associations of combined codes align more closely with proxy codes, especially for elder abuse and IPV. Conclusions Violence surveillance utilizing hospital discharge data, and particularly proxy codes, may add important information that traditional surveillance misses. Most importantly, explicit and proxy codes indicate different associations with county sociodemographic characteristics. Future research should examine hospital discharge data for violence identification to validate proxy codes that can be utilized to help to identify the hidden burden of violence.
A general framework for fast stagewise algorithms

Forward stagewise regression follows a very simple strategy for constructing a sequence of sparse regression estimates: it starts with all coefficients equal to zero, and iteratively updates the coefficient (by a small amount e) of the variable that achieves the maximal absolute inner product with the current residual. This procedure has an interesting connection to the lasso: under some conditions, it is known that the sequence of forward stagewise estimates exactly coincides with the lasso path, as the step size e goes to zero. Furthermore, essentially the same equivalence holds outside of least squares regression, with the minimization of a differentiable convex loss function subject to an l1 norm constraint (the stagewise algorithm now updates the coefficient corresponding to the maximal absolute component of the gradient). Even when they do not match their l1-constrained analogues, stagewise estimates provide a useful approximation, and are computationally appealing. Their success in sparse modeling motivates the question: can a simple, effective strategy like forward stagewise be applied more broadly in other regularization settings, beyond the l1 norm and sparsity? The current paper is an attempt to do just this. We present a general framework for stagewise estimation, which yields fast algorithms for problems such as group-structured learning, matrix completion, image denoising, and more.
On the (in)security of fischlin’s paradigm

The Fiat-Shamir paradigm was proposed as a way to remove interaction from 3-round proof of knowledge protocols and derive secure signature schemes. This generic transformation leads to very efficient schemes and has thus grown quite popular. However, this transformation is proven secure only in the random oracle model. In FOCS 2003, Goldwasser and Kalai showed that this transformation is provably insecure in the standard model by presenting a counterexample of a 3-round protocol, the Fiat-Shamir transformation of which is (although provably secure in the random oracle model) insecure in the standard model, thus showing that the random oracle is uninstantiable. In particular, for every hash function that is used to replace the random oracle, the resulting signature scheme is existentially forgeable. This result was shown by relying on the non-black-box techniques of Barak (FOCS 2001). An alternative to the Fiat-Shamir paradigm was proposed by Fischlin in Crypto 2005. Fischlin's transformation can be applied to any so called 3-round 'Fiat-Shamir proof of knowledge'' and can be used to derive non-interactive zero-knowledge proofs of knowledge as well as signature schemes. An attractive property of this transformation is that it provides online extractability (i.e., the extractor works without having to rewind the prover). Fischlin remarks that in comparison to the Fiat-Shamir transformation, his construction tries to 'decouple the hash function from the protocol flow' and hence, the counterexample in the work of Goldwaaser and Kalai does not seem to carry over to this setting. In this work, we show a counterexample to the Fischlin's transformation. In particular, we construct a 3-round Fiat-Shamir proof of knowledge (on which Fischlin's transformation is applicable), and then, present an adversary against both - the soundness of the resulting non-interactive zero-knowledge, as well as the unforegeability of the resulting signature scheme. Our attacks are successful except with negligible probability for any hash function, that is used to instantiate the random oracle, provided that there is an apriori (polynomial) bound on the running time of the hash function. By choosing the right bound, secure instantiation of Fischlin transformation with most practical cryptographic hash functions can be ruled out. The techniques used in our work are quite unrelated to the ones used in the work of Goldwasser and Kalai. Our primary technique is to bind the protocol flow with the hash function if the code of the hash function is available. We believe that our ideas are of independent interest and maybe applicable in other related settings.
Photoreceptor cell degeneration in Abcr (-/-) mice.

Mice harboring a null mutation in Abca4/Abcr serve as a model of autosomal recessive Stargardt disease. Consistent with the human retinal disorder, deficiency in Abcr is associated with substantial accumulations of lipofuscin pigments in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. To observe for photoreceptor cell degeneration in these mutant mice, outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness was measured at 200 μm intervals superior and inferior to the optic nerve head. ONL width in Abcr –/– mouse was reduced at 8–9 month and 11 and 13 months relative to Abcr +/+ mice; thinning was more pronounced centrally and in superior retina. The numbers of photoreceptor nuclei spanning the width of the outer nuclear layer were also reduced. No evidence of age-related ONL thinning was observed in Abcr +/+ mice at these ages. We conclude that albino Abcr –/– mice exhibit progressive photoreceptor cell loss that is detectable at 8 months of age and that has worsened by 11 and 13 months of age. The measurement of ONL thickness is an established approach to assessing photoreceptor cell integrity and can be used in preclinical studies using Abcr –/– mice.
An Interactive Computer Graphics Environment for CAD of Control Systems in Parameter Space

Abstract A newly developed interactive graphics CAD package for linear multivariable control systems in the parameter space framework is presented. By direct geometric interpretation of stability, performance, robustness, integrity, actuator constraints, and other practically important objectives, the 30 capabilities of high-performance interactive computer graphics systems can be employed to design directly in the space of free system parameters. Intelligent strategies help to access high-dimensional parameter spaces by decompositions or neuristic search for display subspaces. The structure and computer realization of the package is discussed with special emphasis on the unique user-computer interaction features. Design examples show application of the main techniques for up to 15-dimensional parameter spaces and illustrate the potential as an engineering analysis and design environment.
Fibroid and myometrial steroid receptors in women treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist leuprolide acetate

The reduction in uterine and fibroid volume associated with the chronic administration of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) is thought to be secondary to the analogue induced hypoestrogenic state. Our hypothesis was that the concentration of bioactive estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) may be important in the regulation of fibroid growth. The purpose of this study was to determine ER and PR content in fibroids and myometria from women pretreated with GnRH-a compared with controls. Tissue was obtained from 20 premenopausal women with uterine fibroids who were randomized to receive either leuprolide acetate depot, 3.75mg intramuscularly every 28 days for four injections (n=10) or placebo (n=10) before myomectomy. The mean fibroid ER and PR content was significantly greater than the mean myometrial ER and PR content. The mean fibroid ER content for GnRH-a-treated patients was significantly greater than in placebo-treated patients (143.3±22.8 versus 36.1±14.3 fmol/mg). The mean fibroid PR and the mean myometrial ER and PR content were not significantly different between treatment groups. Clinically, the significant increase in fibroid ER may be an explanation for the rapid regrowth of fibroids observed after the cessation of GnRH-a therapy.
A low power, low bandwidth protocol for remote wireless terminals

We present a low bandwidth protocol for wireless multi-media terminals targeted towards low power consumption on the terminal side. With the widespread use of portable computing devices, low power has become a major design criterion. One way of minimizing power consumption is to perform all tasks, other than managing hardware for the display and input, on a stationary workstation and exchange information between that workstation and the portable terminal via a wireless link. A protocol for such a system that emphasizes low bandwidth and low power requirements is presented herein. Such a protocol should address the issue of noisy wireless channels. We describe error correction and retransmission methods capable of dealing with burst error noise up to BERs of 10-3. The final average bandwidth required is 140 Kbits/sec for 8-bit color applications.
Coordinating text and graphics in explanation generation

To generate multimedia explanations, a system must be able to coordinate the use of different media in a single explanation. In this paper, we present the architecture that we have developed for COMET (COordinated Multimedia Explanation Testbed), a system that generates directions for equipment maintenance and repair, and we show how it addresses the coordination problem. COMET includes a single content planner that produces a common content description used by multiple media-specific generators, and a media coordinator that performs a fine-grained division of information among media. Bidirectional interaction between media-specific generators allows influence across media. We describe COMET's current capabilities and provide an overview of our plans for extending the system.
Immunohistochemical analysis of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins -1, -2, and -3 in implantation sites of the mouse.

Purpose: Our purpose was to analyze potential interactions between the embryo and the maternal endometrial interface in vivo by analyzing immunolocalization of insulin-like growth factor–binding proteins (IGFBPs) -1, -2, and -3 in implantation sites of the mouse. Methods: Six-week-old B 6 D 2 F 1 female mice underwent superovulation followed by mating and sacrifice at timed intervals. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue was used for avidin–biotin immunocytochemical localization of IGFBPs utilizing standard methodology. Results: Immunostaining at 1.5 days post coitum revealed light staining in the epithelial glandular cells and faint staining in decidual stroma for both IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2. At 7.5–10.5 days post coitum, there was moderate–dense immunostaining in the decidualized stromal cells at the implantation site for all three IGFBPs, whereas light immunostaining was seen in nonimplantation site decidua. Conclusions: Compartmentalization of immunostaining for IGFBP-1, -2, and -3 within decidualized stroma suggests that these proteins may be regulated by trophoblastic and/or embryonic signals.
ACTIVE AND SEMI-ACTIVE HEAVY TRUCK SUSPENSIONS TO REDUCE PAVEMENT DAMAGE

Active and semi-active suspensions have been evaluated for application on tractor/semi-trailer trucks using a pitch plane simulation model called VESYM . VESYM is a fully non-linear time domain simulation model. This paper reviews the effect of alternative heavy truck suspensions on pavement damage by using the flexible pavement simulation program VESYS . It is shown that by estimating axle tire force and using this signal to modulate a semi-active shock absorber that significant reduction in pavement degradation can be achieved.
Energy Costs and the Optimal Use of Groundwater

To meet the growing demand for freshwater, many regions have increased pumping of groundwater in recent years, resulting in declining groundwater levels worldwide. A promising development is technical change regarding groundwater substitutes such as desalination and wastewater recycling. However, because these technologies are energy intensive, optimal implementation also depends on future energy price trends. We provide an operational model for the application to reverse-osmosis seawater desalination. With this foundation, we outline a research agenda for extending the framework to other groundwater substitutes and for adaptation to climate change.
Surprised by Law

This year’s Association of American Law Schools convention provided a genuinely engaging panel discussion between Michael Sandel and Judge Stephen Reinhardt. Michael Sandel, Harvard philosopher of community and the “encumbered self,” delivered his defense of an ethics of appreciation which goes beyond mere toleration, arguing for honor for persons rather than mere dignity. Reinhardt countered by characterizing Sandel’s stuff as the sort of academic theorizing which has nothing much to do with the world, and raised with almost unconscious elegance the main issue, and a deeply troubling concrete dilemma. Reinhardt noted that Sandel’s portrait of the person did not work because we are not free and we are not determined, but rather are some mix. In one sense, this concedes much of Sandel’s point about the inadequacy of the Kantian, Rawlsian unencumbered rational self, yet at the same time it reveals Sandel’s fatal incompleteness. And it focuses the issue of religious freedom in a postmodern age; it highlights the concern of what religious liberty means in a world of fluid discourse. Public speech has been variously characterized as merging horizons, as an ongoing conversation, as the constitution of communities of discourse, as constructing a social world and as being constructed by a social world. What, in this dialogic constitutionalism, does religious freedom mean? Perhaps it is the right not only to exercise one’s religious beliefs, but also to offer something about that right, as a gift, to the public discourse.
Recent Results in Scalable Multi-Party Computation

Secure multi-party computation (MPC) allows multiple parties to compute a known function over inputs held by each party, without any party having to reveal its private input. Unfortunately, traditional MPC algorithms do not scale well to large numbers of parties. In this paper, we describe several recent MPC algorithms that are designed to handle large networks. All of these algorithms rely on recent techniques from the Byzantine agreement literature on forming and using quorums. Informally, a quorum is a small set of parties, most of which are trustworthy. We describe the advantages and disadvantages of these scalable algorithms, and we propose new ideas for improving practicality of current techniques. Finally, we conduct simulations to measure bandwidth cost for several current MPC algorithms.
A systematic review of the effects of choice on academic outcomes for students with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract The present review synthesized single-case design studies whose interventions included a choice-making component to investigate their effects on academic behaviors in academic settings for students with autism spectrum disorder. Studies included were conducted between 1990 and 2013 with kindergarten to grade 12 students with autism spectrum disorder. Eight studies met the criteria for inclusion. We applied a multistep evaluation process to provide an overview of the quality of evidence across studies reviewed and to inform the interpretation of results from each study. Findings indicate that providing a choice component results in improvements in student (a) work completion, (b) behaviors (e.g., increase in on-task behavior, reduction in challenging behavior), and (c) affect and interest. Further, we noted that outcomes varied by design, with conditions that included a choice component outperforming the no choice component condition in both multiple-baseline and withdrawal designs, although results were mixed for studies employing an alternating-treatment design.
Age Differences in the Association Between Body Mass Index Class and Annualized Medicare Expenditures

Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) class and Medicare claims among young-old (65-69), old (70-74), and old-old (75+) adults over a 10-year period. Method: We assessed costs by BMI class and age group among 9,300 respondents to the 1998 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) with linked 1998-2008 Medicare claims data. BMI was classified as normal (18.5-24.9), overweight (25-29.9), mild obesity (30-34.9), or severe obesity (35 or above). Results: Annualized total Medicare claims adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, education, and smoking history were 109% greater for severely obese young-old adults in comparison with normal weight young-old adults (US$9,751 vs. US$4,663). Total annualized claim differences between the normal weight and severely obese in the old and old-old groups were not statistically significant. Discussion: Excess Medicare expenditures related to obesity may be concentrated among severely obese young-old adults. Preventing severe obesit...
Types, modules and databases in the logic programming language PROTOS-L

Whereas in many programming languages types play a central role, logic programming languages often do not have a typing concept at all. After a survey on many-sorted, order-sorted and polymorphic approaches to types in logic programming the basic components of the typed logic programming language PROTOS-L are discussed. It has a polymorphic order-sorted type concept and a module concept that allows the integration of external data bases. PROTOS-L is implemented on the PAM, an abstract machine that extends the Warren Abstract Machine in particular by polymorphic order-sorted unification and by a data base component.
A New Spin on the Jumbo/Conforming Loan Rate Differential

This article uses house-price transaction data to estimate volatility in house prices. The volatility parameter is an input into a mortgage-pricing model that is used to simulate the contract interest rate that balances the mortgage contract. By segmenting the house-price transaction into high- and low-valued homes, we are able to estimate a theoretical jumbo/conforming loan rate differential. Simulation results demonstrate that the differences in volatility between high- and low-priced homes can produce a contract loan rate differential, holding all else constant. The article also presents a discussion of the problems inherent to estimating volatilities form assets with infrequent trades and long holding periods.
Maternal death following suture of incompetent cervix during pregnancy

Abstract This case is due to a rare combination of bacterial characteristics. The fact that a fairly large number of operations for the closure of the dilated cervix during pregnancy have been performed without a fatal outcome up to this case demonstrates that the likelihood of recurrence of this type of infection is quite small. The operation should probably therefore continue to be performed in properly selected cases, and the postoperative management of these cases should not be changed.
XG: a data-driven computation grid for enterprise-scale mining

In this paper we introduce a novel architecture for data processing, based on a functional fusion between a data and a computation layer. We show how such an architecture can be leveraged to offer significant speedups for data processing jobs such as data analysis and mining over large data sets. One novel contribution of our solution is its data-driven approach. The computation infrastructure is controlled from within the data layer. Grid compute job submission events are based within the query processor on the DBMS side and in effect controlled by the data processing job to be performed. This allows the early deployment of on-the-fly data aggregation techniques, minimizing the amount of data to be transfered to/from compute nodes and is in stark contrast to existing Grid solutions that interact with data layers mainly as external “storage”. We validate this in a scenario derived from a real business deployment, involving financial customer profiling using common types of data analytics (e.g., linear regression analysis). Experimental results show significant speedups. For example, using a grid of only 12 non-dedicated nodes, we observed a speedup of approximately 1000% in a scenario involving complex linear regression analysis data mining computations for commercial customer profiling.
The Return to Wealth, Asset Pricing, and the Intertemporal Elasticity of Substitution

We estimate a consumption-based asset pricing model with Epstein-Zin (1989) preferences. The intertemporal marginal rate of substitution (IMRS) depends on the return on total wealth. Rather than use the stock market as a proxy for wealth, we construct a more comprehensive return: we include the value of corporate equity and debt, durable goods (houses), and human capital. Our measure of human capital and its return is estimated jointly with the preference parameters. Our preliminary results are: the intertemporal elasticity of substitution is greater than one, the IMRS satisfies the Hansen-Jagannathan (1991) bound, and human capital comprises about 85 percent of total wealth, its return is about 6 percent per year (about 2 percentage points lower than equities) and has a Sharpe ratio that is about double that of equities.
Water Pollution from Snow Removal Operations

Analyses performed on snow samples obtained from snow removal dump sites indicates the presence of substantial quantities of contaminants. This snow, removed from roads, highways and parking areas, contained high levels of total solids, suspended solids, chlorides, COD and lead. Over a 2-yr period the mean concentrations for these five pollutants were 5,080 mg/l, 1,570 mg/l, 2,470 mg/l, 281 mg/l and 3.4 mg/l, respectively. Of particular concern is the high lead concentration, presumably originating from automobile exhaust. Essentially all of the lead was found to be associated with the particulate matter. Lead analyses performed on sediment samples from the river into which the dumped snow is pushed indicates that the lead from the snow may become trapped in the river sediment near the site due to inhibition of the transport of the suspended lead rich material.
Spectra of quantized hyperalgebras

We describe the prime and primitive spectra for quantized enveloping algebras at roots of 1 in characteristic zero in terms of the prime spectrum of the underlying enveloping algebra. Our methods come from the theory of Hopf algebra crossed products. For primitive ideals we obtain an analogue of Duflo's Theorem, which says that every primitive ideal is the annihilator of a simple highest weight module. This depends on an extension of Lusztig's tensor product theorem.
Supporting XML Security Models Using Relational Databases: A Vision

As the secure distribution and sharing of information over the World Wide Web becomes increasingly important, the needs for flexible and efficient support of access control systems naturally arise. Since the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) is emerging as the format of the Internet era for storing and exchanging information, there have been, recently, many proposals to extend the XML model to incorporate security aspects. To the lesser or greater extent, however, such proposals neglect the fact that the data for XML documents will most likely reside in relational databases, and consequently do not utilize various security models proposed for and implemented in relational databases.
Concept and Unintended Consequences of Weather Index Insurance: The Case of Mexico

Recently, Weather Index Insurance (WII) has received considerable attention as a tool to insure farmers against weather related risks, particularly in developing countries. Donor organizations, local governments, insurance companies, development economists as well as agricultural economists are discussing the costs and benefits of WII. While the literature on WII has mainly focused on many cases in Africa and Asia, in this article we analyze the WII program in Mexico, which is one of the largest WII programs worldwide. In this context we discuss potentially important spill-over effects on related markets which so far have not been considered in the academic literature. First, we argue that WII creates disincentives to invest in other non-insured crops leading to potential overspecialization and monoculture. Secondly, WII generates disincentives to invest in irrigation systems because farmers are insured only as long as production takes place on non-irrigated land. Third, in case of catastrophic events food prices can potentially inflate with indemnity payments at the expense of the uninsured poor. We also suggest that in Mexico the thresholds of the weather index be (continuously) re-calibrated in order to adjust for the development of drought resistant seeds. Finally, the index could relatively easily be extended to account for precipitation variances. We argue that these factors and spillover effects should be accounted for in cost benefit analysis of WII.(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
A Bypass-Sensitive Blocking-Preventing Scheduling Technique for Mesh-Connected Multicomputers

Among all non-blocking job scheduling techniques for mesh-connected multiprocessor systems to ensure contiguous processor allocation, Largest-Job-First (LJF) technique proves to be one of the best in achieving small latency compared to First-Come-First-Serve (FCFS) among others. The scheduling becomes “blocking” whenever a job reaches a bypass limit and it deprives the scheduling process the flexibility benefit in its non-blocking nature. Such an adverse effect is especially pronounced in LJF compared to the simpler FCFS. This paper proposes a novel scheduling technique that is capable of dynamically adjusting the priority of a job in the queue by weighing its job size with a factor based on its current bypass value. This technique ensures that the advantage of the LJF is preserved while significantly diminishing the chance for the blocking situation to occur. In our simulation results, we show that frequency in leading to “blocking” scenario is significantly reduced and thus a much improved latency ensues.
Preliminary Thoughts on the Virtues of Passive Dialogue

The judicial, legislative, and executive branches interact in many ways. These interactions fuel a constitutional dialogue that serves as a backdrop to myriad governmental activities, both large and small. The judiciary's participation is necessary, desirable, and, as a practical matter, inevitable. In my article I analyze two competing models that bear on the normative question: What form should the judiciary's participation take? Debates over the judiciary's appropriate role in the public constitutional dialogue have captured scholarly attention for decades. Recent attention has focused on a growing distinction between the active and passive models of judicial participation. My article approaches this debate and tests these models from the vantage point of one specific jurisprudence - school finance - and within a discrete judicial setting - state supreme courts. While this vantage point limits my analysis, it offers the advantage of keeping the judicial context constant so as to better isolate the differences that separate the consequences flowing from the active and passive judicial participation models. Although school finance decisions by state supreme courts are structurally tilted in a manner favorable to the active model, results from a modest comparison provide more support for the passive model.