cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three-cue selection models applied to multidimensional stimulus classification: Alternatives to the spiker, croll, and miller analysis

Abstract Three models derived from a modification of Croll's cue-selection theory of stimulus classification were fit to data previously used by Spiker, Croll, and Miller to test predictions for multidimensional generalizations derived from a Hull-Spence discrimination learning theory. The cue-selection models captured all of the important features of the data, including accounting for more than 99% of the variance of the observed response proportions, and closely describing the distribution of total number of classification discrepancies as the combination of two Poisson distributions. It is concluded that the data do not clarify the nature of the processes underlying the classification responses since two theories which postulate very different processes both describe the data very closely. It is suggested that the data actually contain very little information and that an experiment designed to discriminate between the two theories is desirable.
Esters of alternating copolymers of maleic or 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride with alkyl vinyl ethers†

Maleic anhydride or 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride was copolymerized with a number of alkyl vinyl ethers, with AIBN as the initiator. The comonomers were always alternating and were obtained in yields ranging from 15 to 99%. The acid anhydride group in both series of copolymers was converted to the corresponding methyl esters in a two-step reaction. The structure of these polymers was established by elemental analysis and by infrared, 1H-and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. Addtional characterization of these copolymers were carried out by viscosity measurements, differential scanning calorimetry for the determination of glass transition temperatures, and thermal degradation for the determination of the thermal stability of the copolymers.
Cellularity and the structure of pseudo-trees

Let T be an infinite pseudo-tree. In [2], we showed that the cellularity of the pseudo-tree algebra Treealg( T ) was the maximum of four cardinals c T , l T , ϕ T , and μ T : roughly, c T is the “tallness” of T : l T is the “width” of T , ϕ is the number of “points of finite branching” in T : and μ is the number of “sections of no branching” in T . Here we ask: which inequalities among these four cardinals may be satisfied, in some sense, by a pseudo-tree? We show that the possible inequalities among c T , l T , ϕ T , and μ T attained by pseudo-trees T are closely related to the existence of generalized Suslin trees.
Biological and Clinical Significance of the Gut as a Barrier to Penetration of Macromolecules Practical Implications with Respect to Breast Feeding

This review stresses the importance of the gut as an immunologic organ, and describes those factors in the gut which impede penetration of potentially harmful macromolecules, particularly the secretory IgA system. Because of the immaturity of this gut function in the young infant, breast feeding should be encouraged for the first six to nine months of life whenever possible.
A “Scientific Revolution”: Sociological Theory in the United States, 1930–1945

Between 1930 and 1945 the sociological profession suffered an identity crisis. Its origin and resolution were compounded of both academic realpolitik and theoretical dilemmas: generational conflicts and university power blocs on the one hand, and persisting intellectual obsessions on the other. Contemporary sociologists may find our current situation to be both derivative and parallel.
A fictitious domain decomposition method for the solution of partially axisymmetric acoustic scattering problems. Part 2: Neumann boundary conditions

We present a fictitious domain decomposition method for the fast solution of acoustic scattering problems characterized by a partially axisymmetric sound-hard scatterer. We apply this method to the solution of a mock-up submarine problem, and highlight its computational advantages and intrinsic parallelism. A key component of our method is an original idea for addressing a Neumann boundary condition in the general framework of a fictitious domain method. This idea is applicable to many other linear partial differential equations besides the Helmholtz equation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global stabilization of discrete non-affine systems

The author's previous results (Syst. Contr. Lett., vol. 26, no. 1, 1995) on global stabilization of continuous-time nonaffine nonlinear systems via bounded smooth state feedback are generalized to their discrete-time counterparts.
A modular multibody analysis capability for high-precision, active control and real-time applications

A computationally oriented formulation and its solution procedures for the analysis of rigid-flexible multibody dynamics systems are presented. The present formulation adopts a set of dual co-ordinate systems, an inertially fixed one for the measure of translational motions and a body-based one for rotational motions. The origins of these co-ordinate systems are located at the centres of rigid bodies and at the nodal points of flexible bodies for implementation ease. The flexibility is modelled by an intrinsic spatial beam theory which is approximated by transverse-shear deformable linear beam elements. The solution of the resulting equations of motion including system constraints is obtained by a partitioned procedure, which solves first for the constraint force vector, then the generalized co-ordinates for the rigid and flexible components, and finally interaction quantities such as active control forces, manoeuvring space ranges and corrections due to state measurements, with each solution stage being processed by the corresponding separate module. A central feature of the present capability is its high accuracy of the analysis results by demanding the energy conservation throughout the various stages of response analyses. Several examples are included to demonstrate the capabilities of the present analysis software both on sequential and parallel machines.
Workplace Wellness Programs: How Regulatory Flexibility Might Undermine Success

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act revised the law related to workplace wellness programs, which have become part of the nation’s broader health strategy. Health-contingent programs are required to be reasonably designed. However, the regulatory requirements are lax and might undermine program efficacy in terms of both health gains and financial return. I propose a method for the government to support a best-practices approach by considering an accreditation or certification process. Additionally I discuss the need for program evaluation and the potential for employers to be subject to litigation if programs are not carefully implemented.
Conservation of the Notch signalling pathway in mammalian neurogenesis

The Notch pathway functions in multiple cell fate determination processes in invertebrate embryos, including the decision between the neuroblast and epidermoblast lineages in Drosophila. In the mouse, targeted mutation of the Notch pathway genes Notch1 and RBP-Jk has demonstrated a role for these genes in somite segmentation, but a function in neurogenesis and in cell fate decisions has not been shown. Here we show that these mutations lead to altered expression of the Notch signalling pathway homologues Hes-5, Mash-1 and Dll1, resulting in enhanced neurogenesis. Precocious neuronal differentiation is indicated by the expanded expression domains of Math4A, neuroD and NSCL-1. The RBP-Jk mutation has stronger effects on expression of these genes than does the Notch1 mutation, consistent with functional redundancy of Notch genes in neurogenesis. Our results demonstrate conservation of the Notch pathway and its regulatory mechanisms from fly to mouse, and support a role for the murine Notch signalling pathway in the regulation of neural stem cell differentiation.
Effects of norepinephrine reuptake inhibition on postural tachycardia syndrome.

Background Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a disorder of chronic orthostatic intolerance accompanied by excessive orthostatic tachycardia. Patients with POTS commonly have comorbid conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, or fibromyalgia that are treated with medications that inhibit the norepinephrine reuptake transporter (NRI). NRI medications can increase sympathetic nervous system tone, which may increase heart rate (HR) and worsen symptoms in POTS patients. We sought to determine whether NRI with atomoxetine increases standing tachycardia or worsens the symptom burden in POTS patients. Methods and Results Patients with POTS (n=27) underwent an acute drug trial of atomoxetine 40 mg and placebo on separate mornings in a randomized, crossover design. Blood pressure (BP), HR, and symptoms were assessed while seated and after standing prior to and hourly for 4 hours following study drug administration. Atomoxetine significantly increased standing HR compared with placebo (121±17 beats per minute versus 105±15 beats per minute; P =0.001) in POTS patients, with a trend toward higher standing systolic BP ( P =0.072). Symptom scores worsened with atomoxetine compared to placebo (+4.2 au versus −3.5 au; P =0.028) from baseline to 2 hours after study drug administration. Conclusion Norepinephrine reuptake inhibition with atomoxetine acutely increased standing HR and symptom burden in patients with POTS. Clinical Trials Registration URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00262470.
Review of structured thin films in wide bandgap semiconductors: pendeo-epitaxy of GaN and AlGaN

Structured wide bandgap semiconductor thin films have been developed as a technique for growing thin films with low threading dislocation densities. A growth technique called Pendeo-Epitaxy (PE) has been applied to the deposition of GaN and AlGaN thin films. Low densities of dislocations on GaN stripes on AlN/6H-SiC(0001) and AlN/3C-SiC(111)/Si(111) substrates have been achieved. The dislocation density was reduced by at least five orders of magnitude. The characterization of the resulting materials is being reported in this paper. By using a mask on the [100]-direction oriented GaN stripes, the vertical propagation of threading dislocations during PE regrowth is blocked. Tilting in the laterally moving growth fronts, and associated crystallographic misregistry in the areas of coalescence over the stripes, and the generation of dislocations propagating from the resulting boundaries has been observed. A potential solution to this problem has been developed and is based on the elimination of the mask, as determined via X-ray diffraction and scanning and transmission electron microscopies.
The Value of International Experiences for Business Students: Measuring Business Student Attitudes toward Study Abroad.

The value of an international experience—especially for students of business—continues to be an area of focus at colleges and universities. Students across all disciplines within the business curriculum: accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, or sport management are expected by employers to possess knowledge of, and appreciation for, other cultures. Using as a backdrop two unique study abroad programs that immerse students into an intercultural business experience and have them interacting with—and learning from—the local residents as well, the survey research in this study measures student attitudes before and after they study abroad and it notes the changes that students report in their personal and professional knowledge, skills, and abilities. The findings of this research can reshape the way in which colleges and universities market these important international experiences. Through this research, we found that factors that prohibit students from studying abroad have more to do with individual social anxiety (i.e. doing something without their friends) than anxiety based on intercultural factors (i.e. language, culture, and distance from home)
Measurement differences in depression: chronic health-related and sociodemographic effects in older Americans.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of five chronic health conditions (high blood pressure, heart conditions, stroke, diabetes, and lung diseases) and four sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, education, and race/ethnicity) on the endorsement patterns of depressive symptoms in a sample of community-dwelling older adults. METHOD Participants were adults aged >or=65 years from the 2004 Health and Retirement Study (n = 9448). Depressive symptoms were measured with a nine-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale. Measurement differences attributable to health and sociodemographic factors were assessed with a multidimensional model based on item response theory. RESULTS Evidence for unidimensionality was equivocal. We used a bifactor model to express symptom endorsement patterns as resulting from a general factor and three specific factors ("dysphoria," "psychosomatic," and "lack of positive affect"). Even after controlling for the effects of health on the psychosomatic factor, heart conditions, stroke, diabetes, and lung diseases had significant positive effects on the general factor. Significant effects due to gender and educational levels were observed on the "lack of positive affect" factor. Older adults self-identifying as Latinos had higher levels of general depression. On the symptom level, meaningful measurement noninvariance due to race/ethnic differences were found in the following five items: depressed, effort, energy, happy, and enjoy life. CONCLUSIONS The increased tendency to endorse depressive symptoms among persons with specific health conditions is, in part, explained by specific associations among symptoms belonging to the psychosomatic domain. Differences attributable to the effects of health conditions may reflect distinct phenomenological features of depression. The bifactor model serves as a vehicle for testing such hypotheses.
Using Larch to specify Avalon/C++ objects

A formal specification of three base Avalon/C++ classes - recoverable, atomic, and subatomic - is given. Programmers derive from class recoverable to define persistent objects, and from either class atomic or class subatomic to define atomic objects. The specifications, written in Larch, provide the means for showing that classes derived from the base classes implement objects that are persistent or atomic and thus exemplify the applicability of an existing specification method to specifying nonfunctional properties. Writing these formal specifications for Avalon/C++'s built-in classes has helped to clarify places in the programming language where features interact, to make unstated assumptions explicit, and to characterize complex properties of objects. >
An experimental investigation into the use of written smell references in ecotourism advertisements.

While the demand for ecotourism destinations is growing, so has the intensity of competition in this sector. Therefore, using an Internet panel sample of 154 U.S. residents, this research finds tha...
Pomalidomide and its clinical potential for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: an update for the hematologist:

Multiple myeloma is a common plasma cell neoplasm that is incurable with conventional therapy. The treatment paradigm of multiple myeloma is not standardized and is evolving. The advent of novel drugs, including the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib and the immunomodulatory agents, has resulted in increased median survival. Unfortunately, all patients eventually relapse and require further therapy. Pomalidomide is the newest immunomodulatory drug, created by chemical modification of thalidomide with the intention of increasing therapeutic activity while limiting toxicity. Its mechanism of action is incompletely understood but involves anti-angiogenic effects, immunomodulation, an effect on the myeloma tumor microenvironment, and the protein cereblon. It is more potent than thalidomide and lenalidomide. In phase II studies, it has shown significant activity in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, including patients who are heavily pretreated, have disease refractory to lenalidomide and bortezomib, and those with high-risk cytogenetic or molecular markers. It is generally well tolerated, with adverse effects including fatigue, neutropenia, neuropathy, and thromboembolic disease. Pomalidomide is a promising new agent in the expanding arsenal of antimyeloma drugs. In this review, we discuss the clinical experience to date with pomalidomide in multiple myeloma.
The Ataxia Telangiectasia mutated kinase controls Igκ allelic exclusion by inhibiting secondary Vκ-to-Jκ rearrangements

Allelic exclusion is enforced through the ability of antigen receptor chains expressed from one allele to signal feedback inhibition of V-to-(D)J recombination on the other allele. To achieve allelic exclusion by such means, only one allele can initiate V-to-(D)J recombination within the time required to signal feedback inhibition. DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) induced by the RAG endonuclease during V(D)J recombination activate the Ataxia Telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) kinases. We demonstrate that ATM enforces Igκ allelic exclusion, and that RAG DSBs induced during Igκ recombination in primary pre-B cells signal through ATM, but not DNA-PK, to suppress initiation of additional Igκ rearrangements. ATM promotes high-density histone H2AX phosphorylation to create binding sites for MDC1, which functions with H2AX to amplify a subset of ATM-dependent signals. However, neither H2AX nor MDC1 is required for ATM to enforce Igκ allelic exclusion and suppress Igκ rearrangements. Upon activation in response to RAG Igκ cleavage, ATM signals down-regulation of Gadd45α with concomitant repression of the Gadd45α targets Rag1 and Rag2. Our data indicate that ATM kinases activated by RAG DSBs during Igκ recombination transduce transient H2AX/MDC1-independent signals that suppress initiation of further Igκ rearrangements to control Igκ allelic exclusion.
Induction of diabetes in nonhuman primates by means of temporary arterial embolization and selective arterial injection of streptozotocin.

PURPOSE: To develop and assess a technique for induction of C peptide–negative diabetes in adult nonhuman primates in preparation for preclinical investigation of type 1 diabetes treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, temporary embolization of the hepatic and gastric arteries was performed in 14 adult nonhuman primates (six cynomolgus, five rhesus, and three pigtail macaques). After embolization was confirmed with angiography, streptozotocin was injected at a dose of 50–70 mg/kg into the celiac artery and branches supplying the pancreas. The macaques then were given intravenous injections of arginine and glucose, and blood levels of insulin and C peptide were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine whether diabetes had been induced. RESULTS: All but one of the macaques developed persistent long-term C peptide–negative diabetes after the streptozotocin injection. One macaque did not develop diabetes after the initial injection and was given a second dose of streoptozotocin, which...
A Rehabilitation Tool for Functional Balance using Altered Gravity and Virtual Reality

The current project is driven by the need for effective and functional treatment of various categories of patients with gait and balance problems. Furthermore, early treatment and mobilization of patients with hip fractures, a common consequence of falls especially in the elderly population, is critical for a successful outcome. Gait training in these populations of patients using partial body weight support (BWS) on a treadmill, a technique that involves unloading the subject through a harness, improves walking better than training with full weight bearing. One problem with the BWS technique that is not commonly acknowledged is that the supporting harness decreases the need for natural postural control. The harness provides an external support partly eliminating associated postural adjustments that are required during independent gait. We have developed a tool that can refine the concept of BWS training by allowing natural associated postural adjustments to occur. While in a supine position in a 90 deg tilted environment built around a modified hospital bed, subjects wear a backpack frame that is freely moving on air-bearings (cf. puck on an air hockey table) and attached through a cable to a pneumatic cylinder that provides a load to emulate G-like loads. Various exercise devices can be used including a treadmill, stepper and bicycle. Veridical visual input is provided through two 3D automultiscopic displays that allow glasses free 3D vision representing a virtual surrounding environment that may be acquired from sites chosen by the patient. A group of 12 healthy subjects were exposed to a combination of strength and balance training in such a tilted environment over a period of 4 weeks. Measures of both isokinetic strength and balance assessed in an upright position showed statistically significant improvements after training with postural measures indicating less reliance on visual and/or increased use of somatosensory cues
Diamonds and the Interstellar Extinction Curve

IT has been suggested1 that the interstellar extinction might be explained by assuming that the interstellar dust is composed of an appropriate size distribution of diamond particles. The imaginary part of the index of refraction of diamond increases sharply from near zero to about 1.0 at λ−1 = 5.0 µm−1, giving an albedo near unity in the visible and strong extinction in the ultraviolet, as required by recent observations.
Health care provider beliefs concerning the adverse health effects of environmental and ecosystem degradation.

Abstract Objective.—Little is known about health care provider interest, knowledge, and beliefs regarding the health effects of human-induced environmental degradation (HIED). A survey was created and distributed to better characterize health provider beliefs about the adverse health effects of HIED. Methods.—An invitation to participate in an online 24-question survey was e-mailed to 2177 members of the Wilderness Medical Society to characterize experience with health effects of HIED, types of health effects attributed to HIED, attitudes toward HIED, and educational sources about HIED. Data were analyzed from 665 responses, a response rate of 35%. Results.—Results demonstrate that health care providers identify a large number and variety of health effects associated with HIED, although exacerbation of asthma, reactive airways disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were most commonly identified. Over 80% report that HIED has affected the health of a patient they have cared for; 60% report pati...
The Coherence Time of Midtropospheric Wind Features as a Function of Vertical Scale from 300 m to 2 km

The coherence between vertical wind profiles separated by a time lag is measured as a function of vertical scale from Doppler radar wind profiler data. Each profile covers altitudes from 6811 m to 16 261 m and is Fourier transformed over a vertical wavenumber (inverse scale) range from 0 to 3.33 3 1023 m21. Time lags between profiles of 0.083, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 h are used. A correction for instrument noise is derived and is applied to the results. An empirical formula for the coherence as a function of lag and scale is presented and evaluated. The ‘‘coherence time’’ is defined as the value of time lag beyond which the coherence decays below a chosen value at a given scale. A relation between coherence time and vertical scale is derived. This relation provides a measure of the lifetime of wind features in the midtroposphere as a function of their vertical scale for application to space vehicle wind loads.
Racial differences in adherence and response to combined treatment for full and subthreshold post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorders: A secondary analysis

We conducted a secondary data analysis to examine whether there were racial differences in adherence and treatment outcomes for participants with co-occurring full and subthreshold post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol/substance use disorders (A/SUD) who were treated with Seeking Safety (a cognitive-behavioral therapy) and sertraline or Seeking Safety and placebo as part of a clinical trial. Bivarate analyses examined the association between race and adherence, and generalized estimating equations assessed whether race moderated the effect of combination treatment on PTSD and alcohol use outcomes. Except for education, there were no statistically significant racial differences in baseline demographic and psychiatric characteristics. African Americans and Caucasians were equally adherent in number of psychotherapy and medication sessions attended and medication compliance. After controlling for baseline demographics and psychiatric symptoms, however, a race by treatment condition interaction emerged suggesting that African Americans who received the Seeking Safety and sertraline treatment had significantly lower PTSD symptom severity posttreatment and at six months follow-up compared to their counterparts who received Seeking Safety and placebo. No differential effect of treatment condition was found for Caucasians. Moreover, results indicated that a diagnosis of major depressive disorder negatively impacted PTSD symptom recovery for African American participants but not for Caucasians. In conclusion, no differences emerged between African Americans and Caucasians in adherence to combination treatments for PTSD and A/SUD. Findings also suggest assessment and treatment of MDD among African Americans may improve treatment outcomes. More research is needed to determine whether the differential response to Seeking Safety and sertraline among African Americans compared to Caucasians can be replicated.
The Theory of the Electrochemical Leveling and Brightening of Surfaces

The appearance of an electroplated surface depends largely upon its uniformity. Hence the interest in the study of current distribution at an electrode of irregular profile, e.g., on a coarsly polished metal surface.
Catching Digital Pirates: The Witch Hunt of the 21st Century

This article discusses how innocent people can become embroiled in lawsuits brought by copyright holders, often porn producers, ostensibly aimed at stopping piracy but which really seem intended to extract quick settlements. This trend of case filings occur where copyright owners have attempted to identify large quantities of unknown users of file sharing software that pirate the copyrighted works over the Internet. To do so, the copyright owners can accurately trace the digital pirate to the Internet Service Provider (“ISP”) used. However, when subpoenaed, the ISP is only able to supply subscriber information on the person or company that pays for a service account rather than the identity of the actual actor on the account. Copyright owners stop there and simply attempt to extract quick settlements from the owners of these service accounts without any further investigation. This article argues that the current standard in many jurisdictions for granting such subpoenas on ISPs is inadequate. Courts should not grant discovery requests upon commercial ISPs that infer that the commercial ISP subscriber is the actor on all Internet traffic for their account. Such discovery requests amount to a “witch hunt” in that as a result of plaintiff’s detection technology, some innocents will get “burned.”
Mitochondrial Uncoupling Protein 2 (UCP2) Regulates Retinal Ganglion Cell Number and Survival

In the brain, mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) has emerged as a stress signal associated with neuronal survival. In the retina, UCP2 is expressed primarily by retinal ganglion cells. Here, we investigated the functional relevance of UCP2 in the mouse retina. Increased expression of UCP2 significantly reduced apoptosis during the critical developmental period resulting in elevated numbers of retinal ganglion cells in the adult. Elevated UCP2 levels also protected against excitotoxic cell death induced by intraocular injection of either NMDA or kainic acid. In monolayer cultures of retinal cells, elevated UCP2 levels increased cell survival and rendered the cells independent of the survival-promoting effects of the neurotrophic factors BDNF and CNTF. Taken together, these data implicate UCP2 as an important regulator of retinal neuron survival both during development and in adult animals.
Explaining Cross-National Variation in Energy Consumption : The Effects of Development, Ecology, Politics, Technology, and Region

Energy consumption is typically explained by economic development. This study examines the effects of ecological factors, such as climate, geographic dispersion, and population density, along with political, technological, and regional variables. Multiple regression shows that, net of economic development, there are significant differences in per capita energy consumption across nations. Appliance ownership, climate, surface area, and geographical size of countries have significant but inconsistent associations with energy consumption. Debt service, work sector dispersion, and government type have negligible effects. There are also significant regional differences in energy consumption, which may be due to unmeasured effects of culture and energy policy. Studies of energy consumption and efficiency need to take into account a broader range of factors, including ecology, cultural practices, and energy policy.
Gender Differences in Competition: A Game Theoretic Assessment

Beginning with Gneezy, Niederle and Rustichini (2003), a number of studies show that males increase their performance by more than females in response to competitive incentives. We use contest theory to assess alternative explanations for this male advantage that have been proposed in the literature. The analysis compares the testable predictions from theory with the experimental evidence from Gneezy, Niederle and Rustichini. We reject a number of explanations that have been proposed in the literature involving misperceptions about relative ability, preference differences, and male overconfidence. Explanations involving males being better able to perform under competitive pressure and males getting greater enjoyment from competition fit most of the observed performance patterns and cannot be ruled out. The two explanations for which the theoretical predictions best fit the data involve (1) females being underconfident, and more so when competing against males, and (2) females being more risk averse than males. JEL: D74, J16, J24, J78
Comparison of pulmonary arterial wall properties between a congenital heart disease patient and a normal subject using in vivo pressure-diameter measurements: A feasibility study

Abstract Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) requiring pulmonary valve and right ventricular intervention often suffer from residual lesions including pulmonary regurgitation or pulmonary artery (PA) obstruction after the placement of a patch or artificial conduit during surgery. These residual lesions can result in significant changes in the structure and function of the right ventricle (RV) and PA. Characterization of the material properties such as stress, strain, and compliance of the PA provides a quantitative assessment of RV–PA dysfunction and may aid in the longitudinal assessment of CHD patients. Thus, in this feasibility study, we aim to assess the variations in the material properties between the left PA (LPA) of a CHD patient, which was located in close proximity of the RV-main PA (MPA) homograft, and that of a normal subject (control) with a native LPA, using in vivo pressure–diameter data as input to a non-linear material model. In vivo LPA pressure and diameter were obtained using cardiac catheterization and cardiac MRI, respectively. This in vivo data was used in conjunction with a set of sample constitutive equations to define a 2D nonlinear anisotropic material model for the LPA. Subsequently, the model constants were predicted using an optimization algorithm and by applying an equilibrium condition to the LPA wall. The model was then used to predict the pressure–diameter and stress–stretch characteristics of the LPA of the patient and control. Based on the pressure–diameter curve predicted by the model, a greater slope was observed for the patient compared to the control, thus indicating a reduction in compliance of the patient's LPA due to the presence of a RV-MPA homograft. The stress–stretch characteristics indicated a higher stress for the patient's LPA compared to that of the control. Further, a difference between the circumferential and axial stresses confirmed the anisotropic nature of the artery. Thus, this feasibility study indicates that differences between a native and diseased PA can be evaluated using a material model in conjunction with in vivo pressure–diameter data. The material properties may provide insight into RV–PA dysfunction in post-operative CHD patients.
Fish Meal as a Food for Clothes Moths

Experiments have demonstrated that fish meal is a food highly satisfactory to larvae of the webbing clothes moth. Insects reared on this material went through their life cycles in a surprisingly short time. With fish meal as the only food supply, a method has been developed for rearing large numbers of clothes moths in gallon sized cardboard cartons.
Photonic Signal Processing in Time, Frequency, and Space for Unified Elastic Optical Networking

We propose signal processing in time, frequency, and space domains for elastic optical networking that benefits from flexible and adaptive resource management in the three domains. Proof-of-concept demonstrations using OAWG and orbital-angular-momentum will be discussed.
Assimilation rates of different particulate foods for Simulium verecundum (Diptera: Simuliidae)

Particulate food assimilation rates for larvae of Simulium verecundum Stone & Jamnback were studied using three radiolabelled particulate foods: Navicula pelliculosa Breb. ex Kutz.) Hilse (a diatom), Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turp.) Breb. (a green alga), and field-collected, size-fractionated (< 3.0 microns) heterotrophic bacterioplankton. Assimilation was determined by radiolabelling the microorganisms followed by a 5-h laboratory feeding of each food to fifth- to seventh-instar S. verecundum. The bacterioplankton provided the highest assimilation efficiency (27.8%). N. pelliculosa produced higher assimilation efficiency estimates (19.5%) than did S. quadricauda (4.0%). The relationship between black fly abundance and the availability of quickly assimilated food is discussed.
Faith, fact, and behaviorism

David Hume argued that ought cannot be derived from is. That is, no set of facts, no amount of scientific knowledge, is by itself sufficient to urge us to action. Yet generations of well-meaning scientists (more and more as secular influences grow in the West) seem to have forgotten Hume's words of wisdom. All motivated action depends ultimately on beliefs that cannot be proved by the methods of science, that is, on faith.
Stable Reconstitution of IKK-Deficient Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts

Retroviral transduction is an invaluable technique in molecular biology used to express proteins encoded by nonviral genes in mammalian cells. A key feature of this technique is the ability to create cell lines that stably express the protein of interest and can be cultured long term. Here we describe a retroviral transduction procedure for mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) that uses Platinum-E cells to rapidly package high-titer, helper-free retrovirus. This technique is useful to study the role of key signaling kinases in the NF-κB signal transduction pathway.
Faster than the Speed of Thought: Vision, Perceptual Learning, and the Pace of Cognitive Reflection

AbstractThis article describes a paradigm shift in which faster technologies impact the way we perceive and interact with the world. The effect of the speed aesthetic is not only that electronic technology has created a world with a different pace, different problems, and different interests, but also that visual forms of entertainment and information media have changed the way we anticipate, process and react to visual information. With speed, how we see and think has changed, and the balance between emotional process and cognition has shifted in favor of right-brain, visual stimulation and emotional learning. But this is more than a trend toward speed; it is a paradigm shift in which the pursuit of pleasure, faster technologies, and a disinclination for following long complex strains of thought have combined to alter the way we think.
Catalytic aerobic oxidation of 2-chloroethyl ethylsulfide, a mustard simulant, under ambient conditions: Effect of solvents, ligands, and transition metals on reactivity

Abstract The complexes Au(III)(Hal) 2 (NO x )(L), Hal=Cl − or Br − , NO x =NO 3 − or NO 2 − , L=thioether, catalyze the selective aerobic sulfoxidation of thioethers, including the mustard simulant 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), by dioxygen (stoichiometry: CEES+0.5O 2 →CEESO) under ambient conditions (25°C, 1 atm O 2 ) in both homogeneous solution (acetonitrile, trifluoroethanol, nitromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane) or non-toxic perfluoropolyether (PFPE) suspensions. The reaction rate, induction period, and the extent of product inhibition are dependent on the Au(III) ligands, the solvent, and the presence of additional redox active metals. Catalytic aerobic CEES oxidation is 1.8 times faster when NO 3 − is replaced by NO 2 − and 3.3 times faster when Cl − is replaced by Br − in acetonitrile. This reaction in trifluoroethanol exhibits no induction period and is 2.8 times faster than in acetonitrile. Addition of 2 equiv. of Cu(II) per Au(III) to the system increases the rate by a factor of 2.7. The Au(III)/(Br − ) 2 /NO 3 − /Cu(II) system exhibits high rates for the selective aerobic oxidation of CEES to CEESO under ambient conditions (∼68 turnovers per hour), with little if any inhibition by the CEESO product. At low concentrations, sulfoxides reduce the induction period and increase the rate of CEES oxidation in acetonitrile, but at high concentrations they inhibit the reaction. These Au(III) catalysts are extremely efficient for aerobic CEES sulfoxidation when suspended in the PFPE Fomblin ® MF-300 (up to 200 turnovers in 10 min). This is a significant improvement from the Au system described in the first study, Au(III)(Cl) 2 (NO 3 )(CEES) in acetonitrile, which yielded approximately 5 turnovers of CEESO after 10 min. The catalytic reactivity of the Au(III)(Cl) 2 (NO 3 )(L) in Fomblin ® MF-300 for aerobic CEES oxidation was evaluated in the presence of the common amino acids to assess the extent to which the various functional groups in human skin (epidermal polypeptides) might inhibit the catalysis. Some amino acids inhibit the reaction, but the reaction still proceeds even in the presence of 7.5 equiv. of the most inhibitory functional group, indole (tryptophan).
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Isavuconazole vs. Voriconazole as First-Line Treatment for Invasive Aspergillosis

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is associated with a significant clinical and economic burden. The phase III SECURE trial demonstrated non-inferiority in clinical efficacy between isavuconazole and voriconazole. No studies have evaluated the cost-effectiveness of isavuconazole compared to voriconazole. The objective of this study was to evaluate the costs and cost-effectiveness of isavuconazole vs. voriconazole for the first-line treatment of IA from the US hospital perspective. An economic model was developed to assess the costs and cost-effectiveness of isavuconazole vs. voriconazole in hospitalized patients with IA. The time horizon was the duration of hospitalization. Length of stay for the initial admission, incidence of readmission, clinical response, overall survival rates, and experience of adverse events (AEs) came from the SECURE trial. Unit costs were from the literature. Total costs per patient were estimated, composed of drug costs, costs of AEs, and costs of hospitalizations. Incremental costs per death avoided and per additional clinical responders were reported. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (DSA and PSA) were conducted. Base case analysis showed that isavuconazole was associated with a $7418 lower total cost per patient than voriconazole. In both incremental costs per death avoided and incremental costs per additional clinical responder, isavuconazole dominated voriconazole. Results were robust in sensitivity analysis. Isavuconazole was cost saving and dominant vs. voriconazole in most DSA. In PSA, isavuconazole was cost saving in 80.2% of the simulations and cost-effective in 82.0% of the simulations at the $50,000 willingness to pay threshold per additional outcome. Isavuconazole is a cost-effective option for the treatment of IA among hospitalized patients. Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc.
Trends in Consumption of Solid Fats, Added Sugars, Sodium, Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, and Fruit from Fast Food Restaurants and by Fast Food Restaurant Type among US Children, 2003–2010

Energy intakes from fast food restaurants (FFRs) have declined among US children. Less is known about the corresponding trends for FFR-sourced solid fats, added sugars, and sodium, and food groups of interest, such as fruit and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Using data from a single 24-h dietary recall among 12,378 children aged 4–19 years from four consecutive cycles of the nationally-representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2003–2010 a custom algorithm segmented FFRs into burger, pizza, sandwich, Mexican cuisine, chicken, Asian cuisine, fish restaurants, and coffee shops. There was a significant population-wide decline in FFR-sourced solid fats (−32 kcal/day, p-trend < 0.001), added sugars (−16 kcal/day; p-trend < 0.001), SSBs (−0.12 servings (12 fluid ounces or 355 mL)/day; p-trend < 0.001), and sodium (−166 mg/day; p-trend < 0.001). Declines were observed when restricted to fast food consumers alone. Sharp declines were observed for pizza restaurants; added sugars, solid fats, and SSBs declined significantly from burger restaurants. Fruit did not change for fast food restaurants overall. Temporal analyses of fast food consumption trends by restaurant type allow for more precise monitoring of the quality of children’s diets than can be obtained from analyses of menu offerings. Such analyses can inform public health interventions and policy measures.
Spontaneous speech emotion recognition using prior knowledge

Automatic and spontaneous speech emotion recognition is an important part of a human-computer interactive system. However, emotion identification in spontaneous speech is difficult because most often the emotion expressed by the speaker are not necessarily as prominent as in acted speech. In this paper, we propose a spontaneous speech emotion recognition framework that makes use of the associated knowledge. The framework is motivated by the observation that there is significant disagreement amongst human annotators when they annotate spontaneous speech; the disagreement largely reduces when they are provided with additional knowledge related to the conversation. The proposed framework makes use of the contexts (derived from linguistic contents) and the knowledge regarding the time lapse of the spoken utterances in the context of an audio call to reliably recognize the current emotion of the speaker in spontaneous audio conversations. Our experimental results demonstrate that there is a significant improvement in the performance of spontaneous speech emotion recognition using the proposed framework.
Food Intolerant Family: Gender and the Maintenance of Children’s Gluten-Free Diets

Gluten-free dieting entails lifestyle changes that burden families. This article uses data from content analysis of gluten-free Facebook pages and interviews to show how a gluten-free diet intensifies families’ gendered divisions of labor in the United States. Maintaining a child’s diet increases mothers’ physical, emotional, relational, and mental labor. It is argued that the gendered labor of diet management intersects with diet criticism to create a backlash rooted in gender stereotypes. Mothers face criticism for intensive, risk-averse mothering practices, yet are expected to parent intensively. Women’s visibility in connection to gluten-free diets contributes to backlash against the diet infused with negative stereotypes of women and mothers. This results in additional burdens on mothers of gluten-free children.
Pulsating stars and the distance scale

I present an overview of the latest results from the SH0ES project, which obtained homogeneous Hubble Space Telescope (HST ) photometry in the optical and near-infrared for ∼ 3500 and ∼ 2300 Cepheids, respectively, across 19 supernova hosts and 4 calibrators to determine the value of H0 with a total uncertainty of 2.4%.I discuss the current 3.4σ “tension” between this local measurement and predictions of H0 based on observations of the CMB and the assumption of “standard” ΛCDM. I review ongoing efforts to reach σ(H0 ) = 1%, including recent advances on the absolute calibration of Milky Way Cepheid period-luminosity relations (PLRs) using a novel astrometric technique with HST .Lastly, I highlight recent results from another collaboration on the development of new statistical techniques to detect, classify and phase extragalactic Miras using noisy and sparsely-sampled observations. I present preliminary Mira PLRs at various wavelengths based on the application of these techniques to a survey of M33.
Despite Increased Insurance Coverage, Nonwhite Sexual Minorities Still Experience Disparities In Access To Care

Previous studies suggest that members of sexual minority groups have poorer access to health services than heterosexuals. However, few studies have examined how sexual orientation interacts with gender and race to affect health care experience. Moreover, little is known about the role in health care disparities played by economic strains such as unemployment and poverty, which may result from prejudice and discrimination based on sexual orientation. Using data for 2013–15 from the National Health Interview Survey, we found that most members of sexual minority groups no longer have higher uninsurance rates than heterosexuals, but many continue to experience poorer access to high-quality care. Gay nonwhite men, bisexual white women, and bisexual and lesbian nonwhite women are disadvantaged in multiple aspects of access, compared to straight white men. Only some of these disparities are attributable to economic factors, which implies that noneconomic barriers to care are substantial. Our results suggest that...