cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From Scores to Face Templates: A Model-Based Approach

Regeneration of templates from match scores has security and privacy implications related to any biometric authentication system. We propose a novel paradigm to reconstruct face templates from match scores using a linear approach. It proceeds by first modeling the behavior of the given face recognition algorithm by an affine transformation. The goal of the modeling is to approximate the distances computed by a face recognition algorithm between two faces by distances between points, representing these faces, in an affine space. Given this space, templates from an independent image set (break-in) are matched only once with the enrolled template of the targeted subject and match scores are recorded. These scores are then used to embed the targeted subject in the approximating affine (nonorthogonal) space. Given the coordinates of the targeted subject in the affine space, the original template of the targeted subject is reconstructed using the inverse of the affine transformation. We demonstrate our ideas using three fundamentally different face recognition algorithms: principal component analysis (PCA) with Mahalanobis cosine distance measure, Bayesian intra-extrapersonal classifier (BIC), and a feature-based commercial algorithm. To demonstrate the independence of the break-in set with the gallery set, we select face templates from two different databases: the face recognition grand challenge (FRGC) database and the facial recognition technology (FERET) database. With an operational point set at 1 percent false acceptance rate (FAR) and 99 percent true acceptance rate (TAR) for 1,196 enrollments (FERET gallery), we show that at most 600 attempts (score computations) are required to achieve a 73 percent chance of breaking in as a randomly chosen target subject for the commercial face recognition system. With a similar operational setup, we achieve a 72 percent and 100 percent chance of breaking in for the Bayesian and PCA-based face recognition systems, respectively. With three different levels of score quantization, we achieve 69 percent, 68 percent, and 49 percent probability of break-in, indicating the robustness of our proposed scheme to score quantization. We also show that the proposed reconstruction scheme has 47 percent more probability of breaking in as a randomly chosen target subject for the commercial system as compared to a hill climbing approach with the same number of attempts. Given that the proposed template reconstruction method uses distinct face templates to reconstruct faces, this work exposes a more severe form of vulnerability than a hill climbing kind of attack where incrementally different versions of the same face are used. Also, the ability of the proposed approach to reconstruct the actual face templates of the users increases privacy concerns in biometric systems.
Ballistic Transport in InP-Based HEMTs

Ballistic transport has been of interest in semiconductor devices for quite some time, and its effect has been used to predict quite-different device performance. Here, we investigate the role of ballistic transport in a short-channel InGaAs/InAlAs HEMT through full-band cellular Monte Carlo simulations. We can examine the contrast in behavior between when scattering mechanisms are present and when they are turned off. When the scattering processes are completely removed, the output characteristics show a distinct change in behavior over all drain voltages. This result is in qualitative agreement with prior arguments, suggesting that triodelike behavior should be expected due to enhanced drain-induced barrier lowering. However, we find that explicit band-structure effects are observable in the output characteristics of the ballistic transistor. We also find that this distinctive behavior gradually disappears as scattering is turned on, particularly in the drain end of the device. We also develop a method of determining the probability that electrons pass through the gate region in a ballistic manner in the presence of realistic scattering. Even when the gate is only 10 nm long, we find that this probability is only on the order of 50% in these devices. We also examine the ballistic ratio in our device as a function of gate length.
On performance limits of feedback control-based stock trading strategies

The starting point for this paper is the control theoretic paradigm for stock trading developed in [1]. Within this framework, a so-called idealized market is characterized by continuous trading and smooth stock price variations. Subsequently, a feedback controller processes the stock price history p(t) to determine the current level of investment I(t). In this idealized setting, we show that that feedback control laws exist which guarantee a profit for all admissible price variations. This first result is only viewed as a benchmark because the controller which achieves this trading profit relies on price signal differentiation which is undesirable. Subsequently, the paper concentrates on more practical differentiator-free controller dynamics. For the simple case of a static linear feedback on the cumulative trading profit or loss g(t), surprisingly, it turns out that a profit is still guaranteed. The final part of the paper involves numerical simulation using historical price; we study the extent to which the idealized market results carry over to real markets.
Types and Patterns of Response in the Larynx Following Inhalation

The laryngeal mucosa responds to insult similarly to other epithelial tissues but the response depends on location within the larynx since important anatomic differences exist, even within rodent species. Although dogs and nonhuman primates are also utilized for inhalation toxicology studies, little published information is available regarding sites of injury from inhaled toxicants in these species. Accurate and consistent fixation, trimming, and microtomy of laryngeal sections allow the pathologist to compare the morphology of laryngeal mucosa from exposed and control animals and detect and interpret subtle differences resulting from inhalation exposure. There are anatomic landmarks that are keys to providing consistent sections through important areas of the laryngeal mucosa. Repeated inhalation of toxic concentrations of chemicals, drugs, or environmental contaminants induces a wide range of responses, depending on the physical properties and concentration of the toxic substance and duration of exposure. Responses include edema, acute to chronic inflammation, fibrosis, mucosal ulceration, degeneration, and necrosis. Attempts at repair include regeneration, hyperplasia, squamous metaplasia, hyperkeratosis, and neoplasia. Awareness of normal histology and zones of transition from squamous to respiratory epithelium in different areas of the larynx in different species is critical to avoid confusing normal epithelium with metaplasia or hyperplasia. Microscopic examination of laryngeal mucosa from animals exposed via inhalation and necropsied following a recovery period provides the opportunity to determine the degree of regression or progression of exposure-induced laryngeal lesions.
Peopling the Portholes: National Identity and Maritime Museums in the U.S. and U.K.

This research essay explores both the substance and style of exhibits at maritime museums in Britain and the United States. The museums selected reflect how social history concerns affect representations of national identities and national values on both sides of the Atlantic. Issues of social inclusion and diversity prevail, but are treated in substantially different ways in Britain and the U.S. Representations of life at sea, relocation and travel, and commerce provide focal points for exploring these differences. Issues of class, race, loss and guilt, social mobility, and national identity are woven into the analysis.
LEVELS OF LEAD, CADMIUM, AND ZINC IN SELECTED CANNED FOODS (1980/1981)

This paper reports the levels of Pb, Cd, and Zn found in 39 individual canned foods and in samples of ground beef and sugar collected throughout the United States in fiscal years (FYs) 1980 and 1981. The foods were collected in conjunction with the Total Diet Studies program of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but were analyzed separately from the Total Diet samples at the FDA Kansas City District Laboratory. Before analysis, multiple-can samples of each product type were individually composited and thoroughly homogenized with dilute nitric acid to ensure representative subsamples for analysis. Homogenized subsamples were dry-ashed with sulfuric acid as the ashing aid and analyzed by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry for Pb and Cd and by atomic absorption spectroscopy for Zn. Quantitation limits were 0.02 ppm Pb, 0.002 ppm Cd, and 0.1 ppm Zn. The overall mean levels of Pb, Cd, and Zn found in the 19 canned foods that contained sufficient samples for statistical analysis were 0.19 and 0.22 ppm Pb, 0.011 and 0.008 ppm Cd, and 4.3 and 5.0 ppm Zn in FY-80 and FY-81, respectively. These levels are about one-half as high as the levels found for Pb and Cd in an FDA FY-74 survey but are about the same for Zn. The frequency and magnitude of occasionally high levels of Pb in individual samples were considerably diminished in FY-80 and FY-81, compared to those in FY-74. These lower levels are probably due to improvements in canning technology, in quality control by food processors, and in the methods used for analysis. Over the next 3 years the FDA will continue this survey of individual canned foods, focusing on adult canned foods commonly eated by children, to monitor the progress of industry in reducing Pb levels in canned foods.
Insights into Therapy: Tryptophan Oxidation and HIV Infection

New data from Favre and colleagues strengthen the link between activation of the tryptophan oxidation (TOx) pathway--via the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase enzymes IDO1 and IDO2--and chronic inflammation in progressive HIV disease. It can now be appreciated that a pathogenic TOx activation cycle exists in HIV. TOx regulation is a therapeutic target for other diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. Here TOx control is examined with an eye to eventual therapeutic intervention in HIV disease.
Generation of a novel Wolbachia infection in Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) via embryonic microinjection

Genetic strategies that reduce or block pathogen transmission by mosquitoes are being investigated as a means to augment current control measures. Strategies of vector suppression and replacement are based upon intracellular Wolbachia bacteria, which occur naturally in many insect populations. Maternally inherited Wolbachia have evolved diverse mechanisms to manipulate host insect reproduction and promote infection invasion. One mechanism is cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) through which Wolbachia promotes infection spread by effectively sterilizing uninfected females. In a prior field test, releases of Wolbachia-infected males were used to suppress a field population of Culex pipiens. An additional strategy would employ Wolbachia as a vehicle to drive desired transgenes into vector populations (population replacement). Wolbachia-based population suppression and population replacement strategies require an ability to generate artificial Wolbachia associations in mosquitoes. Here, we demonstrate a technique for transferring Wolbachia (transfection) in a medically important mosquito species: Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito). Microinjection was used to transfer embryo cytoplasm from a double-infected Ae. albopictus line into an aposymbiotic line. The resulting mosquito line is single-infected with the wAlbB Wolbachia type. The artificially generated infection type is not known to occur naturally and displays a new CI crossing type and the first known example of bidirectional CI in Aedes mosquitoes. We discuss the results in relation to applied mosquito control strategies and the evolution of Wolbachia infections in Ae. albopictus.
The Flynn Effect: A Meta-analysis

The Flynn effect refers to the observed rise in IQ scores over time, which results in norms obsolescence. Although the Flynn effect is widely accepted, most efforts to estimate it have relied upon "scorecard" approaches that make estimates of its magnitude and error of measurement controversial and prevent determination of factors that moderate the Flynn effect across different IQ tests. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the magnitude of the Flynn effect with a higher degree of precision, to determine the error of measurement, and to assess the impact of several moderator variables on the mean effect size. Across 285 studies (N = 14,031) since 1951 with administrations of 2 intelligence tests with different normative bases, the meta-analytic mean was 2.31, 95% CI [1.99, 2.64], standard score points per decade. The mean effect size for 53 comparisons (N = 3,951, excluding 3 atypical studies that inflate the estimates) involving modern (since 1972) Stanford-Binet and Wechsler IQ tests (2.93, 95% CI [2.3, 3.5], IQ points per decade) was comparable to previous estimates of about 3 points per decade but was not consistent with the hypothesis that the Flynn effect is diminishing. For modern tests, study sample (larger increases for validation research samples vs. test standardization samples) and order of administration explained unique variance in the Flynn effect, but age and ability level were not significant moderators. These results supported previous estimates of the Flynn effect and its robustness across different age groups, measures, samples, and levels of performance.
The Two-Component Sensor KinB Acts as a Phosphatase to Regulate Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that is capable of causing both acute and chronic infections. P. aeruginosa virulence is subject to sophisticated regulatory control by two-component systems that enable it to sense and respond to environmental stimuli. We recently reported that the two-component sensor KinB regulates virulence in acute P. aeruginosa infection. Furthermore, it regulates acute-virulence-associated phenotypes such as pyocyanin production, elastase production, and motility in a manner independent of its kinase activity. Here we show that KinB regulates virulence through the global sigma factor AlgU, which plays a key role in repressing P. aeruginosa acute-virulence factors, and through its cognate response regulator AlgB. However, we show that rather than phosphorylating AlgB, KinB's primary role in the regulation of virulence is to act as a phosphatase to dephosphorylate AlgB and alleviate phosphorylated AlgB's repression of acute virulence.
Simulations of Direct-Current Air Surface Plasma Discharges in Supersonic Flow

Computational simulations of air glow surface plasma in the presence of supersonic flow are presented. The glow discharge model is based on a selfconsistent, multi-species, continuum description of the plasma with finite-rate chemistry effects. The glow discharge model is coupled with a compressible NavierStokes solver. The effect of the plasma discharge on M=3 supersonic flow at freestream pressure 18 Torr and the corresponding effects of the flow on the discharge structure is studied by examining the species concentrations and the gas temperature. The peak gas temperature from the computations is 1270 K with the surface plasma alone, and 620 K in the presence of supersonic flow, both of which are comparable to experimental measurements of rotational temperature made under similar conditions. Different ion species are found to be dominant in the absence and presence of supersonic flow, highlighting the importance of including finite-rate chemistry effects in discharge models for understanding plasma actuator physical phenomena.
Distinguishing bulk and interface modulation of optical third harmonic generation due to coherent optical phonon excitation

Through use of coherence-modulated optical third harmonic generation, we simultaneously observe and distinguish coherent phonon oscillations from the bulk and interface of Bi3Ge4O12, which lacks inversion symmetry. We report the first observation of a coherent second hyper-Raman signal in bulk, along with phonon-induced Fresnel boundary modulation at the interface, both affecting the signal amplitude of the far-field third harmonic.
The Structure and Dynamics of Scientific Knowledge

This chapter introduces some landmark works in quantitative studies of science and science mapping in particular. We introduce scientometric techniques and procedures for co-word and co-citation analyses, including author co-citation analyses and document co-citation analyses. We discuss the differences between multidimensional scaling, minimum spanning trees, and Pathfinder network scaling techniques in handling network models of scientific knowledge. Examples of citation and co-citation structures produced by HistCite and CiteSpace are included in this chapter.
Managed Care and Performance Measurement: Implications for Insurance Markets

Abstract Performance measurement systems and report cards which attempt to measure and report the quality of care provided by managed health-care organizations, have become mainstream in health insurance markets as managed care penetration continues to increase. However, little is known about the impact formal plan evaluations have on the contracting and enrollment decisions made by health insurance purchasers and consumers. Information regarding the link between performance evaluations and enrollment is crucial for those charged with projecting future enrollments in and risk profiles of managed care organizations. This paper describes the performance measurement systems currently being used to evaluate managed care plans and reviews the empirical literature for evidence regarding the impact of measures on plan enrollments.
Evaluating the influence of crashes on driving risk using recurrent event models and Naturalistic Driving Study data

ABSTRACTDramatic events such as crashes could alter driver behavior and change driving risk during post-event period. This study investigated the influence of crashes on driving risk using the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study data. The analysis is based on 51 crashes from primary drivers. Driving risk is measured by the intensity of safety-critical incidents (SCI) and near-crashes (NC), which typically occur at a high frequency both before and after a crash. We applied four alternative recurrent event models to evaluate the influence of crashes based on actual driving time. The driving period was divided into several phases based on the relationship to crashes, and the event intensities of these periods were compared. Results show a reduction in SCI intensity after the first crash (intensityrateratio=0.82; 95% CI [0.693,0.971]) and the second crash (intensityrateratio=0.47; 95% CI [0.377,0.59]) for male drivers. No significant response to the first crash was observed for females, but SCI intensity decre...
Innovation and External Risk Assessments

Prior studies have emphasized the returns of firms’ innovative activities without fully considering the corresponding risks. Considering risk is important since shareholder value ultimately depends...
Use of bromsulphalein for the measurement of proteolytic activity.

SummaryFrom acid solutions, Bromsulphalein is precipitated in amounts proportional to the protein present. This reaction has been used to measure proteolytic activity, and could be adapted to the quantitative determination of minute amounts of protein.
Simulation of Threat Modeling and Path Planning for Low Observable Aircraft

The paper presents a path planning algorithm for low observable aircraft using the mutative characteristic of aircraft's RCS(Radar Cross Section). According to the the relationship between the RCS and radar detection range and simplified rule of RCS-changes,a mathematical model of radar threats is built,and after considering the survivalbility and distance,a new function for evaluating the cost of path is given. In accordance with the flight constraints,Dijkstra algorithm is used to gain the optimal path for low observable aircraft. The simulation results show that with effective planning algorithm,the stealth aircraft can complete its defense penetration by fully using the advantages in low-detection.
Treating rare cancer in children: the importance of evidence.

Overview:The study of pediatric rare cancers, which account for approximately 9% of all childhood malignancies, has been hindered by their histologic heterogeneity and by their preferential occurre...
Spectral Imaging in Dermatology

This chapter will discuss the application of different optical approaches to the characterization of skin that has been taken from a patient, volunteer, or experimental animal, and studied ex vivo. Despite the fact that such samples can be prepared histologically, with fixation, thin-sectioning, and morphological or molecular staining, and subsequently studied with standard or confocal microscopes at high spatial resolution, the (patho)physiology of skin is sufficiently complex that the aid of additional optical techniques has been sought. The challenges being addressed extend from molecular, structural, and functional characterization to automated diagnosis, resolution of ambiguous or contentious classification dilemmas (typically associated with melanotic lesions), and postmortem investigations. Techniques used to help in these efforts range from conceptually simple reflectance and transmissive or fluorescence spectroscopy in the visible + range to imaging spectroscopy in the mid-infrared and multiphoton, lifetime, Raman, pump-probe approaches, and combinations thereof, along with the requisite analytical mathematical and image processing. In many cases, these ex vivo studies were used to generate preliminary results that would motivate applying a given technique to the task of in vivo screening, diagnosis, or surgical guidance. In addition to taking advantage of endogenous contrast, it is also possible to perform multiplexed immunostaining and utilize spectral imaging to help resolve the location and intensity of spectrally and/or spatially overlapping reporter chromogens or fluorophores. As the latter approach is not unique to skin samples, it will be discussed only briefly.
Quantitative evaluation of the antiretroviral efficacy of dolutegravir

The second-generation HIV-1 integrase strand transfer inhibitor (InSTI) dolutegravir (DTG) has had a major impact on the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Here we describe important but previously undetermined pharmacodynamic parameters for DTG. We show that the dose-response curve slope, which indicates cooperativity and is a major determinant of antiviral activity, is higher for DTG than for first-generation InSTIs. This steepness does not reflect inhibition of multiple steps in the HIV-1 life cycle, as is the case for allosteric integrase inhibitors and HIV-1 protease inhibitors. We also show that degree of independence, a metric of interaction favorability between antiretroviral drugs, is high for DTG and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Finally, we demonstrate poor selective advantage for HIV-1 bearing InSTI resistance mutations. Selective advantage, which incorporates both the magnitude of resistance conferred by a mutation and its fitness cost, explains the high genetic barrier to DTG resistance. Together, these parameters provide an explanation for the remarkable clinical success of DTG.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators for Primary Prevention of Mortality in Patients With Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) improve survival in patients with heart failure due to ischemic cardiomyopathy, but their benefit in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) has been recently questioned. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to examine the effect of ICDs on total mortality and arrhythmic death in patients with NICM. We also examined the impact of age and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on the relative effect of ICD compared to control. Methods and Results We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for randomized trials evaluating the effect of ICD versus control in patients with NICM. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random effects model. Six trials involving 2,967 patients were included (ICD, n = 1,553; control, n = 1,414). Based on the pooled estimate across the 6 studies, the use of ICD was associated with a significant reduction in total mortality (HR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.66-0.92; p = 0.003), as well as arrhythmic death (HR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.29-0.71; p = 0.0005) compared to control. ICD decreased total mortality in younger patients compared to control (HR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.86; p = 0.004), but not in older patients (HR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.68; p = 0.92). In patients with CRT, ICD reduced total mortality compared to control (HR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.95; p = 0.02), but not in patients with CRT (HR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.26). Conclusions ICDs decrease total mortality and arrhythmic deaths in patients with NICM. The benefit of ICD appears to be dependent on age and concomitant use of CRT. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Elite Political Ignorance: Law, Data, and the Representation of (Mis)Perceived Electorates

It is common to think of political elites—candidates, legislators, party officials, and campaign advisers—as specialists in learning the preferences of voters. But recent studies find that political elites believe public opinion within legislative districts to be more conservative than it actually is, and that extreme candidates are more electable than moderates (despite compelling evidence to the contrary). Campaign staffers overestimate their candidate’s electoral prospects. Moreover, natural and researcher-designed experiments show that informing legislators about constituency preferences changes roll-call votes, as legislators recalibrate to better represent public opinion in their districts. This Article introduces the problem of elite political ignorance to the legal- academic literature. We review political science findings on elite (mis)perceptions of voter preferences, and we explore the likely benefits and costs of reducing elite political ignorance. The immediate impacts would probably include better alignment between the roll-call votes of representatives and the policy preferences of their constituents; reduced political polarization; less racial discrimination by campaigns and representatives; and lower-cost enforcement of the Voting Rights Act. However, over time, a reduction in elite ignorance could also engender more severe and enduring partisan gerrymanders; greater political and demographic skew in the population of regular voters; more inequity in the provision of constituent services; and microtargeted campaigns that slowly erode democracy-sustaining norms and belief structures in the public. We argue that most of the benefits of reduced political ignorance could be realized without incurring such costs if elites acquired better information about the distribution of voter preferences within districts, without learning the preferences of identifiable individuals. To this end, we propose that states (1) reduce the amount of political information in the official voter file, (2) adopt rules that make it somewhat more cumbersome for social media companies to develop and market political profiles of their users, and (3) enact campaign-finance voucher programs subject to an unusual disclosure rule, under which the state would conceal voucher-donor identities from the recipient and the general public, while revealing geocoded voucher-contribution histories.
Amniotic mesenchymal stem cells mitigate osteoarthritis progression in a synovial macrophage‐mediated in vitro explant coculture model

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease of the synovial joint marked by chronic, low-grade inflammation leading to cartilage destruction. Regenerative medicine strategies for mitigating OA progression and/or promoting cartilage regeneration must be assessed using models that mimic the hallmarks of OA. More specifically, these models should maintain synovial macrophage phenotype in their native micro-environment. Herein, an in vitro coculture model of patient-matched human OA cartilage and synovium was assessed for viability, macrophage phenotype, and progressive cartilage destruction in the presence of an inflammatory milieu. Additionally, the influence of synovial macrophages and their polarization within the model was defined using depletion studies. Finally, the model was used to compare the ability of human amniotic stem cells (hAMSCs) and human adipose stem cells (hADSCs) to mitigate OA progression. OA cocultures demonstrated progressive and significant reductions in chondrocyte viability and cartilage glycosaminoglycan content within a proinflammatory environment. Selective depletion of synovial macrophages resulted in significant decreases in M1:M2 percentage ratio yielding significant reductions in concentrations of interleukin-1 beta, matrix metalloproteinase-13 and attenuation of cartilage damage. Finally, hAMSCs were found to be more chondroprotective versus hADSCs as indicated by significantly improved OA chondrocyte viability (89.8 ± 2.4% vs. 58.4 ± 2.4%) and cartilage glycosaminoglycan content (499.0 ± 101.9 μg/mg dry weight vs. 155.0 ± 26.3 μg/mg dry weight) and were more effective at shifting OA synovial macrophage M1:M2 ratio (1.3:1 vs. 5:1), respectively. Taken together, the coculture model mimics salient features of OA, including macrophage-mediated cartilage destruction that was effectively abrogated by hAMSCs but not hADSCs.
Bayesian Interim Inference of Probability of Clinical Trial Success

Understanding of the efficacy of an investigated compound in early drug development often relies on assessment of a biomarker or multiple biomarkers that are believed to be correlated with the intended clinical outcome. The biomarker of interest may require enough duration of time to show its satisfactory response to drug effect. Meanwhile, many drug candidates in the portfolio of a pharmaceutical company may compete for the limited resources available. Thus decisions based on assessment of the biomarker after a prolonged duration may be inefficient. One solution is that longitudinal measurements of the biomarker be measured during the expected duration, and analysis be conducted in the middle of the trial, so that the interim measurements may help estimate the measurement at the intended time for interim decision making. Considering the small trial size nature of early drug development and convenience in facilitating interim decisions, we applied Bayesian inference to interim analysis of biomarkers.
The Politics of Poverty in Argentina in the 1990s

One of the principal criticisms of the neoliberal direction that guides most economic policymaking in Latin America today is that the structural adjustments now being imposed will increase the level of social inequity and decrease the already low standard of living of poor citizens. The Comision Economica para America Latina (Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean) studied the changes that took place across the region during the 1980s and found that the distribution of wealth became increasingly inequitable while the level of poverty increased, to which Argentina was no exception (CEPAL, 1991b and 1991c). In the latter case, where President Carlos Menem has spearheaded a radical restructuring of his country's economy, the rise of poverty was a prominent domestic issue in the early 1990s, yet there was little electoral response to this issue, nor did political pressure succeed in changing the course of Menem's policies.
Optimization of biological processes: Model of social consciousness with applications to personal exchange and energy/environment decisions

This paper is an attempt to create a model of the social behavior of individuals. In particular, the concept of externalities in economics is put into broader perspective with the help of a resource exchange paradigm from psychology. Socially acceptable patterns will be used as behavior norms. Applications to personal exchange and energy/environment decisions are discussed but not formally specified here. The tentative conclusion is that there are several activities potentially undertaken by individuals and groups that can cause great benefit at little cost. A glossary is included to describe some basic building blocks.
Processes in Fuel Cells with Molten Carbonate Electrolytes

Fuel cells with molten carbonate electrolytes have received attention [1–10] in recent years for two reasons: a) They offer the prospect of small material costs. b) They are well suited to natural gas as fuel.
Assessing Body Condition in Birds

Important biological concepts typically have many definitions. Body condition is no exception; it is a multi-level phenomenon that can be defined either conceptually or operationally. Although at this time there is no clear consensus on the definition for body condition, conceptually, the term in many cases describes the degree to which an organism’s physiological state influences its performance (i.e., production, activity, or response to environmental conditions). Operational definitions for condition typically are based on some aspect of body composition (e.g., levels of nutrient stores or indirect indicators of such levels). Despite these complexities, numerous published studies have documented the effect of a bird’s nutritional status on some aspect of Darwinian fitness. The primary goals of this chapter are to describe the available methods of assessing condition, evaluate their accuracy and utility, illustrate how these methods have been applied, and clarify how they satisfy operational and conceptual definitions of body condition. The result will be to provide a primer for researchers interested in obtaining condition estimates, as well as for those wishing to improve upon existing methods.
Pharmacy resident teaching in psychiatry and neurology for pharmacy programs in the United States

Abstract Introduction: The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists' Postgraduate Year 1 and Year 2 Residency Accreditation Standards require that residents demonstrate effective teaching skills. The College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists' survey of pharmacy program curricula assessed resident teaching in psychiatry and neurology, however, results were not published. The objective of this article is to describe resident teaching in psychiatry and neurology curricula as reported by responses to the college's survey. Methods: An electronic survey was sent to a curricular representative from each of 133 US pharmacy programs accredited as of July 2015. Programs were asked to report on psychiatry and neurology curricular content, faculty credentials, and types of teaching activities, including resident teaching. Results: Fifty-six percent (75/133) of programs responded to the survey. Fifty out of 75 (67%) distinct pharmacy programs reported utilizing residents for teaching topics in psychiatry ...
High-density microfibers as a potential optical interface to reach deep brain regions.

Objective Optical techniques for recording and manipulating neural activity have traditionally been constrained to superficial brain regions due to light scattering. New techniques are needed to extend optical access to large 3D volumes in deep brain areas, while retaining local connectivity. Approach We have developed a method to implant bundles of hundreds or thousands of optical microfibers, each with a diameter of 8 μm. During insertion, each fiber moves independently, following a path of least resistance. The fibers achieve near total internal reflection, enabling optically interfacing with the tissue near each fiber aperture. Main results At a depth of 3 mm, histology shows fibers consistently splay over 1 mm in diameter throughout the target region. Immunohistochemical staining after chronic implants reveals neurons in close proximity to the fiber tips. Models of photon fluence indicate that fibers can be used as a stimulation light source to precisely activate distinct patterns of neurons by illuminating a subset of fibers in the bundle. By recording fluorescent beads diffusing in water, we demonstrate the recording capability of the fibers. Significance Our histology, modeling and fluorescent bead recordings suggest that the optical microfibers may provide a minimally invasive, stable, bidirectional interface for recording or stimulating genetic probes in deep brain regions-a hyper-localized form of fiber photometry.
You Can Do That? Performing Total Recanalization of Completely Stented Arterial-venous Grafts

Establishing venous access in chronic dialysis patients is conducted by the insertion of polytetrafluoroethylene arterial-venous (AV) grafts. The continual access of these grafts allows for potential failure over extended periods of hemodialysis treatment, as a result of thrombosis and pseudoaneurysm formation. Patency of AV grafts requires interventional management of thrombosis and pseudoaneurysm formation, including thrombectomy and covered stent placement, respectively. In 2013, the Food and Drug Administration approved the Gore REVISE study, giving indication for covered stents within AV grafts. If covered stent placement is required to treat a thrombosed AV graft, it is still possible to perform a percutaneous thrombectomy procedure afterwards. Direct access of the AV graft by passing through both the graft material and covered stents allows for interventional radiology management to be performed without compromise of the stent or graft. This interventional method of direct access can salvage the AV graft before considering further invasive management, such as a new surgical venous access site.
Acute skeletal muscle responses to very low-load resistance exercise with and without the application of blood flow restriction in the upper body

The purpose was to examine the acute skeletal muscle response to high load exercise and low-load exercise with and without different levels of applied pressure (BFR). A total of 22 participants completed the following four conditions: elbow flexion exercise to failure using a traditional high load [70% 1RM, (7000)], low load [15% 1RM,(1500)], low load with moderate BFR [15%1RM+40%BFR(1540)] or low load with greater BFR [15% 1RM+80%BFR(1580)]. Torque and muscle thickness were measured prior to, immediately post, and 15 min postexercise. Muscle electromyography (EMG) amplitude was measured throughout. Immediately following exercise, the 7000 condition had lower muscle thickness [4·2(1·0)cm] compared to the 1500 [4·4 (1·1)cm], 1540 [4·4(1·1)cm] and 1580 [4·5(1·0)cm] conditions. This continued 15 min post. Immediately following exercise, torque was lower in the 1500 [31·8 (20) Nm], 1540 [28·3(16·9) Nm, P<0·001] and 1580 [29·5 (17) Nm] conditions compared to the 7000 condition [40 (19) Nm]. Fifteen minutes post, 1500 and 1540 conditions demonstrated lower torque compared to the 7000 condition. For the last three repetitions percentage EMG was greater in the 7000 compared to the 1580 condition. Very low-load exercise (with or without BFR) appears to result in greater acute muscle swelling and greater muscular fatigue compared to high load exercise.
The Secret Life of IgE-Producing Cells.

IgE antibodies are essential mediators of allergies. In a recent study in Science, Croote et al. (2018) characterize IgE cells isolated from individuals allergic to peanuts. Their findings provide insight into the differentiation of IgE cells in humans and have implications for our understanding of allergic disease.
Intergenerationality, family narratives, and black geographic space in rural North Carolina

This article questions what of narrative might make it important to black geographic space. Familial intergenerationality is submitted as one important aspect for being critical to the transmission...
Shoulder complex kinematics pre- and post- rotator cuff repair.

Abstract This study investigated shoulder complex joint kinematics and functional outcomes before and after full-thickness supraspinatus rotator cuff repair. Nine adults (mean age 63.4 ± 6.2 years) participated in three test sessions: 0–12 weeks pre-operatively, 9–12 weeks, and 22–30 weeks post-operatively. Upper extremity kinematics of the surgical arm’s glenohumeral, acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular and thoracohumeral joints over the duration of a hair combing task were quantified with motion analysis using inverse kinematics. The UCLA Shoulder Rating and Simple Shoulder Test shoulder health outcomes were administered at each session to determine patients’ perceived function of their surgical shoulder. Results indicated multiple significant increases over time among the three joints comprising the shoulder complex in the coronal and transverse planes, despite no increases in thoracohumeral motion, and suggest that thoracohumeral motion alone does not provide a comprehensive assessment. Interestingly, more significant increases were observed at the 6-month evaluation than the 3-month evaluation, which is not aligned with the standard rehabilitation endpoint. Thus, our findings suggest that clinicians should evaluate all joints of the shoulder complex during longer-term rehabilitation assessment. Ultimately, knowledge of patients’ pre-operative and post-operative shoulder complex kinematics may help to improve rehabilitation to promote improved patient outcomes.
In vivo mouse brain imaging through the thinned skull with 1700 nm optical coherence microscopy (Conference Presentation)

Central nervous system diseases start at the microscopic level; thus, in vivo deep brain imaging with cellular resolution is needed. Using the 1700 nm optical window, which has lowest ballistic attenuation for brain imaging, an optical coherence microscopy system was designed for in vivo imaging of mouse brain cellular architecture. Taking advantage of relatively low scattering at 1700 nm, neuronal cell bodies in the mouse brain were visualized through a thinned skull preparation, which minimizes inflammation and preserves intracranial pressure. Cellular architecture was co-registered with simultaneous angiographic imaging, showing the distribution of neuronal cell bodies relative to supplying capillaries.
HIV Impairs Alveolar Macrophage Function via MicroRNA-144-Induced Suppression of Nrf2.

Abstract Background Despite anti-retroviral therapy, HIV-1 infection increases the risk of pneumonia and causes oxidative stress and defective alveolar macrophage (AM) immune function. We have previously determined that HIV-1 proteins inhibit antioxidant defenses and impair AM phagocytosis by suppressing nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2). Given its known effects on Nrf2, we hypothesize miR-144 mediates the HIV-1 induced suppression of Nrf2. Methods Primary AMs isolated from HIV-1 transgenic (HIV-1 Tg) rats and wild type littermates (WT) as well as human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) infected ex vivo with HIV-1 were used. We modulated miR-144 expression using a miR-144 mimic or an inhibitor to assay its effects on Nrf2/ARE activity and AM functions in vitro and in vivo. Results MiR-144 expression was increased in AMs from HIV-1 Tg rats and in HIV-1-infected human MDMs compared to cells from WT rats and non-infected human MDMs, respectively. Increasing miR-144 with a miR-144 mimic inhibited the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream effectors in WT rat macrophages and consequently impaired their bacterial phagocytic capacity and H2O2 scavenging ability. These effects on Nrf2 expression and AM function were reversed by antagonizing miR-144 ex vivo or in the airways of HIV-1 Tg rats in vivo, but this protection was abrogated by silencing Nrf2 expression. Conclusions Our results suggest that inhibiting miR-144 or interfering with its deleterious effects on Nrf2 attenuates HIV-1-mediated AM immune dysfunction and improves lung health in individuals with HIV.
Comunalidad, Guendaliza'a and anti-mine mobilizations in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec

How do grassroots strategies for the defense of territory inter-relate with the "politics of time" in the early phases of socio-environmental struggles? This article addresses this question via ethnographic research and in-depth interviews in Mexico's Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Opponents of mines and a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in this region invoke comunalidad and Guendaliza'a— indigenous ways of life associated with mutual aid and territorial sovereignty. These values are enacted by networks of activists seeking to protect the land and livelihoods of future generations against global capitalism's drive for cheap raw materials. By rejecting dualist distinctions between Society and Nature, indigenous cosmovisions can help defensive movements forge alternatives to socio-environmental violence. Engaging with this case brings separate theoretical frameworks of defensive resistance, cheap nature, ecological-distribution conflicts, and indigenous cosmovisions into dialogue with one another. Key words: social movements, indigenous peoples, global capitalism, ethnography, anti-mining
A Wearable Pendant Sensor to Monitor Compliance with Range of Motion Lymphatic Health Exercise

Lymphedema is a chronic and debilitating condition affecting 1 in 1000 Americans and there is no known cure for it. The optimal lymph flow (TOLF) is an effective preventive exercise program designed to reduce the risks of lymphedema. This paper proposes a portable and wearable medical device to monitor compliance with the TOLF therapy. Specifically, the wearable pendant sensor (WPS), a low-fidelity prototype of the proposed design, is developed and tested in comparison with a markerless optical motion capture system (Kinect) for measurement accuracy during shoulder abduction-adduction and flexion-extension exercises. It is shown that the Kendall’s Tau between the measurements obtained from the WPS and Kinect devices yields a correlation coefficient ρ = 0.807 for abduction-adduction exercise and ρ = 0.783 for flexion-extension exercise with a significance level of p < 0.001, indicating a strong correlation and high statistical significance. Following careful clinical assessment and validation, preliminary engineering design of this paper can be transformed into an Internet of Things (IoT)-based medical device to facilitate telemonitoring of TOLF therapy. Deployment of such an IoT-based device in patient homes can permit remote assessment of motor function to enhance treatment adherence.Clinical Relevance—This paper documents a WPS with potential to render an IoT-based medical device for monitoring adherence to TOLF exercise program to prevent the risk of post-operative lymphedema.