cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial and Temporal Variability in Growth of Hawaiian Spiny Lobsters in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

Abstract Growth rates were estimated for recaptured Hawaiian spiny lobsters Panulirus marginatus tagged between 2002 and 2007 at Necker Island (23°30′N; 164°35′W), Gardner Pinnacles (25°00′N; 168°50′W), and Maro Reef (25°30′N; 170°45′W) in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). The location and year-specific nature of the tag–recapture cruises enabled investigation of spatial and temporal variability in growth. Mean growth rates, estimated by using the von Bertalanffy and Schnute growth models and fitted via a maximum likelihood technique, differed between sexes and particularly among locations and years. Male lobster growth rates at Necker Island were, in general, one-third those at Gardner Pinnacles and one-half those at Maro Reef. Female lobsters exhibited the same pattern with less-pronounced differences. Maro Reef lobsters exhibited several abrupt, significant growth reductions among years, while Necker Island lobster growth rates increased significantly from 2004 to 2005. Model results also indic...
A novel fuzzy friction compensation approach to improve the performance of a DC motor control system

The compensation of friction nonlinearities for servomotor control has received much attention due to undesirable and disturbing effects that the friction often has on conventional control systems. Compensation methods have generally involved selecting a friction model and then using model parameters to cancel the effects of the nonlinearity. In this paper, a method using fuzzy logic for the compensation of nonlinear friction is developed for the control of a DC motor. The method is unique in that a single fuzzy rule is used to compensate directly for the nonlinearity of the physical system. As a result, the method introduces fewer adjustable parameters than a typical fuzzy logic approach while still incorporating many advantages of using fuzzy logic such as the incorporation of heuristic knowledge, ease of implementation and the lack of a need for an accurate mathematical model. The general approach, analysis and experimental results obtained for an actual DC motor system with nonlinear friction characteristics are presented and the effectiveness of the fuzzy friction compensation control technique is discussed. The smoothness of response, response times and disturbance rejection of a PI control system with and without the proposed fuzzy compensator are analyzed and discussed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Explosion Source Strong Ground Motions in the Mississippi Embayment

Two strong-motion arrays were deployed for the October 2002 Embay- ment Seismic Excitation Experiment to study the spatial variation of strong ground motions in the deep, unconsolidated sediments of the Mississippi embayment because there are no comparable strong-motion data from natural earthquakes in the area. Each linear array consisted of eight three-component K2 accelerographs spaced 15 m apart situated 1.2 and 2.5 km from 2268-kg and 1134-kg borehole explosion sources, respectively. The array data show distinct body-wave and surface-wave arrivals that propagate within the thick, unconsolidated sedimentary column, the high-velocity basement rocks, and small-scale structure near the surface. Time-domain coherence of body-wave and surface-wave arrivals is computed for acceleration, velocity, and displacement time windows. Coherence is high for relatively low-frequency vertical- component Rayleigh waves and high-frequency P waves propagating across the ar- ray. Prominent high-frequency PS conversions seen on radial components, a proxy for the direct S wave from earthquake sources, lose coherence quickly over the 105-m length of the array. Transverse component signals are least coherent for any ground motion and appear to be highly scattered. Horizontal phase velocity is com- puted by using the ratio of particle velocity to estimates of the strain based on a plane-wave-propagation model. The resulting time-dependent phase-velocity map is a useful way to infer the propagation mechanisms of individual seismic phases and time windows of three-component waveforms. Displacement gradient analysis is a complementary technique for processing general spatial-array data to obtain hori- zontal slowness information.
A Dependency Treelet-based Phrasal SMT: Evaluation and Issues in English-Hindi Language Pair

In this paper, we present a detailed evaluation of a Dependency Treelet-based Phrasal Statistical Machine Translation (SMT) system for English-Hindi language pair. The dependency treelet-based phrasal SMT system that adds the source language syntactic information to a standard phrasal SMT has been shown to perform significantly better than surface based approaches on several well-studied European language pairs. We seek to examine if this observation holds true for languages as diverse as English and Hindi, by developing and testing such a system, for the first time in this language pair. We make baseline comparisons with a standard phrasal SMT implementation, and further study the effect of two radically different types of corpora, namely, technical text and general web text, on the performance of the dependency-treelet based phrasal system. The evaluation includes human judgment, in addition to the two standard automated metrics, namely, BLEU and METEOR. Some language-specific issues are also highlighted that provide an insight into the challenges involved in applying standard phrasal SMT techniques for translation between English and an Indic-language like Hindi.
Moral Responsibility, Determinism, and the Ability to do Otherwise

In his classic paper, “The Principle of Alternate Possibilities,” Harry Frankfurt presented counterexamples to the principle named in his title: A person is morally responsible for what he has done only if he could have done otherwise. He went on to argue that the falsity of the Principle of Alternate Possibilities (PAP) implied that the debate between the “compatibilists” and the “incompatibilists” (as regards determinism and the ability to do otherwise) did not have the significance that both parties had attributed to it -- since moral responsibility could exist even if no one was able to do otherwise. I have argued that even if PAP is false, there are other principles that imply that moral responsibility entails the ability to do otherwise, and that these principles are immune to “Frankfurt-style” counterexamples. Frankfurt has attempted to show that my arguments for this conclusion fail. This paper is a rejoinder to that reply; I argue that he has failed to show this.
(Mis)construing null prepositions in L2 intergrammars: a commentary and proposal

This article discusses the ‘null prep phenomenon’ reported in several studies of the second language (L2) development of extraction constructions (e.g. Klein, 1993a, 1993b; Klein, 1995a, 1995b). In these studies, L2 learners of English who show subcategorization knowledge of verbs for their prepositional complements, often leave out the required preposition in corresponding interrogatives (and relative clauses as well). We review the theoretical and acquisition issues related to null prep and summarize a proposal by Dekydtspotter, Sprouse and Anderson (DSA, 1998) which posits that null prep grammars represent a generalized procedure in L2 development, that of early reliance on A-bar binding construals when the target grammar requires wh-movement. In a commentary, we argue against some of the evidence offered in support of the DSA’s proposal and offer an alternative analysis. Our proposal suggests that many L2 learners exhibit an interim stage of null operator movement in the development of interrogatives ...
Toward healthy prisons: the TECH model and its applications

Purpose – This paper aims to explore how the TECH Model (testing for and treating infectious diseases and vaccination; environmental modification to prevent disease transmission; chronic disease identification and treatment; and health maintenance and education) can be used for assessing and achieving healthy prisons.Design/methodology/approach – This paper explores the concepts of “health in prison” and “healthy prisons” in the context of recent research and guidance. The paper then considers the TECH Model as an approach to achieving healthy prisons.Findings – Under each of the four TECH Model domains are tasks to achieve a healthy prison. For prisons with poor or no resources, each domain contains steps that will improve prison health and move towards a healthy prison for both prisoners and staff. Implementation can thus be “low‐TECH” or “high‐TECH” depending on the setting and the available resources and the model is specifically designed to provide options for resource‐poor as well as resource‐rich c...
Cultural and rhetorical traditions of communication within African / Black thinking

From a globalization and glocalization lens, this article has examined two interdependent communication traditions (socio-cultural and rhetorical), outlined by Robert Craig in his magnum opus ‘Communication theory as a field’ published in Communication Theory in 1999; and how African thought and, to an extent, emotion can be repositioned through the local and international legal system, more specifically in the popular Bhe Case in South Africa. African thought can effectively and efficiently be explained through a theoretical binocular of what Molefi Asante has aptly called ‘Afrocentricity.’ The African thought on which this article is anchored is what Karenga also called ‘Maat,’ which means ‘rightness in the spiritual and the moral sense in three realms: the divine, the natural and the social.’ We conclude that yoking globalization influences on the socio-cultural and rhetorical traditions of the African and Black people can create uncomfortable bedmates.
Lot sizing with minimum order quantity

We consider the single item lot sizing problem with minimum order quantity where each period has an additional constraint on minimum production quantity. We study special cases of the general problem from the algorithmic and mathematical programming perspective. We exhibit a polynomial case when capacity is constant and minimum order quantities are non-increasing in time. Linear programming extended formulations are provided for various cases with constant minimum order quantity.
Fractionation and characterization of satellite DNAs of the kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ordii)

Nuclear DNA from liver cells of the kangaroo rat species Dipodomysordii was fractionated and characterized with the aid of buoyant density gradients in neutral and alkaline CsCl and in Ag(+)-Cs(2)SO(4). More than one-half of the DNA was present in three density satellites, a greater proportion than in any other species yet reported; the purified satellite DNAs were denser than principal DNA. All satellite fractions revealed sharp isopycnic bands and narrow denaturation profiles. Two had identical buoyant densities but differed substantially in T(m), base composition, and reassociation kinetics. In alkaline CsCl all three satellites, as well as a shoulder of intermediate repetitive DNA on the heavy side of the principal band, revealed unique strand densities. The most highly repetitive satellite was unusually rich in (G + C) and contained 6.7% of 5-methylcytosine. A survey of internal organs and spermatozoa of an adult male revealed no significant differences in distribution of the satellites among tissues.
Production and Stayability Trends in Dairy Cattle

Abstract Artificially sired cows with 1,133,804 records were used to estimate genetic and environmental trends in milk, fat, and stayability for 36, 48, 60, 72, and 84 mo. Sire summaries for production and stayability by the Northeast AI Sire Comparison were substituted into the original data to provide estimates of genetic and environmental trends. Ayrshire, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, and Brown Swiss genetic trends of sires were 17, 7, 23, 11, and 23 per kg per yr for milk and .7, .3, .5, .1, and .8 kg of fat per yr. Corresponding environmental trends were 73, 57, 56, 43, and 40 kg of milk per yr and 2.3, 1.8, 2.1, 1.3, and .7 kg of fat per yr. Jerseys and Brown Swiss had positive genetic trends while Ayrshires, Guernseys, and Holsteins had negative genetic trends for stayability. All environmental trends from 1965 for stayability were negative.
Coherent detection with reference-symbol based channel estimation for direct sequence CDMA uplink communications

A new coding/modulation arrangement for up-link direct-sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) communication, which employs coherent detection with reference-symbol based channel estimation, is presented. It is shown that the required E/sub b//N/sub O/ for this scheme is about 2 dB to 2.5 dB lower than non-coherent detection of Walsh coding with bit interleaving and about 1 dB to 1.3 dB lower than noncoherent detection with Walsh symbol interleaving over the entire range of practical vehicle speeds. A frequency domain analysis of this scheme is given.
On the Relationship between Classical Grid Search and Probabilistic Roadmaps

We present, implement, and analyze a spectrum of closely-related planners, designed to gain insight into the relationship between classical grid search and probabilistic roadmaps (PRMs). Building on quasi-Monte Carlo sampling literature, we have developed deterministic variants of the PRM that use low-discrepancy and low-dispersion samples, including lattices. Classical grid search is extended using subsampling for collision detection and also the optimal-dispersion Sukharev grid, which can be considered as a kind of lattice-based roadmap to complete the spectrum. Our experimental results show that the deterministic variants of the PRM offer performance advantages in comparison to the original PRM and the recent Lazy PRM. This even includes searching using a grid with subsampled collision checking. Our theoretical analysis shows that all of our deterministic PRM variants are resolution complete and achieve the best possible asymptotic convergence rate, which is shown superior to that obtained by random sampling. Thus, in surprising contrast to recent trends, there is both experimental and theoretical evidence that some forms of grid search are superior to the original PRM.
Prevalence of self-reported activity and sedentary behaviors among 4th-, 8th-, and 11th-grade Texas public school children: the school physical activity and nutrition study.

Background: Few studies have compared physical activity (PA) and sedentary activity (SA) by grade and ethnicity, specifically including elementary school students. A cross-sectional probability-based design was used to provide data by ethnicity (African American, Hispanic, and White/Other), gender, and grade (4th, 8th, and 11th) from 2000 to 2002. Methods: Two validated questionnaires (elementary and secondary) assessed self-reported PA and SA. Point-prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals were computed. Results: Over 70% of students reported vigorous PA on ≥3 days/week, but <50% participated in daily physical education. A significant percentage (30% to 50%) of students reported ≥3 hours per day in SA. Fourth-grade boys and girls reported equal PA; however, 8th and 11th grade girls reported lowered vigorous PA. African American 8th- and 11th-grade boys reported the highest PA, but African American children also reported the highest prevalence of SA. Conclusions: Findings from this study highligh...
Outside the continental United States international travel and contagion impact quick look tool

This paper describes a tool that will allow public health analysts to estimate infectious disease risk at the country level as a function of different international transportation modes. The prototype focuses on a cholera epidemic originating within Latin America or the Caribbean, but it can be expanded to consider other pathogens as well. This effort leverages previous work in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop the International Travel to Community Impact (IT-CI) model, which analyzes and assesses potential international disease outbreaks then estimates the associated impacts to U.S. communities and the nation as a whole and orient it for use Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS). For brevity, we refer to this refined model as OIT-CI. First, we developed an operationalized meta-population spatial cholera model for Latin America and the Caribbean at the secondary administrative-level boundary. Secondly, we developed a robust function of human airline critical to approximating mixing patterns in the meta-population model. In the prototype version currently presented here, OIT-CI models a cholera epidemic originating in a Latin American or Caribbean country and spreading via airline transportation routes. Disease spread is modeled at the country level using a patch model with a connectivity function based on demographic, geospatial, and human transportation data. We have also identified data to estimate the water and health-related infrastructure capabilities of each country to include this potential impact on disease transmission. OIT-CI utilizes these data and modeling constructs to estimate the cholera risk, as a function of attack rate, for each country consistent [1]. This estimation will be completed by providing an order of magnitude risk estimate (e.g., 1 percent, 10 percent, 50 percent, 100 percent) for a cholera outbreak originating within and spreading to Latin American and Caribbean countries at secondary level boundaries (i.e., states or administrative districts). To create a product that is both useful and desirable, feedback from end users of OIT-CI will be incorporated into the model software and visualization design.
Use of disease-modifying medications for rheumatoid arthritis by race and ethnicity in the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.

Objective Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are recommended for virtually all patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the use of DMARDs in patients with RA in a nationally representative sample of visits to US physicians in the National Ambulatory Care Medical Survey (NAMCS). Methods We analyzed the NAMCS visit data from 1996 through 2007 if the physician noted a diagnosis of RA. DMARD utilization was based on the medications listed by the physician. We used generalized linear models to examine the adjusted associations between DMARD use and potential predictors. Results Of the 859 visits with a diagnosis code of RA identified over the study period, 404 visits (47%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 44–50%) had an associated DMARD. The percentage of RA visits with DMARDs increased slightly over the 12 years (P = 0.048), with biologic DMARDs increasing to 20% of visits after their introduction (P for trend <0.001). In fully adjusted models, African American race was associated with a 30% reduction in DMARD prescribing (risk ratio [RR] 0.70, 95% CI 0.48–1.00). A visit to a rheumatologist was the strongest correlate of DMARD prescribing (RR 2.33, 95% CI 1.89–2.86). Among visits to nonrheumatologists, African Americans were significantly less likely than whites to receive a DMARD (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.17–0.92), but not among visits with rheumatologists (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.52–1.27). Conclusion In the NAMCS, most visits coded with RA did not have an associated DMARD prescription. African Americans were less likely to receive DMARDs than whites, particularly when visiting nonrheumatologists.
Atmospheric Ice Crystals over the Antarctic Plateau in Winter

Falling ice crystals were collected daily on a gridded glass slide at South Pole Station, Antarctica, during the Antarctic winter of 1992 and were photographed through a microscope. Nine types of ice crystals are identified, which fall into three main categories: ‘‘diamond dust,’’ blowing snow, and snow grains. The dimensions of about 20 000 crystals were measured on scanned images of the photomicrographs. The predominant crystal types are hexagonal columns and plates (diamond dust) and rounded particles of blowing snow. Diamond-dust crystals have a large range of lengths (2‐1000 mm) and aspect ratios (0.1‐100). Diamond-dust crystals can usually be classified as either columns or plates; nearly equidimensional crystals are rare. ‘‘Long prism’’ crystals with aspect ratios greater than 5 were collected often, and very long prisms (‘‘Shimizu’’ crystals), 1000 mm long but only 10 mm thick, were collected occasionally. The extreme Shimizu crystals were predominant on only one winter day, but the meteorological conditions on that day were not unusual. Some precipitation was observed on every day; even when the dominant crystal type was blowing snow, there were always, in addition, some snow grains or diamond dust. Blowing-snow particles dominate by number and contribute nearly one-half of the total surface area. Bullet clusters and blowing snow each contribute about one-third of the total volume of atmospheric ice. Size distributions of the equivalent spherical radius are obtained for each of the nine crystal types, as well as for the three main categories of crystals, using the volume-to-area ratio to specify the equivalent spheres. In addition, the effective radius for each day when crystals were sampled is computed. Many of the distributions are approximately lognormal. The effective radius (area-weighted mean radius) of the entire size distribution of diamond dust is 12 mm in winter, somewhat smaller than in summer (15 mm). The small size of wintertime blowing snow allows it to reach heights of tens of meters in winter, as compared with only a few meters in summer. The average effective radius was 11 mm for blowing snow and 24 mm for snow grains. The most probable effective radius for any given day in winter is about 11 mm.
Veteran Eye Disease After Eligibility Reform: Prevalence and Characteristics

ABSTRACTPurpose: To determine the prevalence of eye disease in new “routine” eye patients at the Atlanta Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Design: Retrospective chart review of all new eye patients seen in the Atlanta Veteran Affairs Medical Center Comprehensive Eye Clinic over a 2-month period (January 1, 2008–February 28, 2008). Participants: 691 charts met inclusion criteria, with 33 charts excluded for insufficient documentation in the medical record. This left a total of 658 charts for the study. Methods: Charts were reviewed for the following information: demographic data, vision, ocular diagnoses (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes), and planned minor/laser/incisional surgical procedures. Additional data collected included whether glasses were prescribed and legal blindness. Main Outcome Measures: Vision-threatening ocular diagnoses and need for minor/laser/incision surgery were tabulated. Results: There was a very high prevalence of potentially blindi...
Issues in Managing Small Business Information Systems

This pa per addresses three issues in managing small business information systems (SBIS): technical issues, organizational issues, and the approach to information systems investments. Practical guidelines are provided for small business executives.
Personal Journals in Law School Externship Programs: Improving Pedagogy

Personal journals in which externship students reflect on what they are learning from their experience can deepen their learning about the legal profession and about themselves as developing lawyers. This article uses the author's experience with journal assignments to identify the causes of ineffective use of journaling by students and to recommend pedagogical interventions that will significantly improve meaningful impact of journals in legal education.
Foster Care to Kinship Adoption: The Road Less Traveled

ABSTRACTAlthough a rather extensive literature concerning informal kinship care and kinship foster care has emerged over the past 30 years, much less is known about the children and families involved in kinship adoption. This article pays particular attention to recent research that investigates placement decisions and outcomes for former foster children adopted by relatives. This review suggests conclusions similar to broader reviews, in that kinship placement tends to show some consistently favorable outcomes across a range of study populations and methods. Financial need may be the greatest concern for relatives who adopt. The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 expands adoption subsidies and provides states with the option of providing ongoing subsidies to certain relatives who take guardianship of family members from the foster care system. However, relative caregivers often are not well informed about financial supports afforded them by federal and state policies. S...
Evolution of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection from neonatal inoculation through development of adult "late onset disease" and glomerulonephritis. An immunofluorescence study in mice.

Immunofluorescent studies of infection following intracerebral inoculation of LCM virus in neonatal mice show that virus spreads by contamination of cerebrospinal fluid and subcutaneous connective tissue, in addition to invasion of the bloodstream. Hematogenous dissemination involves the liver in 1 day, the spleen and kidneys in 2 days, and all remaining organs and tissues of the body, including the entire lymphoreticular system, in 3 days, with stability of the infection reached in 5 days. Hematogenous spread probably occurs via freely circulating plasma virus, since no virus is seen in red cells, and infected white cells appear only after the earliest peripheral tissue infection has already occurred.
All-Arthroscopic Modified Rotator Interval Slide for Massive Anterosuperior Cuff Tears Using the Subdeltoid Space: Surgical Technique and Early Results:

BackgroundTraditional intra-articular arthroscopic repair techniques for massive anterosuperior rotator cuff tears are technically demanding and necessitate sacrifice of the rotator interval to ena...
Serum Liproteins in Experimental Diabetes. IV. Effect of Prolactin.

ConclusionSingle or repeated injections of prolactin do not cause significant changes in serum cholesterol, lipid phosphorus and lipoprotein pattern of normal and depan-creatized dogs.
Cavity Flow Assessment Using Advanced Turbulence Modeling

The vortex shedding caused by compressible subsonic ow along a wall cavity has been investigated using a Large-Eddy Simulation (LES)-based turbulence modeling technique that is embedded within a legacy Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) solver to assess the improvement in the prediction of the ow eld and acoustic of cavity ows beyond the application of classic RANS turbulence models. Numerical simulations applying twoequation Kinetic-Energy Simulation (KES), sub-grid scale hybrid-RANS LES (HRLES-sgs), and Menter k w shear-stress transport (SST) turbulence methods have been carried out and compared with experiment and LES results. Important frequencies of the ow are determined, illustrating the abilities of advanced turbulence modeling to improve these predictions when compared to RANS models. Evaluation of the in uence of the grid, time step and simulation period shows the sensitivity of the predictions to these parameters.
Youth-focused citizen science: Examining the role of environmental science learning and agency for conservation

Abstract Citizen science by youth is rapidly expanding, but very little research has addressed the ways programs meet the dual goals of rigorous conservation science and environmental science education. We examined case studies of youth-focused community and citizen science (CCS) and analyzed the learning processes and outcomes, and stewardship activities for youth, as well as contributions to site and species management, each as conservation outcomes. Examining two programs (one coastal and one water quality monitoring) across multiple sites in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA, in- and out-of-school settings, we qualitatively analyzed in-depth observations and pre- and post-program interviews with youth and educators. First, we examined evidence from the programs' impacts on conservation in the form of contribution to site and species management. We found that youth work informed regional resource management and local habitat improvement. Second, we examined the youth participants' environmental science agency (ESA). ESA combines not only understanding of environmental science and inquiry practices, but also the youths' identification with those practices and their developing belief that the ecosystem is something on which they act. We found that youth developed different aspects of environmental science agency in each context. We identify three key CCS processes through which many of the youth developed ESA: ensuring rigorous data collection, disseminating scientific findings to authentic external audiences, and investigating complex social-ecological systems. Our findings suggest that when CCS programs for youth support these processes, they can foster youth participation in current conservation actions, and build their capacity for future conservation actions.
A Period of Doubt: Race Science before the Second World War

‘It was the Nazis who perpetrated the deed, but men and women everywhere believed in the distinction between races, whether white, yellow or black, Aryan or Jew.’ This, in a nutshell, was the dilemma of race biology in the 1930s and 1940s. The deed was the single greatest crime in the history of mankind — the systematic extermination of six million Jews because, it was claimed, they belonged to an inferior race. The dilemma of race biology was that what men and women everywhere believed, scientists believed also — that there was a hierarchy of superior and inferior races. However hard scientists tried to disassociate themselves from Nazi racism by labelling it a ghastly perversion of science for political ends, the fact was that racism received its sanction in science.1
Novel ABCG2 Antagonists Reverse Topotecan-Mediated Chemotherapeutic Resistance in Ovarian Carcinoma Xenografts.

Chemotherapeutic resistance remains a challenge in the treatment of ovarian carcinoma, especially in recurrent disease. Despite the fact that most patients with newly diagnosed tumors attain complete remission following cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy, ovarian carcinoma has a recurrence rate that exceeds 75%. The ATP-binding cassette family G member 2 (ABCG2) efflux protein has been described as one mechanism that confers multiple-drug resistance to solid tumors and contributes to topotecan resistance in ovarian carcinoma. In fact, one clinical trial demonstrated ABCG2 expression in all patients with primary or recurrent ovarian carcinoma. On the basis of our previous work, we hypothesized that three compounds (CID44640177, CID1434724, and CID46245505), which represent a new piperazine-substituted pyrazolo[1,5]pyrimidine substructure class of ABCG2-specific antagonists, would restore chemosensitivity to drug-resistant ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo. To address the treatment difficulties associated with chemotherapeutic resistance in ovarian cancer, we combined each compound (CID44640177, CID1434724, and CID46245505) with topotecan and administered the mixture to chemoresistant Igrov1/T8 ovarian cancer cells in vitro and Igrov1/T8 xenografts in CB-17 SCID mice. We found that only nanomolar concentrations of each ABCG2 inhibitor in combination with topotecan were required to restore chemosensitivity to Igrov1/T8 cells in vitro. In vivo, substantial tumor reduction was achieved with each compound in 4 days, with CID1434724 causing the largest reduction in excess of 60%. No signs of secondary toxic effects were observed with the ABCG2 antagonists. These novel compounds should be viewed as promising drug candidates to reverse ABCG2-mediated chemoresistance. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(12); 2853–62. ©2016 AACR.
Maximum likelihood estimators for static and dynamic studies using emission tomography with auxiliary boundary information

Maximum likelihood (ML) estimation methods were developed for static and dynamic studies using emission tomography (ET) with auxiliary boundary information. The estimators are developed through parameterizing object boundaries and introducing registration parameters so that optimal uses of auxiliary boundary information can be practically implemented. The estimators are region-of-interest (ROI)-based ML estimators and are developed by implementing an observation model generalized from one that has been commonly used in iterative reconstruction. The ML estimator was used to simulated dynamic myocardial perfusion studies, compare simulation results with a previously established Cramer-Rao lower bound, and demonstrate that the ML estimator is close to the C-R bound in performance. Simulation results suggest that ET projection data are inherently capable of aligning auxiliary boundary information. The present model-based ML estimation methods provide an efficient way to extract position information from ET data. >
Degradation Products of L-Tryptophan Reacted with Peroxidizing Methyl Linoleate a,b

Reactions between L-tryptophan and peroxidizing methyl linoleate in a model system simulating the porous structure of dehydrated foods result in formation of N-formylkynurenine, kynurenine, and diastereomers of dioxindole-3-alanine. A mechanism, consistent with the free-radical pathway for oxidation of polyunsaturated lipids, is proposed for formation of these products from L-tryptophan degradation by peroxidizing lipids.
Consumer Innovativeness and Loyalty to Non-GMO Foods: The Role of Cognitive and Affective Beliefs

Public concern over genetically modified (GMO) foods has led marketers to promote non-GMO branded foods to consumers. However, factors affecting consumers’ loyalty to non-GMO branded foods are still largely unknown. Building on the product diffusion model, the present research predicts and finds that consumer innovativeness has a positive effect on consumer loyalty to non-GMO foods. In addition, the present research draws from previous research on attitude formation and tests whether cognitive and/or affective beliefs may mediate the relationship between consumer innovativeness and loyalty to non-GMO foods. The results of a parallel multiple mediation model suggest that cognitive, but not affective, beliefs fully mediate the effect of consumer innovativeness on loyalty to non-GMO foods. These results have direct implications for marketers of non-GMO foods and, in general, increase our understanding of the process by which consumer innovativeness may affect consumer loyalty.
Role of GH/IGF-I Deficiency in Aging

Our laboratory and others have been able to use the GHR−/− mice to elucidate the impacts of GH on aging. While many questions persist, these mice have helped to establish that a lack of GH action can extend life span in a manner similar to caloric restriction. Moreover, insulin sensitivity appears to be the most prominent mechanism shared between these two interventions that result in life span extension. Further analysis of the contribution of each of the ­insulin-sensitive tissues as they relate to GH should help focus on these mechanisms. Thus, our laboratory is currently generating liver, muscle, and adipose tissue-specific GHR gene disrupted mice. By investigating the dynamic interactions between GH and insulin signaling within these tissues, how they alter the physiology of other tissues in compensation for the lack of GHR, and the effect on aging will further our understanding of the GH-related mechanisms that extend longevity.
In Situ Chemical Imaging of Solid-Electrolyte Interphase Layer Evolution in Li–S Batteries

Parasitic reactions of electrolyte and polysulfide with the Li-anode in lithium sulfur (Li–S) batteries lead to the formation of solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers, which are the major reason behind severe capacity fading in these systems. Despite numerous studies, the evolution mechanism of the SEI layer and specific roles of polysulfides and other electrolyte components are still unclear. We report an in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and chemical imaging analysis combined with ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) computational modeling to gain fundamental understanding regarding the evolution of SEI layers on Li-anodes within Li–S batteries. A multimodal approach involving AIMD modeling and in situ XPS characterization uniquely reveals the chemical identity and distribution of active participants in parasitic reactions as well as the SEI layer evolution mechanism. The SEI layer evolution has three major stages: the formation of a primary composite mixture phase involving stable lithi...
Quadricuspid Aortic Valve: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract Quadricuspid aortic valve is a rare congenital anomaly that may be found unexpectedly at surgery or diagnosed preoperatively by means of echocardiography or aortography. The most common hemodynamic abnormality associated with this anomaly is aortic insufficiency. We describe a representative case involving a 62-year-old man with severe aortic insufficiency and mild aortic stenosis. At operation, the aortic valve was found to have 4 cusps. The valve was replaced with a mechanical prosthesis. The patient was released 7 days after operation and was clinically well at 6-month follow-up. (Texas Heart Institute Journal 1991;18:141-3)
Four decades of ocular renin-angiotensin and kallikrein-kinin systems (1977–2017)

This review offers a contemporary history of the renin-angiotensin (RAS) and kallikrein-kinin (KKS) systems with emphasis on how these complex systems affect the eye. It describes the types of communication (cross-talk) between the two systems and evaluates their potential role in the development of diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and uveitis. In addition to detailing the important physiological actions of components of the RAS and KKS, possibilities are suggested for new therapeutic avenues in the treatment of common ocular diseases. Historical notes indicate the major events in this research area, marking four decades from the first publication on the discovery of renin and angiotensin converting enzyme in the eye to the present time.
Landing on Europa, part 3: Proposed configuration with provisions for radiation shielding and planetary protection

This paper, the third of three, proposes a configuration for a lander vehicle for studying Europa. It outlines the network and power distribution for the instruments. It proposes burying the electronics in ice to shield them from radiation. It proposes a method for assembling the spacecraft in an autoclave to provide planetary protection, as well as, flying the boosters and sky crane away from Europa to destruction in Jupiter's atmosphere.
On the co-operative formation of local ground states and frustration fields in the structural glass As2Se3

Abstract A microscopic free energy model with an order parameter was introduced earlier that included a local frustration gauge field with U1 symmetry. Ad hoc values of this field were introduced to fit the NQR distribution of a powdered sample of As2Se3 glass and predict the glass and Kauzmann temperatures. Here we derive initial values of the local frustration force amplitudes from an associated molecular free energy. We show that these amplitudes as calculated solely as gradients of the free energy are too large, and that a force term derived from energy leaving the glass and entering the bath must be included to give the correct magnitude. The modification to the bath also acts as a U1 gauge transformation of the frustration field, and insures that the “freezing” process is irreversible, non-equilibrium, and approximately steady state.
Perceptions of Health Care Professionals on the Effects of Residential Summer Camp in their Patients.

Abstract Purpose A growing body of literature exists regarding medical specialty camps for children. However, very little of the research focuses on the perspectives of healthcare providers. This study explored perceptions of pediatric healthcare providers on a medical specialty camp for children. Design and Methods Interviews with five volunteer physicians and five nurses were conducted and analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results Results showed that healthcare providers perceived camp to be a positive influence on campers' normalization and healthcare ownership, and to strengthen patient-provider relationships. Providers contextualized their assertions by discussing the settings of camp and of patients. However, providers also identified multiple barriers perceived as limiting a camp experience's ability to create lasting changes in patients' attitudes or behaviors. Conclusions While healthcare providers in this study perceived camp as being a positive opportunity for patients, the potential for long-lasting effects was seen to be hindered by factors external to the camp and changes in patients' attitudes or behaviors can be difficult to ascribe to the camp experience. Practice Implications Healthcare providers can reinforce and extend positive health behavior messages from camp at follow-up appointments. Adding inquiries about camp attendance and experiences to patients' visits can provide healthcare providers with additional insights about patients. Health outcomes before and after camp could be measured to assess change. Camps can send home patient protocols on successes and challenges.
Resonantly enhanced terahertz transmission using aperiodic arrays of subwavelength apertures

We demonstrate that specific classes of aperiodic arrays of subwavelength apertures are capable of exhibiting strong, well-defined transmission resonances. The corresponding resonance frequencies can be well described by considering the aperture array structure factor.
Stem cell factor enhances interleukin-2-mediated expansion of murine natural killer cells in vivo.

The administration of low dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) results in a selective expansion of natural killer (NK) cells in vivo, and promotes the differentiation of NK cells from hematopoietic precursor cells in vitro. We have previously shown that stem cell factor (SCF ), the ligand to the c-kit tyrosine kinase receptor, enhances IL-2-induced NK cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro. Here, we investigated the effects of SCF plus IL-2 delivered to mice in vivo. Eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were treated with a continuous subcutaneous infusion of IL-2 (1 x 10(4) IU/d) plus a daily intraperitoneal dose of SCF (100 microg/kg/d), IL-2 alone, SCF alone, or vehicle alone for 8 weeks. The in vivo serum concentration of IL-2 ranged between 352 +/- 12.0 pg/mL and 606 +/- 9.0 pg/mL, achieving selective saturation of the high affinity IL-2 receptor, while the peak SCF serum concentration was 296 +/- 13.09 ng/mL. Alone, the daily administration of SCF had no effect on the expansion of NK cells. The continuous infusion of IL-2 alone did result in a significant expansion of NK1.1+CD3- cells compared to mice treated with placebo or SCF. However, mice treated with both SCF and IL-2 showed an increase in the absolute number of NK cells that was more than twofold that seen with IL-2 alone, in the spleen (P </= .005), bone marrow (P </= .025), and blood (P < .05). NK cytotoxic activity against YAC-1 target cells was significantly higher for mice treated with SCF plus IL-2, compared to mice treated with IL-2 alone (P </= .0005). Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production in cytokine-activated splenocytes was also greater for the SCF plus IL-2 group, over IL-2 treatment alone (P </= .01). The effect of SCF plus IL-2 on NK cell expansion was likely mediated via NK cell precursors, rather than mature NK cells. In summary, we provide the first evidence that SCF can significantly enhance expansion of functional NK cells induced by the prolonged administration of low dose IL-2 in vivo. Since the NK cell is a cytotoxic innate immune effector and a potent source of IFN-gamma, this therapeutic strategy for NK cell expansion may serve to further enhance innate immune surveillance against malignant transformation and infection in the setting of cancer and/or immunodeficiency.
Manifold based feedback design

In this paper, we present an unified view of a variety of feedback control design approaches under the framework of manifold based feedback design. We examine the role of manifolds in system reduction and feedback design which exploits time-scale separations. Design specified manifolds for a number of different control design objectives are introduced, using high gain and variable structure feedback as the mean of enforcing desirable closed loop behavior. Using robotics applications, the utility of manifold based feedback design is demonstrated.
The Influence of Spatial Relationship between Nodes and Information on Information Spreading in Social Network

Social network has been developed as a new platform of communication for information. The research of process of information spreading on social network is beneficial to understanding the information spreading features of social network. Based on the analysis of Micro-Blog data, it has been discovered that the nodes which have different spatial features have different effects on the information spreading process, and the information has a high probability to spread from one node to another when the nodes are in the same geospace or nearby.
Exploring Infectious Disease Outbreaks and Herd Immunity Through Simulations with a Visual Appeal.

A quick review of social media indicates many people do not understand the importance of herd immunity and routine vaccinations toward curbing the spread of preventable infectious disease. This simulation is carried out in two consecutive phases. The first phase illustrates disease progression using acid-base chemistry and a pH indicator to identify participants who are infected during a simulated infectious disease outbreak. The second phase demonstrates the effectiveness of immunizations and resulting herd immunity during the same simulated infectious disease outbreak. A buffer is employed to serve as immune contacts not susceptible to infection. The pH indicators’ bright color (indicating an infection) is a welcomed visual for students and increases engagement while they anticipate whether their tube will turn pink or not.
How End Users Express Conditionals in Programming by Demonstration for Mobile Apps

Though conditionals are an integral component of programming, providing an easy means of creating conditionals remains a challenge for programming-by-demonstration (PBD) systems for task automation. We hypothesize that a promising method for implementing conditionals in such systems is to incorporate the use of verbal instructions. Verbal instructions supplied concurrently with demonstrations have been shown to improve the generalizability of PBD. However, the challenge of supporting conditional creation using this multi-modal approach has not been addressed. In this extended abstract, we present our study on understanding how end users describe conditionals in natural language for mobile app tasks. We conducted a formative study of 56 participants asking them to verbally describe conditionals in different settings for 9 sample tasks and to invent conditional tasks. Participant responses were analyzed using open coding and revealed that, in the context of mobile apps, end users often omit desired else statements when explaining conditionals, sometimes use ambiguous concepts in expressing conditionals, and often desire to implement complex conditionals. Based on these findings, we discuss the implications for designing a multimodal PBD interface to support the creation of conditionals.
Bayesian Analysis of High-dimensional Discrete Graphical Models

This work introduces a Bayesian methodology for fitting large discrete graphical models with spike-and-slab priors to encode sparsity. We consider a quasi-likelihood approach that enables node-wise parallel computation resulting in reduced computational complexity. We introduce a scalable Langevin MCMC algorithm for sampling from the quasi-posterior distribution which enables variable selection and estimation simultaneously. We present extensive simulation results to demonstrate scalability and accuracy of the method. We also analyze the 16 Personality Factors (PF) dataset to illustrate performance of the method.