cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phonetic test sentences (Corresp.)

A method has been devised for obtaining lists of words which use each sound of the English language (with American pronunciation) exactly once. The method is sufficiently automatic that it can be carried out by a person knowing no phonetics, or even by a digital computer. Trying the procedure with slight modifications produced several such lists, one of which could be transformed into a sentence: "Hum, thou whirring fusion; yes, Joy, pay each show; vie, thaw two wool dock bags." This sentence, or one of the lists, might be usable for testing telephone transmission, testing speech defects, or providing the pronunciation key at the bottom of the page of a dictionary. Care was taken to avoid the use of words which have different pronunciations in different parts of the U.S. or in different phrases. Although this list was composed in terms of an assumed list of 42 English sounds, it seems quite likely that anyone who considers a slightly different list of sounds to be the basic ones could do the same thing by applying this method, with appropriate modifications, to his list.
Early results from the SAGE-SMC Spitzer legacy

Early results from the SAGE-SMC (Surveying the Agents of Galaxy Evolution in the tidally-disrupted, low-metallicity Small Magellanic Cloud) Spitzer legacy program are presented. These early results concentrate on the SAGE-SMC MIPS observations of the SMC Tail region. This region is the high H i column density portion of the Magellanic Bridge adjacent to the SMC Wing. We detect infrared dust emission and measure the gas-to-dust ratio in the SMC Tail and find it similar to that of the SMC Body. In addition, we find two embedded cluster regions that are resolved into multiple sources at all MIPS wavelengths.
Gene Expression Profiles in a Rabbit Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Autoantibody Production

We previously reported the establishment of a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) model in which peptide immunization led to production of lupus-like autoantibodies including anti-Sm, -RNP, –SS-A, –SS-B, and -dsDNA characteristic of those produced in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Some neurologic symptoms in the form of seizures and nystagmus were observed. The animals used in the previous and in the current study were from a National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases colony of rabbits that were pedigreed, Ig-allotype defined, but not inbred. Their genetic heterogeneity may correspond to that found among patients of a given ethnicity. We extended the information about this rabbit model by microarray-based expression profiling. We first demonstrated that human expression arrays could be used with rabbit RNA to yield information on molecular pathways. We then designed a study evaluating gene expression profiles in eight groups of control and treated rabbits (47 rabbits in total). Genes significantly upregulated in treated rabbits were associated with NK cytotoxicity, Ag presentation, leukocyte migration, cytokine activity, protein kinases, RNA spliceosomal ribonucleoproteins, intracellular signaling cascades, and glutamate receptor activity. These results link increased immune activation with upregulation of components associated with neurologic and anti-RNP responses, demonstrating the utility of the rabbit model to uncover biological pathways related to SLE-induced clinical symptoms, including neuropsychiatric lupus. Our finding of distinct gene expression patterns in rabbits that made anti-dsDNA compared with those that only made other anti-nuclear Abs should be further investigated in subsets of SLE patients with different autoantibody profiles.
Reliability and precision of EMG in leg, torso, and arm muscles during running.

Changes in electromyographic (EMG) parameters are used to evaluate timing, amplitude, and fatigue of muscle actions during movement. Little published data describe the reliability and precision of multiple EMG parameters, how these parameters compare to one another, and how these parameters vary between muscles. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and precision of four EMG parameters recorded from the legs, torso, and arm muscles during running. Fifteen well-trained male runners performed moderate-intensity treadmill running while EMG data were collected from thirteen muscles. Integrated EMG (iEMG), root mean square EMG (RMS), maximum M-wave, and median power frequency (MPF) were calculated for 25 consecutive strides. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) for each parameter were calculated for each muscle. Seven muscles displayed good reliability (ICC > 0.80) for all parameters studied. MPF was the most reliable variable, with 12 muscles having ICC > 0.80 and <6% normalized SEM. Reliability and precision differed between muscles of similar function and anatomic region. These data emphasize the need for researchers and clinicians to have reliability and precision measures for all parameters of each muscle, and demonstrates that generalizations must be used cautiously when interpreting EMG data collected during running.
A Radiation Hardened by Design Register File With Lightweight Error Detection and Correction

A radiation hardened by design 32times36 b register file with error detection and correction (EDAC) capability is presented. The lightweight EDAC scheme (LEDAC) supports fine granularity (byte) writes, with low area and latency overhead, suitable for small, fast memories such as register file and first-level cache memory. The LEDAC scheme is described and its impact on memory efficiency and speed are quantified. The register file has been tested to be functional on a foundry 0.13 mum bulk CMOS process with a measured speed over 1 GHz at VDD=1.5 V. The LEDAC scheme is implemented in an external FPGA. Accelerated heavy ion testing results are also described. The experimentally measured RHBD register file SEE behavior is examined, and the proposed LEDAC scheme is shown to alleviate all soft errors in accelerated testing.
Shelf stratigraphy and the influence of antecedent substrate on Holocene reef development, south Oahu, Hawaii

Abstract Paired analyses of drill cores and high-resolution seismic reflection data show that development of Holocene framework reefs on the Oahu (Hawaii) shelf is limited to settings of low wave energy and to the period 8000 to 3000 yr BP. A prominent bounding surface that is mapped across much of the Oahu shelf is an erosion surface cut into Marine Isotope Stages 5 and 7 limestones that show extensive loss of primary porosity, aragonite, and MgCO3 owing to meteoric and vadose-zone diagenesis. This acoustic reflector is found exposed at the surface where wave energy is high or in the shallow subsurface below Holocene reef and sand sheet deposits where energy is low. Ship-towed video along 30 km of the shelf reveals a steady decrease in limestone accumulation from offshore of Honolulu southeast to Koko Head where the seafloor is characterized by volcanic pavement and/or thin sand deposits. This may reflect the build-up of late Pleistocene volcanics associated with the Hanauma Bay eruption (30,000–7000 yr BP) that now comprise the substrate in depths shallow enough to limit reef accretion. The absence of significant Holocene reef build-up on the south Oahu shelf is consistent with observations from north-facing coasts that lack Holocene reefs, indicating that Holocene reef formation in Hawaii is complex and patchy.
The efficacy of duloxetine: A comprehensive summary of results from MMRM and LOCF_ANCOVA in eight clinical trials

A mixed-effects model repeated measures approach (MMRM) was specified as the primary analysis in the Phase III clinical trials of duloxetine for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Analysis of covariance using the last observation carried forward approach to impute missing values (LOCF_ANCOVA) was specified as a secondary analysis. Previous research has shown that MMRM and LOCF_ANCOVA yield identical endpoint results when no data are missing, while MMRM is more robust to biases from missing data and thereby provides superior control of Type I and Type II error compared with LOCF_ANCOVA. We compared results from MMRM and LOCF_ANCOVA analyses across eight clinical trials of duloxetine in order to investigate how the choice of primary analysis may influence interpretations of efficacy. Results were obtained from the eight acute-phase clinical trials that formed the basis of duloxetine's New Drug Application for the treatment of MDD. All 202 mean change analyses from the 20 rating scale total scores and subscales specified a priori in the various protocols were included in the comparisons. In 166/202 comparisons (82.2%), MMRM and LOCF_ANCOVA agreed with regard to the statistical significance of the differences between duloxetine and placebo. In 25/202 cases (12.4%), MMRM yielded a significant difference when LOCF_ANCOVA did not, while in 11/202 cases (5.4%), LOCF_ANCOVA produced a significant difference when MMRM did not. In 110/202 comparisons (54.4%) the p-value from MMRM was lower than that from LOCF_ANCOVA, while in 69/202 comparisons (34.2%), the p-value from LOCF_ANCOVA was lower than that from MMRM. In the remaining 23 comparisons (11.4%), the p-values from LOCF_ANCOVA and MMRM were equal when rounded to the 3rd decimal place (usually as a result of both p-values being < .001). For the HAMD17 total score, the primary outcome in all studies, MMRM yielded 9/12 (75%) significant contrasts, compared with 6/12 (50%) for LOCF_ANCOVA. The expected success rate was 80%. Important differences exist between MMRM and LOCF_ANCOVA. Empirical research has clearly demonstrated the theoretical advantages of MMRM over LOCF_ANCOVA. However, interpretations regarding the efficacy of duloxetine in MDD were unaffected by the choice of analytical technique.
High Pressure Processing Effects on Fish Proteins

Salted pastes of surimi, a myofibrillar concentrate of fish muscle, gel at pressures near 300 MPa. High pressure processing has been thought to induce de-naturation and gelation of myofibrillar proteins mainly by disruption of protein intramolecular hydrophobic interactions which subsequently reform intennolecularly. We have shown that pressure-induced surimi gels evidence disulfide bonding as well. Endogenous transglutaminase (TGase) evidently survives the pressure treatment, and subsequent TGase-mediated setting of Alaska pollock surimi pastes at 25°C results in very strong gels as compared to those prepared without prior pressurization. High pressure during freezing or thawing greatly accelerates these operations and can reduce ice crystal size and associated tissue damage. Yet pressure treatment can destabilize proteins which might lower fish quality. Infusion of certain carbohydrates into muscle prior to pressure-assisted freezing/thawing can achieve both baroprotection and cryoprotection of the muscle proteins. Pressure treatment has not proven useful for inactivation of proteolytic enzymes that degrade fish quality.
Evidence of novel fine-scale structural variation at autism spectrum disorder candidate loci

Background Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) represent a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by a core set of social-communicative and behavioral impairments. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, acting primarily via the GABA receptors (GABR). Multiple lines of evidence, including altered GABA and GABA receptor expression in autistic patients, indicate that the GABAergic system may be involved in the etiology of autism.
Signature Evaluation for Thermal Infrared Countermine and IED Detection Systems: Large-Area Simulations in an Operational Computing Environment

The countermine test bed (CTB) and accompanying tools provide a means to optimize thermal infrared sensor systems and automated target recognition algorithms. The CTB has been validated through a series of studies conducted since 2006. During that time, the capability of the CTB has been vastly expanded, particularly in regards to the size of the domain that can be modeled. The CTB consists of four independent models that are coupled through file transfers. Optimization of the system involves a scheduling problem whereby the processors are assigned to individual sub-models in accordance with their run times. The ground model and the ray caster dominate computations, with the other sub-models operating virtually as background processes.
Determination of in situ exposure

Abstract A distinction was made between the measurable in situ “exposure,” and “dose” which is not measurable. The difficulty in attempting to calculate the in situ exposure of ultrasound at the location of the developing embryo within the gestational sac was presented. On the basis of tissue properties the calculated total attenuation of a 3.5 MHz ultrasound beam transmitted from the transducer to the gestational sac is 4.1 dB, shown in Table 6. However, this value varies considerably from published in vivo measurements in different patients, and the subject requires further investigation. At frequencies used in pregnancy diagnosis the presence in the sound field of spheres with dimensions equivalent to the gestational sac can significantly increase pressure within the sphere. Also a small change (5%) in density or velocity can give rise to an increase by a factor of 20 in p2 compared to a situation where there is no sphere. Therefore the potential for a maximum pressure “hot spot” exists for a position at the posterior part of the sphere which also corresponds to the position in the gestational sac occupied by a 6–7 wk fetus. These factors indicate the difficulty in attempting to determine dose in situ if exposure parameters alone are used.
Integrating microRNAs into a system biology approach to acute lung injury

Acute lung injury (ALI), including the ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and the more severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), are common and complex inflammatory lung diseases potentially affected by various genetic and nongenetic factors. Using the candidate gene approach, genetic variants associated with immune response and inflammatory pathways have been identified and implicated in ALI. Because gene expression is an intermediate phenotype that resides between the DNA sequence variation and the higher level cellular or whole-body phenotypes, the illustration of gene expression regulatory networks potentially could enhance understanding of disease susceptibility and the development of inflammatory lung syndromes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a novel class of gene regulators that play critical roles in complex diseases including ALI. Comparisons of global miRNA profiles in animal models of ALI and VILI identified several miRNAs (eg, miR-146a and miR-155) previously implicated in immune response and inflammatory pathways. Therefore, via regulation of target genes in these biological processes and pathways, miRNAs potentially contribute to the development of ALI. Although this line of inquiry exists at a nascent stage, miRNAs have the potential to be critical components of a comprehensive model for inflammatory lung disease built by a systems biology approach that integrates genetic, genomic, proteomic, epigenetic as well as environmental stimuli information. Given their particularly recognized role in regulation of immune and inflammatory responses, miRNAs also serve as novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for ALI/ARDS or VILI, thus facilitating the realization of personalized medicine for individuals with acute inflammatory lung disease.
Information value-driven approach to path clearance with multiple scout robots

In the path clearance problem the robot needs to reach its goal as quickly as possible without being detected by enemies. The robot does not know the precise locations of enemies, but has a list of their possible locations. These locations can be sensed, and the robot can go through them if no enemy is present or has to take a detour otherwise. We have previously developed an approach to the path clearance problem when the robot itself had to sense possible enemy locations. In this paper we investigate the problem of path clearance when the robot can use multiple scout robots to sense the possible enemy locations. This becomes a high-dimensional planning under uncertainty problem. We propose an efficient and scalable approach to it. While the approach requires centralized planning, it can scale to very large environments and to a large number of scouts and allows the scouts to be heterogenous. The experimental results show the benefits of using our approach when multiple scout robots are available.
The Legitimacy of the U.S. Supreme Court in a Polarized Polity

Conventional political science wisdom holds that contemporary American politics is characterized by deep and profound partisan and ideological divisions. Unanswered is the question of whether those divisions have spilled over into threats to the legitimacy of American political institutions, such as the U.S. Supreme Court. Since the Court is often intimately involved in making policy in many issue areas that divide Americans—including the contested 2000 presidential election—it is reasonable to hypothesize that loyalty toward the institution depends on policy and/or ideological agreement and partisanship. Using data stretching from 1987 through 2005, the analysis reveals that Court support among the American people has not declined, nor is it connected to partisan and ideological identifications. Instead, support is embedded within a larger set of relatively stable democratic values. Institutional legitimacy may not be obdurate, but it does not seem to be caught up in the divisiveness that characterizes so much of American politics—at least not at present.
Finding Exemplars from Pairwise Dissimilarities via Simultaneous Sparse Recovery

Given pairwise dissimilarities between data points, we consider the problem of finding a subset of data points, called representatives or exemplars, that can efficiently describe the data collection. We formulate the problem as a row-sparsity regularized trace minimization problem that can be solved efficiently using convex programming. The solution of the proposed optimization program finds the representatives and the probability that each data point is associated with each one of the representatives. We obtain the range of the regularization parameter for which the solution of the proposed optimization program changes from selecting one representative for all data points to selecting all data points as representatives. When data points are distributed around multiple clusters according to the dissimilarities, we show that the data points in each cluster select representatives only from that cluster. Unlike metric-based methods, our algorithm can be applied to dissimilarities that are asymmetric or violate the triangle inequality, i.e., it does not require that the pairwise dissimilarities come from a metric. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm on synthetic data as well as real-world image and text data.
Automated Logic Design of Mos Networks

With the technological progress of integrated circuits of very large scale integration (VLSI), MOS logic families such as nMOS and C/MOS are becoming increasingly important because large integration size can be attained with MOSFETs (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors) due to low power consumption and simple integrated circuit structure.(1) Compared with other logic families, MOS logic families have a unique feature: each MOS logic gate in any logic network can express a negative function.(2) A negative function is a switching function that can be expressed as the complement of a disjunctive (or conjunctive) form of only noncomplemented literals. Examples are \( \overline {{{x}_{1}}\;v\;{{x}_{2}}{{x}_{3}}} ,\overline {{{x}_{1}}{{x}_{2}}\;v\;{{x}_{2}}{{x}_{3}}\;v\;{{x}_{1}}{{x}_{3}}} \), and \( \overline {({{x}_{1}}\;v\;{{x}_{2}})({{x}_{3}}v\;{{x}_{4}}v\;{{x}_{5}})} \). A negative function is more general than the NOR, NAND, AND, or OR operations that a conventional simple logic gate expresses. Logic gates that express negative functions are called negative gates. Thus, for any switching functions, networks of negative gates require no more gates than those of conventional simple logic gates. As a matter of fact, they generally require much less.
Performance of clustering algorithms on time-dependent spatial patterns

A single linkage clustering algorithm adapted for points distributed over time (SLOT) is used to recover clusters from coplanar points associated with time parameters. Cluster number and shape determine separability and hence effectiveness of the algorithm. Performance in simulation experiments also depended on the probability of recording cluster points. SLOT links points observed at different times if they are within some limiting distance, and the distance parameter becomes critical when detectability is low. Performance comparisons are made with other algorithms, and results are presented in the context of a rule-based expert system for solving problems involving cluster analysis of time-dependent spatial patterns.
Looking for Audience Costs

The methodological issues that arise in testing Fearon’s argument about domestic political audience costs and signaling in international crises are examined, in particular the difficulty of finding direct evidence (1) that escalating a crisis and then backing down jeopardizes a leader’s tenure in office, and (2) that democratic leaders are more vulnerable to removal in this event than are nondemocratic leaders. Tests that seek to measure the existence and magnitude of audience costs encounter severe problems of partial observability and strategic selection: the effect of audience costs on a leader’s political survival can only be detected by looking at cases in which the costs are actually incurred, but strategic choice implies that the probability of incurring audience costs is a function of their value. A formal model, brief case studies, and Monte Carlo simulations are used to show that these problems bias direct tests against supporting either of the audience cost propositions. Tests based on observed audience costs understate both the mean level of audience costs in the full population and the difference in means across regime types.
Trends in food packaging and manufacturing systems and technology

In today's world of global markets and stiff competition in every product along with increasing consumer demand, it becomes imperative for companies to explore ways to improve their productivity in terms of maintaining safety, using sustainable packaging materials, implementing flexible and standardized technology, and adopting proven management principles. In this paper, we look into the state-of-the-art in the food processing and packaging industry in the light of recent advancements in the fields of (i) smart packaging and materials including the application of nanoscience and technology, (ii) automation and control technology, standards, and their application scenarios, and finally (iii) production management principles and their improvements for the food industry. A comprehensive review on the above and related areas is presented in appropriate order. From the survey of literature, it is clear that although researchers have focused on individual aspects of the processing, packaging, and manufacturing, there is need for a more holistic approach to system analysis while understanding the scope of the entire operations. We conclude that it is imperative to investigate why the practical implementations of these advancements seem to lag behind research in the field.
Democratic Stability and Economic Crisis: Costa Rica, 1978–1983

This article explores the relationship between economics and politics by examining the impact of economic crisis on democratic stability. It attempts to test the thesis proposed by Seymour Martin Lipset that economic crisis is not directly linked to political stability but is mediated through two fundamental components of the political culture: effectiveness and legitimacy. Previous empirical research on this hypothesis has been limited by four interrelated factors outlined in the article. The study overcomes these limitations by using a refined measure of legitimacy (called “political support-alienation”) and focusing on Costa Rica, a country that has experienced a severe economic crisis but has nonetheless maintained democratic stability. The article reviews the historical process of building democracy in Costa Rica, describes the nature of the economic crisis, and traces its impact with a series of cross-section surveys.
Acoustic Modeling of Rocket Payload Bays within Launch Fairings

Acoustic shielding treatments are necessary to prevent damage to the payload during launch. This paper discusses three modeling approaches used to analyze the efficacy of such treatments. Results from acoustic modeling studies using a finite element model (FEM), an analytical approach and experimental testing are presented here. Payload bay pressure distributions and frequency responses are developed using simple two dimensional scale models. The two dimensional finite element models are developed first to demonstrate agreement with published results and analytical predictions. They also show the potential for three dimensional full scale finite element modeling.
Obesity Prevention in Older Adults

The number of older adults living in the USA, 65 years of age and older, has been steadily increasing. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007-2010, indicate that more than one-third of older adults, 65 years of age and older, were obese. With the increased rate of obesity in older adults, the purpose of this paper is to present research on different methods to prevent or manage obesity in older adults, namely dietary interventions, physical activity interventions, and a combination of dietary and physical activity interventions. In addition, research on community assistance programs in the prevention of obesity with aging will be discussed. Finally, data on federal programs for older adults will also be presented.
In Spinal Anaesthesia for Cesarean Section the Temperature of Bupivacaine Affects the Onset of Shivering but Not the Incidence: A Randomized Control Trial.

INTRODUCTION Postoperative shivering is a frequent event after cesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. Shivering is uncomfortable for the patient and may interfere with monitoring. The exact aetiology of shivering is unknown and therefore has no definite treatment. AIM The temperature of injectate affects the spread of drug and so its effect. Therefore the aim of this study was to compare the effect of temperature of bupivacaine on post-spinal shivering in cesarean section. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial 105 ASA-I/II pregnant women scheduled for caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia were selected and randomized into three groups of 35 each. In all pregnant women spinal anaesthesia was achieved with 2.2 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine given either at L3-L4 or L4-L5 interspace. The temperature of bupivacaine was adjusted to 4°C (group T4), 22°C (group T22) and 37°C (group T37). Shivering characteristic, onset and incidence was noted. All three groups were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA), adverse effects was compared using chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis H-test. The p-value < 0.05-considered as significant and p-value <0.01-considered highly significant. RESULTS There were no differences between the groups regarding age, weight, height, amount of fluid used and blood loss. The incidence of shivering was 51.42%, 51.42% and 45.71% in group T4, group T22 and group T37 respectively, this difference in the incidence was statistically not significant (p=0.858). However, the onset of shivering was earliest (9.87±1.82 min) in group T4 as compared to 14.27±3.02 min and 12.16±2.89 min in group T22 and group T37 respectively and this difference in the onset was highly significant (p= 0.0001). CONCLUSION In spinal anaesthesia for cesarean section, the temperature of bupivacaine does not influence the overall incidence of post spinal shivering; however cold bupivacaine can provoke early onset of shivering.
Clinical outcome of pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery based on a clinical symptom score outcome. We conducted a prospective analysis of established measures of clinical outcome based on a survey that was completed preoperatively and again 2 years after pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery. METHODS Twenty-seven children underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. Twenty-three of the 27 children's surveys were completed both preoperatively and postoperatively by parents of the children. The main outcome measure was scores on parental survey and parental perception of surgical success. RESULTS Results revealed that all children had an improved symptom score in all categories postoperatively as compared with preoperatively. Statistical analysis using the nonparametric sign test showed that a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in score occurred in 9 of the 15 categories (score lowered from preoperatively to postoperatively) for the children on an individual basis. These categories included a decrease in frequency of a cough (p = 0.013), nasal congestion (p = 0.031), visit to the doctor's office or hospital because of associated problems (p = 0.008), amount of days missing school or child care (p = 0.001), problems with routine activities such as eating and sleeping (p = 0.001), problems with attendance or conduct at school (p = 0.004), and a decrease in the child's sinus problems affecting the parent's performance at their job or at home (p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS We concluded that parental perception of their child's clinical outcome after pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery appears favorable.
Cryogenic Rotating Helium in Response to Lateral and Axial Impulses in Microgravity

Sloshing dynamics for partially filled liquid of cryogenic superfluid helium II in a rotating dewar container in response to lateral and axial impulses are investigated. The study including how rotating bubble of superfluid helium II reacts to the impulse accelerations in microgravity, how amplitudes of bubble mass center fluctuate with growth and decay of disturbances, and how these disturbances in fluid systems feed back to the system in terms of force actuating on the rotating dewar through the dynamics of sloshing waves are investigated. The numerical computation of sloshing dynamics will be based on the non-inertial frame container bound coordinate, and solve time-dependent, three-dimensional formulations of partial differential equations subject to initial and boundary conditions. Results of simulations of mathematical modelling are illustrated.
The Continuum of Age: Performing Identity over the Life Course

Continuing to address Pulitzer winners, this chapter asserts a growing trend during the past thirty years toward canonizing plays that portray age as performative. Plays scrutinized in this chapter include Edward Albee’s Three Tall Women (1991), Alfred Uhry’s Driving Miss Daisy (1987), Donald Margulies’ Dinner with Friends (1998), and Doug Wright’s I Am My Own Wife (2003). Once again, these contemporary plays foreground age by directing actors to perform different ages quickly, without any overt physical changes. The texts share a consideration of multiplicity in identity construction, but this chapter illustrates the wide range and many dimensions of age performance being realized in the contemporary canon.
Acts of Approval: The Portland Custom

The Well-Beloved is perhaps Hardy’s most experimental novel, with its exploration of the protagonist’s pursuit of what he believes to be his ‘Well-Beloved’—a quality or spirit that seems to inhabit the bodies of different women, and compels his love. Jocelyn Pierston is a native of the Island of Portland, who has since risen to become a prominent sculptor in the Royal Academy. He remains devoted to his Well-Beloved, seeking ‘her’ through a series of incarnations. It is the nature of this, Jocelyn’s ‘delicate dream’, as Hardy describes it (173), and the associated themes of Platonic idealism, that have attracted most attention, and a number of critics, among them Michael Irwin, J. Hillis Miller, and most recently Jane Thomas, have written illuminating essays on the complex links in the novel between art, aestheticism and desire.
Estimating community-level costs of preterm birth.

Abstract Objectives To develop generalizable methods for estimating the economic impact of preterm birth at the community level on initial hospital expenditures, educational attainment and lost earnings as well as to estimate potential savings associated with reductions in preterm birth. Study design The retrospective, population-based analysis used vital statistics and population demographics from Hamilton County, Ohio, USA, in 2012. Methods We adjusted previously reported, mean initial hospital cost estimates (stratified by each week of gestation) to 2012 dollars using national cost-to-charge ratios. Next, we calculated excess costs attributable to prematurity and potential hospital cost savings, which could be realized by prolonging each preterm pregnancy by a single week of gestation. Using reported associations among preterm birth, educational attainment and adult earnings, we developed generalizable formulas to calculate lost academic degrees and lost income estimates attributable to preterm birth. The formulas generated estimates based on local population demographics. Results The annual initial hospital cost associated with 1444 preterm infants was estimated at $93 million. In addition, over 9000 fewer college degrees and over $300 million in lost annual earnings were attributed to local adults who were born preterm. Prolonging each preterm birth by 1 week could potentially reduce initial hospital expenditures by over $25 million. Additional potential savings could be realized as healthier infants attain higher levels of education and earnings as adults. Conclusions The generalizable methods developed for estimating the economic impact of preterm birth at the community level can be used by any community in which vital statistics and population demographics are available. Cost estimates can serve to rally support for local stakeholder investment in developing strategies for preterm birth intervention leading to improved pregnancy outcomes.
Allowed patterns of β -shifts

For a real number $β >1$, we say that a permutation $π$ of length $n$ is allowed (or realized) by the $β$-shift if there is some $x∈[0,1]$ such that the relative order of the sequence $x,f(x),\ldots,f^n-1(x)$, where $f(x)$ is the fractional part of $βx$, is the same as that of the entries of $π$ . Widely studied from such diverse fields as number theory and automata theory, $β$-shifts are prototypical examples of one-dimensional chaotic dynamical systems. When $β$ is an integer, permutations realized by shifts have been recently characterized. In this paper we generalize some of the results to arbitrary $β$-shifts. We describe a method to compute, for any given permutation $π$ , the smallest $β$ such that $π$ is realized by the $β$-shift.
Multi-Tb/s extended C-band tunable optical engines utilizing InP coherent photonic integrated circuits operating at 44Gbaud, 16-QAM

We report on the development of optical engines based upon multi-channel Extended C-Band tunable InP PICs operating up to 44Gbaud, 16-QAM for a total capacity of 4.9 Tb/s.
Cross-Corpus Acoustic Emotion Recognition with Multi-Task Learning: Seeking Common Ground While Preserving Differences

There is growing interest in emotion recognition due to its potential in many applications. However, a pervasive challenge is the presence of data variability caused by factors such as differences across corpora, speaker’s gender, and the “domain” of expression (e.g., whether the expression is spoken or sung). Prior work has addressed this challenge by combining data across corpora and/or genders, or by explicitly controlling for these factors. In this work, we investigate the influence of corpus, domain, and gender on the cross-corpus generalizability of emotion recognition systems. We use a multi-task learning approach, where we define the tasks according to these factors. We find that incorporating variability caused by corpus, domain, and gender through multi-task learning outperforms approaches that treat the tasks as either identical or independent. Domain is a larger differentiating factor than gender for multi-domain data. When considering only the speech domain, gender and corpus are similarly influential. Defining tasks by gender is more beneficial than by either corpus or corpus and gender for valence, while the opposite holds for activation. On average, cross-corpus performance increases with the number of training corpora. The results demonstrate that effective cross-corpus modeling requires that we understand how emotion expression patterns change as a function of non-emotional factors.
Improving academic outcomes in poor urban schools through nature-based learning

AbstractThis paper presents results from the evaluation of the Nurture thru Nature (NtN) programme, a natural science and environmental education intervention designed to help elementary school children from disadvantaged backgrounds increase their knowledge of science and strengthen overall academic performance. Using an experimental design the pilot NtN programme in New Brunswick, NJ was assessed in one elementary school for a period of four years. The evaluation revealed that NtN students (n = 18) consistently outperformed a group of controls (n = 34) in mathematics and science with the differences in science reaching statistical significance. The paper discusses the active learning philosophy that motivates NtN teaching, the programme components that operationalise this philosophy, and a natural history paradigm from which this philosophy derives.
Gender as a Useful Category for School Finance

School finance scholars focus attention on the roles that race and class play in the provision of educational opportunities. Recent school finance research, however, ignores the role that gender co...
Myristoylated Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase A Interacts with the Lipid-Binding Protein

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by a variety of cellular processes including metabolic activity, mitochondria, cellular signaling, and oncogene activity. Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) is an antioxidant enzyme that can reduce methionine sulfoxide (MetO) in proteins back to methionine (Met). This enzyme plays a protective role in cells against oxidative damage. Although many proteins with MetO are in vitro substrates of MsrA, no in vivo substrates have been confidently identified. In vitro, MsrA can also function as an oxidase that converts methionine to methionine sulfoxide, but it is also not known if it does so in vivo. The cytosolic form of MsrA is myristoylated, and overexpression of the myristoylated form protects the heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury while overexpression of the non-myristoylated form does not. Here we report a novel binding partner of MsrA, STARD3, identified by use of a human protein microarray. ProtoArray Human Protein Microarray v5.0 contains 9,483 human proteins from multiple protein classes along with 2,016 controls. STARD3 was scored as an interacting protein with high probability. STARD3 contains the star-related lipid transfer (START) domain, and proteins with that domain are implicated in lipid and sterol metabolism. STARD3 is known to bind cholesterol and transport it from the endoplasmic reticulum to the late endosome. We overexpressed both myristoylated MsrA and STARD3 in HEK293 cells and immunoprecipitated cell homogenates with anti-STARD3 antibody. We demonstrated that myristoylated MsrA was co-immunoprecipitated with STARD3, but non-myristoylated form wasn’t. This indicates that myristoylation is required for the interaction. Met307 of STARD3 is known to be essential for lipid binding, and we found that it is also required for the interaction of STARD3 and myristoylated MsrA. Finally, we showed by confocal microscopy that myristoylated MsrA was colocalized with STARD3 at late endosomes/lysosomes. We conclude that myristoylated MsrA binds to STARD3 on the cytoplasmic surface of late endosomes.
Advances in Brain Tumor Surgery for Glioblastoma in Adults

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary intracranial neoplasia, and is characterized by its extremely poor prognosis. Despite maximum surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, the histological heterogeneity of GBM makes total eradication impossible, due to residual cancer cells invading the parenchyma, which is not otherwise seen in radiographic images. Even with gross total resection, the heterogeneity and the dormant nature of brain tumor initiating cells allow for therapeutic evasion, contributing to its recurrence and malignant progression, and severely impacting survival. Visual delimitation of the tumor’s margins with common surgical techniques is a challenge faced by many surgeons. In an attempt to achieve optimal safe resection, advances in approaches allowing intraoperative analysis of cancer and non-cancer tissue have been developed and applied in humans resulting in improved outcomes. In addition, functional paradigms based on stimulation techniques to map the brain’s electrical activity have optimized glioma resection in eloquent areas such as the Broca’s, Wernike’s and perirolandic areas. In this review, we will elaborate on the current standard therapy for newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma with a focus on surgical approaches. We will describe current technologies used for glioma resection, such as awake craniotomy, fluorescence guided surgery, laser interstitial thermal therapy and intraoperative mass spectrometry. Additionally, we will describe a newly developed tool that has shown promising results in preclinical experiments for brain cancer: optical coherence tomography.
Trends in parent and friend influence during adolescence. The case of adolescent cigarette smoking

A common characterization of adolescence is that parent influence decreases and friend influence increases as adolescents age. From that, we hypothesized that the association between parent and adolescent smoking decreases and the association between friend and adolescent smoking increases as adolescents become older. The hypothesis is tested with data from The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Adolescent smoking is measured as progressions to more frequent smoking and as continuations from prior smoking levels. There is no support for the hypothesis, a finding consistent with the earlier panel study that tested it. The age-specific findings are discussed in the context of programs designed to influence adolescent cigarette smoking and why the hypothesis that drove this study was not confirmed. Among supplementary findings reported is that adolescent smoking is more influenced by friend smoking than by parent smoking.
Estimation of perfusion properties with MR Fingerprinting Arterial Spin Labeling.

Abstract In this study, the acquisition of ASL data and quantification of multiple hemodynamic parameters was explored using a Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF) approach. A pseudo-continuous ASL labeling scheme was used with pseudo-randomized timings to acquire the MRF ASL data in a 2.5 min acquisition. A large dictionary of MRF ASL signals was generated by combining a wide range of physical and hemodynamic properties with the pseudo-random MRF ASL sequence and a two-compartment model. The acquired signals were matched to the dictionary to provide simultaneous quantification of cerebral blood flow, tissue time-to-peak, cerebral blood volume, arterial time-to-peak, B1, and T1. A study in seven healthy volunteers resulted in the following values across the population in grey matter (mean ± standard deviation): cerebral blood flow of 69.1 ± 6.1 ml/min/100 g, arterial time-to-peak of 1.5 ± 0.1 s, tissue time-to-peak of 1.5 ± 0.1 s, T1 of 1634 ms, cerebral blood volume of 0.0048 ± 0.0005. The CBF measurements were compared to standard pCASL CBF estimates using a one-compartment model, and a Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement with a minor bias. Repeatability was tested in five volunteers in the same exam session, and no statistical difference was seen. In addition to this validation, the MRF ASL acquisition's sensitivity to the physical and physiological parameters of interest was studied numerically.
Hebraic Authorities: A Historical-Theoretical Perspective

The standardization of Hebrew names in cataloging and bibliography has its roots in the Anglo-American tradition of Romanized author main entry. Cross-references from Hebrew names to their Roman equivalents are found in some British Hebraica catalogs published in the 19th century. In the Hebrew bibliographic tradition, in contrast, title main entry predominated and, given the nondistinctiveness of Jewish names, author access was rarely provided. Israeli librarians adopted the Western tradition of author main entry while retaining their commitment to original-alphabet cataloging; their Hebraic authority work consisted primarily of standardization of Hebrew orthography. The Hebraic capability of the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN) made American Judaica librarians aware of the advantages of Hebrew name access; they had formerly been accustomed to Hebrew title access only. Many libraries are inputting parallel Hebrew access points to RLIN, with varying degrees of authority control. The USMARC Format for Authority Data has been revised to allow for parallel non-Roman data; the fields defined for non-Roman data have not been implemented, however, because the Library of Congress cannot handle non-Roman scripts in its processing system. Hebraic authority control is therefore done locally, in manual mode or with database management software.
Cerebral blood flow responsivity to CO2 in anesthetized chronically diabetic dogs

The effect of diabetes mellitus on the cerebrovascular response to CO2 is unclear. We examined the effects of diabetes on cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral oxygen uptake (CMRO2) during CO2 alterations. Four groups of dogs were studied: nondiabetic, normoglycemic controls; non-diabetic acute hyperglycemia; diabetic (pancreatectomy) with high-dose insulin treatment to maintain blood glucose between 4.0 and 6.0 mM; and diabetic with low-dose insulin treatment to maintain blood glucose at 13.2 +/- 0.4 mM. Six weeks after either sham surgery or pancreatectomy, dogs were anesthetized with fentanyl (50 micrograms/kg) plus pentobarbital (10 mg/kg), and microsphere determinations of CBF were made during normo-, hypo-, and hypercapnia. On the day of the study, arterial glucose levels in the control, acute hyperglycemia, and high- and low-dose insulin diabetic groups were 4.0 +/- 0.3, 14.9 +/- 2.5, 3.3 +/- 0.8, and 13.3 +/- 0.7 mM, respectively, at control. The corresponding baseline CMRO2 levels were 2.8 +/- 0.2, 3.0 +/- 0.2, 4.1 +/- 0.4, and 4.0 +/- 0.3 ml O2.100 g-1 x min,1, and the values in both diabetic groups were higher than control. Normocapnic CBF in the acute hyperglycemia, high-dose insulin, and low-dose insulin groups was elevated from control (54 +/- 3, 50 +/- 3, 51 +/- 3 vs. 36 +/- 1 ml x 100 g-1 x min-1) and cerebrovascular resistance was lower (2.24 +/- 0.15, 2.51 +/- 0.14, 2.38 +/- 0.21 vs. 3.35 +/- 0.18 mmHg.ml-1 x 100 g.min). CBF responses to both hypercapnia and hypocapnia were similar among groups. Thus both acute hyperglycemia and diabetes decrease cerebrovascular resistance and increase CBF.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)