cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors Regulating Cheese Shreddability

Two sets of cheeses were evaluated to determine factors that affect shred quality. The first set of cheeses was made up of 3 commercial cheeses, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, and process. The second set of cheeses was made up of 3 Mozzarella cheeses with varying levels of protein and fat at a constant moisture content. A shred distribution of long shreds, short shreds, and fines was obtained by shredding blocks of cheese in a food processor. A probe tack test was used to directly measure adhesion of the cheese to a stainless-steel surface. Surface energy was determined based on the contact angles of standard liquids, and rheological characterization was done by a creep and recovery test. Creep and recovery data were used to calculate the maximum and initial compliance and retardation time. Shredding defects of fines and adhesion to the blade were observed in commercial cheeses. Mozzarella did not adhere to the blade but did produce the most fines. Both Monterey Jack and process cheeses adhered to the blade and produced fines. Furthermore, adherence to the blade was correlated positively with tack energy and negatively with retardation time. Mozzarella cheese, with the highest fat and lowest protein contents, produced the most fines but showed little adherence to the blade, even though tack energy increased with fat content. Surface energy was not correlated with shredding defects in either group of cheese. Rheological properties and tack energy appeared to be the key factors involved in shredding defects.
Alcoholism treatment and evaluation: in search of methods. II. Collation of two-year follow-up studies.

This study collated 23 articles reporting outcome of alcoholism treatment efforts over a 2-year follow-up period. Broad conclusions reached by Costello (1975) in a similar collation of studies reporting on a 1-year follow-up interval found general support. Similar consistencies were noted across studies within groups described as having good outcome profiles as was noted by the previous collation. Good outcome results from matching relatively better prognostic cases with programs with broad treatment resources. Multiple baselines were offered as guidelines for program evaluation. Baselines were generated in the process of collation by hierachal grouping of outcome profiles. Different baseline to measure effectiveness of performance should prove appropriate for different measuring tasks. No one baseline is appropriate for all measuring tasks.
A MAP KINASE NECESSARY FOR RECEPTOR-MEDIATED ACTIVATION OF ADENYLYL CYCLASE IN DICTYOSTELIUM

Analysis of a developmental mutant in Dictyostelium discoideum which is unable to initiate morphogenesis has shown that a protein kinase of the MAP kinase/ERK family affects relay of the cAMP chemotactic signal and cell differentiation. Strains in which the locus encoding ERK2 is disrupted respond to a pulse of cAMP by synthesizing cGMP normally but show little synthesis of cAMP. Since mutant cells lacking ERK2 contain normal levels of both the cytosolic regulator of adenylyl cyclase (CRAC) and manganese-activatable adenylyl cyclase, it appears that this kinase is important for receptor-mediated activation of adenylyl cyclase.
Promoting the use of higher level cognitive processes in a quantitative analysis course

Students in two iterations of a statistics course were required to develop workrelated research questions that could be analyzed by the statistical techniques discussed in class. They were also expected to present the question and other research design components in a manner that could be comprehended by statistical novices. To provide sufficient class time for the groups to begin work on their assignments, the course’s second iteration substituted Kahn Academy videos for a portion of the lecture material. However, observations of the students’ behaviors and qualitative analysis of the responses to open-ended course evaluation questions indicate that efforts to encourage self-directed learning were undermined by an allegiance to stimulus-response learning, i.e. a preference for courses in which students are told what they need to know. Since the preference is based on a desire to maximize the grades generated by a given investment of time, the impending iteration of the course incentivizes self-directed learning by incorporating into the course grade calculation the students’ contributions to their group’s efforts and participation in class discussions. The revised grading structure is intended to encourage selfdirected learning in which students teach and learn from one another and thereby engage in deep learning.
Delta opioid receptors and low temperature myocardial protection

Abstract Background . Cardiac surgery continues to be limited by an inability to achieve complete myocardial protection. This may result from the use of hypothermic cardioplegia. Interestingly, the subcellular changes of animal hibernation parallel the altered biology of induced hypothermic myocardial ischemia, but are well tolerated by hibernated mammalian myocardium. Evidence indicates this protection is mediated by activation of the delta opioid receptor, which elicits profound metabolic effects at the whole animal, organ, and cell level. In this study, we sought to determine if pentazocine, with agonist activity at the delta opioid receptor, could improve myocardial recovery following global ischemia over a wide range of temperatures. Methods . Isolated rabbit hearts received either standard cardioplegia or were pretreated with racemic, d or l isomer pentazocine. Hearts were then subjected to 2 hours at 34°C, or 3.5 hours at 20°C, or 4 hours at 10°C of cardioplegic ischemia and reperfused. Functional recovery was compared to controls. Results . Isovolumic developed pressure, coronary flow, oxygen consumption, and ultrastructural preservation were enhanced with pentazocine delta opioid mediated protection, which appears to be additive to standard cardioplegia, even at low temperatures. Conclusions . Teleologically, delta opioid protection parallels animal hibernation, which occurs from 34° down to 0°C. The use of delta opioid receptor agonists may have important clinical implications for cardiac surgery and deserves further study.
A 60dB, 246MHz CMOS variable gain amplifier for subsampling GSM receivers

This VGA is designed for a GSM subsampling receiver. It operates at an IF frequency of 246MHz. The VGA provides a 60dB digitally controlled gain range in 2dB steps. The VGA is implemented in a 0.35/spl mu/m CMOS process. The current is 9mA@3V. The overall gain accuracy is less than 0.3dB. The noise figure at maximum gain is 8.7dB. The IIP3 is -4dBm at minimum gain.
Iodine Should Be Routinely Added to Complementary Foods

Iodine deficiency has major health consequences for the fetus and infant. Most individuals can tolerate fairly high intakes of iodine without problems. The Western Hemisphere has made great progress towards correcting its iodine deficiency, but pockets of deficiency remain and fragile monitoring systems endanger sustainability. Because the consequences of iodine deficiency are severe and the risks of excess treatment with modest supplements are minimal, we recommend the regular addition of 90 microg of iodine daily to complementary foods for children and 150 micro g for pregnant or lactating women, accompanied by effective monitoring of urinary iodine concentration in the population.
Turbulence Measurements in the Wake of a Thin Flat Plate

First the two-dimensionality of the flow was checked by measuring mean velocity and turbulence level profiles at different spanwise positions, and the flow was found uniform over 75% of the span (wind-tunnel width) at the trailing edge and over 60% of the span at the last downstream station, x = 240 cm, where wake measurements were taken. No detectable periodic components were found in the wake at any downstream station as evidenced either by wave analyzer or by correlation measurements taken with two probes located symmetrically to the centerline and placed near the location of maximum shear stress in the wake. The characteristics of the turbulent boundary layer at the trailing edge (x = 0) were the following: conventional thickness (U/Um = 0.99) d = 5.50 cm, momentum thickness d = 0.58 cm, and shape parameter H = 5*/6 = 1.44. At the same location, the friction velocity was found to be u*/Um = 0.046. This value was obtained by using Clauser's logarithmic law.5 The wall slope method using hot-wire measurements with correction for proximity of the boundary due to Wills 4 yielded a value of u*/Ua = 0.037. The thickness of the trailing edge expressed nondimensionally was quite small, u*h/v = 3; in other words, much smaller than the viscous sublayer. All data is presented in dimensionless form using 00, the momentum thickness at the trailing edge and the undisturbed flow velocity Um as reference quantities. Symmetry of the wake was found to be excellent and representative
Automatic syringe for the Milko-tester

Abstract The installation on the Milko-Tester of an automatic pipetting machine to dispense the Versene diluent is described. It is activated when the sample funnel is moved to the collection position. The modification reduces the hand motions required to test a sample of milk from three to two and does not change the accuracy of the Milko-Tester.
Tweets from Justin Bieber's heart: the dynamics of the location field in user profiles

Little research exists on one of the most common, oldest, and most utilized forms of online social geographic information: the 'location' field found in most virtual community user profiles. We performed the first in-depth study of user behavior with regard to the location field in Twitter user profiles. We found that 34% of users did not provide real location information, frequently incorporating fake locations or sarcastic comments that can fool traditional geographic information tools. When users did input their location, they almost never specified it at a scale any more detailed than their city. In order to determine whether or not natural user behaviors have a real effect on the 'locatability' of users, we performed a simple machine learning experiment to determine whether we can identify a user's location by only looking at what that user tweets. We found that a user's country and state can in fact be determined easily with decent accuracy, indicating that users implicitly reveal location information, with or without realizing it. Implications for location-based services and privacy are discussed.
Antenna system solution for uninterrupted satellite-on-the-move (SOTM) communications

A satellite-on-the-move (SOTM) communications system is required for future combat systems (FCS) battlefield environments. However, because of non-planar terrain, foliage, buildings, and natural obstacles, communications can be interrupted and complete or partial blockage occurs. The signal can also degrade due to interference and multipath effects. In the case of unavoidable blockages, apriori knowledge or estimate of the propagation conditions allows an alternative means to be put into action until the terminal is able to reacquire the satellite link. This paper addresses mitigation of unavoidable blockage scenarios by the use of an integrated antenna system, which consists of a main-link antenna and a number of cross-link antennas.
Providing Internet access: what we learn from INDEX

The Internet demand experiment, or INDEX, is a market and technology trial. Its objective is to determine how much users value different qualities of service for Internet access. Findings from the trial imply that today's system of flat-rate pricing by ISPs is very inefficient. Flat-rate pricing wastes resources, requires light users to subsidize heavy users, and hinders deployment of broadband access. INDEX is a prototype of an alternative ISP model that offers differentiated quality service on demand, with prices that reflect resource cost. In this alternative ISP consumers pay less, suppliers increase profits, and the deployment of broadband access is facilitated.
Some types of parent number talk count more than others: Relations between parents’ input and children’s cardinal-number knowledge

Before they enter preschool, children vary greatly in their numerical and mathematical knowledge, and this knowledge predicts their achievement throughout elementary school (e.g. Duncan et al., 2007; Ginsburg & Russell, 1981). Therefore, it is critical that we look to the home environment for parental inputs that may lead to these early variations. Recent work has shown that the amount of number talk that parents engage in with their children is robustly related to a critical aspect of mathematical development – cardinal-number knowledge (e.g. knowing that the word ‘three’ refers to sets of three entities; Levine, Suriyakham, Rowe, Huttenlocher & Gunderson, 2010). The present study characterizes the different types of number talk that parents produce and investigates which types are most predictive of children’s later cardinal-number knowledge. We find that parents’ number talk involving counting or labeling sets of present, visible objects is related to children’s later cardinal-number knowledge, whereas other types of parent number talk are not. In addition, number talk that refers to large sets of present objects (i.e. sets of size 4 to 10 that fall outside children’s ability to track individual objects) is more robustly predictive of children’s later cardinal-number knowledge than talk about smaller sets. The relation between parents’ number talk about large sets of present objects and children’s cardinal-number knowledge remains significant even when controlling for factors such as parents’ socioeconomic status and other measures of parents’ number and non-number talk.
Computer-aided tolerance assignment procedure (CATAP) for design dimensioning

SUMMARY The manual procedure of drafting engineering designs is fast becoming obsolete. Newer systems for computer-aided design (CAD) drafting are emerging everyday. However, the process of including tolerance details in these CAD drawings is extremely complex and has very little evidence of existence in past literature. This paper identifies and computerizes a procedure for automatic tolerance assignment in CAD drawings. The procedure developed envelopes three major stages: feature extraction, feature infcrcncing, and rule-based tolerance allocation. The system was implemented on an IBM-PC compatible. The results established through example analysis verify the utility of the system.
Who Votes For What? A Visual Query Language for Opinion Data

Surveys and opinion polls are extremely popular in the media, especially in the months preceding a general election. However, the available tools for analyzing poll results often require specialized training. Hence, data analysis remains out of reach for many casual computer users. Moreover, the visualizations used to communicate the results of surveys are typically limited to traditional statistical graphics like bar graphs and pie charts, both of which are fundamentally noninteractive. We present a simple interactive visualization that allows users to construct queries on large tabular data sets, and view the results in real time. The results of two separate user studies suggest that our interface lowers the learning curve for naive users, while still providing enough analytical power to discover interesting correlations in the data.
New Signal Transduction Paradigms

All adrenergic receptors (ARs) are members of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily and have been assumed to initiate signals primarily by activation of heterotrimeric G proteins. The three major AR families (α1, α2, β) each contain three subtypes, with all receptors within a subfamily acting through the same G proteins to initiate the same signals. α1-ARs activate Gq/11 to increase Ca2+, α2-ARs activate Gi/o to decrease cyclic adenosine 5′-monophosphate, and β-ARs activate Gs to increase cyclic adenosine 5′-monophosphate. This raises questions regarding how apparently redundant receptor subtypes have survived evolutionarily and continue to mediate distinct functions in all known higher organisms. Although the primary importance of G proteins in signaling is not in doubt, it is increasingly clear that understanding AR signaling requires additional complexity. ARs have now been shown also to interact directly with other proteins, which may be important in signaling. One class includes other G protein-coupled receptors, and increasing reports of receptor heterodimerization are transforming our view of these receptors as solitary cellular sentinels for detecting incoming signals. Another class is adaptor or scaffolding proteins responsible for local organization of specific signaling complexes, for which proximity of effector molecules may result in increased or unexpected responses. Other proteins, such as regulators of G protein signaling, may affect the specificity or extent of G protein activation. Finally, internalization of receptors may be required for certain responses, which may be independent of G protein signaling. Thus, the traditional view of a linear signaling cascade of ligand/receptor/G protein/second messenger activation is turning into a much more complex, combinatorial, and context-dependent view of AR signaling.
Implementation of Genome Sequencing Assays

As next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies become more feasible and cost effective, they are increasingly implemented by clinical laboratories as an important platform for their test menu offering. Laboratory directors need to be prepared for the numerous challenges and obstacles associated with the implementation of NGS technologies. These include the need to select an appropriate platform based on the purpose of the test, to recruit appropriately trained technical and bioinformatics personnel, to store large amounts of data, to perform appropriate test validation, to ensure appropriate informed consent, and to provide useful result reporting. Guideline documents have only recently started to emerge in the area of NGS, and those laboratories which are already using this technology currently apply existing clinical laboratory regulations to this novel category of high-complexity testing. Nevertheless, NGS technology holds great promise for the future despite some currently perceived barriers to implementation.
Exploring Differences in Youth Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Electronic Cigarette Television Advertisements

INTRODUCTION Studies suggest that exposure to televised electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) advertising contributes to the recent increase in e-cigarette use among youth. This study examines the relationship between perceptions of e-cigarette advertisements and attitudes toward and intentions to use e-cigarettes among youth who had never used e-cigarettes. METHODS In May 2014, we conducted an online survey of 5020 youth aged 13 to 17. Participants were randomly assigned to answer questions about their attitudes toward and intentions to use e-cigarettes before or after viewing e-cigarette advertisements. Perceived effectiveness (PE) of advertisements was measured after ad exposure. Ordinary least squares models were used to assess the relationship between PE and study outcomes. RESULTS Among never e-cigarette users, greater PE was associated with more positive attitudes toward e-cigarettes (b = 0.74, P < .001) and intentions to use e-cigarettes (b = 0.16, P < .001). Findings suggest that PE is predictive of outcomes controlling for study condition, youth demographics, and media use variables. CONCLUSIONS After ad exposure, youth who have never used e-cigarettes previously perceive e-cigarettes as cooler, more fun, healthier, and more enjoyable. Youth who thought the ads were more effective were more likely to have a positive attitude toward e-cigarettes and greater intention to try e-cigarettes in the future. Restricting televised e-cigarette advertising may reduce e-cigarette initiation among youth. IMPLICATIONS Previous studies demonstrate that, among adults, PE is antecedent to actual ad effectiveness across a range of behaviors. To our knowledge, this is the first study to document the relationship between PE and advertising effectiveness among youth. It provides evidence that PE may be a useful tool to quantify the potential influence of advertising on youth-advertising that, in this case, is designed to market a consumer good that may be harmful to youth but that may also be used to develop public health campaigns.
A Users Approach To Constructing The Business Reporting Model: An Internet-Based Research Case

This case aids the exploration of exploring the financial disclosure requirements proposed by the AICPA Special Committee on Financial Reporting (i.e., the Jenkins Committee). The premise of the Committees report was to propose a model for comprehensive business reporting that is closer in line with the needs of financial statement users. This case provides a reusable framework for investigating and report upon the availability of current information disclosures available for a given company and facilitates a comparison with those disclosures advocated by the Jenkins Committee. The re-usability feature is derived from the uniqueness that each company report will have based upon the information available for a given company at a given point in time. Hence, the case will differ for each student assignment in the same semester and will also differ from one semester to the next. Five primary objectives have been specifically addressed: (1) to raise students awareness of evolving issues I the accounting profession, (2) to facilitate students understanding of the real changes in current reporting that may evolve from the Jenkins Committee, (3) to understand the difficulties faced by financial statement users who currently must search for additional disclosures through multiple information sources of questionable reliability, (4) to provide a meaningful analysis of financial statement content and disclosures, and (5) to demonstrate how the Internet can be used as s tool for aggregating information when conducting business research and analysis.
Enhanced zone II flexor tendon repair through a new half hitch loop suture configuration

This study evaluated the impact of a new half hitch loop suture configuration on flexor tendon repair mechanics. Cadaver canine flexor digitorum profundus tendons were repaired with 4- or 8-strands, 4-0 or 3-0 suture, with and without half hitch loops. An additional group underwent repair with half hitch loops but without the terminal knot. Half hitch loops improved the strength of 8-strand repairs by 21% when 4-0, and 33% when 3-0 suture was used, and caused a shift in failure mode from suture pullout to suture breakage. 8-strand repairs with half hitch loops but without a terminal knot produced equivalent mechanical properties to those without half hitch loops but with a terminal knot. 4-strand repairs were limited by the strength of the suture in all groups and, as a result, the presence of half hitch loops did not alter the mechanical properties. Overall, half hitch loops improved repair mechanics, allowing failure strength to reach the full capability of suture strength. Improving the mechanical properties of flexor tendon repair with half hitch loops has the potential to reduce the postoperative risk of gap formation and catastrophic rupture in the early postoperative period.
Planning the nation's health workforce: let the market in.

For most of this century, public policymakers have been concerned over the supply of health workers?notably over the supply of physi? cians and nurses. At virtually every turn, ei? ther the prevailing or the projected workforce was thought to deviate from the "proper" supply.1 Prior to World War II, for example, policy? makers fretted over an imagined surplus of physicians. In the early post-war years, until about the mid-1970s, commission after com? mission projected an impending shortage of physicians. The response of public policy at both the federal and state levels was to double the capacity of American medical schools and to open the gates wide for foreign-trained phy? sicians. There has been similar concern over
Determinants of Prostate Cancer Screening in a Sample of African American Military Servicemen

ABSTRACT This descriptive/cross-sectional study assessed determinants of prostate cancer screening in a sample of African American military servicemen who were age 45 years and older. Data were collected using the Edwards Prostate Perception Survey, a 52-item questionnaire that assessed knowledge, beliefs, self-efficacy, health-related practices, and demographic variables. Despite reporting high knowledge and positive belief about prostate cancer and screening, 43% of the respondents indicated they had never been screened with the prostate-specific antigen blood test, and 27% reported that health care providers had not recommended screening. Respondents were more likely to be screened if they had more knowledge of the prostate-specific antigen test, were retired, older, and when health care providers recommended it. The younger active duty servicemen in the 45 to 50 age group reported the lowest rates of screening.
Latent Toxoplasma Infection and Higher Toxoplasma gondii Immunoglobulin G Levels Are Associated With Worse Neurocognitive Functioning in HIV-Infected Adults.

Author(s): Bharti, Ajay R; McCutchan, Allen; Deutsch, Reena; Smith, Davey M; Ellis, Ronald J; Cherner, Mariana; Woods, Steven P; Heaton, Robert K; Grant, Igor; Letendre, Scott L | Abstract: Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders persist despite suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). Because latent Toxoplasma infection (LTI) may adversely impact brain function, we investigated its impact on neurocognitive impairment (NCI) in people living with HIV disease.Methods Two hundred sixty-three HIV-infected adults underwent comprehensive neurocognitive assessments and had anti-Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin G (anti-Toxo IgG) measured by qualitative and quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.Results Participants were mostly middle-aged white men who were taking ART (70%). LTI was detected in 30 (11.4%) participants and was associated with a significantly greater prevalence of global NCI (LTI positive [LTI+] = 57% and LTI negative [LTI-] = 34%) (odds ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-2.40; P = .017). Deficits were more prevalent in the LTI+ vs the LTI- group in 6 of 7 cognitive domains with statistical significance reached for delayed recall (P l .01). The probability of NCI increased with higher CD4+ T-cell counts among LTI+ individuals but with lower CD4+ T-cell counts in LTI- persons. A strong correlation (r = .93) between anti-Toxo IgG levels and global deficit score was found in a subgroup of 9 patients. Biomarkers indicative of central nervous system inflammation did not differ between LTI+ and LTI- participants.Conclusions In this cross-sectional analysis, LTI was associated with NCI, especially in those with higher CD4+ T-cell counts. Longitudinal studies to investigate the role of neuroinflammation and neuronal injury in LTI patients with NCI and trials of anti-Toxoplasma therapy should be pursued.
Virtual Games and Real-World Communities: Environments that Constrain and Enable Physical Activity in Games for Health

This article examines two communities of youth who play an online game that integrates physical activity into virtual game play. Participating youth from two research sites-an urban middle school and a suburban junior high school-wore FitBits that tracked their physical activity and then integrated their real-world energy into game-world resource boosts. This incorporation of daily life as a mechanic of the video game creates a tangible connection between players' physical and virtual experiences. To better understand that connection, this article presents survey, GIS, and mapping data to detail the two communities as multi-domain ecologies, and then presents interview and focus group data to illustrate the players' perceptions of the affordances and limitations of their physical environments. Ultimately, the authors argue that a multi-layered analysis of real world communities is essential for designing games for health and for effectively facilitating game-based learning within players' complex ecologies.
Symmetry is a rare type of asymmetry: Response to Philippe Descola’s “Transformation transformed”

A response to Descola, Philippe. 2016. “Transformation transformed.” HAU: Journal of Ethnographic Theory 6 (3): 33–44; and a contribution to the HAU (Volume 6.3) Lectures section on “Teleologies of structuralism,” edited by Alejandro I. Paz.
Prevention of cascading outages using sparse wide area synchrophasor measurements

Early prediction of cascade events outages followed by immediate and proper control actions can prevent major blackouts. This paper introduces a novel method to predict cascade event outage at early stage and mitigate it with proper control strategy. In the first step, methodology employs sparsely located phasor measurement units to detect disturbances using electromechanical oscillation propagation phenomena. The obtained information is used to update system topology and power flow. Next, a constrained spectral k-embedded clustering method is defined to determine possible cascade event scenarios, and if needed proper switching action is listed to intentionally create islands to minimize load shedding and maintain voltage profile of each island. The method was developed in MATLAB and tested with IEEE 118 bus test system. The results demonstrate effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.
Will Improving My Marriage Improve My Sleep

An essential component to overall health and well-being is sleep. Likewise, being happily married is associated with better physical, mental, and emotional health. In the present study, we examined...
Ambient air pollution and human performance: Contemporaneous and acclimatization effects of ozone exposure on athletic performance

This paper utilizes a unique dataset of competitive outcomes from intercollegiate track and field competition to identify the relationship between recent ambient pollution exposure histories and human performance among a young and fit population in a diverse range of physically demanding "tasks". I find that higher contemporaneous ozone levels are associated with poorer performances in events that heavily tax the respiratory system. This is the case despite the low exposure levels observed in the studied sample, which are similar to those regularly experienced across the developed world. Such negative performance effects imply that observed ozone exposures are leading to physiological harm, which can be expected to negatively impact economic outcomes through both health and productivity channels. Leveraging the unique structure of the data- which includes location information for competitions and home institutions- I also identify an acclimatization effect whereby recent exposure to higher ozone levels serves to reduce the negative effects of contemporaneous exposure. This finding underscores the importance of regulating peak ozone levels rather than only mean concentrations, as spikes in ambient ozone levels can be particularly damaging to exposed populations.
Short-wave infrared Mueller matrices and polarization parameters for in vivo skin surface reflectance

Short-wave infrared light is weakly absorbed by human epidermal and dermal tissue. Investigation of polarization characteristics of human skin taken in vivo distinguishes how depolarization index and the Mueller matrix are markers that can identify skin from a rough Lambertian surface material. A custom Near-Infrared imaging Mueller Matrix Polarimeter using an expanded, coherent 1550nm laser beam source is used to analyze the skin on the back of hands as a subject.
Model checking software via abstraction of loop transitions

This paper reports a data abstraction algorithm that is targeted to minimize the contribution of the loop executions to the program state space. The loop abstraction is defined as the syntactic program transformation that results in the sound representation of the concrete program. The abstraction algorithm is defined and implemented in the context of the integrated software design, testing and model checking. The loop abstraction technique was applied to verification of NASA robot control software. The abstraction enabled model checking for realistic robot configurations where all other state space reduction approaches, including BDD-based verification, predicate abstraction and partial order reduction, failed.
Ultra-Short-Acting β-Adrenergic Blockers

The ultra-short-acting beta-adrenergic blockers are parenteral agents that can be rapidly titrated in clinical situations where immediate beta-adrenergic blockade is warranted. The effects of those drugs rapidly dissipate after termination of treatment, providing an important safety feature. Esmolol, the prototype drug of this class, is approved for treatment of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias but also has potential use in treatment of patients with perioperative hypertension and acute myocardial ischemia.
Ultrahigh-sensitivity moire interferometry

An ultra-high sensitivity whole-field in-plane displacement measurement method was developed for micromechanics. It is called the optical/digital fringe multiplication method , or O/D multiplication method. The specific objective was displacement sensitivity of 50 nm per fringe contour or better, which corresponds to that of moire with 20,000 lines per mm or more. The objective was achieved by a two-step process. Microscopic moire interferometry was used for step 1 to map an original displacement field, which provides a sensitivity of 208 nm per fringe order. For step 2, a fringe multiplication scheme was implemented. Here, an automatic fringe shifting and fringe sharpening scheme was developed, wherein βN fringe contours are produced, where N is the fringe order in the basic moire pattern and β is a fringe multiplication factor. A factor of 12 was achieved, providing a sensitivity of 17 nm per fringe contour. This corresponds to moire with 57,600 lines per mm (1,463,000 lines per in.), which exceeds the sensitivity objective. The optical, mechanical and electronic systems implemented here are remarkably robust and quick. The method was applied to three practical applications: fiber/matrix deformation of a metal/matrix composite, interface strains in a thick 0°/90° graphite/epoxy composite, and thermal deformation around a solder joint in a microelectronic subassembly.
“Too Much Cream on the Tacos”: Narrative and Moral Personhood in Transfronterizo Experience

Building on prior analyses of storytelling in migrant and transnational contexts (e.g. Baynham, 2014; De Fina, 2003; Haviland, 2005; Warriner, 2013), this article draws on research with transfronterizo (border-crossing) university students in South Texas to explore how transnational speakers use narrative to craft moral arguments in trying times. The article focuses on a single, lengthy narrative from a transfronteriza undergraduate named Arais in order to demonstrate how her narrative practice contributes to her “ideological becoming” (Bakhtin, 1981). That is, the analysis shows that the structural, textual, and dialogic features of Arais’s narrative are connected both to her emergent, dialogic understanding of her self and to value projects, or efforts to (re)shape the social world, implied in her narrative (Agha, 2015). The analysis illuminates the ethical affordances of transfronterizo narrative—i.e., the opportunities that storytelling offered transfronterizo students to evaluate their own and others’ actions in moral terms. Based on this analysis, I suggest implications for our understanding of narrative and moral personhood among transfronterizo students and other migrant and transnational subjects.
Propaganda as a (new) challenge of civic education

This paper argues that propaganda poses a (new) challenge to civic education. It examines the tension between education and propaganda in relation to civic education for adults considering (1) civic education as protection against propaganda attempts and (2) propaganda as a possible element of civic education. This paper explores didactical approaches and core principles of civic education that strive to both resist and deal with propaganda. The core proposal of the paper is to root civic education in the tradition of the German concepts of Bildung and Mundigkeit in order to contrast civic education with propaganda or manipulation.
EGFR kinase mutations in NSCLC: Unexpected structural and kinetic insights into the mechanism of the T790M resistance mutation and its inhibition by irreversible inhibitors including HKI-272

LB-367 Somatic mutations in the EGFR kinase are a cause of non-small cell lung cancer, and the presence of these mutations correlates with response to small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Despite initial responses, longer-term efficacy of TKIs targeting the EGFR has been limited by the emergence of drug resistance, often conferred by an additional mutation of Threonine 790 in the EGFR to Methionine (T790M). This mutation, which lies in the ATP binding pocket of the kinase, confers resistance to anilinoquinazoline inhibitors including gefitinib and erlotinib. Importantly, the T790M mutant remains sensitive to a number of irreversible inhibitors, including HKI-272, Cl-387,785 and Cl-1033. These irreversible inhibitors are expected to bind in the ATP binding cleft in a manner analogous to similar reversible inhibitors, but they have an additional reactive group that forms a covalent bond with Cys 773 at the edge of the ATP binding cleft. The activity of these inhibitors against the T790M mutant therefore presents a paradox â\#8364;“ the steric effects of the T790M mutation that are presumed to underlie resistance to reversible anilinoquinazoline inhibitors should also interfere with the targeting of the irreversible inhibitors. To better understand the effects of the T790M mutant and the mechanism by which it confers resistance, we have determined the structure of this mutant alone and in complex with irreversible inhibitor HKI-272. Additionally, we have studied the kinetics and inhibitor-binding properties of the T790M mutant, the L858R/T790M double mutant, and the wild-type EGFR kinase. Surprisingly, using a direct binding assay we find that gefitinib binds to the T790M and L858R/T790M mutants with low nanomolar affinity (Kd=~5 nM), indicating that the T790M substitution does not sterically block gefitinib binding. These results are further supported by the crystal structure of HKI-272 in complex with the T790M mutant, which shows that the binding mode of HKI-272 is the same as that expected in the wild-type kinase. Kinetic analysis of the T790M mutant shows that it is approximately 5-fold more active that the wild-type kinase, with a similar Km for ATP. Interestingly, the L858R/T790M double mutant also has a Km for ATP equivalent to that of the wild-type kinase, whereas the L858R and G719S single mutants have markedly impaired affinity for ATP. Collectively, our findings indicate that much of the resistance induced by the T790M mutation may stem from its ability to restore wild-type affinity for ATP, rather than from its steric effects on inhibitor binding as was previously supposed. Since TKIs must compete with ATP to achieve their intended effect, their effective potency is diminished by the enhanced ATP-affinity. Irreversible inhibitors, as a class, overcome this effect through covalent binding.
The anatomy of an insult: Popular derogatory terms connote important individual differences in Agreeableness/Antagonism

Abstract In the current series of studies, we investigate the psychosocial connotations of common insults. In Studies 1 and 2, we investigated the most frequently used insults to denigrate men and women (asshole, dick, bitch), and generated trait profiles that can be considered prototypical of each insult. In Studies 3 and 4, we examined how these insults are relevant to other key indicators of interpersonal functioning, including aggression, social information processing, personality disorders, and substance use. We also gathered thin-slice and informant reports. Each of the insults was associated with trait Antagonism, as well as other behaviors that comprise Antagonism’s nomological network (e.g., bullying, psychopathy, etc.). Results are discussed in terms of the importance of everyday language to psychological research.
Game Theory and its Application to Penology

Game theory is the study of the interactions that occur between rational decision-makers and the dynamics that influence strategic behaviors. Paramount to this approach is the realization that an individual’s decisions are often influenced by the actions and/or anticipated actions of others. Of particular importance is Game Theory’s capacity to explain the prison’s disinterest and seeming inability to successfully promote offender rehabilitation. Herein the relationship existing between prisons and prisoners is viewed as a “game” designed to prevent an inmate “win”. As such, contemporary prisoners have (in protest) chosen to oppose all forms of correctional intervention even when doing so is personally detrimental. DOI: 10.5958/2347-6869.2018.00015.8
Investigating time domain EMI signals diffusion in a conducting environment for UXO detection and classification

This paper investigates diffusion behavior of electromagnetic induction (EMI) signals in multilayer structures to enhance unexploded ordnances (UXO) detection and classification in a marine environment. To date, advanced EMI systems and models have demonstrated excellent classification performance for detecting and discriminating subsurface metallic targets on land. However, the marine environment introduces complexities in both primary and secondary EMI signals. These complexities, such as salinity, air-water-sediment boundaries, etc., could negatively affect target classification performance. The main objective of this paper is to analyze time domain EMI signal diffusion and understand the factors affecting the performance of advanced EMI systems in the marine environment. We use the method of auxiliary sources and the cylindrical plane wave expansion technique to model the performance of current state of the art EMI systems for detecting and classifying underwater UXO in the frequency domain. This model accounts for the spatial (air-sea, and sea-sediment boundaries) and temporal variability of EMI fields in UW environment. Then the corresponding time domain signals are obtained using the Fourier cosine/sine transforms and Anderson filters. While others have shown the significance of environmental EMI response in marine environments, here we focus exclusively on the effect of layer boundaries in that domain. Sensitivity is shown with respect to transmitter coil sizes, sediment conductivity and magnetic permeability, and the target placement in the conducting sediment.
Single-Channel Analysis in Aplysia Neurons A Specific K + Channel Is Modulated by Serotonin and Cyclic AMP

Over the past thirty years, a wide variety of chemical transmitter actions on post-synaptic membrane conductances have been identified in nerve and muscle cells. In most transmitter actions that have been studied so far, including that of acetylcholine at the motor end plate, the binding of transmitter leads directly to the opening of an ion channel which is tightly coupled to the receptor, thereby producing the observed postsynaptic potential (psp) (Adams, 1981; Karlin, 1980; see also Chapter 16). Recently, a second class of transmitter actions has been delineated in which the transmitter receptor is not directly coupled to an ion channel. For many of these transmitter effects, the intracellular second messenger cyclic AMP is thought to provide the link between the binding reaction and the change in channel gating (Kandel and Schwartz, 1982; Greengard, 1976; Kupferman, 1980). According to a hypothesis first proposed by Greengard (1981), the binding of transmitter activates a membrane-bound adenylate cyclase, which elevates the intracellular level of cyclic AMP. The increase in cyclic AMP leads to activation of a cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase, which then phosphorylates some as yet unidentified protein, which results in a change in the ionic conductance (see Kandel and Schwartz, 1982; Greengard, 1981).
Impact of the United States federal child tax credit on childhood injuries and behavior problems.

Abstract Children who grow up in poverty are at risk for various poor outcomes. Socioeconomic policies can shape the conditions in which families are raising children and may be effective at reducing financial strain and helping families obtain economic sufficiency, thereby reducing risk for poor health outcomes. This study used data from two surveys conducted in the US, the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79) and the NLSY79 Young Adult survey to determine whether the U.S. Federal Child Tax Credit (CTC), a socioeconomic policy that provides tax relief to low- and middle-income families to offset the costs of raising children, is associated with child well-being, as indicated by whether the child had injuries requiring medical attention and behavioral problems. Fixed-effects models, accounting for year and state of residence, detected a lower likelihood of injuries requiring medical attention (OR = 0.58, 95% CI [0.40, 0.86]) and significantly fewer behavior problems (b = −2.07, 95% CI [−4.06, −0.08]) among children with mothers eligible to receive a CTC, but only when it was partially refundable (i.e., mothers could receive a tax refund for a portion of the CTC that exceeds their tax liability) for families making as little as $3000 a year. Tax credits like the CTC have the potential to alleviate financial strain among families, and consequently, may have impacts on injury and behavior problems.
Clinical Implications of Goblet Cells in Dacryoadenosis and Normal Human Lacrimal Glands.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate an enlarged dacryoadenotic lacrimal gland and normal lacrimal glands for the presence of goblet cells (mucocytes). Design Retrospective clinicopathologic series. Methods An enlarged lacrimal gland (dacryoadenosis) without obvious histopathologic alterations was extensively evaluated histochemically, immunohistochemically, and ultrastructurally to detect the presence of goblet cells and to compare the findings with those in five normal lacrimal glands. Results Granular, zymogen-rich pyramidal acinar cells in normal glands predominated over a previously not reported subpopulation of nongranular, pale-staining cells in both dacryoadenotic and normal lacrimal glands. These cells histochemically stained positively with mucicarmine and Alcian blue. Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic evaluations established that there was a displacement or replacement of cytoplasmic gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 and CK 7-positive tonofilaments in the pale acinar cells by myriad mucus granules. The goblet cells constituted approximately 2% of the normal acinar cells and 5% of dacryoadenotic acinar cells. A depletion of myoepithelial cells and ectopic intra-acinar ductular cells were also observed in dacryoadenosis. Conclusion Dacryoadenosis is caused by an increase in the number of acini without individual acinar cell hyperplasia. A normal cytologic feature of the lacrimal gland is the presence of acinar goblet cells that had been long overlooked; they are increased in number in dacryoadenosis. Intra-acinar ductular cells and the scattered loss of myoepithelial cells are other abnormalities in dacryoadenosis. The presence of lacrimal gland goblet cells may have physiologic implications for the precorneal tear film and its derangements as well as for the histogenesis of mucus-producing carcinomas.