cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Food, Fighting, and Fortifications in Pre-European New Zealand: Beyond the Ecological Model of Maori Warfare

Maori chiefdoms began to form some five hundred years ago, consisting of clusters of formidable hill forts (pa) and associated undefended sites, mostly in productive horticultural areas worth fighting for. Some of the most obvious functions of New Zealand pa were to protect stored food supplies and to secure access to garden lands and other economic resources. Such hill fort chiefdoms display signature characteristics, including limited regional integration, highly personal and unstable leadership, and dynamic relationships between leaders and followers. In earlier work, I have shown that the incentive to control gathered resources equally accounts for the development of Maori warfare and fortifications. I have also stressed the political dimensions of these processes, emphasizing that they involved negotiations between leaders and followers. In this paper, I seek to build on these earlier studies by emphasizing Maori perspectives on food. While my earlier work was heavily influenced by cultural ecology, Marxism, and social power theory, here I take a broader look at food resources and their meanings to the people of the past and present. I take advantage of rich ethnographic sources on Maori agriculture, hunting, and gathering, as well as insights from present-day Maori people. My questions include how Maori perspectives toward food can add to the ecological arguments of past studies, how the status of different foods affected the political decisions of leaders and followers, and how types of food resources relate to the nature of fortified sites.
Intrinsic Defense Mechanisms of the Intestinal Epithelium

The intestinal epithelium is a single cell layer that facilitates the absorption of nutrients but also provides a tight barrier to prevent pathogen invasion and dissemination of commensal microbes. Specialized epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract achieve this frontline defense by working in concert with lymphoid, myeloid, and stromal cells to secrete an array of factors that limit direct contact between the epithelium and infectious agents. The importance of these mechanisms is underscored by the ability of enteric pathogens to target these mechanisms to achieve invasion and dissemination. This review highlights recent advances in our understanding of these intricate molecular and cellular mechanisms adopted by these cells to promote spatial segregation and barrier maintenance.
PACS-2 mediates the ATM and NF-κB-dependent induction of anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL in response to DNA damage.

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) promotes cell survival in response to genotoxic stress by inducing the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins including Bcl-xL, which protects mitochondria from stress-induced mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). Here we show that the multifunctional sorting protein Pacs-2 (phosphofurin acidic cluster sorting protein-2) is required for Bcl-xL induction following DNA damage in primary mouse thymocytes. Consequently, in response to DNA damage, Pacs-2−/− thymocytes exhibit a blunted induction of Bcl-xL, increased MOMP and accelerated apoptosis. Biochemical studies show that cytoplasmic PACS-2 promotes this DNA damage-induced anti-apoptotic pathway by interacting with ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) to drive NF-κB activation and induction of Bcl-xL. However, Pacs-2 was not required for tumor necrosis factor-α-induced NF-κB activation, suggesting a role for PACS-2 selectively in NF-κB activation in response to DNA damage. These findings identify PACS-2 as an in vivo mediator of the ATM and NF-κB-dependent induction of Bcl-xL that promotes cell survival in response to DNA damage.
Effect of Side Chain Substitution on the Field-Dependent Birefringence in a Series Of Chiral Smectic a Liquid Crystals

The field dependent birefringence and the tilt angle are measured for a series of four electroclinic liquid crystals. The zero-field birefringence decreased significantly and monotonically with the length of the siloxane side chain. For all four samples, the birefringence and the electroclinic tilt angle increased substantially with the application of a field. At 10 V/µm, the electroclinic tilt angle in DSiKN65 and TSiKN105 exceeded 22.5 degrees and the phase retardation due to the change in the birefringence exceeded a quarter wave. In all four liquid crystals, the electroclinic tilt angle and the field-dependent birefringence were shown to be strongly correlated, suggesting a common origin. Moreover, this correlation persists even at high fields where both processes undergo saturation. A simple orientational model, based on a distribution in the molecular optical axis, was developed to explain the large change in birefringence in the substituted compounds as well as the dependence of δn on electric field.
Prevalence of Infectious Diseases in Schools and Kindergartens in Daxing District of Beijing in 5 Years

[Objective]To understand the prevalence of infectious diseases in schools and kindergartens in Daxing district of Beijing in 5 years.[Methods]With the China disease surveillance information system,the prevalence of infectious diseases among students and children in schools and kindergartens of Daxing district were analyzed with descriptive statistics.[Results]From 2005 to 2009,the main infectious diseases in schools were chickenpox,infectious diarrhea and dysentery.The sexually transmitted diseases were detected among students,but it was with low proportion.The cases number of students and children from other provinces showed the overall upward trend,and the cases number of migrant children in kindergartens was higher than that of local children in 2009.The main infectious diseases in kindergartens were hand foot and mouth disease,chickenpox and infectious diarrhea,which had similar characteristics of household registration distribution to students,the migrant household registration accounted for higher-proportion,and there existed an " inversion" phenomenon.[Conclusion]Schools and kindergartens should carry out the different prevention and control measures according to different seasons and the possible diseases.In order to reduce the incidence of infectious diseases in schools and kindergartens in this district,it is important to strengthen the management for the rendezvous of floating population and floating children.
A ‘Traveling’ Neurologic Service

A state-supported and state-coordinated program is bringing the resources of a university center to community physicians in New Jersey faced with a broad range of neurologic problems, including those of children with minimal brain damage. In addition to seeing about 500 patients a year, the service has created new awareness of possible neurologic impairment as a source of learning and behavior difficulties.
Mode of Action of Quinacrine on the Acetylcholine Receptor Ionic Channel Complex

The effect of quinacrine was studied on neuromuscular transmission in frog sartorius and rat soleus muscles and on the binding of ligands to the electric organ of Torpedo ocellata. Quinacrine (30-200 µM) blocked neuromuscular transmission in both muscles, and inhibited the carbamylcholine-induced membrane depolarization at the endplate. The most pronounced effect of quinacrine was on the acetylcholine (ACh)-receptor mediated postsynaptic conductance. It reduced the endplate current (EPC) peak amplitude, without marked departure from linearity of the current voltage relationship, and it shortened the EPC rise time. The rate of decay of the EPC was also altered by quinacrine, becoming less voltage-dependent at concentrations of about 5 µM and completely voltage-independent at drug concentrations of 30-100 µM. Biochemical studies on membranes from electric organ of the electric ray Torpedo ocellata revealed that quinacrine inhibited the binding of [3H]ACh and [3H]H12-HTX to the membrane-bound ACh-receptor and its ionic channel, respectively. The inhibition constant (Ki) values were 7.4 µM and 14 µM, respectively. It is suggested that the mode of action of quinacrine on neuromuscular transmission is complex and reflects interaction with both the ACh-receptor and its ionic channel.
Identification of Confirmatory Factor Analysis Models of Different Levels of Invariance for Ordered Categorical Outcomes

This article considers the identification conditions of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models for ordered categorical outcomes with invariance of different types of parameters across groups. The current practice of invariance testing is to first identify a model with only configural invariance and then test the invariance of parameters based on this identified baseline model. This approach is not optimal because different identification conditions on this baseline model identify the scales of latent continuous responses in different ways. Once an invariance condition is imposed on a parameter, these identification conditions may become restrictions and define statistically non-equivalent models, leading to different conclusions. By analyzing the transformation that leaves the model-implied probabilities of response patterns unchanged, we give identification conditions for models with invariance of different types of parameters without referring to a specific parametrization of the baseline model. Tests based on this approach have the advantage that they do not depend on the specific identification condition chosen for the baseline model.
Abstract 3: Amino acid profiles indicate dependence on different metabolic pathways between leukemia subtypes

Despite the growing body of evidence that the tumor microenvironment protects leukemia cells from chemotherapeutic stresses (1-3), the effect of many extracellular metabolites remains largely unknown. To explore the influence of extracellular metabolites on different leukemia subtypes, cells were treated for 24 hours in vitro with either a supplemental amino acid or amino acid derivative. From this initial screening, a subset of metabolites were chosen for metabolomics analysis. Mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was performed on intracellular fractions to identify metabolic differences that resulted from supplementation. Metabolite profiles were also compared between leukemia cell types, namely AML, pre-B cell ALL, and T cell ALL. Of the metabolites tested, lysine and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate, an intermediate of tyrosine and phenylalanine metabolism, had the greatest impact on global amino acid profiles. In AML and T cell ALL cell lines, intracellular glutamate, glutamine, proline, and aspartate were increased relative to their respective controls. These amino acids can enter the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle as either α-ketoglutarate or oxaloacetate, suggesting a central role of the TCA cycle in both AML and T cell ALL metabolism. Interestingly, these metabolites were not significantly increased in pre-B cell ALL, signifying the inverse it true for pre-B cells. This observation provides metabolomics evidence that is consistent with a previous study that reported downregulated expression of TCA cycle related genes in pre-B cell ALL (4). Our findings indicate that uptake and metabolism of amino acids and their derivatives is distinct for different leukemia types. Moreover, supplementation with a single metabolite can result in global changes in intracellular metabolite profiles, suggesting an influence not only as an energy substrate, but on overall metabolic pathway activity. Specifically, we conclude that the TCA cycle is more active in AML and T cell ALL and can be modulated by changing the extracellular environment, while pre-B cells are less sensitive to amino acid modulation. (1) Meads MB, et al. Clin Cancer Res 2008;14(9):2519-2526. (2) Ayala F, et al. Leukemia 2009;23:2233-2241. (3) Konopleva M, et al. Drug Resist Updat 2009;12:103-113. (4) Boag JM, et al. Leukemia 2006;20:1731-1737. Citation Format: Shannon R. Sweeney, Enrique Sentandreu, Stefano Tiziani. Amino acid profiles indicate dependence on different metabolic pathways between leukemia subtypes. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3.
Cournot-Nash Selection Process

The selection process of firms in the evolution of industry follows a Cournot-Nash equilibrium, when firms operate in an oligopolistic market. We consider first a static symmetric framework where each of n firms operates under constant cost c and market demand is described by a stationary inverse demand curve, which is assumed to be linear for simplicity. This static model is then generalized to a noncooperative dynamic game where the firms are viewed as Cournot players, each maximizing the present discounted value of its profit stream over the horizon [0, ∞] at the constant positive rate of discount r. This frame-work naturally yields a differential game formulation, where the role of information available to each player plays a significant role. Asymmetry of the information structure can also be introduced at this stage, along with the stochastic aspects in the cost and demand structure.
Large Eddy Simulation of a Backward Facing Step Flow

The results from large eddy simulations of turbulent flow over a backward facing step are presented. The main objective of the study is to apply and evaluate a new dynamic subgrid scale model for a complex flow geometry. The eddy viscosity is calculated as a function of space and time as the simulation progresses. The Reynolds number, based on the step height and maximum velocity at the inlet is 5100. The results show good agreement with Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) data as well as experimental data. The results are obtained at about two percent of the computational costs for a comparable DNS calculation.
VARPRISM: incorporating variant prioritization in tests of de novo mutation association.

Patients with certain genetic diseases, such as autism spectrum disorder, have increased rates of de novo mutations within some protein-coding genes. We introduce the VARiant PRIoritization SuM (VARPRISM), a software package which incorporates functional variant prioritization information to improve the power to detect de novo mutations influencing disease risk. VARPRISM evaluates the consequence of any given exonic mutation on the protein sequence to estimate the likelihood that the mutation is benign or damaging and conducts a likelihood ratio test on the gene level. We analyzed the Simons Simplex Collection of 2508 parent-offspring autism trios using VARPRISM, replicating 44 genes previously implicated in autism susceptibility and identifying 20 additional candidate genes, including MYO1E, KCND3, PDCD1, DLX3, and TSPAN4 (false discovery rate < 0.3). By incorporating functional predictions, VARPRISM improved the statistical power to identify de novo mutations increasing disease risks. VARPRISM is available at http://www.hufflab.org/software/VARPRISM .
Darstellung der makrosoziologischen Theorieebene

Fur die Kritische Theorie der Gesellschaft ist die von Marx stammende fragmentarische „Theorie“ der sozialen Klassen eine wichtige theoretische Orientierung. Der Begriff der sozialen Klassen und des Klassenantagonismus ist fur ihre Gegenwartsdiagnose von groser Bedeutung. Adorno hat hervorgehoben, dass von sozialen Klassen im engeren Sinn erst in der modernen kapitalistischen Gesellschaft gesprochen werden kann. Denn „der Begriff der Klasse ist mit dem Auftreten des Proletariats verbunden. Noch als revolutionare nannte die Bourgeoisie sich den dritten Stand.“ Die Bourgeoisie, mehr noch das Proletariat, wurden von Adorno also als die ersten sozialen Klassen im eigentlichen Sinn der Marxschen Klassentheorie verstanden, sofern deren Definition auf der Analyse des „freien“ Warentausches, d. h. auf der Arbeitswert- und Mehrwerttheorie beruht. Alle Geschichte als eine Geschichte von Klassenkampfen zu bezeichnen, hat fur Adorno nur einen polemischen Sinn und erscheint ihm theoretisch zu unscharf.
Comparison of gait training versus cranial osteopathy in patients with Parkinson's disease: a pilot study.

Background A physiotherapy subtype is gait training (GT), which aims on correction of posture and gait re-education in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Osteopathy in the cranial field (OCF) is a gentle manual method to treat dysfunctions of the central nervous system. Therapists may employ GT and OCF to bypass deficient basal ganglia dysfunction, which causes gait disturbances in PD. Objectives Objectives of this pilot study were to demonstrate the efficacy of both procedures on gait and to compare their effects within a cross over design. Methods 18 PD patients received on two subsequent days one GT- and one OCF session each. The ten meter walking test (WT) was performed before and after each therapeutic intervention. Results GT reduced the number of steps but not the interval in the WT. OCF declined the period but not the step frequency in the WT. The computed differences of WT outcomes before and after each intervention did not vary between both methods. Both sessions together shortened the interval but not number of steps in the WT. Conclusion GT improves walking behaviour with a specific focus on an optimised performance of the necessary movement sequences regarding their accuracy and amplitude. As OCF decreased the interval, it ameliorates speed of motion execution during gait. GT and OCF enhance different aspects of gait in PD.
Focus on Technology: The Pros and Cons of Computer Games

Computer games can foster learning and stimulate students. However, they also have the potential to interfere with academic development and harm students physically and emotionally. Parents and tea...
Alcohol vapor exposure differentially impacts mesocorticolimbic cytokine expression in a sex-, region-, and duration-specific manner.

Abstract Alcohol exposure elicits the production of cytokines that regulate the host response to infection, immunity, inflammation, and trauma. Although increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines has been linked to symptoms of alcoholism, few studies have evaluated whether cytokine expression changes across the development of alcohol dependence, or whether these changes are region and/or sex specific. In the present study, we subjected adult male and female rats to different regimens of alcohol vapor exposure (acute, subchronic, or chronic) and measured relative mRNA expression for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) in reward-related brain regions. Results indicated that acute alcohol exposure increased TNFα mRNA expression in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and ventral tegmental area (VTA), whereas IL-6 expression was increased in the VTA, NAc, and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) only in males. After subchronic exposure (1 week daily intermittent exposure, 14 h on:10 h off), TNFα expression remained elevated in the BLA, NAc, and VTA, while IL-6 expression was reduced in the male vmPFC. Chronic alcohol exposure (6 week daily intermittent exposure, 14 h on: 10 h off) increased TNFα mRNA expression in the NAc and increased IL-6 mRNA in the vmPFC and NAc. Interestingly, chronic alcohol exposure also robustly increased CCL2 mRNA expression in the BLA and VTA in males but not females. Thus, alcohol vapor exposure elicits sex-, region-, and duration-specific cytokine alterations that may contribute to differences in the manifestation and progression of symptoms of alcohol dependence in male and female populations.
A comprehensive review of cryogels and their roles in tissue engineering applications.

Abstract The extracellular matrix is fundamental in providing an appropriate environment for cell interaction and signaling to occur. Replicating such a matrix is advantageous in the support of tissue ingrowth and regeneration through the field of tissue engineering. While scaffolds can be fabricated in many ways, cryogels have recently become a popular approach due to their macroporous structure and durability. Produced through the crosslinking of gel precursors followed by a subsequent controlled freeze/thaw cycle, the resulting cryogel provides a unique, sponge-like structure. Therefore, cryogels have proven advantageous for many tissue engineering applications including roles in bioreactor systems, cell separation, and scaffolding. Specifically, the matrix has been demonstrated to encourage the production of various molecules, such as antibodies, and has also been used for cryopreservation. Cryogels can pose as a bioreactor for the expansion of cell lines, as well as a vehicle for cell separation. Lastly, this matrix has shown excellent potential as a tissue engineered scaffold, encouraging regrowth at numerous damaged tissue sites in vivo. This review will briefly discuss the fabrication of cryogels, with an emphasis placed on their application in various facets of tissue engineering to provide an overview of this unique scaffold’s past and future roles. Statement of Significance Cryogels are unique scaffolds produced through the controlled freezing and thawing of a polymer solution. There is an ever-growing body of literature that demonstrates their applicability in the realm of tissue engineering as extracellular matrix analogue scaffolds; with extensive information having been provided regarding the fabrication, porosity, and mechanical integrity of the scaffolds. Additionally, cryogels have been reviewed with respect to their role in bioseparation and as cellular incubators. This all-inclusive view of the roles that cryogels can play is critical to advancing the technology and expanding its niche within biomaterials and tissue engineering research. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review of cryogel applications in tissue engineering that includes specific looks at their growing roles as extracellular matrix analogues, incubators, and in bioseparation processes.
Quantitative Measurement and Thermodynamic Modeling of Fused Enhancers Support a Two-Tiered Mechanism for Interpreting Regulatory DNA

Computational models of enhancer function generally assume that transcription factors (TFs) exert their regulatory effects independently, modeling an enhancer as a "bag of sites." These models fail on endogenous loci that harbor multiple enhancers, and a "two-tier" model appears better suited: in each enhancer TFs work independently, and the total expression is a weighted sum of their expression readouts. Here, we test these two opposing views on how cis-regulatory information is integrated. We fused two Drosophila blastoderm enhancers, measured their readouts, and applied the above two models to these data. The two-tier mechanism better fits these readouts, suggesting that these fused enhancers comprise multiple independent modules, despite having sequence characteristics typical of single enhancers. We show that short-range TF-TF interactions are not sufficient to designate such modules, suggesting unknown underlying mechanisms. Our results underscore that mechanisms of how modules are defined and how their outputs are combined remain to be elucidated.
Evaluation of Language Predictors of Main Concept Production in Spanish/English Bilingual Discourse Using Nicholas and Brookshire Stimuli

Purpose A conceptual framework of bilingual aphasia assessment requires an understanding of the variables that influence discourse in bilingual speakers. This study aimed to determine predictors of...
Real-Time Analysis of Big Network Packet Streams by Learning the Likelihood of Trusted Sequences

Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) is a basic monitoring step for intrusion detection and prevention, where the sequences of packed packets are to be unpacked according to the layered network structure. DPI is performed against overwhelming network packet streams. By nature, network packet data is big data of real-time streaming. The DPI big data analysis, however are extremely expensive, likely to generate false positives, and less adaptive to previously unknown attacks. This paper presents a novel machine learning approach to multithreaded analysis for network traffic streams. The contribution of this paper includes (1) real-time packet data analysis, (2) learning the likelihood of trusted and untrusted packet sequences, and (3) improvement of adaptive detection against previous unknown intrusive attacks.
Assessment of potential Mars relay network enhancements

In anticipation of increased demands on Mars relay services, including planned arrivals of NASA's InSight Lander in November 2018, and of NASA's Mars 2020 rover and ESA's ExoMars Rover & Surface Platform mission in Feb-Mar. 2021, we have assessed a number of potential modifications and upgrades to Mars relay orbiters and quantified their impacts in terms of key relay support metrics, to support NASA and ESA programmatic decisions. Specific areas of investigation include: 1) implementation of “split-pass” relay capability for support to collocated landers, 2) modifications of the extended mission orbit for the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN Mission (MAVEN), and 3) introduction of Low-Density Parity Check (LDPC) coding. We report here on each of these potential upgrades, quantify the performance implications each would have on future Mars relay services in the context of future mission support scenarios, and provide a status on implementation.
CENTRAL BETA-ADRENERGIC RECEPTOR SUBSENSITIVITY DEVELOPS AFTER REPEATED ADMINISTRATION OF ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS

ABSTRACT Repeated administration of antidepressant drugs to rats lowered the specific binding of 3H-dihydroalprenolol (3H-DHA) to cerebral cortical homogenates. This effect was not observed after administration of other classes of psychoactive drugs.
Ottimizzare il paziente

Sono le 4:00 di mattina ed avete diagnosticato al paziente un “addome acuto”, probabilmente da perforazione di un viscere. E ovvio che il paziente debba essere sottoposto ad una laparotomia d’urgenza: restano da decidere gli sforzi da compiere ed il tempo da investire nella sua ottimizzazione prima dell’intervento.
Home Observation of Parent-Child Transaction in Failure to Thrive: A Method and Preliminary Findings

Beginning with early clinical descriptions, FTT has long been characterized as having its origins in deviant maternal-child relationships (Patton & Gardner, 1962). Although there is agreement among clinicians that description of parent-child interaction has significant implications for clinical intervention (see Chatoor et al.; Lieberman & Birch; Linscheid & Raskane, this volume), the clinical import of this topic has not been matched by systematic empirical studies. There are a number of reasons for this. The logistics of observing FTT infants and their parents, especially in their home setting are very difficult. In addition, formidable methodological issues are involved in the analysis and interpretation of observational data (Yarrow & Anderson, 1979). As a consequence, the parent-child relationship in FTT remains largely uncharted by objective methods. In order to explicate salient issues in the study of parent-child interaction in FTT and stimulate future research on this topic, this chapter describes a method for observation of parent-child interaction, preliminary data which links observational variables to early psychological outcome in FTT, and implications for future research.
Effects of increasing dietary levels of endophyte-infected tall fescue seed on diet digestibility and ruminal kinetics in sheep.

Three experiments were conducted with sheep to determine the effects of 1) increasing the dietary concentration of ergovaline and 2) environmental temperature on site of nutrient digestion and ruminal passage rates. Dietary ergovaline concentration, a measure of endophyte-alkaloid concentration, was modified by substituting ergovaline-infected for noninfected tall fescue seed. Ruminal and total tract OM, NDF and cellulose digestibilities were less (P less than .10) and ruminal fluid dilution rate (%/h) and fluid outflow (liters/h) were greater (P less than .05) when diets contained 3 ppm ergovaline than when diets contained 0 ppm ergovaline. An interaction (P less than .05) between dietary ergovaline concentration (0 vs 1.5 ppm) and environmental temperature (27 vs 34 degrees C) was found for OM intake and NDF and cellulose digestion. Ruminal fluid dilution and outflow rates decreased (P less than .01) even though water consumption increased (P less than .01) with increasing temperature. Rectal temperature increased (P less than .01) when ergovaline and ergotamine tartrate were fed and when sheep were exposed to increased environmental temperature. Under the dietary (and environmental) conditions described, our results suggest that alkaloid(s) present in infected tall fescue seed inhibit ruminal fiber digestion and increase the sensitivity of sheep to heat stress.
Mean Temperature from 1000 MB to 500 MB as a Predictor of Precipitation Type

The frequency of occurrence of frozen precipitation forms relative to the frequency of occurrence of non-frozen forms is determined as a function of geographical location and of the mean temperatur...
Robots For Us: Organizational and Community Perspectives on the Collaborative Design of Ubiquitous Robots

Robots are expected to become ubiquitous in the near future, working with people in various environments, including homes, schools, hospitals, and offices. As physically and socially interactive technologies, robots present new opportunities for embodied interaction and active as well as passive sensing in these contexts. They have also been shown to psychologically impact individuals, affect group and organizational dynamics, and modify our concepts and experiences of work, care, and social relationships. Designing robots for increasingly ubiquitous everyday use requires understanding how robots are perceived, and can be adopted and supported in open-ended, natural social circumstances. This, in turn, calls for design and evaluation methodologies that go beyond the dyadic and small group interactions in laboratories that have largely been the focus of research in human-robot interaction. In this talk, I will present alternative perspectives on the design and evaluation of socially interactive robotic technologies in real-world contexts, focusing on several case studies of socially assistive robots in eldercare. I will first discuss how older adults make sense of robots for use in their homes, in relation to the broader social contexts in which they live, as part of collaborative design activities, and in the course of month-long implementations of robots in their homes. These in-home studies bring up various issues relating to the types of data older adults and the clinicians who work with them would like to collect, related privacy concerns, impacts on other people in the home, and how robot designs can support the relationships older adults hope to have with and through robots. Secondly, I will explore the institutional and community-based use and design of robots in different eldercare facilities, including a nursing home, a retirement community, and an intergenerational daycare. These studies bring out how robots fit into and affect the institutional and group dynamics of interaction, and also allow us to explore how robots might be envisioned as technologies that can support not only individual, but community-level goals. Through these case studies of robots, as emerging ubiquitous interactive technologies, I will bring out themes that can inform the design and study of pervasive systems more broadly, including collaborative design, the use of data collected during social interactions with and around technologies, related ethical concerns, and the need for incorporating the aims of groups, institutions, and communities in the design of intelligent interactive technologies.
Frequency Response in Grids with High Penetration of Renewable Energy Sources

The increase in the penetration of photovoltaics (PVs) and wind energy resources has decreased the inertia of power systems and made them inverter-based. This makes the modern grid susceptible to frequency instability when facing generation-load imbalances. In this paper, we provide an overview of the changing trends in frequency response and frequency control strategies in the modern power grid under high renewable penetrations. Virtual inertia emulation through Energy Storage Systems (ESSs), which have fast-ramping capabilities, is reviewed as a potential solution to the frequency instability issue. Recent grid codes and rules related to fast frequency services in the power system are discussed. A case study of the PJM interconnection, which was one of the first ISOs/RTOs to introduce the use of ESSs for frequency response, is then presented. The challenges faced to properly procure and reward such fast frequency response services in the PJM interconnection is analyzed in detail.
Exploring the Effects of Single vs. Multiple Products and Multiple Celebrity Endorsements

Participating students were randomly assigned to one of three conditions (single product endorsement, multiple product endorsement, and multiple celebrity endorsement). This study was designed to measure the effects of respective types of celebrity endorsement. This initial attempt to compare the effects of celebrity endorsement could be conducive in understanding current phenomenon of celebrity endorsement campaigns. This study found that multiple product endorsements increased higher level of attitude toward ad, attitude toward brand, and purchase intention than a single celebrity (product) endorsement while a single celebrity (product) endorsement increased higher level of attitude toward ad, attitude toward brand, and purchase intention than multiple celebrity endorsements. However, the finding of this study had a conflicting result.
Environmental Compliance Cost and Productivity Growth in US Manufacturing

The decade of 1970s is generally known for its dramatic increases in the price of oil. What is less known, however, is the fact that U.S. industrial sector experienced a significant slow down in productivity growth during the 1970s and 1980s. While many studies have analyzed the economic impact of higher energy prices on industry, the research on productivity slow down has been rather slow. The task of unraveling the cause of this productivity mystery is further complicated by the fact that this period also marks the beginning of an era of unprecedented environmental controls as Congress passed a series of sweeping amendments to the Clean Air Act (CAA) law in the 1970s and again in 1990. As a result of these amendments to the CAA the U.S. industry was faced with mounting environmental compliance cost. While environmental regulations are generally believed to impair productivity few studies have considered environmental regulation.
The Criterion Association of Arts, Literature and Philosophy: Beginnings and Birth in Bucharest, 1932

Bejan examines the immediate precedent factors to the creation of the Criterion Association: the social atmosphere in Bucharest (both positive and negative sides, and the friend/enemy dichotomy representative of many friendships between Criterionists), previous cultural groups that held conferences and a thorough examination of the Forum Group, which many consider to be the same organization as Criterion. The chapter explains the distinct difference between Forum and Criterion and the reason for the confusion. Comarnescu and others felt the need to set up an intellectual trade union and in the summer of 1932 invited Criterion’s first members. Bejan then explains the sections (e.g. Philosophy, Letters, Visual Arts) and organizational framework of the association, which operated by democratic vote.
The sialyltransferase ST6GAL1 protects against radiation-induced gastrointestinal damage

High-dose irradiation poses extreme risk of mortality from acute damage to the hematopoietic compartment and gastrointestinal tract. While bone marrow transplantation can reestablish the hematopoietic compartment, a more imminent risk of death is posed by gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome (GI-ARS), for which there are no FDA-approved medical countermeasures. Although the mechanisms dictating the severity of GI-ARS remain incompletely understood, sialylation by ST6GAL1 has been shown to protect against radiation-induced apoptosis in vitro. Here, we used a C57BL/6 St6gal1-KO mouse model to investigate the contribution of ST6GAL1 to susceptibility to total body irradiation in vivo. Twelve gray total body ionizing γ-irradiation (TBI) followed by bone marrow transplant is not lethal to wild-type mice, but St6gal1-KO counterparts succumbed within 7 d. Both St6gal1-KO and wild-type animals exhibited damage to the GI epithelium, diarrhea and weight loss, but these symptoms became progressively more severe in the St6gal1-KO animals while wild-type counterparts showed signs of recovery by 120 h after TBI. Increased apoptosis in the GI tracts of St6gal1-KO mice and the absence of regenerative crypts were also observed. Together, these observations highlight an important role for ST6GAL1 in protection and recovery from GI-ARS in vivo.
Real-time machine learning for operational safety of nonlinear processes via barrier-function based predictive control

Abstract This work proposes a real-time model predictive control (MPC) system using control Lyapunov–barrier functions (CLBF) and recurrent neural network (RNN) models to ensure simultaneous closed-loop stability and operational safety for a general class of nonlinear systems subject to time-varying disturbances. An RNN model is first developed for the nominal system (i.e., without disturbances) and incorporated in the designs of CLBF-based MPC and of CLBF-based economic MPC (EMPC) to provide state predictions for the optimization problems of MPCs. Subsequently, to improve the closed-loop performance in terms of operational safety and stability in the presence of disturbances, online learning of RNN models is incorporated within the real-time implementation of CLBF-MPC and of CLBF-EMPC to update the RNN models using the most recent process measurement data. The proposed adaptive machine-learning-based CLBF-MPC and CLBF-EMPC schemes are evaluated using a nonlinear chemical process example.
Turbulent relaxation after a quench in the Heisenberg model

We predict the emergence of turbulent scaling in the quench dynamics of the two-dimensional Heisenberg model for a wide range of initial conditions and model parameters. In the isotropic Heisenberg model, we find that the spin-spin correlation function exhibits universal scaling consistent with a turbulent energy cascade. When the spin rotational symmetry is broken by an easy-plane exchange anisotropy, we find a dual cascade of energy and an emergent conserved charge associated to transverse magnetization fluctuations. The scaling exponents are estimated analytically and agree with numerical simulations using phase space methods. We also define the range of initial conditions and model parameters (energy, magnetization, and spin number $S$) that lead to a turbulent cascade. The universal character of the cascade, insensitive to microscopic details or initial conditions, suggests that turbulence in spin systems can be broadly realized in cold atom and solid-state experiments.
Clinical validation of ring-mounted halcyon linac for lung SBRT: comparison to SBRT-dedicated C-arm linac treatments.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) of lung tumors via the ring-mounted Halcyon Linac, a fast kilovoltage cone beam CT-guided treatment with coplanar geometry, a single energy 6MV flattening filter free (FFF) beam and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a fast, safe, and feasible treatment modality for selected lung cancer patients. Four-dimensional (4D) CT-based treatment plans were generated using advanced AcurosXB algorithm with heterogeneity corrections using an SBRT board and Halcyon couch insert. Halcyon VMAT-SBRT plans with stacked and staggered multileaf collimators produced highly conformal radiosurgical dose distribution to the target, lower intermediate dose spillage, and similar dose to adjacent organs at risks (OARs) compared to SBRT-dedicated highly conformal clinical noncoplanar Truebeam VMAT plans following the RTOG-0813 requirements. Due to low monitor units per fraction and less multileaf collimator (MLC) modulation, the Halcyon VMAT plan can deliver lung SBRT fractions with an overall treatment time of less than 15 min (for 50 Gy in five fractions), significantly improving patient comfort and clinic workflow. Higher pass rates of quality assurance results demonstrate a more accurate treatment delivery on Halcyon. We have implemented Halcyon for lung SBRT treatment in our clinic. We suggest others use Halcyon for lung SBRT treatments using abdominal compression or 4D CT-based treatment planning, thus expanding the access of curative ultra-hypofractionated treatments to other centers with only a Halcyon Linac. Clinical follow-up results for patients treated on Halcyon Linac with lung SBRT is ongoing.
Saint-Venant decay rates for an isotropic inhomogeneous linearly elastic solid in anti-plane shear

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of material inhomogeneity on the decay of Saint-Venant end effects in linear isotropic elasticity. This question is addressed within the context of anti-plane shear deformations of an inhomogeneous isotropic elastic solid. The mathematical issues involve the effects of spatial inhomogeneity on the decay rates of solutions to Dirichlet or Neumann boundary-value problems for a second-order linear elliptic partial differential equation with variable coefficients on a semi-infinite strip. The elastic coefficients are assumed to be smooth functions of the transverse coordinate. The estimated rate of exponential decay with distance from the loaded end (a lower bound for the exact rate of decay) is characterized in terms of the smallest positive eigenvalue of a Sturm–Liouville problem with variable coefficients. Analytic lower bounds for this eigenvalue are used to obtain the desired estimated decay rates. Numerical techniques are also employed to assess the accuracy of the analytic results. A related eigenvalue optimization question is discussed and its implications for the issue of material tailoring is addressed. The results of this paper are applicable to continuously inhomogeneous materials and, in particular, to functionally graded materials.
A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge and Provide Awareness About Blood Donation Among the Adults of the Selected Rural Areas in District Ambala, Haryana

Blood is very important for human life. It delivers oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body tissues. There is a continuous demand for frequent blood supply because blood can be stocked for only a confined time before use. Frequent blood donation by a number of people is needed to fortify that safe blood will be available wherever it is needed. Aim of study: To assess the knowledge and provide awareness about blood donation among the adults of the selected rural area in district Ambala, Haryana. Material and method: A quantitative research approach with non-experimental research design was adopted. Total 100 samples were taken by using simple convenient sampling techniques to identify the knowledge about the blood donation. Data were collected with self-structured questionnaires and socio-demographic variables and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The result showed that, out of 100 samples, 93% of adults belong to Hindu religion, the majority of adults (40%) were in 18–21 age groups, 66% of adults were females and 57% of adults were married. 74% of adults live in joint family, majority of adults (49%) have done high senior secondary education and 53% of adults receiving monthly income <5000. Majority of adults (59%) got information regarding blood donation through television. Majority of adults (40%) are housewives. Majority of adults (85%) had never donated blood. According to the knowledge score, out of 100 samples of rural adults (18–30 years), the average score was 60%, good 36%, poor 4%. The mean score of the knowledge was 33.3, median was 36, standard deviation was 28.09, and t-test, df and significant values were 2.055, and 2, 0.176, respectively.
Modeling Patient-Specific Periaortic Interactions with Static and Dynamic Structures Using a Moving Heterogeneous Elastic Foundation Boundary Condition

Perivascular support and tethering are likely relevant factors in vascular mechanics and one of the possible causes of deformational heterogeneity of the aortic wall. Besides these effects, the thoracic aorta interacts with the heart and other moving tissues and organs. We propose a generalized approach to model the effect of aortic interactions with static and dynamic perivascular structures. Periaortic interactions are modeled as a heterogeneous Elastic Foundation Boundary Condition (EFBC). This is implemented in the Finite Element model as a collection of unidimensional springs attached to the adventitial surface and a movable opposite end. An optimization algorithm iterates over the material constants and EFBC parameters to fit the simulated nodal displacements or the aortic wall to patient-specific DENSE MRI-derived displacements. We hypothesize that the adventitial load distribution that replicates the in vivo motion and deformation of the aorta is representative of the actual periaortic interactions. We study 3 aortic locations: the distal aortic arch, the descending thoracic aorta, and the infrarenal abdominal aorta. Our method reproduced the in vivo DENSE MRI-derived displacements with a median error below 30% of the pixel-size resolution (1.2–1.6 mm). The resulting average adventitial load is circumferentially and axially heterogeneous and ranged between 30 and 60% of the luminal pressure-pulse depending on the local nature of the periaortic interaction. Adequate modeling of periaortic interactions may bring a better understanding of its role in the normal and pathological function of the aorta in vivo.
Partial-Response Maximum-Likelihood Joint Detection of Asynchronous Tracks

The industry standard for single-track detection in magnetic recording is partial-response equalization followed by a trellis-based sequence detector. We extend for the first time the partial-response paradigm to the case of multitrack detection when the multiple tracks being jointly detected were written asynchronously, with different bit phases and bit rates. We propose a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) partial-response equalizer that equalizes the unsynchronized samples of the multiple readback waveforms to a time-varying MIMO target, thereby enabling a trellis-based sequence detector that is based on the resulted time-varying target to account for the asynchrony. We evaluate the proposed equalization strategy on a two-dimensional magnetic-recording channel, and find that the proposed receiver outperforms a conventional receiver that detects one track at a time, and that it closely matches the performance of a fictitious system in which the tracks are perfectly synchronous.