cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Replacement of herring oil with menhaden oil, soybean oil, or tallow in the diets of Atlantic salmon raised in marine net-pens

Abstract Groups of Atlantic salmon held in marine net-pens were fed Oregon Moist Pellets in which herring oil was replaced with either menhaden oil, soybean oil, or tallow. The lipid sources constituted approximately 37% of the total lipid in the diet, the remainder being contributed by the other dietary ingredients. After 23 weeks of feeding, the fish were harvested and growth, chemical composition, and sensory attributes were measured. Dietary lipid source did not affect growth or proximate composition of the fillets. Fatty acid composition of the fillets reflected the fatty acid composition of the diets, although the differences in fatty acid composition among groups of fish were less than the differences in fatty acid composition among the experimental diets. Sensory attributes were not affected by dietary lipid source. This study shows that Atlantic salmon can utilize alternate lipid sources in the diet without compromising growth or organoleptic quality and that dietary lipid substitution offers the possibility of producing fish containing fatty acid profiles preferred in the market.
Effect of liquid characteristics on the wetting, capillary migration, and retention properties of fibrous polymer networks

Fluid penetration through porous networks consists of two different phenomena: (1) pore fluid displacement and (2) fluid flow through the pores. The first phenomenon depends on the pore size, the fluid–fluid interfacial tension, and the contact angle. The second phenomenon is pore-size- and viscosity-dependent. We adapted an experimental methodology often used for measurements of liquid permeability and hydraulic conductivity of soils and applied it to polymeric medical textiles. The methodology made use of a pressure/flow cell in which a sample was mounted. The flow rates were measured during sequences of increasing and decreasing pressures applied to the displacing nonwetting fluid (aqueous solution). The effects of the liquid parameters on penetration were investigated. Surface tension effects were studied with water and two solutions with surface tensions lower than that of pure water; the liquids with lower surface tensions had lower displacement pressures. To study viscosity effects, we used water and two solutions with viscosities higher than that of pure water. Increasing the viscosity not only caused the flow rate to decrease but also caused deformation, that is, enlargement, of the pores. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 282–292, 2005
Prevention of dystrophic pathology in mdx mice by a truncated dystrophin isoform

The C-terminal domain of dystrophin is alternatively spliced to produce a variety of tissue and developmental stage-specific isoforms. Recent studies suggest that the C-terminal domain binds to the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex (DGC) in muscle, but little is known about the functional significance of the alternative splicing or what role individual isoforms may play in specific tissues. The major dystrophin transcript in brain lacks exons 71-74, and encodes an isoform not observed in skeletal muscle. To explore the capacity of this truncated isoform to function in muscle, we have generated transgenic mice expressing a murine dystrophin mini-gene missing exons 71-74. Uniform expression of this construct on a mutant mdx mouse background results in normal muscle morphology and physiology, and prevents the development of muscular dystrophy. These mice also display normal expression and localization of the DGC, suggesting that the alternatively spliced exons are not required for dystrophin function in skeletal muscle. An additional line of mice was analyzed that had a mosaic pattern of expression. These mice display a markedly milder phenotype than mdx mice, despite the expression of dystrophin in only half the muscle fibers. These results indicate that viral delivery of dystrophin to a simple majority of fibers in a muscle group would greatly reduce the dystrophic pathology associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The Bioelectric Field Pattern in the Salamander and Its Simulation by an Electronic Analog

The dc field potential has been determined on the surface of the intact salamander, Trituris viridescens. A complex field was found which did not correspond to a simple dipole. The field was found to vary in a dynamic fashion with changes in the level of anesthesia. The spatial organization of the field correlated well with the anatomical organization of the central nervous system of the animal, in that areas of nerve cell aggregations within the central nervous system appeared to serve as both sources and sinks of the potential, with transmission of the steady potential along major nerve trunks. An analog model of the central nervous system was constructed utilizing several bimetallic junctions and a conducting network. This model produced a field in a modified electrolytic tank which corresponded well with the field found in the intact animal. It was concluded that the dc bioelectric potential in organisms may be generated within and conducted by portions of the central nervous system. The possibility that this is a means of data transmission and/or control (in addition to the usual action potential system) is being evaluated.
DOES EARLY SEASON BROWSING INFLUENCE THE EFFECT OF SELF-POLLINATION IN SCARLET GILIA?

Herbivore damage can have indirect effects on plant fitness by influencing other important plant–animal interactions, such as pollination biology. For example, damage to floral and vegetative structures may influence the pattern of pollen movement within and among individual plants. In obligately outcrossing species, enhanced movement of self pollen (geitonogamy) can negatively impact fitness if self pollen clogs stigmas, interferes with stylar transmitting tracts, usurps ovules, or increases fruit abortion. We investigated whether early season browsing affects the fitness cost of self-pollination in the obligately outcrossing species scarlet gilia, Ipomopsis aggregata, using clipping and emasculation treatments. We found that clipping significantly reduced the production of flowers, fruits, and seeds whereas emasculation significantly increased the production of these components of female fitness. In addition, we detected a significant interaction between the clipping and emasculation treatments when considering four components of fitness simultaneously; emasculation led to an increase in the fitness of unclipped plants but not clipped plants. We propose two nonexclusive mechanisms to explain this pattern. First, damaged plants may experience reduced self-pollination due to reductions in pollinator visitation or effectiveness. Alternatively, damaged plants may simply lack the resources (or the ability to allocate resources) to benefit from emasculation. Our results support the notion that herbivory can have indirect effects on plant fitness through effects on other plant–animal interactions.
Psychiatric Comorbidity and 12-Step Participation: A Longitudinal Investigation of Treated Young Adults

Background Evidence indicates that 12-step mutual-help organizations (MHOs), such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), can play an important role in extending and potentiating the recovery benefits of professionally delivered addiction treatment among young adults with substance use disorders (SUD). However, concerns have lingered regarding the suitability of 12-step organizations for certain clinical subgroups, such as those with dual diagnosis (DD). This study examined the influence of diagnostic status (DD vs. SUD-only) on both attendance and active involvement (e.g., having a sponsor, verbal participation during meetings) in, and derived benefits from, 12-step MHOs following residential treatment. Methods Young adults (N = 296; 18 to 24 years old; 26% female; 95% Caucasian; 47% DD [based on structured diagnostic interview]), enrolled in a prospective naturalistic study of SUD treatment effectiveness, were assessed at intake and 3, 6, and 12 months posttreatment on 12-step attendance/active involvement and percent days abstinent (PDA). t-Tests and lagged, hierarchical linear models (HLM) examined the extent to which diagnostic status influenced 12-step participation and any derived benefits, respectively. Results For DD and SUD-only patients, posttreatment attendance and active involvement in 12-step organizations were similarly high. Overall, DD patients had significantly lower PDA relative to SUD-only patients. All patients appeared to benefit significantly from attendance and active involvement on a combined 8-item index. Regarding the primary effects of interest, significant differences did not emerge in derived benefit between DD and SUD-only patients for either attendance (p = 0.436) or active involvement (p = 0.062). Subsidiary analyses showed, however, that DD patients experienced significantly greater abstinence-related benefit from having a 12-step sponsor. Conclusions Despite concerns regarding the clinical utility of 12-step MHOs for DD patients, findings indicate that DD young adults participate and benefit as much as SUD-only patients, and may benefit more from high levels of active involvement, particularly having a 12-step sponsor. Future work is needed to clarify how active 12-step involvement might offset the additional recovery burden of a comorbid mental illness on substance use outcomes.
Gallium-arsenide deep-level tunnel diode with record negative conductance and record peak current density

Abstract Tunnel diodes utilizing deep-levels in low-temperature-grown (LTG) gallium-arsenide (GaAs) are demonstrated. These tunnel diodes achieve peak-to-valley current ratios as high as 22, a record negative-conductance-per-area of 1/226 Ω μm 2 , and a record peak current density of 16 kA/cm 2 , all at room-temperature.
Assessment and Formulation: A Contemporary Social Work Perspective:

Assessment and formulation, the gathering of information about a client, and the conceptualization of the client or situation are the essential elements that mark a thoughtful approach to client care. This process has been shaped over time by changes in orientations to knowledge, new theories, new practices, and political and institutional pressures. Currently, there is an intense debate concerning the nature of social work practice, especially the assessment and formulation process. In this context, we review traditional approaches to formulation in light of contemporary understandings and trends. We present a model for formulation that highlights multiple ways of knowing and includes ecological, cross-cultural, psychodynamic, systemic, biological, and spiritual components. Social justice is the value that is foundational to the process.
Using Cross Validation to Design Conservative Surrogates

this work we use safety margins to conservatively compensate for fitting errors associated with surrogates. We propose the use of cross validation for estimating the required safety margin for a desired level of conservativeness (percentage of safe predictions). The approach was tested on three algebraic examples for two basic surrogates: namely, kriging and polynomial response surface. For these examples we found that cross validation is effective for selecting the safety margin. We also applied the approach to the probabilistic design optimization of a composite laminate. This design under uncertainty example showed that the approach can be successfully used in engineering applications.
A unified system of parameterization for programming languages

Current programming languages tend to have several different mechanisms that provide parameterization. For example, most languages have both variables, which communicate parameter values primarily within routines, and procedure invocations, which communicate parameter values primarily between routines. Depending on the situation, one mechanism or the other must be used. The mechanisms also tend to involve more than just parameterization; a procedure call, for example, also implies a transfer of control. The principle of orthogonal design for programming languages suggests that it would be desirable to have a single parameterization mechanism that can be used in all situations and that doesn't affect anything but parameterization. We consider what properties such a mechanism would have to have, concluding, for example, that parameters must be nameable, and, more importantly, that all the parameterization facilities that are available in language expressions must also be available in data objects. These properties, in turn, put requirements on the underlying semantic structure of a programming language. We develop a formal system of parameterization with those properties. The system has theoretical power equivalent to the lambda calculus, and is about the same size. It can serve as the basis of all parameterization in a functional programming language, being able to express constructions like procedure call, variable binding, mutual recursion, and module linkage. In addition to being able to express the common parameterization constructions, the uniformity and universality of the system offer improved modularity, extensibility, and simplicity. It is especially useful for applications that need to create new code at runtime.
Characteristics of the Foreclaw Display Behaviors of Female Trachemys scripta (Slider Turtles)

Abstract A common assumption is that titillation by adult female Trachemys scripta (Slider Turtles) always represents female participation in courtship, but there is only limited empirical support for this assertion and some data may contradict this supposition. Behavioral interactions were staged among wild-caught T. scripta throughout the local season of activity for this species (April–October). Each of 47 trials involved 6 turtles (total = 282 turtles: 94 melanistic males, 94 nonmelanistic males, 94 females) videotaped for 3 h (total = 141 h). During our study, titillation behaviors initiated by females were largely intrasexual, exhibited no peak during the local mating period, and did not stimulate males to attempt copulation. We concluded that such characteristics were inconsistent with the traditional assumption of a courtship function and were more consistent with the characteristics of agonistic signals, signals that communicate sender identity, or compound signals with multiple communicative fun...
An electron microscopic study of intimal cushions in intracranial arteries of the cat.

Subendothelial protuberances associated with the tunica intima have been described by light microscopy at branching sites of arteries in various animal species. These structures are termed intimal cushions or intimal pads. Some investigators regard them as being pathologic, preceding the appearance of atherosclerosis in the vessel wall. This fine structural study was done because of the possible role of intimal cushions in the regulation of cerebral blood flow at branching sites of intracranial arteries. The internal elastic lamina is split at the margins of a cushion to enclose irregularly arranged bundles of smooth muscle cells and collagenous fibrils. These smooth muscle cells are generally arranged at a right angle to smooth muscle cells in the underlying media. The outermost layer of the internal elastic lamina forms a boundary between the body of the cushion and the media; however, areas of discontinuity cause this border to be poorly defined in some instances. Perivascular autonomic nerves do not extend into either media or intimal cushions. Intercellular contacts between smooth muscle cells are observed within cushions as well as in the media, suggesting that cushions may be contractile and capable of modifying cerebral blood flow.
Targeting the Human Papillomavirus E6 and E7 Oncogenes through Expression of the Bovine Papillomavirus Type 1 E2 Protein Stimulates Cellular Motility

Expression of the high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 oncogenes is essential for the initiation and maintenance of cervical cancer. The repression of both was previously shown to result in activation of their respective tumor suppressor targets, p53 and pRb, and subsequent senescence induction in cervical cancer cells. Consequently, viral oncogene suppression is a promising approach for the treatment of HPV-positive tumors. One well-established method of E6/E7 repression involves the reexpression of the viral E2 protein which is usually deleted in HPV-positive cancer cells. Here, we show that, surprisingly, bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV1) E2 but not RNA interference-mediated E6/E7 repression in HPV-positive cervical cancer cells stimulates cellular motility and invasion. Migration correlated with the dynamic formation of cellular protrusions and was dependent upon cell-to-cell contact. While E2-expressing migratory cells were senescent, migration was not a general feature of cellular senescence or cell cycle arrest and was specifically observed in HPV-positive cervical cancer cells. Interestingly, E2-expressing cells not only were themselves motile but also conferred increased motility to admixed HeLa cervical cancer cells. Together, our data suggest that repression of the viral oncogenes by E2 stimulates the motility of E6/E7-targeted cells as well as adjacent nontargeted cancer cells, thus raising the possibility that E2 expression may unfavorably increase the local invasiveness of HPV-positive tumors.
A Response Conflict Account of the Effects of Stereotypes on Racial Categorization

Research indicates that racial categorization is slowed by the presence of category-inconsistent information. The current experiments tested response conflict, or the tendency for opposing response tendencies to compete for activation, as a mechanism for this effect. In two experiments, participants more quickly categorized faces flanked by racial stereotype-congruent words than faces flanked by stereotype-incongruent words, particularly when stereotype-congruent words were more probable. Event-related potential (ERP) data indicated that this behavioral effect was due to response conflict. The lateralized readiness potential (LRP) showed that, relative to stereotype-congruent flankers, stereotype-incongruent flankers initially elicited activation of the incorrect categorization response, which slowed activation and execution of the correct categorization response. Stereotype-incongruent flankers also enhanced the amplitude of the N2 (conflict monitoring) component. Potential differences in stimulus evalua...
Hemoglobin A1c above Threshold Level is Associated with Decreased β-Cell Function in Overweight Latino Youth

Objective To examine whether a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)-identified prediabetic state (HbA1c $6.0%-6.4%) is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity (SI) and b-cell dysfunction, known factors in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, in an overweight pediatric population. Study design Atotalof206healthyoverweightLatinoadolescents(124malesand82females;meanage,13.1 � 2.0 years) were divided into 2 groups: lower risk (n= 179), with HbA1c <6.0%, and higher risk (n= 27), with HbA1c 6.0%6.4%.MeasurementsincludedHbA1c,oralglucosetolerancetesting,fastingand2-hourglucoseandinsulin,SI,acute insulin response, and disposition index (an index of b-cell function) by the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test with minimal modeling. Body fat was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results Compared with the lower risk group, the higher risk group had 21% lower SI (1.21 � 0.06 vs 1.54 � 0.13; P < .05), 30% lower acute insulin response (928 � 102 vs 1342 � 56; P < .01), and a 31% lower disposition index (1390 � 146 vs 2023 � 83; P = .001) after adjusting for age and total percent body fat. Conclusion These data provide clear evidence of greater impairment of b-cell function in overweight Latino children with HbA1c 6.0%-6.4%, and thereby support the adoption of the International Expert Committee’s HbA1cdetermined definition of high-risk state for overweight children at risk for type 2 diabetes. (J Pediatr 2012;160:751-6).
A lifetime history of alcohol use disorder increases risk for chronic medical conditions after stable remission.

Abstract Background The long-term impact of a past alcohol use disorder (AUD) among those who are currently in stable remission has not been well-explored. This study examined whether a past history of AUD was associated with increased risk for chronic medical conditions in a large U.S. nationally representative sample of adults ≥30 years old. Methods Using 25,840 participants from Wave 1 and Wave 2 surveys of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Condition (NESARC), multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to compare the risk for reporting metabolic, cardiovascular, liver, gastrointestinal, and inflammatory conditions between those in full-remission from AUD for longer than 5 years and those without a history of AUD diagnosis. Results Compared with a model adjusting only for age, a model adjusting for other potential psychosocial confounders revealed fewer significant associations between AUD history and chronic medical conditions, particularly for the middle-aged population and for men. For the elderly, AUD history was associated with more chronic medical conditions in fully adjusted models. AUD history was associated with severe medical conditions such as liver diseases and myocardial infarction in women. In general, longer AUD exposure and shorter remission were also associated with the risk for chronic medical conditions. Conclusions Our findings suggest associations between past AUD diagnosis and chronic medical conditions, particularly for the elderly individuals. Screening for past alcohol use problems and associated health risks are important for the promotion of aging and prevention of chronic medical conditions even when an individual presents no current symptoms of AUD.
Assessing Board Members In The Nonprofit Organizational Arena: Increased Board Responsibilities Dictated By Sarbanes Oxley

Numerous corporate scandals of the 1990’s and 2000’s, coupled with public accounting firms generating high non-audit fees, eroded the publics’ confidence in the concept public accounting independence. These scandals and the erosion of confidence in the auditor’s independence resulted in Congress passing the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in 2002. While Sarbanes-Oxley applies mainly to publicly traded companies, proactive, progressive nonprofit organizations will also reap the benefits of Sarbanes-Oxley. In fact, Board Source (2003) indicates, “Indeed, some state attorney generals are already proposing that elements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act be applied to nonprofit organizations.” According to this author, whether this law eventually extends to the nonprofit arena or not, an increase in responsibility of board members of nonprofit organizations is inevitable. Due to the increased responsibilities board members assume, Boards would be well advised to increase their self assessment process. This paper will look at assessing the Board of Directors in light of the new responsibilities Board Members assume in conjunction with the increased responsibilities resulting from the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Host-Microbiota Relationships Drive Temperature Adaptations

When exposed to cold temperatures, mammals undergo remarkable physiological adaptations including thermogenesis, increased intake of dietary energy, and enhanced capacity for intestinal absorption. In a recent Cell paper, Chevalier, Stojanovic, and colleagues reveal that these key adaptations to life in the cold are facilitated by the intestinal microbiota (Chevalier et al., 2015).
Image segmentation by multi-level thresholding using genetic algorithm with fuzzy entropy cost functions

In this paper, we describe three new soft computing methods for segmentation of both gray level and color images by using a fuzzy entropy based cost function for the genetic algorithm. The presented methods allow us to find optimized set of parameters for a predefined cost function. Particularly, we found the optimum set of membership functions by maximizing the fuzzy entropy and based on the membership functions. Experimental results of thresholding and comparison of SSIM of thresholded images with different techniques are presented. Results show that the offered method can reliably segment and give better thresholds then Otsu Multi-Level thresholding.
The Clinically Tested Gardos Channel Inhibitor Senicapoc Exhibits Antimalarial Activity

Senicapoc, a Gardos channel inhibitor, prevented erythrocyte dehydration in clinical trials of patients with sickle cell disease. We tested the hypothesis that senicapoc-induced blockade of the Gardos channel inhibits Plasmodium growth. Senicapoc inhibited in vitro growth of human and primate plasmodia during the clinical blood stage. Senicapoc treatment suppressed P. yoelii parasitemia in vivo in C57BL/6 mice. The reassuring safety and biochemical profile of senicapoc encourage its use in antimalarial development.
Molecular characterization of three differentially expressed members of the Camptotheca acuminata 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMGR) gene family

Camptotheca acuminata is a Chinese tree that produces the anti-cancer monoterpenoid indole alkaloid camptothecin (CPT). 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) supplies mevalonate for the terpenoid moiety of CPT and its hydroxylated derivative 10-hydroxycamptothecin (10-OH-CPT). We previously described the isolation of a gene encoding HMGR from C. acuminata (hmg1) and analyzed its expression in transgenic tobacco [6]. Here, we report on the isolation of genomic (hmg2) and cDNA (hmg3) clones representing two additional HMGR gene family members and characterize the expression of all three genes in C. acuminata. Transcript levels for two family members were highest in the shoot apex, dry seeds (hmg1), and bark (hmg3) which are the tissues containing the highest levels of CPT and 10-OH-CPT respectively. Levels of hmg3 mRNA also correlated with the accumulation of 10-OH-CPT during germination. In C. acuminata leaf disks, hmg1 mRNA increased in response to wounding, and this induction was suppressed by methyl jasmonate (MeJA), in agreement with results previously obtained in transgenic tobacco [6]. In contrast, wounding and MeJA did not affect hmg2 or hmg3 transcript levels in C. acuminata. These results show that members of the C. acuminata HMGR gene family are differentially expressed in various tissues under different physiological conditions which may contribute to the regulation of monoterpenoid indole alkaloid synthesis in this species.
Factors in the Emergence of Food Borne Diseases

Food borne diseases are an important public health problem. Over the past two decades, the epidemiology of food borne diseases has changed rapidly as a consequence of changes in the social environment and the ability of pathogens to adapt to new niches. Several newly recognized pathogens have emerged and well-recognized pathogens have increased in prevalence or become associated with new food vehicles. Several factors have contributed to the changing patterns of food borne diseases, and addressing food borne diseases will require rapid surveillance and effective prevention strategies. This article examines these factors and briefly addresses prevention and control of food borne diseases.
'Hunger Games' and Urban Agriculture: The Regulation of Urban Food Production

There has been an increase in efforts to produce food within urban spaces. These efforts include recreational and subsistence gardening, as well as small and large scale commercial farming. Several cities have approved municipal codes regarding food production with the aim of regulating this growing phenomenon. However, concerns arise about whether municipal codes constrain gardening efforts in favor of commercial farming. Questions around land and water access, rights to sell, and access to resources will be examined in this paper. Municipal codes about urban agriculture for several cities will be examined to identify challenges and opportunities for urban agriculture. Particular attention will be given to the impact of these codes on subsistence gardening and farming.
Methane to Acetic Acid over Cu-Exchanged Zeolites: Mechanistic Insights from a Site-Specific Carbonylation Reaction

The selective low temperature oxidation of methane is an attractive yet challenging pathway to convert abundant natural gas into value added chemicals. Copper-exchanged ZSM-5 and mordenite (MOR) zeolites have received attention due to their ability to oxidize methane into methanol using molecular oxygen. In this work, the conversion of methane into acetic acid is demonstrated using Cu-MOR by coupling oxidation with carbonylation reactions. The carbonylation reaction, known to occur predominantly in the 8-membered ring (8MR) pockets of MOR, is used as a site-specific probe to gain insight into important mechanistic differences existing between Cu-MOR and Cu-ZSM-5 during methane oxidation. For the tandem reaction sequence, Cu-MOR generated drastically higher amounts of acetic acid when compared to Cu-ZSM-5 (22 vs 4 μmol/g). Preferential titration with sodium showed a direct correlation between the number of acid sites in the 8MR pockets in MOR and acetic acid yield, indicating that methoxy species present i...
Commentary: The State of the Art of Education in Reaction Engineering

An informal survey of recent archival publications indicates that academic and industrial research in reaction engineering are interconnected, and they keep pace with those in the other engineering...
Nitrate Leaching from Compost-Amended Soils

Nitrate in ground water was measured for three years beneath a sandy terrace soil with high conductivity which had been amended yearly with spent mushroom compost (SMC) and chicken manure compost (CMC) at rates of 25 and 50 T/A. The compost provided all the fertilizer requirements for intensive vegetable production. Nitrate concentrations in ground water from beneath all compost-amended plots remained below 10 ppm during the course of the study while concentrations beneath the fertilized control climbed to 14.7 ppm in an unusually wet spring. After heavy rains, control plots were more susceptible to nitrate leaching than compost-amended plots in the first two years of the study. The overall mean of the control (4.2 ppm) was significantly higher than all the other compost-amended plots except SMC amended at 25 T/A (3.4 ppm). Nitrate concentrations in ground water from CMC plots amended at 50 T/A peaked at 9.2 ppm after three consecutive years of compost application indicating a cumulative effect in the soi...
InstructableCrowd: Creating IF-THEN Rules via Conversations with the Crowd

In this paper, we introduce InstructableCrowd, a system that allows end-users to instruct the crowd to create trigger-action ("if, then") rules based on their needs. We create a framework which enables users to converse with the crowd using their phone and describe a problem which they might have. We create an interface for a crowd worker to both chat with the user and compose a rule with an "IF" part connected to the user's phone sensors (e.g. incoming emails, GPS location, meeting calendar, weather information etc.), and a "THEN" part connected to user's phone effectors (e.g. sending an email, creating an alarm, posting a tweet, etc.). The system then sends the rules created by the crowd to the user's phone in order to help the user solve his problem.
Transitioning and adjusting insulin analog therapy in elderly patients.

OBJECTIVES To identify and address issues specific to elderly patients with diabetes, including goal setting, prevention of hypoglycemia,and product and device selection, and to summarize recommendations for the addition and dosing of insulin to treatment regimens and the appropriate continuance or discontinuance of oral medications in elderly patients taking insulin. DATA SOURCES Live symposium presentation based on clinical practice and research, and literature and published studies on the treatment and management of diabetes. CONCLUSIONS Most patients with long-standing diabetes eventually will require insulin therapy of some sort. Insulin therapy typically is started as basal (long-acting insulin) as an adjunct to oral therapy. Prandial (rapid-acting insulin before meals) may be added an injection at a time. In its most sophisticated regimen, insulin is used as multiple, daily injections (a single injection of long-acting insulin and three injections of rapid-acting insulin before meals), with the subsequent discontinuation of oral therapy. Insulin analogs, though slightly more expensive than human and isophane insulin, provide much more physiologic insulin action, resulting in better glucose control and lower rates of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is the major concern of using insulin in elderly patients; thus, a regimen that minimizes this risk shifts the risk/benefit ratio in favor of insulin analogs. The use of sliding scale insulin should be discouraged.
Effect of aging on microleakage of restorative systems.

This study evaluated the sealing properties of AP.H/Prisma Universal Bond 3, Z100/Scotchbond MultiPurpose, AP.H/Imperva Bond, Charisma/Denthesive, Bisfil M/All-Bond 2, resin composite/dentin adhesive systems and Fuji II LC light-cured glass ionomer, in Class V preparations following 6 months of storage in a 37 degrees C water bath. The Class V preparations extended just beyond the cemento-enamel junction of extracted human molars. The restored teeth were placed in 37 degrees C water for 24 hours and then thermally stressed for 100 temperature cycles. Half of the specimens were tested for microleakage at this time. The other specimens were returned to water storage and thermally stressed every 30 days during the following 6 months and then assessed for microleakage by dye penetration. AP.H/Imperva Bond, Z100/Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and Fuji II LC were not affected by the storage, while AP.H/Prisma Universal Bond 3, Charisma/Denthesive and Bisfil M/All-Bond 2 revealed some increase in microleakage at the dentin/cememtum margin.
Working with Actin: Methodological Approaches for the Study of Actin in Neurons

Throughout the life of an organism, the cytoskeleton plays fundamental roles in many physiological processes. An important component of the cytoskeleton is actin, in both filamentous (F-actin) and globular form (G-actin). In the nervous system, actin functions in many processes from neuronal determination to synapse formation. Actin is dynamic, continuously transiting between polymer and monomer with the aid of myriad actin-associated proteins. Filamentous actin can produce several secondary structures within the cell, including filopodia, lamellipodia, veils , and dendritic spines. Actin can also be manipulated with a number of peptide toxins that stabilize or destabilize the actin cytoskeleton in specific ways. This chapter will discuss several techniques for studying actin in the nervous system.
Broadband Ultrafast Absorption Spectroscopy in the Hard Ultraviolet: Evolution of the CF2 Radical upon Photodissociation of CF2Br2

Pump-probe experiments on the photodissociation of gasphase CF2Br2 have been conducted using 700-fs source pulses at 248 nm for both initiating dissociation and generating a probing ultraviolet supecontinuum. The broadband uv absorption spectra thus obtained show evidence of a long-lived (≈3 ps) highly anharmonic local mode of the CF2Br reaction intermediate.
Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents.

Objectives: To study possible treatment modalities for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in children and adolescents. Study design: We reviewed the medical records of the 25 children and adolescents most recently seen for T2DM in the U.T. Houston diabetes clinics, comparing treatment regimens and results over time. The most common treatment modalities were insulin in combination with oral insulin sensitizing agent (metformin), and metformin alone. End-points evaluated included HbA 1 c , body weight, and insulin dose. Patients: Patients ranged in age from 8 to 15 years at diagnosis. The female:male ratio was 1.3:1. Sixty percent of patients were Hispanic. All BMIs were above 85 t h percentile for age and sex. Acanthosis nigricans was present in 92% of the patients. Results: Insulin was the only initial treatment in 18 patients (72%), with metformin added and insulin withdrawn as euglycemia developed. Only five of these 18 patients who were started on insulin were completely weaned to metformin monotherapy, and three of those patients later required reintroduction of insulin due to poor control. Metformin did permit reduction of insulin dose in the combination group. Metformin was used as monotherapy in seven patients (28%), but three of them later required another oral hypoglycemic agent. The mean change in HbA 1 c over the observed period was -2.9% in patients taking insulin only, -2.3% for patients treated with insulin + metformin, and -4.4% in patients who could be treated by metformin alone. HbA 1 c tended to rise after 2 years of therapy. Few patients sustained weight loss, regardless of treatment regimen. Conclusion: Metformin appears to be an effective medication for the treatment of T2DM in children, but did not seem to be a sufficient long-term monotherapy in our protocol, which required euglycemia for insulin withdrawal. Lifetime management strategies for children with T2DM will probably be as complex as those for adults.
The Atlas of North American English and its impacts on approaches to dialect geography

The Atlas of North American English (ANAE) is a survey of vocalic variation in North American English and the culmination of Labov's years of work on vowel shifting. It covers the entire continent and employs modern acoustic analysis to reveal shifting patterns. As such, it represents a significant step forward for dialectology. Importantly, its focus is more current than historical. It has some weaknesses, such as poor coverage of minorities and diphthongization and an outdated notation. However, its perspective will drive future approaches to geographical variation and vowel shifting. Sound changes, both for English and for other languages, must now be viewed as components of integrated systems. Geographical surveys should henceforth take the extent of these systems into account.
Toward a Greater Discourse: Issues in Religious Archives

The topic of religious archives, a catalyst of much discussion in archival literature, has traditionally been overlooked within the discourse of the American Theological Library Association (ATLA). This essay provides a survey analysis of three pertinent issues in religious archives with the intention of generating a wider discussion on religious archives within ATLA. These issues include the role of graduate archival education, the effects of religious faith on both the archival record and the individual archivist, and the idea of a theology of archives. An extended review of the contributions of James O’Toole to the discussion of religious archives is utilized.
Alignment and diagnostics of the National Ignition Facility laser system

The NIF laser system will be capable of delivering 1.8MJ of 351nm energy in 192 beams. Diagnostics instruments must measure beam energy, power vs. time, wavefront quality, and beam intensity profile to characterize laser performance. Alignment and beam diagnostics are also used to set the laser up for the high power shots and to isolate problems when performance is less than expected. Alignment and beam diagnostics are multiplexed to keep the costs under control. At the front-end the beam is aligned and diagnosed in an input sensor package. The output 1053nm beam is sampled by collecting a 0.1% reflection from an output beam sampler and directing it to the output sensor package (OSP). The OSP also gets samples from final focus lens reflection and samples from the transport spatial filter pinhole plane. The output 351nm energy is measured by a calorimeter collecting the signal from an off-axis diffractive beam-sampler. Detailed information on the focused beam in the high-energy target focal plane region is gathered in the precision diagnostics. This paper describes the design of the alignment and diagnostics on the NIF laser system.
The Conversion From US-GAAP To IFRS And Transfer Pricing: Irreconcilable Differences

Purpose - This paper aims to discuss the challenges the switch from US GAAP into International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) pose multinational companies (MNCs); to investigate the transfer pricing of intangible assets with several important trends in the global market; to analyze and discuss the impact of the conversion on intangible assets’ transfer pricing decisions; and to make recommendations to help alleviate problems associated with transfer pricing when switching to IFRS. Design/methodology/approach - The author addresses the conflicts between using the International Financial Reporting Standards and the transfer pricing policies as the multinational companies make the switch from using GAAP to the IFRS and propose some remedies to the related problems. Findings - Transfer pricing systems of MNCs should be carefully reviewed and updated because financial statement information is used and comparability of that information between tested parties and companies to which they are compared is critical to achieving a reliable analysis to help MNCs achieving their global strategic objectives. Research limitations/implications - This research focused on the significant implications on the American MNCs’ transfer pricing strategic decisions resulting from the adoption of the IFRS in general. Further research is still needed to examine the impact of the conversion process on both foreign subsidiaries and the MNC as a whole in different industries. Originality/value - The paper addresses an issue of significant implications on transfer pricing strategic decisions of intangible assets beyond financial reporting as a result of converting financial statements from U.S. GAAP to IFRS.
Strengthening the Community College Pathway to Medical School: A Study of Latino Students in California.

Author(s): Talamantes, Efrain; Gonzalez, Karla; Mangione, Carol M; Ryan, Gery; Jimenez, Alejandro; Gonzalez, Fabio; Greenwood, Seira Santizo; Hayes-Bautista, David E; Moreno, Gerardo | Abstract: Background and objectivesOne third of Latino medical students begin their premedical undergraduate education at a community college (CC) or 2-year college, compared to a 4-year university. This study explored the academic and personal experiences Latino premedical students commonly encounter at the CC.MethodsIn 2013, five focus groups with Latino premedical and medical students (n=45) were conducted in Los Angeles and San Jose, CA. All students were enrolled or attended a CC. In addition, 20 CC key informants participated in semi-structured interviews to further describe the Latino CC premedical experience. The focus group and key informant transcripts were transcribed and analyzed for common themes using qualitative methods.ResultsContent analysis of 2,826 distinct comments identified major themes: (1) Personal health-related experiences in underserved communities, (2) CC relevant premedical guidance, (3) Limited preparation in navigating the pathways to medical school, and (4) Competing demands and college affordability.ConclusionsEarly CC enrichment programs with direct ties to health professions advising programs, 4-year universities, medical schools, and physician mentors are needed to support Latino pre-medical students.
A self-consistent, physics-based boiling heat transfer modeling framework for use in computational fluid dynamics

Abstract Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) offers the opportunity to investigate physically and geometrically complex systems with high fidelity. Its applicability to multiphase flow, and particularly boiling heat transfer, is currently limited by the lack of appropriate closure models to describe all relevant phenomena. In this paper, we present an original subcooled flow boiling modeling framework for CFD, which aims at consistently and accurately characterizing the key physics that affect heat transfer at the boiling surface. The new framework introduces a fully mechanistic representation of heterogeneous boiling that improves numerical robustness and reduces sensitivity to closure coefficients. The proposed formulation is inspired by new experimental insight, and significantly extends the existing boiling models by capturing the effects of (i) the microlayer on surface evaporation, (ii) the boiling surface, and (iii) bubbles sliding along the boiling surface. A new statistical treatment of the location and mutual interactions of bubbles on the surface allows for mechanistic prediction of the dry surface area, an important quantity that affects the boiling heat transfer coefficient. This approach lends itself naturally to extension to very high heat fluxes, potentially up to the critical heat flux. An assessment and sensitivity study of the model is presented for a range of mass fluxes (500–1250 kg/m 2 /s), heat fluxes (100–1600 kW/m 2 ), inlet subcoolings (5, 10, 15 K), and pressures (1, 1.5, 2 bars), demonstrating improved robustness and predictive accuracy at all tested conditions in comparison to traditional heat partitioning approaches, including high heat fluxes, where classic models often fail to converge. Lastly, the framework proposed here should not be viewed as another heat partitioning model, but rather as a general platform that allows incorporation of advanced models for each physical phenomenon considered, leveraging the growing insight generated by modern experimental diagnostics for boiling heat transfer.
Speed Dating: Providing a Menu of Possible Futures

Abstract As user experience (UX) design continues to grow and expand, designers often work in areas with few design patterns or social mores. It is easy to make things that people do not want or will not adopt. To help avoid this problem, we developed a method called speed dating. This method allows design teams to explore possible futures with target users. Speed dating helps to reduce the risk of making things that people will not adopt. It also discloses opportunities and user needs that design teams might not observe during fieldwork. Over the last decade, we have used this method in many research projects, teaching it to hundreds of UX design students. This article describes the speed dating method, presenting cases to show how speed dating aids UX design.