cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Visualizing collision effects between penetrating and non-penetrating objects

We present a novel method for visualizing collisions effects between penetrating or non-penetrating objects. The interaction of 3D objects has been traditionally divided into two stages: the detection of a collision, and the response or effects after the collision. In this work, we concern ourselves with the latter. The rendering of collision effects is useful for virtual sculpting, virtual reality, surgery simulation and games. The interaction between two colliding objects has been used for virtual sculpting, where one object (virtual "tool"), generates indentations in the other object (virtual "clay"). This has been implemented in real-time with the aid of a distance field representation of the virtual tool. One of the assumptions of virtual sculpting, reminiscent of real sculpting materials (e.g., clay), is that objects are non-penetrating. In this paper, we generalize the notion of collision effects by allowing penetrating "tools", where the object is cut as the tool penetrates the object. The collision effect is such that the object is still deformed, but a break appears where the tool is. In this work, we use an implicit representation of the deformed object (virtual "clay"), as opposed to traditional mesh-based approaches. The ability to deform objects implicitly was exploited by our previous work [Correa et al. 2006a; Correa et al. 2006b], but they were concerned with simple primitive deformations such as twists or peels.
An automated plot harvest system for use with a commercial forage harvester

This automated harvest system is based on minimal modification of currently available commercial forage harvesters. Using 6.8 m plots separated by 0.75 m alleys, a single operator can harvest, finely chop, and collect wet plot weights of forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] or pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] in <1 min per plot. Harvested material is deposited in a pile in the center of each plot. Subsamples for moisture and quality analysis can easily and safely be obtained from the pile.
Design Criteria for Serial Chain Mechanisms Based on Kinetic Energy Ratios

In this article, a description of the kinetic energy partition values (KEPVs) of serial chain mechanisms, as well as their rates of change, is presented. The KEPVs arise from the partitioning of the mechanism's kinetic energy and correspond to the critical values of the kinetic energy ratios of the actuators and links and are indicators of the kinetic energy distribution within the system while the rates of change in the KEPVs indicate the sensitivity to change in the location of that kinetic energy. A high value for the KEPV rate of change together with a high operational state implies that the amount of kinetic energy fiowing in the system is large, further implying a loss of precision in the system due to large inertial torques being generated. The KEPVs and their rates can be used to identify the actuators whose parameters (mass, inertia, and mechanical gain) greatly affect the overall distribution of kinetic energy within the system, thereby allowing the designer to optimize these actuators to improve the performance of the overall mechanism. Two design criteria, one based on the KEPVs and another based on their rates of change, are developed. A two degree-of-freedom (DOF) planar mechanism is used to demonstrate the concepts and to verify the properties of the KEPVs and their rates. Also, a 6DOF spatial manipulator is used to illustrate the solution of a multicriteria design optimization problem where two conflicting criteria are considered: a KEPV criterion and an effective mass criterion. The goal of the design problem is to demonstrate how the inertial parameters of the actuators and the mechanical gains of the actuator transmissions alter the kinetic energy of the system both in terms of its magnitude, which is "measured" via the effective mass criterion, and its distribution, which is measured via the KEPV criterion. It is demonstrated that the mechanical gains in the actuators significantly influence the magnitude of the kinetic energy as well as its distribution within the system due to the inertial amplification. The KEPVs and their rates of change provide a novel new approach to analyzing the dynamic character of serial chain mechanisms.
A Structural Examination of the Predictors of Sexual Coercion Against Children in Adolescent Sexual Offenders

The study proposed an etiological model for sexually offending behavior against younger victims. In a sample of adolescent sexual offenders (N = 329), it tested whether attachment disruptions, specific maltreatment experiences, or combinations of early abuse experiences played a role in the development of certain unique, core personality traits (i.e., sexual inadequacy, psychopathy, child sexual arousal) that mediate the prediction of sexually coercive behavior. Juvenile sexual offenders were administered the Multidimensional Assessment of Sex and Aggression. In a structural equation model, four significant paths and one minimal path emerged that predicted the preference for younger victims. The model supports the contributory role of emotional abuse (i.e., neglect and antipathy) to the development of the latent variable psychopathy analysis inadequacies and suggests unique features in a subgroup of adolescent child molesters. Thus, this model provides data for the preliminary design of a dimensional mode...
Relative Cost of a Line of Vision in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose To quantitate the relative cost of new therapies for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) versus saved vision. Design Systematic review. Methods Landmark AMD treatment studies were reviewed to quantitate the visual benefit. For comparison, representative treatment studies for common retinal conditions including retinal detachment, macular hole (MH), epiretinal membrane (ERM), and diabetic retinopathy were also reviewed. Main Outcome Measures Several parameters to estimate Snellen lines of vision saved were defined and tabulated for each condition. A regimen of office visits, ancillary testing, and treatments was outlined. Costs for this were tabulated using Medicare-allowable costs, and costs of visual benefit (per line of vision) for each condition were calculated. Life expectancy was factored in to calculate the cost of a line of vision for each year (line-year). The proportions of costs allocated to professional, technical, and pharmaceutical expenses were tabulated for each therapy. Results The cost per line of vision saved for AMD therapies ranged from $997 for laser for extrafoveal choroidal neovascularization, to $5509 for photodynamic therapy for occult lesions, to $12 482 for pegaptanib injections. This compares to $651 for retinal detachment repair, $1658 for MH repair, $2411 for ERM peeling, $5458 for diabetic macular edema laser, $594 for panretinal photocoagulation, and $2984 to $4178 for diabetic vitrectomy. The costs per line-years ranged from $77 to $1248 for AMD, and $21 to $194 for the comparison conditions. The proportion of costs for pegaptanib treatment was 17% for professional fees and 70% for pharmaceutical fees. Assumptions incorporated in estimating costs for pegaptanib could easily have doubled because second-year costs might approximate first-year costs and the maintenance of treatment effect has not been well established. Conclusions Although correctly heralded as a breakthrough in macular degeneration treatment, new pharmacologic therapies for AMD are extremely expensive and some yield marginal visual dividends. As in all fields of medicine that provide care to elderly patients, these costs should be considered as they relate to health care costs for the individual patient and payors, and must be considered in a larger perspective of health care benefit apportionment.
Endothelial progenitor cell biology in disease and tissue regeneration

Endothelial progenitor cells are increasingly being studied in various diseases ranging from ischemia, diabetic retinopathy, and in cancer. The discovery that these cells can be mobilized from their bone marrow niche to sites of inflammation and tumor to induce neovasculogenesis has afforded a novel opportunity to understand the tissue microenvironment and specific cell-cell interactive pathways. This review provides a comprehensive up-to-date understanding of the physiological function and therapeutic utility of these cells. The emphasis is on the systemic factors that modulate their differentiation/mobilization and survival and presents the challenges of its potential therapeutic clinical utility as a diagnostic and prognostic reagent.
Plate Thickness Variation Effects on Crack Growth Rates in 7050-T7451 Alloy Thick Plate

A study has been accomplished to characterize the fatigue crack growth rates and mechanisms in thick plate (16.51 cm) commercial grade 7050-T7451 aluminum plate in the L-S orientation. Examination of the effects of potential property gradients in the plate material was accomplished through hardness measurements along the short transverse direction and with compact tension tests. Tests exhibited a distinct trend of reduced center plane hardness in the plates. Compact tension specimens and the compliance method were used to determine crack growth rates for specimens machined from the t/4 and t/2 planar locations and oriented for L-S crack growth. Crack growth rate data (long crack) from the tests highlighted significant growth rate differences between the t/4 and t/2 locations. No significant effect of R-ratio was observed in the 0.05-0.3 range tested. Additionally, crack front splitting was noted in all specimens to differing degrees with data showing significant retardation of growth rate curves for the L-S orientation above 13 MPa √m in the center plane, and 10 MPa √m at quarter plane, where branching and splitting parallel to the load axis are dominant growth mechanisms.
Whooping crane demographic responses to winter drought focus conservation strategies

Focusing conservation strategies requires identifying the demographic parameters and environmental conditions affecting the growth of animal populations most. Therefore, we examined relationships between population demographics and winter drought (1950–2011) for endangered whooping cranes (Grus americana) wintering in Texas, USA. We modeled winter loss and its contribution to annual mortality as functions of winter drought, determined recruitment needed to maintain population growth after drought, and identified which demographic parameters underpin this population’s growth. Previous research assumed winter loss (i.e., birds missed in subsequent surveys) represented mortality. We show that loss includes temporary emigration to upland habitats, early migration, and incomplete detection. Despite this, we maintained this assumption to evaluate the relevance of winter mortality to population growth. We found that winter loss ( b ¼� 0:308, SE = 0.042) and its contribution to annual mortality ( b ¼� 0:318, SE = 0.047) increased with drought severity (Palmer hydrological drought index; PHDI). Given average recruitment (0.145, SD = 0.090), this population increases 1.2% (95% CI = � 2.9% to 4.2%) after extreme drought (PHDI = � 4). No recruitment must occur for 3 years with moderate to severe drought (PHDI < � 2.5) to delay species’ recovery � 7 years. This scenario has not occurred since population monitoring began in 1938. Of the demographic parameters we examined, winter loss explained population growth least (14.4%; 95% CI = 3.6–35.8%), and it was partially compensatory. Breeding–migratory mortality explained 42.2% (95% CI = 19.1–61.5%) of population growth and recruitment 49.9% (95% CI = 20.6–75.2%). Our results focus conservation on breeding and migratory periods, and deemphasize winter mortality and drought. On the wintering grounds, conservation of whooping cranes should emphasize maintaining coastal, upland, and interior habitats for this population. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creative
Autoconfocal microscopy with a cw laser and thermionic detection

We introduce an application of thermionic emission in a PMT photocathode. Because of the nonlinear dependence of thermionic emission on absorbed laser power, a conventional PMT is found to produce a virtual pinhole effect that rejects unfocused light at least as strongly as a physical pinhole. This virtual pinhole effect is exploited in a scanning transmission confocal microscope equipped with a cw laser source. Because the area of the PMT photocathode is large, signal descanning is not required and thermionic detection acts as a self-aligned pinhole. Our technique of thermionic-detection autoconfocal microscopy is further implemented with graded-field contrast to obtain enhanced phase-gradient sensitivity in unlabeled samples, such as rat hippocampal brain slices.
Statistical analysis of integrated passive delay lines

The statistical properties of integrated passive LC delay lines are investigated. A new variation using spiral inductors and vertical parallel plate (VPP) capacitors is introduced, whose delay is primarily determined by the lateral dimensions, resulting in very accurate and repeatable delays. An MIM-based version of this line is also fabricated for comparison. Additionally, LC delay-based oscillators are implemented to compare the variations in active and passive delay elements. Experimental data is obtained from measurement of 27 and 47 sites on two wafers from two different process runs, respectively. The measurements show 0.6% delay variations for VPP-based delay line compared to 1.0% for its MIM-based counterpart.
Lipid rafts, protein scaffolds, and neurologic disease

Lipid rafts are specialized microdomains of the plasma membrane that interact with proteins involved in vesicular transport and signaling mechanisms. Lipid rafts are enriched in cholesterol, sphingolipids, and scaffolding proteins, such as caveolins and septins.1–5 Although the precise functions of lipid rafts are still controversial and largely based on in vitro studies there is evidence that lipid rafts and associated scaffolding proteins may be involved in the pathogenesis of neurologic disease. For example, mutations of caveolin-3 have been associated with phenotypically diverse muscle disorders.6 Lipid rafts may also be the site of abnormal processing of amyloid precursor protein and prion protein.7 Impaired septin 4 function may contribute to synuclein accumulation and neurotoxicity in Parkinson disease (PD).8–10 There are several comprehensive reviews on the composition and potential functions of lipid rafts and their associated scaffold proteins.1–5,10 This brief review selectively focuses on some of these concepts that may have implications for neurologic disease. The plasma membrane is a lipid bilayer organized into discrete compartments or microdomains through lipid-lipid, lipid-protein, and membrane-cytoskeletal interactions.1,2 Lipids rafts are microdomains that are particularly rich in cholesterol and sphingolipids (glycolipids and sphingomyelin) and act as platforms for colocalization and interaction of proteins involved in vesicular transport, signaling mechanisms, and other functions2–4 (table). Proteins associated with lipid rafts include cell surface proteins that are attached to the membrane by a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor and proteins are that covalently modified by conjugation with saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic acid, present in the sphingolipids side chain. Lipid rafts are also characterized by their interactions with the cytoskeleton.1,2 Two types of lipid rafts are caveolae (little caves, figure) and planar lipid rafts.4 View this table: Table Some of the proteins associated with lipid rafts and potential functional implications Figure Examples of possible …
Predictors of Dieting and Disordered Eating Behaviors From Adolescence to Young Adulthood

Abstract Purpose To identify personal and socioenvironmental factors associated with the persistence of dieting or disordered eating from adolescence to young adulthood and factors associated with the initiation of dieting or disordered eating during young adulthood. Methods Participants (n = 4,746) completed EAT-I surveys as adolescents; EAT-III surveys were completed 10 years later by 1,902 of the original participants (1,082 females and 820 males). Results Study results indicate that there are personal factors, including weight concerns, weight importance, depressive symptoms and body satisfaction, present during adolescence that are predictive of an individual's engagement in dieting or disordered eating behaviors 10 years later. For example, among both males and females, weight importance was found to be predictive of continued dieting and disordered eating from adolescence through young adulthood. For example, 26.1% of males with low levels of weight concern at baseline reported engaging in persistent disordered eating as compared with 60.4% of males with high levels of weight concern at baseline (prevalence difference: 34.3; 95% confidence interval: 10.5–58.1; p Conclusions Personal factors identified during adolescence were found to be predictive of both persistent dieting and disordered eating from adolescence into young adulthood, as well as initiation of these behaviors during young adulthood. In particular, weight concerns and weight importance were found to be predictive in most models providing support for inclusion of these factors in adolescent health screening.
Repair-Resistant Mutation in Neurospora

Chronic UV treatment produces severalfold fewer mutations in Neurospora conidia than does the same total dose of acute UV. Experiments were designed to determine the conditions required for chronic UV mutagenesis. Measurement of the coincidence frequency for two independent mutations revealed the existence of a subset of cells which are mutable by chronic UV. Analysis of forward mutation at the mtr locus showed that the genetic alterations produced by chronic UV were virtually all point mutants, even though the assay system could detect alterations or deletions extending into neighboring genes. A significant fraction of the mutants produced by acute UV were multigenic deletions. The size of the dose-rate effect (acute UV mutation frequency divided by chronic UV mutation frequency) was compared for several different mutation assay systems. Forward mutations (recessive lethals and mtr) gave values ranging from four to nine. For events which were restricted to specific molecular sites (specific reversions and nonsense suppressor mutations), there was a wider range of dose-rate ratios. This suggests that chronic UV mutation may be restricted to certain molecular sequences or configurations.
Practical issues with using network tomography for fault diagnosis

This paper investigates the practical issues in applying network tomography to monitor failures. We outline an approach for selecting paths to monitor, detecting and confirming the existence of a failure, correlating multiple independent observations into a single failure event, and applying existing binary networking tomography algorithms to identify failures. We evaluate the ability of network tomography algorithms to correctly detect and identify failures in a controlled environment on the VINI testbed.
Radar Measurement of Rainfall—A Summary

Abstract Radar can produce detailed precipitation information for large areas from a single location in real time. Although radar has been used experimentally for nearly 30 years to measure rainfall, operational implementation has been slow. Today we find that data are underutilized and both confusion and misunderstanding exist about the inherent ability of radar to measure rainfall, about factors that contribute to errors, and about the importance of careful calibration and signal processing. Areal and point rainfall estimates are often in error by a factor of two or more. Error sources reside in measurement of radar reflectivity factor, evaporation and advection of precipitation before reaching the ground, and variations in the drop-size distribution and vertical air motions. Nevertheless, radar can be of lifesaving usefulness by alerting forecasters to the potential for flash flooding. The most successful technique for improving the radar rainfall estimates has been to “calibrate” the radar with rain g...
Complementary analytical methods for analysis of Ag-plated cultural heritage objects

Abstract In a preliminary study of American silver-plated cultural heritage objects with the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), variable plating thickness was observed, which complicates non-destructive characterization of the base metal. Therefore, the objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of three non-destructive complementary analytical methods to characterize both the plating and the base metal of a typical Ag-plated object and to contrast these results with conventional destructive metallographic methods. An externally purchased 20th century sacrificial Ag-plated “Century” fork was chosen for this study and is similar to one found in the DMA's collection. First conventional destructive metallographic methods, where cross-sections were taken and then characterized using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), were employed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the non-destructive methods. The first non-destructive method, synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (SR-XRD), reveals the plating thickness, texture related to processing methods, and the phases present in both the base metal and the plating. The second method, dual beam focused ion beam (FIB)/(SEM) equipped with an (EDS) system, provides elemental composition of both the plating and the base metal, as well as imaging of the plating thickness and grain structure, giving some insight into processing methods. The last non-destructive method, handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, provides qualitative elemental compositions of both the plating and the base metal. Each non-destructive analytical method yields complementary results about the composition, plating thickness, texture, and phases present in the plating and base metal of the Ag-plated “Century” fork and aids in the verification of the results from the other methods. Through these methods, we show that successful characterization of Ag-plated cultural heritage objects is possible non-destructively, thus maintaining the object's structural, historical and artistic integrity.
THE EXPRESSION OF MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS IN URBAN FORESTED WETLANDS

Abstract Forested wetlands in metropolitan areas function to support biodiversity, protect water quality, store floodwaters, and maintain streamflow, but they also function to provide natural areas for passive recreation, education, and esthetic appreciation for the surrounding human populations. However, the presence of dense human populations in the watersheds of wetlands is usually associated with disturbance and the diminution of the capacity of the wetlands to provide socially-valued ecological functions. I have examined indicators of biological, hydrologic, biogeochemical, and social functions in a sample of twenty-one mature forested wetlands located in northeastern New Jersey, USA, part of the New York City metropolitan region, which supports over 2000 people km−2. The field data and the principal components analyses of the sets of indicator variables for each class of function showed that the wetlands were arrayed along well-defined complex gradients in each case and that some functions were bein...
Protecting Local Economies

This report, produced for the Legislature of the State of Washington, examined options for protection of local communities associated with transfers of water. It provides a summary of relevant laws from other states. It proposes that agricultural communities consider making some water available on a temporary basis as a means of providing benefits to the community and the owners of the water rights.
Deciding Representability of Sets of Words of Equal Length in Polynomial Time

De Bruijn sequences of order n represent the set A n of all words of length n over a given alphabet A in the sense that they contain occurrences of each of these words. Recently, the computational problem of representing subsets of A n by partial words, which are sequences that may have holes that match each letter of A, was considered and shown to be in \(\mathcal{NP}\). However, membership in \(\mathcal{P}\) remained open. In this paper, we show that deciding if a subset is representable can be done in polynomial time. Our approach is graph theoretical.
S15.2 Social Networking and Diffusion of Risks and Interventions Among Youth

Use of online social networking technologies has been growing rapidly, especially among groups at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as men who have sex with men (MSM), homeless youth, and African American and Latino populations. International studies are beginning to suggest a number of important relationships between social networking technologies, at-risk populations, and risk for sexually transmitted infections: (1) At-risk populations are using social networking technologies to meet sexual partners, (2) Although at-risk populations who use social networking technologies are engaging in high rates of sexual intercourse, they are engaging in prevention behaviours that might mitigate their risk, and (3) Social networking technologies can be used as platforms for scaling and diffusing STI prevention and testing interventions. Online social networks are tools that can be used to rapidly spread information and social norms. These same technologies that can be used to potentially spread STI transmission must also be implemented as tools for preventing transmission. Recent research is discussed.
Feasibility of Treated Power Plant Waste Water Reused as Wet Flue Gas Desulfurization Processing Water

This paper introduces the relationship between wet flue gas desulfurization(FGD) processing water quality index and desulfurization operation in thermal power plants.Through the sampling analysis,the quality of the processing water and different types of waste water are compared.The feasibility of reusing treated waste water as the processing water is discussed and the implementation method of reusing is put forward by investigating the influence of processing water on desulfurization operation combined with the application cases.
The changes and significance of Tumor Necrosis Factorα and interleukin-6 in cerebrospinal fluid from epileptic patients

Objective To study the relationship among tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the immunologic pathogenesis of epilepsy. Methods A radioimmunoassay (RIA) method was used to detect the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from sixty-four patients with epilepsy (the epilepsy group) and thirty-eight healthy individuals (the control group), respectively. Results The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the epilepsy group were higher than those in the control group, there were statistically significant differences, P0.01. In comparison among different attack types, there were no statistically significant differences in TNF-α and IL-6. The correlation analysis suggested that there was a positive correlation between TNF-a and IL-6 (r=0.712, P0.01). Conclusion TNFα and IL-6 may be involved in the immunologic pathogenesis of epilepsy.
Voices of Survivors in Contemporary Fiction

Contemporary fiction by Jane Smiley and Margaret Atwood represents trauma within social contexts in order to emphasize the narrative and expressive aspects of severe circumstances. Although silence may accompany descriptions of the survivor’s experience, fiction provides multiple perspectives that allow readers to meditate on the variety of human responses to shock. The various traumatic responses beyond the notion of the unspeakable cultivate the subtleties of experience, which are expressed through behaviors, bodies, provisional identities, and survival strategies. This chapter offers a multidisciplinary interpretive framework that appreciates the complex nature of these depictions by shifting beyond the traditionalist Freudian perspective that focuses primarily on childhood traumas, repression, and repetition. My analysis will focus instead on the social, situational, and narrative aspects of trauma to argue that fiction by Jane Smiley and Margaret Atwood depicts the many avenues for expressing the voices of trauma through the survivor’s narrative.
The effects of prayer on attention resource availability and attention bias

ABSTRACTTwo experiments were used to measure the effects of prayer, contemplation or a control activity on attention resource capacity and attention bias. Results from a dual-task test in Experiment 1 indicated that allowing participants to pray about an issue in their lives improved subsequent task performance, but only for individuals who score highly on a measure of religiosity. Experiment 2 suggested that praying about a problem can bias attention in a word-search task. Similar effects were not observed for control activities. Thus, at least for people most likely to engage in religious behavior, praying about a problem appeared to liberate cognitive resources that are presumably otherwise consumed by worry and rumination, leaving individuals better able to process other information, and additionally to bias attention to favor detection of problem-relevant information. These effects suggest one cognitive process (attention) that may underlie how people come to perceive answers to prayers.
Risk of Seizures Following DTP and MMR Vaccines

The risk of a first seizure, subsequent seizures, and neurodevelopmental disability following the administration of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and whole-cell pertussis (DTP) vaccine and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine was studied by a retrospective review of children’s medical records at four health maintenance organizations, including University of Washington, Seattle; and Kaiser Permanente Groups in OR and CA, members of the CDC & P Vaccine Safety Datalink Project.
Diabetes Mellitus and Drug Refractory Epilepsy

Three teenagers with well-controlled epilepsy who developed drug refractory partial seizures correlated with nonketotic hyperglycemia and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are reported from the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, and Children’s Hospital, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Single-Stage Depressed Collector Experimental Results from a 110 GHz 1.5 MW Gyrotron at MIT

An internal mode converter with an axially studied cavity (V-2005) has been installed and successfully tested for the 110 GHz, 1.5 MW gyrotron at MIT. A good Gaussian beam was observed with an output power of 1.5 MW, operating at beam voltage of 96.6 kV and current of 42 A. The Gaussian beam waist was determined, and was found to be in good agreement with the designed value. Single-stage depressed collector experiment has been also carried out. The efficiency was 50 % at the output power of 1.5 MW at the depressed voltage of 25 kV.
the skeleton architecture, or the future of our worlds

And now, we reap Eva Yaa Asantewaa's planting of the skeleton architecture, or the future of our worlds, a two-hour, large group improvisation on Oct 22, 2016 during Danspace Project's 11th Platfor...
Associations of anxiety sensitivity and emotional symptoms with the subjective effects of alcohol, cigarettes, and cannabis in adolescents

Maladaptive emotional traits (anxiety sensitivity [AS], fear of anxiety-related sensations and consequences) and symptoms (major depressive disorder [MDD] and generalized anxiety disorder [GAD] symptoms) could play a role in altering sensitivity to the subjective effects of drugs of abuse in adolescents. Data were drawn from a longitudinal study of high school students in Los Angeles, CA, USA who completed surveys and reported past six-month use of alcohol (n=1054), cigarettes (n=297), or cannabis (n=706). At each of the four semi-annual waves during mid-adolescence (14-16years old), students reported positive and negative subjective drug effects experienced in the prior six-months. Controlling for covariates and the simultaneous covariance across the three domains of emotional dysfunction, AS was associated with more positive and negative cannabis effects (βs=0.09-0.16, ps<0.05), and MDD symptoms were associated with fewer negative cigarette effects (β=-0.13, p=0.04) and more negative cannabis effects (β=0.10, p=0.004). The acceleration of positive alcohol and cannabis effects over time was slower among adolescents with higher baseline MDD (MDD×time: β=-0.04, p=0.044) and GAD (GAD×time: β=-0.05, p=0.03) symptoms, respectively. These findings suggest that emotional dysfunction factors show differential and overlapping effects on subjective drug effects, which may vary across time. Future research should investigate emotional dysfunctions and subjective drug effects in relation to substance use across adolescence and emerging adulthood.
Sense of belonging to a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender event: the examination of affective bond and collective self-esteem

ABSTRACTThis study examined behavioral intentions of sexual minority attendees at an event from a sense-of-belonging perspective. Based on social identity theory, attendees’ social representations are examined via affective bond at the event level and collective self-esteem at the community level. A survey was conducted with 261 respondents from the sexual minority community at a large, annual lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) event. Findings revealed that affective bond positively impacts satisfaction and behavioral intentions. In addition, collective self-esteem also had a positive influence on behavioral intentions. Theoretical and managerial implications for event managers and destination managers are provided.
56 – Models to Study Surgical Nutrition and Metabolism

No single approach can satisfactorily address nutritional and metabolic questions. The use of multiple approaches provides information that can be utilized to make appropriate conclusions. “Metabolism” is a broad term that has whole body, regional, cellular, and molecular implications. The study of nutrition and metabolism as related to surgical diseases has been approached using a variety of different models, all which have their inherent strengths and weaknesses. These can generally be classified as whole body techniques, regional/organ models, studies in cultured cells, and research using organelles. Human studies are the most relevant but also the most difficult to perform because there are limits to the types of studies that can be performed and the amount of tissue and/or blood that can be sampled. Moreover, human studies require approval by the Institutional Review Board, informed consent, and proper patient selection. Certain invasive studies are not feasible in human subjects and, therefore, must be done in intact animals, isolated organs, or cultured cells.
Fertility counseling and preservation: considerations for the pediatric endocrinologist

Infertility is a distressing consequence of numerous pediatric medical conditions and treatments. The field of pediatric fertility preservation has expanded rapidly over the past decade, and clinical guidelines emphasize the importance of discussing infertility risk and fertility preservation options with patients and families in a timely manner. Understanding the various mechanisms and presentations of fertility issues across diagnoses is imperative to provide counseling to patients and families, and identify individuals who may benefit from fertility preservation. The goals of this manuscript are to outline current fertility preservation options in pediatrics, review populations at-risk for infertility that are seen in pediatric endocrinology, and discuss other important issues related to fertility preservation including ethical considerations.
Reflections on Critical Thinking: Lessons from a Quasi-Experimental Study

In a pre/post quasi-experimental study assessing the impact of a specific curriculum on critical thinking, the authors employed a critical thinking curriculum in two sections of a U.S. foreign poli...
A journey to entrepreneurship: Converting a dream into reality - A case study

Abstract. Owning one’s own business is the realization of the dreams of many ambitious young men and women. However, business ownership has its rewards and challenges. The rewards are often financial and non-financial. It is one of the best means of wealth creation, but it can be a big disappointment and could have disastrous consequences if the entrepreneur chooses the wrong product/service, does not prepare a complete and realistic business plan, or is not adequately prepared to react to unanticipated difficulties and challenges. The subject in this case, Uchechi Tatsa, is contemplating starting an import business, and trying to prepare the necessary plans that would be appealing enough to a venture capital firm to provide needed seed money. Thus, this case focuses on the planning phase in entrepreneurships, and the ability of a young entrepreneur, with no prior business experience, to create and run a new venture. It is written for potential entrepreneurs and students in Entrepreneurship and introductory business classes. Keywords. Entrepreneurship, The business plan, The business concept, Venture capital, Profit margin, Return on investment (ROI). JEL. F23, G18, G38. Bilal KARGI 12.00 Normal 0 21 false false false TR X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Normal Tablo"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
Robust On-Line Streaming Clustering.

With the explosion of ubiquitous continuous sensing, on-line streaming clustering continues to attract attention. The requirements are that the streaming clustering algorithm recognize and adapt clusters as the data evolves, that anomalies are detected, and that new clusters are automatically formed as incoming data dictate. In this paper, we extend an earlier approach, called Extended Robust On-Line Streaming Clustering (EROLSC), which utilizes both the Possibilistic C-Means and Gaussian Mixture Decomposition to perform this task. We show the superiority of EROLSC over traditional streaming clustering algorithms on synthetic and real data sets.
Psychobiological Models of Infant Development: Influences on the Concept of Intuitive Parenting

Recent changes in the field of developmental psychology have included the gradual easing of boundaries once separating many related disciplines. This phenomen, as well as a number of specific scholars, have greatly influenced the development of the conceptual framework of intuitive parenting, from which one can view and interpret the intricate details of the emerging parent-infant relationship. Another important shift has been in the direction of overcoming some of the dichotomies - nature vs. nurture, stimulus vs. response, continuity vs. discontinuity, and aggressive vs. prosocial tendencies - which were once the focus of many research efforts and debates. Insights derived from studies of early parenting behaviours and their potential meaning, may serve to elucidate further discussions of these conceptual issues.
Psychodynamic and Supportive Psychotherapy

Attention to medical patients’ emotional states or psychic conflicts has a beneficial effect on their overall management (Smith, Glass & Miller, 1980; Thompson & Thompson, 1985). When patients internalize anxiety, for example, this can lead to physiological symptoms, such as high blood pressure and increased pulse or gastrointestinal problems (Rotman et al., 1977). And interventions that help the patient identify the source of the stress and deal with the anxiety can have a positive effect on the body.
Onset of orbital motion in a trailing vortex from an oscillating wing

The onset and development of orbital motion of a trailing vortex from a wing undergoing small amplitude heaving motion is investigated using stereo particle image velocimetry in conjunction with three-dimensional reconstruction techniques. The effect of Strouhal number is examined via space–time representations of axial and azimuthal vorticity, axial velocity deficit and swirl ratio. At low Strouhal number, the undulation of the vortex remains unidirectional with no amplification in the streamwise direction. In contrast, at high Strouhal number, the amplitude of vortex undulation can increase by up to a factor of ten in the streamwise direction. These large amplitudes occur during orbital motion of the vortex. Irrespective of the value of either the Strouhal number of excitation or the streamwise location along the undulating vortex, generic physical mechanisms occur. Changes in curvature along the vortex are closely related to changes in the axial velocity deficit, extreme values of axial vorticity and swirl ratio and the onset and attenuation of pronounced azimuthal vorticity.
"R U Mad?": Computerized text analysis of affect in social media relates to stress and substance use among ethnic minority emerging adult males.

Objective This study examined the interactive role of affectivity and stress in substance use severity among ethnic minority, emerging adult males, using linguistic indicators of affect obtained through social media. Method Participants were 119 emerging adult, ethnic minority males (ages 18-25) who provided access to their mobile phone text messaging and Facebook activity for 6-months. Computerized text analysis (LIWC2015) was used to obtain linguistic indices of positive and negative affect from texts and Facebook posts. The Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure stress, and items from the Drug Abuse Screening Test were used to measure substance use severity. Results Generalized estimating equations showed that higher negative affect in texts was associated with greater substance use severity. Stress moderated the relationship between positive affect expressed in Facebook posts and substance use such that higher positive affect in Facebook posts was associated with less substance use at higher stress and greater substance use at lower stress. Conclusions Findings highlight the complexities of interactions between stress and affectivity. Findings could inform development of substance use interventions for young males that employ social technologies.
A Semantic Representation of Sensor Data to Promote Proactivity in Home Assistive Robotics

IoT technology integrated in smart home environments produces a huge and heterogeneous amount of data that can be used to characterize events that occur inside an environment as well as activities that a person is performing. The knowledge that can be extracted from such data can be used to proactively facilitate the daily living of the person with physical and/or cognitive weaknesses. This paper describes work aiming at better taking advantage of those data by integrating a cognitive loop composed by a semantic representation and a decision making functionality. In particular, the paper presents results of the Knowledge-based cOntinuous Loop (KOaLa) research initiative particularly focusing on the use of semantic technology to represent and reason on sensor data to enable the triggering of proactive services toward the users in an intelligent home.
The Diagnosis of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Very Preterm Infants. An Evidence-based Approach.

Rationale: Current diagnostic criteria for bronchopulmonary dysplasia rely heavily on the level and duration of oxygen therapy, do not reflect contemporary neonatal care, and do not adequately pred...
Lithotripsy-Facilitated Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty for Senile Degenerative Mitral Valve Stenosis.

An 81-year-old man with calcified mitral stenosis and a mean diastolic gradient of 11 mm Hg ([Figure 1A][1], [Online Video 1][2]) presented with New York Heart Association functional class III heart failure. Deemed inoperable by the multidisciplinary team, the patient was screened for possible
Effects of midfoot joint mobilization on ankle-foot morphology and function following acute ankle sprain. A crossover clinical trial.

Abstract Background Midfoot joint impairment is likely following lateral ankle sprain (LAS) that may benefit from mobilization. Objective To investigate the effects of midfoot joint mobilizations and a one-week home exercise program (HEP) compared to a sham intervention and HEP on pain, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), ankle-foot joint mobility, and neuromotor function in young adults with recent LAS. Methods All participants were instructed in a stretching, strengthening, and balance HEP and were randomized a priori to receive midfoot joint mobilizations (forefoot supination, cuboid glide and plantar 1st tarsometatarsal) or a sham laying-of-hands. Changes in pain, physical, psychological, and functional PROs, foot morphology, joint mobility, pain-to-palpation, neuromotor function, and dynamic balance were assessed pre-to-post treatment and one-week following. Participants crossed-over following a one-week washout to receive the alternate treatment and were assessed pre-to-post treatment and one-week following. ANOVAs, t-tests, proportions, and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess changes in outcomes. Cohen's d and 95% CI compared treatment effects at each time-point. Results Midfoot joint mobilization had greater effects (p Conclusion Midfoot joint mobilizations and HEP yielded greater pain reduction and perceived improvement compared to sham and is recommended in a comprehensive rehabilitation program following LAS.
Diet, weight management, physical activity and Ovarian & Breast Cancer Risk in women with BRCA1/2 pathogenic Germline gene variants: systematic review

Women with pathogenic germline gene variants in BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 are at increased risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer. While surgical and pharmacological approaches are effective for risk-reduction, it is unknown whether lifestyle approaches such as healthful dietary habits, weight management, and physical activity may also contribute to risk-reduction. We conducted a systematic review of evidence related to dietary habits, weight status/change, and physical activity on ovarian and breast cancer risk among women with BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants. We searched Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PubMed, and clinicaltrials.gov up to October 3, 2019. We identified 2775 records and included 21. There is limited evidence related to these factors and ovarian cancer risk. For breast cancer risk, evidence suggests higher diet quality, adulthood weight-loss of ≥10 pounds, and activity during adolescence and young-adulthood may be linked with decreased risk. Higher meat intake and higher daily energy intake may be linked with increased risk. There is not enough evidence to suggest tailored recommendations for dietary habits or weight management among women with BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants compared to the general population for ovarian and breast cancer risk-reduction, and physical activity recommendations should remain the same.