cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A low-power low-data-rate neural recording system with adaptive spike detection

A design of small, low-power, low-data rate, wireless 32-channel neural recording system for small animal head-stage is presented. A neural pre-amplifier has low-input-referred-noise of 1.95 muVrms and consumes 53.6 muW. To enable digital telemetry with optimized bandwidth under size and power constraint for small-animal headstage, we propose to separately record spikes and local-field potentials. An adaptive spike detector using absolute value algorithm accompanied with 7th-order all-pass delay filter provides accurate on-chip acquisition of spike waveform in duration of 2 ms. A low-power 10-bit and 5-bit resolution A/D converters running at 22 Ksamples/s for active spikes and 200 samples/s for local field potential, respectively, can be integrated with the proposed system. Using adaptive bandwidth control, we achieve reduction of data-rate up to seven times which provides compatibility to 1 Mbps ultra low power Bluetooth technology. Total power consumption of single channel excluding ADCs is 109.58 muW in 3.3 V power supply.
A polynomial-time algorithm for a class of protein threading problems.

This paper presents an algorithm for constructing an optimal alignment between a three-dimensional protein structure template and an amino acid sequence. A protein structure template is given as a sequence of amino acid residue positions in three-dimensional space, along with an array of physical properties attached to each position; these residue positions are sequentially grouped into a series of core secondary structures (central helices and beta sheets). In addition to match scores and gap penalties, as in a traditional sequence-sequence alignment problem, the quality of a structure-sequence alignment is also determined by interaction preferences among amino acids aligned with structure positions that are spatially close (we call these 'long-range interactions'). Although it is known that constructing such a structure-sequence alignment in the most general form is NP-hard, our algorithm runs in polynomial time when restricted to structures with a 'modest' number of long-range amino acid interactions. In the current work, long-range interactions are limited to interactions between amino acids from different core secondary structures. Dividing the series of core secondary structures into two subseries creates a cut set of long-range interactions. If we use N, M and C to represent the size of an amino acid sequence, the size of a structure template, and the maximum cut size of long-range interactions, respectively, the algorithm finds an optimal structure-sequence alignment in O(21C NM) time, a polynomial function of N and M when C = O(log(N + M)). When running on structure-sequence alignment problems without long-range intersections, i.e. C = 0, the algorithm achieves the same asymptotic computational complexity of the Smith-Waterman sequence-sequence alignment algorithm.
Induction of morphological deformities in Chironomus tentans exposed to zinc‐ and lead‐spiked sediments

Laboratory experiments were used to assess morphological responses of Chironomus tentans larvae exposed to three levels of zinc and lead. Chironomus tentans egg masses were placed into triplicate control and metal-spiked aquaria containing the measured concentrations 1,442, 3,383, and 5,562 microg/g Pb dry weight and 1,723, 3,743, and 5,252 microg/g Zn dry weight. Larvae were collected at 10-d intervals after egg masses were placed in aquaria until final emergence. Larvae were screened for mouthpart deformities and metal body burdens. Deformities increased with time of exposure in both Zn and Pb tanks. Deformity rates between the three Zn concentrations differed statistically, with low and medium Zn levels containing the highest overall deformity rates of 12%. Deformity rates for larvae held in the Pb aquaria were found to differ significantly. Larvae in the low-Pb tanks had a deformity rate of 9%. Larvae and water from both the Zn and Pb aquaria had increasing metal concentrations with increasing sediment metal concentration. Results demonstrate that Zn and Pb each induce chironomid mouthpart deformities at various concentrations. However, a clear dose-related response was not demonstrated. Our research provides more support for the potential use of chironomid deformities as a tool for the assessment of heavy metal pollution in aquatic systems.
Seismic velocity anisotropy and heterogeneity beneath the Mantle Electromagnetic and Tomography Experiment (MELT) region of the East Pacific Rise from analysis of P and S body waves

[1] We use teleseismic P and S delay times and shear wave splitting measurements to constrain isotropic and anisotropic heterogeneity in the mantle beneath the southern East Pacific Rise (SEPR). The data comprise 462 P and S delay times and 18 shear wave splitting observations recorded during the Mantle Electromagnetic and Tomography (MELT) Experiment. We estimate the mantle melt content (F) and temperature (T) variation from the isotropic velocity variation. Our results indicate that the maximum variation in F beneath our array is between zero and ∼1.2%, and maximum variation in T is between zero and ∼100 K. We favor an explanation having partial contributions from both T and F. We approximate the seismic anisotropy of the upper mantle with hexagonal symmetry, consistent with the assumption of two dimensionality of mantle flow. Our new tomographic technique uses a nonlinear inversion of P and slow S polarization delay times to simultaneously solve for coupled VP and VS heterogeneity throughout the model and for the magnitude of anisotropy within discrete domains. The domain dimensions and the dip of the anisotropy are fixed for each inversion but are varied in a grid search, obtaining the misfit of the models to the body wave delay data and to split times of vertically propagating S waves. The data misfit and the isotropic heterogeneity are sensitive to domain dimensions and dip of anisotropy. In a region centered beneath the SEPR the best average dip of the hexagonal symmetry axis is horizontal or dipping shallowly (<30°) west. Given the resolution of our data, a subaxial region characterized by vertically aligned symmetry axes may exist but is limited to be <80 km deep. We infer that the mantle flow beneath the SEPR is consistent with shallow asthenospheric return flow from the direction of the South Pacific superswell.
The morpho-syntax of silent wh-expressions in Wolof

This paper analyzes the morphology and syntax of wh-expressions and agreeing complementizers in Wolof, an Atlantic language. I argue that Wolof possesses a set of null wh-expressions, in addition to a set of overt ones. The null wh-expressions occur in a relative clause-like construction in which they trigger agreement on a complementizer. I examine the properties of the null wh-expressions and compare them to their overt counterparts in Wolof. I provide evidence that the null wh-expressions, like the overt ones, move successive cyclically, and may trigger agreement on intermediate complementizers that occur in the movement pathway. I also compare the Wolof construction to a superficially similar complementizer agreement construction in the Bantu language Kinande, and to null operators in German and wh-drop in Dutch.
Experimental Investigation of 3-D Crack-Tip Deformation Using Moiré-Sagnac Interferometry

A combined Moire-Sagnac interferometry method was applied for in-plane and out-of-plane crack-tip surface deformation measurement. Based on 2-D and 3-D Jacobian derivative method (JDM), a stress intensity factor evaluation procedure is proposed. This procedure utilizes selected measured displacements around the crack-tip region as input nodal displacements to calculate the stress intensity factor and the results correlate well with the theoretical calculations. The extent of the 3-D crack-tip deformation zone is also discussed.
Pain intolerance in opioid-maintained former opiate addicts: effect of long-acting maintenance agent

Abstract Patients on methadone maintenance therapy are relatively intolerant of pain, a finding hypothesized to reflect a hyperalgesic state induced by chronic opioid administration. To explore if the intrinsic activity of the opioid maintenance agent might affect expression of hyperalgesia in this population, withdrawal latency for cold-pressor (CP) pain was compared between small groups of methadone-maintained ( n = 18), buprenorphine-maintained ( n = 18), and matched control ( n = 18) subjects. The opioid-maintained groups had equal and significantly shorter withdrawal latencies than controls, however it is possible that highs rates of continued illicit opioid use precluded finding differences between methadone and buprenorphine groups. Differential effects of maintenance agent were found for the few subjects without illicit opioid use, such that withdrawal latencies for methadone-maintained ( n = 5) were less than for buprenorphine-maintained ( n = 7) which were less than controls ( n = 18). Diminished pain tolerance in patients receiving opioid maintenance treatment has significant clinical implications. More research is needed to determine if buprenorphine offers advantages over methadone in this regard.
Multiview Facial Feature Tracking with a Multi-modal Probabilistic Model

Dynamically tracking facial features with large variation of face pose has been shown as one of the most challenging issues in facial feature tracking. The traditional statistical models employ a principal component analysis (PCA) to characterize the statistics of a set of example shapes, however they are restricted to a narrow view due to the global linearity assumption. In this paper, a novel model-based multi-modal probabilistic approach is proposed to capture the complicated relationships among facial features under different face poses by using a mixture of local linear probabilistic PCAs. Based on the probabilistic evaluation of the component Probabilistic PCAs, the proposed method provides an effective way to choose the appropriate local PCA automatically and accurately when face poses are undergoing large variations. Experiment results demonstrate that the proposed method could track the facial features robustly with high accuracy under large variations of pose over time.
Dynamic analysis of naive adaptive brain-machine interfaces

The closed-loop operation of brain-machine interfaces BMI provides a context to discover foundational principles behind human-computer interaction, with emerging clinical applications to stroke, neuromuscular diseases, and trauma. In the canonical BMI, a user controls a prosthetic limb through neural signals that are recorded by electrodes and processed by a decoder into limb movements. In laboratory demonstrations with able-bodied test subjects, parameters of the decoder are commonly tuned using training data that include neural signals and corresponding overt arm movements. In the application of BMI to paralysis or amputation, arm movements are not feasible, and imagined movements create weaker, partially unrelated patterns of neural activity. BMI training must begin naive, without access to these prototypical methods for parameter initialization used in most laboratory BMI demonstrations. Naive adaptive BMI refer to a class of methods recently introduced to address this problem. We first identify the basic elements of existing approaches based on adaptive filtering and define a decoder, ReFIT-PPF to represent these existing approaches. We then present Joint RSE, a novel approach that logically extends prior approaches. Using recently developed human-and synthetic-subjects closed-loop BMI simulation platforms, we show that Joint RSE significantly outperforms ReFIT-PPF and nonadaptive static decoders. Control experiments demonstrate the critical role of jointly estimating neural parameters and user intent. In addition, we show that nonzero sensorimotor delay in the user significantly degrades ReFIT-PPF but not Joint RSE, owing to differences in the prior on intended velocity. Paradoxically, substantial differences in the nature of sensory feedback between these methods do not contribute to differences in performance between Joint RSE and ReFIT-PPF. Instead, BMI performance improvement is driven by machine learning, which outpaces rates of human learning in the human-subjects simulation platform. In this regime, nuances of error-related feedback to the human user are less relevant to rapid BMI mastery.
Reinforcement in figure-ground perception.

Two parts (faces) of a reversible figure were differentially reinforced by giving S money whenever he was shown one of the faces and taking money from him whenever he was shown the other face. After these reinforcement trials, the 24 Ss were able to locate the face previously associated with reward reliably more rapidly than the other face. The results were interpreted as indicating that changes in figure perception may be influenced by past histories of reward and punishment associated with the figures.
More on ‘A Liar Paradox’

Tim Maudlin observed some time ago that, even if we discard Tarski’s T-biconditionals in favor of rules of inference, as Kripke (1975) suggests we should, we can still derive a contradiction from the law of excluded middle, if proof by cases is available.1 Suppose we have a sentence Λ for which (1) Λ ≡ ¬T(pΛq) Then we can reason as follows: (i) Λ ∨ ¬Λ Excluded Middle (ii) Λ Premise (iii) T(pΛq) T-intro (iv) ¬Λ (iii), (1) (v) ¬Λ (i), (iv), Proof by Cases (vi) T(pΛq) (v), (1) (vii) Λ T-elim (viii) Λ ∧ ¬Λ (v), (vii), ∧+ But we can improve this argument if we instead have a term λ for which (2) λ = p¬T(λ)q Then we can reason this way: 1 Maudlin showed me these sorts of argument when he visited Harvard in 1996. They play an important role in his book Truth and Paradox (Maudlin, 2004).
Telaprevir Versus Boceprevir in Chronic Hepatitis C: A Meta-Analysis of Data From Phase II and III Trials

Abstract Background Telaprevir and boceprevir are protease inhibitors now added to therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection who either are treatment naive or have a history of relapse or recurrence following a previous course of treatment with pegylated interferon + ribavirin (Peg-IFN + RBV). Because these agents are fairly new to the market, providers may have limited experience with them in the management of chronic HCV. Objective This meta-analysis compared 24- and 48-week sustained viral responses (SVR) and drug-related adverse events (AEs) between telaprevir and boceprevir triple-therapy regimens in the treatment of chronic HCV infection. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for articles published from January 1995 to October 2012 on randomized controlled trials that reported SVR at ≥24 weeks in patients with HCV receiving triple-therapy regimens that included telaprevir or boceprevir or placebo + pegylated interferon + ribavirin (Peg-IFN + RBV). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated and used to compare SVR at 24 and 48 weeks. Secondary end points included common drug-related AEs and treatment discontinuations. Results Eight studies were included in this meta-analysis (N = 4144 treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients). With telaprevir, the ORs (95% CI) for SVR at 24 weeks in treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients were 3.31 (2.27–4.82; P P = 0.001), respectively. Telaprevir triple therapy did not result in more drug-related discontinuations but did cause additional rash, pruritis, and anemia. With boceprevir, the ORs (95% CI) were improved in both treatment-naive and treatment experienced patients (3.55 [2.66-4.56; P P Conclusions Based on the findings from this meta-analysis, telaprevir or boceprevir combined with Peg-IFN + RBV had favorable short-term data on SVR while resulting in more drug-related AEs. Extended follow-up is required to determine whether these agents offer a reduction in the risk for chronic hepatitis C genotype 1–related mortality and/or hospitalization.
Using Systems Engineering and Reductionist Approaches to Design Integrated Farm Management Research Programs

Systems research is needed to more effectively use information generated through reductionist approaches. One example is the need to develop integrated farm management systems that can be envisioned as a collection of agricultural management strategies that incorporate concerns of farmers, farm suppliers, environmentalists, the local community, consumers, and the general public. Our objective was to use systems engineering methods to design an integrated farm management systems research program that could ultimately develop integrated farm management plans. Systematic steps included: (i) defining the problem, (ii) identifying all factors potentially affected by any solution, (iii) developing concepts for solving the problem, and (iv) evaluating four feasible concepts by quantifying tradeoffs associated with each solution [...]
Some Elementary Theorems on the Distribution of Prime Numbers

If x > 0 let π(x) denote the number of primes not exceeding x. Then π(x) → ∞ as x → ∞ since there are infinitely many primes. The behavior of π(x)as a function of x has been the object of intense study by many celebrated mathematicians ever since the ighteenth century. Inspection of tables of primes led Gauss (1792) and Legendre (1798) to conjecture that π(x) is asymptotic to x/log x, that is $$\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to \infty } \frac{{\pi \left( x \right)\log x}}{x} = 1. $$
Amplification of high energy picosecond pulses using Slab-Coupled Waveguide Amplifiers at 1550 nm

We demonstrate amplification of picosecond pulses centered at 1550 nm using slab-coupled waveguide amplifiers. For bias currents less than 1 A, we obtained a maximum unsaturated gain of 12.3 dB and a pulse saturation energy of ~50 pJ.
Ecologically Unequal Exchange, World Polity, and Biodiversity Loss A Cross-National Analysis of Threatened Mammals

There have been a few cross-national studies published that examine the determinants of threatened mammal species. However, these studies neglect insights from both ecologically unequal exchange theory and world polity theory. We seek to address this gap in the literature using cross-national data for a sample of 74 nations to construct negative binomial regression models with the number of threatened mammal species as the dependent variable. In doing so, we find substantial support for ecologically unequal exchange theory that flows of primary sector exports from poor to rich nations are associated with higher levels of threatened mammals in poor nations. We also find support for world polity theory that environmental non-governmental organizations are associated with lower levels of threatened mammals in poor nations. We conclude with a discussion of the findings, some policy implications, and possible directions for future research.
Escribiendo en agua: Catulo 70 y 72

Poems 70 and 72 of Catullus—epigrams telling of Lesbia’s promises to the poet, and her violation of them—are crucial to our understanding of Catullus, because of their stark contrast with the rest of the poems in the “Lesbia cycle”. The paradoxes created by Lesbia’s words and actions in the two poems, contribute directly to Catullus’ creative process. Moreover, the nature of the two poems themselves creates a paradox: they are written in elegiac meter, used for writing on stone, and yet they are nugae, trifles merely written on wax tablets to be erased.
The Sex Reversal Syndrome (The XX Male Patient)

Prenatal amniocentesis performed for advanced maternal age demonstrated a 46XX female karyotype. At birth, however, the infant was noted to be a phenotypic male with descended testes and severe chordee without hypospadias. Chromosomal analysis confirmed a female karyotype, while later surgical exploration revealed normal internal wolffian duct structures.
Simplified serum phosphorus analyses by continuous-flow ultraviolet spectrophotometry.

Serum phosphorus can be measured by continuous-flow uv spectrophotometry without reduction of the phosphomolybdate complex. The dilute sample is dialyzed into dilute (1 ml/100 ml) sulfuric acid, then mixed with an ammonium molybdate— sulfuric acid—"Tween 80" solution. The absorbance of the sample peaks is measured at 340 nm with a linear-absorbance spectrophotometer. Peak heights are directly proportional to concentration, because logarithmic conversion is performed within the spectrophotometer. The method obeys Beer’s law up to 10 mg of P per deciliter, and results correlate closely with those for standard methods based on reduced phosphomolybdate blue. The miniature manifold uses a 12-in. dialyzer. The sampling rate can be 60 to 120 samples per hour when a Gilford one-piece debubbler flow cell is used.
Breath-by-Breath End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Analysis for Patients on Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation

Monitoring of the peak expired (end-tidal) carbon dioxide partial pressure (PetCO2) has been advocated as a method for non-invasively following arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2) specifically and respiratory status more generally.1,2 In healthy individuals, agreement between PetCO2 and PaCO2 is good; however, large systematic studies of the agreement in patients in intensive care units have not been performed. In spite of the absence of these studies, manufacturers of both mass spectrometers and infra-red analysers for measuring PetCO2 are marketing their systems for long-term, non-invasive assessment of the PaCO2.
Model-Based Image Reconstruction: A General Framework for Multi-Modality Imaging of the Breast

Model-based image reconstruction can be applied to multiple imaging modalities because of the generalized way in which it casts the imaging task as a nonlinear optimization process. This provides a conceptual foundation for exploiting its common features across different physical approaches to imaging. Multi-modality physical property imaging also provides an opportunity to correlate tissue discriminates that may hold diagnostic value in combination. In this paper, we describe our efforts to apply the model-based image reconstruction framework to breast imaging through electrical impedance and near infrared exams delivered to the same subjects. Initial attempts to correlate these different physical properties yield interesting results.
Application of the FISF Technique to a Blended, 2-Foot Wing Section

This paper details the work on expanding the uncertainty characterization of the FringeImaging Skin Friction (FISF) technique, previously investigated independently by Ziliac and Naughton. The FISF technique measures the skin friction magnitude and direction by applying oil droplets on a surface, exposing them to flow, measuring their thickness, and correlating the thickness to the local skin friction. The technique has the unique ability to obtain global skin friction measurements, yielding essential data for Computational Fluid Dynamics validation efforts. A 2-foot blended wing section test article has been manufactured specifically for FISF. Various tests are applied the wing in order to further characterize uncertainties related with the FISF technique. Human repeatability has uncertainties of ±2.34% of fringe spacing and ±2.03° in skin friction vector direction, while image post processing yields ±25% of the skin friction coefficient. A method for measuring photogrammetry uncertainty is developed. The effect of filter variation and test repeatability was found to be negligible. A validation against a skin friction from a Preston tube is made. A secondary purpose of this test is to prepare for the application of the technique to the Advanced Model for Extreme Lift and Improved Aeroacoustics under a NASA Research Announcement.
Finding the right fit: implementation of a structured interviewing process for clinical nurse specialists.

PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND The purpose of this article is to describe how clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) in one organization developed a structured interviewing process for CNS candidates. The process has evolved in relation to implementation of national CNS competencies, growth of the role in the organization, and changes to reporting structure. OUTCOMES The CNS interview process includes panel interviews with various organizational leaders, CNSs, and team members. A behavioral-based tool relevant to the CNS role is used. Involving CNS peers in the interview ensures the successful hiring and retaining of suitable candidates. Clinical nurse specialists who were interviewed using the current peer interview procedure have reported satisfaction with the experience. IMPLICATIONS Peer interviews for CNSs provide a forum for meaningful dialogue about the CNS role, competencies, and fit with the organization. This process can be used for other advanced practice disciplines.
Intervention analysis of PICU parents of hospitalized children nursing risk informed

Objective: To understand the parents for PICU related nursing risk awareness,focus groups,to explore the doctor- patient communication contents and approaches. Methods: Questionnaire design unified,136 parents from January to June in 2013 in PICU were nursing risk awareness surveyed. Results: Among 136 parents,the unexpected drop,bedsore,phlebitis,catheter risk and use constraints to a risk informed degree were not high. The parents above 35 years old of catheter phlebitis risk and risk informed degree was significantly lower than the parents under the 35 years old,the nursing risk informed degree in gender,culture level of parents,parents and children relationship,times of hospitalization and hospitalization days and no statistic significance. Conclusion: Children with family members for the degree of PICU nursing risk is very limited,nursing assessment guidance under the rational targeted,timely medical care mutual communication,not only can protect patients' right to know,also can reduce the incidence of medical disputes.
Flexible Modelling of Genetic Effects on Function-Valued Traits

Genome-wide association studies commonly examine one trait at a time. Occasionally they examine several related traits with the hopes of increasing power; in such a setting, the traits are not generally smoothly varying in any way such as time or space. However, for function-valued traits, the trait is often smoothly-varying along the axis of interest, such as space or time. For instance, in the case of longitudinal traits like growth curves, the axis of interest is time; for spatially-varying traits such as chromatin accessibility it would be position along the genome. Although there have been efforts to perform genome-wide association studies with such function-valued traits, the statistical approaches developed for this purpose often have limitations such as requiring the trait to behave linearly in time or space, or constraining the genetic effect itself to be constant or linear in time. Herein, we present a flexible model for this problem—the Partitioned Gaussian Process—which removes many such limitations and is especially effective as the number of time points increases. The theoretical basis of this model provides machinery for handling missing and unaligned function values such as would occur when not all individuals are measured at the same time points. Further, we make use of algebraic re-factorizations to substantially reduce the time complexity of our model beyond the naive implementation. Finally, we apply our approach and several others to synthetic data before closing with some directions for improved modelling and statistical testing.
"I'm in this world for a reason": Resilience and recovery among American Indian and Alaska Native two-spirit women

American Indian and Alaska Native sexual minority (two-spirit) women are vulnerable to substance misuse and mental health challenges due to multiple minority oppressed status and exposure to stress and trauma. Yet, these women find pathways toward healing and wellness. We conducted a qualitative data analysis of interviews derived from a national health study and gained an understanding of 11 two-spirit women's resilience and recovery patterns. Emergent from the data, a braided resiliency framework was developed which elucidates multilayered abilities, processes, and resources involved in their resiliency. We recommend that resilience-promoting strategies be incorporated into substance misuse and mental health interventions.
The Cultural Politics of Colorblind TV Casting By Kristen J. Warner. New York and London: Routledge, 2015. 170 pp. $140.00 cloth.

As a biracial teenager living in the San Francisco Bay area in the early 1990s, I recall being struck by the 1992 film The Bodyguard, starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. Though not a cinema...
Mammalian Enamel Prism Patterns and Enamel Deposition Rates

Enamel prism patterns and enamel deposition rates were compared for specimens representing six mammalian orders. Enamel samples were characterized by either pattern 1 or pattern 3 prisms. Each prism pattern category contained prisms from at least two mammalian orders. Enamel deposition rate was estimated for each sample by measuring prism cross striation repeat intervals. Statistical analysis of cross striation repeat intervals illustrates significant differences in deposition rate between prism patterns 1 and 3. No statistically significant differences were found in deposition rate between the higher-level taxa represented within each prism pattern category. That enamel deposition rate is not taxonspecific reinforces the close association between deposition rate and prism morphology. In accord with previous studies, pattern 1 enamel is deposited more slowly than is pattern 3 enamel. Correlation analyses illustrated a lack of association between enamel deposition rate and body mass, tooth size, and estimated ameloblast size. Evidence that enamel deposition rate is associated with enamel prism morphology, coupled with evidence that deposition rate is not correlated with size parameters, points to developmental homology (i.e., homogeneous deposition rate) within each prism pattern.
Classroom Assessment of Reasoning Strategies

Publisher Summary This chapter addresses a key challenge confronting classroom teachers. This is how to employ systematic, sound methods to monitor and assess the growth of their students' reasoning strategies. Many of the examples quoted in the chapter come from the Multicultural Reading and Thinking Program (McRAT), a statewide program supported by the Arkansas Department of Education. The chapter is organized into seven sections. It briefly overviews some frameworks proposed for characterizing strategic reasoning. This is followed by the applications of a particular framework. It presents the general guidelines for sound measurement of reasoning strategies. Next, there are the classroom examples of assessments of student reasoning. Also, guidelines for providing professional development and support to schools are provided. Finally, it describes the approaches for evaluating thinking curricula, and a look ahead at ways in which technology can support the assessment of reasoning strategies. The chapter concludes by visualizing a better future for classroom assessment. As technology opens up new avenues for teachers and students, one day the classroom will have no bounds, and the demands and opportunities for thoughtful, lifelong learning will be available to all.
A Model of Bridge Choice Across the Mississippi River in Minneapolis

On September 18, 2008, a replacement for the previously collapsed I-35W bridge opened to the public. Consequently, travelers were once again confronted with the opportunity to find better alternatives. The traffic pattern of the Minneapolis road network was likely to readjust, because of the new link addition. However, questions arise about the possible reasons (or components in the route choice process) that are likely to influence travelers crossing the Mississippi, who had to choose among several bridge options, including the new I-35W bridge. A statistical model of bridge choice is specified and estimated employing weighted-least squares logit, and using Global Positioning System (GPS) data and web-based surveys collected both before and after the replacement bridge opened. In this way, the proportion of I-35W trips can be estimated depending on the assigned values of the explanatory variables, which include statistical measures of the travel time distribution experienced by the subjects, alternative diversity, and others. The results show that travel time savings and reliability were the main reasons for choosing the new I-35W bridge.
CC-chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) deficiency alters adipose tissue leukocyte populations in mice.

Abstract The mechanism by which macrophages and other immune cells accumulate in adipose tissue (AT) has been an area of intense investigation over the past decade. Several different chemokines and their cognate receptors have been studied for their role as chemoattractants in promoting recruitment of immune cells to AT. However, it is also possible that chemoattractants known to promote clearance of immune cells from tissues to regional lymph nodes might be a critical component to overall AT immune homeostasis. In this study, we evaluated whether CCR7 influences AT macrophage (ATM) or T‐cell (ATT) accumulation. CCR7 −/− and littermate wild‐type (WT) mice were placed on low‐fat diet (LFD) or high‐fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. CCR7 deficiency did not impact HFD‐induced weight gain, hepatic steatosis, or glucose intolerance. Although lean CCR7 −/− mice had an increased proportion of alternatively activated ATMs, there were no differences in ATM accumulation or polarization between HFD‐fed CCR7 −/− mice and their WT counterparts. However, CCR7 deficiency did lead to the preferential accumulation of CD8 + ATT cells, which was further exacerbated by HFD feeding. Finally, expression of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, such as Tnf , Il6 , Il1β , Ccl2 , and Ccl3 , was equally elevated in AT by HFD feeding in CCR7 −/− and WT mice, while Ifng and Il18 were elevated by HFD feeding in CCR7 −/− but not in WT mice. Together, these data suggest that CCR7 plays a role in CD8 + ATT cell egress, but does not influence ATM accumulation or the metabolic impact of diet‐induced obesity.
NONLINEAR AUTOREGRESSIVE DISTRIBUTED LAG APPROACH AND BILATERAL J‐CURVE: INDIA VERSUS HER TRADING PARTNERS

The J-curve studies related to India have mostly either used aggregate trade flows of India with the rest of the world or between India and its trading partners. They have all assumed exchange rate changes have symmetric effects on Indian trade balance. In this article, we use partial sum concept combined with the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag approach of Shin et al. to show that indeed in some instances, there are evidences of asymmetry effects of currency depreciation. This new nonlinear approach provides more support for the J-curve than the previous linear approaches. (JEL F31)
Play alone or together - truthful and efficient routing in wireless ad hoc networks with selfish nodes

A wealth of research proposals in ad hoc networks has been seen on the problem of routing along power efficient paths. However they do not take into account the interests of individual nodes. Managed by different profit-oriented entities, network nodes can no longer be assumed to cooperate with each other. Incentive-compatible routing seems to be more realistic to deal with selfish nodes in ad hoc networks. We propose the transmission power recursive auction mechanism (TEAM) routing protocol to prevent the selfish behavior and stimulate cooperative work from the game theoretic approach. It pays nodes for their services and makes cheating not attractive. Interests of nodes are best served if they only reveal true information. With some assumptions the truthfulness of TEAM can be proved. We present a theoretical bound of the power efficiency of TEAM protocol. It is also shown that, compared to another truthful routing protocol, Ad hoc-VCG, TEAM reduces the message complexity significantly.
Development of a Novel Shoulder Exoskeleton Using Parallel Actuation and Slip

This paper presents a 5 degree-of-freedom (DoF) low inertia shoulder exoskeleton that was developed using two novel technologies with a broad range of application. The first novelty is a 3-DoF spherical parallel manipulator (SPM) that uses three linear actuators. Each actuator is designed using a method of motion coupling such that the pitch and linear stroke DoF are dependent. By using an SPM, this shoulder exoskeleton takes advantage of the inherent low effective inertia property of parallel architecture. The second novelty is a 2-DoF passive slip mechanism that couples the user’s upper arm to the SPM. This slip mechanism increases system mobility and prevents joint misalignment caused by the translational motion of the user’s glenohumeral joint from introducing mechanical interference that could affect the device’s kinematic solution or harm the user. An experiment to validate the kinematics of the SPM was performed using motion capture. A computational slip model was created to quantify the slip mechanism’s response for different conditions of joint misalignment. In addition to offering a low inertia solution for the rehabilitation or augmentation of the human shoulder, the presented device demonstrates the technologies of actuator motion coupling and passive slip for use in exoskeletal systems. The use of motion coupling could be applied to other types of parallel actuated architectures in order to constrain the kinematics or improve stiffness characteristics. Passive slip mechanisms could have application in either serial or parallel actuated systems as a means of negating the adverse effects of joint misalignment.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
The (non)-effect of induced emotion on desire for different types of foods

Abstract Extensive prior research has demonstrated the interplay between emotion and eating, but there has not been an empirical examination of the effects of experimentally induced basic emotions on people’s desire for foods that vary in caloric density and taste quality. To address this issue, we used validated emotion induction manipulations to elicit feelings of anger, sadness, and happiness in 192 American college students, and then had them rate their desire to consume 16 food items that were either low or high in calories and sweet or savory. Participants desired both low and high calorie sweet foods and high-calorie savory foods over low-calorie savory foods. Some effects on overall desire to eat were also found, but induced emotion had no impact on the type of food desired, even when participants were strongly experiencing the emotion of interest. Our findings disentangle how emotions may influence overall motivation to eat versus desire for particular food types, and highlight the importance of research supporting the null hypothesis.
The new mothers’ little helpers: medicalization, victimization, and criminalization of motherhood via prescription drugs

In order to understand the relationship between nonmedical prescription drug use, gender, and crime, interviews were conducted with 40 incarcerated women who self-identified as nonmedical Rx users....
Preliminary results of a handheld, low-cost, and multi-wavelength spatial frequency domain imaging system for ex vivo cancer characterization

We present a handheld and low-cost spatial frequency domain imaging system that utilizes up to 9 LEDs. Its feasibility is evaluated by imaging human wrist in vivo and it is used for characterization of ex vivo ovarian and colon cancer samples.
Intestinal organoids in studying host−bacterial interactions

Abstract Researchers have developed various experimental models in vitro and in vivo to investigate the dynamics of interactions between bacteria and their hosts. Intestinal organoids are three-dimensional organ-buds that show realistic microanatomy, and that are created and used in vitro. Techniques for organoid culture have been improved since the early 2010s, and gut organoids are now actively used in basic and clinical research. Here, we focus on the feasibility of using intestinal organoids to study interactions between Salmonella and its host. We discuss the advantages of the approach, and highlight the challenges of this new experimental system.
Pediatric oral formulation of dendrimer-N-acetyl-l-cysteine conjugates for the treatment of neuroinflammation.

N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) commonly used as an antidote in acetaminophen poisoning has shown promise in the treatment of neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy (CP). However, NAC suffers from drawbacks such as poor oral bioavailability and suboptimal blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeability limiting its clinical success. It was previously demonstrated that intravenous administration of dendrimer-NAC (D-NAC) conjugates have shown significant promise in the targeted treatment of neuroinflammation, in multiple preclinical models. Development of an oral formulation of D-NAC may open new administrative routes for this compound. Here, we report the gastrointestinal stability, in vitro transepithelial permeability, and in vivo oral absorption and pharmacokinetics in rats of a pediatric formulation of D-NAC containing Capmul MCM (glycerol monocaprylate) as a penetration enhancer. D-NAC was stable for 6 h in all five simulated gastrointestinal fluids with no signs of chemical degradation. The apparent permeability (Papp) of D-NAC increased 9-fold in the formulation containing Capmul. The area under the curve [AUC]0-∞ of D-NAC with Capmul increased by 47% when compared to D-NAC alone. These results indicate that an oral pediatric formulation containing D-NAC and Capmul can be an effective option for the treatment of neuroinflammation.
The Public Interest Behind #JeSuisCharlie and #JeSuisAhmed: Social Media and Hashtag Virality as Mechanisms for Western Cultural Imperialism

As social creatures, humans are highly involved in storytelling. With the continued advancement of communication systems, the mechanisms for telling the narrative of human events also have evolved. Social media and the memetic properties of hashtags’ going viral are the apex of modern, digitally mediated, storytelling tools. This critical essay discussed two hashtags, i.e., narratives, of the Charlie Hebdo Paris shooting to illustrate how hashtag virality can be a mechanism for the spread and enforcement of Western perspectives. It then explored precedents under which international law could potentially warrant regulation of such behavior. Concerned with the protection of human diversity and cultural pluralism, this essay advanced a normative course of action to facilitate social change as conceived by an interdisciplinary framework.
The case for courts: Resolving information problems in authoritarian regimes

Authoritarian regimes are not known for adopting independent courts, yet the frequency of states empowering their judiciaries has steadily increased. In 1961 only 9% of autocracies had a partially ...
Nature, Spirit, and the Convergence of Christian and Islamic Ecopoetry, or, How Our Poets Can Help Us Rediscover Our Spiritual Connection to the Earth and Each Other

This paper is focused primarily on our ethical relationship to nature, but my concern here is that the success of any environmental or earth ethic must be grounded in spirituality. The main operating premise of the paper is that to address this spiritual grounding we need more than just religion to guide us especially as religions become more antagonistic toward and isolated from each other. I argue that if we cannot turn to our religious leaders we can turn to our poets since reacting to a poem’s pulse and images may resonate deeper than policy pronouncements. The poet is free to expand our understanding of the self and the other which means that it is the poetic that is best suited in a modern age to connect us to different viewpoints and show us our world as it is seen through the eyes of another and, perhaps more importantly, see our own reflections in the world around us. I utilize several poets from both the Christian and Islamic traditions but my primary focus is on the works of Wendell Berry and Jalal al-Din Muhammad known more popularly as Rumi. Through these poetic works I examine the roots of our disconnection from nature and attempt to show how poetry can help us replenish ourselves and restore nature by bringing us back to an understanding of Human that is a part of and partner with nature not its sovereign ruler. Toward this end I attempt to draw conclusions from both Christian and Islamic traditions to demonstrate how closely related their ecological projects are to one another in explaining the convergence of the ecological and religious world.
Cytoidentity of the Lymphoreticular Neoplasms

The motile mononuclear cells present in the tissues of man are functionally, morphologically, and developmentally heterogeneous. Despite this variety, it had not been possible to discriminate among normal or malignant mononuclear cells via conventional morphological and cytochemical approaches, and thus there is a continuing controversy over classification of the lymphomas (Dorfman, 1974). Schemes for the reclassification of neoplasms of these cells as proposed by Lukes and Collins (1974) and by Lennert et al. (1975) have depended on the recognition, based largely on morphological considerations, that cells participating in the lymphoproliferative diseases are counterparts of normal cells found in certain areas of normal lymph nodes. This recognition, in turn, depended heavily on certain developments of modern immunology, which demonstrated that normal lymphocytes were functionally divisible into several groups, and that these groups could be identified on the basis of characteristic markers of differentiation.
Why Mosquitoes Cannot Transmit HIV

Because human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a blood-borne pathogen, concerns have been raised about the possible transmission of HIV by blood-feeding arthropods. Laboratory studies and epidemiologic surveys indicate that this possibility is extremely remote. For biological transmission, the virus must avoid digestion in the gut of the insect, recognize receptors on and penetrate the gut, replicate in insect tissue, recognize and penetrate the insect salivary glands, and escape into the lumen of the salivary duct. In one study by Webb and colleagues, the virus persisted for 8 d in bedbugs (1). Another study by Humphrey-Smith and colleagues showed the virus to persist for 10 d in ticks (2) artificially fed meals with high levels of virus (≥105 tissue-culture infective doses/mL [TCID/mL]), but there was no evidence of viral replication. Intra-abdominal inoculation of bedbugs and intrathoracic inoculation of mosquitoes were used to bypass any gut barriers, but again the virus failed to multiply (1). Likewise, in vitro culture of HIV with a number of arthropod cell lines indicated that HIV was incapable of replicating in these systems. Thus, biological transmission of HIV seems extremely improbable.
The Model Problems

Nine elliptic problems are used to illustrate the performance of ELLPACK modules. Each is a model for an important class of problems. The first seven are from the PDE population of Appendix A with the identification as given. The generic functionsf(x,y) andg(x,y) are used to denote complicated functions determined to make the givenu(x,y) functions the true solutions of the model problems.