cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protocol design for scalable and reliable group rekeying

We present the design and specification of a protocol for scalable and reliable group rekeying together with performance evaluation results. The protocol is based upon the use of key trees for secure groups and periodic batch rekeying. At the beginning of each rekey interval, the key server sends a rekey message to all users consisting of encrypted new keys (encryptions, in short) carried in a sequence of packets. We present a scheme for identifying keys, encryptions, and users, and a key assignment algorithm that ensures that the encryptions needed by a user are in the same packet. Our protocol provides reliable delivery of new keys to all users eventually. It also attempts to deliver new keys to all users with a high probability by the end of the rekey interval. For each rekey message, the protocol runs in two steps: a multicast step followed by a unicast step. Proactive forward error correction (FEC) multicast is used to reduce delivery latency. Our experiments show that a small FEC block size can be used to reduce encoding time at the server without increasing server bandwidth overhead. Early transition to unicast, after at most two multicast rounds, further reduces the worst-case delivery latency as well as user bandwidth requirement. The key server adaptively adjusts the proactivity factor based upon past feedback information; our experiments show that the number of NACKs after a multicast round can be effectively controlled around a target number. Throughout the protocol design, we strive to minimize processing and bandwidth requirements for both the key server and users.
A Linguistic Introduction to the Origins and Characteristics of Early Mishnaic Hebrew as it Relates to Biblical Hebrew

Scholarship has failed to clearly establish the linguistic relationship between Mishnaic Hebrew and Biblical Hebrew. This article serves as an introduction to the problem by: (1) discussing the diachronic development of Mishnaic Hebrew, (2) providing a synchronic linguistic analysis of Mishnaic Hebrew in relation to Biblical Hebrew, and (3) offering direction for future research. The discussion highlights the proposal that Mishnaic Hebrew developed alongside Biblical Hebrew as a popular oral language that was later significantly influenced by Aramaic. The present study shows the non-systematic relationship between Biblical Hebrew and Mishnaic Hebrew, and therefore concludes that students of Biblical Hebrew must exercise caution in looking to Mishnaic Hebrew to interpret the Old Testament.
Consumerism in World History. The Global Transformation of Desire . By Peter N. Stearns. London and New York: Routledge, 2001. Pp. 147. $10.99.

This book is one in a series, “Themes in World History,” edited by Peter Stearns, who is also the author of two of the three volumes produced thus far, including this one. The series is designed to provide supplementary reading for undergraduate history students, and if this volume is any guide, the underlying assumption about the target audience is that it is barely literate. With a limited vocabulary and simplified sentence structure, Stearns introduces his putative charges to a new “ism”—consumerism—and proceeds to chart the emergence and development of this force from its western point of origin (“The discovery of significant consumerism, of the modern sort, in eighteenth-century Western Europe was a major historical find” [p. 15]) to the rest of the world and up to the present day.
A Modified Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment Algorithm from the New York City (USA) Fire Department

Introduction The objective of this study was to determine if modification of the Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START) system by the addition of an Orange category, intermediate between the most critically injured (Red) and the non-critical, non-ambulatory injured (Yellow), would reduce over- and under-triage rates in a simulated mass-casualty incident (MCI) exercise. Methods A computer-simulation exercise of identical presentations of an MCI scenario involving a 2-train collision, with 28 case scenarios, was provided for triaging to two groups: the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY; n = 1,347) using modified START, and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers from the Eagles 2012 EMS conference (Lafayette, Louisiana USA; n = 110) using unmodified START. Percent correct by triage category was calculated for each group. Performance was then compared between the two EMS groups on the five cases where Orange was the correct answer under the modified START system. Results Overall, FDNY-EMS providers correctly triaged 91.2% of cases using FDNY-START whereas non-FDNY-Eagles providers correctly triaged 87.1% of cases using unmodified START. In analysis of the five Orange cases (chest pain or dyspnea without obvious trauma), FDNY-EMS performed significantly better using FDNY-START, correctly triaging 86.3% of cases (over-triage 1.5%; under-triage 12.2%), whereas the non-FDNY-Eagles group using unmodified START correctly triaged 81.5% of cases (over-triage 17.3%; under-triage 1.3%), a difference of 4.9% (95% CI, 1.5-8.2). Conclusions The FDNY-START system may allow providers to prioritize casualties using an intermediate category (Orange) more properly aligned to meet patient needs, and as such, may reduce the rates of over-triage compared with START. The FDNY-START system decreases the variability in patient sorting while maintaining high field utility without needing computer assistance or extensive retraining. Comparison of triage algorithms at actual MCIs is needed; however, initial feedback is promising, suggesting that FDNY-START can improve triage with minimal additional training and cost. Arshad FH , Williams A , Asaeda G , Isaacs D , Kaufman B , Ben-Eli D , Gonzalez D , Freese JP , Hillgardner J , Weakley J , Hall CB , Webber MP , Prezant DJ . A Modified Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment Algorithm from the New York City (USA) Fire Department. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(2):1-6 .
Preference, acceptability and implications of the rapid hepatitis C screening test among high-risk young people who inject drugs

People who inject drugs (PWID) are at highest risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, yet many remain unaware of their infection status. New anti-HCV rapid testing has high potential to impact this. Young adult (<30 years) active PWID were offered either the rapid OraQuick® or standard anti-HCV test involving phlebotomy, then asked to complete a short questionnaire about testing perceptions and preferences. Sample characteristics, service utilization, and injection risk exposures are assessed with the HCV testing choice as the outcome, testing preferences, and reasons for preference. Of 129 participants: 82.9% (n = 107) chose the rapid test. There were no significant differences between those who chose rapid vs. standard testing. A majority (60.2%) chose the rapid test for quick results; most (60.9%) felt the rapid test was accurate, and less painful (53.3%) than the tests involving venipuncture. OraQuick® anti-HCV rapid test was widely accepted among young PWID. Our results substantiate the valuable potential of anti-HCV rapid testing for HCV screening in this high risk population.
Limiting Sybil Attacks in Structured P2P Networks

One practical limitation of structured peer-to-peer (P2P) networks is that they are frequently subject to Sybil attacks: malicious parties can compromise the network by generating and controlling large numbers of shadow identities. In this paper, we propose an admission control system that mitigates Sybil attacks by adaptively constructing a hierarchy of cooperative peers. The admission control system vets joining nodes via client puzzles. A node wishing to join the network is serially challenged by the nodes from a leaf to the root of the hierarchy. Nodes completing the puzzles of all nodes in the chain are provided a cryptographic proof of the vetted identity. We evaluate our solution and show that an adversary must perform days or weeks of effort to obtain even a small percentage of nodes in small P2P networks, and that this effort increases linearly with the size of the network. We further show that we can place a ceiling on the number of IDs any adversary may obtain by requiring periodic reassertion of the IDs continued validity.
Gingival Plasma Cell Granuloma

Plasma cell granulomas (pseudotumors) are rare benign, tumor-like proliferations composed chiefly of plasma cells that manifest primarily in the lungs, but may occur in various anatomic locations. We report this case of a 54-year-old male who presented with an unusual maxillary anterior gingival overgrowth treated by excisional biopsy. Histological examination revealed a dense inflammatory cell infiltrate containing mainly plasma cells. Immunohistochemistry for kappa and lambda light chains showed a polyclonal staining pattern confirming a diagnosis of plasma cell granuloma. Intraoral plasma cell granuloma is exceedingly rare, although case reports documenting such lesions have been reported. This case highlights the need to biopsy unusual lesions to rule out potential neoplasms.
Online Database for Kolkata Transport System

This paper describes the implementation of a Transport System database. We have used the entity-relationship model to design a database that will store and organize the details of the transport system. Using MySQL and an internet based graphical user interface, this database will allow everyone to access it remotely. The user will be able to view the route map from the given source to a destination. They will have the facility of knowing the timing and frequency of the transport that they wish to avail. The users will also be able to view the details of famous places to visit in Kolkata and how to reach there.
The major 35S-methionine-labeled rapidly transported protein (superprotein) is identical to SNAP-25, a protein of synaptic terminals

Superprotein is a rapidly axonally transported protein that is conspicuously labeled with 35S-methionine supplied to the cell bodies of retinal ganglion cells. Superprotein candidates are apparent among the rapidly transported proteins of many neurons from the CNS and PNS, including cranial, sympathetic, sensory, and motor neurons from mammals, fish, and amphibians. To determine the identity of Superprotein, we purified it from rabbit visual system and spinal cord and determined the amino acid sequence of seven of its tryptic peptides. The sequence shows that Superprotein is SNAP-25, a protein recently predicted from a cDNA sequence; SNAP-25 has been reported to be concentrated in the synaptic terminals of a selected population of CNS neurons. We measured the amount of radioactivity associated with Superprotein in tissue containing axons (optic tract) and synaptic terminals (superior collicules) of rabbit retinal ganglion cells. Labeled Superprotein disappeared from the superior colliculus more rapidly than another protein (synapsin I-like protein) that is concentrated in synaptic terminals. These results serve to unite the observations on the synthesis, distribution, metabolism, and axonal transport of Superprotein with observations of SNAP-25 and its mRNA.
An application of conditional logistic regression and multifactor dimensionality reduction for detecting gene-gene Interactions on risk of myocardial infarction: The importance of model validation

Background To examine interactions among the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) 4G/5G, and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) insertion/deletion gene polymorphisms on risk of myocardial infarction using data from 343 matched case-control pairs from the Physicians Health Study. We examined the data using both conditional logistic regression and the multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method. One advantage of the MDR method is that it provides an internal prediction error for validation. We summarize our use of this internal prediction error for model validation.
Factorization of the S-Matrix into jost matrices subject to the conditions of the np-scattering problem

The theoretical inverse problem of scattering is in its essence a problem of spectral analysis [1,2]. Its application to N N—scattering involves two main computational difficulties.
The relationship between sperm reservoir and spermatophore length in benthic octopuses (Cephalopoda: Octopodidae)

The relationship between sperm reservoir and total spermatophore length among 168 spermatophores from 44 species in 11 genera has been considered. Bivariate plots show that four Atlantic species of the genus Eledone produce spermatophores with relatively large sperm reservoirs that differ from all others. Measurements of the remaining spermatophores are so tightly correlated that a single equation explains over 96% of the variation. Functional constraints on gross spermatophore morphology may be so strong that males cannot manipulate sperm reservoir size independently of spermatophore size to maximize the sperm delivered at a single copulation. Alternate means to assure male paternity may have evolved in the group as a result. Despite the overall uniformity of the relationship among all species other than those of Eledone in the Atlantic, these measurements distinguish the overtly similar species Octopus bimaculatus-Octopus bimaculoides and separate Benthoctopus januarii from all others.
The association between salivary hormone levels and children's inpatient aggression: a pilot study

Aggression is a common management problem for child psychiatry hospital units. We describe an exploratory study with the primary objective of establishing the feasibility of linking salivary concentrations of three hormones (testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA], and cortisol) with aggression. Between May 2011 and November 2011, we recruited 17 psychiatrically hospitalized boys (age 7–9 years). We administered the Brief Rating of Aggression by Children and Adolescents (BRACHA) and Predatory-Affective Aggression Scale (PAAS) upon admission. Saliva samples were collected from the participants during a 24-h period shortly after admission: immediately upon awakening, 30 min later, and again between 3:45 and 7:45 P.M. Nursing staff recorded Overt Aggression Scale ratings twice a day during hospitalization to quantify aggressive behavior. The salivary cortisol concentrations obtained from aggressive boys 30 min after awakening trended higher than levels from the non-aggressive boys (p = 0.06), were correlated with the number of aggressive incidents (p = 0.04), and trended toward correlation with BRACHA scores (p = 0.06). The aggressive boys also showed greater morning-to-evening declines in cortisol levels (p = 0.05). Awakening levels of DHEA and testosterone were correlated with the severity of the nearest aggressive incident (p < 0.05 for both). The BRACHA scores of the aggressive boys were significantly higher than scores of the non-aggressive boys (p < 0.001). Our data demonstrate the feasibility of collecting saliva from children on an inpatient psychiatric unit, affirm the utility of the BRACHA in predicting aggressive behavior, and suggest links between salivary hormones and aggression by children who undergo psychiatric hospitalization.
A CMOS floating-gate matrix transform imager

A new transform imager technology and architecture is introduced in this paper. This approach allows for retina and higher-level bio-inspired computation in a programmable architecture that still possesses similar high-fill factor pixels of APS imagers. This imager is capable of programmable matrix operations on the image, where the image can be presented as either a full matrix or using block matrix operations. Each pixel is composed of a photodiode sensor element and a multiplier. The core imager performs computation at the pixel plane but still holds to a fill factor greater than 46 %. The resulting data-flow architecture directly allows computation of spatial transforms, motion computations, and stereo computations.
Technology-Related Pressure and Work–Family Conflict: Main Effects and an Examination of Moderating Variables

With the increased use of computers for completing work, as well as the interconnectivity that the technology enables, more and more workers are experiencing technology-related pressure. Although it is known that this pressure occurs, especially for employees who complete the majority of their work on computers, little is known about the outcomes that result from it. This study attempts to fill this void by examining work–family conflict (WFC) as a potential consequence stemming from technology-related pressure. Additionally, we examine negative affectivity, social stressors, and job control as moderators of the technology-related pressure/WFC association. We investigated these relationships in a sample of 283 workers, all of whom complete the majority of their work on the computer.
Broad phoneme class recognition in noisy environments using the GEMS

Broad phoneme class recognition has the advantage of offering additional acoustic-phonetic knowledge to the speech processing applications. In several papers, exploiting such information is shown to be advantageous for HMM-based speech enhancement systems. The problem with those systems is the dramatic decrease in recognition accuracy in noisy environments. In this work, we extract the energy feature from an auxiliary sensor and directly fuse it with the features extracted from the speech signal. Experiment results with noisy speech show significant increase in performance.
Multimodal identification using Markov logic networks

Human robot interaction presents a unique set of challenges for biometric person identification. During normal interactions between the robot and a user, a tremendous amount of information is available for identification. Our objective is to use this information to identify users quickly and accurately during interactions with a robot. We present our approach for multimodal person identification using Markov logic networks (MLN). We use appearance, clothing, speaker recognition, and face recognition to identify a person during an interaction where they are speaking to the robot. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach using sequences of individuals speaking freely on a topic of their choosing.
Purchasing And Supply Chain Management Practices In Greek Small And Medium Sized Business Enterprises (SMES)

This paper presents information concerning the purchasing and supply management practices of Greek small and medium sized business enterprises (SMEs). Findings from site visits to SMEs located in the metropolitan Athens area are presented. The results from this study are compared and contrasted with the existing academic and practitioner literature. Unique aspects of Greek SME organizations are identified and discussed.
Understanding and Tailoring the Mechanical Properties of Liga Fabricated Materials

LIGA fabricated materials and components exhibit several processing issues affecting their metallurgical and mechanical properties, potentially limiting their usefulness for MEMS applications. For example, LIGA processing by metal electrodeposition is very sensitive to deposition conditions which causes significant processing lot variations of mechanical and metallurgical properties. Furthermore, the process produces a material with a highly textured lenticular microstructural morphology suggesting an anisotropic material response. Understanding and controlling out-of-plane anisotropy is desirable for LIGA components designed for out-of-plane flexures. Previous work by the current authors [6] focussed on results from a miniature servo-hydraulic mechanical test frame constructed for characterizing LIGA materials. Those results demonstrated microstructural and mechanical properties dependencies with plating bath current density in LIGA fabricated nickel (LIGA Ni). This presentation builds on that work and fosters a methodology for controlling the properties of LIGA fabricated materials through processing. New results include measurement of mechanical properties of LIGA fabricated copper (LIGA Cu), out-of-planeand localized mechanical property measurements using compression testing and nanoindentation of LIGA Ni and LIGA Cu.
Disaggregated Space System Concept Optimization: Model-Based Conceptual Design Methods

Optimal design techniques have proven to be an effective systems engineering tool. Using systems architecture as the foundation, this paper explores the use of mixed variable optimization models for synthesizing and evaluating disaggregated space system concepts. Model-based conceptual design MBCD techniques are used to identify and assess system architectures based upon estimated system cost and performance trades. The Disaggregated Integral System Concept Optimization DISCO methodology is introduced, and then applied to a space-based, fire detection mission. Several results are obtained that indicate potential cost effectiveness gains from the concept design optimization of a fire detection mission. The general methodology has broad applicability for MBCD of systems, but is particularly useful for dynamic, nonlinear disaggregated space systems.
3D evaluation of palatal rugae for human identification using digital study models

Background: While there is literature suggesting that the palatal rugae could be used for human identification, most of these studies use two-dimensional (2D) approach. Aim: The aims of this study were to evaluate palatal ruga patterns using three-dimensional (3D) digital models; compare the most clinically relevant digital model conversion techniques for identification of the palatal rugae; develop a protocol for overlay registration; determine changes in palatal ruga individual patterns through time; and investigate the efficiency and accuracy of 3D matching processes between different individuals' patterns. Material and Methods: Five cross sections in the anteroposterior dimension and four cross sections in the transverse dimension were computed which generated 18 2D variables. In addition, 13 3D variables were defined: The posterior point of incisive papilla (IP), and the most medial and lateral end points of the palatal rugae (R1MR, R1ML, R1LR, R1LL, R2MR, R2ML, R2LR, R2LL, R3MR, R3ML, R3LR, and R3LL). The deviation magnitude for each variable was statistically analyzed in this study. Five different data sets with the same 31 landmarks were evaluated in this study. Results: The results demonstrated that 2D images and linear measurements in the anteroposterior and transverse dimensions were not sufficient for comparing different digital model conversion techniques using the palatal rugae. 3D digital models proved to be a highly effective tool in evaluating different palatal ruga patterns. The 3D landmarks showed no statistically significant mean differences over time or as a result of orthodontic treatment. No statistically significant mean differences were found between different digital model conversion techniques, that is, between OrthoCAD™ and Ortho Insight 3D™, and between Ortho Insight 3D™ and the iTero; scans, when using 12 3D palatal rugae landmarks for comparison. Conclusion: Although 12 palatal 3D landmarks could be used for human identification, certain landmarks were especially important in the matching process and were arranged by strength and importance. Proposed values for 3D palatal landmarks were introduced that could be useful in biometrics and forensic odontology for the verification of human identity.
Evaluation of Three Sampling Methods for Estimating Adult Sweet potato Whitefly (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) Abundance on Cantaloupes

Three sampling techniques (yellow sticky trap, visual [Leafturn], and modified vacuum [Handvac]) were compared over a 2-yr period to determine sampling reliability for estimating adult sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), population levels in cantaloupes, Cucumis melo L. In experimental plots, the 3 sampling methods indicated similar whitefly population trends throughout the season, and all methods were highly correlated with immature densities. There was a strong correlation of Leafturn samples with Handvac and sticky trap counts. In commercial fields, however, seasonal patterns of population levels detected with sticky traps differed from those detected with the other sampling methods. Adult counts from the Leafturn procedure were more closely correlated with counts from Handvac samples than with those from sticky traps. Estimates of adult abundance measured by Leafturn counts also provided a higher correlation with immature densities than the other methods. In general, estimates of whitefly population trends measured with the Leafturn and Handvac methods were similar in commercial fields despite differences in cultivar planted, year of the test, and insecticide use patterns. Estimates of relative sampling variation (precision) indicated that sticky traps were more efficient in some cases, but, overall, precision did not differ among the sample methods. The relative net precision for adults was greater with the Leafturn and Handvac methods, which were less time consuming than the sticky trap. Comparison of sampling methods in small-plot chemical trials indicated that yellow sticky traps were not reliable for estimating treatment differences. Only the Leaftum and Handvac methods detected significant differences in adult numbers between treated and untreated plots after insecticide applications.
Human-Animal Studies, G.H. Mead, and the Question of Animal Minds

In the field of human-animal studies ( HAS ), also known as anthrozoology, the question of nonhuman animal minds is central. During the first three decades of the 20th century, the social psychological G.H. Mead was among the first to take an explicitly contemporary approach to the question of mind in nature. Mead’s approach to the question of the nature of mind is consistent with contemporary science. His approach was characterized by empiricism, interdisciplinarity, comparative behavior and anatomy, and evolutionary theory. For Mead, symbolic language was required for mind as he defined it. This stipulation has been called into question by scholars today. The evidence for the nature of animal minds today suggests that a symbolic language is not required for conscious awareness, deliberation, and decision making. Nonetheless, Mead has an historical relevance to the field of HAS for both the breadth of his work on the nature of consciousness, his contemporary approach, and the fact that some of his insights could be useful to contemporary scholars who are exploring the nature of mind, both human and nonhuman.
World of Wordcraft: Foreign language grammar and composition taught as a term-long role-playing game:

This article outlines an innovative approach to the instruction of foreign languages: a term-long role-playing game in the style of tabletop role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons. Students adopt personas, avatars, or “player characters” and take them through adventures, exploration, puzzles, and fights with monsters, all of which are tied to specific language-acquisition exercises and practice. I detail at length my specific implementation in an advanced undergraduate Latin prose composition course at Wake Forest University and its overall successful results. I also offer advice, cautions, and additional resources for both small-scale and large-scale implementations of the role-playing game pedagogical methodology.
Congress, Crime, and Budgetary Responsiveness A Study in Symbolic Politics

In 1980, Caldeira and Cowart theorized that Congress has been responsive in its budgetary responsibilities to the rise in official crime rates. Their findings based on their study from 1935 to 1975 supported the theory that Congress was engaged in substantive policy making. This article theorizes that Caldeira and Cowarts' findings are no longer true and that criminal justice policy making has become more symbolic in recent years. Hence, budgetary appropriations should no longer be responsive to the rise and fall in official crime rates. Drawing on the theory of symbolic politics, which posits that political acts are viewed as symbols conveying a political meaning that are an end unto themselves, this study replicates and updates the work of Caldeira and Cowart. The study finds support for the theory of symbolic politics and suggests that Congressional involvement in crime policy, beginning in the early 1970s, has become even more symbolic.
Role of vertical and horizontal mixing in the tape recorder signal near the tropical tropopause

Abstract. Nearly all air enters the stratosphere through the tropical tropopause layer (TTL). The TTL therefore exerts a control on stratospheric chemistry and climate. The hemispheric meridional overturning (Brewer–Dobson) circulation spreads this TTL influence upward and poleward. Stratospheric water vapor concentrations are set near the tropical tropopause and are nearly conserved in the lowermost stratosphere. The resulting upward propagating tracer transport signal of seasonally varying entry concentrations is known as the tape recorder signal. Here, we study the roles of vertical and horizontal mixing in shaping the tape recorder signal in the tropical lowermost stratosphere, focusing on the 80 hPa level. We analyze the tape recorder signal using data from satellite observations, a reanalysis, and a chemistry–climate model (CCM). By modifying past methods, we are able to capture the seasonal cycle of effective vertical transport velocity in the tropical lowermost stratosphere. Effective vertical transport velocities are found to be multiple times stronger than residual vertical velocities for the reanalysis and the CCM. We also study the tape recorder signal in an idealized 1-D transport model. By performing a parameter sweep, we test a range of different strengths of transport contributions by vertical advection, vertical mixing, and horizontal mixing. By introducing seasonality into the transport strengths, we find that the most successful simulation of the observed tape recorder signal requires vertical mixing at 80 hPa that is multiple times stronger compared to previous estimates in the literature. Vertical mixing is especially important during boreal summer when vertical advection is weak. Simulating the reanalysis tape recorder requires excessive amounts of vertical mixing compared to observations but also to the CCM, which hints at the role of spurious dispersion due to data assimilation. Contrasting the results between pressure and isentropic coordinates allows for further insights into quasi-adiabatic vertical mixing, e.g., associated with overshooting convection or breaking gravity waves. Horizontal mixing, which takes place primarily along isentropes due to Rossby wave breaking, is captured more consistently in isentropic coordinates. Overall, our study emphasizes the role of vertical mixing in lowermost tropical stratospheric transport, which appears to be as important as vertical advection by the residual mass circulation. This questions the perception of the tape recorder as a manifestation of slow upward transport as opposed to a phenomenon influenced by quick and intense transport through mixing, at least near the tape head. However, due to the limitations of the observational dataset used and the simplicity of the applied transport model, further work is required to more clearly specify the role of vertical mixing in lowermost stratospheric transport in the tropics.
Current understanding of mdig/MINA in human cancers.

Mineral dust-induced gene, mdig has recently been identified and is known to be overexpressed in a majority of human cancers and holds predictive power in the poor prognosis of the disease. Mdig is an environmentally expressed gene that is involved in cell proliferation, neoplastic transformation and immune regulation. With the advancement in deciphering the prognostic role of mdig in human cancers, our understanding on how mdig renders a normal cell to undergo malignant transformation is still very limited. This article reviews the current knowledge of the mdig gene in context to human neoplasias and its relation to the clinico-pathologic factors predicting the outcome of the disease in patients. It also emphasizes on the promising role of mdig that can serve as a potential candidate for biomarker discovery and as a therapeutic target in inflammation and cancers. Considering the recent advances in understanding the underlying mechanisms of tumor formation, more preclinical and clinical research is required to validate the potential of using mdig as a novel biological target of therapeutic and diagnostic value. Summary Expression level of mdig influences the prognosis of several human cancers especially cancers of the breast and lung. Evaluation of mdig in cancers can offer novel biomarker with potential therapeutic interventions for the early assessment of cancer development in patients.
A model for the unusual kinetics of thermal denaturation of rubredoxin.

The thermal denaturation of the simple, redox-active iron protein rubredoxin is characterized by a slow, irreversible decay of the characteristic red color of the iron center at elevated temperatures in the presence of oxygen at pH 7.8. The denaturation rate is essentially constant and the time period for complete bleaching is nearly independent of protein concentration. These two characteristics of the kinetics can be fit by a simple self-catalyzed kinetics model consisting of the combination of a first-order decay and catalysis by some product of that decay, i.e., dP/dt=k1[A]+(k2[P][A])/(Km+[A]), where A is native rubredoxin, P, is unspecified product, k1 is a first-order rate constant, and k2 and Km are the catalytic constants. In order for the second term to be of this simple form over the full course of a decay, the model must include the condition that the reaction is effectively irreversible. This model has properties which suggest other biological roles in regulation (changes in k1 or k2 can dramatically modulate the kinetics), in timing (titer-independent fixed reaction time), and in self-activation reactions. At one extreme (k1 ≫ k2) the kinetics becomes exponential, but at the other extreme (k2 ≫ k1) they show a dramatic and rapid terminal increase after a lag period. Some obvious possible roles in the kinetics of programmed cell death, prion disease, and protease autoactivation are discussed.
Effects of Frangula alnus on soil microbial communities and biogeochemical processes in Wisconsin forests

Background and aims Invasive plants have been associated with alterations to soil properties, functions, and organisms, with the potential to impact ecosystem processes. An observational study was conducted to determine how the invasive plant Frangula alnus affects soil microbial communities and biogeochemical processes in Wisconsin forests.
A simulation assessment of methods to infer cultural transmission on dark networks

The social transmission of beliefs, behaviors, and technologies is a central function of dark networks, just as it is in legitimate networks. One motivation for disrupting dark networks is to break...
High-NA metrology and sensing on Berkeley MET5

In this paper we compare two non-interferometric wavefront sensors suitable for in-situ high-NA EUV optical testing. The first is the AIS sensor, which has been deployed in both inspection and exposure tools. AIS is a compact, optical test that directly measures a wavefront by probing various parts of the imaging optic pupil and measuring localized wavefront curvature. The second is an image-based technique that uses an iterative algorithm based on simulated annealing to reconstruct a wavefront based on matching aerial images through focus. In this technique, customized illumination is used to probe the pupil at specific points to optimize differences in aberration signatures.
The classroom language context and English and Spanish vocabulary development among dual language learners attending Head Start

Abstract Using a nationally representative sample of dual language learners (DLLs) attending Head Start, this study investigated how the language used for instruction and the proportion of DLLs in the class was associated with English and Spanish receptive vocabulary development between the fall and spring (n = 531). Based on teacher report of the language or languages used for instructional activities in the classroom, teachers were categorized as using (1) English only, (2) a mix of English and Spanish, or (3) mostly Spanish. Three-level hierarchical linear models showed that children in classrooms using a mix of English and Spanish had English vocabulary scores that were no different than children in English-only classrooms. Children in mostly Spanish classrooms, however, had significantly lower spring English scores than children in English-only classrooms. In addition, children in English-only classrooms had significantly lower Spanish vocabulary scores than children in the other two categories of classrooms, which did not differ from each other. The higher the proportion of DLLs in a class the lower were spring English scores, but not Spanish vocabulary scores. Findings suggest that using bilingual instruction, and sharing classrooms with English-dominant peers can promote English vocabulary development without a cost to Spanish vocabulary development.
Impacts of using a head-worn display on gait performance during level walking and obstacle crossing.

Abstract Use of a head-worn display (HWD) may affect gait performance and increase slip and trip risks, though there is a lack of information on such effects. This study investigated how different display technologies (monocular and binocular HWDs, and a paper list) and visual information presentation modes affect gait performance. Twelve gender-balanced participants completed walking and obstacle crossing trials on a linear walking track under all experimental conditions and a baseline control (without using a technology). During these trials, information relevant to a simulated light assembly task was provided, as representative of a potential occupational application. Gait performance was assessed based on minimum foot clearance (MFC), required coefficient of friction, foot placement locations around the obstacle, and/or walking/obstacle crossing speed. Use of a HWD had no substantial effects on level walking performance. A more conservative/cautious obstacle crossing strategy was, however, observed with HWD use, including a decrease (∼3%) in obstacle crossing speed (compared to the baseline). Gender-specific foot control strategies (lead foot MFC) were also observed that depended on the specific display technology and information modes. Foot placements around the obstacle were not influenced by use of the binocular HWD, yet a conservative strategy was observed with the monocular HWD.
Lipschitzian Stability of Parametric Constraint Systems in Infinite Dimensions

This paper mainly concerns applications of the generalized differentiation theory in variational analysis to robust Lipschitzian stability for various classes of parametric constraint systems in infinite dimensions including problems of nonlinear and nondifferentiable programming, implicit multifunctions, etc. The basic tools of our analysis involve coderivatives of set-valued mappings and associated limiting subgradients and normals for nonsmooth functions and sets. Using these tools, we establish new sufficient as well as necessary and sufficient conditions for robust Lipschitzian stability of parametric constraint systems with evaluating the exact Lipschitzian bounds. Most results are obtained for the class of Asplund spaces, which particularly includes all reflexive spaces, although some important characteristics are given in the general Banach space setting.
WHYPER: towards automating risk assessment of mobile applications

Application markets such as Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store have played an important role in the popularity of smartphones and mobile devices. However, keeping malware out of application markets is an ongoing challenge. While recent work has developed various techniques to determine what applications do, no work has provided a technical approach to answer, what do users expect? In this paper, we present the first step in addressing this challenge. Specifically, we focus on permissions for a given application and examine whether the application description provides any indication for why the application needs a permission. We present WHYPER, a framework using Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to identify sentences that describe the need for a given permission in an application description. WHYPER achieves an average precision of 82.8%, and an average recall of 81.5% for three permissions (address book, calendar, and record audio) that protect frequently-used security and privacy sensitive resources. These results demonstrate great promise in using NLP techniques to bridge the semantic gap between user expectations and application functionality, further aiding the risk assessment of mobile applications.
Iterative computation of nash equilibria in M-player games with partial weak coupling

We formulate two general classes of M-player deterministic and stochastic nonzerosum games where the players can be placed into two groups such that there are strong interactions within each group and a weak interaction between the two groups. This weak interaction is characterized in terms of a small parameter e which, when set equal to zero, leads to two independent nonzero-sum games. Under the Nash equilibrium solution concept both within and in between the groups, we study the merits of an iterative method for the construction of the equilibrium by solving simpler problems at each stage of the iteration. In this iterative scheme, the zero'th order solution is the Nash equilibrium of the two independent games obtained by setting e = 0, whereas the higher-order solutions are Nash equilibria of quadratic games, even though the original problem may have nonquadratic cost functions.
Students Creating Curriculum Change: Sustainable Agriculture and Social Justice

As the sustainable agriculture movement in the U.S. evolves, it faces the challenges of integration and inclusivity. Including social justice questions within sustainable agriculture education facilitates broader discussions about inequality and who benefits from this education and its practice. In this article, we present a case study in which we share our process and lessons learned from our student-led effort to integrate social justice work within the sustainable agriculture graduate curriculum at a Midwest public land-grant university. We analyze different sources and data to discuss: a) how students’ efforts can lead to curriculum development, change, and implementation; b) how integrating social justice within sustainable agriculture curricula can fulfill existing gaps in content and pedagogy; and c) professional and personal lessons learned from this process. Conclusions and recommendations center on how programs undergoing or considering embarking on similar endeavors can learn from our efforts.
Entre o pragmatismo e a animal linguístico

Este artigo compara e contrapoe a abordagem naturalista pragmatista para a peculiaridade da linguagem, exemplificada, principalmente, mas, nao exclusivamente, por John Dewey, com a extensa abordagem de Charles Taylor em seu O animal linguistico. Taylor, inspirado pelas obras de Hamann, Herder, e Humboldt, conta com recursos filosoficos e conceituais diferentes para o delineamento do que ele denomina de ‘a forma’ da capacidade linguistica humana. Porem, Dewey e Taylor chegam a posicoes que se sobrepoem sem se identificar: a linguagem e a caracteristica definidora constitutiva dos seres humanos. Seres humanos sao definidos pelo surgimento da ‘como’ consciencia, uma ‘ruptura’ em nossa imersao imediata no mundo, e, como Peirce e Dewey mostraram de maneira tao lucida, um reflexivo estar consciente do uso de signos e sistemas de signos de todos os tipos. Esses sistemas potencializam e transformam nosso acesso ao mundo e a nos mesmos. Eles nao apenas rotulam um mudo ja existente. Eles criam âmbitos de significados e valores que nao surgiram sem eles. A distincao crucial de Taylor entre os modelos designativo e constitutivo da linguagem e apoiada plenamente pela consideracao pragmatista da linguagem, a qual Taylor nao declara. Essa distincao mostrara ser de importância especial para Dewey e Taylor na criacao de paisagens existencialmente vitais de significado incorporados nas autodescricoes e nas praticas delicadas das artes de auto-reflexao. Tanto Dewey quanto Taylor mostram que assim como as texturas abertas da experiencia crescem por suas extremidades, assim a propria linguagem possui sua propria “extremidade” e nos aponta para os dominios “liminares” que sustentam o limiar do sentido para alem do totalmente dizivel. Esses dominios, que eles mostram de maneiras diferentes mas complementares, sao acessados como realidades por formas nao discursivas que abrangem as obras de arte, o que Taylor denomina de ‘representacoes,’ e rituais performativos e restaurativos, tanto pessoais, civicos e religiosos que incorporam os significados. Dewey e Taylor, divergem, entretanto, sobre se e de que maneira estes dominios precisam transcender a natureza.
A correlation study of mismatch repair immunohistochemical protein expression of pancreatic solid tumors in cytology cell blocks and matching surgical specimens

Introduction Only 15%-20% of newly diagnosed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cases are surgically operable. Cytology samples may be the only source for guiding clinical management. Current research indicates that mismatch repair (MMR) status could be valuable for implementing novel treatment modalities. In this study, immunohistochemical (IHC) MMR protein expression on cytology cell blocks was compared with that of the correlating surgical resection specimens. Materials and methods A retrospective review of 120 pancreatic solid tumor needle biopsies from 2016 to 2019 was performed, and 15 experimental cases were selected comprising of cellular (>100 tumor cells and >100 benign positive control cells that include benign ductal cells and/or lymphocytes) alcohol-prefixed formalin-fixed cytology cell blocks (CB), and corresponding subsequent surgical resections (Surg). The cases include 13 PDACs (87%), 1 (6.5%) low grade neuroendocrine tumor (PNET), and 1 (6.5%) acinar cell carcinoma (ACC). A routine four-panel (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) MMR IHC testing was performed. The percentage of protein expression was evaluated and compared between individual CB-Surg pairs. Results About 8 of the 15 (53.3%) cytology cases showed matching protein expressivity with the surgical specimens for all four MMR markers (Table 1). The remaining 7 pairs (46.7%) appeared to have a partial concordance, including 6 values for which a surgical marker showed less expression, and 13 values for which a cytological marker showed less expression. [Table: see text] CONCLUSION: Cytology CB MMR protein panel testing could be a useful consideration for inoperable patients who would benefit from medical therapy such as immune checkpoint inhibition. However, the cellularity and overall quality of the CB is expected to be paramount in obtaining satisfactory IHC MMR results. The MMR results could be more confidently trusted when the staining is intact, but when not retained, they should be interpreted with caution in a low cellularity sample to avoid mistakenly identifying MMR-deficient tumors.
Knowledge sourcing and national technological development on the weak internationalization of R&D

The purpose of this study is to investigate the international knowledge sourcing of firms located in a home country with weak internationalization of R&D. In the international business literature, ...