cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methane and related trace species on Mars: Origin, loss, implications for life, and habitability

Abstract One of the most puzzling aspects of Mars is that organics have not yet been found on the surface. The simplest of organic molecules, methane, was detected in the Martian atmosphere for the first time in 2003. The existence and behavior of methane on Mars is of great significance, as methane is a potential biomarker. In this paper we review our current understanding of possible sources and sinks of methane on Mars. We also investigate the role of other trace species in the maintenance and removal of methane from the atmosphere, as well as of other organic material from the surface. In particular, we examine the exogenous, hydrogeochemical—especially serpentinization—and biological sources, for supplying methane to Mars. We suggest that comets and meteorites are the least likely, whereas low-temperature serpentinization is the most plausible of all candidates to explain the methane observations. Nevertheless, it is premature to rule out the role of biology in producing methane on Mars, in view of available data. It is important to note that the loss of methane to surface must also be factored into any “source” scenarios for methane. Ordinary heterogeneous loss process to surface tends to be very slow. On the other hand, a reactive surface could potentially accelerate the destruction of methane. If correct, it would imply that a larger source of methane is present than currently estimated on the basis of photochemical loss alone. A reactive surface can also explain why no organic material has ever been detected on the Martian surface. The surface could become reactive if some oxidizer were present. We suggest that vast quantities of a powerful oxidant, hydrogen peroxide, can be produced in electrochemistry triggered by electrostatic fields generated in the Martian dust devils and dust storms, and in normal saltation process close to the surface. Finally, current observations are inadequate to prove or disprove the existence of life on Mars, now or in the past. The question of extraterrestrial life is a fundamental one, and it should be addressed meticulously on future missions to Mars. Measurements planned on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), especially carbon isotopes and chirality, will go a long way in meeting this goal. A brief overview of the MSL Mission and measurements relevant to the question of life and habitability of Mars is also presented in this paper.
Aristotle's Subordinate Sciences

The relations between different areas of knowledge have been a subject of interest to philosophers as well as to scientists and mathematicians from antiquity. While recent work in this direction has been largely concerned with the question whether one branch of knowledge (such as arithmetic) can be reduced to another (such as logic), the questions which exercised the Greek philosophers on these matters have a different starting point. Taking for granted that there are a number of distinct areas of knowledge, they proceeded to consider a variety of relations which they observed to hold among the sciences as they knew them; the question of the priority of one science to another is a recurrent theme. In fact, three sorts of orderings were noticed, and the associated conceptions of priority are interesting. Only one of them is the concern of the present paper, though, and I shall briefly describe the remaining two only for purposes of contrast.
A metric model of amino acid substitution

Motivation: We address the question of whether there exists an effective evolutionary model of amino-acid substitution that forms a metric-distance function. There is always a trade-off between speed and sensitivity among competing computational methods of determining sequence homology. A metric model of evolution is a prerequisite for the development of an entire class of fast sequence analysis algorithms that are both scalable, O(log n) and sensitive. Results: We have reworked the mathematics of the point accepted mutation model (PAM) by calculating the expected time between accepted mutations in lieu of calculating log-odds probabilities. The resulting substitution matrix (mPAM) forms a metric. We validate the application of the mPAM evolutionary model for sequence homology by executing sequence queries from a controlled yeast protein homology search benchmark. We compare the accuracy of the results of mPAM and PAM similarity matrices as well as three prior metric models. The experiment shows that mPAM significantly outperforms the other three metrics and sufficiently approaches the sensitivity of PAM250 to make it applicable to the management of protein sequence databases.
Foliar quality influences tree-herbivore-parasitoid interactions: effects of elevated CO 2 ,O 3 , and plant genotype

This study examined the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2)-, ozone (O3)-, and genotype-mediated changes in quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) chemistry on performance of the forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria) and its dipteran parasitoid (Compsilura concinnata) at the Aspen Free-Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) site. Parasitized and non-parasitized forest tent caterpillars were reared on two aspen genotypes under elevated levels of CO2 and O3, alone and in combination. Foliage was collected for determination of the chemical composition of leaves fed upon by forest tent caterpillars during the period of endoparasitoid larval development. Elevated CO2 decreased nitrogen levels but had no effect on concentrations of carbon-based compounds. In contrast, elevated O3 decreased nitrogen and phenolic glycoside levels, but increased concentrations of starch and condensed tannins. Foliar chemistry also differed between aspen genotypes. CO2, O3, genotype, and their interactions altered forest tent caterpillar performance, and differentially so between sexes. In general, enriched CO2 had little effect on forest tent caterpillar performance under ambient O3, but reduced performance (for insects on one aspen genotype) under elevated O3. Conversely, elevated O3 improved forest tent caterpillar performance under ambient, but not elevated, CO2. Parasitoid larval survivorship decreased under elevated O3, depending upon levels of CO2 and aspen genotype. Additionally, larval performance and masses of mature female parasitoids differed between aspen genotypes. These results suggest that host-parasitoid interactions in forest systems may be altered by atmospheric conditions anticipated for the future, and that the degree of change may be influenced by plant genotype.
Voter Turnout and Candidate Strategies in American Elections

Most spatial models of two-candidate competition imply that candidates have electoral incentives to present similar, centrist policies. We modify the standard Downsian model to include three observations supported by empirical research on American elections: that voters are prepared to abstain if neither competitor is sufficiently attractive (abstention due to alienation) or if the candidates are insufficiently differentiated (abstention due to indifference); that voters are influenced by factors such as education, race, and partisanship that are not directly tied to the candidates’ positions in the current campaign; and that voters’ nonpolicy characteristics correlate with their policy preferences. Our results suggest that voters’ turnout decisions and their nonpolicy characteristics, even if the candidates in the course of a campaign cannot manipulate the latter, are nonetheless necessary for understanding candidates’ policy strategies.
The Euthyphro Argument (9d–11b)

A sizable literature exists concerning the structure of Socrates' argument at Euthyphro 9d–11b. Although there is some dispute, a substitutional reading has emerged as a leading interpretation. However, some rear-guard maneuvers are in order to defend this reading against its competitors. In this paper, I articulate a substitutional reading and argue that it is invalid on two counts: one, Socrates oversteps the logic of his reductio ad absurdum, and two, he illicitly substitutes coreferring expressions in explanatory contexts. Next, I defend the substitutional reading by (1) rebutting its leading contender, Sharvy's formal causation interpretation, and (2) showing how a similar substitutional argument is made in the Protagoras.
Methodological problems in the use of participant observers.

A multiple baseline design across observed students and teachers was used to investigate the relationship between observations by participant observers and changes in the behavior of those observed (“observee” reactivity) and the observers (observer-mediator reactivity). Two teachers recorded consecutively the appropriate student verbalizations of four students and two teachers recorded the inappropriate student verbalizations of four students. Independent observers simultaneously recorded student verbalizations (appropriate and inappropriate) as well as teacher behaviors (positive, negative, and instruction) throughout all phases of the study. The results substantiated the prediction of “observee” reactivity and observer-mediator reactivity in one of four classrooms. The results of the present study suggest that in some instances, observations by participant observers may result in changes in the behavior of those being observed (“observee” reactivity) and/or the observers (observer-mediator reactivity).
Environmental risk factors for acute respiratory distress syndrome.

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Over the past several decades, alcohol abuse and cigarette smoke exposure have been identified as risk factors for the development of ARDS. The mechanisms underlying these relationships are complex and remain under investigation but are thought to involve pulmonary immune impairment as well as alveolar epithelial and endothelial dysfunction. This review summarizes the epidemiologic data supporting links between these exposures and ARDS susceptibility and outcomes and highlights key mechanistic investigations that provide insight into the pathways by which each exposure is linked to ARDS.
Effects of physical aging, crystallinity, and orientation on the enzymatic degradation of poly(lactic acid)

The effects of physical aging, degree of crystallinity, and orientation of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). The samples of PLA with 96% [L] and 4% [D] contents were prepared by injection molding. The physical aging of PLA strongly depended on time and temperature. The change of rate of physical aging was very fast initially and slowed down as time increased. The enzymatic degradation of PLA was carried out with proteinase K at 37°C at a pH value of 8.6 in a Tris/HCl buffer solution. The enzymatic degradation rate was found to decrease as a function of physical aging (i.e., excess enthalpy relaxation). The rate of enzymatic degradation of PLA decreased with the increase in crystallinity. A threshold was observed when the heat of fusion was less than 20 J/g. The weight loss of PLA with a low level of crystallinity had no apparent change during any period of testing time. The rates of enzymatic degradation of stretched and injection-molded specimens were comparable.
Determining best complete subsets of specimens and characters for multivariate morphometric studies in the presence of large amounts of missing data

Missing data are frequent in morphometric studies of both fossil and recent material. A common method of addressing the problem of missing data is to omit combinations of characters and specimens from subsequent analyses; however, omitting different subsets of characters and specimens can affect both the statistical robustness of the analyses and the resulting biological interpretations. We describe a method of examining all possible subsets of complete data and of scoring each subset by the ‘condition’ (ratio of first eigenvalue to second, or of second to first, depending on context) of the corresponding covariance or correlation matrix, and subsequently choosing the submatrix that either optimizes one of these criteria or matches the estimated condition of the original data matrix. We then describe an extension of this method that can be used to choose the ‘best’ characters and specimens for which some specified proportion of missing data can be estimated using standard imputation techniques such as the expectation-maximization algorithm or multiple imputation. The methods are illustrated with published and unpublished data sets on fossil and extant vertebrates. Although these problems and methods are discussed in the context of conventional morphometric data, they are applicable to many other kinds of data matrices. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 88, 309–328.
Youth violence: sex and race differences in offending, victimization and gang membership, by Finn-Aage Ebensen, Dana Peterson, Terance J. Taylor, and Adrienne Freng, Philadelphia, PA, Temple University Press, 2010, 244 pp., $29.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-1-4399-0071-0

In an era when gun violence, school shootings, gang activity, and bullying have become common issues for parents and educators, many are left asking “Who are the youth who commit violent acts, and ...
Current Status of Retroviral Vector Mediated Gene Transfer into Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Genetic modification of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) has been proposed as a treatment strategy for a variety of hematologic diseases, tracking marked cells or conferring resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Despite early enthusiasm, the results of clinical studies involving gene transfer into HSCs have not resulted in therapeutic benefits for the vast majority of treated patients. This review describes the limitations and advances that have been made in the areas of gene transfer vectors, identification of the appropriate HSCs to target for genetic modifications and the methods used to perform gene transfer.
Induction of hebbian and non-hebbian mossy fiber long-term potentiation by distinct patterns of high-frequency stimulation.

The synapse made by hippocampal mossy fibers onto pyramidal neurons of hippocampal area CA3 displays a form of long-term potentiation (LTP) that is independent of the activation of NMDA receptors. Considerable controversy exists as to whether the induction of mossy fiber LTP requires postsynaptic activation and, thus, whether mossy fiber LTP is Hebbian or non-Hebbian. Here we report the induction of both Hebbian and non-Hebbian forms of long-term potentiation at the mossy fiber–CA3 synapse in in vitro slice preparation. These two forms of potentiation can be induced selectively by different induction conditions. Sustained presynaptic activation is sufficient to induce the non-Hebbian form of mossy fiber LTP, whereas brief presynaptic activation coincident with postsynaptic depolarization is required to induce the Hebbian form. We suggest that non-Hebbian forms of plasticity may play an important role in dynamically regulating the thresholds for inducing Hebbian forms of plasticity.
The Impact on Simulated Storm Structure and Intensity of Variations in the Mixed Layer and Moist Layer Depths

Abstract The sensitivities of convective storm structure and intensity to variations in the depths of the prestorm mixed layer, represented here by the environmental lifted condensation level (LCL), and moist layer, represented by the level of free convection (LFC), are studied using a three-dimensional cloud model containing ice physics. Matrices of simulations are generated for idealized environments featuring both small and large LCL = LFC altitudes, using a single moderately sheared curved hodograph trace in conjunction with convective available potential energy (CAPE) values of either 800 or 2000 J kg−1, with the matrices consisting of all four combinations of two distinct choices of buoyancy and shear profile shape. For each value of CAPE, the LCL = LFC altitudes are also allowed to vary in a separate series of simulations based on the most highly compressed buoyancy and shear profiles used for that CAPE, with the environmental buoyancy profile shape, subcloud equivalent potential temperature, subcl...
Rapid fabrication of ZnO nanorod arrays with controlled spacing by micelle-templated solvothermal growth

We present a facile method for the synthesis of nanorod arrays over large areas with fine control over the average rod–rod spacing. Block copolymer micelles are used to template solvothermal synthesis of ZnO nanorods by preferentially enabling reactant diffusion through the micelle cores to an underlying seed layer. The distance between nanorod centers is defined by the micelle number density which is in turn controlled by the molecular weight of the block copolymer, and the block copolymer concentration in a templating film. We demonstrate the ability to control the resulting nanorod number density from ∼100 μm−2 down to ∼10 μm−2 with high fidelity. Correspondingly, the distance between nanorod surfaces was varied from ∼60 nm to 230 nm. The method developed here provides a viable approach for rapidly fabricating large-area nanostructured electrodes comprised of nanorod arrays with controlled geometries. The ability to tailor nanorod spacing over a broad range suggests applications in photovoltaics and sensors based on optical resonances can be readily addressed.
Deep History of East Asian Populations Revealed Through Genetic Analysis of the Ainu

Despite recent advances in population genomics, much remains to be elucidated with regard to East Asian population history. The Ainu, a hunter-gatherer population of northern Japan and Sakhalin island of Russia, are thought to be key to elucidating the prehistory of Japan and the peopling of East Asia. Here, we study the genetic relationship of the Ainu with other East Asian and Siberian populations outside the Japanese archipelago using genome-wide genotyping data. We find that the Ainu represent a deep branch of East Asian diversity more basal than all present-day East Asian farmers. However, we did not find a genetic connection between the Ainu and populations of the Tibetan plateau, rejecting their long-held hypothetical connection based on Y chromosome data. Unlike all other East Asian populations investigated, the Ainu have a closer genetic relationship with northeast Siberians than with central Siberians, suggesting ancient connections among populations around the Sea of Okhotsk. We also detect a recent genetic contribution of the Ainu to nearby populations, but no evidence for reciprocal recent gene flow is observed. Whole genome sequencing of contemporary and ancient Ainu individuals will be helpful to understand the details of the deep history of East Asians.
Agile Co-Design for a Reconfigurable Datacenter

In 2015, a team of software and hardware developers at Microsoft shipped the world?s first commercial search engine accelerated using FPGAs in the datacenter. During the sprint to production, new algorithms in the Bing ranking service were ported into FPGAs and deployed to a production bed within several weeks of conception, leading to significant gains in latency and throughput. The fast turnaround time of new features demanded by an agile software culture would not have been possible without a disciplined and effective approach to co-design in the datacenter. This talk will describe some of the learnings and best practices developed from this unique experience.
Design and optimization of polymer ring resonator modulators for analog microwave photonic applications

Efficient modulation of electrical signals onto an optical carrier remains the main challenge in full implementation of microwave photonic links (MPLs) for applications such as antenna remoting and wireless access networks. Current MPLs utilize Mach-Zehnder Interferometers (MZI) with sinusoidal transfer function as electro-optic modulators causing nonlinear distortions in the link. Recently ring resonator modulators (RRM) consisting of a ring resonator coupled to a base waveguide attracted interest to enhance linearity, reduce the size and power consumption in MPLs. Fabrication of a RRM is more challenging than the MZI not only in fabrication process but also in designing and optimization steps. Although RRM can be analyzed theoretically for MPLs, physical structures need to be designed and optimized utilizing simulation techniques in both optical and microwave regimes with consideration of specific material properties. Designing and optimization steps are conducted utilizing full-wave simulation software package and RRM function analyzed in both passive and active forms and confirmed through theoretical analysis. It is shown that RRM can be completely designed and analyzed utilizing full-wave simulation techniques and as a result linearity effect of the modulator on MPLs can be studied and optimized. The material nonlinearity response can be determined computationally and included in modulator design and readily adaptable for analyzing other materials such as silicon or structures where theoretical analysis is not easily achieved.
The Other Lottery: Are Philanthropists Backing the Best Charter Schools?

The central problem confronting education systems around the world is not that we lack models of excellence; it is our inability to routinely replicate those models. In other fields, we take for granted an endless cycle of innovation and productivity growth that continually makes products and services better, more affordable, or both. That cycle has not manifested itself in education. Brilliant teachers and high-performing schools can be found in every state and nation, but, like floating candles, they flicker in isolation, failing to touch off a larger blaze. Over the past decade, one of the most prominent strategies for overcoming this problem has been for philanthropists to partner with the best charter schools in an attempt to bring them to scale. The present study seeks an empirical answer to the question: Is that strategy working — are the highest-performing charters attracting the most funding? We search for the answer in California, the state with the largest number of charter schools and the largest number of charter school networks (groups of two or more schools following the same pedagogical model or founded, overseen, or operated by the same person or group). Specifically, we compare the amount of philanthropic funding received by these networks with their performance on state-administered and Advanced Placement tests. The results are discouraging. There is effectively no correlation between grant funding and charter network performance, after controlling for individual student characteristics and peer effects, and addressing the problem of selection bias. For example, the three highest-performing charter school networks perform dramatically above the level of conventional public schools on the California Standards Tests, but rank 21st, 27th, and 39th in terms of the grant funding they have received, out of 68 charter networks. The AP results are worse; the correlations between charter networks' AP performance and their grant funding are negative, though negligible in magnitude. The top-performing charter networks, like top-ranked American Indian charter schools, play a transformative role in children's educational and career prospects, and lay bare the failure of our conventional educational arrangements to fulfill each child's potential. We should indeed strive to preserve and replicate them. But philanthropy has not proven to be a reliable, systematic mechanism for accomplishing that goal in California, which has enjoyed more earnest and extensive efforts in this regard than perhaps any other state.
Trading Costs and Priced Illiquidity in High Frequency Trading Markets

We develop measures of stock-specific trading activity based on durations of sequences of consecutive trades with fixed cumulative values. Trade sizes and signed-trade imbalances rise with activity, while price impacts generally fall, but not always, due to endogenous variation in liquidity provision and consumption. After controlling for this endogenity, price impacts uniformly fall with predicted activity. The sensitivity of price impacts to changes in activity becomes more similar across stocks post-RegNMS, but price impacts diverge, falling (rising) for liquid (illiquid) stocks. In asset pricing models, our illiquidity measure outperforms standard measures and we find illiquidity premia rise as trading costs diverge.
Network losses allocation methods and its application

Calculating and allocating the network losses reasonably and fairly is an important characteristic of power market mode.Although there are lots of methods for network losses allocation,an all-purpose and generally admitted method hasn't emerged.Thus,the principle of algorithm of the average network loss allocation method,the marginal network loss coefficient method and power flow tracing method are described firstly.Then,taking the IEEE14-bus system for example,the above-mentioned methods are explained and verified respectively.Finally,in terms of market fairness and difficulty of getting data,a corresponding network losses allocation method is summarized on account of power transmission and distribution networks,interregional and intraregional areas of transmission network,and trade pattern.
Salmonella Carriage in People Engaged in Public Service in Zhangjiagang

Objective To investigate the Salmonella carriage and the epidemic trend of Salmonella infection in people engaged in public service in Zhangjiagang,and provide evidence for the effective control of related infectious diseases.Methods The analysis was conducted on the detection of Salmonella in rectal samples collected from 121 370 people engaged in public service when they received health examination from 2005 to 2009 in Zhangjiagang.Results Totally 373 Salmonella strains(0.31%) were detected.The detection rate was 0.52% in 2005,0.37% in 2006,0.24% in 2007,0.22% in 2008 and 0.23% in 2009.The detection rate in summer and autumn was obviously higher than that in winter and spring(χ2=140.503,P0.01).The major serogroups of Salmonella were B,C and E in Zhangjiagang.The predominant serotype was S.derby,followed by S.senftenberg,and S.lomita.Conclusion The detection rate of Salmonella in people engaged in public service in Zhangjiagang declined by years,and the differences on the detection rate were observed in different seasons.
Amyloid in the conjunctiva and orbit

Eine tumorformige Amyloidose von Bindehaut und Orbita bei einem jungen Mann aus einer Familie mit fruherem Trachombefall gab Gelegenheit zu morphologischen Untersuchungen. Die Excision des Amyloids linderte die Beschwerden, ermoglichte aber keine endgultige Beseitigung. Polarisationsoptisches und farberisches Verhalten deuten auf eine fibrillare Struktur hin, die sich elektronenmikroskopisch auch fur diese Lokalisationsform des Amyloids nachweisen last.
Drug usage review and inventory analysis in promoting rational parenteral cephalosporin therapy

Drug usage review and inventory analysis data on the cephalosporin antibotics were presented by the pharmacy to a hospital pharmacy and therapeutics committee in an effort to promote rational use of these drugs and decrease drug costs. The committee recommended that cefazolin be the parenteral cephalosporin of choice. Cephalothin was placed on a limited formulary status for ophthamology patients and patients with renal impairment. Efforts by the committee to promote physician compliance with its recommendations are discussed.
Tuning Electron Delocalization and Transfer Rates in Mixed-Valent Ru3O Complexes through "Push-Pull" Effects.

Electron transfer rates in a series of oxo-centered triruthenium clusters featuring an extended aromatic ancillary ligand of the type [Ru3(OAc)6(μ3-O)(CO)(L)(pep)], where L = 4-cyanopyridine (cpy), pyridine (py), or 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (dmap) and pep = 4-(phenylethynyl)pyridine were investigated. The electron self-exchange rate constants for the 0/– couple were determined by 1H NMR line broadening experiments and found to range from 4.3 to 9.2 (× 107 M–1 s–1) in deuterated acetonitrile (ACN-d3). Relative rates of self-exchange can be rationalized on the basis of increased contact area between self-exchanging pairs, and a push–pull modulation of electron density between the pep vs ancillary pyridine ligands. Faster self-exchange was observed with increasing electron-donating character of the ancillary pyridine ligand substituent (dmap > py > cpy), and this was attributed to increased orbital overlap between self-exchanging pairs. These results are supported by trends observed in 1H NMR contact shifts...
Device Life of the Tracheoesophageal Voice Prosthesis Revisited.

Importance Voice prosthesis (VP) device life is a limiting factor of tracheoesophageal (TE) voice restoration that drives patient satisfaction, health care costs, and overall burden. Historic data suggest that TE VPs have an average device life of generally 3 to 6 months, but these data are typically derived from small samples using only 1 or 2 devices. Objective To reexamine current device life in a large, contemporary cancer hospital in the United States that uses a wide assortment of VPs. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective observational study included 390 laryngectomized patients with a tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) who had VP management at MD Anderson Cancer Center between July 1, 2003, and December 31, 2013. Main Outcomes and Measures Tracheoesophageal voice–related outcomes were: (1) device life duration to VP removal, and (2) treatment-related and prosthetic-related factors influencing device failure. Primary independent variables included treatment history (extent of surgery and radiation history), VP type (indwelling vs nonindwelling, size, specialty features), and reason for removal (leakage, complication, other). Duration was examined using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Disease, treatment, and patient-specific factors were analyzed as predictors of duration. Results Overall, 3648 VPs were placed in the 390 patients (median [range] age, 62 [34-92] years). Indwelling prostheses accounted for more than half (56%) of the devices placed (55%, 20-Fr diameter; 33%, 8-mm length). More than two-thirds (69%) of prostheses were removed because of leakage, while the rest were removed for other reasons. Median device life was 61 days for all prostheses. Indwelling and nonindwelling VPs had median device lives of 70 and 38 days, respectively. There was no significant difference between specialty prostheses compared with standard devices (median duration, 61 vs 70 days, respectively). The Provox ActiValve (Atos Medical) had the longest life. Neither radiation therapy nor extent of surgery had a meaningful impact on device life. Conclusions and Relevance Our data suggest that VP duration demonstrates a lower durability than historically reported. This may reflect the intensification of treatment regimens that complicate TEP management in an era of organ preservation; however, further investigation is needed.
Conquering the cyber attacks: analysis and protecting the enterprise resources

Security breaches of all kinds are growing in complexity, sophistication, and impact. Hacktivists are bypassing conventional security deployments at will by breaching network systems. Security professionals have invested billions of dollars into conventional defenses. Yet attackers are compromising networks at an alarming rate. Regardless of what vendor or combination of typical defense-in-depth tools an organisation deploys, attackers are bypassing these with ease. This study addresses these developments and creates awareness among security practitioners so that they can be prepared to defend their enterprise systems.
An expensive adult measles outbreak and response in office buildings during the era of accelerated measles elimination, Beijing, China

Abstract Background Few measles outbreaks among adults are reported in China, and outbreak response costs are seldom documented. We report an adult measles outbreak and response in 4 linked office buildings in Beijing and its associated costs. Method The World Health Organization measles case definitions were used to determine suspected and confirmed measles cases. Surveillance data were used to describe the outbreak, and records and interviews of response staff were used to describe the response. Costs were determined by use of retrospective surveys of cases, review of records, and interviews of staff. Results The outbreak lasted 19 days, and involved 22 cases aged 23–49 years. Nineteen cases had a local household registration. All cases were employed by 8 companies in 4 linked office buildings. Among the 22 cases, 8 had temperature less than 38.5 degree, 18 had no Koplik spots and none had complications or hospitalizations. A total of 7930 contacts were identified, and of these, 6869 were employees in the office buildings. All the child contacts aged 8 months–14 years had been up-to-date for measles-containing vaccine (MCV); no adult could document their vaccination or measles history. Of contacts, about 96% were offered post-exposure vaccination. The total household costs were $13,298, or $605 per case. Control costs were $384,594, or $17,481 per case. Involved companies paid for 90.7% of control costs. Conclusion Office buildings provide a mechanism for measles transmission. Timely control activities were challenged by the highly infectious nature of measles and mild presentations of cases. The outbreak response was very costly. Financial support by involved companies can provide needed resources for outbreak management.
Identifying Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells in Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Abstract Tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) are a newly described subset of transcriptionally-distinct memory CD4 and CD8 cells that persist in barrier and non-barrier tissues. They are non-circulating, able to facilitate the recruitment of circulating effector cells and elicit rapid recall responses. The majority of TRM cells can be identified by the expression of CD69 and αE integrin, CD103. However, CD69+CD103- TRM cells have also been described. In graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), alloreactive effector T cells enter GVHD target tissues and mediate tissue damage through direct and indirect mechanisms.The recruitment of effector T cells into tissues is in general not dependent on the tissue expressing the target antigen; and even if a target antigen is available in a tissue, there could be niches free of presented alloantigen. We therefore hypothesized that even in GVHD where alloantigen is ubiquitous, TRM may develop. We first explored TRM formation in a CD4 T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic (Tg) GVHD system wherein donor BALB/c RAG2-/- TS1 TCR Tg T cells target the S1 peptide derived from HA, which is expressed ubiquitously in BALB/c RAG2-/- HA104 mice. In this model, GVHD is induced by Alloreactive TRM were also identified in the B6 (H-2b) into 129 (H-2b) MHC-matched, multiple minor histocompatibility antigen (miHA)-mismatched model in which GVHD is induced by a mix of CD4 and CD8 cells. A fraction of CD8 cells target the Kb-restricted miHA LTFNYRNL derived from H60, which can be tracked with tetramers (TetH60). At day 22 post-transplant, CD69+CD103+ CD4 cells (% of total CD4 T cells) were found in the epidermis (22.9% ±1.2), dermis (19.7% ±2.8), colon (9.4% ±3.1), SI IEL (26.5% ±2.6), SI LP (16.1% ± 3.7) and mLN (6.9% ±3.0). CD8+TetH60+ T cells (% of total CD8T cells) were detected in the epidermis (7.5% ± 3.5), dermis (10.6% ± 6.7), colon (6.9% ± 2.7), SI IEL (8.9% ±6.2), SI LP (10.2% ±3.8), mLN (3.0 ± 0.7) and spleen (9.0% ±2.9). A fraction of CD8+TetH60+ cells in the dermis (7.3% ±1.9), colon (18.1% ±12.2), SI IEL (50.1% ±4.3), SI LP (52.6% ±13.6), and mLN (6.3% ± 0.8) were CD69+CD103+, suggesting that alloreactive H60-directed CD8 T cells acquired a TRM phenotype. Using two different murine models, we found GVHD-inducing T cells with TRM phenotypes. Future experiments will confirm the TRM identity of these cells and will determine their importance in the maintenance of GVHD, perhaps by serving as a reservoir of cells that maintain GVHD locally. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Utilizing a transdiagnostic neuroscience-informed approach to differentiate the components of a complex clinical presentation: A case report

Abstract Background Recent research recognizes considerable overlap in the clinical presentation of psychiatric disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder. The diagnostic approach collects symptoms to reflect a single underlying psychopathological process. The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) emphasizes psychopathology as arising from combinations of abnormalities in core underlying constructs that can be measured at many levels of analysis, from biological to behavioral. Patients who present with clinical heterogeneity may benefit from transdiagnostic case conceptualization that integrates detailed symptom information across multiple measurements spanning multiple domains of functioning based in the RDoC framework. Case presentation We report on one case that was included in a research study focused on advancing knowledge towards a transdiagnostic, brain-based model of anxiety and depression. The 20-year-old male patient presented at a community mental health clinic for inattention, low mood, sleep problems and anxious symptoms. The patient also presented with primary problems in negative valence systems (anxiety, avoidance, and bias towards negative information), cognitive systems (fluctuating cognitive ability over time, poor concentration and ability to focus), and social processing systems (deficits in social communication skills). Conceptualizing this case through a transdiagnostic lens augmented the patient's treatment plan by including a more integrative approach. Treatment included social skills training, progressive relaxation exercises, and basic psychoeducation in emotional expression and independent living skills. Conclusion This case illustrates the utility of a transdiagnostic approach, particularly when a traditional diagnostic model generates conflicting evidence and/or multiple comorbidities. RDoC provides a framework for integrating abnormalities across multiple dimensions. Furthermore, it lays the foundation for future integration of brain-behavior relationships into case conceptualization and personalized treatment approaches.
Health App Use Among US Mobile Phone Users: Analysis of Trends by Chronic Disease Status.

Background: Mobile apps hold promise for serving as a lifestyle intervention in public health to promote wellness and attenuate chronic conditions, yet little is known about how individuals with chronic illness use or perceive mobile apps. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore behaviors and perceptions about mobile phone–based apps for health among individuals with chronic conditions. Methods: Data were collected from a national cross-sectional survey of 1604 mobile phone users in the United States that assessed mHealth use, beliefs, and preferences. This study examined health app use, reason for download, and perceived efficacy by chronic condition. Results: Among participants, having between 1 and 5 apps was reported by 38.9% (314/807) of respondents without a condition and by 6.6% (24/364) of respondents with hypertension. Use of health apps was reported 2 times or more per day by 21.3% (172/807) of respondents without a condition, 2.7% (10/364) with hypertension, 13.1% (26/198) with obesity, 12.3% (20/163) with diabetes, 12.0% (32/267) with depression, and 16.6% (53/319) with high cholesterol. Results of the logistic regression did not indicate a significant difference in health app download between individuals with and without chronic conditions (P>.05). Compared with individuals with poor health, health app download was more likely among those with self-reported very good health (odds ratio [OR] 3.80, 95% CI 2.38-6.09, P<.001) and excellent health (OR 4.77, 95% CI 2.70-8.42, P<.001). Similarly, compared with individuals who report never or rarely engaging in physical activity, health app download was more likely among those who report exercise 1 day per week (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.6-3.83, P<.001), 2 days per week (OR 4.77, 95% CI 3.27-6.94, P<.001), 3 to 4 days per week (OR 5.00, 95% CI 3.52-7.10, P<.001), and 5 to 7 days per week (OR 4.64, 95% CI 3.11-6.92, P<.001). All logistic regression results controlled for age, sex, and race or ethnicity. Conclusions: Results from this study suggest that individuals with poor self-reported health and low rates of physical activity, arguably those who stand to benefit most from health apps, were least likely to report download and use these health tools.
LexValueSets: an approach for context-driven value sets extraction.

The ability to model, share and re-use value sets across multiple medical information systems is an important requirement. However, generating value sets semiautomatically from a terminology service is still an unresolved issue, in part due to the lack of linkage to clinical context patterns that provide the constraints in defining a concept domain and invocation of value sets extraction. Towards this goal, we develop and evaluate an approach for context-driven automatic value sets extraction based on a formal terminology model. The crux of the technique is to identify and define the context patterns from various domains of discourse and leverage them for value set extraction using two complementary ideas based on (i) local terms provided by the Subject Matter Experts (extensional) and (ii) semantic definition of the concepts in coding schemes (intensional). A prototype was implemented based on SNOMED CT rendered in the LexGrid terminology model and a preliminary evaluation is presented.
Digital Religion and Media Economics: Concentration and Convergence in the Electronic Church

The economics that push every medium toward market concentration have historically done likewise to every religious medium. “Online religion” is now, in its turn, colonized by an “electronic church” industry that, due to media deregulation, is dominated by religious media conglomerates—through whom North Americans are most likely to engage in digital religion. The largest conglomerate alone generates 110 million computer sessions and 79 million mobile sessions per month. This study reviews the economics of media concentration and applications to religious media, surveys the digital footprint of the institutional electronic church, and advocates integration of media practices into Digital Religion Studies.
Matthew: Interpreter of Mark, Founder of a Genre

Garroway argues that Matthew appropriated and carefully revised Mark, generating a narrative in which the meaning of gospel becomes dislodged from its original Pauline context. Matthew turns Paul’s “gospel” into Jesus’s “gospel about the kingdom,” replacing Paul’s message about salvation outside the Law with a message from Jesus about eschatological redemption. Matthew also rehabilitates the reputation of Paul’s opponents, the disciples, makes Jesus endorse rather than abrogate the Law, and curtails the ministry to the Gentiles during Jesus’s lifetime. Still further, Garroway shows, Matthew expands the meaning of the term euangelion by using it to describe his entire narrative about Jesus, thereby inaugurating the Gospel genre.
Ontogeny of glycine-enhanced [3H]MK-801 binding to N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor-coupled ion channels

Abstract The N- methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptor is thought to play a critical role in neuronal development, differentiation and plasticity. A number of studies have shown an enhanced sensitivity to NMDA receptor ligands in neonatal animals. This study examined the ontogenetic changes in the glycinergic modulation of NMDA-coupled cation channels in the developing central nervous system of rat pups. The nonequilibrium binding of the specific channel ligand [3H]MK-801 was used as a measure of NMDA channel access. Glycine (10−5 M) enhancement of [3H]MK-801 binding at 2 h in forebrain membranes from adult rats was significantly greater than that observed in tissues from 8- to 28-day-old rat pups. This difference was due to changes in the efficacy, but not potency of glycine. The observed ontogenetic changes in the efficacy of glycine-enhanced [3H]MK-801 binding were attributable to developmental changes in receptor site density, as determined by equilibrium [3H]MK-801 saturation isotherms. Kinetic studies revealed that glycine increased the association rate constants of [3H]MK-801 in 8-day and adult membranes by a similar magnitude (0111 ± 0.021 vs 0.094 ± 0.009 nM−1h−1, respectively). Similarly, the fractional amount of [3H]MK-801 bound (i.e., amount bound at time t normalized to amount bound at equilibrium) in the presence of glycine was relatively constant throughout neonatal development. These findings suggest that the allosteric modulation of the NMDA ionophore by glycine is similar in postnatal and adult rats. Hence, the reported developmental hypersensitivity of neonatal rats to NMDA ligands is probably not attributable to ontogenetic changes in the glycinergic modulation of the NMDA supramolecular complex.
Modeling Process-Dependent Thermal Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) Films on Silicon

Though extensive work has been done in the Si/SiO2 system, no process-dependent two-layer SiO2 film model has ever been established, due largely to the lack of motivation for such a model. This study attempts to model correctly the process dependence of thermal SiO2 film physical structures and their associated densities, as well as high frequency dielectric constants, so as to provide a foundation for a ULSI process-dependent device reliability simulator. By exploring the characteristic signature of ellipsometric data reduced using a one-layer film model, and comparing it to a two-layer model, we establish a process-dependent, two-layer model for thermal SiO2 films. Internal consistency in this model is demonstrated using three intrinsic-stress-related phenomena in thermal SiO2 films on Si. Both the interfacial layer and bulk film are characterized quantitatively for 38 samples, dry-oxidized at four temperatures, leading to three empirical equations describing interlayer thickness, bulk layer density, and bulk layer optical frequency dielectric constant, as functions of oxidation temperature. The interfacial layer refractive index is taken to be independent of oxidation time, and found to be independent of oxidation temperature. The oxidation-temperature-dependent index of refraction of bulk SiO2 films obtained using the proposed model agrees well with independent one-layer model data on oxides which have thicknesses around the first half-cycle of ellipsometry thickness, for which the interlayer effect is minimal. It is also found that interlayer thickness has a relatively weak dependence on oxidation temperature, which supports the strain energy model for interlayer formation. Application of the thermal SiO2 film model to Si-device dielectric characterization using fixed index ellipsometry is also discussed, based on recent, new understanding of the ellipsometry equation.