cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interferon-γ Alters Downstream Signaling Originating from Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Intestinal Epithelial Cells: FUNCTIONAL CONSEQUENCES FOR ION TRANSPORT*

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) regulates many cellular functions, such as proliferation, apoptosis, and ion transport. Our aim was to investigate whether long term treatment with interferon-γ (IFN-γ) modulates EGF activation of downstream signaling pathways in intestinal epithelial cells and if this contributes to dysregulation of epithelial ion transport in inflammation. Polarized monolayers of T84 and HT29/cl.19A colonocytes were preincubated with IFN-γ prior to stimulation with EGF. Basolateral potassium transport was studied in Ussing chambers. We also studied inflamed colonic mucosae from C57BL/6 mice treated with dextran sulfate sodium or mdr1a knock-out mice and controls. IFN-γ increased intestinal epithelial EGFr expression without increasing its phosphorylation. Conversely, IFN-γ caused a significant decrease in EGF-stimulated phosphorylation of specific EGFr tyrosine residues and activation of ERK but not Akt-1. In IFNγ-pretreated cells, the inhibitory effect of EGF on carbachol-stimulated K+ channel activity was lost. In inflamed colonic tissues, EGFr expression was significantly increased, whereas ERK phosphorylation was reduced. Thus, although it up-regulates EGFr expression, IFN-γ causes defective EGFr activation in colonic epithelial cells via reduced phosphorylation of specific EGFr tyrosine residues. This probably accounts for altered downstream signaling consequences. These observations were corroborated in the setting of colitis. IFN-γ also abrogates the ability of EGF to inhibit carbachol-stimulated basolateral K+ currents. Our data suggest that, in the setting of inflammation, the biological effect of EGF, including the inhibitory effect of EGF on Ca2+-dependent ion transport, is altered, perhaps contributing to diarrheal and other symptoms in vivo.
Pretreatment Intervention Increases Treatment Outcomes for Patients with Anxiety Disorders

The current study evaluated the utility of a pretreatment intervention aimed at increasing treatment attendance. We extended past work by evaluating whether this intervention was associated with less impairment at termination. Given that patients with anxiety disorders demonstrate high rates of premature termination, we assessed whether these patients would be particularly likely to benefit. The sample included 172 patients at a community outpatient mental health clinic. Patients were assigned to the intervention condition (asked to imagine attending therapy sessions) or an information control condition. Number of sessions attended and termination Clinician Global Impressions (CGI) served as outcome variables. Contrary to prior work, the two conditions did not significantly differ on outcomes. Yet, patients with anxiety disorders in the intervention condition attended the most sessions and had least termination symptom severity. This intervention may provide a simple yet powerful method to increase treatment adherence and effectiveness for patients with anxiety disorders.
Adoptive T-cell therapy of melanoma using designer T-cell receptors.

Introduction: Robbins and colleagues reported in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology the antitumor activity of T cells genetically engineered to recognize a unique tumor antigen in patients with advanced, refractory sarcoma and metastatic melanoma [1]. This report is the most recent of a series of trials investigating the activity of a regimen consisting of antigen-specific T lymphocytes plus high-dose interleukin-2 (HD-IL2) for patients with advanced melanoma refractory to high-dose IL-2. The authors’ group at the National Cancer Institute Surgery Branch has contributed extensively to the literature in this field, and a prior report by Dudley et al. [2] in the same journal details the results of three sequential trials of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes followed by HD-IL2, showing improved response rates up to 70% with the addition of lympho-depleting chemotherapy and 1200 cGy of total body irradiation, which is also profoundly myelosuppressive. The latter regimen is comparable in intensity to the fully myeloablative conditioning regimens used to prepare recipients with hematologic malignancy for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant [3]. The rationale for intense conditioning prior to the infusion of cytotoxic T cells is based on the concept that the homeostatic cytokines IL-7 and IL-15 become available in increased concentrations in the setting of profound lymphopenia and contribute to lymphoid reconstitution that enriches the percentage of antigen-specific clones, which are further maintained by the post-infusion administration of HD-IL2 [4]. In this study, the authors also pioneered the use of the cancer-testis antigen NY-Eso-1, which is found on a variety of solid tumors but is otherwise limited in adult tissues to the testis, which is also protected from systemic exposure by a physiologic “blood-testis barrier.” The absence of expression of this antigen in any normal adult tissue renders it ideal for use in cancer patients, where it is desirable to avoid immunologic cross-reaction with normal tissues expressing the tumor antigen or immunologically crossreactive proteins as well as to overcome or “break” immunologic tolerance which is more likely when a tumor antigen is also expressed on normal adult tissues (for example, the melanocyte differentiation antigens MART-1/ Melan-A, gp-100, and tyrosinase).
Does influenza A affect body condition of wild mallard ducks, or vice versa?

Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses are well documented to circulate within wild waterfowl populations ([Olsen et al. 2006][1]). It has been assumed that these infections are benign with no subsequent effects on life-history parameters. The study by Latorre-Margalef et al. ([2009][2];
Strain patterns and shortening in a folded thrust sheet: An example from the southern appalachians

Abstract Total strain patterns estimated across the Pulaski thrust sheet of the southwest Virginia Appalachians show an approximately homogeneous, plane strain deformation associated with folding and distortion above a subsurface decollement. Estimated strains are low (1.2 X Z
Motivation and beliefs about the nature of scientific knowledge within an immersive virtual ecosystems environment

We explored Grade 6 students’ (n = 202) self-efficacy, epistemic beliefs, and science interest over a 10-day virtual ecology curriculum. Pre- and post-surveys were administered, and analyses revealed that (1) students became more self-efficacious about inquiring scientifically after participating in the activity; (2) students on average evinced a shift toward more constructivist views about the role of authority in justifying scientific claims; (3) students who identified more strongly with being a science person evinced greater gains in self-efficacy, developed a less constructivist view about the role of authority in justifying claims, and became more interested in science overall; and (4) students who held an incremental theory of ability evinced greater gains in self-efficacy. We discuss the implications of these findings for science educators and instructional designers in the design and use of immersive virtual worlds for middle school science students.
Mercury detoxification with transgenic plants and other biotechnological breakthroughs for phytoremediation

Phytoremediation, or the use of plants for removal and detoxification of environmental pollutants, has garnered great attention in recent years. This heightened interest is both scientifically, due the fascinating processes utilized by plants for tolerance and removal of harmful compounds, and commercially, as plants represent a more environmentally compatible and less expensive method of site remediation compared to standard approaches. The majority of phytoremediation studies have been with naturally occurring plant species after empirical discovery of their exceptional abilities for such applications. This has led to a growing body of literature and wider acceptance for plants in many aspects of environmental rehabilitation. However, this has occurred with little understanding of their basic biological mechanisms of action or investigation of alternative strategies for enhancing the capabilities of these extraordinary plants. Better understanding of plant physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology in response to specific contaminants is critical for optimization and advancement of phytoremediation. By applying the tools of biotechnology, the potential for plants as an aggressive method of environmental decontamination may be realized. This paper will serve as an introduction to the first Symposium assembled exclusively to review the use of molecular genetic and biotechnological methods for improvement of plants for phytoremediation. After a brief review of the other invited speakers' works (with more extensive papers following), the pioneering work using bacterial genes expressed in plants for removal of mercurial compounds will be surveyed.
High-field electron transport in AlGaN/GaN heterostructures.

Experimental studies have been performed on the velocity-field characteristics of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures. A pulsed voltage input in combination with a four-point measurement was used in a 50 {Omega} environment to determinethe drift velocity of electrons in the two-dimensional electron gas as a function of the applied electric field. These measurements show an apparent saturation velocity near 3.1 x 10{sub 7} cm/s, at a field of 140 kV/cm. A comparison of these studies shows that the experimental velocities are close to previously published simulations based upon Monte Carlo techniques.
Stepparents De Facto Parents or Legal Strangers

In most states, stepparents have little or no legal decision-making authority. Stepchildren do not receive the legal recognition as dependents that triggers a safety net in the event of death or divorce, nor do former stepparents have the legal right to visitation or custody. However, the lack of legal recognition of the stepparent role may not reflect the reality of contemporary stepfamilies. This article examines stepfamily functioning with the aim of creating a new policy orientation. We draw on both the National Survey of Families and Households and an in-depth study of 27 stepfamilies to investigate the everyday functioning of stepparents with regard to caregiving tasks, discipline, distribution of economic resources, attitudes toward legal status, and perception of parental roles. The findings support a new policy initiative that would legally recognize stepparents as de facto parents for a variety of purposes.
Interactive visual tools to support spatial multicriteria decision making

Spatial decision making is a complex cognitive process which requires appropriate support by interactive maps and other computer graphics. We develop tools to facilitate multicriteria evaluation of options by individuals as well as tools for analysis of results of voting in group decision making.
“You Need to Cover Your Tattoos!”: Reconsidering Standards of Professional Appearance in Social Work

Social work is committed to promoting cultural competence, celebrating human diversity, and empowering clients. In this commentary, we acknowledge these values and provide a brief summary of scholarly literature on body modification practices to call attention to the need to rethink common standards of professional appearance, specifically with respect to workers who may have visible tattoos or piercings. As societal norms shift and new knowledge develops, it is important that attitudes and policies among social workers keep up with such changes.
Characteristics of Sexual Assault and Disclosure Among Women in Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

Research suggests that many women experience some form of sexual assault in their lifetime and that women who engage in substance abuse often have a higher incidence of past sexual assault than women in the general population. Given the documented rates of sexual assault among women in recovery from substance use, it is important to explore community interventions that promote positive recovery from substance use and sexual assault. One model that promotes successful substance use recovery is the Oxford House—a democratic, self-supported substance use recovery home. Research demonstrated that living in an Oxford House provides sober social support and that this increased social support may promote the use of positive coping strategies to strengthen recovery from substance use, however; the relationship between social support and sexual assault for women is unclear. Thus, the current study examines the Oxford House model for women in recovery from substance use who have experienced sexual assault. A cross-...
William L. Randall and Gary M. Kenyon. Ordinary Wisdom: Biographical Aging and the Journey of Life. Westport, CT: Praeger, 2001.

Randall et Kenyon fournissent une vue d'ensemble efficace du vieillissement biographique (ou du recit gerontologique). Le principe de base du livre suppose que chaque vie se comprend par l'entremise de la metaphore de l'histoire, du trajet et de l'aventure (liant la metaphore et le trajet). Toutefois, contrairement a ce que peut sous-entendre le titre du livre, le texte ne fait qu'allusion peripherique a la sagesse. Les auteurs proposent une distinction entre la sagesse ordinaire et la sagesse remarquable, dite extraordinaire (c.-a.-d. une condition idealiste difficile a atteindre) et que la sagesse ordinaire est comprise a l'histoire de la vie de chaque personne. Reste a savoir pourquoi l'etre humain atteint rarement la sagesse extraordinaire, quelle est la difference exacte entre la sagesse ordinaire et la sagesse extraordinaire et quelles sont les caracteristiques demarquant les personnes ordinairement sages et celles extraordinairement sages.
Incremental benefit of SPECT + CT bone scans over conventional planar and SPECT bone scans in vertebroplasty.

Study design: Planar bone scans with SPECT and SPECT + CT were performed in those patients who underwent peri-operative evaluation for vertebroplasty. The scans were evaluated separately to identify the culprit vertebra (e) by two readers and their results were analyzed. Objective: Use of planar and SPECT bone scan for identifying the culprit vertebra (e) for vertebroplasty is well established. SPECT + CT is a relatively recent imaging tool providing co-registered fused images. Theoretical advantages of SPECT + CT over conventional SPECT imaging needs to be evaluated and documented. Summary of Background Data: Percutaneous stabilization of collapsed vertebra by bone cement has now become a standard procedure. However, it is essential to localize the correct vertebra. Imaging modalities like CT scan provides structural or anatomical information where as bone scan (planar + SPECT images) provides more functional or physiological information. Combination of these two imaging modalities is expected to provide much more than information obtained by any one imaging modality separately. To the best our knowledge, there is no reference available in the literature adopting this approach. Materials and Methods: Two expert readers, blinded to patient history, evaluated the scans. They independently analyzed planar + SPECT only images followed by SPECT/CT fused images with the aim to identify the acutely fractured vertebra for vertebroplasty. Results: Interpretations changed, on average, 50% of the time as a result of the additional information provided by SPECT + CT. SPECT + CT more precisely localizes tracer abnormalities in the vertebra compared to SPECT imaging alone Conclusion: The greatest value of co-registered SPECT + CT bone scan lies in the accurate localization of affected vertebrae in complicated cases of multiple collapsed vertebrae of different ages as well as in the post-vertebroplasty setting
Modulation of the midpoint potential of the [2Fe-2S] Rieske iron sulfur center by Qo occupants in the bc1 complex.

Following addition of myxothiazol to antimycin-treated chromatophores from Rhodobacter sphaeroides poised at an ambient redox potential (Eh )o f300 mV, the amplitude of the flash-induced cytochrome c1 oxidation in the ms range increased, indicating a decrease in the availability of electrons from the immediate donor to c1, the Rieske iron-sulfur protein (ISP). Because the effect was seen only over the limited Eh range, we conclude that it is due to a decrease in the apparent midpoint redox potential (Em) of the ISP by about 40 mV on addition of myxothiazol. This is in line with the change in Em previously seen in direct redox titrations. Our results show that the reduced ISP binds with quinone at the Q o site with a higher affinity than does the oxidized ISP. The displacement of ubiquinone by myxothiazol leads to elimination of this preferential binding of the ISP reduced form and results in a shift in the midpoint potential of ISP to a more negative value. A simple hypothesis to explain this effect is that myxothiazol prevents formation of hydrogen bond of ubiquinone with the reduced ISP. We conclude that all Qo site occupants (ubiquinone, UHDBT, stigmatellin) that form hydrogen bonds with the reduced ISP shift the apparent Em of the ISP in the same direction to more positive values. Inhibitors that bind in the domain of the Qo site proximal to heme bL (myxothiazol, MOA-stilbene) and displace ubiquinone from the site cause a decrease in Em of ISP. We present a new formalism for treatment of the relation between Em change and the binding constants involved, which simplifies analysis. Using this formalism, we estimated that binding free energies for hydrogen bond formation with the Qo site occupant, range from the largest value of 23 kJ mol -1 in the presence of stigmatellin (appropriate for the buried hydrogen bond shown by structures), to a value of 3.5 kJ mol -1 in the native complex. We discuss this range of values in the context of a model in which the native structure constrains the interaction of ISP with the Q o site occupant so as to favor dissociation and the faster kinetics of unbinding necessary for rapid turnover.
Predictable High-Performance Computing Using Feedback Control and Admission Control

Historically, batch scheduling has dominated the management of High-Performance Computing (HPC) resources. One of the most significant limitations using this approach is an inability to predict both the start time and end time of jobs. Although existing researches such as resource reservation and queue-time prediction partially address this issue, a more predictable HPC system is needed, particularly for an emerging class of adaptive real-time HPC applications. This paper presents a design and implementation of a predictable HPC system using feedback control and admission control. By creating a virtualized application layer and opportunistically multiplexing concurrent applications through the application of formal control theory, we regulate a job's progress such that the job meets its deadline without requiring exclusive access to resources even in the presence of a wide class of unexpected events. Admission control regulates access to resources when oversubscribed. Our experimental results using five widely used applications show that the feedback and admission controller achieves highly predictable HPC system. The designed feedback controller regulates the HPC job's progress accurately, close to the prediction by theory, thereby, showing the successful application of classic control theory to HPC workloads. In week-long experiments, over 90 percent of jobs met deadlines and the jobs missing deadlines still finished close to the requested deadlines (12.4 percent error).
The “Free” Right Internal Thoracic Artery: A Versatile and Durable Conduit

Background Despite its potential advantages, the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) is used as a conduit in only 4% of coronary revascularizations. To broaden its application, we frequently use the RITA as a free graft. In this study, we review our experience with the RITA as an in situ and free graft. Methods We reviewed the perioperative outcomes and angiographic patency rates of 479 consecutive patients who underwent RITA grafting between January 1987 and December 2011. Results The RITA was harvested free (FRITA) in 380 patients (79%) and in situ in 99 (21%). The predominant target for the in situ RITA was the right coronary system (79%). The predominant targets for the FRITA were divided between the right (54%) and left coronary systems (46%). There was no perioperative mortality. Mean follow-up was 10 years. Perioperative complications included myocardial infarction (0.4%), sternal nonunions (0.4%), and reoperation for hemorrhage (0.6%). Coronary angiograms were performed in symptomatic patients (17%) after a median of seven years. FRITA patency rates at five, 10, and 15 years were 100%, 95%, and 95%, respectively, comparable to the left internal thoracic artery patency rates and superior to those of saphenous vein graft. Survival rates of FRITA patients at 10, 15, and 20 years were 92%, 89%, and 76%, respectively. Conclusion The FRITA graft reaches all distal coronary vessels and is associated with excellent patency and survival rates. Its application in coronary revascularization vastly expands the benefits of internal thoracic artery grafting. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12396 (J Card Surg 2014;29:609–615)
A new species of Encalypta (Encalyptaceae) from west Texas

Encalypta texana is a new, gymnostomous species from west Texas, U.S.A. It differs from other small, gymnostomous, southwestern United States species of Encalypta in having oblong to elliptical, broadly acute, ventrally papillose leaves with subpercurrent costae and basally recurved margins, irregularly fringed calyptrae, non-furrowed capsules and finely pitted spores.
Local Sales Tax Competition and the Effect on County Governments' Tax Rates and Tax Bases

Local governments can try to attract retail sales by keeping sales tax rates low and encouraging residents of other jurisdictions to cross‐border shop. This predatory behavior must be balanced against the governments' desire to raise revenues. This study examines the extent to which local governments compete and attempt to limit cross‐border shopping by changing sales tax rates. I estimate two equations, local sales tax rate and local sales tax base, in the short and long run. The local sales tax rate equation represents the county's tax policy choices and the sales tax base equation represents the demand function for the county businesses' taxable goods and services. The regression results show local governments do consider the sales tax rates of neighboring counties in setting their own rates in both the short and long run. The study also provides evidence that the sales tax rates of the home and competing counties will affect the sales tax base of the home county because shoppers will cross borders to ...
Circuit mechanisms encoding odors and driving aging-associated behavioral declines in Caenorhabditis elegans

Chemosensory neurons extract information about chemical cues from the environment. How is the activity in these sensory neurons transformed into behavior? Using Caenorhabditis elegans, we map a novel sensory neuron circuit motif that encodes odor concentration. Primary neurons, AWC(ON) and AWA, directly detect the food odor benzaldehyde (BZ) and release insulin-like peptides and acetylcholine, respectively, which are required for odor-evoked responses in secondary neurons, ASEL and AWB. Consistently, both primary and secondary neurons are required for BZ attraction. Unexpectedly, this combinatorial code is altered in aged animals: odor-evoked activity in secondary, but not primary, olfactory neurons is reduced. Moreover, experimental manipulations increasing neurotransmission from primary neurons rescues aging-associated neuronal deficits. Finally, we correlate the odor responsiveness of aged animals with their lifespan. Together, these results show how odors are encoded by primary and secondary neurons and suggest reduced neurotransmission as a novel mechanism driving aging-associated sensory neural activity and behavioral declines.
The Slender Threads

During the period from 1871 to 1914, when grossdeutsch sentiment generally lapsed into a comfortable sense of cultural affinity between Germans of the two empires, two continuing ideological trends bridged the gap between the heated political controversies of the 1860’s and the wartime interest in Mitteleuropa. One aspect was manifested in Germany, the other, in Austria. Both were distorted into local, and differing, types of Pan-German thought.1 The Reich-German trend was caught up in the ideas of that quixotic personality, Paul de Lagarde, during a time of declining interest in the affairs of the Austrian-Germans and accelerating enthusiasm for Weltpolitik. The Austrian trend, personified in the agitation of the demagogue, Freiherr von Schonerer, attracted varying amounts of attention at different times. At best it was never more than a minority sentiment, albeit often a very strident one. Each of the trends ran counter to the prevailing direction and interests of political and diplomatic policy of its respective state. The Austrian aspect was closely intertwined with the crises and problems of the Monarchy, whereas the one in Germany was overwhelmed by enthusiasm for overseas expansion. Both trends were to be reasserted in very different ways during the First World War.
Global Opportunity Identification: Exploratory Analysis of the Precursors of Franchisor International Growth and Development

The assessment of international entry and expansion strategies is based on practical, real-world lessons of franchisors. It covers issues such as country selection, market entry methods and expansion strategies; issues that are critical to prospective franchisors considering entry or expansion into emerging economies; with a specific concentration on the BRIC countries: Brazil, Russia, India and China. This review conducts a business climate examination of U.S.-based franchisors in order to determine the market entry strategies encountered in the BRICs when entering these new markets or expanding in existing markets through franchising.
Piscirickettsiaceae fam. nov.

Pis' ci.ric.kett.si.a' ce.ae. M.L. fem. n. Piscirickettsia type genus of the family; -aceae ending to denote family, M.L. fem. pl. n. Piscirickettsiaceae the Piscirickettsia family. Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria / Thiotrichales / Piscirickettsiaceae Keywords: Piscirickettsiaceae fam. nov.; Piscirickettsia; Gammaproteobacteria class. nov.; Thiotrichales ord. nov
Discrete point spectrum of linear stability operator for Saffman–Taylor bubbles with nonzero surface tension

Abstract We will study the linear spectral properties of steady Saffman–Taylor bubbles with surface tension in a Hele-Shaw cell. It was known [21] that the Saffman–Taylor exact solution without surface tension is linearly unstable and the point spectrum is a continuum set. In this paper, we rigorously conclude that the point spectrum of the stability operator of any branch of Saffman–Taylor bubbles is a discrete set when surface tension is not zero.
Guidance of angle-resolved low coherence interferometry using co-located optical coherence tomography on rat esophageal tissue

Here we present the analysis of two dimensional angle-resolved low coherence interferometry (2D a/LCI) measurements co-registered with optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to guide the a/LCI measurements on an esophageal cancer rat model.
Detection of specific mRNAs in single nephron segments by use of the polymerase chain reaction.

We have developed a procedure to detect specific mRNAs in single renal nephron segments. This approach combines microdissection, reverse transcription (RT) of the target mRNA, and amplification of the resulting cDNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After microdissection, the sample is placed in a tube where it is permeabilized and where all reactions are performed directly without the need for isolation of the RNA. Our model target was the mRNA for aldose reductase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of glucose to sorbitol. Its expression is modulated by changes in extracellular osmolality in the renal medulla. RT-PCR of inner medullary collecting duct (1 mm) and glomeruli (6-10) yielded a product of the predicted length (670 base pairs) defined by the PCR primers. Its identity was confirmed by a specific oligonucleotide probe that differed from the primers. RT-PCR of proximal tubules (1 mm) resulted in no aldose reductase-specific amplification product. RT-PCR is generally applicable for meas...
Employment Downsizing: Causes, Costs, and Consequences

Employment downsizing is a bald fact of organizational life that has become etched into the corporate culture. This chapter begins by exploring some of the most common explanations for why downsizing happens, including its economic rationale. It then considers when employment downsizing is appropriate, and some alternative downsizing strategies - attrition, voluntary termination (including buy-outs), early-retirement incentives, and compulsory termination - and what to do when downsizing outside the United States. We then consider the direct and indirect costs of employment downsizing, in the short term as well as in the long term, as well as its effects on the broader economy and on the organization itself, including subsequent firm performance and innovation.
Impervious surface extraction in imbalanced datasets: integrating partial results and multi-temporal information in an iterative one-class classifier

Accurate urban land use/cover monitoring is an essential step towards a sustainable future. As a key part of the classification process, the characteristics of reference data can significantly affect classification accuracy and quality of produced maps. However, ideal reference data is not always readily available; users frequently have difficulty generating sufficient reference data for some classes given time, cost, data availability, expertise level, or other limitations. This study aims at dealing with this lack of sufficiently balanced reference data by presenting a modified hybrid one-class support vector data description SVDD model. The underlying hypothesis is that the lack of balanced reference data can be overcome through integration of partially extracted results and multi-temporal spectral information. The partially extracted results, defined as highly accurate classified pixels identified in previous algorithmic iterations, allow a gradual increase of the available training data. Furthermore, the method incorporates a voting system that integrates multi-temporal images using the SVDD algorithm. We applied this hybrid method to binary impervious classification of multi-temporal Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery from Central New York with imbalanced reference data. The proposed hybrid one-class SVDD model achieved a 5–6% improvement in overall accuracy and 0.05–0.09 in kappa than the typical one-class SVDD benchmark. While the method was tested on a single site albeit with an unusually high reference dataset size of >870,000 pixels we feel confident to suggest implementation of our methodology in other sites over the traditional method. This is because our approach automatically reverts to the traditional method when voting is inconsistent or there is a limited number of highly accurately classified pixels to assist future iterations. Future work could explore the quantity and temporal specificity e.g. benefits of specific months of the multi-temporal image selection and/or test other one-class classifiers.
Connecting high-level programming constructs to assembly language using Frances: tutorial presentation

Central to computing is machine code generation. Upper level undergraduate students studying computing are quite familiar with high-level languages. Most undergraduate programs in computing begin with a course involving computer programming in a high-level language and as students progress through their studies they gain more experience with high-level languages. Not only is the machine code central to upper level courses in computer science, introductory programming texts address the issue of how high-level languages are translated to execute on the machine [3, 4].
A reflection on faculty diversity in the 21st century

The 21st century is nearly two decades old, and the faculty ranks at our educational institutions remain sparsely diverse. While educational institutions are continually being challenged to increase the diversity of their faculty, progress is slow. This essay offers a perspective on the importance of diversity in our educational institutions as well as on the traditional metrics that our institutions use to evaluate faculty in hiring, promotion, and tenure. I also reflect on how my life experiences as a person of color provided me with the skills needed to succeed as an academic in science and inspired me to dedicate myself to work to increase the representation of women and people of color in science and in our educational institutions to create an inclusive environment for all members of the scientific community.
A compact unified methodology via a recurrent neural network for accurate modeling of lithium-ion battery voltage and state-of-charge

This work investigates an approach to combining accurate lithium-ion battery (LIB) dynamic modeling and effective state-of-charge (SOC) prediction at various operating conditions using a structured recurrent neural network (RNN). The RNN model is trained with drive cycle data so that model parameters do not have to be determined with characterization tests, as is typically necessary for an equivalent circuit model (ECM). The RNN is also able to capture the Butler-Volmer (BV) relationship for the charge-transfer voltage drop current dependency and the lithium-ion diffusion process, two characteristics which are challenging to capture with an ECM. This work proposes a compact unified methodology of two RNNs (current-based & power-based) incorporating Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) and Deep Feature Selection (DFS) structures. Both RNNs accurately model LIB dynamic responses including battery nonlinear behavior at different temperatures, while the power-based RNN also exhibits effective SOC prediction capability. The power based RNN is also shown to accurately predict battery state of charge versus time for a drive cycle, which is useful for vehicle range prediction. Both RNN models can also be used as a LIB simulator in model-based design and especially for hardware-in-loop (HIL) applications to test battery management systems and other electronic components.
Substance use predicted by parental maltreatment, gender, and five-factor personality

Abstract Parental maltreatment is suggested to result in negative outcomes for emerging adults, including substance use. Additionally, parental emotional and physical maltreatment are associated with a number of temperament changes, as suggested by attachment theory. Prior research suggests five-factor traits such as higher neuroticism, higher extraversion, and lower conscientiousness are associated with increased substance use and likelihood of substance abuse. Thus, the current study examined the relations among paternal and maternal emotional and physical maltreatment, emerging adult gender, five-factor traits, and substance use. Participants consisted of 585 (202 males and 383 females) emerging adult college students (M = 19.27, SD = 1.47). Multiple regression analysis indicated that maternal and paternal emotional maltreatment and emerging adult extraversion, conscientiousness, and neuroticism predicted substance use, whereas maternal and paternal physical maltreatment and emerging adult gender, openness, and agreeableness were not significant predictors. These finding suggest both parental maltreatment and emerging adult personality factors play a role in predicting emerging adult substance use and further distinguishes between paternal and maternal emotional and physical maltreatment in addition to associations between parental maltreatment and five-factor traits in emerging adults.
Applications of a Theorem of Brezis-Nirenberg

We show how a theorem of Brezis-Nirenberg implies multiple solutions for certain problems in partial differential equations.
Proceedings of the fifth ACM international workshop on Mobility in the evolving internet architecture

Welcome to the Fifth ACM International Workshop on Mobility in the Evolving Internet Architecture (MobiArch 2010) in Chicago! With recent developments in wireless access, sensor, and mobile device technologies, the mobility of users, terminals, and networks has become an indispensable component of today's Internet vision. Wireless access devices already outnumber stationary Internet hosts and an increasing share of traffic traverses at least one wireless link. These trends can be expected to continue in the near future and call for a reexamination of the architectural design of the current and future internets. The current TCP/IP architecture was originally designed for communication between stationary mainframes and servers, and later used for wired PCs. While Mobile IP and the IPv6 mobility extensions have sought to evolve the current architecture to provide support for connections under device mobility, their adoption has lagged behind expectations. This lack of adoption and additional challenges posed by mobility have led to renewed interest in a clean-slate design that comprehensively addresses mobility, free of existing architectural constraints. A clean-slate design requires rethinking current architectural foundations like the end-to-end principle as well as associated Internet business models. It requires addressing issues such as efficient mobility management and optimization, locator-identifier split, multi-homing, security, transport over wireless access networks and related operational/deployment concerns. Moreover, the architecture will also need to include new services to meet the changed needs of the majority of mobile applications. The design of an architecture that addresses this broad range of concerns necessarily requires interdisciplinary work spanning areas such wireless networks, distributed systems, internetworking, and security as well as benefitting from feedback regarding economic or legal aspects. Thus, building on the success of the previous events, MobiArch 2010 will again seek to stimulate interaction and collaboration among disciplines to facilitate work towards new mobility architectures.
Field Research in Post-2010 Burma/Myanmar: Opportunities and Challenges

This paper focuses on field research under “difficult situations” by highlighting research methods, dilemma, challenges, and lessons learned from author’s own research experiences in pre and post-authoritarian Myanmar. It offers a brief description of Burma/Myanmar’s general political environments in pre- and post 2010 periods to shed light on the government’s changing attitudes and policies toward academic research and the evolving environment within which research activities have been carried out.
A simple argument that small hydrogen may exist

Abstract This paper discusses a possible existence of small hydrogen, which may have been created during the Big Bang before formation of normal hydrogen.
Is drug consumption correlated with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) recurrence

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of peripheral vertigo and its recurrence is fairly common. Several studies correlated the pathophysiological role of different comorbidities—such as diabetes, osteoporosis, vascular, psychiatric and autoimmune diseases—in the development and recurrence of BPPV. The aim of this study is to analyse the pharmacological history of patients with idiopathic BPPV in relation to the risk of developing recurrence. Data regarding 715 patients aged 12 to 87 years (62.7 ± 14) with non-traumatic BPPV were retrospectively evaluated. These refer to the Vestibular Service, day clinic, and were collected over a 4-year period, between 2014 and 2018. Recurrence of BPPV was observed in 220/715 patients (30.76%). A statistically significant correlation (p < 0.006) between recurrence and drug consumption was observed for SNC agents (p = 0.0001), vitamin D (p = 0.0005), PPI (p = 0.0007), thyroid hormones (p = 0.0011), and antihypertensives in single use (p = 0.0031). On the contrary, cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, hypoglycaemic agents, antiplatelet medication, estroprogestins and combination of two or more antihypertensives did not show significant correlation. Specific classes of drugs are significantly associated with recurrence: antihypertensive therapy with a singular agent, central nervous system agents, PPIs, vitamin D and thyroid hormones. On the other hand, the lack of correlation between some drugs and recurrence could be linked to the effectiveness of therapy in controlling hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes. Pharmacological history is an essential tool to identify patients at risk of BPPV recurrence.
Outcomes of BAHA connect vs BAHA attract in pediatric patients.

Abstract Introduction Two of the most commonly employed bone-anchored hearing implant (BAHI) systems are the BAHA Connect and BAHA Attract. The BAHA Connect uses a skin-penetrating titanium abutment. The BAHA Attract uses an implanted magnet, leaving the overlying skin intact. Limited data is available on the difference in complication rates between the two systems. Our hypothesis was that there would be no difference in complications and audiologic data. Methods Retrospective chart review was performed of patients who had BAHA Connect vs. Attract at our tertiary care pediatric hospital from 2006 to 2018. Pre- and post-operative information, including demographics, related diagnoses, outcomes and complications were compared between the systems using Mann-Whitney U tests and Firth logistic regression for one year post-implant. Audiology data was analyzed with Wilcoxon rank-sum and Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank tests. Results Twenty-four Attract and 18 Connect BAHA surgeries were identified from 37 patients. Eleven Connect patients had the surgery completed in two stages. Connect patients followed up an average of 6.5 years post-implant and 15 months for Attract. A total of 58.8% of patients with Connect surgeries had complications within a year and 82.4% had a complication by their last follow-up. Aside from magnet strength related issues, there were no major complications with Attract surgery at any time point. Patients with Connect surgeries had significantly more skin overgrowths, cultured infections, times on antibiotics, nursing phone calls, and ENT visits within the first year and for all records, p Conclusion Implantation of both systems lead to improved hearing outcomes with profoundly different complication rates.
Bacteriostatic, germicidal, and sanitizing action of quaternary ammonium compounds on textiles: prevention of ammonia formation from urea by Proteus mirabilis.

Summary A method has been described for determining the ability of quaternary ammonium compounds to impart a residual bacteriostatic action to cotton fabric. Five typical quaternaries were studied, two of which have been recommended as deterrents for the skin condition “ammonia dermatitis.” The inhibition of ammonia formation from the decomposition of urea by P. mirabilis was used as an indication of the residual bacteriostatic action. Whereas the control became positive in ten hours, all five of the quaternary ammonium salts tested were found to be capable of inhibiting ammonia production for sixteen hours, one, four, and seven days. Wide differences were found among the five quaternaries in the quantities needed. The commonly recommended use dilution of 1 oz. quaternary to 30 lb. of dry fabric was effective only for sixteen hours and when applied at 45° C. for ten minutes. In order to provide sufficient quaternary for adsorption by cotton fabric, thus securing a practical benefit from these chemicals as treatments for cloth to prevent ammonia formation from urea, the results emphasize the necessity for accurately controlling the concentration of specific quaternary ammonium salt, the temperature of application, and the exposure time. Prevention of urease production in the tubes of urease test medium containing the treated test fabrics in these studies was associated with inhibition of growth of the organism. Thus, it cannot be said that the quaternary ammonium salts studied demonstrated any particular inactivating effect for bacterial urease. The well-recognized erratic behavior of quaternary disinfectants is complicated in these studies by the use of cotton fabric as the carrier, which in itself introduces chemical and physical conditions that may exert effects widely different from other carriers.
Student Achievement of Experiential Learning Objectives

Experiential learning is an important component of undergraduate hospitality programs, but most of the research in this area has focused on administrative and design issues. The author reports on a study undertaken to ascertain student perceptions as they relate to three commonly stated goals of experiential programs: the application of classroom studies, technical training, and management development. This article is available in Hospitality Review: http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/hospitalityreview/vol11/iss2/5 Student Achievement of Experiential Learning Objectives
High-Grade Atrioventricular Block Associated With Acute Influenza

Influenza causes cardiac and pulmonary complications that can lead to death. Its effect on the conduction system, first described a century ago, has long been thought to be fairly benign. We report 2 cases of high-grade atrioventricular block associated with acute influenza infection. Both patients-a 50-year-old woman with no history of cardiac disease or conduction abnormalities and a 20-year-old man with a history of complex congenital heart disease and conduction abnormalities-received a permanent pacemaker. In the first case, pacemaker interrogation at 4 months revealed persistent atrioventricular block. In the second case, pacemaker interrogation at 3 months suggested resolution. Whether such influenza-associated changes are transient or permanent remains unknown. We recommend keeping a careful watch on influenza patients with cardiac rhythm abnormalities and monitoring them closely to see if the problem resolves.