cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thin films of Y-Ba-Cu-O by RF sputtering

Thin films of Y-Ba-Cu-O have been prepared by rf diode sputtering from a single mixed-oxide powder target. The films were deposited on sapphire and cubic zirconia substrates, with the substrates either cooled, heated, or left to establish thermal equlibrium. The Cu content in the films decreased with increasing substrate temperature. Films having composition close to the desired 1–2–3 stoichiometry were fabricated either by enriching the target with CuO or by cooling the substrate. Using the latter approach, a single target was used for over 20 depositions yielding films that were uniform in composition (although slightly Cu-rich), and consistent from run to run. These films had as-deposited room temperature sheet resistances on the order of 100 kΩ. Subsequent annealing at temperatures up to 850 C resulted in films that were superconducting with an onset around 90 K and zero resistance at 50 K. The critical current was found to exceed 2000 A/cm 2 at 4.2 K.
Clinical findings and management of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome.

ABSTRACTPurposeThis case report presents the diagnosis and management of a patient who was ultimately diagnosed as having multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS), a rare retinal inflammatory disorder classified under the white dot syndromes.Case ReportA 34-year-old Hispanic woman presented wi
Development of neuroendocrine components of the thyroid axis in the direct-developing frog Eleutherodactylus coqui : Formation of the median eminence and onset of pituitary TSH production

Direct-developing frogs lack, wholly or in part, a wide range of larval features found in metamorphosing species and form adult-specific features precociously, during embryogenesis. Most information on thyroid regulation of direct development relies on hormone manipulations; the ontogeny of many thyroid axis components has not been fully described. This analysis examines differentiation of the median eminence of the hypothalamus and production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) by the pituitary of the direct-developing frog Eleutherodactylus coqui. The median eminence is established two-thirds of the way through embryogenesis. Cells immunoreactive to human TSHβ antibodies are first detected during embryogenesis and quantitative changes in TSHβ-IR cells resemble those in metamorphosing amphibians. Formation of the median eminence of the hypothalamus and TSHβ production by the pituitary precede or coincide with morphological changes during embryogenesis that occur during metamorphosis in biphasic anurans. Thus, while the onset of neuroendocrine regulation has changed during the evolution of direct development, it is likely that these thyroid axis components still mediate the formation of adult features.
Characterization of Infectious Bursal Disease

Abstract Natural outbreaks and experimental infections of I.B.D. (infectious bursal disease) in chickens were investigated. In field studies, a consistent additional sign of I.B.D. in affected flocks was slight head and body tremors 1 to 2 days before outbreaks were clearly evident. Body temperatures were above normal (0.56° to 1.67°) early in the disease but dropped markedly (below 35° C.) before death. Gross pathological changes of some sort occurred in the bursa in 100% of the cases. Birds that died usually had atrophied bursas (84%), hemorrhages in skeletal muscles (80%), excessive urates in the kidneys (84%) and atrophied spleens (76%). Mortality usually peaked at 4–6 days after onset of the disease. In experimentally-infected chickens, clinical signs of I.B.D. were evident by 24–48 hours. Chickens passed thick yellowish mucoid droppings by 48 hours and peak depression occurred by 3–4 days. Birds usually recovered by 6–10 days. Some gross pathological changes in bursas occurred by 36 hours. Bursas had begun to hypertrophy and some were surrounded by a yellowish jelly-like film with maximum hypertrophy by 48 hours. They were markedly atrophied by 120 hours and thereafter. Liver and spleen were significantly hypertrophied at 72 hours. Microscopically, bursas contained dead cells by 24 hours and regeneration of scattered follicles was evident by 96 hours. Body temperatures were significantly elevated and subnormal at 48 and 120 hours, respectively. Circulating erythrocytes were reduced significantly at 4 days and 7 days. Although leukocytes decreased slightly at 2 days, were increased slightly at 5 days and peaked at 7 days, changes were not significant. Thrombocytes increased significantly at 6 days. Certain changes in differential leukocyte counts were significant at 2 and 3 days after inoculation.
Direct Computational Simulations for Internal Condensing Flows and Results on Attainability/Stability of Steady Solutions, Their Intrinsic Waviness, and Their Noise Sensitivity

The paper presents a new two-dimensional computational approach and results for laminar/laminar internal condensing flows. Accurate numerical solutions of the full governing equations are presented for steady and unsteady film condensation flows on a sidewall inside a vertical channel. It is found that exit conditions and noise sensitivity are important. Even for stable steady solutions obtained for nearly incompressible vapor phase flows associated with unconstrained exit conditions, the noise sensitivity to the condensing surface's minuscule transverse vibrations is high. The structure of waves, the underlying characteristics, and the growth/damping rates for the disturbances are discussed. A resonance condition for high growth rates is proposed and its efficacy in significantly enhancing wave motion and heat transfer rates is computationally demonstrated. For the unconstrained exit cases, the results make possible a separately reported study of the effects of shear, gravity and surface tension on noise sensitive stable solutions.
Determinant Formula and Trace Formula for Some Finite Rank Perturbation of Heisenberg Commutation Relation

Suppose A is an unbounded linear operator on a Hilbert space \({\mathcal{H}}\) satisfying $$ (A^{*}A - AA^{*})x = x + Dx, x \epsilon {\fancyscript{D}}, $$ where \({\fancyscript{D}}\) is a dense linear manifold in \({\mathcal{H}}\), $$ \hbox{dim}{\mathop{\bigvee}\limits_{n=0}^{\infty}}A^{*n}D{\fancyscript{D}} < +\infty $$ , and some other conditions for D and \({\fancyscript{D}}\). Then $$ {\tt{tr}}(e^{{sA}^{*}}Q(A)e^{{-sA}^{*}} - Q(A + s)) = tr((Q(A + s) - Q(A))D), $$ where Q is any polynomial. In some special case of D, it is proved that $$ {\tt{det}}(e^{{sA}^{*}}e^{tA}e^{{-sA}^{*}}e^{-t(A+s)}) = e^{{st{\rm tr}}(D)}.$$
Deflection-Based Aircraft Structural Loads Estimation with Comparison to Flight

Traditional techniques in structural load measurement entail the correlation of a known load with strain-gage output from the individual components of a structure or machine. The use of strain gages has proved successful and is considered the standard approach for load measurement. However, remotely measuring aerodynamic loads using deflection measurement systems to determine aeroelastic deformation as a substitute to strain gages may yield lower testing costs while improving aircraft performance through reduced instrumentation weight. With a reliable strain and structural deformation measurement system this technique was examined. The objective of this study was to explore the utility of a deflection-based load estimation, using the active aeroelastic wing F/A-18 aircraft. Calibration data from ground tests performed on the aircraft were used to derive left wing-root and wing-fold bending-moment and torque load equations based on strain gages, however, for this study, point deflections were used to derive deflection-based load equations. Comparisons between the strain-gage and deflection-based methods are presented. Flight data from the phase-1 active aeroelastic wing flight program were used to validate the deflection-based load estimation method. Flight validation revealed a strong bending-moment correlation and slightly weaker torque correlation. Development of current techniques, and future studies are discussed.
What Do Discharge Planners Plan? Implications for Older Medicare Patients

This research examines the discharge-planning process, specifically assessing the extent to which components critical to effective discharge planning are implemented in acute-care settings. We surveyed 16 discharge planners in rural and metropolitan hospitals. The analysis examined the degree to which discharge-planning programs incorporate client-centered planning activities, collect information about the client's care deficits, use community services to support the client on discharge, and the extent of interdepartment involvement in discharge planning. Results indicated that the majority of planners were client centered in their planning ; however, a complete assessment of the client's resources and care deficits did not occur on admission. We discuss implications for discharge planning.
Office-based procedures in rhinosinusitis.

The development of minimally invasive nasal surgery techniques over the past 20 years has been associated with an increased frequency of endonasal surgeries [1]. The use of local anesthesia with sedation is a well-established alternative to general anesthesia for most rhinologic procedures. Operating room and recovery room times are shorter when using local anesthesia with sedation compared with general anesthesia [2]. To further increase efficiency, physicians also have explored a diversity of office-based surgical procedures in otolaryngology [3]. The cost savings and the increased convenience for the patient are self-evident. Issues regarding safety and efficacy of office surgery should be considered. Proper reimbursement for increased office expenses remains a challenge. This article focuses on techniques and outcomes of office endonasal procedures, including diagnostic nasal endoscopy, debridement, biopsy, polypectomy, treatment of epistaxis, reduction of turbinates, antral lavage, middle meatal antrostomy, and limited ethmoidectomy. It describes the author’s personal techniques and reviews the literature to include outcomes analysis where available.
Nearly fatal pseudo-obstruction of the small intestine. A case report of its relief by subtotal resection of the small bowel.

Summary A middle-aged man had severe chronic inanition due to an anatomically unimpressive chronic inflammatory process in most of the small bowel and its mesentery. The syndrome produced was one of malabsorption, dilation of the small intestine, and recurrent attacks of abdominal pain, distention, vomiting, and diarrhea. The pseudo-obstruction was relieved by subtotal resection of the small bowel.
A 4.8 kbps multi-band excitation speech coder

A speech model, referred to as the multiband excitation (MBE) speech model, has been shown to be capable of synthesizing speech without the artifacts common to model-based speech systems and has been used to develop a 4.8 kb/s speech coder. This system was developed using several new approaches to quantize the MBE model parameters. These techniques were designed to utilize additional redundancy amongst these parameters, thereby permitting more efficient quantization. The result of information listening tests indicate that this system can achieve high quality for both clean and noisy speech as the MBE speech is extremely robust to the presence of background noise in speech. >
Directed Technical Change, Skills Gap and Predictability

Directed technical change is to a large extent driven by changes in the supply of workforce skills. I demonstrate that directed technical change does not respond to changes in the skill saturation of the workforce in a way that fully reflects supply of the actual existing skill level. I estimate the gap coming from this overestimation and show that it has a predictive power for future consumption and production levels. I construct a representative firm business cycle model, in which it is optimal to maintain the gap, which in turn generates specific patterns of short- and long-run consumption and production growth. Intuitively, a high skills gap acts as an economic shock that increases consumption and production in the long term due to a higher future productivity level.
Multilevel Multi-Informant Structure of the Authoritative School Climate Survey.

The Authoritative School Climate Survey was designed to provide schools with a brief assessment of 2 key characteristics of school climate--disciplinary structure and student support--that are hypothesized to influence 2 important school climate outcomes--student engagement and prevalence of teasing and bullying in school. The factor structure of these 4 constructs was examined with exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in a statewide sample of 39,364 students (Grades 7 and 8) attending 423 schools. Notably, the analyses used a multilevel structural approach to model the nesting of students in schools for purposes of evaluating factor structure, demonstrating convergent and concurrent validity and gauging the structural invariance of concurrent validity coefficients across gender. These findings provide schools with a core group of school climate measures guided by authoritative discipline theory.
Reynolds number effect on drag reduction in a microbubble-laden spatially developing turbulent boundary layer

We have performed direct numerical simulations for a microbubble-laden spatially developing turbulent boundary layer (SDTBL) and compared the amount of skin friction reduction due to the presence of the bubbles for two Reynolds numbers: , created by the bubble concentration gradients. Thus, the volume fraction of bubbles that is responsible for the reduction of skin friction in a SDTBL at a given Reynolds number is not sufficient to produce the same amount of reduction in skin friction at higher Reynolds number.
Quantitative feedback versus standard training for cervical and thoracic manipulation.

Abstract Objective To quantify elements of spinal manipulation therapy performance and to test the strategy of combined rehearsal and quantitative feedback as a means of enhancing student skill development for cervical and thoracic manipulative procedures. Design Randomized, controlled study. Setting Chiropractic college. Subjects Thirty-nine chiropractic student volunteers entering the manipulation technique training course. Methods Student performance of cervical and thoracic spinal manipulation therapies were quantified at the beginning, middle, and end of a trimester using a Leader 900 Z series manipulation table (Leader International, Port Orchard, Wash) embedded with an AMTI force plate. Passive loads acting through the targeted (C2 or T7) functional spinal units were estimated using inverse dynamics. Participating students rehearsed the index transverse (C2) and single pisiform-transverse (T7) procedures following either the standard curriculum alone or a modified curriculum adding the Dynadjust Instrument training aid (Labarge, Inc.), as assigned on a randomized basis. Student t and chi-square tests were used to explore and describe biomechanical parameter changes over time as the semester progressed. Results Significant changes in performance between the standard curriculum and modified curriculum (with the Dynadjust) were observed for several, but different, biomechanical parameters of cervical and thoracic procedures. Conclusion This project used a rehearsal program that provided quantitative feedback on an empirically defined schedule that was self-administered by the student. Results demonstrated significant changes in performance of spinal manipulation by students using the Dynadjust Instrument versus those who did not. Using quantitative feedback provided from training aids and biomechanical measurement systems, future training programs may be optimized and tested.
OPTIMAL TROUBLESHOOTING FOR ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

When a complex electromechanical system fails, the troubleshooting procedure adopted is often complex and tedious. No standard methods currently exist to optimize the sequence of steps in a troubleshooting process. The ad hoc methods generally followed are less than optimal methods and can result in high maintenance costs. This paper describes the use of behavioral models and multistage decision-making models in Bayesian networks for representing the troubleshooting process. It discusses advantages in using these methods and the difficulties in implementing them. An approximate method to obtain optimal decision sequence for a troubleshooting process on a complex electromechanical system is also described.
Botulinum toxin—Beyond wrinkles

Botulinum neurotoxin is produced by the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum . The neurotoxin inhibits acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, thus interfering with overall muscular contraction. Botulinum neurotoxin is commonly used for the following medical conditions: cervical dystonia, upper limb spasticity, blepharospasm, strabismus, and hyperhydrosis. However, the use of botulinum neurotoxin was recently approved for the prophylaxis of headaches in adults with chronic migraines. The proposed mechanism of botulinum neurotoxin is no longer solely limited to the inhibition of acetylcholine. There are new mechanisms emerging that involve inhibition of proinflammatory agents and neuropeptides involved in chronic pain. Consequently, there is a disruption of the overall sensory feedback loop involved in chronic pain, thus decreasing peripheral and central sensitization.
Rethinking Wireless Broadband Platforms

Wired and wireless access networks continue to evolve toward higher-capacity, multi-service systems. Recent wireless broadband networks such as 3G LTE and WiMax provide a general-purpose IP platform with over-the-top services at the application layer, which is similar to the design of wired IP platform networks. This paper examines whether wired and wireless access networks are likely to converge on a common architecture, or if not, whether wireless networks are likely to converge on a common wireless architecture. We conclude that the answer to both questions is No. We identify fundamental and persistent differences between wired and wireless networking that will propel wired and wireless access network architectures on divergent evolutionary paths. Whereas we expect wired broadband access networks to continue to evolve toward a common general-purpose platform architecture, we expect wireless networks to remain heterogeneous. The inherent scarcity of radio frequency spectrum emerges as the key reason for this prediction. We examine the implications of divergent evolutionary paths for market structure and regulatory policy.
Brains of early carnivores

It is commonly believed that the brains of the ancestors of modern carnivores (miacids) were superior to (e.g., larger than) those of other early carnivores (creodonts and mesonychids). Examination of the fossil record of brains of early carnivores reveals no evidence to support that belief. Moreover, evolutionary trends towards increasing relative brain size and an expansion of neocortex are seen in both miacids and creodonts. The neocortex expanded in a different way in miacids than in creodonts and mesonychids (evidenced by different sulcal patterns), but the biological significance of the observed differences is unknown.
Immunological Characterization and Neutralizing Ability of Monoclonal Antibodies Directed Against Botulinum Neurotoxin Type H

Background. Only Clostridium botulinum strain IBCA10-7060 produces the recently described novel botulinum neurotoxin type H (BoNT/H). BoNT/H (N-terminal two-thirds most homologous to BoNT/F and C-terminal one-third most homologous to BoNT/A) requires antitoxin to toxin ratios ≥1190:1 for neutralization by existing antitoxins. Hence, more potent and safer antitoxins against BoNT/H are needed. Methods. We therefore evaluated our existing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to BoNT/A and BoNT/F for BoNT/H binding, created yeast-displayed mutants to select for higher-affinity-binding mAbs by using flow cytometry, and evaluated the mAbs' ability to neutralize BoNT/H in the standard mouse bioassay. Results. Anti-BoNT/A HCC-binding mAbs RAZ1 and CR2 bound BoNT/H with high affinity. However, only 1 of 6 BoNT/F mAbs (4E17.2A) bound BoNT/H but with an affinity >800-fold lower (equilibrium dissociation binding constant [KD] = 7.56 × 10−8 M) than its BoNT/F affinity (KD = 9.1 × 10−11 M), indicating that the N-terminal two-thirds of BoNT/H is immunologically unique. The affinity of 4E17.2A for BoNT/H was increased >500-fold to KD = 1.48 × 10−10 M (mAb 4E17.2D). A combination of mAbs RAZ1, CR2, and 4E17.2D completely protected mice challenged with 280 mouse median lethal doses of BoNT/H at a mAb dose as low as 5 µg of total antibody. Conclusions. This 3-mAb combination potently neutralized BoNT/H and represents a potential human antitoxin that could be developed for the prevention and treatment of type H botulism.
Psychotherapy: Without Beginning, Without End

Transference and countertransference issues are presented in the context of two psychotherapy ventures: one concerning a patient seeking rapid transformations and aborting attempts at serious self-examination and prolonged effort who subsequently lost her own life; the other involving a prolonged relationship initiated in psychotherapy but continued in correspondence over many years and through numerous subsequent psychotherapies, which underscores the value of persistence and the willingness to live with incompleteness. Cultural presses to produce and to cure can limit the therapist's expectations and conceptualizations.
Excited-State Absorption Cross Sections of a Phosphine-Substituted Bithiophene

The two-photon and excited-state absorption cross sections of a derivative of 5,5´-bis(diphenylphosphino)-2,2´-bithiophene have been measured at 430-nm wavelength using open-aperture Z scans employing 27-ps and 5-ns pulses at multiple pulse energies.
Acute effects of muscle fatigue on anticipatory and reactive postural control in older individuals: a systematic review of the evidence.

Background:Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury and fractures and the No. 1 cause of emergency department visits by older adults. Although declines in muscle strength and sensory function contribute to increased falls in older adults, skeletal muscle fatigue is often overlooked as a
Mesenchymal stem cells: the truth about their nature, origin and potential use for therapy

About 0.001% to 0.01% of the bone marrow compartment is comprised of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs are distinct from hematopoietic stem cells (which differentiate into blood lineage and immune cells) in that they differentiate into fibroblasts, chondrocytes, myocytes, adipocytes, or osteoblasts, and are involved in the maintenance and regeneration of connective tissues, cartilage, muscle, fat tissue and bone, respectively MSCs are multipotent, have limitless proliferative abilities, and can home to sites of tissue injury for repair [1, 2]. The microenvironment of solid tumors closely resembles that of injured tissue, producing chemokines that can recruit MSCs to the tumor site. There have been conflicting data as to whether MSCs promote or inhibit tumor growth at these sites and their function seems highly dependent on tissue context.
Retrieval and Analysis of Simulated Defense HLW Package Experiments at the WIPP

In situ waste package performance experiments involving simulated (non-radioactive) defense high-level waste (DHLW) containers have been in progress since late 1984 at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) facility. These experiments involve full-size, simulated DHLW containers of several metals and designs emplaced in the WIPP bedded rock salt. These test containers are surrounded by granular backfill (packing) materials, have in many cases been intentionally injected with brines, and are heavily instrumented. A majority of the test packages also contain nonradioactive DHLW borosilicate glass waste form, either within the container and/or outside of it. The primary purpose of these WIPP simulated DHLW experiments is to evaluate the in situ durability and performance of all waste package engineered barrier materials, and to perform package concept validation testing. Twelve of the test DHLW containers, emplaced in WIPP test Room B, have been in heated operation since 1985 and had a maximum surface temperature of about 190°C. These containers were recently retrieved, after about 3 years of heated exposure, for detailed posttest laboratory analyses of: general corrosion and metallurgical degradation, waste form and backfill materials alterations, and other rock salt-brine-barrier materials near-field interactions with the “repository” geochemical environment. Test canisters and overpacks made of ASTM Grade-12 titanium showed essentially no visible degradation in either the base metal or welds; cast mild steel A216/WCA over-packs have suffered some uniform corrosion. Significant degradation of the removed instruments and associated test apparatus has been found: pieces of stainless steel (both 304L and 316) apparatus have undergone extensive stress-corrosion cracking failure and non-uniform attack; Inconel 600-sheathed instruments have undergone both extensive uniform and localized (pitting) attack. Granular backfill materials have been significantly compacted by creep closure to about a density of 2 kg/m. Laboratory analyses are still in progress. Further details on these materials results plus instrumentation data and other in situ WIPP waste package test observations are discussed.
Boll Weevils: Seasonal Response Over Five Years to Pheromone Baited Traps

In a 5-yr study in the hill area of Mississippi, boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, were captured every month of each year, except March 1974. The largest numbers were captured in Oct. and the smallest numbers in Mar. Totals captured from 1971 through 1975 were 8959, 3399, 2058, 1213, and 715, respectively. Averages captured per trap per month ranged from 0–164.3.
Research on the Influencing Factors of Cooperation between Venture Capital Institutions and Venture Enterprises

The establishment and promotion of cooperation between venture capital institutions and venture enterprises have an important influence on the development of venture capital industry.Based on the analysis of the relevant literatures both home and abroad in combination with the investigated data,the exploring factorial analysis is used to probe into the key factors affecting the cooperation relationship between the venture capital institutions and venture enterprises.The key factors of external macro—environs include the policy and regulation environs,capital environs,and the key factors of the main body cooperation include trust,motivation and constraint,withdrawal ways and value—added service.Accordingly,the corresponding suggestions on the improvement of enhancing cooperation relationship are offered based on the research findings in this paper.
Remarks on Ontological Dependence in Set Theory

In a recent paper, John Wigglesworth explicates the notion of a set's being grounded in or ontologically depending on its members by the modal statement that in any world (possible or impossible), that a set exists in that world entails that its members exist as well. After suggesting that variable-domain S5 captures an appropriate account of metaphysical necessity, Wigglesworth purports to prove that in any set theory satisfying the axiom Extensionality this condition holds, that is, that sets ontologically depend on their members with respect to extraordinarily weak notions of set. This paper diagnoses a number of problems concerning Wigglesworth's formal argument. For one, we will show that Wigglesworth's argument is invalid as it requires an appeal to hidden, extralogical theses concerning rigid designation and the persistence of sets across possible worlds. Having demonstrated the indispensability of these principles to Wigglesworth's argument, we will then show that even granted the enthymematic premises, the argument only proves the ontological dependence of singletons on their members and does not extend to sets in general. Finally, we will consider strengthenings of Wigglesworth's reasoning and suggest that even the weakest generalization will bear undesirable consequences.
Sperm competition in marriage: Semen displacement, male rivals, and spousal discrepancy in sexual interest

Abstract Non-human males attend to the presence of potential sexual rivals in the local environment to assess sperm competition risk, and adjust accordingly the deployment of sperm competition tactics (e.g., performing semen-displacing copulatory behaviors). We extend this research to humans using data from 45 married couples who completed questionnaires in a laboratory. We found that husbands whose wife spent more time with her male coworkers and male friends (i.e., potential sexual rivals) performed more semen-displacing copulatory behaviors at the couple's most recent copulation. We also found that performance of semen-displacing copulatory behaviors correlated with a novel cue to sperm competition risk: the discrepancy between the husband's sexual interest in his wife and her sexual interest in him. We also tested and refuted an alternative hypothesis that men adjust their copulatory thrusting to facilitate their partner's orgasm. Discussion highlights the novel contributions of the current research and notes limitations that can be addressed by future research.
Reliability-Based Local Features Aggregation for Image Segmentation

Local features are used for describing the visual information in a local neighborhood of image pixels. Although using various types of local features can provide complementary information about the pixels, effective integration of these features has remained as a challenging issue. In this paper, we propose a novel segmentation algorithm which aggregates the information obtained from different local features. Starting with an over-segmentation of the input image, local features are fed into a factorization-based framework to construct multiple new representations. We then introduce a novel aggregation model to integrate the new representations. Our proposed model jointly learns the reliability of representations and infers final representation. Final segmentation is obtained by applying post-processing steps on the inferred final representation. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm on the Berkeley Segmentation Dataset.
A survey of cloud-based network intrusion detection analysis

As network traffic grows and attacks become more prevalent and complex, we must find creative new ways to enhance intrusion detection systems (IDSes). Recently, researchers have begun to harness both machine learning and cloud computing technology to better identify threats and speed up computation times. This paper explores current research at the intersection of these two fields by examining cloud-based network intrusion detection approaches that utilize machine learning algorithms (MLAs). Specifically, we consider clustering and classification MLAs, their applicability to modern intrusion detection, and feature selection algorithms, in order to underline prominent implementations from recent research. We offer a current overview of this growing body of research, highlighting successes, challenges, and future directions for MLA-usage in cloud-based network intrusion detection approaches.
Inactivation of bone morphogenetic protein 1 ( Bmp1 ) and tolloid-like 1 ( Tll1 ) in cells expressing type I collagen leads to dental and periodontal defects in mice

Bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1) and tolloid-like 1 (TLL1) belong to the BMP1/tolloid-like proteinase family, which cleaves secretory proteins. The constitutive deletion of the Bmp1 or Tll1 genes causes perinatal or embryonic lethality in mice. In this study, we first studied the β-galactosidase activity in mice in which an IRES-lacZ-Neo cassette was inserted in the intron of either the Bmp1 or the Tll1 gene; the β-galactosidase activities were used to reflect the expression of endogenous Bmp1 and Tll1, respectively. Our X-gal staining results showed that the odontoblasts in the tooth and cells in the periodontal ligament express both Bmp1 and Tll1. We then created Bmp1flox/flox and Tll1flox/flox mice by removing the IRES-lacZ-Neo cassette. By breeding 2.3 kb Col1a1-Cre mice with the Bmp1flox/flox and Tll1flox/flox mice, we further generated Col1a1-Cre;Bmp1flox/flox;Tll1flox/flox mice in which both Bmp1 and Tll1 were inactivated in the Type I collagen-expressing cells. We employed X-ray radiography, histology and immunohistochemistry approaches to characterize the Col1a1-Cre;Bmp1flox/flox;Tll1flox/flox mice. Our results showed that the molars of the Col1a1-Cre;Bmp1flox/flox;Tll1flox/flox mice had wider predentin, thinner dentin and larger pulp chambers than those of the normal controls. The dentinal tubules of the molars in the Col1a1-Cre;Bmp1flox/flox;Tll1flox/flox mice appeared disorganized. The level of dentin sialophosphoprotein in the molars of the 6-week-old Col1a1-Cre;Bmp1flox/flox;Tll1flox/flox mice was lower than in the normal controls. The periodontal ligaments of the Col1a1-Cre;Bmp1flox/flox;Tll1flox/flox mice were disorganized and had less fibrillin-1. Our findings indicate that the proteinases encoded by Bmp1 and Tll1 genes play essential roles in the development and maintenance of mouse dentin and periodontal ligaments.
Stigma and Postpartum Depression Treatment Acceptability Among Black and White Women in the First Six-Months Postpartum.

Objective To measure stigma associated with four types of postpartum depression therapies and to estimate the association between stigma and the acceptance of these therapies for black and white postpartum mothers. Methods Using data from two postpartum depression randomized trials, this study included 481 black and white women who gave birth in a large urban hospital and answered a series of questions at 6-months postpartum. Survey items included socio demographic and clinical factors, attitudes about postpartum depression therapies and stigma. The associations between race, stigma, and treatment acceptability were examined using bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results Black postpartum mothers were less likely than whites to accept prescription medication (64 vs. 81%, p = 0.0001) and mental health counseling (87 vs. 93%, p = 0.001) and more likely to accept spiritual counseling (70 vs. 52%, p = 0.0002). Women who endorsed stigma about receipt of postpartum depression therapies versus those who did not were less likely to accept prescription medication, mental health and spiritual counseling for postpartum depression. Overall black mothers were less likely to report stigma associated with postpartum depression therapies. In adjusted models, black women versus white women remained less likely to accept prescription medication for postpartum depression (OR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.24–0.72) and stigma did not explain this difference. Conclusions Although treatment stigma is associated with lower postpartum depression treatment acceptance, stigma does not explain the lower levels of postpartum depression treatment acceptance among black women. More research is needed to understand treatment barriers for postpartum depression, especially among black women.
Challenges in the Evaluation of Interventions to Improve Engagement Along the HIV Care Continuum in the United States: A Systematic Review.

In the United States (US), there are high levels of disengagement along the HIV care continuum. We sought to characterize the heterogeneity in research studies and interventions to improve care engagement among people living with diagnosed HIV infection. We performed a systematic literature search for interventions to improve HIV linkage to care, retention in care, reengagement in care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the US published from 2007-mid 2015. Study designs and outcomes were allowed to vary in included studies. We grouped interventions into categories, target populations, and whether results were significantly improved. We identified 152 studies, 7 (5%) linkage studies, 33 (22%) retention studies, 4 (3%) reengagement studies, and 117 (77%) adherence studies. ‘Linkage’ studies utilized 11 different outcome definitions, while ‘retention’ studies utilized 39, with very little consistency in effect measurements. The majority (59%) of studies reported significantly improved outcomes, but this proportion and corresponding effect sizes varied substantially across study categories. This review highlights a paucity of assessments of linkage and reengagement interventions; limited generalizability of results; and substantial heterogeneity in intervention types, outcome definitions, and effect measures. In order to make strides against the HIV epidemic in the US, care continuum research must be improved and benchmarked against an integrated, comprehensive framework.
Aggregation landscapes of Huntingtin exon 1 protein fragments and the critical repeat length for the onset of Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by an abnormal expansion in the polyglutamine (polyQ) track of the Huntingtin (HTT) protein. The severity of the disease depends on the polyQ repeat length, arising only in patients with proteins having 36 repeats or more. Previous studies have shown that the aggregation of N-terminal fragments (encoded by HTT exon 1) underlies the disease pathology in mouse models and that the HTT exon 1 gene product can self-assemble into amyloid structures. Here, we provide detailed structural mechanisms for aggregation of several protein fragments encoded by HTT exon 1 by using the associative memory, water-mediated, structure and energy model (AWSEM) to construct their free energy landscapes. We find that the addition of the N-terminal 17-residue sequence ( N T 17 ) facilitates polyQ aggregation by encouraging the formation of prefibrillar oligomers, whereas adding the C-terminal polyproline sequence ( P 10 ) inhibits aggregation. The combination of both terminal additions in HTT exon 1 fragment leads to a complex aggregation mechanism with a basic core that resembles that found for the aggregation of pure polyQ repeats using AWSEM. At the extrapolated physiological concentration, although the grand canonical free energy profiles are uphill for HTT exon 1 fragments having 20 or 30 glutamines, the aggregation landscape for fragments with 40 repeats has become downhill. This computational prediction agrees with the critical length found for the onset of HD and suggests potential therapies based on blocking early binding events involving the terminal additions to the polyQ repeats.
Alzheimer disease: A quantitative trait approach to GWAS pays dividends

Genome-wide association studies have provided important insights into the genetic underpinnings of Alzheimer disease (AD), but the relevance of the identified variants to AD pathogenesis is often unclear. A new study uses a powerful quantitative trait approach to identify genetic variants that are associated with biologically meaningful parameters in AD.
The effect of biotin on the production of succinic acid byAnaerobiospirillum succiniciproducens

The effect of biotin at 50 mg/L on the production of succinic acid byA. succiniciproducens has been studied. Biotin improved glucose consumption, cell growth, and succinic acid production. The specific productivity of succinic acid was improved by 16%. Biotin also increased the production of the byproduct acetic acid. The molar ratio of succinate:acetate was not changed by biotin.
Functional Abdominal Pain and Related Syndromes

Functional gastrointestinal disorders are very common. They result from dysfunctional interaction in the brain-gut axis. Although the nature is benign, symptoms may be debilitating. The etiology is multifactorial; therefore, the diagnosis should be approached in a bio-psychosocial model. There are no biomarkers to characterize these conditions, but a solid understanding of the pathophysiology allows providers to present these disorders as a positive clinical diagnosis, rather than a diagnosis of exclusion. Effective management entails close collaboration between the medical and mental health providers.
Measuring Situational Bias or Creating Situational Bias

Payne, Vuletich, and Lundberg (this issue) propose that understanding indirect measures of bias as gauging the level of bias within a situation rather than the level of bias unique to a person reso...
Innate lymphoid cells and allergic disease.

Allergic diseases—including asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis—are substantial causes of morbidity and mortality in both developing and developed countries. An expansive set of cellular mediators and mechanisms have been identified that contribute to the initiation or exacerbation of allergic disease. Over the last decade, the discovery of a new subset of leukocytes known as innate lymphoid cells (ILC) has great expanded our understanding of the pathogenesis of allergic disease. ILC are effector lymphocytes that are embedded at mucosal sites and are involved in tissue homeostasis and response to diverse environmental insults. Derived from common lymphoid progenitors, ILC develop into three major cell subsets—group 1, 2, and 3 ILC.1 Group 1 ILC (ILC1) are driven by the transcription factor T-bet and produce IFN-γ. Group 2 ILC (ILC2) are governed by the transcription factor GATA3 and express IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-13, and amphiregulin. Group 3 ILC (ILC3) are controlled by the transcription factor RORγt and produce IL-17 and/or IL-22. These transcription factor signatures and effector functions largely mirror CD4+ T helper (Th) 1, Th2, and Th17 cells, respectively. However, ILC exhibit several key differences that make them distinct from their CD4+ Th cell counterparts. In contrast to CD4+ T cells, ILC are primarily at mucosal sites even at baseline and are only found in low numbers in secondary lymphoid organs such as lymph nodes and the spleen.2 Moreover, even in ILC-rich tissues, ILC are found in significantly fewer numbers than CD4+ T cells. ILC do not depend on antigen presentation and can be activated immediately from stimuli in the tissue milieu such as cytokines, positioning them as innate counterparts to CD4+ T cells.3–5 Herein, we discuss the development and homeostasis of ILC, mechanistic insights into the role of ILC in the pathogenesis of allergy, and the contribution of ILC to human allergic disease, with a particular focus on ILC2 and their contributions to allergic disease pathogenesis.
Creating Programs for Professional Development and Academic Programs: Integrating Previous Knowledge and Experience into the Educational Program

More than ever before, college students are more likely to have years of life and professional experience and are often considered to be nontraditional. There is a need to better define “nontraditional student” and what unique needs they may have within an academic program. Nontraditional students may have foundational or applied knowledge due to life or work experience that could be applied to their college degree. Educational institutions may wish to include credits transferred from other institutions, through trainings by examination, standardized examination, or assessment. This chapter will discuss the various ways to include nontraditional or life experience credit in the academic program, what types of experiences the individual may have, and additional ways to recognize the experiences of students within the academic program, as they relate to comorbid substance use and mental health diagnoses.
Adolescent Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake is Associated With Parent Intake, Not Knowledge of Health Risks

Purpose:To examine associations of adolescent sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake with parent SSB intake and parent and adolescent knowledge of SSB-related health risks.Design:Quantitative, cross...
Mind inside matter: The physics of interface in William Gibson’s The Peripheral

William Gibson’s novel The Peripheral re-envisions the relationship between humans and technology, emphasizing a technological interface physically grounded between human and machine as opposed to ...
Using Best Practices when Implementing the Cooperative-Learning Theory in Secondary Physical Education Programs

Cooperative learning activities are a staple in many physical education programs. Teachers often use team building and trust activities at the beginning of the school year to get to know their stud...
A nonlinear model reduction formulation for power system slow coherency and aggregation

This paper presents a new nonlinear model reduction formulation for obtaining reduced models of large power systems. The new formulation is based on identifying the slow-coherent areas and the external network. For each slow-coherent area, the network and the dynamics of the reduced model are aggregated separately. The network aggregation of a coherent area is performed based on only its parameters and is independent of the other coherent areas. The dynamic model aggregation is formulated as the approximation of a nonlinear input-output model. The formulation would allow the development of new approaches to obtain aggregate generator and control device models.
Early introduction of advanced CS topics to increase student satisfaction

This paper describes the restructuring of our Computer Science elective sequence in response to recommendations from an external Computing Professionals advisory board, alumni and graduating students. By introducing several new 200-level electives, students are able to sample advanced topics early in their academic sequence. We also report feedback from current students who have completed the major under the new format. Preliminary data indicates increased student satisfaction. This may lead to increased enrollment and retention of Computer Science majors.
A Method for Open-Circuit Faults Detecting, Identifying, and Isolating in Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Inverters

The increasing importance of power electronic converters in supplying electrical energy to utility grids places a higher priority to detect and protect against fault conditions. Fault detection and isolation are particularly important for inverters that provide black-start recovery for microgrids since these converters provide the energy source for restoration after a power outage. This paper presents a new fault detection and location method for Cascaded B-Bridge (CHB) multilevel inverters. The new fault detection method is based on monitoring the output voltage of each cell and output current directions along with each switch's state. By monitoring each cell's output voltage and current direction, the faulty cell can be detected and isolated. After the faulty cell is detected, the faulty switch can be located by comparing the current direction with the switching states. This technique is implemented with Level-Shifted Pulse Width Modulation (LS-PWM) in order to maintain acceptable total harmonic distortion (THD) levels at the converter. The proposed method can be implemented for a CHB with any number of cells, can operate with nonlinear loads, and offers very fast detection times. Simulation and experimental results verify the performance of this method.