cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The frictional behavior of lizardite and antigorite serpentinites: Experiments, constitutive models, and implications for natural faults

Laboratory studies of the frictional behavior of rocks can provide important information about the strength and sliding stability of natural faults. We have conducted friction experiments on antigorite and lizardite serpentinites, rocks common to both continental and oceanic crustal faults. We conducted both velocity-step tests and timed-hold tests on bare surfaces and gouge layers of serpentinite at room temperature. We find that the coefficient of friction of lizardite serpentinite is quite low (0.15–0.35) and could explain the apparent low stresses observed on crustal transform faults, while that of antigorite serpentinite is comparable to other crustal rocks (0.50–0.85). The frictional behavior of both types of serpentinite is well described by a two-mechanism model combining state-variable-dominated behavior at high slip velocities and flow-dominated behavior at low velocities. The two-mechanism model is supported by data from velocity-step tests and timed-hold tests. The low velocity behavior of serpentinite is strongly rate strengthening and should result in stable fault creep on natural faults containing either antigorite or lizardite serpentinite.
Robust Classifier for the Automated Detection of Ammonia in Heated Plumes by Passive Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry

An automated classification algorithm is implemented for the detection of ammonia vapor in heated plumes by passive Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry. This classification methodology allows the real-time detection of chemical signatures in gaseous effluents such as those generated from industrial processes. The characteristics of real-time implementation and excellent robustness are achieved by an analysis strategy based on the application of band-pass digital filters to short segments of the interferogram data collected by the FT-IR spectrometer, followed by the use of piecewise linear discriminant analysis to obtain a yes/no classification regarding the presence of the analyte signature in the filtered data. The optimal classifier developed through this work is based on only 110 interferogram points and employs a single band-pass filter centered at 945 cm(-)(1) with a pass-band full width at half-maximum of 93 cm(-)(1). The average stop-band attenuation of the optimal filter is 42.1 dB. The robustness of the algorithm is tested by exposing it to chemical releases of sulfur hexafluoride, ethanol, methanol, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen chloride that were not included in the development of the classifier. Excellent classification performance is demonstrated, with missed ammonia detections occurring at a rate of approximately 1%. The occurrence of false detections is less than 0.1% for SF(6) and less than 0.02% for the other interferences tested.
ADAPT: audience design of ambient persuasive technology

We discuss our experiences with applying participatory design methods to the development of a persuasive ambient display. By combining these two approaches, we hoped to engage community members in reducing environmental waste on our college campus. We describe our design process and rationale, the resulting design, lessons learned, and future research directions.
Management of obstructive sleep apnea in a developmentally delayed pediatric patient with aggressive behavior and Pierre Robin sequence.

Report of Case This is a case of a 15-year-old nonverbal, developmentally delayed boy with history of Fragile X syndrome (FXS), autistic spectrum disorder, Pierre Robin sequence (PRS), subglottic stenosis, and ongoing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), who required aggressive surgical intervention. OSA related symptoms included loud snoring, apneas, awakenings with gasping breaths, enuresis, and daytime sleepiness. The patient also had a history of behavioral problems including aggressive behavior, which led to his family and his health care providers experiencing challenges caring for him. For example, the patient's behavior made examining him very difficult and prevented ENT exam. Likewise, OSA was difficult to manage due to the patient's inability to cooperate with treatment. The OSA treatment course for this patient is briefly described below. Language: en
BIRTH-ORDER DIFFERENCES IN SPECIAL ABILITY: FACT OR ARTIFACT?'

Summary.-A 1% subsample of Project Talent Data Bank's national high school sample provided test score and demographic data for 3,308 Ss. Partial correlation and multiple regression methods were used to test hypotheses concerning birth-order differences in special ability, over and above expected differences due to sex or to socio-economic status. After contcolling for socio-economic status and family size, birth order accounted for only 2% of the variance in Vocabulary and English tcst scores; and birth order accounted for less than 1% of the variance in the Mechanical Reasoning, Visualization, Arithmetic Computation, Clerical Checking, and Object Inspection scores. Sex differences in ability arere independent of birth order and socio-economic status. Firstborns and only children are widely believed to be favored for intellectual growth, whether for genetic or cultural reasons. Their claimed superiority mostly concerns general intelligence and related verbal skills. Some theorists (Harris, 1964) go further co argue that laterborns, who should develop lower verbal skills, partly compensate by developing higher perceptual and motor skills. Most studies of the relationship between birth order and ability have focused on IQ score differences. Some of these results favored firstborns (Terman, 1925); some favored lastborns (Thurstone & Jenkins, 1929); and some of these studies reporred slight differences at best (Burton, 1968; Jones, 1933; McCall & Johnson, 1972). Variations in methods of sampling and statistical control, plus differences in the IQ tests used, account for these equivocal results. But it appears that the claimed birth order-IQ relationship shrinks to practical insignificance with more refined statistical controls.
The vertical distribution of velocity in wide rivers

The theory of turbulent flow proposed by Osborne Reynolds and developed by Prandtl, von Karman, and G. I. Taylor has been shown to agree closely with measurements of friction-losses and velocity-distribution in pipes and along flat plates. Certain recent theoretical work by Taylor [see 1 of references at end of paper] and von Karman [2] indicates that the theory is in process of refinement but the good agreement with direct observations shows that as it stands it represents at least a first approximation of the true situation existing in a turbulent flow without a free surface. The problem to be considered here is whether it can be applied to open-channel flow as well.
THE IMPACT OF THE US RECESSION ON IMMIGRANT REMITTANCES IN CENTRAL AMERICA

The United States (US) economic recession has considerably affected employment among its immigrant Hispanic community, and as a consequence, remittances to Central America have plunged more than in any other region in the world. This paper provides evidence that the US housing crisis and the subsequent economic recession have affected the Central American region's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) beyond the traditional means of exports, exchange rates, and interest rates, namely, through remittances as well. Using a Vector Autoregression (VAR) model, we examine the case of El Salvador and find that major disturbances to the US economy have an immediate and substantial impact on remittances to this Central American nation.
“Click Chemistry” in the Preparation of Porous Polymer-Based Particulate Stationary Phases for μ-HPLC Separation of Peptides and Proteins

With the use of the copper(I)-catalyzed (3 + 2) azide-alkyne cycloaddition, an element of "click chemistry," stationary phases carrying long alkyl chains or soybean trypsin inhibitor have been prepared for use in HPLC separations in the reversed-phase and affinity modes, respectively. The ligands were attached via a triazole ring to size monodisperse porous beads containing either alkyne or azide pendant functionalities. Alkyne-containing beads prepared by direct copolymerization of propargyl acrylate with ethylene dimethacrylate were allowed to react with azidooctadecane to give a reversed-phase sorbent. Azide-functionalized beads were prepared by chemical modification of glycidyl methacrylate particles. Subsequent reaction with a terminal aliphatic alkyne produced a reversed-phase sorbent similar to that obtained from the alkyne beads. Soybean trypsin inhibitor was functionalized with N-(4-pentynoyloxy)succinimide to carry alkyne groups and then allowed to react with the azide-containing beads to produce an affinity sorbent for trypsin. The performance of these stationary phases was demonstrated with the HPLC separations of a variety of peptides and proteins.
Livestock buildings and equipment: A review

Abstract It is widely acknowledged that animal production is affected by “stress” imposed on the animal by environmental, nutritional, pathological and other factors. Morrison states that the environment in which the animal is maintained is the single most important factor affecting productivity. He defines environment to mean the air the animal breathes, the floor on which it stands, the number of its companions in a given area and the means by which it is confined. Livestock structures are widely utilized, especially in northern climates although, except for the young (new-born) animal, the primary reason is often not for environmental control. Rather, the structure is designed and built to permit efficient livestock handling, feeding and disease control, and to provide for security of animals. Not to be ignored are aspects of human comfort and reduction of drudgery in animal production systems. This paper attempts to provide a succinct review of livestock buildings and equipment, but it is impossible to provide an exhaustive analysis of developments in this area. The importance of the subject is reflected in the number of national and international symposiums or conferences which have been held in the last four years and the reader should refer to these for a more exhaustive review of specific developments.
Survey of foreign recipients of U.S. Ph.D.'s.

IN THE WAKE OF THE EVENTS OF SEPTEMBER 11, proposals have been made to regulate or restrict the number of students studying in the United States on temporary visas. In the interest of informing debate, we provide descriptive statistics on the number of temporary residents who received U.S.
Preference and performance of a willow-feeding leaf beetle: soil nutrient and flooding effects on host quality

The distribution and abundance of herbivores on plants growing under different environmental conditions may depend upon preference and/or performance. Soil nutrients and water availability are key determinants of herbivore distribution, as both influence plant growth and tissue quality. However, the effects of water on plant quality may depend upon the availability of nutrients and vice versa. Surprisingly few studies have examined the interactions between the two. We investigated the effects of soil nutrient and water availability on (1) the growth and chemistry of the silky willow (Salix sericea Marshall), and (2) the preference and performance of the imported willow leaf beetle (Plagiodera versicolora Laichartig). We conducted two common garden experiments using a similar 2x2 fully factorial design with two levels of soil nutrients (low, high) and two levels of water availability (field capacity, flooded). In the first experiment (larval performance), larval development time and pupal weight were not influenced by nutrient or water availability to the plant. This occurred despite the fact that plants in the high nutrient treatments had higher protein concentration and lower foliar concentrations of the phenolic glycoside 2'-cinnamoylsalicortin. In the second experiment (adult preference), we caged four plants (one from each treatment) and released beetles into cages. We found that plant growth and leaf protein depended upon the interaction between nutrient and water availability. Plant growth was greatest in the high nutrient-field capacity treatment and leaf protein was greatest in the high nutrient-flooded treatment. In contrast, adults settled and oviposited preferentially on the high nutrient treatment under flooded conditions, but we found no evidence of interactions between nutrients and water on preference. Thus, at least under flooded conditions nutrients affect adult preference. We also found that foliar protein was correlated positively with adult oviposition preference and per capita egg production. Our results, then, suggest that soil nutrients can influence adult preference, and that adults choose high-quality hosts (high protein) that promote egg production.
Oxygen-Doped-Silicon/Silicon Heterointerfaces by Ion Implantation

We have investigated oxygen ion implantation at substoichiometric doses for bandgap modification in silicon. Redistribution of the oxygen atoms during the high temperature anneal results in sharp interfaces aiding the formation of a heterojunction. A most interesting observation is the presence of donors in the vicinity of the implanted region, resulting in extensive counterdoping. Mesa type diodes on the implanted sample exhibit excellent rectification with a diode ideality factor n of 1.2 and a reverse saturation current density of 1 × 10 −8 A/cm 2 . The near surface region is shown to be crucial for achieving the high rectification behavior.
Identification of Two Distinct Hybridization Groups in the Genus Hafnia by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and Phenotypic Methods

A collection of 52 strains belonging to the Hafnia alvei complex were subjected to molecular (16S rRNA gene sequencing) and biochemical analysis. Based upon 16S rRNA gene sequencing results, two genetic groups were identified which correspond with previously recognized DNA hybridization group 1 (ATCC 13337T and ATCC 29926; n = 23) and DNA hybridization group 2 (ATCC 29927; n = 29). Of 46 biochemical tests used to characterize hafniae, 19 reactions (41%) yielded variable results. Of these 19 tests, 6 were determined to have discriminatory value in the separation of DNA groups 1 and 2, with malonate utilization found to be the most differential test. Test results of malonate utilization alone correctly assigned 90% of Hafnia isolates to their correct DNA group.
Storage and States on Prehistoric Crete: The Function of the Koulouras in the First Minoan Palaces

Arthur Evans discovered three large stone-lined circular pits, known as koulouras, in the West Court of the first palace at Knossos. A fourth kouloura was found under the Theatral Area. Since Evans's discovery four, or possibly five, koulouras have been found in the West Court at Phaistos, and eight in the southwest corner of the palace at Mallia. All were constructed and used during the first palace period. Like many features of Minoan palaces, the koulouras seemed to be a recurring architectural feature. Evans thought the koulouras at Knossos were 'rubbish-pits' or 'blind wells'. Since then, many scholars have interpreted their function as granaries. This paper contends that the koulouras at Knossos and Phaistos were not granaries, but those at Mallia were. Consequently, the storage capabilities of the first palaces of Knossos and Phaistos have been overestimated. The storage facilities of the three palaces did not function identically, and the role of grain storage in the emergence of the first Minoan palaces has been exaggerated.
Human immunodeficiency virus and assisted reproduction: Reconsidering evidence, reframing ethics

Abstract Objective: To review the advances in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and revisit the medical, ethical, and legal issues surrounding infertility management in HIV-infected couples. Design: Analytic review. Result(s): HIV infection continues to be a serious public health and reproductive issue. However, present policies which allow for the categorical exclusion of HIV-infected individuals from infertility services should be reconsidered in light of improvements in the prognosis of infected individuals and a dramatic decrease in the risk of vertical transmission. An analysis of the ethical cogency of the arguments against the provision of services does not substantiate the exclusion of HIV-infected individuals; rather, the principle of justice requires that HIV-infected women be treated the same way as a woman who might have an increased risk of conceiving a child with a disability or a may have a decreased life expectancy due to a chronic illness such as diabetes. Ethical disagreement notwithstanding, with the precedents recently established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), discrimination based on HIV status would also likely be unlawful under most circumstances. Conclusion(s): With advances in the treatment of HIV infection, contextualized counseling and a respect for patients' decisions regarding infertility treatment should be adopted as public policy. It is neither ethically nor legally justifiable to categorically exclude individuals from infertility services on the basis of HIV infection.
Impact of intelligence on target-hardening decisions

We present a game-theoretic model to explore how intelligence about terrorist preferences can affect optimal resource allocations for infrastructure protection. We consider a dynamic game with incomplete information in which the defender chooses how to allocate her defensive resources and then an attacker chooses which target to attack according to a multi-attribute utility function. Our model allows for both defender uncertainty about the attacker weights on the various attributes in the attacker utility function, and also defender ignorance about unobserved attributes that may be important to the attacker, but have not been identified by the defender. In the second period, the defender also has an opportunity to update her knowledge in a Bayesian manner from actual (or attempted) attacks observed in the first period. Using this model, we can explore how much the defender would be willing to pay for perfect intelligence that resolves all of her uncertainty, as well as the value of imperfect intelligence about attacker preferences gained by observing previous attacks.
Dynamics of Resonant States

The mechanics of atoms is often divided into “structure” and “collision” problems. I view here “collisions” as including any nonperturbative excitation process or chemical reaction, more generally any transformation of the structure of matter. The independent particle model has proved extremely successful for describing and interpreting structures; in fact it is commonly regarded as the theory of atomic systems. This model has also accounted for optical transitions and for fast collisions, which can be treated as weak perturbations of atoms. Its scope and power have been extended by configuration mixing and other procedures.
Effects of resolution on the simulation of stratocumulus entrainment

Three-dimensional large-eddy simulations (LESS) of a smoke cloud beneath a strong inversion are used to investigate how grid resolution affects simulated entrainment-rate. These simulations are generalizations of a 1995 GEWEX Cloud System Studies intercomparison of models of smoke clouds. Radiative cooling at the top of the smoke cloud induces convection in the smoke cloud in a manner closely analogous to that in marine stratocumulus-capped boundary-layers. The simulations are compared to a laboratory analogue for a range of inversion strengths and radiative forcings. the inverse Richardson-number scaling of non-dimensional entrainment-rate found in the laboratory experiments is largely captured by the numerical model, but the modelled entrainment-rates for strong inversions are two large by a factor of two. Better agreement is obtained when the numerical model resolves the undulations of the inversion driven by the underlying convection. By this criterion, most LES studies of subtropical maritime stratocumulus made so far are under-resolved. For determining the bulk entrainment-rate, a nested-grid model which has fine resolution only in the entrainment zone is as effective as a model with uniformly fine resolution. If horizontal resolution is much coarser than the vertical resolution, modelled entrainment-rates are less than those obtained with simulations which have comparable vertical and horizontal resolutions.
Differential Release of Guinea Pig Sperm Acrosomal Components During Exocytosis

The contents of the sperm acrosome are compartmentalized at the biochemical and morphological levels. Biochemically, the acrosome can be considered to be comprised of two compartments: one consisting of readily soluble proteins and one containing a particulate acrosomal matrix. To test the hypothesis that compartmentalization affects the release of acrosomal components during the course of secretion in guinea pig sperm, we examined the relationship between the presence of specific proteins and acrosomal status and monitored the recovery of acrosomal constituents in the medium surrounding sperm induced to undergo exocytosis with the ionophore A23187. Cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 (CRISP-2), a soluble component of the acrosome, was rapidly lost from the acrosome soon after ionophore treatment. However, acrosomal matrix components remained associated with the sperm for longer periods. AM67, a matrix component and the guinea pig orthologue of the mouse sperm zona pellucida-binding protein sp56, was released at a slower rate than was CRISP-2 but at a faster rate than were two other matrix proteins, AM50 and proacrosin. Coincident with their release from the sperm, AM50 and proacrosin were posttranslationally modified, probably by proteolysis. The release of proacrosin from the matrix appears associated with the conversion of this protein to the enzymatically active acrosin protease. These results provide strong support for the hypothesis that compartmentalization plays a significant role in regulating the release of proteins during the course of acrosomal exocytosis. Acrosomal matrix proteins remain associated with the sperm for prolonged periods of time following the induction of acrosomal exocytosis, suggesting that transitional acrosomal intermediates may have significant functions in the fertilization process.
Two dimensional studies of dynamics of electron clouds in silicon drift detectors

The dynamics of electrons generated in silicon drift detectors is studied using an IR LED. Electrons were generated at different drift distances. In this way the evolution of the cloud in anode and drift directions as a function of drift time was measured. For the anode direction the method of cumulative functions was used to extract the electron cloud profiles. The cloud width was obtained also from measurements of the charge collected on a single anode as a function of the coordinate of the light spot. We present the first report of the experimental measurements of the cloud width in the drift direction extracted from signal waveforms. The evolution of the electron cloud width with drift time is compared with theoretical calculations. Theoretical expectations agree with our experimental results.
A Spectrum-Based Framework for Quantifying Randomness of Social Networks

Social networks tend to contain some amount of randomness and some amount of nonrandomness. The amount of randomness versus nonrandomness affects the properties of a social network. In this paper, we theoretically analyze graph randomness and present a framework which provides a series of nonrandomness measures at levels of edge, node, subgraph, and the overall graph. We show that graph nonrandomness can be obtained mathematically from the spectra of the adjacency matrix of the network. We derive the upper bound and lower bound of nonrandomness value of the overall graph. We investigate whether other graph spectra (such as Laplacian and normal spectra) could also be used to derive a nonrandomness framework. Our theoretical results showed that they are unlikely, if not impossible, to have a consistent framework to evaluate randomness. We also compare our proposed nonrandomness measures with some traditional measures such as modularity. Our theoretical and empirical studies show our proposed nonrandomness measures can characterize and capture graph randomness.
The perception of back vowels: centre of gravity hypothesis.

According to the formant centre of gravity (FCOG) hypothesis, two vowel formants in close proximity are merged during perceptual analysis, and their contribution to vowel quality depends on the centre of gravity of the formant cluster. Findings consistent with this hypothesis are that two formants can be replaced by a single formant of intermediate centre frequency, provided their separation is less than 3-3.5 Bark; and that changes in their relative amplitudes produce systematic shifts in vowel quality. In Experiment 1, listeners adjusted the frequencies of F1 and F2 in a synthesized 6-formant vowel (with the F1-F2 separation fixed at 250 Hz, i.e. less than 3 Bark) to find the best phonetic match to a reference vowel with modified formant amplitudes. Contrary to FCOG predictions, F2 attenuation did not produce lower frequency matches. Raising the amplitude of F2 led to predicted upward shifts in formant frequencies of the matched vowel, but with increased variability of matches for some stimuli. In Exper...
Bearing Bad News: Reactions to Negative Performance Feedback

Knowledge of results plays a major role in almost all learning and motivational theories of task performance. Central to all these is the belief that it is necessary to feed back to employees information about the degree to which they have or have not met performance standards. In particular, information about performance that falls short of the standard (typically termed negative feedback) is a necessary but not sufficient condition for corrective action. However, reactions to negative feedback frequently do not produce the desired effect of improving performance even in cases where the person is capable of better performance. This article presents a model of negative feedback incorporating situational and individual characteristics that appear to impact motivation to respond to negative feedback.
Modulators with convergent cellular actions elicit distinct circuit outputs.

Six neuromodulators [proctolin, Cancer borealis tachykinin-related peptide Ia, crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP), red pigment-concentrating hormone, TNRNFLRFamide, and pilocarpine] converge onto the same voltage-dependent inward current in stomatogastric ganglion (STG) neurons of the crab C. borealis . We show here that each of these modulators acts on a distinct subset of pyloric network neurons in the STG. To ask whether the differences in cell targets could account for their differential effects on the pyloric rhythm, we systematically compared the motor patterns produced by proctolin and CCAP. The motor patterns produced in proctolin and CCAP differed quantitatively in a number of ways. Proctolin and CCAP both act on the lateral pyloric neuron and the inferior cardiac neuron. Proctolin additionally acts on the pyloric dilator (PD) neurons, the pyloric (PY) neurons, and the ventricular dilator neuron. Using the dynamic clamp, we introduced an artificial peptide-elicited current into the PD and PY neurons, in the presence of CCAP, and converted the CCAP rhythm into a rhythm that was statistically similar to that seen in proctolin. This suggests that the differences in the network effects of these two modulators can primarily be attributed to the known differential distributions of their receptors onto distinct subsets of neurons, despite the fact that they activate the same current.
A Computational Intelligence Strategy for Software Complexity Prediction

The automated prediction of software module complexity using quantitative measures is a desirable goal in the area of software engineering. A computational intelligence based strategy, stochastic feature selection, is investigated as a classification system to determine the subset of software measures that yields the greatest predictive power for module complexity. This strategy stochastically examines subsets of software measures for predictive power. Its effectiveness is measured against a conventional artificial neural network benchmark.
Cervical intervertebral disc space infection following cerebral angiography.

A probable cervical disc space infection developing after percutaneous carotid angiography is reported.
Reply to Michael Froehner, Rainer Koch, Manfred P. Wirth's Letter to the Editor re: Jesse D. Sammon, Firas Abdollah, Anthony D'Amico, et al. Predicting Life Expectancy in Men Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Eur Urol 2015;68:756-65.

We thank Froehner et al for their interest in our review [1] and commend them for undertaking an assessment of competing risks in their own patient population. Undoubtedly, the assessment of institutional data is the fundamental prerequisite for providing high-quality patient care and provides the underpinning of critical self-reflection.We also thank them for demonstrating, in their population, two of the most salient aspects of our review and the current limitations of life expectancy prediction as it pertains to prostate cancer (PCa). The correspondents’ data demonstrate the profound influence of selection bias for men undergoing radical prostatectomy for screening-detected cancer. As they indicate, the majority of their elderly patient population (aged >65 yr, with both American Society of Anesthesiologists classes 1–2 and Charlson score 0, n = 384) had a 10-yr competing mortality rate of only 8.8% (95% confidence interval, 6.6–11.0%). As Cho et al demonstrated [2] in a similar patient population, men diagnosed with local PCa in the prostate-specific antigen era tend to have prolonged life expectancy relative to their age-matched peers. Furthermore, the correspondents’ brief analysis parallels the assessment by Koch and colleagues, who demonstrated that, by and large, urologists have judiciously selected patients to undergo prostatectomy for the treatment of localized PCa [3]. The concern being addressed by Koch et al and by the correspondents is one of overtreatment. They have adequately demonstrated that urologists are not overeager to provide surgical care. Of equal concern, however, is the risk of undertreatment. Because the average
College Mathematics Achievement and Logical Reasoning

The Burney logical Reasoning test was administered to 297 college students in a wide range of college mathematics courses. By comparing the mean scores on the Logical Reasoning Test for A, B, C, D, and F students, the analysis of variance showed a significant difference. Further post hoc analysis showed that students who receive lower Logical Reasoning Test scores are more likely to receive lower grades in a wide range of mathematics classes than students who receive A and B grades. A second related question of how much of the variance in students' mathematics grades could be accounted for by their Logical Reasoning Test scores was addressed. Given that grades in mathematics courses are a function of multiple factors, the study confirmed that students' levels of logical reasoning could account for a small but significant 13% of the variance. When students were divided into five clusters based on the level of the mathematics classes, logical reasoning ability predicted course grades in some subsets of math...
Effect of Molecular Weight on the Electrophoretic Deposition of Carbon Black Nanoparticles in Moderately Viscous Systems

Electrophoretic deposition from viscous media has the potential to produce in-mold assembly of nanoparticles onto three-dimensional parts in high-rate, polymer melt-based processes like injection m...
Potential for Using Energy from Flared Gas for On-Site Hydraulic Fracturing Wastewater Treatment in Texas

Hydraulic fracturing faces several environmental challenges: the process is highly water-intensive, generates significant volumes of wastewater, and is associated with widespread flaring of coproduced natural gas. One possible solution to simultaneously mitigate these challenges is to use energy from flared natural gas for on-site wastewater treatment, thereby reducing flared gas, volumes of wastewater, and volumes of freshwater necessary for subsequent shale production as treated wastewater could be reused. This study builds an analytical framework for understanding the feasibility of this approach. We concluded that the thermal energy required to treat wastewater from the first 10 days after well completion is 148000–865000 MJ (140–820 MMBTU) and would generate 750–6800 m3 of treated water. Additionally, using the volume of flared natural gas in Texas in 2012, the theoretical maximal volume of treated water that could be generated was calculated to be 180–540 million m3, representing approximately 3–9% ...
Preparation and properties of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to mouse epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors: evidence for cryptic EGF receptors in embryonal carcinoma cells

Monoclonal antibodies to mouse epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor were prepared by the immunization of rats with receptor glycoprotein purified from mouse liver by affinity chromatography on immobilized EGF. Purified mouse EGF receptor retained EGF-inducible autophosphorylating activity and was antigenic in rats and rabbits. The monoclonal antibodies cross react very poorly with human EGF receptor, while polyclonal rabbit antibodies immunoprecipitate human, rat and mouse EGF receptor equally well. The rabbit antibody blocks EGF binding to mouse fibroblast cells and, at 20-fold higher concentrations, stimulates uptake of tritiated thymidine into DNA. This indicates that antibodies bind at or close to the EGF-binding site and can mimic the effects of the growth factor. None of the monoclonals bind at the EGF site of the receptor. Immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting, 125I-EGF cross linking, 125I-surface labelling, immunohistochemistry and autophosphorylation techniques were used to delineate the basis for the induction of EGF receptors when OC15 embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells differentiate into endodermal derivatives (END). EGF-stimulated autophosphorylation of a 170 X 10(3) Mr protein in solubilized OC15 EC cells is readily detectable, although intact EC cells do not bind or respond to EGF by all other tests. The results suggest that cryptic EGF receptors are present in EC stem cells, a finding with implications in development.
Biosynthesis of aspergillic acid.

SUMMARY 1. When Aspergillus flavus was grown on media containing nL-leucine-l-C~4, n-leucine-1-Cr4, uniformly labeled L-leucine-Cl4 or L-isoleucine-C!r4, significant amounts of radioactivity were found in mycelial leucine or isoleucine, and in aspergillic acid. 2 When the aspergillic acid isolated from medium containing nn-leucine-l-C4 was degraded to leucine and isoleucine isomers, the radioactivity was found in carbon atom 1 of leucine and none in the isoleucine isomers. 3. When the aspergillic acid isolated from medium containing uniformly labeled L-isoleucine-Cl4 and a small amount of leucine- Cl4 was degraded, most of the radioactivity was found in isoleu- tine isomers and a small amount in leucine. 4. The set-butyl side chain of aspergillic acid has the same optical configuration as that of carbon atom 3 of L-isoleucine. 5. The results support the hypothesis that aspergillic acid is synthesized by A. flavus from lcucine and isoleucine.
High-energy electron emission from metallic nano-tips driven by intense single-cycle terahertz pulses

Electrons ejected from atoms and subsequently driven to high energies in strong laser fields enable techniques from attosecond pulse generation to imaging with rescattered electrons. Analogous processes govern strong-field electron emission from nanostructures, where long wavelength radiation and large local field enhancements hold the promise for producing electrons with substantially higher energies, allowing for higher resolution time-resolved imaging. Here we report on the use of single-cycle terahertz pulses to drive electron emission from unbiased nano-tips. Energies exceeding 5 keV are observed, substantially greater than previously attained at higher drive frequencies. Despite large differences in the magnitude of the respective local fields, we find that the maximum electron energies are only weakly dependent on the tip radius, for 10 nm<R<1,000 nm. Due to the single-cycle nature of the field, the high-energy electron emission is predicted to be confined to a single burst, potentially enabling a variety of applications. High-energy electron sources are powerful tools for investigating dynamics at atomic and subatomic scales. Here, Li and Jones demonstrate the terahertz-driven emission of electrons with energies exceeding five kiloelectronvolts from nano-tips and study its dependence on the tip radius.
Natural variability of vegetation, soils, and physiography in the bristlecone pine forest of the Rocky Mountains

Pinus aristata Engelm. forest vegetation in Colorado was studied to determine vegetation composition and the relationship between vegetation and environment. Species percent cover, tree size class, and environmental variables were recorded for 49 plots. Previously collected data for 4 plots form New Mexico were included. Environmental variables included latitude, longitude, elevation, slope, aspect, topographic position, parent material, percent rock cover, mean rock size, litter depth, estimated plot age class, and evidence of anthropogenic disturbance. Soils were analyzed for texture, depth, and percent carbon and nitrogen. Pinus aristata foliage was analyzed for percent nitrogen and phosphorus. Direct and indirect gradient analyses (CANOCO) were used to determine environmental factors associated with community composition. Vegetation in P. aristata forests is influenced primarily by elevation and soil pH. Substrate, soil texture, topographic position, and geographic location are secondary factors. Six plant associations were identified using cluster analysis (listed in an elevational sequence from low to high): Pinus aristata/ Festuca arizonica Vasey, Pinus aristata / Festuca thurberi Vasey, Pinus aristata / Juniperus communis L., Pinus aristata / Vaccinium myrtilus L., Pinus aristata / Ribes montigenum McClatchie, and Pinus aristata / Trifolium dasyphyllum Torr. & Gray.
Why to redesign PDES framework for smart devices: an empirical study

Parallel and distributed simulation system requires time management algorithms to ensure the executions are synchronized. Without the synchronization procedures it is difficult to utilize the hardware platform efficiently. Similarly, traditional synchronization algorithms are not developed for mobile devices. The execution of state-of-the-art algorithms over mobile devices consumed energy significantly. At the same time, before applying energy optimization on traditional algorithms, it is more beneficial to analyze function level energy and time consumption, that can be used to reduce overall energy consumption. Moreover, as an insight, energy profiling at function level can help researchers to modify the implementation for energy constraint devices. In this paper, we have analyzed Rensselaers Optimistic Simulation System (ROSS) and benchmark the energy and time consumption at function level. The experimental section shows the function level energy and time consumption of conservative and optimistic synchronization algorithms during PHOLD benchmark is being executed.
Mitral Valve-in-Valve/Ring and Other Percutaneous Treatments of Surgical Failures

Re-do mitral valve surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In recent years a variety of percutaneous repair techniques of surgical failures have emerged as safe and effective treatment options for several post-surgical problems including bioprosthetic mitral valve failure, prosthetic regurgitation or stenosis following annuloplasty, and periprosthetic regurgitation. This review will cover the indications, techniques and outcomes of these novel percutaneous therapies.
Direct Visualization of Wide Fusion-Fission Pores and Their Highly Varied Dynamics

In this issue of Cell, Shin et al. report the first live-cell imaging of a fusion pore. Directly visualized pores in neuroendocrine cells can be much larger than expected yet not require vesicular full-collapse. These fusion-fission pores have diverse fates arising from opposing dynamin-driven pore constriction and F-actin-mediated pore expansion.
Preventing Antisocial Behavior and Delinquency: A Comprehensive School-wide Approach

This article describes a prevention approach designed to produce system improvement by training school-based teams to gather and respond to data to prevent antisocial behavior and delinquency. This comprehensive approach includes: (1) ensuring that the school has supportive administrative leadership, along with commitment and buy-in from faculty and staff; (2) providing high-quality needs-based professional development; (3) using academic and behavioral screening to identify at-risk youth; (4) using data systems and data-based decision-making practices; (5) using evidence-based strategies such as response to intervention or positive-behavior support; (6) integrating programs and planning into regular school operations through professional learning communities; and (7) implementing continuous program evaluation and modification. This approach combines research on best practices in delinquency prevention with the goal of increasing the capacity of school personnel to provide sustainable benefits to the organization and its students.
Compactness from Models

Linear fractional models emerged in the last chapter as tools for determining the cyclic behavior of composition operators. In this one they figure in the study of compactness. Recall from §5.5 that a necessary (but by no means sufficient) condition for a composition operator to be compact is that its inducing map have a fixed point in U. Thus the model associated with such a map must arise from Konigs’s solution to Schroder’s equation. We introduced this model in Chapter 6, and showed that compactness imposes severe restrictions on the geometry of the Konigs domain of φ (the image of U under the Konigs function σ). In particular: If φ is univalent and C φ is compact on H2, then the Konigs domain contains no sector. Our goal here is to turn this result around, and show that for a natural class of maps φ: “no sectors implies compactness.”
Abstract 1929: ST8SIA1 is a novel therapeutic target in TNBC: Regulates FAK-PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling to promote tumor growth and metastasis

We identified ganglioside GD2 as a breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) marker and that GD3 synthase (ST8SIA1) regulates GD2 expression and BCSC function. We have reported that GD2 is up-regulated in TNBC and inhibition of its expression by knockdown of ST8SIA1 inhibits tumor growth and metastasis. Here we hypothesize that ST8SIA1 is overexpressed in TNBC and regulates cell signaling downstream of GD2 to promote tumor growth and metastasis. RNA sequencing data analysis of TCGA dataset with over 1100 primary and metastatic breast tumors revealed that ST8SIA1 was overexpressed in around 10% of all breast cancer patients. Basal type tumors expressed the highest levels of ST8SIA1 compared to luminal-A, luminal-B, and HER2-enriched (p Citation Format: Khoa Nguyen, Bin Yuan, Yuanqing Yan, Kim-Anh Do, Naoto T. Ueno, Michael Andreeff, Venkata Lokesh Battula. ST8SIA1 is a novel therapeutic target in TNBC: Regulates FAK-PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling to promote tumor growth and metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1929.
Social-Media aided Hyperlocal Help-Network Matching & Routing during Emergencies

Catering to the humanitarian needs of hurricane-affected residents is the most challenging part for the emergency management agencies. These agencies typically follow a centralized help disbursement model by collecting donations and disbursing them to the needful through their employees or registered volunteers. The time required to move goods and volunteers to the place of need poses a survival challenge to emergency hit residents especially during the initial few days after the emergency. We propose and design a social-media (specifically Twitter) aided hyperlocal help-network by utilizing the tweets to identify users who require help and those who are willing to provide it. We also analyze tweets related to road damage, traffic jam, etc. to sense the current state of road infrastructure. We propose to match the help seekers and those who are willing to help, taking into consideration their spatial proximity and then provide the fastest working route for the help-provider to reach the matched help-seeker. Numerical experiments performed on hurricane Sandy Twitter dataset shows the effectiveness of the proposed approach as we are able to satisfy the need of more than 80% of help-seekers by matching them to appropriate help-offerer within a 24-hour duration after posting the request for help tweet with a maximum travel distance of 10 km.
A risk score for predicting atrial fibrillation in individuals with preclinical diastolic dysfunction: a retrospective study in a single large urban center in the United States

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction has been shown to associate with increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to examine the predictors of AF in individuals with preclinical diastolic dysfunction (PDD) - diastolic dysfunction without clinical heart failure – and develop a risk score in this population. Patients underwent echocardiogram from December 2009 to December 2015 showing left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50% and grade 1 diastolic dysfunction, without clinical heart failure, valvular heart disease or AF were included. Outcome was defined as new onset AF. Cumulative probabilities were estimated and multivariable adjusted competing-risks regression analysis was performed to examine predictors of incident AF. A predictive score model was constructed. A total of 9591 PDD patients (mean age 66, 41% men) of racial/ethnical diversity were included in the study. During a median follow-up of 54 months, 455 (4.7%) patients developed AF. Independent predictors of AF included advanced age, male sex, race, hypertension, diabetes, and peripheral artery disease. A risk score including these factors showed a Wolber’s concordance index of 0.65 (0.63–0.68, p < 0.001), suggesting a good discrimination. Our study revealed a set of predictors of AF in PDD patients. A simple risk score predicting AF in PDD was developed and internally validated. The scoring system could help clinical risk stratification, which may lead to prevention and early treatment strategies.