cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Reorganization of Auditory Analysis Induced by Phonetic Experience

Sine wave replicas of spoken words can be perceived both as nonphonetic auditory forms and as words, depending on a listener's experience. In this study, brain areas activated by sine wave words were studied with fMRI in two conditions: when subjects perceived the sounds spontaneously as nonphonetic auditory forms ("nive condition") and after instruction and brief practice attending to their phonetic attributes ("informed condition"). The test items were composed such that half replicated natural words ("phonetic items") and the other half did not, because the tone analogs of the first and third formants had been temporally reversed ("nonphonetic items"). Subjects were asked to decide whether an isolated tone analog of the second formant (T2) presented before the sine wave word (T1234) was included in it. Experience in attending to the phonetic properties of the sinusoids interfered with this auditory matching task and was accompanied by a decrease in auditory cortex activation with word replicas but not with the acoustically matched nonphonetic items. Because the activation patterns elicited by equivalent acoustic test items depended on a listener's awareness of their phonetic potential, this indicates that the analysis of speech sounds in the auditory cortex is distinct from the simple resolution of auditory form, and is not a mere consequence of acoustic complexity. Because arbitrary acoustic patterns did not evoke the response observed for phonetic patterns, these findings suggest that the perception of speech is contingent on the presence of familiar patterns of spectral variation. The results are consistent with a short-term functional reorganization of auditory analysis induced by phonetic experience with sine wave replicas and contingent on the dynamic acoustic structure of speech.
Spirochetal motility and chemotaxis in the natural enzootic cycle and development of Lyme disease

Two-thirds of all bacterial genomes sequenced to-date possess an organelle for locomotion, referred to as flagella, periplasmic flagella or type IV pili. These genomes may also contain a chemotaxis-signaling system which governs flagellar rotation, thus leading a coordinated function for motility. Motility and chemotaxis are often crucial for infection or disease process caused by pathogenic bacteria. Although motility-associated genes are well-characterized in some organisms, the highly orchestrated synthesis, regulation, and assembly of periplasmic flagella in spirochetes are just being delineated. Recent advances were fostered by development of unique genetic manipulations in spirochetes coupled with cutting-edge imaging techniques. These contemporary advances in understanding the role of spirochetal motility and chemotaxis in host persistence and disease development are highlighted in this review.
Disagreement in the Reporting of Depressive Symptoms Between Patients With Dementia of the Alzheimer Type and their Collateral Sources

The authors investigated sources of disagreement on the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) between patients and their collateral sources (CSs). There were 198 subjects with possible or probable Alzheimer's disease (DAT) and 64 cognitively intact subjects evaluated at an outpatient geriatric assessment center. The 30-item GDS was completed by the patient and the CS version of the GDS by the CS. A sizable discrepancy was found in the reporting of depressive symptoms by the subjects vs. the CSs. Multiple-regression analyses revealed that both level of insight and level of physical illness in the subjects with DAT significantly influenced the discrepancy. An increased sense of burden in the CSs was associated with a larger symptom gap in both DAT and control subjects. CSs consistently perceived more depressive symptoms than subjects, especially subjects with DAT who had no insight into their cognitive impairment.
Clinical Outcome and Predictors of Survival in Late Relapse of Germ Cell Tumor

Purpose Late relapse (LR) of germ cell tumor (GCT) is a well recognized entity associated with poor survival. We report on our experience with LR and determine predictors of survival. Patients and Methods From 1990 to 2004, 75 patients were managed for LR of GCT at our institution. Clinical and pathologic parameters were reviewed. Estimates of cancer-specific survival were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and a Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess potential predictors of outcome. Results The median time to LR was 6.9 years (range, 2.1 to 37.7 years). Overall, 56 patients (75%) had LR in the retroperitoneum, including 25 (93%) of 27 patients initially managed without retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. The 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) was 60% (95% CI, 46% to 71%). Patients who underwent complete surgical resection at time of LR (n = 45) had a 5-year CSS of 79% versus 36% for patients without complete resection (n = 30; P < .0001). The 5-year CSS for chemotherapy-naive patie...
Antibacterial and Antimembrane Activities of Cecropin A in Escherichia coli

The ability of cecropin A to permeabilize and depolarize the membranes of Escherichia coli ML-35p bacteria has been compared to its bactericidal activity in an extension of earlier studies performed on synthetic lipid vesicle membranes (L. Silvestro, K. Gupta, J. H. Weiser, and P. H. Axelsen, Biochemistry 36:11452–11460, 1997). Our results indicate that differences in the concentration dependences of membrane permeabilization and depolarization seen in synthetic vesicles are not manifested in whole bacteria. The concentration dependences of both phenomena roughly correlate with bactericidal activity, suggesting that the bactericidal mechanism of cecropin A is related to membrane permeabilization.
Experimental Verification of Three-Dimensional Plasmonic Cloaking in Free-Space

We report the experimental verification of metamaterial cloaking for a 3D object in free space. We apply the plasmonic cloaking technique, based on scattering cancellation, to suppress microwave scattering from a finite-length dielectric cylinder. We verify that scattering suppression is obtained all around the object in the near- and far-field and for different incidence angles, validating our measurements with analytical results and full-wave simulations. Our near- field and far-field measurements confirm that realistic and robust plasmonic metamaterial cloaks may be realized for elongated 3D objects with moderate transverse cross-section at microwave frequencies.
MODEL TO PREDICT IF A VASOEPIDIDYMOSTOMY WILL BE REQUIRED FOR VASECTOMY REVERSAL

Purpose: We devised a model to predict, preoperatively, the need for a vasoepididymostomy (VE) when performing a vasectomy reversal. Urologists could use it to identify those patients who need a referral to an experienced VE surgeon. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 483 patients who underwent vasectomy reversal by a single surgeon (AJT) including 393 vasovasostomies and 90 vasoepididymostomies. Selection was based on chart availability. Established criteria were used in deciding the type of reversal (eg gross appearance and microscopic examination of vasal fluid). Type of reversal, patient age and time since vasectomy were recorded. Univariate analysis revealed that patient age (p 0.001) and time since vasectomy (p 0.001) were significant predictors of reversal type. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, time since vasectomy (p 0.001) was the only significant independent predictor. We designed a linear regression algorithm based on time since vasectomy and patient age to predict if a VE would be performed. The model was designed using 433 patients and then tested on a separate randomly selected 50 patient group. The model was designed to be 100% sensitive in detecting patients requiring VE. Results: In the test group the model was 100% sensitive in predicting VE with a specificity of 58.8%. The area under the ROC curves for the design and test groups was 0.8. Palm (PalmSource Inc., Sunnyvale, California) and Windows (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington) versions are available as free shareware from www.uroengineering.com. Conclusions: The model is 100% sensitivity in detecting those patients who may require a VE during vasectomy reversal (specificity of 58.8%). It may allow urologists to preoperatively identify these patients.
The content of network television prime‐time special programming: 1948–1968

One of the most neglected areas of broadcasting research is that of programming history and strategy. Fortunately, a number of researchers, following the example of Harrison B. Summers and his students, now are exploring this topic. Robert L. Bailey originally gathered most of these data from his Ph.D. dissertation, “An Examination of Network Television Prime Time Special Programming, 1948–1967,” University of Wisconsin, 1967. Dr. Bailey is chairman of the radio‐TV‐film area of the Department of Speech at Wisconsin State University—Eau Claire.
Redox-active cysteines of a membrane electron transporter DsbD show dual compartment accessibility.

The membrane-embedded domain of the unusual electron transporter DsbD (DsbDβ) uses two redox-active cysteines to catalyze electron transfer between thioredoxin-fold polypeptides on opposite sides of the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. How the electrons are transferred across the membrane is unknown. Here, we show that DsbDβ displays an inherent functional and structural symmetry: first, the two cysteines of DsbDβ can be alkylated from both the cytoplasm and the periplasm. Second, when the two cysteines are disulfide-bonded, cysteine scanning shows that the C-terminal halves of the cysteine-containing transmembrane segments 1 and 4 are exposed to the aqueous environment while the N-terminal halves are not. Third, proline residues located pseudo-symmetrically around the two cysteines are required for redox activity and accessibility of the cysteines. Fourth, mixed disulfide complexes, apparent intermediates in the electron transfer process, are detected between DsbDβ and thioredoxin molecules on each side of the membrane. We propose a model where the two redox-active cysteines are located at the center of the membrane, accessible on both sides of the membrane to the thioredoxin proteins.
Middleware and Abstractions in the Convergence of Control with Communication and Computation

Control technology is entering what may arguably be called its third computational generation, featuring powerful computational facilities, general purpose wire-line or wireless networks, powerful computational services, and large numbers of possibly distributed sensor and actuators: For the development and proliferation of such control systems it appears that it is important to address three challenges. What are the appropriate abstractions and what is the corresponding architecture of such systems? What are the middleware services that are needed for ease of application development and deployment? What are the appropriate theories to exploit the capabilities of these systems? This tutorial is aimed at addressing these three issues. The Etherware middleware is described, an abstraction of virtual collaboration is identified, and it is detailed how Etherware supports the abstraction. The principle of local temporal autonomy is described to address the need for reliability and robustness. These issues are also illustrated on the experimental and development testbed in the Convergence Laboratory at the University of Illinois. Open theoretical problems are identified, along with speculation on what a future theory may entail.
Comparison of different methods to measure contact angles of soil colloids

We compared five different methods, static sessile drop, dynamic sessile drop, Wilhelmy plate, thin-layer wicking, and column wicking, to determine the contact angle of colloids typical for soils and sediments. The colloids (smectite, kaolinite, illite, goethite, hematite) were chosen to represent 1:1 and 2:1 layered aluminosilicate clays and sesquioxides, and were either obtained in pure form or synthesized in our laboratory. Colloids were deposited as thin films on glass slides, and then used for contact angle measurements using three different test liquids (water, formamide, diiodomethane). The colloidal films could be categorized into three types: (1) films without pores and with polar-liquid interactions (smectite), (2) films with pores and with polar-liquid interactions (kaolinite, illite, goethite), and (3) films without pores and no polar-liquid interactions (hematite). The static and dynamic sessile drop methods yielded the most consistent contact angles. For porous films, the contact angles decreased with time, and we consider the initial contact angle to be the most accurate. The differences in contact angles among the different methods were large and varied considerably: the most consistent contact angles were obtained for kaolinite with water, and illite with diiodomethane (contact angles were within 3 degrees); but mostly the differences ranged from 10 degrees to 40 degrees among the different methods. The thin-layer and column wicking methods were the least consistent methods.
Investigating the use of macrophyte stable C and N isotopic ratios as indicators of wetland eutrophication: Patterns in the P-affected Everglades

We investigated the use of stable C and N isotopic ratios as indicators of shifts in nutrient limitation of aquatic macrophytes in native Typha (Typha domingensis Pers.) and Cladium (Cladium jamaicense Crantz) communities growing along the well-established phosphorus enrichment gradient of Water Conservation Area 2A of the Florida Everglades. Both Typha and Cladium had significantly different d15 N( ,4% and 6%, respectively) in affected areas, with live leaves of Typha showing elevated d15N up to 7 km from nutrient inflows. In contrast, changes in d13C were inconsistent, with an ,2% increase in Typha and a corresponding 2% decrease in Cladium of nutrient-affected areas. The isotopic patterns of live leaves were well represented in standing dead leaves of Cladium, but not for Typha, indicating a significant alteration of isotopic signature during senescence for this emergent species. Correlations of isotopic values with tissue nutrients (total C, N, and P) indicated a greater effect of P on the d13C of both plants and the d15 No fTypha, and a greater importance of N content in determining d15N of Cladium. These results support the use of macrophyte biomass d13C and d15N as an indicator of eutrophication and shifts between N and P limitation. However, the results also highlight potential pitfalls arising from differences in species-specific response to nutrient enrichment.
Recent advances in the development of anti-HER2 antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates.

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapies have revolutionized the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, both in the metastatic and early stage settings. While trastuzumab and lapatinib had been the mainstays of treatment in combination with chemotherapy, innate and acquired resistance to these therapies occur. More recently, two additional HER2-directed therapies have been approved for HER2- positive breast cancer. Pertuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the extracellular portion of the receptor on a domain distinct from the binding site of trastuzumab. The addition of pertuzumab to trastuzumab results in synergistic tumor cell inhibition and has been shown to significantly improve clinical outcomes for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) compared to trastuzumab plus chemotherapy alone. In addition, ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), a novel antibody-drug conjugate linking trastuzumab with the cytotoxic maytansinoid, DM1, is an effective treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer that has progressed on other HER2-directed therapies. Both pertuzumab and T-DM1 are relatively well tolerated. This review presents the mechanisms of action as well as phase I, II and III clinical data describing the safety and efficacy of pertuzumab and T-DM1 for HER2-positive breast cancer.
Asynchronous Protocol Converters for Two-Phase Delay-Insensitive Global Communication

As system-level interconnect incurs increasing penalties in latency, round-trip cycle time and power, and as timing-variability becomes an increasing design challenge, there is renewed interest in using two-phase delay-insensitive asynchronous protocols for robust system-level communication. However, in practice, it is extremely inefficient to build local asynchronous computation nodes with two-phase logic, hence four-phase (i.e., return-to-zero) computation blocks are typically used. This paper proposes two new architecture for a family of asynchronous protocol converters that translate between two- and four-phase protocols, thus facilitating robust system design using efficient global two-phase communication and local four-phase computation. A converter circuit is implemented and evaluated a 0.18 micron TSMC process through post-layout simulation, assuming both a small computation block (8 times 8 combinational multiplier) and an empty computation block (FIFO stage).
Student-Faculty Research Agencies: Marketing Education Integration Using an Entrepreneurial Education Experience

Integrating theoretical disciplines has become one of the greatest challenges facing marketing educators. This article discusses an entrepreneurial educational program designed to provide students ...
Four-Year Turfgrass Management Programs in the United States: I. Structure, Requirements, Needs, and Future Outlook

Although many agronomy, horticulture, and related plant biology departments at 4-yr institutions offer specialized pro­ grams in turfgrass management, little comparative information is available on these programs. A survey of 32 land-grant institutions was conducted to determine structure, course re­ quirements, needs, and future directions of 4-yr turfgrass management programs in the USA. Overall response was 100%. The greatest concentration of courses normally taken by turf students was in the applied sciences including entomology, plant pathology, soils, and weed science. Respondents indicated that 97% of students took inorganic and 88% organic chemistry. Although the lack of business skills was considered the primary deficiency of graduating students, business-related courses were taken less frequently than courses in math, basic science, and applied science. Lack of funding, teaching faculty, and sup­ port staff were considered the greatest limiting factors to suc­ cess of turfgrass teaching programs. The greatest challenge facing turfgrass education over the next decade was believed to be attracting sufficient numbers of qualified students. Seventy-seven percent of respondents indicated that their ef­ forts in teaching did not receive as much consideration as com­ parable efforts in research and extension in terms of tenure, promotion, and salary adjustments.
Histopathologic and Clinical Characterization of Thyroid Tumors Carrying the BRAFK601E Mutation

Background: While the association of the BRAFV600E mutation with aggressive histopathological tumor features and clinical behavior has been extensively studied in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the BRAFK601E mutation has not been well characterized. This study reports what is currently the largest series of BRAFK601E mutated thyroid nodules. Methods: Histopathologic, cytologic, and molecular reports over a period of seven years (June 2007 to June 2014) were reviewed to identify thyroid cases with various types of BRAF mutations. All cases positive for the BRAFK601E mutation were reviewed to confirm histopathologic diagnosis and establish tumor variant, and clinical charts were reviewed to obtain clinical characteristics and follow-up information. Results: The BRAFK601E mutation was identified in 39 patients and comprised 5.3% of all BRAF mutations noted in thyroidectomy specimens. Twenty-seven out of 29 nodules (93%) with BRAFK601E mutated tumors with surgical pathology results available for review we...
A community study of Schistosoma mansoni egg excretion assessed by the Bell and a modified Kato technique.

A community study of Schistosoma mansoni egg excretion was made in St. Lucia, using the Bell and Kato techniques. The apparent intensity of infection was higher when examined by the Kato technique, the ratio Kato: Bell varying inversely with the level of egg excretion. The main reason for the higher counts with the Kato method was probably that the stool had been sieved whereas the Bell method used whole stool samples.
Genetic Classification of Infantile Spasms

Researchers from University of Washington, Seattle, WA, and Washington University, St Louis, MO propose a genetic and biologic classification of infantile spasms. Infantile spasms are of 2 main groups: those with known or unknown predisposing genotypes.
Exploring the Relationship Between Adoptive Parents and International Adoptees: From the Perspectives of Cross-Cultural Communication and Adaptation

ABSTRACTExisting studies demonstrate that the identity formation of internationally adopted children and the adjustments of adoptive families reside in the processes of cross-cultural and intercultural communication. However, there have been few studies on international adoption from the perspectives of intercultural and cross-cultural communication. Following a previous qualitative study on the experiences of adult international adoptees, this project employs a quantitative method to examine the ongoing (before, during, and after adoption) cross-cultural adaptation and identity formation of international adoptees from the perspectives of adoptive parents. The findings of the study have identified the key issues involved in the cross-cultural adaptation process and discussed experiences of adoptive families for dealing with those issues.
An implicit numerical scheme for the simulation of internal viscous flows on unstructured grids

The Navier-Stokes equations are solved numerically for two-dimensional steady viscous laminar flows. The grids are generated based on the method of Delaunay triangulation. A finite-volume approach is used to discretize the conservation law form of the compressible flow equations written in terms of primitive variables. A preconditioning matrix is added to the equations so that low Mach number flows can be solved economically. The equations are time marched using either an implicit Gauss-Seidel iterative procedure or a solver based on a conjugate gradient like method. A four color scheme is employed to vectorize the block Gauss-Seidel relaxation procedure. This increases the memory requirements minimally and decreases the computer time spent solving the resulting system of equations substantially. A factor of 7.6 speed up in the matrix solver is typical for the viscous equations. Numerical results are obtained for inviscid flow over a bump in a channel at subsonic and transonic conditions for validation with structured solvers. Viscous results are computed for developing flow in a channel, a symmetric sudden expansion, periodic tandem cylinders in a cross-flow, and a four-port valve. Comparisons are made with available results obtained by other investigators.
Green Technology for the 21st Century: Ceramic Membranes

The nineties have brought us to an era of environmental crisis. We are faced with problems of air pollution, both indoor and outdoor, acid rain, water pollution, hazardous wastes, toxic landfills and leaking storage tanks in our soil, to name a few. Our rapid advances into the industrial and technological age have contributed to these problems. However, our advancing technology in the areas of remediation and such “green” engineering tools as ceramic membranes can certainly make a significant contribution in terms of environmental clean-up and a healthier world.
Serum Reactions Produced by Feeding Antigens

The recent revival of interest in the method of vaccination by mouth has led to a reexamination by several workers of the factors involved. It is an old observation dating back to the work of Ehrlich 1 and even to that of Pasteur that some degree of immunity may be obtained in laboratory animals by feeding certain antigens. The nature of the mechanism concerned, however, is not clear. A number of the later experimenters have been inclined to believe that the protection so obtained is due to a local rather than a general immunity. Attempts to demonstrate the presence of specific antibodies in the blood of animals fed with antigens have not given uniform results.
Composition Dependence of the Band Gap and Doping in Cu 2 O -Based Alloys as Predicted by an Extension of the Dilute-Defect Model

Advanced applications often require advanced materials, and predicting the composition-function relationship is a major theme of current research. The authors extend the dilute-defect model to study the effects on band structure and electrical properties of simultaneously incorporating both aliovalent metal cations and isovalent chalcogenide anions into the cuprite structure of semiconducting Cu${}_{2}$O. A wide range of properties is predicted, including conversion from $p-$ to $n-$type via cadmium doping.
Uranium (and Cerium) Compounds At High Pressures and Magnetic Fields

Correlated-electron systems are so named due to strong interactions between electrons unlike traditional metals (e.g. copper) that have “free electrons” that interact very weakly. Knowledge of the Fermi surface, density of electron states and band structure are the starting points for a first-principles understanding of the electronic and electronically related macroscopic properties, e.g. equation of state. The use of high pressure and high magnetic fields to alter the electron-electron (hybridization) and electron-lattice interactions give us powerful tools to understand complicated rare earth and actinide correlated-electron systems and allows precise testing of experiment to theory. Correlated-electron systems yield a wide variety of ground states that are a direct result of the hybridization strength including: short and long range magnetic order, spin fluctuating, enhanced Pauli paramagnetism, heavy fermion behavior and superconductivity. We will review some results on U compounds in high magnetic fields and high pressures. By comparing the results to Ce compounds that have significantly more localized f electrons, the effect of direct 5f electron wavefunction overlap in U compounds can be discerned. Consequences on the search for U based heavy fermion superconductors will be discussed.
The Effect of Closed Reduction Internal Fixation for Treatment of Proximal Humeral Fracture among Elder Patients

Objective To discuss the effect of internal fixation with transfix ion pin for treatment of proximal humeral fracture. Methods A total of 27 patients with proximal humeral fracture from Miyun Hospital during Feb. 2010 to Jun. 2011 treated by two different methods were included in the research. 11 patients treated with proximal humeral nailing system were the closed reduction group,and 16 patients treated with proximal humeral internal locking system were the open reduction group. The bone healing and complications after surgery were observed. Results The rate of bone healing,time of healing and functional exercise of the closed reduction group were better than that of open reduction group( χ2= 3. 267,t = 4. 215,30326,P 0. 05),and the incidence of complications was lower than the open reduction group( 9. 09% vs 31. 25%)( χ2= 11. 05,P 0. 05). The total effective rate of closed reduction( 90. 90%) was better than the control group( 81. 25%) after 12 months following study( χ2= 3. 427,P 0. 05). Conclusion The treatment of elderly proximal humerus fractures is based on the severity of fractures. Under the same conditions,the effects of closed reduction of proximal humeral intramedullary nailing is obvious,and the bone union rate,functional recovery are better than others,thus is worthy for spreading.
Tunable, biodegradable gold nanoparticles as contrast agents for computed tomography and photoacoustic imaging.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) have been proposed for many applications in medicine. Although large AuNP (>5.5 nm) are desirable for their longer blood circulation and accumulation in diseased tissues, small AuNP (<5.5 nm) are required for excretion via the kidneys. We present a novel platform where small, excretable AuNP are encapsulated into biodegradable poly di(carboxylatophenoxy)phosphazene (PCPP) nanospheres. These larger nanoparticles (Au-PCPP) can perform their function as contrast agents, then subsequently break down into harmless byproducts and release the AuNP for swift excretion. Homogeneous Au-PCPP were synthesized using a microfluidic device. The size of the Au-PCPP can be controlled by the amount of polyethylene glycol-polylysine (PEG-PLL) block co-polymer in the formulation. Synthesis of Au-PCPP nanoparticles and encapsulation of AuNP in PCPP were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy and their biocompatibility and biodegradability confirmed in vitro. The Au-PCPP nanoparticles were found to produce strong computed tomography contrast. The UV-Vis absorption peak of Au-PCPP can be tuned into the near infrared region via inclusion of varying amounts of AuNP and controlling the nanoparticle size. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated the potential of Au-PCPP as contrast agents for photoacoustic imaging. Therefore, Au-PCPP nanoparticles have high potency as contrast agents for two imaging modalities, as well as being biocompatible and biodegradable, and thus represent a platform with potential for translation into the clinic.
Human Rights Education in Public Health Graduate Schools: 1996 Survey.

ecent expositions of the relationship between health and human rights suggest the need for public health workers to understand human rights concepts and practices. 1"2'3'4 While specific task-oriented human rights training for health professionals has begun, the availability of ,health and human rights courses in schools of public health (SPH)-a presumptive training ground for public health workers-is open to question.5'6 There have been few systematic attempts to survey human rights education in any health-related graduate program; two existing surveys focus on medical schools, but no prior surveys of SPH exist.7 This in part reflects a general lack of reviews of SPH curricula globally.8 The World Health Organization's data on SPH curricula are both inadequate and seriously outdated. Furthermore, none of the world's four regional associations of SPH, covering the United States, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Asia-Pacific Region, keeps curricular data sufficiently detailed to be useful.9"10 Therefore, a survey was conducted with the goal of determining the number and content of courses fully and explicitly focused on health and human rights in SPH in the United States and selected countries worldwide.
Split Spinach Aptamer for Highly Selective Recognition of DNA and RNA at Ambient Temperatures

Split spinach aptamer (SSA) probes for fluorescent analysis of nucleic acids were designed and tested. In SSA design, two RNA or RNA/DNA strands hybridized to a specific nucleic acid analyte and formed a binding site for low-fluorescent 3,5-difluoro-4-hydroxybenzylidene imidazolinone (DFHBI) dye, which resulted in up to a 270-fold increase in fluorescence. The major advantage of the SSA over state-of-the art fluorescent probes is high selectivity: it produces only background fluorescence in the presence of a single-base-mismatched analyte, even at room temperature. SSA is therefore a promising tool for label-free analysis of nucleic acids at ambient temperatures.
Unearthing human progress? Ecomodernism and contrasting definitions of technological progress in the Anthropocene

With increased awareness of the current and projected consequences of climate change, many have argued that rapid technological progress presents the sole means by which to avoid dangerous climate change and ensure human welfare. Proponents of this “ecomodernist” perspective argue that, with technological innovation, climate mitigation doesn't have to come at the expense of the economy. Instead, economic growth can be decoupled from ecological harm through efficiency gains and the technological intensification of human activities. Marshalling very different theoretical and empirical perspectives, critics argue that contemporary reliance on technology has proven insufficient and has often had deleterious systemic consequences, including delayed mitigation and the displacement of environmental costs in an unequal global economy. This article is inspired by an ethnographic moment that drew these two contemporary perspectives into sharp relief and is grounded in a survey of the highly contradictory evidence in support of and contrary to the ecomodernist perspective. It traces these perspectives to fundamentally different views on the nature of technology and progress, both with deep theoretical roots familiar to economic and environmental anthropologists. In the end, the article argues that the dominant emphasis on technological progress, though hopeful, is linked to affluent urban perspectives that delegitimize more aggressive and just proposals for climate mitigation and human progress.
A soft real-time scheduling framework for wireless industrial sensor actuator networks

Wireless networks are typically deemed not reliable enough to address real-time requirements typical of industrial distributed control applications. Several solutions were proposed in the past years to overcome their limitations and make them suitable for those (soft) real-time applications where a limited percentage of deadlines can be missed. A promising approach relies on centralized transmission (and retransmission) scheduling and exploits well-known results for feasibility analysis to provide a priori guarantees on performance. This paper focuses on a framework based on non-preemptive EDF transmission scheduling and takes into account two retransmission strategies. A prototype framework implementation, relying on conventional Linux platforms and employing Wi-Fi technology, is then exploited to perform a preliminary performance assessment. To provide useful implementation guidelines, the paper investigates how the choice of retransmission strategy and of the parameters to be used in feasibility analysis may affect performance.
Magnetic circular dichroism of cyclic π-electron systems

Magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectra of thialene (1) and isothialene (2) were recorded and interpreted in terms of an aromatic (4N + 2) -electron [9] annulenide perimeter perturbed by a cross-link and a heteroatom. The B term sign sequence is the same for both heterocycles, B (L1) 0, suggesting that the frontier orbital energy differences are such that ΔHOMO ΔLUMO for 2. Isothialene thus represents a very rare example of an aromatic π system whose MCD signs for the L bands are predicted incorrectly at the usual PMO level. The correct answer, ΔHOMO < ΔLUMO, results when the PMO approach is carried beyond first order.
Emerging Technologies for Gut Microbiome Research

Understanding the importance of the gut microbiome on modulation of host health has become a subject of great interest for researchers across disciplines. As an intrinsically multidisciplinary field, microbiome research has been able to reap the benefits of technological advancements in systems and synthetic biology, biomaterials engineering, and traditional microbiology. Gut microbiome research has been revolutionized by high-throughput sequencing technology, permitting compositional and functional analyses that were previously an unrealistic undertaking. Emerging technologies, including engineered organoids derived from human stem cells, high-throughput culturing, and microfluidics assays allowing for the introduction of novel approaches, will improve the efficiency and quality of microbiome research. Here, we discuss emerging technologies and their potential impact on gut microbiome studies.
400 predictions: The SEARCH Sea Ice Outlook 2008–2015

ABSTRACTEach Arctic summer since 2008, the Sea Ice Outlook (SIO) has invited researchers and the engaged public to contribute predictions regarding the September extent of Arctic sea ice. The public character of SIO, focused on a number whose true value soon becomes known, brings elements of constructive gamification and transparency to the science process. We analyze the performance of more than 400 predictions from SIO’s first eight years, testing for differences in ensemble skill across years, months and five types of method: heuristic, statistical, mixed, and ice-ocean or ice-ocean-atmosphere modeling. Results highlight a pattern of easy and difficult years, corresponding roughly to the distinction between climate and weather. Difficult years, in which most predictions are far from the observed extent, tend to have large positive or negative excursions from the overall downward trends. In contrast to these large interannual effects, ensemble improvement from June to July and August is modest. Among me...
Quantum mobility He 3 impurity atoms in solid He 4

The quantum mobility of $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ impurity atoms in solid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ in the low-temperature regime are discussed on the basis of two distinct model viewpoints: (i) the impurity atoms undergo "random jumps" onto sites with fluctuating potentials sensitive to the small concentration via strong, long-range crystalline distortions, and (ii) the impurity atoms exhibit "gas-like motions" with collisions and bound states due to short-ranged interactions. The model implications are compared with experimental nuclear-magnetic-resonance data.
Atom ionization in metal cutting

The inspiration for developing this atomic model comes from Merchant’s models for studying chip strain and shear angle. In this paper the 2D Merchant’s Diagram of Circles has been replaced by atoms of the workpiece and tool. This research reveals that atom losing electrons in workpiece is common in metal cutting. Also at the atomic level, cutting workpiece leads to an electric process to occur, which valence electrons leave atoms of the workpiece material as cutting tool pushing forward, forming a charged zone in the workpiece which weakens its strength and eventually causes them to be removed as cutting chip. In this paper, the charged zone was calculated for cutting 1040 steel with a tungsten carbide tool. Experimental results of electromotive force are presented to support the existence of an electrical charge in metal cutting.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Optical Coherence Tomography and Wide-Field Fluorescein Angiography in Retinopathy of Prematurity

The advent and adaptation of many imaging modalities promise to revolutionize our understanding of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by improving the detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of response to treatment of this disease. Diagnosis and classification of ROP traditionally relies on an eye exam by an ophthalmologist expert in this area who characterizes extent and character of retinal vascularization via indirect ophthalmoscopy. Many tools now exist that allow for data acquisition by nurses, technicians, and other trained staff with the images analyzed in a more centralized location. We will focus on two rapidly evolving technologies, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and wide field fluorescein angiography (FA), to better understand how these tools may change our current understanding and management of ROP.
An On-Demand and Cloud-Based Digital Scholarship Applications Dashboard

ABSTRACTBuilding on the findings of a 2013 NEH Digital Humanities Start-Up funded project, in early 2016 we began working on an IMLS Sparks! funded project: Digital Scholarship Applications Dashboard. The project is a collaborative initiative between University IT and the Library's Center for Digital Scholarship. We are currently evaluating an efficient and user-friendly dashboard solution that will allow faculty and student to easily choose, configure, deploy, and evaluate any of a set of common web applications in a shared and virtual hosting environment. The service is similar to those offered by commercial hosting providers for deployment of popular web applications, but our Scholars Dashboard service will focus on tools more relevant to digital scholarship and digital humanities. The prototype leverages OpenNebula, an open source cloud-computing platform for managing distributed data center environments, and Amazon Web Services for deploying virtual machines. In this article, we will describe the wor...
How Collegiate Fraternity and Sorority Involvement Relates to Substance Use During Young Adulthood and Substance Use Disorders in Early Midlife: A National Longitudinal Study.

Abstract Purpose To assess how social fraternity involvement (i.e., membership and residence) in college relates to substance use behaviors and substance use disorder symptoms during young adulthood and early midlife in a national sample. Methods National multi-cohort probability samples of US high school seniors from the Monitoring the Future study were assessed at baseline (age 18) and followed longitudinally via self-administered surveys across seven follow-up waves to age 35. The longitudinal sample consisted of 7,019 males and 8,661 females, of which 10% of males and 10% of females were active members of fraternities or sororities during college. Results Male fraternity members who lived in fraternity houses during college had the highest levels of binge drinking and marijuana use relative to non-members and non-students in young adulthood that continued through age 35, controlling for adolescent sociodemographic and other characteristics. At age 35, 45% of the residential fraternity members reported alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms reflecting mild to severe AUDs; their adjusted odds of experiencing AUD symptoms at age 35 were higher than all other college and noncollege groups except non-residential fraternity members. Residential sorority members had higher odds of AUD symptoms at age 35 when compared with their noncollege female peers. Conclusions National longitudinal data confirm binge drinking and marijuana use are most prevalent among male fraternity residents relative to non-members and non-students. The increased risk of substance-related consequences associated with fraternity involvement was not developmentally limited to college and is associated with higher levels of long-term AUD symptoms during early midlife.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus is an infectious cause of cutaneous neoplasia in humans. Warts can be present on any location on the body and are distributed in a variety of patterns and morphologies. Most warts will resolve spontaneously, while others may progress to cancer. This chapter discusses the epidemiology, etiology, clinical features, prognosis, histopathology, and current treatment options for HPV-derived neoplasms.
Transforming growth factor-beta: recent advances on its role in immune tolerance.

Transforming growth factor (TGF-?1) is a pleiotropic cytokine, secreted by immune and nonhematopoietic cells. TGF-? is involved in many different critical processes, such as embryonal development, cellular maturation and differentiation, wound healing, and immune regulation. It maintains immune homeostasis by acting as a potent immune suppressor through inhibition of proliferation, differentiation, activation, and effector function of immune cells. Paradoxically, depending on the context, it displays proinflammatory properties by being a potent chemoattractant for neutrophils and promoting inflammation. In addition, it does not only induce differentiation into the anti-inflammatory Treg cells, but also into the proinflammatory Th17 and Th9 cells and inhibits Th22 differentiation. TGF-? has been demonstrated to be involved in multiple pathologies. In infections, it protects against collateral damages caused by the immune system, but it also promotes immune evasion and chronic infections. In autoimmune diseases, a TGF-? dysfunction leads to the loss of tolerance to self-antigens. In cancer, TGF-? is a potent inhibitor of cell proliferation and acts as a tumor suppressor at the beginning of tumorogenesis. However, once the cells become resistant to TGF-?, it mainly supports tumor growth and metastasis by promoting immune evasion and angiogenesis. In asthma, it is assumed to promote allergen tolerance, but plays a detrimental role in irreversible remodeling of the airways. Despite the high numbers of TGF-?-targeted pathways, it is a promising drug target for treatment of autoimmunity, cancer, fibrosis, if cell specificity can be achieved.This review summarizes the progresses that have been accomplished on the understanding of TGF-?'s signaling in the immune homeostasis and its role in pathogenesis.
A Search for HI in Strong Radio Galaxies

In the past decade it has become clear that many classical, double radio galaxies have hosts with extensive ionized gas inside the body of the optical galaxy (Hansen et al., 1987) (Baum et al., 1988). We have observed three such sources (PKS349-27, PKS634-20, and Pictor A) in both Hα and HI (with the VLA).
The Role of Ribosomal RNA in the Control of Gene Expression

It is now accepted that ribosomal RNA (rRNA) has an important functional role during the translation of messenger RNA (mRNA). There is evidence for base paired interactions between mRNA and rRNA during initiation, elongation and termination. At initiation the relative level of translation of different mRNAs is determined, in part, by the complementarity between the Shine-Dalgarno sequence of the mRNA and the Anti-Shine-Dalgarno sequence near the 3′ end of 16S rRNA. Several groups have proposed that other regions of 16S rRNA may be involved in similar base paired interactions with mRNA prior to initiation to selectively enhance translation of particular mRNAs. Here we summarize the current data on translational enhancers and identify the proposed sites in 16S rRNA to which they might base pair. The data are presented in a model of the 30S subunit showing a potential pathway for mRNA as it passes over putative rRNA-mRNA contact points during the mRNA selection process, as well as during translation.
Coding and velocity profile analysis of an elliptical exhaust nozzle

The thrust of an aircraft or rocket engine is largely dependent upon the momentum imparted to the products of combustion by discharging them through an exhaust nozzle. The design of an exhaust nozzle has special importance in determining the thrust and performance of an aircraft / rocket. In recent years, the design of the exhaust nozzle has received considerable attention as it directly impacts the overall performance. The aim of this paper is to study the behavior of a velocity field at the exit cross section of an elliptical nozzle. In this regard, an algorithm has been developed using the governing equations to compute the velocity at the exit of an elliptic exhaust nozzle for various aspect ratios and widths. The algorithm also provides the maximum Mach number at the exit. Subsequently plotting of Mach number contours for a range of aspect ratios is carried out. Flow is assumed to be moving under the influence of a pressure gradient. The analysis of velocity profile at exit plane of an elliptical nozzle in subsonic, supersonic and hypersonic regime is carried out which provides an understanding of the behavior of flow with variation in aspect ratio or width of an elliptical exhaust nozzle. The velocity profile obtained from algorithm for different aspect ratio and width is then compared to find the optimal design. The criteria for the optimal design of an elliptical exhaust nozzle is delivering the maximum exhaust velocity and thus thrust which is of prime importance in the design of an aircraft exhaust nozzle. This exhaust velocity, leading to thrust, is dependent mainly on the configuration of the nozzle walls i.e. geometry of the exhaust nozzle. In future, experimental validation of these results is suggested using the wind tunnel and also through computational techniques. The same approach can be used to study exhaust nozzles of varying cross sections for example triangular, square, rectangular, circular etc. The study will help in the development of optimized aircraft exhaust nozzles for future advanced aircraft.