cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulations of flow and heat transfer in a serpentine heat exchanger having dispersed resistance with porous-continuum and continuum models

Numerical simulations of flow and heat transfer in a serpentine heat exchanger configuration are presented to demonstrate application of porous media techniques in heat exchanger analyses. The simulations are conducted using two different approaches. In the first approach, a porous continuum homogeneous model (PCM), or macroscopic model, is applied. The solid and fluid phases are modeled as a single, homogeneous medium having anisotropic effective properties that are calculated separately from unit cell scale analyses and are made available to the macroscopic analysis. In the second approach, a continuum heterogeneous model (CM), or microscopic model, is employed to solve the momentum and energy equations for the fluid phase. The solid phase, a regular interruption to the flowfield, is, in this example, composed of square rods in a spatially periodic pattern. Because the microscopic model includes computation of all the flow features, computation time is considerable. A comparison shows the advantage of using the porous-continuum model, a large savings of computation time. This is particularly valuable in parametric studies. The effective properties in the macroscopic model include permeability values, Forchheimer coefficients, thermal dispersion coefficients, and heat transfer coefficients, constructed from results of periodic unit cell scale analyses, done separately. The results from the microscopic model are volume averaged over the porous medium representative elementary volume (REV) in order to generate averaged values for comparison to the results of the macroscopic model. Profiles of average velocity and temperature at various axial and longitudinal locations within the serpentine section of the example heat exchanger show agreement between the volume-average of the microscopic model results and the macroscopic model results. Further, comparisons are discussed in terms of local and global residuals from the models. It is found that local residuals of the calculations correlate well with the dimensionless product of the streamline curvature (the inverse of the curvature radius) and the scale of the unit cell. Global residuals, which are local residuals averaged over REVs, correlate with packing number (number of unit cells within the serpentine section). The packing number is used for estimating the global residual errors incurred when using the macroscopic model.
The specific estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 masculinizes development of the zebra finch syrinx

In zebra finches, the vocal organ (syrinx) is larger in males compared to females. The exact mechanism responsible for this sex difference is not known, but it may be related to steroid hormones. Previous studies have demonstrated that treatment with estradiol feminizes the mass as well as fiber size of the two largest syrinx muscles (ventralis and dorsalis) in males. Treating females with the aromatase inhibitor fadrozole, however, does not induce masculinization. As an alternative approach to further clarify this paradoxical effect of estrogens on syrinx development, we administered the specific estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 during the first 25 days post-hatching. Daily injections of this drug significantly increased ventralis and dorsalis muscle fiber size in both sexes. Data also demonstrate that in males, the ventralis muscle makes an earlier contribution to the sex difference in syrinx mass by becoming dimorphic prior to dorsalis. Taken together, these data suggest that estrogens can influence development of the syrinx by feminizing morphology of this tissue. However, the lack of reported sex differences during development in steroid receptors, plasma steroid levels, and aromatase enzyme, indicate that hormones are not solely responsible for sex differences in this organ. Thus, similar to the neural forebrain regions that control song, complete sexual differentiation of the zebra finch syrinx likely involves additional factors.
Sustainable population management of birds: current challenges exemplified

The sustainable management of zoological collections is the foundation for the successful implementation of institutional missions, enabling zoological facilities to meet all other programmatic objectives for conservation and public education. Yet the sustainability of many of the populations we manage and of our collections as a whole is in question. Evidence of the avian sustainability crisis is largely anecdotal but this is a growing area of research. Specific challenges to avian collection sustainability include both logistical and biological facets. Passerines are specifically important to our collections and are a taxon of high risk. One Species Survival Plan® (SSP), the Blue-grey tanager Thraupis episcopus SSP, has proposed a management strategy to address many of the sustainability challenges facing passerines.
Compressed Nonnegative Sparse Coding

Sparse Coding (SC), which models the data vectors as sparse linear combinations over basis vectors, has been widely applied in machine learning, signal processing and neuroscience. In this paper, we propose a dual random projection method to provide an efficient solution to Nonnegative Sparse Coding (NSC) using small memory. Experiments on real world data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Information Transmission in Coalitional Voting Games

A core allocation of a complete information economy can be characterized as one that would not be unanimously rejected in favor of another feasible alternative by any coalition. We use this test of coalitional voting in an incomplete information environment to formalize a notion of resilience. Since information transmission is implicit in the Bayesian equilibria of such voting games, this approach makes it possible to derive core concepts in which the transmission of information among members of a coalition is endogenous. Our results lend support to the credible core of Dutta and Vohra (2003) and the core proposed by Myerson (2003) as two that can be justified in terms of coalitional voting.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Dependence of Radiation-induced Transcription Factor Activation in Human Breast Carcinoma Cells

Ionizing radiation (1–5 Gy) activates the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a major effector of the p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. MAPK and its downstream effector, p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK), phosphorylate transcription factors involved in cell proliferation. To establish the role of the EGFR/MAPK pathway in radiation-induced transcription factor activation, MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cells were examined using specific inhibitors of signaling pathways. Gel-shift analysis revealed three different profile groups: 1) transcription factors that responded to both radiation (2 Gy) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) (CREB, Egr, Ets, and Stat3); 2) factors that responded to radiation, but not EGF (C/EBP and Stat1); and 3) those that did not respond significantly to either radiation or EGF (AP-1 and Myc). Within groups 1 and 2, a two- to fivefold maximum stimulation of binding activity was observed at 30–60 min after irradiation. Interestingly, only transcription factors that responded to EGF had radiation responses significantly inhibited by the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, AG1478; these responses were also abrogated by farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI) or PD98059, inhibitors of Ras and MEK1/2, respectively. Moreover, radiation-induced increases in CREB and p90RSK phosphorylation and activation of Stat3 and Egr-1 reporter constructs by radiation were all abolished by AG1478. These data demonstrate a distinct radiation response profile at the transcriptional level that is dependent on enhanced EGFR/Ras/MAPK signaling.
The Effect of Doping Concentration and Conductivity Type on Preferential Etching of 4H-SiC by Molten KOH

Molten KOH etchings were implemented to delineate structural defects in the n- and ptype 4H-SiC samples with different doping concentrations. It was observed that the etch preference is significantly influenced by both the doping concentrations and the conductivity types. The p-type Si-face 4H-SiC substrate has the most preferential etching property, while it is least for n+ samples. It has been clearly demonstrated that the molten KOH etching process involves both chemical and electrochemical processes, during which isotropic etching and preferential etching are competitive. The n+ 4H-SiC substrate was overcompensated via thermal diffusion of boron to p-type and followed by molten KOH etching. Three kinds of etch pits corresponding to threading screw, threading edge, and basal plane dislocations are distinguishably revealed. The same approach was also successfully employed in delineating structural defects in $$\left( {000\bar 1} \right)$$ C-face SiC wafers.
Validation of food store environment secondary data source and the role of neighborhood deprivation in Appalachia, Kentucky

Based on the need for better measurement of the retail food environment in rural settings and to examine how deprivation may be unique in rural settings, the aims of this study were: 1) to validate one commercially available data source with direct field observations of food retailers; and 2) to examine the association between modified neighborhood deprivation and the modified retail food environment score (mRFEI). Secondary data were obtained from a commercial database, InfoUSA in 2011, on all retail food outlets for each census tract. In 2011, direct observation identifying all listed food retailers was conducted in 14 counties in Kentucky. Sensitivity and positive predictive values (PPV) were compared. Neighborhood deprivation index was derived from American Community Survey data. Multinomial regression was used to examine associations between neighborhood deprivation and the mRFEI score (indicator of retailers selling healthy foods such as low-fat foods and fruits and vegetables relative to retailers selling more energy dense foods). The sensitivity of the commercial database was high for traditional food retailers (grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores), with a range of 0.96-1.00, but lower for non-traditional food retailers; dollar stores (0.20) and Farmer’s Markets (0.50). For traditional food outlets, the PPV for smaller non-chain grocery stores was 38%, and large chain supermarkets was 87%. Compared to those with no stores in their neighborhoods, those with a supercenter [OR 0.50 (95% CI 0.27. 0.97)] or convenience store [OR 0.67 (95% CI 0.51, 0.89)] in their neighborhood have lower odds of living in a low deprivation neighborhood relative to a high deprivation neighborhood. The secondary commercial database used in this study was insufficient to characterize the rural retail food environment. Our findings suggest that neighborhoods with high neighborhood deprivation are associated with having certain store types that may promote less healthy food options.
Sex Determination in the First-Described Sexual Fungus

The original report of sex in fungi dates 2 centuries ago to the species Syzygites megalocarpus (Mucoromycotina). The organism was subsequently used in 1904 to represent self-fertile homothallic species when the concepts of heterothallism and homothallism were developed for the fungal kingdom. In this study, two putative sex/MAT loci were identified in individual strains of S. megalocarpus, accounting for its homothallic behavior. The strains encode both of the high-mobility-group domain-containing proteins, SexM and SexP, flanked by RNA helicase and glutathione oxidoreductase genes that are found adjacent to the mating-type loci in other Mucoromycotina species. The presence of pseudogenes and the arrangement of genes suggest that the origin of homothallism in this species is from a heterothallic relative, obtained via a chromosomal rearrangement to switch two alleles into two separated loci within a single genetic background. Similar events have given rise to homothallic species from heterothallic species in ascomycete fungi, demonstrating that conserved forces shape the evolution of sex determination and speciation in highly diverged fungi.
Bassinet Use and Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy

Objective To analyze risk factors in infants who die suddenly and unexpectedly in bassinets. Study design A retrospective review of all deaths of infants involving bassinets reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) between 1990 and 2004. Results For the 53 deaths analyzed, the mean age at death was 84 days. The cause of death was recorded as anoxia, asphyxiation, or suffocation in 85% and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in 9.4%. In terms of position, 37% were placed prone for sleep, and 50% were prone when found dead. Additional items in the bassinet, including soft bedding, were noted in 74% of cases. Specific mechanical problems with the bassinets were noted in 17% of cases. Conclusions The risk of sudden unexpected death in infants who sleep in bassinets can be reduced by following American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, including positioning infants supine and avoiding soft bedding in bassinets. In addition, parents must ensure that the bassinet is mechanically sound and that no objects that can lead to suffocation are in or near the bassinet.
SUBTILOPEPTIDASE A CLEAVAGE IN THE CYCLIC REGION OF THE PEPTIDE ANTIBIOTIC POLYMYXIN B1

Digestion of a commercial mixture of the peptides polymyxin B1 and B2 with subtilopeptidase A yielded a peptide whose amino acid composition corresponded to the ring fragment common to both antibiotics. However, in contrast to the earlier chemical studies of Suzuki and collaborators, our high resolution nmr studies indicated that the ring had been split. Edman degradation, hydrazinolysis and exopeptidase digestion showed the rupture to have occurred between positions 8 and 9.
DIC Based Investigation Into the Effect of Mean Temperature of Thermal Cycle on the Strain State in SnAgCu Solder Joint

Electronics in high reliability applications may be subjected to cyclic thermo-mechanical loads after being deployed for extended periods of time in harsh environment. Cyclic thermal excursion may result in solder joint fatigue leading to failure. Previous researchers have shown that exposure to high temperature for extended periods of time results in evolution of the mechanical properties of SnAgCu alloys. Deployment of leadfree electronics in harsh environment applications may result in exposure to a multitude of thermal cycles. The effect of cyclic thermal range and thermal aging on the thermal fatigue reliability has been widely documented; however the effect of the mean temperature on the thermal fatigue reliability and the strain evolution of during cyclic exposure has not been studied. In this paper, an experimental investigation has been undertaken using digital image correlation to quantify the evolution in the strain state under different mean temperatures and cyclic thermal intervals. Three different test vehicles, BGA 144, 256 and 324 were used in this study under three different test conditions 50–150°C, 0–100°C and −50–50°C. A framework to evaluate the effect of mean temperature of thermal cycle has been developed.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
3-Hydroxyphthaloyl-β-Lactoglobulin. I. Optimization of Production and Comparison with other Compounds Considered for Chemoprophylaxis of Mucosally Transmitted Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

Modification of the major bovine whey protein, β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) by 3-hydroxyphthalic anhydride (3HP) leads to the generation of a potent inhibitor of infection by human immunodeficiency virus...
Temperature-dependent impact of thermal aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy on apoptosis and reactive oxygen species generation in human dermal fibroblasts.

SummaryBackground Actinic keratoses (AKs) are generally accepted as common precursor lesions to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a common, in-office, field therapy modality used in the treatment of AKs. Clinical and laboratory observations have demonstrated that temperature modulation can affect PDT efficacy. Objectives To demonstrate thermal PDT increases apoptotic cell death, and to investigate the mechanistic role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) free radicals in an in vitro human skin fibroblast model. Methods This study was completed using commercially available primary human skin fibroblasts treated with aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) at specific concentrations and controlled temperatures. Cell death, apoptosis and superoxide ROS levels were quantified. Results We found that thermal PDT with 0·5 mmol L−1 ALA resulted in significant temperature-dependent increases in total apoptosis and superoxide ROS generation between 33 °C and 42 °C. Conclusions Our results indicate that thermal PDT significantly increases apoptotic cell death through increased generation of superoxide ROS in a temperature-dependent manner.
A Novel Transparent Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Interlayer for Blast-Resistant Windows

An optically transparent woven glass fiber-reinforced polyester composite has been fabricated. This composite has been used as an interlayer in the fabrication of a laminated glass-composite window panel for application in blast resistant windows. The transparency of the glass fiber-reinforced composite was achieved by matching the refractive index of the polyester matrix with that of glass fibers. Various chemical additives have been investigated for their effectiveness in modifying the refractive index of the polyester matrix. The composite interlayer's mechanical properties under both quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions have been characterized in this study. The window panels were tested under various blast loading conditions. The panels perform well under U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) specified C, D and E blast loading levels.
Chemically modified electrodes: Part IV. Evidence for formation of monolayers of bonded organosilane reagents

Abstract Organosilane reagents have been used under anhydrous reaction conditions to modify chemically the surfaces of SnO2, TiO2 and glassy carbon electrodes, and soft glass. Measurements of thickness of the resultant chemically bonded organosilane layers by E.S.C.A. intensity comparisons, and of coverage (mol cm−2) by electrochemical and optical experiments, are compatible with considering the bonded layers as primarily monomolecular as opposed to a multilayer surface polymer. As part of the study, the escape depth of Si 2p photoelectrons in an organosilane matrix was measured and compared to a theoretical prediction.
Colon ulceration in lethal cytomegalovirus infection.

Six renal transplant recipients with severe cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection developed colonic ulceration and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. All patients died between four and 84 days following onset of bleeding. Four patients required colon resection to control blood loss. In the remaining two cases, there was complete autopsy examination with thorough issue sampling of the colon. In addition to routine light microscopic examination, all cases were studied with an immunoperoxidase technic for identification of CMV. Electron microscopic examination of the colon was performed on two cases. In this select group of patients, CMV plays an active role in damaging colonic mucosa, primarily as a result of CMV vasculitis. Clinical and pathologic features of our cases are compared to published reports of CMV infection of the colon.
Beyond Nifong: The Government Lawyer’s Ethical Obligation in a Civil Action

The facts that led to the downfall of Durham North Carolina’s district attorney, Mike Nifong, are well documented. In essence, Nifong continued to prosecute three Duke University lacrosse players for an alleged rape, even after he became aware of evidence that showed that DNA tests exonerated each defendant. The public outcry was unprecedented when it learned of his persistence in prosecuting these students. Moreover, in an astounding display of temerity, the attorney general for the State of North Carolina took over the case from Nifong and immediately called a press conference to drop all charges against the Duke lacrosse players. Eventually, the outrage over Nifong’s actions led to his rather swift suspension and the eventual revocation of Nifong’s license to practice law in North Carolina.The indignation over Nifong’s conduct was well justified. Not only did he violate numerous ethical standards of the North Carolina state bar, he violated two of the bedrock ethical principles of a government lawyer, early termination of meritless proceedings and full disclosure. But, beyond Nifong and the higher ethical duty imposed on criminal government lawyers, this article examines whether there exists a comparable higher ethical duty upon civil government lawyers to cease litigation and provide full disclosure. This article concludes that a government attorney in a civil proceeding has the same ethical obligation to fully disclose and cease meritless litigation as the government attorney in a criminal proceeding.
Parent Adult Reemergence in Southern Pine Beetle Populations

Reemergence of southern pine beetle parent adults was estimated from 34 shortleaf pines during a 14-mo period. The infested portion of the tree was divided into 5 equal sections, and a log containing 1000 cm2 of bark surface was removed from the middle of each section. The logs were held in the laboratory until reemergence was complete, at which time the parent adults were counted and sexed. Measurements were also made of attack density, gallery length, and numbers of reemergence holes. Overall percent reemergence ranged from 0–100, and averaged 65. Attack density and reemergence hole density were linearly related to the total number of beetles reemerging, and both independent variables showed significant predictive value.
Diapause in Crosses of a Laboratory and a Wild Strain of Boll Weevils

A strain of boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, with a high ability (more than 35%) to diapause (M) was crossed in the laboratory with a strain (S) with a low ability (less than 5%) to diapause. Analysis of data from the 2 strains and progeny from the reciprocal parental crosses showed 3 statistically different sets of percentage of diapause: the M strain had a high percentage; the S strain had a low percentage; and the reciprocal F, progeny had percentages approaching that of the S strain. When the pure strain, F2 and backcross progeny were exposed to diapause-inducing stimuli, the means of the percentage of weevils attaining-diapause fell into 4 statistical sets: the M strain, the backcrosses to the M strain and the F2 from (5 × M) × (5 × M), the F2 from (M × S) × (M × 5) which was not significantly different from the least responsive M backcross and the most responsive S backcross, and the backcrosses to the S strain. The percentages of diapause attained by the backcrosses to the S strain were not significantly different from those of the S strain. These results indicated partial dominance and possible simple inheritance of alleles that suppress diapause in the 5 strain. The use of insects genetically incapable of attaining diapause for a sterile-insect-release program would minimize concern that some released insects might not be sterilized because nondiapausing insects could not survive the winter and their matings to wild weevils would greatly reduce the ability of progeny to attain diapause.
Lysozyme Solubility and Conformation in Neat Ionic Liquids and Their Mixtures with Water.

The room temperature solubility of a number of model proteins is assessed for a diverse set of neat ionic liquids (ILs). For two soluble protein–IL pairs, lysozyme in [C2MIM][EtSO4] (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate) and in [C2,4,4,4P][Et2PO4] (tributyl(ethyl)phosphonium diethylphosphate), protein solubility and structure at various temperatures are probed by dynamic light scattering (assessing dissolved molecular size), turbidimetry (reflecting degree of solubility), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (uncovering helical secondary structure). As compared to aqueous environments, [C2,4,4,4P][Et2PO4] thermally stabilizes protein size and secondary structure while [C2MIM][EtSO4] does the opposite. Lysozyme denatured in [C2MIM][EtSO4] does not aggregate, presumably due to an absence of hydrophobic interactions, and the denaturation appears thermally reversible. Both ILs at room temperature are miscible with water in all proportions, but to create the corresponding ternary mixtures with prote...
Dynamic Equivalent Algorithm for Wind Farm Composed of Direct-Drive Wind Turbines

Taking the consistency of operational characteristic at grid-connection point as objective,a new equivalent algorithm for wind farm composed of direct-drive wind turbines is proposed.In the proposed algorithm a clustering index that can reflect operational characteristics of all direct-drive wind power generators is defined,and clustering algorithm is utilized to cluster direct-drive wind power generators;based on the consistency principle between power converting characteristic of wind turbine of equivalent wind power generator and that of the wind turbine for single wind power generator,the equivalence of parameters of wind turbines for wind power generators belonging to the same cluster is performed;based on the principle that the sum of output power of wind power generators to be equivalent is equal to the output power of the equivalent wind power generator,the static-state equivalence of collector line of wind farm is performed.Simulation results show that before and after the equivalence the operational characteristics at grid-connection point are consistent,thus the proposed equivalent algorithm can reflect the grid-connection characteristic of wind farm composed of direct-drive wind turbine more accurately.
Improvement on Time-Frequency Decomposition Method for Sampled Data Sequences

Empirical mode decomposition method( EMD transform) can extract wave fluctuation at different time scales from sampled data sequences,therefore can achieve the purpose of time-frequency decomposition. This paper proposes a major improvement for EMD transform,which is mainly reflected in the calculation of the zero average line. The method has no demand for upper and lower envelope calculation. Instead,it piecewisely compresses the original N-point data at different time scales,and then uses cubic spline function to smoothly interpolate to N points. The result is set as zero average line,and by this way the hierarchical mode decomposition is achieved. This paper also improves the Harr wavelet decomposition.
Clinical correlation study of 80 patients with acute cerebral infarction

Objective To observe the clinical correlation stualy of 80 patients with acute cerebral infarction. Methods Eighty patients with acute cerebral infarction from June 2012 to June 2013 were randomLy divided into the treatment group and the observation group,with 40 patients in each group. The treatment group was given intravenous dripping of Shuxuetong combined with edaravone;The control group was given intravenous dripping of low molecular dextran +Xueshuantong lyophilized powder.The treatment courses were 14 days respectively and the two groups were given enteric-coated aspirin,citicoline,and lipid regulation,blood glucose reduction and blood pressure control based on state of illness at the same time. Results The treatment group had higher effective rate and living ability score than the observation group(P 0.05). Conclusion In the treatment of acute cerebral infarction,Shuxuetong combined with edavarone shows good clinical effects and improves the patients' prognostic quality of life.
Preventing Abuse and Neglect in the Lives of Children with Disabilities

The abuse and neglect of children with and without disabilities is a choice. Our efforts to stop child abuse and neglect (CAN) and the abuse and neglect of children with disabilities (ANCD) need to take on a new urgency and bring about immediate positive and sustained change. To this end we will discuss the high price of ignorance, the existing barriers to prevention, and how we can engage in our roles as professionals in order to stop CAN and ANCD. This includes concrete and multidisciplinary strategies to prevent ANCD. Aspects of these strategies may be used by family members, friends, neighbors, teachers, social workers, lawyers, medical professionals and all who have unique roles in the care and protection of children with and without disabilities. The ability to use prevention strategies in order to promote healthy outcomes for children is paramount in our efforts to end this horrendous societal ill. We conclude this chapter with a set of recommendations for researchers and practitioners.
Gamifying Impromptu Speech for ESL/EFL Students

This paper outlines an impromptu speech activity entitled “Dented Helmet vs. Spambot” intended as part of any introductory public speaking course. The activity is designed to overcome specific affective and cognitive challenges of ESL/EFL students, in particular Chinese learners. It is inspired by the principles of gamification (Kapp, 2012) with core gaming elements such as “freedom to fail,” “rapid feedback,” and “storytelling.” The activity requires “Rory’s Story Cubes” (a set of nine six-sided dice designed to spark creativity) and a special set of slides. An exploratory assessment of the effectiveness of the proposed activity was conducted on a sample of Chinese EFL sophomores enrolled in an international branch campus of a U.S. university in China, with 81 students completing our questionnaire. Overall, our findings provided some initial support to the effectiveness of the activity in terms of strenghtening students’ ability to communicate orally “off the cuff,” promoting students’ understanding of the role of storytelling in effective presentations, fostering students’ understanding of the major organizational formats used in organizing speeches, and increasing students’ awareness of their nonverbal communication in presentational settings.
The Use of Artificial Neural Networks in Projectile Point Typology

Regional empirical typologies have received criticisms for characterizing artifact types as immutable, mutually exclusive groups, rather than analytical groups developed for an analytical purposes. The research presented here uses an empirical regional typology to supply data for the creation of analytical units. Developed in the field of computer science as a means to discover complex patterns in data sets, archaeologists can use artificial neural networks to identify analytical patterns in typological data. In this paper we explain what neural networks are and how they work. We show how a specific architecture and training process can be applied to artificial neural networks to create analytical units from empirical units. Finally, we provide four examples to show that the networks will not find a pattern where none exists, and to demonstrate how artificial neural networks can be applied to solve more complex problems.
A technology adoption and implementation process in an independent hotel chain

Abstract Successful technological initiatives in the hospitality industry are a product of a well-planned and executed innovation adoption process. This qualitative study investigated the adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled locking technology in an independent hospitality company as a mechanism for service innovation and improved internal process efficiency. Findings from the research generated themes significantly impacting the knowledge and persuasion stages of the diffusion of innovations (DOI) adoption process. Results produced theoretical implications which suggest the dual nature of adoption process in the service industries, as well as practical recommendations for the implementation of new technologies in the hospitality industry.
Calculation of cavity supermodes for diode laser arrays

We present a numerical method for solution of the cavity modes of a multichannel array of laser diodes. Whereas other numerical studies have concentrated on the calculation of profiles transverse to the cavity axis, the emphasis in this work is on the effects on the axial profiles of saturable gain and the reflected (left-going) wave. Our analysis is based on coupled-mode theory1 in which wave overlap between channels is expressed in terms of a coupling coefficient. This calculational method allows the investigation of cavity modes for a given device length and facet reflectivities. These modes are in general different from those obtained by solving linear waveguide equations.
Radiolabelled Monoclonal Antibody Imaging in Cancer

Anticancer antibodies offer promise of high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of disease, as they bind to tumour-associated antigens usually found only on a given type of tumour. Most studies have shown that radioimmunodetection is superior to other imaging modalides in the detection of disease outside the liver. Indium-111 (111In)-labelled satumomab pendetide is the first radiolabelled monoclonal antibody to be marketed for detection of disease. It is approved for single-time use for the detection of extrahepatic abdominal disease in colon and ovarian cancer. Optimal radionuclide-antibody conjugation is still not a reality. Antibody labelling with technetium-99m (99mTc), although still under development, appears promising. 111In has suitable half-life and imaging characteristics, but is expensive and has a complex radiation decay scheme, increasing radiation burden; 111In-labelled antibodies result in high hepatic and sometimes bone marrow uptake, precluding their use in the evaluation of hepatic disease. Radioiodine labelling, although easy, is limited to well-equipped nuclear medicine centres. Furthermore, mouse antibodies invariably evoke an immune response in humans, precluding repeated administration. The nontoxicity, specificity and affinity of antibody binding makes it inevitable that antibodies will be used increasingly in the detection of cancer. Several advances still need to be realised: (a) development of nonimmunogenic molecules such as all-human or humanised antibodies or antibody fragments; (b) development of better linkers, allowing stable conjugation of nuclide to antibody; and (c) characterisation of more restricted and better expressed tumour antigens that will permit rapid targeting of antibody to tumour.
Influence of high-latitude atmospheric circulation changes on summertime Arctic sea ice

The Arctic has seen rapid sea-ice decline in the past three decades, whilst warming at about twice the global average rate. Yet the relationship between Arctic warming and sea-ice loss is not well understood. Here, we present evidence that trends in summertime atmospheric circulation may have contributed as much as 60% to the September sea-ice extent decline since 1979. A tendency towards a stronger anticyclonic circulation over Greenland and the Arctic Ocean with a barotropic structure in the troposphere increased the downwelling longwave radiation above the ice by warming and moistening the lower troposphere. Model experiments, with reanalysis data constraining atmospheric circulation, replicate the observed thermodynamic response and indicate that the near-surface changes are dominated by circulation changes rather than feedbacks from the changing sea-ice cover. Internal variability dominates the Arctic summer circulation trend and may be responsible for about 30–50% of the overall decline in September sea ice since 1979. The Arctic is warming and sea ice is declining, but how the two link is unclear. This study shows changes in summertime atmospheric circulation and internal variability may have caused up to 60% of September sea-ice decline since 1979.
BmpR1A is a major type 1 BMP receptor for BMP-Smad signaling during skull development

Craniosynostosis is caused by premature fusion of one or more sutures in an infant skull, resulting in abnormal facial features. The molecular and cellular mechanisms by which genetic mutations cause craniosynostosis are incompletely characterized, and many of the causative genes for diverse types of syndromic craniosynostosis have not yet been identified. We previously demonstrated that augmentation of BMP signaling mediated by a constitutively active BMP type IA receptor (ca-BmpR1A) in neural crest cells (ca1A hereafter) causes craniosynostosis and superimposition of heterozygous null mutation of Bmpr1a rescues premature suture fusion (ca1A;1aH hereafter). In this study, we superimposed heterozygous null mutations of the other two BMP type I receptors, Bmpr1b and Acvr1 (ca1A;1bH and ca1A;AcH respectively hereafter) to further dissect involvement of BMP-Smad signaling. Unlike caA1;1aH, ca1A;1bH and ca1A;AcH did not restore the craniosynostosis phenotypes. In our in vivo study, Smad-dependent BMP signaling was decreased to normal levels in mut;1aH mice. However, BMP receptor-regulated Smads (R-Smads; pSmad1/5/9 hereafter) levels were comparable between ca1A, ca1A;1bH and ca1A;AcH mice, and elevated compared to control mice. Bmpr1a, Bmpr1b and Acvr1 null cells were used to examine potential mechanisms underlying the differences in ability of heterozygosity for Bmpr1a vs. Bmpr1b or Acvr1 to rescue the mut phenotype. pSmad1/5/9 level was undetectable in Bmpr1a homozygous null cells while pSmad1/5/9 levels did not decrease in Bmpr1b or Acvr1 homozygous null cells. Taken together, our study indicates that different levels of expression and subsequent activation of Smad signaling differentially contribute each BMP type I receptor to BMP-Smad signaling and craniofacial development. These results also suggest differential involvement of each type 1 receptor in pathogenesis of syndromic craniosynostoses.
The Social Entrepreneur’s Dilemma: Entrepreneurial Strategy and Charter School Performance

When starting and running a social venture, social entrepreneurs pursue the dual goal of concurrent economic and social value creation. In this study, we introduce the notion of “the social entrepr...
Fibroblast-specific TGF-β–Smad2/3 signaling underlies cardiac fibrosis

The master cytokine TGF-β mediates tissue fibrosis associated with inflammation and tissue injury. TGF-β induces fibroblast activation and differentiation into myofibroblasts that secrete extracellular matrix proteins. Canonical TGF-β signaling mobilizes Smad2 and Smad3 transcription factors that control fibrosis by promoting gene expression. However, the importance of TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling in fibroblast-mediated cardiac fibrosis has not been directly evaluated in vivo. Here, we examined pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis in fibroblast- and myofibroblast-specific inducible Cre-expressing mouse lines with selective deletion of the TGF-β receptors Tgfbr1/2, Smad2, or Smad3. Fibroblast-specific deletion of Tgfbr1/2 or Smad3, but not Smad2, markedly reduced the pressure overload-induced fibrotic response as well as fibrosis mediated by a heart-specific, latency-resistant TGF-β mutant transgene. Interestingly, cardiac fibroblast-specific deletion of Tgfbr1/2, but not Smad2/3, attenuated the cardiac hypertrophic response to pressure overload stimulation. Mechanistically, loss of Smad2/3 from tissue-resident fibroblasts attenuated injury-induced cellular expansion within the heart and the expression of fibrosis-mediating genes. Deletion of Smad2/3 or Tgfbr1/2 from cardiac fibroblasts similarly inhibited the gene program for fibrosis and extracellular matrix remodeling, although deletion of Tgfbr1/2 uniquely altered expression of an array of regulatory genes involved in cardiomyocyte homeostasis and disease compensation. These findings implicate TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling in activated tissue-resident cardiac fibroblasts as principal mediators of the fibrotic response.
Roles for Xenopus aquaporin-3b (aqp3.L) during gastrulation: fibrillar fibronectin and tissue boundary establishment in the dorsal margin

Abstract Aquaporins and aquaglyceroporins are a large family of membrane channel proteins that allow rapid movement of water and small, uncharged solutes into and out of cells along concentration gradients. Recently, aquaporins have been gaining recognition for more complex biological roles than the regulation of cellular osmotic homeostasis. We have identified a specific expression pattern for Xenopus aqp3b (also called aqp3.L ) during gastrulation, where it is localized to the sensorial (deep) layer of the blastocoel roof and dorsal margin. Interference with aqp3b expression resulted in loss of fibrillar fibronectin matrix in Brachet's cleft at the dorsal marginal zone, but not on the free surface of the blastocoel. Detailed observation showed that the absence of fibronectin matrix correlated with compromised border integrities between involuted mesendoderm and noninvoluted ectoderm in the marginal zone. Knockdown of aqp3b also led to delayed closure of the blastopore, suggesting defects in gastrulation movements. Radial intercalation was not affected in aqp3b morphants, while the data presented are consistent with impeded convergent extension movements of the dorsal mesoderm in response to loss of aqp3b . Our emerging model suggests that aqp3b is part of a mechanism that promotes proper interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix, thereby playing a critical role in gastrulation.
Early Liaisons: East India Company, Native Wives, and Inscription in the Seventeenth Century

This essay examines how one seventeenth-century native wife, the unnamed daughter of Mubarak Shah, one of Akbar's courtiers, entered the archives of the East India Company. Married to two different...
Does provider advice to increase physical activity differ by activity level among US adults with cardiovascular disease risk factors

Background Regular physical activity (PA) lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but few US adults meet PA guidelines. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends primary care providers offer PA counselling for CVD prevention. We examined the association between adherence to PA guidelines and reported provider advice to increase PA among US adults with overweight/obesity and ≥1 additional CVD risk factor. Methods Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2014) on PA and provider advice to increase PA were analysed for 4158 adults (≥20 years old) with overweight/obesity who reported ≥1 of hypertension, high cholesterol or impaired fasting glucose. Adherence to federal PA guidelines was determined using self-reported PA data from the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Meeting PA guidelines was defined as ≥150 minutes/week moderate intensity PA, ≥75 minutes/week vigorous intensity, or an equivalent combination. Participants self-reported provider advice to increase PA. Results In total, 57.7% of US adults with overweight/obesity and ≥1 additional CVD risk factor who did not meet PA guidelines reported provider advice to increase PA compared to 49.7% of adults who met PA guidelines. Adults who did not meet PA guidelines were more likely to report provider PA advice (aOR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.00-1.47). Conclusions US adults with CVD risk factors who do not meet PA guidelines are more likely to receive provider advice to increase PA, but only half receive such advice. Strategies to increase provider advice are needed to improve adherence to USPSTF guidelines among US adults with overweight/obesity and additional CVD risk factors.
An Evaluation of IEP Accommodations for Secondary Students With Emotional and Behavioral Problems

Accommodations are intended to address student academic and behavioral deficits by reducing obstacles that impede learning and accurately measuring skills. There is limited research, however, perta...
A Poetics of Consenting Attention: Simone Weil's Prayer and the Poetry of Denise Levertov:

This article examines the practice of attention as a subject of Denise Levertov's poetry, one that emerges fully only after her commitment to Christianity and its convictions of immanent, incarnate...
‘Fate Worse than’ artificial borders is the insidious African elite politics: the Somali case

ABSTRACTThe debate centred on the artificial nature of colonial political bounders in Africa and their enduring legacy continues. What is not directly addressed by this literature is the parallel a...
Abstract 1513: PI3Kγ inhibition activates T cell memory and relieves T cell exhaustion through the reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages

We previously reported that macrophage PI3-kinase γ (PI3Kγ) controls a critical switch between immune stimulation and suppression during inflammation and cancer. PI3Kγ inhibition repolarizes tumor-associated macrophages, leading to downregulation of immune suppressive factors such as Arginase and IL10 and upregulation of IL12 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines. This results in recruitment and activation of intratumoral CD8+ T cells, as well as induction of immunological memory (Kaneda et al 2016). In the present study, we investigated the effect of PI3Kγ inhibition on T cell immune responses, including T cell memory induction and T cell exhaustion, in mouse models of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). We found that Pik3cg−/− mice cleared implanted HPV+ HNSCC tumors; when re-challenged with tumor cells, these mice rapidly cleared secondary tumors and remained cancer-free. The proportion of T cells, especially CD8+ T cells, significantly increased in primary tumors from Pik3cg−/− mice. These CD8+ T cells expressed significantly more granzyme B and interferon and less T cell exhaustion markers than T cells from WT animals, indicating that PI3Kγ inhibition in macrophages results in T cell activation. We found that anti-tumor activity was transferable, as adoptive transfer of splenic T cells from Pik3cg−/− mice to naive WT mice suppressed tumor growth. Accordingly, Pik3cg−/− mice with primary or secondary tumors exhibited more splenic CD62L-CD44+ CD8+ effector memory T cells than WT mice. In summary, Pik3cg−/− mice exhibit a more activated T cell immune response and T cell memory than WT mice, resulting significant suppression of tumor growth. These results suggest that PI3Kγ-targeted therapy may activate durable T cell immune responses in patients with HNSCC. Citation Format: Hideyuki Takahashi, Paulina Pathria, Ann Shih, Ryan M. Shepard, Marc A. Paradise, Judith A. Varner. PI3Kγ inhibition activates T cell memory and relieves T cell exhaustion through the reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1513.
Adults' and children's perceptions of barriers and facilitators of school‐aged children's physical activity in an inner‐city urban area

In the United States, obesity rates among children remain a pressing public health concern Compounding that, disparities exist with higher childhood obesity among minority and lower socioeconomic neighborhoods. Physical activity is associated with more favorable weight status in children and adolescents. Purpose This study aimed to identify and explore factors that influence physical activity in children in a low-income neighborhood. Design and methods An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was employed using Photovoice and focus group interviews to identify barriers and facilitators of physical activity. Results Eight adults and five children enrolled in the study. Photovoice was used to prompt discussions during the focus groups. Analysis of verbatim transcripts included constructed coding with categorization into themes. Four themes of (a) knowledge, (b) play, (c) opportunities and a changing environment, and (d) resources were identified. Among children, three themes from the children's focus group were identified as (a) knowledge, (b) play, and (c) environment. This study found both resource and knowledge challenges, as well as a strong commitment to providing physical activity opportunities. Practice implications Continued efforts are needed to develop and implement physical activity interventions to reduce obesity and improve health among children in impoverished, urban areas.