cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The underground woman: Male antiheroes and female agency in Cristina Fernández Cubas

In striking resonance with Doestoevsky’s Underground Man, the seminal antihero of the twentieth century, the male “antimodels” in Cristina Fernandez Cubas's 1990 anthology El angulo del horror fail by deliberate strategy to live up to societal expectations and assumptions. The detached, self-absorbed and self-mocking personae in this collection are each the product of a kind of physical or emotional suffering that makes it impossible for them to be anything but self-serving in their attitudes and goals. Often narrating in first person, the images they create of themselves are deliberately ugly yet forthright, ironic, and curiously appealing. Together they embody the quintessential antihero, a leitmotiv with a rich history in the literature of Spain and elsewhere. In this way, they destabilize the traditional order of things and insist that we reconsider our society, ourselves. What’s more, they suggest another kind of ideal, another litmus test for what is “acceptable.” This opens up a whole realm of possibilities for all associated literary characters. Through their relationship with antiheroes, women characters manage to negotiate successfully a far wider range of roles, behaviors and circumstances than would otherwise have been sanctioned within societal boundaries.
Comparison of Performance of Eight-Year-Old Children on Three Auditory Sequential Memory Tests.

Summa~y.-20 normal children (M.,. = 8.2 yr.) were administered three tests of auditory sequential memory. A Pearson product-moment correlation of .50 and coefficients of determination showed all but one relationship to be nonsignificant and predictability between pairs of scores to be poor. Comprehending language involves processing sequences of auditory information. Disturbances in this system may be evidenced by depressed language skills and may affect academic performance (4). The present study was undertaken to examine correlations among scores from three tests of auditory sequential memory which differ in type and rate of presentation of stimuli and response mode. METHOD Twenty Caucasian children of middle socioeconomic background ( 10 males, 10 females) were randomly selected to serve as subjects (M = 8.2 yr.). Each child was achieving at grade level and passed pure-tone hearing and vision screening tests administered within G mo. prior to the present study. The Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities digit span subtest for auditory sequential memory (8), the Denver Auditory Phoneme Sequencing Test (Part 2) (2), and the auditory attention span for related syllables subtest of the Detroit Tests of Learning Aptitude (3) were chosen for comparison. Aten (2) suggested that learning evident on readministration of Part 2 of the Denver test vitiated traditional evaluation of reliability; however, indirect assessment of reliability indicated that mean scores vary by no more than two points for any age group. Test-retest reliability of the Detroit tests is excellent as indicated by a correlation of .96 (3). Paraskevopoulous (9) reported test-retest reliability coefficients for the auditory sequential memory subtest of the Illinois Test ranged from .75 to .S9 as a function of subjects' age. The Illinois Test assesses auditory sequential memory with a digit-repetition task. The Denver Test (Part 2) measures an individual's ability to retain phoneme/word sequences. The child is asked to point to pictures of common words which vary by only one honem me. The Detroit Test assesses auditory attention span for related syllables with a sentence repetition subtest. The digit span and the sentence subtests were recorded on separate cassette tapes by a female speaker using General American English. The female speaker peaked all stimuli at 0 on the VU meter of a Beltone 200-C audiometer. A
The pathogenesis of Hirschsprung’s disease-associated enterocolitis

Hirschsprung's disease-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) remains the most life-threatening complication in Hirschsprung disease (HD) patients. The pathogenesis of HAEC has not been determined and many hypotheses regarding the etiology of HAEC have been proposed. These include a possible causal relationship between the abnormal enteric nervous system development in HD and the development of enterocolitis. Based on the complex genetic causes of HD that have been discovered and the resultant heterogeneous group of patients that exists, the causes of HAEC are likely multiple. New insights regarding the relationship of the role of the enteric nervous system and its interaction between intestinal barrier function, innate host immunity, and commensal microflora have been discovered, which may shed light on this perplexing problem. This review presents current known risk factors of HAEC and the proposed theories and supporting evidence for the potential etiologies of HAEC.
SFLOSCAN: A biologically-inspired data mining framework for community identification in dynamic social networks

In this paper we present the first biologically inspired framework for indentifying communities in dynamic social networks. Community detection in a social network is a complex problem when interactions among members change over time. Existing community identification algorithms are limited to evaluating a snapshot of a social network at a specific time. Our algorithm evaluates social interactions as they occur over time. The user can see the detected communities at any given time. We propose a relatively simple, scalable, and novel artificial life-based algorithm named “SFloscan”. This algorithm is based on the natural phenomena of bird flocking. We model a social network as an artificial life where members flock together in a virtual two-dimensional space to form communities. We demonstrate empirically that our algorithm outperforms and overcomes the limitations of the algorithms used for community detection. We analyze the performance of SFloscan using datasets widely used in the real world.
Academic, psycho-social, and motor characteristics of participants and nonparticipants in children's sport.

Abstract Children in grades 1 through 5 were classified as either participants or nonparticipants in organized youth sport programs. Relationships between sport participation and nonparticipation were examined by comparing the participants and nonparticipants on tests of perceptual-motor ability, self-concept, academic achievement, trait anxiety, and physical fitness. Results indicated that the two groups of children could not be distinguished on the basis of these tests. Questionnaires related to amount of involvement in sport and parental participation in sport were also administered. Results of these questionnaires indicated a large percentage of children in elementary school are involved in sport. It was also found that there was little relationship between parents either previously or presently involved in sport and their children being involved in sport while in elementary school. The role of youth sport as a potential precursor for the development of achievement motivation tendencies was also consi...
Filtering with a drill pump: an efficient method to collect suspended sediment

Water quality monitoring programs across multiple disciplines use total suspended solids (TSS), and volatile suspended solids (VSS), to assess potential impairments of surface water and groundwater. While previous methods for instream filtering have been developed, the need for rapid, cost-effective, high volume sampling has increased with the need to verify and supplement data produced by sondes and instantaneous data loggers. We present an efficient method to filter water instream with a portable drill pump that results in reduced sample processing time, and potentially reduced error associated with sample transportation, preservation, contamination, and homogenization. This technical note outlines the advantages of filtering instream vs. in the laboratory. It also compares TSS and VSS concentrations filtered with a drill pump vs. standard filtration methods with a vacuum pump as outlined by USEPA methods 160.2 and 160.4. Samples were collected at 4 sites and filtered in the field, or transported to the laboratory and filtered within 12 or 24 h of collection. Overall TSS and VSS samples filtered instream with a drill pump vs. in the laboratory produced similar concentrations with a similar range in variability for each method. Sample filtering with a drill pump decreased processing time by five minutes per sample.
BRAIN AMINO ACIDS

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the distribution and content of amino acids in brain. The transport of an amino acid into and out of the brain, the speed of its various metabolic conversions, and the rate of its incorporation into protein determine the concentration of that particular amino acid found free in the brain. The total free amino acid nitrogen of the brain is about six times higher than the amino acid nitrogen concentration of plasma, and the individual amino acids are at least twice as concentrated in the brain as in the plasma. Much of the amino acid nutrition of the brain is provided by the blood stream. Experiments done both in vivo and with brain slices have led to an understanding of the number and the specificities of the active transport systems of brain. It is known that there are at least seven different systems for amino acid uptake: acidic amino acids, γ-aminobutyric acid and other γ-amino acids, small neutral amino acids, amido amino acids, small basic amino acids, large neutral amino acids, and large basic amino acids.
Structure and Synthesis of Conformationally Constrained Molecules Containing Piperazic Acid

Piperazic acid and its congeners are constituents of many structurally complex natural products. Their conformational rigidity and other advantageous physicochemical properties have motivated the incorporation of these non-proteinogenic amino acids into pharmaceutical agents and drug leads. This review provides an overview of recently published research on piperazic acids, their origins, chemical syntheses, and applications in constrained, biologically active peptides and peptidomimetics.
Patient Care and Student Learning in the OPD

We read with interest the article by Duff et al.1 on ambulatory pediatric training, and especially the comments by Drs. Haggerty and Green.2,3 A program which would be easily adapted to many different medical school settings and which meets most of Dr. Haggerty9s criteria for initial ambulatory experiences has been in operation at Case Western Reserve University for three years. The Medical Student Apprenticeship Program was conceived of, organized, and run by students. It is an official elective course in the Department of Community Health for first-and second-year students, some 40 to 50 of whom are now enrolled.
Investment Impact of Microfinance Credit in Ghana

This research paper examines the impact of the microfinance sector on small/micro enterprises in Ghana. The study uses 2007 BEEPS data and employs the financing constraints approach used by several other researchers in the study area to study if the presence of microfinance institutions has been successful in alleviating financing constraints associated with small enterprises. This is done by comparing investment sensitivity to internally generated funds (cash flow) in enterprises with and without access to microfinance institutions. The study also uses a Propensity Score Matching method to reinforce/support the results obtained from the financing constraints approach. The results obtained from the analyses indicate that small/micro enterprises in areas with adequate MFIs have investment less sensitive to the availability of internal funds due to the fact that they have better access to external funds. This result thus shows that the microfinance sector is alleviating financing constraints in the country.
Conflict or Divorce? Does Parental Conflict and/or Divorce Increase the Likelihood of Adult Children's Cohabiting and Marital Dissolution?

The short- and long-term effects of family structure on child well-being remains a hotly contested area among both researchers and policymakers. Although previous research documents that children of divorce are more prone to divorce themselves, much of this research has been plagued by multiple data and analytic problems. A second problematic issue relates to whether it is the divorce per se that leads to increased divorce or rather the conflict that may precede the divorce. In this article we examine whether children who experience parental conflict and/or divorce are more likely to experience a cohabiting breakup or divorce as adults compared with children from low conflict and/or intact families. Our examination improves on past research by using a three-wave longitudinal data set and by controlling for predivorce family characteristics, including the conflict between parents before divorce. We extend previous research on the effect of parental conflict and divorce on adult children's likelihood of div...
A genetic and molecular update on adrenocortical causes of Cushing syndrome

Primary adrenal Cushing syndrome is the result of cortisol hypersecretion mainly by adenomas and, rarely, by bilateral micronodular or macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia. cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) signalling is the major activator of cortisol secretion in the adrenal cortex. Many adenomas and hyperplasias associated with primary hypercortisolism carry somatic or germline mutations in genes that encode constituents of the cAMP-PKA pathway. In this Review, we discuss Cushing syndrome and its linkage to dysregulated cAMP-PKA signalling, with a focus on genetic findings in the past few years. In addition, we discuss the presence of germline inactivating mutations in ARMC5 in patients with primary bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia. This finding has implications for genetic counselling of affected patients; hitherto, most patients with this form of adrenal hyperplasia and Cushing syndrome were thought to have a sporadic and not a familial disorder.
Retailing in Brazil

HERE are three significant aspects of retailing in Brazil. First, the types of retail establishments in the large metropolitan centers resemble those in the United States, although in small towns in the interior the degree of retail specialization is not as far advanced as in U.S. communities of comparable size. Second, increases in retail sales, although substantial, are not as great as generally believed. Third, the number of retail establishments is both nationally and regionally in balance with general economic conditions.
Meningitis due to Listeria monocytogenes in a case of disseminated lupus erythematosus.

Listeria (Listerella) monocytogenes is a rare causative agent of meningitis in man. It is a natural pathogen for rabbits, causing a disease characterized by an excess of mononuclear leukocytes in the blood. Since its first isolation from rabbits by Murray, Webb and Swann in 1924, it has been recovered from human and from other animal sources. I t has been cultured from blood and spinal fluid of patients with syndromes resembling infectious mononucleosis (Nyfeldt, Pons and Julianelle and Webb). Human meningo-encephalitis due to L. monocytogenes was first described by Burns in 1936. Since then, 23 cases of meningitis have been reported in which the organism was identified, and 9 in which the most probable diagnosis was listerellosis.
Effects of High Arterial Oxygen Tension on Coronary Blood Flow Regulation and Myocardial Oxygen Delivery

The effects of high oxygen tension, or hyperoxia,on the control of myocardial blood flow are both complex and controversial. Substantial evidence suggests that high arterial oxygen tension has a direct vasoconstrictor effect (Baron et al.,1990; Bourdeau-Martini et al.,1974; Ishikawa et al.,1984; Lammerant et al.,1969; Sobol et al.,1962), similar to the vasoconstrictor effects oxgyen demonstrates in other tissues (Daugherty et al.,1967; Duling and Pittman,1975; Sullivan and Johnson,1981). It is often difficult, however, to distinguish direct vasoconstrictor effects from other, indirect effects of oxygen which also cause coronary vasoconstriction. For example, increasing arterial oxygen tension causes multiple direct and reflex hemodynamic effects, including reduced heart rate Ganz et al.,1972; Kenmure et al.,1971; Whalen et al.,1965) and decreased ventricular wall tension (Ishikawa et al.,1984; Ishikawa et al.,1982), both of which may reduce myocardial oxygen demand and which may therefore lead to coronary vasoconstriction by metabolic regulation mechanism. Additionally, higher oxygen tension is generally associated with higher oxygen content, so it might expected that when arterial oxygen tension is raised beyond the normal range (raising oxygen content slightly), that the metabolic regulation mechanisms of the heart would induce vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow slightly, but maintaining constant oxygen delivery.
Changes of AC/A ratio after laser in situ keratomileusis in myopia

Objective To study the changes of accommodative convergence(AC)/accommodation(A)ratio after laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK)in the patients with myopia.Methods A total of 230 eyes were treated with LASIK.Based on the preoperative spherical equivalent refraction,they were divided into A,B and C groups(-1.50～-3.00D、-3.25～-6.00D and-6.00～-11.00D).The AC/A ratio was measured with synoptophor wearing glasses before surgery and at 1 month,3 months after surgery,and analysis in statistic was made.Results In three groups,the AC/A ratio of wearing glasses before surgery was 3.02±0.79、3.03±0.69 and 2.71±0.47,the AC/A ratio of naked eyes at 1 month postoperatively was 2.77±0.33、2.40±0.33 and 2.49±0.40,and that at 3 months postoperatively was 3.04±0.74、2.79±0.58 and 2.74±0.60.At 1 month postoperatively,the AC/A ratio of naked eyes was significantly smaller than that of wearing glasses before surgery and postoperative 3 months(P0.01).There was no significant difference between the AC/A ratio of wearing glasses before surgery and postoperative 3 months(P0.05).There was also no significant difference among A,B and C groups before surgery,1 and 3 months after surgery respectively(P0.05).Conclusion For the patients of long wearing glasses,the AC/A ratio of both wearing glasses before surgery and postoperative naked eyes are not affected by myopic degree.The changing trends of postoperative AC/A ratios are same,namely,they are reduced at first and increased gradually,and regain their preoperative level of wearing glasses at 3 months after surgery.
The Potential of a First LEGO League Robotics Program in Teaching 21st Century Skills: An Exploratory Study

Business and political leaders in the US call for schools to teach 21 st century skills and researchers call for more research to develop curriculum that teach 21 st century skills. In this study, we examine the experience of a First LEGO League (FLL) robotics team to explore the potential of FLL for teaching 21 st century skills. We found that the program provided opportunities for learning many 21 st century skills such as systems thinking, decision making, problem solving, teamwork, conflict resolution, flexibility, perseverance, and self-management. Instructional strategies such as modeling, coaching, scaffolding, examples and case studies were important in providing successful experience to children, but for children to retain and transfer these 21 st century skills, articulation and reflection are critical.
3D nanomolding and fluid mixing in micromixers with micro-patterned microchannel walls

Microfluidic devices where the microchannel walls were decorated with micro and nanostructures were fabricated using 3D nanomolding. Using 3D molded microfluidic devices with microchannel walls decorated with microscale gratings, the fluid mixing behavior was investigated through experiments and numerical simulation. The use of microscale gratings in the micromixer was predicated by the fact that large obstacles in a microchannel enhances the mixing performance. Slanted ratchet gratings on the channel walls resulted in a helical flow along the microchannel, thus increasing the interfacial area between fluids and cutting down the diffusion length. Increasing the number of walls decorated with continuous ratchet gratings intensified the strength of the helical flow, enhancing mixing further. When ratchet gratings on the surface of the top cover plate were aligned in a direction to break the continuity of gratings from the other three walls, a stack of two helical flows was formed one above each other. This work concludes that the 3D nanomolding process can be a cost-effective tool for scaling-up the fabrication of microfluidic mixers with improved mixing efficiencies.
First-Principles Study of the Charge Distributions in Water Confined between Dissimilar Surfaces and Implications in Regard to Contact Electrification

The role of humidity in contact electrification is complex and multifaceted. With the aim of elucidating this role, we carry out first-principles molecular dynamics simulations of water confined between dissimilar surfaces. We address water confined between the (0001) surfaces of quartz and sapphire, as these surfaces have simple structures that allow for rigorous simulation while also being amenable to experimental investigation. The water takes on a layered structure, with the molecules somewhat oriented by the electric fields that arise in the system. The simulations find that the quartz charges negatively with respect to the sapphire, which concurs with previous experimental results. Yet interestingly we find that the water phase obtains a significant positive charge; we believe that this effect can have consequences in the contact electrification process, and also elucidate several experimental results for changes in electrostatic charge due to changes in relative humidity or pressure.
Augmented reality visual guidance for spatial perception in the computer assisted surgical trainer

We propose several augmented reality overlays for visual guidance in training for laparoscopic surgery using a 2D display, with the goal of aiding the user's perception of depth and space in that limiting environment. A pilot study of 30 subjects (22 male and 8 female) is presented with results showing the effect of the various overlays on subject performance of a path following task in the Computer Assisted Surgical Trainer. Deviation, economy of movement, and completion time are considered as metrics. The use of a reference indicator for the nearest point on the optimal path is found to result in significant reduction (p
Bubble Assemblies of Nanocrystals: Superlattices without a Substrate.

A method was developed to create free-standing nanocrystal films in the form of solidified bubbles. Bubbles of octadecanethiol-capped gold nanocrystals were studied by in situ grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) to determine how the absence of an underlying substrate influences a disorder–order transition of a nanocrystal superlattice. We find that the presence of the substrate does not significantly change the nature of the disorder–order transition but does lead to reduced interparticle separation and reduced thermal expansion. Bubble assemblies of silicon and copper selenide nanocrystals are also demonstrated.
Effect of weight percent gain and experimental method on fiber saturation point of acetylated wood determined by differential scanning calorimetry

This paper evaluates the effects of acetylation level and experimental method on the observed fiber saturation point (FSP) of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) wood measured using differential scanning calorimetry. To achieve this goal, 1-mm-thick latewood samples were tested over a wide range of equilibrium moisture content (EMC). In this work, the FSP was defined as the non-freezable portion of water of the samples. Two experimental methods were used: the extrapolation of the melting enthalpy to zero and the direct calculation of the non-freezable water amount. For both methods, the FSP decreased with increasing acetylation, varying from about 27% reduced EMC (EMCR) for control to about 9% EMCR for the highest level of acetylation. For unmodified samples, the measured FSP was higher with faster scan rates. Moreover, under a specific range of EMCR, freezing curves revealed the occurrence of two water phase transitions for samples at the highest level of acetylation. Based on previous studies and in present findings, there is strong evidence that the lower temperature freezing peak may result from the homogenous nucleation of water, which is physically separated from water that freezes heterogeneously.
The Infamous, Famous Sulfonylureas and Cardiovascular Safety: Much Ado About Nothing?

Sulfonylureas (SUs) are one of the most commonly used glucose-lowering agents worldwide. While their efficacy is undisputed, their cardiovascular safety has been debated since the 1970’s. With no dedicated cardiovascular studies to definitively answer this question, observational studies and meta-analyses abound and have reported divergent results, fueling the controversy. Studies that compared SUs to metformin or newer agents, like GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, suggest a difference in cardiovascular events, yet this is likely the result of beneficial effects of the latter. Studies comparing SUs to other agents have been reassuring. SUs remain a common choice of treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes due to their exceptional value. They are effective at lowering glucose and thus contributing to the prevention of microvascular complications. Weight gain and hypoglycemia are their main side effects, although less severe when compared to insulin treatment. Their cardiovascular safety will remain a controversial topic due to lack of conclusive data, but there is no definitive evidence of harm with the second-generation agents.
A role for bacterial urease in gut dysbiosis and Crohn’s disease

Gut dysbiosis during inflammatory bowel disease involves alterations in the gut microbiota associated with inflammation of the host gut. We used a combination of shotgun metagenomic sequencing and metabolomics to analyze fecal samples from pediatric patients with Crohn’s disease and found an association between disease severity, gut dysbiosis, and bacterial production of free amino acids. Nitrogen flux studies using 15 N in mice showed that activity of bacterial urease, an enzyme that releases ammonia by hydrolysis of host urea, led to the transfer of murine host-derived nitrogen to the gut microbiota where it was used for amino acid synthesis. Inoculation of a conventional murine host (pretreated with antibiotics and polyethylene glycol) with commensal Escherichia coli engineered to express urease led to dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, resulting in a predominance of Proteobacteria species. This was associated with a worsening of immune-mediated colitis in these animals. A potential role for altered urease expression and nitrogen flux in the development of gut dysbiosis suggests that bacterial urease may be a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory bowel diseases.
A system for providing differentiated QoS in retail banking

In today's services driven economic environment, it is imperative for organizations to provide better quality service experience to differentiate and grow their business. Customer satisfaction (C-SAT) is the key driver for retention and growth in Retail Banking. Wait time, the time spent by a customer at the branch before getting serviced, contributes significantly to C-SAT. Due to high footfall, it is improbable to improve the wait time of every customer walking in the branch. Therefore, banks in developing countries are strategically looking to segment its customers and services and offer differentiated QoS based service delivery. In this work, we present a system for customer segmentation, and scheduling based on historic value of the customer and characteristics of current service request. We describe the system and give mathematical formulation of the scheduling problem and the associated heuristics. We present results and experience of deployment of this solution in multiple branches of a leading bank in India.
Near infrared spatial frequency domain fluorescence imaging of tumor phantoms containing erythrocyte-derived optical nanoplatforms

Light-activated theranostic constructs provide a multi-functional platform for optical imaging and phototherapeutic applications. Our group has engineered nano-sized vesicles derived from erythrocytes that encapsulate the FDAapproved near infrared (NIR) absorber indocyanine green (ICG). We refer to these constructs as NIR erythrocytemimicking transducers (NETs). Once photo-excited by NIR light these constructs can transduce the photons energy to emit fluorescence, generate heat, or induce chemical reactions. In this study, we investigated fluorescence imaging of NETs embedded within tumor phantoms using spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI). Using SFDI, we were able to fluorescently image simulated tumors doped with different concentration of NETs. These preliminary results suggest that NETs can be used in conjunction with SFDI for potential tumor imaging applications.
Occupational attainment influences longitudinal decline in behavioral variant frontotemporal degeneration.

To evaluate whether occupational attainment influences the trajectory of longitudinal cognitive decline in behavioral variant frontotemporal degeneration (bvFTD). Single-center, retrospective, longitudinal study. Sixty-three patients meeting consensus criteria for bvFTD underwent evaluation at the University of Pennsylvania Frontotemporal Degeneration Center. All patients were studied longitudinally on letter-guided fluency, category-naming fluency and Boston Naming Test (BNT). Occupational attainment was defined categorically by assigning each individual’s occupation to a professional or non-professional category. Linear mixed-effects models evaluated the interaction of neuropsychological performance change with occupational status. Regression analyses were used to relate longitudinal decline in executive function to baseline MRI grey matter atrophy. Higher occupational status was associated with a more severe slope of cognitive decline on letter-guided fluency and category-naming fluency, but not BNT. Faster rates of longitudinal decline on letter-guided and category-naming fluency were associated with more severe baseline grey matter atrophy in right dorsolateral and inferior frontal regions. Our longitudinal findings suggest that bvFTD individuals with higher lifetime cognitive experience demonstrate more rapid decline on measures of executive function. This finding converges with cross-sectional evidence suggesting that lifetime cognitive experiences contribute to heterogeneity in clinical progression in bvFTD.
Archaeo-tectural Translations: New Roles for the Field Architect

This article examines the field architect’s evolving role in interdisciplinary archaeology projects when equipped with new technologies for reconstructing ancient history. The research analyzes how digital technologies facilitate the architect’s extrapolation of embedded knowledge from archaeological datasets, especially those contained in a shared interoperable modeling domain, to enhance understanding of ancient building traditions. The outcomes from this research illuminate how people in the second millennium BCE lived and engaged with the environment through constructed systems, offering new technology-enhanced methods to reveal the architectural knowledge that resides within archaeological sites.
Human coronaviruses and other respiratory infections in young adults on a university campus: Prevalence, symptoms, and shedding.

Background The prevalence, symptom course, and shedding in persons infected with the 4 most common human coronaviruses (HCoV)-229E, HKU1, NL63, and OC43 are poorly described. Objectives We estimate their prevalence and associated symptoms among college students identified via a social network study design. Patients/methods We collected 1-3 samples (n = 250 specimens) from 176 participants between October 2012 and January 17, 2013: participants with acute respiratory infection (ARI; cough and body aches or chills or fever/feverishness) and their social contacts. Virus was detected using RT-PCR. Results 30.4% (76/250) of specimens tested positive for any virus tested, and 4.8% (12/250) were positive for 2 or more viruses. Human coronaviruses (HCoVs [22.0%; 55/250]), rhinovirus (7.6%; 19/250), and influenza A (6.4%; 16/250) were most prevalent. Symptoms changed significantly over time among ARI participants with HCoV: the prevalence of cough and chills decreased over 6 days (P = .04, and P = .01, respectively), while runny nose increased over the same period (P = .02). HCoV-NL63 was the most frequent virus detected 6 days following symptom onset (8.9%), followed by rhinovirus (6.7%). Conclusions During a 3-month period covering a single season, HCoVs were common, even among social contacts without respiratory symptoms; specific symptoms may change over the course of HCoV-associated illness and were similar to symptoms from influenza and rhinovirus.
A Stochastic Model of Senescence and Demise

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes a weekly periodical cheerfully named Morbidity and Mortality, wherein one may discover the latest causes of sickness and death in the United States. Those who dutifully read this government periodical do so, no doubt, more in the hope of avoiding the dire outcomes it describes than in learning why funeral attendance may be up or down lately. However, as the old syllogism explains, all men are mortal (a little more so than women, it seems). And as one might imagine, since the time of Gompertz, several models of risks for death have been devised. One of the best sources of such models and a great deal of other information about aging is Bernard Strehler’s classic book, Time, Cells, and Aging. The model developed in this chapter does not explicitly duplicate any of the six discussed in that volume, but captures the flavor of decline in function coupled with an element of randomness that tests the ability of the human system to withstand life-threatening stresses and injuries.
Vertical integrity monitoring with direct positioning

The monitoring of GPS integrity is critical for preventing Harzardously Misleading Information (HMI) in safety-of-life applications. We propose an integrity monitoring algorithm based on Direct Position Estimation (DPE), an unconventional GPS receiver architecture. Without the need for intermediate pseudorange models, which are essential under conventional schemes, we are able to account for all sources of error collectively in the position domain, enabling more thorough protection against different modes of integrity threats. Using the correlation manifold provided by a generic DPE receiver, our algorithm characterizes the deformation of the manifold with a Gaussian distribution, which reflects the trust-worthiness of the DPE navigation solution. In this paper, we focus on the vertical aspect of our DPE-based integrity monitoring algorithm. This proposed algorithm was verified with live data to be able to provide indication for the presence of integrity threats, such as a degrading signal environment.
Origin Tracking in Attribute Grammars

Origin tracking is a technique for relating the output of a transformation back to its input. In term rewriting systems, where this notion was developed, it relates subtrees in the resulting normal form term to the original term. The technique is useful in several settings, including program debugging and error reporting.
Joint Multi-View People Tracking and Pose Estimation for 3D Scene Reconstruction

The goal of data analytics in surveillance videos is to fully understand and reconstruct the 3D scene, i.e., to recover the trajectory and action of each object. In a surveillance system with camera arrays of overlapping views, we propose a novel video scene reconstruction framework to collaboratively track multiple human objects and estimate their 3D poses. First, tracklets are extracted from each single view following the tracking-by-detection paradigm. We propose an effective integration of visual and semantic object attributes, i.e., appearance models, geometry information and poses/actions, to associate tracklets across different views. Based on the optimum viewing perspectives derived from tracking, a hierarchical estimation of human poses is introduced to generate the 3D skeleton of each object. The estimated body joint points are fed back to the tracking stage to enhance tracklet association. Experiments on benchmarks of multiview tracking and 3D pose estimation validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
SWAT modeling of non-point source pollution in depression-dominated basins under varying hydroclimatic conditions.

Non-point source (NPS) pollution from agricultural lands is the leading cause of various water quality problems across the United States. Particularly, surface depressions often alter the releasing patterns of NPS pollutants into the environment. However, most commonly-used hydrologic models may not be applicable to such depression-dominated regions. The objective of this study is to improve water quantity/quality modeling and its calibration for depression-dominated basins under wet and dry hydroclimatic conditions. Specifically, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was applied for hydrologic and water quality modeling in the Red River of the North Basin (RRB). Surface depressions across the RRB were incorporated into the model by employing a surface delineation method and the impacts of depressions were evaluated for two modeling scenarios, MS1 (basic scenario) and MS2 (depression-oriented scenario). Moreover, a traditional calibration scheme (CS1) was compared to a wet-dry calibration scheme (CS2) that accounted for the effects of hydroclimatic variations on hydrologic and water quality modeling. Results indicated that the surface runoff simulation and the associated water quality modeling were improved when topographic characteristics of depressions were incorporated into the model (MS2). The Nash⁻Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) coefficient indicated an average increase of 30.4% and 19.6% from CS1 to CS2 for the calibration and validation periods, respectively. Additionally, the CS2 provided acceptable simulations of water quality, with the NSE values of 0.50 and 0.74 for calibration and validation periods, respectively. These results highlight the enhanced capability of the proposed approach for simulating water quantity and quality for depression-dominated basins under the influence of varying hydroclimatic conditions.
Surfactant-induced chemical ordering of GaAsN:Bi

We have examined the influence of an incorporating surfactant on chemical ordering in GaAsN:Bi alloys. Epitaxy with a (2 × 1) reconstruction leads to the formation of GaAsN alloys, while the introduction of a Bi flux induces long-range chemical ordering of the {111} planes of GaAsN:Bi. We propose a mechanism in which Bi enhances the alignment of dimer rows along the [110] direction, facilitating N incorporation beneath surface dimers and Bi incorporation between dimer rows to form alternating N-rich and Bi-rich {111} planes. These findings suggest a route to tailoring the local atomic environment of N and Bi atoms in a wide range of emerging dilute nitride-bismide alloys.
Protein phosphorylation in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Phosphorylation of endogenous plasma membrane and cytoplasmic proteins

Abstract Phosphorylation of endogenous proteins in subcellular fractions of human peripheral-blood lymphocytes was studied by one- and two-dimensional polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Studies using extensively purified subcellular fractions indicated that the endogenous phosphorylating activity in the particulate fractions was derived primarily from the plasma membrane. Electrophoresis of 32P-labelled subcellular fractions in two dimensions [O'Farrell (1975) J. Biol. Chem. 250, 4007–4021] provided much greater resolution of the endogenous phosphoproteins than electrophoresis in one dimension, facilitating their excision from gels for quantification of 32P content. More than 100 cytoplasmic and 20 plasma-membrane phosphorylated species were observed. Phosphorylation of more than 10 cytoplasmic proteins was absolutely dependent on cyclic AMP. In the plasma membrane, cyclic AMP-dependent phosphoproteins were observed with mol.wts. of 42000, 42000, 80000 and 90000 and pI values of 6.1, 6.3, 6.25 and 6.5 respectively. Phosphorylation of endogenous cytoplasmic and plasma-membrane proteins was rapid with t½=5–12s at 25°C. Between 40 and 70% of the 32P was recovered as phosphoserine and phosphothreonine when acid hydrolysates of isolated plasma-membrane phosphoproteins were analysed by high-voltage paper electrophoresis. The presence of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and endogenous phosphate-acceptor proteins in the plasma membranes of lymphocytes provides a mechanism by which these cells might respond to plasma-membrane pools of cyclic AMP generated in response to stimulation by mitogens or physiological modulators of lymphocyte function.
More Experience with MINIX in an Operating Systems Lab

In operating systems classes students study the theory, concepts, and mechanisms of operating systems: system calls, layered design, the client‐server model, processes, interprocess communication, CPU scheduling, deadlock, input and output, device drivers, memory management, file systems, protection, etc. Their understanding of these concepts will be enhanced if they are given the opportunity to examine the internal operation and source code of an actual operating system and see how the various concepts and features studied are implemented. By modifying the source code to change the behavior of the operating system or introduce new features, students can further enhance their understanding and gain valuable practical experience. This article describes the use of the Apple Macintosh version of MINIX, a UNIX look‐alike operating system available in source form, in an operating systems workshop course. The use of the Macintosh version is compared to the IBM PC version. What the students learned from the work...
Introduction to the physics of high temperature superconductors

For the benefit of non-specialist readers the main stations in the history of superconductivity are revisited. Against this background the physical properties believed to be crucial for the new superconductors are then reviewed. In a second step, an analysis of the main theoretical ideas is attempted. This discussion starts with a characterization of the groundstate and continues with an enumeration of the possible excitations. Finally, the proposed pairing and condensation mechanisms are reviewed. No attempt of completeness is made, neither with regard to the experimental results nor to the theoretical models. The aim is to get a glimpse at the physics behind the enormous flow of information in this new field of research.
E-Cadherin, NFATC3, and PLP2 Are Differentially Methylated in Multiple Cancers

It is well documented that cancer cells have abnormal methylation patterns often caused by faulty methylating machinery. Specifically, E-cadherin, NFATC3, and PLP2 are 3 genes known to be aberrantly methylated in cancer cells. These genes are well documented for their role in signaling pathways involved with cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, and other signs of tumor progression. Therefore, changes in gene expression of CDH1, NFATC3, and PLP2 due to aberrant methylation can lead to profound changes in cellular function and tumor formation. In order to ensure that previous in vitro and in vivo methylation studies match what is observed in the clinic, we utilized a bioinformatics approach to complete an extensive analysis of methylation patterns of these 3 genes, analyzing over 5000 patient samples, across all cancers for which both normal and tumor tissues were available. Specifically, we analyzed overall and site-specific methylation patterns, at CpG islands and shores, of all 3 genes across 14 cancer types. Furthermore, we compared these methylation levels in normal and tumor samples of both matched and unmatched patient samples in order to determine any differences between groups. Finally, we examined whether an aberrant DNA methyltransferase, DNMT3B7, known to be expressed in cancer cells and to alter methylation patterns in vitro correlated with altered overall and site-specific methylation of CDH1, NFATC3, and PLP2 in these patient samples. Our results indicate that methylation patterns of CDH1 and NFATC3 were unexpectedly varied across tumors, contrary to previous studies performed in vitro, while PLP2 showed the expected hypomethylation pattern in tumor tissues. We also observed some correlation between DNMT3B7 expression and methylation patterns of these genes, but patterns were inconsistent. Taken together, these results emphasize the necessity for in vivo and patient studies rather than a complete reliance on in vitro data and provide multiple areas of future research.
Uma andorinha só não faz verão: 160 anos do legado de Richard Carrington

Resumo No dia 1° de setembro de 1859, o astronomo britânico Richard Carrington observou um comportamento anomalo no Sol. Aproximadamente 17 horas depois, efeitos magneticos de escalas globais foram observados na Terra: auroras boreais e austrais em regioes de baixas latitudes, e falhas em equipamentos telegraficos na Europa e America do Norte. Hoje, 160 anos depois, sabemos que essa conexao solar-terrestre controla a atividade magnetica no espaco proximo da Terra e sua superficie, e seus efeitos sao objetos de uma disciplina denominada clima espacial. O objetivo principal deste modesto trabalho e apresentar brevemente ao leitor as observacoes de Carrington e as descobertas que levaram a conexao entre fenomenos magneticos solares e terrestres. Tambem sao brevemente discutidas as implicacoes desta descoberta ao clima espacial com enfase na importância da protecao de aparelhos tecnologicos presentes no geoespaco e no solo, alem de uma breve discussao do futuro da disciplina nas proximas decadas.
Effect of Rare Earth Master Alloys on 4130

This paper documents a series of experimental 4130 heats that had additions of rare earth master alloys with different rare earth oxide inclusions. Once melted, the heats were poured into keel block castings for mechanical testing and metallographic examination. Additionally, a single-thermocouple thermal analysis system was employed to examine the solidification reactions of each heat. Several interesting observations were made. First, the mechanical properties and solidification structure of the heats were similar, contrary to earlier work in 4130. Thermal analysis noted that the liquidus and peritectic did not shift with the master alloy additions. Inclusion characterization found that the inclusions in the final castings were significantly different from the ones in the master alloys. These inclusions contained low or no sulfur in them. Based on this, the author concludes that sulfur-containing rare earth inclusions are the likely nuclei in steels. This work identifies several important factors in the grain refinement of 4130. Not all rare earth inclusions cause refinement, supporting the conclusion by many that specific rare earth inclusions refine a steel’s structure by acting as heterogeneous nuclei. Sulfur-containing inclusions may be the compounds that are acting in this role. Additionally, shifts in the peritectic temperature appear related to the occurrence of refinement. No refinement in this work occurred, and no peritectic shift happened either. Other work in the literature observed an increase in the peritectic temperature and the onset of refinement. The peritectic reaction appears to play a role in steel solidification refinement.