cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Causal security (computer systems)

This paper gives a new definition of security, which takes causal information into account. The new definition can be used to determine the security of nondeterministic concurrent systems for which high-level information may be either input into the system during its operation, or inherent in the original state of the system. It is possible to have systems which are secure under this definition which write to audit before performing each transition. The definition satisfies several useful composition properties, including one which gives it some protection from Trojan horse attacks. >
A reflective middleware architecture for distributed sensor applications

To enable a wider adoption of sensor network technologies, we must address a variety of constraints inherent in sensor network operation and provide a significantly rich level of abstraction to application users supported by efficient and robust optimization and evaluation techniques. In this paper, we develop a reflective middleware system in order to support distributed sensor applications with various performance requirements. We explore the possibility, mechanisms and benefits of applying the reflection concept to distributed sensor environments. We will also implement a prototype system and validate it using a transient subsurface contaminant tracking application.
Interpreting and improving the PML absorbing boundary condition using anisotropic lossy mapping of space

The Berenger perfectly matched layer (PML) absorbing boundary condition has been shown to be a remarkably effective means of terminating a computational grid for scattering simulations. By reinterpreting the PML equations as an anisotropic complex mapping of the normal coordinate, a compact frequency domain representation is derived, an error analysis is performed, and means for overcoming several deficiencies is presented. In particular, the problem of grazing incident waves can be minimized by increasing the real part of the mapping, altering the propagation direction to be more normal to the boundary. Also, finite difference, one-way wave equation PML terminations which further increase wave absorption are derived.
Achilles paratendonitis as the initial manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis

We report a case of rheumatoid arthritis in which the earliest symptom was bilateral paratendonitis of the Achilles tendons, followed by paratendonitis of a finger extensor. A series of musculoskeletal ultrasonograms revealed a progression from paratendonitis of the extensor tendon to erosive synovitis of the adjacent metacarpophalangeal joint. High-resolution ultrasonography combined with power Doppler imaging seems to be a useful and convenient tool both for diagnosing paratendonitis early and for closely monitoring the progressing inflammation.
Influence of the surface chemistry on the wettability of stainless steel

Degreasing with solvents, chemical etching, polishing, oxygen and argon plasma treatment and heating and drying produce stainless-steel surfaces with different amounts of organic contamination and ‘bonded water’. The hydroxide/oxide layer of the passive film formed on stainless-steel foils is also affected by surface pretreatment. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) has been used to analyze the composition of the surface film formed after different cleaning procedures. Organic contamination on 304 stainless-steel foils can be reduced by a factor of five using various cleaning treatments. Wettability or surface energy measurements have been performed on the treated surfaces and it was found that the surface energy of the metal decays with the inverse of the contamination layer thickness. As these cleaning treatments lead to different oxide layers, it is concluded that the nature of the oxide layer is not the main parameter that determines the surface free energy of metals.
Modulation of the pHLIP Transmembrane Helix Insertion Pathway

The membrane-associated folding/unfolding of pH (low) insertion peptide (pHLIP) provides an opportunity to study how sequence variations influence the kinetics and pathway of peptide insertion into bilayers. Here, we present the results of steady-state and kinetics investigations of several pHLIP variants with different numbers of charged residues, with attached polar cargoes at the peptide's membrane-inserting end, and with three single-Trp variants placed at the beginning, middle, and end of the transmembrane helix. Each pHLIP variant exhibits a pH-dependent interaction with a lipid bilayer. Although the number of protonatable residues at the inserting end does not affect the ultimate formation of helical structure across a membrane, it correlates with the time for peptide insertion, the number of intermediate states on the folding pathway, and the rates of unfolding and exit. The presence of polar cargoes at the peptide's inserting end leads to the appearance of intermediate states on the insertion pathway. Cargo polarity correlates with a decrease of the insertion rate. We conclude that the existence of intermediate states on the folding and unfolding pathways is not mandatory and, in the simple case of a polypeptide with a noncharged and nonpolar inserting end, the folding and unfolding appears as an all-or-none transition. We propose a model for membrane-associated insertion/folding and exit/unfolding and discuss the importance of these observations for the design of new delivery agents for direct translocation of polar therapeutic and diagnostic cargo molecules across cellular membranes.
A One-Parameter Family of Distributed Consensus Algorithms with Boundary: From Shortest Paths to Mean Hitting Times

We present a one-parameter family of consensus algorithms over a time-varying network of agents. The proposed family of algorithms contains the average and minimum consensus algorithms as two special cases. Furthermore, we investigate a closely related family of distributed algorithms which can be considered as a consensus scheme with fixed boundary conditions and constant inputs. The proposed algorithms recover both the Bellman-Ford iteration for finding shortest paths as well as the algorithm for calculating the mean hitting time of a random walk on a graph. Finally, we demonstrate the potential utility of these algorithms for routing in adhoc networks.
Evaluation of Three Feed-Through Insecticides Using Two Rodent and Two Sand Fly Species as Models

The efficacy of 3 rodent feed-through insecticides (novaluron, pyriproxyfen, and ivermectin) was determined against larvae of the sand flies Phlebotomus duboscqi and P. papatasi using Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) and Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) as laboratory models. For each insecticide, there were no significant differences between the longevity or percentage survival of sand fly larvae that had been fed feces of treated rodents for each sand fly or rodent species pairing. The results of this study suggest that larvae of P. duboscqi and P. papatasi are equally susceptible to the concentrations of the rodent feed-through insecticides tested in this study and that these insecticides are pharmacologically compatible with different rodent/sand fly interactions.
A high dynamic range ASK demodulator for passive UHF RFID with automatic over-voltage protection and detection threshold adjustment

This paper presents a passive UHF RFID ASK demodulator that operates over a +24dBm to −14dBm RF input power range. The demodulator automatically adjusts between high sensitivity mode for weak RF signal power and over-voltage protection mode for high RF power. The input over-voltage protection circuit is designed to protect the IC from high input power while not impacting the sensitivity at weak input power. The demodulator is comprised of a RF rectifier, a variable gain attenuator with automatic threshold adjustment and a nano-power data slicer. The demodulator handles demodulating signals with a minimum to maximum envelope ratio of 0.8 over the entire input power range, and the data slicer consumes only 160nA from a 0.9 to 1.25V rectified supply. The RFID chip is fabricated in a 0.13µm analog-CMOS technology and the entire chip occupies an area of 0.55 mm2.
Targeted cytotoxic analogs of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone: A reply

We read with great interest the Highlight Review by Dr CG rundker entitled 'Cytotoxic luteinizing hormone- releasing hormone conjugates and their use in gynecological cancer therapy' in the European Journal of Endocrinology (1). This excellent article provides a detailed description of recent developments in the field of targeted chemotherapy based on luteinizing hor- mone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) analogs. We agree with most of the views set forth in this paper. However, we believe that some of the particular statements regarding AN-201 and AN-207 are incorrect. Accord- ing to one such remark: 'Newer examinations show that AN-207 disintegrates very fast without the action of carboxylesterase enzymes. AN-207, therefore, does not seem to be suitable for first line chemotherapy'. Such rapid disintegration of the cytotoxic LH-RH conjugate, AN-207, has never been observed and, in fact, its stability in serum was characterized as similar to that of its doxorubicin containing counterpart, AN-152. Regarding the importance of the development of a targeted cytotoxic LH-RH analog such as AN-207 containing 2-pyrrolinodoxorubicin, we would like to emphasize that this analog is active on tumors that are resistant to doxorubicin, and such resistance is still a major challenge to clinical oncologists. Thus, we demonstrated that 10 out of 10 mice bearing estro- gen-independent, doxorubicin-resistant MX-1 human mammary carcinoma xenografts were cured after treatment with AN-207, while only 1 out of 10 mice was cured after treatment with the non-targeted cytotoxic radical (2). In addition, because of the high activity of AN-207, the usual effective and non-toxic dose of this analog is about 1% of that of doxorubicin. Consequently, relapsed patients with various cancers who have already received a maximum cumulative dose of ,450 mg/m 2 doxorubicin, which is determined by its cardiotoxicity, could still benefit from treatment with AN-207. This high efficacy may also make AN-207 suitable for the treatment of tumors with low receptor concentration. Another statement in this article suggests that AN-152 should be favored for development because ' is much more toxic than doxorubicin' and 'the effects of doxorubicin are well known'. We do not consider this viewpoint to be correct. Thus, in spite of the well-known effects of doxorubicin, some of its superactive, non-cross-resistant analogs such as meth- oxymorpholindoxorubicin (Nemorubicin) are presently in clinical phase II/III trials (3). AN-201 belongs to the same family of intensely potent doxorubicin derivatives as Nemorubicin although, unlike Nemorubicin, AN-201 is highly cytotoxic without in vivo enzymatic activation (4).
Infiltration pressure of a nanoporous liquid spring modified by an electrolyte

In a hydrophobic zeolite, the infiltration and defiltration of water can be controlled by adjusting external pressure, and therefore the system behaves as a “liquid spring.” Since the hysteresis of sorption isotherm is negligible and the working pressure is thermally controllable, volume memory devices can be developed based on this phenomenon. With the addition of sodium chloride, both infiltration and defiltration pressures increase, which should be attributed to the cation exchange. The temperature sensitivity of the system increases with the electrolyte concentration, beneficial to improving the output energy density.
Curing APL: Differentiation or Destruction?

In a recent issue of Nature Medicine , Nasr et al. show that the effectiveness of all- trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide in acute promyelocytic leukemia is independent of their ability to cause differentiation. Targeted destruction of the PML-RARα oncoprotein appears key to eliminating the cells from which relapse can arise.
Hydrogen-bonded LbL shells for living cell surface engineering

We report on the design of cytocompatible synthetic shells from highly permeable, hydrogen-bonded multilayers for cell surface engineering with preservation of long-term cell functioning. In contrast to traditional polyelectrolyte layer-by-layer (LbL) systems, shells suggested here are based on hydrogen bonding allowing gentle cell encapsulation using non-toxic, non-ionic and biocompatible components such as poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVPON) and tannic acid (TA) which were earlier exploited on abiotic surfaces but never assembled on cell surfaces. Here, we demonstrate that these LbL shells with higher diffusion facilitate outstanding cell survivability reaching 79% in contrast to only 20% viability level achieved with ionically paired coatings. We suggest that the drastic increase in cell viability and preservation of cell functioning after coating with synthetic shell stems from the minimal exposure of the cells to toxic polycations and high shell permeability.
Foundations of the Strong-Field Approximation

The nonperturbative analytical approximation method known as the SFA (Strong-Field Approximation) is traced to its roots in the early days of strongfield physics. Although the SFA is now the primary analytical method used in practice, several departures from the appropriate rules of application have arisen that needlessly restrict the broad power of the SFA. These include matters such as the use of intensity parameters and rules of scaling, and the often-inappropriate use of tunneling and multiphoton concepts. Extensions to momentum distributions and to the relativistic SFA are discussed briefly.
Design and operation of an expanded system of quality control.

A functioning system of quality control, utilizing three types of control materials, is described. Analytic results obtained on control specimens are processed by computer to give a rapid indication of over-all accuracy and precision, technician performance, and need for restandardizing or trouble-shooting individual tests.
Procurement and Distribution Policies in a Distributive Supply Chain in the Presence of Commodity Markets

In this research we characterize optimal procurement and distribution policies of a commodity in a multiechelon supply chain. We consider a firm that procures and distributes a commodity from spot and forward markets under random fluctuating prices; the commodity is distributed downstream to a set of nonhomogeneous retailers to satisfy random demand. We model prices with a stochastic process that allows no arbitrage opportunities, and formulate procurement and distribution policies for this system. We explore the value of the commoditys market in providing (a) additional flexibility in procurement, and (b) information on price dynamics generated through the trading of futures contracts. Our results indicate the presence of the commodity market can lead to reductions in controllable costs of the order of 30%; however to obtain these benefits, both the spot procurement flexibility and the term structure of prices generated by the commodity market must be incorporated in the formulation of the operating policy. Managerial insights on the procurement strategy as a function of variability of prices and demand are also discussed.
Host Specificity Studies of Phrydiuchus topiarius and Phrydiuchus sp.1

Responses and host specificity of Phrydiuchus sp. and P. topiarius (Germar) were studied to determine the suitability of these weevils for use in biological control of Salvia aethiopis L., an introduced biennial range weed of Western North America. Phrydiuchus weevils are recorded only from biennial or perennial Salvia species, characterized by having basal leaf rosettes. Adult feeding and ovipositional activity are synchronized with vegetative growth phases of the host plant. In the laboratory weevils fed and oviposited regularly on plants and bouquets of S. aethiopis, S. argentea L., S. sclarea L., S. verbenacea L., and bouquets of Melissa officinalis L., and Lycopus europaeus L. The weevils fed to a degree on other plants but did not oviposit normally because these plants lack some nutritive elements necessary for oocyte development and ovipositional stimuli. In nature the weevils appear to search at random for their host, concentrating and feeding on the basal Salvia leaves in response to chemical stimuli. They prefer basal leaves for oviposition and feeding. Larval development occurred only on Salvia rosettes; stems of these plants and stems and rosettes of other plants are unsuited for tunneling and probably for food.
Estimating the Wind Resource in Uttarakhand: Comparison of Dynamic Downscaling with Doppler Lidar Wind Measurements

Previous estimates of the wind resources in Uttarakhand, India, suggest minimal wind resources in this region. To explore whether or not the complex terrain in fact provides localized regions of wind resource, the authors of this study employed a dynamic down scaling method with the Weather Research and Forecasting model, providing detailed estimates of winds at approximately 1 km resolution in the finest nested simulation.
Ribonucleotide Reductase Overexpression does not Alter Cardiomyocyte Mitochondrial Respiration

Heart disease is already the leading cause of death in the United States. People over 65 years of age are the fastest growing age group, and the incidence of heart failure is expected to increase further in the coming decades. We have previously demonstrated that upregulation of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) in cardiomyocytes results in an elevation in the cytosolic concentration of 2-deoxy-ATP (dATP) and subsequent increase in contractility. For this approach to be an effective therapeutic option for treatment of heart failure we need to determine whether elevated cardiac dATP can be maintained long term and that it does not compromise cardiomyoctye metabolism.We found that dADP-dependent respiration of cardiac mitochondria was depressed when compared to ADP-dependent respiration, and higher concentrations of dADP are necessary to stimulate respiration. Despite this, physiological and even super-physiological (2% and 10% of adenonucleotides, respectively) dADP/ADP ratios elicited the same magnitude of respiration as 100% ADP. In addition, hearts from transgenic mice that overexpress RNR have the same maximum mitochondrial respiratory capacity as wild-type controls. We have demonstrated that the creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase system can phosphorylate dADP in solution, which we believe to be the predominant pathway by which dATP is produced in vivo. RNR-TG hearts showed no increase in the ratio of mitochondrial to nuclear DNA, but had slightly elevated mitochondrial volume as determined by citrate synthase activity. This may prove protective during ischemic events and prevent the shift towards a more glycolytic metabolic profile seen during cardiac stress.These data suggest that cardiomyocytes can generate dATP from dADP through the same metabolic pathways as ATP, levels of dADP associated with upregulation of RNR do not alter the cell's ability to synthesize ATP, and that elevated RNR may impart a cardioprotective effect during ischemic events.
Distribution and ecological characteristics of Lewisia longipetala (Piper) Clay, a high-altitude endemic plant

Lewisia longipetala (Piper) Clay is a high-altitude endemic found in the northern Sierra Nevada. The characteristics of 12 sites with L. longipetala , which represent all known populations, were studied to define habitat requirements of the species. Meso- and microscale characteristics of the habitat were examined, including characteristics of the associated plant community. Average plant size and plant density of L. longipetala were also determined for each population. Similar measurements were made on 6 populations of Lewisia pygmaea (A. Gray) Robinson, a more common Lewisia . Populations of L. longipetala that had larger plants and higher plant density were associated with gently sloped, north-facing sites that were near large, persistent snowbanks and had low vegetative cover. Plant species associated with populations of L. longipetala were similar among the 12 sites and were indicative of mesic, rocky alpine sites. These types of plant communities found near persistent snowbanks are often termed snow-bed vegetation. In contrast, L. pygmaea was found to be less site specific. Lewisia pygmaea was found adjacent to or interspersed with L. longipetala at 5 sites, but was found in areas associated with a higher percentage of herbaceous cover and a wider variety of species. This integration of ecological community information for L. longipetala populations contributes to the interim management and long-term monitoring of this species by providing needed information concerning its habitat and environmental specificity.
Current status of artificial insemination with donor semen.

As male infertility secondary to oligospermia and azoospermia remains refractory to treatment, donor insemination has gained greater acceptance. Wives of azoospermic and severely oligospermic men were evaluated for donor insemination. One hundred and thirty-four patients were found to be ovulating normally and to be free from pelvic pathology. Sixty-five accepted donor insemination. Fifty-one conceptions occurred in 41 patients, resulting in 43 live births and 8 miscarriages. The mean number of inseminations was 4.2 (range 1 to 13). Eighty-three patients were found to have endocrinopathies or pelvic pathology interfering with fertility; 58 were considered candidates for corrective therapy to be followed by donor insemination. Conception rates approached those observed in the average population; however, there was a greater incidence of abortion and ectopic gestation. Careful consideration of the patient prior to donor insemination ensures greater success and avoids unnecessary procedures when the patient is not considered a candidate for corrective therapy.
Occurrence of a spontaneous luteinizing hormone surge in superovulated cycles—predictive value of serum progesterone

A preovulatory increase in serum progesterone (P) precedes the occurrence of an endogenous luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in a majority of women. This study evaluates whether a single daily measurement of serum P could reliably identify a spontaneous LH surge in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Eighty-four infertile women received either clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), or hMG alone. Serum P levels were increased significantly the morning of the day of an endogenous LH surge (P less than 0.01). A 2-fold rise in the serum P levels was associated with a predictability of 64.4% of a LH surge; however, a 4-fold increase in serum P could accurately predict a spontaneous endogenous LH discharge in 93.3% (P less than 0.001) of cases.
Exchangeable Mimics of DPPC and DPPG Exhibiting Similar Nearest-Neighbor Interactions in Fluid Bilayers

The interactions between an exchangeable mimic of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), Phos(±), with an exchangeable mimic of cholesterol, Chol, have been analyzed in fluid bilayers by means of nearest-neighbor recognition measurements. These interactions have been found to be very similar to those of an exchangeable mimic of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phospho-(1′rac-glycerol) (DPPG), Phos(−), interacting with Chol. Thus, both phospholipids have a similar preference for becoming nearest-neighbors of Chol in the liquid-ordered (l0) phase, and both mix, ideally, with Chol in the liquid-disordered (ld) phase. These findings, together with the almost negligible screening effects found for the latter, provide strong evidence that electrostatic forces play a minor role in the preference that both phospholipids have in becoming a favored nearest-neighbor of Chol. They also imply that the main driving force for forming the liquid-ordered phase, and for defining the lateral organization of this p...
Hyperlipidemia and the development of diabetic retinopathy: Comparison between type 1 and type 2 animal models.

Abstract Aim In the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are elevated in the retina and the mitochondria are damaged, resulting in accelerated apoptosis. Dyslipidemia is also considered as one of the major factors in its development, and our aim is to investigate the compounding effect of hyperlipidemia in retinopathy. Methods Retinal ROS, mitochondrial damage and vascular pathology were investigated in Zucker diabetic fatty rats (ZDF, type 2 diabetes model), during the age that spans from hyperlipidemia/pre-hyperglycemia (6 weeks), to severe hyperglycemia/moderate hyperlipidemia (~ 12 weeks), and ultimately to severe hyperglycemia/hyperlipidemia (20–40 weeks). For comparison, retina from streptozotocin-induced Wistar rats (type 1 diabetic for 10–40 weeks) was analyzed. Results Compared to age-matched lean rats, despite increased retinal cytosolic ROS in 6-week-old ZDF rats, mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage were not detected, and in 12-week-old ZDF rats, retinal mitochondria were dysfunctional, but mtDNA damage and vascular pathology (cell apoptosis and degenerative capillaries) were not detectable. Retina from 20-week-old ZDF rats (hyperglycemic for 14 weeks or less) had significant mitochondrial dysfunction, mtDNA damage and vascular pathology, and similar abnormalities were observed in 40-week-old ZDF rats. Although retinal mitochondrial dysfunction was observed in Wistar rats diabetic for 20 weeks, mtDNA damage and vascular pathology were not detectable till the duration of diabetes was further extended. Conclusions Hyperlipidemia, in a hyperglycemic milieu, potentiates mitochondrial damage and augments the development of retinopathy. Control of dyslipidemia in pre-diabetic patients may prevent/delay the development and the progression of this devastating disease.
Gnostic and Countercultural Elements in Zora Neale Hurston’s “Hoodoo in America”

Over the last decade, religious studies scholars have given attention to Zora Neale Hurston’s “Hoodoo in America.” These works, however, have not considered the important role of gnosis in hoodoo. This article acts to extend this literature by examining how Hurston employs secret knowledge to advance a particular understanding of hoodoo. Specifically, I argue that Hurston’s ethnographic study of New Orleans hoodoo captures a system of African-derived magical practices that is characterized by both gnostic and countercultural elements. These elements in turn reveal an intricate relationship between gnosis, human agency, and material culture that finds expression in the complex ritual system of New Orleans hoodoo.
New Knowledge: The Mechanisms of the Cytoplasm

This continuous body of knowledge, which should be properly named cellular and molecular biology, could be compared to a bridge which, like its equivalents in civil engineering, has two bridgeheads: one in traditional anatomical-morphological sciences and the other in equally traditional biochemistry. The cautious and careful have stayed close to the bridgeheads because the area around them had been consolidated over centuries by the work of their predecessors. The bold and venturesome have ventured on the bridge itself from both directions, because they believed that there was where the action was going to be…. As in the old Latin proverb, fortune favored the bold: the bridge proved to be strong enough to support the intense occasionally frantic activity of whole armies of explorers. (Palade, 1987, pp. 112–13) In the 1950s and 1960s the initial ventures into the terra incognita between classical cytology and biochemistry developed into the robust bridge Palade identified in the above quotation. In large part this involved building on the localization of cellular energetics in the mitrochondria, and of protein synthesis in the microsomes, that had been established in the 1940s by decomposing these organelles and figuring out the operations associated with their parts. I will focus principally on these developments, but in the 1950s investigators identified the function of two other organelles – the Golgi apparatus and the lysosome – and established research programs to determine how they performed their functions.
RANDOMIZED PHASE II EVALUATION OF CARBOPLATIN AND CHIP IN ADVANCED TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA OF THE UROTHELIUM

AbstractA total of 83 patients with metastatic transitional cell carcinoma who had previously received no systemic therapy entered a randomized phase II evaluation of carboplatin and cis-dichloro-trans-dihydroxy-bis-isopropylamine platinum IV (CHIP), administered respectively at 400 and 270mg./m.2 every 28 days. Among evaluable patients with measurable disease response rates were 3 of 22 (14%, 95% confidence interval 5 to 35%) for carboplatin and 4 of 25 (16%, 95% confidence interval 5 to 36%) for CHIP. Among 17 patients with evaluable but not measurable metastases (10 carboplatin and 7 CHIP recipients) there were no responses. Median survival for 64 evaluable patients was 4.8 months (5.0 months for carboplatin and 4.3 months for CHIP recipients). Independent factors prognostic for survival (p <0.01) were performance status (0 or 1 versus 2 or 3), liver metastases, prior radiation therapy and recent weight loss (p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis confirmed that a performance status of 2 or 3 and liver metas...
Extracting the Variance Inflation Factor and Other Multicollinearity Diagnostics from Typical Regression Results

ABSTRACTMulticollinearity is a potential problem in all regression analyses. However, the examination of multicollinearity is rarely reported in primary studies. In this article we discuss and show...
Understanding the Influences that Contribute to African American Males Pursuing STEM Majors at Post-Secondary Institutions: A Review of Literature

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is a growing discipline. STEM jobs are projected to grow exponentially within the next decade and future graduates are needed to fill those positions. Although STEM careers are in high demand, African American males are pursuing STEM majors, however, they have been found to pursue STEM majors at a much lower rate than their White and Asian/Pacific Islander peers. This literature review seeks to present research evidence that examines and explores the reasons why African American males pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors at the post-secondary level. This review presents three dominant reasons why this demographic is persisting with the STEM discipline as well as recommendations to practitioners and researchers that may serve African American males by helping them in their pursuits. Keywords : African American, post-secondary, STEM
It’s worth the wait: optimizing questioning methods for effective intraoperative teaching

Background The use of questioning to engage learners is critical to furthering resident education intraoperatively. Previous studies have demonstrated that higher level questioning and optimal wait times (>3 s) result in learner responses reflective of higher cognition and retention. Given the importance of intraoperative learning, we investigated question delivery in the operating room. Methods A total of 12 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were observed and recorded. All questions were transcribed and classified using Bloom's Taxonomy, a framework associated with hierarchical levels of learning outcomes. Wait time between question end and response was recorded. Results Six faculty attendings and seven house officers at our institution were observed. A total of 133 questions were recorded with an average number of questions per case of 11.2. The majority of questions 112 out of 133 (84%) were classified as Bloom's levels 1–3, with only 6% of questions of the highest level. The wait time before the resident answered the question averaged 1.75 s, with attendings interceding after 2.50 s. Question complexity and wait time did not vary based on resident postgraduate year level suggesting limited tailoring of question to learner. Conclusions Intraoperative questioning is not aligned with higher level thinking. The majority of questions were Bloom's level 3 or below, limiting the complexity of answer formulation. Most responses were given within 2 s, hindering opportunity to pursue higher-order thinking. This suggests including higher level questions and tailoring questions to learner level may improve retention and maximize gains. In addition, with attendings answering 20% of their own questions, increasing their wait time offers another area for teaching development.
Predictive model of urinary tract infection after surgical treatment for women with endometrial cancer

The aim of the study was to identify risk factors associated with postoperative urinary tract infections (UTIs) following hysterectomy-based surgical staging in women with endometrial cancer. This is a retrospective study utilizing an institutional database (2008–2016) of stage I–IV endometrial cancer cases that underwent hysterectomy-based surgery. UTIs occurring within a 30-day time period after surgery were examined and correlated to patient clinico-pathological demographics. UTIs were observed in 44 (6.4%, 95% confidence interval 4.6–8.2) out of 687 cases subsequent to the diagnosis of endometrial cancer. UTI cases were significantly associated with obesity, advanced stage, prolonged operative time, hysterectomy type, pelvic lymphadenectomy, non-β-lactam antibiotics, and intraoperative urinary tract injury (all, p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, three independent risk factors were identified for UTIs: prolonged operative time [odds ratio (OR) 3.36, 95% CI 1.65–6.87, p = 0.001], modified-radical/radical hysterectomy (OR 5.35, 95% CI 1.56–18.4, p = 0.008), and an absence of perioperative β-lactam antibiotics use (OR 3.50, 95% CI 1.46–8.38, p = 0.005). In a predictive model of UTI, the presence of multiple risk factors was associated with significantly increased risk of UTI: 4.1% for the group with no risk factors, 7.3–12.5% (OR 1.85–3.37) for single risk factor group, and 30.0–30.8% (OR 10.1–10.5) for two risk factor group. Urinary tract infections are common in women following surgical treatment for women with endometrial cancer with risk factors being a prolonged surgical time, radical hysterectomy, and non-guideline perioperative anti-microbial agent use. Consideration of prophylactic anti-microbial agent use in a high-risk group of postoperative urinary tract infection merits further investigation.
Role of Autonomy in a Distributed Sensor Network for Surveillance.

This paper studies the effect of endowing the social parameter, autonomy, on a distributed sensor network. The sensor network is used for surveillance of multiple targets that crisscross a rectangular surveillance zone. Crossing targets are ascribed priorities by a priority ascription scheme based on fuzzy inference methods. The scheme fuses local and global priorities of a target through autonomy modeled as a parameter that take values in [ ] 1 , 0 . Sensors coordinate to allocate themselves to a particular target. Autonomy affects the manner in which sensors allocate themselves to a target. Lower autonomy biases a sensor to allocate itself to a target that need not be tracked or tracked for shorter duration. Higher autonomy biases a sensor to allocate itself to a target that needs to be tracked for longer duration. Test cases are presented regarding how changes in autonomy affect the tracking performance of the system. Conclusions are derived that suggest when high or low values of autonomy are beneficial to the system.
Onyx embolization with the Apollo detachable tip microcatheter: A single-center experience:

Purpose The Apollo Onyx Delivery Microcatheter (Ev3, Irvine, CA) is a detachable-tip microcatheter that was developed to reduce the risk of microcatheter entrapment during ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx) embolizations. We report our experience with the microcatheter in a variety of neurointerventional procedures. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all Onyx embolizations performed in the head, neck, and spine using the Apollo Onyx Delivery Microcatheter from its introduction at our institution in July 2014 to August 2016. Information regarding patient diagnoses, procedural details, as well as clinical outcomes were obtained from the electronic medical record, procedure reports, and relevant angiographic imaging. Results A total of 58 arterial pedicle Onyx embolizations were performed in 37 patients. There were no cases of microcatheter entrapment, early/inadvertent tip detachment, or vessel injury upon removal of the device. There were two instances (3.5%) of leakage of Onyx from the microcatheter detachment site during embolization, which did not result in adverse sequelae. Clinical outcomes were excellent, with nearly all embolizations achieving the intended goal. In multivariate analysis, length of Onyx reflux along the microcatheter tip and utilization of a higher viscosity agent, Onyx 34, were significantly associated with tip detachment. Conclusion The use of the Apollo Microcatheter is both safe and effective during neurointerventional embolizations using Onyx. Leakage of liquid embolic agent from the detachment site is an infrequent technical complication that may be encountered with the device.
Application of Variability of Practice Hypothesis in Alzheimer Patients

This study examined the effects of constant versus variable practice on learning a simple motor task in eight patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). According to the variability of practice hypothesis, variations in practice of a motor skill result in superior learning as evidenced by better ability to transfer the skill. Eight AD patients were matched for Mini-Mental State Exam and baseline scores and then randomly assigned to a constant or variable practice group. Then, the participants were trained in hitting a tennis ball with a small racquet against a horizontal target (practice task) over 12 sessions. Finally, they were asked to aim at a vertical target (transfer task). All participants showed improvement on the practice task. On the transfer task, three of four participants in the variable practice group outperformed their matched counterparts, suggesting learning benefits of variable practice.
Automaticity of Action, Psychology of

Automatic thoughts and behaviors occur without the need for conscious guidance or monitoring. There are two main categories of automaticity defined by how these processes are initiated. Unconscious automaticity refers to thoughts and behaviors that are triggered unconsciously, often without any awareness of the behavior or of its trigger. Conscious automaticity refers to processes that require an act of will to get started but that subsequently run without constant conscious monitoring. These processes are often skills practiced over hundreds of trials (e.g., driving). Automaticity makes our thoughts and actions fluent and efficient. Without it we would have to think through the details of every mundane task each time it was performed. The mental fluency afforded by automaticity, however, brings costs as well. For example, a stereotype may automatically pop into mind upon seeing a member of a stereotyped group. Conscious mental control can counter such automatic responses once they have occurred. Consciously trying to suppress a thought or behavior, however, may ironically create more of that thought or behavior due to an automatic monitoring process inherent in suppression.
Lunatick visions : Prophecy, signs and scientific knowledge in 1790s London

Cet article s'interesse au combat lie a l'interpretation de certains des signes qui ont prolifere a la fin du regne de George III et la relation de ces interpretations aux notions de science rationnelle et assistance publique. Parmi les genres de signes traites par l'auteur figurent des signes mathematiques, monetaires, linguistiques, astronomiques et prophetiques.
Ultrasonic Characterization of Defects in Lap Joints

This paper is concerned with the detection and characterization of material loss within lap joints. One of the most commonly used nondestructive methods to inspect lap joints is the eddy current method [1]. In this technique, the percentage of material loss is determined by comparing the signal from the defective joint with a reference signal. Ultrasonic tests based on pulse-echo technique can also be used to detect thickness reduction in lap joints. However both of these methods require that the sensor be directly above the defects, thus making their practical implementation extremely time consuming. Improving the efficiency of lap joint inspection is one of the most critical tasks currently facing the NDE community. In this paper we discuss the feasibility of using an ultrasonic technique based on guided waves launched across the lap joint. It is well known that the characteristics of guided waves can be used to detect defects in plates [2]. The geometry of the lap joint makes it much more difficult to extend the guided wave based method to lap joints. There is no closed form solution to the problem of wave propagation across lap joints. Due to the change of thickness and the existence of vertical stress free boundaries, nonpropagating modes may play an important role inside and near the overlapped region. With material loss inside the lap joint, the geometry becomes even more complicated. Thus the problem of wave propagation in the lap joint can only be solved by numerical and experimental methods.
Pontine gustatory activity is altered by electrical stimulation in the central nucleus of the amygdala.

Visceral signals and experience modulate the responses of brain stem neurons to gustatory stimuli. Both behavioral and anatomical evidence suggests that this modulation may involve descending input...
Some Methods of Root Investigations

ABSTRACT This article discusses 6 methods of root investigations. At least one of the authors has used each technique during the previous 10 years. The 6 techniques are a simple spade, the core-break, mini-rhizotrons, computer-assisted tomography, neutron radiography, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Some advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed.
Determination of a plant population density threshold for optimizing cotton lint yield: A synthesis

Abstract Technology fees associated with modern cotton cultivars have increased seed costs considerably, giving producers the impetus to reduce plant population density, where possible. Most recent studies on cotton population density, conducted across diverse environments, report similar patterns of crop response: decreases in lint yield only at very low densities, with generally consistent yield across all higher densities. But no work had been done to bring the literature together, quantitively synthesizing the yield data collectively, to better pinpoint a population density threshold. And, notably, little had been reported on the effects of population density in lower-yielding dryland environments. Quantitatively synthesizing population density datasets from the literature, including our own dryland data, was the objective of this research. The dryland data showed that lint yield and biomass partitioning were not affected by population density, similar to higher-yielding environments over the same range in density. Following normalization of all lint yield data (literature and dryland datasets), a breakpoint in population density at 35,000 plants ha−1 was identified, which can be interpreted as the minimum plant density at which yield may be optimized. This rate is lower than the common density recommendation of 81,000 plants ha−1 and substantially lower than the risk-averse rates at which many producers plant (129,000 seeds ha−1 or greater). The analysis showed that yield will decline precipitously below 35,000 plants ha−1, exposing the enormous risk to cotton producers in approaching this low density, particularly if significant seed or plant loss is expected. However, the analysis suggests that excessive over-seeding may be occurring in many cases, resulting in economic losses to producers. The analysis also provides guidance on a threshold for producers facing replanting decisions.
Methylphenidate's effects on thalamic metabolism and functional connectivity in cannabis abusers and healthy controls.

Methylphenidate (MPH) is a first line treatment for ADHD and is also misused as a purported cognitive enhancer, yet its effects on brain function are still poorly understood. Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies showed that MPH altered cortico-striatal resting functional connectivity (RFC). Here we investigated the effects of MPH in thalamic connectivity since the thalamus modulates striato-cortical signaling. We hypothesized that MPH would increase thalamic connectivity and metabolism, and that this response would be blunted in cannabis abusers. For this purpose, we measured RFC in seven thalamic nuclei using fMRI and brain glucose metabolism using positron emission tomography (PET) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in sixteen healthy controls and thirteen participants with cannabis use disorder (CUD) twice after placebo and after MPH (0.5 mg/kg, iv). MPH significantly increased thalamo-cerebellar connectivity and cerebellar metabolism to the same extent in both groups. Group comparisons revealed that in CUD compared to controls, metabolism in nucleus accumbens was lower for the placebo and MPH measures, that MPH-induced increases in thalamic metabolism were blunted, and that enhanced negative connectivity between thalamus and accumbens in CUD was normalized by MPH (reducing negative connectivity). Our findings identify the thalamus as a target of MPH, which increased its metabolism and connectivity. The reduced metabolism in nucleus accumbens and the disrupted thalamo-accumbens connectivity (enhanced negative connectivity) in CUD is consistent with impaired reactivity of the brain reward’s circuit. MPH’s normalization of thalamo-accumbens connectivity (reduced negative connectivity) brings forth its potential therapeutic value in CUD, which merits investigation.
Author Correction: A cell-free platform for the prenylation of natural products and application to cannabinoid production

In the original version of this Article, the genotype of the M30 mutant presented in Fig. 3b was given incorrectly as Y288V/A232S, and the M31 mutant was given incorrectly as M1/A232S. The correct genotype of the M30 mutant is Y288A/A232S and for M31 it is Y288V/A232S. In addition, to keep consistency in genotype formatting, the genotype of the M27 mutant should be Y288V/G286S. The errors have been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.