cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-Range Nonlocality in Six-Point String Scattering: simulation of black hole infallers

We set up a tree-level six-point scattering process in which two strings are separated longitudinally such that they could only interact directly via a nonlocal spreading effect such as that predicted by light-cone gauge calculations and the Gross-Mende saddle point. One string, the ``detector,'' is produced at a finite time with energy $E$ by an auxiliary $2\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2$ subprocess, with kinematics such that it has sufficient resolution to detect the longitudinal spreading of an additional incoming string, the ``source.'' We test this hypothesis in a gauge-invariant S-matrix calculation convolved with an appropriate wavepacket peaked at a separation $X$ between the central trajectories of the source and produced detector. The amplitude exhibits support for scattering at the predicted longitudinal separation $X\ensuremath{\sim}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{\ensuremath{'}}E$, in sharp contrast to the analogous quantum field theory amplitude (whose support manifestly traces out a tail of the position-space wavefunction). The effect arises in a regime in which the string amplitude is not obtained as a convergent sum of such QFT amplitudes, and has larger amplitude than similar QFT models (with the same auxiliary four-point amplitude). In a linear dilaton background, the amplitude depends on the string coupling as expected if the scattering is not simply occurring on the wavepacket tail in string theory. This manifests the scale of longitudinal spreading in a gauge-invariant S-matrix amplitude, in a calculable process with significant amplitude. It simulates a key feature of the dynamics of time-translated horizon infallers.
Using Critical Thinking Drills to Teach and Assess Proficiency in Methodological and Statistical Thinking.

This study assesses the effectiveness of critical thinking drills (CTDs), a repetitious classroom activity designed to improve methodological and statistical thinking in relation to psychological c...
Closing the Gap: Embedding Advance Care Planning in a Latino Community by Using a Culturally Sensitive Dispute Systems Design Approach

Dying is not merely biological; it is also a social process. Just as humans cannot have a good life in isolation, they cannot have a "good death" in isolation. This Article explores the factors that should be taken into account when designing a culturally sensitive dispute systems design (DSD) that incorporates conversations about end-of-life care in a community. Conflict practitioners and attorneys could actively participate in reducing end-of-life care inequalities in advance care planning (ACP) by moving DSD beyond the purview of health care and legal institutions and into the community.
Estimation and detection based on correlated observations from a heterogeneous sensor network

This paper considers the problem of parameter estimation and hypothesis testing based on observations from a network of heterogeneous sensors. The data is assumed to be correlated among the samples collected over time as well as among the data collected by different sensors. Moreover, it is assumed that the model parameters for the sensor data is not available. Correlation in the data is modeled using copula theory and a Markov chain, with unknown model parameters. Our proposed method uses the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm to estimate the unknown parameters of the model and to detect the state of nature. Numerical results are presented from simulations showing significant improvements for both parameter estimation and hypothesis testing compared to methods that ignore the correlation in sensors measurements.
Empiric antibiotic use in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: should we avoid anaerobe coverage?

TO THE EDITOR: Bacterial infection remains one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality early after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) because of a patient’s immunocompromised state requiring use of antibiotic treatments as prophylactic regimens or to treat manifest
Differentiation of the granulosa layer from hen prehierarchal follicles associated with follicle-stimulating hormone receptor signaling

Recruitment of a single follicle into the preovulatory hierarchy of the domestic hen ovary occurs from a small cohort of prehierarchal follicles measuring 6-8 mm in diameter. We have previously reported that granulosa cells (GCs) collected from prehierarchal follicles express highest levels of membrane-localized follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) during follicle development, yet fail to initiate signaling via cAMP following short-term incubation with FSH. Consequently, GC from prehierarchal follicles remain in an undifferentiated state and lack the capacity for steroidogenesis due to a deficiency of cAMP-dependent STAR protein and CYP11A1 gene expression. The present studies investigate FSH responsiveness in GC before and after the transition from undifferentiated to a differentiated state at follicle recruitment. Before recruitment focus is directed toward the inhibition of FSHR-signaling by β-ARRESTIN (βARR). Specifically, knockdown of βARR messenger RNA in cultured, undifferentiated GC using small interfering RNA facilitated FSH-induced cAMP formation, STAR expression, and progesterone production. Furthermore, overexpression of bovine βARR1 and G-protein-coupled receptor kinase2 in actively differentiating GC significantly decreased cAMP accumulation and progesterone production following a challenge with FSH. We propose that a βARR-mediated mechanism maintains FSHR unresponsiveness in undifferentiated GC from prehierarchal follicles, and as a result prevents GC differentiation until the time of follicle recruitment.
Culture conditions affect expression of the alpha 6 beta 4 integrin associated with aggressive behavior in head and neck cancer.

Prevention of disease has always been more effective than treatment. Sanitation practices and vaccines have eliminated many of the most dreaded and lethal diseases of man and domestic animals. Cancer, a devastating disease caused by unregulated growth of genetically altered cells, is as daunting a challenge today as smallpox was in Edward Jenner’s time two centuries ago. Fortunately, we are on the threshold of a new era in biology. We can now examine growth-regulatory mechanisms at the cellular and molecular levels, and we can begin to apply what we learn in new clinical and experimental systems.
Adult Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Risk in Women with a Family History of Breast Cancer.

Background: Recreational physical activity has been consistently associated with reduced breast cancer risk. Less is known about how family history of breast cancer affects the association and whether it varies by menopausal status. Methods: The Sister Study is a cohort of 50,884 women who had a sister with breast cancer but no prior breast cancer themselves at enrollment. Women reported all recreational sport/exercise activities they participated in over the past 12 months. Hours/week and MET-hours/week of physical activity were considered in association with breast cancer risk. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated with Cox regression. Extent of family history, examined as a modifier, was characterized by a Bayesian score incorporating characteristics of the family structure. Results: During follow-up (average 8.4 years), 3,023 cases were diagnosed. Higher hours/week (HR≥7vs Conclusions: In women with a family history of breast cancer, physical activity was associated with reduced postmenopausal, but not premenopausal, breast cancer risk and was not modified by extent of family history. Impact: This was the first study to examine the association between physical activity and breast cancer risk in a large population with a family history of breast cancer.
Evolution of methods and state-of-the-art in dental age estimation

Abstract Undoubtedly, age estimation represents one of the most significant contributions of forensic odontology to human identification of the living and the deceased. Age estimation of the living is most of the times linked with criminal processes, immigration, or human trafficking. In the case of deceased, it is one of the most significant information of the biological profile. Also in mass-disaster scenarios, dental age estimation is used for clustering the victims according to their age. All dental age-estimation methods are based on the changes that take place throughout the lifespan that comprises growth and development for aging the subadults, and postformation changes for aging the adults. Methods based on tooth formation and development rely on the evaluation of developmental changes on conventional radiographs, CT-scan, or magnetic resonance imaging. Methods based on postformation changes rely on conventional radiographs, macroscopic or microscopic evaluation of certain postformation changes in teeth. The combination of methods has shown to increase the accuracy of the estimates. So, whenever possible, dental age estimation should be combined with skeletal and biochemical methods in order to achieve more accurate results.
The Power of Suggestion: Rasa, Dhvani, and the Ineffable

There is no denying the difficulty of expressing in words the meanings behind complex emotions. If they cannot be conveyed because they are personal and private, then how are they conveyed when they are neither entirely private nor personal, as in the case of generalized emotions, or the rasa experience? In Ānandavardhana’s Dhvanyāloka, we find a theory of suggestion (dhvani) which can be expanded beyond poetics to account for the evocative nature of emotion outside of all other modes of expression. The result of dhvani in art experiences is the manifestation of aestheticized emotions (rasadhvani). When language serves art, it neither negates nor dispenses with linguistic apprehension. Rather, it delivers more than language can: the ineffable essence of the subject who experiences love, compassion, grief, the comic, and more, including quietude. I argue the question of the sentient subject is conveyed all the better in aesthetic suggestion, precisely because whether or not an artistic construction makes use of linguistic devices, the arts, whether they be theater, dance, or poetry, defies the confines of language. The ineffable subject is made tangible, in ordinary as well as extraordinary ways.
3D-Sensing MIMO Radar for UAV Formation Flight and Obstacle Avoidance

This paper presents a millimeter-wave (mmW), multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) radar capable of three-dimensional (3D) sensing for applications in UAV formation flight (FF) and obstacle avoidance (OA). The radar consists of a custom, 3D-sensing, MIMO antenna array integrated with a commercial automotive radar. The antenna array is optimized for FF and OA. Specifically, the antenna is designed for wide scan range in azimuth while sacrificing scan range in elevation. This tradeoff reduces the complexity, size, weight, and power of the radar while maintaining sufficient coverage of 3D space for nearby obstacles and UAV peers, which are often arranged in a common azimuthal plane for FF. Experimental results are provided which verify the 3Dsensing capability of the radar against a small peer/obstacle drone hovering at various prescribed aerial locations. The standard deviation of the position estimation is 0.61° in azimuth, 2.6° in elevation, and 0.13 meters in range.
MAGNETOSONIC WAVE HEATING OF HIGH BETA PLASMAS

ABSTRACT The use of Alfven wave heating for minimum-av er age-B configurations, such as multipole or multipole-mirror configurations, requires an understanding of the effects of high β and nonlinear phenomena on the coupling of energy to the plasma. Using linearized ideal MHD theory to evaluate the high s effects, we calculate the ratio of energy transferred to the plasma interior to that absorbed at the Alfven resonant layer, taking as a specific example the UCLA LAMEX (Large Mirror Ratio Experiment) in which multipole rings stabilize an axisymmetric simple mirror. Of the various nonlinear effects in such configurations, we find the most important one to be the triggering of ballooning instabilities due to the ponderomotive force arising from the kinetic Alfven wave in the resonant region. This sets a limit on the power which can be used for Alfven wave heating.
Variable Selection for Causal Effect Estimation: Nonparametric Conditional Independence Testing With Random Forests:

Widespread availability of rich educational databases facilitates the use of conditioning strategies to estimate causal effects with nonexperimental data. With dozens, hundreds, or more potential p...
Soybean yield prediction from UAV using multimodal data fusion and deep learning

Abstract Preharvest crop yield prediction is critical for grain policy making and food security. Early estimation of yield at field or plot scale also contributes to high-throughput plant phenotyping and precision agriculture. New developments in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platforms and sensor technology facilitate cost-effective data collection through simultaneous multi-sensor/multimodal data collection at very high spatial and spectral resolutions. The objective of this study is to evaluate the power of UAV-based multimodal data fusion using RGB, multispectral and thermal sensors to estimate soybean (Glycine max) grain yield within the framework of Deep Neural Network (DNN). RGB, multispectral, and thermal images were collected using a low-cost multi-sensory UAV from a test site in Columbia, Missouri, USA. Multimodal information, such as canopy spectral, structure, thermal and texture features, was extracted and combined to predict crop grain yield using Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), Random Forest Regression (RFR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), input-level feature fusion based DNN (DNN-F1) and intermediate-level feature fusion based DNN (DNN-F2). The results can be summarized in three messages: (1) multimodal data fusion improves the yield prediction accuracy and is more adaptable to spatial variations; (2) DNN-based models improve yield prediction model accuracy: the highest accuracy was obtained by DNN-F2 with an R2 of 0.720 and a relative root mean square error (RMSE%) of 15.9%; (3) DNN-based models were less prone to saturation effects, and exhibited more adaptive performance in predicting grain yields across the Dwight, Pana and AG3432 soybean genotypes in our study. Furthermore, DNN-based models demonstrated consistent performance over space with less spatial dependency and variations. This study indicates that multimodal data fusion using low-cost UAV within a DNN framework can provide a relatively accurate and robust estimation of crop yield, and deliver valuable insight for high-throughput phenotyping and crop field management with high spatial precision.
Fundamentals, impedance, and performance of solid-state Li-metal microbatteries

The authors report novel results toward optimizing the electrochemical performance of high vacuum deposited lithium-based all solid-state thin film microbatteries. This study investigated hermetic encapsulation, interfacial lithium formation processes, and the role of Li-blocking and Li-nucleating layers for improved Li-metal plating on copper anodes. Photoresist was found to be an effective temporary encapsulation material, where prior to cycling, well-encapsulated Li-metal full cells yielded a total resistance reduction of nearly two orders of magnitude (282 Ω cm2) and a total capacitance increase of roughly an order of magnitude (1.35 × 10−10 F/cm2) compared with nonencapsulated Li-metal full cells. To accelerate potential failure mechanisms, high stress applied currents were used during the electrochemical formation processes. Initial cycles caused high resistance voids to form at the lithium phosphorous oxy-nitride (LiPON)/copper interface of well-encapsulated half cells. Well-encapsulated full cells, in contrast, resulted in a very low resistance composite Li-Cu anode, with a void-free LiPON interface, two orders of magnitude lower resistance (0.43 Ω cm2) and three orders of magnitude higher capacitance (6.56 × 10−8 F/cm2) compared with the half cell. Cycling performance was investigated using both Li-blocking nickel-copper and Li-nucleating gold-copper metal bilayer anodes in 100-μm diameter half cells. Nickel-copper anodes facilitated higher discharge capacity (>9 μAh/cm2) at high charge rates (>12.7 mA/cm2) due to uniform Li-metal plating on blocking electrodes. Low charge rates ( 6 μAh/cm2 at lower charge rates (∼0.025 mA/cm2). The work expands on fundamentals in understanding the role of the metallic anode encapsulation, interface formation, and charge storage mechanisms with respect to sustainable cell impedance for applications such as solid-state lithium metal microbatteries and microelectrochemical resistance-modulated memory devices.
The many faces of depression among oncology patients

Research has consistently demonstrated an increased prevalence of depression among oncology patients.1 Despite this well-established fact, depression continues to be underdiagnosed within this popu...
HOMFLYPT Skein Theory, String Topology and 2-Categories

We show that relations in Homflypt type skein theory of an oriented $3$-manifold $M$ are induced from a $2$-groupoid defined from the fundamental $2$-groupoid of a space of singular links in $M$. The module relations are defined by homomorphisms related to string topology. They appear from a representation of the groupoid into free modules on a set of model objects. The construction on the fundamental $2$-groupoid is defined by the singularity stratification and relates Vassiliev and skein theory. Several explicit properties are discussed, and some implications for skein modules are derived.
Knowledge Distillation and Data Selection for Semi-Supervised Learning in CTC Acoustic Models.

Semi-supervised learning (SSL) is an active area of research which aims to utilize unlabelled data in order to improve the accuracy of speech recognition systems. The current study proposes a methodology for integration of two key ideas: 1) SSL using connectionist temporal classification (CTC) objective and teacher-student based learning 2) Designing effective data-selection mechanisms for leveraging unlabelled data to boost performance of student models. Our aim is to establish the importance of good criteria in selecting samples from a large pool of unlabelled data based on attributes like confidence measure, speaker and content variability. The question we try to answer is: Is it possible to design a data selection mechanism which reduces dependence on a large set of randomly selected unlabelled samples without compromising on Word Error Rate (WER)? We perform empirical investigations of different data selection methods to answer this question and quantify the effect of different sampling strategies. On a semi-supervised ASR setting with 40000 hours of carefully selected unlabelled data, our CTC-SSL approach gives 17% relative WER improvement over a baseline CTC system trained with labelled data. It also achieves on-par performance with CTC-SSL system trained on order of magnitude larger unlabeled data based on random sampling.
Coalescence and spreading of drops on liquid pools

Abstract Hypothesis Oil spills have posed a serious threat to our marine and ecological environment in recent times. Containment of spills proliferating via small drops merging with oceans/seas is especially difficult since their mitigation is closely linked to the coalescence dependent spreading. This inter-connectivity and its dependence on the physical properties of the drop has not been explored until now. Furthermore, pinch-off behavior and scaling laws for such three-phase systems have not been reported. Experiments We investigate the problem of gentle deposition of a single drop of oil on a pool of water, representative of an oil spill scenario. Methodical study of 11 different n-alkanes, polymers and hydrocarbons with varying viscosity and initial spreading coefficients is conducted. Regime map, scaling laws for deformation features and spreading behavior are established. Findings The existence of a previously undocumented regime of delayed coalescence is reported. A novel application of the inertia-visco-capillary (I-V-C) scale collapses all experimental coalescence data on a single line while the early stage spreading is found to be either oscillatory or asymptotically reaching a constant value, depending on the viscosity of the oil drop unlike the well documented monotonic, power law late-time spreading behavior. These findings are equally applicable to applications like emulsions and enhanced oil recovery.
Hierarchical Network Models for Exchangeable Structured Interaction Processes

Network data often arises via a series of structured interactions among a population of constituent elements. E-mail exchanges, for example, have a single sender followed by potentially multiple re...
A Multichannel Analyzer with Programmable Energy Bins for Gamma Ray Spectroscopy

A multichannel analyzer (MCA) for gamma ray spectroscopy is presented. The system comprises a silicon photomultiplier, an analog front-end readout IC, a piecewise-linear ADC, and a digital back-end. The AFE and the PWL-ADC were fabricated in a 180 nm CMOS process. A highly programmable architecture allows pulse-height analysis with reconfigurable resolution across the full dynamic range which enables variable energy bin-width in specific regions of interest with a smaller digital word length. This allows the implementation of a DBE with fewer resources, and optimal energy binning within a spectrum. The FPGA-based DBE performs histogramming for spectrum analysis. Measured peaks from 32 keV to 1.33 MeV and reconfigurable energy bin-widths of 3 keV to 58 keV show the versatility of the proposed MCA.
A Nonrigid Image Registration Framework for Identification of Tissue Mechanical Parameters

We present a modular framework for mechanically regularized nonrigid image registration of 3D ultrasound and for identification of tissue mechanical parameters. Mechanically regularized deformation fields are computed from sparsely estimated local displacements. We enforce image-based local motion estimates by applying concentrated forces at mesh nodes of a mechanical finite-element model. The concentrated forces are generated by the elongation of regularization springs connected to the mesh nodes as their free ends are displaced according to local motion estimates. The regularization energy corresponding to the potential energy stored in the springs is minimized when the mechanical response of the model matches the observed response of the organ. We demonstrate that this technique is suitable for identification of material parameters of a nonlinear viscoelastic liver model and demonstrate its benefits over traditional indentation methods in terms of improved volumetric agreement between the model response and the experiment.
Severe oral infection associated with prolonged steroid therapy. Report of a case

Abstract Corticosteroids are commonly employed in the treatment of a variety of bodily disorders because of their anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic actions and their metabolic effects. Their long-term usage is often accompanied by a variety of side effects, one of which is the suppression of the inflammatory response. This henomenon can predispose to spontaneous infections of a severe nature. The diagnosis and management of such infections, when they occur in the oral cavity, can be extremely difficult, as evidenced by the case report presented herein.
Induction of decay-accelerating factor by thrombin through a protease-activated receptor 1 and protein kinase C–dependent pathway protects vascular endothelial cells from complement-mediated injury

There is increasing evidence for functional crosstalk between inflammatory and thrombotic pathways in inflammatory vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and vasculitis. Thus, complement activation on the endothelial cell (EC) surface during inflammation may generate thrombin via the synthesis of tissue factor. We explored the hypothesis that thrombin induces EC expression of the complement-regulatory proteins decay-accelerating factor (DAF), membrane cofactor protein (MCP), and CD59 and that this maintains vascular integrity during coagulation associated with complement activation. Thrombin increased DAF expression on the surface of ECs by 4-fold in a dose- and time-dependent manner as measured by flow cytometry. DAF up-regulation was first detectable at 6 hours and maximal 24 hours poststimulation, whereas no up-regulation of CD59 or MCP was seen. Thrombin-induced expression required increased DAF messenger RNA and de novo protein synthesis. The response depended on activation of protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) and was inhibited by pharmacologic antagonists of protein kinase C (PKC), p38 and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor-kappa B. The increased DAF expression was functionally relevant because it significantly reduced C3 deposition and complement-mediated EC lysis. Thus, thrombin-generated at inflammatory sites in response to complement activation-is a physiologic agonist for the PKC-dependent pathway of DAF regulation, thereby providing a negative feedback loop protecting against thrombosis in inflammation. (Blood. 2000;96:2784-2792)
Comparasion of iles-iles and cassava tubers as a Saccharomyces cerevisiae substrate fermentation for bioethanol production

Kusmiyati (2010) Comparasion of iles-iles and cassava tubers as a Saccharomyces cerevisiae substrate fermentation forbioethanol production. Nusantara Bioscience 2: 7-13. The production of bioethanol increase rapidly because it is renewable energy thatcan be used to solve energy crisis caused by the depleting of fossil oil. The large scale production bioethanol in industry generally usefeedstock such as sugarcane, corn, and cassava that are also required as food resouces. Therefore, many studies on the bioethanolprocess concerned with the use raw materials that were not competing with food supply. One of the alternative feedstock able to utilizefor bioethanol production is the starchy material that available locally namely iles-iles (Amorphophallus mueller Blum). The contain ofcarbohydrate in the iles-iles tubers is around 71.12 % which is slightly lower as compared to cassava tuber (83,47%). The effect ofvarious starting material, starch concentration, pH, fermentation time were studied. The conversion of starchy material to ethanol havethree steps, liquefaction and saccharification were conducted using AŽÂ±-amylase and amyloglucosidase then fermentation by yeastS.cerevisiaie. The highest bioethanol was obtained at following variables starch:water ratio=1:4 ;liquefaction with 0.40 mL AŽÂ±-amylase(4h); saccharification with 0.40 mL amyloglucosidase (40h); fermentation with 10 mL S.cerevisiae (72h) producing bioethanol 69,81g/L from cassava while 53,49 g/L from iles-iles tuber. At the optimum condition, total sugar produced was 33,431 g/L from cassavawhile 16,175 g/L from iles-iles tuber. The effect of pH revealed that the best ethanol produced was obtained at pH 5.5 duringfermentation occurred for both cassava and iles-iles tubers. From the results studied shows that iles-iles tuber is promising feedstockbecause it is producing bioethanol almost similarly compared to cassava.
Automatic formal verification of systolic array designs

The authors have previously (1990) developed a new formalism, called systolic temporal arithmetic (STA), for formal specification and verification of systolic arrays at the array level. The formalism exploits systolic array attributes to produce elegant specification and effective formal design verification and is suitable to be combined with interval temporal logic for multilevel reasoning for several abstraction levels of systolic architecture. Besides providing a brief review of the STA formalism, the paper concentrates on discussing and expanding several formal techniques that the authors developed recently to verify the correctness of different systolic architectures. The paper emphasizes two verification strategies: verification by different induction techniques and verification by solving STA difference equations. Verification techniques are developed to produce sound and efficient verification procedures and provide short-cuts to proofs. In addition, the paper also presents a Prolog-based verifier that the authors developed to automate the proofs. Prolog is adapted for automated verification due to its popularity and its closeness in representing STA predicate-type notations. This allows easy encoding and user control to improve efficiency. The automatic backtracking and pattern matching mechanisms of Prolog serve as a useful tool for implementing the proofs. >
Design theories of interest, motivation, and engagement for the learning sciences

The study of motivation and interest appears to be at a crucial juncture. While motivation and interest research continue to be major foci of educational psychologists, these topics have been according relatively little attention in the learning sciences community. Meanwhile, accountability-oriented reforms ignore research showing that such reforms lead to disengagement of "at risk" students. Additionally, it is unclear how conventional "grand theories" of interest and motivation fit within contemporary models of educational research that focus more on developing intermediate-level theory in the context of efforts to refine practices. Our symposium features five researchers in the learning sciences community who are studying interest, engagement, and motivation. Each presenter will summarize his or her work and consider the implications of that work for diversity, learning environments, research methods, and educational policy.
Pore-forming activity of OmpA protein of Escherichia coli.

Escherichia coli outer membrane protein OmpA was purified to homogeneity, as a monomer, from a K12 derivative deficient in both OmpF and OmpC porins. When proteoliposomes reconstituted from the purified OmpA, phospholipids, and lithium dodecyl sulfate were tested for permeability to small molecules by osmotic swelling, it was found that OmpA produced apparently nonspecific diffusion channels that allowed the penetration of various solutes. The pore-forming activity was destroyed by the heat denaturation of the OmpA protein, and the use of an OmpA-deficient mutant showed that the activity was not caused by copurifying contaminants. The size of the OmpA channel, estimated by comparison of diffusion rates of solutes of different sizes, was rather similar to that of E. coli OmpF and OmpC porins, i.e. about 1 nm in diameter. The rate of penetration of L-arabinose caused by a given amount of OmpA protein, however, was about a hundredfold lower than the rate produced by the same amount of E. coli OmpF porin. The addition of large amounts of lithium dodecyl sulfate to the reconstitution mixture increased the permeability through the OmpA channel, apparently by facilitating the correct insertion of OmpA into the bilayer.
SEM imaging predicts quality of niosomes from maltodextrin-based proniosomes.

Purpose. The limits to surfactant loading of proniosomes were determined and a rationale developed for the observed relationship between the composition of proniosomes and the quality of reconstituted niosome suspension.
A Conceptual Model to Understand the Factors that Drive Individual Participation in Crowdsourcing for Medical Diagnosis

In healthcare, assisted by collective knowledge of a large group of individuals, crowd sourcing is enabling prediction of disease outbreaks and diagnosis of rare medical conditions. This article is a 'Research-in Progress' that examines the role of Web-based platforms in driving participation of individuals in crowd sourcing services for medical diagnosis. Based on existing literature, a conceptual research model is developed that outlines factors that drive individual participation. A set of propositions based on the research model are developed. A research methodology is proposed with a plan for the empirical analysis. Contributions and implications are discussed.
Asian/American Improvisation in Chicago: Tatsu Aoki and the ‘New’ Japanese American Taiko

In this essay, I look at Aoki’s recent work in order to consider the place of the Asian/American in the world of American improvisation and public presentation. Aoki’s long-term involvement in the (Asian) American creative improvisation scene is well known, but his more recent work with a Chicago taiko group suggests that the interface between the ‘traditional’ and the ‘experimental’ can create new forms of community-based transnational performance. Complex issues of Asian American identity and its articulations through musical improvisation are explored through interviews with Chicago bassist Tatsu Aoki and members of Tsukasa Taiko. The article includes detailed analyses of three pieces from Aoki’s Basser Live II project, supported by video and audio examples.
Gene Evolution and Human Adaptation

Regions of the human genome that have been subject to past positive selection contain patterns of genetic variation that are markedly different in specific ways from regions that have not experienced positive selection. By uncovering these so-called signatures of positive selection in the genome we can discover the unique ways in which humans have evolved. Genome-wide scans have revealed signatures of positive selection on the human lineage since we diverged from chimpanzees, as well as signatures of positive selection specific to regional human populations. New research has found that much of human population adaptation may have occurred by positive selection causing modest increases in frequency of beneficial variants at multiple loci that all result in the shift of the expression of a feature (like height) in a particular direction. Key Concepts: Hundreds of genes have been found that bear signatures of positive selection on the human lineage with genes mainly falling into categories of chemoreception, immune defence, reproduction and fertilisation as well as apoptosis. Most studies of positive selection have focused their work on the protein-coding portion of the genome, yet many sites of positive selection may fall in noncoding regions where new research is detecting many functional elements. There is much active research trying to identify the extent to which DNA substitutions in regulatory elements underlay our adaptations. Much needed in future research is experimental work that aims to pinpoint causal variants within genomes and the phenotypic effects of genomic regions showing signatures of positive selection. The traditional signature of selection, a ‘classic selective sweep’, appears to be rare in large resequencing datasets of diverse world populations leading researchers to begin searching for signatures of ‘soft selective sweeps’ where weak positive selection acts to subtly increase the frequency of DNA variants at multiple loci with all variants contributing to a shift in a phenotype's expression in the same direction. Keywords: adaptation; positive selection; human evolution; comparative genomics; population genetics; selective sweep; human variation
The Digital Distribution of Public Health News Surrounding the Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: A Longitudinal Infodemiology Study

Background: New media changes the dissemination of public health information and misinformation. During a guest appearance on the Today Show, US Representative Michele Bachmann claimed that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines could cause “mental retardation”. Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore how new media influences the type of public health information users access, as well as the impact to these platforms after a major controversy. Specifically, this study aims to examine the similarities and differences in the dissemination of news articles related to the HPV vaccination between Google News and Twitter, as well as how the content of news changed after Michele Bachmann’s controversial comment. Methods: This study used a purposive sampling to draw the first 100 news articles that appeared on Google News and the first 100 articles that appeared on Twitter from August 1-October 31, 2011. Article tone, source, topics, concerns, references, publication date, and interactive features were coded. The intercoder reliability had a total agreement of .90. Results: Results indicate that 44.0% of the articles (88/200) about the HPV vaccination had a positive tone, 32.5% (65/200) maintained a neutral tone, while 23.5% (47/200) presented a negative tone. Protection against diseases 82.0% (164/200), vaccine eligibility for females 75.5% (151/200), and side effects 59.0% (118/200) were the top three topics covered by these articles. Google News and Twitter articles significantly differed in article tone, source, topics, concerns covered, types of sources referenced in the article, and uses of interactive features. Most notably, topic focus changed from public health information towards political conversation after Bachmann’s comment. Before the comment, the HPV vaccine news talked more often about vaccine dosing (P<.001), duration (P=.005), vaccine eligibility for females (P=.03), and protection against diseases (P=.04) than did the later pieces. After the controversy, the news topic shifted towards politics (P=.01) and talked more about HPV vaccine eligibility for males (P=.01). Conclusions: This longitudinal infodemiology study suggests that new media influences public health communication, knowledge transaction, and poses potential problems in the amount of misinformation disseminated during public health campaigns. In addition, the study calls for more research to adopt an infodemiology approach to explore relationships between online information supply and public health decisions. [JMIR Public Health Surveill 2015;1(1):e2]
Air quality impacts of distributed power generation in the South Coast Air Basin of California 2: Model uncertainty and sensitivity analysis

Abstract Uncertainty and sensitivity of ozone and PM 2.5 aerosol to variations in selected input parameters are investigated with a Monte Carlo methodology using a three-dimensional air quality model. The selection of input parameters is based on their potential to affect concentration levels of ozone and PM 2.5 predicted by the model and to reflect changes in emissions due to the implementation of distributed generation (DG) in the South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB) of California. Numerical simulations are performed with the CIT air quality model. Response of the CIT predictions to the variation of selected input parameters is investigated to separate the potential air quality impacts of DG from model uncertainty. This study provides a measure of the model errors for selected species concentrations. A spatial sensitivity analysis is used to investigate the effect of placing DG in specific regions of the SoCAB. In general, results show that confidence in the model results is greatest in locations where ozone and PM 2.5 concentrations are the highest. Changes no greater than 80% in the nominal values of selected input variables, cause changes of 18% in ozone mixing ratios and 25% for PM 2.5 aerosol concentrations. Sensitivity analysis reveals that nitrogen oxides ( NO x ) emissions and side boundary conditions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) are the major contributors to uncertainty and sensitivity of ozone predictions. An increase in NO x emissions leads to reductions in ozone mixing ratios at peak times and sites where the maximum values are located. PM 2.5 aerosol is most sensitive to changes in NH 3 and NO x emissions. Increasing these emissions leads to higher aerosol concentrations. Sensitivity analyses show that the impacts of DG implementation are highly dependent on both space and time. In particular, ozone concentrations are reduced during the nighttime nearby locations where DGs are installed. However, during the daytime ozone concentrations increase downwind from the sources. A major finding of this study is that the emissions of DG installed in coastal areas produce a significant impact on the production of ozone and PM 2.5 aerosol in the eastern regions of the SoCAB.
Social media and college access

Social media has become globally ubiquitous, transforming how people are networked and mobilized. This forum explores research and applications of these new networked publics at individual, organizational, and societal levels. ---Shelly Farnham, Editor
Transcriptome and exoproteome analysis of utilization of plant-derived biomass by Myceliophthora thermophila

Myceliophthora thermophila is a thermophilic fungus whose genome encodes a wide range of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) involved in plant biomass degradation. Such enzymes have potential applications in turning different kinds of lignocellulosic feedstock into sugar precursors for biofuels and chemicals. The present study examined and compared the transcriptomes and exoproteomes of M. thermophila during cultivation on different types of complex biomass to gain insight into how its secreted enzymatic machinery varies with different sources of lignocellulose. In the transcriptome analysis three monocot (barley, oat, triticale) and three dicot (alfalfa, canola, flax) plants were used whereas in the proteome analysis additional substrates, i.e. wood and corn stover pulps, were included. A core set of 59 genes encoding CAZymes was up-regulated in response to both monocot and dicot straws, including nine polysaccharide monooxygenases and GH10, but not GH11, xylanases. Genes encoding additional xylanolytic enzymes were up-regulated during growth on monocot straws, while genes encoding additional pectinolytic enzymes were up-regulated in response to dicot biomass. Exoproteome analysis was generally consistent with the conclusions drawn from transcriptome analysis, but additional CAZymes that accumulated to high levels were identified. Despite the wide variety of biomass sources tested some CAZy family members were not expressed under any condition. The results of this study provide a comprehensive view from both transcriptome and exoproteome levels, of how M. thermophila responds to a wide range of biomass sources using its genomic resources.
Metabolic and functional cardiac impairment after reperfusion with persantine.

The effect of dipyridamole (DYP) on postischemic myocardial function and metabolism was studied using the isolated rabbit heart model. Twenty-one isolated rabbit heart preparations were divided into two groups: KH (control N = 10) were reperfused after 24 min normothermic hyperkalemic arrest with modified Krebs-Henseleit buffer (KH) while DYP (N = 11) were reperfused with KH and 5 × 10−6M DYP. Hearts were analyzed for myocardial function (DP, developed pressure, +dp/dt, -dp/dt) and metabolic function (ATP, CrP, ADP, AMP, purines, and lactate levels). Data analysis revealed significant reperfusion depression in DYP myocardial function compared with KH (P < 0.05): DP (42 ± 6 vs 89 ± 7 mm Hg), +dp/dt (390 ± 21.6 vs 1227 ± 48.4), and -dp/dt (280 ± 20.1 vs 677 ± 19.8). Comparison of DYP to KH metabolic parameters was also significantly different (P < 0.05): ATP (5.8 ± 0.7 vs 9.5 ± 1.4), ADP (2.1 ± 0.2 vs 3.2 ± 0.6), CrP (9.6 ± 0.3 vs 17.2 ± 1.3). Tissue purines (adenosine and inosine) were significantly elevated (P < 0.01) in the DYP group, while coronary sinus purines and lactate loss were similar. Thus, the data suggest that DYP, present during postischemic reperfusion, depresses myocardial function by inhibiting adenosine phosphorylation, thereby decreasing the generation of high-energy phosphates without increased substrate loss or ischemia.
ROI constrained statistical surface morphometry

This paper presents a novel ROI constrained statistical surface analysis framework that aims to accurately and efficiently localize regionally specific shape changes between groups of 3D surfaces. With unknown distribution of the data, existing shape morphometry analysis involves testing thousands of hypotheses for statistically significant effects through permutation. In this work, we develop a hybrid method to improve the system's efficiency by computing the raw p-values of the nonparametric permutation tests only within a region of interest (ROI) of the surface. The ROI is identified through a parametric Pearson type III distribution approximation. Furthermore, a ROI based adaptive procedure is utilized to control the false discovery rate (FDR) for increased power of finding the significance.
Adsorption and Thermal Decomposition of Hydrazoic Acid on Al(111)

The surface chemistry of hydrazoic acid (HN 3 ) on Al(111) was investigated from 100 to 800 K with temperature-programmed desorption, infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS), Auger electron spectroscopy, and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). IRRAS suggests that the first monolayer dissociatively chemisorbs as N 2 (ads) and NH(ads) at 120 K. Subsequently, HN 3 adsorbs molecularly in two phases, a physisorbed second layer and a condensed multilayer. In the former, the N 3 chain of the HN 3 is aligned normal to the substrate surface, while in the latter HN 3 exhibits a random orientation. Molecular HN 3 desorbs at 125 K, and two decomposition products, N 2 and H 2 , desorb at 295 and 615 K, respectively. Mixed-isotope desorption experiments show that N2 is derived from an intact NN species, rather than from recombinative desorption of N(ads), and is consistent with the IRRAS observation of chemisorbed N 2 . IRRAS indicates that the NH species dissociates into N(ads) and H(ads) above 320 K, with H 2 thermal desorption resulting from dissociation of the AlH x (1 ≤ x ≤ 3) moiety. After the sample was annealed at 800 K, N was observed with Auger spectroscopy. The partially nitrided Al(111) surface exhibits a concentric, double hexagonal LEED pattern indicating AlN(0001) islands. IRRAS indicates that the islands are Al-terminated and capped with H at temperatures as high as 700 K.
Application of Total Quality Management in Contract Foodservice

ABSTRACT The application of total quality management (TQM) by contract foodservices has derived mainly from serving client organizations already involved in the TQM process. In this paper, we will examine how TQM is being applied in some of the country's leading contract foodservice companies, compare and contrast their approaches and discuss guideline for successful implementation of TQM.
Uptake and hydrolysis of glycylglutamine at the blood-brain barrier

Using an organ balance technique in dogs, we recently found that liver, skeletal muscle, kidney, and intestine participate in clearance of glycylglutamine from plasma. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether brain does the same. The study of arteriovenous differences of glycylglutamine across brain, during continuous infusion of this dipeptide (12 mumol.min-1.kg-1) in dogs, showed an arteriovenous difference that was never significantly different from zero. To establish a basis for this lack of clearance, we investigated uptake and hydrolysis of glycylglutamine at the blood-brain barrier. The study of brain uptake index of glycylglutamine in rats showed that it was not significantly different from that of sucrose, an impermeable marker (3.2 +/- 0.4 v 3.5 +/- 0.4, n = 4 to 5). When isolated brain capillaries were incubated with glycylglutamine, uptake was only modestly above background activity and appeared to be due to nonspecific binding. Finally, the plasma membrane of brain capillaries lacked hydrolase activity against glycylglutamine. In conclusion, brain appears to be unique among organs in lacking any mechanism for clearance of glycylglutamine from plasma.