cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protecting routing infrastructures from denial of service using cooperative intrusion detection

We present a solution to the denial of service problem for routing infrastructures. When a network suffers from denial of service, packets cannot reach their destinations. Existing routing protocols are not, well-equipped to deal with denial of service; a misbehaving router-which may be caused by software/hardware faults, misconfiguration, or malicious attacks-may be able to disable entire networks. To protect network infrastructures from routers that incorrectly drop packets and misroute packets, we hypothesize failure models for routers and present protocols that detect and respond to those misbehaving routers. Based on realistic assumptions, we prove that our protocols have the following properties: (1) A well-behaved router never incorrectly claims another router as a misbehaving router; (2) If a network has misbehaving routers, one or more of them can be located; (3) Misbehaving routers will eventually be removed.
Oxidative Stress in Neurodegeneration

It has been demonstrated that oxidative stress has a ubiquitous role in neurodegenerative diseases. Major source of oxidative stress due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) is related to mitochondria as an endogenous source. Although there is ample evidence from tissues of patients with neurodegenerative disorders of morphological, biochemical, and molecular abnormalities in mitochondria, it is still not very clear whether the oxidative stress itself contributes to the onset of neurodegeneration or it is part of the neurodegenerative process as secondary manifestation. This paper begins with an overview of how oxidative stress occurs, discussing various oxidants and antioxidants, and role of oxidative stress in diseases in general. It highlights the role of oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The last part of the paper describes the role of oxidative stress causing deregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) hyperactivity associated with neurodegeneration.
Physiological and Molecular Assessment of Altered Expression of Hsc70-1 in Arabidopsis. Evidence for Pleiotropic Consequences

Hsp70s function as molecular chaperones. The protective chaperone activities of hsp70 help to confer tolerance to heat, glucose deprivation, and drought. Overexpression of hsp70s in many organisms correlates with enhanced thermotolerance, altered growth, and development. To better understand the roles of hsp70 proteins in Arabidopsis, the molecular and physiological consequences of altered expression of the major heat shock cognate, Hsc70-1, were analyzed. Extensive efforts to achieve underexpression of Hsc70-1 mRNA using a full-length antisense cDNA resulted in no viable transgenic plants, suggesting that reduced expression is lethal. Constitutive overexpression of Hsc70-1 also appeared to be deleterious to viability, growth, and development because fewer transformants were recovered, and most were dwarfed with altered root systems. Despite being dwarfed, the overexpression plants progressed normally through four selected developmental stages. Heat treatment revealed that Hsc70-1 overexpression plants were more tolerant to heat shock (44°C for 10 min). The elevated basal levels of HSC70-1 in transgenic plants led to delayed heat shock response of several heat shock genes. The data in this study suggest that tight regulation of Hsc70-1 expression is critical for the viability of Arabidopsis and that the functions of HSC70-1 contribute to optimum growth, development, thermotolerance, and regulation of the heat shock response.
ADVANCES IN PLANT HEALTH MANAGEMENT IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY

▪ Abstract Plant health management is the science and practice of understanding and overcoming the succession of biotic and abiotic factors that limit plants from achieving their full genetic potential as crops, ornamentals, timber trees, or other uses. Although practiced as long as agriculture itself, as a science-based concept, plant heath management is even younger than integrated pest management (IPM), and includes and builds upon but is not a replacement for IPM. Probably the greatest collection of success stories for plant health management is the number of diseases managed by cleaning up the planting material. The record for root health management is more mixed, with the loss or phase-out of soil fumigants, and practices such as crop rotation and clean tillage being replaced with more intensive cropping and less or no tillage. Perhaps the greatest scientific and technical advances for plant health management have come from the work aimed at management of the pathogens, pests, and other hazards that...
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters.

Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure. To test the hypothesis, we have studied death benefit records of 1,905 members of the Granite Cutters Union. A proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted, using U.S. deaths as a comparison population. Statistically (PMR) was conducted, using U.S. deaths as a comparison population. Statistically significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs, 43.7 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs, 19.3 exp). Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs, 1.9 exp) and arthritis (5 obs, 1.5 exp). A significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs, 13.0 exp). For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess was observed (97 obs, 81.1 exp, PMR = 1.19, 95% CI 0.97-1.46). A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR) showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 1.09, 95% CI 0.89-1.33). Lung cancer mortality also failed to show any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure. Although no significant excess of lung cancer was observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort, there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk of lung cancer, based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate.
To be or not to be … a teacher? Exploring levels of commitment related to perceptions of teaching among students enrolled in a teacher education program

The present study explored the relationships of preservice teachers’ levels of commitment to teaching and their beliefs and perceptions of teaching as a career. Participants were undergraduate students enrolled in a teacher education program at a major university in the southeast. Sixty‐seven preservice teachers completed a survey in which they rated the importance of 20 factors for influencing their choice of career. Additionally, among the survey respondents, nine students were selected from three groups of preservice teachers for in‐depth interviews: (1) students who were currently considering teaching as a career choice, (2) students who were undecided about their future teaching career, and (3) students who were no longer considering teaching as a career. Overall, findings from this study revealed that preservice teachers’ understanding of their goal of becoming teachers and interpretations of their motivation for teaching were unique, yet the types of influences on their career choices were similar ...
Modulation of flexion reflex induced by hip angle changes in human spinal cord injury

The flexion reflex can be elicited via stimulation of skin, muscle, and high-threshold afferents inducing a generalized flexion of the limb. In spinalized animal models this reflex is quite prominent and is strongly modulated by actions of hip proprioceptors. However, analogous actions on the flexion reflex in spinal cord injured (SCI) humans have not yet been examined. In this study, we investigated the effects of imposed static hip angle changes on the flexion reflex in ten motor incomplete SCI subjects when input from plantar cutaneous mechanoreceptors was also present. Flexion reflexes were elicited by low-intensity stimulation of the sural nerve at the lateral malleolus, and were recorded from the ipsilateral tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. Plantar skin stimulation was delivered through two surface electrodes placed on the metatarsals, and was initiated at different delays ranging from 3 to 90 ms. We found that non-noxious sural nerve stimulation induced two types of flexion reflexes in the TA muscle, an early, and a late response. The first was observed only in three subjects and even in these subjects, it appeared irregularly. In contrast, the second (late) flexion reflex was present uniformly in all ten subjects and was significantly modulated during hip angle changes. Flexion reflexes recorded with hip positioned at different angles were compared to the associated control reflexes recorded with hip flexed at 10°. Hip flexion (30°, 40°) depressed the late flexion reflex, while no significant effects were observed with the hip set in neutral angle (0°). Strong facilitatory effects on the late flexion reflex were observed with the hip extended to 10°. Moreover, the effects of plantar skin stimulation on the flexion reflex were also found to depend on the hip angle. The results suggest that hip proprioceptors and plantar cutaneous mechanoreceptors strongly modulate flexion reflex pathways in chronic human SCI, verifying that this type of sensory afferent feedback interact with spinal interneuronal circuits that have been considered as forerunners of stepping and locomotion. The sensory consequences of this afferent input should be considered in rehabilitation programs aimed to restore movement and sensorimotor function in these patients.
Energy transfer from O(1D) to O2

Abstract Emission measurements in a fast-flow oxygen photolysis systems show how fluid dynamical effects can produce a 50-fold reduction in downstream O 2 (1Σ + g when O( 1 D) is quenched by O 2 and favours a near unit-probability.
Comparison of multi-temporal NOAA-AVHRR and SPOT-XS satellite data for mapping land-cover dynamics in the west African Sahel

Multi-resolution and multi-temporal remote sensing data (SPOT-XS and AVHRR) were evaluated for mapping local land-cover dynamics in the Sahel of West Africa. The aim of this research was to evaluate the agricultural information that could be derived from both high and low spatial resolution data in areas where there is very often limited ground information. A combination of raster-based image processing and vector-based geographical information system mapping was found to be effective for understanding both spatial and spectral land-cover dynamics. The SPOT data proved useful for mapping local land-cover classes in a dominantly recessive agricultural region. The AVHRR-LAC data could be used to map the dynamics of riparian vegetation, but not the changes associated with recession agriculture. In areas where there was a complex mixture of recession and irrigated agriculture, as well as riparian vegetation, the AVHRR data did not provide an accurate temporal assessment of vegetation dynamics.
Radiofrequency catheter atrioventricular node ablation in patients with permanent cardiac pacing systems.

Following successful BF ablation of the atrioventricular node (AVN), temporary pacing is necessary prior to insertion of a permanent pacemaker. The risks and inconvenience of temporary pacing could be avoided if a permanent pacemaker is already in place. This study reports the feasibility of RF ablation of the AVN in 27 patients (age 55 ± 17 years, 15 males) with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and pacemakers, Indications for AVN ablation were drug refractory atrial fibrillation in 24 patients, and rapid AVN conduction preventing septal pre-excitation by DDD pacemaker, inserted for relief of left ventricular outflow obstruction, in three cases. Sixteen patients had DDD devices and 11 patients had VVI devices. During RF ablation, each pacemaker was programmed to VVI at 50 beats/min. The ablation catheter was manipulated with fluoroscopic control to avoid close contact with or disturbance of the pacing leads. In 16 patients, RF ablation was performed immediately following pacemaker implantation but in the remaining patients, the AVN was ablated 6–32 months after pacemaker implantation. The power applied was 25–50 watts for a duration of 15–60 seconds. AV block was achieved in all cases but required 34 ± 36 applications for 16.5 ± 17.8 min/case. RF ablation consistently caused reversion to magnet rate in one patient and temporarily inhibited appropriate pacemaker discharge in another. However, no other pacemaker or lead malfunction was detected so that temporary pacing was not required in any case. At 6 ± 3 months follow-up, all pacemakers were functioning normally without alteration in pacing parameters from baseline. Thus. RF ablation of the AVN can be performed safely in the presence of a recently implanted permanent pacemaker, without temporary pacing.
New Developments in Type 1 (Insulin-Dependent) Diabetes

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial has conclusively demonstrated that improved metabolic control leads to reduction in the rate of microvascular complications of diabetes. In order to allow patients to achieve improved metabolic control, much research has focused on improved methods of glucose monitoring and more physiologic ways of insulin delivery. The 2 most promising methods of minimally invasive blood glucose monitoring are the Glucowatch, using the technique of reverse iontophoresis to measure interstitial fluid glucose levels every twenty minutes and an implantable sensor, in which a catheter resembling that used for insulin delivery through a pump is impregnated with glucose oxidase at the tip. This device monitors blood sugars every few minutes, but like a holter monitor, must be downloaded in the physician's office. Still under development are (1) implantable subcutaneous sensors with a high and low blood glucose alarm and (2) sensors in which the patient will be able to download the data using a home PC. Advances in insulin delivery have included the availability of new insulin analogs which more closely simulate endogenous insulin release, with rapid acting analogs simulating the increase in insulin production that normally occurs after meals. Phase III clinical trials are in progress of a long-acting basal insulin without peak actions to simulate the low dose continuous production of the insulin which normally inhibits hepatic glucose production. In addition, use of the insulin pump has increased markedly since publication of the DCCT with the greatest increase being among adolescents. In addition to advances in treatment of diabetes, research has continued on curing the disease using islet cell transplantation and preventing the disease with agents such as insulin (DPT-1 Trial) and nicotinamide (ENDIT). This article provides an overview of recent advances in diabetes management and prevention.
System identification of power converters with digital control through cross-correlation methods

For digitally controlled switching power converters, on-line system identification can be used to assess the system dynamic responses and stability margins. This paper presents a modified correlation method for system identification of power converters with digital control. By injecting a multiperiod pseudo random binary signal (PRBS) to the control input of a power converter, the system frequency response can be derived by cross-correlation of the input signal and the sensed output signal. Compared to the conventional cross-correlation method, averaging the cross-correlation over multiple periods of the injected PRBS can significantly improve the identification results in the presence of PRBS-induced artifacts, switching and quantization noises. An experimental digitally controlled forward converter with an FPGA-based controller is used to demonstrate accurate and effective identification of the converter control-to-output response.
An in situ mesocosm method for quantifying nitrogen cycling rates in oligotrophic wetlands using 15N tracer techniques

Short term nitrogen uptake dynamics in the marshes of the southern Everglades, USA, were determined through implementation of a field mesocosm and isotopic enrichment method. The approach was tested using six mesocosms, three enriched with a 300‰ 15N tracer, Ca(NO3)2 (± 98% 15N) and three unenriched mesocosms. This 15N tracer technique allowed the determination of nitrogen fluxes between key ecosystem components. The in situ mesocosm experiment was conducted in a freshwater marl prairie marsh habitat for a period of 21 days. Macrophytes (Cladium jamaicense), periphyton, soil, and consumers (Gambusia holbrooki) were sampled at prescribed intervals to determine the optimal sampling periods necessary to capture peak 15N tracer uptake. Over the course of the study period, 15N tracer was detected in all ecosystem components sampled except for soils. Periphyton exhibited the most rapid initial 15N tracer uptake, with an increase of 3.86‰ to 7.79‰ (± 1.70) only 5 minutes after tracer addition. Periphyton 15N signatures continued to increase to 16.49‰ (± 6.45) and 108.15‰ (± 49.40) after 10 minutes and 6 hours, respectively. Increased 15N signatures were also noted in the macrophyte and consumer components, with peak tracer uptake values occurring in aboveground macrophyte tissue at t = 9 day (26.62‰ (± 5.00)), the belowground macrophyte tissue at t = 15 day (22.01‰ (± 5.83)), and in consumers at t = 15 day (297.09‰ (± 127.36)). Tracer uptake by the soil component was minimal with no significant amount of tracer being detected in any of the three soil layers sampled (0–1, 1–5, and 5–10 cm). This testing of the in situ mesocosm and 15N isotopic enrichment approach provides a foundation for further experimentation with the method at this and other wetland study sites.
A Regulatory Checkpoint during Flagellar Biogenesis in Campylobacter jejuni Initiates Signal Transduction To Activate Transcription of Flagellar Genes

ABSTRACT Many polarly flagellated bacteria require similar two-component regulatory systems (TCSs) and σ 54 to activate transcription of genes essential for flagellar motility. Herein, we discovered that in addition to the flagellar type III secretion system (T3SS), the Campylobacter jejuni flagellar MS ring and rotor are required to activate the FlgSR TCS. Mutants lacking the FliF MS ring and FliG C ring rotor proteins were as defective as T3SS mutants in FlgSR- and σ 54 -dependent flagellar gene expression. Also, FliF and FliG required each other for stability, which is mediated by atypical extensions to the proteins. A FliF mutant that presumably does not interact with the T3SS protein FlhA did not support flagellar gene transcription, suggesting that FliF-T3SS interactions are essential to generate a signal sensed by the cytoplasmic FlgS histidine kinase. Furthermore, the flagellar T3SS was required for FlgS to immunoprecipitate with FliF and FliG. We propose a model whereby the flagellar T3SS facilitates FliF and FliG multimerization into the MS ring and rotor. As a result, these flagellar structures form a cytoplasmic complex that interacts with and is sensed by FlgS. The synthesis of these structures appears to be a regulatory checkpoint in flagellar biogenesis that the FlgS kinase monitors to initiate signal transduction that activates σ 54 and expression of genes required for the next stage of flagellation. Given that other polar flagellates have flagellar transcriptional hierarchies that are organized similarly as in C. jejuni, this regulatory checkpoint may exist in a broad range of bacteria to influence similar TCSs and flagellar gene transcription. IMPORTANCE Despite the presence of numerous two-component regulatory systems (TCSs) in bacteria, direct signals sensed by TCSs to activate signal transduction are known for only a minority. Polar flagellates, including Pseudomonas , Vibrio , Helicobacter , and Campylobacter species, require a similar TCS and σ 54 for flagellar gene transcription, but the activating signals for these TCSs are unknown. We explored signals that activate the Campylobacter jejuni FlgSR TCS to initiate σ 54 -dependent flagellar gene transcription. Our discoveries suggest that the FlgS histidine kinase monitors the formation of the flagellar type III secretion system and the surrounding MS and C rings. The synthesis of these structures creates a regulatory checkpoint in flagellar biogenesis that is sensed by FlgS to ensure proper transcription of the next set of genes for subsequent steps in flagellation. Given the conservation of flagellar-associated TCSs and transcriptional cascades in polar flagellates, this regulatory checkpoint in flagellar biogenesis likely impacts flagellation in a broad range of bacteria.
Development of an Online Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Intervention Coaching Protocol for Use in Primary Care Practice

PurposeThe translation of an evidence-based lifestyle intervention to an online delivery format has the potential to provide an effective treatment option for obesity in primary care practice. Rese...
Causality and collateral estoppel: process and content of recent SSRI litigation.

In Tobin v. SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals a jury in the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming found that the medication Paxil "can cause some individuals to commit homicide and/or suicide," and that it was a legal cause of the deaths in this case. A motion was recently put before the United States District Court for the District of Utah to adopt the findings of the Tobin case--via the application of collateral estoppel--to a case involving an individual's suicide while prescribed Paxil. This article summarizes these two cases, as reflected in court documents, and comments on limitations of common causality assertions.
Smart Hand Systems for Robotics and Teleoperation

This paper describes two smart hand systems developed at JPL recently for robotics and teleoperator applications. The first unit was designed for potential application on an Orbiting Maneuvering Vehicle (OMV) equipped with an approximately 5 meter size manipulator performing, e.g., satellite servicing and repair tasks. The second unit was designed for experimental use on a human-size industrial robot arm called PUMA 560 to explore issues in versatile object handling and compliance control in grasp actions. The developments followed an integrated design approach by considering mechanism, sensing, electronics, control and displays within an integrated system design architecture. The descriptions in this paper briefly summarize all design aspects of the two smart hand systems.
Rape, burglary, and opportunity

Following on the recent development of opportunity theory in criminology, we apply an opportunity approach to rape. Although rape is commonly viewed as a “street” crime, a substantial proportion of rape occurs inside homes following an unlawful entry of the residence. Drawing on this observation, we argue that rape and burglary, because they share a common locus in the home, should exhibit similar opportunity structures. That is, characteristics that place particular types of homes and householders at greater risk of burglary should also place (female) residents at greater risk of rape. An analysis of UCR rates and censusderived opportunity variables for 155 SMSAs in 1980 supports this position. We conclude that home-intrusion rape (rape following an unlawful entry of the home) is a violent crime with the opportunity structure of a property crime.
U.S. Army surgical experiences during the NATO peacekeeping mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina, 1995 to 1999: lessons learned.

Member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) initiated a peacekeeping mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina in December 1995. The U.S. Army has deployed field surgical hospitals to the region to provide ongoing medical and surgical care since December 1995. All surgical cases performed at U.S. Army field surgical hospitals in support of the NATO peacekeeping mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina were reviewed to determine the nature of care delivered. Field surgical hospital operative logs served as primary data sources. U.S. Army field surgical hospitals were established in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, and Hungary. A total of 676 major operations were performed between December 1995 and September 1999. The mean number of operations performed per surgeon per month during this period was 2.13. Surgical procedures performed during this peacekeeping mission reflect procedures commonly performed in garrison. Other lessons include the need to customize field inventories for peacetime care and the fact that the majority of operations were general surgical or orthopedic.
Identification and Characterization Of a Potent FLT3 Inhibitor

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant myeloid disorder for which there is no effective treatment. Gain-of-function mutations of tyrosine kinase FLT3 are frequently found in AML patients. This makes FLT3 an attractive therapeutic target. Currently, several potent FLT3 inhibitors have been developed. However, their clinical efficacy is limited largely due to their poor effectiveness toward the FLT3-D835 mutants which are often present in AML or acquired after treatment of FLT3-ITD-positive AML with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Needless to say, more potent FLT3 inhibitors targeting both FLT-ITD and FLT3-D835 mutants are needed. In addition, combinations of tyrosine kinase inhibitors with drugs targeting other signaling pathways represent a new trend in anti-cancer drug development. To establish an effective kinase assay for FLT3 inhibitor screening, we generated a protein substrate designated GST-FLT3S which was expressed in E. coli cells as a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein. The protein substrate together with recombinant proteins containing the catalytic domain of wild type and mutant forms of FLT3 expressed in baculovirus was used in biochemical screening of inhibitors. Several potent inhibitors were obtained. Importantly, one of the inhibitors with an oxindole core structure inhibited FLT3 and D835 FLT3 mutants equally well with nanomolar IC50 values. We further analyzed the potency of the inhibitor by performing cell-based assays. The cells used included FLT3-ITD-positive cell line MV-4-11 and an EPO-dependent erythroleukemia cell line transformed by retrovirus mediated expressions of FLT3-ITD and FLT3-D835 mutants. At nanomolar concentrations, the inhibitor blocked growth factor signaling and effectively caused apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. It showed significant advantage over the current available FLT3 inhibitor, sorafenib. Loss-of-function mutations of tumor suppressor p53 are common in solid tumors but relatively rare in AML although its expression is often suppressed. This makes p53 a potential target for anti-AML drug development. We employed MDM2 inhibitor nutlin-3 which blocks the degradation of p53. Importantly, at sub-nanomolar concentrations, FLT3 inhibitors and nutlin-3 synergistically inhibited growth of cells containing FLT3-ITD or FLT3-D835 mutants. Altogether, we developed an effective substrate for screening of FLT3 inhibitors and identified one compound with high potency toward both FLT3-ITD and FLT3-D835. We further demonstrated that targeting FLT3 and p53 simultaneously greatly increases drug potency. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
A Novel Method for Calculating Potency-Weighted Cumulative Phthalates Exposure with Implications for Identifying Racial/Ethnic Disparities among U.S. Reproductive-Aged Women in NHANES 2001–2012

Phthalates are ubiquitous chemicals linked to hormonal disruptions that affect reproduction and development. Multiple antiandrogenic phthalates exposure during fetal development can have greater impacts than individual exposure; thus, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) recommends them for cumulative assessment. Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (NHANES, 2001-2012), we developed a potency-weighted sum of daily intake (∑androgen-disruptor; μg/kg/day) of di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) based on NAS recommendations, and included diethyl phthalate (DEP) and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) in additional metrics (2005-2012). We compared racial/ethnic differences in ∑androgen-disruptor among 2842 reproductive-aged women. In sensitivity analyses, we assessed the influence of potency assumptions, alternate urine dilution adjustment methods, and weighting phthalate metabolites directly rather than daily intake estimates of parent compounds. We found that DEHP contributed most to ∑androgen-disruptor (48-64%), and that ∑androgen-disruptor decreased over time. Black women generally had higher cumulative exposures than white women, although the magnitude and precision of the difference varied by model specification. Our approach provides a blueprint for combining chemical exposures linked to common adverse outcomes, and should be considered in future exposure, risk, and epidemiological studies.
Defining Public Participation GIS

Public participation geographic information system (PPGIS) is a global research agenda and practice that aims to broaden the access of GIS technologies to socially marginalized groups in order to facilitate informed participation in decision-making. It prioritizes indigenous or experiential knowledge and advocates its integration with public datasets to contest or reshape policies. PPGIS projects range from rural land use, to conservation and natural resource management, to urban planning, to social and environmental activism, to advocacy. PPGIS work has been shaped by integrated theoretical framework derived from social and political theory, science and technology studies, human–computer interaction, organizational theory, and feminist theory. Participation and spatial knowledge production from PPGIS is situated, highly contingent, and shaped by contextual factors such as political, economic, cultural, and organizational contexts.
Information Technology use at Montana Tech

In today’s world, there is something very valuable that is ever changing and advancing every single day. That is technology. More specifically, the use of technology in educational settings, such as colleges and universities, has advanced phenomenally in the last fifteen years. Students, along with faculty/staff alike have been branching out and exploring new advances in technology for both personal and educational use. The purpose of our project was to find a connection between educational and personal usage of technology in students along with faculty and staff. With that, we plan to create an annual survey issued to both students and faculty, to ultimately find better ways to utilize technology in education for the population at Montana Tech.
“We All Walked Through [It] Together”: Reflections on the Pulse Nightclub Shooting

These incessant dialogues—whether conducted internally or out in the public square—are absolutely necessary if mindsets are ever expected to expand and evolve nationally.(Rolling, 2015, p. 4)On Jun...
The Use of Brand Concept Maps and Network Analysis Tools to Examine Brand Associations Networks: An Abstract

Examination of the structure of brand associations is a necessary first step to understand brand image and build a brand with strong equity. Brands create associations in the minds of consumers which constitute brand image which is one of the two components of brand knowledge. According to the customer-based brand equity framework, brand knowledge, which embodies components of brand awareness and brand image, determines consumers’ response to the marketing of the brand. In other words, brand knowledge is the source of brand equity (Keller, 2003, p. 596), and the effectiveness of future branding strategies is influenced by the structure and content of the memory. Therefore, developing insights about the network structure of brand associations stored in the minds of consumers is crucial for brand managers.
Sleep-Related Orgasms in a 57-Year-Old Woman: A Case Report.

We report a case of problematic spontaneous orgasms during sleep in a 57-year-old woman who also complained of hypnic jerks and symptoms of exploding head syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the fi...
Improvements and Generalizations of Stochastic Knapsack and Markovian Bandits Approximation Algorithms

We study the multi-armed bandit problem with arms which are Markov chains with rewards. In the finite-horizon setting, the celebrated Gittins indices do not apply, and the exact solution is intractable. We provide approximation algorithms for the general model of Markov decision processes with nonunit transition times. When preemption is allowed, we provide a (1/2 − e)-approximation, along with an example showing this is tight. When preemption isn’t allowed, we provide a 1/12-approximation, which improves to a 4/27-approximation when transition times are unity. Our model captures the Markovian Bandits model of Gupta et al., the Stochastic Knapsack model of Dean et al., and the Budgeted Learning model of Guha and Munagala. Our algorithms improve existing results in all three areas. In our analysis, we encounter and overcome to our knowledge a new obstacle: an algorithm that provably exists via analytical arguments, but cannot be found in polynomial time.
Genetics of CD1 Molecules

Cluster of differentiation 1 (CD1) molecules are a family of MHC class I-like glycoproteinsl. Interestingly, the first monoclonal antibody that recognized an MHC class I (or class I-like) molecule on human thymocytes was against CD12, 3hence its #1 designation. The genes encoding these molecules are present on chromosome 1 in humans and 3 in the mouse4-6; this is in contrast to human chromosome 6 and murine chromosome 17, on which the respective MHC gene loci resider. The genes encoding the human CD1 molecules were discovered by Milstein in 19864, 7. These were found in an analysis of human genomic DNA and discovered to be a family of genes encoding MHC class I-like molecules. Like that seen in the MHC class I molecules as described above by Drs. Candon and Margulies, CD1 molecules also consist of a heavy chain comprised of a1, a2, and a3 domains, and are noncovalently associated with 132microglobulin8. A cluster of fivecdlgenes were identified and designatedcdla, cdlb, cdlc, cdldandcdle.These five genes are physically very close to one another and likely arose by gene duplication, as the percent homology amongst the variouscdlgenes is approximately 80% in the a3 domain, for example. In spite of this, thecdlgenes are sufficiently different to be separated into two groups. Group Icdlgenes (and their gene products) consist ofcdla, cd1 bandcdlc.The gene encoding CD 1 d molecules is the sole member of Group II. In contrast, thecdlegene is considered to be “intermediate”1. It should be noted, however, that although there is some divergence of thecdlgenes (as would be expected over time), the fivecdlgenes are most homologous in the a3 domain—the portion of the CD1 heavy chain to which the s2microglobulin light chain binds. An interesting feature of the
Some Mathematical and Computational Problems in Reactive Flow

We present an overview of several applications of reactive flow and transport in which interesting mathematical issues and computational challenges arise. The topics include front propagation through porous media in the presence of dispersion; numerical simulation of large-scale reactive transport problems; the reliability of processes that involve in-situ generation of viscosifying agents; methods for describing pore-scale geometry in granular media; and the information content of reactive tracer experiments. The intent of this survey is to heighten awareness of underlying mathmetical aspects and, it is hoped, to stimulate new contributions in these areas.
Blurring-Speed Distribution in a Kindergarten Population: The Queens Study

The Queens blurring-speed study was initiated in an attempt to both substantiate and enlarge the data base derived from the Staten Island study. The entire available kindergarten population (n = 1543) of District 26 in Queens was screened for DD utilizing a new and improved 3D optical scanner and a modified blurring-speed methodology.* The aims were multifold: 1. To determine the statistical Modes I and II blurring-speed distributions as a function of word and elephant visual gestalts—and thus attempt to substantiate the bimodal distribution obtained in the Staten Island study. Inasmuch as an elephant (Mode I and II) gestalt was added to a modified Staten Island word gestalt, there resulted four blurring speed determinations per patient (word Mode I, word Mode II, elephant Mode I and elephant Mode II). 2. To determine Mode III positive as a function of low blurring speeds and as a function of high or “normal” blurring speeds—and thus attempt to substantiate the prior Staten Island correlation of Mode III positive with low blurring speeds. 3. To determine a statistical low blurring-speed incidence of dyslexia, if possible. 4. To evaluate Modes I, II, and III as a function of sex. 5. To evaluate Modes I, II, and III as a function of handedness.
Role of Nanocomposite Support Stiffness on TFC Membrane Water Permeance.

This paper discusses the role played by the mechanical stiffness of porous nanocomposite supports on thin-film composite (TFC) membrane water permeance. Helically coiled and multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were studied as additives in the nanocomposite supports. Mechanical stiffness was evaluated using tensile tests and penetration tests. While a low loading of CNTs caused macrovoids that decreased the structural integrity, adding higher loads of CNTs compensated for this effect, and this resulted in a net increase in structural stiffness. It was found that the Young’s modulus of the nanocomposite supports increased by 30% upon addition of CNTs at 2 wt %. Results were similar for both types of CNTs. An empirical model for porous composite materials described the Young’s modulus results. The nanocomposite supports were subsequently used to create TFC membranes. TFC membranes with stiffer supports were more effective at preventing declines in water permeance during compression. These findings support the idea that increasing the mechanical stiffness of TFC membrane nanocomposite supports is an effective strategy for enhancing water production in desalination operations.
An unmanned aircraft see and avoid algorithm development platform using opengl and opencv

This work presents a see-and-avoid (SAA) system for autonomous Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and a testbed for evaluating SAA capabilities using simulated cockpit video generated using the computer graphics library OpenGL. The computer vision library OpenCV is used to construct algorithms for background filtering, obstacle detection, and collision avoidance. A distance-based and a distance-agnostic algorithm were developed and evaluated on the proposed testbed. Preliminary results with scenarios with two to four planes are promising.
A Reduced Exogenous Steroid Taper for Postoperative Brain Tumor Patients-A Case-Control Study.

Background Dexamethasone is a standard treatment for cerebral edema after brain tumor surgery. However, its side effects can negatively impact the quality and safety of care provided to patients. Sparse evidence exists in the literature regarding postoperative steroid dosing to guide clinicians. The objective of this study was to determine if a new reduced exogenous steroid taper (REST) protocol would effectively treat postoperative cerebral edema while reducing the incidence of steroid-related side effects including diabetes, hypertension, and insomnia. Methods A REST protocol (dexamethasone 38.5 mg tapered over 10 days) was instituted for patients with postoperative brain tumor of a single surgeon. Historical controls treated with a high-dose taper (dexamethasone 117 mg taper over 17 days) were selected to match for baseline characteristics. Outcomes of new or worsened diabetes, hypertension, and insomnia, as well as length of stay (LOS) and 30-day readmission rates, were compared. Results Twenty-five patients were included in each group. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics. The REST group received a median of 34.5 mg (interquartile range, 32–41 mg) of dexamethasone, whereas controls received 43 mg (interquartile range, 16–91 mg) (P = 0.04). There was a significant reduction in the incidence of new or worsened hypertension in the REST group (0%) compared with controls (20%, P = 0.02). No difference was seen in the rates of diabetes mellitus, insomnia, LOS, or 30-day readmission rates. Conclusions A reduced steroid taper after brain tumor surgery significantly reduced the incidence of hypertension without increasing LOS or 30-day readmissions compared with controls treated with a high-dose taper.
Characterization of AM-to-PM Conversion in Silicon p-i-n Photodiodes

We have measured the amplitude-to-phase modulation (AM-to-PM) conversion in a silicon p-i-n photodiode for the first time and found that it behaves qualitatively similar to III–V detectors previously reported in the literature. One or more minima in the AM-to-PM conversion gain as a function of average photocurrent was seen and the minima were found to depend on the reverse bias, suggesting that space charge fields produced by the separating carriers interact with the applied reverse bias and modulate the drift velocities and hence the transit times.
Approximate 4D Reconstruction of Cardiac-Gated Spect Images Using a Residual Convolutional Neural Network

4D image reconstruction can significantly improve the image quality in cardiac-gated imaging using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). However, it is also associated with increased computation complexity which prevents it from being widely used in the clinic. In this study, we investigate a post-processing approach for cardiac-gated SPECT images by using a 3D residual convolutional neural network (CNN). In our formulation, the network is trained to produce images that are comparable to 4D reconstruction. In the experiments, we demonstrated this approach on a set of 197 clinical acquisitions. The results show that the proposed CNN approach can effectively suppress the noise level in the reconstructed myocardium. It also outperforms two alternative post-processing methods, including a non-local means (NLM) filter previously developed for gated SPECT images.
Unravelling Alzheimer’s Disease: It’s Not the Whole Story, but Aβ Still Matters

In late 2016, we solicited a series of reviews covering the variety of processes that appeared to be involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). These essays have appeared at regular intervals in The FASEB Journal. My instructions to the researchers were simply not to emphasize Aβ per se because there had been many reviews both supporting and questioning the etiologic role of Aβ in the late-onset, sporadic form of AD, and reciting either of those scientific positions would be redundant. My colleagues responded admirably, and I believe that their contributions have significantly informed readers' awareness of the current state of knowledge of AD. I have written my epilogue from the perspective of an investigator interested in the role of protein aggregation in human disease and as a physician who may be charged with making a diagnosis and prescribing treatment for a patient. We do not yet have etiology-based therapies of AD, but we continue to gain insight into the mechanisms responsible for synaptic loss and the consequent functional deterioration. A silver therapeutic bullet does not seem to be in the offing. It is more likely that an iterative approach will lead to the development of a group of treatments that are AD specific or applicable to various features of the entire class of neurodegenerative disorders. How and when those therapies succeed or fail will, in turn, provide additional insights into disease pathogenesis, which will inform the development of succeeding generations of therapeutics.-Buxbaum, J. N. Unravelling Alzheimer's disease: it's not the whole story, but Aβ still matters.
IUD Use in Adolescents With Disabilities

* Abbreviation: IUD — : intrauterine device Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are safe, highly effective, and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as a first-line contraceptive option for adolescents.1,2 In this month’s Pediatrics , Schwartz et al3 examine the use of IUDs among adolescents with disabilities, providing further evidence that IUDs are safe for menstrual management and contraception in this population. In their work, Schwartz et al3 raise 3 important issues in IUD use and contraceptive decisions among adolescents with disabilities: recognition of the adolescent’s sexuality and rights to sexual and reproductive health; the need to incorporate quality of life into risk/benefit decisions; and the use of shared and supported decision-making approaches to maximize autonomy and dignity. Sexuality is an intrinsic aspect of human nature, and, like all adolescents, those with disabilities experience sexual development, romantic and sexual … Address correspondence to Cynthia Robbins, MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 410 West 10th St, HS 1001, Indianapolis, IN 46202. E-mail: cyrobbin{at}iu.edu
Syncing with the Sky: Daylight-Driven Circadian Lighting Design

The use of daylight in the built environment is often preferred to artificial light sources as its successful application can provide visual comfort and satisfaction along with the potential for si...
Variational multi-scale modeling of interfacial flows with a balanced-force surface tension model

Abstract In this paper, we present a level-set based formulation to simulate interfacial flows on unstructured meshes. The residual-based variational multiscale formulation (VMS) is employed to solve the coupled Navier-Stokes and level-set convection equations as well as the re-distancing problem based on an Eikonal equation. To suppress the nonphysical currents, we embed a balanced-force surface tension model in the VMS formulation. We compare traditional Brackbill’s continuous surface force (CSF) model and the balanced-force CSF model by simulating a series of bubble dynamics on unstructured meshes. We assess the accuracy of both models by comparing with benchmark results, which shows that the VMS formulation with the balanced-force CSF model possesses improved performance. At last, we simulate a droplet impact and crown propagation problem with the balanced-force CSF model. Good agreement with the experimental result is achieved.
Regularized Simple Graph Convolution (SGC) for improved interpretability of large datasets

Classification of data points which correspond to complex entities such as people or journal articles is a ongoing research task. Notable applications are recommendation systems for customer behaviors based upon their features or past purchases and in academia labeling relevant research papers in order to reduce the reading time required. The features that can be extracted are many and result in large datasets which are a challenge to process with complex machine learning methodologies. There is also an issue on how this is presented and how to interpret the parameterizations beyond the classification accuracies. This work shows how the network information contained in an adjacency matrix allows improved classification of entities through their associations and how the framework of the SGC provide an expressive and fast approach. The proposed regularized SGC incorporates shrinkage upon three different aspects of the projection vectors to reduce the number of parameters, the size of the parameters and the directions between the vectors to produce more meaningful interpretations.