cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Permeability in Granite at Elevated Temperatures

The addition of hydrothermal fluids to heated, intact granite leads to permeability reductions in the temperature range of 300 degrees to 500 degrees C, with the rate of change generally increasing with increasing temperature. The addition of gouge enhances the rate of permeability reduction because of the greater reactivity of the fine material. Flow rate is initially high in a throughgoing fracture but eventually drops to the level of intact granite. These results support the fault-valve model for the development of mesothermal ore deposits, in which seals are formed at the base of the seismogenic zone of high-angle thrust faults. The lower temperature results yield varying estimates of mineral-sealing rates at shallower depths in fault zones, although they generally support the hypothesis that such seals develop in less time than the recurrence interval for moderate to large earthquakes on the San Andreas fault.
Asymptotic distribution theory for general statistical functionals

In this paper an asymptotic theory is developed for a general statistical functional which includesL-estimators,M-estimators, andR-estimators as special cases. It is shown that a proof of the asymptotic normality ofL-estimators,M-estimators, andR-estimators can be based on one important fact, namely, that the inverse c.d.f. is compactly differentiable.
What's In an Endorsement? An Analysis of Web-Based Marketing in the 2004 Presidential Campaign

This study examines the role of endorsements in the 2004 presidential campaign by analyzing the Web sites of candidates and endorsing organizations. Because the Web sites are controlled by the respective organizations, examining their content provides objective information about the use of endorsements by candidates and endorsing organizations. The study finds that endorsements in the 2004 presidential election had very different roles and prominence for the Democratic and Republican nominees: there were very few publicized endorsements of President Bush. Analysis of the postings by 75 organizations, 71 of which supported Senator Kerry, shows that these organizations allocated more space to their endorsements than did the candidates. The candidates' Web sites tended to publicize the endorsements of larger organizations and more generous donors. Union endorsements tended to be posted by both the candidates and the organizations, but issue group endorsements were more often found only on the endorsing organ...
Results of kidney tumor cryoablation: renal function preservation and oncologic efficacy

Introduction Changes in the management of minimally invasive oncologic renal surgery have introduced ablative therapies as the most recent advancement in minimally invasive technology.
Neutron Induced Radioactivity in Certain Rare-Earth Elements

By activating specimens of lanthanum, neodymium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, and terbium in the Oak Ridge pile for a particularly long exposure, several hitherto unobserved radioactivities are found. Determinations are made of the half-lives and of the beta- and gamma-energies by absorption and spectrometric methods. Lanthanum and neodymium were the only elements showing no internal conversion lines. Terbium appears as a contaminant in its neighboring elements by virtue of its very large cross section for neutron capture. Terbium and europium show complex beta-spectra, and each has many conversion electron lines.
Baryon magnetic moments in the broken-SU(6)-symmetry model

A simple factor representing the symmetry-breaking effects due to quark masses is introduced in the computation of the magnetic moments of baryons in the context of broken SU(6) symmetry.
Presentation and Management of Vaginal Septums

Background Uterovaginal anomalies have been classified and managed in a variety of ways. Although most of these anomalies are quite distinctive, some generalizations may be made. The most recent American Society of Reproductive Medicine classification of mullerian anomalies focuses mostly on disorders of lateral fusion as opposed to associated vaginal anomalies. We undertook this retrospective study to review the types of vaginal septums, their evaluation and management at a tertiary care center. Metilods All mullerian and vaginal anomalies that presented for evaluation between the years of 1993 and 1996 were reviewed. Twelve patients were identified that presented with a vaginal septum. These patients were categorized into similar groups based on the type of vaginal defect. Results Eight patients presented with longitudinal septums, six of which were obstructing (mean age=17). The latter group presented with cyclic pelvic pain, pelvic mass, notable bulge in the vagina, and both regular menstrual cycles and post menstrual bleeding. Preoperatively these patients had been evaluated with either magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. All six patients presented with an absent kidney. These patients then underwent diagnostic laparoscopy, resection of vaginal septum, and either hysteroscopy or hysterosalpingogram. All had associated uterine didelphus. Four patients presented with transverse septums, two of which were complete. Patients with complete obstructions presented at a mean age of 16 with primary amenorrhea, no pain, hematocolpos, and pelvic mass. These patients had resection of the vaginal septum followed by use of a dilator. Conclusions Our review suggests that the most common vaginal septum is a unilateral obstructing longitudinal type. In spite of cyclic pelvic pain these patients are diagnosed several years after menarche. Thus an absent kidney in the pediatric and adolescent population warrants a thorough workup of the mullerian derived organs and vagina. Finally the index of suspicion must be very high in diagnosing complete transverse septums since these patients may not present with pelvic pain
Numerical Investigations of Transonic Cavity Flow Control Using Steady and Pulsed Fluidic Injection

A numerical study is conducted to investigate steady and pulsed fluidic actuation in transonic flow over an open cavity. Numerical results are obtained for the unsteady three-dimensional flow with three different steady mass injection rates and one pulsed injection upstream of the cavity. The simulations are carried out using the full 3-D Navier Stokes equations with the two-equation k-e based Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) model to calculate the flow and acoustic fields. Computational results are presented for unsteady pressure fluctuations, vorticity contours and kinetic energy profiles at different injection ratios. The sound pressure level (SPL) and the kinetic energy spectra highlight the effectiveness of actuation in tone attenuation at peak frequencies. The computed sound pressure level (SPL) spectra with and without injection are compared with available experimental data and LES predictions.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Uncertainty in Vadose Zone Flow and Transport Prediction

This special section of Vadose Zone Journal considers uncertainty in vadose zone flow and transport prediction. The recent emergence of this topic is a consequence of a major change in the motivation for predictive modeling in the vadose zone. Until the 1980s, predictive modeling of vadose zone flow
Resistance of bacterial chemotaxis to blockage in petroleum waters

Abstract Bacterial chemotaxis is normally inhibited by hydrocarbons. We have found that the chemotactic response of motile hydrocarbon degrading bacteria living in water that has been polluted with oil is unaffected by petroleum hydrocarbons.
Lower tropospheric temperature measurement using a rotational Raman lidar

The performance of the lidar atmospheric profile sensor (LAPS) instrument for temperature measurements in the lower troposphere has been investigated. LAPS is an automated lidar system that measures temperature from the rotational Raman return of atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen. We present the measurement technique, the data analysis and the performance of the LAPS instrument. Comparisons to radiosonde profiles are discussed.
Long-distance frequency-division interferometer for communication and quantum cryptography.

We introduce and demonstrate experimentally a single-channel long-distance interferometer that utilizes frequency division of two optical waves by using acousto-optic devices at the transmitting and receiving nodes of the interferometer. This novel single-channel long-distance interferometer provides unity visibility of the interference and therefore is useful not only for remote sensing and optical communications but also for quantum cryptosystems applications.
Selective identification of different brachytherapy sources, ferromagnetic seeds, and fiducials in the prostate using an automated seed sorting algorithm

Abstract Purpose Routine permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB) includes CT-based postimplant dosimetry (PID). A method of identifying different source types from CT data in the same implant volume is described. Methods and materials A previously described automatic method for seed localization using CT data is used in this study. Two cases were analyzed: a PPB case with 103 Pd followed by salvage 125 I implantation, both performed at another institution, and a cadaver case where 4 different seed types, including ferromagnetic seeds, and fiducials were implanted. Results Automatic segregation of different seed types with minimal manual correction is demonstrated using the described localization algorithm. The process is confirmed accurate by comparison of plain film radiographs to CT data and digitally reconstructed radiographs. Conclusion Unique identification of different source types, including PPB seeds, fiducial markers, and ferromagnetic seeds in permanent implants is possible and permits dosimetric analyses that are spatially coincident.
An efficient and scalable 2D DCT-based feature coding scheme for remote speech recognition

A 2D DCT-based approach to compressing acoustic features for remote speech recognition applications is presented. The coding scheme involves computing a 2D DCT on blocks of feature vectors followed by uniform scalar quantization, runlength and Huffman coding. Digit recognition experiments were conducted in which training was done with unquantized cepstral features from clean speech and testing used the same features after coding and decoding with 2D DCT and entropy coding and in various levels of acoustic noise. The coding scheme results in recognition performance comparable to that obtained with unquantized features at low bitrates. 2D DCT coding of MFCCs (mel-frequency cepstral coefficients) together with a method for variable frame rate analysis (Zhu and Alwan, 2000) and peak isolation (Strope and Alwan, 1997) maintains the noise robustness of these algorithms at low SNRs even at 624 bps. The low-complexity scheme is scalable resulting in graceful degradation in performance with decreasing bit rate.
Log amplitude is a linear function of log frequency in NREM sleep EEG of young and elderly normal subjects

Abstract The log of the amplitude of EEG waves during NREM sleep is a linear function of the log of their frequency. The slope of this function is reliable within individuals, is significantly less steep in elderly than in young subjects and, in both groups, becomes flatter across successive NREM periods. We interpret these results as consistent with the hypothesis that the function of NREM sleep is to reverse the effects of waking on the brain. According to this model the decreased steepness of slope in the elderly and in later NREM periods reflects the diminishing intensity of these processes. Whatever the correct interpretation, the within-subject consistency of slope values permits their empirical study as a function of experimental manipulations. In addition, the quantitative F-A function established here (A =c/F b ) sets constraints that may prove useful for physiologic models of EEG waves during sleep.
Separating the wheat from the chaff: mitigating the effects of noise in a plastome phylogenomic data set from Pinus L. (Pinaceae)

Background: Through next-generation sequencing, the amount of sequence data potentially available for phylogenetic analyses has increased exponentially in recent years. Simultaneously, the risk of incorporating ‘noisy’ data with misleading phylogenetic signal has also increased, and may disproportionately influence the topology of weakly supported nodes and lineages featuring rapid radiations and/or elevated rates of evolution. Results: We investigated the influence of phylogenetic noise in large data sets by applying two fundamental strategies, variable site removal and long-branch exclusion, to the phylogenetic analysis of a full plastome alignment of 107 species of Pinus and six Pinaceae outgroups. While high overall phylogenetic resolution resulted from inclusion of all data, three historically recalcitrant nodes remained conflicted with previous analyses. Close investigation of these nodes revealed dramatically different responses to data removal. Whereas topological resolution and bootstrap support for two clades peaked with removal of highly variable sites, the third clade resolved most strongly when all sites were included. Similar trends were observed using long-branch exclusion, but patterns were neither as strong nor as clear. When compared to previous phylogenetic analyses of nuclear loci and morphological data, the most highly supported topologies seen in Pinus plastome analysis are congruent for the two clades gaining support from variable site removal and long-branch exclusion, but in conflict for the clade with highest support from the full data set. Conclusions: These results suggest that removal of misleading signal in phylogenomic datasets can result not only in increased resolution for poorly supported nodes, but may serve as a tool for identifying erroneous yet highly supported topologies. For Pinus chloroplast genomes, removal of variable sites appears to be more effective than long-branch exclusion for clarifying phylogenetic hypotheses.
Industrial methodology for process verification in research (IMPROVER)

Motivation: Analyses and algorithmic predictions based on high-throughput data are essential for the success of systems biology in academic and industrial settings. Organizations, such as companies and academic consortia, conduct large multi-year scientific studies that entail the collection and analysis of thousands of individual experiments, often over many physical sites and with internal and outsourced components. To extract maximum value, the interested parties need to verify the accuracy and reproducibility of data and methods before the initiation of such large multi-year studies. However, systematic and well-established verification procedures do not exist for automated collection and analysis workflows in systems biology which could lead to inaccurate conclusions. Results: We present here, a review of the current state of systems biology verification and a detailed methodology to address its shortcomings. This methodology named ‘Industrial Methodology for Process Verification in Research’ or IMPROVER, consists on evaluating a research program by dividing a workflow into smaller building blocks that are individually verified. The verification of each building block can be done internally by members of the research program or externally by ‘crowd-sourcing’ to an interested community. www.sbvimprover.com Implementation: This methodology could become the preferred choice to verify systems biology research workflows that are becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated in industrial and academic settings. Contact: gustavo@us.ibm.com
THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG HEALTH FUNCTIONING INDICATORS AND DEPRESSION IN OLDER ADULTS WITH DIABETES

A common health problem among the elderly with diabetes is the onset of depressive symptoms that can adversely affect self-care and control of diabetes. The study examined the relationships of gender, race, comorbid conditions, symptom distress, and functional status with depression in a sample (N = 55) of older adults with diabetes. Most participants were female and black; mean age was 73 years. Gender and symptom distress were the strongest predictors of depression, accounting for 53% of the variance in depression. Although the sample was reasonably high functioning with only moderate levels of symptom distress, these findings serve as an important reminder for nurses that even moderate levels of symptom distress may be an indicator of depressive symptomatology among older diabetic adults.
Direct measurement of the combined effects of lichen, rainfall, and temperature onsilicate weathering ☆

Abstract A key uncertainty in models of the global carbonate–silicate cycle and long-term climate is the way that silicates weather under different climatologic conditions, and in the presence or absence of organic activity. Digital imaging of basalts in Hawaii resolves the coupling between temperature, rainfall, and weathering in the presence and absence of lichens. Activation energies for abiotic dissolution of plagioclase (23.1 ± 2.5 kcal/mol) and olivine (21.3 ± 2.7 kcal/mol) are similar to those measured in the laboratory, and are roughly double those measured from samples taken underneath lichen. Abiotic weathering rates appear to be proportional to rainfall. Dissolution of plagioclase and olivine underneath lichen is far more sensitive to rainfall.
Catalytic graphitization of three-dimensional wood-derived porous scaffolds

A catalytic technique to enhance graphite formation in nongraphitizing carbons was adapted to work with three-dimensional wood-derived scaffolds. Unlike many synthetic graphite precursors, wood and other cellulosic carbons remain largely disordered after high temperature pyrolysis. Using a nickel nitrate liquid catalyst and controlled pyrolysis conditions, wood-derived scaffolds were produced showing similar graphitic content to traditional pitch-based graphite while retaining the high-aspect ratio pores of the precursor wood microstructure. Graphite formation was studied as a function of processing time and pyrolysis temperature, and the resulting carbons were analyzed using x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron microscopy techniques.
Temporal Derivative-Based Spectrum and Mel-Cepstrum Audio Steganalysis

To improve a recently developed mel-cepstrum audio steganalysis method, we present in this paper a method based on Fourier spectrum statistics and mel-cepstrum coefficients, derived from the second-order derivative of the audio signal. Specifically, the statistics of the high-frequency spectrum and the mel-cepstrum coefficients of the second-order derivative are extracted for use in detecting audio steganography. We also design a wavelet-based spectrum and mel-cepstrum audio steganalysis. By applying support vector machines to these features, unadulterated carrier signals (without hidden data) and the steganograms (carrying covert data) are successfully discriminated. Experimental results show that proposed derivative-based and wavelet-based approaches remarkably improve the detection accuracy. Between the two new methods, the derivative-based approach generally delivers a better performance.
Automatic target tracking in FLIR image sequences using intensity variation function and template modeling

A novel automatic target tracking (ATT) algorithm for tracking targets in forward-looking infrared (FLIR) image sequences is proposed in this paper. The proposed algorithm efficiently utilizes the target intensity feature, surrounding background, and shape information for tracking purposes. This algorithm involves the selection of a suitable subframe and a target window based on the intensity and shape of the known reference target. The subframe size is determined from the region of interest and is constrained by target size, target motion, and camera movement. Then, an intensity variation function (IVF) is developed to model the target intensity profile. The IVF model generates the maximum peak value where the reference target intensity variation is similar to the candidate target intensity variation. In the proposed algorithm, a control module has been incorporated to evaluate IVF results and to detect a false alarm (missed target). Upon detecting a false alarm, the controller triggers another algorithm, called template model (TM), which is based on the shape knowledge of the reference target. By evaluating the outputs from the IVF and TM techniques, the tracker determines the real coordinates of one or more targets. The proposed technique also alleviates the detrimental effects of camera motion, by appropriately adjusting the subframe size. Experimental results using real-life long-wave and medium-wave infrared image sequences are shown to validate the robustness of the proposed technique.
Generic On-Line Discovery of Quantitative Models

Quantitative models are needed for a variety of management tasks, including identification of critical variables to use for health monitoring, anticipating service-level violations by using predictive models, and ongoing optimization of configurations. Unfortunately, constructing quantitative models requires specialized skills that are in short supply. Even worse, rapid changes in provider configurations and the evolution of business demands mean that quantitative models must be updated on an ongoing basis. This paper describes an architecture and algorithms for online discovery of quantitative models without prior knowledge of the managed elements. The architecture makes use of an element schema that describes managed elements using the Common Information Model (CIM). Algorithms are presented for selecting a subset of the element metrics to use as explanatory variables in a quantitative model and for constructing the quantitative model itself. We further describe a prototype system based onthis architecture that incorporates these algorithms. We apply the prototype to online estimation of response times for DB2 Universal Database under a TPC-W workload. Of the approximately 500 metrics available from the DB2 performance monitor, our system chooses three to construct a model that explains 72 percent of the variability of response time.
Detection of group 1 coronaviruses in bats in North America.

The epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was caused by a newly emerged coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Bats of several species in southern People’s Republic of China harbor SARS-like CoVs and may be reservoir hosts for them. To determine whether bats in North America also harbor coronaviruses, we used reverse transcription–PCR to detect coronavirus RNA in bats. We found coronavirus RNA in 6 of 28 fecal specimens from bats of 2 of 7 species tested. The prevalence of viral RNA shedding was high: 17% in Eptesicus fuscus and 50% in Myotis occultus. Sequence analysis of a 440-bp amplicon in gene 1b showed that these Rocky Mountain bat coronaviruses formed 3 clusters in phylogenetic group 1 that were distinct from group 1 coronaviruses of Asian bats. Because of the potential for bat coronaviruses to cause disease in humans and animals, further surveillance and characterization of bat coronaviruses in North America are needed.
Unveiling core network-wide communication patterns through application traffic activity graph decomposition

As Internet communications and applications become more complex,operating, managing and securing networks have become increasingly challenging tasks. There are urgent demands for more sophisticated techniques for understanding and analyzing the behavioral characteristics of network traffic. In this paper, we study the network traffic behaviors using traffic activity graphs (TAGs), which capture the interactions among hosts engaging in certain types of communications and their collective behavior. TAGs derived from real network traffic are large, sparse, yet seemingly complex and richly connected, therefore difficult to visualize and comprehend. In order to analyze and characterize these TAGs, we propose a novel statistical traffic graph decomposition technique based on orthogonal nonnegative matrix tri-factorization (tNMF) to decompose and extract the core host interaction patterns and other structural properties. Using the real network traffic traces, we demonstrate that our tNMF-based graph decomposition technique produces meaningful and interpretable results. It enables us to characterize and quantify the key structural properties of large and sparse TAGs associated with various applications, and study their formation and evolution.
Analysis of a Gradient Index Metamaterial Blazed Diffraction Grating

The equivalent of a blazed diffraction grating can be formed from an array of metamaterial elements arranged so as to produce a linear gradient in the effective refractive index. By spreading the gradient over a multiwavelength distance, and repeating the pattern many times, a gradient index (GRIN) diffraction grating is formed. Using lithographically patterned, metallic metamaterial elements, dozens of distinguishable phase levels can be implemented by slightly modifying the design of each successive metamaterial element. We analyze here a multilayer metamaterial diffraction grating designed for operation at 10.6 μm, exploring the impact of material losses and impedance mismatch on the diffraction efficiency.
Comparison of Inhibitory Mold Agar to Sabouraud Dextrose Agar as a Primary Medium for Isolation of Fungi

Clinical specimens cultured on two selective fungal media, inhibitory mold agar (IMA) and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), were compared with respect to recovery of fungi. Of the 840 fungal isolates recovered, 69.3% grew on both IMA and SDA; 24.9% grew only on IMA; and 5.8% grew only on SDA, showing that IMA is superior (P = 0.003).
Sequential wear patterns of the articular cartilage of the thumb carpometacarpal joint in osteoarthritis.

Abstract Purpose: The thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is a primary location for osteoarthritis (OA) in the body; however, articular cartilage thickness distribution during progression of OA in the joint has not been reported previously. Determining the cartilage wear patterns within the joint is important in understanding the etiology and treatment of thumb CMC joint OA. This study used cadaveric specimens to investigate the wear patters of the articular surfaces of the trapezium and thumb metacarpal. Methods: A total of 104 fresh-frozen thumb CMC joints were radiographed, disarticulated, and visually staged for OA. Cartilage thickness maps of the trapezium and metacarpal were determined for each joint by using stereophotogrammetry. Average cartilage thickness maps for the trapezium and metacarpal were generated from all specimens for each of 4 stages of OA, showing the progression of cartilage thickness changes with disease. Results: In normal joints, the surface-wide mean thickness of the articular layers is 0.8 ± 0.2 mm for the trapezium and 0.7 ± 0.2 mm for the metacarpal. The average thickness maps were analyzed by anatomic quadrant (dorsal-radial, dorsal-ulnar, volar-radial, volar-ulnar) within the 4 stages of OA. Corresponding quadrants also were compared across the increasing stages of OA. Results show that cartilage degradation is initiated in the radial quadrants of the metacarpal and progresses to the volar quadrants of the articular surface, while significant wear is seen on the dorsal-radial quadrant of the trapezium and progresses to the volar quadrants in late-stage osteoarthritis. Conclusions: These quantitative results on cartilage thinning agree with previous investigators' reports of high load bearing and low load bearing areas in the CMC joint during functional pinch and grasp positions. Understanding the progression of OA in the thumb CMC joint may aid in the surgical treatment of this disease.
Drift-Tolerant Multilevel Phase-Change Memory

Multilevel-cell (MLC) storage is a typical way for achieving increased capacity and thus lower cost-per-bit in memory technologies. In phase-change memory (PCM), however, MLC storage is seriously hampered by the phenomenon of resistance drift. Reference cells may be used to offer some relief, however their effectiveness is limited due to the stochastic nature of drift. In this paper, an alternative way to cope with drift in PCM is introduced, based on modulation coding. The new drift tolerant coding technique encodes information in the relative order of resistance levels in a codeword. Experimental results from a 90-nm PCM prototype chip demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in offering high resilience to drift. Most notably, 4 levels/cell storage with raw bit-error-rates in the order of 10 -5 is achieved in a 200 kcell array and maintained for over 30 days after programming at room temperature.
Toward building an international consensus in professional values

Although the importance of professional values has been espoused and national codes for nurses exist, there is a lack of systematic study to ascertain the commonalities of values among professional nurses. As part of a larger international study of professional values, nursing students from England and the USA (n = 130) were surveyed to determine congruence of values. The Professional Values Scale (PVS) instrument was used to collect data. Results showed a high degree of congruence among nursing students. The incongruencies found may be related to cultural differences in education and practice.
Interferometric synthetic aperture microscopy

State-of-the-art methods in high-resolution three-dimensional optical microscopy require that the focus be scanned through the entire region of interest. However, an analysis of the physics of the light–sample interaction reveals that the Fourier-space coverage is independent of depth. Here we show that, by solving the inverse scattering problem for interference microscopy, computed reconstruction yields volumes with a resolution in all planes that is equivalent to the resolution achieved only at the focal plane for conventional high-resolution microscopy. In short, the entire illuminated volume has spatially invariant resolution, thus eliminating the compromise between resolution and depth of field. We describe and demonstrate a novel computational image-formation technique called interferometric synthetic aperture microscopy (ISAM). ISAM has the potential to broadly impact real-time three-dimensional microscopy and analysis in the fields of cell and tumour biology, as well as in clinical diagnosis where in vivo imaging is preferable to biopsy.
Physically distributed learning: Adapting and reinterpreting physical environments in the development of fraction concepts

Five studies examined how interacting with the physical environment can support the development of fraction concepts. Nine- and 10-year-old children worked on fraction problems they could not complete mentally. Experiments 1 and 2 showed that manipulating physical pieces facilitated children's ability to develop an interpretation of fractions. Experiment 3 demonstrated that when children understood a content area well, they used their interpretations to repurpose many environments to support problem solving, whereas when they needed to learn, they were prone to the structure of the environment. Experiments 4 and 5 examined transfer after children had learned by manipulating physical pieces. Children who learned by adapting relatively unstructured environments transferred to new materials better than children who learned with "well-structured" environments that did not require equivalent adaptation. Together, the findings reveal that during physically distributed learning, the opportunity to adapt an environment permits the development of new interpretations that can advance learning.
Association of Streptococcus mutans with Human Dental Decay

The association of Streptococcus mutans with human dental decay was investigated by using several types of samples: (i) paraffin-stimulated saliva samples taken from children with from 0 to 15 decayed teeth; (ii) pooled occlusal and approximal plaque taken from children with no decayed or filled teeth, or from children with rampant caries of 10 or more teeth; (iii) plaque removed from single occlusal fissures that were either carious or noncarious. The results showed a significant association between plaque levels of S. mutans and caries. The strongest association, P < 0.0001, was found when plaque was removed from single occlusal fissures. Seventy-one percent of the carious fissures had S. mutans accounting for more than 10% of the viable flora, whereas 70% of the fissures that were caries free had no detectable S. mutans. Sixty-five percent of the pooled plaque samples from the children with rampant caries had S. mutans accounting for more than 10% of the viable flora, whereas 40% of the pooled samples from children that were caries free had no detectable S. mutans. Saliva samples tended to have low levels of S. mutans and were equivocal in demonstrating a relationship between S. mutans and caries.
Secularization or Socialization? A Study of Student Religiosity at an Elite University.

AbstractIn this study, the author analyzed panel data on elite university students to test prominent explanations for how college attendance affects religious identities and behaviors. Results from random-effects logistic regression showed that in-college religiosity was primarily a function of pre-college religious background. While the secularization hypothesis received no support, aspects of the campus social environment were reliably linked to patterns of religiosity across the college years. Although increasing racial-ethnic diversity in recent decades has coincided with rising aggregate levels of student religiosity on campus, the presence of interracial friendships and roommates predicted significantly lower levels of religious identification and involvement.
New perspectives on vasoactive intestinal polypeptide as a widespread modulator of social behavior

In terms of reproductive and social functions, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is best known as a major regulator of prolactin secretion in vertebrates and hence, as an essential contributor to parental care. However, VIP and its cognate VPAC receptors are distributed throughout the social behavior network in the brain, suggesting that VIP circuits may play important roles in a variety of behaviors. With the exception of VIP neuronal populations in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and tuberal hypothalamus (which regulate circadian rhythms and prolactin secretion, respectively), we have known very little about the functional properties of VIP circuits until recently. The present review highlights new roles for VIP signaling in avian social behaviors such as affiliation, gregariousness, pair bonding and aggression, and discusses recent advances in VIP's role as a regulator of biological rhythms, including the potential timing of ovulation, photoperiodic response and seasonal migration.
State v. Coburn

In State v. Coburn1 the Supreme Court of Ohio affirmed the Ohio Court of Appeals for Erie County in holding that a wildlife officer may enter private land pursuant to section 1531.13 of the Ohio Revised Code if the officer has good cause to believe that a law is being violated or if the officer is acting in the normal, peaceful, and lawful pursuit of game-and fish-law enforcement pursuant to section 1531.14.2. The court ruled that wildlife officers derive independent authority from either statute, even when that authority overlaps. Thus, the breadth of the ability for Ohio wildlife officers to enter onto private land in the pursuit of their duty is greatly clarified through the decision.
Effects of OH-group on distribution of refractive index in silica glass

To study the effects of the fictive temperature, Tf, and the OH-group on the refractive index, n, of silica glass, several samples were prepared containing from 680 to 850wt ppm of OH-group in different distribution patterns. Trimethoxymethylsilane was used as a raw material and hence the samples contained no detectable chlorine, whose inhomogeneous distribution was an important factor affecting local change of n for commercial silica glasses. For a sample with homogeneous OH-group distribution, the distribution pattern in n after stress free annealing was determined by measuring the local deviations in n, Δn, with a laser interferometer. The distribution pattern was considered to be due to the distribution in Tf. The Δn distributions observed for the annealed samples with various OH-group distribution patterns agreed well with those calculated as a simple summation of the Δn due to the local deviation in OH-group, i.e. Δn=-1×10-7/ΔOH (wt ppm), and the Δn due to the local deviation in Tf. A way to manufacture silica glass with sufficiently homogeneous refractive index distribution was discussed.
Nanoparticle transport in conical-shaped nanopores

This report presents a fundamental study of nanoparticle transport phenomena in conical-shaped pores contained within glass membranes. The electrophoretic translocation of charged polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles (80- and 160-nm-radius) was investigated using the Coulter counter principle (or “resistive-pulse” method) in which the time-dependent nanopore current is recorded as the nanoparticle is driven across the membrane. Particle translocation through the conical-shaped nanopore results in a direction-dependent and asymmetric triangular-shaped resistive pulse. Because the sensing zone of conical-shaped nanopores is localized at the orifice, the translocation of nanoparticles through this zone is very rapid, resulting in pulse widths of ∼200 μs for the nanopores used in this study. A linear dependence between translocation rate and nanoparticle concentration was observed from 107 to 1011 particles/mL for both 80- and 160-nm-radius particles, and the magnitude of the resistive pulse scaled approximately in...
Research of GPS Coordinate Positioning Based on Tactical Map

The method of GPS coordinate positioning and display based on scan tactical plat is proposed in this paper.The difference betwen GPS reference frame and BJ-1954 reference frame has been explained.The transform model of GPS reference frame to gauss projection reference frame and GPS coordinate correctional principle has been given.The viable method in this paper provides for GPS coordinate positioning based on scan tactical map.The method optimally combines quick orientation based on tactical plat has solved.The application of new field is developed in GPS coordinate positioning.
SEASTROKE : A NEW ENTITY ?

Three previously healthy young male patients had brain stem infarction (stroke) after swimming or wading in shallow water along the southeastern North Carolina coastline. Each patient remembered an unusual encounter with something in the water. None sustained any obvious local envenomation. Although these cases may be a highly unusual coincidence, I believe they represent a previously unidentified entity--"seastroke." I speculate that the injuries could be caused by contact with a toxic marine animal.
MEK and TAK1 Regulate Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Cells with KRAS-Dependent Activation of Proinflammatory Signaling.

MEK inhibitors have limited efficacy in treating RAS–RAF–MEK pathway–dependent cancers due to feedback pathway compensation and dose-limiting toxicities. Combining MEK inhibitors with other targeted agents may enhance efficacy. Here, codependencies of MEK, TAK1, and KRAS in colon cancer were investigated. Combined inhibition of MEK and TAK1 potentiates apoptosis in KRAS-dependent cells. Pharmacologic studies and cell-cycle analyses on a large panel of colon cancer cell lines demonstrate that MEK/TAK1 inhibition induces cell death, as assessed by sub-G1 accumulation, in a distinct subset of cell lines. Furthermore, TAK1 inhibition causes G2–M cell-cycle blockade and polyploidy in many of the cell lines. MEK plus TAK1 inhibition causes reduced G2–M/polyploid cell numbers and additive cytotoxic effects in KRAS/TAK1-dependent cell lines as well as a subset of BRAF-mutant cells. Mechanistically, sensitivity to MEK/TAK1 inhibition can be conferred by KRAS and BMP receptor activation, which promote expression of NF-κB-dependent proinflammatory cytokines, driving tumor cell survival and proliferation. MEK/TAK1 inhibition causes reduced mTOR, Wnt, and NF-κB signaling in TAK1/MEK-dependent cell lines concomitant with apoptosis. A Wnt/NF-κB transcriptional signature was derived that stratifies primary tumors into three major subtypes: Wnt-high/NF-κB-low, Wnt-low/NF-κB-high and Wnt-high/NF-κB-high, designated W, N, and WN, respectively. These subtypes have distinct characteristics, including enrichment for BRAF mutations with serrated carcinoma histology in the N subtype. Both N and WN subtypes bear molecular hallmarks of MEK and TAK1 dependency seen in cell lines. Therefore, N and WN subtype signatures could be utilized to identify tumors that are most sensitive to anti-MEK/TAK1 therapeutics. Implications: This study describes a potential therapeutic strategy for a subset of colon cancers that are dependent on oncogenic KRAS signaling pathways, which are currently difficult to block with selective agents. Mol Cancer Res; 14(12); 1204–16. ©2016 AACR.
Feasts, Funerals, and Fast Food in Early Mesopotamian States

In an interview published in an Italian newspaper in November 2000, the Rev. Massimo Salani declared, “Fast food reflects the individualistic relation between man and God introduced by Luther…Lacking the community aspect of sharing, fast food is certainly not a Catholic model” (cited in the Washington Post, Nov. 18, 2000, p. B9). Billed by some as the excommunication of the hamburger, Salani’s remarks touched a raw nerve, provoking reactions that ranged from endorsement by some religious figures and those who oppose American-style fast food to indignation on the part of such international heavyweights as McDonalds.
Building Relationships in the Arctic: Indigenous Communities and Scientists

Climate change, pollution, and resource extraction have heightened interest in arctic research, and communities now encounter scientists more often. This chapter addresses how to build sustainable research relationships through the perspectives of Indigenous Greenlanders and arctic researchers. Collaborative research, community-based participatory research, and Indigenous methodologies provide examples of research partnerships but do not explain the initial steps of building relationships. I examined results from fifteen interviews with arctic researchers, nineteen interviews with Inuit Greenlanders, and four focus groups—working with fourteen of the original Greenlandic interviewees. Through a grounded theory approach, I found the central theme to a sustainable relationship was trust, surrounded by eight prominent actions necessary to create, build, and sustain trust. The actions for trust include: knowing extensive community history; developing strong local contacts; communicating openly about the project; treating the community members as equals; displaying manners and etiquette through honesty and reciprocity; acting ethically in Indigenous cultures outside of the academic world; exchanging knowledge to build social capital; and giving project results to the community so they can be put to practical use.
The Role of 5-HT2a/2c Receptors in Nociception and Opioid Antinociception: a Review of the Preclinical Literature

Opioid analgesics are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of pain, but there are many potentially harmful side effects with their prolonged use. In light of the escalating opioid epidemic, there is a drive to search for novel analgesics or potential combination therapies that may reduce the incidence of side effects. Serotonergic compounds are used in the clinic for the treatment of chronic pain. Of these compounds, ligands that act at the 5-HT2a and 5-HT2c receptors may be clinically useful as adjunctive therapies to opioids. The purpose of this review is to describe the preclinical evidence supporting the role of these receptors in pain states and how these receptors interact with opioid analgesics. 5-HT2a receptor antagonists have shown efficacy in the reducing nocifensive, or pain-like withdrawal behaviors or responses, associated with neuropathy and inflammation. In addition, the 5-HT2a receptor may interact on a cellular level with the mu opioid receptor. 5-HT2c agonists are reported to act as antinociceptive agents when administered directly into the spinal cord. 5-HT2c agonists also attenuate behavioral symptoms of opioid dependence, though nothing is known about their interactions with opioid analgesics. In conclusion, although the preclinical literature poses a potentially interesting role for the 5-HT2a/2c receptors in nociception, their interaction with the MOR is unclear and needs further preclinical evaluation.
Intense Focused Ultrasound Preferentially Stimulates Transected Nerves Within Residual Limbs: Pilot Study.

Objective Identifying pain generators in tissue deep in the skin can require uncomfortable, complicated, and invasive tests. We describe pilot studies testing the hypothesis that ultrasound image-guided, intense focused ultrasound (ig-iFU) can noninvasively and differentially stimulate the end of transected nerves in the residual limbs of amputee patients. Design We applied iFU to the transected nerve ending as individual pulses with a length of 0.1 seconds using a carrier frequency of 2.0 MHz. After targeting, we gradually increased the iFU intensity to reach consistent patient-reported stimulation of the transected nerve ending. We also stimulated the proximal nerve, tissue near the nerve ending, and the intact contralateral nerve. We described the resulting sensations and correlated the results of the study participant's pre-iFU study responses to phantom and residual limb pain questionnaires. Results iFU spatial and temporal average intensity values between 16 W/cm2 and 433 W/cm2 that were applied to the transected nerve ending and proximal nerve elicited sensations, including phantom limb sensations, while the same intensity applied to control tissue centimeters away from the nerve ending, or to the intact nerve on the contralateral limb, did not. Two out of 11 study participants reported only mild and transient pain created by iFU stimulation. Successful iFU intensity values correlated with neither phantom nor residual limb pain scores. Conclusions Transected nerves had greater sensitivity to iFU stimulation than ipsilateral and contralateral control tissue, including intact nerve. These results support the view that ig-iFU may one day help physicians identify deep, tender tissue in patients who report experiencing pain.
Creep behavior of a continuous strand, swirl mat reinforced polymeric composite in simulated automotive environments for durability investigation: Part II: Creep-deformation and model development

Creep deformation behavior of an isocyanurate base polyurethane matrix with a continuous strand, swirl mat E-glass reinforcement was investigated for dimensional stability in automotive structural applications. Experimental data were generated in various simulated automotive service environments and analyzed to develop engineering models. Test results showed that environment had substantial effects on the creep deformation properties. Creep deformation design guide lines with respect to temperature, stress level and time have been proposed, environmental reduction factors for creep deformation suggested for automotive structural design applications.