cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A 39-Yr Survey of Cloud Changes from Land Stations Worldwide 1971–2009: Long-Term Trends, Relation to Aerosols, and Expansion of the Tropical Belt

An archive of land-based, surface-observed cloud reports has been updated and now spans 39 years from 1971 through 2009. Cloud-type information at weather stations is available in individual reports or in longterm, seasonal, and monthly averages. A shift to a new data source and the automation of cloud reporting in some countries has reduced the number of available stations; however, this dataset still represents most of the global land area. Global-average trends of cloud cover suggest a small decline in total cloud cover, on the order of 0.4% per decade. Declining clouds in middle latitudes at high and middle levels appear responsible for this trend. An analysis of zonal cloud cover changes suggests poleward shifts of the jet streams in both hemispheres. The observed displacement agrees with other studies. Changes seen in cloud types associated with the Indian monsoon are consistent with previous work suggesting that increased pollution (black carbon) may be affecting monsoonal precipitation, causing drought in northern India. A similar analysis over northern China does not show an obvious aerosol connection. Past reports claiming a shift from stratiform to cumuliform cloud types over Russia were apparently partially based on spurious data. When the faulty stations are removed, a trade-off of stratiform and cumuliform cloud cover is still observed, but muted, over much of northern Eurasia.
Delayed matching to two-picture samples by individuals with and without disabilities: an analysis of the role of naming.

Delayed matching to complex, two-picture samples (e.g., cat-dog) may be improved when the samples occasion differential verbal behavior. In Experiment 1, individuals with mental retardation matched picture comparisons to identical single-picture samples or to two-picture samples, one of which was identical to a comparison. Accuracy scores were typically high on single-picture trials under both simultaneous and delayed matching conditions. Scores on two-picture trials were also high during the simultaneous condition but were lower during the delay condition. However, scores improved on delayed two-picture trials when each of the sample pictures was named aloud before comparison responding. Experiment 2 replicated these results with preschoolers with typical development and a youth with mental retardation. Sample naming also improved the preschoolers' matching when the samples were pairs of spoken names and the correct comparison picture matched one of the names. Collectively, the participants could produce the verbal behavior that might have improved performance, but typically did not do so unless the procedure required it. The success of the naming intervention recommends it for improving the observing and remembering of multiple elements of complex instructional stimuli.
The instability of short waves on a vortex ring

A simple model for the experimentally observed instability of the vortex ring to azimuthal bending waves of wavelength comparable with the core size is presented. Short-wave instabilities are discussed for both the vortex ring and the vortex pair. Instability for both the ring and the pair is predicted to occur whenever the self-induced rotation of waves on the filament passes through zero. Although this does not occur for the first radial bending mode of a vortex filament, it is shown to be possible for bending modes with a more complex radial structure with at least one node at some radius within the core. The previous work of Widnall & Sullivan (1973) is discussed and their experimental results are compared with the predictions of the analysis presented here.
The ISP technique for 3D electromagnetic and eddy current computations in general media

A novel technique for 3-D eddy current computations is presented. It is based on an iterative scalar potential (ISP) method in general media. The resulting equations are solved using finite elements based on a Galerkin procedure. The partial differential equations governing the eddy current problem are solved in a related integral form utilizing Green's theorem. A major advantage of the method is that the numerical problem is solved in terms of electromagnetic field variables which have a physical meaning. Another major advantage is that there is one degree of freedom per node, which results in a sizable saving in CPU time. Numerical results utilizing this technique were obtained in less than 1/2 of the CPU time consumed utilizing the A- Phi method for the same 3-D grid size. >
U.S. Troops and Foreign Economic Growth

Do American troops help or hinder economic growth in other countries? We consider a newly constructed dataset of the deployment of U.S. troops over the years 1950–2000 and discover a positive relationship between deployed troops and host country economic growth, which is robust to multiple control variables. Each tenfold increase in U.S. troops is associated with a one–third percentage point increase in average host country annual growth. We explore three possible causal explanations: a Keynesian aggregate demand boost; the diffusion of institutions; and security. Extensive econometric testing, including the use of panel data, confirms the core relationship.
A Novel Gene Inactivation System Reveals Altered Periplasmic Flagellar Orientation in a Borrelia burgdorferi fliL Mutant

Motility and chemotaxis are essential components of pathogenesis for many infectious bacteria, including Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. Motility and chemotaxis genes comprise 5 to 6% of the genome of B. burgdorferi, yet the functions of most of those genes remain uncharacterized, mainly due to the paucity of a nonpolar gene inactivation system. In this communication, we describe the development of a novel gene inactivation methodology to target B. burgdorferi fliL, a putative periplasmic flagellar gene located in a large motility operon and transcribed by RNA polymerase containing σ70. Although the morphology of nonpolar fliL mutant cells was indistinguishable from that of wild-type cells, the mutant exhibited a defective-motility phenotype. Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) of intact organisms revealed that the periplasmic flagella in the fliL mutant were frequently tilted toward the cell pole instead of their normal orientation toward the cell body. These defects were corrected when the mutant was complemented in cis. Moreover, a comparative analysis of flagellar motors from the wild type and the mutant provides the first structural evidence that FliL is localized between the stator and rotor. Our results suggest that FliL is likely involved in coordinating or regulating the orientation of periplasmic flagella in B. burgdorferi.
DYNAMICS OF A HARMONICALLY EXCITED OSCILLATOR WITH DRY-FRICTION ON A SINUSOIDALLY TIME-VARYING, TRAVELING SURFACE

In this paper, periodic motion in an oscillator moving on the periodically traveling belts with dry friction is investigated. The conditions of stick and nonstick motions for such an oscillator are obtained in the relative motion frame, and the grazing and stick (or sliding) bifurcations are presented as well. The periodic motions of such an oscillator are predicted analytically and numerically, and the analytical prediction is based on the appropriate mapping structures. The local stability and bifurcation for such periodic motions are obtained. The periodic motions are illustrated through the displacement, velocity and force responses in absolute and relative frames. This investigation provides an efficient method to predict periodic motions of such an oscillator involving dry-friction. The significance of this investigation lies in controlling motion of such friction-induced oscillator in industry.
Coaxial electrospun nanostructures and their applications

As an innovative extension of electrospinning, coaxial electrospinning could be used to fabricate polymer nanofibers with unique core–sheath or hollow structures. In this review, the effects of both internal and external factors on the fibers are briefly introduced. In addition to the inherent parent polymer properties, various nanoparticles, metal salts and other materials could be added to the polymer matrix to achieve integrated multi-functions. The preparation of carbon, ceramic and metal nanofibers from co-axial electrospinning is reviewed. With a large specific surface area, high mechanical strength and other unique properties, their applications in energy storage, luminescence, catalysis and filtration are critically reviewed with detailed examples.
Preschoolers' understanding of mind: implications for suggestibility

Fifty-seven 3- to 5-1/2-year-olds listened to a story accompanied by pictures of target items. After a short delay, an interviewer asked children questions about the story and suggested information that conflicted with the original details. Story memory was assessed 5–11 days later using a two-alternative, picture recognition test. Children completed theory of mind (ToM) tasks that indexed an understanding of knowledge and the ability to reason about conflicting mental representations (CMRs). An increase in ToM scores was associated with a decrease in suggestibility, independent of age. The relation between ToM scores and suggestibility was significant for children who had poorer story memory, but was nonsignificant for children who showed better story memory. An increase in CMR scores predicted an increase in response times on the recognition test when children made incorrect choices. Children who spontaneously reported original details when the interviewer suggested misleading information had higher CMR scores than children who did not report original details.
FARM-LEVEL ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE IN ECUADOR

Farm households in the Andean region of South America face serious livelihood challenges, including a poor natural resource base and declining agricultural yields. Conservation agriculture has been identified as a potential solution to environmental degradation and the associated poverty and food insecurity in the region. This study analyses the potential economic impact of conservation agriculture in two sub-watersheds in central Ecuador utilizing a linear programming model and data from experiments in farmer fields. The model found that specific cover crops, crop rotations and reduced tillage designed to reduce soil erosion and increase soil organic matter can lead to increased incomes for farm households in a time period of as short as two years. It appears that conservation agriculture practices have the potential to improve the livelihoods of the rural poor in Ecuador because conservation agriculture activities entered the revenue-maximizing model solution for both sub-watersheds.
Courant Number and Mach Number Insensitive Ce/Se Euler Solvers

It has been known that the space-time CE/SE method can be used to obtain ID, 2D, and 3D steady and unsteady flow solutions with Mach numbers ranging from 0.0028 to 10. However, it is also known that a CE/SE solution may become overly dissipative when the Mach number is very small. As an initial attempt to remedy this weakness, new 1D Courant number and Mach number insensitive CE/SE Euler solvers are developed using several key concepts underlying the recent successful development of Courant number insensitive CE/SE schemes. Numerical results indicate that the new solvers are capable of resolving crisply a contact discontinuity embedded in a flow with the maximum Mach number = 0.01.
Chinese Mining in Latin America: A Comparative Perspective

Observers have expressed concern that Chinese mining companies operating in Latin America are more egregious violators of labor and environmental standards than other mining companies. Critics poin...
Transtheoretical Model Constructs’ Longitudinal Prediction of Sun Protection Over 24 Months

This research examined dynamic transtheoretical model (TTM) constructs for adopting sun protection practices. This secondary data analysis pooled four large population-based TTM-tailored intervention studies and examined use of constructs across three groups, organized by longitudinal progress: maintainers, relapsers, and stable non-changers. A total of 3463 adults, in the USA, who met criteria for unsafe sun exposure at baseline received a TTM-tailored computerized intervention at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. The final analytic sample consisted of 1894 participants; the majority were female, White, married, and middle-aged. The three groups were assessed with reliable and valid scales assessing use of TTM constructs at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months. Analyses included a MANOVA followed by a series of ANOVAs, with Tukey follow-up tests assessing differences in use of TTM constructs across the three groups at each timepoint. Findings demonstrated that relapsers and maintainers were similar in their use of most TTM processes of change at baseline, with the exception of Consciousness Raising, Stimulus Control, Reinforcement Management, and Self-Liberation. These findings suggest that although relapsers reverted to unsafe sun practices, their overall greater use of processes of change indicates that their change efforts remain better than that of stable non-changers.
Images of Injury: Graphic News Visuals’ Effects on Attitudes toward the Use of Unmanned Drones

In this study, sanitized coverage of the United States’ use of military drone strikes in foreign countries is pitted against more graphic news images in an experimental setting to determine effects on attitudes toward the use of U.S. military drones. In addition, multiple news exposures are tested to determine whether individuals can become emotionally inured to such coverage, even when images are more graphic. Key results find those who viewed graphic news visuals did not show evidence of desensitization after repeated viewing and expressed higher levels of concern regarding drone use but not reduced support for U.S. drone policy.
Effect of thalidomide on the antibody response.

Abstract The purpose of this investigation has bun to determine whether or not thalidomide has any effect as an immunosuppressant. The isomatibody response of rabbits to erythrocytic antigens was tested in groups of rabbiu rueiving varying dosages of thalidomide. The effect of this drug was also tested in vitro on cell cultures of antibody-producing rabbit popliteal lymph node cells. A definite immunosuppressive effect was noted in vivo, while, no effect on antibody synthesis was detected in vitro. The significance of thest findings is discussed.
Bias in Hard News Articles from Fox News and MSNBC: An Empirical Assessment Using the Gramulator

Hard news articles, just like op-ed articles, can reflect a media organization's bias. This study assesses bias in the hard news articles published by Fox News and MSNBC. Indicative linguistic features identified by the Gramulator reveal biases in corpora from the two networks.
Global Stability of Constant Temperature-Gradient and Concentration-Gradient States of a Motionless Heterogeneous Fluid

Motionless states are more complicated in heterogeneous fluids than in homogeneous fluids. Instability can be associated with a difference in the ability of the fluid to diffuse different fields. For example, in the ocean the diffusion of heat can be one hundred times faster than the diffusion of salt. Unlike the motionless homogeneous fluid, the motionless heterogeneous fluid can lose its stability to a time-periodic motion which can exist even when the heavier fluid is on the bottom. The stability problem for motionless states of a heterogeneous fluid has especially interesting and unexpected physical properties. In addition, this problem occupies an important place in our global theory of stability because we are able to carry a generalized energy analysis of it through to completion.
Roles for cytosolic NADPH redox in regulating pulmonary artery relaxation by thiol oxidation-elicited subunit dimerization of protein kinase G1α

The activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) appears to control a vascular smooth muscle relaxing mechanism regulated through cytosolic NADPH oxidation. Since our recent studies suggest that thiol oxidation-elicited dimerization of the 1α form of protein kinase G (PKG1α) contributes to the relaxation of isolated endothelium-removed bovine pulmonary arteries (BPA) to peroxide and responses to hypoxia, we investigated whether cytosolic NADPH oxidation promoted relaxation by PKG1α dimerization. Relaxation of BPA to G6PD inhibitors 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN) and epiandrosterone (studied under hypoxia to minimize basal levels of NADPH oxidation and PKG1α dimerization) was associated with increased PKG1α dimerization and PKG-mediated vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation. Depletion of PKG1α by small inhibitory RNA (siRNA) inhibited relaxation of BPA to 6-AN and attenuated the increase in VASP phosphorylation. Relaxation to 6-AN did not appear to be altered by depletion of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). Depletion of G6PD, thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1), and Trx reductase-1 (TrxR-1) in BPA with siRNA increased PKG1α dimerization and VASP phosphorylation and inhibited force generation under aerobic and hypoxic conditions. Depletion of TrxR-1 with siRNA inhibited the effects of 6-AN and enhanced similar responses to peroxide. Peroxiredoxin-1 depletion by siRNA inhibited PKG dimerization to peroxide, but it did not alter PKG dimerization under hypoxia or the stimulation of dimerization by 6-AN. Thus regulation of cytosolic NADPH redox by G6PD appears to control PKG1α dimerization in BPA through its influence on Trx-1 redox regulation by the NADPH dependence of TrxR-1. NADPH regulation of PKG dimerization may contribute to vascular responses to hypoxia that are associated with changes in NADPH redox.
Remote Entanglement Generation via Purely Local Interactions

We consider a quantum system consisting of four subsystems (Aa, Bb). The Aa location is prepared entangled with the Bb location. We show how to generate entanglement between two remote sites by purely local interactions.
Adaptive Control of Exponential Smoothing Parameters by Evolutionary Operation

Abstract An evolutionary operation scheme is proposed for the adaptive control of exponential smoothing parameters. The procedure differs from existing methods in that an alternate experimental design is employed. Simple comparisons with one existing method are made, and the value of adaptivity is demonstrated.
Analysis of the Equilibrium Approximation in Chemical Ablation of Thermal Protective Systems

A quasi-steady-state ablation model is used to investigate the behavior of thermochemically ablating systems in equilibrium and nonequilibrium surface thermochemistry regimes. The model is simplified to allow extraction of relevant nondimensional parameters and comparison with existing experimental data on solid carbon combustion. Good agreement is found between model predictions and experimental data, and the data and model are collapsed in terms of the B number and surface Damkohler number. A new formulation for the surface Damkohler number is proposed, and a relationship between the B number and this Damkohler number is derived for the surface equilibrium and nonequilibrium regimes. The Damkohler formulation is applied to the reentry scenario, and the behavior of the B number in this context is explored. Nondimensional parameters governing behavior in the nonequilibrium regime are determined for graphite oxidation, and the results are extrapolated to more complex surface thermochemistry conditions.© 2012 ASME
Rubiacearum Americanarum Magna Hama Pars III. Five new species and a new subspecies of Coussarea (Coussareae) from Central America and Colombia

Descriptions and illustrations are pre- sented for the new species Coussarea antioquiana from northwestern Colombia, C. brevipedunculata from Panama, C. duplex from eastern Costa Rica, C. grandifructa from southwestern Costa Rica, and C. izabalensis from Guatemala, and for the new sub- species C. loftonii (Dwyer & M. V. Hayden) Dwyer subsp. occidentalis from southern Costa Rica. This third subspecies of C. loftonii comprises the west- ernmost populations of this morphologically vari- able species.
GENETIC VARIATION IN HAWAIIAN DROSOPHILA VI. SEASONALLY-DEPENDENT GENE CHANGES IN DROSOPHILA MIMICA

Relatively few studies have been done on the behavior of gene-allozyme (electromorph) systems over time in natural populations of Drosophila. Instead, most studies have concentrated on looking at geographical differences between populations of Drosophila in attempts to demonstrate the selective advantage of allozyme variation. In such studies, however, migration and its accompanying gene flow may confound the selective picture. The study of seasonally-dependent genic changes within a population can offer an advantage where migration effects can be minimized and where specific environmental and ecological parameters that have the potential to drive gene changes in a seasonal cyclical manner lend themselves to observation. These types of studies may provide evidence as to the nature of microevolution within populations. Species which lend themselves to the study of seasonally-dependent gene changes must satisfy the above criteria. Two sympatrically occurring, endemic Hawaiian Drosophila species, D. mimica and D. engyochracea, are ideal in this regard. The two species are found in Volcano National Park on the island of Hawaii (Fig. 1). There are only two confirmed populations, both of finite size, both comparatively young in an evolutionary sense, and both separated from each other by a volcanic event some 2,100 years ago (Mueller-Dombois and Lamoureaux, 1967). I have studied both species over approximately two years. For economical reasons, I will concentrate on the data for D. mimica in this report and ask the following questions: (1) How extensive is the allozyme variability within the two populations? (2) Do patterns of genetic change in one population reflect genetic events in the second? (3) Do these changes correlate to specific weather variables obtained concurrently with the genetic data? and (4) Do single locus genetic changes affect population heterozygosity as estimated from electromorph frequencies? The answers to these questions not only are of broad theoretical interest but may throw some light on microevolutionary processes in finite populations such as often characterize the Hawaiian Drosophilidae.
Influence of Interfacial Characteristics on the Mechanical Properties of Continuous Fiber Reinforced Nial Composites

As part of a study to assess NiAl-based composites as potential high-temperature structural materials, the mechanical properties of polycrystalline NiAl reinforced with 30 vol.% continuous single crystal Al 2 O 3 fibers were investigated. Composites were fabricated with either a strong or weak bond between the NiAl matrix and Al 2 O 3 fibers. The effect of interfacial bond strength on bending and tensile properties, thermal cycling response, and cyclic oxidation resistance was examined. Weakly-bonded fibers increased room-temperature toughness of the composite over that of the matrix material but provided no strengthening at high temperatures. With effective load transfer, either by the presence of a strong interfacial bond or by remotely applied clamping loads, Al 2 O 3 fibers increased the high-temperature strength of NiAl but reduced the strain to failure of the composite compared to the monolithic material. Thermal cycling of the weakly-bonded material had no adverse effect on the mechanical properties of the composite. Conversely, because of the thermal expansion mismatch between the matrix and fibers, the presence of a strong interfacial bond generated residual stresses in the composite that lead to matrix cracking. Although undesirable under thermal cycling conditions, a strong interfacial bond was a requirement for achieving good cyclic oxidation resistance in the composite. In addition to the interfacial characterization, compression creep and room temperature fatigue tests were conducted on weakly-bonded NiAl/Al 2 O 3 composites to further evaluate the potential of this system. These results demonstrated that the use of A1 2 O 3 fibers was successful in improving both creep and fatigue resistance.
Planar Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells via Vapor-Assisted Solution Process

Hybrid organic/inorganic perovskites (e.g., CH3NH3PbI3) as light absorbers are promising players in the field of third-generation photovoltaics. Here we demonstrate a low-temperature vapor-assisted solution process to construct polycrystalline perovskite thin films with full surface coverage, small surface roughness, and grain size up to microscale. Solar cells based on the as-prepared films achieve high power conversion efficiency of 12.1%, so far the highest efficiency based on CH3NH3PbI3 with the planar heterojunction configuration. This method provides a simple approach to perovskite film preparation and paves the way for high reproducibility of films and devices. The underlying kinetic and thermodynamic parameters regarding the perovskite film growth are discussed as well.
Analysis of etiological surveillance of influenza in Yangzhou City in 2007

Objective:To analyze the results of etiological surveillance of influenza in 2007 in Yangzhou City.Methods:Five to fifteen samples were collected from influenza patients every week from the sentinel hospital.The influenza virus was isolated by MDCK cell culture method.And the influenza virus was identified by hemagglutination test(HA) and hemagglutination inhibition test(HI).Results:A total of 736 samples were colleted during 2007,with 45 strains identified for influenza virus(6.11%).Among these strains,33 strains were A(H3N2) subtype(73.33%) and 12 strains were B subtype(26.67%).Conclusion:There are two epidemic types of influenza viruses-A(H3N2) and B type in Yangzhou in the year of 2007 while the H3N2 type was the predominant.Majority of influenza outbreak occurred from January to April and from July to October.
Comparative Effectiveness Of Conservative Management Versus Cryotherapy For Patients With Localized Prostate Cancer: An Analysis Of Treatment-Related Complications And Cancer-Specific Survival

Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data from 2000-2009 was used to identify patients with localized prostate cancer. Treatment related side effects such as urinary tract obstruction, erectile dysfunction, bleeding, hydronephrosis, bowel fistula, urinary fistula and incontinence were identified using ICD-9 and Common Procedure Terminology (CPT)/HCPCS codes. Weighted propensity score method was used to balance the following covariates: age, race, tumor size, tumor grade, stage, tumor extension, and Charlson comorbidity index. Chi-square tests were used to compare treatment related side effects between the cohorts and a cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate cancer specific survival. All analyses were performed using SAS (version 9.4)
The biosynthesis of ω3 fatty acids from 18: 2ω6 in Artemia spp.

To examine the biosynthesis of omega 3 fatty acids from 18:2 omega 6, reference Artemia (RAC III, Artemia Reference Center, Gent, Belgium) were fed rice bran supplemented with [1(-14)C]18:2 omega 6 for 2 days following 48 hours starvation since cyst hydration and 1, 2, or 3 days following 72 hours of starvation, under axenic conditions. Artemia fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography, AgNO3 thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography and fatty acid fractions were collected for radioisotope counts. No significant differences were observed in the omega 3 fatty acid content of Artemia cultured under axenic and xenic conditions. Radioisotope studies showed that radioactivity from [1(-14)C]18:2 omega 6 was incorporated into other fatty acids, including 18:3 omega 3, 18:4 omega 3 and 20:5 omega 3. The conversion rate was less than 5% for the two day feeding period. In the three day feeding experiment, the amount of radioactivity recovered in both 18:3 omega 3 and 20:5 omega 3 increased by 2.2- and 1.8-fold, respectively, over the three day feeding period. These results demonstrated that Artemia synthesized these omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from 18:2 omega 6.
Long-term study of the impact of methotrexate on serum cytokines and lymphocyte subsets in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: correlation with pharmacokinetic measures

Objective To describe changes in immune parameters observed during long-term methotrexate (MTX) therapy in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and explore correlations with simultaneously measured MTX pharmacokinetic (PKC) parameters. Design Prospective, open-label, long-term mechanism of action study. Setting University clinic. Methods MTX was initiated at a single weekly oral dose of 7.5 mg and dose adjusted for efficacy and toxicity for the duration of the study. Standard measures of disease activity were performed at baseline and every 6–36 months. Serum cytokine measurements in blood together with lymphocyte surface immunophenotypes and stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cytokine production were assessed at each clinical evaluation. Results Cytokine concentrations exhibited multiple significant correlations with disease activity measures over time. The strongest correlations observed were for interleukin (IL)-6 (r=0.45, p Conclusions MTX therapy of patients with RA is accompanied by a variety of changes in serum cytokine expression, which in turn correlate strongly with clinical disease activity and MTX pharmacokinetics (PKCs). These data strongly support the notion that MTX mediates profound and functionally relevant effects on the immunological hierarchy in the RA lesion.
The U Visa for Immigrant Victims of Violent Crime: What Social Workers Need to Know

ABSTRACTImmigrant victims of violent crime can obtain citizenship in the United States through the U Visa provision of the Violence Against Women Act of 2000. Social workers must engage with community agencies and law enforcement to increase awareness of the U Visa, streamline the process, and convince legislators to undertake revisions that address current gaps and increase community safety.
Potential applications of metagenomics to assess the biological effects of food structure and function

Metagenomics, or the collective study of genomes is an important emerging area in microbiology and related fields, and is increasingly being recognized as a tool to characterize the microbial community structure and function of diverse sample types. Metagenomics compares sequences to existing databases to enable the identification of potential microbial reservoirs and predict specific functions; yet, metagenomics has not been widely applied to understand how changes in the food structure and composition affect microbial communities and their function in the human gut. Studies are needed to understand the digestion of food products, and to measure their effectiveness in preserving a healthy microbiome, as well as intestinal function. We suggest the use of metagenomics with validation techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), cloning and functional assays to assess the biological effects of food structure and function.
Using Virtual Agents and Interactive Media to Create an ElectronixTutor for the Office of Naval Research

The focus of ElectronixTutor is to build an intelligent tutoring system technology for Navy-relevant applications in training. The goal is to have an ITS for Apprentice Technician Training (ATT) courses in electronics for naval trainees who have completed boot camp and are in the process of A-school training under the Navy Educational Training Command and to supplement the human instruction with this advanced learning environment that can help sailors achieve the instructional objective.
Effect of RpoN, RpoS and LuxS pathways on the biofilm formation and antibiotIc sensitivity of Borrelia burgdorferi

Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, is capable of forming biofilm in vivo and in vitro, a structure well known for its resistance to antimicrobial agents. For the formation of biofilm, signaling processes are required to communicate with the surrounding environment such as it was shown for the RpoN-RpoS alternative sigma factor and for the LuxS quorum-sensing pathways. Therefore, in this study, the wild-type B. burgdorferi and different mutant strains lacking RpoN, RpoS, and LuxS genes were studied for their growth characteristic and development of biofilm structures and markers as well as for their antibiotic sensitivity. Our results showed that all three mutants formed small, loosely formed aggregates, which expressed previously identified Borrelia biofilm markers such as alginate, extracellular DNA, and calcium. All three mutants had significantly different sensitivity to doxycyline in the early log phase spirochete cultures; however, in the biofilm rich stationary cultures, only LuxS mutant showed increased sensitivity to doxycyline compared to the wild-type strain. Our findings indicate that all three mutants have some effect on Borrelia biofilm, but the most dramatic effect was found with LuxS mutant, suggesting that the quorum-sensing pathway plays an important role of Borrelia biofilm formation and antibiotic sensitivity.
Survival after Breast‐Conserving Surgery with Whole Breast or Partial Breast Irradiation in Women with Early Stage Breast Cancer: A SEER Data‐base Analysis

Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated equivalency in survival outcomes for early stage breast cancer patients treated with either mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with radiation. Recent, state-level data confirm comparable survival outcomes. Using Surveillance Epidemiology and End Research (SEER) data, we sought to evaluate survival outcomes among patients with early stage breast cancer treated with mastectomy, BCS with whole breast irradiation (BCS + WBI), or BCS with accelerated partial breast irradiation (BCS + APBI). Data on women 50 years or older diagnosed with a node negative invasive breast cancer (≤3 cm in size) between 1995 and 2009 were extracted from the SEER data base. Women treated with mastectomy alone or BCS with radiation were eligible for analysis. Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) among the treatment groups. 150,171 women fulfilled inclusion criteria. OS was significantly improved among women treated with BCS and WBI or BCS and APBI compared to mastectomy alone. Adjusted hazard ratios for death in BCS with WBI or APBI (versus mastectomy alone) were 0.73 (95% CI: 0.71, 0.76) and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.58, 0.79), respectively. Adjusted CSS was also significantly improved in patients treated with BCS and WBI (HR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.76, 0.85) as compared to mastectomy. BCS with radiation (WBI or APBI) was associated with significantly improved OS and CSS, versus mastectomy alone. These results support the use of BCS with WBI or APBI (in well selected patients) for the treatment of breast cancer.
The Four-Part Literature Review Process: Breaking It Down for Students

ABSTRACTBoth undergraduate and graduate students face similar challenges when tasked with writing literature reviews. Breaking down the literature review into a four-part process helps students decrease frustration and increase quality. This article provides usable advice for anyone teaching or writing literature reviews. Tips and illustrations illuminate each part of the process, including 1) Developing a Topic; 2) Searching the Literature; 3) Narrowing the Scope; and 4) Synthesizing Prior Research. First, practical tips for topic development include welcoming change and exercises for allowing students to “talk out” topic evolution in physical or virtual settings. Next, tips for searching include defining quality research in the discipline, linking to online tools, refining language, and working with that first good article. Then, practical tips for narrowing include advice for deconstructing articles and questions to ask when “talking out” refinement of the project. Finally, practical tips for synthesiz...
Returning the Demon's Gaze: Analyzing the Buddhist Figure of Māra in Popular Culture

While limited studies have been carried out in Asian contexts on Māra, a personification of evil in Buddhist mythology, the figure’s representation in Western popular culture has been neglected. I compare Western representations of Māra in a novel, a film, and a theme park attraction with the figure’s appearances in Asian Buddhist texts. I then argue that in these representations we can detect the presence of what David McMahan has termed “Buddhist Modernism” and what Jane Iwamura has called “Virtual Orientalism.” This analysis helps us understand the ongoing transformation of a Buddhist mythological figure.
Accuracy of Imageless Computer Assisted Navigation System through in Total Hip Arthroplasty in vitro and in vivo Studies

The use of an imageless computer-assisted navigation system (CANS) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has the potential to improve the accuracy of implant placement. However, it is difficult to assess how accurately the acetabular cup is placed with the aid of imageless CANS and to evaluate the true cup alignment achieved postoperatively. Eight hips from cadavers and 50 hips from human subjects were studied. The outcomes using imageless CANS were compared to the results of 1) direct bone digitization (DBD) for cadavers, 2) digitization on 3D pelvic-prosthesis models (CT3D) reconstructed from computer tomography scans for cadavers and human subjects, and 3) a conventional mechanical alignment guide (MAG) used for human subjects. The results showed that cup alignments obtained using imageless CANS were reasonably close to those calculated from DBD and CT3D with a mean angle difference smaller than 5°. This suggests that intraoperative cup alignment in THA obtained with imageless CANS is reliable and that CT3D is a valid method for evaluating cup orientation. In comparison to MAG, using the imageless CANS resulted in substantially more accurate cup placement with less variation. In conclusion, the imageless CANS may help to achieve accurate, reproducible intraoperative cup alignment, and CT3D may be useful for evaluating postoperative cup alignment.
Nationalism, Patriotism, and Aggression

Human aggression entails a complex set of behaviors that vary markedly in structure, content, context, and consequences. An angry feeling, a thought of revenge, jostling and “horse-play,” teasing and derogation, fighting over a contested object, bullying and sadistic actions, murder, and the killing of others in the context of a revolutionary struggle or a conflict between nations, are all considered to be acts of aggression. They are grouped together because they have in common the intent to or actions that have the consequence of inflicting injury and harm to others. A major question that students of human aggression must address regards the functional similarities and differences between these diverse forms of aggression; that is, to what extent they arise from similar antecedents and have similar objectives or goals. A particular question which has been the subject of a number of inquiries that I have carried out in recent years is the relationship between individual differences in aggressive disposition and individual differences in readiness to support military ventures.
Something Wicked This Way Comes: Special Collections As Viewed by a Technocrat

When the title of my presentation today began to make the rounds a few months ago, I was asked by several people the inevitable question: Who is the wicked one? Us (special collections) or you (the technocrat)? The answer, inevitably, is “Yes,” which is, of course, why I settled on that title in the first place. As a science fiction reader, I could have selected any number of other titles suitable to the topic, including “The Year’s Best Horror Stories,” “Worlds of Weird,” or “The Dispossessed.” None, however, as evocative as Mr. Bradbury’s. As a point of departure, and since . . .
Social Determinants and Health Disparities

Social determinants and the underlying socioeconomic status as measured by employment, education, environment, housing, government, public health, psychosocial elements, and behavior, as well as their complex interplay, influences health disparities. There is a strong association between higher levels of socioeconomic status and good health. Conversely, individuals of lower socioeconomic status (SES) have increased exposure to stress, psychological distress, and negative behavioral effects, which in turn increases the risk for many diseases. There is therefore a need to gain more insight into the socioeconomic context within which individuals, families, and/or communities work and play and the consequential impact on health outcomes in order to devise interventions that would improve adverse health outcomes.
A Feasibility Study of Laser-assisted Titanium Implant Drilling for Periprosthetic Fracture Repair☆

Abstract This paper studies the feasibility of hand drilling through a titanium implant located in the femur. This is hypothesized to be achievable via laser-assisted drilling with carbide tools. A series of tests were conducted to measure the thrust force and torque with different shaped drill bits under dry- and laser-assisted drilling (using a 200-watt fiber laser), respectively. These drill bits included 2-flute and 3-flute twist drills and a straight flute drill that is clinically available. Results showed that the 2-flute drill outperformed the other two in both thrust force and torque. The laser can further reduce the forces of 2- and 3-flute drill bits by over 10%, but has a negative impact on the straight-flute one. This paper also discusses results from a clinical perspective, current limitations, and future work.
Exploring and extending a collective open business model

Marketing research has paid scant attention to the notion of business models. This is surprising, considering that at the center of marketing is often the notion of creating a value proposition, one of the key components of business models. This paper identifies an emerging form of business model, which we term collective open business model, based on the concept of interdependent consumer collectives. We define an interdependent consumer collective as a group of consumers who benefit from resource complementarities in the pursuit of achieving a superior consumption experience. Grounded in interdependence theory, this paper conceptualizes the dynamics within the interdependent consumer collective which in turn influences the value creation, value delivery and value appropriation components of a collective open business model. Several unique attributes of a collective open business model are highlighted and future directions for research are discussed.
Optimal Feedback Control for Dynamical Systems with One or Two Controllers

This chapter contains a discussion of conditions that must be satisfied in order that a dynamical system be “controlled” in an “optimal” fashion. In particular, the treatment is restricted to systems governed by ordinary differential equations involving functions that are to be chosen so as to control the system’s response in a desired fashion. In the case of a single controller, the desired goal is attainment of the minimum of a prescribed functional; in the case of two controllers, the desired goal is attainment of a saddlepoint of a prescribed functional. In either case, the choice of the optimal control value at a given instant is based on the system’s current state; that is, we deal with necessary conditions for optimal state-feedback control.
9.7 Molecular Modeling and Simulations of Transporter Proteins – The Transmembrane Allosteric Machinery

This chapter covers topics of molecular modeling and simulations for transporter proteins, with a focus on the neurotransmitter:sodium symporter (NSS) family in the context of relevant work of other transporter families, for example, ABC transporters and glutamate transporters. Three major aspects of computational studies of the transporter structure-function relationships are reviewed: i) sequence and structure analysis, ii) building molecular models and simulation systems, and iii) carrying out simulations in the mechanistic studies. The review is concluded with the proposal of a novel transport model based on findings in NSS family.
Interactions of Atlantic salmon in the Pacific Northwest: IV. Impacts on the local ecosystems

The paper begins with the introduction of Atlantic salmon into the local ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest (Puget Sound), and describes potential interactions with native salmonids. Specific sections review possible hybridization between Atlantic and Pacific salmon, genetic dilution and alteration of the gene pool, the colonization of the aquatic environment by Atlantic salmon, and finally the interactions of wild salmon and genetically altered transgenics. This is followed by possible epidemics and transmission of waterborne disease, and reviews the potential for cultured Atlantic salmon, a non-native species, to introduce new diseases into the local ecosystem. There are nine specific items, from the diseases which might be involved, to potential interactions, and current policies for disease control. After a review of the potential ecological impacts in the Pacific Northwest, specifically the interaction with Pacific salmon and predation, there are three parts on the effects of artificial propagation practices in the region in general, the impacts of the introduction of various non-indigenous salmonid species, and a comparison of escapes or releases of propagated Atlantic and Pacific salmon. The last part examines the potential effects of Atlantic salmon vis-a-vis the Biological Status Reviews of west coast Pacific salmon stocks carried out by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The review ends by summarizing the varying degrees of risk carried by these issues.
Management of Laryngeal Cancer

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the various treatment options available for the management of laryngeal cancer. Although radiation therapy for early cancer of the larynx is still often employed, but more altered fractionation or hyperfractionation schemes are increasingly being used. The primary role of radiation therapy in these lesions has been altered by the introduction of the CO 2 laser, utilized transorally with sophisticated microlaryngeal surgical techniques. Even the role of the laser is currently undergoing significant change, as carcinoma in situ and very early T 1 lesions of the true vocal cord—the very lesions first treated by the laser—are now best recognized to be treated by cold-instrument excision. The major historical change in surgery has been the movement away from transcutaneous procedures, especially total laryngectomy, to a variety of procedures that conserve laryngeal function. External approaches to conservation surgery of the larynx have evolved from open supraglottic laryngectomy and a variety of partial laryngectomy procedures for glottic cancer to the various modifications of supracricoid laryngectomy and Pearson's near total laryngectomy. Endoscopic supraglottic laryngectomy is becoming increasingly advocated for T 1 through selected T 3 supraglottic cancers, whereas the endoscopic resection of glottic cancer is extending well beyond treatment of the early cancers. Carcinoma in situ of the true vocal cords is best treated by phonomicrosurgical techniques, whereas T 1 a glottic cancers in patients who can be exposed endoscopically are best treated by transoral laser microsurgery. T 1 b lesions involving the posterior glottis are treated preferentially by radiotherapy with the hope that altered fractionation or chemo-irradiation schemes may produce better results.