cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extending Wireless Sensor Network Lifetime in the LEACH-SM Protocol by Spare Selection

Lifetime of a wireless sensor network (WSN) is one of the most critical issues in WSNs due to limited energy resources. Earlier research results reveal that significant improvement in WSN lifetime can be achieved by making WSNs redundant by adding spare nodes. The passive (switched off) spares are ready to become active (be switched on) when any active WSN node uses up its energy. This results in extending WSN lifetime. Various strategies for managing spares optimally have been proposed. We propose the LEACH-SM protocol, which modifies the prominent LEACH protocol by enhancing it with an efficient management of spares. One of the spare management features in LEACH-SM is adding the spare selection phase to LEACH. During this phase, each node decides in parallel whether it should become an active primary node, or a passive spare node. The nodes that become spares go asleep, while the WSN as the whole maintains the required above-threshold target coverage. (The spares are awakened when the probability that any primary node exhausted its energy reaches a predefined value.) Identification of spares alone increases energy efficiency for WSNs, thus extending WSN lifetime (other WSN lifetime extension techniques from LEACH-SM are beyond the scope of this paper).
Relaxation dynamics of carbon dioxide sorbed in poly (dimethyl siloxane) rubber

We have probed the dynamics of 13CO2 molecules sorbed in poly (dimethyl siloxane) rubber by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation. The spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation times as well as nuclear Overhauser enhancements were determined as functions of temperature at three magnetic field strengths. The relaxation mechanisms found to be important are intermolecular dipole-dipole relaxation and spin rotation relaxation with a minor contribution from chemical shift anisotropy relaxation. Our analysis shows that the assumption of a single correlation time for each motional mechanism is inconsistent with the NOE data and spin-spin relaxation times. However, if a distribution of correlation times is assumed, one can interpret all of the experimental data in a reasonable manner. We have quantitatively elucidated the spin relaxation mechanisms and determined the parameters which characterize the distribution times for 13CO2 Collisional motions, rotational motions, and translational motions in the silicone rubber. A fractional exponential correlation function of the Williams-Watts type with a fractional exponent of 0.58 is used in our description of the 13CO2 dynamics. This exponent is typical of the distribution of time scales associated with segmental motion in polymeric rubbers. The broad distribution needed to describe the data has implications for the coupling of diffusion to segmental motion and for the relationship between macroscopic permeability and the molecular level character of diffusion.
Process modeling using stacked neural networks

A new technique for neural-network-based modeling of chemical processes is proposed. Stacked neural networks allow multiple neural networks to be selected and used to model a given process. The idea is that improved predictions can be obtained using multiple networks, instead of simply selecting a single, hopefully optimal network, as is usually done. A methodology for stacking neural networks for plant-process modeling has been developed. This method is inspired by the technique of stacked generalization proposed by Wolpert. The proposed method has been applied and evaluated for three example problems, including the dynamic modeling of a nonlinear chemical process. Results obtained demonstrate the promise of this approach for improved neural-network-based plant-process modeling.
Kinetics of Global Geochemical Cycles

Geochemical systems of the Earth’s surface and interior are often studied by means of conceptual models that represent them as geochemical or biogeochemical cycles of chemical elements. Such models usually address the various geological, geochemical, geophysical, and biological processes within the cycle or system, and they focus on the model’s ability to evaluate the system changes at different time scales, often extending from the remote past into the future. The time dimension of changes taking place in the different parts of the Earth System makes it necessary to understand the mechanisms and rates of the numerous processes that control the element interactions in geochemical systems of different physical structures and degrees of complexity. In this chapter, we present first a brief overview of the history of development of geochemical cycles and the concept of the rock cycle that encompasses the system of the Earth’s surface and upper lithosphere. Further, we discuss the essentials of geochemical cycle models and some simple mathematical relationships that can be used in their analysis, such as the rate parameters of the fluxes, residence time, and the time of approach to steady state. After this theoretical section, we address the global phosphorus cycle as an example of a biogeochemical cycle of an element of indispensable importance to life. We focus on the structure and dynamics of the cycle, as well as the uncertainties inherent in some of the cycle data and parameters that can affect the conclusions of even a simple cycle analysis. Mineral-water reactions in the continental environment are an extensively studied subject that is fundamental to the understanding of the material fluxes between the atmosphere, sedimentary and crystalline lithosphere, and the world ocean, and their effects on global climate. In this field, we estimate global average denudation rates of the land surface by physical and chemical processes. Drawing on the published, very
Congenital Aneurysms of the Coronary Arteries with Report of a Case

A case is presented of congenital aneurysm of a coronary artery in a patient with angina pectoris and myocardial infarction. Etiologies other than coronary atheroselerosis should be considered in young patients with clinical coronary disease; they include syphilitic ostial stenosis, coronary embolization, pulmonary origin of a coronary artery, and necrotizing arteritis in addition to aneurysm of a coronary artery. In this instance the aneurysm caused a shadow that was seen by x-ray but was not identified during life.
RNAseq by Total RNA Library Identifies Additional RNAs Compared to Poly(A) RNA Library

The most popular RNA library used for RNA sequencing is the poly(A) captured RNA library. This library captures RNA based on the presence of poly(A) tails at the 3′ end. Another type of RNA library for RNA sequencing is the total RNA library which differs from the poly(A) library by capture method and price. The total RNA library costs more and its capture of RNA is not dependent on the presence of poly(A) tails. In practice, only ribosomal RNAs and small RNAs are washed out in the total RNA library preparation. To evaluate the ability of detecting RNA for both RNA libraries we designed a study using RNA sequencing data of the same two breast cancer cell lines from both RNA libraries. We found that the RNA expression values captured by both RNA libraries were highly correlated. However, the number of RNAs captured was significantly higher for the total RNA library. Furthermore, we identify several subsets of protein coding RNAs that were not captured efficiently by the poly(A) library. One of the most noticeable is the histone-encode genes, which lack the poly(A) tail.
Performance and Reliability Analysis ofWeb Server Software Architectures

Our increasing reliance on the information and services provided by modern Web servers mandates that these services be offered with superior performance and reliability. The architecture of a Web server has a profound impact on its performance and reliability. One of the dimensions used to characterize the architecture of a Web server is the processing model employed in the server, which describes the type of process or threading model used to support a Web server operation. The main options for a processing model are process-based, thread-based or a hybrid of the process-based and the thread-based models. These options have unique advantages and disadvantages in terms of their performance and reliability tradeoffs. In this paper we propose an analysis methodology based on the stochastic reward net (SRN) modeling paradigm to quantify the performance and the reliability tradeoffs in the process-based and the thread-based Web server software architectures. We demonstrate the capability of the methodology to facilitate systematic, quantitative tradeoffs using several examples
Update on recent prognostic markers in adenocarcinoma

SUMMARY Biomarkers have evolved from individual markers to gene signatures validated in multi-institutional studies and independent datasets. Multiple gene signatures have been associated with survival, as well as defining outcome following specific adjuvant chemotherapy. The heterogeneity of lung cancer has necessitated the incorporation of multiple genes in mRNA signatures. The use of plasma miRNA profiles in the diagnosis or prognosis of early-stage lung carcinoma also appears promising. However, challenges remain, with questions regarding reproducibility, standardized techniques, cost and differences between gene signatures. Before they can be widely adopted, molecular profiles must be validated in large, prospective trials evaluating the specific patient population for which the profiles are to be utilized.
Surveying the need for significant-other involvement in the treatment of female alcoholism.

Treatment settings are reporting increases in the numbers of female alcoholics requesting services. Since little information is known about female alcoholics, treatment personnel have difficulty in knowing what kinds of treatment or services to provide. The advocates of family (significant other) treatment propose extending such services to female alcoholics. However, the female alcoholic's willingness to participate in such programs is virtually unknown, let alone that of her significant other. A survey of female alcoholics hospitalized in a private alcoholism treatment facility was undertaken to explore the issue of significant-other involvement. Results of the survey demonstrate that such involvement is indicated for a great many female alcoholics. Suggestions for implementation and treatment implications are presented.
Biochemical and genetic analysis of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase in Leishmania metabolism and virulence.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR; EC 1.5.1.20) is the sole enzyme responsible for generation of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, which is required for methionine synthesis and provision of methyl groups via S-adenosylmethionine. Genome analysis showed that Leishmania species, unlike Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi, contain genes encoding MTHFR and two distinct methionine synthases. Leishmania MTHFR differed from those in other eukaryotes by the absence of a C-terminal regulatory domain. L. major MTHFR was expressed in yeast and recombinant enzyme was produced in Escherichia coli. MTHFR was not inhibited by S-adenosylmethionine and, uniquely among folate-metabolizing enzymes, showed dual-cofactor specificity with NADH and NADPH under physiological conditions. MTHFR null mutants (mthfr–) lacked 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, the most abundant intracellular folate, and could not utilize exogenous homocysteine for growth. Under conditions of methionine limitation mthfr– mutant cells grew poorly, whereas their growth was normal in standard culture media. Neither in vitro MTHFR activity nor the growth of mthfr– mutants or MTHFR overexpressors were differentially affected by antifolates known to inhibit parasite growth via targets beyond dihydrofolate reductase and pteridine reductase 1. In a mouse model of infection mthfr– mutants showed good infectivity and virulence, indicating that sufficient methionine is available within the parasitophorous vacuole to meet the needs of the parasite.
NON-INTRUSIVE MEASUREMENT OF AXIAL ELECTRIC FIELDS IN LOW-PRESSURE GLOW DISCHARGES BY VELOCITY MODULATION LASER SPECTROSCOPY

Abstract High resolution (Doppler-resolved) measurement of Doppler-shifted ion absorption frequencies allows the determination of the electric field responsible for the shift. A new method based on velocity modulation laser spectroscopy is described for the non-perturbative measurement of the axial electric fields in glow discharges. The A 2 Π u ←X 2 Σ g + (4, 0) band of N 2 + has been used as a probe of a He/N 2 discharge. Half-wave rectification of a sine-wave-driven discharge allows observation of Doppler shifts in the ion transition frequencies since the ions are traveling in only one direction with respect to the laser wavevector. Electric fields and E/N values have been measured at pressures from 3 to 11 Torr. Fields in the range of 10–15 V/cm were observed.
On the Palladium(II)‐Catalysed Oxidative Rearrangement of Propargylic Acetates

The catalytic transformation of propargylic acetates into the corresponding α-acetoxyenones in the presence of palladium(II) chloride is described. Water is a necessary component in this unusual oxidative rearrangement.
Probabilistic Estimation of Extreme Wind Loads on Low-Rise Structures

A probabilistic analysis is applied on full scale data and numerical simulations to characterize extreme values of pressure coefficients on low-rise structures. The full scale data analyzed here, provided by the Florida Coastal Monitoring Program, are obtained from measurements made on the roof of a house in Florida during Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The analysis provides a probability of non-exceedence of any given load coefficient. This probability is discussed in the context of ASCE 7 GCp values. The same analysis is applied to data obtained from numerical simulations of the flow over a surface-mounted prism. The objective is to quantify the effects of inflow disturbances on the distribution and probability of nonexceedence of peak wind loads on the roof of the prism.
Race and Gender in Families and at Work The Fatherhood Wage Premium

This study uses data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth to explore the intersections of gender and race on fathers' labor market outcomes. Fixed-effects models reveal that for married whites and Latinos, the birth of a child is associated with an increase in hourly wages, annual earnings, and annual time spent at work. For married Black men, the birth of a child is associated with a smaller increase in hourly wages and annual earnings but not associated with an increase in annual time spent at work. Furthermore, married Black men do not experience an increase in hourly wages or work hours because of a reduction in their wives' work hours. In contrast, married whites and Latinos earn more when their wives work less. These findings imply that gendered workplace and family experiences differ among fathers and that not all men benefit from specific family formations in exactly the same way.
Assessment of a Nonlinear Dynamic Rupture Inversion Technique Applied to a Synthetic Earthquake

Dynamic rupture inversion is a powerful tool for learning why and how faults fail, but much more work has been done in developing inversion methods than evaluating how well these methods work. This study examines how well a nonlinear rupture inversion method recovers a set of known dynamic rupture parameters on a syntheticfault based onthe2000westernTottori, Japanearthquake(Mw6.6).Rupture evolution on the fault is governed by a slip-weakening friction law. A direct-search method known as the neighborhood algorithm (Sambridge, 1999) is used to find optimal values of both the initial stress distribution and the slip-weakening distance on the fault, based on misfit values between known and predicted strong-motion displacement records. The yield stress and frictional sliding stress on the fault are held constant. A statistical assessment of the results shows that, for this test case, the inversion succeeds in locating all parameters to within ! 14% of their true values. With the model configuration used in this study, the parameters located in the central rupture area are better resolved than the parameters located at the sides and bottom of the fault. In addition, a positive linear correlation between the mean initial stress and the slip-weakening distance is identified. The investigation confirms that dy- namic rupture inversion is useful for determining rupture parameters on the fault, but that intrinsic trade-offs and poor resolution of some parameters limit the amount of information that can be unambiguously inferred from the results. In addition, this study demonstrates that using a statistical approach to assess nonlinear inversion results shows how sensitive the misfit measure is to the various parameters, and allows a level of confidence to be attached to the output parameter values.
Introduction: Origins and settlement of the indigenous populations of the Aleutian archipelago.

This is the publisher's version, also available electronically from http://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol82/iss5/1/.
Trajectories of disability in older adulthood and social support from a religious congregation: a growth curve analysis

This study examined the role of congregational support as a mechanism by which religious involvement may slow the decline of functional ability during late life. Disability was tracked longitudinally over a 4-year period in a national sample of 805 Black and White older adults from the religion, aging, and health survey. Individuals with more extensive disability reported receiving greater amounts of tangible support from their congregations. However, receiving higher levels of tangible support was also associated with a slower trajectory of increase in disability over time. The relationship between congregational support and disability did not differ significantly between Blacks and Whites. Results support the hypothesis that social support networks based in the religious group are responsible for some of the association between religious involvement and reduced risk of late life disability.
The sensitivity of endpoint forces produced by the extrinsic muscles of the thumb to posture.

This study utilizes a biomechanical model of the thumb to estimate the force produced at the thumb-tip by each of the four extrinsic muscles. We used the principle of virtual work to relate joint torques produced by a given muscle force to the resulting endpoint force and compared the results to two separate cadaveric studies. When we calculated thumb-tip forces using the muscle forces and thumb postures described in the experimental studies, we observed large errors. When relatively small deviations from experimentally reported thumb joint angles were allowed, errors in force direction decreased substantially. For example, when thumb posture was constrained to fall within 7 151 of reported joint angles, simulated force directions fell within experimental variability in the proximal– palmar plane for all four muscles. Increasing the solution space from 7 11 to an unbounded space produced a sigmoidal decrease in error in force direction. Changes in thumb posture remained consistent with a lateral pinch posture, and were generally consistent with each muscle’s function. Altering thumb posture alters both the components of the Jacobian and muscle moment arms in a nonlinear fashion, yielding a nonlinear change in thumb-tip force relative to muscle force. These results explain experimental data that suggest endpoint force is a nonlinear function of muscle force for the thumb, support the continued use of methods that implement linear transformations between muscle force and thumb-tip force for a specific posture, and suggest the feasibility of accurate prediction of lateral pinch force in situations where joint angles can be measured accurately. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Bacterial composition of soils in ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests exposed to different wildfire burn severity

Abstract Soil microbial communities influence the rate and trajectory of ecosystem recovery after wildfire, but how their composition varies with burn severity in different vegetation types is largely unknown. This study utilized high throughput amplicon sequencing of a bacterial 16S rRNA gene fragment to determine the bacterial community composition in soils that were unburned, moderately burned (“low burn”) and severely burned (“high burn”) in ponderosa pine (‘P’) and mixed conifer (‘M’) forests, three months after the Las Conchas fire (New Mexico, USA; July 2011). Community composition was distinct in unburned M and P soils, but it was similar in high burn soils, despite differences in initial and post-burn M and P soil parameters (i.e. pH, moisture, organic matter, carbon and nitrogen content), which are known to correlate with shifts in bacterial community composition. Richness tended to be lower in the high burn M soils relative to unburned M soils, while it was similar across all P soils. Collectively, our findings indicate that high burn severity may result in bacterial communities shifting to similar compositions within a few months post-fire, even if the initial communities, as well as initial and post-burn soil physical and chemical properties are distinct.
COMPUTER SIMULATION OF CLONAL GROWTH CANCER MODELS. I. PARAMETER ESTIMATION USING AN ITERATIVE ABSOLUTE BISECTION ALGORITHM

Quantitative models of the relationship between exposure to chemical carcinogens and carcinogenic response are useful for hypothesis evaluation and risk assessment. The degree to which such models accurately depict the underlying biology is often a function of the need for mathematical tractability. When closed-form expressions are used, the need for tractability may significantly limit their complexity. This problem can be minimized by using numerical computer simulation methods to solve the model, thereby allowing more complex and realistic descriptions of the biology to be used. Unfortunately, formal methods of parameter estimation for numerical models are not as well developed as they are for analytical models. In this report, we develop a formal parameter estimation routine and apply it to a numerical clonal growth simulation (CGS) model of the growth of preneoplastic lesions consisting of initiated cells. An iterative bisection algorithm was used to estimate parameters from time-course data on the number of initiated cells and the number of clones of these cells. The algorithm successfully estimated parameter values to give a best fit to the observed dataset and was robust vis-a-vis starting values of the parameters. Furthermore, the number of data points to which the model was fit, the number of stochastic repetitions and other variables were examined with respect to their effects on the parameter estimates. This algorithm facilitates the application of CGS models for hypothesis evaluation and risk assessment by ensuring uniformity and reproducibility of parameter estimates.
A comparison of team developmental stages, trust and performance for virtual versus face-to-face teams

This study is an empirical analysis that compares virtual with face-to-face teams on team trust, performance issues and team developmental stages. The study uses data collected both before teams were formed and after teams completed their project deliverable. Pre-task measures include individual disposition to trust and initial team trust. Upon completion of their deliverable, team members responded to post-task measures on motivation, team trust and teamwork dynamics. In addition to these attitudinal comparisons, we investigate how teams spent their time during the completion of their team task. We examine potential differences in the percentage of time spent in each of the classic team formation stages (forming, storming, norming and performing). Team members also reported the total time spent completing the deliverable as well as time spent using various communication tools. In addition, we evaluate and compare team performance in terms of the deliverable quality. Our results indicate that both virtual and face-to-face teams bring relatively high initial trust to the team experience. More enduring trust, however, must be maintained by positive, task-oriented team dynamics. Team mates need to meet work expectations in order to maintain the trusting environment. We confirm that trust is important to team performance for both virtual and face-to-face teams. Higher trust teams do tend to perform better. We also found that both virtual and face-to-face teams spend similar proportions of time in each team formation stage. Finally, there is no significant difference in results produced by face-to-face and virtual teams, though in this study the direction of effectiveness leans towards the virtual teams. This is potentially good news since many believe that face-to-face groups produce better results than their virtual counterparts.
the significance of meetings in an American mental health center

Anthropologists are increasingly turning their attention to the study of complex organizations. This paper uses the study of an American mental health center to examine a previously taken-for-granted social form in these settings, the meeting. In this way, the organization is used as a context for examining the significance of meetings in American life, and at the same time meetings are used as a context for understanding events within a specific organization. [complex organizations, alternative organizations, meetings, symbolic analysis, decision contexts, urban America]
MR-guided needle aspiration biopsies of hepatic masses using a closed bore magnet

Purpose: Our purpose was to assess the efficacy of MR-guided biopsies with a conventional superconducting MR scanner and describe the techniques used to achieve successful results. Method: Fourteen biopsies were completed under MR guidance in 11 patients. Seven patients with previously detected lesions were referred for biopsy under MR guidance when hepatic lesions were identified by MRI but not with prebiopsy non-contrast CT or ultrasound (US). Additionally referred for MR-guided biopsy were four patients in whom previous CT- or US-guided biopsies of focal lesions were nondiagnostic. A 22 gauge MR-compatible needle was used in each case. Lesions ranged in size from 8 to 32 mm. Eleven lesions (eight patients) were suspected of being hepatomas, and three lesions (three patients) were suspected of being metastases. Results: Thirteen of 14 MR-guided biopsies (93%) were diagnostic. Hepatocellular carcinoma was confirmed in 6 of 11 lesions suspected of representing hepatoma. One lesion, in a patient treated with chemoembolization, demonstrated necrotic material. One lesion yielded nondiagnostic material despite repeated visualization of the needle tip in the target lesion. Three lesions demonstrated metastatic carcinoma. Benign hepatocytes were detected in three biopsy specimens. Seven of the lesions that were successfully biopsied measured <2.5 cm in diameter. Conclusion: With use of a closed bore 1.5 T system, diagnostic MR-guided needle aspiration biopsies of hepatic masses and subcomponents, including small lesions (<2.5 cm), can be successfully obtained.
Role of Mechanical Factors in Controlling the Structure–Function Relationship of PFSA Ionomers

Ion-conducting polymers are ideal solid electrolytes for most energy storage and conversion devices where ion transport is a critical functionality. The system performance and stability are related to the transport and mechanical properties of the ionomers, which are correlated through physiochemical interactions and morphology. Thus, there exists a balance between the chemical and mechanical energies which controls the structure–function relationship of the ionomer. In this paper, it is reported how and why thermal treatments result in different water uptakes and nanostructures for a perfluorinated sulfonic acid (PFSA) membrane. The nanostructure of the PFSA membrane is characterized using small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering experiments. These changes are correlated with water content and mechanical properties and result in fundamental relationships to characterize the membrane with different thermal histories. Moreover, quasi-equilibrium water uptake and domain spacing both decrease with predrying or...
"Are They Koreaned Enough?" Generation and the Korean Independence Movement before World War II

In the two decades before World War II, Auh was hardly a minority in voicing these concerns. Indeed, the issue of being "Koreaned" enough dominated the generational debates in Korean communities in the 1930s as a sizeable American-born population came of age, particularly in southern California and Hawaii. The debates and struggles over being "Koreaned" enough in the 1930s shed light on a number of important dynamics that have characterized the Korean immigrant experience before World War II, including processes of assimilation and acculturation, the multiple meanings of nationalism and transnational politics, and the implications of generation on ethnic identity formation as well as ethnic homeland politics. In particular, this article examines how second generation Koreans on the eve of World War II participated in the Korean independence movement not only to support the cause of Korean liberation but also to negotiate and craft an ethnic American identity that spoke to their experiences in the United S...
Theoretical Derivation of the Cosmological Constant in the Framework of the Hydrodynamic Model of Quantum Gravity: Can the Quantum Vacuum Singularity Be Overcome?

In the present work, it is shown that the problem of the cosmological constant (CC) is practically the consequence of the inadequacy of general relativity to take into account the quantum property of the space. The equations show that the cosmological constant naturally emerges in the hydrodynamic formulation of quantum gravity and that it does not appear in the classical limit because the quantum energy-impulse tensor gives an equal contribution with opposite sign. The work shows that a very large local value of the CC comes from the space where the mass of a quasi-punctual particle is present but that it can be as small as measured on cosmological scale. The theory shows that the small dependence of the CC from the mean mass density of the universe is due to the null contribution coming from the empty space. This fact gives some hints for the explanation of the conundrum of the cosmic coincidence by making a high CC value of the initial instant of universe compatible with the very small one of the present era.
Comparing legal attitudes of Anglo- and Latino-Americans: Confirming the factor structure of the Legal Attitudes Questionnaire

ABSTRACTThe Legal Attitudes Questionnaire (LAQ) is a commonly used measure of juror bias; however, the factor structure of the English-language version of this measure has yet to be confirmed. This research compared the model fit of three competing models of the English-language LAQ within 504 Anglo-American and 290 Latino-American students. Results indicated that the Couch and Sundre (2001) three-factor structure provided the best fit to the LAQ. Latent mean differences indicated that Latino-Americans endorsed more authoritarian attitudes and more negative views of the police than Anglo-Americans. Interpretation of these findings and implications for future use are discussed.
How to study sex differences in addiction using animal models

The importance of studying sex as a biological variable in biomedical research is becoming increasingly apparent. There is a particular need in preclinical studies of addiction to include both sexes, as female animals are often excluded from studies, leaving large gaps in our knowledge of not only sex differences and potential prevention and treatment strategies but also with regard to the basic neurobiology of addiction. This review focuses on methodology that has been developed in preclinical studies to examine sex differences in the behavioral aspects and neurobiological mechanisms related to addiction across the full range of the addiction process, including initiation (acquisition), maintenance, escalation, withdrawal, relapse to drug seeking and treatment. This review also discusses strategic and technical issues that need to be considered when comparing females and males, including the role of ovarian hormones and how sex differences interact with other major vulnerability factors in addiction, such as impulsivity, compulsivity and age (adolescent versus adult). Novel treatments for addiction are also discussed, such as competing non-drug rewards, repurposed medications such as progesterone and treatment combinations. Practical aspects of conducting research comparing female and male animals are also considered. Making sex differences a point of examination requires additional effort and consideration; however, such studies are necessary given mounting evidence demonstrating that the addiction process occurs differently in males and females. These studies should lead to a better understanding of individual differences in the development of addiction and effective treatments for males and females.
Comparative regional-scale soil salinity assessment with near-ground apparent electrical conductivity and remote sensing canopy reflectance

Abstract Soil salinity is recognized worldwide as a major threat to agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Producers and decision makers need updated and accurate maps of salinity in agronomically and environmentally relevant ranges (i.e., −1 , when salinity is measured as electrical conductivity of the saturation extract, EC e ). State-of-the-art approaches for creating accurate EC e maps beyond field scale (i.e., 1 km 2 ) include: (i) Analysis Of Covariance (ANOCOVA) of near-ground measurements of apparent soil electrical conductivity (EC a ) and (ii) regression modeling of multi-year remote sensing canopy reflectance and other co-variates (e.g., crop type, annual rainfall). This study presents a comparison of the two approaches to establish their viability and utility. The approaches were tested using 22 fields (total 542 ha) located in California’s western San Joaquin Valley. In 2013 EC a -directed soil sampling resulted in the collection of 267 soil samples across the 22 fields, which were analyzed for EC e , ranging from 0 to 38.6 dS m −1 . The ANOCOVA EC a -EC e model returned a coefficient of determination (R 2 ) of 0.87 and root mean square prediction error (RMSPE) of 3.05 dS m −1 . For the remote sensing approach seven years (2007–2013) of Landsat 7 reflectance were considered. The remote sensing salinity model had R 2 = 0.73 and RMSPE = 3.63 dS m −1 . The robustness of the models was tested with a leave-one-field-out ( lofo ) cross-validation to assure maximum independence between training and validation datasets. For the ANOCOVA model, lofo cross-validation provided a range of scenarios in terms of RMSPE. The worst, median, and best fit scenarios provided global cross-validation R 2 of 0.52, 0.80, and 0.81, respectively. The lofo cross-validation for the remote sensing approach returned a R 2 of 0.65. The ANOCOVA approach performs particularly well at EC e values −1 , but requires extensive field work. Field work is reduced considerably with the remote sensing approach, but due to the larger errors at low EC e values, the methodology is less suitable for crop selection, and other practices that require accurate knowledge of salinity variation within a field, making it more useful for assessing trends in salinity across a regional scale. The two models proved to be viable solutions at large spatial scales, with the ANOCOVA approach more appropriate for multiple-field to landscape scales (1–10 km 2 ) and the remote sensing approach best for landscape to regional scales (>10 km 2 ).
A Little Bit Goes a Long Way: How Hotels Increase Loyalty from Social Media Communication

Customer loyalty has become a major source of competitive advantage for many businesses. The goal of our study was to determine the impact of social media communication on hotel program loyalty. We contend that social media communication style and information quality will impact consumer social media behavior which will in turn lead to increased loyalty to hotel reward programs. Utilizing an online random sample of 575 participants, our study determines that communication style and information quality are important to engaging members in social media behaviors. By having members engage in social media behavior, they will increase the benefits (knowledge/education) from C2C communication as well as experience other benefits such as enjoyment.
Photoacoustic tomography of unlabelled red blood cell at the nanoscale

In this letter, we present the principle behind nanoscale photoacoustic tomography (nPAT), in addition to simulation results demonstrating the thermal safety and the diagnostic potential of such a modality. Nanoscale photoacoustic tomography is a novel biomedical imaging modality that can allow for the 3D imaging of cells at nanometer resolutions. This modality also allows for the imaging of single red blood cells (RBCs) such that the hemoglobin concentration quantities can be visualized within the cell. As a result, we believe that nPAT can allow for diagnostic information at unprecedented resolutions and enable the visualization of previously unseen phenomenon in RBCs.
Discourse: MOOC Discussion Forum Analysis at Scale

We present Discourse, a tool for coding and annotating MOOC discussion forum data. Despite the centrality of discussion forums to learning in online courses, few tools are available for analyzing these discussions in a context-aware way. Discourse scaffolds the process of coding forum data by enabling multiple coders to work with large amounts of forum data. Our demonstration will enable attendees to experience, explore, and critique key features of the app.
Controller Design for Reliable Stabilization

Abstract For linear, time-invariant, multi-input multi-output control systems, a reliable controller design method is developed; two controllers are designed to stabilize the closed-loop system both when they act together and when either one fails completely. For stable plants, a method of decomposing a given stabilizing controller into the sum of two controllers is also developed so that closed-loop stability is maintained when acting together or independently.
Propagation Container and Timing of Propagation Affects Growth of Oak Seedlings

Two experiments were conducted to determine the container effect and the timeline of seed propagation on germination and subsequent shoot and root development for container-grown oaks. Quercus nigra and Q. texana had equal or better growth and better root ratings when acorns were sown in Anderson tree bands compared to five other traditional propagation containers that had at least half the root volume. Germination percentage of Q. bicolor, Q. phellos and Q. shumardii was similar at 10 weeks after sowing whether acorns were sown in March, April, May or June. Q. bicolor and Q. phellos acorns sown in March had similar height and trunk diameter during the 30 week growing period in year 1 compared to acorns sown in April, May, or June that had a 25, 20, or 15 week growing period, respectively. Q. shumardii seedlings had greater shoot growth when acorns were sown in April or May compared to March or June. However, there was no difference in trunk diameter. By the end of the second year, Q. shumardii repotted i...
The How-To for Type 2: An Overview of Diagnosis and Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

This article presents an overview of type 2 diabetes diagnosis and management. A brief discussion of epidemiology, including incidence, prevalence, and etiology, provides the basis for the importance of the discussion. The review then proceeds to outline diagnostic criteria and follow-up monitoring guidelines. Recommendations for evidence-based lifestyle measures and current pharmacologic options are addressed. A priority on individualized, holistic care with patient-specified goals and the management of comorbidities is emphasized.
Light-Activated Control of Translation by Enzymatic Covalent mRNA Labeling.

Activation of cellular protein expression upon visible-light photocleavage of small-molecule caging groups covalently attached to the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) of an mRNA was achieved. These photocleavable caging groups are conjugated to in vitro transcribed mRNA (IVT-mRNA) through RNA transglycosylation, an enzymatic process in which a bacterial tRNA guanine transglycosylase (TGT) exchanges a guanine nucleobase in a specific 17-nucleotide motif (Tag) for synthetic pre-queuosine1 (preQ1 ) derivatives. The caging groups severely reduce mRNA translation efficiency when strategically placed in the 5' UTR. Using this method, we demonstrate the successful spatiotemporal photoregulation of gene expression with single-cell precision. Our method can be applied to therapeutically relevant chemically modified mRNA (mod-mRNA) transcripts. This strategy provides a modular and efficient approach for developing synthetic gene regulatory circuits, biotechnological applications, and therapeutic discovery.
Lower Extremity Geometry in Morbid Obesity-Considerations for Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Obesity has been associated with varying adverse outcomes related to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and has long been associated with various mechanical complications. Computational modeling holds promise for investigating biomechanical aberrations related to TKA in obese patients. However, basic anthropometric information regarding the shape of the lower extremity in obese patients is lacking. We, therefore, developed a method to determine lower extremity shape both generally and subject specific as a function of body mass index (BMI) and sex. Methods A unique set of 4 radiographs (knee anteroposterior/lateral; EOS long-leg alignment anteroposterior/lateral) were reviewed for patients with BMI exceeding 30 kg/m2 before undergoing TKA. Soft tissue thickness in both the coronal and sagittal planes, including anterior adipose tissue thickness overlying the tibial tubercle and patella, was measured. Elliptical parameters were then determined for any distance along the lower extremity. Additional measurements were obtained, including prepatellar thickness and pretubercular thickness and anteroposterior and mediolateral dimensions of the proximal tibia. A total of 232 obese subjects were analyzed. Results Girth increased as a function of BMI. Anterior prepatellar and pretubercular subcutaneous fat thickness in females exceeded that in males for all values of BMI. Wide variation was seen with regard to overall patterns of adiposity among same-sex subjects with similar BMI. Proximal tibial osseous dimensions did not demonstrate an association with BMI; however, males were found to have deeper and wider tibias compared with females. Conclusions BMI and sex influence lower extremity shape. The prediction algorithms developed here holds implications for future biomechanical studies of TKA in obese patients.
Differential transcriptome patterns associated with early seedling development in a wild and a domesticated common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) accession

Genes that control "Domestication Syndrome" traits were direct targets of selection, like those controlling increased seed size in the common bean. However, selection for this trait brought about unintentional selection on genes controlling seedling growth. We hypothesized that wild and domesticated plants have different early seedling growth patterns as an indirect consequence of selection for a larger seed size during domestication, and those differences resulted from changes in gene expression patterns of the wild ancestor. Large seeds pose a challenge to reserve remobilization during early heterotrophic growth, particularly during a transition towards more fertile alluvial soils. To address our hypothesis, we characterized the patterns of gene expression of cotyledon, root, and leaf tissues of 7-day old seedlings of a wild and a landrace accession of the common bean. Differential expression analyses detected genes with contrasting patterns of expression between the two genotypes in all three tissues. Some of the differentially expressed genes with contrasting genotypic patterns are known to have domestication-related signatures of selection. Among these genes were some transcription factors associated with key roles in development. These genes may represent targets of indirect selection and ultimately explain the growth phenotypic differences between wild and domesticated seedlings.
Analyses of thermal expansion behavior of intergranular two-phase composites

Both analytical modeling and numerical simulations were performed to analyze residual thermal stresses and coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of intergranular two-phase composites in a two-dimensional sense. A composite-circle model was adopted for analytical modeling. Model microstructures consisting of square-array, hexagon-array, and brick wall-array of grains with an intergranular phase as well as an actual microstructure of random-array grains with an intergranular phase were adopted for numerical simulations. The results showed that in predicting CTEs, the simple analytical model represents the two-dimensional composite well except that with brick wall-array grains, which induced significant anisotropic CTEs in the composite. The residual thermal stresses in composites were also discussed.
Boethius of Dacia (fl. 1275)

Boethius of Dacia was a member of the ‘Modistae,’ a group of thinkers from the Middle Ages who developed the notion of ‘speculative grammar.’ He wrote on the nature and origin of grammar and parts of speech. In his writings, philosophy and grammar were interdependent, each necessary for understanding the other. Although he may have been a member of the Dominican Order, his writings were condemned by the bishop of Paris in 1270, along with the works of his fellow Averroist thinkers.
Red Blood Cells and Their Deformability

In the previous chapter we studied the flow properties of blood. In this chapter we turn our attention to the red blood cells. Red blood cells are the gas exchange units of animals. They deliver oxygen to the tissues of all organs, exchange with CO2, and return to the lung to unload CO2 and soak up O2 again. This is, of course, what circulation is all about. The heart is the pump, the blood vessels are the conduits, and the capillary blood vessels are the sites where gas exchange between blood and tissue or atmosphere takes place.
Antithrombin III deficiency: decreased synthesis of a biochemically normal molecule

A 29-yr-old white female has suffered from recurrent venous thromboses over the last 12 yr. Plasma antithrombin III (AT-III) levels were 48% of normal by immunoelectrophoresis and 56% by chromogenic assay. Three of four siblings and the father had similar AT-III levels without associated venous thromboses. Heparin-Sepharose chromatography demonstrated normal behavior of the patient9s AT-III. Her purified AT- III could not be distinguished from AT-III purified from a normal control either by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or by crossed immunoelectrophoresis, and the heparin cofactor activity and the progressive antithrombin activity of both AT-III samples were identical. Turnover studies were made in the patient using her own purified AT-III labeled with 131I, (*I). The results did not differ significantly from studies made with autologous *I-AT-III in two normal control women. Her fractional breakdown rate of 0.54 total plasma AT- III per day compared with 0.45 and 0.52 in the controls. These studies indicate that the patient synthesizes a normal AT-III molecule at half normal rates.
Communication Differences between Oncologists and Palliative Care Clinicians: A Qualitative Analysis of Early, Integrated Palliative Care in Patients with Advanced Cancer.

Abstract Background: Growing evidence demonstrates the benefits of early, integrated palliative care (PC) for patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers. Yet, data are lacking on the commun...