cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnetic microscopic imaging with an optically pumped magnetometer and flux guides

By combining an optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) with flux guides (FGs) and by installing a sample platform on automated translation stages, we have implemented an ultra-sensitive FG-OPM scanning magnetic imaging system that is capable of detecting magnetic fields of ∼20 pT with spatial resolution better than 300 μm (expected to reach ∼10 pT sensitivity and ∼100 μm spatial resolution with optimized FGs). As a demonstration of one possible application of the FG-OPM device, we conducted magnetic imaging of micron-size magnetic particles. Magnetic imaging of such particles, including nano-particles and clusters, is very important for many fields, especially for medical cancer diagnostics and biophysics applications. For rapid, precise magnetic imaging, we constructed an automatic scanning system, which holds and moves a target sample containing magnetic particles at a given stand-off distance from the FG tips. We show that the device was able to produce clear microscopic magnetic images of 10 μm-size magn...
1859 Darwin and Social Insects

Darwin recognized that the sterile castes of social insects presented a small problem for his theory of natural selection, but that the evolution of different forms within the sterile castes was more difficult to explain.
Tunnel vision in a murder case: telephone interaction between police detectives and the prime suspect

The article analyzes an interactional form of tunnel vision or cognitive bias in a series of mundane police–suspect interactions. The data come from a murder case in which the suspect, later convic...
Student Success for All: Support for Low-Income Students at an Urban Public University

Although federal financial aid has increased in recent years, the costs of college tuition and living expenses have increased even more, leaving larger numbers of students with unmet need. Restructuring of financial aid, however, is insufficient to address the problem of diverging attainment gaps between low-income students and their more advantaged peers. Low-income students share patterns and traits that put them at greater risk of dropping out of college. In response, the Lumina Foundation published the report Beyond Financial Aid , which identifies six strategies for supporting low-income students, offers examples of how those strategies may be implemented, and provides an institutional self-assessment tool. At Metropolitan State University of Denver, a cross-functional team of faculty and staff at MSU Denver gained considerable insight by using and discussing the Beyond Financial Aid assessment tool. The action plan that emerged from the team’s work consists of five goals: Take advantage of easy wins; use data to know our low-income students; increase broad-based support for low-income students; foster culture change; and enhance financial literacy. Additionally, MSU Denver has leveraged partnerships to strengthen support for its low-income students as a natural extension of the University’s regional stewardship mission.
A microcredit contract model with a Black Scholes model under default risk

Microfinance has emerged as a new promise for alleviating poverty and improving the limited access to financial services by offering small loans, with no pledged collateral requirement, to the poor. Due to the unique features of microfinance, the credit-relationship between the lender and the borrower is considered to be the foundation of the business. Based on the concept of supply chain microfinance, this paper develops scenario-based stochastic microcredit contract models for a group case. In order to obtain a minimum interest rate, a Black-Scholes debt model estimates volatility directly from market observable returns on a borrower's equity. Next, incorporating the minimum interest rate, the stochastic microcredit models are developed to calculate a proper interest rate, while maintaining the financial sustainability of a corporation. The stochastic microcredit models also include financial statement analysis through financial ratios to reflect the microfinance business environment. Through the comparison of the effect of cash flow bullwhip, this study illustrates that the proposed model has the potential to decrease the bullwhip effect. By determining a proper interest rate in microcredit, the proposed models could be used by microfinance institutions as an effective credit risk tool.
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program: The Need for Better Employment Eligibility Regulations

People will start seeking tax-exempt debt forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (“PSLF”) program in October of 2017 after satisfying the requirements of 10 years of post-October 1, 2007 employment in a “public service job.” I estimate that eventually 200,000 people a year or more will obtain debt forgiveness under this program, at a total cost to the Treasury of $12 billion/year or more. Estimates are that up to one-quarter of all employment will qualify as a public service job. For such a large and costly program the precise eligibility criteria are crucial. The statutory definition of a public service job is very broad and specifically lists numerous categories of public service, and is in some ways ambiguous. The Department of Education (“DOE”) in 2008 issued regulations regarding PSLF program employment eligibility, but those regulations have serious deficiencies. First of all, the regulations improperly define a public service job in a manner that is inconsistent with the statute by imposing a “public service organization” employer requirement that is not in the statute. This requirement works to disqualify some statutorily-listed public service employment from debt forgiveness eligibility, in particular public services employment provided on behalf of for-profit businesses or certain non-profit employers, and also improperly allows eligibility for debt forgiveness for some employees of private non-profit employers who are not employed to provide a qualifying public service. Second, the regulations fail to clarify vague statutory language regarding what constitutes “public” service, most importantly regarding the scope of “public interest law services.” The DOE has also recently rescinded several previously granted certifications of employment as qualifying on the basis of a newly imposed restrictive “primary purpose of the employer” requirement that is not in the governing statute nor in the DOE regulations, actions that have been challenged in court by the American Bar Association. Even if this restriction is upheld, which appears unlikely, there is a strong argument that the DOE should be estopped from rescinding prior certifications. In order to avoid unnecessary litigation once the expected large number of applications for debt forgiveness begin to be filed after October of 2017, I recommend that the DOE first seek Congressional action to clarify the contours of the PSLF program’s employment eligibility statute, and while awaiting such action it should rescind its public service organization eligibility requirement that is inconsistent with the statute, clarify that there is no primary purpose of the employer requirement, and provide much more detailed guidance regarding the contours of the various statutorily-specified forms of qualifying public service, especially public interest law service. If PSLF program eligibility is to be either narrowed or expanded this should be done through appropriate legislation, and not through unauthorized and somewhat covert DOE actions.
Abstract 1338: Exosome secretion promotes proliferation of African American prostate cancer cells under hypoxia: Role of HIF2A and RAB signaling

Background and Objectives: African American men experience worse prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes compared with those of Caucasian men not only in incidence and mortality rates but also harbor higher grade tumors compared to Caucasians. While the disparity is likely multifactorial, there may be biological basis for such phenomenon. Hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment is the key determinant of disease aggressiveness regulating primary growth, angiogenesis, metastasis and treatment outcomes. But role of hypoxia in the aggressiveness of PCa in African-American men has not been characterized yet. Here, we focused on hypoxia signaling, exosome biogenesis and characterization in African-American PCa cells compared to Caucasian PCa cells. Methods: We employed several techniques (cell viability assays, ultracentrifugation, nanoparticle tracking analyses [NTA], electron microscopy, and western blotting) to compare exosomes biogenesis and underlying molecular mechanisms in African-American and Caucasian PCa cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Results: Compared to normoxic condition, African-American PCa cells (E006AA-hT and RC77T) either survived better or proliferated under hypoxia (1% O2), while growth of Caucasian PCa cells (PC3 and LNCaP) was strongly inhibited under hypoxia. NTA analyses showed that all PCa cells secreted more exosomes under hypoxia compared to normoxia, but more prominently in African-American PCa cells (E006AA-hT: 4.4 fold, RC77T: 35 fold, PC3: 3 fold and LNCaP: 2 fold). Exosomes secreted by E006AA-hT cells under hypoxia were loaded with higher amount of HSP70, HSP90, IL6 and Annexin II, and lower TGFβ. These exosomes also showed significantly higher MMP9 loading compared to E006AA-hT cell lysates. More importantly, under hypoxia, exosome biogenesis inhibition by GW4869 (20 µM) and 5-(N,N-dimethyl) amiloride (0.1-5 µg/ml) significantly reduced the E006AA-hT cell viability by 30% (p=0.0001) and 20-60% (p Conclusion: African-American PCa cells have growth advantage under hypoxia mainly through higher exosome secretion; and higher expression/activity of HIF2α and RAB-signaling molecules could be associated with PCa aggressiveness in African-Americans. Citation Format: Gatikrushna Panigrahi, Taylor C. Peak, Sierra L. Patterson, Nicole Kasica, Ravi Singh, Ashok Hemal, Gagan Deep. Exosome secretion promotes proliferation of African American prostate cancer cells under hypoxia: Role of HIF2A and RAB signaling [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1338. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1338
Physiological responses associated with time estimation in a human operant situation

GSR, heart rate, forearm muscle potential, and volume pulse of the finger were recorded for five human Ss during six sessions in which positive reinforcement was obtained by maintenance of an interval of slightly more than one minute between lever presses (differential reinforcement of low rate, with limited hold). Systematic changes of physiological activity occurred in association with the lever-pressing response, whether reinforced or non-reinforced. These changes were most pronounced for the GSR, where two different patterns of activity were exhibited by the Ss, and for forearm muscle potential, where all Ss showed their largest increment of tension following the lever press. The consistent GSR to reinforcement which had been observed in previous studies involving variable-interval and fixed-ratio reinforcement did not occur in the present study. Among the five Ss, one showed significant increments of both GSR and heart rate to reinforcement, a second showed a significant increment of heart rate, and a third showed a significant increment of the volume pulse response.
Educational Methodologies: Implications for the Role of Teachers and Students

This chapter discusses the implications of the first three chapters with respect to the role of teachers and students. For this purpose, this chapter brings major aspects of the first three chapters to the forefront, and elaborates on their connections and implications for the way educational methodologies are applied.
Chest Wall Blocks and Neurolysis

Chest wall blocks are used in pain medicine to diagnose and treat acute and chronic pain conditions of the chest wall and abdomen. Patients presenting with unilateral or bilateral pain associated with a variety of neuropathic conditions are good candidates for these blocks. The blocks relieve pain involving the parietal pleura, skin, and intercostal muscles and usually do not affect or help the more deep-seated visceral painful states. While radiofrequency ablation is used more commonly for benign, chronic, continuous pain, chemical neurolysis is reserved for the terminally ill cancer pain of the chest wall primarily due to complications related to placement and spread of the neurolytic agents. Complications related to intercostal nerve blocks including the dreaded pneumothorax and vascular absorption should mandate that the technique be done either with fluoroscopic guidance or ultrasound; however, there are no good studies indicating that localization techniques prevent these complications completely.
Stochastic control under partial observations

Let us begin by describing in general terms the kind of stochastic control problems which we shall consider. We include a brief review of literature dealing with such problems. Then in sections 2-5 we summarize recent results (joint with E. Pardoux) on the optimal control of partially observed diffusion processes. Proofs of these results appear elsewhere [10], [9]. In stochastic control under partial observations one has for t > 0 a star process Xt, which cannot be observed, an observation process Yt' and a control process U t. The observation process Yt depends in some way on the state X t as well as other random inputs (for example, additive white-noise observation errors as in (2.1b) below). The dynamics of X t depend on U t and perhaps also on random inputs. In case of a constant control, U t ~ u, the state process X t must be Markov. In section 2 we suppose that the dynamics of X t have the form (2.1a). We assume the "classical" information structure: at time t the controller has available past observations Ys' 0 < s < t. It is customary to admit control processes U t adapted to the family of a-algebras ~;t(Y) = O{Ys, 0 < s < t}. This corresponds to the class of strict-sense admissible controls in the formulation of section 2. However, to obtain the existence of an optimal control for partially observed diffusions, we shall admit a wider class of controls. The question of existence of an optimal strict-sense admissible control for the problem formulated in section 2 has been open for some time. It does not seem that such an existence theorem can be proved by presently known methods, if indeed strict-sense admissible optimal controls exist. Other existence theorems for optimal controls under partial
Camus’ Caligula: An Allegory?

Allegory is a manner of speaking or, more appropriately, a technique of writing in which the narrative “obviously and continuously” refers to another “simultaneous” and consistent “structure of events or ideas”.1 In the literal sense of the original Greek word allegory, we are using a “speaking-the-other” technique (Greek: allos = other; agoreunein = to speak publicly). The allegorist is consistently pursuing another narrative which, at the same time, on a second level of understanding, extends clearly beyond the obvious surface meaning of the first.
A COMPARISON OF THE COMMUNITY PLANNING IMPLICATIONS FOR PASSIVE SOLAR, EARTH SHELTERED AND CONVENTIONAL HIGHLY INSULATED HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS

ABSTRACT Earth sheltered, passive solar and conventional highly-insulated houses have large variations in their need for solar exposure to maintain a high energy efficiency. They also have inherent implications for the minimum spacing of units under various assumed site conditions. The effect of full solar exposure on maximum densities of prototypical earth sheltered and solar developments is presented and compared to non-solar conventional construction. The effect of ground slope angles on the densities attainable is also included in the discussion.
Photoreceptor Rosettes in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Donor Tissues

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of blindness in individuals over 50 years of age in industrialized countries.1 In the USA, ARMD is estimated to be responsible for vision loss in 6 to 10 million individuals. Even though the occurrence is vast, little is known about the etiology of ARMD. ARMD may represent several different diseases but is generally classified as either a “wet” or “dry” form. The dry form, which is most common and represents 90% of the macular degeneration population, is characterized by pigmentary changes, drusen and atrophy of the macular photoreceptors. Vision loss occurs gradually over the course of many years. The wet form is less common but results in a more acute visual loss, which involves newly formed blood vessels below the macula that leak fluid and blood into the macular area.
Optimizing antibiotic use for early onset sepsis: A tertiary NICU experience.

BACKGROUND Neonatal antibiotic use is associated with a greater risk of nosocomial infection, necrotizing enterocolitis, and mortality. It can induce drug-resistant pathogens that contribute to increased neonatal morbidity/mortality, healthcare costs, and length of stay. Prior to the antibiotic stewardship program, decisions to obtain blood cultures and empiric antibiotics for possible Early-onset Sepsis (EOS) in late preterm and term infants upon NICU admission were provider-dependent rather than algorithm-based. We aimed to decrease empiric antibiotic prescription from 70% to 56% (20% decrease) in infants ≥34 weeks gestation admitted to the NICU. METHODS The stewardship initiative comprised the following practice changes: (1) use of the Neonatal Sepsis Risk Calculator (SRC); and (2) a 36-hour time-out for prescribed empiric antibiotics. Data was retrospectively collected and analyzed for inborn infants pre-intervention (January 2015-December 2015; n = 263) and post-intervention (August 2016-September 2017; n = 279). Data regarding compliance with the new antibiotic guideline were collected and disseminated to the team every week. Overlap between CDC guidelines and calculator recommendations were studied. RESULTS Pre-and post-intervention outcomes were analyzed using chi-square tests. There was a significant post-intervention reduction in the rate of both antibiotic prescriptions (29.4% decline; 70.3% vs. 49.6%; p < 0.001) and sepsis evaluations (24.3% decline; 90.9% vs. 68.8%; p < 0.001). No difference (p = 0.271) in culture-positive EOS cases was observed. There was 92% overlap in blood culture recommendations and 95% overlap between antibiotic recommendations when current CDC guidelines were compared to the SRC. CONCLUSION A significant reduction in antibiotic use and sepsis evaluations was achieved for late preterm and term infants upon NICU admission. No clinical deterioration occurred in post-intervention infants who did not receive antibiotics. There is significant overlap between CDC guidelines and SRC recommendations.
Weaning weight response of pigs to simple and complex diets.

Five experiments were conducted to determine (1) the value of simple vs complex diets on gains and feed conversion of pigs weaned at a constant age but varying in weight, (2) the optimum postweaning time to change from a complex to a simple diet and (3) the effect of previous treatment on subsequent performance. In the first experiment, pigs were weaned at 3 wk -+ 3 d and assigned within four weight groups (4.1, 5.0, 5.6 and 6.7 kg) to a simple or complex diet that was fed for 28 d. The complex diet improved (P<.01) pig performance in all weight groups. As anticipated, the heavier pigs (5.6 and 6.7 kg) ate more (P<.02) and grew faster (P<.03) than did their lighter weight littermates (4.1 and 5.0 kg). The second experiment involved pigs weaned at 3 wk  3 d that were assigned within two weight groups (4.4 and 6.6 kg) and fed a complex diet for 10 d, after which one-half of each weight group was switched to a simple diet. Pigs fed the complex diet for the entire 24-d period gained faster (P<.05) and were more efficient (P<.05) than those changed to the simple diet after 10 d. The heavier weight (6.6 kg) pigs ate more (P<,02) and gained faster (P<.02) than did the lighter weight (4.4 kg) pigs. A diet  weight interaction (P<.02) for feed to gain ratios indicated that the heavier pigs showed better feed conversion when changed to the simple diet than did the light weight pigs, but the reverse was true for those fed the complex diet for 24 d. Pigs in Exp. 3 weaned at 4 wk  3 d and assigned within two weight groups (6.6 and 8.4 kg) to the same dietary treatments that were fed in Exp. 2 responded similarly when fed either simple or complex starter diets. Experiments 4 and 5 were conducted to determine the optimum postweaning time to change 3-wk-old weanling pigs of various weights from a complex to a simple diet. In Exp. 4, pigs were assigned within two weight groups (5.0 and 6.6 kg); they were initially fed a complex diet, then changed to a simple diet on d 5, 10, 15 or 20. Average daily gain increased linearly as day of change from the complex to the simple diet increased for pigs that were lighter in weight initially. There was no difference in gain due to change date for the heavier littermates. For Exp. 5, pigs were assigned within two weight groups (4.4 and 6.0 kg) to three dietary regimens. A control group was fed a simple diet while the others were fed a complex diet initially, then changed to a simple diet on d 10 or 20 of the 34-d test period. The heavier pigs (6.0 kg) gained more (P<.O1) and had higher feed intakes (P<.01) than did the lighter weight pigs (4.4 kg). Daily gain increased linearly as day of change increased (P<.01). Daily feed intake showed a quadratic effect (P<,04), with the greater intake occurring when pigs were fed the complex diet for 10 and 20 d. The effects of previous dietary treatment on subsequent performance during the growingfinishing period were significant only for carcass length (P<.04) and muscling (P<.02). Feeding complex diets to pigs weaned at 3 wk of age and weighing less than 5.6 kg seems to be a beneficial practice.
An empirical model for refrigerant flammability based on molecular structure and thermodynamics

Abstract Screening methods for refrigerant blend flammability using metrics that can be easily calculated are of great interest to the refrigerant industry. Existing flammability metrics such as heat of combustion are not adequate for hydrofluorocarbon blends. Alternative metrics are needed that can be used to assess the flammability of refrigerant blends without requiring time-consuming experimental measurements. In this work, we study the combination of the maximum adiabatic flame temperature and the fluorine-substitution ratio as metrics for characterizing the flammability of refrigerant blends. The combination of these metrics yields an estimate of the flammability class of refrigerants (both blends and pure fluids) containing hydrofluorocarbon and hydrocarbon components. The calculations of adiabatic flame temperature are carried out with the open-source chemical kinetics software package Cantera using a mechanism available in the literature.
MISOGINIA Y VIOLENCIA HACIA LAS MUJERES: DIMENSIONES SIMBÓLICAS DEL GÉNERO Y DEL PATRIARCADO

espanolResumen: Este articulo analiza criticamente la presencia de la misoginia y de la violencia ejercida hacia las mujeres en la construccion simbolica de dos figuras femeninas presentes en mitos cosmogonicos de gran valor para la cultura occidental: Pandora y Eva. La relevancia de este analisis radica en que estas narraciones habitan aquellos relatos que estan en la genesis de la diferenciacion sexista entre hombres y mujeres. De manera especifica, se establece que en los relatos de Pandora y de Eva emergen dos elementos cardinales que reproducen la violencia simbolica hacia las mujeres: la devaluacion femenina y el imperativo de ser para otro. Por ultimo, se declara que visibilizar los elementos de violencia simbolica que subyacen en estas narraciones es un ejercicio ineludible cuando se busca desentranar las conexiones entre pasado y presente inscritas en las expresiones culturales que naturalizan la violencia hacia las mujeres. EnglishAbstract: This article critically analyzes the presence of misogyny and violence against women in the symbolic construction of two female figures present in cosmogonic myths of great value to Western culture: Pandora and Eve. The relevance of this analysis resides in the character of these narratives as stories that recount the genesis of sexist differentiation between men and women. Specifically, this article maintains that two primary elements emerge from the myths of Pandora and Eve and contribute to the reproduction of symbolic violence towards women: feminine devaluation and the imperative of being for another. The article concludes that visualizing the underlying elements of symbolic violence in these narratives is an essential exercise in the effort to unravel the connections between past and present inscribed in cultural expressions that naturalize violence against women.
Relationships between social networks and language development during study abroad

ABSTRACTThe current study examined second language (L2) learners’ social networks during study abroad and how they changed over time. Participants were 29 British undergraduates majoring in French ...
Characterising interactions between co-infecting parasites using age-intensity profiles

Interactions between co-infecting parasite species can impact transmission. Whether co-infection is beneficial or detrimental to a target parasite, and whether the mechanism involves changes in host susceptibility or parasite clearance, can be difficult to assess. We demonstrate the potential for host age-parasite intensity curves to allow assessment of these factors. A model is developed to generate predictions and test these predictions using helminth parasites of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). We identify three beneficial interactions involving five helminth species, including susceptibility and clearance-based mechanisms. Our results suggest that analysis of age-intensity data represents a new tool for assessing the nature and strength of co-infecting parasite interactions.
Mixed methods pilot study of a low-carbohydrate diabetes prevention programme among adults with pre-diabetes in the USA.

Objectives (1) To estimate weight change from a low-carbohydrate diabetes prevention programme (LC-DPP) and (2) to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an LC-DPP. Research design Single-arm, mixed methods (ie, integration of quantitative and qualitative data) pilot study. Setting Primary care clinic within a large academic medical centre in the USA. Participants Adults with pre-diabetes and Body Mass Index of ≥25 kg/m2. Intervention We adapted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP)—an evidence-based, low-fat dietary intervention—to teach participants to follow a very low-carbohydrate diet (VLCD). Participants attended 23 group-based classes over 1 year. Outcome measures Primary outcome measures were (1) weight change and (2) percentage of participants who achieved ≥5% wt loss. Secondary outcome measures included intervention feasibility and acceptability (eg, attendance and qualitative interview feedback). Results Our enrolment target was 22. One person dropped out before a baseline weight was obtained; data from 21 individuals were analysed. Mean weight loss in kilogram was 4.3 (SD 4.8) at 6 months and 4.9 (SD 5.8) at 12 months. Mean per cent body weight changes were 4.5 (SD 5.0) at 6 months and 5.2 (SD 6.0) at 12 months; 8/21 individuals (38%) achieved ≥5% wt loss at 12 months. Mean attendance was 10.3/16 weekly sessions and 3.4/7 biweekly or monthly sessions. Among interviewees (n=14), three factors facilitated VLCD adherence: (1) enjoyment of low-carbohydrate foods, (2) diminished hunger and cravings and (3) health benefits beyond weight loss. Three factors hindered VLCD adherence: (1) enjoyment of high-carbohydrate foods, (2) lack of social support and (3) difficulty preplanning meals. Conclusions An LC-DPP is feasible, acceptable and may be an effective option to help individuals with pre-diabetes to lose weight. Data from this pilot will be used to plan a fully powered randomised controlled trial of weight loss among NDPP versus LC-DPP participants. Trial registration number NCT03258918.
Quasilinear modeling of heat flux from microtearing turbulence

Microtearing (MT) turbulence affects plasma confinement and profile evolution in many different magnetic-confinement scenarios, ranging from tokamak core plasmas to the H-mode pedestal and from spherical tokamaks to reversed-field pinches. Thus, an urgent need exists to design and test reduced models of MT turbulence and transport. Here, a heuristic quasilinear model is composed and verified by comparing its predictions against nonlinear MT simulations. It is found to yield good predictions of magnetic flutter transport as key parameters are varied: the collision frequency, the electron temperature gradient, and the normalized plasma pressure.
Toy Stories: Attachment Play in The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Movie 2

This chapter draws upon a language of attachment derived from psychological discourses and the tradition of toys-to-life narratives to explore attachment play—toy-mediated storytelling that expresses a need for emotional attachment—in The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Movie 2. Across four layers of filmic meaning—surface attachment quests, the imaginative storytelling of the child characters, animated toys-to-life narratives, and the object-agency of the toys themselves—LEGO brands itself as actively promoting attachment. Furthermore, by positioning the toys as both a metaphor for and active mediator of emotional attachment, LEGO constructs a problematically consumerist ethos of connectivity.
Explaining support for mandatory versus voluntary conservation actions among waterfowlers

Personal conservation behavior and compliance with natural resource regulations are important to wildlife conservation. We examined how waterfowl-hunting involvement, motivations, satisfaction, and...
Modeling Ebola Transmission Dynamics with Media Effects on Disease and Isolation Rates

In this study, we developed a deterministic model for Ebola virus disease. The model uniquely incorporates isolated and non-isolated individuals as well as sexually-infectious individuals. The model is locally asymptotically stable when the reproduction is less than one. We carried out a local sensitivity analysis which shows that the transmission probability, isolation rate, the transition rates from the isolated and non-isolated class can impact the reproduction number. These parameters can be influenced by media coverage; thus we uniquely incorporate into our Ebola model via these parameters the effect of media which encourages infected individuals to seek treatment and remain in treatment facilities. Furthermore, we found that fewer individuals will seek treatment when there is a weak media effect compared to when there is a strong media effect. Our result also shows that as media effect increases the disease burden in the community decreases with a lower epidemic peak which lags behind the epidemic peak from the model without media.
History of introduction of Reeves’ muntjac in Great Britain and ecological characteristics facilitating expansion of feral populations

Reeves’ muntjac, either deliberately released or escaped from collections, was present in a few areas of southern England in low numbers by the 1960s and was generally regarded as a benign introduction. As their numbers and distribution increased their impact on amenity woodland, forest plantations, ground flora and their potential competition with native herbivores became apparent. Their reproductive capabilities and ability to thrive in various habitats enabled them to become extremely successful invasive aliens, now established throughout much of England (887 10 km squares, almost all contiguous, in 2016), and a few locations in Wales and Northern Ireland. The species is included within the E.U. list of Invasive Aliens of Union Concern stemming from Regulation (EU) 1143/2014. The UK has the longest experience with free-living muntjac, so it is useful to examine in detail the history of introduction, subsequent spread and aspects of its ecology. This offers a useful case-history and exemplar for possible future range expansion in other European countries where the species is now becoming better-established.
Analytical Techniques for Fluorescent Chemicals Used as Systemic or External Wildlife Markers

New approaches to wildlife marking with fluorescent chemicals were examined using the analytical techniques of fluorometry, chromatography, and tissue examination under ultraviolet light. A miniaturized, portable, and economical chromatography system was utilized. Quinacrine dihydrochloride was used as a marker and was found to be detectable at 50 ppb in 1 ml of blood. Rhodamine B was demonstrated to be a long-lasting marker of coyote (Canis latrans) claws and hair when the chemical was ingested orally and systemically distributed. The use of the analytical methods presented, in combination with fluorescent chemicals, will provide researchers and managers with additional ways to mark wildlife. The possibility of the systemic marking of hair with a variety of chemicals offers an expanded future for wildlife marking.
Fault Identification for Industrial Process Based on KPCA-SSVM

Industrial fault identification is significant for finding fault reason and remedying the potential safety problems. As kernel principal components analysis (KPCA) has excellent performance in nonlinear data processing, a kind of fault identification method is proposed based on KPCA and simple support vector machine (SSVM). KPCA was applied to choose the nonlinear principal component of the model input data space, and SSVM was applied to establish fault identification modeling, which could not only enhance the efficiency of calculation, but also could improve the fault identification ability. The proposed KPCA-SSVM was applied to the Tennessee Eastman Process (TEP). Simulation indicates that this method features high learning speed and good identification ability compared with SVM, PCA-SSVM and KPCA-SVM, and is proved to be an efficient fault identification modeling method.
Least-Squares Design of Linear-Phase FIR Half-Band Filters

Two approaches are described which can be used to design half-band filters for multirate applications. The approaches are based on the method of formulating the weighted mean-square error between the amplitude responses of the practical and ideal filters as a quadratic function. The filter coefficients are obtained by solving a set of linear equations. This method yields filters that are optimal in the least-squares sense. Design examples are provided.
Parametric systems studies of the aqueous-based (slurry) blanket concept for accelerator transmutation of waste

Transmutation of long-lived nuclear waste currently stored in spent reactor fuels may represent an attractive alternative to deep geologic disposal. The aqueous-based accelerator transmutation of waste (ATW) concept uses a proton accelerator to produce a 1.6-GeV, 250-mA ( ca. 400 MW) beam that is split four ways and directed to four D{sub 2}O-cooled solid W-Pb composite targets. Each target in turn is centered in a heavy water moderated, highly multiplying, actinide (oxide)-slurry blanket. The target-blanket system for ATW resides at an interface separating two major systems that are crucial to the economic and technical success of the concept: (a) the high-energy (power-intensive) accelerator delivering 0.8 to 1.6 GeV protons to the high-Z spallation neutron source and (b) the chemical-plant equipment (CPE) that provides feedstock appropriate for efficient and effective transmutation. Parametric studies have been performed to assess the effects of the target-blanket on overall system performance with regard to neutron economy, chemical-processing efficiency and thermal-hydraulic design options. Based on these parametric evaluations, an interim base-case aqueous-slurry ATW design was selected for more detailed analysis. This base-case target-blanket consists of an array of Zr-Nb pressure tubes placed in a heavy water moderator surrounding a heavy-water-cooled W-Pb target. Neutronics and thermal-hydraulic calculationsmore » indicate that each of the four ATW target-blanket modules operating with a neutron multiplication k{sub eff} = 0.95 can transmute the actinide waste and the technetium and iodine waste from ca. 2.5 light water reactors. By recovering the fission heat, sufficient electricity can be produced both to operate the accelerator and to supply power to the grid for revenue generation. These broad-based parametric studies have provided guidance to a preliminary conceptual engineering design of the aqueous-slurry ATW blanket concept.« less
Listeria monocytogenes virulence and pathogenicity, a food safety perspective.

Several virulence factors of Listeria monocytogenes have been identified and extensively characterized at the molecular and cell biologic levels, including the hemolysin (listeriolysin O), two distinct phospholipases, a protein (ActA), several internalins, and others. Their study has yielded an impressive amount of information on the mechanisms employed by this facultative intracellular pathogen to interact with mammalian host cells, escape the host cell's killing mechanisms, and spread from one infected cell to others. In addition, several molecular subtyping tools have been developed to facilitate the detection of different strain types and lineages of the pathogen, including those implicated in common-source outbreaks of the disease. Despite these spectacular gains in knowledge, the virulence of L. monocytogenes as a foodborne pathogen remains poorly understood. The available pathogenesis and subtyping data generally fail to provide adequate insight about the virulence of field isolates and the likelih...
Dispersion of matter in non-Newtonian laminar flow through a circular tube

Taylor’s analyses of the dispersion of Newtonian fluids in laminar flow in a circular tube are extended to the flow of the Bingham plastic and Ellis model fluid. The previous results for the Newtonian fluid and power-low fluid can be deduced from the results of this work. It is indicated that Aris’s modification of Taylor’s analyses can be naturally applied to the non-Newtonian fluid. Results obtained for laminar flow between two parallel plane walls are given in the appendix.
Occluded infrainguinal grafts: When to choose lytic therapy versus a new bypass graft

Background: The published results of thrombolysis for occluded bypass grafts, including a prospective multicenter trial, have been disappointing, prompting many investigators to proceed directly to a new bypass rather than attempt graft salvage. Our series of 61 occluded grafts treated with lytic therapy, however, identified a subgroup that justified attempted graft salvage. Method: The grafts consisted of saphenous vein 59% (3661), other vein (arm or composite vein) 21% (1361), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) 29% (1361). The data analysis was designed to identify the graft subgroup that would benefit from lytic therapy by using cumulative survival analysis techniques with the Wilcoxon (Gehan) test for univariate analysis and Cox proportional hazards model for multivariate analysis. Specific variables examined by univariate analysis were graft age (defined as the interval from initial bypass to graft lysis), graft material, graft type (femoropopliteal versus femorotibial), diabetes, symptoms (claudication versus salvage) and duration of occlusion prior to lysis. Results: Complete lysis was achieved in 72% (4461) of the grafts, and 86% (3844) had an underlying stenosis that was treated by percutaneous balloon angioplasty (2838) or surgery (738). Three stenotic outflow lesions were not treated. Cumulative 5-year patency for all 61 grafts was 23% ± 0.075 (SE). Only graft age 10 months was significant (P 10 months old resulted in a 45% 5-year patency, compared to 21% for <10-month-old saphenous vein grafts (P <0.008). A review of 161 bypass grafts performed at our institution over the past 10 years revealed a 52% 5-year secondary patency in previously bypassed limbs, which varied with graft material (67% saphenous, 50% alternative vein, 31% prosthetic). Lysed graft patency was comparable to that of a second bypass using other veins or PTFE conduit. Conclusions: In the absence of an intact saphenous vein for a second bypass, thrombolytic therapy is an alternative to surgery.
Lineaments and Water Wells as Exploration Tools in Midway-Extra Gas Field, West Virginia: ABSTRACT

A hydrogeologic characterization study was done in the Midway-Extra Devonian shale gas field of northern Putnam County, West Virginia. Lineaments were mapped and water wells were surveyed for physical and chemical parameters, for comparison to initial yield of nearby shale gas wells. Short, straight photolineaments are significantly associated with water-well yield in gallons per minute. Water wells located within 200 ft (60 m) of a lineament's center line have significantly higher yields, which indicates End_Page 1575------------------------------ that such lineaments probably represent anomalous zones of increased fracture permeability about 400 ft (120 m) wide at the surface. Gas wells located near short photolineaments oriented N60°W to N30°E and especially N60°W to N0°E had significantly higher initial open flows (both before and after stimulation) than wells located near other photolineaments. Gas wells also had significantly higher initial open flows when located in high-density areas of N60°W to N30°E photolineaments. Within lineament density zones exceeding 2.0 mi/sq mi (3.2 km/2.6 sq km), 71 and 100% of randomly located gas wells would have exceeded 100 Mcf/day before stimulation and after stimulation respectively. Gas wells located near class 1 (most certain) photolineaments had higher in tial open flows than wells near class 2 or 3 (less certain) photolineaments. Wells located within 0.25 mi (0.4 km) of a class 1 photolineament oriented N60°W to N30°E had significantly higher initial open flows than more distant wells. Landsat lineaments appear to be poor locations for gas wells, for they do not overlap the areas of high gas production. Certain water-well parameters are also associated with initial gas well yield. Water wells located within areas of high initial gas flow (over 100 Mcf/day after stimulation) have significantly higher bicarbonate and nitrate concentrations than wells in areas of low gas production. Optimum sites for high-yielding gas wells would be near water wells having at least 470 mg/1 bicarbonate or at least 1.75 mg/1 nitrate. Initial yields before stimulation were significantly greater for gas wells near high-yielding water wells compared to gas wells near low-yielding water wells; however, this trend is probably not useful for gas exploration, for it does not apply for initial gas flows after stimulation. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1576------------
An Algorithmic Approach to Simultaneous Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer with Microvascular Breast Reconstruction

Lymphedema is a common, progressive, and often debilitating condition that can occur after breast cancer treatment. Preliminary reports on vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) have been promising. We propose an algorithmic approach to simultaneous VLNT with microvascular breast reconstruction (MBR) and provide early results. All patients who underwent simultaneous VLNT with MBR were included. Postoperative evaluation was performed at standardized time points and included qualitative assessment and quantitative volumetric analysis. Between 2011 and 2013, 29 consecutive patients with refractory lymphedema secondary to breast cancer treatment underwent simultaneous VLNT with MBR. Mean follow-up was 11 months. On average, patients had experienced 3.3 years of lymphedema symptoms with 21 % increased volume in the affected arm compared with the unaffected arm. Using our algorithmic approach, all patients underwent successful breast reconstruction. There were no flap losses, and no patients developed donor site lymphedema. Six patients (21 %) experienced donor site wound complications that resolved with conservative measures; 23 patients (79 %) reported sustained symptomatic improvement after reconstruction. The mean volume differential volumes improved to 20, 19, 14, and 10 % at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after reconstruction, respectively. Our algorithm provides a reliable approach to optimizing simultaneous abdominal free flap breast reconstruction and VLNT and demonstrates promising results. Long-term studies are warranted to further delineate and improve the safety and efficacy of lymph node transfers.
Emerging drugs for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Although the philosophy of management of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) has been altered with the advent of fludarabine-based therapies, impact on long-term survival is unclear and a significant proportion of patients will develop resistance to fludarabine. Similar to other haematological malignancies, a potential for ‘cure’ is likely to be achieved only if ‘high-quality’ complete remissions (CRs) are achieved. Treatment options for patients who develop resistance to fludarabine continue to be limited, with only a proportion obtaining a response (usually not CRs) with salvage therapies. This review summarises novel therapies that are being evaluated in patients with CLL, specifically those targeting the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family of proteins and receptors (e.g., CD40, CD80, HLA-DR) involved in mediating survival signals from the microenvironment.
A New Synthesis of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid

(1991). A New Synthesis of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid. Agricultural and Biological Chemistry: Vol. 55, No. 6, pp. 1687-1688.
Cytoplasmic Antiproteinase 2 (PI8) and Bomapin (PI10) Map to the Serpin Cluster at 18q21.3

Abstract High-molecular-weight serine proteinase inhibitors (serpins) regulate a diverse set of intracellular and extracellular processes such as complement activation, fibrinolysis, coagulation, cellular differentiation, tumor suppression, apoptosis, and cell migration. The ov-serpins are a subset of the serpin superfamily and are characterized by their high degree of homology to chicken ovalbumin, the lack of N- and C-terminal extensions, the absence of a signal peptide, and a Ser rather than an Asn residue at the penultimate position. Recently, we mapped four members of the family [SCCA1, SCCA2, PAI2, and PI5 (maspin)] to a 300-kb region within 18q21.3. Using a panel of 18q21.3 YAC clones, PCR, and DNA blotting, we mapped two additional ov-serpins, cytoplasmic antiproteinase 2 [CAP2 (PI8)] and bone marrow-associated serpin [bomapin (PI10)], to the same region. Three of the serpins, PI8, PI10, and PAI2 mapped to the same YACs, yA27D8 and yA24E4. We estimated that the size of the 18q21.3 serpin cluster spanned ∼500 kb and contained at least six serpin genes. The order was cen –PI5, SCCA2, SCCA1, PAI2, PI10, PI8– tel. The clustering of serpins at 18q21 provides new opportunities to study coordinate gene regulation and the evolution of gene families.
Touching Creation's Web: Key Images in Poetry

Significant childhood events may give rise to “key images” that unconsciously bring life, energy, and universality to a poet's work. In this article, a poet examines how her work in nursing helped reveal, through poetry, her own key images; and she suggests ways other writers might encourage intense personal imagery to enter their own poems or the poems of their students.