cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An fMRI investigation of analogical mapping in metaphor comprehension: the influence of context and individual cognitive capacities on processing demands.

This study used fMRI to investigate the neural correlates of analogical mapping during metaphor comprehension, with a focus on dynamic configuration of neural networks with changing processing demands and individual abilities. Participants with varying vocabulary sizes and working memory capacities read 3-sentence passages ending in nominal critical utterances of the form “X is a Y.” Processing demands were manipulated by varying preceding contexts. Three figurative conditions manipulated difficulty by varying the extent to which preceding contexts mentioned relevant semantic features for relating the vehicle and topic of the critical utterance to one another. In the easy condition, supporting information was mentioned. In the neutral condition, no relevant information was mentioned. In the most difficult condition, opposite features were mentioned, resulting in an ironic interpretation of the critical utterance. A fourth, literal condition included context that supported a literal interpretation of the critical utterance. Activation in lateral and medial frontal regions increased with increasing contextual difficulty. Lower vocabulary readers also had greater activation across conditions in the right inferior frontal gyrus. In addition, volumetric analyses showed increased right temporo-parietal junction and superior medial frontal activation for all figurative conditions over the literal condition. The results from this experiment imply that the cortical regions are dynamically recruited in language comprehension as a function of the processing demands of a task. Individual differences in cognitive capacities were also associated with differences in recruitment and modulation of working memory and executive function regions, highlighting the overlapping computations in metaphor comprehension and general thinking and reasoning.
A Review of: “Nelly Lahoud. The Jihadis' Path to Self-Destruction.”

I see no point in fighting them since they themselves are fighting each other. If they carry on like this, that is [after all] what we desire, for therein lies their destruction (halak). Even if th...
Adhesion Mechanisms of Silane Adhesion Promoters in Microelectronic Packaging

Silane adhesion promoters are seeing increasing use in microelectronic packaging applications. For example, they are currently used to adhere the passivating polymer overlayer to oxide. In this paper, we present detailed studies of silane adhesion promoters on the silicon oxide surface. Two common promoters (aminopropyltriethoxysilane and vinyltriethoxysilane) as well as non-functional silanes are investigated. It was found that without a functional end group, long carbon chain silanes can severely degrade adhesion, resulting in interfaces weaker than if no silane is used. Several spin coat solution formulations are used in depositing these films. The resulting surface coverage is examined and quantified using XPS, and the adhesion behavior of various promoter films is tested in sandwich structures using a fracture mechanics approach. Finally, spin-coat solution concentration, surface coverage, and interface fracture energy are compared for the amine functional promoter.
GLI2 IS REQUIRED FOR INDUCTION OF FLOOR PLATE AND ADJACENT CELLS, BUT NOT MOST VENTRAL NEURONS IN THE MOUSE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Induction of the floor plate at the ventral midline of the neural tube is one of the earliest events in the establishment of dorsoventral (d/v) polarity in the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS). The secreted molecule, Sonic hedgehog, has been shown to be both necessary and sufficient for this induction. In vertebrates, several downstream components of this signalling pathway have been identified, including members of the Gli transcription factor family. In this study, we have examined d/v patterning of the CNS in Gli2 mouse mutants. We have found that the floor plate throughout the midbrain, hindbrain and spinal cord does not form in Gli2 homozygotes. Despite this, motoneurons and ventral interneurons form in their normal d/v positions at 9.5 to 12.5 days postcoitum (dpc). However, cells that are generated in the region flanking the floor plate, including dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons, were greatly reduced in number or absent in Gli2 homozygous embryos. These results suggest that early signals derived from the notochord can be sufficient for establishing the basic d/v domains of cell differentiation in the ventral spinal cord and hindbrain. Interestingly, the notochord in Gli2 mutants does not regress ventrally after 10.5 dpc, as in normal embryos. Finally, the spinal cord of Gli1/Gli2 zinc-finger-deletion double homozygous mutants appeared similar to Gli2 homozygotes, indicating that neither gene is required downstream of Shh for the early development of ventral cell fates outside the ventral midline.
Low-latency soliton logic gates in erbium-doped fiber amplifiers

We show that fiber logic gates based on soliton interactions can be shortened to less than a soliton period in length by incorporating erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA’s) into the switches. For example, we describe an all-optical, cascadable logic gate with a fan-out of 2.7 and energy contrast of 5.5 in a soliton-period-long, moderately birefringent EDFA. We compare two configurations: a distributed amplifier, in which the solitons interact while being amplified, and a discrete amplifier, in which the pulses are amplified before interacting. Although asymmetric walk-off and rapid amplification during interaction may play a role in the distributed amplifier, the primary benefit of introducing EDFA’s appears to be the resulting high pulse intensities.
System simulation as decision data in heathcare IT

Information Technology in healthcare is an ever-growing enterprise, with medical providers becoming more and more reliant on data to make care decisions. With the increased reliance on these applications for care, questions arise around the availability and manageability of those systems. This paper examines a model which has been developed for the selection of computing infrastructure architectures in healthcare organizations. This model utilizes the Analytics Hierarchy Process (AHP) to weigh the various criteria that come into play for decisions of this nature. Further, to vet the recommendations of the AHP model, and to lend quantitative data to the decision making process, simulations of the various architectural options were built for various application scenarios. The results of these simulations thus serve as additional validation of the model's efficacy. This paper focuses on the use of discrete event simulation using ExtendSim® to assist in the architectural selection process for computing architectures.
Thermomigration in lead-free solder joints

In the next generation nanoelectronics and SiC based electronic packaging, current density and temperature gradient will be larger in orders of magnitude. Electromigration and thermomigration are considered to be major road blocks leading to realisation of nanoelectronics and SiC based high temperature power electronics. In this paper, damage mechanics of 95.5Sn4Ag0.5Cu (SAC405) lead-free solder joints under high temperature gradients have been studied. This paper presents observations on samples which were subjected to 1000°C/cm thermal gradient for two hours, 286 hours, 712 hours and 1156 hours. It was observed that samples subjected to thermal gradient did not develop a Cu3Sn intermetallic compound (IMC) layer at the hot side due to Cu migration to the cold side thus causing insufficient Cu mass concentration to form Cu3Sn. On the other hand, in samples subjected to isothermal annealing exhibited IMC growth. In samples subjected to thermomigration, near the cold side the Cu concentration is significantly higher, compared to hot side. Extensive surface hardness testing showed increase in hardness from the hot to cold sides, which indicates vacancy migration and Sn grain coarsening are in the opposing direction.
Ethanol directly modulates gating of a dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channel in neurohypophysial terminals

Ingestion of ethanol results in a decreased level of plasma vasopressin, which appears to be caused by inhibition of arginine vasopressin (AVP) release from the neurohypophysis. Activation of membrane voltage-gated Ca2+ channels plays an important role in triggering this neurohormone release. In this article, single-channel recordings are used to demonstrate that ethanol, at concentrations constituting legal intoxication, inhibits dihydropyridine-sensitive "L-type" Ca2+ channels in isolated nerve terminals of the rat neurohypophysis. Ethanol reduced the channel open probability in a concentration-dependent manner. To allow finer resolution of channel openings and to better characterize the mechanisms of ethanol action, Bay K 8644 was used to prolong the openings of L-type Ca2+ channels. In the presence of this dihydropyridine (DHP), the reduction of the channel open probability by concentrations of ethanol of 25 mM or higher could be determined to be due primarily, although not completely, to a shortening of the open duration of this L-channel. Channel conductance was unaffected by ethanol, even at high concentrations. These results are consistent with previous macroscopic data indicating that calcium channels in these peptidergic terminals are targets for ethanol action, and indicate that ethanol acts directly on the gating characteristics of the L-type channel. Furthermore, examination of open and closed state transitions, as well as Hill plot analysis, suggests that ethanol's effects on gating are consistent with the interaction of a single drug molecule with a single target site, possibly the L-channel itself.
Critical role of zinc in hardening of Nereis jaws

Hardening of invertebrate jaws and mandibles has been previously correlated to diverse, potentially complex modifications. Here we demonstrate directly, for the first time, that Zn plays a critical role in the mechanical properties of histidine-rich Nereis jaws. Using nanoindentation, we show that removal of Zn by chelation decreases both hardness and modulus by over 65%. Moreover, reconstitution of Zn yields a substantial recovery of initial properties. Modulus and hardness of Zn-replete jaws exceed those attainable by current engineering polymers by a factor of >3. Zn-mediated histidine cross-links are proposed to account for this enhancement in mechanical properties.
Two-dimensional fractal growth properties of the filamentous fungus Cryphonectria parasitica: the effects of hypovirus infection.

Whole-colony two-dimensional fractal growth patterns produced by hypovirus-infected Cryphonectria parasitica (EP155/CHV1-EP713) were measured and compared with those produced by the isogenic virus-free strain (EP155) on solid medium. We have quantified statistically significant differences in the rates of expansion and spatial dynamics of colony growth between the two strains and concluded that fractal dimension is affected by the presence of the hypovirus. Therefore, fractal dimension measurement is an effective quantitative tool for testing the effects of mycovirus infection on fungal growth parameters. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Regulatory role of C5a in LPS-induced IL-6 production by neutrophils during sepsis

Experimental sepsis in rodents occurring after cecal ligation/puncture (CLP) is associated with excessive complement activation and a systemic inflammatory response. The proinflammatory mediator IL-6 has recently been shown to be an important inducer of the C5a receptor (C5aR) during sepsis. We now provide evidence that serum IL-6 production during sepsis in rats was reduced in neutrophil-depleted animals and that absence of C5aR in mice as well as antibody-blockade of C5a in rats significantly reduced serum levels of IL-6 during sepsis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production in vitro of IL-6 by neutrophils was significantly enhanced in the co-presence of C5a, likely due to transcriptional up-regulation of IL-6. Production of IL-6 in neutrophils by LPS was NF-kappaB dependent (but not on the presence of p50) and dependent on phosphorylation of p38-mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) as well as p44/p42 MAPK (ERK1/2) but not on phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK1/2). C5a stimulation of neutrophils elicited a rapid phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK. Accordingly, we suggest that induction of IL-6 after CLP is neutrophil and C5a/C5aR dependent, likely due to the ability of C5a to cause activation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.
Conditions in the upper atmosphere as indicated by a study of meteor-trains

It has been recognized for a considerable time that the drifts of long-enduring meteor-trains give us our principal direct information about the wind-currents in the upper atmosphere. Since the directions and velocities of these currents, as well as their altitudes, are of great interest and importance in studies dealing with the physics of the upper strata, it is quite worth while to obtain all the data possible. The actual observation of meteors is, however, a purely astronomical problem, and only through this can the train-drifts be derived. The result of such study is therefore one of the happy combinations in which the derived data are valuable directly to more sciences than one.
Use of the iPad for Graduate Clinician Distance Supervision: A Preliminary Study

The methods of clinical supervision are rapidly changing in our world of technology. Increasingly, university clinics are embracing new electronic videoconferencing methodologies that allow distant...
A propagation experiment combining reflection and diffraction

Measurements of propagation at a frequency of 1090 MHz over terrain that produces specular reflection and knife-edge diffraction are in good agreement with model calculations that use images to represent the effect of reflection. A hill covered with a pine forest formed the diffracting mask, and an airport area formed the reflecting surface. Agreement between measurements and model calculations required that the diffracting knife edge be located at treetop level. Optimum propagation into the shadow region was obtained when a maximum in the reflection-lobe pattern coincided with the mask angle.
Temperature Effects on Piezoelectric Wafer Active Sensors

This paper discusses the temperature effects of using piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) technologies for structural health monitoring (SHM) in pressure vessels and piping (PVP) applications, e.g. dry cast storage system (DCSS). The research into monitoring of DCSS health has experienced a dramatic increase following the issuance of the Blue Ribbon Commission (BRC) on America’s Nuclear Future Final Report in 2012. The interim storage of spent nuclear fuel from reactor sites has gained additional importance and urgency for resolving waste-management-related technical issues. PWAS have emerged as one of the major SHM technologies developed particularly for generating and receiving acousto-ultrasonic waves for the purpose of continuous monitoring and diagnosis. Durability and survivability of PWAS under temperature effects was first tested in experiments. The analytical model of PWAS based sensor and sensing system under temperature effects was then developed. This paper compared the analytical model and experimental results of PWAS under temperature changes. Since the environmental variability of a sensing system includes changes in both the sensors and the sensing methodology including acoustic emission (AE), guided ultrasonic waves (GUW), and electro-mechanical impedance spectroscopy (EMIS), we also performed several temperature exposure with different PWAS sensing configurations under a controlled oven. The potential of PWAS for DCSS applications has been explored. The paper ends with conclusions and suggestions for further work.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
A Proposal for Improving Extension and Collegiate Teaching

Recently some voices have taken issue to the proposition that the market for agricultural economists may be a declining one. One area sorted out for possible growth has been the extension and collegiate teaching function. However, there are complaints that these activities are not equal in status or monetary rewards to research activities and therefore cannot attract and hold outstanding talent. This article analyzes the nature and cause of this atmosphere of discrimination. It is argued that what is needed is a conscious effort to restore professional status to the teaching function and also to devise ways of measuring and awarding differentials in quality of teaching activities. Among other suggestions, it is proposed that administrators take an active role in developing criteria for measuring the performance of extension and collegiate teaching; that the American Farm Economic Association take specific steps to break down the image of discriminatory treatment between researchers and teachers.
Peritoneal Metastases: Prevention and Treatment

Colorectal cancer is a surgicaly curable disease. It requires multimodality of treatment in Localy advanced and metastatic disease. Molecular markers like RAS mutation has brought in change in the mangement of metastatic disease. Nearly 15 to 20 % presents with peritonieal surface metastasis. The debate continues with systomic vs Cyutoreductive surgery with are without HIPEC. This article highlights management of peritoneal metastasis with special reference to prevention and treatment.
Combination Of Inhibitors Against DNA Methyltransferases and Histone Deacetylases Synergistically Suppresses Cell Viability In Acute Myeloid Cells In a p53-Dependent Manner

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) accounts for 18% of childhood leukemia diagnoses. Although, the 5-year survival rate for children with AML is estimated at 64%, novel therapeutic options are required to improve the outcome for certain subsets of AML that are refractory. The contribution of epigenetic modifiers to the pathogenesis of AML in children is becoming evident following the discovery of mutations in patients, which affect DNA and/or histone methylation. Although DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors have been approved in AML, their efficacy as single agents has been limited. This could be due to the crosstalk between DNA methylation and histone modifications that together regulate gene expression. This raises the possibility that optimal re-expression of silenced tumor suppressor genes in AML requires treatment with both DNMT and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. We evaluated the effect of a combination of DNA methyltransferase inhibitor azacytidine with HDAC inhibitors panobinostat or romidepsin on the viability of three pediatric AML cell lines- MV4;11 (expressing wild-type p53), THP-1 (with no detectable p53 mRNA) and AML-193 (with mutated p53). We observed that azacytidine as a single-agent only moderately reduced cell viability of MV4;11 cells (IC50 – 7 uM), and it failed to induce cell death in THP-1 and AML-193 cells. However, azacytidine in combination with panobinostat and romidepsin was more effective at reducing cell viability in MV4;11 and THP-1 cells (with a combination index of 0.5 to 0.6). AML-193 cells were almost insensitive to cell death induced by the combination treatment. This suggests that p53 is required for induction of cell death by azacytidine and panobinostat/romidepsin combination. Although THP-1 cells have no detectable p53 expression, other studies have reported the upregulation of p53 following stimulation with nitric oxide or 7-oxysterols. The effect on cell viability in THP-1 cells is likely due to the reexpression of silenced p53 in these cells. Taken together, our data suggests that combining azacytidine with panobinostat/romidepsin induces synergistic cell death in a p53-dependent manner. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The Non-Commutative Triangle Inequality Fails

(1976). The Non-Commutative Triangle Inequality Fails. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 83, No. 4, pp. 259-260.
Transition-metal-doped aluminum hydrides as building blocks for supramolecular assemblies.

Density functional theory calculations were carried out to characterize a series of transition-metal-doped aluminum hydrides, forming TMAlnH2n and TMAlnH2n+1 (TM = Sc, Ti, V; n = 3,4), in either charged or neutral form. A new electron-counting rule for these clusters was formulated as PSEN (paired skeleton electron number) = 4n, which can characterize both closed-shell and open-shell clusters. On the basis of this electron-counting rule, the superatomic clusters such as TiAl4H9 and TiAl3H6 were identified and can be used to assemble supramolecular structures. Electronic structure analysis showed that three-centered TM−H−Al bonds largely contributed to the structural stability. Also, the spin state of a wide range of clusters in their ground state can be predicted by the electron-counting rule.
The effect of music on the activity level of children

The activity of 5 and 6 yr. old children was measured in a specially designed playroom under conditions of silence and two types of music, fast and slow. Activity rates were higher during the intervals when music was played, with fast music having the more marked effect. Music did not affect the variability of activity, which showed a steady decline during the time spent in the room.
Multisystem Group A β-Hemolytic Streptococcal Disease in Children

Eight children (median age, 8 years; range, 3-11 years) with severe streptococcal infection and multisystem dysfunction are described. All were febrile and in a toxic condition at presentation, and five (62%) of eight required fluid resuscitation. Encephalopathic symptoms were prominent, and two of three examinations of cerebrospinal fluid revealed mild pleocytosis. Severe hyperesthesia with or without an erythematous rash occurred in four (50%) of eight patients. Hyponatremia had occurred in all patients. Musculoskeletal complaints were noted in seven (87%) of eight patients. Three had synovitis and three had soft tissue infection. Renal involvement was noted in all patients, and hepatopathy characterized by mild hyperbilirubinemia and elevated levels of liver transaminase was found in four of five patients. Prolonged fever was noted in children with occult infection and debridement or drainage procedures of the foci were required in three of five affected children. Given the diversity of clinical manifestations, a high index of suspicion is necessary if these patients are to be recognized and appropriate therapy initiated.
Is There a Role for Micronutrients in the Prevention of Cognitive Declines Associated with Aging

Copyright: © 2012 Eskin NAM. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. As life expectancy continues to increase, healthy aging will become one of the most important challenges of the 21st century. In the new era of vitamin and micronutrient research, the study of nutrient requirements has shifted from an emphasis on prevention of deficiency to the promotion of optimum health and prevention of age related chronic disease. Some of the major biological changes from lifetime accumulation of molecular damage at the cellular level may be influenced by vitamin and micronutrient intakes and, certainly, most of the major health problems associated with aging are at least partially attributable to lifestyle and environmental factors. Thus, the potential impact of nutrition on the promotion of successful aging has become a topic of increasing interest. Declining cognitive ability, a major deterrent to successful aging, has recently been linked to diet and lifestyle factors. A growing body of knowledge is providing evidence that vitamins, trace minerals and lipids, can modify the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, especially in the frail elderly at risk of deficiencies. The focus has largely revolved around the B-vitamins involved in homocysteine metabolism (folate and B12), antioxidant nutrients (vitamins E, C and carotenoids), vitamin D and dietary lipids.
Analysis on Meningococcal vaccine's inoculation in Guizhou Province(2008-2010)

Objective To analyze e the Meningococcal vaccine's inoculation in Guizhou province during the period of 2006-2010,so as to e improve the strategies and measures to control e epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis.Methods The reported data were nalyzed,and a retrospective investigation was carried out.Results During the year from 2006 to 2010,the reported number of the first injection was 2 272 thousands(group A Meningococcal vaccine),The reported number of the second injection was 1 448 thousands.The estimated coverage rate of the first injection of the group A Meningococcal vaccine was 41.3%-130.1%,and the s estimated coverage rate of the second injection was 23.1%-107.4 %.From 2008 to 2010,the reported number of the first injection was 1 196 000(group A and C Meningococcal vaccine) The reported number of the second injection was 427 000.The estimated rate of the first injection(group A and C Meningococcal vaccine) was 47.5%-101.2%,and the estimated coverage rate of the second injection was 11.2%-34.9%.There were 107 cases of eEpidemic cerebrospinal meningitis reported in Guizhou province during the year from 2008-2010,in which 12 cases had the group A Meningococcal vaccine's vaccination history,and only one case had the group A and C Meningococcal vaccine's vaccination history.Conclusions The vaccination coverage rate of Meningococcal vaccine increased gradually from 2006-2010,and the morbidity rate of epeidemic cerebrospinal meningitis decreased significantly.However,the vaccination coverage rate of group A and C Meningococcal vaccine was unsatisfactory.The epidemic risk of Epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis still existed.The group A and C Meningococcal vaccine's inoculation coverage rates should be promoted in Guizhou province.
Information Systems Uncertainty Design and Implementation Combining: Rough, Fuzzy, and Intuitionistic Approaches

There are a number of alternative techniques for dealing with uncertainty. Here we discuss rough set, fuzzy rough set, and intuitionistic rough set approaches and how to incorporate uncertainty management using them in the relational database model. The impacts of rough set techniques on fundamental database concepts such as functional dependencies and information theory are also considered.
An Unusual Complication of High Dose Infusion Computerized Tomography in a Patient With a Continent Diversion

We describe a myelodysplastic woman with a Kock continent ileal reservoir who suffered parastomal herniation of the pouch following high dose infusion computerized tomography. Prophylactic indwelling catheterization in patients with continent diversion undergoing procedures that induce significant diuresis or involve prolonged distension of the reservoir is probably indicated.
Cognitive Development in Gifted Children: Toward a More Precise Understanding of Emerging Differences in Intelligence

To truly understand gifted performance, it is necessary to merge research on giftedness with current thinking in cognitive development and intelligence. This article presents traditional research on gifted children's cognitive development then considers how the application of newer models and theories from the field of cognitive development can be combined with research on giftedness to change the way people think about gifted performance. First four factors that have often been associated with giftedness are discussed from the perspectives of cognitive developmental psychology and gifted education. Next, emphasis is placed on investigating the strategic development of gifted children. Specifically, R. S. Siegler's (Emerging Minds: The Process of Change in Children's Thinking, Oxford University Press, New York, 1996) model of strategy development is addressed in terms of what it may contribute to understanding gifted cognition. Finally, future lines of research using models from cognitive development and complex systems models of development are recommended.
Abstract P210: Association of Perceived Stress and Aldosterone and Adiponectin Levels in a Rural Cohort of African Americans

African Americans (AA) have the highest prevalent rates of ESRD than any other group in this country. AA males have the highest risk with more than a two-fold greater risk of kidney injury compared to their female counterparts. The underlying pathophysiology that predisposes AA males to renal injury remains to be definitively determined. However, recent findings from our laboratory have shown that stress may exacerbate the renal injury associated with hypertension. Using an animal model of nitric oxide deficiency hypertension we showed that renal injury associated with this model of hypertension was increased following four weeks of intermittent stress (Pointer et al. 2012). The current study sought to determine whether we could find a similar association of stress and renal injury in a population prone to renal injury. To achieve this we recruited African Americans (11 males; 36 females) attending a health fair. We administered a perceived stress scale; measured resting blood pressure; and collected a blood sample for cortisol, adiponectin, and aldosterone measurement. Aldosterone (ALDO) is a hormone released from the adrenal gland in response to stress. ALDO levels have been linked to increased cardiovascular injury such as acute myocardial infarction and kidney disease. Adiponectin is an adipokine and appears to have protective actions in metabolic disease. In this sampling we found that non-normotensive (blood pressure above 120/80 mmHg) AA females had similar PSS scores as the males (24 ± 2 vs. 21 ± 2) and similar plasma cortisol levels (9.4 ± 0.5 vs. 9.8 ± 1μg/dL, respectively). However, in males cortisol was positively associated with ALDO (p=0.032) and negatively associated with adiponectin (p<0.03). There was no significant association of cortisol with ALDO and adiponectin in females. These findings suggest that AA males may be predisposed to renal injury as a consequence of stress leading to 1) increased injury promoting (ALDO) and 2) decreased disease protective (adiponectin) agents. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in a larger sampling.
Mechanism for PTT users to change the type of the call in SIP based PoC networks

Currently the users register to services and once the registration is successful; the service starts running for the user. The users have no option to switch between services based on their need. Deregistering is not the preferred option when users want to temporarily stop the service execution or if they want to switch over to another service from the existing one. Usually in SIP based IMS networks, the IMS Application Server hosts the services and the serving proxy i.e. the S-CSCF triggers the required service for a user based on "Initial Filter Criteria (iFC) or Shared filter criteria (SiFC)".
ZrB2-HfB2 solid solutions as electrode materials for hydrogen reaction in acidic and basic solutions

Abstract Spark plasma sintered transition metal diborides such as HfB 2 , ZrB 2 and their solid solutions were investigated as electrode materials for electrochemical hydrogen evolutions reactions (HER) in 1 M H 2 SO 4 and 1 M NaOH electrolytes. HfB 2 and ZrB 2 formed complete solid solutions when mixed in 1:1, 1:4, and 4:1 ratios and they were stable in both electrolytes. The HER kinetics of the diborides were slower in the basic solution than in the acidic solutions. The Tafel slopes in 1 M H 2 SO 4 were in the range of 0.15–0.18 V/decade except for pure HfB 2 which showed a Tafel slope of 0.38 V/decade. In 1 M NaOH the Tafel slopes were in the range of 0.12–0.27 V/decade. The composition of Hf x Zr 1−x B 2 solid solutions with x=0.2–0.8, influenced the exchange current densities, overpotentials and Tafel slopes of the HER. The EIS data were fitted with a porous film equivalent circuit model in order to better understand the HER behavior. In addition, modeling calculations, using density functional theory approach, were carried out to estimate the density of states and band structure of the boride solid solutions.
Ceftriaxone Treatment of TBI

Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to excess glutamate release from dead and dying neurons, and consequently to secondary neuronal damage weeks and months after initial injury. The GLT-1 (EAAT2 in humans) astrocyte glutamate transporter provides the majority of glutamate clearance in the brain by shunting it into the astrocyte intracellular space. GLT-1 expression, however, is downregulated after TBI, compounding the problem of glutamate toxicity. The β-lactam family of compounds protects against glutamate toxicity by upregulating GLT-1, and among these ceftriaxone is of particular interest owing to high blood–brain barrier permeability. In encouraging preclinical experiments, ceftriaxone shows potential as means to correct disrupted glutamate homeostasis and to mitigate downstream effects of glutamate toxicity. As ceftriaxone is a safe compound that is already in wide clinical use, the translational research with ceftriaxone has a high likelihood to develop into realistic clinical treatment protocols.
The impact of humanitarian emergencies on the prevalence of violence against children: an evidence-based ecological framework

Little is known about the patterns and mechanisms by which humanitarian emergencies may exacerbate violence against children. In this article, we propose using the ecological framework to examine the impact of humanitarian emergencies on interpersonal violence against children. We consider the literature that supports this framework and suggest future directions for research to fill identified gaps in the framework. The relationship between humanitarian emergencies and violence against children depends on risk factors at multiple levels, including a breakdown of child protection systems, displacement, threats to livelihoods, changing gender roles, changing household composition, overcrowded living conditions, early marriage, exposure to conflict or other emergency events, and alcohol abuse. The empirical evidence supporting the proposed emergency/violence framework is limited by cross-sectional study designs and a propensity to predominantly examine individual-level determinants of violence, especially exposure to conflict or emergency events. Thus, there is a pressing need to contextualize the relationship between conflict or emergency events and violence against children within the wider ecological and household dynamics that occur during humanitarian emergencies. Ultimately, this will require longitudinal observations of children, families and communities from before the emergency through recovery and improvements to ongoing global surveillance systems. More complete data will enable the humanitarian community to design effective, appropriate and well-targeted interventions.
Investigating Human Learning and Decision-Making in Navigation of Unknown Environments

Abstract: Humans often navigate in unknown and complex environments. As they gain experience, they can eventually determine near-optimal (e.g., minimum-time) paths between two locations from memory. The goal of this research is to understand the heuristics that humans use to solve path-planning problems in unknown environments. This paper presents a modeling and analysis framework to investigate and evaluate human learning and decisionmaking while learning to navigate unknown environments. This approach emphasizes the agent (a vehicle with a human driver on board) dynamics, which is not typical in navigation studies. The framework is based on subgoals that are defined as intrinsic patterns in interactions between agent dynamics and task environment. Subgoals represent nodes in a graph representation of the task space. The evaluation framework uses Dijkstra's algorithm to find minimum-time paths in the subgoal graph. To account for limited working memory in humans, the shortest-path search in the graph is terminated at a specified maximum depth. The cost beyond the maximum depth is approximated using learned cost-to-go values at subgoals. The graph framework is applied to evaluate human data from simulated guidance experiments in which subjects were asked to find minimum-time routes from pre-specified start to goal states, over multiple trials.
Tuning Hydrophobicity To Program Block Copolymer Assemblies from the Inside Out

Hydrophobicity inherently affects a solutes behavior in water, yet how polymer chain hydrophobicity impacts aggregate morphology during solution self-assembly and reorganization is largely overlooked. As polymer and nanoparticle syntheses are easily achieved, the resultant nanoparticle architectures are usually attributed to chain topology and overall degree of polymerization, bypassing how the chains may interact with water during/after self-assembly to elicit morphology changes. Herein, we demonstrate how block copolymer hydrophobicity allows control over aggregate morphology in water and leads to remarkable control over the length of polymeric nanoparticle worms. Polymerization-induced self-assembly facilitated nanoparticle synthesis through simultaneous polymerization, self-assembly, and chain reorganization during a block copolymer chain extension from a hydrophilic poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) macro-chain-transfer agent with diacetone acrylamide and N,N-dimethylacrylamide. Slight variations in the m...
The Economic Evaluation of Time Can Cause Stress

Psychological stress can cause decreases in well-being, increases in disease, and faster cellular death. Because the workplace is one prominent source of stress, it is both practically and theoreti...
Is the ACA bringing the family back together (for tax purposes)? Investigating the dependent coverage mandate effect on dependent tax exemptions

A 2010 national policy change due to the Affordable Care Act allowed dependent children to remain on parental health insurance policies until age 26. Evidence shows the mandate increased insurance coverage among affected young adults and also increased premiums for family health insurance policies. In this paper, we investigate the use of dependent tax exemptions as a mechanism families could use to pay for increased costs associated with expanded coverage. Using data on households from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, we use a difference-in-difference methodology comparing changes in the likelihood of being claimed as a dependent on a tax return for the 19–25 year olds affected by the coverage mandate compared to 16–18 year olds that were unaffected. We find a significant increase in dependent tax exemptions among 19–25 year olds following implementation of the dependent coverage mandate. Family income gains from switching an exemption from a young adult child to the parent would shift a substantial portion of young adult insurance coverage costs (ultimately medical costs) to other taxpayers. Though we point to family health insurance cost as a likely driver of the increased dependent tax exemptions, we cannot rule out a role for other outcomes also affected by the mandate, including labor market changes among 19–25 year olds. We further compare the overall social costs and benefits of the mandate and show that absent significant health improvement to date, welfare gains likely depend on the positive contribution of young adults to insurance pools in terms of lower average costs.
Conus Peptides and Biotechnology

The peptide toxins present in the venom of the Conus marine snails ('conotoxins') have distinctive properties which make them of particular interest for biotechnological applications at the present time. Although there is a remarkable pharmacological diversity of conotoxins, each peptide toxin is very specifically targeted.1–3 In certain cases, conotoxins are able to discriminate between closely related subtypes of a receptor target.
Erratum: A review of approaches to assessing scour current velocity around existing structures

Climate change is credited with increased rainfall frequency and intensity. Rainfall intensity in engineering design or assessment is characterised from statistical analysis of historical records. A deviation from historical patterns introduces risk, particularly to existing structures, as the limits of past design methods are approached or exceeded. Such risk may be amplified and become difficult to predict if climate change combines with physical environmental changes. This paper makes reference to the importance of site observations in designing resilient solutions and highlights the tendency of current guidance/methods to be insufficient due to the lack of available assessment information. It provides guidance on the use of observed information to attain confidence in design parameters and presents equations for establishing current velocities for the design of rock scour protection or assessing observed scour conditions with limited unknown parameters.
Pediatric ophthalmology and childhood reading difficulties: Overview of reading development and assessments for the pediatric ophthalmologist.

SUMMARY Reading difficulties are common in the pediatric population, and large socioeconomic disparities exist. In the United States 46% of white children achieved expected reading proficiency by the end of fourth grade, while only 21% of Hispanic and 18% of African American children were reading at the expected level. Reading is an involved cognitive process with many subskills; likewise, development of reading proficiency is a complex and continuous process. Failure to achieve reading proficiency or even early difficulty with reading can affect a child's academic performance for years to come. Some studies suggest reading proficiency may be related to later success in life. Although many problems with reading are not related to vision, a vision assessment is recommended for children with reading difficulties and a suspected vision problem. The process of reading development as well as the varied educational assessments of reading are presented here for pediatric ophthalmologists.
Reduction of Graphene Oxide Thin Films by Cobaltocene and Decamethylcobaltocene

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) films have been prepared by immersion of graphene oxide (GO) films at room temperature in nonaqueous solutions containing simple, outer-sphere metallocene reductants. Specifically, solutions of cobaltocene, cobaltocene and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), and decamethylcobaltocene each showed activity for the rapid reduction of GO films cast on a wide variety of substrates. Each reactant increased the conductivity of the films by several orders of magnitude, with RGO films prepared with either decamethylcobaltocene or cobaltocene and TFA possessing the highest conductivities (∼104 S m–1). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggested that while all three reagents lowered the content of carbon–oxygen functionalities, solutions of cobaltocene and TFA were the most effective at reducing the material to sp2 carbon. Separately, Raman spectra and atomic force micrographs indicated that RGO films prepared with decamethylcobaltocene consisted of the largest graphitic domains and lowest macros...
Recommendations for Determining Debris Loads for Tainter Gates

AbstractThis article compares the current estimated debris line-load value of 6.78 kN/m (5 kips/ft) on Tainter gates within engineering manuals and technical letters to recent research findings on ...
Securing provenance

Provenance describes how an object came to be in its present state. Intelligence dossiers, medical records and corporate financial reports capture provenance information. Many of these applications call for security, but existing security models are not up to the task. Provenance is a causality graph with annotations. The causality graph connects the various participating objects describing the process that produced an object's present state. Each node represents an object and each edge represents a relationship between two objects. This graph is an immutable directed acyclic graph (DAG). Existing security models do not apply to DAGs nor do they easily extend to DAGs. Any model to control access to the structure of the graph must integrate with existing security models for the objects. We need to develop an access control model tailored to provenance and study how it interacts with existing access control models. This paper frames the problem and identifies issues requiring further research.
Controlling Epithelial Polarity: A Human Enteroid Model for Host-Pathogen Interactions.

Summary Human enteroids—epithelial spheroids derived from primary gastrointestinal tissue—are a promising model to study pathogen-epithelial interactions. However, accessing the apical enteroid surface is challenging because it is enclosed within the spheroid. We developed a technique to reverse enteroid polarity such that the apical surface everts to face the media. Apical-out enteroids maintain proper polarity and barrier function, differentiate into the major intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) types, and exhibit polarized absorption of nutrients. We used this model to study host-pathogen interactions and identified distinct polarity-specific patterns of infection by invasive enteropathogens. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium targets IEC apical surfaces for invasion via cytoskeletal rearrangements, and Listeria monocytogenes, which binds to basolateral receptors, invade apical surfaces at sites of cell extrusion. Despite different modes of entry, both pathogens exit the epithelium within apically extruding enteroid cells. This model will enable further examination of IECs in health and disease.
Photon radiation in hot nuclear matter by means of chiral anomalies

A new mechanism of photon emission in the quark-gluon plasma is proposed. Photon dispersion relation in the presence of the $CP$-odd topological regions generated by the chiral anomaly acquires an imaginary mass. It allows photon radiation through the decay $q\ensuremath{\rightarrow}q\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and annihilation $q\overline{q}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ processes closely related to the chiral Cherenkov radiation. Unlike previous proposals this mechanism does not require an external magnetic field. The differential photon emission rate per unit volume is computed and shown to be comparable to the rate of photon emission in conventional processes.
A Guide to the Earned Income Tax Credit: What Everyone Should Know About the EITC

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was created in 1975 as an anti-poverty, non-welfare program to reduce poverty among the working poor. This paper seeks to increase knowledge about the EITC by providing a comprehensive understanding of what the EITC is and how it impacts poverty in the United States. The goals, history, and structure of the EITC are described, and the efficacy of the credit is analyzed in terms of its goals. Weaknesses of the EITC are discussed along with possible solutions.