cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Active-Learning Implementation in an Advanced Elective Course on Infectious Diseases

Objectives. To describe the development, implementation, and assessment of an advanced elective course on infectious diseases using active-learning strategies. Design. Pedagogy for active learning was incorporated by means of mini-lecture, journal club, and debate with follow-up discussion. Forty-eight students were enrolled in this 4-week elective course, in which 30% of course time was allocated for active-learning exercises. All activities were fundamentally designed as a stepwise approach in complementing each active-learning exercise. Assessment. Achievement of the course learning objectives was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale survey instrument. Students’ awareness of the significance of antimicrobial resistance was improved (p ≤ 0.05). Students’ ability to critically evaluate the infectious-disease literature and its application in informed clinical judgments was also enhanced through these active-learning exercises (p ≤ 0.05). Students agreed that active learning should be part of the pharmacy curriculum and that active-learning exercises improved their critical-thinking, literature-evaluation, and self-learning skills. Conclusion. An elective course using active-learning strategies allowed students to combine information gained from the evaluation of infectious-disease literature, critical thinking, and informed clinical judgment. This blended approach ultimately resulted in an increased knowledge and awareness of infectious diseases.
Subdivisions of auditory cortex and their role in localization of sound in space.

Abstract Ten cats were trained to localize sound in a two-choice food-reward situation. Localizing ability was tested at angles from 90 to 5°, and a threshold angle where animals scored 75% correct responses was determined. Animals were retested after bilateral ablations of subdivisions or combinations of subdivisions of auditory cortex. Ablations of auditory area I produced transient or permanent impairments in localizing ability. Animals were unimpaired after ablations which involved auditory area II, the insular-temporal region, the anterior and middle suprasylvian gyri, or the posterior ectosylvian gyrus.
Methodology and implementation of bubble-image barometry

The key aspects of a new method, bubble-image barometry (BIB), which can measure both pressure and velocity, are described. BIB extends correlation-based particle-image velocimetry techniques to provide simultaneous pressure and velocity measurements over a global domain. The particles used in BIB (gas bubbles) serve two purposes: (i) they are small enough to track the flow and serve as tracers for the velocity field; and (ii) they behave as local pressure sensors by changing their size in response to the instantaneous pressure field. The present work explores the theoretical and practical issues involved in BIB by first introducing the relation between the bubble-image size and its spatial correlation function. Next, computer-generated bubble images are used to investigate the feasibility of the technique. Finally, a pressure-chamber experiment, wherein microscopic air bubbles are generated and used as tracer particles to measure pressure, is presented. Results obtained from the experiment show that BIB is a viable technique for a certain range of bubble sizes.
Isolation and identification of Prevotella tannerae from endodontic infections

Black-pigmented bacteria are often isolated from endodontic infections. Five strains of black-pigmented bacteria isolated from endodontic infections could not be identified in our laboratory. The purpose of this study was to sequence the 16S rRNA gene of the five unknown isolates and identify the organisms. The 16S rRNA genes from the unknown organisms were cloned, sequenced, and determined to be Prevotella tannerae. In addition, samples from endodontic infections were surveyed for the presence of the organism. When 118 samples from endodontic infections were examined using polymerase chain reaction with specific primers for P. tannerae, 60% of the samples were positive for the presence of the organism. This suggests that P. tannerae is commonly present in endodontic infections and could be a potential pathogen.
Quantum adiabatic algorithms and large spin tunnelling

We study the quantum adiabatic evolution algorithm with different evolution paths that correspond to different control Hamiltonians $H(\ensuremath{\tau})$ sampled from a random ensemble. The algorithm is applied to a random binary optimization problem where the cost function is symmetric with respect to the permutation of individual bits. We investigate the method proposed by Farhi et al. when different evolution paths preserve the bit symmetry of the control Hamiltonians $H(\ensuremath{\tau})$ and are generated by an ensemble of random $8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}8$ matrices. In this case, the algorithm dynamics is completely described in terms of the motion of a spin-n/2 system. We show that different evolution paths can be parametrized by a small number of independent parameters that are expansion coefficients of $H(\ensuremath{\tau})$ in a certain universal set of operators. One of these operators is responsible for avoiding the tunnelling for the spin-n/2 system and the corresponding coefficient determines the algorithm complexity for a given problem instance. We show that any problem instance can be solved in polynomial time by applying one of the two universal path modifications (due to the possible reflection symmetry of the problem). We show that a successful evolution path of the algorithm always corresponds to the trajectory of a classical spin $n/2$ and provide a complete characterization of such paths.
Operative treatment of calcaneal fractures in elderly patients.

Background: Operative intervention is an accepted treatment for fractures of the calcaneus. However, the literature discourages surgery for these fractures in the elderly. The purpose of this paper was to review the outcomes of surgical treatment of displaced fractures of the calcaneus in elderly patients. Methods: Between November 1987 and June 2000, forty-two patients (forty-four fractures) who were sixty-five years of age or older underwent surgery for a calcaneal fracture. The mechanism of injury, fracture pattern, and medical comorbidities were recorded. Thirty-five patients with a total of thirty-seven fractures were available for follow-up, which was conducted with physical and radiographic examinations and outcomes assessment with the Short Form-36 (SF-36), the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale, and the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment survey. Results: The minimum duration of follow-up was two years, and the average duration was forty-four months. All but one fracture (97% of the fractures) healed at an average of 110 days. The average active range of motion was 38° of plantar flexion, 10° of dorsiflexion, 16° of inversion, and 11° of eversion. The average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 82.4 points, the average SF-36 score was 52.8 points, and the average Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment score was 20.4 points. Posttraumatic subtalar arthritis developed in twelve patients. There were twelve minor complications and four major complications (three cases of osteomyelitis and one nonunion), all of which were treated successfully. Conclusions: Open reduction appears to be an acceptable method of treatment for displaced calcaneal fractures in elderly patients. Careful patient selection is necessary because individuals presenting with severe osteopenia, those who are unable to walk or are able to walk only about the house, and those with a medical condition that precludes surgery may be better candidates for nonoperative care. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Temporal and Thermal Changes in Density and Viscosity of Marcellus Shale Produced Waters

AbstractSubsurface processes alter the physical and chemical properties of fluid injected for hydraulic fracturing, with implications for its transport and fate in fractured or porous media. Models used to evaluate potential hydraulic fracturing–fluid migration lack formation-specific data to constrain temporal and thermal variation of the physical parameters that govern fluid movement. Density increases of 9.8% and viscosity increases of 26.5% were observed in produced water samples from three horizontally-drilled wells in the Marcellus shale, Pennsylvania, USA over a period of 11 months after hydraulic fracturing. Fluid density and viscosity rapidly increased during the first two weeks after fluid injection because of greater concentrations of dissolved inorganic ions, and plateaued within two months. When experimentally subjected to formation-relevant temperatures, mean density and viscosity decreased by up to 2.7 and 44.4%, respectively, between 20 and 60°C. These measurements yield new data to better...
Dynamic Polarization Control of integrated radiators

Dynamic Polarization Control (DPC) ensures polarization matching to the receiving antenna regardless of its polarization or orientation in space. A fully integrated 105.5 GHz 2×1 DPC multi-port driven radiator array with beam steering radiates linear polarization across the full polarization angle range of 0° to 180° maintaining axial ratios above 10 dB, and controls the axial ratio from 2.4 dB (near circular) to 13 dB (linear) in various directions of radiation and a maximum EIRP of 7.8 dBm.
Effects of the rate and regularity of background events on sustained attention

Subjects listened for occasional increments in the intensity of recurrent acoustic pulses. Detection probability varied inversely with the rate of repetition of neutral background events in which critical signals were arrayed (the background event rate). Contrary to expectations derived from a habituation model of vigilance (Mackworth, 1968, 1970), the presentation of neutral events in a temporally irregular manner suppressed rather than enhanced the detection of critical signals and failed to attenuate performance differences associated with variations in background event rate.
Feeding Habits of Diaptomus ashlandi and Diaptomus sicilis in Lake Michigan

The herbivorous habits of Diaptomus ashlandi and Diaptomus sicilis were studied at a nearshore station in Lake Michigan. Filtering and feeding rates were measured from December 1975 to October 1976. Feeding was measured from the change in concentration in three size fractions of chlorophyll a. D. ashlandi fed only on particles in the smallest size class, while the larger D. sicilis consumed particles in all three size fractions. During the isothermal period (winter and spring), the feeding rates of both species were proportional to temperature or chlorophyll concentration. D. sicilis preferentially ingested particles in the largest size class, when this size class increased significantly during the spring bloom. During the summer the highest feeding rates of D. ashlandi occurred in the epilimnion. The highest feeding rates of D. sicilis were in the metalimnion, where large particles in a subsurface chlorophyll maximum were available for consumption. These results indicated the importance of the depth distributions of herbivores and phytoplankton for feeding.
Spatial simulation for translating from land use to land cover

An approach to simulating land-cover patterns based on historical land-use maps and forecasts based on models and planning documents is described and demonstrated. The approach uses stochastic spatial simulation to generate land-cover patterns on the basis of a land-use map and stated translation rules. The translation rules take the form of (1) a table that summarizes the proportions of each land-cover type within each land-use type and (2) a description of the spatial arrangement and/or pattern of land-cover types. In a demonstration of the approach, we calibrated the translation rules using aerial photo observations and simulated current and future land-cover maps for Livingston County, Michigan, USA. We tested the approach in a test area that was not used in calibrating the translation. The proportions of land cover within each land-use type were reasonably well estimated, except where the amount of the same land use was small in the calibration site. The use of location rules significantly improved t...
Refractive Index of Nd:CaF(2) and Some Nd Doped Glasses as a Function of Wavelength, % Neodymium, and Temperature.

Though the index of refraction of synthetic calcium fluoride has been determined, little data exist on neodymium doped calcium fluoride. Measurements of the index of refraction of synthetic calcium fluoride doped with 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 5, 1, and 10 mol % neodymium at 16 wavelengths from 4358.35 A to and including 6678.15 A at 25°C have been made. Most values are believed accurate to ±3 × 10−5. The index of refraction at three wavelengths has been measured at 15°C, 25°C, 35°C, and 55°C, and at one wavelength at about these same temperatures. Data are also included on a series of five neodymium doped glasses.
Cholesterol oxidase: an oöstatic and larvicidal agent active against the cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis

The enzyme cholesterol oxidase (E.C. 1.1.3.6), purified from Streptomyces culture filtrate was previously found to have oral insecticidal activity on neonate larvae of the boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman) from a laboratory population. In the present study, second instar larvae were also controlled by the enzyme at diet concentrations similar to those which control neonates (12 day LC 50 = 2.4 μg.ml −1 in diet). Larvae from field-collected adults were similarly susceptible to cholesterol oxidase in the diet. When ingested by adult females during the mating/pre-oviposition period, cholesterol oxidase greatly reduced subsequent oviposition (83 % reduction in eggs laid as compared to controls) and larval survival (97 % reduction from controls). Dissection of treated adult females revealed poorly developed ovaries and few developing oocytes. These studies were conducted to further evaluate the utility of cholesterol oxidase in a program to establish boll weevil-resistant transgenic cotton
A steep learning curve is a good thing

COMMENTARY ON: Wang B, Lu G, Patel AA, et al. An evaluation of the learning curve for a complex surgical technique: the full endoscopic interlaminar approach for lumbar disc herniations. Spine J 2011:11:122–130 ( in this issue ).
Epithelial Progenitor Cells in Lung Development, Maintenance, Repair, and Disease

The vertebrate lung is elegantly patterned to carry out gas exchange and host defense. Similar to other organ systems, endogenous stem and progenitor cells fuel the organogenesis of the lung and maintain homeostasis in the face of normal wear and tear. In the context of acute injury, these progenitor populations are capable of effecting efficient repair. However, chronic injury, inflammation, and immune rejection frequently result in pathological airway remodeling and serious impairment of lung function. Here, we review the development, maintenance, and repair of the vertebrate respiratory system with an emphasis on the roles of epithelial stem and progenitor cells. We discuss what is currently known about their identities, lineage relationships, and the mechanisms that regulate their differentiation along various lineages. A deeper understanding of these progenitor populations will undoubtedly accelerate the discovery of improved cellular, genetic, molecular, and bioengineered therapies for lung disease.
A new method to study in vivo protein synthesis in slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers and initial measurements in humans

The aim of this study was to develop an approach to directly assess protein fractional synthesis rate (FSR) in isolated human muscle fibers in a fiber type-specific fashion. Individual muscle fiber...
Comparison of AlN encapsulants for high-temperature GaN annealing

Four different capping structures for high-temperature annealing of GaN were studied. The studied caps included a two-layer MOCVD-deposited cap and three different MOCVD + sputtered layer capping structures. After an annealing pulse of 1500 °C, the MOCVD cap surface roughened due to decomposition of the underlying GaN. GaN decomposition was evident via observation of thermal decomposition pits after etching of the AlN caps. It was found that the combination of an MOCVD cap with a sputtered cap greatly reduced the amount of GaN decomposition as the density of thermal etch pits decreased by 99.4%.
Coverage Metrics to Measure Adequacy of Black-Box Test Suites

In black-box testing, one is interested in creating a suite of tests from requirements that adequately exercise the behavior of a software system without regard to the internal structure of the implementation. In current practice, the adequacy of black-box test suites is inferred by examining coverage on an executable artifact, either source code or a software model. We propose the notion of defining structural coverage metrics directly on high-level formal software requirements. These metrics provide objective, implementation-independent measures of how well a black-box test suite exercises a set of requirements. We focus on structural coverage criteria on requirements formalized as linear temporal logic (LTL) properties and explore how they can be adapted to measure finite test cases. These criteria can also be used to automatically generate a requirements-based test suite. Unlike model or code-derived test cases, these tests are immediately traceable to high-level requirements
Images in vascular medicine: Duplication of the inferior vena cava and abdominal aortic aneurysm

A 63-year-old male, with history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia, underwent an ultrasound scan for prostate hypertrophy, which revealed an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). An abdominal CT scan confirmed the presence of a 5.5 cm diameter AAA and disclosed duplication of the inferior vena cava (IVC) (Panel A; arrows). The right-sided IVC followed the normal IVC anatomy, whereas the left-sided IVC originated in the pelvis from the left common iliac vein, ascended along the posterior-lateral aspect of the abdominal aorta, passed anterior to the AAA neck where it joined the left renal vein and then entered the right-sided IVC. At surgery, the left-sided IVC (Panel B: black arrow left-sided IVC; white arrow left renal vein; bent arrow left spermatic vein) was dissected free of the AAA neck and the AAA was replaced with a 20 mm Dacron tube graft. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the seventh postoperative day. Duplication of the IVC is estimated to occur in 2 3% of autopsy series. The abnormality is caused by failure of regression of the caudal left supracardinal vein during the first embryologic trimester, which results in persistence of both left and right supracardinal veins. Several variations of double IVC have been described. The left-sided IVC may pass anterior or posterior to the aorta or may ascend along the lateral aspect of the aorta and empty into the left renal vein. The left-sided IVC can also be poorly developed or segmental. The presence of double IVC poses hazards to the surgeon during abdominal aortic surgery. Preoperative diagnosis is desirable and can be made on a CT scan. Ultrasound scan and venography of the vena cava is rarely recommended. It should be noted, however, that CT scans are routinely performed for patients scheduled for AAA repair but not for patients undergoing reconstruction for aortoiliac occlusive disease. Familiarity with the anatomy of the most common types of major venous anomalies is therefore mandatory for all vascular surgeons to reduce the risk of severe venous hemorrhage associated with these anomalies.
Hs2st mediated kidney mesenchyme induction regulates early ureteric bud branching

Abstract Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are central modulators of developmental processes likely through their interaction with growth factors, such as GDNF, members of the FGF and TGFβ superfamilies, EGF receptor ligands and HGF. Absence of the biosynthetic enzyme, heparan sulfate 2-O-sulfotransferase (Hs2st) leads to kidney agenesis. Using a novel combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches, we have reanalyzed the defect in morphogenesis of the Hs2st−/− kidney. Utilizing assays that separately model distinct stages of kidney branching morphogenesis, we found that the Hs2st−/− UB is able to undergo branching and induce mesenchymal-to-epithelial transformation when recombined with control MM, and the isolated Hs2st null UB is able to undergo branching morphogenesis in the presence of exogenous soluble pro-branching growth factors when embedded in an extracellular matrix, indicating that the UB is intrinsically competent. This is in contrast to the prevailing view that the defect underlying the renal agenesis phenotype is due to a primary role for 2-O sulfated HS in UB branching. Unexpectedly, the mutant MM was also fully capable of being induced in recombination experiments with wild-type tissue. Thus, both the mutant UB and mutant MM tissue appear competent in and of themselves, but the combination of mutant tissues fails in vivo and, as we show, in organ culture. We hypothesized a 2OS-dependent defect in the mutual inductive process, which could be on either the UB or MM side, since both progenitor tissues express Hs2st. In light of these observations, we specifically examined the role of the HS 2-O sulfation modification on the morphogenetic capacity of the UB and MM individually. We demonstrate that early UB branching morphogenesis is not primarily modulated by factors that depend on the HS 2-O sulfate modification; however, factors that contribute to MM induction are markedly sensitive to the 2-O sulfation modification. These data suggest that key defect in Hs2st null kidneys is the inability of MM to undergo induction either through a failure of mutual induction or a primary failure of MM morphogenesis. This results in normal UB formation but affects either T-shaped UB formation or iterative branching of the T-shaped UB (possibly two separate stages in collecting system development dependent upon HS). We discuss the possibility that a disruption in the interaction between HS and Wnts (e.g. Wnt 9b) may be an important aspect of the observed phenotype. This appears to be the first example of a defect in the MM preventing advancement of early UB branching past the first bifurcation stage, one of the limiting steps in early kidney development.
Variable switching frequency PWM for three-phase converter for loss and EMI improvement

Compared with the widely used constant switching frequency PWM method, variable switching frequency PWM can benefit more because of the extra freedom. Based on the analytical expression of current ripple of three-phase converter discussed in “Study of Analytical Current Ripple of Three-Phase PWM Converter” in APEC 2012, variable switching frequency PWM (VSFPWM) methods are proposed to satisfy different ripple requirements. Two methods are discussed in this paper. The first method (VSFPWM1) is designed to arrange the current ripple peak value within a certain value, and can reduce the equivalent switching frequency and EMI noise; the second method (VSFPWM2) is designed to keep ripple current RMS value constant and reduce the EMI noise. Simulation and experimental results show that variable switching frequency control could improve the performance.
Characterization of Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated from the Nasal Cavity Flora of Nursing Majors

Approximately 30% of people have the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in their nasal passages. Within this group, approximately 1-2% are colonized with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), although many do not display any symptoms.1 MRSA is an opportunistic pathogen that can potentially cause diseases such as pneumonia, skin infections and sepsis. MRSA infections are commonly grouped into two categories, hospital associated (HA) or community associated (CA) based on where the infection was acquired and the profile of antibiotic resistance. S. aureus and MRSA can spread between individuals through physical contact and presents a serious health hazard to patients if healthcare professionals are carriers. This research focuses on the detection and characterization of S. aureus strains found among a population of healthy nursing majors in multiple sections of a laboratory course at St. John Fisher College. Samples collected from the nasal passages of students were characterized using mannitol salt agar, Gram-staining procedures, blood agar, CHROMagar MRSA II and were subjected to antibiotic resistance testing. Based on the findings of this experiment, it is clear that S. aureus is present in healthy individuals. Results from the spring and fall trials demonstrated that S. aureus was present in 31% and 50% of the sample population respectively. Despite only one strain testing positive for MRSA, many other strains did exhibit antibiotic resistance similar to that of HAMRSA. Our results reveal a vast array of S. aureus strains present in healthcare workers and support the argument that there needs to be increased awareness and policies to help prevent the transmission of infection
Modeling Barrier Tissues In Vitro: Methods, Achievements, and Challenges.

Organ-on-a-chip devices have gained attention in the field of in vitro modeling due to their superior ability in recapitulating tissue environments compared to traditional multiwell methods. These constructed growth environments support tissue differentiation and mimic tissue–tissue, tissue–liquid, and tissue–air interfaces in a variety of conditions. By closely simulating the in vivo biochemical and biomechanical environment, it is possible to study human physiology in an organ-specific context and create more accurate models of healthy and diseased tissues, allowing for observations in disease progression and treatment. These chip devices have the ability to help direct, and perhaps in the distant future even replace animal-based drug efficacy and toxicity studies, which have questionable relevance to human physiology. Here, we review recent developments in the in vitro modeling of barrier tissue interfaces with a focus on the use of novel and complex microfluidic device platforms.
What is important To Whom? the Effects of Career Stage on the Relationship Between Job Characteristics and Job Satisfaction of Salespersons

This paper examines the relationship between a salesperson’s career stage and perceptions of three job characteristics: job interest, role clarity, and job tension. It also examines the role of career stage as a moderating variable in the relationship between these job characteristics and job satisfaction among salespersons. A conceptual model is developed, and a pilot test of that model is performed. Possible implications of the model are discussed and suggestions for further research are given.
Investigation of island formation due to RMPs in DIII-D plasmas with the SIESTA resistive MHD equilibrium code

The SIESTA magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equilibrium code has been used to compute a sequence of ideally stable equilibria resulting from numerical variation of the helical resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) applied to an axisymmetric DIII-D plasma equilibrium. Increasing the perturbation strength at the dominant m=2, n=-1 , resonant surface leads to lower MHD energies and increases in the equilibrium island widths at the m=2 (and sidebands) surfaces, in agreement with theoretical expectations. Island overlap at large perturbation strengths leads to stochastic magnetic fields which correlate well with the experimentally inferred field structure. The magnitude and spatial phase (around the dominant rational surfaces) of the resonant (shielding) component of the parallel current are shown to change qualitatively with the magnetic island topology.
Mechanistic force model coefficients: A comparison of linear regression and nonlinear optimization

Abstract This paper describes a comparative study devised to examine the dependence of specific force coefficients, which are used in mechanistic cutting force models, on various milling process parameters such as feed per tooth, spindle speed, milling configuration, and radial immersion. Two methods are described for determining the specific force coefficients: (1) the average force, linear regression method; and (2) the instantaneous force, nonlinear optimization method. A series of test cuts were performed and the specific force coefficients calculated using the two methods were compared. Additionally, a technique for extending the bandwidth over which the cutting forces were measured using a commercially available cutting force dynamometer is presented. Finally, a series of milling stability experiments were conducted to validate the calculated specific force coefficients. It was found that milling process parameters such as feed per tooth, spindle speed, and radial immersion exhibit a nonlinear relationship with the specific force coefficients.
Assessment of Potential Methods of Measuring Parasitism by Brachymeria intermedia (Nees) (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) of Pupae of the Gypsy Moth

This study was conducted to assess potential biases associated with three methods of calculating percentage parasitism of gypsy moth, Lymanttia dispar (L.), pupae by Brachymeria intermedia (Nees). We determined the timing of four processes: (1) recruitment of gypsy moth (host) larvae to the pupal stage, (2) recruitment (oviposition) of B. intermedia to its immature stage, (3) losses of hosts from the pupal stage because of mortality or adult emergence, and (4) losses of immature B. intermedia because of mortality or adult emergence. B. intermedia emerged after most unparasitized pupae had died or after moths had emerged. As a result, the proportion of pupae in samples that were parasitized increased with time. Sample percentage parasitism peaked late in the season and overestimated levels of stage-specific parasitism. Parasitism extended the residence time of parasitized pupae, with the result that they were available to predators for a longer period of time than un parasitized pupae and suffered a higher level of predation. Examination of pupal exuviae at the end of the season, therefore, underestimated the effect of B. intermedia . No biases were observed that affected estimation of percentage parasitism through the direct measurement of host and parasitoid recruitment. Of the three methods studied (percentage parasitism in samples, examination of exuviae, and measurement of recruitment), direct measurement of host and parasitoid recruitment appears to be the best method for measuring the effect of B. intermedia on L. dispar .
Liberty and Equality: Paradigms for the Protection of Religious Property Use

One recent Sunday morning in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, police officers entered the sanctuary of a Korean Presbyterian church and ordered the worshipers to leave because the church had no certificate of occupancy to use the building. Superior Court Judge Andrew Napol itano "likened the police action to 1930s Nazism, calling it 'exquisitely un-American'," and ordered the town to allow church services and Bi ble studies to be held until the dispute is adjudicated.1 And what is the dispute? The Sarang Presbyterian Church contends that its use of the building is a continuing church use, succeeding to the rights of the prior owner, a Christian Science church, which operated from 1930 until 1992. But the town says the new owner must obtain a zoning variance because the building was purchased in 1993, a year after the Christian Scientists stopped using it (and thus a year after "church use" ended). While complex, the case is basically a dispute about vehicular traffic. With a decline in church membership over the last fifteen years, the prior owner brought few cars onto the street. Now a neigh borhood association has been formed to fight the Korean Presbyterians because of concerns over future increases in traffic.
Prey-mediated Dispersal Behavior of Carcinops pumilio (Coleoptera: Histeridae)

Dispersal behavior of the histerid predator, Carcinops pumilio (Erichson), was examined from the standpoint of life-history parameters and nutritional background. No significant differences were found between dispersing and nondispersing populations with respect to sex ratios, mating condition, parity, ovarian development, or morphometric characters. Flight and phototactic behaviors of dispersing beetles were reversed following administration of a dipteran prey meal. Withholding prey from beetles that had previously fed on many prey induced a delayed flight response which began on day 4 after deprivation, peaked on days 5 and 6, and returned to initial levels by day 9.
Acute rheumatic fever: a 10 year perspective

Aims To delineate the pattern of presentation of children with acute rheumatic fever (ARF) who were screened at a tertiary cardiology referral centre over a 10 year period. Methods We identified cases using the cardiology HEARTSUITE database in addition to the hospital coding department. A total of 119 patients were identified and their database clinic letters screened. Of these 4 patients were too old at presentation and 43 were not ARF. We then looked at the hospital records for the remaining 72 patients and recorded demographic data, mode of presentation, diagnostic features, treatment and outcome at follow up. We analysed the results using Microsoft EXCEL software. Results Of the 72 patients, on closer inspection 18 were deemed not to be ARF, 12 were ARF not strictly meeting the revised modified Jones criteria (1992) and 42 were ARF meeting the criteria. Of the definite ARF, the mean age at presentation was 13 with a range of 3 to 16 years. The number of cases per year increased with time. At presentation 60% of cases had chorea and when screened 80% of children had abnormalities on echocardiogram. Almost all children had prophylactic penicillin and the treatment most used for chorea was sodium valproate. Two children required valve surgery soon after presentation. Over 75% of those followed up had complete resolution of symptoms after a year and the majority of symptoms that persisted were due to cardiac involvement. Conclusion This study suggests there may be a resurgence of this rare but potentially disabling disease. It highlights variations in presentation when compared to the literature. We propose to undertake a national surveillance study to look at the current presentation of acute rheumatic fever in the United Kingdom.
14-3-3σ regulates p27 and inhibits Rat1-Akt cell proliferation

AIM: The present study was designed to investigate the effect of adenovirus-mediated 14-3-3σ on the proliferation of Rat1Akt cells and to explore whether this effect is completed regulating p27.METHODS: The effect of Ad-14-3-3σ gene transfection on Rat1-Akt cell proliferation was observed by using 5-bromodeoxyuridine(BrdU).Then immunofluorescence and kinase assay were used to detect the effect of Ad-14-3-3σ on the phosphorylated level and intracellular location of p27.RESULTS: Ad-14-3-3σ-infected cells had fewer BrdU-positive cells(45%) than control(which was set at 100%).However,Ad-β-gal-infected cells had a high percentage of BrdU-positive cells(98%).14-3-3σ gene transfection downregulated phosphorylation level of p27 and decreased Akt-mediated intracellular location of p27.CONCLUSION: Transfection of 14-3-3σ gene suppresses the proliferation of Akt overexpession cell line Rat1-Akt.14-3-3σ decreases phosphorylation of p27 by downregulating Akt kinase,blocks Akt-mediated cytoplasm dislocation of p27,and inhibits proliferation of Rat1-Akt cells.
Silicon Nitride and Silicon Carbide Ceramic Whiskers Synthesis and Phase Stability

ABSTRACT Stability of phases in equilibrium is calculated for the Si-C-N-O system in order to apply to ceramic whiskers synthesis. Equilibria among SiC, Si3N4, Si2N2O and SiO2 are evaluated at different carbon activities, nitrogen pressures and temperatures. Phase stability diagrams are constructed as a function of PO2 and PN2 FOR known aC and temperature. Silicon nitride becomes a stable phase with increasing PN2 or decreasing temperature and aC, while SiC becomes a dominant phase at lower pN2 or higher temperature when aC = 1. Si3N4, β′-sialon and SiC whiskers have been synthesized by carbothermal reduction of SiO2. The process is based on the stability of phases in the Si-C-N-O system and involves an auxiliary halide bath. The synthesized whiskers are single crystal with growth direction and for Si3N4 and sialon, and SiC, respectively. The sialon whiskers, Si(6-Z) AlZOZ N(8-z), is determined as Z = 0.8 – 1.1 from the aluminum content.
Desire to Drink Alcohol is Enhanced with High Caffeine Energy Drink Mixers.

BACKGROUND: Consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) has been associated with a variety of risks beyond that observed with alcohol alone. Consumers of AmED beverages are more likely to engage in heavy episodic (binge) drinking. This study was to investigate whether the consumption of high caffeine energy drink mixers with alcohol would increase the desire to drink alcohol compared to the same amount of alcohol alone using a double-blind, within-subjects, placebo-controlled study design. METHODS: Participants (n = 26) of equal gender who were social drinkers attended 6 double-blind dose administration sessions that involved consumption of alcohol and energy drinks, alone and in combination. On each test day, participants received 1 of 6 possible doses: (i) 1.21 ml/kg vodka + 3.63 ml/kg decaffeinated soft drink, (ii) 1.21 ml/kg vodka + 3.63 ml/kg energy drink, (iii) 1.21 ml/kg vodka + 6.05 ml/kg energy drink, (iv) 3.63 ml/kg decaffeinated soft drink, (v) 3.63 ml/kg energy drink, and (vi) 6.05 ml/kg energy drink. Following dose administration, participants repeatedly completed self-reported ratings on the Desire-for-Drug questionnaire and provided breath alcohol readings. RESULTS: Alcohol alone increased the subjective ratings of "desire for more alcohol" compared to placebo doses. Energy drink mixers with the alcohol increased desire for more alcohol ratings beyond that observed with alcohol alone. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides laboratory evidence that AmED beverages lead to greater desire to drink alcohol versus the same amount of alcohol consumed alone. The findings are consistent with results from animal studies indicating that caffeine increases the rewarding and reinforcing properties of alcohol.Copyright © 2016 by the Research Society on Alcoholism. Language: en
Attachment of Listeria monocytogenes to an austenitic stainless steel after welding and accelerated corrosion treatments

Austenitic stainless steels, widely used in food processing, undergo microstructural changes during welding, resulting in three distinctive zones: weld metal, heat-affected zone, and base metal. This research was conducted to determine the attachment of Listeria monocytogenes in these three zones before and after exposure to a corrosive environment. All experiments were done with tungsten inert gas welding of type 304 stainless steel. The four welding treatments were large or small beads with high or low heat. After welding, all surfaces were polished to an equivalent surface finish. A 10-μl droplet of an L. monocytogenes suspension was placed on the test surfaces. After 3 h at 23°C, the surfaces were washed and prepared for scanning electron microscopy, which was used to determine attachment of L. monocytogenes by counting cells remaining on each test surface. In general, bacteria were randomly distributed on each surface type. However, differences in surface area of inoculum due to differences in interf...
Novel Circular Single-Stranded DNA Viruses among an Asteroid, Echinoid and Holothurian (Phylum: Echinodermata)

Echinoderms are prone to large population fluctuations that can be mediated by pervasive disease events. For the majority of echinoderm disease events the causative pathogen is unknown. Viruses have only recently been explored as potential pathogens using culture-independent techniques though little information currently exists on echinoderm viruses. In this study, ten circular ssDNA viruses were discovered in tissues among an asteroid (Asterias forbesi), an echinoid (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) and a holothurian (Parastichopus californicus) using viral metagenomics. Genome architecture and sequence similarity place these viruses among the rapidly expanding circular rep-encoding single stranded (CRESS) DNA viral group. Multiple genomes from the same tissue were no more similar in sequence identity to each other than when compared to other known CRESS DNA viruses. The results from this study are the first to describe a virus from a holothurian and continue to show the ubiquity of these viruses among aquatic invertebrates.
Olive oil tourism: Promoting rural development in Andalusia (Spain)

Abstract Foods with certificates of quality are gaining more and more relevance in people's diets. Every day there is more of a demand to visit production facilities, to learn how food products are elaborated and to sample them. These products include olive oil, a typical product from Andalusia (southern Spain). This study aims to analyze what olive oil tourism has to offer in this region. A survey was conducted on companies on the olive-oil gastronomic route and their designations of origin in order to determine their degree of involvement in the development of the tourism product of “olive oil tourism”. The main contribution of this study is that is the first to analyze several olive-oil Designations of Origin from all of Andalusia, looking for the synergies with other gastronomic routes in the region, which could increase visitors' demands and also the level of development and wealth in the area.
Measurement Invariance of a Classroom Engagement Measure among Academically At-Risk Students

The current study investigated the measurement invariance of a classroom engagement measure across time points, genders, and ethnicities using a sample of 523 academically at-risk students across grades 7 through 9; this measure was based on Skinner and colleagues’ (1998) original engagement measure. The engagement measure was comprised of 16 items, yielding three factors: Behavioral Engagement, Behavioral Disaffection, and Emotional Engagement. Configural, metric, and scalar invariance held across the three time points, as did invariance of factor covariances and means, indicating that scores have a similar meaning across all three years. The engagement measure also featured adequate configural, metric, and scalar invariance, and invariance of factor covariances and means across genders and ethnicities. These findings suggest the measure is appropriate for investigating substantive hypotheses regarding classroom engagement across different grade levels, genders, and ethnicities. In summary, the current results indicate this measure of classroom engagement is suitable for testing hypotheses regarding group differences in engagement across grade levels, genders, and ethnicities. Researchers may also use this measure to examine relationships between the engagement factors and other important academic outcomes. Limitations of the current study, such as certain caveats regarding convergent validity and internal consistency, are also discussed.
Fast and scalable variational Bayes estimation of spatial econometric models for Gaussian data

Abstract Spatial econometric models have been widely used for analyzing cross-sectional data in which spatial dependence is of primary interest. Although proven successful, Bayesian estimation via Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) for spatial econometric models can be computationally demanding as the size of data and complexity of models grow. This paper proposes two variational Bayes methods that are more scalable and computationally faster in estimating general spatial autoregressive and matrix exponential spatial specification models: the hybrid mean-field variational Bayes (MFVB) method and the integrated nonfactorized variational Bayes (INFVB) method. The hybrid MFVB method assumes posterior independence and, when applicable, can yield accurate results but tends to underestimate posterior variances. In comparison, the INFVB method provides more robust results by accounting for posterior dependence and is computationally appealing due to parallelization. We demonstrate that variational Bayesian inference can be a faster and more scalable alternative to the MCMC approach for Bayesian spatial econometric modeling. The effectiveness of our proposed methods for spatial econometric models is demonstrated through simulated examples and a real-world data application.
Individual Differences MDS Model

Discuss the fundamental concepts of individual differences MDS analysis. An example of real data is provided to illustrate interpretation of the results. Estimation of the model is presented but readers can skip this part. Potential use of the model is discussed.
The effect of domain-initial strengthening on voice onset time and vowel length on English oronyms

Oronyms are sets of words and phrases that contain the same phonemes but differ in word boundary (atop, a top). Past research established that domain-initial strengthening (DIS) affects segments at the beginning of prosodic domains. This research examines voice onset time and vowel length in English oronyms with the hope of finding a systematic strengthening of the target sounds word-initially. The word list consists of oronym pairs with the same phonemes and the same [vowel, voiceless stop, vowel] at the beginning of the oronym (e.g. atop/a top, attack/a tack). To elicit more natural-sounding tokens, participants created sentences with the target oronym at the beginning, or read already-prepared sentences. It is hypothesized that there will be a systematic strengthening of the initial segments (in the form of either a longer VOT or vowel length). This could mean speakers are fully aware of word boundaries and use DIS to help avoid lexical ambiguity when speaking.
Multi-jurisdictional Water Governance in Australia: Muddle or Model?

From a certain angle of vision, management of the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) may appear a hopeless muddle, riven by seemingly intractable conflicts between competing interests, punctuated by a series of compromises that seem to leave all parties dissatisfied. From another perspective, the MDB regime stands out as an attractive and innovative model of integrated multi-jurisdictional water resources governance. Like the MDB, North America’s Colorado River and Laurentian Great Lakes are critically important freshwater systems in multi-jurisdictional settings. The Colorado River is governed by ‘The Law of the River,’ a multilayered set of legal arrangements that have proven durable, albeit inflexible and in important respects dysfunctional. Straddling an international boundary between two federal systems, the Great Lakes are governed primarily through bilateral agreements between the United States and Canada that express laudably ambitious goals but frequently fall short of aspirations, in part because they fail to effectively integrate subnational actors (particularly the U.S. states) into the governance regime. This chapter critically examines the governance regimes of the North American examples and then draws comparisons among all three systems, concluding that while not without its flaws, the MDB is arguably the most advanced along several key dimensions of multi-jurisdictional water resources governance.