cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SOOT OXIDATION IN FLAMES

The kinetics and mechanisms of soot oxidation were studied at temperatures of 1575 to 1865 K and O2 mole fractions of 10−5 to 0.05 in a two-stage atmospheric-pressure combustion system in which soot-laden gas from a primary flame was partially cooled, mixed with oxygen-containing gas, and burned in a downstream premixed flame. The rate of oxidation of soot was measured using light scattering and absorption techniques to determine the particle size and concentration of soot as a function of distance, and hence of time, in the secondary flame. Complementary measurements of soot particle size were performed using probe sampling, electron microscopy, and electrical mobility analysis, and the specific surface area of the soot at different stages of burnout was measured by the BET technique. Temperature and gas composition profiles in the secondary flame were determined using coated thermocouples with electrical compensation for radiation loss, chromatographic analysis of sampled stable gases, and a spectroscopic technique combined with partial equilibrium calculations for radical species. It was found that OH radical is the principal oxidant of soot under these conditions, with O2 being of secondary importance. The average value of the collision efficiency of OH with soot is found to be 0.28 if the optical (equivalent sphere) diameter of the soot aggregates is used in the calculations, or about 0.13 if the diameter of the individual spherical units within the aggregates is used. The actual value of the collision efficiency is expected to be bounded by these two values. The results indicate that soot burnout rates predicted from the Nagle and Strickland-Constable formula, which assumes O2 to be the oxidant, are drastically underestimated under fuel-rich flame conditions owing to the neglect of the OH contribution. Breakup of soot aggregates during burnout was observed under fuel lean conditions.
A diverse assemblage of Permian echinoids (Echinodermata, Echinoidea) and implications for character evolution in early crown group echinoids

The Permian is regarded as one of the most crucial intervals during echinoid evolution because crown group echinoids are first widely known from the Permian. New faunas provide important information regarding the diversity of echinoids during this significant interval as well as the morphological characterization of the earliest crown group and latest stem group echinoids. A new fauna from the Capitanian Lamar Member of the Bell Canyon Formation in the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas comprises at least three new taxa, including Eotiaris guadalupensis Thompson n. sp. an indeterminate archaeocidarid, and Pronechinus? sp. All specimens represented are silicified and known from disarticulated or semiarticulated interambulacral and ambulacral plates and spines. This assemblage is one of the most diverse echinoid assemblages known from the Permian and, as such, informs the paleoecological setting in which the earliest crown group echinoids lived. This new fauna indicates that crown group echinoids occupied the same environments as stem group echinoids of the Archaeocidaridae and Proterocidaridae. Furthermore, the echinoids described herein begin to elucidate the order of character transitions that likely took place between stem group and crown group echinoids. At least one of the morphological innovations once thought to be characteristic of early crown group echinoids, crenulate tubercles, was in fact widespread in a number of stem group taxa from the Permian as well. Crenulate tubercles are reported from two taxa, and putative cidaroid style U-shaped teeth are present in the fauna. The presence of crenulate tubercles in the archaeocidarid indicates that crenulate tubercles were present in stem group echinoids, and thus the evolution of this character likely preceded the evolution of many of the synapomorphies that define the echinoid crown group.
Mitotic waves in the early embryogenesis of Drosophila: Bistability traded for speed.

Early embryogenesis of most metazoans is characterized by rapid and synchronous cleavage divisions. Chemical waves of Cdk1 activity were previously shown to spread across Drosophila embryos, and the underlying molecular processes were dissected. Here, we present the theory of the physical mechanisms that control Cdk1 waves in Drosophila. The in vivo dynamics of Cdk1 are captured by a transiently bistable reaction–diffusion model, where time-dependent reaction terms account for the growing level of cyclins and Cdk1 activation across the cell cycle. We identify two distinct regimes. The first one is observed in mutants of the mitotic switch. There, waves are triggered by the classical mechanism of a stable state invading a metastable one. Conversely, waves in wild type reflect a transient phase that preserves the Cdk1 spatial gradients while the overall level of Cdk1 activity is swept upward by the time-dependent reaction terms. This unique mechanism generates a wave-like spreading that differs from bistable waves for its dependence on dynamic parameters and its faster speed. Namely, the speed of “sweep” waves strikingly decreases as the strength of the reaction terms increases and scales as the powers 3/4, −1/2, and 7/12 of Cdk1 molecular diffusivity, noise amplitude, and rate of increase of Cdk1 activity in the cell-cycle S phase, respectively. Theoretical predictions are supported by numerical simulations and experiments that couple quantitative measurements of Cdk1 activity and genetic perturbations of the accumulation rate of cyclins. Finally, our analysis bears upon the inhibition required to suppress Cdk1 waves at the cell-cycle pause for the maternal-to-zygotic transition.
Complete Solutions of Linear Difference Equations

(1980). Complete Solutions of Linear Difference Equations. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 87, No. 8, pp. 658-660.
Historical perspective of african-based research on HIV-1 transmission through breastfeeding: the Malawi experience.

Transmission of HIV-1 from the mother to the infant postnatally through breastfeeding remains an important concern in sub-Saharan Africa where breastfeeding is widely practiced. African women continue to breastfeed despite the risk of transmitting HIV to their infants for several reasons [1]: (a) breastfeeding is encouraged by family members and has been culturally adopted by generations of postpartum women; (b) not breastfeeding raises suspicion in the community about the HIV status of the woman and could potentially lead to discrimination; (c) breastfeeding is the most important nutritional source for the growing child; (d) breastfeeding is readily available and convenient for the mother to provide the infant whenever needed; and (e) in several African settings, substitutes of breast milk are either expensive or not safe to use due to lack of safe water to prepare these substitutes and vehicles for feeding the infant can easily become contaminated. Additionally, strong global evidence exists showing that breastfeeding protects against diarrheal and upper respiratory diseases of the infant [2–4]. Biologically, breast milk is known to contain several well-documented protective factors [5–7]. In a pooled analysis of data from multiple countries, the protective effects of breastfeeding were greatest during early infancy and declined with increasing age: the risk of death associated with infectious diseases among infants not breastfed compared to breastfed was 5.8 times higher during the first month, 4.1 times higher during 2–3 months, 2.6 times higher during 4–5 months, 1.8 times higher during 6–8 months, and 1.4 times higher during 9–11 months of age [8].
15.2 – Error Propagation

The geochemical analysis of elemental concentrations and isotopic compositions has to deal with measurement errors all the time. Here, an overview of random, systematic, and gross errors and treatment of random errors using statistical method are presented. Standard deviation is a simple but the most important concept in error analysis. Normal/Gaussian distribution and Poisson distribution and the standard deviations related to these two probability distributions are reviewed. The use of standard deviations to determine the limit of detection and limit of quantification during instrument analysis is highlighted. In the end, an overview of propagation of random errors and systematic errors is provided.
Salaries and benefits of dental hygienists in Tennessee

Salaries and benefits are a major concern for dental hygienists and their employers. In 1998, the University of Tennessee Dental Hygiene Department conducted a survey of dental hygienists licensed to practice in Tennessee. Objectives included (1) to determine the current salary range and benefits of practicing dental hygienists, (2) to determine the factors which influence salaries and benefits, and (3) to compare the salaries and benefits of dental hygienists across the state. Results revealed an average compensation of $175.00 per day. While most full-time dental hygienists receive paid vacation, only 33 percent receive health care benefits. There were various factors influencing salaries and benefits, including the method of compensation, region of the state in which one practices, years of experience, and ethnic background.
Low levels of modern contraceptive use and associated factors in the Western Balkans

Objectives: The objective of this research was to determine modern contraceptive use (MCU) and explore factors associated with MCU in the Western Balkans.Methods: Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey ...
Using Labeling Theory as a Guide to Examine the Patterns, Characteristics, and Sanctions Given to Cybercrimes

Over the past decade, reports of cybercrime have soared across the globe. Criminologists agree that the increase in cybercrime stems from technological advancements that have changed all facets of societal interactions. While it is agreed that technology has shaped cybercrime, there is less understanding about the dynamics of cybercrime. In particular, some researchers have explored whether these offenses are simply traditional types of crime that are now carried out through different strategies, while others have argued that cybercrimes are, in fact, new types of crime. This ambiguity potentially limits prevention and intervention strategies. In an effort to build our understanding about cybercrime within a criminological framework, in this study we use labeling theory as a guide to examine the patterns, characteristics, and sanctions associated with a sample of cybercrimes with an aim towards identifying how these offenses are socially constructed in comparison to traditional crimes, white-collar crimes, and international crimes. In doing so, our hope is to further determine how cybercrime can be understood within current criminological thinking.
Cell surface engineering and application in cell delivery to heart diseases

Cell-based therapy has expanded its influence in cancer immunotherapy, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering. Due to their secretory functions, differentiation capabilities, specific homing effects through chemotaxis, distinctive therapeutic potentials, and ex vivo expandability, cells have become an attractive reagent for advanced therapeutic strategies. Therefore, the ability to modify cells and manipulate their functions according to intended therapeutic designs has been the central scientific interest in the field of biomedical research. Many innovative methods have been developed with genetic modification of cells being the most advanced cell surface engineering technique. Although genetic modification is a powerful tool, it has a limited applicability due to the permanent modifications made on cells. Alternatively, many endeavors have been made to develop surface engineering techniques that can circumvent the limitations of genetic modification. In this review, current methods of non-genetic cell surface modification, including chemical conjugations, polymeric encapsulation, hydrophobic insertion, enzymatic and metabolic addition, will be introduced. Moreover, cell surface engineering plausible for cardiac remodeling and the future prospective will be discussed at the end.
Quantification of In Vitro Protein Lysine Acetylation by Reversed Phase HPLC.

Protein lysine acetylation is a reversible posttranslational modification that is catalyzed by a group of enzymes that are collectively referred to as lysine (K) acetyltransferases (KATs). These enzymes catalyze the transfer of the acetyl group from acetyl coenzyme A (Ac-CoA) to the e-amino group of lysine amino acid. Protein lysine acetylation plays a critical role in the regulation of important cellular processes and it is therefore paramount that we understand the catalytic mechanisms of these enzymes. While there is a variety of methods that have been developed to analyze the enzymatic properties of KATs, majority of the proposed methods have considerable limitations. We describe here a reversed phase HPLC based method that monitors substrate consumption and product formation simultaneously. This method is highly reproducible and optimally suited for the determination of accurate kinetic parameters of KATs.
Evaluation of employee performance: purpose and plan

(1964). Evaluation of employee performance: purpose and plan. Hospital Topics: Vol. 42, No. 12, pp. 43-46.
A Hybrid Model to Study Amyloid Cross-Toxicity

The self-seeding mechanism characteristic of the prion-protein has also been attributed to other neurodegenerative-disease-associated proteins including amyloid beta (Aβ), tau, and α-synuclein. An interesting facet of these prion-like proteins is their ability to horizontally "spread" and recruit their soluble counterparts in adjacent neurons. However, recent findings suggest a heterotoxic potential in these "seeds" whereby one neurodegeneration-associated protein can interact with another sequentially unrelated prion-like protein and influence its aggregation and drive cross-toxic outcomes and neurodegenerative co-morbidity. Yet, direct experimental evidence for amyloid cross-talk at the vertebrate level remains indirect, lacks resolution, or introduces confounding variables. Here, we discuss the need for a novel approach to resolve amyloid cross-toxicity at the neurohistochemical and organismal levels.
Navigating Student Gender Identity Issues.

This case study provides a summary of a district leader’s dilemma on how to approach a number of gender identity issues that are raised within the first few months of his new superintendency. It id...
Summary and future scope

Abstract This chapter serves as the conclusion for this book, including the summary of the state of the art and future outlook.
Trends in Retinopathy of Prematurity over 12 Years in a Colorado Cohort.

To determine trends in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in a Colorado cohort between 2006 and 2017 and compare trends in risk factors between our cohort and statewide data.A retrospective cohort st...
Relapse of Plasmablastic Lymphoma With Cutaneous Involvement in an Immunocompetent Male.

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma frequently found in the context of immunosuppression and infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or Epstein-Barr vi...
Hypercoagulable viscoelastic blood clot characteristics in critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 patients and associations with thrombotic complications

BACKGROUND: Critically-ill COVID-19 patients have frequent thrombotic complications and laboratory evidence of hypercoagulability. The relationship of coagulation tests and thrombosis requires investigation to identify best diagnostic and treatment approaches. We assessed for hypercoagulable characteristics in critically-ill COVID-19 patients using Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and explored relationships of D-dimer and ROTEM measurements with thrombotic complications. METHODS: Critically-ill adult COVID-19 patients receiving ROTEM testing between March-April 2020 were analyzed. Patients receiving therapeutic anticoagulation prior to ROTEM were excluded. ROTEM measurements from COVID-19 patients were compared to non-COVID-19 patients matched by age, sex, and body mass index. Intergroup differences in ROTEM measurements were assessed using t-tests. Correlations of D-dimer levels to ROTEM measurements were assessed in COVID-19 patients who had available concurrent testing. Intergroup differences of D-dimer and ROTEM measurements were explored in COVID-19 patients with and without thrombosis. RESULTS: Of 30 COVID-19 patients receiving ROTEM, we identified hypercoagulability from elevated fibrinogen compared to non-COVID-19 patients (FIBTEM MCF: 47+/-13mm vs 20+/-7mm; mean intergroup difference: 27.4mm; 95%CI: 22.1mm-32.7mm; p<0.0001). In our COVID-19 cohort, thrombotic complications were identified in 33%. In COVID-19 patients developing thrombotic complications, we identified higher D-dimer levels (17.5+/-4.3ug/mL vs 8.0+/-6.3ug/mL; mean difference: 9.5ug/mL; 95%CI: 13.9-5.1; p<0.0001) but lower FIBTEM MCF (39.7+/-10.8mm vs 50.1+/-12.0mm; mean difference: -11.2mm; 95%CI: -2.1 to -20.2; p=0.02) compared to patients without thrombosis. We identified negative correlations of D-dimer levels and ROTEM MCF in these patients (r: -0.61; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: We identified elevated D-dimer levels and hypercoagulable blood clot characteristics from increased fibrinogen on ROTEM testing in critically-ill COVID-19 patients. However, we identified lower, albeit still hypercoagulable, ROTEM measurements of fibrinogen in COVID-19 patients with thrombotic complications compared to those without. Further work is required to externally validate these findings and to investigate the mechanistic drivers for these relationships to identify best diagnostic and treatment approaches for these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Class IV; epidemiologic.
Exploring a spectral filtering approach to electronic structure calculations

We make an initial exploration of a spectral filtering approach to numerically approximating solutions to the time-independent Schrodinger equation for a model system of two spinless fermions with ...
Understanding controls on the geochemistry of hydrocarbon produced waters from different basins across the US

The most massive waste stream generated by conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon exploration is the produced water (PW). The costs and environmental issues associated with the management and disposal of PW, which contains high concentrations of inorganic and organic pollutants, is one of the most challenging problems faced by the oil and gas industry. Many of the current strategies for the reuse and recycling of PW are inefficient because of varying water demand and the spatial and temporal variations in the chemical composition of PW. The chemical composition of PW is controlled by a multitude of factors and can vary significantly over time. This study aims to understand different parameters and processes that control the quality of PW generated from hydrocarbon-bearing formations by analyzing relationships between their major ion concentrations, O, H, and Sr isotopic composition. We selected PW data sets from three conventional (Trenton, Edwards, and Wilcox Formations) and four unconventional (Lance, Marcellus, Bakken, and Mesaverde Formations) oil and gas formations with varying lithology and depositional environment. Using comparative geochemical data analysis, we determined that the geochemical signature of PW is controlled by a complex interplay of several factors, including the original source of water (connate marine vs. non-marine), migration of the basinal fluids, the nature and degree of water–mineral–hydrocarbon interactions, water recharge, processes such as evaporation and ultrafiltration, and production techniques (conventional vs. unconventional). The development of efficient PW recycle and reuse strategies requires a holistic understanding of the geological and hydrological history of each formation to account for the temporal and spatial heterogeneities.
Endogenous nutrients are concentrated in specific tissues in the Zea mays seedling

K, P, Cl, and Ca are distributed in tissue-specific patterns in Zea mays seedlings. These elements were mapped and analyzed using a relatively simple semi-quantitative technique, i.e., fast freezing, followed by freeze fracturing, then freeze drying, and finally scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). In the radicle, endogenously derived (i.e., from seed) K and P transition from being homogenous in the apical meristem to tissue-specific in older regions. At 3 mm from the radicle apex, K concentration is approximately 40 mM in mid-cortex and decreases by approximately 50% at 15 mm. From 3 to 55 mm, P concentration in pericycle is approximately twice that found in adjacent regions. Ca is not detectable in younger portions of the radicle by SEM/EDS, but in older regions, it is present at 13 mM in mid-cortex. K concentration values of entire radicles analyzed with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) exceeded the SEM/EDS values. For Ca, the reverse was true. But, SEM/EDS analysis did not include several vascular tissues that contained high concentrations of K and low concentrations of Ca. The inception of lateral root primordia was accompanied by a localized decrease in Ca in cortical regions that were centrifugal to the primordium tip. A region of O-rich cells in endosperm was identified centripetal to the aleurone. These results indicate that (1) outer, mid-, and inner cortical regions, as well as the adjacent tissues, have distinct ion accumulation properties, and (2) ions are concentrated in some radicle tissues prior to development of Casparian strips.
Role of Janus Kinase inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Purpose of review To review recently published articles on use of Janus Kinase inhibitors (Jaki) in the clinic for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent findings Several Jaki have been approved for RA patients failing csDMARDS. Over the last 2 years, EULAR and ACR have published updated recommendations for the pharmacologic management of RA providing guidance on the utilization of Jaki after csDMARD failure. Clinical trials have been published addressing the efficacy of Jaki monotherapy as patients often choose monotherapy because of a desire to avoid multiple therapies and aggravating adverse events with csDMARDs. Previous clinical trials have compared the efficacy and safety of Jaki to adalimumab, and a trial comparing abatacept to upadacitinib has recently been published. An increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been suggested with Jaki and additional information has recently become available with conflicting results. Summary Jaki are now standard therapy for RA patients failing csDMARDs and are being utilized frequently as an alternative to biologics in patients without risk factors for VTE. Jaki monotherapy has been demonstrated to be effective, although combination therapy has been demonstrated to be superior in clinical and radiographic outcomes. Preliminary data suggests that cycling through Jaki in patients with incomplete response to initial Jaki treatment may be an appropriate strategy.
Prevalence and clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients with upper extremity deep vein thrombosis.

Abstract Objective Upper extremity (UE) deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common and increasing complication in hospitalized patients. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence, treatment strategies, complications, and outcomes of UE-DVT. Methods We performed a retrospective single-institution study of patients with a diagnosis of UE-DVT from January 2016 through February 2018 (26 months). Patients aged ≥18 years who had been admitted to the hospital and who had had positive UE duplex ultrasound findings for acute UE-DVT were included in the present study. The outcomes were in-hospital mortality, major bleeding, pulmonary embolism (PE), and recurrent UE-DVT. Results Among 63,045 patients admitted to the hospital, 1000 (1.6%) had been diagnosed with UE-DVT. Of 3695 UE venous duplex ultrasound examinations performed during the study period, almost one third (27.0%) were positive for acute UE-DVT. The mean age was 55.0 ± 17.2 years, and most patients were men (58.3%), white (49.2%), and overweight (mean body mass index, 29.4 ± 10.3 kg/m2). The most affected vein was the right internal jugular vein (54.8%). Most of the patients (96.9%) has been receiving venous thromboembolism prophylaxis or anticoagulation therapy at the diagnosis. Most patients (77.8%) had had an intravenous device (IVD) in place at the diagnosis. Most of the patients (84.4%) were treated with anticoagulation therapy in the hospital but only one half (54.5%) were discharged with anticoagulation therapy. In-hospital mortality was 12.1% unrelated to UE-DVT, major bleeding occurred in 47.6% of the patients during hospitalization (fatal bleeding, 1%), PE was diagnosed in 4.8% of the patients, and 0.7% were fatal. Recurrent UE-DVT occurred in 6.1% of the patients. On multivariable analysis, the risk of death was increased by older age, cancer, intensive care unit admission, concomitant lower extremity DVT, and bleeding before the UE-DVT diagnosis. The presence of an IVD increased the risk of PE and the risk of recurrent UE-DVT. The risk of major bleeding was increased by the presence of an IVD, female sex, and concomitant lower extremity DVT. Conclusions UE-DVT is a common complication in hospitalized patients (1.6%). Consequent acute PE and recurrent DVT remain important complications, as does bleeding. It is unclear whether standard thromboprophylaxis effectively protects against UE-DVT. More studies dedicated to UE-DVT are required to provide appropriate guidance on prophylaxis and treatment.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Trafficking

Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is defined by the Declaration of the First World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, held in Stockholm in 1996, as “sexual abuse by an adult accompanied by remuneration in cash or in kind to the child or third person(s).” CSEC usually takes the form of child prostitution or child pornography, and is often facilitated by child sex tourism. CSEC is particularly a problem in developing countries of Asia. In recent years, new innovations in technology have facilitated the trade of Internet child pornography.
Modeling Student Benefit from Illustrations and Graphs

We examine a corpus of physics tutorial dialogues between a computer tutor and students. Either graphs or illustrations were displayed during the dialogues. In this work, stepwise linear regression, augmented to remove unwanted terms, is used to build models that identify situations when each graphic may aid learning. Our experimental results show that grouping students by pretest score, then by gender produces a model that significantly outperforms the baseline.
Light scattering in protein solutions.

Publisher Summary Light scattering helps in the determination of size, weight, and activity coefficient of macromolecules in solution by making relatively simple optical measurements. The method is both supplementary and complementary to other physical methods, which are used for exploring the properties of macromolecules and therefore offers both a means of measuring constants and providing completely new information. One of the significant aspects of light scattering methods lies in the speed with which the necessary observations can be made. This chapter focuses on the application of the light scattering method to the characterization and interaction of proteins in solution. It briefly describes other macromolecular systems, particularly polymer solutions and dispersions of spherical particles. The chapter also summarizes two-component and multicomponent systems that provide the basis for the molecular weight determination of proteins under favorable conditions. Furthermore, the chapter deals with the unusual behavior of solutions of highly charged proteins at low ionic strength and with preliminary investigations of rates of macromolecular reactions. The chapter concludes with the description of experimental methods.
Cavitation Detection in Automotive Torque Converters Using Nearfield Acoustical Measurements

As automotive torque converters decrease in both diameter and axial length, the effects of cavitation in the torque converter becomes increasingly important on noise, efficiency, and performance goals. Cavitation is the formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in a working fluid when local static pressure falls below the vapor pressure of the working fluid. A technique to detect cavitation in automotive torque converters using nearfield acoustical measurements is presented. The technique concentrates on high frequency noise that is associated with the collapse of vapor bubbles. The nearfield acoustical technique is compared to two other techniques using static pressure measurements inside the torque converter; one on the torque converter stator blades and the other on the torque converter pump blades. A microwave telemetry transmitter was used to obtain data from inside the torque converter in both previous investigations. The nearfield acoustical technique is demonstrated to be valid on a torque converter dynamometer test stand and in the bell housing of an operating vehicle. Using the nearfield acoustical technique, the effects of temperature and charge pressure on cavitation are shown. These effects are shown to agree with typical cavitation behaviors. The results for different performance torque converters are compared in the vehicle and on the dynamometer test stand. The results from in-vehicle tests show the same trends as test stand results. The nearfield acoustical technique provides a simple, relatively inexpensive procedure that can be utilized on a test stand as well as in the vehicle to determine the onset of cavitation in automotive torque converters.
Computer-mediated colonization, the renaissance, and educational imperatives for an intercultural global village

``The diversity of cultures in this world is really important. It's the richness that we have which, in fact, will save us from being caught up in one big idea''. Tim Berners-Lee (inventor of the Web) addressing the 10th International World Wide Web Conference, Hong Kong. ``Globalization must not be a new version of colonialism. It must respect the diversity of cultures which, within the universal harmony of peoples, are life's interpretative keys''. Pope John Paul II. ``It is the stillest words that bring on the storm. Thoughts that come on doves' feet guide the world''. The Stillest Hour, Thus Spoke Zarathustra.
Progress in Microbiological Modeling and Risk Assessment

This chapter deals with advances in both microbiological modeling and risk assessment. The abundance of data acquired has led to major advances in the ability to study food safety microbiology in a quantitative manner. The importance of environmental contamination, recontamination of heat-processed foods, and the numerous potential pathways for cross contamination has long been recognized; however, few investigators have attempted to quantify or model cross contamination. Numerous nonlinear and multiple-phase models have been used to describe inactivation kinetics, with the Weibull model being used by an increasing number of modelers. Risk managers determined that grouping by moisture level was most appropriate because the classification of cheeses for regulatory purposes is by moisture level. The risk management process also includes managing communication and transparency by creating outside expert panels, conducting public meetings, requesting independent reviews of the finished risk assessment, and disseminating the results in appropriate forums. Various techniques can be used with the risk assessment to determine which of the many parameters make the greatest contribution to the average value, the variation, or the uncertainty of the output distributions. The application of risk assessment techniques to better link microbiological criteria to public health goals is an area that is actively being pursued by regulatory agencies, international intergovernmental organizations and the food industry.
Recovery of plant DNA using a reciprocating saw and silica‐based columns

The time needed for hand grinding and the cost of commercially available extraction kits remain to be the major limitations in plant DNA extraction for many researchers. We present inexpensive techniques for (i) simultaneously machine grinding large numbers of plant samples for DNA extraction using a commercially available reciprocating saw; and (ii) DNA recovery using silica column-based extractions similar to that used in some commercially available kits. Used together, these allow for the rapid recovery of plant DNA at relatively low cost. Furthermore, these methods appear to be widely applicable within plants with good yields recovered in test extractions across major plant groups (ferns, gymnosperms, monocots and eudicots).
Universal spectral behavior of x 2 ( i x ) ε potentials

The $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$-symmetric Hamiltonian $H={p}^{2}+{x}^{2}{(ix)}^{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}$ ($\ensuremath{\varepsilon}$ real) exhibits a phase transition at $\ensuremath{\varepsilon}=0$. When $\ensuremath{\varepsilon}\ensuremath{\geqslant}0$, the eigenvalues are all real, positive, discrete, and grow as $\ensuremath{\varepsilon}$ increases. However, when $\ensuremath{\varepsilon}l0$ there are only a finite number of real eigenvalues. As $\ensuremath{\varepsilon}$ approaches $\ensuremath{-}1$ from above, the number of real eigenvalues decreases to 1, and this eigenvalue becomes infinite at $\ensuremath{\varepsilon}=\ensuremath{-}1$. In this paper it is shown that these qualitative spectral behaviors are generic and that they are exhibited by the eigenvalues of the general class of Hamiltonians ${H}^{(2n)}={p}^{2n}+{x}^{2}{(ix)}^{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}$ ($\ensuremath{\varepsilon}$ real, $n=1,2,3,...$). The complex classical behaviors of these Hamiltonians are also examined.
The cellular and molecular landscape of neuroligins

A fundamental physical interaction exists across the synapse. It is mediated by synaptic adhesion molecules, and is among the earliest and most indispensable of molecular events occurring during synaptogenesis. The regulation of adhesion molecules and their interactions with other synaptic proteins likely affect not only on synapse formation but also on ongoing synaptic function. We review research on one major family of postsynaptic adhesion molecules, neuroligins, which bind to their presynaptic partner neurexin across the synaptic cleft. We move from a structural overview to the broad cellular and synaptic context of neuroligins, intermolecular interactions, and molecular modifications that occur within a synapse. Finally, we examine evidence concerning the physiological functions of neuroligin in a cell and highlight areas requiring further investigation.
The use of parallelism to implement a heuristic search

The role of parallel processing in heuristic search is examined by means of an example (cryptarithmetic addition). A problem solver is constructed that combines the metaphors of constraint propagation and hypothesize-and-test. The system is capable of working on many incompatible hypotheses at one time. Furthermore, it is capable of allocating different amounts of processing power to running activities and changing these allocations as computation proceeds. It is empirically found that the parallel algorithm is, on the average, more efficient than a corresponding sequential one. Implication* of this for problem solving in general are discussed.
Models and equality for logical programming

We argue that some standard tools from model theory provide a better semantic foundation than the more syntactic and operational approaches usually used in logic programming. In particular, we show how initial models capture the intended semantics of both functional and logic programming, as well as their combination, with existential queries having logical variables (for both functions and relations) in the presence of arbitrary user-defined abstract data types, and with the full power of constraint languages, having any desired built-in (computable) relations and functions, including disequality (the negation of the equality relation) as well as the usual ordering relations on the usual built-in types, such as numbers and strings. These results are based on a new completeness theorem for order-sorted Horn clause logic with equality, plus the use of standard interpretations for fixed sorts, functions and relations. Finally, we define “logical programming,” based on the concept of institution, and show how it yields a general framework for discussions of this kind. For example, this viewpoint suggests that the natural way to combine functional and logic programming is simply to combine their logics, getting Horn clause logic with equality.
Streaming data analytics for anomalies in graphs

Protecting our nation's infrastructure and securing sensitive information are critical challenges for both industry and government. Due to the complex and diverse nature of the environments which can expose attacks or terrorism activity, one must not only be able to deal with attacks that are dynamic, or constantly changing, but also take into account the structural aspects of the networks and the relationships among communication events. However, analyzing a massive, ever-growing graph will quickly overwhelm currently-available computing resources. One potential solution to the issue of handling very large graphs is to handle data as a “stream”. In this work, we present an approach to processing a stream of changes to the graph in order to efficiently identify any changes in the normative patterns and any changes in the anomalies to these normative patterns without processing all previous data. The overall framework of our approach is called PLADS for Pattern Learning and Anomaly Detection in Streams. We evaluate our approach on a dataset that represents people movements and actions, as well as a scalable, streaming data generator that represents social network behaviors, in order to assess the ability to efficiently detect known anomalies.
Functional polymers. XXX: 2(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl) 2h-benzotriazole [2(2h-benzotriazole-2-yl)-1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene] and benzotriazole-substituted dihydrocoumarins†‡

2(2 H-Benzotriazole-2-yl)-1-3,5-trihydroxybenzene was synthesized by improved reactions as the sole product of 2-nitrobenzenediazonium or 4-methoxy-2-nitrobenzenediazonium chloride condensation and phloroglucinol followed by reductive cyclization of the azo compound. Attempted esterification of the 5-hydroxy group did not yield the expected 5-acryloxy compound, but rather 6(2 H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-5,7-dihydroxy-3,4-dihydrocoumarin, and 6(2H-4′-methoxy-benzotriazole-2-yl)-5-7-dihydroxy-3,4-dihydrocoumarin, through a Michael-type condensation of the methylene group of the acrylate to the carbon in 3 position; the dihydrocoumarin was characterized and hydrolyzed to 3(2 H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-2,4-dihydroxymelilotic acid. The model compound 5,7-dihydroxy-3,4-dihydrocoumarin and 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocoumarin was also synthesized from resorcinol and phloroglucinol and characterized. Unter optimalen Reaktionsbedingungen wurden 2(2H-Benzotriazol-2-yl)-1,3,5-trihydroxy-benzen bzw. 2(2H-4′-Methoxybenzodiazol-2-yl)-1,3,5-trihydroxy-benzen als einziges Reaktionsprodukt der Umsetzung von 2-Nitrophenyl-diazoniumchlorid bzw. 4-Methoxy-2-nitrophenyldiazoniumchlorid mit Phloroglycin und anschliesender reduktiver Cyclisierung der Azoverbindung erhalten. Veresterungsversuche der 5-Hydroxygruppe ergaben nicht die erwartete 5-Acryloxyverbindung, sondern uber eine Michael-Kondensation der Methylengruppe des Acrylatrestes mit dem Kohlenstoff in 3-Stellung 6(2H-Benzotriazol-2-yl)-5,7-dihydroxy-3,4-dihydrocumarin bzw. das 4′-Methoxyderivat. Die 3,4-Dihydrocumarinverbindung wurde charakterisiert, die Hydrolyse fuhrt zu 3(2H-Benzotriazol-2-yl)-2,4-dihydroxy-hydrocumarsaure. Die Modellverbindungen 5,7-Dihydroxy-3,4-dihydrocumarin und 7-Hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocumarin wurden auf gleichem Wege aus Phloroglycin bzw. Resorcin dargestellt und charakterisiert.
Tumor response to mTHPC‐mediated photodynamic therapy exhibits strong correlation with extracellular release of HSP70

Background and Objective We investigated the relationship among heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) promoter activation, extracellular HSP70 protein levels, and tumor cure in an animal model of meso-tetrahydroxyphenyl chlorin (mTHPC; Foscan®)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT). Materials and Methods Using Western blot analysis, we compared HSP70 protein levels in control and PDT-treated EMT6 cells with the amplitude of hsp70-promoter driven green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in identically treated, stably transfected hsp70-GFP/EMT6 cells. A clonogenic survival assay was performed to assess the relationship among promoter activation, HSP70 levels, and cell survival in vitro. Tumor growth studies with this transfected cell line were performed to examine responses to fluences from 0.1 to 10 J cm−2, which ranged from sub-curative to curative. In vivo stereofluorescence and confocal fluorescence imaging were used to assess the temporal kinetics in hsp70 activation in tumors subjected to these fluences and the intratumor spatial correlation between hsp70 induction and extracellular levels of HSP70, respectively. Results Maximum GFP expression and HSP protein levels in cells were observed at PDT doses that corresponded to 30% cell survival. The relative changes in GFP and HSP70 protein accumulation as analyzed using Western immunoblots agreed very well, thereby confirming the validity of fluorescent reporter assessment of gene expression in our studies. In vivo imaging revealed that hsp70 promoter-driven GFP expression and accumulation of extracellular HSP70 in PDT-treated tumors subjected to non-curative doses exhibit minimal spatial correlation. There is a strong correlation between mTHPC-PDT doses that result in long-term tumor cure and those that cause high levels of surface exposed or extracellularly released HSP70s. Conclusion Treatment conditions that induce strong promoter activation do not correspond to tumor cure. PDT doses that result in long-term tumor growth control also produce significant accumulation of extracellular HSP70. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:632–643, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Abstract MP85: Prognostic Impact of Heart Failure with Preserved and Reduced Ejection Fraction after Myocardial Infarction in the Community

Background: Contemporary community data on the prognostic importance of heart failure (HF) after myocardial infarction (MI) according to (1) preserved or reduced ejection fraction (EF) and (2) the time of its occurrence are lacking. We examined HF-associated mortality and secular trends in survival among patients with and without HF in a geographically defined cohort of MI survivors. Methods: All residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota (n=2,596) who had a first MI diagnosed in 1990-2010 and no prior HF were followed through 2012 for HF incidence and mortality. Framingham Heart Study criteria were used to define HF, which was further classified according to EF. Cox models were used to examine (1) the hazard ratios (HRs) for death associated with HF type (preserved or reduced) and timing (early- or late-onset); and (2) secular trends in survival by HF status. Results: During a mean (SD) follow-up of 4 (3) years, 748 patients developed HF (519 within 30 days) and 673 died. After adjusting for age, sex, and year of index MI, HF as a time-dependent variable was strongly associated with mortality (HR=3.33 vs. HF-free subjects). Mortality did not differ by HF type, but was markedly higher for late-onset (>30 days) than for early-onset HF. Further adjustment for indicators of MI severity and comorbidity burden, acute intervention, and recurrent MI attenuated the association (Table). The age- and sex-adjusted HRs for mortality in 2001-2010 vs. 1990-2000 were 0.71 (95% CI: 0.58-0.88) in HF and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.59-0.93) in HF-free patients. These estimates equate to 10.18 (95% CI: 3.82-16.54) and 3.75 (95% CI: 0.90-6.61) fewer deaths per 100 subjects at 5 years of follow-up in participants with and without HF, respectively. Conclusions: HF markedly increases the risk of death after MI. The magnitude of this excess risk is similar between preserved and reduced EF but greater for late- vs. early-onset HF. Mortality declined over time in all patients with MI, and the absolute reduction in the risk of death was substantially greater for those with HF.
Task Allocation for Mobile Cloud Computing in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

The ubiquity of mobile devices creates a rapidly growing market for mobile applications. Many of these applications involve complex processing tasks that are difficult to run on resource constrained mobile devices. This leads to the emergence of mobile cloud computing, in which cloud-based resources are used to enhance the computing capabilities of mobile devices. In this paper, we consider heterogeneous wireless networks in which multiple resource-rich computing nodes can be used as mobile clouds, and mobile devices can upload computation extensive tasks to these mobile clouds. The goal is to minimize the average task response time through determining whether to upload a task, and to which cloud the task should be uploaded. We formalize this task allocation problem, which is proved to be a NP-hard problem, and propose both offline centralized approach and online distributed approach to address this problem. Simulation results show that our approaches outperform others in terms of task response time in various scenarios.
An exactly solvable model for dimension-six Higgs operators and h→γγ

Abstract An exactly solvable large N model is constructed which reduces at low energies to the Standard Model plus the dimension-six Higgs–gauge operators g 1 2 H † H B μ ν B μ ν , g 2 2 H † H W μ ν a W a μ ν , g 1 g 2 H † τ a H W μ ν a B μ ν , and ϵ a b c W μ a ν W ν b ρ W ρ c μ . All other dimension-six operators are suppressed by powers of 1 / N . The Higgs–gauge operators lead to deviations from the Standard Model h → γ γ and h → γ Z rates. A simple variant of the model can be used to also generate the Higgs–gluon operator g 3 2 H † H G μ ν A G A μ ν which contributes to the Higgs production rate via gluon fusion.
Numerical simulation of double-diffusive finger convection

[1] A hybrid finite element, integrated finite difference numerical model is developed for the simulation of double-diffusive and multicomponent flow in two and three dimensions. The model is based on a multidimensional, density-dependent, saturated-unsaturated transport model (SUTRA), which uses one governing equation for fluid flow and another for solute transport. The solute-transport equation is applied sequentially to each simulated species. Density coupling of the flow and solute-transport equations is accounted for and handled using a sequential implicit Picard iterative scheme. High-resolution data from a double-diffusive Hele-Shaw experiment, initially in a density-stable configuration, is used to verify the numerical model. The temporal and spatial evolution of simulated double-diffusive convection is in good agreement with experimental results. Numerical results are very sensitive to discretization and correspond closest to experimental results when element sizes adequately define the spatial resolution of observed fingering. Numerical results also indicate that differences in the molecular diffusivity of sodium chloride and the dye used to visualize experimental sodium chloride concentrations are significant and cause inaccurate mapping of sodium chloride concentrations by the dye, especially at late times. As a result of reduced diffusion, simulated dye fingers are better defined than simulated sodium chloride fingers and exhibit more vertical mass transfer.
Alternative Computing Designs and Technologies

This introduction to the special issue on alternative computing technologies presents the seven articles included in the issue.