cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Meta-Analysis of Interventions to Reduce Adolescent Cannabis Use

Objective: This meta-analytic review assesses the effectiveness of substance abuse interventions to reduce adolescent cannabis use. Method: A systematic search identified 15 randomized controlled evaluations of interventions to reduce adolescent cannabis use published between 1960 and 2008. The primary outcome variables, frequency of cannabis use, and quantity of cannabis use, were measured between 1 month and 1 year posttreatment completion. Results: Analyses of random effects models revealed similarly moderate effects for individual (g = -.437; 95% CI = [-.671, -.203]) and family-based treatments (g = -.404; 95% CI = [-.613, -.195]). Substance abuse treatments are associated with moderate reductions in cannabis use although effect sizes tended to wane with greater length of time posttreatment. Discussion: Substance abuse treatment programs should consider implementing evidence-based interventions highlighted in this meta-analysis that fit the needs and characteristics of their client base and agency set...
Mode of effective connectivity within a putative neural network differentiates moral cognitions related to care and justice ethics.

Background Moral sensitivity refers to the interpretive awareness of moral conflict and can be justice or care oriented. Justice ethics is associated primarily with human rights and the application of moral rules, whereas care ethics is related to human needs and a situational approach involving social emotions. Among the core brain regions involved in moral issue processing are: medial prefrontal cortex, anterior (ACC) and posterior (PCC) cingulate cortex, posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), insula and amygdala. This study sought to inform the long standing debate of whether care and justice moral ethics represent one or two different forms of cognition. Methodology/Principal Findings Model-free and model-based connectivity analysis were used to identify functional neural networks underlying care and justice ethics for a moral sensitivity task. In addition to modest differences in patterns of associated neural activity, distinct modes of functional and effective connectivity were observed for moral sensitivity for care and justice issues that were modulated by individual variation in moral ability. Conclusions/Significance These results support a neurobiological differentiation between care and justice ethics and suggest that human moral behavior reflects the outcome of integrating opposing rule-based, self-other perspectives, and emotional responses.
In-Situ Tem Study of Interface Sliding and Migration in an Ultrafine Lamellar Structure

The instability of interfaces in an ultrafine TiAl-({gamma})/Ti{sub 3}Al-({alpha}{sub 2}) lamellar structure by straining at room temperature has been investigated using in-situ straining techniques performed in a transmission electron microscope. The purpose of this study is to obtain experimental evidence to support the creep mechanisms based upon the interface sliding in association with a cooperative movement of interfacial dislocations previously proposed to interpret the nearly linear creep behavior observed from ultrafine lamellar TiAl alloys. The results have revealed that both the sliding and migration of lamellar interfaces can take place simultaneously as a result of the cooperative movement of interfacial dislocations.
Temperature dependence and angular dependence of the giant longitudinal magnetoresistance in GaAsAlGaAs superlattices

Abstract We show here that the disorder-induced giant magnetoresistance (GMR) in GaAsGa 0.7 Al 0.3 As superlattices is essentially temperature independent (variation, approximately 10%) in the temperature range 90–300 K. We also show that the dependence of the GMR on the angle between the magnetic field and the superlattice growth axis is simply related to the angular dependence of the longitudinal field component. The GMR in semiconductor superlattices is compared and contrasted with that in layered metallic structures.
Fatigue crack growth in polymers subjected to fully compressive cyclic loads

It is experimentally demonstrated in this work that the application of cyclic compression loads to polymeric materials, specifically high-density polyethylene and polystyrene, results in the nucleation and propagation of stable fatigue cracks. The cracks grow at a progressively slower rate along the plane of the notch in a direction perpendicular to the far-field cyclic compression axis. The overall characteristics of this compression fatigue fracture are macroscopically similar to those seen in metals, ceramics, as well as discontinuously reinforced inorganic composites. It is reasoned that the origin of this Mode I compression fatigue effect is the generation of a zone of residual tensile stress locally in the vicinity of the notch-tip upon unloading from the maximum far-field compressive stress. The residual tensile field is generated by permanent damage arising from crazing and/or shear deformation ahead of the notch-tip. Evidence for the inducement of residual tensile stresses on the crack plane is provided with the aid of micrographs of near-tip region where crazes are observed along the plane of the crack, i.e. normal to the compression loading axis. Compression fatigue crack growth in polystyrene is also highly discontinuous in the sense that the crack remains dormant during thousands of fatigue cycles following which there is a burst of crack extension, possibly in association with fracture within the craze. This intermittent growth process in cyclic compression is analogous to the formation of discontinuous growth bands during the tension fatigue of many crazeable polymers. The exhaustion of the near-tip residual tensile field and the increase in the level of crack closure with increasing crack length cause the fatigue crack to arrest. The universal features of this phenomenon are discussed in the context of ductile and brittle, non-crystalline and crystalline, as well as monolithic and composite materials.
Coverage of the pre-Iraq War debate as a case study of frame indexing:

This study examined critical coverage, substantive news frames, and news sources in The New York Times and Washington Post coverage of the pre-Iraq War debate. This content analysis evaluated media...
Ligation-Induced Acute Pancreatitis Increases Pancreatic and Circulating Trypsinogen Activation Peptides

Ligation of the common bile-pancreatic duct induces hyperamylasemia and acute pancreatitis in rats. Pancreatic morphologic changes include edema, acinar cell damage, and mild inflammation. The pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis in this model is not understood, but may involve altered secretion and intrapancreatic activation of acinar proteases. We hypothesized that trypsinogen activation, measured by the production of plasma and pancreatic trypsinogen activation peptides (TAP), occurs early in this model. We performed the following experiments: rats were prepared with (1) bile-pancreatic ducts ligated and (2) ducts dissected but not ligated (sham). Rats were killed after 6, 24, and 48 hr. Serum amylase was measured and histologic sections were analyzed for morphologic changes. TAP was measured in both serum and pancreatic tissue homogenates using a specific polyclonal. anti-TAP antibody in an enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. After 6, 24, and 48 hr of bile-pancreatic duct ligation, hyperamylasemia and acute morphologic changes of acute pancreatitis were observed. Evidence of acinar cell destruction was not evident until 48 hr after ligation. Levels of serum and pancreatic tissue TAP were significantly elevated at both 24 and 48 hr after ligation compared to those of sham. We conclude that increased intrapancreatic trypsinogen activation occurs early in this form of experimental acute pancreatitis and that it occurs prior to evidence of acinar cell destruction. These data and observations support the possibility that intrapancreatic protease activation contributes to the pathogenesis of ligation-induced acute pancreatitis.
Newborn mass screening for galactosemia

Methods for mass screeing of newborns for galactosemia have been availabe since 1964. Although galactosemia is rare, many countries have included screening for galactosemia in their national screening programs, yet other countries deny the necessity for screening. Despite the early appearance of clinical symptoms, newborns may be reliably diagnosed in time only through mass screening.
Perspectives: Graph factors and factorization: 1985-2003: A survey

In the most general sense, a factor of a graph G is just a spanning subgraph of G and a graph factorization of G is a partition of the edges of G into factors. However, as we shall see in the present paper, even this extremely general definition does not capture all the factor and factorization problems that have been studied in graph theory. Several previous survey papers have been written on this subject [F. Chung, R. Graham, Recent results in graph decompositions, London Mathematical Society, Lecture Note Series, vol. 52, Cambridge University Press, 1981, pp. 103-123; J. Akiyama, M. Kano, Factors and factorizations of graphs-a survey, J. Graph Theory 9 (1985) 1-42; L. Volkmann, Regular graphs, regular factors, and the impact of Petersen's theorems, Jahresber. Deutsch. Math.-Verein. 97 (1995) 19-42] as well as an entire book on graph decompositions [J. Bosak, Decompositions of Graphs, Kluwer Academic Publishers Group, Dordrecht, 1990]. Our purpose here is to concentrate primarily on surveying the developments of the last 15-20 years in this exponentially growing field.
My Student Life in the United States During World War II

Time has passed gradually, and my youth is gone, but I can still remember some events that are permanently imprinted on my mind. Professor Li Yu-ning has asked me to write about my student life in the United States during World War II. I am only an unimportant person, and my words carry no weight. Besides, I probably cannot remember clearly what happened half a century ago. But on second thoughts, if what I am saying can benefit today's students, I should not shirk that responsibility.
Coupled-mode theory of vertically integrated impedance-matched waveguide/photodetectors

Abstract Using coupled-mode theory, a simple model is developed which elucidates the operation of vertically integrated waveguide/photodetectors with emphasis on the underlying physical principles. The coupled-mode theory results are shown to agree well with numerical simulations using the finite difference beam propagation method.
Preferential emission of lighter isotopes in the initial stage of sputtering

Abstract Initially, the flux of sputtered ions is strongly enriched in the lighter isotopes. During sample erosion, this enrichment gradually decreases and finally a steady-state value is reached. Isotopic variations were monitored for primary beam (14.5 keV O−) fluence increments of ∼1 × 1015 ions/cm2 by means of secondary ion mass spectrometry. Extrapolation of the data to the zero-fluence limit shows that the ratio 46Ti+/50Ti+ (sputtered from TiO2) is initially higher by a factor of ∼1.063 relative to the steady-state flux. The same value for 6Li+/7Li+ (sputtered from LiAlSi2O6) is ∼1.054. Enrichments of comparable magnitude were observed also for Ga and Mo isotopes sputtered from GaAs and Mo, respectively. Applying a theoretically predicted enrichment factor at low fluence of (Mj/Mi)2m, with Mj and Mj being the mass of the light and heavy isotope, respectively, values of m ranging from 0.16 to 0.45 are derived from the experiments. A momentum asymmetry in the collision cascade, as found in recent computer simulations, might cause these strong effects.
Physicians As Agents Of Social Control: The Thoughts Of Victor Fuchs

Q: You have been an analyst and an observer of the U.S. health care system for more than three decades now. What trends do you find most troubling, and what trends encourage you to believe that we are moving toward the widely agreed upon goal of ready access to affordable medical care for the American people? A: I will start with the second part first. I’m not sure that that goal is widely agreed upon in the sense that the public is willing to support the policies necessary to reach it. For example, to achieve universal coverage there must be subsidization for those who are too poor or too sick to afford health insurance, and compulsion for those who are unwilling to acquire it. The debacle of health care reform efforts in 1994 showed that the American public is not yet ready to embrace subsidization and compulsion. The trends that I find most troubling are toomuch commercialization of health care, the erosion of professional norms, and the stampede to mergers and acquisitions. An encouraging trend is the growing recognition that no nation can afford to give all of its citizens all of the health care thatmight do them some good. Q: Give me several examples of why you are encouraged about people’s greater appreciation for the limited resources that are available to finance medical care. A: One landmark is the First International Conference on Priorities in Health Care held in Stockholm in 1996 and sponsored by Sweden, Norway, Finland, the World Health Organization, and the European Union. Participants came frommore than fifty countries and every continent except Antarctica. A second conference on priorities is scheduled for 1998 in London. In addition, there is heightened interest in shoring up the scientific base of medicine. That goes under different names in different countries. In England it’s called evidence-based medicine. In the United States it’s called outcomes research or clinical guidelines. In other countries it’s called technology assessment. Whatever the name, the idea is the same. The practice of medicinewill always be partly an art. But now, with information technology, with more research, and with professionals who combine clinical and quantitative skills, it is possible to ground medical practice more in science as well as in art. Q: Who’s driving this second trend in the United States most directly? Is it the profession? The payers? Government? A: In the United States, and all over theworld, the pressure is coming primarily from those who pay for health care. Unfortunately, they are doing it partly for the wrong reason: because they suspect that much of currentmedical practice will not stand up to scientific scrutiny. They hope that this new kind of research will save money. In part they’re right.
Cardiac Angiosarcoma: An Unusual Presentation Simulating Mitral Stenosis and Constrictive-effusive Pericarditis

This case report details a patient with a cardiac angiosarcoma who had an unusual presentation with hemodynamics consistent with mitral stenosis and constrictive-effusive pericarditis. It illustrates how transesophageal echocardiography adds to the information obtained from transthoracic imaging and hemodynamics in this unusual presentation of a cardiac tumor.
Progress in nodal methods for the solution of the neutron diffusion and transport equations

Recent progress in the development of coarse-mesh nodal methods for the numerical solution of the neutron diffusion and transport equations is reviewed. In contrast with earlier nodal simulators, more recent nodal diffusion methods are characterized by the systematic derivation of spatial coupling relationships that are entirely consistent with the multigroup diffusion equation. These relationships most often are derived by developing approximations to the one-dimensional equations obtained by integrating the multidimensional diffusion equation over directions transverse to each coordinate axis. Both polynomial and analytic approaches to the solution of the transverse-integrated equations are discussed, and the Cartesian-geometry polynomial approach is derived in a manner which motivates the extension of this formulation to the solution of the diffusion equation in hexagonal geometry. Iterative procedures developed for the solution of the nodal equations are discussed briefly, and numerical comparisons for representative three-dimensional benchmark problems are given. The application of similar ideas to the neutron transport equation has led to the development of coarse-mesh transport schemes that combine nodal spatial approximations with angular representations based on either the standard discrete-ordinate approximation or double Pn expansions of the angular dependence of the fluxes on the surfaces of the nodes. The former methods yield improved difference approximations to the multidimensional discrete-ordinates equations, while the latter approach leads to equations similar to those obtained in interface-current nodal-diffusion formulations. The relative efficiencies of these two approaches are discussed, and directions for future work are indicated.
Critical role of VCP/p97 in the pathogenesis and progression of non-small cell lung carcinoma.

Background Valosin-containing protein (VCP)/p97 is an AAA ATPase molecular chaperone that regulates vital cellular functions and protein-processing. A recent study indicated that VCP expression levels are correlated with prognosis and progression of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). We not only verified these findings but also identified the specific role of VCP in NSCLC pathogenesis and progression.
Mycobacterium avium Complex Infection and AIDS: Advances in Theory and Practice

The role of disseminated infection with the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in the natural history of AIDS has been controversial. It is now clear that this complication of immunosuppression induced by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has a major impact upon the quality of life and duration of survival of patients with advanced HIV-1 infection. Progress has been made in our understanding of the bacteriology, pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of MAC infection. Drs. Constance Benson and Jerrold Ellner (of Rush Medical College in Chicago and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, respectively) have led the effort by the AIDS Clinical Trials Group to develop new methods of managing this serious complication of advanced HIV-1 infection. In this AIDS commentary they review our current knowledge of MAC organisms and the clinical problems resulting from infection with these mycobacteria.
Verification of Architectural Constraints on Sequences of Method Invocations

The importance of correspondence between the architectural prescription and implementation has been long recognized. This paper presents an approach to verification of constraints on method invocation chains prescribed by an architectural style. It consists of two key steps. One, static backward and forward search is applied on the call graph of the system, to find all potential paths between the initial method and the final method prescribed in the architecture. Two, symbolic execution is applied to check the feasibility of those potential paths and generate tests for all feasible ones to check the correspondence. We implement our approach in a prototype based on Soot and Symbolic PathFinder (SPF), and demonstrate the usefulness of our approach using a case study.
Optimal controller synthesis for a decentralized two-player system with partial output feedback

In this paper, we derive the optimal control policy for a decentralized control problem. The system considered here consists of two interconnected subsystems with communication allowed in only one direction. In addition, full state feedback is not assumed, as in previous instances of this problem. We construct the optimal controllers via a spectral factorization approach. Explicit state-space formulae are provided, and the orders of the optimal controllers are established.
Behavior of Swelling Clays: A Molecular Dynamic Study

While swelling of certain clay types is an old geotechnical engineering problem, the fundamentals governing swelling still remain poorly understood. It is known that interlayer (crystalline) and double-layer (inter-particle) forces are responsible for the overall swelling. One could study the combined behavior using a particle-based modeling technique such as the discrete element method. A suitable constitutive law (in this case, the relationship between inter-particle force-displacement) is needed for this purpose. There is inadequate information available for developing a forcedisplacement relation for the interlayer force. Furthermore, the transition from interlayer to double-layer swelling has not been studied in the past. In the present study, analyses are performed using a molecular-level analysis technique known as the molecular dynamics. The molecular dynamics is used to study the interlayer force-displacement relation for selected particle separations. The study is limited to a montmorillonite-water-NaCl system. Based on the results of the present study, and those from past molecular studies, the force-displacement relation needed for discrete element analysis is developed. The details of the discrete element study is reported in a companion paper.
Electrically Unexcitable Scar Mapping Based on Pacing Threshold for Identification of the Reentry Circuit Isthmus Feasibility for Guiding Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation

Background— We hypothesized that delineating electrically unexcitable scar (EUS) within low-voltage infarct regions will locate reentry circuit isthmuses by defining their borders. The pacing threshold and electrogram amplitude that best determines EUS is unknown. Methods and Results— The change in dimension of the virtual electrode was estimated in 11 patients and observed to increase by 4.4±2.5 mm as stimulus strength increases from threshold (2.9±1.8 mA) to 10 mA. EUS was defined as a threshold >10 mA. In 14 consecutive patients, mapping and ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) were performed using an electroanatomic mapping system. During sinus rhythm, unipolar pacing was performed at sites with bipolar electrogram amplitude <1.5 mV. EUS regions were marked on the maps. Reentry circuit isthmuses were identified by entrainment mapping or pace mapping, and ablation was performed. EUS was identified in the infarct in all 14 patients (11.8±13.9 cm2). All 20 VT circuit isthmuses identified were adjacen...
High brightness diode laser module development at nLIGHT Photonics

We report on the development of ultra-high brightness laser diode modules at nLIGHT Photonics. This paper demonstrates a laser diode module capable of coupling over 100W at 976 nm into a 105 μm, 0.15 NA fiber with fiber coupling efficiency greater than 85%. The high brightness module has an optical excitation under 0.13 NA, is virtually free of cladding modes, and has been wavelength stabilized with the use of volume holographic gratings for narrow-band operation. Utilizing nLIGHT's Pearl product architecture, these modules are based on hard soldered single emitters packaged into a compact and passively-cooled package. These modules are designed to be compatible with high power 7:1 fused fiber combiners, enabling over 500W power coupled into a 220 μm, 0.22 NA fiber. These modules address the need in the market for high brightness and wavelength stabilized diode lasers for pumping fiber lasers and solid-state laser systems.
RF surface resistance of copper-on-beryllium at cryogenic temperatures measured by a 22-GHz demountable cavity

A 22-GHz demountable cavity on the cold head of a compact refrigerator system was used to measure the RF performance of several copper-plated Beryllium samples. The cavity inner surface was treated by chemical polishing and heat treatment, as well as an OFE copper coupon to provide a baseline for comparison. The measured surface resistance was reasonable and repeatable during either cooling or warming. Materials tested included four grades of Beryllium, OFE copper, alumina-dispersion strengthened copper (Glidcop/spl reg/), and Cu-plated versions of all of the above. Two coupons, Cu-plated on Beryllium O-30 and 1-70, offered comparable surface resistance to pure OFE copper or Cu-plated Glidcop. The RF surface resistance of Cu-on-Beryllium samples at cryogenic temperatures is reported together with that of other reference materials.
In vitro differentiation of neonatal foreskin fibroblasts to chondrocytes

Successful tissue engineering of articular cartilage is hampered by the lack of an abundant source of chondrocytic cells. To determine if differentiated cells can be "re-differentiated" to a chondrocytic phenotype, neonatal fibroblastic foreskin cells were cultured in monolayers on wells coated with either the cartilage proteoglycan aggrecan in PBS, or with PBS alone. Cells were cultured for four weeks, with weekly data collection points. Cells were examined for mRNA expression of collagen type II and aggrecan, matrix protein expression by Safranin O staining and Col II protein expression by immunohistochemistry. Results show that cells cultured on aggrecan initiate mRNA expression of the matrix proteins by one week. Safranin O staining is also positive, although Col II protein levels are low. At two weeks, cells maintain the mRNA expression and Safranin O staining and the Col II protein levels are seen to increase. At the three and four week periods, the message and protein levels appear stable, while the morphology of the cells changes somewhat. Smaller aggregates are either incorporated into larger existing aggregates, increase their attachments to the culture surface or die. The physiologically relevant levels of Col II message and protein can be determined by comparison with native tissue.
Polypeptide Growth Factors: Roles in Normal and Abnormal Cell Growth

An increasing number of polypeptide growth factors have been identified that regulate not only cell proliferation but an extraordinary range of cell activities, including matrix protein deposition and resolution, the maintenance of cell viability, cell differentiation, inflammation, and tissue repair. Normal cells appear to require growth factors for proliferation and for maintenance of viability. Cells that secrete a polypeptide growth factor have an advantage in growth. These factors can act either externally through cell surface receptors or perhaps internally during the transport of receptors and growth factors through the ER and Golgi, causing autocrine stimulation of cell growth. Depending on the cell type, growth factors can also be potent inhibitors of cell growth rather than stimulating growth, and the effects can depend on the presence or absence of other growth factors. Platelet-derived growth factor has been shown to be nearly identical to the product of the v-sis gene of the simian sarcoma virus, which appears to cause cell transformation through its interactions with the PDGF receptor activating the tyrosine kinase activity of the PDGF receptor. Similarly, two proto-oncogenes, c-erbB and c-fms, encode growth factor receptors. The EGF receptor activity of the v-erb oncogene product appears to be constitutively activated without the need for growth factor, perhaps because of the truncation at the amino terminus deleting the EGF binding domain. The induction of the myc and the fos proteins by growth factor stimulation of quiescent cells, as well as the potential for the p21 product of the ras oncogene to act as an intermediate in transducing adrenergic signals, provide direct evidence that these pathways are important for stimulation of cell growth. Cells transformed by the v-sis oncogene always appear to bear PDGF cell surface receptors, which suggests that this oncogene has a specific requirement of the PDGF receptor for transformation. In contrast, cells transformed by the v-erbB and v-fms oncogenes are not stimulated by EGF or by CSF-1. Thus it seems likely that the tyrosine kinase activity of the corresponding receptor is ubiquitously expressed in these cases. Major questions remain unanswered. In particular, what are the mechanisms by which growth factors initiate pathways leading to DNA synthesis? What are the physiological substrates of the growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase? Considerable effort also is needed to further define the cellular specificity of the different growth factors, particularly within intact tissues, and to determine how the various growth factors interact.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Exciton patterns in molecular dots and wires and application to polymer morphology

Time sequencing of laser excitation can control the microscopic patterns of molecular excitations (excitons) in nanometer scale molecular ensembles. This is demonstrated for isolated guest chains in polymer blends (P1VN/ PMMA) and for molecular clusters in molecularly doped polymers (naphthalene/PMMA). The subwavelength exciton patterns are monitored via time resolved luminescence and fusion kinetics. The heterogeneity exponent (h) is 0.5 for isolated P1VN chains, zero (classical) for pure PIVN and “fractal-like” throughout certain concentration regimes. Correlation is made with morphology changes (phase separation, filamentation). At concentrations below 0.01%, the excitons are constrained to a truly one-dimensional topology (wire). At higher concentrations there is a fractal-like topology which may be associated with spinoidal decomposition. Similar studies were conducted on naphthalene-doped PMMA (1-20 wt%). The lower concentration samples are neither segregated nor random solution phases. They probably consist of islands (dots) of naphthalene aggregates. The exciton distribution in such islands is non-Poissonian under steady-state excitation or under pulse excitation with delay times, resulting in anomalous exciton fusion kinetics.
Fluoxetine modulates breast cancer metastasis to the brain in a murine model.

Background Despite advances in the treatment of primary breast tumors, the outcome of metastatic breast cancer remains dismal. Brain metastases present a particularly difficult therapeutic target due to the “sanctuary” status of the brain, with resulting inability of most chemotherapeutic agents to effectively eliminate cancer cells in the brain parenchyma. A large number of breast cancer patients receive various neuroactive drugs to combat complications of systemic anti-tumor therapies and to treat concomitant diseases. One of the most prescribed groups of neuroactive medications is anti-depressants, in particular selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Since SSRIs have profound effects on the brain, it is possible that their use in breast cancer patients could affect the development of brain metastases. This would provide important insight into the mechanisms underlying brain metastasis. Surprisingly, this possibility has been poorly explored.
Scale and object aware image retargeting for thumbnail browsing

Many image retargeting algorithms, despite aesthetically carving images smaller, pay limited attention to image browsing tasks where tiny thumbnails are presented. When applying traditional retargeting methods for generating thumbnails, several important issues frequently arise, including thumbnail scales, object completeness and local structure smoothness. To address these issues, we propose a novel image retargeting algorithm, Scale and Object Aware Retargeting (SOAR), which has four components: (1) a scale dependent saliency map to integrate size information of thumbnails, (2) objectness (Alexe et al. 2010) for preserving object completeness, (3) a cyclic seam carving algorithm to guide continuous retarget warping, and (4) a thin-plate-spline (TPS) retarget warping algorithm that champions local structure smoothness. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively. The quantitative evaluation is conducted through an image browsing user study to measure the effectiveness of different thumbnail generating algorithms, followed by the ANOVA analysis. The qualitative study is performed on the RetargetMe benchmark dataset. In both studies, SOAR generates very promising performance, in comparison with state-of-the-art retargeting algorithms.
Effective robot teammate behaviors for supporting sequential manipulation tasks

In this work, we present an algorithm for improving collaborator performance on sequential manipulation tasks. Our agent-decoupled, optimization-based, task and motion planning approach merges considerations derived from both symbolic and geometric planning domains. This results in the generation of supportive behaviors enabling a teammate to reduce cognitive and kinematic burdens during task completion. We describe our algorithm alongside representative use cases, with an evaluation based on solving complex circuit building problems. We conclude with a discussion of applications and extensions to human-robot teaming scenarios.
Mapping QTLs and association of differentially expressed gene transcripts for multiple agronomic traits under different nitrogen levels in sorghum

Sorghum is an important C4 crop which relies on applied Nitrogen fertilizers (N) for optimal yields, of which substantial amounts are lost into the atmosphere. Understanding the genetic variation of sorghum in response to limited nitrogen supply is important for elucidating the underlying genetic mechanisms of nitrogen utilization. A bi-parental mapping population consisting of 131 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) influencing different agronomic traits evaluated under normal N (100 kg.ha−1 fertilizer) and low N (0 kg.ha−1 fertilizer) conditions. A linkage map spanning 1614 cM was developed using 642 polymorphic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detected in the population using Genotyping-By-Sequencing (GBS) technology. Composite interval mapping detected a total of 38 QTLs for 11 agronomic traits tested under different nitrogen levels. The phenotypic variation explained by individual QTL ranged from 6.2 to 50.8 %. Illumina RNA sequencing data generated on seedling root tissues revealed 726 differentially expressed gene (DEG) transcripts between parents, of which 108 were mapped close to the QTL regions. Co-localized regions affecting multiple traits were detected on chromosomes 1, 5, 6, 7 and 9. These potentially pleiotropic regions were coincident with the genomic regions of cloned QTLs, including genes associated with flowering time, Ma3 on chromosome 1 and Ma1 on chromosome 6, gene associated with plant height, Dw2 on chromosome 6. In these regions, RNA sequencing data showed differential expression of transcripts related to nitrogen metabolism (Ferredoxin-nitrate reductase), glycolysis (Phosphofructo-2-kinase), seed storage proteins, plant hormone metabolism and membrane transport. The differentially expressed transcripts underlying the pleiotropic QTL regions could be potential targets for improving sorghum performance under limited N fertilizer through marker assisted selection.
Fluorocarbon nanodrops as acoustic temperature probes.

This work investigated the use of superheated fluorocarbon nanodrops for ultrasound thermal imaging and the use of mixed fluorocarbons for tuning thermal and acoustic thresholds for vaporization. Droplets were fabricated by condensing phospholipid-coated microbubbles containing C3F8 and C4F10 mixed at various molar ratios. Vaporization temperatures first were measured in a closed system by optical transmission following either isothermal pressure release or isobaric heating. The vaporization temperature was found to depend linearly on the percentage of C4F10 in the droplet core, indicating excellent tunability under these fluorocarbon-saturated conditions. Vaporization temperatures were then measured in an open system using contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging, where it was found that the mixed droplets behaved like pure C4F10 drops. Additionally, the critical mechanical index for vaporization was measured at the limits of therapeutic hyperthermia (37 and 60 °C), and again the mixed droplets were found to...
From Classroom to Community: A Rural Studies Class Project of Community Redevelopment

As part of a new Rural Studies bachelor's degree program, students in an Introduction to Rural Studies course engages in a service learning project as part of the curriculum. Students work with leaders in a struggling rural Georgia community on redevelopment projects. The outcome from the reinvestment is both inspiring and encouraging to community leaders.
Mammalian axoneme central pair complex proteins: Broader roles revealed by gene knockout phenotypes.

The axoneme genes, their encoded proteins, their functions and the structures they form are largely conserved across species. Much of our knowledge of the function and structure of axoneme proteins in cilia and flagella is derived from studies on model organisms like the green algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The core structure of cilia and flagella is the axoneme, which in most motile cilia and flagella contains a 9 + 2 configuration of microtubules. The two central microtubules are the scaffold of the central pair complex (CPC). Mutations that disrupt CPC genes in Chlamydomonas and other model organisms result in defects in assembly, stability and function of the axoneme, leading to flagellar motility defects. However, targeted mutations generated in mice in the orthologous CPC genes have revealed significant differences in phenotypes of mutants compared to Chlamydomonas. Here we review observations that support the concept of cell-type specific roles for the CPC genes in mice, and an expanded repertoire of functions for the products of these genes in cilia, including non-motile cilia, and other microtubule-associated cellular functions.
Evolution of the Mobile Enterprise App: A Design Perspective

Abstract Enterprise applications have the reputation for being no nonsense business tools. However with the success of platforms such as iOS and Android, consumer expectations have raised the bar on what constitutes an acceptable user experience. Enterprise apps are now starting to feel the impact of this renewed focus on ease of use and visual design. Recent initiatives inside of IBM have launched IBM into a new world where it is no longer sufficient for an enterprise app to be merely functional. With our new focus, apps must also be easy to use, visually appealing, and engaging. In this case study, we will explore how this shift to embrace design has changed our approach to mobile app development across several internal enterprise apps, illustrating how our internal apps have evolved into solutions that anyone would enjoy
Effect of Paramagnetic Mineral Content and Distribution on Surface Relaxivity in Organic-Rich Niobrara and Haynesville Shales

Surface relaxivity (SR) is required to convert nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation times to pore size distributions (PSD).Current methodology uses a constant value of SR for an entire well, formation, or rock type, regardless of compositional and textural variations. This approach might result in significant errors in PSD calculation in the presence of paramagnetic minerals that affect SR values. We present SR calculations for Niobrara and Haynesville samples calculated from measurements of surface to volume ratio (SVR) and from measurements of the average pore radius. We measured the transverse relaxation time (T2) with a low field (2 MHz) NMR instrument. We also measured porosity and PSD using nitrogen adsorption (N2). The total specific surface area (TSSA) was measured using N2 and cation exchange capacity (CEC) equivalent surface area. We find that paramagnetic impurities, chlorite and illite in the Haynesville and illite-smectite in the Niobrara, dominate the NMR response and the calculated SR. There is a linear relation between the paramagnetic clay content and SR. The value of SR depends on the calculation method and on the measurement technique for TSSA and TPV. Presence of smectite increased the uncertainty in TSSA and TPV and consequently SR calculations in Niobrara. This uncertainty is lower for high maturity (gas window) Haynesville samples since smectite is absent in these samples. Our SR clay correlations can be used to calculate SR from mineralogy and invert NMR logs and laboratory NMR data to PSD.
Longitudinal engagement, performance, and social connectivity: a MOOC case study using exponential random graph models

This paper explores a longitudinal approach to combining engagement, performance and social connectivity data from a MOOC using the framework of exponential random graph models (ERGMs). The idea is to model the social network in the discussion forum in a given week not only using performance (assignment scores) and overall engagement (lecture and discussion views) covariates within that week, but also on the same person-level covariates from adjacent previous and subsequent weeks. We find that over all eight weekly sessions, the social networks constructed from the forum interactions are relatively sparse and lack the tendency for preferential attachment. By analyzing data from the second week, we also find that individuals with higher performance scores from current, previous, and future weeks tend to be more connected in the social network. Engagement with lectures had significant but sometimes puzzling effects on social connectivity. However, the relationships between social connectivity, performance, and engagement weakened over time, and results were not stable across weeks.
THE PROGRESS OF LEAK DETECTION TECHNOLOGY IN CHINESE HL AND EUROPEAN JET TOKAMAKS

For HL tokamaks,a anthracene-acetone liquid fluorescent leak detection was developed for parts of liners,possessing a sensitivity of 10-9 Pa·m3·s-1 and a leak position resolving power of a better than 0.5 mm;a QMS was cooperated with a helium leak detector for high vacuum leak detection;a sniffer with a vacuum cover-helium leak detector set was developed for pressured vessels detection and some vacuum pumping sets suitable for pumping huge water vapor were developed also.In JET with a D-T plasma,a conventional helium leak detector(sector magnet type) is suffered severely interference,because the first walls retained D particles release D2,and the released D2(4.028 2 u) confuses the leaked 4He(4.002 6 u) due to the near identical masses.A selective pumping set,including a liquid nitrogen cooled trap to pump all condensable gases and a getter pump or a 10 K cryopump to pump off hydrogen and its isotopes,is in series at the entrance of the helium leak detector,and a compression pump for exammple,a molecular drag pump or a compound molecular pump is placed in front of the pumping system to enhance the sampling gas flow through it.The enhancements have made it possible to detects leaks at least three orders of magnitude smaller than previously practical.
Narrative-Centered Learning Environments: A Self-Regulated Learning Perspective

Narrative is emerging as an effective medium for contextualizing learning. Narrative-centered learning environments provide engaging, story-centric virtual spaces that offer guided learning and problem-solving opportunities. Students’ ability to self-regulate learning can significantly impact performance in these environments, and, in general, is critical for academic achievement. This paper explores the relationship between narrative-centered learning and self-regulation. Connections are drawn between the salient characteristics of narrative-centered learning environments and principles for promoting and enhancing self-regulated learning in science education. These relationships are further explicated through an examination of the CRYSTAL ISLAND learning environment. The paper explores the hypothesis that narrative-centered learning environments are particularly well suited for simultaneously promoting learning, engagement, and self-regulation.
Review on Vaccine Development Against Enteric Parasites Eimeria and Cryptosporidium

Intensive rearing practices have been developed within the past few decades to keep pace with the increasing demand for the high quality, low cost protein source that poultry provides. A major negative consequence of these practices has been an increase in the incidence of diseases. Enteric diseases, in particular, have emerged as a major problem threatening the future viability of the poultry industry. A variety of methods have been used to combat avian diseases in the commercial setting including improved farm management practices, use of antibiotic drugs, selection of disease resistant chicken strains and manipulation of the chicken immune system. In the latter category, development of vaccines against the major avian diseases has become a priority in the poultry industry. Protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria and Cryptosporidium represent two major parasitic diseases which multiply in the gut of wide range of hosts, including poultry and livestock. Currently, there is no treatment for cryptosporidiosis although chemotherapy is extensively used to control coccidiosis in chickens. However, development of drug resistance by coccidia parasites, the increasing cost of identifying new antibiotic compounds and public awareness of drug residues in foods warrant alternative methods to prevent parasitic diseases. To this end, enhanced understanding of basic immunobiology of gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) will facilitate the development of alternate control strategy against these parasites. In chickens as in the mammalian system, the GALT contain both B and T lymphocytes which interact closely to protect the host against intestinal pathogens including parasites. For avian coccidiosis, local intraepithelial and lamina propria lymphocytes represent the main component of protective immunity to Eimeria. Because of the importance of cell-mediated immunity, coccidiosis vaccines must be capable of stimulating intestinal T cells. Although live and attenuated coccidia parasites have been applied to control coccidiosis, this disease continues to contribute to substantial morbidity and mortality in the poultry industry. Future successful development of an effective vaccine against coccidiosis will depend on further investigation of protective immunity to Eimeria infection and identification of important immunogenic parasite molecules. This review will highlight recent progress in avian intestinal immune system and vaccine development against major avian enteric parasites, Eimeria and Cryptosporidium.
Views of Cohort Study Participants about Returning Research Results in the Context of Precision Medicine.

Background: The practice of biorepository-based genetics research raises questions related to what ethical obligations researchers have to their participants. It
Initial Resuscitation and Management of the Hemodynamically Unstable Patient

Resuscitation during ongoing hemorrhagic shock restores physiologic balance by achieving control of hemorrhage and providing fluid and blood products, titrated to laboratory and clinical parameters. Phases of resuscitation occur in the pre-hospital environment, emergency room, operating room, interventional radiology suite, and intensive care unit (ICU) where multiple health care providers and physicians influence patient outcome by their attentiveness and diligence to this careful art.
Transport and Relaxation Processes in Molten Salts

An overview of transport phenomenology in mobile and viscous liquids is given from three viewpoints. The first represents the standard approach in which a force is applied to the liquid and a flux observed. The second is the equilibrium fluctuations approach, in which spontaneous growth and decay of fluctuations about the equilibrium state is related to the linear transport terms, and molecular dynamics computer simulation studies are found useful. The third approach is that of the rheologist in which elastic (glass-like) and viscous (liquid-like) responses are connected by a relaxation time. Time domain and frequency domain methods of analysing the kinetics of approach of a molecular system to equilbrium are considered. Finally, some broad transport behavior patterns for molten salt systems, of covering wide ranges of viscosity, temperature, and frequency are reviewed, and correlations between experiments of widely differing time scales (from IR down to sub-audio frequencies) are examined.