cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Information-driven interaction-oriented programming: BSPL, the blindingly simple protocol language

We present a novel approach to interaction-oriented programming based on declaratively representing communication protocols. Our approach exhibits the following distinguishing features. First, it treats a protocol as an engineering abstraction in its own right. Second, it models a protocol in terms of the information that the protocol needs to proceed (so agents enact it properly) and the information the protocol would produce (when it is enacted). Third, it naturally maps traditional operational constraints to the information needs of protocols, thereby obtaining the desired interactions without additional effort or reasoning. Fourth, our approach naturally supports shared nothing enactments: everything of relevance is included in the communications and no separate global state need be maintained. Fifth, our approach accommodates, but does not require, formal representations of the meanings of the protocols. We evaluate this approach via examples from the literature.
Heider vs simmel: emergent features in dynamic structures

Heider's balance theory is ubiquitous in the field of social networks as an explanation for why we so frequently observe symmetry and transitivity in social relations. We propose that Simmelian tie theory could explain the same phenomena without resorting to motivational tautologies that characterize psychological explanations. Further, while both theories predict the same equilibrium state, we argue that they suggest different processes by which this equilibrium is reached. We develop a dynamic exponential random graph model (ERGM) and apply it to the classic panel data collected by Newcomb to empirically explore these two theories. We find strong evidence that Simmelian triads exist and are stable beyond what would be expected through Heiderian tendencies in the data.
Diagnostics of a spark-discharge coupled to laser aluminum plasma by optical emission spectroscopy and ion time-of-flight

Abstract Optical emission and ion time-of-flight are measured for a spark-coupled laser aluminum plasma. A Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (wavelength λ = 1064 nm, pulse width τ ∼ 7 ns, pulse energy Ep ≤ 260 mJ, intensity I ≤ 15 × 109 W/cm2) generates the Al plasma, while a synchronized spark-discharge enhances the ion flux and charge state. Time-integrated, spatially-resolved optical spectra are used to obtain the plasma excitation temperature Te and density ne. The coupling of 2.4 J of spark-discharge energy to the laser plasma enhances the optical emission line intensity. The effective ion temperature Ti is calculated from a shifted Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution fit of the time-of-flight signal deconvolved for each ion charge. For I = 3.5 × 109 W/cm2, Ti is ∼15 eV. For a spark energy of 2.4 J coupled to the laser plasma, Ti increases to ∼50 eV and up to Al8+ is identified from the ion time-of-flight signal. The Ti obtained from the ion time-of-flight is much larger than Te obtained from optical spectroscopy, although the plasma is considered to be in local thermodynamic equilibrium. This result is explained in view of the temporal development of the ablation plume and the different plasma regions probed by the two methods.
Redistribution-Layers (RDLS) for Fan-Out Panel-Level Packaging

In this study, the fabrication of RDLs for fan-out panel-level packaging (FOPLP) is presented. Emphasis is placed on different methods in making the RDLs for FOPLP. Some recommendations are also provided. Finally, the critical issues of FOPLP are presented.
MithraLabel: Flexible Dataset Nutritional Labels for Responsible Data Science

Using inappropriate datasets for data science tasks can be harmful, especially for applications that impact humans. Targeting data ethics, we demonstrate MithraLabel, a system for generating task-specific information about a dataset, in the form of a set of visual widgets, as a flexible "nutritional label" that provides a user with information to determine the fitness of the dataset for the task at hand.
Training Google Neural Machine Translation on an Intel CPU Cluster

Google’s neural machine translation (GNMT) is state-of-the-art recurrent neural network (RNN/LSTM) based language translation application. It is computationally more demanding than well-studied convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Also, in contrast to CNNs, RNNs heavily mix compute and memory bound layers which requires careful tuning on a latency machine to optimally use fast on-die memories for best single processor performance. Additionally, due to massive compute demand, it is essential to distribute the entire workload among several processors and even compute nodes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work which attempts to scale this application on an Intel CPU cluster. Our CPU-based GNMT optimization, the first of its kind, achieves this by the following steps: (i) we choose a monolithic long short-term memory (LSTM) cell implementation from LIBXSMM library (specifically tuned for CPUs) and integrate it into TensorFlow, (ii) we modify GNMT code to use fused time step LSTM op for the encoding stage, (iii) we combine Horovod and Intel MLSL scaling libraries for improved performance on multiple nodes, and (iv) we extend the bucketing logic for grouping similar length sentences together to multiple nodes for achieving load balance across multiple ranks. In summary, we demonstrate that due to these changes we are able to outperform Google’s stock CPU-based GNMT implementation by ~2x on single node and potentially enable more than 25x speedup using 16 node CPU cluster.
Thioesterase Superfamily Member 1 Undergoes Stimulus-coupled Reorganization to Regulate Metabolism

In brown adipose tissue, cold exposure promotes thermogenesis, in large part by increasing mitochondrial {beta}-oxidation of lipid droplet-derived fatty acids. This process is suppressed by thioesterase superfamily member 1 (Them1), a long chain fatty acyl-CoA thioesterase that is highly upregulated by cold ambient temperatures. Them1 reduces fatty acid availability for {beta}-oxidation in mitochondria and limits thermogenesis by cellular mechanisms that are not well defined. We show that Them1 regulates metabolism by undergoing marked intracellular conformational changes that occur in response to {beta}-adrenergic stimulation. Mechanistically, Them1 formed puncta that were localized near LD and mitochondria in an immortalized brown adipose cell line. In response to stimulation by norepinephrine, Them1 was phosphorylated by PKC{beta} at S15, which specifically inhibited puncta formation and resulted in a diffuse intracellular localization. This change in Them1 localization also occurred after stimulation in vivo. Puncta formation activated Them1 metabolic activity in vitro, as evidenced by suppression of oxygen consumption following {beta}-adrenergic stimulation. We show by correlative light and electron microscopy that puncta are biomolecular condensates (also known as membraneless organelles) that typically form by phase separation. Them1 contains one intrinsically disordered region at the N-terminus with multiple interacting motifs that is frequently observed in phase-separating proteins. Phosphorylation, which is known to disrupt phase separation and aggregation, results in a diffuse Them1 localization. Our data thus establish that Them1 forms intracellular biomolecular condensates that limit fatty acid oxidation and suppress thermogenesis. During a period of energy demand, the condensates are disrupted by phosphorylation to allow for maximal thermogenesis. The stimulus-coupled reorganization of Them1 thus provides fine-tuning of thermogenesis and energy expenditure.
Early detection of Ebola virus proteins in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from infected mice.

Detection of viral ribo-nucleic acid (RNA) via real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the gold standard for the detection of Ebola virus (EBOV) during acute infection. However, the earliest window for viral RNA detection in blood samples is 48–72 h post-onset of symptoms. Therefore, efforts to develop additional orthogonal assays using complementary immunological and serological technologies are still needed to provide simplified methodology for field diagnostics. Furthermore, unlike RT-PCR tests, immunoassays that target viral proteins and/or early host responses are less susceptible to sequence erosion due to viral genetic drift. Although virus is shed into the bloodstream from infected cells, the wide dynamic range of proteins in blood plasma makes this a difficult sample matrix for the detection of low-abundant viral proteins. We hypothesized that the isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which are the first cellular targets of the Ebola virus (EBOV), may provide an enriched source of viral proteins. A mouse infection model that employs a mouse-adapted EBOV (MaEBOV) was chosen as a proof-of-principal experimental paradigm to determine if viral proteins present in PBMCs can help diagnose EBOV infection pre-symptomatically. We employed a liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) platform to provide both high sensitivity and specificity for the detection and relative quantitation of viral proteins in PBMCs collected during MaEBOV infection. Blood samples pooled from animals at the post-infection time-points were used to determine the viral load by RT-PCR and purify PBMCs. Using quantitative LC-MS/MS, we detected two EBOV proteins (vp40 and nucleoprotein) in samples collected on Day 2 post-infection, which was also the first day of detectable viremia via RT-PCR. These results were confirmed via western blot which was performed on identical PBMC lysates from each post-infection time point. While mass spectrometry is not currently amenable to field diagnostics, these results suggest that viral protein enrichment in PBMCs in tandem with highly sensitive immunoassays platforms, could lead to the development of a rapid, high-throughput diagnostic platform for pre-symptomatic detection of EBOV infection.
Management of Geriatric Low Back Pain with Tai Chi

Introduction: Chronic low back pain (cLBP) among older adults is a complex, biopsychosocial condition that despite research efforts and innovative interventions remains a prevalent, disabling and costly condition. This case highlights the use of tai chi (TC) for persistent geriatric LBP. Case Presentation : A 68-year-old Caucasian female with cLBP, neuromuscular imbalances, leg weakness and fall risk was treated with a walking program (aerobic), manual therapy (mobility), lumbar stabilization (strength) and group TC class (neuromuscular function). Discussion : Research validates TC for a variety of older adult health conditions, but few studies demonstrated effectiveness for cLBP. This case outlines the use of a simplified Yang-style TC for management of persistent geriatric LBP. C onclusion: The addition of group TC to standard treatment for cLBP resulted in improved functional outcomes, decreased pain ratings and improved leg strength, flexibility and balance as compared to standard treatment for cLBP. Following the group TC class the client reported significant self-perception of recovery, and these functional and confidence gains eliminated the need for physiotherapy services for cLBP for three subsequent years.
Graph Algorithms for Mixture Interpretation.

The scale of genetic methods are presently being expanded: forensic genetic assays previously were limited to tens of loci, but now technologies allow for a transition to forensic genomic approaches that assess thousands to millions of loci. However, there are subtle distinctions between genetic assays and their genomic counterparts (especially in the context of forensics). For instance, forensic genetic approaches tend to describe a locus as a haplotype, be it a microhaplotype or a short tandem repeat with its accompanying flanking information. In contrast, genomic assays tend to provide not haplotypes but sequence variants or differences, variants which in turn describe how the alleles apparently differ from the reference sequence. By the given construction, mitochondrial genetic assays can be thought of as genomic as they often describe genetic differences in a similar way. The mitochondrial genetics literature makes clear that sequence differences, unlike the haplotypes they encode, are not comparable to each other. Different alignment algorithms and different variant calling conventions may cause the same haplotype to be encoded in multiple ways. This ambiguity can affect evidence and reference profile comparisons as well as how “match” statistics are computed. In this study, a graph algorithm is described (and implemented in the MMDIT (Mitochondrial Mixture Database and Interpretation Tool) R package) that permits the assessment of forensic match statistics on mitochondrial DNA mixtures in a way that is invariant to both the variant calling conventions followed and the alignment parameters considered. The algorithm described, given a few modest constraints, can be used to compute the “random man not excluded” statistic or the likelihood ratio. The performance of the approach is assessed in in silico mitochondrial DNA mixtures.
Does the use of peer groups contribute to higher pay and less efficient compensation

Abstract We provide empirical evidence on how the practice of competitive benchmarking affects chief executive officer (CEO) pay. We find that the use of benchmarking is widespread and has a significant impact on CEO compensation. One view is that benchmarking is inefficient because it can lead to increases in executive pay not tied to firm performance. A contrasting view is that benchmarking is a practical and efficient mechanism used to gauge the market wage necessary to retain valuable human capital. Our empirical results generally support the latter view. Our findings also suggest that the documented asymmetry in the relationship between CEO pay and luck is explained by the firm's desire to adjust pay for retention purposes and is not the result of rent-seeking behavior on the part of the CEO.
Big Man or Boogey Man? The concept of the Big Man in political science

The Big Man has attracted considerable attention from social scientists, both as an explanatory force as well as a phenomenon to be explained. But the concept has become unmoored from its original meaning. Once used to refer to an apex figure within a patrimonial regime, today Big Men are often described as dictators or thieves. I show this using an original dataset covering discussions of Big Men in leading African Studies journals since 1980. I find that authors, especially political scientists, overemphasise theft and underemphasise accountability of Big Men. Then, drawing on my research with Ghanaian local politicians, I show how Big Men are constantly under pressure from their supporters. The paper concludes with a modest call to put the Big Man back in his place as powerful but also empowered, and thus indebted, to those beneath him.
The Economics and Productivity of Organic versus Conventional U.S. Dairy Farms

United States certified organic and conventional dairy farms are compared on the basis of economic, financial, and technological measures using dairy data from the 2016 USDA Agricultural Resource Management Survey. A stochastic production frontier model using an input distance function framework is estimated for U.S. dairy farms to examine technical efficiency and returns to scale (RTS) of farms of both systems and by multiple size categories. Financial and economic measures such as net return on assets and input costs, as well as technological adoption measures are compared by system and size. For both systems, size is the major determinant of competitiveness based on selected measures of productivity and RTS.
A Deep Ensemble-based Wireless Receiver Architecture for Mitigating Adversarial Interference in Automatic Modulation Classification

Deep learning-based automatic modulation classification (AMC) models are susceptible to adversarial attacks. Such attacks inject specifically crafted (non-random) wireless interference into transmitted signals to induce erroneous classification predictions. Furthermore, adversarial interference is transferable in black box environments, allowing an adversary to attack multiple deep learning models with a single perturbation crafted for a particular classification model. In this work, we propose a novel wireless receiver architecture to mitigate the effects of adversarial interference in various black box attack environments. We begin by evaluating the architecture uncertainty environment, where we show that adversarial attacks crafted to fool specific AMC DL architectures are not directly transferable to different DL architectures. Next, we consider the domain uncertainty environment, where we show that adversarial attacks crafted on time domain and frequency domain features to not directly transfer to the altering domain. Using these insights, we develop our Assorted Deep Ensemble (ADE) defense, which is an ensemble of deep learning architectures trained on time and frequency domain representations of received signals. Through evaluation on two wireless signal datasets under different sources of uncertainty, we demonstrate that our ADE obtains substantial improvements in AMC classification performance compared with baseline defenses across different adversarial attacks and potencies.
Analysis of Footwork Performance and Heartrate Data for Choking Recognition in College Tennis

In many sports, proper movement and precise footwork signify key components of high quality performance. Conditioning specialists and coaches regularly work with athletes on footwork improvements to increase their chances to reach desired performance levels. However, choking under pressure sensation can make it difficult for athletes to achieve such goals as they may underperform in pressure situations. Proper footwork performance has been deemed essential for success in many sports and choking under pressure can impede performance; an observation can be made that footwork performance and choking under pressure may be related. Additionally, specific heartrate patterns in pressure situations have been established as stress indicators, presenting a potential relationship between heartrate and choking. Therefore, this paper presents a model for choking detection in college tennis athletes based upon footwork performance information and heartrate measurements. A data collection network is designed to capture footwork performance and heartrate measurements using two wearable sensors. There were three distinct footwork performance parameters and heartrate measurements captured from the collected data. Data were collected with five participants completing a total of 13 tennis sessions, eight matches and five practices. Choking occurrences were identified during the tennis matches by six observing tennis coaches. The observations served as measurements for the choking detection and recognition. The captured data reveal that choking moments can be associated with certain footwork performance and heartrate patterns. The data also reveal that choking patterns strongly vary individually. However, results reached with the collected data and the proposed model demonstrate that choking recognition cannot be successfully achieved solely based on the proposed footwork performance and heartrate variables. It is possible that the proposed recognition model and introduced variables may aid with detection of choking moments when combined with other sport specific information. The future plan for the study is to collect data with additional participants and to combine the measured data with other tennis specific variables such as swing speed.
Factors Associated With Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Series Completion Among Adolescents

Introduction Most cancers associated with the human papillomavirus are preventable through vaccination. However, adolescent series completion rates are at 75.8%. Two vaccine doses are recommended for adolescents, but factors influencing 2-dose series completion are not well explored. The purpose of this study is to examine individual-level and community-level factors associated with timely human papillomavirus vaccine series completion among adolescents in the Southeastern U.S. Methods Series completion was assessed from January 2018 to February 2019 among a cohort of adolescents initiating vaccination in 2017. Factors influencing overall series completion and timely series completion were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Results Among the sample, 64.4% completed the vaccine series and 53.8% completed it timely (e.g., 14 months). Higher odds of series completion were among adolescents who were younger at vaccine initiation (AOR=1.94, 95% CI=1.50, 2.50), who traveled moderate distances to the clinic (AOR=1.62, 95% CI=1.03, 2.56), and who lived in low-deprivation neighborhoods (AOR=1.85, 95% CI=1.31, 2.60), and lower among Hispanic (AOR=0.62, 95% CI=0.45, 0.87) and non-Hispanic Black (AOR=0.66, 95% CI=0.54, 0.81) adolescents and among those without private insurance (AOR=0.68, 95% CI=0.56, 0.83). Timely series completion resulted in similar findings; however, lower odds were among Hispanic (AOR=0.63, 95% CI=0.43, 0.95) and non-Hispanic Black (AOR=0.68, 95% CI=0.50, 0.92) adolescents than among non-Hispanic other adolescents. Conclusions Individual-level and community-level factors continue to influence adolescent series completion, despite a reduction in doses. Future research is needed to understand racial/ethnic and regional disparities in human papillomavirus vaccine series completion and to develop interventions to promote series completion.
The impact of pneumoperitoneum on esophagogastric junction distensibility during anti-reflux surgery

We aimed to quantify the contribution of pneumoperitoneum on compliance of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) during anti-reflux surgery. Compliance of the EGJ is reduced with anti-reflux surgery. EndoFLIP® planimetry can be used to assess dynamic changes of EGJ compliance intraoperatively. It is unclear how pneumoperitoneum impacts intraoperative measurements by EndoFLIP® and the implications thereof on validity of the results. Therefore, determining variability in EndoFLIP® measurements based on pneumoperitoneum is warranted to establish guidelines to interpret clinical outcomes. Primary anti-reflux surgery was performed on 39 consecutive patients with pathologic reflux. Intraoperative EGJ measurements including distensibility index (DI), cross-sectional area (CSA), and intrabag pressure were collected using EndoFLIP® at 0, 10, and 15 mmHg of intraperitoneal pressure. Data were acquired pre-procedure, post-hiatal hernia repair, and post-LES augmentation with fundoplications. Patients underwent Nissen (13.2%), Toupet (68.4%), LINX (10.5%), or Hill-fundoplications (7.9%). There was no difference between 0 and 10 mmHg of pneumoperitoneum in CSA, pressure, or DI measurements pre-procedure; however, there was a difference between 0 and 15 mmHg in pressure (p = 0.016) and DI (p = 0.023) measurements. After LES augmentation, 10 mmHg intraperitoneal pressure reduced DI, though the absolute difference is small (2.0 vs. 1.5 mm2/mmHg, p = 0.002). Pneumoperitoneum affected EGJ distensibility at 15 mmHg, but not 10 mmHg, of insufflation prior to anti-reflux procedures. After anti-reflux surgery, there was a significant variance between 0 and 10 mmHg of pneumoperitoneum in pressure and distensibility. The change in pressure appears linear and needs to be considered if procedural modifications are performed based on intraoperative findings and when evaluating clinical outcomes.
Design and fabrication of low pinch-off voltage 700V lateral 4H-SiC MESFET with thin RESURF layer

The objective of this work is to develop lateral 4H-SiC power devices that could be integrated into a monolithic high voltage power IC (HVIC) chip using thin RESURF layer. Junction isolation structure between neighboring devices can be easily achieved through mesa etch. This paper proposes a high breakdown voltage lateral RESURF MESFET structure and edge termination technique using epitaxially grown thin RESURF wafer.
Major adverse cardiovascular events in survivors of immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in survivors of immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP), but the epidemiology of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in iTTP survivors is unknown. We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for MACE, defined as the composite of non-fatal or fatal myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and cardiac revascularization, during clinical remission in two large iTTP cohorts (Johns Hopkins University and Ohio State University). Of 181 patients followed for ≥3 months after recovery from acute iTTP, 28.6% had a MACE event over a median follow up of 7.6 years. Stroke was the most common type of MACE (18.2%), followed by non-fatal MI (6.6%), cardiac revascularization (4.9%) and fatal MI (0.6%). Compared to the general United States population, iTTP survivors were younger at first stroke in remission [males (56.5 years versus 68.6 years, P=0.031), females (49.7 years versus 72.9 years, P<0.001)] or MI in remission [males (56.5 years versus 65.6 years, P<0.001) and females (53.1 years versus 72.0 years, P<0.001)]. Age [HR 1.03 (95% CI 1.002-1.054)], race (Black/Other versus White) [HR 2.32 (95% CI 1.12 - 4.82)], and diabetes mellitus [HR 2.37 (95% CI 1.09 - 0.03)] were associated with MACE in a Cox regression model also adjusted for sex, hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, autoimmune disease, and relapsing iTTP. Remission ADAMTS13 activity was not significantly associated with MACE. In conclusion, iTTP survivors experience high rates of MACE and may benefit from aggressively screening for and managing cardiovascular risk factors. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Design and Implementation of a Professional Master of Science in Biotechnology Innovation and Regulatory Science with Global Impact

Biotechnology is one of the fastest growing industry sectors and demands graduates equipped to become innovative researchers, problem solvers and leaders in biotechnology organizations. Demand has ...
Updating the Database

Within SQL, the three commands to modify the database are Update, Insert, and Delete. JDBC handles the three cases in a similar manner. Performing basic update operations is almost identical to performing queries; however, there are two differences. Firstthe SQL command must be Update, Insert, or Delete, and second, the Statement method executeUpdate() is used instead of executeQuery(). PreparedStatements can also be used to update the database. The PreparedStatement object is created in exactly the same way; only the SQL statement is an Insert, Update, or Delete statement. This chapter discusses a simple update program to add tapes to an inventory one at a time; a sophisticated update mechanism that allows several updates to be processed at once; and the update mode for JDBC 2.0 ResultSets to have a customer return a tape.
School Context and the Academic Achievement of Students with Emotional Disturbance

The authors examined the academic characteristics of 140 elementary-aged students served under the category of emotional disturbance (ED) from schools that differed in income level, performance on ...
Better Grades @ No Extra Cost

A 1975 study, confirmed by another one in 2001, found a high positive correlation between class attendance and course grades at the law school level. A study by the author of this article sought to confirm the findings. In third-year courses taught at three law schools, grades earned by students with perfect attendance were compared with grades earned by students whose absenteeism triggered a warning letter. The results confirmed existence of a strong positive correlation between class attendance and grades. Attendance (or non-attendance) affected grades by an average of almost half a grade level.
Lewis Central School Site (13PW5): a Resolution of Ideological Conflicts at an Archaic Ossuary in Western Iowa

Due to strong Indian opposition and ambiguous state laws, Iowa archaeologists have found it impossible to investigate aboriginal cemetery areas in recent years. The accidental discovery of an Archa...
A general approach to path planning for systems without drift

This paper proposes a generally applicable technique for the control of analytic systems with no drift. The method is based on the generation of “nonsingular loops” that allow linearized controllability. One can then implement Newton and/or gradient searches in the search for a control. A general convergence theorem is proved.
Temperature Optimum of Mycobacterium leprae in Mice.

Shepard, Charles C. (Communicable Disease Center, Atlanta, Ga.). Temperature optimum of Mycobacterium leprae in mice. J. Bacteriol. 90:1271-1275. 1965.-Mycobacterium leprae multiplied most rapidly in foot pads of mice kept at an air temperature of 20 C. At air temperatures of 15 and 25 C, bacillary multiplication was slightly slower; at 10 and 30 C, distinctly slower; and at 4 and 35 C, no bacillary multiplication was detected. The temperature of the foot pad tissues of mice kept at an air temperature of 20 C averaged 27 to 30 C and that of mice kept at 10 and 30 C averaged about 25 and 36 C, respectively. These measurements indicate that the optimal temperature for the growth of M. leprae in mice is in the range several degrees above and below 30 C. The comparative effect of different air temperatures on the growth of M. leprae in foot pads was very similar to that found earlier for M. marinum in this site, thus indicating that the potential growth of M. leprae in vitro might have a similar optimum to M. marinum in vitro, i.e., 25 to 35 C. The optimal temperature for the growth of M. leprae appears to be the same in mice as in humans. It is pointed out that the temperature optimum of M. leprae may be a reflection of the fact that most of the bacilli being excreted into the environment, where they may reach new hosts, have multiplied in the nasal mucosa, a cool tissue.
People with Speech Differences as Ethnographers: Implications for Research

Individuals with speech disabilities who perform ethnographic researcher can exhibit certain vulnerabilities. Vulnerabilities are generally tied to participants (Behar, 1996). These vulnerabilities generally focus on some particular attribute (Duffy, 2008). However, Ballamingle and Johnson (2011) argue that researchers can also be vulnerable. Broun and Heshusius (2004) had previously demonstrated how physical vulnerabilities can impact researchers with disabilities. Researcher vulnerabilities, as well as potential strengths, are important because of the role of speech in the ethnographic research practice. This article shall describe issues involved with the actual doing of ethnographic research. This discussion focuses on speech while doing fieldwork. In addition, to the discussion of fieldwork, this article also discusses the presentation of the work, especially with regards to professional conferences. Keywords: ethnographic practice, speech disability, role of researchers, researcher vulnerability, presentations
Pluripotency re-centered around Esrrb

Genes Dev (2012) 26, 2286–2298 doi:10.1101/gad.195545.112; September262012 Cell Stem Cell (2012) 11, 477–490 doi:10.1016/j.stem.2012.08.002; October052012 Cell Stem Cell (2012) 11, 491–504 doi:10.1016/j.stem.2012.06.008; October052012 The orphan nuclear receptor estrogen-related receptor b (Esrrb) is a vital component of the core pluripotency network in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). However, its function is not clear and the identity of potential upstream regulators has remained elusive. Three elegant reports (Festuccia et al, 2012; Martello et al, 2012; Percharde et al, 2012) have now elucidated the role of Esrrb in ESC self-renewal and reprogramming.
Metastatic tumor cells induce a crosstalk between endothelial p38 and ERK1/2 MAPK pathways activating endothelial MMP system (LB838)

Our recent results demonstrate that metastatic cell adhesive interactions with endothelial cells (EC) are stabilized by the endothelial integrin α3β1 leading to the activation of p38 and ERK1/2 pathways in endothelial cells when they interact with tumor cells. Here we demonstrate that, while FAK/Src/RhoA/ROCK/MKK3/6/p38 pathway is fully activated downstream of α3β1 in EC, endothelial ERK1/2 is progressively dephosphorylated despite time-dependent MEK1/2 activation. We further demonstrate that ERK1/2 dephosphorylation results from a crosstalk between p38 and ERK1/2 pathways whereby p38-dependent increase in the expression of dual specificity phosphatase MKP-3 causes progressive ERK1/2 deactivation. The resulting outcome of this complex crosstalk between the two major endothelial MAP kinases is p38-dependent activation of MT1-MMP, increase in MMP-9 expression, and progressive release of MMP-2 from ECs. We conclude that upon interaction with ECs, metastatic cells highjack EC MMP system via α3β1-induced cross...
The elastic energies of non-regular hexagonal dislocation loops

Abstract The elastic energies of prismatic dislocation loops have been calculated as a continuous function of shape from equilateral triangle to hexagon. A smooth decrease in energy is found in this sequence; a relatively rapid change is associated with truncation of the triangle corners. The results are compared with previous calculations for other geometric shapes. The effect of a stacking fault in the loop plane is also considered.
MUSLIM HERMENEUTICS AND ARABIC VIEWS OF EVOLUTION

Abstract. Over the last century and a half, discussions of Darwin in Arabic have involved a complex intertwining of sources of authority. This paper reads one of the earliest Muslim responses to modern evolution against those in more recent times to show how questions of epistemology and exegesis have been critically revisited. This involved, on the one hand, the resuscitation of long-standing debates over claims regarding the nature of evidence, certainty, and doubt, and on the other, arguments about the use (and limits) of reason in relation to scripture. Categories of knowledge and belief, alongside methods of scriptural hermeneutics, were repositioned in the process, transforming the meaning and discursive reach of the former as much as the latter. Indeed, this paper argues that the long-run engagement with Darwin in Arabic led to the mutual transformation of both “science” and “religion,” whether as objects of knowledge (and belief) or as general discursive formations.
Tungus event was not caused by a black hole

JACKSON and Ryan1 suggested that a black hole may have caused the Tunguska catastrophe in 1908, in which an explosion occurred in a remote part of Siberia. About 1023 erg (equivalent to 2 Mton of TNT) of energy was released. Several lines of evidence render the black hole hypothesis extremely unlikely.
Expression of CD95 (Fas) in sun-exposed human skin and cutaneous carcinomas.

BACKGROUND Carcinomas of the skin are by far the most common human malignancies. Continuous exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light facilitates the development of precancerous lesions (actinic keratosis [AK]) that may progress to invasive squamous carcinomas. Apoptosis, triggered by the activation of CD95 (Fas), is one of the most important defense mechanisms against UV light–induced carcinogenesis in experimental models, but the dynamics of CD95 expression in patients with sun-induced lesions are largely unknown. METHODS The authors studied the expression of CD95 (Fas) in biopsy samples of normal skin (not exposed to sun) and compared it with chronically sun-exposed skin (as evidenced by solar elastosis), AK, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and keratoacanthomas (KA). RESULTS Normal skin keratinocytes expressed CD95 in cytoplasmic membranes and intercellular bridges in the basal layer. In chronically sun-exposed keratinocytes (solar elastosis, no evidence of dysplasia), CD95 expression was up-regulated and was observed throughout the entire thickness of the epidermis. However, in actinic keratosis there was a complete absence of Fas in approximately two-thirds of the cases (8 of 12). In invasive SCC, CD95 was expressed focally and weakly only at the sites of contact with stromal lymphocytes. Keratoacanthomas consistently expressed CD95 at the interface with the inflammatory cells. No staining was observed in BCC. CONCLUSIONS CD95 (Fas) up-regulation in chronically sun-exposed keratinocytes indicates an important role in the control of sun-induced damage. Further sun exposure results, however, in significant down-regulation of this defense mechanism, proportional to the degree of dysplasia. Cancer 2002;94:814–9. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10277
Inbreeding effects in captive populations of ruffed lemurs

The two subspecies of ruffed lemurs (Vareica variegata variegata andVarecia variegata rubra) have been maintained in captivity since 1959 and all institutions which hold ruffed lemurs have contributed data to theVarecia International Studbook. Studbook data were used to analyze inbreeding effects on survival in both subspecies ofVarecia. Several variables, including offspring's inbreeding coefficient, litter size, mother's inbreeding coefficient, and mother's age, were examined for significant associations with percent survivorship per litter. Percent survivorship per litter was negatively correlated to the offspring inbreeding coefficient in the black and white ruffed lemurs (p<0.001) but no significant association was found for red ruffed lemurs. Although emphasis has been put towards the status of the red ruffed lemurs due to the small founder size, the black and white ruffed lemurs should also be managed with care due to the lower tolerance to inbreeding in captivity.
Integrity of powder-free examination gloves to bacteriophage penetration.

The purpose of this study was to compare the resistance to viral penetration of powder-free synthetic examination gloves with powder-free latex examination gloves commonly used in hospitals. Because these gloves had no holes, this study examined viral penetration through a membrane. Using a standard bacteriophage penetration model, no bacteriophage penetration was detected through the membrane for any of the gloves tested. The new powder-free nitrile and polyvinyl chloride synthetic examination gloves provided comparable resistance to viral penetration as did the powder-free latex examination gloves.
Leukoencephalopathy Following High-Dose Intravenous Methotrexate Chemotherapy: Quantitative Assessment of White Matter Attenuation Using Computed Tomography

A clinical or subclinical leukoencephalopathy occurs in some children after treatment of acute lymphatic leukemia with prophylactic cranial radiation therapy and parenteral or intrathecal methotrexate. We have observed a similar clinical leukoencephalopathy in patients with bone tumors treated with intravenous high-dose methotrexate and citrovorum factor without cranial irradiation. CT scans of such patients may indicate decreased white matter attenuation, but visual appraisal of this phenomenon is occasionally misleading. A computerized method for analyzing white matter hypodensity by determining the mean attenuation coefficient for one or several contiguous CT slices has therefore been developed. Serial comparisons of this mean attenuation coefficient appear to be more reliable than simple visual appraisal.
The stopping power of atomic matter for relativistic ions, mesons, electrons and positrons☆

Abstract The Born-approximation energy-loss formulas are derived for fast charged particles traversing matter and losing energy by excitation and ionization of atomic species. Bethe's results are obtained in an elementary, but more rigorous, derivation which also makes use of some recent work by the author on the corresponding stopping-power problem for a plasma. The formulas for the atomic and plasma problems are compared and the effects of magnetic interactions, retardation, and electron spin are discussed briefly. It is shown that in the computation of the stopping power, it is necessary to introduce and sum contributions from three momentum-transfer domains (“very small”, “small”, and “large”). In Bethe's formula for heavy ions, half of the additive (to the logarithmic factor) term -β2 results from the very small momentum transfers and arises from essentially classical effects (retardation and magnetic interactions not involving spin); the other half arises from the contribution of the largest momentum transfers and is due to electron spin. In the stopping-power formulas for electrons and positrons the results are given in terms of an arbitrary maximum fractional energy loss.
Women Faculty of Color: Stories Behind the Statistics

In this qualitative study we address two primary research questions: What are the experiences of women faculty of color (WFOC) who departed the tenure track at predominantly White, research universities? Using the modified lens of the newcomer adjustment framework, what socialization factors may have contributed to the WFOCs’ departure? Through a longitudinal, in-depth examination of three WFOC who left their university prior to earning tenure, themes of gendered and racialized tokenization and isolation, a need for a more intrusive style of mentoring, and poor institutional fit were identified. Implications for future research on faculty members’ social identity and promising practices for faculty development are shared.
Wavelength switching technologies and requirements for agile optical networks at line rates of 100 Gb/s and beyond

Abstract Future optical networks will have to support DWDM line rates beyond 100 Gb/s and transport data with much higher spectral efficiency than today’s networks, so as to meet the rapidly increasing demand for transmission capacity. At the same time, these networks need to provide increased flexibility at the optical layer to allow fast and automated provisioning of capacity wherever and whenever it is demanded. In this contribution we describe the different requirements that such high-speed agile optical networks pose on wavelength-selective switches and ROADM node architectures and then discuss the technology options that are available for building next-generation wavelength switching nodes.
The role of environmental factors in oak decline and mortality in the Ozark Highlands

Oak decline is a chronic problem in Missouri Ozark forests. Red oak group species are most susceptible and decline is reportedly more severe on droughty, nutrient-poor sites. However, it was not clear whether greater decline severity was caused by poor site conditions or is simply due to the greater abundance of red oak group species found on poorer sites. We conducted this study to determine whether oak decline severity in oak-dominated Missouri Ozark forests is related to factors strongly influencing site quality including soil, landform position, and slope-aspect. We monitored the survival of 6606 dominant or co-dominant oak trees for 10 years and surveyed crown dieback on more than 1995 oak trees during a single year to determine if mortality and the presence of decline symptoms were related to site factors. Analysis confirmed that red oak group species had more crown dieback and greater mortality than did white oak group species. We also found greater red oak mortality on upper slope positions and where soils were gravelly and low in base cations. However, the abundance of red oaks was also greater in these same locations. Further analysis showed that if the initial abundance of red oaks was included as a covariate in the model, the site factors no longer were significant effects related to oak mortality. Moreover, we found that frequency of oaks exhibiting crown dieback was the same or sometimes greater on high quality sites. These findings show that red oak mortality is more prevalent on droughty and nutrient-deficient sites because red oak group species are more abundant there. Rather than simply predisposing oaks to decline, droughty and nutrient-deficient site conditions most likely favored the establishment and growth of red oaks following the extensive logging during the early 1900s. The extensive oak decline occurring on droughty and nutrient-deficient soils today appears to due to the high abundance of mature red oak group species on these sites.
A Study of Reswitching in the Western Coal Lands Some Implications of Delayed Environmental Costs for Benefit Cost Analysis

The authors demonstrate that the prevalence of delayed environmental costs is a strong argument for improving estimates of social time preferences and opportunity costs of capital in order to narrow the range of discount rates used on cost-benefit analysis. Delayed costs can lead to reswitching in which there are multiple switch points, making it more imperative to counter the increased probability of indeterminateness by reducing the range of discount rates to be used. To demonstrate the problem, they present a possible case comparing grazing and coal production in the western US coal lands, where reswitching occurs within policy-relevant discount ranges. 12 references, 1 figure.
Effect of Substituents in Aromatic Amines on the Activation Energy of Epoxy−Amine Reaction

Differential scanning calorimetry has been used to study the kinetics of epoxy−amine curing reaction between diglycidyl ether of 4,4‘-bisphenol and aromatic amines with different electron-withdrawing/-donating substituents. The substituents include -NO2, -CN, -OCH3, -OH, and -CH3 groups. An advanced isoconversional method has been employed to determine the effective activation energy of the respective processes. An attempt has been made to link the experimental values with the results of quantum chemistry calculations. It has been found that regardless of the electron-withdrawing/-donating properties the presence of a substituent of a large negative charge in the ortho position causes an increase in the activation energy to ≈100 kJ mol-1 from the normally observed values of 50−60 kJ mol-1.
Binding of caput epididymal mouse sperm to the zona pellucida.

Abstract Immature sperm from the caput epididymis are immotile and infertile. It is thought that caput epididymal sperm are infertile due to their immotility, as well as to an inability to bind to the zona pellucida, suggesting the absence of a functional receptor for the zona. However, the sperm receptor for the zona pellucida has been identified previously as the enzyme galactosyltransferase (GalTase) ( L. C. Lopez et al. (1985 ) J. Cell Biol. 101, 1501–1510) and is present on the surface of caput as well as cauda epididymal sperm (N. F. Scully et al., (1987) Dev. Biol. 124, 111–124.). In this paper we examine this apparent conflict and show that immotile caput epididymal sperm are able to bind to the zona pellucida if they are first washed free of caput epididymal secretions, which contain factors that inhibit sperm-zona binding. Consistent with this finding are results that show that caput epididymal fluid is capable of inhibiting the binding of mature, cauda epididymal sperm to the zona pellucida. Caput epididymal fluid contains, among many other components, a soluble GalTase and an α-lactalbumin-like protein, both of which are capable of inhibiting mouse sperm-zona binding. Thus, caput epididymal sperm have the appropriate receptor, i.e., GalTase, for the zona pellucida, to which they can bind if removed from the inhibitory factors that mask their zona-binding ability.