cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Research Note: Effect of Feed and Water Withdrawal on Shear Strength of Broiler Gastrointestinal Tract

Abstract The effects of length of feed (0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h) and water (with and without) withdrawal and sex of broilers on gastrointestinal (GI) fragility (shear strength) and moisture content were determined. The length of feed withdrawal and sex of broilers had significant (P
Expression of an extracellular deletion of Xotch diverts cell fate in Xenopus embryos

Abstract Xotch is a Xenopus homolog of Notch, a receptor involved in cell fate decisions in Drosophila. Using an extracellular deletion construct, XotchΔE, we show that Xotch has a similar role in Xenopus embryos. Broad expression causes the loss of dorsal structures and the expansion and disorganization of the brain. Single blastomere injections of XotchΔE induce autonomous neural and mesodermal hypertrophy, even in the absence of cell division. XotchΔE inhibits the early expression of epidermal and neural crest markers yet enhances and extends the response of animal caps to mesodermal and neural induction. Our data suggest a mechanism for the function of Notch homologs in which they delay differentiation and leave undetermined cells competent to respond to later inductive signals.
MRI Measurement of Surface Strain Due to Growth in the Developing Ferret Brain

The human cerebral cortex undergoes folding from the 5th fetal month into the first post-natal year. Disturbances of folding have serious and lasting consequences, but the mechanism is not well understood. Van Essen [1] has hypothesized that axonal tension between strongly interconnected regions draws them together and induces outward folds. However, no direct measurements have confirmed this theory. Experimental data are needed, beginning with a quantitative description of the kinematics of cortical growth during folding.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Sex Risk Behavior Among Adolescent and Young Adult Children of Opiate Addicts: Outcomes From the Focus on Families Prevention Trial and an Examination of Childhood and Concurrent Predictors of Sex Risk Behavior

This study reports on rates and predictors of sex risk behavior among a sample of adolescent and young adult children of parents enrolled in methadone treatment for opiate addiction. Data are from 151 participants (80 males, 71 females) in the Focus on Families (FOF) project, a randomized trial of a family intervention and a study of the development of at-risk children. The study participants are children of parents enrolled in methadone treatment between 1990 and 1993. Participants were interviewed in 2005 when they ranged in age from 15 to 29 years. In the year prior to the follow-up, 79% of the males and 83% of females were sexually active, 26% of males and 10% of females had more than one partner in the prior year, and 34% of males and 24% of females reported having sex outside of a committed relationship. Twenty-four percent of males and 17% of females met criteria for high-risk sexual behavior, reporting casual or multiple partners in the prior year and inconsistent condom use. Participants in the intervention and control conditions did not differ significantly in terms of any measure of sex risk behavior examined. None of the measures of parent behavior and family processes derived from data at baseline of the FOF study predicted whether participants engaged in high-risk sex. Among measures derived from data collected at long-term follow-up, however, having ever met criteria for substance abuse or dependence predicted greater likelihood of high-risk sexual behavior, and being married or being in a romantic relationship was associated with lower likelihood of high-risk sexual behavior. The findings point to the important role of committed relationships in regulating sex risk behavior among this population, as well as heightened levels of sex risk behavior associated with substance abuse or dependence.
Three-dimensional imaging of breast calcifications

Approximately 50 percent of breast cancers are detected on the basis of calcifications alone. Regrettably, the presence of such calcifications is non-specific; only 30 percent of biopsies based on suspicious calcifications are malignant. We have investigated three methods (LVR) for 3D imaging and analysis of microcalcifications. Our aim is to increase specificity by more accurately distinguishing between calcifications indicative of benign and malignant breast lesions. We have demonstrated that 3D imaging of calcifications is possible using an LVR technique that includes semi-automated segmentation, correlation, and reconstruction of the calcifications. A clinical study of he LVR method is ongoing in which 2D film and digital images are compared to 3D images. The images are evaluated using a rating of 1 to 5, where 1 equals definitely benign, 5 equals definitely malignant, and a score of 3 or higher requires biopsy. To date, 3 radiologists have evaluated the images of 44 patients for which biopsy results were available. The use of 2D and 3D digital images resulted in doubling the diagnostic accuracy from 36 percent to 77 percent. Comparison to other techniques is ongoing. Additionally, a high resolution CT scanner for breast tissue specimens is under construction for comparison of the reconstructed images to a 'gold standard'.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effects of Hand Gestures on Auditory Learning of Second-Language Vowel Length Contrasts

Purpose Research has shown that hand gestures affect comprehension and production of speech at semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic levels for both native language and second language (L2). This stud...
Competitor‐free space mediates non‐target impact of an introduced biological control agent

Enemy-free space has been shown to mediate host shifts in herbivores, but this has not previously been documented in parasitoids. Also, natural enemies shown to maintain host shifts have always been from higher trophic levels, rather than competitors. 2. In Hawaii, an Australian parasitoid ( Diachasmimorpha tryoni ) of medflies that loses competition contests to a subsequently introduced Asian parasitoid ( Fopius arisanus ) has shifted its realised host range to attack non-target gall flies on lantana. 3. The present study demonstrates experimentally that D. tryoni reproduction is: (i) lower on medflies in coffee when F. arisanus is present than when it is absent; (ii) higher in gall flies on lantana than on medflies in coffee, when F. arisanus is present; and (iii) higher in medflies on coffee than in gall flies on lantana, when F. arisanus is absent. This meets Berdegue et al. 's ( Ecological Entomology , 21 , 203 - 217, 1996) three conditions to confirm the importance of enemy-free space. 4. In the field, F. arisanus is abundant on medflies, whereas D. tryoni is rare on medflies, but is the dominant parasitoid of lantana gall flies. 5. Competitor-free space is thus shown to be a key mechanism maintaining an apparent host shift by an introduced biocontrol agent onto a non-target species.
An Experiment in the Reduction of Physics Content

An experiment has been conducted in which the conventional introductory physics course for engineers has been reduced, and the capabilities of two groups of students-one group having had certain physics topics and the second group without these-have been compared. The comparison was made in mixed classes in engineering statics. Insofar as the data can be analyzed, they seem to show no essential differences in the performance of the two groups. Certainly, preliminary work in physics did not give that group of students any major advantage.
Optimization of Cell Surface Binding Enhances Efficiency and Specificity of Molecular Conjugate Gene Delivery

Molecular conjugates, or polyplexes, are promising synthetic vectors for targeted, in vivo gene delivery, if their efficiency can be improved. Gaining mechanistic information on conjugate gene delivery can potentially yield significant improvements in transfer efficiency by revealing barriers to conjugate transfer from the cell surface to the nucleus. We have developed an experimental system that employs epidermal growth factor as the ligand to direct delivery of DNA encoding the green fluorescent protein to mouse fibroblasts. We report here that the initial step of delivery, binding of the conjugate to the cell surface, is a barrier to gene transfer. We examined the effects of conjugate charge, ligand cross-linker spacer length, and ligand valency on polyplex cell surface binding, internalization, and gene transfer. We find that delivery is both efficient and specific only within a relatively narrow window of conjugate charge, results that correlate with binding and internalization of radiolabeled conjugate. In addition, increasing the cross-linker length can improve binding affinity and delivery. Finally, there is a significant optimum in gene delivery as a function of ligand valency, due to saturation of receptor binding and internalization. Optimizing parameters that affect surface binding therefore improves the efficiency and specificity of molecular conjugate gene delivery.
Multifocal Large Cystic Liver Metastasis of a Sinonasal Tract Ameloblastoma: An Unusual Clinical Presentation

Ameloblastoma is a slowly growing, locally invasive tumor of odontogenic epithelial origin. On rare occasion, a well-differentiated ameloblastoma may metastasize. Recently, we encountered a unique case of metastatic ameloblastoma in the liver in a 48-year-old woman. Preoperative radiographic study revealed multiple cystic lesions in the liver, 6 of which were confirmed intraoperatively. Macroscopic examination of the resected tumors revealed well-circumscribed, encapsulated cystic lesions. Sections from the tumors demonstrated solid interlocking islands with peripheral palisading of “basaloid cells” and squamous differentiation of centrally located cells. The cytology of these tumors was bland and the mitotic activity was low. Immunohistochemistry showed immunoreactivity for CK5/6 and p63, immunoreactivity for CD10 in the peripherally palisading cells and immunoreactivity for CK19 in the centrally located cells. The resected liver cystic tumors were originally diagnosed as “low-grade cystic ameloblastoma-like tumor in the liver” and suggested a possibility of metastasis. The patient was doing well clinically after the resection of her liver lesions. However, CT scan of the head and neck region at another hospital one year later showed an enhancing, expansile, well circumscribed mass in the right nasal cavity. Biopsy and resection of the nasal mass revealed an ameloblastoma invading the maxillary bone. The patient is doing well 2 months after her nasal surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first case of ameloblastoma manifested as liver metastases prior to the identification of a sinonasal primary. J Med Cases. 2013;4(8):544-549 doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jmc1314w
Semidefinite programming for power system state estimation

State Estimation (SE) plays a key role in power system operation and management. For AC power system state estimation, SE is usually formalized mathematically as a Weighted Least Square or Weighted Least Absolute Value problem, and solved by Newton's method. Although computationally tractable, Newton's method is highly sensitive to the initial point, as it is essentially a local search algorithm. In this paper, we propose a Semidefinite Programming (SDP) approach to effectively obtain a good initial state to improve the performance of the existing Newton's method. Our simulation results not only show that the SDP initial guess is much better than the currently used flat start on the IEEE standard bus systems, but also demonstrates approximately globally optimal results, with a lower bound provided in this paper.
Complement Activation During Hemodialysis: Laboratory Evaluation of Hemodialyzers

: A laboratory method that facilitates delineation of the complement-activating characteristics of various dialyzers under defined conditions has been developed. Results obtained by circulating reconstituted human serum through these devices and measuring time-dependent production of both C3a and C5a antigens are entirely consistent with previous clinical observations. For example, the complement-activating potential of dialyzer membranes could be described as high (cuprammonium cellulose), moderate (cellulose acetate), or low (polycarbonate or polyacrylonitrile). Furthermore, these techniques provided the opportunity to identify membrane characteristics that are not readily defined by clinical studies alone. Specifically, membranes that transported and adsorbed C5a antigen were readily identified by these methods. Additionally, laboratory evaluation provided the unique ability to define the efficiency of complement activation taking place on the membrane surface. Results of these investigations are compatible with a hypothetical model that not only describes the properties of a typical dialyzer membrane but may be generally applicable to other biomaterials as well.
A design flow to optimize circuit delay by using standard cells and PLAs

This paper presents a design flow that optimizes a standard cell based circuit for performance by implementing critical paths in a Programmable Logic Array (PLA). Given a standard-cell based circuit as input, our approach iteratively extracts critical paths from this circuit, which are then implemented using a PLA circuit. PLAs are a good candidate for such an approach, since they exhibit a gradual increase in delay as additional vectors are added. In subsequent iterations, these critical paths are treated as don't cares, allowing the standard cell based design to be simplified after each iteration. The final design consists of a portion which is implemented using a PLA, and another portion which is implemented using standard cells. We demonstrate that on average, our approach can achieve about 22.5% improvement in the SPICE based delay of a design, along with a placed-and-routed area improvement of 11%.
Screening for Basic Social Needs at a Medical Home for Low-Income Children

The goals of this cross-sectional study were to (a) describe the prevalence of 5 basic social needs in a cohort of parents attending an urban teaching hospital-based pediatric clinic, (b) assess parental attitudes toward seeking assistance from their child's provider, and (c) examine resident providers' attitudes and behaviors toward addressing these needs. Parents (n = 100) reported a median of 2 basic needs at the pediatric visit. The most common was employment (52%), followed by education (34%), child care (19%), food (16%), and housing (10%). Most parents (67%) had positive attitudes toward requesting assistance from their child's pediatrician. The majority of resident providers (91%) believed in the importance of addressing social needs; however, few reported routinely screening for these needs (range, 11% to 18%). There is great potential for assisting low-income parents within the medical home. Further practice-based interventions are needed to enhance providers' self-efficacy to screen and address low-income families' needs at pediatric visits.
A health comparison of Alabama nurses versus US, UK, and Canadian normative populations

Summary This article is one of a two part series examining the people and environment associated with patient handling. The approach used was that of an occupational injury investigation of a job class, which incorporates defining in the task, environment, tools, and worker health status. Hence, the objective of this portion of the research was to develop a method and use it to compare the physical and mental health of Alabama nurses with known normative populations to determine a baseline of overall health. For this purpose, the validated SF-36© survey was used to collect data on Alabama nurses who had been registered in the state for at least one year. The potential participant pool included 1000 nurses randomly selected from more than 49,000 registered. Physical mailers with a pre-paid return envelope and a follow-up reminder post-card were used. A return rate of 10% was expected based on nursing literature. One hundred and one surveys were returned with 87 being complete. Results confirmed that nursing in the US is a female dominated profession with the survey matching both the Alabama and US national average of 92%. Comparisons of the sample data to general populations yielded significant differences in 3 of the 8 outcome measures: social functioning; physical functioning; bodily pain. In each of these measures, Alabama nurses had a reduced health status compared to at least one comparative population. Additionally, data related to body mass index (BMI) for Alabama nurses were stratified by gender and age. Results indicated 28% had a "healthy" BMI with 37% and 35% of the nurses being "overweight" or "obese", respectively. Consequently, results suggest Alabama nurses have a reduced health status compared to normative populations and show similar but not identical BMI trends to the general populations for the state of Alabama and the US, which warrants concerns about potential declines in health status among caregivers. Significance to healthcare Nurses constitute the largest proportion of the healthcare industry's workforce. Understanding the perceptions of health status of this employee group is essential to gain further information about possible influences of health on nurses' ability to continue to perform their jobs.
Beyond contractual interpretation: bias in arbitrators' case perceptions and award recommendations

This study applies literature on extra-legal variables and impression management towards an understanding of judgment biases in arbitration. The extra-legal variables of previous record and consequence of infraction as well as impression management strategy were manipulated in a written case sent to practising arbitrators. Results suggest that impression management and previous record independently affected the severity of the arbitrator's ruling. In addition, significant interactions occurred. The data are discussed in terms of implications for arbitration and future studies in the area. Copyright ? 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Staging of non-small cell lung cancer using integrated PET/CT.

1203 glucose transporters on the cell membrane. The glucose is then converted to FDG-6phosphate, which cannot be further metabolized and remains trapped in the cell. Because of greater accumulation in cancer cells, more positron emission events occur in the tumor compared with surrounding normal tissue. As hundreds of thousands of coincidence events occur, they can be statistically traced back to their origin, allowing spatial localization. Due to the relatively poor spatial resolution of PET, disease localization often can prove difficult. To circumvent this problem, CT is combined with PET to provide spatially matched morphologic and functional data. PET and CT images can be integrated using three different techniques (Table 1). Although there are advantages and disadvantages to each technique, the integrated PET/CT study using a single machine provides the best coregistration of physiologic and anatomic detail [2]. In the integrated machine, both a diagnostic CT scan and a low-dose transmission scan are obtained. The diagnostic CT scan, often obtained with the administration of contrast material, provides excellent anatomic data. By creating an attenuation correction map, the transmission CT allows for a reduction in attenuation correction artifacts. These artifacts occur because of the greater attenuation of photons originating deeper within the body or within or adjacent to dense structures, such as bone, compared with those originating from the surface of the body or within or adjacent to less dense structures. The use of the transmission CT for attenuation correction also significantly reduces the PET scanning time by up to 40% compared with a standalone PET scanner [3]. Both the diagnostic CT and the transmission CT can be fused with the PET images. Although the anatomic detail is superior in the diagnostic CT scan, the transmission CT scan provides more precise Staging of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Using Integrated PET/CT
The elimination of small neutral molecules in the mass spectra of substituted cyclic polyfluorinated alkenyl alcohols

Twelve substituted cyclic polyfluorinated alkenyl alcohols are synthesized and studied by mass spectrometry. Their characteristic fragmentation modes are discussed. The consecutive eliminations of HF and CO are dominant features in these spectra.
The Role of the Term Schizophrenia in the Decline of Diagnoses of Multiple Personality

• The syndrome of multiple (dissociated) personality fell into disrepute around 1910. This has been attributed to loss of interest in hypnosis; psychiatrists believed the syndrome resulted from hypnosis and that they were being duped. However, around 1910 an important event occurred in psychiatry: Bleuler introduced the term "schizophrenia" to replace "dementia praecox." This factor also played a role in the decline of recognition of the multiple personality syndrome, and many of these cases were diagnosed as schizophrenia. A review ofIndexMedicusfrom 1903 through 1978 shows a dramatic decline in the number of reports of multiple personality after the diagnosis of schizophrenia "caught on," especially in the United States. A review of clinical reports indicates that many patients with multiple personality had been diagnosed and treated as schizophrenics.
Gas Chromatography of 17-Ketosteroid Oximes. Formation of Nitriles by Beckmann Fission

Abstract Oxime derivatives (methoxime, benzyloxime, trimethylsilyloxime) of 17-ketosteroids will, under some gas chromatographic conditions, undergo Beckmann fission in the injector zone. The result of this effect is partial or total conversion of the steroid derivative to a nitrile. Since oxime derivatives are widely used in gas chromatography for steroids and other compounds, it is important to recognize that this reaction may occur. In analytical separations conditions which do not lead to the fission reaction should be maintained.
Adolescent Aggression and Parent-Adolescent Conflict: Relations between Observed Family Interactions and Measures of the Adolescents' General Functioning

The degree to which aggression is trait-like for adolescent boys and girls was examined in the families of 30 boys and 30 girls, nine to fourteen years of age and representing all five stages of pubertal development. Behavioral assessments included: (a) observational measures of aggressive behaviors shown by adolescents and controlling behaviors shown by parents in the context of family interaction and (b) trait-like measures of the adolescents' general functioning. Findings include evidence that increased expression of assertive forms of aggression is a developmental phenomenon for boys. Also, for boys, adjustment problems based on the trait-like measures were associated with adolescent inflexibility, defiance shown to both parents, and anger shown to mother, as well as controlling behaviors shown by both parents in the family interaction situation. For girls, adjustment problems based on the trait-like measures were associated with inflexibility and poor ability to concentrate in the family interaction ...
Resource Search, Interpersonal Similarity, and Network Tie Valuation in Nascent Entrepreneurs’ Emerging Networks

This article contributes to the entrepreneurship and network literatures by addressing the fundamental research question of how a new venture’s initial network ties are formed. The authors focus on the broad network search evinced by nascent entrepreneurs at the very earliest stages of venture and network creation and examine some of the instrumental and interpersonal mechanisms driving nascent entrepreneurs’ value attributions about the contacts met during this network search. The authors utilize a unique empirical data set of 1,407 entrepreneur–contact dyads collected during a 6-month period of real-time nascent venture activity. Their results suggest a view of new venture network construction in which the content benefits conferred through anticipated or real resource acquisition form a clear basis for entrepreneurs’ assessments of value, with the process benefits of interpersonal age and gender similarity playing an amplifying role. Contrary to their expectations, the authors did not observe direct in...
Information Technology as a Tool to Improve the Quality of American Indian Health Care

The American Indian/Alaska Native population experiences a disproportionate burden of disease across a spectrum of conditions. While the recent National Healthcare Disparities Report highlighted differences in quality of care among racial and ethnic groups, there was only very limited information available for American Indians. The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently enhancing its information systems to improve the measurement of health care quality as well as to support quality improvement initiatives.We summarize current knowledge regarding health care quality for American Indians, highlighting the variation in reported measures in the existing literature. We then discuss how the IHS is using information systems to produce standardized performance measures and present future directions for improving American Indian health care quality.
Interaction of Two Structurally Distinct Sequence Types with the Clathrin Terminal Domain β-Propeller *

The amino-terminal domain of the clathrin heavy chain, which folds into a seven-bladed β-propeller, binds directly to several endocytic proteins via short sequences based on the consensus residues LLDLD. In addition to a single LLDLD-based, type I clathrin-binding sequence, both amphiphysin and epsin contain a second, distinct sequence that is also capable of binding to clathrin directly. Here, we analyzed these sequences, which we term type II sequences, and show that the 257LMDLA sequence in rat epsin 1 appears to be a weak clathrin-binding variant of the sequence417PWDLW originally found in human amphiphysin II. The structural features of the type II sequence required for association with clathrin are distinct from the LLDLD-based sequence. In the central segment of amphiphysin, the type I and type II sequences cooperate to effect optimal clathrin binding and the formation of sedimentable assemblies. Together, the data provide evidence for two interaction surfaces upon certain endocytic accessory proteins that could cooperate with other coat components to enhance clathrin bud formation at the cell surface.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 seroprevalence and incidence in acute and chronic HIV-1 infection.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) HIV co-infection is common and associated with increased risk of HIV transmission. HSV-2 seroprevalence was assessed on stored samples from baseline and one year follow-up from 81 patients identified with acute HIV infection and 81 age-matched chronically infected men. HSV-2 seroprevalence at baseline was lower for those with acute rather than chronic HIV-infection, 51.9 versus 71.6% (P = 0.01); relative risk 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57–0.92). Since HSV-2 seroprevalence is lower in those newly HIV-infected, the diagnosis of early HIV infection may allow for counselling to reduce subsequent HSV-2 acquisition.
Null Steering Approach With Minimized PCV and GD for Large Aperture Vertical Antenna Arrays

A novel null-steering method that minimizes the effect of radio frequency interference (RFI) and the effect of antenna phase center variation (PCV) and group delay (GD) is proposed. PCV and GD are important to characterize for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) antenna arrays used in satellite based landing architectures, since they directly affect the pseudo-range and accumulated Doppler observables. The proposed method is denoted as the beam subtraction method (BS). The BS method is compared against a conventional null-steering (CNS) method applied to a large aperture antenna array. Simulation results reveal noticeable improvement in both the PCV and GD curves as a function of azimuth and elevation angles when using the BS method compared to the CNS thus reducing the error on the range measurements as well as improving system availability in the presence of RFI.
Electrocardiographic changes resulting from peripheral edema: theoretical considerations and clinical implications.

to familiarize the readers of the Hellenic Journal of Cardiology with a recently described ECG syndrome, characterized by marked attenuation of the potentials of the standard ECG (AECGV), in association with the development of peripheral edema (PERE). A relevant lecture on the topic was delivered in Athens, on November 20, 2004 at the XXV Annual Panhellenic Congress of Cardiology. However, the complexity and wide scope of contemporary meetings with the customary overlapping sessions prevented many of those attending from being exposed to this new development. The initial work, published in 2001, drew attention mainly to the gradual reduction in the QRS potentials noted with fluid retention, and resultant weight gain (Figure 1). A quantitative assessment of the amplitude of QRS potentials from serial standard ECGs employed sums of the QRS complexes from zenith to nadir of all 12 leads (TMQRS). The patients studied represented a wide range of pathology, including sepsis, pneumonia, exacerbation of chronic obstructive lung disease, congestive heart failure (CHF), acute renal failure, aschites, and other conditions requiring admission to a critical care environment. Thus, it became clear from the outset that the specifics of the pathophysiology for the development of the PERE were not important for the emergence of the LVECG. It should be pointed out that the PERE often reached the point of anasarca, involving all four extremities and the entire torso, particularly of its dorsal plane. The correlation between the changes in the amplitude of ECG potentials and the weight of the patients was good (r=0.61, p=0.0005). Some patients, who subsequently lost weight after attaining their peak weight, regained some of the lost amplitude of the QRS potentials, and thus the inverse phenomenon (i.e. augmentation of the amplitude of QRS complexes, instead of attenuation) was also documented (Figure 1), further corroborating the dependence of the amplitude of the QRS complexes on the degree of fluid overload and its alleviation. More experience with the latter was also shown in subsequent reports of patients with PERE due to CHF, who showed a gradual increase in their ECG voltage with a gradual loss of weight resulting from diuretic therapy. Another clinical implication of the above concept has been reported recently and concerns the masking of the ECG diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) by PERE. In this scenario a patient is admitted to the hospital with a critical illness and with ECG evidence of LVH employing any of the es-
Why Scala matters: introduction to Scala programming

Scale is a blend of object-oriented and functional programming concepts in a statically typed language. The combination of both styles in Scala makes it possible to extend into a new domain-specific language (DSL). Scala is used to design a number of DSL. Scala source code is compiled to Java bytecode, so the executable code runs on the JVM. Apache Spark is written in Scala. Play framework is written in Scala. In this tutorial, we will have a high level overview on the Scala's design and the reasoning behind it. We will learn the elements of Scala, and we will go through some examples. Then we will discuss why we can teach Scala as the first programming language at the CS undergraduate.
The Four-Quadrant Framework for Addressing Spiritual and Religious Issues in Social Work

The growing interest in addressing spiritual and religious issues in the social work classroom is reflected in the increasing number of books and articles addressing this topic. The subsets of articles that discuss teaching about spirituality appear slanted toward courses entirely devoted to the subject. This article, written for instructors who wish to add spirituality content to existing courses, describes a pedagogic approach that organizes religious and spiritually relevant material in a framework designed to improve student learning and comprehension while fostering respectful and nonmarginalizing discussions of sensitive and potentially controversial issues. The framework distinguishes religiously and spiritually based social work from religiously and spiritually competent social work.
Adaptive Pitch Control for Speed Regulation of Floating Offshore Wind Turbine : Preliminary Study

Because of high wind energy potential and many other advantages, offshore wind energy is drawing considerable research interest. The researches have shown that more energy can be captured if wind turbines are installed farther from the shore. For this reason, research has been done in floating type of platform and showing promising results. But, floating platform exhibits additional motions due to wind and incident waves which ultimately degrade the amount of power that can be captured, demanding more advance type of control design. Also, dynamics of wind turbine is highly complex and poorly known, which adds extra complexity in controller design. In this paper, we introduce an Adaptive Pitch Controller to regulate the rotor speed and power, and implement to NREL’s 5 MW offshore wind turbine with floating platform. We compare the simulation results with the baseline gain scheduled PID controller. The preliminary simulation results show that the performance of adaptive controller is comparable to that of baseline controller.
Semiochemical-Based Toxic Baits for Diabrotica virgifera Virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): Effects of Particle Size, Location, and Attractant Content

Survival of adult Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte was monitored in field cages that contained maize plants, Zea mays L., treated with semiochemical-based toxic baits. Baits consisted of starch granules that contained a feeding stimulant (cucurbitacins) and an insecticide (0.5% carbaryl); they were sprinkled by hand over plants at a rate of 5 kg/ha. In cages of silking maize, granules of bait that were 2-4 mm in diameter were significantly less effective (27% of beetles survived 48 h) than granules from three smaller size categories (13-18% survival). In another test, however, granule size appeared to influence efficacy of baits in cages of dent-stage maize but not in cages of silking plants. Efficacy did not differ significantly among baits that were formulated to contain 0, 0.5, 2, or 8% of the “TIC” attractant (a 1:1:1 mixture of 1,2,4-trimethoxybenzene, indole, and trans-cinnamaldehyde). Granules containing TIC attracted large numbers of D. v. virgifera in open cornfields when placed in traps constructed from 59-ml pill vials. In laboratory assays, TIC initially reduced the proportion of beetles that consumed a lethal dose of bait, but the effect was not evident after granules were exposed to open air for 24 h. Starch-granule bait and a similar cereal-based bait produced 87-94% mortality of D. v. virgifera when applied carefully to leaves of maize plants, but did not measurably affect survival when an equal amount was distributed on the soil surface. The distribution of bait particles within a maize field will profoundly affect efficacy and must be considered when developing formulations and application methodology. Adding moderate amounts of TIC to a bait will probably not affect mortality of beetles that are present in treated portions of fields.
An empirical analysis of influences of agricultural sci-tech innovation on export of high-efficiency agro-product by taking flower industry as an example

Agriculture has developed from resource input-dependent stage to a science and technology-dependant new stage,which the key factors of agricultural development lies on the progress of new agricultural technologies. In order to make clear the role of technological innovation in the international competitiveness of agricultural industry,the flower industry,a high-efficiency agro-industry,was taken as a research object to quantitatively analyze its export affected by sci-tech innovations. The results showed that,the technological innovation of flower industry promoted the development of the industry effectively,leading to a improved international competitiveness of the industry. Measures should be taken to facilitate sci-tech innovations so as to narrow down the gap between China and developed country and improve the international competativeness of flower industry.
Unstructured Finite Volume Method

The finite volume method is extended in this chapter to unstructured mesh topology. The Gauss divergence theorem, which serves as the foundation of the finite volume method, is first ascribed a physical interpretation. Next, it is used to discretize the generalized advection–diffusion equation using the finite volume method on an arbitrary unstructured mesh. The diffusion flux at a cell face is split into normal and tangential components and derivation of both components is presented in detail. Processing the mesh to generate connectivity information is also considered, followed by a discussion of the procedures for calculating critical geometric quantities, such as surface area, volume, surface normal, and surface tangents. The steps required to develop an unstructured finite volume code from ground up are listed. The chapter concludes with an example that demonstrates all of these concepts.
Biologicals for cancer treatment: monoclonal antibodies.

The use of monoclonal antibodies against human tumor cells is a theoretically highly attractive approach to cancer therapy. And technologically, the capability seems to be available. Problems such as defining the optimum antigens—and their antibodies—are currently being investigated intensively. Progress in this research and its clinical significance are reviewed.
Deoxyribonucleic acid flow cytometry of testicular Leydig cell tumors

AbstractWe analyzed by flow cytometry the deoxyribonucleic acid content of 13 paraffin embedded, formalin-fixed Leydig cell tumors of the testis. Of the tumors 10 were clinically benign (9 diploid and 1 aneuploid) and 3 were malignant (aneuploid). The benign aneuploid tumor showed moderate cellular atypia and a low mitotic count (less than 2 per 10 high power fields). Our study suggests that the majority of Leydig cell tumors are diploid and the less common malignant tumors are typically aneuploid, and that deoxyribonucleic acid flow cytometric findings can be useful as a prognostic indicator in these tumors.
Infrared studies of the dynamic aspects of hydrogen-bonding in hydroxylated metabolites of 2,5,2',5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl.

Infrared spectral studies indicate that the hydroxylated 2,5,2',5'-tetrachlorobiphenyls (TCBs) exist in a dynamic equilibrium of free, intramolecular, and intermolecular hydrogen-bonded forms. The relative abundances of the various species depend upon the polarity of the solvents as well as the physical state of the compound resulting from different configurations, i.e., the monohydroxylated 2,5,2',5'-TCBs exist as cis and trans rotational isomers of OH with respect to the chlorine atom in the ortho position, and 3,4-dihydro-3,4-dihydroxy-2,5,2',5'-TCB exists as 2 trans conformers with the OH groups either axial-axial or equatorial-equatorial with respect to the plane of the attached ring. In the solid state, the dimer or polymer is preferred with intermolecular hydrogen-bonding occurring between OH groups.
Type II decompression sickness in a hyperbaric inside attendant.

BACKGROUND Decompression sickness (DCS) of an inside attendant (IA) is rarely encountered in hyperbarics. This report describes an IA who developed Type II DCS after a routine hyperbaric exposure. CASE REPORT A 50-year-old male complained of lower extremity weakness and paresthesias after serving as an IA during a hyperbaric treatment to 40 fsw (122.52 kPa). Within 10 minutes after the conclusion of the treatment, the IA experienced irritability and confusion, and was unable to walk. Physical examination revealed decreased sensation below the T7 level, and decreased strength in the lower extremities. Type II DCS was diagnosed, and the IA was recompressed to 60 fsw (183.78 kPa) on a U.S. Navy Treatment Table 6, which resulted in improvement of his symptoms. Transthoracic echocardiography with bubble study performed 16 months after the event demonstrated a large patent foramen ovale (PFO). DISCUSSION Increased age, decreased physical fitness and the undiagnosed PFO may have predisposed this attendant to developing DCS. CONCLUSIONS Although rare, DCS may occur in IAs. Routine monitoring and reporting of the long-term health of hyperbaric IAs should be considered by hyperbaric facilities and medical directors in order to further understand the characteristics of DCS and other hyperbaric-related conditions in these workers.
EphA2: A Novel Target in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Eph receptors and their ligands, ephrins, are known to play important roles in organ development (formation of tissue boundaries, neural crest cell migration, axon guidance) and angiogenesis. In particular, EphA2 has recently attracted interest in the field of cancer research. Many observations, including our own, have demonstrated that most cancers, such as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), overexpress the EphA2 protein. EphA2 overexpression/dysregulation is associated with carcinogenesis, metastasis, and poor clinical prognosis. Indeed EphA2 is not just a marker of metastatic potential, but its overexpression is directly linked to an aggressive tumor phenotype. As a consequence, EphA2 represents a potential target for therapeutic intervention in the setting of EphA2+ cancer histologies, with several agents being developed with clinical intent. Several strategies can be contemplated in this regard, including: (1) selected promotion of EphA2 degradation or to reduce EphA2 expression and signaling (via the application of agonistic antibody, ephrin-A1 Fc fusion protein, siRNA against EphA2, or protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP) that regulate EphA2 expression or specific EphA2 kinase inhibitors); (2) antagonism of EphA2 receptor-ligand binding (by provision of mimetic peptides or EphA2 Fc fusion protein); and/or (3) vaccination against EphA2 (using specific peptide-, protein-, or gene-based methods) to elicit specific T-cell- or Ig-mediated immunity. In this chapter, we will discuss the basic immunobiology of tumor-associated EphA2 and potential therapeutic interventions directed against EphA2 that may yield clinical benefit in the setting of (renal cell) cancer.
The Missile Next Door: The Minuteman in the American Heartland

Review of: "The Missile Next Door: The Minuteman in the American Heartland," by Gretchen Heefner.
Energy efficiency measures in affordable zero net energy housing: A case study of the UC Davis 2015 Solar Decathlon home

Abstract The 2015 UC Davis Solar Decathlon Team designed and constructed an affordable zero net energy prototype home for California (CA) farmworkers. The prototype was modeled with BEopt and Microsoft Excel® for year-round operation under the Davis, CA climate. Each major energy-efficient feature of the home was separately analyzed to gauge its energy savings impact. The construction strategyof in-line framing, low window to wall ratio, and thermal mass in the floor, annually saved 810 kWh in space conditioning. The appliance scoring methodology evaluated appliances based on water efficiency, energy efficiency, and affordability—this methodology led to the adoption of appliances that yielded an annual energy savings exceeding 400 kWh. A graywater heat recovery system selected for the project, the Nexus, saved roughly 3500 kWh annually of electricity compared to an electric resistance water heater. The combined radiant/night sky system reduced the space conditioning energy of the home by nearly 1400 kWh. Over a full year, the UC Davis Solar Decathlon home is anticipated to be 12.9% net energy positive and consume 43.8% less energy than a conventional home, with the same floor plan, exposed to the Davis climate.
Ramapithecus and Human Origins

According to the Baconian view of how science proceeds, the changing interpretations of Ramapithecus indicated in this volume (and elsewhere) reflect a shifting data base. Presumably, as more data have been recovered, the hypotheses regarding their interpretation have correspondingly shifted to adequately encompass a more complete (and presumably more revealing) data set. Because it has been contended at various times that Ramapithecus is the earliest hominid,* these changing interpretations have in turn resulted in different theories of hominid origins.
Clinical Cupping: Laminar and Prelaminar Components

While glaucomatous damage to the visual system likely includes important pathophysiologies within the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) body, photoreceptors, lateral geniculate body, and visual cortex, strong evidence suggests that damage to the retinal ganglion cell axons within the lamina cribrosa of the optic nerve head (ONH) is the central pathophysiology underlying glaucomatous vision loss. Recent studies in the monkey and rat support the importance of the ONH, by describing profound alterations within the prelaminar, laminar, and peripapillary scleral tissues of the ONH at the earliest detectable stage of experimental glaucoma.
Role of Organic Hydrocarbons in Atmospheric Ice Formation via Contact Freezing.

An optical ice microscope apparatus equipped with a sealed cooling stage and a CCD camera was used to examine contact freezing events between a water droplet and ice nucleating particles (INP) containing organic hydrocarbons including octacosane, squalane, and squalene. Sample viscosities were measured with a capillary viscometer and compositions were characterized using Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy with horizontal attenuated total reflectance and Raman microspectroscopy. All of the samples proved to be moderately efficient ice nuclei that induced freezing between −23 and −26 °C, regardless of whether the INP was solid or liquid. At their ice nucleating temperatures, the viscosity of the liquid samples (squalane and squalene) was 0.6 P or greater. Oxidation increased the viscosity of squalene to over 1330 P, but decreased the viscosity of squalane to 0.07 P at room temperature. Most importantly, our results demonstrate that even moderately viscous liquids in contact with water droplets can act t...
A healthy future for physicists

Healthcare physics is a relatively unexplored branch of our subject. Depending on your taste, this could be viewed as a disadvantage or a great opportunity. Indeed, you'll find more companies listed under "healthcare" than "telecommunications" in the shares pages of newspapers, even though the latter is more commonly associated with physics-based economic growth.