cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental Investigation of Dynamic Strain Aging in 304L Stainless Steel

We seek to develop a fundamental understanding of dynamic strain aging through discovery experiments to inform the development of a dislocation based micromechanical constitutive model that can tie to existing continuum level plasticity and failure analysis tools. Dynamic strain aging (DSA) occurs when dislocation motion is hindered by the repetitive interaction of solute atoms, most frequently interstitials, with dislocation cores. At temperatures where the interstitials are mobile enough, the atmospheres can repeatedly reform, lock, and release dislocations producing a characteristic serrated flow curve. This phenomenon can produce reversals in the expected mechanical behavior of materials with varying strain rate or temperature. Loss of ductility can also occur. Experiments were conducted on various forms of 304L stainless steel over a range of temperatures and strain rates, along with temporally extreme measurements to capture information from the data signals during serrated flow. The experimental approach and observations for some of the test conditions are described herein.
Robotic Repair of Urinary Fistulae

This chapter provides a brief overview of the various types of urinary tract fistulas including vesicovaginal, ureterovaginal, vesicouterine, and vesicoenteric fistulas. The robotic assisted laparoscopic approach has recently been utilized for many urinary tract fistulas, after demonstration of safety, efficacy, and expeditious convalescence.
Efficient Absorbing Boundary Conditions For Electromagnetic Pic Simulation

Time-domain electromagnetic particle-in-cell (EM-PIC) simulation methods provide accurate and detailed predictions of interactions between charged particles and electromagnetic fields inside complex material structures. They are highly effective for modeling vacuum electronic devices, where collective interactions between a beam of electrons and electromagnetic waves, supported by an interaction structure, enables high power rf generation or amplification at frequencies in the GHz-THz range. Spatial discretization of Maxwell's equations and fields in a 3D device structure captures all relevant resonances and modes of propagation, and non-linear interactions with macro-particles representing the electron beam are solved self-consistently. EM-PIC is particularly useful for predicting instabilities that can prevent stable rf amplification. Competing interactions may occur at any frequency, and time-domain methods are ideal for capturing their growth. NRL's GPU-accelerated EM-PIC code, Neptune1, was designed specifically for this purpose.
Signals of Quality and Intent: Which New Ventures are Suitable for Funding?

Drawing on signaling theory, we examine how new ventures communicate their underlying quality and behavioral intent, using a unique dataset of 739 new ventures that sought investment from a promine...
Social touch, CT touch and massage therapy: A narrative review

Abstract This narrative review summarizes research on three forms of touch that have enhanced development and well-being. These include social touch, CT touch, and massage therapy. The lightest form of touch called CT touch (stimulation of unmyelinated afferents) is important for parent-infant and romantic relationships and for pain syndromes. Social touch including hugging and handholding is also important for those relationships. And the deepest form of touch, i.e. moderate pressure massage therapy, has been important for reducing stress. Most of the CT touch research has focused on identifying optimal velocities of touch and using fMRI scans to identify parts of the brain that are activated by light touch. The social touch literature has been primarily oriented toward the role of touch during early mother-infant interactions and later romantic relationships. The deepest form of touch has been researched for its therapeutic applications including massage therapy for pain syndromes. Each form has several methodological limitations that are reviewed here. Although the literatures on these forms of touch have many differences, they also have similarities, and they share their importance for enhancing development and well-being.
Creating enduring change

BACKGROUND: Improved educational and evaluation methods are needed in continuing professional development programs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term impact of a faculty development program in palliative care education and practice. DESIGN: Longitudinal self-report surveys administered from April 2000 to April 2005. PARTICIPANTS: Physician and nurse educators from North America and Europe. All program graduates (n=156) were invited to participate. INTERVENTION: Two-week program offered annually (2000 to 2003) with 2 on-site sessions and 6-month distance-learning period. Learner-centered training addressed teaching methods, clinical skill development, and organizational and professional development. MEASURES: Self-administered survey items assessing behaviors and attitudes related to palliative care teaching, clinical care, and organizational and professional development at pre-, postprogram, and long-term (6, 12, or 18 months) follow-up. RESULTS: Response rates: 96% (n=149) preprogram, 73% (n=114) follow-up. Participants reported increases in: time spent in palliative care practice (38% preprogram, 47% follow-up,P<.01); use of learner-centered teaching approaches (sum of 8 approaches used “a lot”: preprogram 0.7 ± 1.1, follow-up 3.1 ± 2.0,P<.0001); and palliative care topics taught (sum of 11 topics taught “a lot”: preprogram 1.6 ± 2.0, follow-up 4.9 ± 2.9,P<.0001). Reported clinical practices in psychosocial dimensions of care improved (e.g., assessed psychosocial needs of patient who most recently died: 68% preprogram, 85% follow-up,P=.01). Nearly all (90%) reported launching palliative care initiatives, and attributed their success to program participation. Respondents reported major improvements in confidence, commitment to palliative care, and enthusiasm for teaching. Eighty-two percent reported the experience as “transformative.” CONCLUSIONS: This evidence of enduring change provides support for the potential of this educational model to have measurable impact on practices and professional development of physician and nurse educators.
Periapical Microsurgery: A 4-dimensional Analysis of Healing Patterns.

Abstract Introduction Currently, the success of periapical microsurgery is determined by the restoration of the lamina dura and the elimination of symptoms. However, inadequate site preservation may prevent later implant placement. Although not possible before, the advent of cone-beam computed tomographic imaging and computer-aided registration allows for indirect and accurate 3-dimensional analysis of the surgical site over time. This study analyzed the volumetric healing pattern of the buccal plate after periapical microsurgery, with a specific focus on the buccolingual thickness of bone and the regression of the surface contour of the cortical plate. Methods Thirty-seven patients were scheduled for follow-up at least 1 year after periapical microsurgery (median = 25 months, total range = 12–31 months). Volumetric healing was analyzed by converting preoperative and postoperative cone-beam computed tomographic images into digital 3-dimensional models. The models were then registered to be able to analyze the changes in volume over time. Analysis was completed using Geomagic software (3D Systems, Rock Hill, SC), which allowed for registration of the volumes, calculation of volume change, and calculation of the margin of error. Results Twelve cases qualified for volumetric analysis. The median volumetric reduction of the cortical plate was −24.9 mm3 (interquartile range = −8.94 to −67 mm3), with an average linear error of 0.7 mm. This corresponded to an average loss in buccolingual dimension of 0.1–0.25 mm. Regression of the cortical plate was within the margin of error in all cases. Conclusions After periapical microsurgery, and in the absence of grafting materials or membranes, healing occurs with little to no regression of the buccal cortical plate.
Handling label noise through model confidence and uncertainty: application to chest radiograph classification

In this work we analyze the effect of label noise in training and test data when performing classification experiments on chest radiographs (CXRs) with modern deep learning architectures. We use ChestXRay14, the largest publicly available CXR dataset. We simulate situs inversus by horizontal flipping of the CXRs, allowing us to precisely control the amount of label noise. We also perform experiments in classifying emphysema using the ChestXRay14 provided labels that are known to be noisy. Our situs inversus experiments confirm results from the computer vision literature that deep learning architectures are relatively robust but not completely insensitive to label noise in the training data: without or with very low noise, classification results are near perfect; 16% and 32% training label noise only lead to a 1.5% and 4.6% drop in accuracy. We investigate two metrics that could be used to identify test samples that have an incorrect label: model confidence and model uncertainty. We show, in an observer study with an experienced chest radiologist, that both measures are effective in identifying samples in ChestXRay14 that are erroneously labeled for the presence of emphysema.
Shift in Mid-Year Engineering Students’ Perceptions of Their Future Careers Over Time

This full research paper presents a pilot study exploring how mid-year engineering students’ perceptions of their future careers shift over one academic year. Perceptions of future careers determine many academic decisions students make, affecting student recruitment, persistence, and performance in engineering. Understanding how students’ perceptions of their future careers change will give researchers, practitioners, and academic advisors insight into what influences students’ choice of engineering major and what they choose to focus on in their courses. Students in sophomore engineering courses (n=71) took a survey measuring the clarity of and attitude towards their future career goals at two time-points, 2–3 semesters apart. Participants’ perceptions shifted between four distinct ways of thinking about the future. Most participants shifted to either a well-defined and positive perception of their future possible career or an ill-defined less positive perception of their future possible career.
The Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Receptor and Its Role in Tumorigenesis and Cell Survival

The IGF-1R is required for optimal growth in vivo and in vitro; it plays a crucial role in the establishment and maintenance of the transformed phenotype and it protects tumor cells from apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro.
Low resistance metal contacts on MoS 2 films deposited by laser physical vapor deposition

Niobium doped MoS2 films were grown on sapphire and SiO2-p-Si substrates by laser physical vapor deposition at 600 °C. The nature of conductivity in MoS2 film on sapphire was found to be n-type while that in the film on SiO2-p-Si was p-type. Metal contacts with Al, Mo, Ta and Au were deposited by laser physical deposition on the MoS2 films. Applied current versus voltage measurements were made at room temperature. In addition, applied voltage versus current measurements were made as a function of temperature from 270 to 400 K. The two sets of measurements were used to determine the ideality factor, series resistance and Schottky barrier height for the four metal contacts. Lower resistance contacts were found to form with Ta and Mo for n-type films on sapphire and with Al and Mo for p-type films on SiO2-p-Si. The value of Schottky barrier height for the four metal films on SiO2-p-Si remained closer but differed for films on sapphire. The Schottky barrier height was found to increase with applied voltage indicating the influence of interface states and defects present in the films.
Leptomeningeal dissemination of low-grade neuroepithelial CNS tumors in adults: a 15-year experience.

Background Leptomeningeal dissemination (LD) in adults is an exceedingly rare complication of low-grade neuroepithelial CNS tumors (LGNs). We aimed to determine relative incidence, clinical presentation, and predictors of outcome. Methods We searched the quality control database of the Section of Neuro-Oncology, Yale Cancer Center, for patients with LGN (WHO grade I/II) seen between 2002 and 2017. For cases complicated by LD, we recorded demographics, clinical signs, histopathological diagnosis, and imaging findings. A comprehensive literature review was performed. Results Eleven consecutive patients with LD were identified, representing 2.3% of individuals with LGN seen at our institution between 2002 and 2017 (n = 475). Ependymoma was the predominant histological entity. Mean time interval from diagnosis of LGN to LD was 38.6 ± 10 months. Symptoms were mostly attributed to communicating hydrocephalus. Tumor deposits of LD were either nodular or linear with variable enhancement (nonenhancing lesions in 4 of 11 patients). Localized (surgery, radiosurgery, involved-field, or craniospinal radiation therapy) or systemic treatments (chemotherapy) were provided. All patients progressed radiographically. Median overall survival after LD was 102 months. Survival was prolonged when a combination of localized and systemic therapies was administered (188.5 vs 25.5 months; P = .03). Demographics and tumor spectrum reported in the literature were similar to our cohort. Conclusions LD is a rare complication of LGNs. A high level of suspicion is required for timely diagnosis as early symptoms are nonspecific and commonly do not occur until years after initial tumor diagnosis. Repeated aggressive treatment appears to be beneficial in improving survival.
The Cultural Importance of Edible Insects in Oaxaca, Mexico

Insects have great potential to serve as a sustainable food source owing to their notable nutritional value, high feed conversion rate, and low environmental footprint. The sharing of well-established recipes in cultures where insect consumption is normalized can facilitate new product development among cultures where consumption is resisted. In the current investigation, we traveled to both rural and urban areas of Oaxaca, Mexico and studied the collection, processing, retailing, and eating practices of edible insects such as chapulines [Sphenarium purpurascens Charpentier (Pyrgomorphidae, Orthoptera) and Melanoplus mexicanus (Saussure) (Acrididae, Orthoptera)], chicatanas [Atta mexicana (F. Smith) (Formicidae, Hymenoptera)], maguey worms [Comadia redtenbacheri (Hammerschmidt) (Cossidae, Lepidoptera)], and cochineal [Dactylopius coccus Costa (Dactylopiidae, Hemiptera)]. In rural communities where access to other animal-based foods has been limited, insects provided important nutritional value that today also translates into important economic value. Community members know the habits of the insects and are skilled at collecting them using sophisticated techniques. After collection, the insects are often toasted with or without seasonings for flavor and preservation. The processed insects are readily available in urban markets, and their importance in Oaxacan cuisine cannot be overestimated. Chapulines, chicatanas, and maguey worms are key ingredients in many spice mixes, salsas, and mole sauces. Cochineal is used as a food colorant. These insects are also found in a variety of foods, both sweet and savory, including omelets, tamales, quesadillas, chocolate truffles, and sorbets. As evidenced by the culinary uses of insects in Oaxaca, there is substantial potential for edible insects to become a delicacy in Western cultures.
Response of Resilient-End Supported Beam on Elastic Sub-Grade to a Moving Point Load

In this study, the response of a resilient- end supported beam on an elastic sub-grade to a moving concentrated load is obtained using the method of the harmonic series analysis. Numerical examples are given in order to determine the effects of various parameters on the dynamic response of the beam. From the solutions obtained, within the ranges of parameters considered, it was seen that for the case of simply-supported beams the series solutions converge very rapidly, and an increase in the elastic foundation parameter results in the decrease in beam deflections with the maximum dynamic deflections occurring under the load. Furthermore, for the very low speeds of the load the deflection profile becomes symmetric with respect to the load.
The contribution of grammar and lexicon to language switching costs: Examining contact-induced languages and their implications for theories of language representation

Many language pairs chosen in language switching studies differ randomly on multiple linguistic levels, thus obscuring the nature of switching costs. Contact-induced languages, i.e., creoles (e.g., Spanish-based Palenquero) and mixed languages (e.g., Media Lengua), having arisen in intense language contact scenarios, relate systematically to their source languages by displaying high proportions of cognates or shared grammar. This configuration can speak to the relative contribution of lexicon and grammar to switching costs. Results from a production and comprehension task show that switching costs are systematically tied to a language pair's grammatical distance. This suggests that switching costs may result from the re-generation of the morphosyntactic frame on switch trials. Emphasizing the value of testing psycholinguistic theories outside of the usual Western populations, the current study provides insight into the degree of shared mental representations between contact-induced languages and their source languages.
The Villin1 Gene Promoter Drives Cre Recombinase Expression in Extraintestinal Tissues

Author(s): Rutlin, M; Rastelli, D; Kuo, WT; Estep, JA; Louis, A; Riccomagno, MM; Turner, JR; Rao, M
Vesicular Stomatitis Virus and DNA Vaccines Expressing Zika Virus Nonstructural Protein 1 Induce Substantial but Not Sterilizing Protection against Zika Virus Infection.

The nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of several flaviviruses, including West Nile, dengue, and yellow fever viruses, is capable of inducing variable degrees of protection against flavivirus infection in animal models. However, the immunogenicity of NS1 protein of Zika virus (ZIKV) is less understood. Here, we determined the efficacy of ZIKV NS1-based vaccine candidates using two delivery platforms, methyltransferase-defective recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (mtdVSV) and a DNA vaccine. We first show that expression of ZIKV NS1 could be significantly enhanced by optimizing the signal peptide. A single dose of mtdVSV-NS1-based vaccine or two doses of DNA vaccine induced high levels of NS1-specfic antibody and T cell immune responses but provided only partial protection against ZIKV viremia in BALB/c mice. In Ifnar1-/- mice, neither NS1-based vaccine provided protection against a lethal high dose (105 PFU) ZIKV challenge, but mtdVSV-NS1-based vaccine prevented deaths from a low dose (103 PFU) challenge, though they experienced viremia and body weight loss. We conclude that ZIKV NS1 alone conferred substantial, but not complete, protection against ZIKV infection. Nevertheless, these results highlight the value of ZIKV NS1 for vaccine development.Importance Most Zika virus (ZIKV) vaccine research has focused on the E or prM-E proteins and the induction of high levels of neutralizing antibodies. However, these ZIKV neutralizing antibodies cross react with other flaviviruses, which may aggravate the disease via an Antibody Dependent Enhancement (ADE) mechanism. ZIKV NS1 protein may be an alternative antigen for vaccine development, as antibodies to NS1 do not bind to the virion, thereby eliminating the risk of ADE. Here we show that recombinant VSV and DNA vaccines expressing NS1, alone, confer partial protection against ZIKV infection in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice, highlighting the value of NS1 as a potential vaccine candidate.
Handshake antimicrobial stewardship as a model to recognize and prevent diagnostic errors.

Objectives Few studies describe the impact of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) on recognizing and preventing diagnostic errors. Handshake stewardship (HS-ASP) is a novel ASP model that prospectively reviews hospital-wide antimicrobial usage with recommendations made in person to treatment teams. The purpose of this study was to determine if HS-ASP could identify and intervene on potential diagnostic errors for children hospitalized at a quaternary care children's hospital. Methods Previously self-identified "Great Catch" (GC) interventions by the Children's Hospital Colorado HS-ASP team from 10/2014 through 5/2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Each GC was categorized based on the types of recommendations from HS-ASP, including if any diagnostic recommendations were made to the treatment team. Each GC was independently scored using the "Safer Dx Instrument" to determine presence of diagnostic error based on a previously determined cut-off score of ≤1.50. Interrater reliability for the instrument was measured using a randomized subset of one third of GCs. Results During the study period, there were 162 GC interventions. Of these, 65 (40%) included diagnostic recommendations by HS-ASP and 19 (12%) had a Safer Dx Score of ≤1.50, (Κ=0.44; moderate agreement). Of those GCs associated with diagnostic errors, the HS-ASP team made a diagnostic recommendation to the primary treatment team 95% of the time. Conclusions Handshake stewardship has the potential to identify and intervene on diagnostic errors for hospitalized children.
Optically Activated, Customizable, Excitable Cells - A Kuhl Platform for Evolving Next Gen Biosensors

Abstract Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors are powerful tools for studying complex signaling in the nervous system, and now both Ca2+ and voltage sensors are available to study the signaling behavior of entire neural circuits. There is a pressing need for improved sensors to properly interrogate these systems. Improving them is challenging because testing them involves low throughput, labor-intensive processes. Our goal was to create a live cell system in HEK293 cells that use a simple, reproducible, optogenetic process for testing prototypes of genetically encoded biosensors. In this live cell system, blue light activates an adenylyl cyclase enzyme (bPAC) that increases intracellular cAMP [1]. In turn, the cAMP opens a cAMP gated ion channel (olfactory cyclic nucleotide-gated channel, CNG, or the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel, HCN2). This produces slow, whole-cell Ca2+ transients and voltage changes. To increase the speed of these transients, we added the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir2.1, the bacterial voltage-gated sodium channel NAVROSD, and Connexin-43. This is a modular system in which the types of channels, and their relative amounts, can be tuned to produce the cellular behavior that is crucial for screening biosensors. The result is a highly reproducible, high-throughput live cell system that can be used to screen voltage and Ca2+ sensors in multiple fluorescent wavelengths simultaneously.
AC magnetometry with active stabilization and harmonic suppression for magnetic nanoparticle spectroscopy and thermometry

Magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) thermometry based on magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS) is explored as a potential approach for realizing in-situ temperature measurement of 3D objects. MNP thermometry relies on the nonlinear magnetization response to an AC drive field. This nonlinear response has functional dependence on frequency and temperature, governed by the complex magnetization dynamics of MNPs suspended in solution. In this work, we introduce our approach for accurate and precise AC magnetization measurements using actively stabilized drive fields ranging from DC to 10 kHz. To isolate the harmonic response of MNPs from the drive field, we also perform active cancellation to reach drive field suppression up to 120 dB. Active stabilization and cancellation are utilized for real-time, sensitive measurements of AC magnetization of commercial samples, with stability on the timescale of hours. Initial results for MNP thermometry are demonstrated using this technique, and we achieved a total temperature uncertainty of 410 mK and 170 mK at 100 ms and 10 s integration time, respectively.
Preparing Pre-service and In-service Teachers to Teach Mathematics and Science Using an Integrated Approach: The Role of a Six-Week Summer Course

Many pre-service and in-service elementary teachers indicate that they have limited content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and experience regarding the integrated teaching of mathematics and science. Such limitation puts them in an uncertain and vulnerable situation in terms of planning and instruction. This qualitative, descriptive, and interpretative study examines the experiences of 28 pre-service and in-service teachers as they plan and teach during a six-week summer course on integration of mathematics and science instruction for 4 th and 5 th grades. The research question is: how may a six-week summer course focusing on planning and teaching mathematics and science using an integrated approach enhance teachersâ€™ knowledge, experience, and confidence in teaching? Data include participating teachersâ€™ reflections on assigned readings, meeting discussions, collaborative planning and teaching, their final papers, and the instructorâ€™s field notes. The findings suggest that the exchange of ideas and information along with the instructorâ€™s ongoing support provides the teachers with opportunities to become more knowledgeable and confident in integrating mathematics and science. The study also suggests that ongoing professional development and school district administrative support are essential components for sustaining teachersâ€™ professional development related to teaching mathematics and science from an integrated perspective. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.20.1.4
Youth Exposure to Warnings on Cigar, E-Cigarette, and Waterpipe Tobacco Packages.

Introduction Studies of tobacco product warnings have focused primarily on the reach and effectiveness of cigarette warnings for adult smokers, whereas few observational studies have examined noncigarette tobacco product warnings among youth. Methods High school students from the 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey (n=10,094) reported the frequency of exposure to warnings on cigar, e-cigarette, and waterpipe tobacco packages and the perceived harm of occasionally using e-cigarettes and waterpipe tobacco. In 2020, results were analyzed for the entire sample and among subgroups, including never users, ever users, youth susceptible to using tobacco, and current users. Results Reported high exposure to warnings was highest for cigars (22.3%), followed by that for e-cigarettes (20.8%) and that for waterpipe tobacco (7.0%). Youth who were susceptible to using cigars (AOR=1.53, 95% CI=1.29, 1.82), who ever used cigars (AOR=4.32, 95% CI=3.57, 5.22), or who currently used cigars (AOR=8.90, 95% CI=6.95, 11.39) were more likely to report high exposure to cigar warnings than youth who never used cigars. Similar findings were observed for e-cigarette and waterpipe tobacco warnings. For youth who ever used e-cigarettes, high exposure to warnings was associated with higher odds of perceiving e-cigarettes as harmful for occasional product use (AOR=1.50, 95% CI=1.05, 2.15), and high exposure to waterpipe tobacco warnings was associated with higher odds of perceiving waterpipe tobacco as harmful (AOR=1.21, 95% CI=1.00, 1.45). Conclusions Warnings on noncigarette tobacco products reach some youth at risk for using these products, but these warnings may need to be strengthened to further reduce their use.
Research on Zero Value Detection Technology of Porcelain Insulator

High-voltage insulators are one of the devices widely used in power systems, and their pros and cons are directly related to the safe and stable operation of the power system. The large-tonnage UHV insulator AC withstand voltage detection method is restricted by conditions at the engineering site, and the detection efficiency is low and difficult to implement. The research on the method of detecting UHV zero-value insulators using high-voltage pulses and the development of portable detection devices are of great significance. This article has completed the portable insulator detection device using a miniaturized high-voltage pulse test power supply. The developed portable UHV zero-value insulator detection device can effectively judge zero-value, low-value and high-value UHV insulators, and adapt to large quantities of UHV insulators. Requirements for efficient testing.
Remote Structural Infrasound: Case Studies of Real-Time Infrastructure System Monitoring

AbstractInfrastructure in the continental United States is often used beyond its design life due to budgetary constraints and logistical hurdles. New structural health monitoring techniques have be...
Implications of thin laminations on pore structure of marine shale reservoir: Goldwyer Formation case study from Western Australia

The pore structure of a shale reservoir is a major control on hydrocarbon potential, yet shale pore systems are complex and affected by various factors. This paper focuses on the differences in pore structure between thinly laminated and massive black shale (MBSh) beds in the Ordovician Goldwyer-III shale, Canning Basin, Western Australia. A multiscale approach included image logs, core descriptions, thin sections, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction analysis with low-pressure nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas adsorption tests. The results indicate that the Goldwyer shale comprises laminated beds of quartz silt and shale with thin beds of organic-rich clay, plus minor interbedded carbonate bands or concretions. The pore types are subjected to rock type, and the thinly laminated shale (LSh) is enriched in intergranular and intragranular pores. In contrast, the MBSh mainly comprises organic matter pores. The LSh is slightly enriched in mesopores but has negligible micropores. The mesopores are wedge-shaped and associated with an inorganic matrix of clay and pyrite. In comparison, the MBSh contains both mesopores and micropores. These pores are slit-like and related to organic matter and clay. The clay content and total organic carbon fluctuations control the development of mesopores and micropores in both the laminated and MBSh beds in the Goldwyer-III shale. The MBSh layers are suggested as the most important rock types for fluid flow via pore systems due to higher total pore volume, specific surface area and gas adsorption capacity.
Attraction, Social Presence, Sociability, and Booking Intentions: The Moderating Role of Homophily:

It is essential for hotel marketers to better understand how human images—found in website photographs—are perceived by customers, and how such perceptions can affect customers’ website experience ...
Skull base osteomyelitis imaging.

Purpose of review Skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) is a challenging entity to diagnose and treat. The goal of this review is to summarize the imaging findings of SBO and present these in the context of recent studies on imaging of SBO. Recent findings This review discusses the clinical presentation, pathophysiology and imaging appearances of SBO. The review further emphasizes the results of latest studies on imaging of SBO, and the role of different modalities in diagnosis and evaluation of disease course and treatment response. Brief discussion on differential diagnoses from an imaging standpoint is also included. Summary Various imaging modalities play different and complimentary roles in diagnosis and management of SBO, which are discussed in this review.
Commentary on intrathoracic prosthesis in children in preventing post pneumonectomy syndrome: Its role in congenital single lung and post pneumonectomy situations.

Abstract This is a Commentary on the manuscript titled “Intrathoracic Prosthesis in Children in Preventing Post-Pneumonectomy Syndrome: Its Role in Congenital Single Lung and Post-Pneumonectomy Situations” by Quong W, Bulstrode N, Beeman A, et al.
Shape analysis of open curves in R 3 with applications to study of fiber tracts in DT-MRI data

Motivated by the problem of analyzing shapes of fiber tracts in DT-MRI data, we present a geometric framework for studying shapes of open curves in R3. We start with a space of unit-length curves and define the shape space to be its quotient space modulo rotation and reparametrization groups. Thus, the resulting shape analysis is invariant to parameterizations of curves. Furthermore, a Riemannian structure on this quotient shape space allows us to compute geodesic paths between given curves and helps develop algorithms for: (i) computing statistical summaries of a collection of curves using means and covariances, and (ii) clustering a given set of curves into clusters of similar shapes. Examples using fiber tracts, extracted as parameterized curves from DT-MRI images, are presented to demonstrate this framework.
The Impact of Quantitative Argumentation in Legal Discourse

Mathematical models and law & economics have proliferated in the legal academy. This article studies the impact of legal articles that use an economic methodology. Courts are not averse to citing quantitative articles. The narrowly argued structure of economic argumentation of refereed journals, however, prevents those articles from being cited extensively because courts prefer to cite articles with broad, encyclopedic argumentation. The insistence of faculty-refereed journals on narrowly argued, high-level-of-proof argumentation undermines the impact of economic analysis of law.
Is mathematics inevitable? : a miscellany

This is a collection of gems from the literature of mathematics that shine as brightly today as when they first appeared in print - they deserve to be seen and admired. The selections include two opposing views on the purpose of mathematics, the strong law of small numbers, the treatment of calculus in the 1771 Encyclopaedia Britannica, several proofs that the number of legs on a horse is infinite, a deserved refutation of the ridiculous Euler-Diderot anecdote, the real story of pi and the Indiana legislature, the reason why Theodorus stopped proving that square roots were irrational when he got to the square root of 17, an excerpt from Mathematics Made Difficult, a glimpse into the mind of a calculating prodigy, and much more. There will be something here for anyone interested in mathematics.
Mechanisms of resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics: overview and perspectives

Aminoglycoside (AG) antibiotics are used to treat many Gram-negative and some Gram-positive infections and, importantly, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Among various bacterial species, resistance to AGs arises through a variety of intrinsic and acquired mechanisms. The bacterial cell wall serves as a natural barrier for small molecules such as AGs and may be further fortified via acquired mutations. Efflux pumps work to expel AGs from bacterial cells, and modifications here too may cause further resistance to AGs. Mutations in the ribosomal target of AGs, while rare, also contribute to resistance. Of growing clinical prominence is resistance caused by ribosome methyltransferases. By far the most widespread mechanism of resistance to AGs is the inactivation of these antibiotics by AG-modifying enzymes. We provide here an overview of these mechanisms by which bacteria become resistant to AGs and discuss their prevalence and potential for clinical relevance.
The ventral nervous system defective gene controls proneural gene expression at two distinct steps during neuroblast formation in Drosophila

Within the Drosophila embryo, the formation of many neuroblasts depends on the functions of the proneural genes of the achaete-scute complex (AS-C): achaete (ac), scute (sc) and lethal of scute (l9sc), and the gene ventral nervous system defective (vnd). Here, we show that vnd controls neuroblast formation, in part, through its regulation of the proneural genes of the AS-C. vnd is absolutely required to activate ac, sc and l9sc gene expression in proneural clusters in specific domains along the medial column of the earliest arising neuroblasts. Using ac-lacZ reporter constructs, we determined that vnd controls proneural gene expression at two distinct steps during neuroblast formation through separable regulatory regions. First, vnd is required to activate proneural cluster formation within the medial column of every other neuroblast row through regulatory elements located 3′ to ac; second, through a 5′ regulatory region, vnd functions to increase or maintain proneural gene expression in the cell within the proneural cluster that normally becomes the neuroblast. By following neuroblast segregation in vnd mutant embryos, we show that the neuroectoderm forms normally and that the defects in neuroblast formation are specific to particular proneural clusters.
Attached and suspended microbial communities in a pristine confined aquifer

[1] We compare the community of microbes attached to the sediments in a pristine confined aquifer to the free-floating community suspended in the groundwater there. We sampled the attached microbial community at 19 wells completed in the glacial Mahomet aquifer in east central Illinois using in situ samplers, and we sampled the suspended community by filtering microbes from groundwater. At each well, we profiled the two communities using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and compared the profiles we obtained with multivariate statistical analyses. Some populations at a well are detected both in the attached and suspended communities, but the shared populations represent, on average, only one third of each community; the remaining populations are detected exclusively in one community or the other. Clones closely related to the iron-reducing bacteria Geobacter and Geothrix represent more than 20% of the total attached community detected at many wells, but at no well do they make up more than 1% of the suspended community. To fully characterize the microbial community in an aquifer, it may be necessary to sample the attached as well as suspended communities.
Synthesis of N-substituted bisitaconimide monomers for use as thermosetting polyimide resins

Two monomeric N-substituted bisitaconimides, N,N′-bisitaconimido-p,p′-diphenylmethane and N,N′-bis(itaconimido-p,p′-diphenyl ether), were synthesized from the corresponding diamines. The synthesis was accomplished by reaction of the diamine with itaconic anhydride and cyclocondensation of the resultant bisitaconamic acid. Attempts to use p,p′-diaminodiphenylsulfone as the diamine gave N,N′-biscitraconimido-p,p′-diphenylsulfone and N-citraconimido-N′-itaconimido-p,p′-diphenylsulfone instead of the bisitaconimide. The two bisitaconimides polymerize thermally at 180°C and 225°C, respectively, and yield tough polymers with very high thermal stability.
Somatostatin inhibits insulin release via SSTR2 in hamster clonal β-cells and pancreatic islets

Abstract Somatostatin (SST) inhibits pancreatic endocrine secretion. It is generally accepted that SSTR2 and SSTR5 mediate the inhibition of glucagon and insulin release, respectively. The present study was performed to test the hypothesis that SSTR2, but not SSTR5, mediates SST-induced inhibition of insulin release in hamster β-cells. Both hamster clonal β-cells HIT-T15 and pancreatic islets were used to test this hypothesis. Both SST and a nonpeptide SSTR2 agonist L-779,976 (1–100 nM) inhibited insulin release from HIT-T15 and islets in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, nonpeptide agonists for SSTR1, 3, 4 and 5 at the highest concentration studied (1 μM) failed to inhibit insulin release. PRL-2903, a peptide SSTR2 antagonist (0.1–1 μM), antagonized SST-induced inhibition of insulin release in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, we conclude that, in hamster β-cells, SST inhibits insulin release via SSTR2 but not SSTR5.
Electrical properties of BaTiO 3 nanoparticles in poly(ether imide)

The relative permittivity has been measured at audio frequencies and low temperatures for nanocomposites composed of poly(ether imide) (PEI) and BaTiO3 nanoparticles, the nanoparticles in a cavity and polycrystalline BaTiO3. The data at room temperature, for the real part of the relative permittivity versus nanoparticle content of the heat-treated nanocomposites, are found to follow a recently proposed modified Hanai equation. Also, a low-temperature relaxation region (in the vicinity of 20 K) is found in the heat-treated nanocomposites. This relaxation region is also observed in measurements on the nanoparticles packed in a cavity and for the polycrystalline BaTiO3 materials. A relaxation associated with water in the PEI is observed in the as-prepared nanocomposites. Finally, the breakdown strength of the heat-treated nanocomposites is found to decrease as the nanoparticle content increases. Microstructure-level simulations of electric field statistics were carried out and show that matrix field intensification cannot account for all of the variation of breakdown strength with nanoparticle concentration.
Self-selecting, self-tuning, incrementally optimized indexes

In a relational data warehouse with many tables, the number of possible and promising indexes exceeds human comprehension and requires automatic index tuning. While monitoring and reactive index tuning have been proposed, adaptive indexing focuses on adapting the physical database layout for and by actual queries."Database cracking" is one such technique. Only if and when a column is used in query predicates, an index for the column is created; and only if and when a key range is queried, the index is optimized for this key range. The effect is akin to a sort that is adaptive and incremental. This sort is, however, very inefficient, particularly when applied on block-access devices. In contrast, traditional index creation sorts data with an efficient merge sort optimized for block-access devices, but it is neither adaptive nor incremental.We propose adaptive merging, an adaptive, incremental, and efficient technique for index creation. Index optimization focuses on key ranges used in actual queries. The resulting index adapts more quickly to new data and to new query patterns than database cracking. Sort efficiency is comparable to that of traditional B-tree creation. Nonetheless, the new technique promises better query performance than database cracking, both in memory and on block-access storage.
Synthesis of All Distinct α-Methyl-Substituted Isomers of Amino Bis(2,2′-Ethanoic Acid) Diethyl Ester and Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid Tetraethyl Ester Scaffolds

Abstract The syntheses of three dialkylated and six tetraalkylated ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid tetraesters is described. The dialkylated derivatives were synthesized by a convergent non-racemizing route to yield three enantiomerically and diastereomerically pure tetraesters (SS)- 3a , (RR)- 3b and (R∗S∗)- 3c in 55–57% yields from alanine ethyl ester 1. Enantiomerically and diastereomerically pure tetraalkylated derivatives (SSSS)- 8a , (RRRR)- 8b , (2R∗,2′S∗,2″R∗,2‴S∗)- 8c , (2R∗,2′R∗,2″S∗,2‴S∗)- 8d , (2R,2′R,2″R,2‴S)- 8e and (2S,2′S,2″S,2‴R)- 8f were synthesized in two to five steps and 22–49% overall yields from alanine ethyl ester 1.
GENE TARGETING OF DT-DIAPHORASE IN MOUSE EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS : ESTABLISHMENT OF NULL MUTANT AND ITS MITOMYCIN C-RESISTANCE

It is generally accepted that DT-diaphorase is primarily involved in the detoxification of quinone compounds and is capable of metabolically activating some cancer chemotherapeutic quinones including mitomycin C. However, these conclusions have mainly been drawn from the experiments using the DT-diaphorase inhibitor, dicoumarol. To understand directly the roles of this enzyme in quinone metabolism, we have established heterozygously and homozygously DT-diaphorase-targeted mutant embryonic stem (ES) cells by homologous recombination. Cytotoxicity experiments using these cells clearly demonstrated that DT-diaphorase acts as an activator of mitomycin C in ES cells. These mutant cell lines seem to be very useful for investigating the functions of DT-diaphorase including the bioactivation and detoxification of quinone species. The generation of a DT-diaphorase-targeted mouse is under investigation.
Dynamics and instability of false vacuum bubbles

This paper examines the classical dynamics of false-vacuum regions embedded in surrounding regions of true vacuum, in the thin-wall limit. The dynamics of all generally relativistically allowed solutions---most but not all of which have been previously studied---are derived, enumerated, and interpreted. We comment on the relation of these solutions to possible mechanisms whereby inflating regions may be spawned from noninflating ones. We then calculate the dynamics of first-order deviations from spherical symmetry, finding that many solutions are unstable to such aspherical perturbations. The parameter space in which the perturbations on bound solutions inevitably become nonlinear is mapped. This instability has consequences for the Farhi-Guth-Guven mechanism for baby universe production via quantum tunneling.
Influence of Genes of the Major Histocompatibility Complex on Ulcerative Dermal Necrosis Induced in Mice by Mycoplasma arthritidis

All mouse strains injected s.c. with Mycoplasma arthritidis developed severe abscesses in the subdermal tissues. However, M. arthritidis strain 14124 P10 also induced an ulcerative dermal coagulation necrosis in mouse strains expressing the k and d haplotypes but not in those expressing the b, q, or s haplotypes. The use of inbred and congenic mouse strains established that the ulcerative necrosis was associated with the haplotypes expressed at the H2 major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The gene restriction seen could be partially overcome by using a more virulent mouse-passaged strain of M. arthritidis (158 P10P9). The data suggest that genes of the MHC function by rendering certain mouse strains more susceptible to an as yet unidentified necrotizing moiety. The close histologic resemblance of the dermal necrosis induced by M. arthritidis to certain human diseases such as necrotizing fasciitis, the ulcerative lesions induced by Mycobacterium ulcerans, and the crepitant and gangrenous cellulitides may therefore provide a unique model to study the genetic factors and mechanisms of pathogenesis in these latter human conditions.
The role of associative mediation in retroactive inhibition and facilitation

The role of implicit mediating responses in producing retroactive inhibition and facilitation (RI and RF) was investigated. The degree of associative connection between the stimulus terms in successive paired-associate lists was varied. In Experiment I the response terms in the first and the second list were different and unrelated. There was no evidence of mediated interference in either the transfer or the recall stage. Negative transfer and RI were substantial when the stimuli were identical. In Experiment II the responses in the two lists remained the same. Both mediated facilitation and RF were found. Potential mediators appear to be activated only when they facilitate performance.
SUPERFLUIDITY AND THERMODYNAMICS OF A CONDENSED SOLITON SYSTEM

Technical details of the new proposal that nontopological solitons might be relevant to high Tc superconductivity are presented. Energy levels, thermodynamics, the phase transition and superfluidity are calculated.
CLOCKSS—It Takes a Community

CLOCKSS (Controlled Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe) is a community-wide endeavor built upon the widely used LOCKSS system. CLOCKSS is working to guarantee long-term access to digital materials regardless of ability to pay. Two lively sessions led by Victoria Reich, Director of the LOCKSS Program at Stanford University Libraries, were packed to capacity. Librarian and publisher participants in CLOCKSS are implementing a shared solution to one of the most significant challenges of the digital era.