cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECT OF CONVECTED FLUID LOADING ON THE OPTIMAL TRANSDUCER PLACEMENT FOR ACTIVE CONTROL OF SOUND TRANSMISSION THROUGH AN AEROELASTIC PLATE

Nomenclature This paper investigates the effect of convected fluid loading on the optimal locations of colocated transducers for static output feedback control of sound transmission through an aeroelastic plate. The model of a convected fluid loaded plate coupled to a cavity is presented. The physical dimensions and parameters of the model are chosen to replicate a small commercial aircraft. Development of the appropriate cost function and optimization algorithm is discussed in detail. Case studies optimizing a control system with one colocated velocity sensor and point force actuator are presented for external flow speeds varying from Mach 0.1 to Mach 1.1. The initial location of the sensor-actuator pair was selected arbitrarily. Results indicate that optimum transducer placement does not vary considerably over the flow speeds considered. However, in all flow cases the performance of the structural acoustic control system increased with transducer placement optimization. The greatest benefit being 6.6 dB for the Mach 0.7 case. Considerably greater reduction in the low frequency region was also noted after transducer placement optimization. For the Mach 1.1 case, cavity acoustic potential energy in the 1/3 octave band centered at 31.5 Hz. decreased 15.8 dB after placement optimization.
Burial and Social Reproduction in the Peninsular Italian Neolithic

This essay analyzes Neolithic burial sites from Southern and Central Italy. Aside from a poorly defined Abruzzese/Latial regional tradition, most sites fall into a well-defined developmental sequence. The Early and Middle Neolithic are characterized by unelaborated single primary burials in villages, without grave goods or formal tomb architecture. Sporadic local experiments with goods, tombs, formal cemetery areas and secondary burial are known in the Middle-Late Neolithic, associated with varied trichrome ware cultures, and in the Late-Final Neolithic Diana-Bellavista culture aspects of these are combined in a widespread standard package of cist tombs with single or multiple burials, skull curation, goods and formal cemetery areas. Variation in burial position was associated both with sex and with the presence of burial goods and architecture. Throughout the Neolithic burial was not used to symbolize notable status differences between individuals. Burial changes in the Late- Final Neolithic probably relate to a shift from co-residence in bounded villages, defined by perimeter ditches and individual compound ditches, to a stress on genealogy as a means of group identification. The new cemeteries preserved the segmentary structure of the group, but symbolized relations among people by mapping them onto the dead instead of the living. The result allowed genealogy to be used more flexibly as a strategic idiom for mobilizing production. and creating strategic alliances in the trade-oriented atmosphere of the Final Neolithic. Diana-Bellavista culture burials on some Late Neolithic village sites may mark legitimation of the transitional generations.
FE Static Analysis of Supporting Bracket with Master-slave Control Manipulator

The finite element static analysis was conducted on supporting bracket with master-slave control manipulator by using FEA.The displacement,equivalent stress and strain of supporting bracket were obtained in each condition.The weak spots of intensity were found and corresponding improved schemes were brought forward.The analysis results supply a theoretical support to improve the structural intensity and the design of the supporting bracket.
Virtual resource allocation method with the consideration of performance interference among virtual machines

A method for allocating the virtual resource with the consideration of the performance interference among virtual machines was proposed.The model for evaluating the performance interference among virtual machines was formed and the method for predicting the performance interference was presented based on the workload pattern of the virtual machine.The predicted result of the performance interference among virtual machines was put into the evaluation of the resource allocation plan to be used as the basis for resource allocation.By doing this,the effectiveness of the resource allocation plan could be insured.The experiments show that the proposed virtual resource allocation method can insure the execution performance of the application deployed on the virtual machines.
Gray projection image stabilizing algorithm based on log-polar image transform

Traditional gray projection image stabilizing algorithm just works under horizontal and vertical movement; but it is unable to deal with either scaling or rotation of the matched images. Due to the limitation, a gray projection image stabilizing algorithm based on log-polar image transform was introduced. When log-polar image transform was used in scaling or rotation image, the scaling or rotation movement in Descartes reference frame was represented by horizontal and vertical movement in log-polar reference frame. Accordingly, gray projection algorithm could be used in scaling or rotation image.
Free Radical and Iron-Mediated Injury in Lysosomes

Considerable morphological evidence suggests that the loss of lysosomal membrane integrity occurs during experimental ischemia (1,2), however, whether the released hydrolases play an essential role prior to irreversible injury remains unclear. In recent years, increasing evidence has accumulated demonstrating that myocardial ischemia and reperfusion result in excessive production of oxygen radicals (3–5). Thus, free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation has been implicated to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury. At the subcellular level, the phospholipid-rich lysosomal membrane is a potential site of free radical attack. In the present report, we summarize our recent studies of free radical reactions in lysosomes. In an effort to circumvent the technical difficulties of investigating free radical reactions in situ, we designed in vitro experiments using isolated lysosomes. The temporal relationship of the susceptibility of lysosomal membranes to oxygen radicals and the subsequent changes in lysosomal size and membrane integrity were studied.
PROPERTIES OF A BROADLY TUNABLE UREA OPTICAL PARAMETRIC OSCILLATOR

We have demonstrated for the first time an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) utilizing area which conveniently produces radiation from the far UV through the near IR. Although suggested previously1, this is the first time urea has been used to generate such widely tunable, coherent light. Because of its efficiency and great convenience, we anticipate the urea OPO will rapidly become an important optical device.
Probing Stimulus Control in Free-Operant Avoidance

The degree of stimulus control of free-operant avoidance was investigated through two probe procedures that assessed stimulus control within a single session. Twenty-five rats responded under a signaled free-operant avoidance contingency. Each response postponed the 10-s preshock (warning) stimulus for 15 s (if it occurred in its absence) or terminated that stimulus (if it occurred in its presence). For seven rats the discrimination procedure used visual stimuli (houselight-darkness); 18 rats were trained with auditory stimuli (tone - no tone). After 30 consecutive baseline sessions a probe procedure was imposed on the baseline conditions in every second or third session. The probes consisted of varying the response-preshock stimulus (RS 1) interval during sample periods of the session. Both on baseline and on probe sessions stimulus control depended on the modality of the discriminative stimuli. The auditory group was more resistant to changes in the RS1 interval during the probe sessions. Results clearly show that the two probe procedures used were successful in detecting underlying temporal discrimination helping in exteroceptive stimulus control of avoidance responding.
We are never alone: a conversation on bio art with Eduardo Kac

Brazilian-born artist Eduardo Kac’s (Rio de Janeiro, 1962) work has raised eyebrows especially for his ‘transgenic art’ projects, among others: Genesis, 1999; GFP Bunny, 2000; The Eight Day, 2001; Natural History of the Enigma, 2003/08. In all of these, Kac and his scientific collaborators realize genetic interventions into living organisms at the same time as they trigger audience reactions to these from playful kinds of interaction that is integrated into the works’ open and dynamic creative process. Yet whereas the ethical and political challenges Kac’s work poses have sparked lively debates within and beyond the realm of the arts – can and must art engage with the ‘creative’ potentials of biotechnology and genetics? Do these not in fact (as Vilem Flusser and others have suggested) hold the key to realizing the vanguardist dream of merging art and life? Or should the artist, from the vantage point of his own creative practice, not rather warn us against the ethical and political risks involved in genetic engineering? – much less attention has been paid to the way Kac’s art also continues and transforms a particular legacy of post-concretist, ambient and performance art in Latin America. Kac himself has referred to Brazilian artists Flavio de Carvalho, Helio Oiticica and Lygia Clark as informing his interest in open, participative forms, which characterize both his transgenic and his earlier ‘tele-presence’ art projects. Other Latin American artists of the late twentieth and early twenty-first century have been producing intriguing engagements with living materials, multispecies habitats and organic remains, including such diverse names as Luis Fernando Benedit, Nicola Constantino, Nuno Ramos, or Teresa Margolles. In a conversation with Jens Andermann and Gabriel Giorgi at the University of Zurich’s Center of Latin American Studies on March 12, 2015, Kac addressed the way in which his work might be seen as continuing or challenging long-standing representations of the New World as a repository of ‘nature’, from colonial chronicles of discovery to contemporary discourses of biodiversity and conservation. To what extent is bio art – and the questions it raises about the Anthropocene as a threshold of radical biopolitical convergence between ‘history’ and ‘nature’ – necessarily ‘transcultural’ and planetary in its extension?
After Brainstorming, Groups Select an Early Generated Idea as Their Best Idea:

A long-standing assumption states that brainstorming techniques that increase the quantity of ideas will lead to the selection of better ideas (Taylor, Berry, & Block, 1958). However, groups that g...
Association of Chronic Kidney Disease With In-Hospital Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Abstract Objectives This study sought to determine the association of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with in-hospital outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Background CKD is a known independent risk factor for worse outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). However, data on outcomes of patients with CKD undergoing TAVR are limited, especially in those on chronic dialysis. Methods The authors used data from the 2012 to 2014 National Inpatient Sample database to identify all patients ≥18 years of age who underwent TAVR. International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision-Clinical Modification codes were used to identify patients with no CKD, CKD (without chronic dialysis), or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on long-term dialysis. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed using generalized estimating equations to examine in-hospital outcomes. Results Of 41,025 patients undergoing TAVR from 2012 to 2014, 25,585 (62.4%) had no CKD, 13,750 (33.5%) had CKD, and 1,690 (4.1%) had ESRD. Compared with patients with no CKD, in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with CKD or ESRD (3.8% vs. 4.5% vs. 8.3%; adjusted odds ratio [no CKD as reference]: 1.39 [95% confidence interval: 1.24 to 1.55] for CKD and 2.58 [95% confidence interval: 2.09 to 3.13] for ESRD). Patients with CKD or ESRD had a higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (composite of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke), net adverse cardiovascular events (composite of major adverse cardiovascular events, major bleeding, or vascular complications), and pacemaker implantation compared with patients without CKD. Acute kidney injury (AKI) and AKI requiring dialysis were associated with several-fold higher risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality in patients in the no CKD and CKD groups. Moreover, the incidence of AKI and AKI requiring dialysis did not decline during the study period. Conclusions Patients with CKD or ESRD have worse in-hospital outcomes after TAVR. AKI is associated with higher in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing TAVR and the incidence of AKI has not declined over the years.
The Dubious Status of Formal Project Evaluation Procedures

For the last several decades developed countries have adopted and utilized formal transportation project evaluation schemes whose objective is to “provide an assessment of whether a proposal is worthwhile, and clearly communicate conclusions and recommendations” (UK, Green Book 2011). Such project evaluation procedures set the rationale for government intervention, define a project’s objectives and alternatives, and examine the direct transportation-economic costs and benefits for each option. Within this framework, Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) is the key analytical component because it is meant to appraise the net economic value of each alternative’s direct transportation benefits, given the required resources, in a way that treats all projects equally and unambiguously (Vickerman 2000). The end result of this process should be prioritization of the suggested options, based on welfare-economic foundations. Other evaluation approaches, such as the UK’s New Approach To Appraisal (NATA), require application of supplementary techniques, in addition to CBA, for the purpose of examining and weighing indirect costs and benefits—economic development, community cohesion and equity, to name just a few.
Genetic Disorders: Sex-Linked

This article summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding sex-linked genetic disorders. There is a strong male bias for many childhood disorders. Genes located on the X chromosome are responsible for many Mendelian-inherited conditions, including color blindness and fragile X syndrome. Although sex linkage has not hitherto been demonstrated unequivocally for any complex polygenic disorder, the gender skew in prevalence for autism suggests the presence of either a sex-linked or sex-limited genetic mechanism. Sex limitation may arise if the magnitude of genetic influence differs between the sexes, or it may apply to epigenetic phenomena in which sex steroids interact with autosomal genes. These mechanisms are evaluated with respect to autism, and contrasted to sex-linked models of transmission.
A Thermodynamic Model of Nitric Acid Extraction by Tri-n-Butyl Phosphate

A thermodynamic model is presented for nitric acid extraction by tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP). This model is based on the formation of the organic phase species: TBP · HNO3 and (TBP)2 · HNO3. The mo...
OPIATE RECEPTORS IN THE GUINEA-PIG ILEAL MUCOSA

Enkephalins and their analogues reduced transepithelial potential difference (PD) and short circuit current (Isc) across guinea-pig ileal mucosa. These effects were blocked by naloxone, diprenorphine and SKF 10,047. Diprenorphine was the most potent antagonist used.
The Effects of Data-Based, Individualized Interventions for Behavior:

Data-based individualization (DBI) is a systematic process used to guide teachers in making decisions related to students’ responsiveness to intervention. Whereas this process has been used extensi...
Reusable Enzymatic Fiber Mats for Neurotoxin Remediation in Water.

Highly effective and reusable organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH)-loaded fiber mats have been fabricated that are capable of degrading toxic organophosphates (OPs) over a broad range of relevant concentrations (from 8 to 8250 ppm). The inherent fragility of enzymes, a major impediment in their incorporation into technologically relevant materials, was overcome while retaining their high catalytic efficiency, selectivity, and sensitivity via a random heteropolymers (RHP) approach. Kinetic analysis guides the design of polycaprolactone matrix morphology from films to fibers, facilitating substrate diffusion in the material. The RHP–OPH fiber mats demonstrate excellent stability and reusability with minimal requirements for storage, retaining over 40% of their initial activity after repeated daily use for three months. Practically, present studies provide valuable guidance toward fabrication of enzyme-based functional materials.
A Human View Approach to Risk Management

This chapter provides a set of operational risk management questions that can be used to identify, analyze and adjudicate risk events. The questions are applied within a system context by identifying an operational scenario and focusing on the impact of an event to the set of system goals. The risk management questions can be aligned with the stages of the Human Viewpoint methodology and evaluated using the human performance metrics of the socio-technical system. An example of the risk management strategy is provided in the context of identifying and mitigating the human role in a phishing risk scenario.
The variation of obligatory preposition-article contractions in the interlanguage of adult learners of Portuguese

This study analyzes the sociolinguistic variation of obligatory contractions between the preposition de and the definite articles in the interlanguage of adult learners of Portuguese as foreign language in the United States. Using this variation phenomenon as an example, the main objective of this pilot study is to discuss the feasibility of using speech data from telecollaborative interactions in interlanguage variation studies. The analyzed data come from four audio-recorded teletandem sessions held in 2017 among nine US-based learners of Portuguese and native speakers of this language in Brazil. The quantitative analysis included three linguistic group factors —preceding word category, gender marking, and number marking— and four social group factors —learner gender, native language, immersion experience, and teletandem session. The results showed that only gender marking was selected as a significant factor for the occurrence of contraction. The study concluded that speech data from telecollaborative interactions can be used as one of the tasks in large scale interlanguage variation studies. However, it also cautions researchers to consider some of the major issues regarding selection of variables, learners’ style shifting and stage of acquisition, and technical limitations of this type of interaction.
B–H Curve-Based Model for CT Error Evaluation

Current transformers (CTs) of the bus bar type are widely used in ultrahigh voltage power systems for monitoring and protection. This paper presents a mathematical model to predict the measured current error caused by tilting and position eccentricity of the primary conductor of a bus bar in a CT. The model is based on actual B–H curve characteristics and is verified by comparing the model predicted results to corresponding 2-D and 3-D transient finite-element model results.
Reduction in HbA1c with Exercise videogames among participants with elevated HbA1c: Secondary analysis of the Wii Heart Fitness trial

Abstract Aims Physical activity plays an important role in blood glucose management, yet most adults with elevated blood glucose do not engage in regular physical activity. Exercise videogames (EVGs) may be an attractive alternative for persons who have not found standard exercise modalities appealing. Methods This sub-study within a larger trial examined the effects of 12 weeks of EVGs versus standard exercise (e.g., treadmill, cycling) and a control condition among individuals with elevated HbA1c (100% prediabetic). This study was conducted at a university research lab. Outcomes included HbA1c and weekly minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) assessed using self-report and accelerometer. Other health risk indices (e.g., lipids) and psychosocial constructs shown to influence exercise participation (e.g., intrinsic motivation) were assessed. Results Participants (n = 84), averaged age 51.4 years (range 20–79), 80% were female, and 77.4% were non-Hispanic. Baseline HbA1c ranged from 5.7% to 6.4% (39–49 mmol/mol). At week 12, EVG participants demonstrated an average 2% reduction in HbA1c compared to a 0.6% reduction in Standard and Control groups (p’s = 0.04 and 0.03). EVG participants engaged in significantly more MVPA than Standard (+17 min/week) and Controls (+54 min/week) (p’s Conclusions EVGs may be an attractive and effective tool to improve management of blood glucose that might contribute toward preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes among those with prediabetes.
Abstract P3004: Brain Microvascular Structure During Hypertension: Temporal Changes and Recovery Support Distinct Arteriolar Mechanisms

Hypertension alters vascular structure including diameter, cross-sectional area (CSA), and stiffness of the vessel wall. Inward remodeling is a feature of small vessel disease (SVD), predictive of ...
Antibacterial Coatings on Medical Implants

Bacterial contamination has been a serious problem in every field from space missions to medicine and implants. Implant surfaces have been a hazardous site for bacterial adhesion and microbial contamination. This contamination leads to prosthetic infection which results in the necessity of continued antibiotic therapy, eventually leading to removal of the device which comes with long hospitalization time, costs, stress, and pain. Antibacterial coatings have been used as a solution to bacterial contamination. Biofilm formation, antibacterial mechanisms, and types of coating methods on medical implants are briefly described in the present review. Then, the typical antibacterial coatings, including metallic nano-coatings, ceramic coatings, and polymeric coatings, are described.
Deep convolutional neural network denoising for digital breast tomosynthesis reconstruction

To reduce noise and enhance the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of microcalcifications (MCs) in digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), we conducted a study to investigate the feasibility of performing denoising on the projection views (PVs) using a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) before reconstruction. We fine-tuned a modularized adaptive processing neural network (MAPNN) based on a pretrained model for CT image denoising. Four phantom DBTs containing over 700 simulated MCs of 3 nominal sizes were scanned with a DBT system that acquired 9 PVs within a 25° scan angle at two dose level settings to form the training and validation sets. Nine human subject DBTs were used as an independent test set. We trained the DCNN with low dose PVs as the input and the corresponding high dose PVs as the reference. We marked the MCs in the PVs and designed a loss function for DCNN training that balanced the effect of noise reduction and signal preservation. The loss function was a weighted sum of the perceptual loss, the adversarial loss and the CNR loss. A visual comparison of the DBT volumes reconstructed from the denoised PVs indicated that the proposed method could reduce noise and preserve the texture of the background without blurring subtle MC signals. A quantitative comparison showed a significant CNR improvement (p < 0.0001) in both the validation phantom and the human subject DBTs.
Computer-Assisted CBT and Mobile Apps for Depression: Assessment and Integration Into Clinical Care

A surge in the development of computer-assisted cognitive-behavioral therapy (CCBT) and mobile apps for depression has provided many tools with potential for enhancing treatment delivery. This article assesses progress in evaluation and implementation of CCBT and mobile apps for depression, with a focus on providing practical information on clinical applications. Advantage and disadvantages of these technologies are identified, outcome research is reviewed, and recommendations are made for clinical use. With increasing use of computer technology in everyday life, it is likely that clinicians and patients will pursue opportunities to employ computer tools in treatment for depression.
High School Students’ Experiences with Geographic Information Systems and Factors Predicting Enrollment in the Geospatial Semester

The goal of the present study was to characterize high school students’ (n = 338) exposure to geospatial technologies and investigate factors predicting enrollment in a GIS course. Students who rep...
Measurement of Human Walking Movements by Using a Mobile Health App: Motion Sensor Data Analysis.

Background: This study presents a new approach to measure and analyze the walking balance of humans by collecting motion sensor data in a smartphone. Objective: We aimed to develop a mobile health (mHealth) app that can measure the walking movements of human individuals and analyze the differences in the walking movements of different individuals based on their health conditions. A smartphone’s motion sensors were used to measure the walking movements and analyze the rotation matrix data by calculating the variation of each xyz rotation, which shows the variables in walking-related movement data over time. Methods: Data were collected from 3 participants, that is, 2 healthy individuals (1 female and 1 male) and 1 male with back pain. The participant with back pain injured his back during strenuous exercise but he did not have any issues in walking. The participants wore the smartphone in the middle of their waistline (as the center of gravity) while walking. They were instructed to walk straight at their own pace in an indoor hallway of a building. The walked a distance of approximately 400 feet. They walked for 2-3 minutes in a straight line and then returned to the starting location. A rotation vector in the smartphone, calculated by the rotation matrix, was used to measure the pitch, roll, and yaw angles of the human body while walking. Each xyz-rotation vector datum was recalculated to find the variation in each participant’s walking movement. Results: The male participant with back pain showed a diminished level of walking balance with a wider range of xyz-axis variations in the rotations compared to those of the healthy participants. The standard deviation in the xyz-axis of the male participant with back pain was larger than that of the healthy male participant. Moreover, the participant with back pain had the widest combined range of right-to-left and forward-to-backward motions. The healthy male participant showed smaller standard deviation while walking than the male participant with back pain and the female healthy participant, indicating that the healthy male participant had a well-balanced walking movement. The walking movement of the female healthy participant showed symmetry in the left-to-right (x-axis) and up-to-down (y-axis) motions in the x-y variations of rotation vectors, indicating that she had lesser bias in gait than the others. Conclusions: This study shows that our mHealth app based on smartphone sensors and rotation vectors can measure the variations in the walking movements of different individuals. Further studies are needed to measure and compare walking movements by age, gender, as well as types of health problems or disease. This app can help in finding differences in gait in people with diseases that affect gait.
Impact of high-risk features for stage II adenocarcinoma of the appendix.

Abstract Background Clinico-pathological high-risk features are frequently utilized in adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) decisions in stage II colorectal cancer and their utility in stage II appendiceal adenocarcinoma (AA) is not established. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of high-risk features in clinical outcomes and whether high risk features are predictive of AC benefit in stage II AA. Methods Patients with pathological stage II AA between 2010 and 2015 were identified from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) using ICD-O-3 morphology and topography codes: 8140, 8480 and C18.1. High risk stage II AA was defined as having at least one of the following clinicopathological features: T4 tumor, Results A total of 1040 patients with pathological stage II AA were identified. 51.0% males, 84.5% Caucasian; median age 61 (range, 19–90). 46.4% were determined to have high-risk stage II AA. High-risk status was associated with worse OS compared to low-risk in univariate (HR 1.55; 95% CI 1.18–2.02; p = 0.001) and multivariable analyses (HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.03–1.79; p = 0.028). High-risk stage II AA patients had significantly worse 5-year OS compared to low-risk patients (67.1% vs. 74.5%, p = 0.0013). AC was administered in 34.4% (n = 166) of high-risk patients and in 36.5% (n = 203) of low-risk patients. Among high-risk patients, AC was not associated with better OS in univariate (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.59–1.26; p = 0.448) and multivariable analyses (HR 1.35; 95% CI 0.90–2.04; p = 0.151) compared to no AC. Similarly, among low-risk patients, AC was not associated with better OS in univariate (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.60–1.39; p = 0.679) and multivariable analyses (HR 1.27; 95% CI 0.81–2.02; p = 0.299) compared to no AC. For high-risk patients, 5-year OS was 68.3% in patients that received AC vs. 66.5% in patients that did not (p = 0.722). For low-risk patients, 5-year OS was 74.0% in patients that received AC vs. 76.3% in patients that did not (p = 0.813). Conclusion High-risk stage II AA patients had significantly worse 5-year OS compared to low-risk patients. AC did not improve survival regardless of high-risk features in stage II AA in this retrospective study. A prospective randomized clinical trial would be required to determine the impact of high-risk features on AC in stage II AA.
Ultra-bright Raman dots for multiplexed optical imaging

Imaging the spatial distribution of biomolecules is at the core of modern biology. The development of fluorescence techniques has enabled researchers to investigate subcellular structures with nanometer precision. However, multiplexed imaging, i.e. observing complex biological networks and interactions, is mainly limited by the fundamental ‘spectral crowding’ of fluorescent materials. Raman spectroscopy-based methods, on the other hand, have a much greater spectral resolution, but often lack the required sensitivity for practical imaging of biomarkers. Addressing the pressing need for new Raman probes, herein we present a series of Raman-active nanoparticles (Rdots) that exhibit the combined advantages of ultra-brightness and compact sizes (~20 nm). When coupled with the emerging stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy, these Rdots are brighter than previously reported Raman-active organic probes by two to three orders of magnitude. We further obtain evidence supporting for SRS imaging of Rdots at single particle level. The compact size and ultra-brightness of Rdots allows immunostaining of specific protein targets (including cytoskeleton and low-abundant surface proteins) in mammalian cells and tissue slices with high imaging contrast. These Rdots thus offer a promising tool for a large range of studies on complex biological networks. Raman-based imaging of biomarkers is often challenging due to low sensitivity. Here, the authors use a swelling-diffusion approach to develop a series of Raman probes that are both ultra-bright and compact in size, and demonstrate multiplexed imaging of specific protein targets in cells and tissue slices.
Gut microbiota features associated with Clostridioides difficile colonization in dairy calves

Diarrheal disease, a major cause of morbidity and mortality in dairy calves, is strongly associated with the health and composition of the gut microbiome. Clostridioides difficile is an opportunistic pathogen that proliferates and can produce enterotoxins when the host experiences gut dysbiosis. However, even asymptomatic colonization with C. difficile can be associated with differing degrees of microbiome disruption in a range of species, including people, swine, and dogs. Little is known about the interaction between C. difficile and the gut microbiome in dairy calves. In this study, we sought to define microbial features associated with C. difficile colonization in pre-weaned dairy calves less than 2 weeks of age. We characterized the fecal microbiota of 80 calves from 23 different farms using 16S rRNA sequencing and compared the microbiota of C. difficile -positive (n=24) and C. difficile -negative calves (n=56). Farm appeared to be the greatest source of variability in the gut microbiota. When controlling for calf age, diet, and farm location, there was no significant difference in Shannon alpha diversity ( P = 0.50) or in weighted UniFrac beta diversity (P=0.19) between C. difficile -positive and –negative calves. However, there was a significant difference in beta diversity as assessed using Bray-Curtiss diversity ( P =0.0077), and C. difficile -positive calves had significantly increased levels of Ruminococcus (gnavus group) ( Adj. P =0.052), Lachnoclostridium ( Adj. P =0.060), Butyricicoccus ( Adj. P =0.060), and Clostridium sensu stricto 2 compared to C. difficile -negative calves. Additionally, C. difficile -positive calves had fewer microbial co-occurrences than C. difficile –negative calves, indicating reduced bacterial synergies. Thus, while C. difficile colonization alone is not associated with dysbiosis and is therefore unlikely to result in an increased likelihood of diarrhea in dairy calves, it may be associated with a more disrupted microbiota.
On the implementation of Approximate Randomization Tests in Linear Models with a Small Number of Clusters.

This paper provides a user's guide to the general theory of approximate randomization tests developed in Canay, Romano, and Shaikh (2017) when specialized to linear regressions with clustered data. An important feature of the methodology is that it applies to settings in which the number of clusters is small -- even as small as five. We provide a step-by-step algorithmic description of how to implement the test and construct confidence intervals for the parameter of interest. In doing so, we additionally present three novel results concerning the methodology: we show that the method admits an equivalent implementation based on weighted scores; we show the test and confidence intervals are invariant to whether the test statistic is studentized or not; and we prove convexity of the confidence intervals for scalar parameters. We also articulate the main requirements underlying the test, emphasizing in particular common pitfalls that researchers may encounter. Finally, we illustrate the use of the methodology with two applications that further illuminate these points. The companion {\tt R} and {\tt Stata} packages facilitate the implementation of the methodology and the replication of the empirical exercises.
Impacts of p97 on Proteome Changes in Human Cells during Coronaviral Replication

Human coronavirus (HCoV) similar to other viruses rely on host cell machinery for both replication and to spread. The p97/VCP ATPase is associated with diverse pathways that may favor HCoV replication. In this study, we assessed the role of p97 and associated host responses in human lung cell line H1299 after HCoV-229E or HCoV-OC43 infection. Inhibition of p97 function by small molecule inhibitors shows antiviral activity, particularly at early stages of the virus life cycle, during virus uncoating and viral RNA replication. Importantly, p97 activity inhibition protects human cells against HCoV-induced cytopathic effects. The p97 knockdown also inhibits viral production in infected cells. Unbiased quantitative proteomics analyses reveal that HCoV-OC43 infection resulted in proteome changes enriched in cellular senescence and DNA repair during virus replication. Further analysis of protein changes between infected cells with control and p97 shRNA identifies cell cycle pathways for both HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43 infection. Together, our data indicate a role for the essential host protein p97 in supporting HCoV replication, suggesting that p97 is a therapeutic target to treat HCoV infection.
Ranking Portfolio Performance: An Application of a Joint Means and Variances Equality Test

We propose a new procedure to rank portfolio performance. Given a set of N portfolios, we use statistical tests of dominance which produce direct mean-variance comparisons between any two portfolios in the set. These tests yield an NxN matrix of pairwise comparisons. A ranking function maps the elements of the comparison matrix into a numerical ranking. To illustrate the procedure we use a set of 133 mutual funds, including the S&P500 index and the CRSP equal and value weighted indexes. We explore the empirical and theoretical relationships between our ranking procedure and the Treynor, Sharpe and Jensen performance measures. In general, the new procedure's ranking is relatively robust, does not allow for gaming and can be performed with small samples.
Phosphorylation of the BNIP3 C-Terminus Inhibits Mitochondrial Damage and Cell Death without Blocking Autophagy

BNIP3 is a dual function protein, able to activate autophagy and induce cell death. Upon expression of BNIP3, which is upregulated by hypoxia, the protein induces mitochondrial dysfunction, often leading to cell death. However, some highly respiring cells and cancer cells tolerate BNIP3 expression, suggesting that a yet unknown mechanism exists to restrain the lethal effects of BNIP3 on mitochondria. Here we present evidence that BNIP3 undergoes several phosphorylation events at its C-terminus, adjacent to the transmembrane domain. Phosphorylation at these residues inhibits BNIP3-induced mitochondrial damage, preventing a loss of mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as preventing an increase in reactive oxygen species. This decrease in mitochondrial damage, as well as the reduction of cell death upon C-terminal BNIP3 phosphorylation, can be explained by a diminished interaction between BNIP3 and OPA1, a key regulator of mitochondrial fusion and mitochondrial inner membrane structure. Importantly, phosphorylation of these C-terminal BNIP3 residues blocks cell death without preventing autophagy, providing evidence that the two functional roles of BNIP3 can be regulated independently. These findings establish phosphorylation as a switch to determine the pro-survival and pro-death effects of the protein. Our findings also suggest a novel target for the regulation of these activities in transformed cells where BNIP3 is often highly expressed.
Tracking pulmonary gas exchange by breathing control during exercise: role of muscle blood flow

Populations of group III and IV muscle afferent fibres located in the adventitia of the small vessels appear to respond to the level of venular distension and to recruitment of the vascular bed within the skeletal muscles. The CNS could thus be informed on the level of muscle hyperaemia when the metabolic rate varies. As a result, the magnitude and kinetics of the change in peripheral gas exchange – which translates into pulmonary gas exchange – can be sensed. We present the view that the respiratory control system uses these sources of information of vascular origin, among the numerous inputs produced by exercise, as a marker of the metabolic strain imposed on the circulatory and the ventilatory systems, resulting in an apparent matching between pulmonary gas exchange and alveolar ventilation.
The Average Structural Density of Barite Crystals of Different Habit Types

Eight different habit types of barite crystals which could be classified into 4 essentially different groups were determined by morphological analysis: Eb group - barite crystals elongated in the [010] direction; Ea group - barite crystals elongated in the [100] direction; Tc group - barite crystals tabular on the basal pinacoid {001}; Ec group - barite crystals elongated in the [001] direction. By determination and comparison of the average structural densi - ties of different habit types of barite crystals, it was possible to establish the spans of their values from 276.1 to 495.8, and overlapping of values for Eb group with Ea group and Tc group with Ec group. The sequence of habit types, with regard to the decreasing average structural density, i.e. the priority sequence of developing of barite crystal types, was determined: Eb group - Ea group - Tc group - Ec group
Imput of the US Advisory Panel on Federal International Tax Reform

In November 2005, the U.S. President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform released a comprehensive Report titled â€œSimple, Fair, and Pro-Growth: Proposals to Fix America's Tax System.â€ The Report addressed all aspects of the federal income tax treatment of households and businesses under both domestic and international rules. This paper focuses on the proposals dealing with international elements of federal tax reform that affect multinational businesses. The report presents two broad Plans for improving the U.S. Internal Revenue Code in general and the international aspects of the Code in particular. The Simplified Income Tax (SIT) Plan recommends moving toward a territorial-based income tax system that would exempt active foreign-source business income of foreign branches and controlled foreign subsidiaries at the corporate level and would tax mobile foreign-source income. The Growth and Investment Tax (GIT) Plan recommends moving toward a consumption-based tax system that would tax U.S. businesses on total sales less certain inputs. To highlight the essential aspects dealing with the income tax, this paper will focus on the Simplified Income Tax Plan.
Undocumented Students and the Policies of Wasted Potential by Janet K. Lopez

On December 18, 2010, President Barack Obama responded to the defeat of a controversial piece of legislation, the Dream Act (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors): It is disappointing...
One publisher's journey through the public access debate

This paper presents the content of my closing address given at the Academic Publishing in Europe 2012 Conference. I share my perspective of the public access debate, as CEO of American Institute of Physics, a medium-size scientific publisher and my observations on our industry's most important customers --the libraries. The origin of the often contentious public access debate can be traced back to a worthy goal shared by all stakeholders: the expansion of access to and broad use of scholarly publications. Starting with principles and recommendations set forth in the 2010 Scholarly Publishing Roundtable Report, I outline a productive and pragmatic path forward and identify appropriate and cost-effective options for expanding access. Furthermore, I review the major elements of public access policy development in the US since 2005, leading up to January 2012, a year after President Obama signed into public law the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010. This essay has been expanded to include additional information, covering the issue through September 2012 submission date of this article, and addresses related government initiatives that appeared in the UK and the European Union.
Electrochemical-thermal modeling and microscale phase change for passive internal thermal management of lithium ion batteries.

A fully coupled electrochemical and thermal model for lithium-ion batteries is developed to investigate the impact of different thermal management strategies on battery performance. In contrast to previous modeling efforts focused either exclusively on particle electrochemistry on the one hand or overall vehicle simulations on the other, the present work predicts local electrochemical reaction rates using temperature-dependent data on commercially available batteries designed for high rates (C/LiFePO{sub 4}) in a computationally efficient manner. Simulation results show that conventional external cooling systems for these batteries, which have a low composite thermal conductivity ({approx}1 W/m-K), cause either large temperature rises or internal temperature gradients. Thus, a novel, passive internal cooling system that uses heat removal through liquid-vapor phase change is developed. Although there have been prior investigations of phase change at the microscales, fluid flow at the conditions expected here is not well understood. A first-principles based cooling system performance model is developed and validated experimentally, and is integrated into the coupled electrochemical-thermal model for assessment of performance improvement relative to conventional thermal management strategies. The proposed cooling system passively removes heat almost isothermally with negligible thermal resistances between the heat source and cooling fluid. Thus, the minimization of peak temperatures and gradients within batteries allow increased power and energy densities unencumbered by thermal limitations.
Immobilization ameliorates chemically-induced articular cartilage damage.

We have previously shown that immobilization protects against the development of mechanically-induced osteoarthritis following anterior cruciate ligament transection in dogs. Herein, we examine the effect of immobilization of the leg on the chemically-induced degeneration of femoral articular cartilage caused by intraarticular injection of iodoacetate in guinea pigs. One week after the injection, cartilage from animals which were not immobilized exhibited a decrease in Safranin O staining and a 10–20% reduction in the number of chondrocytes. Three weeks after injection, cell death and loss of Safranin O staining had progressed, and surface fibrillation and osteophytes had developed. Articular cartilage from the contralateral (uninjected) knees of guinea pigs which received iodoacetate, and from knees of animals which were immobilized for 1 week but did not receive iodoacetate, was histologically and histochemically normal. However, specimens from 2 of 4 untreated knees which were immobilized for 3 weeks showed a reduction in Safranin O staining. Immobilization of the knee did not alter the loss of Safranin O staining seen after intraarticular iodoacetate injection, but did reduce the depletion of chondrocytes (P < 0.05). Furthermore, neither osteophytes nor fibrillation developed in any of the animals which were constrained after iodoacetate injection. Thus, immobilization was clearly protective in this model of chemically-induced cartilage injury.
Enzymatic production of single-stranded DNA as a target for fluorescence in situ hybridization

This study demonstrates that Exonuclease III (Exo III) can be used to produce sufficient single-stranded (ss)DNA in chromosomes and cells to allow in situ hybridization. In this study, all of the probes were modified with biotin and the probe binding was visualized with fluorescein-labeled avidin. Exo III digestion starting at naturally occurring breaks in methanol-acetic acid preparations produced enough ssDNA for strong hybridization when human genomic DNA was used to probe human chromosomes. Pretreatment with the endonucleases EcoRI, Hind III and BamHI was used to produce more sites for initiation of Exo III digestion when using a chromosome-specific repetitive probe specific to a small chromosomal subregion near the telomere of human chromosome 1(1p36). The fluorescence intensity following hybridization to Exo Ill-treated targets was roughly equal to that following hybridization to thermally denatured targets, but background fluorescence was lower.