cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns of differential introgression in a salamander hybrid zone: inferences from genetic data and ecological niche modelling

Hybrid zones have yielded considerable insight into many evolutionary processes, including speciation and the maintenance of species boundaries. Presented here are analyses from a hybrid zone that occurs among three salamanders -Plethodon jordani, Plethodon metcalfi and Plethodon teyahalee- from the southern Appalachian Mountains. Using a novel statistical approach for analysis of non-clinal, multispecies hybrid zones, we examined spatial patterns of variation at four markers: single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the mtDNA ND2 gene and the nuclear DNA ILF3 gene, and the morphological markers of red cheek pigmentation and white flecks. Concordance of the ILF3 marker and both morphological markers across four transects is observed. In three of the four transects, however, the pattern of mtDNA is discordant from all other markers, with a higher representation of P. metcalfi mtDNA in the northern and lower elevation localities than is expected given the ILF3 marker and morphology. To explore whether climate plays a role in the position of the hybrid zone, we created ecological niche models for P. jordani and P. metcalfi. Modelling results suggest that hybrid zone position is not determined by steep gradients in climatic suitability for either species. Instead, the hybrid zone lies in a climatically homogenous region that is broadly suitable for both P. jordani and P. metcalfi. We discuss various selective (natural selection associated with climate) and behavioural processes (sex-biased dispersal, asymmetric reproductive isolation) that might explain the discordance in the extent to which mtDNA and nuclear DNA and colour-pattern traits have moved across this hybrid zone.
A socio-economic-ecological simulation model of land acquisition to expand a national wildlife refuge

Abstract Land acquisition is a common practice for establishing and expanding protected areas such as wildlife refuges. However, the socioeconomic feasibility and ecological consequences of an acquisition project are rarely assessed before the project is executed. In this paper, a socio-economic-ecological model (SEELAND) was developed to simulate the socioeconomic feasibility and ecological consequences of a land acquisition project, using the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge in Michigan (USA) as a case study. The refuge is managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) primarily for waterfowl. An adjacent area of 3035 ha has been proposed to add to the current refuge of 3680 ha. The vast majority of the proposed acquisition area is privately owned. SEELAND consists of three main components: sociological (e.g. landowners’ attitudes toward selling their land), economic (e.g. fair market value and incentives), and ecological (e.g. land-cover types, soil types, parcel sizes and locations). Simulation results indicated that most of the high-priority land was not available for purchase and the priority set by the USFWS could not be achieved. Many purchased land parcels were not connected to each other or to the existing refuge, resulting in small isolated patches, which are not good for habitat connectivity and refuge management. Furthermore, landowners’ attitudes towards selling their land significantly affected the amounts and types of land purchased. Without using incentives, less than half of the proposed acquisition area would be purchasable within the next 20 years.
Bacterial Topoisomerases, Anti-Topoisomerases, and Anti-Topoisomerase Resistance

Topoisomerases are ubiquitous enzymes necessary for controlling the interlinking and twisting of DNA molecules. Among the four topoisomerases identified in eubacteria, two, DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV have been exploited by nature and the pharmaceutical industry as antibacterial targets. Natural products that are inhibitors of one or both of these topoisomerases include the coumarin and cyclothialidine classes, which interfere with adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis, cinodine, flavones, and terpenoid derivatives. The plasmid-encoded bacterial peptides micron B17 and CcdB also inhibit DNA gyrase. The quinolones, a synthetic class of antibacterials that act on both DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV have had the broadest clinical applications, however. Quinolone congeners differ in their relative potencies for DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV Studies of an expanding set of resistant mutant enzymes and the crystal structure of the homologous enzyme in yeast have contributed to our understanding of interactions of these drugs with topoisomerase-DNA complexes and the ways in which mutations effect resistance.
Externalizing behaviors as predictors of substance initiation trajectories among rural adolescents

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the current study was to investigate the influence of externalizing behaviors on substance initiation trajectories among rural adolescents over a 42-month period. Methods Data were obtained from 198 rural adolescents (105 boys, 93 girls) who were participating in a longitudinal study. At the baseline assessment, subjects were on average 12.3 years of age. Results Controlling for gender, higher baseline levels of externalizing were associated with a greater number of substances initiated over time. The initiation trajectory was curvilinear. Girls, compared with boys, reported a lower number of substances initiated at baseline, a greater linear growth trajectory, and a deceleration of growth over time. Conclusions The influence of adolescent externalizing behaviors on baseline levels and growth trajectories of substance initiation and the utility of latent growth curve modeling in the study of longitudinal change are discussed.
Model of the midcontinent rift system in northeastern Kansas

Recent drilling of the midcontinent rift system in northeastern Kansas reveals a transposed Keweenawan stratigraphy of mafic volcanic rocks overlying thick clastic sedimentary rocks. A reprocessed version of COCORP Kansas Line 1 indicates that the drillhole penetrated a series of west-dipping reflectors associated with a reverse fault bounding the east side of the rift basin. Reanalysis of the original COCORP line also reveals a west-bounding reverse fault and evidence of crustal thickening. This information is integrated with gravity and magnetic data to define a model of the rift in northeastern Kansas. The model, consisting of an asymmetric basin bounded by reverse faults with thickened crust beaneath the rift, is similar to models proposed for northern segments of the rift system, and argues for homogeneity in the structural style and tectonic evolution along the length of the rift.
Effect of Enterotoxin B on Human Volunteers

A dosage of 20 to 25 μg of pure enterotoxin B can produce clinical manifestations of enterotoxemia in man, who seems to be more sensitive than monkey.
Self-interest: defining and understanding a human motive

This paper explores the concept of self-interest. Taking a multi-disciplinary perspective, we discuss and critique various definitions of this phenomenon. We argue that self-interest is an important human motive. However, we also emphasize that other human motives exist. These include empathy toward others and adherence to moral duty. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laboratory Diagnostics for Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Identiﬁcation of prevalent infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) is based serologically on detecting anti-HCVimmunoglobulin G, using immunoassays, immunoblot assays, and, more recently, immunochromatography-based rapid tests. None discriminate between active and resolved HCV infection. Tests for detecting HCVRNA identify active HCV infection but are costly. Serologic assays for HCV antigens have been developedand show potential for diagnosis of active HCV infection, and their performance characteristics are under-going evaluation. The diagnosis of acute HCV infection without the demonstration of seroconversionremains elusive.Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a positive-strand RNAvirus belonging to the Hepacivirus genus in the familyFlaviviridae [1].Its 9.6-kb-long viral genome is ﬂankedby 2 untranslated regions at its 5′ and 3′ends and con-tains a single open reading frame that encodes a poly-protein of approximately 3000 amino acids. Thepolyprotein is cleaved into 10 single proteins by a hostsignal peptidase in the structural region and by viral-encoded proteases in the nonstructural region. Struc-tural proteins, which form the viral particle, includethe core protein and the envelope glycoproteins E1and E2. Nonstructural proteins include the p7, NS2,NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NS5A, and NS5B proteins. Owingto robust viral replication, an estimated 10 trillionvirion particles can be produced per day during theactive phase of infection [2]. HCV isolates are classi-ﬁed into 6 genotypes that differ in their nucleotide se-quence by 30%–35% and into multiple subtypes thatdiffer in their nucleotide sequence by 20%–25% [3].Genotypes 1a and 1b are the most prevalent genotypesin the United States and western Europe, followed bygenotypes 2 and 3. By contrast, genotype 4 is commonin Egypt, genotype 5 in South Africa, and genotype 6in Southeast Asia.Following the cloning of the HCV genome, anti-genic regions and B-cell epitopes were identiﬁed [4].Recombinant proteins and synthetic peptides contain-ing these immunodominant epitopes were used asantigens in immunodiagnostic assays, leading to thedevelopment of commercially available screening andsupplemental assays for anti-HCV immunoglobulin G(IgG) [5, 6]. Recently, a rapid anti-HCV IgG assay wasapproved by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) for clinical use in the United States [7]. Theseassays, however, cannot identify whether an antibody-positive person has active HCV infection, since anti-HCV IgG may be detectable in persons who haveresolved infection and are no longer viremic.Nucleic acid testing (NAT) for the detection of HCVRNA remains the gold standard for diagnosing activeHCV infections. However, the laboratory setup for per-forming NAT requires expert technical staff, expensiveequipment and reagents, dedicated procedure areas,and availability of pristine serum or plasma samples.Because of these requirements, NAT is not routinelyperformed in many clinical laboratories. Availability ofa serologic assay not based on NAT but indicative ofactive infection should further facilitate identiﬁcationof HCV-infected patients and enable referral to care. A
Explaining and predicting patterns in stochastic population systems

Lattice effects in ecological time-series are patterns that arise because of the inherent discreteness of animal numbers. In this paper, we suggest a systematic approach for predicting lattice effects. We also show that an explanation of all the patterns in a population time-series may require more than one deterministic model, especially when the dynamics are complex.
The Effects of Initially Misclassified Data on the Effectiveness of Discriminant Function Analysis and Finite Mixture Modeling.

Classification procedures are common and useful in behavioral, educational, social, and managerial research. Supervised classification techniques such as discriminant function analysis assume training data are perfectly classified when estimating parameters or classifying. In contrast, unsupervised classification techniques such as finite mixture models (FMM) do not require, or even use if available, knowledge of group status to estimate parameters or classifying. This study investigates the impact of two types of misclassification errors on the classification accuracy of discriminant function analysis (both linear [LDA] and quadratic [QDA]) and FMM for two groups with a single predictor. Analytic and Monte Carlo results are provided for a variety of misclassification scenarios to investigate the performance of the two methods. Discriminant function techniques recovered the highest overall percentages of correctly classified data, whereas FMM captured higher percentages of the smaller group when group sizes are unequal. LDA marginally outperformed QDA under misclassified conditions.
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Carrying Plasmids Coding for Antibiotic Resistance and Enterotoxin Production

Nine strains of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli that were resistant to antibiotics were tested for their ability to transfer both antibiotic resistance and enterotoxigenicity to E. coli K12. All nine isolates transferred antibiotic resistance in bacterial conjugation experiments, and in seven of these matings enterotoxigenicity was also transferred. To determine whether the genetic information coding for the production of enterotoxin and antibiotic resistance was located on the same plasmid in these strains, phage P1 transduction experiments were performed. P1 lysates prepared from enterotoxigenic antibiotic-resistant transconjugants were tested for their ability to transduce both phenotypes. Only P1 lysates prepared from transconjugants of E. coli 719B5 (O18ab:H27) were found to transduce resistance to streptomycin, sulfisoxazole, and tetracycline, as well as the ability to produce heat-labile and heat-stable enterotoxin. The results of these experiments strongly suggest that the genetic data coding for antibiotic resistance and enterotoxin production in E. coli 719B5 are carried on the same plasmid replicon.
Development of an ELISA to detect Sin Nombre virus-specific IgM from deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus).

Peromyscus maniculatus (deer mouse) is the primary reservoir for Sin Nombre virus (SNV). Although the presence of IgG antibodies is often used as a marker of infection, it provides little information on active infections in a population but usually is an indicator of past infections. The presence of IgM antibodies is a much better marker for determining whether active infections are present in a population. A -capture SNV-specific IgM enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed. From live-trap and release studies a total of 68 rodent sera were studied for the presence of Sin Nombre virus-specific IgG and IgM antibodies. In these studies, IgM responses were detected in a number of animals. In some cases early SNV infection was determined through the presence of anti-SNV IgM before IgG antibodies could be detected. From the set of animals analyzed, it was concluded that the IgM response against SNV can persist anywhere from 1 to up to over 2 months, with a median of less than 1 month. Most importantly, it was demonstrated that anti-Sin Nombre virus IgM is an important tool for detection of early infections in rodents and should be considered as a key diagnostic tool. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Working with foreign language interpreters: Recommendations for psychological practice.

Given the growing linguistic diversity in the United States, many practicing psychologists will work with foreign language interpreters. However, few clinicians receive formal training in providing interpreteraided psychological services. By federal law (88th Congress, 1964; PL-88-352), psychologists or their agencies are responsible for providing interpreter services. To maintain a patient-centered, rather than interpreter-centered dialogue, psychologists should initiate pre- and postsessions to orient the interpreter to the pending encounter, clarify expectations, and discuss cultural issues. Psychological testing, diagnostic interviewing, crisis intervention, family, child, and individual adult therapy present distinct challenges when an interpreter is involved. Mental health is a specialized area requiring advanced interpreter knowledge and skills. According to the American Psychological Association’s (2002) “Ethical Principles,” psychologists are responsible for ensuring that interpreters demonstrate competence and professionalism. Because there are relatively few interpreters trained specifically for mental health practice, psychologists and health care institutions may need to assist in providing specialized interpreter education.
Comparison of the susceptibility of several cultivars of avocado to the persea mite, Oligonychus perseae (Acari: Tetranychidae).

We compared the susceptibility of seven cultivars of avocado, Persea americana, to feeding by Oligonychus perseae. Based on the percentage of leaf area damaged by mites in February 1998, cultivars were categorized into three groups: Hass and Gwen were ‘susceptible’, Fuerte, Lamb Hass and Reed were ‘resistant’, Esther, and Pinkerton were of ‘intermediate’ susceptibility. A life table study in the laboratory showed no difference in mortality and rate of development of O. perseae of either the first or second generation reared on either Hass, Pinkerton or Lamb Hass cultivars. Although O. perseae exhibited no difference across cultivars with respect to reproductive rates when reared on leaves collected in late spring (April) and early summer (June), net reproduction and intrinsic rate of increase were significantly higher on Hass avocados in mid summer (July). A corresponding increase in percentage leaf area damaged by mite feeding was also observed in the field on Hass in July. We suggest that seasonal changes in the nutritional quality of leaves may be the major factor determining susceptibility of avocado cultivars to O. perseae. # 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Phylogenetic Revision of the New Neotropical Riodinid Genus Minstrellus (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae)

Abstract The small Neotropical riodinid genus Minstrellus (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) is described and revised. It seems to be most closely related to Pseudonymphidia Callaghan, in the incertae sedis section of the Riodininae. A phylogenetic analysis of its four species, using 11 characters of adult morphology, generated a single most parsimonious cladogram with the following structure: grandis + (nivosa + (leucotopus + emphatica)). The species watkinsi d’Abrera, like all the taxa of Minstrellus, was described in Ematurgina Rober (a synonym of Synargis Hubner) and briefly subsequently treated in Zelotaea Bates, but it is here transferred to Machaya Hall & Willmott (n. comb.). The taxon emphatica Stichel is raised from a subspecies of leucotopus Stichel to the rank of species (n. stat.), and the name candida Le Cerf is synonymized with emphatica (n. syn.).
Design and comparison of immersive interactive learning and instructional techniques for 3d virtual laboratories

This work presents the design, development, and testing of 3D virtual laboratories for practice, specifically in undergraduate mechanical engineering laboratories. The 3D virtual laboratories, implemented under two virtual environments-3DTV and Computer Automated Virtual Environment CAVE-serve as pre-lab sessions performed before the actual physical laboratory experiment. The current study compares the influence of two instructional methods conventional lecture-based and inquiry-based under two virtual environments, and the results are compared with the pre-lab sessions using a traditional paper-based lab manual. Subsequently, the evaluation is done by conducting performance and quantitative assessments from students' pre-and post-laboratory performances. The research results demonstrate that students in the virtual modules 3DTV and CAVE performed significantly better in the actual physical experiment than the students in the control group in terms of the overall experiment familiarity and procedure and the conceptual knowledge associated with the experiment.
QSAR/QSPR and Multicomponent Joint Toxic Effect Modeling of Organic Pollutants at Aqueous-Solid Phase Interfaces

Information about environmental chemodynamics of organic pollutants is a basic need in environmental planning, restoration, and engineering management. Sorption/desorption, an important chemodynamic behavior of various pollutants, can greatly influence the mobility and bioavailability of these compounds in different environmental compartments. Accordingly, aqueous-solid phase interfaces are significant in determining: (1) the route and rates by which organic pollutants can transfer to and from these interfaces, (2) the ultimate behavior and fate of pollutants, and (3) their toxicity, genotoxicity, and bioavailability to microorganisms.
Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Monolayer-Protected Gold Nanocluster Films

Gold nanoclusters have been extensively studied in solution for their unique optical properties. However, many applications of nanoclusters involve the use of the material in the solid state such as films. Au25(SR)18 in polymeric hosts was used as the model for studying the optical properties of nanocluster films. Different film-processing conditions as well as types of polymers were explored to produce a good-quality film that is suitable for optical measurements. The best optical film was made using Au25(C6S)18 and polystyrene. The formation of nanocluster films drastically reduces the intercluster distances to a few nanometers, which were estimated and characterized by optical absorption. The steady-state absorption and emission properties of the nanocluster film maintained their molecular characteristics. The emissions from the nanocluster films are found to be strongly enhanced at 730 nm with a smaller enhancement at 820 nm when the intercluster distance is below 8 nm. The emission enhancement can be...
'Speed advising' for medical students applying to residency programs: an efficient supplement to traditional advising.

Background : Over time, Residency Match dynamics fluctuate with some specialties experiencing increases in medical student popularity. Academic departments with limited resources must devise methods for coping with increased demand for their specialty. Students perceive traditional programs on Match mechanics as inadequate. Subsequently, faculty are confronted with demands for more personal attention from more students. Objectives : We developed a strategy for providing specialty-specific residency match advising to large numbers of students. Methods : The ‘speed-advising’ session (SAS) was developed to address the common questions and concerns that medical students pose during the Match process and to provide advisees with a breadth of faculty perspectives. Two SASs were offered over a 2-week period. After the sessions, students and faculty were surveyed regarding their experience. Results : Twenty-six students pursued our specialty in the 2015 Match (26 of 234, 11.1%). Twenty-three (89%) participated in the SAS. Seventy-four percent of students (17 of 23) and all faculty completed the post-session survey. Students found the SAS to be informative, helpful and an efficient use of time. Common discussion topics included: career goals, to which programs and how many to apply , and how academic record impacts their likelihood of matching in our specialty. Students would have preferred more time with each faculty; however, most (77%) conceded that their questions were adequately answered. Faculty-favored speed advising over traditional advising (86%), primarily due to estimated time savings of 7.3 h per faculty member. Conclusions : In preparing students for the Match, specialty-specific speed advising offers an efficient supplement to traditional advising. Keywords: education, undergraduate medical; student advising; education, graduate medical, students; medical (Published: 6 April 2016) Citation: Med Educ Online 2016, 21: 31336 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/meo.v21.31336
Exploiting double opportunities for latency-constrained content propagation in wireless networks

In this paper, we focus on a mobile wireless network comprising a powerful communication center and a multitude of mobile users. We investigate the propagation of latency-constrained content in the wireless network characterized by heterogeneous (time-varying and user-dependent) wireless channel conditions, heterogeneous user mobility, and where communication could occur in a hybrid format (e.g., directly from the central controller or by exchange with other mobiles in a peer-to-peer manner). We show that exploiting double opportunities, i.e., both time-varying channel conditions and mobility, can result in substantial performance gains. We develop a class of double opportunistic multicast schedulers and prove their optimality in terms of both utility and fairness under heterogeneous channel conditions and user mobility. Extensive simulation results are provided to demonstrate that these algorithms can not only substantially boost the throughput of all users (e.g., by 50% to 150%), but also achieve different consideration of fairness among individual users and groups of users.
Hess-Schaad Group Additivity Type Model Predicts Superaromaticity

The classical Hess-Schaad reference state and group additivity (GA) model has been adapted to evaluate the resonance energies of several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). It was found that benzene is the least stable species in this series, and hence, claims that the concept of superaromaticity is dead are overestimated.
Assessment of HTRB and PBAN propellant usage in the United States

This paper discusses composite solid propellants based upon the butadiene prepolymers which make up the vast majority of current production in the United States—hydroxylterminated polybutadiene (HTPB), and the terpolymer of butadiene, acrylic acid, and acrylonitrile (PBAN). The objective of this study is to present a brief historical review of the development of HTPB and PBAN propellants, compare their characteristics, describe their applications, and present a statistical analysis of their production and usage for military, launch, and space motors manufactured in the United States. Using CPIA in-house and external resources, a tabulation of all known major systems utilizing HTPB and PBAN propellant was completed. PBAN production over the next ten years will be sustained nearly entirely by the production of the Space Shuttle Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM), while HTPB production will be limited primarily to tactical and space motors after completion of deliveries of the Titan IV Solid Rocket Motor Upgrade (SRMU) in 1999. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Composite solid propellants using a hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) or polybutadiene-acrylic acid-acrylonitrile (PBAN) binder system have been the choice for most solid rocket motor systems developed and fielded in the United States over the past twenty years. Propellant based upon these binders account for over 800 million pounds (360* 10 kg) of domestic production through the end of 1996. Comparative characteristics for typical aluminized formulations of these two types of propellant are presented in Table I. ilTailillil ^ lllllllll I°ps, lbf-sec/lbm(kN.s/kg)
Delay of hereditary muscular dystrophy of the chicken by oxygen therapy.

SummaryFertile eggs from normal and genetically-dystrophic chickens were placed in an environment chamber on day 19 of development. The atmosphere contained 45% oxygen until the chicks hatched, at which time it was raised to 70%. The chickens were maintained in the high oxygen atmosphere until 6 weeks of age when they were sacrificed for histological examination. The breast muscles of oxygen-treated dystrophic chickens underwent only minimal cytological changes when compared to both untreated normal and dystrophic controls. Breast muscles of oxygen-treated normal chickens showed no changes. It is concluded that continuous treatment in a high oxygen environment retards the progress of the hereditary myopathy.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Vessel Density in Glaucomatous Eyes with Focal Lamina Cribrosa Defects

Purpose To investigate whether vessel density assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) is reduced in glaucomatous eyes with focal lamina cribrosa (LC) defects. Design Cross-sectional, case-control study. Participants A total of 82 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) from the Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study (DIGS) with and without focal LC defects (41 eyes of 41 patients in each group) matched by severity of visual field (VF) damage. Methods Optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography–derived circumpapillary vessel density (cpVD) was calculated as the percentage area occupied by vessels in the measured region extracted from the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in a 750-μm-wide elliptical annulus around the disc. Focal LC defects were detected using swept-source OCT images. Main Outcome Measures Comparison of global and sectoral (eight 45-degree sectors) cpVDs and circumpapillary RNFL (cpRNFL) thicknesses in eyes with and without LC defects. Results Age, global, and sectoral cpRNFL thicknesses, VF mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation, presence of optic disc hemorrhage, and mean ocular perfusion pressure did not differ between patients with and without LC defects ( P > 0.05 for all comparisons). Mean cpVDs of eyes with LC defects were significantly lower than in eyes without a defect globally (52.9%±5.6% vs. 56.8%±7.7%; P = 0.013) and in the inferotemporal (IT) (49.5%±10.3% vs. 56.8%±12.2%; P = 0.004), superotemporal (ST) (54.3%±8.8% vs. 58.8%±9.6%; P = 0.030), and inferonasal (IN) (52.4%±9.0% vs. 57.6%±9.1%; P = 0.009) sectors. Eyes with LC defects in the IT sector (n = 33) had significantly lower cpVDs than eyes without a defect in the corresponding IT and IN sectors ( P P Conclusions In eyes with similar severity of glaucoma, OCT-A-measured vessel density was significantly lower in POAG eyes with focal LC defects than in eyes without an LC defect. Moreover, reduction of vessel density was spatially correlated with the location of the LC defect.
VISCOSITY AND FUNCTIONAL ABILITY OF DILUTED EGG YOLK

Fresh, liquid egg yolk was diluted with water or albumen so that solids content of the samples varied from that of pure yolk (53%) to that of “commercial” yolk (43%). The preparations were tested for viscosity, foaming capacity, and for performance ability in sponge cakes. Dilution of yolk caused a large decrease in viscosity, from 1600 cps at 53% solids to almost 200 cps at 43% solids. There was no important difference in viscosity between yolk diluted with albumen or with water. Dilution increased the volume of foam produced by beaten yolks, but decreased foam stability and sponge cake volume. Albumen gave better functional results than water when used as diluent, but the improvement was less than expected. It is suggested that, where function of yolk is concerned, care should be exercised to maintain dilution to a minimum and maintain yolk solids as high as economically feasible.
BRONCHOSCOPY EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Bronchoscopy is an essential tool in the management of patients with pulmonary diseases. With availability of several new modalities, and a shift from diagnostic to therapeutic bronchoscopy, bronchoscopy education and training are becoming crucial. There is a focus on competence-based training as well as a heightened concern about patient safety. The traditional apprenticeship model is inadequate to address the current needs. There is a wide variation in the training currently offered at the pulmonary training programs, with deficiency in several key modalities like transbronchial needle aspirate. Web-based curriculums and workshops are available and studies show their beneficial impact. Simulation models have revolutionized the education of conventional and endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy in the last decade. Several studies have shown that simulators improve and hasten the learning process, and the skills learned on a simulator are transferrable to the real patients. Ongoing studies are investigating a cognitive and skill based assessment tool for credentialing.
Commentary: Evolution of Positive Behavior Support and Future Directions:

The field of Positive Behavior Support has expanded and evolved significantly since the first issue of Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions (JPBI) was published. This growth is further eviden...
Novel retinal findings in peroxisomal biogenesis disorders

ABSTRACTPeroxisomal biogenesis disorders are caused by disruption of long chain fatty acid metabolism due to mutations in PEX genes. Individuals with these disorders often have vision loss due to optic atrophy and pigmentary retinopathy. We report an unusual retinal manifestation of peroxisomal biogenesis disorder.
Artery of Percheron Stroke.

Abstract Background Coma is not a common symptom of stroke. Case Report We present a patient with a stroke to the artery of Percheron, which infarcted the bilateral paramedian thalami and resulted in coma. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Identifying strokes in comatose patients is important for therapeutic management. The bilateral thalami are involved in maintaining consciousness. The artery of Percheron is an anatomic variant in the posterior circulation whereby the bilateral paramedian thalami are perfused by it solely. This is an atypical stroke syndrome that emergency physicians need to be able to identify.
Down-Regulation of the Antitumor Immune Response

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the immune response to chemically induced, transplantable tumors in syngeneic mice. It deals with those tumors that are immunogenic by virtue of their possession of tumor-specific, transplantation rejection antigens. A framework of evidence has been presented in the chapter that supports the hypothesis of down-regulation of antitumor immune response. Direct evidence for the hypothesis consists of the finding that infusion of suppressor spleen cells from donors with a large tumor can prevent recipient mice from generating a concomitant immune response. Additional direct evidence is being supplied by an ongoing study that shows that complete or partial regression of the Meth A fibrosarcoma that results from appropriately timed exposure to sublethal, whole-body γ-radiation is associated with a prolonged generation of effector T cells and an absence of suppressor T cells. It is suggested that down-regulation of antitumor immunity by suppressor T cells can explain the escape of only of those tumors that are immunogenic enough to evoke the generation of enough effectors T cells to cause tumor regression in the absence of suppressor T cells. This implies that the immunity generated to some tumors is too little too late to cause regression, even in the absence of the negative regulatory influence of suppressor cells. Therefore, successful immunotherapy of some established tumors, besides depending on the employment of agents capable of eliminating suppressor T cells, will also depend on the employment of agents capable of directly augmenting the generation of effectors T cells.
Searching for a Word as an Interactive Activity

This paper investigates the use of gesture and bodily display in the interactive organization of word searches. Here I examine how both speakers in the course of producing a word search in their talk, as well as recipients, in their responses to invitations to coparticipate in such an activity, make integrated use of vocal and nonvocal behaviors.
H-3-LINKED UNRESPONSIVENESS TO EA-1 AND H-13 ANTIGENS

Abstract A single dominant gene in mice which controls unresponsiveness to Ea-1 erythrocyte antigens is closely linked to H-3 but has been separated from H-3 by recombination. When genetic responders are made tolerant of nonresponder lymphoid cells, they are unresponsive to Ea-1 despite the fact that there is no cross-reactivity between Ea-1 and nonresponder tissue. Mice possessing the H-3 b allele are poorly responsive to H-13 antigens whereas H-3 a animals are good responders. Heterozygous H-3 a / H-3 b mice respond as poorly to H-13 as the H-3 b parents. H-3 a mice made tolerant of H-3 b antigens are poorly responsive to H-13 -incompatible skin grafts. These results suggest that in both of the H-3 -linked immune responses that have been described, the most likely explanation for the unresponsiveness is cross-tolerance.
Strength Physics at Nano-scale and Application of Optical Interferometry

The theoretical basis of the physical mesomechanical approach of strength physics is described. Based on a fundamental principle of physics known as local symmetry, this approach is capable of describing deformation and fracture comprehensively, and applicable to any scale level. It is thus useful to describe strength physics at the nano/microscopic without relying on phenomenology. An optical interferometric technique capable of resolving displacement at sub-nanometer level is introduced. Being capable of quantitative measurement, this technique is useful for characterization of material strength at the nano/microscopic level.
Replication of Results

We have covered statistical theory, probability, sampling distributions, statistical distributions, hypothesis testing, and various statistical tests based on the level of measurement and type of research design. Research for many decades involved carrying out a single study, i.e., collection of a single random sample of data from the population. Researchers today are becoming more concerned with replicating their research results. However, time and resources often do not permit conducting a research study again. Researchers instead have created techniques that provide some level of replicating their findings.
ANTIPLATELET THERAPY: Aspirin, Ticlopidine/Clopidogrel, and Anti-Integrin Agents

Aspirin is the most widely used antithrombotic agent today, with a wealth of basic and clinical studies indicating that it has a proven role in the prevention and acute treatment of arterial thrombosis. Other platelet-active drugs have been found more recently to have roles in certain clinical settings. In this respect, ticlopidine and clopidogrel are members of a class of agents that antagonize adenosine diphosphate (ADP)–induced platelet aggregation through a mechanism independent from the cyclo-oxygenase inhibition of aspirin. Similarly, the anti-GPIIbIIIa agents, such as the antibody abciximab, directly inhibit the platelet surface GPIIbIIIa-integrin receptor that plays a key role in platelet plug formation.
Boston's Sanctuary City Protections: A Philosophical Perspective

On January 25, 2017, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order purporting to deny federal funding to “sanctuary cities,” i.e., local jurisdictions that choose not to cooperate with federal efforts to enforce immigration restrictions. That same day, Boston’s Mayor Marty Walsh held a press conference at City Hall, asserting that Boston would not expend police resources to support “misguided federal actions.” While the legal issues of federalism and immigration are being litigated in courts around the country, this White Paper examines this controversy through the lens of philosophy, drawing on principles of human rights to consider what is at stake when the federal government seeks to confront and dismantle “safe communities.” To ground the discussion, we focus our analysis on Boston’s self-identified status as a sanctuary city. This White Paper proceeds in four parts. First, we set out the underlying principles of federalism relevant to this controversy. Second, we review Boston’s Sanctuary City policy, comparing its provisions to other sanctuary proposals, including a proposed Massachusetts state law. Third, grounded in philosophy, we examine why non-citizen residents within a territory have rights and the scope of those rights. Finding support in the work of John Locke and John Rawls, we show that a legitimate State must protect the human rights of all residents, not merely citizens. Then we argue that a requirement of the basic function of States is that they separate immigration enforcement from other governmental institutions that fulfill and protect human rights, such as police, schools, courts, and hospitals. Finally, we conclude that philosophical and legal perspectives point in the same direction, indicating that safe community policies are necessary components of a legitimate State and should be strengthened. Individuals cannot claim their basic human rights to security, education, basic medical care, and fair treatment if they fear deportation, and if individuals are structurally prevented from claiming their basic human rights, they are effectively denied them.
Island biogeography and ecological modeling of the amblypygid Phrynus marginemaculatus in the Florida Keys archipelago.

Aim The biogeography of terrestrial organisms across the Florida Keys archipelago is poorly understood. We used population genetics and spatioecological modeling of the Amblypygi Phrynus marginemaculatus to understand the genetic structure and metapopulation dynamics of Keys populations that are otherwise isolated by human development and ocean. Location The Florida Keys archipelago and mainland Florida. Methods We sequenced a 1,238 bp fragment of mtDNA for 103 individuals of P. marginemaculatus from 13 sites in the Florida Keys and South Florida, binned into four regions. We used population genetic analyses to understand the population structure of the species throughout its US range. Furthermore, we used ecological modeling with climate, habitat, and human development data to develop habitat suitability estimates for the species. Results We found clear genetic structure between localities. The Lower Keys, in particular, support populations separate from those in other regions studied. Ecological modeling and genetic analyses showed the highest habitat suitability and genetic isolation in the Lower Keys, but urban development across the species range has resulted in the loss of most historical habitat. Main conclusions A mainland-metapopulation model best fits P. marginemaculatus gene flow patterns in the Florida Keys and mainland. Ocean currents likely play a role in metapopulation dynamics and gene flow for terrestrial Keys species like P. marginemaculatus, and genetic patterns also matched patterns consistent with geologic history. Suitable habitat, however, is limited and under threat of human destruction. The few remaining pockets of the most suitable habitat tend to occur in parks and protected areas. We argue that conservation efforts for this species and others in the terrestrial Florida Keys would benefit from a deeper understanding of the population genetic structure and ecology of the archipelago.
Variability in Transient Climate Response in the MPI Grand Ensemble and Its Relation to the Radiative Effect of Sea Ice Loss

The transient climate response (TCR) is one way to measure the sensitivity of the Earth’s climate to an increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gases. The TCR, defined to be the warming after 70 years of a 1% per year increase in CO2, cannot be directly measured, but it can be estimated using observed temperatures over the 20th century and model-derived estimates of radiative forcing. Using a 100-member ensemble of a fully coupled global climate model (MPI-ESM1.1), we find that internal variability contributes significant uncertainty in observational estimates of TCR, with TCR values from the historical ensemble ranging from 1.34 to 1.94 K, compared to the model’s true TCR of 1.81 K. This spread can be attributed entirely to internal variability. A majority of the variability observed in the TCR is due to heat transport in the oceans — ensemble members that transport more heat to the deep ocean have lower TCRs. Another key factor is variability in sea ice, which regulates the amount of solar energy that is reflected back to space. Together, these two factors explain most of the variability observed in the TCR. Due to the observed effects of internal variability, estimates of the TCR from the historical record could deviate significantly from the climate system’s true value.
Named Entity Recognition

Named entity recognition (NER) is the problem of locating and categorizing important nouns and proper nouns in a text. In this chapter, we review the general state of research on entity recognition, relevant challenges and the current state of the art works on named entity recognition on Semitic languages. Specifically, we look into two case studies for Arabic and Hebrew. We also review Semitic NLP tasks which overlap with the named entity recognition. We close with an overview of the available resources for Semitic named entity recognition and some the open.research questions.
Design, synthesis and evaluation of [111In]-labeled, DOTA-conjugated tetrapeptides having high affinity and selectivity for mu opioid receptors

Abstract Introduction Peripheral mu (μ) opioid receptors are implicated in pain, bowel dysfunction and the progression of certain cancers. In an effort to identify radioligands well suited for imaging these peripheral sites, we have prepared and evaluated four hydrophilic 111In labeled DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) conjugated μ tetrapeptides. Methods Peptides were prepared by solid-phase techniques, using orthogonal strategies to achieve branching to DOTA, and then characterized by HPLC, mass spectroscopy and amino acid analysis. Scaffolds included novel peptide H-Dmt-D-Ala-Phe-Orn-NH2 (DAPO), where Dmt = 2′,6′-dimethyltyrosine, and known peptide H-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH2 ([Dmt1]DALDA). Constructs had DOTA conjugation at the Orn4 or Lys4 side chains, or to the C-terminal through a hexanoic acid-lysine linker. Indium(III) complexation and 111In radiolabeling were accomplished by standard methods. Protein binding and Log D7.4 were determined. Binding and pharmacological profiles were obtained in vitro. Biodistribution and radiometabolite studies were conducted using male CD-1 mice. Results All four indium(III)-DOTA conjugates derived from DAPO and [Dmt1]DALDA showed good selectivity and subnanomolar affinity for μ opioid receptors. One radioligand, H-Dmt-D-Ala-Phe-Orn(δ-[111In]In-DOTA)-NH2, showed 25% specific binding in vivo to μ sites in mouse gut. Notably, this was the least polar of the series, and also showed low sensitivity to modulation of binding by sodium ions. All radioligands showed high kidney uptake of radiometabolites. Conclusions Visualizing peripheral μ opioid receptors using 111In labeled DOTA-conjugated tetrapeptides appears feasible, but structural modifications to enhance specific binding and metabolic stability, as well as to reduce kidney uptake, will be required. Advances in knowledge This study shows in vivo labeling of peripheral μ opioid receptors by a tetrapeptide radioligand, and provides information that should prove useful in the design of peptide radioligands having optimal properties.
Medicare Reimbursement for General Surgery Procedures: 2000 to 2018.

Objective:The purpose of this study is to evaluate monetary trends from 2000 to 2018 in Medicare reimbursement rates for the most common general surgery procedures.Summary Background Data:A complete understanding of financial trends in general surgery in the United States is lacking. As such, an eva
Securitization of Lodging Real Estate Finance

In the early 1990s, the U.S. lodging industry witnessed a severe shortage of debt capital as traditional lenders exited the market. During this period hotel lending was revolutionized by the emergence of real estate debt securities. The author discusses key factors which have affected the growth and development of commercial mortgage backed securities and their changing role as a significant source of debt capital to the lodging industry.