cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TxMiner: Identifying transmitters in real-world spectrum measurements

Knowledge about active radio transmitters is critical for multiple applications: spectrum regulators can use this information to assign spectrum, licensees can identify spectrum usage patterns and better provision their future needs, and dynamic spectrum access applications can leverage such knowledge to pick operating frequency. Despite the importance of transmitter identification the current work in this space is limited and requires prior knowledge of transmitter signatures to identify active radio transmitters. More naive approaches are limited to detecting power levels and do not identify characteristics of the active transmitter. To address these challenges we propose TxMiner; a system that identifies transmitters from raw spectrum measurements without prior knowledge of transmitter signatures. TxMiner harnesses the observation that wireless signal fading follows a Rayleigh distribution and applies a novel machine learning algorithm to mine transmitters. We evaluate TxMiner on real-world spectrum measurements between 30MHz and 6GHz. The evaluation results show that TxMiner identifies transmitters robustly. We then make use of TxMiner to map the number of active transmitters and their frequency and temporal characteristics over 30MHz-6GHz, we detect rogue transmitters and identify opportunities for dynamic spectrum access.
Rhinectomy: timing and reconstruction.

Cancer of the nasal skin is usually well-circumscribed, superficial, and has an excellent prognosis. However, a small number of aggressive lesions require a partial or total rhinectomy. We retrospectively reviewed patients seen at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center between January 1, 1970, and December 31, 1980, for nasal cancer. There were 147 patients identified as requiring full-thickness nasal resections, of whom 68 (46.3%) required a hemi- or complete rhinectomy. Lesions requiring extensive rhinectomy usually involved the ala or were recurrent multicentric, squamous cell carcinomas greater than 4 cm. These patients had significantly poorer prognoses than the group in general. Recurrence developed in 45 patients (30.6%), and two thirds of all recurrences were seen within 2 years. In this series, the histology of the malignancy and its size, in the case of large basal cell carcinomas, were both predictive of a poor prognosis. Only the primary site was significant in predicting recurrence, whereas tumor size and histology were significant predictors of the need for an extensive rhinectomy. Delayed reconstruction is recommended in patients who are in poor health and have large recurrent lesions that are multicentric or involve the ala or dorsum. The timing of reconstruction is individualized, but a 2-year wait after surgery is recommended. Prosthetic rehabilitation is a good interim measure.
Deposition, heat treatment and characterization of two layer bioactive coatings on cylindrical PEEK

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) rods were coated via ion beam asssited deposition (IBAD) at room temperature. The coating consists of a two-layer design of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) as a heat-protection layer, and hydroxyapatite (HA) as a top layer to increase bioactivity. A rotating substrate holder was designed to deposit an even coating on the cylindrical surface of PEEK rods; the uniformity is verified by cross-sectional measurements using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Deposition is followed by heat treatment of the coating using microwave annealing and autoclaving. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed a dense, uniform columnar grain structure in the YSZ layer that is well bonded to the PEEK substrate, while the calcium phosphate layer was amorphous and pore-free in its as-deposited state. Subsequent heat treatment via microwave energy introduced HA crystallization in the calcium phosphate layer and additional autoclaving further expanded the crystallization of the HA layer. Chemical composition evaluation of the coating indicated the Ca/P ratios of the HA layer to be near that of stoichiometric HA, with minor variations through the HA layer thickness. The adhesion strength of as-deposited HA/YSZ coatings on smooth, polished PEEK surfaces was mostly unaffected by microwave heat treatment, but decreased with additional autoclave treatment. Increasing surface roughness showed improvement of bond strength.
Statistical Models in Morphometrics: Are they Realistic?

This analysis considers the validity of the assumptions of the Gaussian perturbation model as applied to landmark data collected for morphometric analyses.The primary conclusion is that the assumption of homoscedasticity is unrealistic when applied to biological data sets.We also point out some important difficulties asociated with alternate models.
Arithmetic Matrices and the Amazing Nine-Card Monte

(1993). Arithmetic Matrices and the Amazing Nine-Card Monte. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 52-56.
The Curious Case Of 2½ D

Some geographical phenomena are continuous and exist in whole number dimensions. Topography, for example. Other phenomena, such as population density, depend heavily on the area used in their computation. Some refer to this as existing in 2½ dimensions. Is the difference just because it is a computed, rather than an observed quantity? I argue the case for considering treatment of discrete geographic data as continuous.
Effect on rumen bacteria of methionine hydroxy analog and sulfur-containing amino acids, in vitro.

SummaryFermentation of glucose by rumen bacteria utilizing urea as the only source of nitrogen was carried out with or without MHA. The logarithmic growth rate was observed to increase about 2.5 times due to MHA. The lag phase was markedly stimulated in regard to bacterial N synthesis but not to total bacterial dry matter production.Bacterial activity generated a more negative redox potential than MHA making it improbable that MHA functioned as a reducing agent aiding in the anaerobiosis of the medium. The free hydroxyl group or the Ca salt of MHA were not essential for the stimulatory effect of MHA on bacterial growth. Inorganic sources of sulfur or amino acids other than the sulfur-containing amino acids did not have a growth-stimulating effect as measured at 4.5 hr of fermentation. Cystine, cysteine and methionine individually stimulated bacterial growth similar to that of MHA. These observations indicated that any of the sulfur-containing amino acids or MHA can be rapidly converted to the other sulfur...
Plutonium Feed Impurity Testing in Lanthanide Borosilicate (LaBS) Glass

A vitrification technology utilizing a lanthanide borosilicate (LaBS) glass is a viable option for dispositioning excess weapons-useable plutonium that is not suitable for processing into mixed oxide (MOX) fuel. A significant effort to develop a glass formulation and vitrification process to immobilize plutonium was completed in the mid-1990s. The LaBS glass formulation was found to be capable of immobilizing in excess of 10 wt % Pu and to be tolerant of a range of impurities. A more detailed study is now needed to quantify the ability of the glass to accommodate the anticipated impurities associated with the Pu feeds now slated for disposition. The database of Pu feeds was reviewed to identify impurity species and concentration ranges for these impurities. Based on this review, a statistically designed test matrix of glass compositions was developed to evaluate the ability of the LaBS glass to accommodate the impurities. Sixty surrogate LaBS glass compositions were prepared in accordance with the statistically designed test matrix. The heterogeneity (e.g. degree of crystallinity) and durability (as measured by the Product Consistency Test - Method A (PCT-A)) of the glasses were used to assess the effects of impurities on glass quality.
Study on fault clearing time of 500kV transmission line used in power system stability calculation

The possibility to reduce the fault clearing time from0.1s to0.09s or0.08s on500kV transmission line is discussed by statistics analysis of the operating time of the protection device and the breaker.Analysis calculation and simulation test show that the stability limit can be improved by reducing the fault clearing time.
Exact algorithms on reliable routing problems under uncertain topology using aggregation techniques for exponentially many scenarios

Network routing problems are often modeled with the assumption that the network structure is deterministic, though they are often subject to uncertainty in many real-life scenarios. In this paper, we study the traveling salesman and the shortest path problems with uncertain topologies modeled by arc failures. We present the formulations that incorporate chance constraints to ensure reliability of the selected route considering all arc failure scenarios. Due to the computational complexity and large scales of these stochastic network optimization problems, we consider two cutting plane methods and a Benders decomposition algorithm to respectively solve them. We also consider to solve the reformulations of the problems obtained by taking the logarithm transformation of the chance constraints. Numerical experiments are performed to obtain results for comparisons among these proposed methods.
Comprehensive cytologic screening in patients undergoing voluntary abortions.

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was diagnosed in 86 women among 6,619 patients having voluntary abortions since July 1, 1970. The mean age was 24.7 years, and 60 per cent of patients were para 1 or less. Carcinoma in situ was diagnosed in 18 patients—a prevalence rate of 2.7 per 1,000. A plan of management is presented for those patients undergoing voluntary pregnancy termination who have abnormal smears.
Occasional recombination of a selfish X-chromosome may permit its persistence at high frequencies in the wild.

The sex-ratio X-chromosome (SR) is a selfish chromosome that promotes its own transmission to the next generation by destroying Y-bearing sperm in the testes of carrier males. In some natural populations of the fly Drosophila neotestacea, up to 30% of the X-chromosomes are SR chromosomes. To investigate the molecular evolutionary history and consequences of SR, we sequenced SR and standard (ST) males at 11 X-linked loci that span the ST X-chromosome and at seven arbitrarily chosen autosomal loci from a sample of D. neotestacea males from throughout the species range. We found that the evolutionary relationship between ST and SR varies among individual markers, but genetic differentiation between SR and ST is chromosome-wide and likely due to large chromosomal inversions that suppress recombination. However, SR does not consist of a single multilocus haplotype: we find evidence for gene flow between ST and SR at every locus assayed. Furthermore, we do not find long-distance linkage disequilibrium within SR chromosomes, suggesting that recombination occurs in females homozygous for SR. Finally, polymorphism on SR is reduced compared to that on ST, and loci displaying signatures of selection on ST do not show similar patterns on SR. Thus, even if selection is less effective on SR, our results suggest that gene flow with ST and recombination between SR chromosomes may prevent the accumulation of deleterious mutations and allow its long-term persistence at relatively high frequencies.
Comparing dropout predictors for two state-level panels using Grade 6 and Grade 8 data

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of dropout predictors across time. Two state-level high school graduation panels were selected to begin with the seventh and ninth grades but end at the same time. The first panel (seventh grade) contained 29,554 students and used sixth grade predictors. The second panel (ninth grade) included 31,641 students and used eighth grade predictors. The predictors studied were age, poverty, attendance, gender, and standardized test scores. The data were analyzed using logistic regression. All variables were predictors of dropping out of high school. Age and poverty proved to be the most effective at discriminating between dropouts and graduates within each panel. Age became more effective with time. Attendance and test scores were stable indicators between panels. Gender predicted dropouts for only the ninth grade panel. Eighth graders that were female were approximately 22% less likely to drop out.
Benefits of dedicated hepatic imaging using simultaneous PET/MRI

1398 Objectives To evaluate the utility of a prolonged single bed liver acquisition incorporated into a whole body PET/MRI protocol. Methods 8 patients, 4 imaged with 18F-FDG and 4 imaged with 68Ga-DOTA-TOC were included. Gadoxetate was used for all studies. Imaging was performed on a 3.0T time-of-flight PET/MRI (GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI). A single 15-minute bed position was acquired in additional to a multi-bed position whole body PET/MRI using a 135 second acquisition at each bed position. PET data was reconstructed using respiratory binning (6 bins total) and respiratory compensation (“Q-static”, one image encompassing 40% of the RR at end expiration). MR imaging included breath-hold post-contrast sequences as well as respiratory navigated hepatobiliary phase (HBP) images. Results 17 lesions were visualized in the 8 patients that were avid on either DOTA-TOC or FDG PET imaging. SUVmax values from whole body PET/CT and PET/MRI imaging resulted in similar results (p=0.28). Qstatic reconstruction resulted in SUVmax values 35% higher than the single bed 15 minute acquisition (average SUVmax difference of 5.2, p Conclusions Leveraging a single bed liver acquisition is beneficial for PET/MRI, allowing for respiratory compensation techniques. Respiratory compensation resulted in an increased SUVmax either due to increased noise or improved respiratory gating. Respiratory compensation is particularly relevant in the setting of PET/MRI multiple breath-holds are performed. Additionally, HBP imaging is useful as it can be acquired using navigated sequences that accurately fuse. Research Support Grant support from GE Healthcare.
What Is Strabismus

I hope the reader has become aware, in the last two chapters, that a great amount of information has emerged in recent decades on the neurogenesis of the central nervous system in humans, other primates, and other animal species. In addition, in each of these species, specific timetables dictate the sequence in which events occur so that the whole system emerges as an orderly functioning unit at or around the time of birth. The timetable governing this process in humans is known with less precision than it is in other animals. But it is apparent that the effects of injuries to the developing nervous system in all species are very tightly bound to these timetables. It is against this background of central nervous system development and potential insult that I suggest we may begin to understand what strabismus is.
The Nature of the Initiative: Characteristics and Impact

Previous discussion of the various types of conciliatory initiative undertaken in Chapter 5 began to suggest a number of attributes possessed by successful moves in situations of protracted conflict. This raised at least the possibility that an observer could look for certain qualities associated with greater or lesser effectiveness, while a practitioner could examine any planned or proposed gestures, or those used by an adversary, to see whether they conform to certain guidelines. For example, discussion of ‘concessions’ suggested that the larger the retreat, the more likely it is that the initiative will obtain the desired response, while ‘symbolic gestures’ clearly have to articulate with the values and assumptions of a target. The more transparent a TRM and 0074he clearer the voluntariness and unconditionally of a CBM, the more credible and respondable they will be to a target.
Modal analysis of dislocation vibration and reaction attempt frequency

Abstract Transition state theory is a fundamental approach for temporal coarse-graining. It estimates the reaction rate for a transition processes by quantifying the activation free energy and attempt frequency for the unit process. To calculate the transition rate of a gliding dislocation, the attempt frequency is often obtained from line tension estimates of dislocation vibrations, a highly simplified model of dislocation behavior. This work revisits the calculation of attempt frequency for a dislocation bypassing an obstacle, in this case a self-interstitial atom (SIA) loop. First, a direct calculation of the vibrational characteristics of a finite pinned dislocation segment is compared to line tension estimates before moving to the more complex case of dislocation-obstacle bypass. The entropic factor associated with the attempt frequency is calculated for a finite dislocation segment and for an infinite glide dislocation interacting with an SIA loop. It is found to be dislocation length independent for three cases of dislocation-self interstitial atom (SIA) loop interactions.
Vesicular stomatitis virus N protein-specific single-domain antibody fragments inhibit replication

Abstract The transcription and replication machinery of negative‐stranded RNA viruses presents a possible target for interference in the viral life cycle. We demonstrate the validity of this concept through the use of cytosolically expressed single‐domain antibody fragments (VHHs) that protect cells from a lytic infection with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) by targeting the viral nucleoprotein N. We define the binding sites for two such VHHs, 1004 and 1307, by X‐ray crystallography to better understand their inhibitory properties. We found that VHH 1307 competes with the polymerase cofactor P for binding and thus inhibits replication and mRNA transcription, while binding of VHH 1004 likely only affects genome replication. The functional relevance of these epitopes is confirmed by the isolation of escape mutants able to replicate in the presence of the inhibitory VHHs. The escape mutations allow identification of the binding site of a third VHH that presumably competes with P for binding at another site than 1307. Collectively, these binding sites uncover different features on the N protein surface that may be suitable for antiviral intervention.
Sex differences in micro- and macro-vascular complications of diabetes mellitus

Vascular complications are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both men and women with type 1 (T1DM) or type 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus, however the prevalence, progression and pathophysiology of both microvascular (nephropathy, neuropathy and retinopathy) and macrovascular [coronary heart disease (CHD), myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and stroke] disease are different in the two sexes. In general, men appear to be at a higher risk for diabetic microvascular complications, while the consequences of macrovascular complications may be greater in women. Interestingly, in the absence of diabetes, women have a far lower risk of either micro- or macro-vascular disease compared with men for much of their lifespan. Thus, the presence of diabetes confers greater risk for vascular complications in women compared with men and some of the potential reasons, including contribution of sex hormones and sex-specific risk factors are discussed in this review. There is a growing body of evidence that sex hormones play an important role in the regulation of cardiovascular function. While estrogens are generally considered to be cardioprotective and androgens detrimental to cardiovascular health, recent findings challenge these assumptions and demonstrate diversity and complexity of sex hormone action on target tissues, especially in the setting of diabetes. While some progress has been made toward understanding the underlying mechanisms of sex differences in the pathophysiology of diabetic vascular complications, many questions and controversies remain. Future research leading to understanding of these mechanisms may contribute to personalized- and sex-specific treatment for diabetic micro- and macro-vascular disease.
Gratitude, Abstinence, and Alcohol Use Disorders: Report of a Preliminary Finding

Abstract Gratitude is a central component of addiction recovery for many, yet it has received scant attention in addiction research. In a sample of 67 individuals entering abstinence-based alcohol-use-disorder treatment, this study employed gratitude and abstinence variables from sequential assessments (baseline, 6 months, 12 months) to model theorized causal relationships: gratitude would increase pre-post treatment and gratitude after treatment would predict greater percent days abstinent 6 months later. Neither hypothesis was supported. This unexpected result led to the theory that gratitude for sobriety was the construct of interest; therefore, the association between gratitude and future abstinence would be positive among those already abstinent. Thus, post-treatment abstinence was tested as a moderator of the effect of gratitude on future abstinence: this effect was statistically significant. For those who were abstinent after treatment, the relationship between gratitude and future abstinence was positive; for those drinking most frequently after treatment, the relationship between gratitude and future abstinence was negative. In this preliminary study, dispositional tendency to affirm that there is much to be thankful for appeared to perpetuate the status quo—frequent drinkers with high gratitude were drinking frequently 6 months later; abstinent individuals with high gratitude were abstinent 6 months later. Gratitude exercises might be contraindicated for clients who are drinking frequently and have abstinence as their treatment goal.
Observations on the Genus Dimya (Mollusca: Bivalvia) in the Cenozoic Faunas of the Western Atlantic Region

The bivalved molluscan genus Dimya, heretofore known to be represented in the western Atlantic faunas by one Miocene species and variety from the Dominican Republic (D. grandis and var. divaricata, both of Dall, 1896) and two Recent species from the Caribbean Sea and adjacent areas (D. argentea Dall, 1886, and D. tigrina Bayer, 1971), proves to be more widely distributed in the paleontological record. Three new species are described: D. alieni, from the Cook Mountain Formation, middle Eocene of Louisiana; D. rufaripa, from the lower Oligocene Red Bluff Formation of Mississippi; and D. fimbricostata, from the lower Pleistocene Moin Formation of Costa Rica. In addition, other specimens from the Moin Formation are referred to D. tigrina Bayer, and, three valves from the well-known Bowden, Jamaica, locality serve to document the occurrence of the genus in that fauna. The geologic and the geographic distribution of the known fossil and Recent species of Dimya and Dimyodon is discussed. It is concluded that Dimya probably is descended from the Upper Triassic to middle Oligocene genus Dimyodon, possibly first appearing in the late Cretaceous, but certainly present in the Paleocene and achieving widespread distribution in the middle and upper Eocene of the Old World Tethyan faunas before becoming relatively rare and apparently confined to the deeper water facies of Oligocene and later faunas. The Pleistocene forms here described constitute the first known records of its occurrence in deposits of that epoch. A number of Recent species are known from the western Atlantic and the Pacific faunas; the average depth for the 47 available dredging records for these species is 311 meters, the few available bottom temperature records average slightly over 59°F (15°C). Annotated lists of those species that have been referred, at one time or another, to Dimya and Dimyodon are appended.
Near-field multistatic radar reconstruction with stretched-phase Fourier accelerated multistatic imaging

There exist few rapid reconstruction methods for applications that use multistatic radar for targets in the near field such as vehicle navigation and personnel screening. Fourier accelerated multistatic imaging (FAMI) is a method that combines the rapid reconstruction speed of Fourier-based imaging algorithms with the flexibility of algebraic algorithms that allow arbitrary radiation patterns and antenna placement. Many of these new applications image in the near field of the individual antennas of a multistatic array, however, FAMI contains approximations that require the target to be in the far field of each antenna. Stretched-phase FAMI (SP-FAMI) overcomes this limitation and allows imaging in the Fresnel region of the antennas so that targets may be very close to the array while retaining the computational benefits of Fourier reconstruction. As radar wavelengths decrease with a corresponding increase in resolution, SP-FAMI allows the imaging of nearby targets that would otherwise be too close for FAMI to image accurately.
The Pulitzers Go to Hollywood

This chapter examines the impact of the Pulitzer Prizes for Drama and the Novel on Hollywood filmmaking. Between 1917 and 1936, the first twenty years the prizes were awarded, Pulitzer-winning plays were more likely than Pulitzer-winning novels to be filmed; they were brought to the screen more quickly; and they were more likely to be adapted repeatedly. Over the fifteen years following, between 1937 and 1952, Hollywood became significantly more receptive to Pulitzer-winning novels, evoking their scenic and often exotic regional settings while adapting their plots to a sharply focused formula traditionally associated with adaptations of plays. But dramatic adaptations continued to predominate over novelistic adaptations as late as television’s Pulitzer Prize Playhouse (1950–52).
Liquid core optical fiber for nonlinear frequency generation

Liquid core optical fibers provide a unique platform for nonlinear photonics; we will review our recent work in this area, which include infrared supercontinuum generation, stimulated Raman scattering, Brillouin lasing, and optical switching.
All-printed conformai electronically scanned phased array

We present a novel fully printed, conformai phased array antenna with beam forming capability. Analog phase shifters with a left handed transmission line (LHTL) design are used at the feed lines of four patch subarrays. The microstrip LHTL phase shifter is made of series tunable capacitors and shunt inductive stubs. The voltage-variable capacitor (varactor) is an interdigitated capacitor (IDC) filled with a novel ferroelectric nanocomposite. The sinterless nanocomposite dielectric is made by suspending especially-engineered nanoparticles of ferroelectric Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) in a thermoplastic polymer. Direct-ink writing techniques are used to digitally print the conductive and ferroelectric features on flexible substrates. RF measurements on varactors showed up to 10% capacitance tunability at 2GHz. Preliminary radiation pattern measurements showed an electronic beam steering with up to 15° of scanning. The proposed phased array design has the potential for roll-to-roll fabrication of ultra-low-cost beamforming systems for communication and radar applications.
Pure Mucinous (Colloid) Adenocarcinoma of the Conjunctiva

Primary mucinous carcinomas of the periorbital region are very rare and often require differential diagnosis of metastatic disease. We describe a case of pure mucinous adenocarcinoma arising in the subconjunctival stroma of the ocular fornix in a female patient with a longstanding history of bilateral ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. Histologically, the tumor was composed of predominantly goblet-like cells floating in pools of mucin separated by delicate collagenous septa. The initial suspicion was of primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma and less likely endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma, however the CK7-/synaptophysin-/chromogranin-immunoprofile did not confirm either of the two. Focal areas of the tumor demonstrated peripheral staining for p63 and CK5/6 suggestive of an in situ component. Additional studies showed that the tumor cells were positive for CK20, CDX2, villin and MUC2. Given the final immunophenotype of the tumor, metastatic lesion from the lower gastrointestinal tract had to be ruled out. Thorough clinicoradiological work-up did not reveal any other primary tumors or evidence of metastatic disease elsewhere. Unique histomorphology, the presence of an in-situ component and negative clinical investigation suggest that this is a primary mucinous adenocarcinoma arising in the ocular fornix. This case may represent the first report of this entity in the literature.
2017 Focused Update for Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease: Summary of New Recommendations

Valvular heart disease (VHD) is present in ≈2.5% of the general US population, with prevalence increasing to 11.7% to 13.3% in those aged >75 years.[1][1] Valve‐disease–related deaths account for 1.9% of total US mortality. Of these, aortic and mitral valvular disease represent 99% of
AFRICA, SOUTH | Kalahari Margins

This article discusses the later prehistory of the Kalahari margins from approximately 100 BCE to CE 1700. Current evidence indicates that around BCE 100 some foragers in the northern Kalahari began to incorporate domesticated cattle and sheep into their foraging lifestyle. In some cases they also began to use, and possibly manufacture, pottery – the latter possibly suggesting that herder-foraging may have permitted greater sedentism. After CE 500 agropastoral settlements of metallurgists established themselves in the better watered parts of the country. Exchange networks focused on luxury commodities linked these Early Iron Age communities across the region. After CE 1000 differences in wealth, as measured in control over livestock, developed along the eastern margins of the Kalahari as large, long-term villages became the economic and political focal points for smaller satellite communities. After CE 1200, more rigid class distinctions become evident in this region as the elite used differences in housing, ceramics, diet, and access to luxury goods to distinguish themselves from subaltern peoples. After CE 1500 there is tentative evidence, in the form of stone-walled settlements situated in defensive locations, that competition between communities intensified just before the historic period.
Modeling the Emergence of Antibiotic Resistance in Bacterial Populations

Since antibiotics have become routinely used to treat infections, antibiotic resistance is now an emerging concern for public health. To understand how bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, many students draw from the common misconception that bacteria gain resistance upon antibiotic exposure. We have designed models and a corresponding lab that explores how a population of bacteria can evolve antibiotic resistance, with emphasis on dispelling common misconceptions surrounding the mechanism of antibiotic resistance. Using an antibiotic disk diffusion assay, students compare the antibiotic resistance level of a harmless E. coli strain of bacteria over time. Then, students compare their lab data to the models, which together illustrate the roles that initial genetic variation and random mutation play in the evolution of antibiotic resistance. In this guided investigation, basic microbiology concepts and techniques are made accessible to students in a high school classroom. The models developed here are in line with the practices of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The models, together with the lab, are used to guide students through the process of argumentation using a claim, evidence, and reasoning (CER) format to explain the evolutionary mechanisms of antibiotic resistance.
Main Pathways of Mammalian Diversification in North America

The North American record of land mammals is the most thoroughly documented continental fauna in the world. Yet each year sees many new taxa and new distributional records come to light, clearly indicating that the known records have not yet begun to approach an asymptote. Indeed, the advent of screenwashing three decades ago has rejuvenated the success rate of paleontologists working in “unproductive” sediments, adding volumes of new documentation concerning small sized mammals such as insectivores, bats, and rodents.
Bladder Emptying: Complete Emptying

Along with urinary storage, the emptying of urine is a key function of the bladder. Although this seems simple on the surface, the ability to completely empty the bladder safely and efficiently requires the intimate coordination of numerous organs, supporting structures, and neurotransmitters. While a low post-void residual (PVR) is often considered a surrogate for complete emptying, this value may not be consistent from void to void and may be affected by numerous factors. The PVR value should be evaluated as a single puzzle piece, in the scope of the patient’s history, findings on physical examination, and measures of actual emptying, such as uroflowmetry and/or pressure-flow studies. The goal of this chapter will be to focus on the emptying phase and what steps constitute complete emptying. The chapter will also illustrate examples of incomplete emptying, their pathophysiology, urodynamic and radiographic findings, and implications for the patient.
A Monoclonal Antibody Which Identifies a Subpopulation of Human B Lymphocytes and Monocytes

Hybridoma antibodies were produced against the “pre-B” lymphoblatoid cell line, Nalm-6. A subclone of one of these hybridoma antibodies (I-96) identifies a determinant on the surface and in the cytoplasm of Nalm-6 and 6 of 11 human lymphoblastoid cell lines. The intensity of reaction of I-96 was greatest in cell lines with large numbers of cytoplasmic vesicles. I-96 identifies a different determinant than another monoclonal antibody specific for a common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen (J5). Furthermore, MABI-96 specifically reacts with a surface determinant on a subpopulation of slg+ and clg+ cells from peripheral blood, spleen, and tonsil, and with a subpopulation of G-10 adherent, OKMI cells. The I-96 antigen does not associate preferentially with any class of immunoglobulin and I-96 does not react with T cells. When PBMC are stimulated with the polyclonal B cell activators pokeweed mitogen and S. aureus (Cowans I) the number of MABI-96+ slg+ cells decreases sharply. In unstimulated cultures the percentage of such cells markedly increases by day 4, followed by a gradual decrease toward the end of the culture period. It appears that this antibody defines a functional subpopulation of human B lymphocytes and monocytes. (Supported in part by the Chicago Leukemia Research Foundation, Inc. and Univ. of Illinois BRSG #80932, CRB-FY81).
Diameter Growth Models Using Minnesota Forest Inventory and Analysis Data

The Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program of the USDA Forest Service North Central Research Station (NCRS) has begun replacing the 12-to 13-yr periodic inventory cycles for the states in the North Central region with annual inventories featuring measurement of approximately 20% of all plots in each of the 11 states each year. State reports on summaries of the forest resources will be produced every 5 yr. As a method of updating information on plots not visited in the current year, NCRS is developing nonlinear, individual-tree, distance-independent annual diameter growth models for species groups. The models, formulated as the product of an average diameter growth component and a modifier component, were calibrated on Minnesota FIA data from stands that were generally undisturbed, of mixed ages and of mixed species. The dependent variable is annual diameter growth. The independent variables include crown ratio, crown class, stand basal area, stand basal area larger than the subject tree, physiographic class, and latitude and longitude of plot locations. The model predictions at both the individual-tree level and plot level have negligible bias, and the models may be easily recalibrated to include new data sets obtained from the annual inventories.
Patterned antigen-binding cells of multiple specificity.

In previous papers (1,2) and papers now in press (3), we have shown that there exists in all lymphoid tissue of the mouse (and other vertebrates) a subpopulation of cells which bind fluoro-chrome-labeled anti-Ig and protein antigens in a characteristic pattern. These patterned antigen-binding cells (ABC) bind large, multideterminant proteins at a very high frequency: in mouse tissues, 30–50% of these cells bear Ig receptors for any of five different proteins. On cells which bind two proteins, each is bound independently of the other. The observations that such multiple ABC appear very early in ontogeny (4,5), and that after antigen-induced shedding, reappearance of receptors on patterned ABC occurs (but only under conditions of protein synthesis), are consistent with models in which single patterned ABC synthesize (rather than acquire) many different receptors. The evidence is reviewed in some greater detail below. In addition, some new data which also tend to support the idea of multiple receptor synthesis by single cells are presented.
Irradiation Temperature Determination by Electrical Resistivity Measurements

Postirradiation electrical resistivity changes have been found to be a measure of the irradiation temperature. Molybdenum and tungsten rod specimens were irradiated in the Experimental Breeder Reac...
Cholesterol Mass Efflux Capacity, Incident Cardiovascular Disease, and Progression of Carotid Plaque

Objective- To assess the role of HDL (high-density lipoprotein)-mediated cholesterol mass efflux capacity (CMEC) in incident cardiovascular disease and carotid plaque progression. Approach and Results- We measured CMEC in 2 cohorts aged 45 to 84 years at baseline derived from the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis). Cohort 1 comprised 465 cases with incident cardiovascular disease events during 10 years of follow-up and 465 age- and sex-matched controls; cohort 2 comprised 407 cases with progression of carotid plaque measured by ultrasonography at 2 exams >10 years and 407 similarly matched controls. Covariates and outcome events were ascertained according to the MESA protocol. CMEC level was modestly correlated with HDL cholesterol ( R=0.13; P<0.001) but was not associated with age, sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, alcohol use, smoking status, or statin use. Higher CMEC level was significantly associated with lower odds of cardiovascular disease (odds ratio, 0.82 per SD of CMEC [95% CI, 0.69-0.98; P=0.031] in the fully adjusted model) in cohort 1 but higher odds of carotid plaque progression (odds ratio, 1.24 per SD of CMEC [95% CI, 1.04-1.48; P=0.018] in the fully adjusted model) in cohort 2 but without dose-response effect. In subgroup analysis within cohort 1, higher CMEC was associated with lower risk of incident coronary heart disease events (odds ratio, 0.72 per SD of CMEC (95% CI, 0.5-0.91; P=0.007) while no association was found with stroke events. Conclusions- These findings support a role for HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux in an atheroprotective mechanism for coronary heart disease but not stroke.
Selling “Star Wars” in American Mass Media

In March of 1983, Ronald Reagan introduced his Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), a program to intercept incoming ballistic missiles in space. Dubbed “Star Wars” by skeptics, SDI prompted a media battle—in print, television commercials, documentaries, and even a mail-in sweepstakes—between two non-government organizations: High Frontier, which believed missile defense was achievable, and the Union of Concerned Scientists, which criticized Star Wars at every turn. Together, these NGOs shaped public perceptions of Star Wars’ promise before the White House could. Alarmed at this media war, the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization had to fight back with its own media campaign to ensure the short-term survival of SDI. In the process, it abandoned Reagan’s vision and pursued continued congressional funding.
Potential Effects on Mortality of Replacing Sedentary Time With Short Sedentary Bouts or Physical Activity: A National Cohort Study

Little is known concerning the type of activity that should be substituted for sedentary time and its potentially most hazardous form (prolonged sedentary bouts) to impart health benefit. We used isotemporal substitution techniques to examine whether 1) replacing total sedentary time with light-intensity or moderate to vigorous physical activity (LIPA or MVPA) or 2) replacing prolonged sedentary bouts with shorter sedentary bouts is associated with reductions in all-cause mortality risk. Participants (n = 7,999) from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, a national cohort of US adults aged ≥45 years, were studied. Sedentary time was measured by accelerometry between 2009 and 2013. There was a beneficial association with mortality risk for replacing total sedentary time with both LIPA (per 30 minutes, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.80, 0.87) and MVPA (per 30 minutes, HR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.85). Similarly, there was a beneficial association for replacing prolonged sedentary-bout time with LIPA and MVPA but not for replacement with shorter sedentary bouts (per 30 minutes, HR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.96, 1.03). These findings suggest short sedentary bouts still carry mortality risk and are not a healthful alternative to prolonged sedentary bouts. Instead, physical activity of any intensity is needed to mitigate the mortality risks incurred by sedentary time.
The Social Origins of Institutional Weakness and Change: Preferences, Power, and Police Reform in Latin America

Despite historic increases in crime and violence, Latin America’s police forces are characterized by long periods of institutional weakness punctuated by rare, sweeping reforms. To understand these patterns of institutional continuity and change, the author applies the concept of structural power, demonstrating how police leverage their control of coercion to constrain the policy options available to politicians. Within this constrained policy space, politicians choosing between continuity and reform assess societal preferences for police reform and patterns of political competition. Under fragmented societal preferences, irrespective of political competition, reform brings little electoral gain and risks alienating a powerful bureaucracy. Preference fragmentation thus favors the persistence of institutional weakness. When societal preferences converge and a robust political opposition threatens incumbents, politicians face an electoral counterweight to the structural power of police, making reform likely. Using evidence from periods of continuity and reform in Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia, the author traces both outcomes to shifts in societal preferences and political opposition. Despite the imperative to address citizens’ demands by building state capacity in security provision, these cases show that police reform is often rendered electorally disadvantageous.
Applying Organizational Health Literacy to Maternal and Child Health.

Purpose Describe the development of an innovative teaching activity that applies organizational health literacy to maternal and child health (MCH). Description Health literacy is a strong predictor of health behavior and outcomes. While the study of health literacy has traditionally been confined to skills and capacities of individuals, the significant role of the social and physical environmental contexts in facilitating or hindering one’s ability to obtain, understand, and make informed decision about their health has been recognized. MCH organizations play a critical role in influencing health literacy across system levels. This teaching activity aims to equip students with knowledge and skills needed to foster organizational health literacy. Assessment The teaching activity is assembled within a toolkit which includes the following: (1) instructor lesson plan; (2) interactive PowerPoint presentation with instructor notes; (3) field assignment description; (4) health literacy attribute assessment worksheets; and (5) grading rubric. The teaching tool was pilot tested by a student research team member to assess the educational value and assignment logistics, resulting in minor edits (i.e., addition of interviewer probes, and option of a group project-format to permit triangulation of multiple organizational interviews). Conclusion The field of MCH is expanding in complexity, and the demands of health systems on women, children, and families must be mediated by conscious efforts within organizations. Through teaching the importance and function of organizational health literacy to students in MCH, educators can prepare an emerging workforce to improve health literacy, and ultimately the quality of healthcare for women, children, and families.
Perovskite Particles from Phytoplankton

Controlled-shape BaTiO 3 -based microparticles were synthesized with the use of diatom microshells (frustules) as templates. The SiO 2 -based frustules of Aulacoseira diatoms were first converted into MgO-based replicas via a gas/solid displacement reaction at 900°C. A BaTiO 3 coating was then applied to the MgO-bearing frustules by a sol-gel process. After firing at 700°C for 1.5 h, a conformal nanocrystalline coating of BaTiO 3 was generated on the surfaces of the MgO-bearing frustules. The underlying MgO scaffolds were then selectively dissolved away to yield freestanding 3-D BaTiO 3 -based replicas of the original Aulacoseira diatom frustules. This work demonstrates that microparticles with well-controlled 3-D morphologies and non-natural multicomponent ceramic compositions can be produced by merging the self-assembly ability of biomineralizing micro-organisms with synthetic chemical tailoring.
Scaffolding English language learners for online collaborative writing activities

ABSTRACTAs second-language (L2) classrooms embrace technology for learning through computer-mediated communication, there is need to consider how L2 learners can learn online collaborative techniqu...
Inter-comparison and improvement of 2-stream shortwave radiative transfermodels for unified treatment of cryospheric surfaces in ESMs

Abstract. Snow is an important climate regulator because it greatly increases the surface albedo of large parts of the Earth. Earth System Models (ESMs) often adopt 2-stream approximations with different radiative transfer techniques, the same snow therefore has different solar radiative properties depending whether it is on land or on sea ice. Here we inter-compare three 2-stream algorithms widely used in snow models, improve their predictions at large zenith angles, and introduce a hybrid model suitable for all cryospheric surfaces in ESMs. The algorithms are those employed by the SNow ICe and Aerosol Radiative (SNICAR) module used in land models, and by Icepack, the column physics used in the Los Alamos sea ice model CICE and MPAS-seaice, and a 2-stream discrete ordinate (2SD) model. Compared with a 16-stream benchmark model, the errors in snow visible albedo for a direct-incident beam from all three 2-stream models are small ( 75°. These results are incorporated in a hybrid model SNICAR-AD, which can now serve as a unified solar radiative transfer model for snow in ESM land, land ice, and sea-ice components.