cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Post‐Pleistocene differentiation in a Central Interior Highlands endemic salamander

Aim For many endemic species with limited dispersal capacities, the relationship between landscape changes and species distributions is still unclear. We characterized the population structure of the endemic ringed salamander (Ambystoma annulatum) across its distribution in the Central Interior Highlands (CIH) of North America, an area of high species endemism, to infer the ecological and evolutionary history of the species. Methods We sampled 498 individuals across the species distribution and characterized the population genetic structure using nuclear microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers. Results Ambystoma annulatum exist in two strongly supported nuclear genetic clusters across the CIH that correspond to a northern cluster that includes the Missouri Ozark populations and a southern cluster that includes the Arkansas and Oklahoma Ozarks and the Ouachita Mountains. Our demographic models estimated that these populations diverged approximately 2,700 years ago. Pairwise estimates of genetic differentiation at microsatellite and mtDNA markers indicated limited contemporary gene flow and suggest that genetic differentiation was primarily influenced by changes in the post-Pleistocene landscape of the CIH. Main Conclusions Both the geologic history and post-European settlement history of the CIH have influenced the population genetic structure of A. annulatum. The low mtDNA diversity suggests a retraction into and expansion out of refugial areas in the south-central Ozarks, during temperature fluctuations of the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs. Similarly, the estimated divergence time for the two nuclear clusters corresponds to changes in the post-Pleistocene landscape. More recently, decreased A. annulatum gene flow may be a result of increased habitat fragmentation and alteration post-European settlement.
Company-College Co-Location: Do Universities Create Local Innovation Clusters?

I show that firms produce more valuable patents when they are located close to a university or land-grant college. Land-grant colleges were established in as-good-as-random locations in the 19th century, allowing me to rule out reverse causality and omitted variables as explanations. To understand the mechanism, I show that firms whose executives are more connected to a land-grant college produce more valuable patents, pointing toward executive networks as an important channel for spillovers. I strengthen these findings by using large donations from alumni as exogenous shocks to university research. The resulting increases in university research mainly benefit connected firms.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor use and tuberculosis: a systematic review of the literature.

Abstract Background An amassing body of evidence exists to support an association between the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and the development of tuberculosis (TB). Methods We performed a systematic review of the literature to assess the nature of this relationship using PubMed, EMBASE and meeting proceedings. Results We have identified 16 patients who developed active TB during immunotherapy. Median age was 61 (range: 49–87). Twelve (75%) were male and 4 (25%) were female. Lung cancer was the most common type of cancer (n = 8), followed by melanoma (n = 3) and head and neck cancer (n = 3). Median time to TB reactivation after initiation of ICI therapy was 6.3 months (range: 1–24 months). Two (13%) patients died of complications of TB (spinal cord compression, GI perforation). TB reactivation in organs (pericardium, bone, liver, and GI track; one each) other than the lungs has been documented. We did not find any cases of TB reactivation that occurred during anti–CTLA-4 therapy. Conclusion Findings from our systematic review indicate that PD-(L)1 inhibitors are linked to TB reactivation. TB activation can occur in various organs and TB-related fatalities have been reported. TB screening before starting immunotherapy should be considered in high-risk patient populations. Further research, including prospective studies with patients whose baseline TB status is known, is necessary to better understand the incidence of TB reactivation during ICI therapy and how best to manage TB that develops during immunotherapy.
O27 Family Mealtime Behaviors Among Low-Income African Americans Participating in a Healthy Meal Kit Intervention

Background The home environment influences health behaviors of families. Frequent family meals are associated with healthier dietary behaviors and lower BMI across children of varying ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups. Therefore, interventions that increase family meals are warranted. Objective To evaluate the impact of a healthy meal kit intervention on mealtime behaviors among low-income African American families. Study Design, Setting, Participants Low-income African American main preparers of food (n = 36) were recruited in Gainesville, Florida. Participants received meal kits for 6 weeks with ingredients for 3 healthy recipes that served 4 people, recipe cards, cooking incentives, and nutrition handouts. Data collection occurred at baseline and post-intervention via in-person surveys. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Demographic data were collected at baseline. A family mealtime behavior survey captured aspects of family mealtime and eating behaviors at baseline and post-intervention. Qualitative data were also collected post-intervention. Demographic data and family mealtime behaviors were analyzed using descriptive statistics with changes in some mealtime behaviors analyzed using a paired t-test. Results Participants were 42.5 ± 13.8 years old, primarily female (89%), had 2.3 ± 1.2 children in the household, and had a BMI of 35.4 ± 9.2. At baseline, participants cooked 3 and ate 5 meals together as a family, which did not change post-intervention (−0.3 ± 2.5; p=0.5 and 0.3 ± 1.5; P = .20, respectively). Most (86%) families were involved in preparing meals, and the intervention positively affected most (67%) family mealtimes. Fifty-three percent and 47% of the children always or often enjoyed preparing and eating the meals, respectively. Participants suggested adding kid-friendly alternatives and a dessert. Meal kits decreased stress related to shopping for food (72%) and eating together as a family (58%). Conclusion Meal kits may positively engage children in preparing and eating family meals and decrease stress associated with mealtimes. Future interventions should further assess the impact of meal kits on the dietary intake of children. Funding None.
Presentation and diagnostic challenges in identifying late first trimester ectopic pregnancy by point-of-care ultrasound.

Abstract Vaginal bleeding is a common presenting complaint for patients in the emergency department. It can be associated with life threatening disease entities such as ruptured ectopic pregnancy. This case highlights a young primigravid female presenting with a late first trimester ectopic pregnancy which was initially missed on beside ultrasound but later found on internal quality review. Emergency physicians who perform point-of-care ultrasound for pregnancy related complaints should measure the endomyometrial mantle to aid in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.
528 Sexual dimorphism in myeloid-derived suppressor cells promote GBM progression in females via IL-1b

Background A potently immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment facilitates progression of glioblastoma (GBM). Immunotherapies have had variable success in improving the outcome of GBM patients, suggesting that there is a need to gain insight into the mechanisms of immunosuppression. Our findings indicated that proliferating monocytic MDSCs (mMDSCs) accumulate in tumors of male mice and patients, while female tumor-bearing mice had an increase in circulating granulocytic MDSC (gMDSC) frequency, and a high gMDSC gene signature correlated with worse outcome of female patients. Methods To investigate the basis and prognostic value of sex differences in MDSC profile, we analyzed the role of sex hormones, determined gene expression signatures of MDSCs and preclinically tested the therapeutic benefit of candidate drugs predicted to be effective against individual MDSC subsets. Results In line with the differential MDSC accumulation pattern, targeting the systemic gMDSCs with the anti-Ly6G neutralizing antibody extended the lifespan of female mice without affecting males. These differences were not driven by sex steroids, as castration or ovariectomy failed to alter MDSC subset accumulation patterns in GBM-bearing mice. Drug-prediction algorithms using the differential MDSC gene expression profiles predicted IL-1 inhibitors are effective against gMDSCs. Correspondingly, IL-1β was highly expressed in female but not male gMDSCs. Single-cell sequencing revealed that circulating but not tumor-infiltrating gMDSCs were the primary source of IL-1β and that its neutralization provided a female-specific survival advantage by reducing circulating gMDSCs. This was accompanied by declines in tumor infiltration of microglia, microglia activation status and tumor cell proliferation. In vitro, IL-1β inhibition reduced viability and expression of activation markers by primary microglia. Conclusions These findings highlight a novel peripheral gMDSC-microglia IL-1β mediated communication axis in female GBM and indicate expression differences in MDSC subsets can be leveraged for improved immunotherapy efficacy in a sex-specific, precision medicine strategy.
Maximizing the use of batch production of 18F-FDOPA for imaging of brain tumors to increase availability of hybrid PET/MR imaging in clinical setting.

Background Amino acid PET imaging of brain tumors has been shown to play an important role in predicting tumor grade, delineation of tumor margins, and differentiating tumor recurrence from the background of postradiation changes, but is not commonly used in clinical practice because of high cost. We propose that PET/MRI imaging of patients grouped to the day of tracer radiosynthesis will significantly decrease the cost of PET imaging, which will improve patient access to PET. Methods Seventeen patients with either primary brain tumors or metastatic brain tumors were recruited for imaging on 3T PET/MRI and were scanned on 4 separate days in groups of 3 to 5 patients. The first group of consecutively imaged patients contained 3 patients, followed by 2 groups of 5 patients, and a last group of 4 patients. Results For each of the patients, standard of care gadolinium-enhanced MRI and dynamic PET imaging with 18F-FDOPA amino acid tracer was obtained. The total cost savings of scanning 17 patients in batches of 4 as opposed to individual radiosynthesis was 48.5% ($28 321). Semiquantitative analysis of tracer uptake in normal brain were performed with appropriate accumulation and expected subsequent washout. Conclusion Amino acid PET tracers have been shown to play a critical role in the characterization of brain tumors but their adaptation to clinical practice has been limited because of the high cost of PET. Scheduling patient imaging to maximally use the radiosynthesis of imaging tracer significantly reduces the cost of PET and results in increased availability of PET tracer use in neuro-oncology.
Small Group Interactions with Voice-User Interfaces: Exploring Social Embodiment, Rapport, and Engagement

More and more voice-user interfaces (VUIs), such as smart speakers like Amazon Alexa or social robots like Jibo or Cozmo, are entering multi-user environments including homes. VUIs can utilize multi-modal cues such as graphics, expressive sounds, and movement to convey social engagement, affecting how users perceive agents as social others. Reciprocal relationships with VUIs, i.e., relationships with give-and-take between the VUI and user, are of key interest as they are more likely to foster rapport and emotional engagement, and lead to successful collaboration. Through an elicitation study with three commercially available VUIs, we explore small group interactions (n = 33 participants) focused on the behaviors participants display to various VUIs to understand (1) reciprocal interactions between VUIs and participants and among small groups and (2) how participants engage with VUIs as the interface's embodiment becomes more socially capable. The discussion explores (1) theories of sociability applied to the users' behaviors seen with the VUIs, and (2) the group contexts where VUIs that build reciprocal relationships with users can become a powerful persuasive technology and a collaborative companion. We conclude the discussion with recommendations for promoting reciprocity from participants and, therefore, fostering rapport and emotional engagement in VUI interactions.
Perceptions of peer mental health: impact of race and student-athlete status

Objective: This study used a multi-faceted methodological approach to examine if peer perceptions of stereotyped student groups’ mental health needs varied by target race and student-athlete status...
Childhood Cognitive Performance and Risk of Mortality: A Prospective Cohort Study of Gifted Individuals

Recent research suggests that childhood cognitive performance is associated with various health outcomes, but the nature of the relation is not well understood. It is unclear whether the association occurs across the continuum of cognitive performance, and if it is independent of socioeconomic status. Prospective data from the Terman Life Cycle Study were used to evaluate the hypothesis of a monotonic relation between childhood intelligence quotient (IQ) and adult mortality and to determine whether there exists a threshold beyond which the protective effects of IQ are no longer evident. A total of 897 individuals of school age who scored 135 or higher on the Stanford-Binet IQ test were recruited in 1922. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate survival over a 64-year period. A 15-point advantage in childhood IQ was significantly associated with a decreased risk of mortality (hazard ratio = 0.68, 95% confidence interval: 0.49, 0.93) for IQ scores up to 163; beyond that, the risk of death plateaued. Results were similar when the sample was limited to those participants whose fathers had nonmanual occupations. Childhood IQ, even at the upper end of the distribution, is a significant predictor of mortality, independent of childhood social position.
The Role of Volunteer Experience on Performance on Online Volunteering Platforms

Online volunteering platforms allow humanitarian organizations (HOs) to recruit volunteers to work remotely on projects. While the removal of time and space constraints enables HOs to scale up their volunteer force, HOs must manage greater variation in volunteers’ experience. In this study, we investigate the relationship between volunteers’ experience levels and two performance metrics on these platforms: project completion and volunteer retention. Moreover, we study when experience becomes more relevant to project completion depending on a project’s urgency (i.e., disaster response vs. development). To test these relationships, we collected a novel panel dataset from the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team Tasking Manager, on which volunteers contribute to mapping projects. Our dataset includes 5,162 online volunteering projects with 2,169,683 contributions by 96,450 volunteers. Using panel regression models, we show that a project’s completion rate significantly depends on the number of volunteers at each experience level (i.e., beginner, intermediate, advanced). Interestingly, we find that the counts of intermediate and advanced volunteers are equally valuable to project completion. Our analysis further indicates that beginner volunteers should be channeled to development projects and intermediate volunteers to disaster response projects to enhance project completion. For volunteer retention, we use parametric hazard models and find that volunteers are incentivized to return to online volunteering platforms more quickly when they are closer to attaining the next experience-based status. However, this effect weakens as volunteers reach higher statuses. Overall, our study sheds light on online volunteer management and offers operational insights for HOs as well as for online volunteering platforms.
Using Ultrasound to Document the Effects of Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) on the Geniohyoid Muscle

Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) is an exercise program designed to strengthen the muscles of expiration by increasing expiratory load during breathing exercises using either resistive or pressure threshold devices. Previous research has shown that EMST may increase submental suprahyoid muscle activity as measured with surface electromyography. The impact of EMST on submental muscles is of interest to those who treat dysphagia. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the cross-sectional area of the geniohyoid muscle changes as observed with ultrasound during a 5-week EMST program performed at 75% of maximum expiratory strength using the EMST150 device in healthy adults. Ten healthy adults participated in the 5-week program. Maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) and cross-sectional area of the geniohyoid muscle were measured weekly. Geniohyoid cross-sectional area was measured from ultrasound images recorded in the coronal plane. Repeated Measures ANOVA was used to determine whether there were significant changes among the dependent variables over the study period. Both MEP and geniohyoid area increased significantly in response to a 5-week program of EMST. EMST in healthy adults is effective at strengthening the geniohyoid muscle as reflected by significantly increased cross-sectional area measured with B-mode ultrasound. This is the first study to document weekly change in muscle morphology as a result of EMST. Increasing geniohyoid muscle mass and consequent strength through a program of EMST may be beneficial for persons with pharyngeal stage dysphagia resulting from reduced hyolaryngeal elevation, reduced laryngeal closure, or reduced UES opening.
Increasing dietary choline attenuates spatial memory deficits resulting from exposure to the chemotherapeutic agents cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin.

Background:Choline supplementation (+Ch) improves cognitive function in impaired animals and humans. Chemotherapy-related cognitive deficits (CRCDs) occur in cancer patients, and these deficits per...
Two Cases of Armour Thyroid Interference in Thyroglobulin Monitoring for Thyroid Cancer

Thyroglobulin (Tg) monitoring is the biochemical standard for surveillance of recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Several assays are available to quantify Tg levels: immunometric assay (IMA), radioimmunoassay (RIA), and the newer liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS). It is well known that a number of entities can interfere with the accuracy of testing, and at this point in time, no one assay perfectly balances high sensitivity with low risk of interference. In this case study, we present two cases in which treatment with desiccated thyroid extract (Armour thyroid) led to a sudden elevation in Tg, which resolved when Armour thyroid was discontinued. This elevation occurred when Tg was measured with both IMA and LC-MS, which suggests direct interference from porcine Tg rather than heterophilic or thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) interference. We suggest that patients with a history of DTC not be treated with desiccated thyroid extracts consistent with guidelines. Furthermore, more advances need to be made in the area of Tg testing to improve specificity and avoid detection of nonhuman Tg and other similar proteins.
Memory and Learning

We can all agree by this advanced stage in our survey of neuroscience that the primary biological function of a nervous system, whether it is the simple nerve net of a jellyfish or the exquisitely complex human brain, is to monitor the conditions in and around its owner and to orchestrate its owner’s behavior to optimize its chances for survival and reproductive success. Much of this information processing and response selection capability of nervous systems appears to be built in to the basic plan through genetic evolution (e.g., respiratory reflexes). But nervous systems are endowed also with the ability to undergo some degree of physical alteration to provide flexibility in coping with the variability that might arise in their environment. The degree to which such alteration is possible is determined by the complexity of the nervous system, which in turn is determined by the ecological niche that its owner has come to occupy through the evolutionary process. The nerve net of the jellyfish will support only a handful of sensorimotor responses, which are stub- bornly resistant to change. By contrast, a broad ecological domain such as our own guarantees a variable environment, which favors a more complex and adaptive nervous system.
Erratum to: Proton-proton total cross-section atEc.m. = 15 to 150 TeV from cosmic-ray data

Data on the fluctuation in depth of maximum development of cosmicray air showers with laboratory energies in the range (105/107) TeV are found to be inconsistent with a In2s energy dependence of σpp, when that quantity is derived from σpa with a geometrical scaling model by means of Glauber theory. The data agree remarkably well with the Block-Cahn best-fit extrapolation of ISR results.
Lymphocyte-derived eosinophil chemotactic factor. II. Studies on the mechanism of activation of the precursor substance by immune complexes.

When cultured in the presence of specific antigen, lymphocytes from delayed hypersensitive guinea pigs release a precursor substance (ECF p ) which can be activated by specific immune complexes to yield an eosinophil chemotactic factor (ECF). The generation of ECF p like that of migration inhibition factor (MIF) is carrier specific. The immune complexes which activate ECF p must contain IgG 2 antibody with specificity directed against the antigen which was used to stimulate the lymphocytes to produce ECF p . Previous studies have shown that this reaction does not involve complement. It was not possible to dissociate MIF activity from ECF p activity by a combination of sephadex chromotography and agarose block electrophoresis. However, columns containing sepharose beads conjugated with specific antibody removed ECF p but not MIF from the supernatant fluids. Antigen-conjugated columns did not affect either activity. If the supernatants were activated with immune complexes before passage through the columns, then eosinophil activity could not be removed by either column. These results all suggest that ECF p co-precipitates with immune complexes by virtue of an antigenic fragment it contains. The activation of ECF p to ECF involves loss of this fragment.
Systems feasibility study for implementing electric vehicles into urban environments

Electric Vehicles (EV) are a rising alternative to standard combustion vehicles because of their energy cost savings and reduced carbon emissions. However, EVs come with limitations such as limited driving range and potentially long recharge times. The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of implementing an electric vehicle system into an urban environment with a high population density. Using data provided by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, models are developed and generated to simulate driver shifts and analyze system level impacts from EVs on driver behavior. The models evaluate the number of charge events over the course of a shift and calculate the potential revenue lost to missed fares during charge intervals. Across the system, the results indicate that for a majority of NYC taxi drivers, EVs can be implemented without significant changes in driver behavior, while providing an economic and environmental advantage over current combustion vehicles. These preliminary findings can be used to support implementing such a system in urban environments and these models could be used as a template toward analyzing EV taxi potential in other cities.
Adaptive over current protection for distribution feeders with distributed generators

The connection of distributed generators (DG) to distribution networks influences the performance of the networks. This paper focuses on the impact of DG on the feeder protection, specifically the impact on the overcurrent (OC) relay performance. The paper presents simulation results to show the extent of deterioration a DG can cause on the OC relay performance. The paper then presents an approach to solve this problem and restore the overcurrent relay performance.
Study on the optimized designing method of two electrodes commonly used by multi converter stations

The optimized designing method of two electrodes commonly used by multi converter stations is studied in this paper. The performance criteria and the rational binding style between the electrode line and the electrodes are determined at first. Based on them, the mathematical model is established. The optimized designing method is presented through model simplification. After all, a specific example is given based on the “Southwest hydroelectric project”.
Minimally invasive thymectomy: the Mayo Clinic experience

Background: The prevalence of minimally invasive thymectomy (MIT) is increasing and may have significant benefit to patients in terms of morbidity and post-operative recovery. Our aim was to review the Mayo Clinic experience of MIT. Methods: We reviewed data from all MIT cases collected in a prospectively maintained database from January 1995 to February 2015. Data were collected regarding patient demographics, perioperative management and patient outcomes. Results: A total of 510 thymectomies were performed in 20 years. Fifty-six patients underwent MIT (45 video-assisted thoracoscopy, 11 robotic-assisted). The median age was 55 years (range, 23-87 years) with male to female ratio of 25:31. Thymoma was the main pathologic diagnosis in 27/56 patients (48%), with 11/27 (41%) associated with myasthenia gravis (MG), and 16/27 (59%) non-MG. Other pathologies included 1/56 (2%) of each teratoma, lymphoma, lymphangioma, carcinoma and thymolipoma. There were 3/56 (5%) atrophic glands, 4/56 (7%) cysts, 6/56 (11%) benign glands and 11/56 (20%) hyperplastic. Mean blood loss (mL) and operative time (min) were significantly lower in the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) group compared to robotic (65±41 vs . 160±205 mL, P=0.04 and 102±39 vs . 178±53 min, P=0.001, respectively). There was no 30-day mortality. Post-operative morbidity occurred in 7/45 (16%) VATS patients (phrenic nerve palsy 7%, pericarditis 4%, atrial fibrillation 2%, pleural effusion 2%) and 1/11 (9%) robotic (urinary retention requiring self-catheterization). Reoperation was required in 1/3 of VATS patients with phrenic nerve palsy. There was no significant difference in length of hospital stay [VATS 1.5 days (range, 1-4 days) and robotic 2 days (range, 1-5 days) VATS; P=0.05]. Mean follow-up was 18.4 months (range, 1-50.4 months) with no tumor recurrences. Conclusions: MIT can be performed with low morbidity and mortality. VATS is associated with reduced blood loss, operative times and earlier hospital discharge compared to robotic MIT.
Analysis of the Adrenocortical Steady-State Characteristics

The nature of the input signals to the adrenal gland looked upon as a "black box" and the gland's steady-state characteristics with respect to its input channels are analyzed in this correspondence; new experimental data as well as published data are considered. It is shown that the organ has two independent inputs, ACTH concentration of the arterial blood and blood flow through the gland; and, further, that at steady-state the adrenocortical output is linearly related to the absolute Palue of the blood flow under constant ACTH concentration of the adrenal arterial blood and linearly related to the logarithm of ACTH concentration under constant blood flow. This concept replaces the earlier notion of a linear relationship between adrenocortical steady-state response and the logarithm of the product of adrenal blood flow and ACTH concentration.
The Congruence of Personal Life Values and Work Attitudes

The authors examined the congruence between an individual's personal-life value placement and attitudes at work. Specifically, they examined how people place value on work, family, religion, and themselves (the personal life values), respectively, and how that choice influences affect, commitment, conscientiousness, and honesty in the workplace (attitudes at work). The authors also examined and tested exploratory hypotheses by using both simple correlations and multiple linear regression analyses. Results suggested varying relationships between value placement and work attitudes. The authors discussed implications and directions for future research.
Influence of toxic endophyte-infected fescue on sperm characteristics and endocrine factors of yearling Brahman-influenced bulls.

Sixteen (mean age = 1.1 ± 0.1 yr; mean BW = 478 ± 34 kg) Brahman-influenced bulls were used to determine the influence of fescue type on sperm characteristics and serum concentrations of prolactin, cortisol, and testosterone. Bulls were blocked by BW, scrotal circumference (SC), and pregrazing sperm characteristics and randomly assigned to graze toxic endophyte-infected (EI; 4 bulls/pasture; 2 pastures) or novel endophyte-infected (NE; 4 bulls/pasture; 2 pastures) tall fescue for 121 d. Semen was collected by electroejaculation, and SC was measured and blood samples collected monthly. Sperm were evaluated for motility and morphology with an integrated visual optical system. Overall mean concentration of prolactin was decreased more (P 0.10) influenced by fescue type. Semen from bulls grazing EI had reduced motility and morphology than bulls grazing NE. Detrimental effects of toxic fescue may not be mediated by cortisol, testosterone, or both. Semen quality of bulls grazing toxic EI tall fescue was decreased with increased maximum ambient temperatures.
On the Distribution of Inverses Modulon

Abstract Let n >2 be an integer, and for each integer 0 a n with ( a , n )=1, define ā by the congruence aā ≡1 (mod n ) and 0 ā n . The main purpose of this paper is to study the distribution behaviour of | a − ā |,[formula]where φ ( n ) is the Euler function, and #{…} denotes the number of elements of the set {…}.
"Vivir en varon": Machismo y modernidad en La importancia de llamarse Daniel Santos de Luis Rafael Sanchez

In La importancia de llamarse Daniel Santos (1988) Luis Rafael Sanchez invents a series of interviews by informants who explain the influence of the (in)famous bolero singer Daniel Santos in their lives. In this manner, Daniel Santos becomes an elusive center, the authority figure that mediates between Luis Rafael Sanchez/author, the interviewees, and ultimately, the reader. With this context in mind, this essay argues that as a way of pondering about his ethical responsibility and literary authority within the Puerto Rican belles letres, Sanchez recuperates and problematizes the discourse of Latin American machismo in its contestatary quality, and in its relationship to modernity. On the one hand, Daniel Santos, as representative of machismo, becomes the figure of transgression against the authoritative trope of modernity; on the other, his problematic persona conjures up a totalitarianism centered on the myth of the Latin American macho and the bastion of "vivir en varon." For Sanchez, this process of recuperation would then presuppose his position as disciple of Daniel Santos, and heir to his magisterial power, establishing his solidarity with the reader and the voices of the marginalized. In this fashion, La importancia explores the mechanisms that make Daniel Santos a figure of authority, which in turn would make Sanchez a figure of authority within the Puerto Rican literary tradition. However, Sanchez's criticism of the machismo myth represented by Daniel Santos compromises his position, exposing him to the rejection of the reader's solidarity and loosing his position as an authority figure.
Synthesis of a base-free titanium imido and a transient alkylidene from a titanocene dinitrogen complex. Studies on Ti=NR hydrogenation, nitrene group transfer, and comparison of 1,2-addition rates

The synthesis and reactivity of the end-on bound dinitrogen complex [(η5-C5H3-1,3-(SiMe3)2)2Ti]2(μ2,η1,η1-N2) is described. The solid state structure of the dinitrogen compound reveals a weakly activated end-on bound N2 ligand with an N−N bond length of 1.164(5) A. Displacement of the N2 ligand by organic azides has been used to prepare monomeric, base-free titanocene imido complexes, (η5-C5H3-1,3-(SiMe3)2)2TiNR (R = SiMe3, 2,4,6-Me3-C6H2). While unreactive toward C−H bonds, the Ti−N linkage is readily hydrogenated and participates in group transfer reactions with unsaturated organic molecules such as carbon monoxide and benzophenone. Reaction of the N2 complex with Ph2CN2 allowed isolation of (η5-C5H3-1,3-(SiMe3)2)2Ti(N2CPh2), which exists as a mixture of interconverting η2 and η1 isomers in solution. The diazoalkane complex also participates in “imido-like” reactivity, producing (η5-C5H3-1,3-(SiMe3)2)2Ti(NHNCPh2)H upon addition of H2. Changing the diazoalkane to Me3SiCHN2 resulted in isolation of the do...
The solubility of quartz in H2O in the lower crust and upper mantle

The solubility of quartz in H2O has been determined experimentally from 5 to 20 kb and 500 to 900°C. The results double the pressure range over which the molality of aqueous silica (mSiO2(aq)) has been determined and lead to more accurate estimates of quartz solubility in H2O below 5 kb because of the rapid-quench methods employed. At constant temperature, logmSiO2(aq) increases with increasing pressure and (∂logmSiO2(aq)/t6P)T decreases with increasing pressure. Comparison of the new data with previous low-pressure experiments demonstrates that isothermal values of log mSiO2(aq) increase linearly with increasing ρlogmH2O between 200 and 900°C. This observation was used to derive the following expression for the equilibrium constant (K) of the reaction quartz = SiO2(aq)log K = 4.2620 −5764.2T + 1.7513 × 106T2−2.2869 × 108T3 + [2.8454−1006.9T + 3.5689 × 105T2] log ρH2O where logK = logmSiO2(aq). The equation agrees well with previous results, while accurately reproducing measured quartz solubilities over a much wider range in pressure and temperature, from 25°C and 1 bar to the conditions of this study. If the isothermal variation of log mSiO2(aq) with logρH2O is assumed to be linear, the results can be extrapolated to > 20 kb. The equation allows evaluation of aqueous silica transport in Barrovian metamorphic belts, subduction zones, and metasomatized magma source-regions in the mantle.
Characterization of quenched fluorescent triple helical peptides for MMP-2 and MMP-9 optical imaging

The prevalence of the gelatinases, MMP-2 and MMP-9, in many human tumors, including breast, colorectal, prostate and gastric cancer, make them an attractive target for molecular imaging. A self assembling homotrimeric triple helical peptide (THP), incorporating sequences from type V collagen with high specificity to MMP-2 and MMP-9, was previously developed. To investigate the viability of a THP for gelatinase imaging, we conjugated 5FAM to ..-amino groups of lysine flanking the hydrolysis site and subjected this substrate (THP-5FAM) to vitro analysis. The synthesis and in vitro results was presented.
Design of electrically small planar antennas using inductively coupled feed

A class of electrically small planar antennas with an inductively coupled feed structure is proposed. The antennas are optimised using the Pareto genetic algorithm. These antennas are self-resonant and capable of good efficiency and bandwidth performance without any additional matching networks. Several prototypes are fabricated and measured and the results agree well with simulation. A lumped element circuit model is presented to explain the operating principle of these antennas.
Subjective Towers: Depth Relationships in Multilevel Subjective Contours

The perceived depth associated with subjective contours was studied with a three-level subjective contour configuration. An analysis of subjects' size judgments showed significant size-constancy scaling consistent with the prediction that subjects would perceive the various subjective surfaces as superimposed upon one another in depth. Direct depth estimations, however, showed only weak depth effects, easily reversed by conflicting depth cues, and observed with real, as well as subjective contours. The discrepant results point to the possibility of different functional depth cues for the two tasks. The order of tasks, indicative of priming, further suggested that depth processing may be secondary to pattern recognition rather than being causal in the formation of subjective contours.
Native Judgments of Non-Native Usage: Experiments in Preposition Error Detection

Evaluation and annotation are two of the greatest challenges in developing NLP instructional or diagnostic tools to mark grammar and usage errors in the writing of non-native speakers. Past approaches have commonly used only one rater to annotate a corpus of learner errors to compare to system output. In this paper, we show how using only one rater can skew system evaluation and then we present a sampling approach that makes it possible to evaluate a system more efficiently.
Hydrodynamic interference between floating cylinders in oblique seas

Abstract The hydrodynamic interference phenomena arising from multiple two-dimensional horizontal cylinders interacting with obliquely incident linear monochromatic waves are treated. A finite element method incorporating radiation boundary dampers is employed to solve the corresponding diffraction/radiation boundary value problems, where flexural mode responses are assumed. Both extreme cases of a rigidly connected catamaran and freely floating cylinders are studied in detail. Numerical results of both cases compare closely with those obtained by the method of multipoles. Important interference phenomena are identified which would assist in the design of facilities and operations involving multiple structures.
Acute Stress and Nicotine Cues Interact to Unveil Locomotor Arousal and Activity-Dependent Gene Expression in the Prefrontal Cortex

Background This study examines the interactive effects of acute stress and nicotine-associated contextual cues on locomotor activity and activity-dependent gene expression in subregions of the prefrontal cortex. Methods Locomotor activity of rats was measured in a context associated with either low-dose nicotine or saline administration with or without 5 minutes of pre-exposure to ferrets, a nonphysical stressor. After 45 minutes in the test environment, plasma corticosterone levels and mRNA levels of the immediate-early genes Arc, NGFI-B, and c-Fos in prefrontal and primary motor cortical subregions were measured. Results Stress alone increased plasma corticosterone and prefrontal cortex gene expression. Low-dose nicotine cues had no effect on corticosterone levels nor did they elicit conditioned motor activation, and they caused minor elevations in gene expression. Stress and low-dose nicotine cues, however, interacted to elicit conditioned motor activation and further increases in early response gene expression in prefrontal but not in the primary motor cortical subregions. Conclusions Stress interacts with nicotine-associated cues to uncover locomotor arousal, a state associated with prefrontal neuronal activation and immediate early gene expression. Thus, in nicotine-experienced individuals, stress may be an important determinant of subjective reactivity and prefrontal cortex activation that occurs in response to nicotine-associated cues.
Echo-Doppler in the diagnosis and management of congenital heart disease.

Advancements in echo-Doppler technology now provide the capability for both high-quality anatomic imaging as well as the assessment of cardiac flows and hemodynamics. Given these capabilities, and the potentially complex nature of all congenital heart lesions, echo-Doppler is well suited for the diagnostic assessment of congenital heart disease. As a noninvasive, reliable, and relatively inexpensive tool, it is well suited for the longitudinal follow-up of patients with treated and untreated congenital heart lesions. Recent experience with intraoperative imaging has indicated that direct epicardial echo-Doppler examination provides clinically useful information for the surgeon treating congenital heart lesions. Echo-Doppler examination continues to evolve into a primary modality for the recognition, evaluation, and treatment of congenital heart disease.
Geographic variability in the export of moist static energy and vertical motion profiles in the tropical Pacific

[1] Column-integrated moist static energy (MSE) budgets were calculated using daily data from three reanalyses (1998–2001) and ISCCP radiative cooling. The MSE export by the circulation was separated into vertical and horizontal MSE advection components in order to examine how observationally-derived vertical motion profiles affect gross moist stability calculations. In a 2000 km-wide region in the central-eastern Pacific ITCZ, vertical motions import MSE, implying a negative gross moist stability. Horizontal MSE advection is negative and of similar magnitude to vertical MSE advection in rainy regions. Geographic differences in export of MSE by the vertical circulation are primarily due to differences in the shape of the vertical motion profile. In the west Pacific warm pool rainy regions, mean horizontal convergence extends up to 300 mb, while in parts of the Pacific ITCZ where meridional SST gradients are strong, the vertical motion profile is bottom-heavy, with convergence below 800 mb and divergence above. On daily timescales, the mode of vertical motion variability has little dependence on precipitation rate and is consistent with observed regional differences in the vertical structure of TRMM PR reflectivities.
Asparaginase entrapped in red blood cells: action and survival

As a strategy to avoid serious allergic reactions to the antitumor agent asparaginase, this enzyme was entrapped in autologous red blood cells before intravenous injection into monkeys. Additional advantages of this approach are prolonged enzyme half-life and targeting of this agent into the reticuloendothelial system.
Phylogeography of supralittoral rocky intertidal Ligia isopods in the pacific region from central California to central Mexico.

Background Ligia isopods are widely distributed in the Pacific rocky intertidal shores from central California to central Mexico, including the Gulf of California. Yet, their biological characteristics restrict them to complete their life cycles in a very narrow range of the rocky intertidal supralittoral. Herein, we examine phylogeographic patterns of Ligia isopods from 122 localities between central California and central Mexico. We expect to find high levels of allopatric diversity. In addition, we expect the phylogeographic patterns to show signatures of past vicariant events that occurred in this geologically dynamic region. Methodology/Principal Findings We sequenced two mitochondrial genes (Cytochrome Oxidase I and 16S ribosomal DNA). We conducted Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses. We found many divergent clades that, in general, group according to geography. Some of the most striking features of the Ligia phylogeographic pattern include: (1) deep mid-peninsular phylogeographic breaks on the Pacific and Gulf sides of Baja peninsula; (2) within the Gulf lineages, the northern peninsula is most closely related to the northern mainland, while the southern peninsula is most closely related to the central-southern mainland; and, (3) the southernmost portion of the peninsula (Cape Region) is most closely related to the southernmost portion of mainland. Conclusions/Significance Our results shed light on the phylogenetic relationships of Ligia populations in the study area. This study probably represents the finest-scale phylogeographic examination for any organism to date in this region. Presence of highly divergent lineages suggests multiple Ligia species exist in this region. The phylogeographic patterns of Ligia in the Gulf of California and Baja peninsula are incongruent with a widely accepted vicariant scenario among phylogeographers, but consistent with aspects of alternative geological hypotheses and phylo- and biogeographic patterns of several other taxa. Our findings contribute to the ongoing debate regarding the geological origin of this important biogeographic region.
Diffraction contrast study of the defect structure of polyethylene single crystals

Abstract Dark-field electron microscopy was used to characterize the defects present in polyethylene single crystals. The effect of radiation damage on dark-field images was examined, and the optimum working conditions for employing an image intensifier to observe nearly undamaged crystals were determined. Two new defects associated with microsectors, jogs and screw dislocation dipoles at the termination of microsectors, are shown to be present. Some previously reported contrast observations of slip traces are re-examined in terms of the present results.
Clues in the Tempos of Cluster Headache

SYNOPSIS Three striking features of the usual time patterns of cluster headache, each involving a trade-off, offer provocative clues to headache mechanisms: (1) The high intensity is consistent with involvement of the internal carotid within its canal in an unproven but plausible process of dilatation with edema and possible sterile inflammation; the brevity of the attack may result from factors instrinsic to this arterial segment or from unusually effective pain-suppressing feedback. (2) Rarely, in the patient with cluster headache a separate kind of pain develops, even more intense but tic-like, possible arising from compromise of the trigeminal ganglion by the subjacent “carotid process”. (3) The major enigmatic tempo, clustering of attacks of headache separated by prolonged remissions, may denote fluctuations in autonomic vasomotor function, secondary in some individuals to changing life stress and in others to endogenous biologic rhythms. A search is warranted for biochemical evidence for cycles in activating or suppressor mechanisms, through serial assays, as of serum, in patients accessible to long-term study.
Illusory displacement of a moving trace with respect to the grid during oscilloscope motion

Observers report that a trace streak, which follows a sinusoidal path, moves vertically with respect to the oscilloscope’s grid when an oscilloscope is oscillated in the vertical plane. The vertical component of the trace streak motion with respect to the grid is illusory. This illusion is stable across a limited range of illumination and physical motion conditions. We hypothesize that this illusion is based on the manner in which the visual system calculates the vertical location of the grid and the trace: the trace location is determined on a moment-to-moment basis, whereas the grid tends to be seen in its average vertical position. The results of two experiments indicate that this hypothesis can account, at least partially, for the illusion. The illusion may have practical implications for pilots or navigators who track target blips on radar screens in moving aircraft.
Reaction cascades based on squarate esters. 1,3-Dioxolane as a chaperone functional group for lithium ions

Abstract The consequences of adding enantiomerically pure 1-lithiocyclohexene-5,6-diol acetonide and 1-cyclopentenyllithium seriatim to diisopropyl squarate has been studied. The first-stage addition leads to a chromatographically separable mixture of diastereomeric keto alcohols, which are formed in a ratio approximating 1:1. Separate reaction of these intermediates with the second cycloalkenyl anion initiates a cascade of chemical steps. The consequences of the second-stage stereoselectivity are profound in dictating the manner in which the polycyclic end products are formed.