cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Utility of Laser Light Scattering in Assessing the Mixability of Reagents for Chemical Vapor Deposition

The premixability of reagents used in chemical vapor deposition reactors is important to insure that gas feed lines and nozzles do not become clogged with particulates during operation. Even if reactants are to be kept separate until introduced into a reaction chamber, it is desirable to limit the number of particles formed. A reactor which utilizes laser light scattering to monitor particulate formation when gaseous reagents are mixed is described. The reaction of tin (IV) chloride with water is commonly used to produce tin oxide films by chemical vapor deposition. It was found by the light scattering experiment that at temperatures above about 110 °C the number of particulates formed is greatly reduced. Therefore, it would be most desirable that these reagents be mixed above this temperature when depositing tin oxide from this reaction. The reaction of titanium tetrachloride with various amine was also investigated by this method. This reaction has been demonstrated to produce titanium nitride above 450 °C. For each case, it was observed that there was a temperature above which the number of particulates was significantly reduced. This temperature was always below the optimal temperature for producing titanium nitride films.
Lack of Genetic Differentiation between Two Geographically Diverse Samples of Candida albicans Isolated from Patients Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

The patterns of genetic variation of samples of Candida albicans isolated from patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus in Durham, N.C., and Vitoria, Brazil, were compared. Genotypes for 126 strains were obtained at 16 polymorphic restriction sites distributed on nine PCR fragments. The results indicated evidence of clonality both within and between these two geographically diverse samples. The samples are genetically very similar, with little evidence of genetic differentiation.
Nanodielectrics - the first decade and beyond

This contribution chronicles the development of nanodielectrics with particular reference, with examples, to the enhancement of useful properties which can be brought about by the inclusion of nanoparticulates and by surface functionalization. Emphasis is given to the importance of proper processing and critical quantification of these 21 st century materials. The impact of the establishment of internal pathways on the aqueous behaviour is also reviewed, and tests are outlined which permit a mechanistic understanding. By considering the part played by the inherent interface structure in a polymer nanocomposite, the paper explores the possibilities for enhancing multifunctionality. In particular, the means to alter the interface in order to impart particular properties is examined and tested using specific examples. In this way it is shown that it is quite possible to tailor materials for particular applications using this technology. It is suggested that, looking forward, these methods may provide the basis for a new generation of “smart materials” in which a functionalized nanophase inclusion may be used to bring about adaptability in an electrically stressed polymer.
The Community Readiness Model: A Complementary Approach to Social Marketing:

The Community Readiness Model is a theory-based model that is strategic in nature. It is designed both to assess and to build a community’s capacity to take action on social issues. It partners well with social marketing research by providing a framework for assessing the social contexts in which individual behaviour takes place and by measuring changes in readiness related to community-wide efforts. This article describes the theoretical roots of the model and describes how the model can be used as a tool for formative research, programme evaluation and as a catalyst for community mobilisation.
Design and performance of thin metal film interconnects for skin-like electronic circuits

We prepare stretchable electrical conductors of 25-nm-thick gold films on elastomeric substrates prestretched by 15%. When the substrates relax from the prestretch, the gold stripes form surface waves with /spl sim/8.4-/spl mu/m wavelength and /spl sim/1.2-/spl mu/m amplitude. When the strain is cycled between 0 and 15%, both the wave pattern and the electrical resistance of the gold stripes change in reproducible cycles. Such repeatedly stretchable metallization can serve as interconnects for skin-like, conformal, and electroactive polymer circuits.
Compensatory responses of late watergrass (Echinochloa phyllopogon) and rice to resource limitations

Abstract The development of optimal weed management strategies that rely, in part, on crop interference will require an understanding of how weeds compensate for limitations in above- and belowground resources. Trade-offs in the leaf morphology and biomass partitioning of rice and late watergrass were investigated under glasshouse conditions in 1999 and 2000. Both species responded to shade with increased height, reduced biomass, greater partitioning of biomass to leaves, and greater leaf area ratios. At the lowest light level (18% sunlight), plants of both species showed little response to nitrogen (N). However, height, tillers, biomass, and leaf area increased for plants grown at 50% and full sunlight as N increased from 0 to 224 kg N ha−1. Late watergrass exhibited more plasticity in specific leaf area and root weight ratio than rice in response to shade. This plasticity contributed to the ability of late watergrass to maintain a higher percent of its tillers and total dry weight than rice when sunligh...
A neuro-inspired method for data rate limited feedback control

The nervous system implements a networked control system in which the plants take the form of limbs, the controller is the brain, and neurons form the communication channels. Unlike standard networked control architectures, there is no periodic sampling, and the fundamental units of communication contain little numerical information. This paper describes a novel communication channel, modeled after spiking neurons, in which the transmitter integrates an input signal and sends out a spike when the integral reaches a threshold value. The receiver then filters the sequence of spikes to approximately reconstruct the input signal. It is shown that for appropriate choices of channel parameters, stable feedback control over these spiking channels is possible. Furthermore, good tracking performance can be achieved. The data rate of the channel increases linearly with the size of the inputs. Thus, when placed in a feedback loop, small loop gains imply a low data rate.
Measuring Equality Between the Sexes

Measures of the status of women and their potential for equality with men may be derived from women's position in five major spheres of activity — sexual relationships, reproduction, homemaking and child-care, economic production, and political decision making— and from the degree of functional independence among these spheres of activity. Some commonly used statistical indicators of the status of women in the United States from 1900 through the early 1970s are evaluated as measures of progress toward equality between the sexes, defined here as the abolition of the social division of labor based on gender, and some new measures are proposed.
A 1 mW 71.5 dB SNDR 50 MS/s 13 bit Fully Differential Ring Amplifier Based SAR-Assisted Pipeline ADC

This paper presents a 13 bit 50 MS/s fully differential ring amplifier based SAR-assisted pipeline ADC, implemented in 65 nm CMOS. We introduce a new fully differential ring amplifier, which solves the problems of single-ended ring amplifiers while maintaining the benefits of high gain, fast slew based charging and an almost rail-to-rail output swing. We implement a switched-capacitor (SC) inter-stage residue amplifier that uses this new fully differential ring amplifier to give accurate amplification without calibration. In addition, a new floated detect-and-skip (FDAS) capacitive DAC (CDAC) switching method reduces the switching energy and improves linearity of first-stage CDAC. With these techniques, the prototype ADC achieves measured SNDR, SNR, and SFDR of 70.9 dB (11.5b), 71.3 dB and 84.6 dB, respectively, with a Nyquist frequency input. The prototype achieves 13 bit linearity without calibration and consumes 1 mW. This measured performance is equivalent to Walden and Schreier FoMs of 6.9 fJ/conversion $\cdot$ step and 174.9 dB, respectively.
BROOD SEX RATIOS ARE RELATED TO MALE SIZE BUT NOT TO ATTRACTIVENESS IN COMMON YELLOWTHROATS (GEOTHLYPIS TRICHAS)

Abstract When the reproductive value of sons differs from that of daughters, selection will favor broods biased toward the sex that can provide greater fitness benefits. In species where female choice is based on male ornamentation, females mated to highly ornamented males may experience a reproductive advantage by skewing the brood sex ratio toward sons. In the Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), males with larger black facial masks are more likely to gain a social mate and sire extrapair young and, as a result, have increased seasonal reproductive success. Females mated to larger-masked males could benefit if they produced more sons. Given that larger- masked males are preferred as extrapair sires, females may also benefit by producing more extrapair sons. We tested these hypotheses during a five-year study of Common Yellowthroats in Wisconsin. Contrary to our predictions, females did not produce more sons when mated to males with larger masks, and extrapair young were not more likely to be male. ...
Prognostic and Predictive Significance of Stromal Fibroblasts and Macrophages in Colon Cancer

Colon cancer development and malignant progression are driven by genetic and epigenetic alterations in tumor cells and by factors from the tumor microenvironment. Cancer cells become reliant on the activity of specific oncogenes and on prosurvival and proliferative signals they receive from the abnormal environment they create and reside in. Accordingly, the response to anticancer therapy is determined by genetic and epigenetic changes that are intrinsic to tumor cells and by the factors present in the tumor microenvironment. Recent advances in the understanding of the involvement of the tumor microenvironment in tumor progression and therapeutic response are optimizing the application of prognostic and predictive factors in colon cancer. Moreover, new targets in the tumor microenvironment that are amenable to therapeutic intervention have been identified. Because stromal cells are with rare exceptions genetically stable, the tumor microenvironment has emerged as a preferred target for therapeutic drugs. In this review, we discuss the role of stromal fibroblasts and macrophages in colon cancer progression and in the response of colon cancer patients to therapy.
Aggregate Implications of a Credit Crunch: The Importance of Heterogeneity

We take an off-the-shelf model with financial frictions and heterogeneity, and study the mapping from a credit crunch, modeled as a shock to collateral constraints, to simple aggregate wedges. We study three variants of this model that only differ in the form of underlying heterogeneity. We find that in all three model variants a credit crunch shows up as a different wedge: efficiency, investment, and labor wedges. Furthermore, all three model variants have an undistorted Euler equation for the aggregate of firm owners. These results highlight the limitations of using representative agent models to identify sources of business cycle fluctuations. (JEL E22, E23, E32, E43, E44)
Challenges in Adopting New Life and Safety Ordinances in Existing Office Buildings

Abstract. The effect of high-rise fires on building code changes is illustrated through three cases studies: one in Philadelphia and two more recent in Chicago. An indepth statistical analysis in t...
hairy gene function in the Drosophila eye: normal expression is dispensable but ectopic expression alters cell fates

The regulatory gene hairy is expressed and required during early embryogenesis to control segmentation gene expression properly and during larval and pupal development to control the pattern of certain adult sensory structures. We have found the hairy protein to be expressed transiently during two stages of eye imaginal disc development, including all cells immediately anterior to the morphogenetic furrow that traverses the developing eye disc, and again in the presumptive R7 photoreceptor cells of the developing ommatidia. This pattern is conserved in a significantly diverged Drosophila species. We show that, surprisingly, ommatidia formed by homozygous hairy- mutant clones are apparently normal, indicating that hairy function in the eye is dispensable. However, we do find that ectopic expression of hairy causes numerous structural abnormalities and the alteration of cell fates. Thus, proper regulation of hairy is still essential for normal eye development. We suggest that the loss of hairy function may be compensated by other regulatory proteins, as has been observed previously for several structurally and functionally related genes involved in sensory organ development. The effects of ectopic hairy expression may result from interactions with proneural genes involved in the development of the eye and other sensory organs.
Environmental heterogeneity has a weak effect on diversity during community assembly in tallgrass prairie

Citation: Baer, S. G., Blair, J. M., & Collins, S. L. (2016). Environmental heterogeneity has a weak effect on diversity during community assembly in tallgrass prairie. Ecological Monographs, 86(1), 94-106. doi:10.1890/15-0888.1
Creep Cavitation Behavior in Polycrystalline Ceramics

Small-angle neutron scattering measurements have been performed on compression-crept alumina characterized by a relatively thick, continuous, grain boundary phase, another alumina with essentially no continuous grain boundary phase, and a silicon carbide with a relatively thin, continuous, grain boundary phase. The neutron scattering measurements, which provide a means of characterizing nucleation rates, growth rates, and morphologies of typical grain boundary cavities during the early stages of creep, have shown unequivocally that cavity nucleation does in general occur. They also have identified very significant differences in the relative roles of cavity nucleation and growth in these three ceramic systems. Measured cavitation parameters are outlined and discussed in relation to micro-structural differences and appropriate cavitation models.
An integrative model of recruitment source processes and effects

Recruitment sources, the means through which job seekers learn about organizations and job openings, are related to many organizational and job seeker outcomes. However, although many mechanisms have been proposed to explain recruitment source effects, each mechanism appears to address only one part of a larger process. Our theoretical understanding of this phenomenon is limited by the lack of a comprehensive model integrating these perspectives, and such an integration is possible by differentiating among the ways that job seekers use recruitment sources. In this article, I outline three distinct functions of recruitment source use. I then propose a model that integrates these functions with the proposed mechanisms and show how the model can be used as a springboard for increasing our theoretical understanding of the phenomenon and advancing future empirical research on the topic.
Chlorine-based dry etching of β-Ga2O3

Reactive ion etching (RIE) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching techniques were used to determine the optimal dry etch conditions for β-Ga2O3. RF power and chamber pressure were examined to study their effects on etch rate and surface roughness for three crystallographic planes, i.e., (100); (010); and ( by RIE. BCl3 etch rate calibrations were performed on all β-Ga2O3 planes studied, in comparison to Cl2. RIE yielded moderate etch rates (<20 nm min−1), and surface roughness showed no clear trend with RF power. Moreover, the effect of bias power, plasma power, and the choice of etchant were studied using ICP. The etches performed by ICP were shown to be superior to RIE in both etch rate and surface roughness, due to the much higher plasma densities and uniformities possible with plasma powers beyond those realized in RIE. The maximum etch rate of 43.0 nm min−1 was achieved using BCl3 in ICP. SF6/BCl3 mixtures, which yield high GaN etch rates, were also studied. However, in contrast to GaN etching, SF6/BCl3 was found to be far less effective than pure BCl3 in etching β-Ga2O3.
Apoptosis of Corneal Epithelial Cells Caused by Ultraviolet B-induced Loss of K+ is Inhibited by Ba2+

UVB exposure at ambient outdoor levels triggers rapid K(+) loss and apoptosis in human corneal limbal epithelial (HCLE) cells cultured in medium containing 5.5 mM K(+), but considerably less apoptosis occurs when the medium contains the high K(+) concentration that is present in tears (25 mM). Since Ba(2+) blocks several K(+) channels, we tested whether Ba(2+)-sensitive K(+) channels are responsible for some or all of the UVB-activated K(+) loss and subsequent activation of the caspase cascade and apoptosis. Corneal epithelial cells in culture were exposed to UVB at 80 or 150 mJ/cm(2). Patch-clamp recording was used to measure UVB-induced K(+) currents. Caspase-activity and TUNEL assays were performed on HCLE cells exposed to UVB followed by incubation in the presence or absence of Ba(2+). K(+) currents were activated in HCLE cells following UVB-exposure. These currents were reversibly blocked by 5 mM Ba(2+). When HCLE cells were incubated with 5 mM Ba(2+) after exposure to UVB, activation of caspases-9, -8, and -3 and DNA fragmentation were significantly decreased. The data confirm that UVB-induced K(+) current activation and loss of intracellular K(+) leads to activation of the caspase cascade and apoptosis. Extracellular Ba(2+) inhibits UVB-induced apoptosis by preventing loss of intracellular K(+) when K(+) channels are activated. Ba(2+) therefore has effects similar to elevated extracellular K(+) in protecting HCLE cells from UVB-induced apoptosis. This supports our overall hypothesis that elevated K(+) in tears contributes to protection of the corneal epithelium from adverse effects of ambient outdoor UVB.
Systematic review and case report: Intracranial complications of pediatric sinusitis

Abstract Context Intracranial complications of rhinosinusitis are rare in the post-antibiotic era. However, due to potentially devastating outcomes, prompt recognition and management are essential. Objective This study aims to perform the first systematic review of the intracranial complications of rhinosinusitis in order to better characterize their clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment, and report a case of frontal lobe empyema secondary to pediatric frontoethmoid sinusitis. Data Sources Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Study Selection Full-text, peer-reviewed journal publications from 1947 to January 1, 2015 in English; focus on intracranial complications of sinusitis; pediatric patients ( Data Extraction Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results Sixteen studies involving 180 patients were included. An overwhelming majority of patients were young adolescent males (70%). The most common intracranial complications were subdural empyema (49%), epidural abscess (36%), cerebral abscess (21%), and meningitis (10%). Patients most often presented with nonspecific symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. Computed tomography with contrast or magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis when intracranial complications were suspected. Typical treatment included surgical incision and drainage, often involving joint neurosurgical and otolaryngological procedures, combined with a long course of antibiotics. The morbidity rate was 27%, and the mortality rate was 3.3%. Limitations All studies were retrospective chart reviews, case series or case reports. Conclusions A review of the currently available literature shows that with a high degree of suspicion, multidisciplinary cooperation and aggressive treatment, favorable outcomes are attainable. The most effective surgical treatment for intracranial complications remains unclear and should be investigated further.
Face recognition algorithm based on Laplacian pyramid decomposition

In view of the computing dimension of the traditional face recognition algorithm combine PCA with neural network is too high,and vulnerability to shocks of the algorithm leads to low recognition rate,a new face recognition algorithm based on Laplacian pyramid decomposition is proposed in this paper.This method first reduce dimension of face images by Laplacian pyramid,and keep the details of face images during dimension reduction,again extracted feature by PCA,finally do face recognition with BP$L�Ԍ���E$Lassifier.The simulate study results based on ORL face database demonstrate that the recognition rate is high.
Bank of America Tower: Redesigning Skyscrapers

This is a minicase, one of 10 in a set of short cases written to illustrate the business benefits companies realize through adopting sustainable business strategies. This minicase describes Bank of America's new headquarters building in New York City focusing on the "green" or sustainable design features used and anticipated economic and community benefits.
On the signal for activation of tubuloglomerular feedback.

Abstract The ability of the individual nephron to alter its own rate of filtration by means of tubuloglomerular feedback has been demonstrated. To evaluate the stimulus for tubuloglomerular feedback, rats were prepared for orthograde microperfusion of the loop of Henle (15 and 30 nl/min) alternately of solution 1, artificial proximal tubular fluid, 300 mOsm/kg, and solution 2, artificial proximal tubular fluid diluted 1:1 with distilled water, 150 mOsm/kg. Measurements of SFP were made in a proximal segment of the same nephron. Perfusate was collected in the earliest accessible segment of the distal tubule (EDT) of the perfused nephron, and EDT fluid flow rate (V), chloride concentration, and osmolality (Osm) were measured. Distal delivery and net absorption by the loop of Henle of chloride and solute were calculated. Solution 1 perfused at 15 nl/min and solution 2 perfused at 30 nl/min produced similar decreases in SFP (−6.5 ± 0.8 vs. −7.5 ± 1.3 mmHg). Under these conditions, EDT fluid Cl (50 ± 9 vs. 51 ± 5 mEq/L) and net Cl reabsorption (1784 ± 88 vs. 1700 ± 97 pEq/min) were identical. However, EDT fluid V (5.6 ± 0.9 vs. 12.4 ± 1.1 nl/min), EDT fluid Osm (203 ± 16 vs. 235 ± 10 mOsm/kg), distal Cl delivery (304 ± 69 vs. 662 ± 101 pEq/min), distal solute delivery (1186 ± 312 vs. 2934 ± 407 pOsm/min) and net solute reabsorption (3314 ± 364 vs. 1566 ± 401 pOsm/min) were significantly different. It is concluded that tubuloglomerular feedback is activated by EDT fluid chloride concentration in the region of the macula densa.
Spinal gout: A review with case illustration.

Aim To summarize clinical presentations and treatment options of spinal gout in the literature from 2000 to 2014, and present theories for possible mechanism of spinal gout formation. Methods The authors reviewed 68 published cases of spinal gout, which were collected by searching "spinal gout" on PubMed from 2000 to 2014. The data were analyzed for clinical features, anatomical location of spinal gout, laboratory studies, imaging studies, and treatment choices. Results Of the 68 patients reviewed, the most common clinical presentation was back or neck pain in 69.1% of patients. The most common laboratory study was elevated uric acid levels in 66.2% of patients. The most common diagnostic image finding was hypointense lesion of the gout tophi on the T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scan. The most common surgical treatment performed was a laminectomy in 51.5% and non-surgical treatment was performed in 29.4% of patients. Conclusion Spinal gout most commonly present as back or neck pain with majority of reported patients with elevated uric acid. The diagnosis of spinal gout is confirmed with the presence of negatively birefringent monosodium urate crystals in tissue. Treatment for spinal gout involves medication for the reduction of uric acid level and surgery if patient symptoms failed to respond to medical treatment.
The cholinomimetic morantel as an open channel blocker of the Ascaris suum ACR-16 nAChR.

Nematode parasite infections pose a significant threat in human and veterinary medicine. At least a third of the world’s population is at risk from nematode parasite infections. These infections not only cause health problems, but also cause loss of livestock production and hence, economic losses. Anthelmintic drugs are the mainstay by which control of nematode parasite infections is achieved. Many of the currently available anthelmintics act on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, the detailed mode of action (MOA) of these anthelmintics is not clearly understood. Elucidation of the MOA of anthelmintics is highly desirable; an in-depth knowledge of the MOA will better inform on mechanisms of resistance development and on ways to slow down or overcome resistance. The cholinomimetic anthelmintic, morantel, has a complex MOA involving the activation and block of levamisole-sensitive single nAChR channels (L-type nAChR or L-nAChR). More recently, morantel has been demonstrated to activate Haemonchus contortus and Parascaris equorum ACR-26/ACR-27 nAChRs expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Previous studies in our laboratory, however, have shown morantel does not activate the nicotine-sensitive nAChR (N-type nAChR or N-nAChR), Ascaris suum ACR-16 (Asu-ACR-16). In this study, we used two-electrode voltage-clamp (TEVC) electrophysiology to investigate the inhibitory effects of morantel, on expressed Asu-ACR-16 nAChRs in X. laevis oocytes. Our results show that morantel acts as a non-competitive antagonist on Asu-ACR-16. This non-competitive antagonism by morantel was further demonstrated to be voltage-sensitive. We conclude based on our findings that morantel is a non-competitive voltage-sensitive open channel blocker of Asu-ACR-16.
Means-Tested Public Assistance Programs and Adolescent Political Socialization

In recent years, scholars have pointed to the politically demobilizing effects of means-tested assistance programs on recipients. In this study, we bridge the insights from policy feedback literature and adolescent political socialization research to examine how receiving means-tested programs shapes parent influence on adolescent political participation. We argue that there are differences in pathways to political participation through parent political socialization and youth internal efficacy beliefs for adolescents from households that do or do not receive means-tested assistance. Using data from a nationally representative sample of 536 Black, Latino, and White adolescents (50.8% female), we find that adolescents from means-tested assistance households report less parent political socialization and political participation. For all youth, parent political socialization predicts adolescent political participation. Internal political efficacy is a stronger predictor of political participation for youth from a non-means-tested assistance household than it is for youth from a household receiving means-tested assistance. These findings provide some evidence of differential paths to youth political participation via exposure to means-tested programs.
Effect of Ag and Pd promotion on CH4 selectivity in Fe(100) Fischer–Tröpsch catalysis

The current CO2 utilization market is dominated by enhanced oil recovery and urea manufacturing; yet, the scale of demand falls well short of that deemed necessary to make a significant impact on climate change. CO2 conversion to fuels, however, is a utilization technology that can theoretically match the scale of projected CO2 capture. Fischer–Tropsch (FT) processing is a long-established technology for converting non-petroleum based precursors into transportation fuels and other valuable chemicals. Here, we report the effects of Pd and Ag doping on CH4 selectivity over Fe(100), a common FT catalyst, as these metals have shown potential in the direct conversion of co-fed CO2. Adsorption energies for pathway specific C1 and C2 species were weakened in the presence of Ag and Pd by ca. 0.55 eV and 0.35 eV, respectively. Further, while both Ag- and Pd-promoted surfaces show decreased CH4 production, Ag introduces a prohibitively high coupling barrier; thus, only Pd offered a decrease in CH4 selectivity (−36%) relative to unmodified Fe(100).
Characterization of CYP115 As a Gibberellin 3-Oxidase Indicates That Certain Rhizobia Can Produce Bioactive Gibberellin A4

The gibberellin (GA) phytohormones are produced not only by plants but also by fungi and bacteria. Previous characterization of a cytochrome P450 (CYP)-rich GA biosynthetic operon found in many symbiotic, nitrogen-fixing rhizobia led to the elucidation of bacterial GA biosynthesis and implicated GA9 as the final product. However, GA9 does not exhibit hormonal/biological activity and presumably requires further transformation to elicit an effect in the legume host plant. Some rhizobia that contain the GA operon also possess an additional CYP (CYP115), and here we show that this acts as a GA 3-oxidase to produce bioactive GA4 from GA9. This is the first GA 3-oxidase identified for rhizobia, and provides a more complete scheme for biosynthesis of bioactive GAs in bacteria. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses suggest that rhizobia acquired CYP115 independently of the core GA operon, adding further complexity to the horizontal gene transfer of GA biosynthetic enzymes among bacteria.
An Application of Dempster-Shafer Theory to Hydraulic Conductivity

While uncertainty is an integral part of the mathematical representation of the environment, behavior forecasting requires the use of mathematical models that require the specification of physically based parameters descriptive of the environment. In subsurface hydrology, for example, the hydraulic conductivity (a measure of soil permeability) must be specified in equations descriptive of groundwater flow. Traditionally probability is used to characterize uncertainty in hydraulic conductivity (K). It seeks to describe uncertainty arising from a lack of knowledge regarding concepts that are inherently crisp and well defined. However, classical probability itself is not applicable to situations where the concepts themselves are vague. In this situation one must consider other avenues for assessing the uncertainty. It is our intention to use a Dempster-Shafer Theory framework to merge probabilistic and fuzzy (subjective) information in an effort to improve our ability to fully define a hydraulic conductivity field. The advantages over using probability theory alone include 1) being able to use all available data to analyze hydraulic conductivity uncertainty (outliers are kept in the analysis) and 2) not having to make assumptions about distribution functions (e.g. typically a lognormal distribution is used to describe hydraulic conductivity of a site). Successful combination of subjective and empirical information will improve our ability to properly describe subsurface heterogeneity and would result in improved models of subsurface environments.
Leukadherin-1 ameliorates endothelial barrier damage mediated by neutrophils from critically ill patients

Multi-organ failure occurs during critical illness and is mediated in part by destructive neutrophil-to-endothelial interactions. The β2 integrin receptor, CR3 (complement receptor 3; Mac-1; CD11b/CD18), which binds endothelial intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), plays a key role in promoting the adhesion of activated neutrophils to inflamed endothelia which, when prolonged and excessive, can cause vascular damage. Leukadherin-1 (LA-1) is a small molecule allosteric activator of CR3 and has been shown to promote adhesion of blood neutrophils to inflamed endothelium and restrict tissue infiltration. Therefore, LA-1 offers a novel mechanism of anti-inflammatory action by activation, rather than inhibition, of the neutrophil CR3 integrin. However, whether promotion of neutrophil-to-endothelial interaction by this novel therapeutic is of benefit or detriment to endothelial barrier function is not known. Critically ill septic and trauma patients were prospectively enrolled from the surgical and the trauma ICU. Blood was collected from these patients and healthy volunteers. Neutrophils were isolated by dextran sedimentation and adhered to TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α)-activated human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) monolayers in the presence or absence of fMLP (formylmethionine-leucine-phenylalanine) and/or LA-1. Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) and exposure of underlying collagen were used to quantify endothelial barrier function and permeability. Neutrophils from critically ill trauma and septic patients caused similar degrees of endothelial barrier disruption which exceeded that caused by cells obtained from healthy controls both kinetically and quantitatively. LA-1 protected barrier function in the absence and presence of fMLP which served as a secondary stimulant to cause maximal loss of barrier function. LA-1 protection was also observed by quantifying collagen exposure underlying endothelial cells challenged with fMLP-stimulated neutrophils. LA-1 treatment resulted in decreased migration dynamics of neutrophils crawling on an endothelial monolayer with reduced speed (μm/s = 0.25 ± 0.01 vs. 0.06 ± 0.01, p < 0.05), path length (μm = 199.5 ± 14.3 vs. 42.1 ± 13.0, p < 0.05), and displacement (μm = 65.2 ± 4.7 vs. 10.4 ± 1.3; p < 0.05). Neutrophils from patients with trauma or sepsis cause endothelial barrier disruption to a similar extent relative to each other. The CR3 agonist LA-1 protects endothelial barrier function from damage caused by neutrophils obtained from both populations of critically ill patients even when exposed to secondary stimulation.
Active Nitrogen in Surface Ozone Depletion Events at Alert during Spring 1998

Measurements of NOx,y were made at Alert, Nunavut, Canada (82.5° N, 62.3° W) during surface layer ozone depletion events. In spring 1998, depletion events were rare and occurred under variable actinic flux, ice fog, and snowfall conditions. NOy changed by less than 10% between normal, partially depleted, and nearly completely depleted ozone air masses. The observation of a diurnal variation in NOx under continuous sunlight supports a source from the snowpack but with rapid conversion to nitrogen reservoirs that are primarily deposited to the surface or airborne ice crystals. It was unclear whether NOx was reduced or enhanced in different stages of the ozone depletion chemistry because of variations in solar and ambient conditions. Because ozone was depleted from 15–20 ppbv to less than 1 ppbv in just over a day in one event it is apparent that the surface source of NOx did not grossly inhibit the removal of ozone. In another case ozone was shown to be destroyed to less than the 0.5 ppbv detection limit of the instrument. However, simple model calculations show that the rate of depletion of ozone and its final steady-state abundance depend sensitively on the strength of the surface source of NOx due to competition from ozone production involving NOx and peroxy radicals. The behavior of the NO/NO2 ratio was qualitatively consistent with enhanced BrO during the period of active ozone destruction. The model is also used to emphasize that the diurnal partitioning of BrOx during ozone depletion events is sensitive to even sub ppbv variations in O3.
Development of the Hippocampal Region

A backpacker in the chiseled mountains of the American Southwest searches for panoramas of scorched land or, if such is his pleasure, scours shattered ridges and slopes for abandoned mineshafts. The views illustrate the geomorphology of the Basin and Range country, an interesting and relatively little appreciated part of the face of the land, whereas the mine shafts, if not yielding copper, silver, or gold, offer historical insights—small reward considering the risks of exploration. In any event, the wise tramper watches where he puts his feet.
Transposition of the facial nerve in congenital aural atresia.

It is generally recognized that surgery for congenital aural atresia is difficult. The success or failure of the operation is often directly related to the degree of development of the middle ear. In poorly developed middle ears, the facial nerve may overhang and conceal the oval window niche, making this area inaccessible to inspection, let alone manipulation. The criteria for transposing the facial nerve are: (1) the atresia must be bilateral, (2) there must be preoperative imaging evidence of a stapes and/or patent oval window, (3) there must be no large blood vessels feeding or draining the facial nerve, and (4) facial nerve monitoring must be available. Over the past 2 years, 6 of 94 patients undergoing surgery for atresia were operated with an intent to transpose the facial nerve in order to access the oval window. In all patients, it was impossible to see the oval window niche due to a displaced nerve. In four of six cases, the facial nerve was transposed. The ossicular chain was reconstructed with a total ossicular replacement prosthesis. In no case was there a postoperative facial paralysis or paresis. Facial nerve transposition allows a final chance of achieving serviceable hearing through surgery. The lack of facial nerve injury and the potential for hearing restoration make this procedure feasible in otherwise marginal or poor surgical candidates
Orbital wooden foreign body manifesting as hyperdensity on computed tomography

Detection of wooden foreign bodies within the orbit can be difficult on imaging, including computed tomography (CT). When visible, wood appears iso- or hypodense and can mimic air or fat. We report the case of a 3-year-old boy with progressive orbital cellulitis following a penetrating wood injury to the right lower lid. CT imaging revealed a linear hyperdensity contiguous with an orbital abscess. He underwent a right anterior orbitotomy with abscess drainage, during which exploration revealed a 2.3 cm retained wooden foreign body. The appearance of wood as hyperdense on imaging is unusual. In the appropriate context, high clinical suspicion for retained wood should be maintained with any irregularity on CT imaging.
Genetic transformation of bean callus via Agrobacterium- mediated DNA transfer

Callus cultures were induced from hypocotyl of young bean seedlings. Callus developed and maintenaned on B5 medium supplemented with 2mg/1 2,4-D and 1 mg/1 kinetin. The results demonstrate that A. tumefacins-mediated transformation is a convenient method to obtain transient gene expression in callus of bean. The results have shown that the bean callus co-cultivated with A. tumefaciens can be transformed to get heibicide Finale (glufosinate-ammonium) resistant GUS positive tissues. Southern blot analysis of transformed calli showed integration of gusA marker gene carried by a binary vector. Transformed calli were selected on herbicide containing media. Data of molecular analysis (Southern blotting) confirmed the insertion of gusA gene in the genome of herbicide resistant calli with bar gene. There are three evidences that calli are stable transformants: (1) herbicide resistance, (2) GUS activity which is indicative since the coding region containing an intron, (3) the results of Southern hybridization technique.
Poisons: an introduction for forensic investigations

Poisons: An Introduction for Forensic Investigators by David J. George, PhD is a fascinating and approachable text that uses a primarily case-based approach to raise awareness of the expansive scop...
A Preliminary Impact Study of CYGNSS Ocean Surface Wind Speeds on Numerical Simulations of Hurricanes

The NASA Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) was launched in December 2016, providing an unprecedented opportunity to obtain ocean surface wind speeds including wind estimates over the hurricane inner-core region. This study demonstrates the influence of assimilating an early version of CYGNSS observations of ocean surface wind speeds on numerical simulations of two notable landfalling hurricanes, Harvey and Irma (2017). A research version of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction operational Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting model and the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation-based hybrid ensemble three-dimensional variational data assimilation system are used. It is found that the assimilation of CYGNSS data results in improved track, intensity, and structure forecasts for both hurricane cases, especially for the weak phase of a hurricane, implying potential benefits of using such data for future research and operational applications.
Snap: a microkernel approach to host networking

This paper presents our design and experience with a microkernel-inspired approach to host networking called Snap. Snap is a userspace networking system that supports Google's rapidly evolving needs with flexible modules that implement a range of network functions, including edge packet switching, virtualization for our cloud platform, traffic shaping policy enforcement, and a high-performance reliable messaging and RDMA-like service. Snap has been running in production for over three years, supporting the extensible communication needs of several large and critical systems. Snap enables fast development and deployment of new networking features, leveraging the benefits of address space isolation and the productivity of userspace software development together with support for transparently upgrading networking services without migrating applications off of a machine. At the same time, Snap achieves compelling performance through a modular architecture that promotes principled synchronization with minimal state sharing, and supports real-time scheduling with dynamic scaling of CPU resources through a novel kernel/userspace CPU scheduler co-design. Our evaluation demonstrates over 3x Gbps/core improvement compared to a kernel networking stack for RPC workloads, software-based RDMA-like performance of up to 5M IOPS/core, and transparent upgrades that are largely imperceptible to user applications. Snap is deployed to over half of our fleet of machines and supports the needs of numerous teams.
Outcomes of Arthroscopic Loose Body Management in Patella Instability: Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Neglect or Repair Versus Reconstruction:

Background:Patellar instability is common in adolescents during their growth. Management of the actual patellar instability at the time of arthroscopic treatment for concomitant intra-articular loo...
Mutations in the Hsp90 N domain identify a site that controls dimer opening, and expand human Hsp90α function in yeast

Hsp90 is a highly conserved molecular chaperone important for the activity of many client proteins. Hsp90 has an N-terminal ATPase domain (N), a middle domain (M) that interacts with clients and a C-terminal dimerization domain (C). "Closing" of dimers around clients is regulated by ATP binding, co-chaperones, and post-translational modifications. ATP hydrolysis coincides with release of mature client and resetting the reaction cycle. Humans have two Hsp90s: hHsp90α and hHsp90β. Although 85% identical, hHsp90β supports Hsp90 function in yeast much better than hHsp90α. Determining the basis of this difference would provide important insight into functional specificity of seemingly redundant Hsp90s, and the evolution of eukaryotic Hsp90 systems and clientele. Here, we found host co-chaperones Sba1, Cpr6 and Cpr7 inhibited hHsp90α function in yeast, and we identified mutations clustering in the N domain that considerably improved hHsp90α function in yeast. The strongest of these rescuer mutations accelerated nucleotide-dependent lid closing, N-M domain docking, and ATPase. It also disrupted binding to Sba1, which prolongs the closed state, and promoted N-M undocking and lid opening. Our data suggest the rescuer mutations improve function of hHsp90α in yeast by accelerating return to the open state. Our findings imply hHsp90α occupies the closed state too long to function effectively in yeast, and define an evolutionarily conserved region of the N domain involved in resetting the Hsp90 reaction cycle.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy predicts systemic recurrence in digital papillary adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Digital papillary adenocarcinoma (DPA) is a rare, aggressive neoplasm of sweat gland origin. It can recur at local, regional, or distant sites. There is limited knowledge about the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in predicting recurrence in these patients. We present our experience with this uncommon tumor to evaluate the role of SLNB in predicting outcome. METHODS Medical records of all patients who underwent surgical treatment for biopsy-proven upper extremity DPA at the study institution were reviewed. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test were used to analyze data. RESULTS Twenty-one patients were identified. Most patients were male (71%), and the median age was 51 years. SLNB was performed in 18 patients; three were positive for nodal metastatic disease (17%). At a median follow-up of 53 months, there were no local recurrences and two cases of systemic recurrence. No patient with a negative sentinel lymph node has evidence of metastasis or recurrence. Fisher's exact test demonstrated a significant association between a positive SLNB and recurrence (P = .02). CONCLUSION SLNB revealed metastatic disease in 17% of patients with DPA and appears to predict systemic recurrence in this small series.
A Mix of Motives

Scholarly debates over the nature of political parties and the identity of their principal actors have been hampered by relative inattention to the historical processes of internal party change. This study, drawing on archival sources, interviews, and one of the co-author’s personal experiences, analyzes the Georgia delegate challenge to the 1968 Democratic Convention as a case of internal party conflict generating lasting institutional reform, with implications for existing theories of party development, nominating politics, and democratic representation. In a convention marked by an unusually large number of challenges to state party delegations, the Georgia delegate challenge was unique. There, a conflict between the segregationist regulars and the moderate and liberal Democrats was complicated by an internal division in the latter camp between Hubert Humphrey and Eugene McCarthy supporters. The McCarthy forces’ success in garnering a dominant position within the challenge delegation alienated many of the Georgia movement’s organizers and leaders. The McCarthy campaign's takeover also linked this southern challenge both to the antiwar politics coloring the national nomination fight and to a particular conception of representation that would influence subsequent party reform efforts. In tracing the origins, dynamics, and aftermath of Georgia’s delegate challenge, we show both that group- and candidate-driven efforts together shape party development over time, and that normative ideas concerning representation can play causal roles in party development.