cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Techniques for Monitoring Cranberry Tipworm (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in Rabbiteye and Southern Highbush Blueberries

Abstract Several monitoring techniques were evaluated for their effectiveness, based on the highest mean captures of cranberry tipworm, Dasineura oxycoccana (Johnson), in detecting D. oxycoccana in rabbiteye, Vaccinium ashei Reade, and southern highbush, V. corymbosum L. × V. darrowi Camp, blueberry plantings. There were no significant differences in captures of D. oxycoccana adults on unbaited sticky board traps, regardless of color (yellow, white, green, or blue). In a separate experiment, three monitoring techniques, yellow unbaited sticky boards, larval/adult emergence from infested buds, and bud dissection, were evaluated for detecting D. oxycoccana, eggs, larvae, and adults. In total, four bud types were examined, including rabbiteye floral, rabbiteye leaf, southern highbush floral, and southern highbush leaf. The emergence monitoring technique detected significantly more D. oxycoccana adults than the other techniques evaluated. Emergence and dissection techniques performed equally well for detectin...
Radiation Budget of the Tropical Intraseasonal Oscillation

Abstract This study examines the relationship between precipitation and radiative heating on intraseasonal time scales in the Tropics using collocated top-of-atmosphere (TOA) and surface radiative flux measurements from special field program data [Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program and Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment (TOGA COARE) experiments] as well as long-term TOA flux data [from Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) and Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) satellite data]. All the different datasets consistently show that the atmosphere-integrated radiative heating is nearly in phase with the precipitation and enhances the net condensation heating by about 10%–15%. The dominant contribution to this radiative warming during wet periods is the reduction of TOA outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), primarily by clouds but with a small contribution by water vapor. This radiative heating is reduced slightly by enhanced surface downwelli...
Metal Carbene Complexes in Polymer Synthesis

Cyclic olefin can be polymerized with stable metallacycle and carbene complexes. It has been shown that $${({C_5}{H_5})_2}\,\overline {Ti - C{H_2} - CHR - C} \,HR$$ complexes can initiate polymerization of norbornene at 65°C to yield a living polymer that can be stored at room temperature. The resulting polymer is monodispersed, can be end capped and mocked with other cyclic olefins. This and related tungsten carbene complexes can be used to polymerize a variety of monomers to give polymers which interacts with physical, electrical, and complexing properties.
Computer networking in a senior level course: nifty course assignments

This paper describes a project set by the author in a senior level computer networking course. The goals of this project are to lead the students to understand the concepts of the OSI model, simulate the model by the implementations of relevant protocols based on the Requests for Comments (RFCs), and practice the applications of object-oriented design and programming in the course.
Measurement accuracy representative of an ICCD homodyne detection system developed for imaging of fluorescing, heterogeneous tissues

Fluorescence frequency-domain photon migration data were collected from heterogeneous, tissue-like media with an intensified charge-coupled device homodyne detection system and compared to predictions provided by photon diffusion theory.
Beam-Column Subassemblages Under Repeated Loading

The behavior of two types of structural steel half-scale subassemblages of a multistory unbraced frame have been investigated experimentally. These subassemblages were subjected to simulated gravity and cyclic seismic loads. The results obtained in the tests of the upper story specimens show that the weakest element of the subassemblage was the panel zone, where large shear deformation and diagonal buckling occurred. The weakness of the subassemblages representing a lower story, was associated with lateral torsional instability of the beams, which was triggered by local instabilities. From the interpretation of the results, it is concluded that for an efficient design of earthquake resistant structure, it is advisable to have a design which provides a balance between the inelastic deformations, which may take place in each of the critical regions (beam ends and panel zone). It also appears that the energy absorption and dissipation capacity of properly designed steel subassemblages exceeded the required energy even for cases of extreme earthquakes.
Anti-1-amino-3-[18F] fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid (anti-3-[18F] FACBC): Normal physiology and variant patterns of uptake

1359 Learning Objectives 1. Recognize normal physiological distribution patterns of anti-3-[18F]FACBC. 2. Recognize variants that may simulate disease. 3. Identify incidental uptake which may indicate malignancies other than prostate cancer. Anti-1-amino-3-[18F]fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid (FACBC) is a synthetic, non-metabolized, amino acid analog positron emission tomography radiotracer. Though uptake has been described in normal volunteers (J Nucl Med.2007;48(6):1017-20), the majority of patients have been studied in clinical trials involving prostate carcinoma. Normal physiologic background organ uptake patterns are similar to those noted in patients without cancer. Liver and pancreas demonstrate the most intense uptake. Typically on early images (
Patient Distribution of an Urban-Rural Emergency Medical Services System

This study describes a series of mechanisms to alleviate overcrowding of hospital emergency departments by distributing critically ill patients among facilities with available resources. The initial mechanism, which was based on the availability of critical care beds, was used successfully between 1982 and 1986, but had to be abandoned when several new factors caused the availability of emergency department resources to become the limiting factor. A second approach, based on the availability of critical care and emergency department resources, produced limited success over a one-year period. The system currently in use, implemented in 1989, includes a distribution system based on the availability of emergency department resources and critical care beds, as well as a mechanism for diversion of ambulances to hospitals in neighboring counties at times of extremely high utilization. This experience demonstrates that mechanisms for planning the distribution of emergency and critically ill patients have universal applicability.
Pharmacologic strategies in neonatal pulmonary hypertension other than nitric oxide

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is approved for use in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) but does not lead to sustained improvement in oxygenation in one-third of patients with PPHN. Inhaled NO is less effective in the management of PPHN secondary to congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), extreme prematurity, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Intravenous pulmonary vasodilators such as prostacyclin, alprostadil, sildenafil, and milrinone have been successfully used in PPHN resistant to iNO. Oral pulmonary vasodilators such as endothelin receptor antagonist bosentan and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil and tadalafil are used both during acute and chronic phases of PPHN. In the absence of infection, glucocorticoids may also be effective in PPHN. Many of these pharmacologic agents are not approved for use in PPHN and our knowledge is based on case reports and small trials. Large multicenter randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are required to evaluate alternate pharmacologic strategies in PPHN.
Vessel occlusion using a single long oversized coil in vertebral artery dissection: a technical note

Vertebral artery dissection may lead to stroke. Medical therapy is usually the first line of treatment. The endovascular approach of medically refractory vertebral artery dissection may include numerous techniques, including coil occlusion of the parent vessel. Two cases are presented of medically refractory symptomatic vertebral artery dissections in which vessel coil occlusion was successfully achieved with a single long oversized coil. There were no periprocedural complications and both patients had excellent clinical and angiographic outcome and remained asymptomatic on follow-up. The use of a single long oversized coil in vessel sacrifice has not been described previously. It represents a safe, rapid and cost effective alternative to the current existing techniques for vessel sacrifice.
Grassland compost amendments increase plant production without changing plant communities

Author(s): Ryals, R; Eviner, VT; Stein, C; Suding, KN; Silver, WL; Peters, DPC | Abstract: Compost amendment to grassland is a novel strategy proposed and demonstrated to increase ecosystem carbon (C) storage. However, the effects of compost applications on biomass production and plant diversity are not well known. We assessed impacts of a one-time compost amendment over 4 yr on plant dynamics in two grazed grassland ecosystems in California: a coastal prairie and valley grassland. The valley grassland was dominated by exotic annual grasses and had significantly lower species diversity than the coastal prairie, which consisted of a mix of perennial and annual grasses and forbs. We observed large and persistent increases in aboveground biomass. Over the 4 study years, aboveground biomass from compostamended plots increased by 76% ± 21% at the valley grassland and 41% ± 21% at the coastal prairie, compared with controls. Plant N content was also greater from compost-amended plots. There were no major shifts in species richness or abundance at either grassland site. Overall, plant communities at both grasslands were relatively resistant to the compost addition, but responses of some individual species were observed. Notably at the valley grassland, the abundance of forbs decreased slightly, while the abundance of grasses increased. The abundance of two noxious weeds did not change as a result of the compost amendment. Our results suggest that a single application of composted organic matter used to sequester C provided cobenefits to grassland plant dynamics. The compost amendments produced sustained increases in plant productivity and forage production as well as plant N content without greatly affecting the diversity of these exotic annual grasslands.
Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation (MMAE) Based Filter Banks for Interception of Maneuvering Targets

The Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation (MMAE) approach to determining an unknown parameter within a known range has been around since it was introduced by D. T. Magill in 1965. With the ever increasing computing power of digital computers it has become practical to explore multiple Kalman filter solutions. Signal, Image, and Navigation processing have all exploited this increased computing capability. In particular Yaakov BarShalom has extended the multiple-model Kalman Filter theory and approach to include interaction between the Kalman filters for both target tracking and navigation. This paper presents the MMAE approach as a viable alternative to engage maneuvering targets. The basic approach is to "tune" several Linear Kalman filters to different frequencies or maneuver types and then apply the Likelihood Function and Bayes' rule to determine the probability that each Kalman filter is the correct model. The composite weave frequency and filter states are determined by summing the weighted frequencies and states using. The weighting terms are Bayes’ rule probabilities computed for each filter. The MMAE approach combined with the proper zero effort miss (ZEM) guidance law provides a practical systematic approach to solving the maneuvering target interception problem while preserving the ability to intercept ballistic targets. Analysis based on Six-Degree-ofFreedom (6-DOF) modeling of the interceptor will illustrate good miss distance performance achieved by the MMAE/ZEM approach for ballistic and maneuvering re-entry vehicles.
Community Structure and Diversity of Caddisfty Adults from the Salt River, Kentucky

The caddisfly community of the Salt River, Spencer Co., Ky., was studied using timed light trap collections of 20 min, 1 h, and 9 h duration, from March to November of 1971. Hydroptilids comprised 42.5% of the total catch that contained 56 species; only 1 limnephilid was among 87,000 adults collected at light. Community organization was measured using Brillouin's formula for diversity, theoretical maximum and minimum diversity, and redundancy. Whittaker's equitability and Simpson's index were also determined. Diversity in 1-h samples ranged from 2.5–3.0 from early June until October. In successive 20-min samples, a chronological progression of higher diversity values mirrored the flight activity of the individual species. Flight activity of Athripsodes, Cheumatopsyche , and Hydroptila spp. showed a unimodal pattern with female activity preceding male. Sex ratio analysis by arithmetic and geometric means indicated that females predominate.
For the Love of Sport: Examining Sport Emotion Through a Lovemarks Lens

Lovemarks are brands and products that have high levels of love and respect and evoke a loyalty beyond reason response from consumers. These are products and brands that consumers are devoted and e...
Automatic construction and ranking of topical keyphrases on collections of short documents

We introduce a framework for topical keyphrase generation and ranking, based on the output of a topic model run on a collection of short documents. By shifting from the unigramcentric traditional methods of keyphrase extraction and ranking to a phrase-centric approach, we are able to directly compare and rank phrases of different lengths. Our method defines a function to rank topical keyphrases so that more highly ranked keyphrases are considered to be more representative phrases for that topic. We study the performance of our framework on multiple real world document collections, and also show that it is more scalable than comparable phrase-generating models.
Abstract # 1828 Acute stress reactivity is differentially moderated by perceived stress and anxiety in adults with chronic idiopathic urticaria

Background Chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) (CIU) is a common, often debilitating, disorder with no known cause. Existing research suggests that increased stress and anxiety are associated with CIU. This study examines the relationship between HPA reactivity (ACTH and cortisol), perceived stress, and anxiety in adults with CIU. Methods The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) was used to elicit an acute stress response in adults with CIU (n = 36) and healthy controls (n = 37). Repeated blood samples were assayed for ACTH and cortisol to determine Area Under the Curve (AUCi), Task Reactivity, and Peak Response. Stress appraisal and anxiety were assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), respectively. Groups were compared on ACTH, Cortisol, PSS, and BAI via t-tests. Linear regression models assessed diagnostic group with PSS and BAI separately in predicting ACTH and cortisol AUCi, Task Reactivity, and Peak Response. Results There were no significant group differences in ACTH, cortisol, PSS or BAI. CIU significantly moderated the relationship between (a) BAI with both ACTH and Cortisol Task Reactivity (B = .414, p = .021; B = .221, p = .042), and (b) PSS with ACTH AUCi (B = .428, p = .002), and Cortisol Task Reactivity (B = .029, p = .041). Conclusions Adults with CIU who have higher anxiety and/or who appraise life as more stressful may be at increased risk for alterations in HPA acute stress responses, thereby also increasing risk of sustained dermal inflammation.
Epidemiology of Hematologic Malignancies

Hematologic malignancies include a diverse group of lymphomas and leukemias that arise in cells of the immune and lymphatic systems. In general, genetic errors of normal processes of lymphocyte maturation and activation are believed to be central to lymphomagenesis, suggesting that factors that influence the host immune milieu in a manner that favors the survival and proliferation of transformed lymphocytes are likely to also contribute to their etiology. The following chapter discusses the epidemiology of three broad categories of hematologic malignancies grouped according to common risk factors and biology: Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Each category includes multiple distinct cancers, and in some instances, also clinically relevant molecular subtypes, for which emerging evidence suggests some commonality but also some heterogeneity of etiology. This complexity makes it difficult to capture the unique epidemiology of each type of tumor comprehensively. In the following chapter, we will focus instead on the most common types of hematologic cancer to provide an overview of the epidemiology of these diseases and report the most consistently reported risk factor associations for each cancer subtype.
Regeneration: New Neurons Wire Up

Summary Functional repair of damage in the nervous system requires re-establishment of precise patterns of synaptic connectivity. A new study shows that after selective ablation, zebrafish retinal neurons regenerate and reconstruct some, although not all, of their stereotypic wiring.
Michigan Local Leaders’ Doubts Continue Regarding the State's Direction

This report presents the opinions of Michigan’s local government leaders regarding the direction in which the state is headed, as well as their evaluations of the job performance of Governor Rick Snyder and the Michigan Legislature. These findings are based on statewide surveys of local government leaders in the Spring 2016 wave and comparisons to previous spring waves of the Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS).
Blind channel estimation for massive MIMO

In order to scale with the demand of higher data rates and improved spectral efficiency in next generation wireless communication systems, a large-scale multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) technology called massive MIMO has been proposed. In massive MIMO, appropriate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values can be achieved by the addition of base station (BS) antennas in place of increasing transmit power. Pilot-based channel estimation is widely used in conventional MIMO systems, where pilot signal sequences are sent from the user terminals (UTs) to the BS to estimate the channel. In massive MIMO-based cellular networks, channel estimation in a given cell will be impaired by the pilot signal sequences transmitted by users in other cells--rendering the addition of antennas or transmit power ineffective. This effect is called pilot contamination. Therefore, pilot-based channel estimation limits the performance of massive MIMO. Semi-blind and blind methods are alternatives to pilot-based channel estimation that perform channel estimation with short pilot signal sequences and without pilot signal sequences, respectively. Blind channel estimation is one of the promising solutions to the pilot contamination problem in massive MIMO. This paper compares, using MATLAB simulations of a cluster-based COST 2100 channel model, the performance of pilot-based, semi-blind, blind, and adaptive-blind channel estimation methods. The pilot contamination effect on different channel estimation methods and how channel estimation methods can be used to overcome pilot contamination are shown. Finally, an adaptive independent component analysis (ICA)-based channel estimation method, which outperforms conventional ICA in terms of computational complexity, is proposed.
Bayesian nonparametric generative models for causal inference with missing at random covariates

We propose a general Bayesian nonparametric (BNP) approach to causal inference in the point treatment setting. The joint distribution of the observed data (outcome, treatment, and confounders) is modeled using an enriched Dirichlet process. The combination of the observed data model and causal assumptions allows us to identify any type of causal effect-differences, ratios, or quantile effects, either marginally or for subpopulations of interest. The proposed BNP model is well-suited for causal inference problems, as it does not require parametric assumptions about the distribution of confounders and naturally leads to a computationally efficient Gibbs sampling algorithm. By flexibly modeling the joint distribution, we are also able to impute (via data augmentation) values for missing covariates within the algorithm under an assumption of ignorable missingness, obviating the need to create separate imputed data sets. This approach for imputing the missing covariates has the additional advantage of guaranteeing congeniality between the imputation model and the analysis model, and because we use a BNP approach, parametric models are avoided for imputation. The performance of the method is assessed using simulation studies. The method is applied to data from a cohort study of human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus co-infected patients.
Training and Retaining Rural Special Educators

The state of New Hampshire has developed a unique outreach program to meet the special challenges faced by rural states in training and retaining qualified special educators. Through inter-agency c...
Oxidative Etching of Pd Decahedral Nanocrystals with a Penta-twinned Structure and Its Impact on Their Growth Behavior

We report a systematic study of the oxidative etching of penta-twinned Pd decahedral nanocrystals by O2/I– under different conditions and its impact on their subsequent growth behavior. Analysis by transmission electron microscopy shows significant rounding of the decahedral structure. More specifically, the etching is found to begin at the equatorial vertices, due to their high surface free energy, and proceed along the adjacent, equatorial edges through the dissolution of low-coordination atoms. Comparison of the etching behaviors under different conditions reveals the critical role of a reductive environment for the initiation of oxidative etching, possibly due to the presence of a protective oxide layer on the surface of Pd decahedra. Overgrowth on the seeds with a rounded profile generates penta-twinned Pd nanorods with an asymmetric, tapered structure as a result of simultaneous axial and radial growth. In comparison, the original decahedral seeds only show axial growth, leading to the formation of ...
Prohibited Possessors and the Law: How Inmates in Los Angeles Jails Understand Firearm and Ammunition Regulations

Using data from 140 interviews with individuals detained in the Los Angeles County Jail system, this article examines what gun offenders know about gun and ammunition regulation in California. Though most respondents had a consistent, albeit general, understanding of the regulations limiting gun acquisition and possession, analysis suggests that their understanding of ammunition restrictions was more limited. Our sample’s awareness of firearms law is especially important to consider given that they are the very population targeted by firearms regulations and prohibitions at the local, state, and federal level. By examining what detained offenders know about firearms laws, we can better theorize about individual gaps in legal knowledge and the realistic expectations for how understanding of the law can affect behavior.
Routine Oxygen Supplementation After Acute Stroke Does Not Improve Functional Outcomes.

For nonhypoxic patients with acute stroke, routine oxygen therapy for 72 hours, either continuously or at night only, does not improve functional outcomes at 90 days. Long-term outcomes were not assessed in this study, and the question remains whether 90 days is an adequate length of time to see most of the meaningful recovery from stroke.
Insertion and Removal of Chest Tubes

This technique provides less painful but safe smooth maneuver using adequate amount of local anesthetic.
Controlled drug release for oral condition by a novel device based on ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer.

The application of drug delivery systems in oral environment is relatively a new area of research with the exception of release of fluoride ions from polyalkenoate cements and their predecessor silicate cements. The present study addresses development of a novel device based on ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), a biocompatible material which enables constant drug release over several days to treat oral infections. Drugs incorporated in EVA included tetracycline, minocycline and nystatin together with combinations (C) of nytatin-tetracycline (1 : 1) and nystatin-minocycline (1 : 1). Polymer casting solutions were prepared by dissolving EVA and the drugs in the ratio of 10 : 1 in 70 ml of dichloromethane at 38 °C for 6 h. Thin square films of 3×3 cm and 1 mm thickness were cut from the dry sheet obtained by solvent evaporation. Drug loaded samples were extracted for a minimum of 15 days in 10 ml medium (water or water/ethanol (1 : 2) or 0.9% saline solution) which is replaced daily. Spectral measurements were made to follow changes in optical densities (OD) during release kinetics. Analysis of the data revealed that among all the drugs tested tetracycline exhibited the highest release rate (56.15ug/cm2/day) and % cumulative release (27.92).The observed enhanced values may be interpreted as due to the channels formed due to changes in free volume (microvoids). In case of nystatin-minocycline combination, the observed increased values of release rates and percent cumulative release, may be attributed to the swelling component or channels or relative hydrophobic interactions. Initial “burst” effects due to liberation of surface-bound drug molecules were observed with reference to all the three drugs and the combinations of drugs studied. Among all the drugs, minocycline exhibited the least “burst” effect suggesting that the drug is more homogeneously distributed in the copolymer. Drug loaded EVA thermoplastic copolymer may provide a favorable therapeutic material for the development of a novel, local treatment for oral, mucosal and periodontal infections.
Correction to: A comparative study of urban fragmentation patterns in small and mid-sized cities of Idaho

The Acknowledgements contained an error: In the original statement “This research was supported by the National Science Foundation award IIA – 1301792 from the National Science Foundation Idaho Environmental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research Program.”
Hybrid Remote Access Protocol

The invalidation-based cache coherence protocols used in current CMPs result in inefficient utilization of cache hierarchy in the presence of heavy sharing, since a significant percentage of shared cached data is invalidated soon after it is brought into the private cache. This work presents an analysis of a shared memory cache coherence protocol; based on novel insights from the analysis, we advocate direct remote reads/writes at the shared last-level cache for heavily contended data. Evaluation of our proposed protocol with the Splash2x kernels shows 17 percent geometric mean speedup over traditional MESI coherence and 8.5 percent better performance than prior remote-access proposals.
A Stochastic Model of Consensus Reaching in Committee Decisions for Faculty Advancement, Promotion and Tenure: Does Diversity Matter?

Abstract Purpose There are considerable gender and racial disparities in academic promotions regardless of academic qualifications, suggesting bias. The investigators studied the academic promotions process by simulating the work of Advancement, Promotion and Tenure (APT) committees and applying a mathematical model to assess the impact of diversity on consensus reaching. Method The study targeted academic faculty during an annual Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) meeting. Participants evaluated the academic dossier of a male Assistant Professor with a focus on community engagement during four simulations. All dossiers were identical, with the singular exception of the candidate's race (white vs. black). Committee composition varied with respect to racial diversity. Participants scored the candidate before and after the deliberations. The DeGroot Model was used to compare individual scoring to group convergence. Results While there was no statistically significant difference in the candidate's overall scores between the groups, the least diverse groups rated the candidate the lowest (p = 0.0595). Participants ranked activities related to diversity and equity as the least important. Moreover, criteria deliberated more heavily showed significant score changes after deliberation. Lastly, ambiguity about the review process at various institutions was reported by project participants, increasing the opportunity for bias in real world situations. Conclusions While there was not enough statistical power to measure intragroup differences, the model shows promise in illuminating how individual perceptions, committee composition and group dynamics sway consensus reaching. The model also suggests that social research, community engagement and diversity work do not carry the same weight as traditional scholarship, impacting the career trajectory of minority scholars. The model can be used to evaluate bias not only in academic promotions but also in admissions, hiring and grant review. This will allow improved methods and processes for equitable academic performance reviews, enhancing the career trajectory and retention of minority scholars.
Testicular estradiol and the pattern of Sertoli cell proliferation in prepuberal bulls.

Abstract Sertoli cells nourish developing sperm with the number of Sertoli cells being a major determinant of sperm production capacity in a male. The objectives of these studies were to numerically characterize the prepuberal populations of bovine Sertoli cells to determine the pattern of proliferation and to determine if the prepuberal population could be expanded by reducing endogenous testicular estrogens. Groups of Angus-Hereford crossbred bull calves were castrated at 0.25 mo (n = 6) and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 mo of age (n = 8 per age). Testes were weighed and equatorial slices fixed. Sertoli cell density was determined following labeling of Sertoli cells with GATA-4 antibody in 30-μm thick sections. The number of Sertoli cells per testis increased linearly from 0.25 mo to 5 mo of age. Sertoli cell numbers appeared to plateau at 5 mo of age with luminal development present at that age. Only a single postnatal wave of Sertoli cell proliferation was detectable in the bull. To evaluate the regulatory role of testicular estrogens, Jersey bull caves were treated twice weekly with the aromatase inhibitor, letrozole, from 2 to 22 wk of age and control animals were treated with the canola oil vehicle. Testes were retrieved at 26 wk of age. Testes were weighed and Sertoli cell density was subsequently determined. Estradiol was lower in testicular tissue from letrozole-treated bulls as expected (P
Mechanism-Based Causal Analysis

Over the past decades, ‘causal mechanisms’ have become an important part of social scientific explanation. Causal mechanisms now appear in annual review pieces, edited volumes, and occasional symposia. The publication of the Oxford Handbook of Analytic Sociology – a manifesto of the analytic paradigm that places mechanisms at the helm of its enterprise – is further evidence of this new focus. But what, precisely, are causal mechanisms? And how do they aid in explanation in the social sciences? This article investigates five major approaches to causal mechanisms toward the goal of identifying major points of consensus and contention. It further suggests that there are two distinct approaches to causal mechanisms: ‘top-down’ approaches that seek to generalize empirical events under widely instantiated causal patterns, and ‘bottom-up’ approaches that seek to disaggregate ‘average causal effects’ by opening up the ‘black-boxes.’
So you want to go to graduate school? Factors that influence admissions to economics PhD programs

The authors survey admissions coordinators about the importance of application components in admissions decisions for economics PhD programs. The survey explores the importance of difficult-to-quan...
Empirical Study of High Strain Rate Loading and Fragmentation of Hot Mix Asphalt

AbstractDynamic fragmentation of hot mix asphalt (HMA) under high strain rate loading can be expected under various situations, such as milling, earthquakes, or explosions. This paper reports on an...
SCD-MVA: A mobile application for conducting single-case experimental design research during the pandemic

The COVID-19 outbreak emphasizes the need for alternative methods for data gathering and collaboration among researchers in a virtual research environment One experimental design that is well suited in a social distancing research context is the single-case experimental design (SCD) SCDs can handle disruptions as (a) they do not require large groups gathering for data collection or intervention administration, (b) interventions are administered individually and in some cases remotely, (c) no comparison group is needed, and (d) they are adaptive and flexible designs The purpose of this article is to introduce the mobile application, SCD-MVA (2019), developed to assists in the design of an SCD, data gathering, data analysis, and remote collaboration The application allows data management and data sharing among researchers, provides an in real time visualization of the gathered data, stimulates interaction between researchers in terms of designing the SCD, gathering the data, and analyzing the gathered data, and does all these things with no need for in-person meetings of the research team © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Radiometer payload for the temporal experiment for storms and tropical systems technology demonstration mission

The Temporal Experiment for Storms and Tropical Systems Technology Demonstration (TEMPEST-D) instrument is a five-frequency millimeter-wave radiometer capable of observing thermal radiation from the Earth at 89, 165, 176, 180, and 182 GHz. The direct-detection architecture of the radiometer reduces its power consumption and eliminates the need for a local oscillator and mixer, reducing complexity. The instrument includes an ambient blackbody calibration target and a scanning reflector. The reflector rotates to scan the antenna beams in the cross-track direction so that the TEMPEST-D feed horn and receiver view first the blackbody calibration target, then the Earth over a range of nadir angles from −45° to +45°, and finally the cosmic microwave background radiation at 2.73 K. This enables precision end-to-end calibration of the millimeter-wave receivers every scan period. The TEMPEST-D millimeter-wave radiometers are based on 35-nm InP HEMT MMIC low-noise amplifiers and related technology developed under extensive investment by the NASA Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO).
Correlation of chest radiography findings with the severity and progression of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Abstract Purpose Aim is to assess the temporal changes and prognostic value of chest radiograph (CXR) in COVID-19 patients. Material and methods We performed a retrospective study of confirmed COVID-19 patients presented to the emergency between March 07–17, 2020. Clinical & radiological findings were reviewed. Clinical outcomes were classified into critical & non-critical based on severity. Two independent radiologists graded frontal view CXRs into COVID-19 pneumonia category 1 (CoV-P1) with Results Sixty-two patients were evaluated for clinical features. 56 of these (total: 325 CXRs) were evaluated for radiological findings. Common patterns were progression from lower to upper zones, peripheral to diffuse involvement, & from ground glass opacities to consolidation. Consolidations starting peripherally were noted in 76%, 93% and 48% with critical outcomes, respectively. The interobserver agreement of the CoV-P category of CXRs in the critical and non-critical outcome groups were good and excellent, respectively (τ coefficient = 0.6 & 1.0). Significant association was observed between CoV-P2 and clinical deterioration into a critical status (χ2 = 27.7, p = 0.0001) with high sensitivity (95%) and specificity (71%) within a median interval time of 2 days (range: 0–4 days). Conclusion Involvement of predominantly 4 or more zones on frontal chest radiograph can be used as predictive prognostic indicator of poorer outcome in COVID-19 patients.
Policy on the ground: caseworker perspectives on implementing alternative response

There has been little focus on decision making in child protective services, particular as it relates to the implementation of alternative response (AR). Focus groups were held in urban, suburban, ...
Abstract 17217: Brown Adipose Tissue Promotes Exercise Capacity Through Sirtuin-3

It is well recognized that increased white adipose tissue impairs exercise performance. However, little is known about regulation of exercise performance by brown adipose tissue (BAT). The Regulato...
Tips and Tricks for Common Medical and Surgical Procedures in Small Ruminants

Every practitioner develops his or her own unique and efficient ways of doing things, and the author has collected a few of these tricks from personal experience, the veterinary literature, and veterinary technicians and practitioners. This presentation will include a variety of useful tips for a variety of commonly used procedures for South American camelids, sheep, and goats in a field setting.
Phosphorylation in the intrinsically disordered region of F-BAR protein Imp2 regulates its contractile ring recruitment.

The F-BAR protein Imp2 is an important contributor to cytokinesis in the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Because cell cycle regulated phosphorylation of the central intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of the Imp2 paralog, Cdc15, controls Cdc15 oligomerization state, localization, and ability to bind protein partners, we investigated whether Imp2 is similarly phosphoregulated. We found that Imp2 is endogenously phosphorylated on 28 sites within its IDR with the bulk of phosphorylation being constitutive. In vitro, casein kinase 1 (CK1) Hhp1 and Hhp2 can phosphorylate 17 sites and Cdk1 the remaining 11 sites. Mutations that prevent Cdk1 phosphorylation result in precocious Imp2 recruitment to the cell division site, and mutations designed to mimic these phosphorylation events delay Imp2 CR accumulation. Mutations that eliminated CK1 phosphorylation sites allowed CR sliding, and phosphomimetic substitutions at these sites reduced Imp2 protein levels and slowed CR constriction. Thus, like Cdc15, the Imp2 IDR is phosphorylated at many sites by multiple kinases. In contrast to Cdc15, for which phosphorylation plays a major cell cycle regulatory role, Imp2 phosphorylation is primarily constitutive with milder effects on localization and function.
Volume and compressibility differences between protein conformations revealed by high-pressure NMR

Abstract Proteins often interconvert between different conformations in ways critical to their function. Although manipulating such equilibria for biophysical study is often challenging, the application of pressure is a potential route to achieve such control by favoring the population of lower volume states. Here, we use this feature to study the interconversion of ARNT PAS-B Y456T, which undergoes a dramatic +3 slip in the β-strand register as it switches between two stably folded conformations. Using high-pressure biomolecular NMR approaches, we obtained the first, to our knowledge, quantitative data testing two key hypotheses of this process: the slipped conformation is both smaller and less compressible than the wild-type equivalent, and the interconversion proceeds through a chiefly unfolded intermediate state. Data collected in steady-state pressure and time-resolved pressure-jump modes, including observed pressure-dependent changes in the populations of the two conformers and increased rate of interconversion between conformers, support both hypotheses. Our work exemplifies how these approaches, which can be generally applied to protein conformational switches, can provide unique information that is not easily accessible through other techniques.
Categorical Homotopy Theory

Part I. Derived Functors and Homotopy (Co)limits: 1. All concepts are Kan extensions 2. Derived functors via deformations 3. Basic concepts of enriched category theory 4. The unreasonably effective (co)bar construction 5. Homotopy limits and colimits: the theory 6. Homotopy limits and colimits: the practice Part II. Enriched Homotopy Theory: 7. Weighted limits and colimits 8. Categorical tools for homotopy (co)limit computations 9. Weighted homotopy limits and colimits 10. Derived enrichment Part III. Model Categories and Weak Factorization Systems: 11. Weak factorization systems in model categories 12. Algebraic perspectives on the small object argument 13. Enriched factorizations and enriched lifting properties 14. A brief tour of Reedy category theory Part IV. Quasi-Categories: 15. Preliminaries on quasi-categories 16. Simplicial categories and homotopy coherence 17. Isomorphisms in quasi-categories 18. A sampling of 2-categorical aspects of quasi-category theory.
Pollination services provided to small and large highbush blueberry fields by wild and managed bees

1. Plantings of pollinator-dependent crops vary from large, intensively managed fields to small fields that are managed less intensively, yet there is relatively little information on how pollinator populations and their contribution to crop productivity vary across this gradient. 2. We determined the relative importance of wild bees and managed honey bees Apis mellifera L. for crop pollination in the blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum L. system of Michigan, USA, by comparing bee communities in small, isolated blueberry fields with those in large blueberry fields (stocked with managed honey bee hives) and measuring the difference in yields of open-pollinated and pollinator-excluded clusters of flowers. We combined these assessments to calculate the contribution of bees to crop production in this system. 3. Wild bees were the dominant pollinators in small fields, comprising 58% of flower-visiting bees, whereas 97% of bees in large fields were honey bees. Large fields had four times as many bees visiting flowers than small fields, but only one-tenth as many bumble bees as small fields. 4. Levels of fruit set exceeded 85% in all fields and were similar between field sizes. Berry weight increased with flower exposure to pollinators and was positively correlated with bee abundance. Berry weights from open-pollinated flowers were twice as high in large fields compared with small fields. 5. By combining berry weight increases attributable to honey bees and wild bees in blueberry fields with measurements of the bee community adjusted for pollinator efficiency, we calculated the relative contributions of honey bees and wild bees to pollination of Michigan blueberries. We estimate that wild bees provide 82% of the pollination in small fields but only 12% of the total pollination services across this system, mostly through their secondary role in large fields. 6. Synthesis and applications. Wild bees are the primary pollinators of small blueberry fields, but these insects are at low abundance in large fields, perhaps due to a lack of nesting resources or competition for resources with honey bees. Our findings highlight the dependence of commercial fruit producers on honey bees and suggest that increasing the pollination contribution of other bees, particularly bumble bees, in large fields will require that growers adopt wild bee conservation strategies or stock their fields with managed colonies. Quantifying the contributions of managed and wild pollinating bees across the range of crop production scenarios will help to direct development of integrated crop pollination strategies to minimize the risk of pollination deficits affecting food production.
A visual agent approach for modeling organizations

The author proposes a technique for interface design that, in effect, is an organizational model using iconic visual agents, and reports on work currently in progress to produce a working prototype of the technique. The proposed approach involves the application of object-oriented programming techniques (via Smalltalk-80) to encapsulate data and behavior within a large set of icons. The set of icons constitutes a manipulable model world of the organization that can be used not only for system interface purposes but also as a basis for the development of systems that complete managerial-level tasks. The classification scheme used to model organizations is based on a simple hierarchy consisting of persons, things, and processes at the top level and a set of changeable entities at lower levels. The hierarchical class structure, method inheritance, and message-passing paradigm of Smalltalk-80 offer an environment which is itself a good model for the visual agent approach. Also discussed is a method for embedding knowledge bases within the structure of the agents to provide the agents with a limited but functional intelligence. >
A Control Formulation for Vibration Absorbers

The problem of multiple passive damping of large flexible space structures is addressed by reformulating the classical Den Hartog absorber problem as a feedback control problem. With this reformulation recent alogorithms developed for H ? control problems can be applied to determine the optimal tuning of the damping devices. Extensions to multiple degree of freedom systems are straight forward.
The Effects of Influence Strategies and Dependence on Satisfaction

Abstract This study examines the use of influence strategies and dependence on trust and satisfaction in marketing channels relationships. In contrast to conventional wisdom, the authors demonstrate that trust fully mediates the relationship between influence strategies and satisfaction and between dependence and satisfaction. Additionally, they show that dependence has a direct, positive effect on trust. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Lanthanide and actinide sulfate complexes—I: Determination of stability constants

Abstract The stability constants of the complexes of yttrium and the lanthanide ions (except Pm) with sulfate were determined using a competitive potentiometric method at μ = 2·00 M (NaClO4), pH = 3·0 and t = 25·0°C. A solvent extraction technique was used to measure stability constants of the sulfate complexes of Ce(III), Pm(III), Eu(III), Am(III), Cm(III) and Cf(III) with the same set of conditions. With these conditions there is evidence of formation of M(SO4)+ and M(SO4)2−. The values of β1 ranged from 12 to 27, while those of β2 varied from 39 to 117.
Maximizing teaching on the wards: Review and application of the One‐Minute Preceptor and SNAPPS models

Hospitalist educators face a number of challenges in teaching clinical reasoning to residents and medical students. Helping to develop trainees' clinical acumen is an essential and highly nuanced process, yet complex patients, documentation requirements, and productivity goals compete with teaching time. Workplace-based assessment is particularly important for residents with the institution of the developmental milestones for meeting Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education competencies. Two frameworks for facilitating the clinical reasoning discussion-the One-Minute Preceptor preceptor and SNAPPS-have been well studied in the outpatient setting with positive results. Both models show promise for use in the inpatient teaching environment with little modification. This narrative review compares and contrasts these 2 teaching frameworks and discusses their application to the inpatient teaching environment. These models can provide opportunities for hospitalist educators to better assess trainees, integrate regular feedback, and encourage self-directed learning. These teaching frameworks can also allow hospitalists to provide more focused education to trainees without taking additional valuable time.