cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studio Learning: Motivation, Competence, and the Development of Young Art Students' Talent and Creativity

This study focused on behavior associated with young art students' developing artistic talent (skills and art-making behavior) and creativity (personal expressions of visual information). The study examined the relationships among age and the components of creativity (i.e., technical skill, problem finding, ideation, evaluation, and motivation). The study compared the artistic processing and products of 25 younger art students (9- and 10-year-olds) with those of 26 older art students (11- through 16-year-olds). The author recorded participants' behavior as they created drawings in two contexts—from imagination and from life. The author then administered a measure of the need for cognition (NCS). The observed behavior during the drawing activities provided scores on problem finding, evaluation, and ideation and three expert judges provided assessments of the technical skill and creativity revealed in the drawings. The score on the NCS and the number of years attending the art program provided two measures ...
Peer-Based Recommendations in Online B2C E-Commerce: Comparing Collaborative Personalization and Social Network-Based Personalization

With the widespread diffusion of social network platforms, e-vendors can now use social network information to provide personalized services to their consumers. Nonetheless, the accuracy of social network-based personalization remains uncertain, as compared to that of traditional personalization approaches. Drawing on social influence and similarity attraction theories, this study compares social network-based personalization with the traditional peer-based personalization approach of collaborative personalization. We report results of a preliminary within subject experiment of 29 subjects belonging to a single social network. Our findings indicate that social network-based personalization can provide accurate personalized offerings. These are as accurate as those of collaborative personalization when within the specific product category on which collaborative personalization is based and better than collaborative personalization when outside the specific category.
The complete chloroplast genome of Cynara humilis

The complete chloroplast genome of the wild thistle Cynara humilis L. (Asteraceae) is presented in this study. The genome is 152,585 bp in length and has a quadripartite structure composed by a large single-copy (LSC) of 83,622 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) of 18,651 bp and two inverted repeats (IRb/a) of 25,156 bp each. The GC content corresponds to 37.7%. The amount of unique genes is 114, in which 17 are duplicated in the IRs, for a total of 131 genes. A maximum parsimony phylogenetic analysis revealed that C. humilis chloroplast genome is closely related to that of the globe artichoke within the Carduoideae subfamily.
Regression of Hypertrophied Rat Pulmonary Arteries in Organ Culture Is Associated With Suppression of Proteolytic Activity, Inhibition of Tenascin-C, and Smooth Muscle Cell Apoptosis

Increased elastase activity and deposition of the matrix glycoprotein tenascin-C (TN), codistributing with proliferating smooth muscle cells (SMCs), are features of pulmonary vascular disease. In pulmonary artery (PA) SMC cultures, TN is regulated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and mechanical stress. On attached collagen gels, MMPs upregulate TN, leading to SMC proliferation, whereas on floating collagen, reduced MMPs suppress TN and induce SMC apoptosis. We now investigate the response of SMCs in the whole vessel by comparing attached and floating conditions using either normal PAs derived from juvenile pigs or normal or hypertrophied rat PAs that were embedded in collagen gels for 8 days. Normal porcine PAs in attached collagen gels were characterized by increasing activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 assessed by zymography and TN deposition detected by Western immunoblotting and densitometric analysis of immunoreactivity. PAs on floating collagen showed reduced activity of both MMPs and deposition of TN. Tenascin-rich foci were associated with proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunoreactivity, and TN-poor areas with apoptosis, by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling assay, but no difference in wall thickness was observed. Although normal rat PAs were similar to piglet vessels, hypertrophied rat PAs showed an amplified response. Increased elastase, MMP-2, TN, and elastin deposition, as well as SMC proliferating cell nuclear antigen positivity, correlated with progressive medial thickening on attached collagen, whereas reduced MMP-2, elastase, TN, and induction of SMC apoptosis accompanied regression of the thickened media on floating collagen. In showing that hypertrophied SMCs in the intact vessel can be made to apoptose and that resorption of extracellular matrix can be achieved by inhibition of elastase and MMPs, our study suggests novel strategies to reverse vascular disease.
Oxygen Acquisition of the Reedfish, Erpetoichthys Calabaricus

In normoxic water at 25°C, the reedfish ( Erpetoichthys calabaricus ) can breathe in both air and water, although water is the primary source of oxygen. This pattern of oxygen partitioning is altered by a number of factors. Increases in metabolic costs (e.g. locomotor activity) and decreases in aquatic oxygen concentration are met by increases in aerial oxygen uptake. Reedfish acclimated to 33°C have increased lung breathing compared with fish acclimated to 25°C. Also, activity stimulates lung breathing more at 33°C than at 25°C. Unexpectedly, weight-specific oxygen uptake rates of reedfish at these two temperatures were not significantly different. Increased lung-breathing compensates for changes in locomotor activity, dissolved oxygen and temperature, allowing reedfish to meet their overall oxygen requirements. Exposure of reedfish to six different combinations of oxygen and carbon dioxide indicated that lung ventilation frequencies were more labile than gill ventilation frequencies. The maximum change in lung ventilation rates was 849% above controls whereas the largest change in gill ventilation frequency was 27%. Exposure of reedfish to hyperoxia significantly depressed both gill and lung ventilation. Hypercapnic gases stimulated gill ventilation at both low (0.5%) and high (5%) concentrations; however, lung ventilation was only stimulated at the higher carbon dioxide concentration. The observed depression of gill ventilation frequencies in reedfish exposed to combinations of hypercapnic and hypoxic gases indicates that the inhibitory effect of low oxygen on gill ventilation dominates the stimulatory effect of hypercapnia. Overall, these data suggest that oxygen exerts a stronger influence in the control of respiration than carbon dioxide in this air- and water-breathing fish. Reedfish survived out of water for 6 and 8h at 25°C without obvious ill effects. Oxygen consumption rates of these fish were significantly less than those of similar sized reedfish measured in water at either 25 or 33°C. The respiratory physiology of the reedfish frees it from aquatic oxygen constraints and allows it to tolerate at least short-term terrestrial exposures.
Flexibilization, Globalization, and Privatization: Three Challenges to Labor Rights in Our Time

Three dynamics are coalescing to reshape labor relations in the 21st century in the United States: They are flexibilization, globalization and privatization. "Flexibilization" refers to the changing work practices by which firms no longer use internal labor markets or implicitly promise employees lifetime job security, but rather seek flexible employment relations that permit them to increase or diminish their workforce, and reassign and redeploy employees with ease. "Globalization" refers to the increase in cross-border transactions in the production and marketing of goods and services that facilitates firm relocation to low labor cost countries. And "privatization" refers to the rise of neo-liberal ideology, the attack on big government and the dismantling of the social safety net that have dominated public policy in the U.S. in recent years. All three of these dynamics have been detrimental to U.S. employment standards and union strength. This article describes how each of these dynamics has undermined labor rights and then asks, what prospects are there, in light of this environment, for protecting employment rights, re-invigorating unions, and security a social safety net? The author answers by pointing to the many areas of social life in which the spread of the global leads to the re-emergence of the local. She argues that the response to the global threat to labor standards lies in a revival of collective action at the local level. She further contends that the combined forces of flexibilization, globalization, and privatizations make collective action at the local level not only necessary, but also possible.
Effects of Stabilized Nanoparticles of Copper, Zinc, Manganese, and Iron Oxides in Low Concentrations on Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Seed Germination: Nanotoxicants or Nanonutrients?

Information on the phytotoxicity of nanoparticles (NPs) at low concentrations (e.g., ppb to low ppm) is scarce. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the effects of laboratory-prepared Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe oxide NPs in low concentrations (<50 ppm) on the germination of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seeds in a water medium. The data showed that CuO NPs were slightly more toxic than Cu ions while the toxicity of ZnO NPs was similar to that of Zn ions, and MnOx NPs and FeOx NPs were not only less toxic than their ionic counterparts but also significantly stimulated the growth of lettuce seedlings by 12–54 %. This study showed that manufactured NPs were not always more toxic than other chemical species containing the same elements. Instead, Mn or Fe NPs can significantly enhance plant growth and have the potential to be effective nanofertilizers for increasing agronomic productivity.
Reference Sources for Sephardic Studies

Some of the main reference sources for Sephardic studies in the broader sense, namely, covering issues related not only to the Jews of the Iberian peninsula and their descendants, but also to those of the Middle East and North Africa for the same period of time, are described. The categories covered are: Sepharad and Sephardic culture, the Sephardic diaspora, catalogs of special collections, and subject catalogs.
Automated Assessment of Hemodynamics in the Conjunctival Microvasculature Network

The conjunctival microcirculation is accessible for direct visualization and quantitative assessment of microvascular hemodynamic properties. Currently available methods to assess hemodynamics in the conjunctival microvasculature use manual or semi-automated algorithms, which can be inefficient for application to a large number of microvessels within the microvascular network. We present an automated image analysis method for measurements of diameter and blood velocity in microvessels. The method was applied to conjunctival microcirculation images acquired in 15 healthy human subjects. Frangi filtering, thresholding, and morphological closing were applied to automatically segment microvessels, while variance filtering was used to detect blood flow. Diameter and blood velocity were measured in arterioles and venules within the conjunctival microvascular network, and blood flow and wall shear rate were calculated. Repeatability and validity of hemodynamic measurements were established. The automated image analysis method allows reliable, rapid and quantitative assessment of hemodynamics in the conjunctival microvascular network and can be potentially applied to microcirculation images of other tissues.
Long-Term Fish Oil Lipid Emulsion Use in Children With Intestinal Failure–Associated Liver Disease

Background: Fish oil lipid emulsion (FOLE) and multidisciplinary care for infants with intestinal failure (IF) have been associated with reduced morbidity and mortality due to IF-associated liver disease (IFALD). With increased survival, a greater proportion of infants with IF are now able to remain on parenteral nutrition (PN) in the long term. The purpose of this study was to examine outcomes in children with IFALD who have required long-term PN and FOLE therapy due to chronic IF. Materials and Methods: A review of prospectively collected data was performed for children with IFALD who required at least 3 years of PN and FOLE therapy due to chronic IF. Outcomes examined include the incidence of death, transplantation, and essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD), as well as growth parameters and the biochemical markers of liver disease. Results: Of 215 patients with IFALD treated from 2004–2015, 30 required PN and FOLE therapy for at least 3 years (median, 4.6 years). To date, no patients have died, requir...
Ursodiol for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Background There is no satisfactory medical therapy for patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid) benefits patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, another cholestatic liver disease. Methods From May 1989 to July 1995, we enrolled 105 patients with well-documented primary sclerosing cholangitis in a randomized, double-blind study comparing ursodiol (13 to 15 mg per kilogram of body weight per day in divided doses) with placebo. The primary outcome was the time to treatment failure, defined as death; liver transplantation; histologic progression by two stages (of four) or progression to cirrhosis; the development of varices, ascites, or encephalopathy; sustained quadrupling of the serum bilirubin concentration; marked worsening of fatigue or pruritus; inability to tolerate the drug; or voluntary withdrawal from the study. Results We analyzed data on the 51 patients in each group with at least 3 months of follow-up; the median follow-up was 2.2 years. There was no signifi...
Epidemiological surveillance of category C infectious diseases in Dinghai district,Zhejiang Province from 2004 to 2008

Objective To know about the epidemic situation of category C infectious diseases for the first time in Dinghai,so as to provide scientific basis for strategies of prevention and control.Methods Descriptive epidemiological approach was employed.Results Cumulatively 5 kinds of 3033 cases of category C infectious disease were reported in five years,with an average annual reported incidence of 153.95/lakh,and it had a yearly increase.The summit of epidemic situation was in spring and winter.The primary cases were under 14 years old.The reported ratio of male to female was 1.80∶1,and it had statistical discrepancy.The reported diseases were mostly infectious diarrhea and mumps,accounting for 97.62%.Conclusion The outbreak tendency of category C infectious diseases was similar to other reports in Dinghai district,but cases were rapidly reduced with raise of age.It is crucial to strengthen propaganda and education to childbearing age family for preventing and controlling infectious diarrhea.It is important to control mumps in school and kindergarten.
A Multiple Lyapunov Function Approach to Distributed Synchronization Control of Multi-Agent Systems With Switching Directed Communication Topologies and Unknown Nonlinearities

This paper investigates the distributed adaptive control problem for synchronization of multi-agent systems where the dynamics of the agents are nonlinear, nonidentical, unknown and subject to external disturbances. In our recent work, we solved this problem for general higher order systems under two types of communication topologies, represented, respectively, by a fixed strongly connected directed graph and by a switching connected undirected graph. A common Lyapunov function technique is employed to establish the results. In this paper, we solve the problem for a more general communication topology which is represented by a switching strongly-connected directed graph. We construct a sequence of different Lyapunov functions and use them to establish our results. Simulation study verifies the effectiveness of our theoretical results.
‘It’s a hard line to walk’: black non-binary trans* collegians’ perspectives on passing, realness, and trans*-normativity

AbstractBeing labeled as ‘abnormal, or deviant, or not being one of the rest of us’ has real effects for one’s life chances. Trans* people are one such group who have continually been codified as abnormal, abject, weird, deceptive, and social pariahs. The purpose of the following study was to explore how the concepts of passing, realness, and trans*-normativity influence the experiences of two black non-binary trans* collegians. Using queer and intersectional theoretical approaches to analysis, findings from this study highlight the various ways black non-binary trans* collegians view these concepts as both limiting and emancipatory.
Supersymmetry, Supergravity, and Unification

This unique book gives a modern account of particle physics and gravity based on supersymmetry and supergravity, two of the most significant developments in theoretical physics since general relativity. The book begins with a brief overview of the history of unification and then goes into a detailed exposition of both fundamental and phenomenological topics. The topics in fundamental physics include Einstein gravity, Yang–Mills theory, anomalies, the standard model, supersymmetry and supergravity, and the construction of supergravity couplings with matter and gauge fields, as well as computational techniques for SO(10) couplings. The topics of phenomenological interest include implications of supergravity models at colliders, CP violation, and proton stability, as well as topics in cosmology such as inflation, leptogenesis, baryogenesis, and dark matter. The book is intended for graduate students and researchers seeking to master the techniques for building grand unified models.
Application of advanced system identification technique to extract roll damping from model tests in order to accurately predict roll motions

Abstract In this paper our previously developed advanced system identification technique [1] has been applied to extract the frequency dependent roll damping from a series of model tests run in irregular (random) waves. It is shown that this methodology accurately models the roll damping which can then be used to produce accurate predictions of the ships roll motion. These roll motion predictions are not only more accurate than the potential flow predictions but more accurate than potential flow models corrected using either empirical prediction methods [2] and even those corrected using roll damping obtained from free decay sallying experiments. This methodology has the potential to significantly improve roll motion prediction during full scale at sea trails of vessels in order to dramatically improve safety of critical operations such as helicopter landing or ship to ship cargo transfer.
Experimental endoscopic goniotomy. A potential treatment for primary infantile glaucoma.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine if an endoscope would improve visualization of the anterior chamber angle and facilitate goniotomy in a surgical cloudy corneal model of primary infantile glaucoma. Methods: A 23-gauge needle coupled to a 0.8-mm diameter flexible endoscope entered the anterior chamber of porcine cadaver eyes through a corneal incision near the limbus. Internal structures were observed on a videoscreen and recorded as the needle approached and incised pectinate ligaments near Schwalbe's line. The eyes were then prepared for light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Results: Internal structures were clearly visualized on the videoscreen during the goniotomy. The incision of pectinate ligaments was accompanied by the iris falling back and opening of the trabecular meshwork compared with the untreated portion of the angle. This was confirmed histopathologically. Conclusions: An endoscope coaxially coupled to a goniotomy needle tip allows visualization of the anterior chamber angle during goniotomy in the pig despite the presence of a cloudy cornea. The porcine anterior chamber angle is a useful animal model for studying the surgical treatment of primary infantile glaucoma.
Main Features of the Employment Problem in Developing Countries (Le problÃ¨me de l'emploi dans les pays en voie de dÃ©veloppement: ses principales caractÃ©ristiques) (Principales caracterÃ­sticas del problema del empleo en los paÃ­ses en desarrollo)

IN THE PAST FEW YEARS there has been an increasing concern about the present and prospective inadequacy of employment opportunities in developing countries. It emanates partly from a retrospective view of the course of events in the years since the end of World War II. The economic performance of the developing countries in this period as measured by their rate of economic growth has, by historical standards, been quite creditable, and yet their predicament with regard to the employment problem apparently has been getting progressively worse. Dissatisfaction with the past and disquiet about the future are serious enough to raise doubts regarding the whole present orientation of economic policy in developing countries and have resulted in a channeling of research efforts to employment issues. There is also increasing emphasis on employment as an objective of economic policy in the developing countries, and it appears that emphasis on employment issues will continue in the future. This paper surveys some of the recent work pertaining to this general subject and alludes to some general implications for economic policy directed toward these problems. The paper is in five parts. Section I presents data about recent laborforce trends in the developing countries, puts them in a historical perspective, and points to the crucial role of population growth in shaping the employment problem of the developing countries. Section II discusses briefly the conceptual difficulties in coming to grips with the problem and suggests that it has two components-open unemployment and disguised unemployment. Section III, dealing with open unemployment, cites some of the available quantitative information, an exercise that is not possible in Section IV, which is about disguised unemployment. In fact, much of Section IV is concerned with the
Cutaneous exposure to lewisite causes acute kidney injury by invoking DNA damage and autophagic response.

Lewisite (2-chlorovinyldichloroarsine) is an organic arsenical chemical warfare agent that was developed and weaponized during World Wars I/II. Stockpiles of lewisite still exist in many parts of t...
Examining the Potential for Agricultural Benefits from Pollinator Habitat at Solar Facilities in the United States

Of the many roles insects serve for ecosystem function, pollination is possibly the most important service directly linked to human well-being. However, land use changes have contributed to the decline of pollinators and their habitats. In agricultural landscapes that also support renewable energy developments such as utility-scale solar energy [USSE] facilities, opportunities may exist to conserve insect pollinators and locally restore their ecosystem services through the implementation of vegetation management approaches that aim to provide and maintain pollinator habitat at USSE facilities. As a first step toward understanding the potential agricultural benefits of solar-pollinator habitat, we identified areas of overlap between USSE facilities and surrounding pollinator-dependent crop types in the United States (U.S.). Using spatial data on solar energy developments and crop types across the U.S., and assuming a pollinator foraging distance of 1.5 km, we identified over 3,500 km2 of agricultural land ...
Sol-Gel Derived Optical Composites

Sol-gel processing was used to fabricate silica-titania thin layers with incorporated, optically active organic species (e.g., rhodamine 6G, methyl red). The thermal compatibility of the process and the materials was demonstrated through differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis. Spectroscopic studies (e.g., infrared, ultraviolet-visible) indicated that the organic molecules were more stable when encapsulated. Thin layers on glass substrates demonstrated waveguiding and exhibited diffraction through the use of an optical grating written on the surface.
Physics of mosquito vision : an overview

Important information for the location by mosquitoes of a wide range of resources is provided by the visual perception of objects and the environment. Behavior of mosquitoes in the location of these resources has been well studied, yet relatively little has been reported on the physical parameters pertaining to mosquito vision. An understanding of physics relating to vision aids in an appreciation of the importance of morphology and physiology and ambient light conditions in mosquito vision.
Long-term prognosis of patients with juvenile dermatomyositis initially treated with intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy.

Objective To assess the effects of initial treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) on the clinical course and laboratory measurements in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), and to report the long-term prognosis of these patients. Methods This was a retrospective study of 24 children with JDM, treated with IVMP as the initial therapy since 1981 and followed for a mean of 5.3 yrs. (range 10 months to 12.5 yrs.). Clinical and laboratory data, and complications of the disease and of therapy were ascertained by a chart review. Results The disease in 13/24 patients initially treated with IVMP followed a monocyclic course. The mean time for patients with a monocyclic course to normalize skin and muscle strength parameters was shorter than for patients with a chronic course (p < 0.005). Patients with a chronic course received more IVMP (mean 12.3 doses) (p < 0.005), and took longer to achieve normal strength (14.9 mos.) (p < 0.005), and remission of skin rash (33.7 mos.) (p < 0.005). Patients with a chronic course suffered more disease- and treatment-related complications than patients with a monocyclic course. Conclusion Most patients whose disease followed a monocyclic course achieved normal muscle enzymes within one month and had improved muscle strength within 2.5 months of the initiation of therapy. If patients fail to achieve normal muscle strength over 4 months, muscle enzymes over 3 months and normalizing VWF over 10 months, there may be a higher probability that their disease will follow a chronic course.
A novel method for modeling age and length selectivity of sockeye salmon as applied to the Bristol Bay Port Moller test fishery

This paper presents a novel approach for assessing sources selectivity in test fisheries using the Port Moller test fishery (PMTF) as a case study. The PMTF intercepts sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus ...
Comparing Virtual Reality Tourism to Real-Life Experience: Effects of Presence and Engagement on Attitude and Enjoyment

With the advent of 360-degree video technology, Virtual reality (VR) headsets can take users to locations in the real world. Despite the increasing number of virtual tourism opportunities using dig...
HIV and Mother–Child Conflict: Associations with Mother’s Mental and Physical Health

Maternal illness is a stressor that can disrupt family processes and contribute to negative child outcomes, and researchers have considered family variables that mediate or moderate the maternal illness-child outcome relationship. Through reliance on a diverse sample (ethnically and racially, as well as geographically), the current study expands prior literature with a focus on parent-child conflict. Specifically, associations between aspects of HIV positive mothers' illness and mother-child conflict were explored. One goal of the study was to determine if there were direct or indirect associations with aspects of mothers' HIV and mother-child conflict. HIV-positive mothers (N = 136) provided CD4 count and completed measures assessing their perceived level of physical functioning, depressive symptoms, HIV health-related anxiety, and mother-child conflict with their healthy school-age children. Path analysis considered the pattern of relationships across variables. Results showed maternal vitality and depressive symptoms were directly associated with mother-child conflict. CD4 cell count and health-related anxiety operated indirectly through maternal depressive symptoms. Mediation analyses further assessed the influence of maternal CD4 cell count on mother-child conflict behavior; results indicated an indirect effect was mediated by vitality. HIV health-related anxiety and vitality separately showed indirect effects on mother-child conflict, mediated by maternal depressive symptoms. These findings are the first to focus on mother-child conflict among children affected by maternal HIV and highlight the need for screening and intervention to address depressive symptoms among HIV-positive mothers.
Characteristic nonlinear system identification: A data-driven approach for local nonlinear attachments

Abstract This research introduces the characteristic nonlinear system identification (CNSI) procedure for identifying the dynamics of local nonlinear attachments. Unlike many existing methods, the CNSI method requires no prior knowledge or models of the dynamics governing the parent structure or the attachment. Instead, the CNSI technique relies entirely on post-processing of the measured transient response of the attachment and its connection points to the base structure (such that the relative motion can be computed), its mass and a proposed model for its dynamics. The CNSI approach is divided into two phases: a data-processing phase and a model-identification phase. In the first phase, the measured response is post-processed to obtain characteristic displacements and velocities, and instantaneous frequency and damping curves. In the second phase, the analyst proposes a model for the dynamics of the attachment and performs a systematic identification for the unknown parameters using the post-processed data. The result is a reduced-order model, including both nonlinear stiffness and damping, that captures the physics governing the response of the attachment. The CNSI method is demonstrated experimentally using the response of a linear oscillator with a smooth nonlinear attachment.
Facile synthesis of 3-substituted imidazo[1,2- a ]pyridines through formimidamide chemistry

A facile entry to 3-aryl/alkenyl/alkynyl substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines (3a–p, 6a–d & 9a–9e) has been developed from readily available benzyl/allyl/propargyl halides and 2-amino pyridines as substrates via formimidamide chemistry that is devoid of caustic or expensive reagents, such as transition metal complexes. Quantum chemical calculations performed to understand the underlying mechanism of the transformation revealed a preference for intramolecular Mannich-type addition over pericyclic 1,5-electrocyclization for the systems reported herein that enable a Baldwin allowed 5-exo-trig cyclization instead of a formally anti-Baldwin 5-endo-trig process.
Broadband Resonator-Waveguide Coupling for Octave-Spanning Microresonator Frequency Combs

We characterize pulley-waveguide couplers to extract octave-span frequency combs from a resonator. We compare measurements with modeling and show 20dB improvement in extraction at short wavelengths compared to straight waveguide coupling.
Pediatrics: American Academy of Pediatrics: Placental Transfer, Fetal Susceptibility Studied by AAP

Topics presents representative abstracts from the Spring Meeting, American Academy of Pediatrics, held April 10–12 in Washington, D.C.
Germination, Survival, and Establishment of a Rare Riparian Species Alnus maritima

Seed mortality due to low winter temperatures has been proposed as an explanation for the lack of seedling recruitment in natural populations of the rare riparian species Alnus maritima, but other factors such as the absence of essential root symbionts or canopy clearing disturbances could also limit establishment of new individuals. We investigated whether any of these factors could be identified as preventing recruitment into existing seaside alder populations. Stratification studies showed that not only can seeds withstand low temperatures, longer periods of cold stratification promote earlier seed germination and expand the temperature range for germination. Root microbiome studies unexpectedly found that seedlings inoculated with the native microbiome prior to planting had lower survival compared to uninoculated individuals, and uninoculated individuals declined in survivorship after natural inoculation in the field. Canopy disturbance by burning or clipping vegetation promoted neither seedling growth nor survival initially, with seedling survival lower in burned plots due to the release of an aggressively growing competitor. Our results show that physiological stress by microbial symbionts and competition with other species are likely primary limiting factors—more so than seed mortality from low temperatures—and should be the focus of future conservation efforts.
CRISPR/CAS9-mediated knockout of Abi1 inhibits p185Bcr-Abl-induced leukemogenesis and signal transduction to ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways.

Abl interactor 1 (Abi1) is a downstream target of Abl tyrosine kinases and a component of the WAVE regulatory complex (WRC) that plays an important role in regulating actin cytoskeleton remodeling and membrane receptor signaling. While studies using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) have suggested that Abi1 plays a critical role in Bcr-Abl-induced leukemogenesis, the mechanism involved is not clear. In this study, we knocked out Abi1 expression in p185Bcr-Abl-transformed hematopoietic cells using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing technology. The effects of Abi1 deficiency on actin cytoskeleton remodeling, the Bcr-Abl signaling, IL-3 independent growth, and SDF-induced chemotaxis in these cells were examined by various in vitro assays. The leukemogenic activity of these cells was evaluated by a syngeneic mouse transplantation model. We show here that Abi1 deficiency reduced the IL3-independent growth and SDF-1α-mediated chemotaxis in p185Bcr-Abl-transformed hematopoietic cells and inhibited Bcr-Abl-induced abnormal actin remodeling. Depletion of Abi1 also impaired the Bcr-Abl signaling to the ERK and PI3 kinase/Akt pathways. Remarkably, the p185Bcr-Abl-transformed cells with Abi1 deficiency lost their ability to develop leukemia in syngeneic mice. Even though these cells developed drug tolerance in vitro after prolonged selection with imatinib as their parental cells, the imatinib-tolerant cells remain incapable of leukemogenesis in vivo. Together, this study highlights an essential role of Abi1 in Bcr-Abl-induced leukemogenesis and provides a model system for dissecting the Abi1 signaling in Bcr-Abl-positive leukemia.
8 – Solvent Extraction

Publisher Summary Liquid–liquid extraction should be considered as a desirable route for product recovery and purification, along with fractional crystallization and distillation. The ability to make separations according to chemical type, rather than according to physical properties, such as freezing point or vapor pressure, is one of extraction's major attractions. Energy frequently can be saved in the recovery of valuable products from dilute broth solution, since a small quantity of a selective solvent can be used, and recovery from the concentrated extract is then facilitated. Selectivity of potentially attractive solvents can frequently be determined from simple shake-outs over the desired concentration range. From these distribution data, the combinations of amount of solvent and number of theoretical stages can be calculated.
Unsupervised modeling and genome-wide association identify novel features of allergic march trajectories.

Background The allergic march refers to the natural history of allergic conditions during infancy and childhood. However, population-level disease incidence patterns do not necessarily reflect the development of allergic disease in individuals. A better understanding of the factors that predispose to different allergic trajectories is needed. Objective Our aim was to determine the demographic and genetic features that are associated with the major allergic march trajectories. Methods Presence or absence of common allergic conditions (atopic dermatitis [AD], IgE-mediated food allergy [IgE-FA], asthma, and allergic rhinitis [AR]) was ascertained in a pediatric primary care birth cohort of 158,510 subjects. Hierarchic clustering and decision tree modeling were used to associate demographic features with allergic outcomes. Genome-wide association study was used to test for risk loci associated with specific allergic trajectories. Results We found an association between self-identified black race and progression from AD to asthma. Conversely, Asian or Pacific Islander race was associated with progression from AD to IgE-mediated food allergy, and white race was associated with progression from AD to AR. Genome-wide association study of trajectory groups identified risk loci associated with progression from AD to asthma (rs60242841) and from AD to AR (rs9565267, rs151041509, and rs78171803). Consistent with our epidemiologic associations, rs60242841 was more common in individuals of African ancestry than in individuals of European ancestry, whereas rs9565267 and rs151041509 were more common in individuals of European ancestry than in individuals of African ancestry. Conclusion We have identified novel associations between race and progression along distinct allergic trajectories. Ancestral genetic differences may contribute to these associations. These results uncover important health disparities, refine the concept of the allergic march, and represent a step toward developing individualized medical approaches for these conditions.
Social Behaviors, Enforcement, and Tax Compliance Dynamics

We analyze the effect of social norms and enforcement on the dynamics of taxpayer compliance. Specifically, we develop two models to evaluate the movement between classes of compliant and noncompliant taxpayers. Our analysis suggests that the effect on compliance of changing enforcement levels depends on whether the taxpayer population is initially compliant or noncompliant. Compliant populations are insensitive to changes in enforcement policies until enforcement becomes sufficiently lax, when we observe a sudden shift to high levels of noncompliance in equilibrium. In contrast, relatively noncompliant populations respond to increased enforcement by gradually increasing compliance. Then, when enforcement becomes sufficiently harsh, we find a sudden shift in equilibrium to very high levels of compliance. After the taxpayer population shifts from compliance to noncompliance, or vice versa, our models predict that returning to the previous enforcement policy will not cause the population to return to its pr...
Dynamic synchronization of extreme heat in complex climate networks in the contiguous United States

Abstract Urban climate research has surged in the past decades due to its unique position in addressing the concomitant issues of the rapid global urbanization and emergent climate changes. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of holistic and system-based toolkit for investigating complex dynamics of urban climate systems, especially those of hydroclimate extremes. Here we propose a novel framework based on complex networks for analyzing the topological structure of the urban climate in the contiguous United States (CONUS). In addition, we simulate CONUS urban networks using Kuramoto model and the master stability function formalism, which sheds new light on the occurrence and evolution of heat waves as dynamic synchronization processes. It is found that the CONUS urban climate networks are highly modular with spatial hierarchical (hub-periphery) organization. The small-world effect is also manifest in these networks with the characteristic path length between any pair of nodes no more than 5. For globally connected urban networks, as the sparsity of connections increases (with threshold of correlation coefficient), the path length decreases roughly linearly, whereas the synchronizability reduces exponentially.
Study Abroad in an Embedded Online Geography Class for Adult Working Professionals

Online learning is increasingly becoming an alternative to the traditional residential learning environment. It is especially relevant to adult professionals who have work and family commitments and are not in a position to attend fixed-time, physical classroom meetings. One of the challenges to online learning is how to integrate experiential learning opportunities. This chapter addresses a unique online experiential learning opportunity, “Challenges in Geo-visual Analytics,” a graduate level course offered by Penn State’s online Master of GIS (MGIS) Program. This primarily asynchronous online class includes a synchronous in-person study abroad component. In this class students learn about geo-visual analytics and its application to a data set focusing on the global refugee crisis. As part of this class, students travel to a European host university to collaborate with counterpart geography graduate students. They also travel to other research universities and mapping agencies to gain an international perspective on the professional and scientific applications of geo-visual analytics. The chapter discusses the importance of making study abroad opportunities available to online geography students in the MGIS program, presents content and evaluation metrics for the class, and characterizes student reflections on their experiences with this class.
El Acuerdo Transatlántico de Comercio e Inversiones (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, TTIP) entre la Unión Europea y Estados Unidos: informe provisional de su contexto y repercusiones

The announcement of the negotiations for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, TTIP) between the European Union and the United States has presented a notable analytical challenge. In spite of the fact that the project has a long tradition and the two partners are natural allies in different fronts of international relations, numerous sectors present difficulties for a good resolution. While tariff maximum reduction will not be an obstacle, regulations, mutual recognition and national specifications and protections will pose challenges for a negotiation that is not going to be easy, nor fast –it could be extended well after 2015. This study outlines the diverse perceptions on both sides of the Atlantic and adds some speculative comments about the impact on Latin America. Received : 07 January 2015 Accepted : 19 January 2015 Published online : 15 April 2016
Frequency and Load Ratio Effects on Critical Strain Energy Release Rate G c Thresholds of Graphite/Epoxy Composites

Graphite/epoxy composite laminates of T300/BP907 and AS6/HST-7 were axial-tension fatigue tested. Tests were conducted at 5 and 10 Hz, and at loading ratios of R = 0.1 and R = 0.5. Edge delamination was monitored as a function of number of fatigue cycles by monitoring stiffness reduction during fatigue testing. Delamination was confirmed and documented using dye-enhanced X-ray and optical photography. Critical strain energy release rates were then calculated. The composites delaminated readily, with loading ratio having a significant influence. Frequency effects were negligible.
3 – Molecular Approaches to the Detection of Germinal Mutations in Mammalian Organisms, Including Man

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the need for determining the human mutation rate, available and proposed methodologies for such studies, and estimates of the mutation rate and the potential health burden associated with an increased mutation rate. The need for the estimates of human germinal mutation rates arises in three forms, each imposing constraints on acceptable methodology for obtaining the estimate. In the first, the goal is to define the mutation rate, the associated health burden, and the spectrum of spontaneous germinal mutational lesions in presumably unexposed subjects. In the second case, the goal is to monitor the suspected increase in mutation rate in populations exposed to known or suspected genotoxic agents. In the third case, as most of the human risk estimates will be derived from data generated in model systems and test animals, rather than from data derived from the studies of human populations, the databases generated in human studies must serve as reference points for extrapolation from test systems. A technique that detects only base substitution events misses a significant increase in the mutation rate if an agent induces primarily gene deletions or rearrangements.
The measurement and trend of inequality: An amendment to a basic revision

Abstract A variety of revisions and adjustments to our standard measures of inequality have been proposed in recent years. This note corrects a serious error in that work which could reverse conclusions in instances of great inequality.
Encyclopedia of Soil Science

New and Improved Global Edition: Three-Volume Set A ready reference addressing a multitude of soil and soil management concerns, the highly anticipated and widely expanded third edition of Encyclopedia of Soil Science now spans three volumes and covers ground on a global scale. A definitive guide designed for both coursework and self-study, this latest version describes every branch of soil science and delves into trans-disciplinary issues that focus on inter-connectivity or the nexus approach. For Soil Scientists, Crop Scientists, Plant Scientists and More A host of contributors from around the world weigh in on underlying themes relevant to natural and agricultural ecosystems. Factoring in a rapidly changing climate and a vastly growing population, they sound off on topics that include soil degradation, climate change, soil carbon sequestration, food and nutritional security, hidden hunger, water quality, non-point source pollution, micronutrients, and elemental transformations. New in the Third Edition: Contains over 600 entries Offers global geographical and thematic coverage Entries peer reviewed by subject experts Addresses current issues of global significance Encyclopedia of Soil Science, Third Edition: Three Volume Set expertly explains the science of soil and describes the material in terms that are easily accessible to researchers, students, academicians, policy makers, and laymen alike. Also Available OnlineThis Taylor & Francis encyclopedia is also available through online subscription, offering a variety of extra benefits for researchers, students, and librarians, including: Citation tracking and alerts Active reference linking Saved searches and marked lists HTML and PDF format options Contact Taylor and Francis for more information or to inquire about subscription options and print/online combination packages.US: (Tel) 1.888.318.2367; (E-mail) e-reference@taylorandfrancis.comInternational: (Tel) +44 (0) 20 7017 6062; (E-mail) online.sales@tandf.co.uk
Levels of object representation in anaclitic and introjective depression.

(1974). Levels of Object Representation in Anaclitic and Introjective Depression. The Psychoanalytic Study of the Child: Vol. 29, No. 1, pp. 107-157.
Site environment characterization of downed woody fuels in the Rincon Mountains, Arizona: regression tree approach

Characterization of forest fuels is key to successful implementation of any fire management system. Great strides have been made in the characterization of forest canopy fuels by the use of remote sensing technology. Remote sensing of surface fuels is, however, limited by the physical intervention of the overlaying canopy. This limitation underscores the importance of exploring alternative approaches that relate site environment characteristics to the production and accumulation of understory fuels. This study predicts downed woody fuel loadings based on variables such as topography, fire history, and vegetation type in the forested area of the Rincon Mountains in southern Arizona. We used classification and regression trees (CART) to make these predictions. Results show that fine woody fuel loadings are predicted best by vegetation type and slope. Coarse woody fuels are predicted best by differences in elevation.