cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interannual variability in carbon dioxide fluxes and flux–climate relationships on grazed and ungrazed northern mixed‐grass prairie

The annual carbon (C) budget of grasslands is highly dynamic, dependent on grazing history and on effects of interannual variability (IAV) in climate on carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes. Variability in climatic drivers may directly affect fluxes, but also may indirectly affect fluxes by altering the response of the biota to the environment, an effect termed ‘functional change’. We measured net ecosystem exchange of CO2 (NEE) and its diurnal components, daytime ecosystem CO2 exchange (PD) and night-time respiration (RE), on grazed and ungrazed mixed-grass prairie in North Dakota, USA, for five growing seasons. Our primary objective was to determine how climatic anomalies influence variability in CO2 exchange. We used regression analysis to distinguish direct effects of IAVin climate on fluxes from functional change. Functional change was quantified as the improvement in regression on fitting a model in which slopes of flux‐climate relationships vary among years rather than remain invariant. Functional change and direct effects of climatic variation together explained about 20% of variance in weekly means of NEE, PD, and RE. Functional change accounted for more than twice the variance in fluxes of direct effects of climatic variability. Grazing did not consistently influence the contribution of functional change to flux variability, but altered which environmental variable best explained year-to-year differences in flux‐climate slopes, reduced IAV in seasonal means of fluxes, lessened the strength of flux‐climate correlations, and increased NEE by reducing RE relatively more than PD. Most of these trends are consistent with the interpretation that grazing reduced the influence of plants on ecosystem fluxes. Because relationships between weekly values of fluxes and climatic regulators changed annually, year-to-year differences in the C balance of these ecosystems cannot be predicted from knowledge of IAV in climate alone.
Characterizing junction-to-case thermal resistance and its impact on end-use applications

High power packages require a low junction-to-case thermal resistance (Theta jc) to achieve target junction temperatures. Theta jc is a metric used to compare package-to-package relative thermal performance. It is also used in two-resistor models to predict thermal performance under system level conditions. This study shows that the commonly used Theta jc definition does not correctly track package junction temperatures in actual end-use applications nor does it serve as a reliable metric for comparing package-to-package performance. When spreading resistance in the lid is taken into account, the modified Theta jc definition overcomes some of the shortfalls found with the standard Theta jc calculation. Lastly, a simplified thermal interface resistance model is presented as a more accurate alternative to the one resistor T heta jc and the multi-resistor Delphi models.
AMPA/kainate receptors in mouse spinal cord cell-specific display of receptor subunits by oligodendrocytes and astrocytes and at the nodes of Ranvier.

Spinal cord white matter is susceptible to AMPA/kainate (KA)-type glutamate receptor-mediated excitotoxicity. To understand this vulnerability, it is important to characterize the distribution of AMPA/KA receptor subunits in this tissue. Using immunohistochemistry and laser confocal microscopy, we studied the expression sites of AMPA/KA receptor subunits in mouse spinal cord. The white matter showed consistent immunoreactivity for AMPA receptor subunit GluR2/3 and KA receptor subunits GluR6/7 and KA2. In contrast, antibodies against GluR1, GluR2, GluR4 (AMPA), and GluR5 (KA) subunits showed only weak and occasional labeling of white matter. However, gray matter neurons did express GluR1 and GluR2, as well as GluR2/3. The white matter astrocytes were GluR2/3 and GluR6/7 immunopositive, while the gray matter astrocytes displayed primarily GluR6/7. Both exclusively and abundantly, KA2 labeled oligodendrocytes and myelin, identified by CNPase expression. Interestingly, myelin basic protein, another myelin marker, showed less correlation with KA2 expression, placing KA2 at specific CNPase-containing subdomains. Focal points of dense KA2 labeling showed colocalization with limited, but distinct, axonal regions. These regions were identified as nodes of Ranvier by coexpressing the nodal marker, ankyrin G. Overall, axonal tracts showed little, if any, AMPA/KA receptor expression. The proximity of oligodendrocytic KA2 to the axonal node and the paucity of axonal AMPA/kainate receptor expression suggest that excitotoxic axonal damage may be secondary and, possibly, mediated by oligodendrocytes. Our data demonstrate differential expression of glutamate AMPA and KA receptor subunits in mouse spinal cord white matter and point to astrocytes and oligodendrocytes as potential targets for pharmacological intervention in white matter glutamate excitotoxicity.
Effect of Inhaled Corticosteroids on Long-Term Growth in Pediatric Patients with Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis:

Objective: To evaluate the effect of orally and nasally inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on final adult height in pediatric patients with mild to moderate persistent asthma and allergic rhinitis. Data Sources: MEDLINE (1975–April 2013), Cochrane Library (through 2012), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1975–April 2013) were searched for prospective clinical trials assessing the effects of orally or intranasally ICS use on growth in pediatric patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis using the terms inhaled/intranasal corticosteroid, linear growth, height, and asthma or allergic rhinitis. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Eligible articles included double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies of at least 1 year with growth velocity or height as the primary outcome. Data Synthesis: Seven trials and 1 follow-up study analyzing the effects of orally ICSs were examined. Of these studies, 4 found a delay in growth in at least 1 subset of its participants of approximately 1 cm, 1 study found a ...
Fashioning a Divine Body: Coptic Christology and Ritualized Dress

In the ancient church, human bodies were contested commodities. Early Christian writers frequently wrangled over the ethical implications of dress and bodily adornment, and sought to regiment various forms of physical interaction and movement within their communities, from sexual contact to pilgrimage travel. Bodies—and how they were used—functioned as privileged markers of Christian identity, as valuable capital in the complex economies of Christian discourse and practice. Nowhere was this more the case than in discussions about Christ's body and its relation to his divinity. While such christological discussions took place throughout the Mediterranean world, in this article I have a keen interest in the ways in which the body of Christ was represented in Alexandria and Egypt from the fourth through the eighth century. Specifically, I want to explore late antique Coptic Christian understandings of the incarnation, and I propose to do so from a new theoretical perspective.
Are There Parallel Channels in the Vestibular Nerve

A popular concept in neurobiology is that sensory information is transmitted to the central nervous system over parallel channels of neurons that play different functional roles. But alternative organizing schemes are possible, and it is useful to ask whether some other framework might better account for the diversity of vestibular primary afferents.
3D Neutrophil Tractions in Changing Microenvironments

The mechanical properties and geometry of the surrounding microenvironment play a significant role in regulating cellular behavior including cell adhesion, migration and generation of traction forces. In many 3D tissue culture scenarios, changing the local matrix geometry, or cellular confinement simultaneously alters matrix stiffness, which makes the two physical factors coupled. In this study we design an interchangeable 2D-3D sandwich gel structure system with tunable mechanical properties capable of changing matrix stiffness and cellular confinement independently. Using a double-hydrogel system and our previously developed 3D TFM technique we investigate neutrophil migration and traction forces as a function of varying matrix stiffness and confinement.
Post-Fledging Survival and Dispersal of Juvenile Reddish Egrets (Egretta rufescens)

Abstract. The Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) is a species of conservation concern on an international scale, yet relatively little is known about its life history strategies and demographics. To estimate post-fledging survival and examine dispersal patterns/rates, Reddish Egrets (n = 30 fledglings) were monitored and marked with VHF radio transmitters in the Laguna Madre, Texas, in 2006. Overall daily survival rate was 0.78 (SE = 0.11). Reddish Egrets dispersed from their natal colony at 12–15 weeks after hatching, and the average distance traveled in the Laguna Madre ranged from 0 to 488 km. These results help fill a knowledge gap during this little-known time period of the Reddish Egret. Furthermore, these results show that the Laguna Madre is an important system during this critical stage of development as many of the juveniles remained in this lagoon through the duration of our 6-month study.
Presenting Food Science Effectively.

While the need to present food science information effectively is viewed as a critical competency for food scientists by the Institute of Food Technologists, most food scientists may not receive adequate training in this area. Effective presentations combine both scientific content and delivery mechanisms that demonstrate presenter enthusiasm for the topic and generate audience interest. This paper provides food science presentation “best practices” based upon the results of the author's 10 y of experience teaching communication skills to 1st-year graduate students. Topics include development of a “Presentation Inventory” that encourages presenters to consider why they are presenting, who they are presenting to, what information they plan to present, and how they plan to present the information. More specific sections of the paper address presentation introductions and conclusions, developing visual aids, responding to audience questions, flow, pacing, and time management, technological competency, and tips on how to practice a presentation. Such information should be applicable to all types of food science practitioners including undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, teaching and research academics, and government, industrial, and consulting food scientists. An awareness of such “best practices” among presenters of food science information can help raise the bar to improve the quality of contemporary food science presentations.
Characterization of fast interface states in nitrogen- and phosphorus-treated 4H-SiC MOS capacitors

We investigate 'fast interface states' at semiconductor-dielectric interfaces in SiC MOS capacitors that underwent three different interface passivation processes: two nitrogen-based annealing techniques (NO and nitrogen-plasma) and phosphosilicate glass (PSG). 'Fast interface' states in this case refer to interface states with response times <1 μs typically used in standard admittance based MOS characterization methods. In order to appropriately characterize the density of interface states (Dit) taking into account these fast states, conductance and high-low frequency C-V methods were used from room temperature down to 100 K. Measuring at lower temperature shifts the response of the fast interface states into the accessible measurement frequency range. The key finding of this work is that while fast interface states were detected in the nitrided samples, such states were not observed in PSG-passivated samples. On the other hand, conventional interface states with time constants similar to those found in silicon samples were detected at room temperature in the PSG samples. The capture cross-section of fast interface states is larger than that of conventional interface states and demonstrates a different energy dependence. These results strongly indicate that the significantly lower density of fast states at the PSG-SiC interface is one of the main reasons for higher channel mobility in PSG MOSFETs.
U/Pb Systematics of zircons during dynamic metamorphism

Eight zircon fractions from the Henderson Gneiss were analyzed from the Brevard mylonites and adjacent Inner Piedmont rocks near Rosman, North Carolina, to determine variations of U/Pb systematics of zircons in a pressure-dominated metamorphism. Substantial uranium gain occurred during zircon recrystallization and size reduction.
Contributions of Pesticide Residue Chemistry to Improving Food and Environmental Safety: Past and Present Accomplishments and Future Challenges

The principles of modern pesticide residue chemistry were articulated in the 1950s. Early authors pointed out the advantages of systematizing and standardizing analytical methods for pesticides so that they could be widely practiced and the results could be reproduced from one laboratory to the next. The availability of improved methods has led to a much more complete understanding of pesticide behavior and fate in foods and the environment. Using methods based largely upon gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled increasingly with mass spectrometry (MS) and MSn as the detection tool, residues can be measured at parts per billion levels and below in a variety of food and environmental matrices. Development of efficient extraction and cleanup methods, techniques such as ELISA, efficient sample preparation techniques such as QuEChERS, and automated laboratory and field instrumentation has also contributed to the tools available for use in modern pesticide residue ana...
History of Higher Education in Pennsylvania, Vols. I and II

(1964). History of Higher Education in Pennsylvania, Vols. I and II. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 35, No. 7, pp. 412-414.
Nocturnal Increase in the Sensitivity of the Syrian Hamster Pineal Gland to Isoproterenol Is Darkness Dependent

The sensitivity of the Syrian hamster pineal gland to stimulation by isoproterenol is greatly increased in the latter half of the daily dark phase. This increased sensitivity requires a period of dark exposure for up to 6.5 hr. Also, if dark-maintained hamsters are exposed to light in the latter half of the night pineal melatonin levels drop precipitously but can be restimulated by isoproterenol administration. As the interval of light exposure continues, however, the pineal Sensitivity to isoproterenol decreases. 0 1987 Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine. In the rat, the administration of either nor- epinephrine (NE) (especially when preceded by the injection of a NE uptake inhibitor) or isoproterenol, a @-receptor agonist, during the photophase of the 1ight:dark (LD) cycle readily stimulates production of melatonin within the pineal gland (1, 2). On the other hand, the daytime administration of these compounds to the Syrian hamster has no stimulatory ac- tion on pineal melatonin (3-5). It was recently discovered, however, that during the dark phase of the LD cycle the Syrian hamster pi- neal will respond to the catecholamine or its agonist. This was proven using two experi- mental paradigms. First, if isoproterenol is given prior to acute light exposure at night the normal light-associated reduction in pineal melatonin levels is delayed (6). Second, if ei- ther NE (preceded by an uptake inhibitor) or isoproterenol is injected into Syrian hamsters with light-suppressed melatonin levels at night, melatonin production within the pineal gland is increased (7-9). In both of these experi- mental paradigms the hamsters were exposed to 6.5-8 hr of darkness before a positive re- sponse to either NE or its agonists could be evoked. The purpose of the first study in this series was to determine whether this period of dark ~ ~~~
Fire risk assessment for typical buildings and software development

For the sake of improving the scientificity and practicability of building fire risk assessment,a new risk assessment method combining cluster analysis and AHP was worked out in the building fire risk assessment system. Firstly,5 kinds of fire risk assessment systems for typical buildings were established according to the characteristics of buildings,employing AHP which has the advantages of both semi-quantitative methods and qualitative methods. And questionnaire and cluster analysis were integrated to calculate the weight values of indexes in the assessment system. Through scoring on each index,the fire risk level for a building can be assessed. Then on basis of the above theory,a Building Fire Safety Level Calculator was developed by using of Visual Basic. NET. The fire risk of a mall in Wuhan was assessed by using of the calculator. The result shows that the mall is at a fire safety level of Ⅱ,low fire danger,which conforms with its real fire safety situation.
Heparin prevention of tumor cell adherence and implantation on injured urothelial surfaces.

Abstract Increasing laboratory and clinical evidence supports the concept of tumor cell implantation as a cause of intravesical recurrence in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. The integrity of the surface mucopolysaccharide layer of the bladder has been shown to be crucial in preventing bacterial or crystalline adherence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of bladder surface mucin integrity on tumor cell adherence and implantation. The adherence of tumor cells to in situ bladders which were either normal, injured, or injured and subsequently heparin-coated was studied using a radiolabeled tumor cell adherence assay. The mechanism of action of heparin in reducing tumor cell adherence and cytotoxic effects of heparin on tumor cells were evaluated. Finally, the ability of topical heparin to reduce tumor implantation rates on injured urothelial surfaces was studied. Urothelial injury by either dilute acid or fulguration resulted in markedly increased tumor cell adherence compared to normal. Topical heparin was capable of reducing cell adherence in injured bladders to control levels. Bladder coating with heparin rather than tumor cell coating was found to be the critical determinant in preventing tumor cell adherence. Heparin had no cytotoxic effects in any of the assays used. The implantation rate in heparin coated bladder was 19% compared to 50% in non-coated bladders. This study suggests that the bladder surface mucopolysaccharide layer plays a critical role in preventing tumor cell adherence and subsequent implantation. Restoration of this layer via exogenous topical heparin is capable of restoring the anti-adherence integrity to the bladder surface.
Experimental renal erythrocytosis. 3. Relationship between the degree of hydronephrotic pressure and the production of erythrocytosis.

Abstract The relationship between the degree of hydronephrotic pressure and the development of erythrocytosis was studied in rabbits with experimental unilateral hydronephrosis. The hydronephrotic pressures of between 230 and 330 mm. of water were optimal for the development of erythrocytosis. Pressure of over 370 mm. of water was not associated with erythrocytosis, possibly because of rapidly progressive atrophy of renal tissue in these cases. Periodic withdrawal of urine from the hydronephrotic kidneys resulted in a greater incidence of erythrocytosis. Lowering the hydronephrotic pressure in these animals appears to protect the renal parenchyma from pressure atrophy. Early and mild increase of hydronephrotic pressure resulted in acceleration of the onset of erythrocytosis. The possible mechanism of development of erythrocytosis in hydronephrosis is briefly discussed.
Specific Heat and Superfluid Density of 4 He near T λ of a 33.6 nm Film Formed Between Si Wafers

We report measurements of superfluid density and specific heat of a 33.6 nm film near the superfluid transition. The film is formed between two patterned and directly bonded silicon wafers. These measurements were undertaken with the primary purpose of understanding coupling and proximity effects in a situation when the film was in contact with helium in a larger confinement (Perron et al. in Nat. Phys. 6:499, 2010; Perron and Gasparini in Phys. Rev. Lett. 109:035302, 2012). However, these data are also relevant to issues of correlation-length finite-size scaling. This is the thinnest hard-wall confined film for which such scaling has been tested for the specific heat and superfluid density. One expects that at some small thickness such scaling should fail. We compare our results with previous data of helium in a similar confinement but at larger thickness. We find good agreement with scaling in regions where previous data scaled, and confirm the lack of scaling where previously reported. In our analysis we consider a native oxide growth between the etching and bonding steps of cell fabrication and its effect on our scaling analysis.
Synthesis and evaluation of 2,5 and 2,6 pyridine-based CXCR4 inhibitors

Targeting the interaction between G-Protein Coupled Receptor, CXCR4, and its natural ligand CXCL12 is a leading strategy to mitigate cancer metastasis and reduce inflammation. Several pyridine-based compounds modeled after known small molecule CXCR4 antagonists, AMD3100 and WZ811, were synthesized. Nine hit compounds were identified. These compounds showed lower binding concentrations than AMD3100 (1000nM) and six of the nine compounds had an effective concentration (EC) less than or equal to WZ811 (10nM). Two of the hit compounds (2g and 2w) inhibited invasion of metastatic cells at a higher rate than AMD3100 (62%). Compounds 2g and 2w also inhibit inflammation in the same range as WZ811 in the paw edema test at 40% reduction in inflammation. These preliminary results are the promising foundation of a new class of pyridine-based CXCR4 antagonists.
Territory size variations in shrubsteppe birds

-We recorded variations in sizes of breeding territories of Sage (Amphispiza belli) and Brewer's (Spizella breweri) sparrows at four locations in shrubsteppe habitats during 19761983. There was considerable variation in territory sizes of both species, and ANOVA tests indicated that site, plot within site, and year all contributed to this variation. Territory-size variations of Sage Sparrows were correlated with differences in several habitat features, while those of Brewer's Sparrows showed no relation to habitat variation. Territory sizes in both species varied inversely with breeding population densities, although in different ways. Our findings cast doubt on the meaning or value of "average" territory-size measures for a species as a whole. Received 31 August 1984, accepted 29 November 1984. MEASUREMENTS of the sizes of breeding territories of birds figure importantly in a variety of theoretical and applied considerations. For example, territory size often bears a relationship to body size in a manner that varies as a function of the food habits of the organisms (Schoener 1968, Peters 1983). One may wish to use such relationships to predict the area required by an individual or by a population of a certain size from body mass; such information may be useful in projecting the necessary size of a natural reserve for a species. These patterns are based upon comparisons among species spanning several orders of magnitude in body mass. Territory size also varies among individuals within a species (e.g. Wiens 1969, 1973), however, and these variations are also of interest. Such differences, for example, may index habitat quality, as individuals occupying poorer habitats may have to establish larger territories to obtain sufficient resources. Territory size also may be related to mating status, with individuals defending larger territories having an enhanced probability of attracting multiple mates in polygynous species. There are likely to be upper and lower limits to territory size within a species, determined by the economic defensibility of the territory and the resources it contains (Brown 1964, Gill and Wolf 1975, Carpenter and MacMillen 1976). To test such ideas requires information on both territory sizes and resources. Although the former may be measured with relative ease, the latter is difficult to obtain in many situations (Wiens 1984). In the absence of resource measurements, insights into the dynamics of territory-size variations may be obtained from comparisons with other proximate correlates. In this paper we analyze territory size and its variations in two common species of shrubsteppe birds and explore its relationship to population densities and features of breeding habitats.
Social Support, Loyalty to Delinquent Peers, and Offending: An Elaboration and Test of the Differential Social Support Hypothesis

ABSTRACTWhile most research focuses on the positive effects of social support on adolescent development, Cullen hypothesizes that social support may promote crime and delinquency under certain conditions. Specifically, when social support is derived from deviant sources, it may promote offending behavior. In this study, we test an elaborated version of this “differential social support” hypothesis. The results indicate that, among adolescents who associate with delinquent peers, peer social support is associated with an increase in delinquent behavior. These findings highlight the potential “dark side” of social support. Implications for criminological theory and crime control policy are discussed.
Abraham Lincoln Without Borders: Lincoln's Legacy Outside the United States ed. by Jyotirmaya Tripathy, Sura P. Rath, and William D. Pederson (review)

Tripathy, Jyotirmaya, Sura P. Rath, and William D. Pederson, (eds.) Abraham Lincoln Without Borders: Lincoln’s Legacy Outside the United States . Delhi: Pencraft International, 2010. Review by Michael R. Hall.
Preserving Influence in a Changing World: Russia's Grand Strategy

Under Putin and Medvedev, Russia has been creating flexible international coalitions in order to achieve its central objective of becoming an independent center of power and influence. This strategy will work only if the Kremlin can find a workable combination of assertiveness and international recognition.
Characterization of a high performance ultra-thin heat pipe cooling module for mobile hand held electronic devices

In recent years, heat pipes have been widely used in various hand held mobile electronic devices such as smart phones, tablet PCs, digital cameras. With the development of technology these devices have different user friendly features and applications; which require very high clock speeds of the processor. In general, a high clock speed generates a lot of heat, which needs to be spreaded or removed to eliminate the hot spot on the processor surface. However, it is a challenging task to achieve proper cooling of such electronic devices mentioned above because of their confined spaces and concentrated heat sources. Regarding this challenge, we introduced an ultra-thin heat pipe; this heat pipe consists of a special fiber wick structure named as “Center Fiber Wick” which can provide sufficient vapor space on the both sides of the wick structure. We also developed a cooling module that uses this kind of ultra-thin heat pipe to eliminate the hot spot issue. This cooling module consists of an ultra-thin heat pipe and a metal plate. By changing the width, the flattened thickness and the effective length of the ultra-thin heat pipe, several experiments have been conducted to characterize the thermal properties of the developed cooling module. In addition, other experiments were also conducted to determine the effects of changes in the number of heat pipes in a single module. Characterization and comparison of the module have also been conducted both experimentally and theoretically.
Development and Validation of the Ableist Microaggressions Scale

Overt and covert experiences of prejudice and discrimination have been associated with increased stress and distress among people with disabilities. Although researchers have explored people with d...
Collective Efficacy and Violence in Chicago Neighborhoods: A Reproduction:

This research tests the reproducibility of the neighborhood-level effects of social composition and collective efficacy on community violence that Sampson, Raudenbush, and Earls reported in a Scien...
The Impact of Program-Wide Discussion Board Grading Rubric on Student and Faculty Satisfaction

Abstract : In addition to learning more about a topic, online discussion activities may be used to develop skills in reflective practice, critical evaluation, and leadership. Faculty often spends a great amount of time and energy developing discussion assignments that will improve these skills and align with course learning outcomes. Facilitating and evaluating online discussion assignments can seem overwhelming and time-consuming for instructors. Students may feel the online discussion forum assignments lacks clarity and be at a loss on how to proceed. Incongruity about the assignment occurs when the instructor’s expectations about the discussion activity and the students' understanding about the assignment’s expectations do not align. This article will review a collaborative process used to align instructor expectations and student understanding for the express purpose of evaluating online discussion board assignments in a fair and objective manner.
Hiccups and esophageal dysfunction

Presented herein are the detailed esophageal manometric, radiologic, ambulatory pH, and scintigraphic findings from a patient who developed protracted and recurrent hiccups (singultus) after a lateral medullary infarction. Because of the usually transient and benign nature of hiccups, previous reports on esophageal dysfunction during hiccups have been sporadic and confined to manometric findings. Utilizing various esophageal function techniques, the main features observed during hiccups were esophageal body dilation and aperistalsis, absent lower esophageal sphincter relaxation in response to swallowing, poor emptying of the distal two-thirds of the esophageal body, and low distal esophageal pH. Most of these features normalized in the absence of hiccups. A comparison is made of these findings during prolonged hiccups with those of esophageal achalasia.
3.11 Cortical Plasticity in Associative Learning and Memory

The primary auditory (A1), somatosensory (S1), and visual (V1) cortices are assumed to be sensory processors and so have received little consideration as important substrates of learning and memory. However, there is a long history of associative plasticity in these structures, and recent studies have revealed that associative processes specifically shift receptive fields and bias cortical representations to favor processing of conditioned and other important stimuli. Moreover, A1, S1, and V1 exhibit memory and develop plasticity in higher cognitive processes including attention, preparatory set, concept formation, motivation, learning strategy, and motor planning. The findings require a reconceptualization of A1, S1, and V1 and more broadly show the inadequacy of the dominant model of cortical organization based on sensory, associative, and motor cortices.
Virtual manipulatives in a computer-based learning environment: how experimental data informs the design of future systems

In the fall of 2009, we conducted an experiment in which we compared virtual and physical fractions manipulatives. We facilitated instruction in the virtual condition using a program called Virtually Fractions, which we designed specifically for the experiment. The instructional elements of Virtually Fractions align with a commercial curriculum that integrates physical manipulatives into instruction. As such, our experiment allowed us to test the non-instructional elements of the Virtually Fractions system within a proven instructional model. In this paper, we discuss the design of the system as well as what the data collected during our experiment tells us about the ways students interacted with the system.
Partizipation als Erfolgsbaustein für Vernetzungsprozesse

Die Idee einer bayernweiten Vernetzung aller Akteure der Politischen Bildung hat ihren Ursprung in Bayerisch-Schwaben, wo seit November 2002 an der bezirksweiten Vernetzung gearbeitet wird (Boeser et al. 2003).
An examination of state and local government pension underfunding – Implications and guidance for governance and regulation

Abstract State and local government pension underfunding has become a major focus of public policy debate due in large part to recent Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) actions that have brought national attention to the issue. The extent of these plans underfunding has been debated, along with the necessity for state government intervention and the level of regulatory actions that should be enacted by state legislatures. State and local public pension plans do not fall under the enumerated powers of the federal government in the Constitution and are therefore left to each individual state to regulate. The amount of plan underfunding and enacted public policy by state varies greatly. Additionally, in contrast to numerous state balanced-budget laws, legal directives for fully funding public pensions are virtually non-existent. This paper analyzes the state and local public pension crisis, examines current and long-term risk, studies public employee fiscal conditions, considers the societal impacts of these plans, considers the strengths and weakness of pension plan types, recommends public policy and regulation, and offers strategies for managers, board members, and public officials to adopt.
Real Options Under Stochastic Volatility

This paper explores the valuation consequences of incompleteness resulting from stochastic volatility in a real options setting. We examine the efficacy of different approaches to finding and justifying a particular martingale measure. Our research provides insight to how a particular method will impact the real option's price, relative to a complete market analog.
Smartphones, Distraction Narratives, and Flexible Pedagogies: Students’ Mobile Technology Practices in Networked Writing Classrooms

Abstract This article reports on how a group of students describe their use of smartphones in writing classrooms. Based on 143 survey responses and 10 interviews, this study found that students often described their smartphone use as a reflection of their classroom environment. When motivated in class, these students used mobile devices as conduits for participation, accessing course materials, learning more about discussion topics, or writing notes. But when instructors failed to make course content relatable, understandable, or engaging, the students turned to their smartphones as sources of distraction. These findings encourage composition instructors to view smartphone use as, in part, a reflection of teaching methods and the course environments, rather than universal indications of students’ distraction or disinterest. And while many researchers have advocated for new course designs or assignments that account for the proliferation of networked composing technologies in university students’ lives (e.g., Yancey, 2009 , Clark, 2010 , Dryer et al., 2014 ), these findings call for further research to address how students’ access to networked mobile devices may require composition instructors to shift teaching methods and models, rather than solely course content.
Chemically Constructed Amperometric Ultramicrobiosensors

Miniaturized glucose biosensors were constructed from platinum ultramicrodisk electrodes (diameter = 10 μm and 25 μm), and ultramicrocylinders (diameter =25 μm). Glucose oxidase was immobilized by glutaraldehyde cross-linking. A thin, electrochemically polymerized film of 1,3-diaminobenzene was used to prevent signals from interfering species, and to protect the biosensor from fouling.
Cargo licenses maturation of stalled endocytic sites through a regulatory checkpoint

During Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME), over 50 different proteins assemble on the plasma membrane to reshape it into a cargo-laden vesicle. Studies of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have traced a detailed timeline of assembly of the CME machinery. Assembly of this machinery is subject to regulation to ensure cargo capture; however, which CME steps are regulated, and which steps are deterministic, is unknown. In this study, we quantitatively and spatially describe progression through the CME pathway. We pinpoint a regulatory transition point that governs progression from the initiation phase of CME to the internalization phase. Availability of endocytic cargo influences maturation through this transition point, indicating that it is a cargo checkpoint. While previous studies in yeast and mammalian cells suggested that cargo ensures its own internalization through regulating CME initiation rates or frequency of abortive events, our data instead identify maturation through a checkpoint in the pathway as the cargo-sensitive step.
Hydration related changes in tensile response of posterior porcine sclera.

Abstract It has been shown that there exists significance dependence between hydration and biomechanical properties of hydrated tissues such as cornea. The primary purpose of this study was to determine hydration effects on mechanical properties of sclera. Scleral strips, dissected from the posterior part of pig eyes along the superior-inferior direction, were divided into four hydration groups by first drying them and then soaking them in PBS until their hydration reached to 75%, 100%, 150%, and 200%. The strips were subjected to ten consecutive cycles of loading and unloading up to 1 MPa. The response of samples at the tenth cycle was used to compute the tangent modulus, maximum strain, and hysteresis as a function of hydration. The experiments were done in oil in order to prevent hydration changes during the mechanical tests. The mechanical response of strips right after dissection, control group, was also measured. In general, significant softening of scleral strips was found with increasing hydration (p 0.99. The present study showed that hydration would significantly alter the tensile response of scleral tissue. Thus, the hydration of scleral specimens during mechanical experimental measurements should be carefully controlled.
Measuring the sampling robustness of complex networks

When studying a network, it is often of interest to understand the robustness of that network to noise. Network robustness has been studied in a variety of contexts, examining network properties such as the number of connected components and the lengths of shortest paths. In this work, we present a new network robustness measure, which we refer to as ‘sampling robustness'. The goal of the sampling robustness measure is to quantify the extent to which a network sample collected from a graph with errors is a good representation of a network sample collected from that same graph, but without errors. These errors may be introduced by humans or by the system (e.g., mistakes from the respondents or a bug in an API program), and may affect the performance of a data collection algorithm and the quality of the obtained sample. Thus, when data analysts analyze the sampled network, they may wish to know whether such errors will affect future analysis results. We demonstrate that sampling robustness is dependent on a few easily-computed properties of the network: the leading eigenvalue, average node degree and clustering coefficient. In addition, we introduce regression models for estimating sampling robustness given an obtained sample. As a result, our models can estimate the sampling robustness with MSE < 0.0015 and the model has an R-squared of up to 75%.
Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Abstract In 1996, the FDA approved the use of intravenous alteplase for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke after publication of the NINDS (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) trial. There were five randomized controlled trials that laid the groundwork for this initial approval and paved the path for thrombolytic therapy for acute stroke. Over the next 20 years, significant advances have occurred in the treatment of acute stroke patients. The focus has shifted away from the efficacy and safety of the medication to the development of pathways to more rapidly identify patients who will benefit from early treatment. Additionally, there have been rapid advances in catheter-based approaches leading to six randomized controlled trials that have shown substantial benefit to patients suffering from strokes secondary to large vessel occlusions.
Neighborhood Poverty and Incident Heart Failure: an Analysis of Electronic Health Records from 2005 to 2018.

Neighborhood-level characteristics, such as poverty, have been associated with risk factors for heart failure (HF), including hypertension and diabetes mellitus. However, the independent association between neighborhood poverty and incident HF remains understudied. To evaluate the association between neighborhood poverty and incident HF using a “real-world” clinical cohort. Retrospective cohort study of electronic health records from a large healthcare network. Individuals’ residential addresses were geocoded at the census-tract level and categorized by poverty tertiles based on American Community Survey data (2007–2011). Patients from Northwestern Medicine who were 30–80 years, free of cardiovascular disease at index visit (January 1, 2005–December 1, 2013), and followed for at least 5 years. The association of neighborhood-level poverty tertile (low, intermediate, and high) and incident HF was analyzed using generalized linear mixed effect models adjusting for demographics (age, sex, race/ethnicity) and HF risk factors (body mass index, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking status). Of 28,858 patients included, 75% were non-Hispanic (NH) White, 43% were men, 15% lived in a high-poverty neighborhood, and 522 (1.8%) were diagnosed with incident HF. High-poverty neighborhoods were associated with a 1.80 (1.35, 2.39) times higher risk of incident HF compared with low-poverty neighborhoods after adjustment for demographics and HF risk factors. In a large healthcare network, incident HF was associated with neighborhood poverty independent of demographic and clinical risk factors. Neighborhood-level interventions may be needed to complement individual-level strategies to prevent and curb the growing burden of HF.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Water Quality Indicators in Small Lakes Using Sentinel-2 Satellite Data: Lake Bloomington and Evergreen Lake, Central Illinois, USA

Lake water quality issue related to algal blooms is a serious problem in basins with abundant agricultural lands, causing harmful effects to freshwater ecosystems and decreasing water quality for human uses. Remote sensing methods have been used to monitor water quality of large lakes and coastal areas; however, few studies have been conducted to understand spectral properties of small lakes. This research explores applicability of Sentinel-2 satellite in understanding spatiotemporal patterns of water quality of two small-sized reservoirs, Lake Bloomington and Evergreen Lake, Central Illinois. We tested the feasibility of Sentinel-2 satellite data for monitoring algal blooms by comparing and calibrating multiple satellite algorithms (e.g., Bottom-of-Atmosphere (BOA) reflectance, Maximum Chlorophyll Index (MCI), and band ratios) against lake water quality indicator variables (e.g., chlorophyll-a, turbidity, secchi depth) obtained from water sample analysis in the laboratory or field measurements. The regression models performed better for Evergreen Lake than Lake Bloomington. Comparison of chlorophyll-a and turbidity with satellite reflectance values showed that suspended sediments contribute to the turbidity in the case of Lake Bloomington, while the algae contribute to the turbidity in Evergreen Lake. Using regression models, water quality indicator maps were created, showing the spatial pattern of algae in the lakes, generally, showing heterogeneous chlorophyll-a distribution, lower in downstream and higher in upstream areas. The study confirmed suitability of Sentinel-2 data for monitoring water quality of less turbid small-sized lake.
Imaging of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Pearls and Pitfalls

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare tumor arising from the pleural mesothelial cells. Imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, staging, and management of patients with mesothelioma. Accurate staging to stratify patients into homogeneous groups is required to evaluate the effectiveness of multimodality therapeutic regimens. CT and PET/CT are recommended for the initial staging of MPM. MRI adds value to further assess invasion of the tumor into the diaphragm, chest wall, and mediastinum. This review will discuss pearls and pitfalls in the imaging of mesothelioma with emphasis on the roles of CT, MRI, and PET/CT.
Lowering mTORC1 Drives CAR T-Cells Home in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Cellular therapies have demonstrated limited efficacy thus far in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A recent study shows that mTORC1 activation down-regulated CXCR4 reducing marrow infiltration of EpCAM-targeting CAR-T cells in AML. Abrogating mTOR signaling by co-treatment with mTOR inhibitors during IL2-mediated ex vivo expansion upregulated CXCR4 and bolstered bone marrow migration and AML elimination by CAR-T cells.
A 10 J shock impedance in sinus rhythm correlates with a 65 J defibrillation impedance during subcutaneous defibrillator implantation using an intermuscular technique.

INTRODUCTION Defibrillation testing (DT) is recommended during the subcutaneous defibrillator (S-ICD) placement. We sought to compare 10 J shock impedance in sinus rhythm (SR) with 65 J defibrillation impedance and evaluate device position on a postimplant chest X-ray (CXR) using an intermuscular (IM) technique. METHODS Consecutive S-ICD implantations between 12/2019 and 12/2020 at The Ohio State University were reviewed. All implantations were performed using a two-incision IM technique. Standard DT with 65 J shock and 10 J shock in SR were performed unless contraindicated. The PRAETORIAN score was calculated based on CXR. RESULTS A total of 37 patients (age: 47.2 ± 15.8 years old, male: n = 26 [70.3%], body mass index: 30.1 ± 6.7 kg/m2 ) underwent IM S-ICD implantation, and of those, 27 (73%) underwent both 65 J shock and 10 J shock in SR. The coefficient of determination (R2 ) between 10 J shock impedance and 65 J shock impedance was 0.84. The mean of an impedance difference was 1.6 ± 4.8 Ω (minimum - 11 and maximum 8). Postimplant CXR was available for 33 out of 37 patients (89.2%). The PRAETORIAN score was less than 90 in all patients and the mean score was 32.7 ± 8.8. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that 10 J shock impedance in SR correlated well with 65 J defibrillation impedance during IM S-ICD implantation. An IM implantation technique provides excellent generator location on postimplant CXR. The IM technique combined with 10 J shock in SR may be sufficient to predict and ensure the defibrillation efficacy of the S-ICD.