cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strategies for prime focus instrumentation in off-axis Gregorian systems

A new generation of off-axis telescopes has been proposed to address a number of high dynamic range problems in astrophysics. These systems present unusual problems and opportunities for the instrument designer. We will discuss some of the issues that must be resolved when placing instrumentation at the prime focus. The heat stop and occulter systems for the SOLARC off-axis coronagraph will be used to illustrate strategies for solar telescope applications.
Characterization of Chemically Induced Hepatotoxicity in Collagen Sandwiches of Rat Hepatocytes

It has been shown that hepatocytes cultured in a collagen sandwich configuration maintain cell viability, morphology, and drug metabolizing activities for several weeks. The purpose of this study was to characterize chemically induced general toxicity in this system by exposing hepatocytes to eight different hepatotoxic compounds. Cell function and viability was measured by analyzing the secretions of urea and albumin and the release of lactate dehydrogenase. Significant decreases in urea and albumin secretions were detected after treatments with 32 nM aflatoxin B 1 and 1 mM doses of cadmium and the alkylating agents N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and methyl methane sulfonate (MMS). However, no significant toxicity could be measured following exposures to 5 mM carbon tetrachloride, 1 mM N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF), 1 mM vinyl acetate, and 1 mM acetaminophen. Western blots of cell lysates showed that hepatocytes maintained CYP1A, 2B, 3A2 but gradually lost CYP2E1, which is the main metabolic enzyme for acetaminophen, carbon tetrachloride, and DMF. The metabolites of acetaminophen were identified using liquid chromatography and electrospray mass spectrometry. It was determined that the hepatocytes converted most of the acetaminophen to the glucuronide and sulfate metabolites and only formed a small amount of the glutathione adduct. This research shows that the collagen sandwich culture system can only be used selectively for detecting hepatotoxicity and for identifying major metabolites of xenobiotic compounds.
Divided we fall: Children's friendships and peer victimization:

This study examined the contributions of peer acceptance and friendship (i.e., number and quality) on children being relationally or overtly peer victimized. Fifth-and sixth-grade children (N= 207, 92 boys) provided self-and peer-reports of victimization, friendship, and peer acceptance. General peer acceptance and high-quality friendships uniquely predicted both overt and relational victimization. Fall victimization did not predict spring friendship quality; however, fall friendship quality did predict spring victimization levels. For children with lower peer acceptance, high-quality friendships appeared to play an especially important role in determining the targets of peer abuse. Approaches that include friendship quality as well as interactive models of relationship dimensions may be informative for understanding victimization as well as children's general adjustment.
Five-year Analysis of a Multi-institutional Prospective Clinical Trial of Delayed Intervention and Surveillance for Small Renal Masses: The DISSRM Registry ☆

Abstract Background A growing body of retrospective literature is emerging regarding active surveillance (AS) for patients with small renal masses (SRMs). There are limited prospective data evaluating the effectiveness of AS compared to primary intervention (PI). Objective To determine the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients who chose AS for management of their SRM. Design, setting, and participants From 2009 to 2014, the multi-institutional Delayed Intervention and Surveillance for Small Renal Masses (DISSRM) registry prospectively enrolled 497 patients with solid renal masses ≤4.0cm who chose PI or AS. Intervention AS versus PI. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis The registry was designed and powered as a noninferiority study based on historic recurrence rates for PI. Analyses were performed in an intention-to-treat manner. Primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Results and limitations Of the 497 patients enrolled, 274 (55%) chose PI and 223 (45%) chose AS, of whom 21 (9%) crossed over to delayed intervention. AS patients were older, had worse Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scores, total comorbidities, and cardiovascular comorbidities, had smaller tumors, and more often had multiple and bilateral lesions. OS for PI and AS was 98% and 96% at 2 yr, and 92% and 75% at 5 yr, respectively (log rank, p =0.06). At 5 yr, CSS was 99% and 100% for PI and AS, respectively ( p =0.3). AS was not predictive of OS or CSS in regression modeling with relatively short follow-up. Conclusions In a well-selected cohort with up to 5 yr of prospective follow-up, AS was not inferior to PI. Patient summary The current report is among the first prospective analyses of patients electing for active surveillance of a small renal mass. Discussion of active surveillance should become part of the standard discussion for management of small renal masses.
Recreational Marijuana Use: Is it Safe for Your Patient?

Marijuana is a very old drug with documented use reaching back to Chinese emperors and Egyptian pharaohs. Ancient civilizations described the medicinal value of marijuana, promoting it for its healing powers, anti-inflammatory properties, and as a treatment for many different disease states.[1][1]
Management systems, patient quality improvement, resource availability, and substance abuse treatment quality.

Objective To examine the relationships among general management systems, patient-focused quality management/continuous process improvement (TQM/CPI) processes, resource availability, and multiple dimensions of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.
Involvement of caveolae in the uptake of respiratory syncytial virus antigen by dendritic cells

The uptake of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigen by cattle dendritic cells was investigated. Pathways of antigen uptake were monitored by flow cytometry using specific tracers and by proliferation assays, which were used to measure the presentation of RSV antigen and ovalbumin. Inhibitors that differentially affected pathways were used to distinguish them. Presentation of RSV antigen, but not ovalbumin, was inhibited by phorbol myristate acetate and filipin, which have been reported to inhibit caveolae, but not by cytochalasin D, amiloride, or mannose. These inhibitors have been reported to block macropinocytosis and other actin-dependent uptake mechanisms, endocytic pathways involving clathrin-coated pits, and the mannose receptor. Furthermore, co-localization of RSV antigen and caveolae was observed by confocal microscopy. Thus, the major route for uptake of RSV antigen by cattle dendritic cells is one mediated by caveolae, adding a pathway of antigen uptake by dendritic cells to those established.
Hemodynamic effects of intermittent pneumatic compression in patients with critical limb ischemia

Background Traditional teaching assumes that the distal arterial tree is maximally dilated in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). Endovascular or arterial bypass procedures are the commonly used interventions to increase distal perfusion. However, other forms of treatment such as spinal cord stimulation or intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) have been shown to improve limb salvage rates. This prospective study was designed to determine if the use of IPC increases popliteal, gastrocnemial, collateral arterial, and skin blood flow in patients with CLI. Methods Twenty limbs with CLI in 20 patients (mean age, 74 years) were evaluated with duplex ultrasound scans and laser Doppler fluxmetry in the semi-erect position before, during, and after IPC. One pneumatic cuff was applied on the foot and the other on the calf. The maximum inflation pressure was 120 mm Hg and was applied for 3 seconds at three cycles per minute. All patients had at least two-level disease by arteriography. Fourteen limbs were characterized as inoperable, and six were considered marginal for reconstruction. Flow volumes were measured in the popliteal, medial gastrocnemial, and a genicular collateral artery. Skin blood flux was measured on the dorsum of the foot at the same time. Results Significant flow increase during the application of IPC was found in all three arteries (18/20 limbs) compared with baseline values (P Conclusions IPC increases axial, muscular, collateral, and skin blood flow in patients with CLI and may be beneficial to those who are not candidates for revascularization. Patients with significant venous reflux may not benefit from IPC. This supports the theory that one of the mechanisms by which IPC enhances flow is by increasing the arteriovenous pressure gradient.
Practical methods in coverage-oriented verification of the merom microprocessor

Functional coverage is a well known means of measuring verification progress. However, approaches to coverage, such as coverage driven and coverage oriented approaches, are often difficult or impractical to implement. This paper presents the coverage methodology used in the verification of Merom, Intel's first converged-core microprocessor. We describe practical methods and applied techniques which enabled a high return on a significantly reduced investment in coverage measurement and analysis. Given the tight schedule, this approach provided a clear metric for measuring verification progress and for effectively steering resources to improve the quality of the design under test.
Effects of repeated cottonwood leaf beetle defoliation on Populus growth and economic value over an 8-year harvest rotation

Abstract The effects of 8 years of cottonwood leaf beetle, Chrysomela scripta, defoliation on growth and economic value of four Populus clones (91 × 04-03, D105, Eugenei, and NM2) was investigated in a split-plot randomized complete block design with unprotected and insecticide-protected plots. After 8 years clones 91 × 04-03 and D105 had significantly greater survival than Eugenei or NM2. This difference in survival was not attributed to chemical protection, and while not qualified, was most likely the result of disease and storm breakage. Protected trees had significantly greater height, diameter, and stem volume than unprotected trees, with clone 91 × 04-03 consistently growing the largest. Protected plots had greater basal area and stem biomass than unprotected plots, but branch biomass was greatest in unprotected plots. Differences in branch biomass were most likely due to loss of apical dominance, and subsequent increased branching, resulting from C. scripta defoliation. Aboveground biomass was unaffected by treatment because of the increased branch biomass of unprotected trees. Clone 91 × 04-03 responded the most positively to chemical protection, as stem volume of unprotected trees was over 30% less than in protected trees. A financial analysis of our data indicated that none of the clone × treatment combinations would be economically acceptable due to the high land costs in the midwestern US. However, the use of less expensive insecticides may make clone 91 × 04-03 an economically viable crop in this region.
Polycystin: New Aspects of Structure, Function, and Regulation

Polycystin-1 is a modular membrane protein with a long extracellular N-terminal portion that bears several ligand-binding domains, 11 transmembrane domains, and a > or =200 amino acid intracellular C-terminal portion with several phosphorylation signaling sites. Polycystin-1 is highly expressed in the basal membranes of ureteric bud epithelia during early development of the metanephric kidney, and disruption of the PKD1 gene in mice leads to cystic kidneys and embryonic or perinatal death. It is proposed that polycystin-1 functions as a matrix receptor to link the extracellular matrix to the actin cytoskeleton via focal adhesion proteins. Co-localization, co-sedimentation, and co-immunoprecipitation studies show that polycystin-1 forms multiprotein complexes with alpha2beta1-integrin, talin, vinculin, paxillin, p130cas, focal adhesion kinase, and c-src in normal human fetal collecting tubules and sub-confluent epithelial cultures. In normal adult kidneys and confluent epithelial cultures, polycystin-1 is downregulated and forms complexes with the cell-cell adherens junction proteins E-cadherin and beta-, gamma-, and alpha-catenin. Polycystin-1 activation at the cell membrane leads to intracellular signaling via phosphorylation through the c-Jun terminal kinase and wnt pathways leading to activation of AP-1 and TCF/LEF-dependent genes, respectively. The C-terminal of polcystin-1 has been shown to be phosphorylated by c-src at Y4237, by protein kinase A at S4252, and by focal adhesion kinase and protein kinase X at yet-to-be identified residues. Inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation or increased cellular calcium increases polycystin-1 focal adhesion complexes versus polycystin-1 adherens junction complexes, whereas disruption of the actin cytoskeleton dissociates all polycystin-1 complexes. Genetic evidence suggests that PKD1, PKD2, NPHP1, and tensin are in the same pathway.
Immunohistochemical approaches to the diagnosis of undifferentiated malignant tumors

Undifferentiated malignant neoplasms are a daunting diagnostic problem for anatomical pathologists, calling for a tour de force in morphological skill, clinicopathologic correlation, and application of adjunctive laboratory studies. The most useful approach to these lesions begins with generic classification into 1 of 4 histologic categories: small round cell; spindle cell; large polygonal cell (epithelioid); and pleomorphic neoplasms. Once that step has been accomplished, one can systemically apply corresponding groups of antibody reagents in immunohistologic studies and interpret the results in an algorithmic fashion. This review presents the tumor markers that are the most useful in this contextual approach, as well as the specific algorithmic structures that can be applied to the 4 specified tumor groups. Other selected problems in the diagnosis of morphologically ambiguous tumors are considered as well.
Comparative tissue distribution of conformationally restricted radioiodinated vesamicol receptor ligands.

Abstract Three conformationally restricted analogs of vesamicol, 1′-[1-(3-iodobenzyl)-4-hydroxypiperidin-3-yl]spirol[1H-indene-1,4′-piperidine] ( 5 ), 1′-[1-(3-iodobenzyl)-4-hydroxypiperidin-3-yl]-3,4-dihydrospiro[indene-1,4′-piperidine] ( 6 ) and 1′-[1-(3-iodobenzyl)-4-hydroxypiperidin-3-yl)-3,4-dihydrospiro[naphthalene-1(2H),4′-piperidine] ( 7 ), were labelled with iodine-125 and evaluated as potential radioligands for mapping vesamicol receptor (VR) density and cholinergic function in vivo . All compounds showed similar kinetics in most tissues. However, differences were observed in the brain. Although comparable levels of each corresponding enantiomeric pair were obtained initially in the brain, the levels of the dextrorotatory enantiomers (+)- 5 , (+)- 6 and (+)- 7 were found to decrease by 72–82% over a period of 3 h. In contrast, the brain levels of the corresponding levorotatory isomers were maintained throughout the duration of the experiment. Among the dextrorotatory isomers, (+)- 6 showed the highest brain extraction, while (+)- 7 showed the lowest. In tissue dissection experiments, the levels of (+)- 5 , (+)- 6 and (+)- 7 were highest in the striatum and moderate to low in the cortex and cerebellum. Co-administration of haloperidol with (+)- 6 decreased the levels of the latter in the striatum by 27%, while the levels in the cortex and cerebellum were each reduced by 60%. In addition, haloperidol failed to affect the regional distribution of (+)- 7 in the brain. However, both haloperidol and spiperone increased the striatal levels of (+)- 5 by 67 and 76%, respectively, suggesting that the binding of this radioligand is related to cholinergic function. Furthermore, haloperidol reduced the concentration of (+)- 5 in the cortex and cerebellum by 25 and 33%, respectively, thereby implicating the sigma site as a secondary target for this ligand in the cortex.
On the theory of large‐scale disturbances in a two‐dimensional baroclinic equivalent of the atmosphere

The equations of non-viscous, adiabatic flow have been reformulated to apply to a two-dimensional equivalent of a three-dimensional baroclinic fluid. The state of this ‘equivalent-baroclinic’ fluid is to be identified with conditions at a definable ‘level of equivalence’ in the true atmosphere. The two equations of equivalent-baroclinic flow, in which neither vertical motions nor vertical dependence enter explicitly, involve only two dependent variables - the temperature and height of an isobaric surface. Since those equations form a closed system, they constitute a mathematically complete theory of the development and movement of large-scale disturbances at the level of equivalence. The stability criterion for a special type of flow, previously studied by Fjortoft and others, has been derived from the theory and compared with Fjortoft's earlier results. This comparison shows that the stability characteristics of three-dimensional baroclinic flow are reproduced in two-dimensional equivalent-baroclinic flow, and, accordingly, that the present theory allows for the development of disturbances once they are initiated. An iterative scheme, based on successive calculations of the temperature and height tendencies, has been proposed for solving the general non-linear equations of equivalent-baroclinic flow. This method provides the basis for a new technique of numerical weather prediction.
Wireless protocols design: challenges and opportunities

Modern wireless communication systems require the deployment of increasingly complex protocols that satisfy tight requirements at low implementation cost, especially in terms of size and power consumption. Most protocol design methodologies currently in use are inadequate, either because they do not rely upon formal techniques and therefore do not guarantee correctness, or because they do nor provide sufficient support for performance analysis and design exploration and therefore often lead to sub-optimal implementations. Therefore, we use a refinement-based formal methodology that relies upon the orthogonalization of function and architecture design and emphasizes the use of formal models to ensure correctness and reduce design time. In this paper we present a case study, the Intercom, consisting of a network of mobile terminals supporting voice communication among end users. We use this case study to validate the methodology and identify directions of further research.
A Fission Yeast Gene for Mitochondrial Sulfide Oxidation

A cadmium-hypersensitive mutant of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe was found to accumulate abnormally high levels of sulfide. The gene required for normal regulation of sulfide levels, hmt2(+), was cloned by complementation of the cadmium-hypersensitive phenotype of the mutant. Cell fractionation and immunocytochemistry indicated that HMT2 protein is localized to mitochondria. Sequence analysis revealed homology between HMT2 and sulfide dehydrogenases from photosynthetic bacteria. HMT2 protein, produced in and purified from Escherichia coli, was soluble, bound FAD, and catalyzed the reduction of quinone (coenzyme Q2) by sulfide. HMT2 activity was also detected in isolated fission yeast mitochondria. We propose that HMT2 functions as a sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase. Homologous enzymes may be widespread in higher organisms, as sulfide-oxidizing activities have been described previously in animal mitochondria, and genes of unknown function, but with similarity to hmt2(+), are present in the genomes of flies, worms, rats, mice, and humans.
Neonatal Tumor Necrosis Factor α Promotes Diabetes in Nonobese Diabetic Mice by Cd154-Independent Antigen Presentation to Cd8+ T Cells

Neonatal islet-specific expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in nonobese diabetic mice promotes diabetes by provoking islet-infiltrating antigen-presenting cells to present islet peptides to autoreactive T cells. Here we show that TNF-α promotes autoaggression of both effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Whereas CD8+ T cells are critical for diabetes progression, CD4+ T cells play a lesser role. TNF-α–mediated diabetes development was not dependent on CD154–CD40 signals or activated CD4+ T cells. Instead, it appears that TNF-α can promote cross-presentation of islet antigen to CD8+ T cells using a unique CD40–CD154-independent pathway. These data provide new insights into the mechanisms by which inflammatory stimuli can bypass CD154–CD40 immune regulatory signals and cause activation of autoreactive T cells.
The AN/TPS-59 Antenna Row-Board Design

The development model of the AN/TPS-59, an advanced tactical air-defense RADAR, employs a planar array composed of a vertical stack of linear row-arrays. Azimuth scanning is by mechanical rotation of the antenna while phase controlled solid-state row-transmitters and row-receivers provide electronic scanning in elevation.
Global existence for semilinear parabolic systems via Lyapunov type methods

We consider semilinear parabolic systems of partial differential equations of the form $$u_t \left( {t,x} \right) = D\Delta u\left( {t,x} \right) + f\left( {u\left( {t,x} \right)} \right)t > 0,x \in \Omega$$ (1) with bounded initial data and homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions, where D is an m by m diagonal positive definite matrix, Ω is a smooth bounded region in Rn and f:Rm → Rm is locally Lipschitz. We prove that if the vector field f satisfies a generalized Lyapunov type condition then either at least two components of the solution of (1) becomes unbounded in finite time or the solution exists for all t>0. Our result generalizes a recent result of Hollis, Martin, and Pierre [4], and the proof given is considerably simpler.
Gate-Voltage Tunability of Plasmons in Single-Layer Graphene Structures—Analytical Description, Impact of Interface States, and Concepts for Terahertz Devices

The strong light–matter interaction in graphene over a broad frequency range has opened up a plethora of photonics applications of graphene. The goal of this paper is to present the voltage tunability of plasma waves in gated single-layer graphene structures and to quantify their distinction from the plasma waves in ungated graphene structures. Device concepts for plasmonic interconnects and antennas and their performance for THz communication are presented. For the first time, the role of gate voltage and the thickness of the gate dielectric on the characteristics of plasmon propagation in graphene are quantified by accounting for both the interface trap capacitance (substrate dangling bonds and gate-insulator traps) and the quantum capacitance. The gate voltage serves as a powerful knob to tweak the carrier concentration and allows building electrically reconfigurable terahertz devices. By optimizing the gate voltage to maximize the plasmon propagation length in gated graphene structures, we derive simple scaling trends that give intuitive insight into device modeling and design.
Chapter 2 – Review: Marsupials and Marsupial Evolution

This chapter introduces marsupials and distinguishes them from placental mammals by pointing out some of their unique anatomical and physiological characters of reproduction (marsupium, bifid reproductive tracts, etc.). It also points out that we have not yet identified all marsupials, as their numbers of species continue to increase the more we study them. Recent discoveries in molecular studies, especially the discovery of repetitive fragments of DNA called retroposons, have given molecular systematists virtually an ambiguity-free tool to approximate evolutionary history. Additionally, two recently sequenced marsupial genomes, a South American opossum and an Australian wallaby, along with the use of retroposed elements, allow systematists the unique opportunity to help resolve marsupial and eutherian mammal relationships. Finally, Australian marsupials have been isolated geographically from their American counterparts for millennia. However, human fascination with zoos and the pet trade allows the movement of marsupials and many other animals across oceans and continents, creating an interface where humans, domesticated animals, marsupials, and all of their parasites can come in contact, creating new zoonoses.
A 35 dBm Output Power and 38 dB Linear Gain PA With 44.9% Peak PAE at 1.9 GHz in 40 nm CMOS

This paper presents a 1.9 GHz linear power amplifier (PA) architecture that improves its power efficiency in the power back-off (PBO) region. The combination of power transistor segmentation and digital gain compensation effectively enhances its power efficiency. A fast switching scheme is proposed, such that PA drivers and segments are switched on and off according to signal power; thus, the PA power consumption correlates with the power of the input signal. Binary power gain variations due to PA segmentation are dynamically compensated in the digital domain. The proposed solution overcomes the tradeoffs between power efficiency and linearity by employing the digital predistortion technique. The PA is implemented in a 40 nm CMOS process. It delivers a saturated output power of 35 dBm with 44.9% peak power-added efficiency (PAE) and a linear gain of 38 dB. The adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) at $\pm {5}\;\text{MHz}$ at a maximum linear output power of 31 dBm for a baseband WCDMA signal is $- {35}.{8}\;\text{dBc}$ .
The elusive phosphotyrosine: pinning down a rare species. Focus on "Large-scale phosphotyrosine proteomic profiling of rat renal collecting duct epithelium reveals predominance of proteins involved in cell polarity determination".

phosphorylation of tyrosine residues often occurs in the signaling cascades of growth factors and in pathways relevant to the design, organization, and maintenance of cell structure and polarity ([7][1], [8][2]). Identification of proteins undergoing tyrosine (Y) phosphorylation has not received the
Absence of Effect of Antuitrin-S Injections on the Immature Ovary.∗:

In a report1 dealing with the effect of Antuitrin-S on the mature human ovary, it was pointed out that the response was not similar to that obtained in the rodent. It was therefore planned to inject a series of immature human females and examine their pelvic organs. Naturally such an opportunity is limited, for the cases must be selected from patients who are suffering from diseases that are of themselves fatal.We have had opportunity to study 2 cases, one an infant of 10 months and one of 18 months. Both were suffering from tuberculous meningitis, proved by bacteriological examination of the spinal fluid and later confirmed at autopsy.In the first case a 10 months infant received a total of 2,500 rat units of Antuitrin-S† in 5 divided doses over a period of 96 hours. The injections were given intramuscularly in the buttocks. The last injection was given 12 hours before death. At autopsy the ovaries both macroscopically and microscopically presented no evidence of follicular maturation or luteinization. T...
Toward an integrated approach to positive development: Implications for intervention

ABSTRACTPositive development models shift focus for intervention from avoiding problems, deficits, or psychopathology to promoting skills, assets, and psychological well-being as the critical interests in development and intervention. The field can be characterized as multiple parallel lines of empirical inquiry from four frameworks: Social Competence, Social and Emotional Learning, Positive Youth Development, and Positive Psychology. This review is meant to organize understanding of implications for intervention by comparing these four frameworks along several dimensions including (1) key conceptual frameworks and constructs, (2) populations of interest, (3) measurement practices, and (4) intervention design and content implications to point out areas of overlap and distinction. Furthermore, the authors provide suggestions for the advancement beyond isolated scientific inquiry and unclear overlap and distinction, toward a more integrated approach to study and intervention design that promotes positive de...
Synthesis and Characterization of Aerogel-derived Cation-substituted Hexaaluminates

New methods have been developed for the synthesis of high surface area cation-substituted hexaaluminates. These materials were prepared by calcining high temperature (ethanol extraction) or low temperature (CO2 extraction) aerogels at temperatures up to 1600°C. Cation-substituted hexaaluminates have emerged as promising catalysts for use in high temperature catalytic combustion. In comparing unsubstituted and cation-substituted hexaaluminates, we found that the phase transformations were much cleaner for the cation-substituted materials. BaCO3 and BaAl2O4 were intermediates during transformation of the unsubstituted materials, while the cation-substituted materials transformed directly from an amorphous phase to crystalline hexaaluminate. Moreover, the presence of substitution cations caused the transformation to occur at lower temperatures. Mn seems to be a better substitution cation than Co since the Mn-substituted materials exhibited higher surface areas and better heat resistances than the Co-substituted materials. The low temperature aerogel-derived materials possessed quite different characteristics from the high temperature aerogel-derived materials. For example, phase transformation pathways were different.
Scanning tunneling microscopy of superconducting topological surface states in Bi 2 Se 3

In this Rapid Communication we present scanning tunneling microscopy of a large ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$ crystal with superconducting PbBi islands deposited on the surface. Local density of states measurements are consistent with induced superconductivity in the topological surface state with a coherence length of order 540 nm. At energies above the gap the density of states exhibits oscillations due to scattering caused by a nonuniform order parameter. Strikingly, the spectra taken on islands also display similar oscillations along with traces of the Dirac cone, suggesting an inverse topological proximity effect.
Genetic characterization of the hemagglutinin gene of 2009 H1N1 influenza viruses isolated in Fuzhou,Fujian

Objective To understand the variation characteristics and evolutionary distribution of hemagglutinin gene among H1N1 influenza viruses isolated in 2009.Methods The H1N1 influenza virus was isolated from patients by MDCK cell culture and identified by real-time PCR assay.The hemagglutinin(HA) gene of H1N1 influenza viruses was sequenced for the representative strains in Fuzhou.Finally,the phylogenetic tree was generated and analyzed with DNASTAR MegAlign soft ware.Results The H1N1 influenza virus isolated in Fuzhou had four amino acid substitutions in HA region compared with that of the reference viral strain of A/California/04/2009.The isolated viral strains had 6 antigenic determinant cluster variations and 8 glycosylation sites,6 of which were located in HA1 region and compared with the representative strain of swine influenza,A/swine/Iowa/15/193.The isolated viral strains did not contain the multiple basic amino acids at cleavage sites,indicating the low pathogenicity of influenza virus.Conclusions The influenza HlN1 viral strains isolated in Fuzhou were highly homologous with the epidemic strains in North America.The antigenic drift was confirmed in the HA region of the isolated viruses.Continuous monitoring of gene variation is important for the prevention of flu epidemic and viral pathogenic modification.
Carcinogen-induced skin tumorigenesis in mice: enhancement and inhibition by ultraviolet light.

The effect of a single application of UV light as well as repeated applications of UV light on skin tumorigenesis in mice induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene was studied. A single subcarcinogenic application of UV light before repeated carcinogen treatment almost doubled the number of benign and malignant tumors, pointing to an enhancing effect of UV light. The morphological characteristics of tumors (squamous papillomas, keratoacanthomas and squamous cell carcinomas) induced by repeated chemical carcinogen applications were not significantly altered by a preceding application of UV light; only a slightly stronger stromal fibrosis and vascular hyalinization ensued. Repeated UV light applications alone produced tumors of both epidermal and dermal origin: acanthopapillomas, fibropapillomas, squamous cell carcinomas and fibrosarcomas. When both UV light and DMBA were given repeatedly (UV light was given after DMBA) the tumor response was morphologically similar to that produced by UV light alone; however, the number of tumors was slightly less and the latent period was longer than when DMBA was given alone, which points to an inhibitory effect of UV light.
The Cherokee Kid: Will Rogers, Tribal Identity, and the Making of an American Icon. By Amy M. Ware

The Cherokee Kid: Will Rogers, Tribal Identity, and the Making of an American Icon . CultureAmerica Series. By Amy M. Ware. (Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, 2015. x + 317 pp. Illustrations, maps, notes, bibliography, index. $37.50.) “Was Will Rogers Really an Indian?” Amy M. Ware posits at the start of The Cherokee Kid (p. xi). Her study of Rogers’s personal politics of identity and the Cherokee roots of his performance art and public impact leaves little doubt of the answer. Ware synthesizes evidence mined from previously published works by and about Rogers with the newest standards of scholarship in Native American studies, offering her own deep reading of Rogers’s choices and words. The result is a multilayered elucidation of Rogers’s Indianness, Cherokeeness, and transnational citizenship in … bbai{at}loc.gov
Do Top Dogs Rule in Middle School? Evidence on Bullying, Safety, and Belonging

Recent research finds that grade span affects academic achievement but only speculates about the mechanisms. In this study, we examine one commonly cited mechanism, the top dog/bottom dog phenomenon, which states that students at the top of a grade span (“top dogs”) have better experiences than those at the bottom (“bottom dogs”). Using an instrumental variables strategy introduced in Rockoff and Lockwood (2010) and a longitudinal data set containing student survey data for New York City public middle school students, we estimate the impact of top dog and bottom dog status on bullying, safety, belonging, and academic achievement. This article provides the first credibly causal evidence that top dog status improves the learning environment and academic achievement. We further find that the top dog effect is strongest in sixth grade and in schools with longer grade spans and that the top dog effect is not explained by new students to a school or student height.
Direct measurement of gate depletion in high breakdown (405 V) AlGaN/GaN heterostructure field effect transistors

A new measurement technique that directly reveals the extent of the gate depletion region in FETs by using floating Schottky gates as potential probes is presented. Measurements on GaN heterojunction field heterojunction field effect transistors (HFETs) show that large extension of the depletion width is responsible for the high dc breakdown voltages in these HFETs.
Integrating Science and Management to Assess Forest Ecosystem Vulnerability to Climate Change

We developed the ecosystem vulnerability assessment approach (EVAA) to help inform potential adaptation actions in response to a changing climate. EVAA combines multiple quantitative models and expert elicitation from scientists and land managers. In each of eight assessment areas, a panel of local experts determined potential vulnerability of forest ecosystems to climate change over the next century using EVAA. Vulnerability and uncertainty ratings for forest community types in each assessment area were developed. The vulnerability of individual forest types to climate change varied by region due to regional differences in how climate change is expected to affect system drivers, stressors, and dominant species and the capacity of a forest community to adapt. This assessment process is a straightforward and flexible approach to addressing the key components of vulnerability in a collaborative setting and can easily be applied to a range of forest ecosystems at local to regional scales.
Length scales and statistical characteristics of outer bank roughness for large elongate meander bends: The influence of bank material properties, floodplain vegetation and flow inundation

This paper explores the length scales and statistical characteristics of form roughness along the outer banks of two elongate bends on a large meandering river through investigation of topographic variability of the bank face. The analysis also examines how roughness varies over the vertical height of the banks and when the banks are exposed subaerially and inundated during flood stage. Detailed data on the topography of the outer banks were obtained subaerially using terrestrial LiDAR during low flow conditions and subaqueously using multibeam echo sounding (MBES) during near-bankfull conditions. The contributions of various length scales of topographic irregularity to roughness for subaerial conditions were evaluated for different elevation contours on the bank faces using Hilbert-Huang Transform (HHT) spectral analysis. Statistical characteristics for discrete areas on the bank faces were determined by calculating the root-mean-square of normal distances from a TIN surface. Results of the HHT analysis show that the characteristics of roughness along bank faces composed primarily of non-cohesive sediment, and eroding into cropland, vary with bank elevation and exhibit a dominant range of roughness length scales (~15-50 m). On the other hand, bank faces composed predominantly of cohesive material and carved into a forested floodplain have relatively uniform topographic roughness characteristics over the vertical extent of the bank face and do not exhibit a dominant roughness length scale or range of length scales. Additionally, comparison between local surface roughness for subaerial versus subaqueous conditions shows that roughness decreases considerably when the banks are submerged, most likely because of the removal of vegetation and eradication of small-scale erosional features in non-cohesive bank materials by flow along the bank face. Thus, roughness appears to be linked to the hydraulic conditions affecting the bank, at least relative to conditions that develop when banks are exposed subaerially.
Elucidating performance limitations in alkaline-exchange-membrane fuel cells

Water management is a serious concern for alkaline-exchange-membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) because water is a reactant in the alkaline oxygen-reduction reaction and hydroxide conduction in alkaline-exchange membranes is highly hydration dependent. In this paper, we develop and use a multiphysics, multiphase model to explore water management in AEMFCs. We demonstrate that the low performance is mostly caused by extremely non-uniform distribution of water in the ionomer phase. A sensitivity analysis of design parameters including humidification strategies, membrane properties, and water transport resistance was undertaken to explore possible optimization strategies. Furthermore, the strategy and issues of reducing bicarbonate/carbonate buildup in the membrane-electrode assembly with CO2 from air is demonstrated based on the model prediction. Overall, mathematical modeling is used to explore trends and strategies to overcome performance bottlenecks and help enable AEMFC commercialization.
Teaching critical thinking in a GE class: A flipped model

Abstract This paper examines a critical thinking course developed as part of a General Education curriculum. Using qualitative and quantitative assessments, it finds that a flipped classroom and mixed model is an effective method for providing students with practical critical thinking skills, even with instructors with limited experience teaching critical thinking. The course includes fourteen units students watch to learn explicit critical thinking skills and online quizzes that supply immediate feedback. Classroom instruction focuses on application exercises that apply the skills and explore a central course theme developed by each instructor.
Ship's Electrical Power System Model for Investigation of Dynamic Mode Operation

Modern ship power is becoming more powerful and more complex, which requires reliable and efficient management. For the good design of such control, it is necessary to study the electromechanical processes in them. The paper presents a non-predictive model for the investigation of dynamic mode operation. A ship power system, consisting of four power stations distributed in different areas of the ship and connected in a circular distribution network, has been investigated.
Laboratory studies on the oviposition stimuli of Culicoides stellifer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), a suspected vector of Orbiviruses in the United States.

Biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) exert a significant impact on animal agriculture worldwide because they transmit bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) to ruminants. Without effective vaccines, BTV/EHDV vector management strategies are needed, particularly in commercial white-tailed deer (WTD) facilities. However, detailed information on the ecology of midge immatures in/around cervid operations is currently lacking. Towards filling this knowledge gap, we conducted two-choice oviposition experiments with field-collected Culicoides stellifer Coquillett (a suspected vector of BTV/EHDV in the USA) under laboratory conditions to examine which natural source from the larval habitat is relatively more attractive for midge oviposition. Field-collected C. stellifer females (CDC-UV light traps) were given a blood meal from live chicken and examined for their oviposition preferences for individual (or mixed) potential larval habitat oviposition stimuli in two-choice bioassays. Substrates included mud from C. stellifer habitat, mud from allopatric site, vegetation (Sphagnum spp. mosses), field water, WTD manure and de-ionized water (control). The majority of midges (91%) oviposited in only one dish, with few females (9%) ovipositing in both the dishes. Gravid females demonstrated an overall oviposition preference for substrates with mud and vegetation from the larval habitat, depositing a significantly higher proportion of eggs on mud (52.3%) and vegetation (81.8%) than on controls (≤ 18.2%) (P ≤ 0.0320). Moreover, greater number of eggs per female were deposited on mud (29.5–40.7 depending on trial) and vegetation (38.2) than on controls (≤ 5.8). WTD manure, field water and mud from allopatric site were not found to be more attractive than controls for oviposition. Combining individual substrates (mud + WTD manure; mud + moss + WTD manure + field water) did not elicit greater oviposition responses than mud or moss alone. Management strategies to discourage C. stellifer oviposition in/around commercial cervid facilities should likely focus on mud and/or vegetation, rather than WTD manure. However, further studies are needed to examine whether the spatial distributions of C. stellifer and Sphagnum spp. moss are correlated, and to determine whether targeting vegetation in/around cervid facilities can contribute to reductions in local midge densities.
Epikeratoplasty: The surgical correction of aphakia, myopia, and keratoconus

Thirty-five patients have had 39 consecutive epikeratoplasty procedures (12 adult aphakic, 9 pediatric aphakic, 12 myopic, and 6 keratoconic eyes) by the same surgeon, using commercially prepared lenticules. The lenticule remained totally clear in 85% of eyes. Two lenticules were removed due to infection and scarring; four lenticules had minimal scarring and did not require removal. Spectacle-corrected acuity was worse than one line from the preoperative spectacle-corrected acuity in 58% of the adult aphakic eyes; however, 75% were 20/50 or better postoperatively. Fifty percent were within 2 diopters (D) of emmetropia and 92% within 3 D. All pediatric aphakic patients showed an improvement in best-corrected acuity, and 83% of eyes at 6 months were within 2 D of emmetropia; by 1 year a 3.4-D average myopic shift had occurred. Two of the six eyes (33%) using the original myopia technique were within 2 D of emmetropia, whereas five of the six eyes (83%) with the current technique are within this range. Spectacle-corrected acuity in the entire current myopia group has either improved by one or more lines or has remained unchanged. Five of the six keratoconic eyes had 20/40 or better spectacle-corrected and 20/25 contact lens-corrected acuity postoperatively; average corneal flattening was 6 D. Persistent epithelial defect and irregular astigmatism were the principal factors in delay in visual recovery.
Response to Part I: Jumping into Lesson Study—Inservice Mathematics Teacher Education

These chapters describe how four groups of US teachers and researchers attempted to replicate Japanese lesson study within their school systems and what they learned through the process. Although small, notable changes in mathematics teaching and learning are reported in each chapter, and they seem promising. For example, Tepylo and Moss report that the teachers in their study gained mathematical knowledge by going through lesson study. Olson, White, and Sparrow argue that the process of lesson study encourages teachers to reflect on their own classroom practices.
… Damned if you don’t

In the children’s story Doctor Doolittle, one of the fantastical creatures the good doctor encounters is the pushmi-pullyu, an ungulate with a head on each end that eats with one and converses with...
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma Secondary to a Phakic Intraocular Lens, an Ophthalmic Emergency

Implantable collamer lenses (ICL) are phakic (natural lens remains in place) lenses that were first developed in the 1990s for correction of high myopia. The effectiveness and safety of ICLs are making them an increasingly popular option for vision correction in the myopic patient, competing with traditional options like glasses, contacts, and procedures such as laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. Although generally safe, due to the position of the phakic ICL in the eye, pupillary block remains a rare but vision-threatening complication of ICL implantation. Pupillary block caused by phakic ICL is a serious complication that requires urgent recognition and intervention and is poorly described in emergency medicine literature. We describe a case of pupillary block five years after ICL implantation that was refractory to standard medical therapy, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and referral for more definitive therapy.
Tunneling and fluctuating electron-hole Cooper pairs in double bilayer graphene

A strong low-temperature enhancement of the tunneling conductance between graphene bilayers has been reported recently and interpreted as a signature of equilibrium electron-hole pairing, first predicted in bilayers more than 40 years ago but previously unobserved. Here we provide a detailed theory of conductance enhanced by fluctuating electron-hole Cooper pairs, which are a precursor to equilibrium pairing, that accounts for specific details of the multiband double graphene bilayer system which supports several different pairing channels. Above the equilibrium condensation temperature, pairs have finite temporal coherence and do not support dissipationless tunneling. Instead they strongly boost the tunneling conductivity via a fluctuational internal Josephson effect. Our theory makes predictions for the dependence of the zero bias peak in the differential tunneling conductance on temperature and electron-hole density imbalance that capture important aspects of the experimental observations. In our interpretation of the observations, cleaner samples with longer disorder scattering times would condense at temperatures ${T}_{c}$ up to $\ensuremath{\sim}50\phantom{\rule{3.33333pt}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$, compared to the record ${T}_{c}\ensuremath{\sim}1.5\phantom{\rule{3.33333pt}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ achieved to date in experiment.