cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating XML Structural Join Size Quickly and Economically

XML structural joins, which evaluate the containment (ancestor-descendant) relationships between XML elements, are important operations of XML query processing. Estimating structural join size accurately and quickly is thus crucial to the success of XML query plan selection and the query optimization. XML structural joins are essentially complex unequal joins, which render well-known estimation techniques, such as cosine transform, wavelet transform, and sketch, not directly applicable. In this paper, we propose a relation model to capture the structural information of XML data such that the original complex unequal joins are converted to equal joins and those well-known estimation techniques become directly applicable to structural join size estimation. Theoretical analyses and extensive experiments have been performed on these estimation methods. It is shown that the cosine transform requires the least memory and yields the best estimates.
Jane: a new tool for the cophylogeny reconstruction problem

This paper describes the theory and implementation of a new software tool, called Jane, for the study of historical associations. This problem arises in parasitology (associations of hosts and parasites), molecular systematics (associations of orderings and genes), and biogeography (associations of regions and orderings). The underlying problem is that of reconciling pairs of trees subject to biologically plausible events and costs associated with these events. Existing software tools for this problem have strengths and limitations, and the new Jane tool described here provides functionality that complements existing tools. The Jane software tool uses a polynomial time dynamic programming algorithm in conjunction with a genetic algorithm to find very good, and often optimal, solutions even for relatively large pairs of trees. The tool allows the user to provide rich timing information on both the host and parasite trees. In addition the user can limit host switch distance and specify multiple host switch costs by specifying regions in the host tree and costs for host switches between pairs of regions. Jane also provides a graphical user interface that allows the user to interactively experiment with modifications to the solutions found by the program. Jane is shown to be a useful tool for cophylogenetic reconstruction. Its functionality complements existing tools and it is therefore likely to be of use to researchers in the areas of parasitology, molecular systematics, and biogeography.
Pregnancy outcomes in female renal transplant recipients

IN THE PRESENCE of adequate, stable graft function, pregnancies in female renal transplant recipients, although high risk, are generally well tolerated. Although pregnancy may occasionally and unpredictably cause an irreversible decline in renal graft function, the consensus is that pregnancy has no adverse effect on graft function or graft survival. The National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry (NTPR) maintains an ongoing database to study the outcomes of pregnancy in female transplant recipients and pregnancies fathered by male transplant recipients. Previously, we reported that deterioration in recipient graft function during pregnancy is associated with lower newborn birthweights and lower maternal graft survival in cyclosporine (CsA, Sandimmune)-treated renal recipients. The purpose of this study was to identify variables affecting postpartum graft loss in female renal recipients.
Evidence for algal heterotrophy in Lake Tahoe, California-Nevada1

Significant differences in the uptake of “C organic compounds between light and dark bottle incubations of water were recorded from Lake Tahoe. The response to light did not occur in situ below the maximum depth of inorganic carbon photoassimilation and was completely inhibited by a photosynthetic inhibitor. Dark acetate uptake in the deep euphotic zone (ca. 90-150 m) was strongly inhibited by a eucaryotic inhibitor. Microautoradiographic analysis showed that two species of green algae in Tahoe wcrc capable of acetate transport at labeled substrate additions within previously determined ambient limits; in axenic culture these two species grew heterotrophically on acetate. Activities of key enzymes of the major inducible pathway for acetate assimilation were high per unit ATP in the region of the water column where acetate uptake was light stimulated. These data strongly support the hypothesis of heterotrophically active phytoplankton populations at the bottom of the euphotic zone.
Daphnia dominance and zooplankton community structure in fishless ponds

Predation by fish has commonly been viewed as a primary driver of spatial and seasonal variation in Daphnia dominance and the size structure of zooplankton communities. Yet, previous research suggests thatlargeDaphniadonot always dominateinthe absenceof predation. Asalternativestotheplanktivory model, numerous mechanisms have been put forth, including the effect of resource competition and its interaction with resource quantity and quality and abiotic factors (e.g. temperature). Here results are presented of a field survey of 18 fishless, permanent ponds in southwest Michigan in which spatiotemporal variation in Daphnia pulex abundance and several potential determinants of this variation are explored. Results revealed a large amount of variation in D. pulex incidence and relative biomass, with some ponds exhibiting seasonal losses, some having few or no Daphnia, and some being dominated by D. pulex for the entire sample period. Redundancy analysis of zooplankton composition and pond environmental variables (biotic and abiotic) showed no relationship between D. pulex biomass and measures of Chaoborus abundance, algal resource production, or algal resource quality (including seston C:N:P). Instead, pH and temperature (both of which covaried) showed the strongest relationship with D. pulex biomass.
The Nuclear Protein Encoded by the Drosophila Neurogenic Gene mastermind Is Widely Expressed and Associates With Specific Chromosomal Regions

The Drosophila neurogenic loci encode a diverse group of proteins that comprise an inhibitory signal transduction pathway. The pathway is used throughout development in numerous contexts. We have examined the distribution of the neurogenic locus mastermind protein (Mam). Mam is expressed through all germlayers during early embryogenesis, including ectodermal precursors to both neuroblasts and epidermoblasts. Mam is subsequently down-regulated within the nervous system and then reexpressed. It persists in the nervous system through late embryogenesis and postembryonically. Mam is ubiquitously expressed in wing and leg imaginal discs and is not down-regulated in sensory organ precursor cells of the wing margin or notum. In the eye disc, Mam shows most prominent expression posterior to the morphogenetic furrow. Expression of the protein during oogenesis appears limited to follicle cells. Immunohistochemical detection of Mam on polytene chromosomes revealed binding at >100 sites. Chromosome colocalization studies with RNA polymerase and the groucho corepressor protein implicate Mam in transcriptional regulation.
EPAS1 trans-Activation during Hypoxia Requires p42/p44 MAPK

Hypoxia is a common environmental stress that regulates gene expression and cell function. A number of hypoxia-regulated transcription factors have been identified and have been shown to play critical roles in mediating cellular responses to hypoxia. One of these is the endothelial PAS-domain protein 1 (EPAS1/HIF2-α/HLF/HRF). This protein is 48% homologous to hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF1-α). To date, virtually nothing is known about the signaling pathways that lead to either EPAS1 or HIF1-α activation. Here we show that EPAS1 is phosphorylated when PC12 cells are exposed to hypoxia and that p42/p44 MAPK is a critical mediator of EPAS1 activation. Pretreatment of PC12 cells with the MEK inhibitor, PD98059, completely blocked hypoxia-inducedtrans-activation of a hypoxia response element (HRE) reporter gene by transfected EPAS1. Likewise, expression of a constitutively active MEK1 mimicked the effects of hypoxia on HRE reporter gene expression. However, pretreatment with PD98059 had no effect on EPAS1 phosphorylation during hypoxia, suggesting that MAPK targets other proteins that are critical for thetrans-activation of EPAS1. We further show that hypoxia-induced trans-activation of EPAS1 is independent of Ras. Finally, pretreatment with calmodulin antagonists nearly completely blocked both the hypoxia-induced phosphorylation of MAPK and the EPAS1 trans-activation of HRE-Luc. These results demonstrate that the MAPK pathway is a critical mediator of EPAS1 activation and that activation of MAPK and EPAS1 occurs through a calmodulin-sensitive pathway and not through the GTPase, Ras. These results are the first to identify a specific signaling pathway involved in EPAS1 activation.
Does studio-based instruction work in CS 1?: an empirical comparison with a traditional approach

Given the increasing importance of communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills in the computing profession, we believe there is good reason to provide students with increased opportunities to learn and practice those skills in undergraduate computing courses. Toward that end, we have been exploring studio-based instructional methods, which have been successfully employed in architecture and fine arts education for over a century. We have developed an adaptation of studio-based instruction for computing education called the pedagogical code review, which is modeled after the code inspection process used in the software industry. To evaluate its effectiveness, we carried out a quasi-experimental comparison of a "studio-based" CS 1 course with pedagogical code reviews and an identical "traditional" CS 1 course without pedagogical code reviews. We found no learning outcome differences between the two courses; however, we did observe two interesting attitudinal trends: (a) self-efficacy decreased more in the traditional course than in the studio-based course; and (b) peer learning decreased in the traditional course, but increased in the studio-based course. Additional questionnaire and interview data provide further evidence of the positive impact of studio-based instruction.
The “Critical volume tolerance method” for estimating the limits of dose escalation during three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for prostate cancer

Abstract Purpose : To describe the “Critical Volume Tolerance” (CVT) method for defining normal tissue tolerance during 3D-based dose escalation studies for prostate cancer. Methods and Materials : The CVT method predicts the tolerance to radiation for “in series”-type functional units based on the assumption that tolerance depends on a critical threshold “low-volume high-dose region.” The data used for describing this model were generated from 3D analysis of randomly selected patients with prostate cancer. Commonly used coplanar frou- and six-field conformal (SFC) techniques were chosen as the comparison techniques. For purposes of comparison, rectal tolerance was assumed to be reached following whole pelvic irradiation using a four-field box technique to 50 Gy, followed by a conedown boost to 70 Gy using bilateral 9 × 9 cm 120 degree arcs as popularized by investigators from Stanford University (SUH). Results : Based on the average dose volume histograms for the patients studied, the maximum safe increase in dose for the SFC technique compared to the SUH technique, would be 10% if 30% of the rectal volume was the critical dose limiting volume (CVT = 30%), 5%if the CVT = 10%, or greater than 20% if the CVT = 40%. Commonly used four-field conformal techniques would not be expected to allow significant escalation of the dose without increasing the risk of complications. Conclusions : The CVT method is relatively simple, and data general based on it can be used to support normal tissue complication probability equations. The CVT method can be verified or modified as partial tolerance data become available. Based on the CVT model, sophisticated treatment techniques should allow a modest increase in the total dose of radiation delivered to the prostate without an increase in late complications.
Change and constancy in developmental contexts

As the 21st century begins, social forces are creating substantial diversity in developmental settings through the child’s early life course. Aconsiderable proportion of youth will experience disruptions in family structure, fluctuations in levels of economic resources, and residential moves that may involve changes in peer groups and schools. This paper reviews a set of conceptual distinctions that are well suited to the study of the dynamic properties of context. The paper also underscores the importance of integrating the life course with behavioural genetics to determine more accurately the joint contributions of environments like the family and genotypes to development. Because both person and context exhibit change and stability through time, an understanding of these complex interactions will require generative collaborations among developmentalists from diverse disciplinary backgrounds.
Poplar Genomics: State of the Science

Recent advances in Populus genomics have greatly expanded its popularity as a reference for fundamental as well as applied research in woody plants. In this review, we provide an overview of the state-of-the-science in Populus genomics research, including experimental and computational genomics. We have surveyed and summarized the following: 1) pioneering as well as more recent reports of genetics- and genomics-based investigations in Populus, 2) the positive impact of technological improvements, 3) findings from phylogenetic analyses of gene families, and 4) genomic databases. In the area of Populus experimental genomics, genetic approaches have been advanced to the genome scale with resolution to the gene and/or single nucleotide level. On the other hand, the modern “omics” approaches have been successfully applied to analysis of gene function, such as transcriptome profiling using microarrays as well as the next-generation DNA sequencing technology, and characterization of proteome and metabolome using...
Hypersonic flows in large-scale inlet models.

Analytical and experimental investigations were conducted to determine the characteristics of the internal flows in model passages representative of inlets for a typical Mach 12 hypersonic cruise vehicle and also sufficiently large for reliable data to be obtained. Three large-scale inlet models, each having a different internal compression ratio, were designed to provide maximum performance at the throat stations. Tests were conducted in the Mach 7.4 nozzle of the NASA Ames 3.5-foot hypersonic wind tunnel at a nominal test Reynolds number of 2,700,000 per ft. The experimental results revealed that a high level of total pressure recovery, approximately 0.85 (relative to the inlet-entrance conditions) for the core flow of the internal passage, was achieved for each inlet design.
Optical Fiber Interferometer Technology and Hydrophones

Because of the extremely high sensitivities possible with interfermetric fiber sensors many laboratories have conducted research on these devices. Substantial progress has been realized, and interferometric sensors are in use in laboratory instrumentation and are undergoing field trials to determine their reliability and performance under uncontrolled conditions.(1,2)
Redundancy Detection in ESL Writings

This paper investigates redundancy detection in ESL writings. We propose a measure that assigns high scores to words and phrases that are likely to be redundant within a given sentence. The measure is composed of two components: one captures fluency with a language model; the other captures meaning preservation based on analyzing alignments between words and their translations. Experiments show that the proposed measure is five times more accurate than the random baseline.
High-gravity spreading of liquid puddles on wetting flexible substrates

This letter describes a mechanical approach of using high gravity to decrease the capillary length and increase the spreading rate of liquid puddles on wetting flexible substrates. By using centrifugation and a flexible substrate floating on a high-density liquid, uniform acceleration enhances the spreading of liquid puddles. Under high gravity of 600 g, the capillary length reduces by a factor of 24.5 to ∼60 μm. The reduction in capillary length results in gravity dominating the spreading of small puddles that would otherwise have slower spreading driven by both surface tension and gravity of 1 g. The resulting measurements suggest that derived expressions in the literature for gravity-driven spreading of puddles under earth's standard gravity extend to predicting the behavior of sufficiently large puddles spreading on flexible substrates exposed to more than 100 g of acceleration. This work explores the spreading of puddles/coatings under high gravity, and the techniques described in this work will allo...
On the Existence of Multiple Equilibrium States in Strained-Layer Superlattices

Using recent results from the thermodynamics of stressed solids, two-phase coexistence in a simple binary strained-layer superlattice is examined. We show that for a given temperature and overall composition of the superlattice, there can exist more than one linearly stable, equilibrium thermodynamic state. That is, there may exist several combinations of relative thickness of the phases and corresponding phase compositions that minimize the free energy of the system. The equilibrium state observed experimentally can, therefore, be influenced by the processing path.
Theory of structural transformation in lithiated amorphous silicon.

Determining structural transformations in amorphous solids is challenging due to the paucity of structural signatures. The effect of the transitions on the properties of the solid can be significant and important for applications. Moreover, such transitions may not be discernible in the behavior of the total energy or the volume of the solid as a function of the variables that identify its phases. These issues arise in the context of lithiation of amorphous silicon (a-Si), a promising anode material for high-energy density batteries based on lithium ions. Recent experiments suggest the surprising result that the lithiation of a-Si is a two-phase process. Here, we present first-principles calculations of the structure of a-Si at different lithiation levels. Through a detailed analysis of the short and medium-range properties of the amorphous network, using Voronoi–Delaunay methods and ring statistics, we show that a-LixSi has a fundamentally different structure below and above a lithiation level correspond...
Longevity of Captive Kangaroo Rats, Dipodomys

In July, 1950, my two sons live trapped two Merriam kangaroo rats ( Dipodomys merriami ) near Bishop, California, and brought them to Ann Arbor, Michigan. One of the rats was kept in a small sand-filled aquarium until it was sacrificed on November 1, 1954. It appeared to be in fair health. …
Beaver Seasons: A Whatcom Phenology

iv Acknowledgments v Coming to Light: A Prelude 1 A Seasonal Round 10 Selected References 69 Coming to Light: A Prelude I hunt far in, as deep as light moves; where light steeps in the long momentum. Not that it holds, it changes. The changes balance. Before they tip through to regroup I let my eye open, fill for a fraction of truth, and shut: I keep for life how light shapes how lives deepen. Philip Booth, from "Photographer" The old calendar fills me with gratitude, like a sutra. -Yosa Buson Whatcom (ꞌwɑt kəm): n. 1. a creek in NW Washington with a former Nooksack camp at its mouth, named for the "sound of water splashing or dripping fast and hard." 2. the first of four colonial settlements that became the city of Bellingham, WA 3. a lake in NW Washington 4. a county in NW Washington [c. 12,000 B.C.; < Nooksack. Xwotqwem ~ Lummi. Xwot'qwem, bubbling, sizzling, fizzing]
Boolean Language Equations

We define boolean language equations and relate them to boolean automata. Boolean language equations are explicit equations over an arbitrary alphabet in which union, left-concatenation, and complementation may occur. Boolean automata are a generalization of nondeterministic finite automata that are able to accommodate, in a natural way, the complementation operation. We first show that not every boolean equation has a solution. Then, we give a constructive approach to solving any system of boolean equations that has a solution. We also give a complete characterization of the existence of solutions, decide whether more than one solution exists, give a representation of all solutions if more than one exists, and show that any boolean equation whose constant languages are regular must have a regular solution, if it has any.
Experimentally verified model of viscoelastic behavior of multilayer unimorph dielectric elastomer actuators

This work presents a linear viscoelastic model to describe the time-dependent actuation behavior of multilayer unimorph dielectric elastomer actuators (MUDEA), with experimental validation by actuators produced by a robotic dispenser system. MUDEA are a type of soft actuator which can produce large bending deformation without prestretch typically required by dielectric elastomer actuators. Current analytical and finite element models of MUDEA do not consider material viscoelasticity and cannot predict the change over time of performance metrics such as tip displacement and blocking force. The linear viscoelastic model presented in this work is based on a linear elastic model for the MUDEA extended to account for viscous effects by the elastic–viscoelastic correspondence principle. The model is easily implemented because it is based on explicit expressions which can be evaluated numerically by any computer algebra system. The model was used to predict the tip displacement and blocking force of MUDEAs consisting of two, four, six, eight, and ten layers of dielectric elastomer material. The model predictions agreed well with experimental data obtained from MUDEA produced by a robotic dispenser system, which was capable of producing multilayered structures of thin layers of dielectric elastomer and carbon nanotube based electrode material.
Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Response of Silicon Nanopore-Immunoprotected Islets under Convective Transport

Major clinical challenges associated with islet transplantation for type 1 diabetes include shortage of donor organs, poor engraftment due to ischemia, and need for immunosuppressive medications. Semipermeable membrane capsules can immunoprotect transplanted islets by blocking passage of the host’s immune components while providing exchange of glucose, insulin, and other small molecules. However, capsules-based diffusive transport often exacerbates ischemic injury to islets by reducing the rate of oxygen and nutrient transport. We previously reported the efficacy of a newly developed semipermeable ultrafiltration membrane, the silicon nanopore membrane (SNM) under convective-driven transport, in limiting the passage of pro-inflammatory cytokines while overcoming the mass transfer limitations associated with diffusion through nanometer-scale pores. In this study, we report that SNM-encapsulated mouse islets perfused in culture solution under convection outperformed those under diffusive conditions in terms...
Successive Searching Behaviour During Information Retrieval (IR) Interaction: Development of a New Line of Research

The study of successive searching, or user's pattern of search sessions in digital environments over time related to the same or evolving information problem, is developing as a new line of investigation. A growing body of studies is beginning to investigate and characterize the successive searching process. This area of research draws together information retrieval (IR) research. . .
Bilateral Uveitis and Keratitis Following Nivolumab Treatment for Metastatic Melanoma.

Background: Inflammatory eye disease has been reported as a side effect with Nivolumab. Case presentation: We report a case of a 92-year-old woman presenting with bilateral and simultaneous keratitis and uveitis in the setting of recurring infusions of nivolumab for metastatic melanoma. The patient underwent successful coordinated treatment of both eyes coinciding with ongoing systemic infusion treatments with ophthalmic topical medications alone. Conclusion: The interest of this case resides in the simultaneous nature of presentation of eye inflammation both internally and of the ocular surface. Prior case reports have cited uveitis or ocular surface disease, however not in simultaneous fashion. Clinicians should raise their index of suspicion of side effects of nivolumab systemic infusion for any vision or eye symptom changes around the timing of treatment.
Financial Flexibility and Manager–Shareholder Conflict: Evidence from REITs

Using equity REIT data, we show empirically that the use of unsecured debt, which contains standardized covenants that place limits on total leverage and the use of secured debt, is associated with lower leverage outcomes. We then show that firm value is sensitive to leverage levels, where lower leverage is associated with higher firm value. In the presence of weak managerial governance, our results suggest that unsecured debt covenants function as a managerial commitment device that preserves the firm's debt capacity to enhance financial flexibility. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Conforming to interface structured adaptive mesh refinement: 3D algorithm and implementation

A new non-iterative mesh generation algorithm named conforming to interface structured adaptive mesh refinement (CISAMR) is introduced for creating 3D finite element models of problems with complex geometries. CISAMR transforms a structured mesh composed of tetrahedral elements into a conforming mesh with low element aspect ratios. The construction of the mesh begins with the structured adaptive mesh refinement of elements in the vicinity of material interfaces. An r-adaptivity algorithm is then employed to relocate selected nodes of nonconforming elements, followed by face-swapping a small fraction of them to eliminate tetrahedrons with high aspect ratios. The final conforming mesh is constructed by sub-tetrahedralizing remaining nonconforming elements, as well as tetrahedrons with hanging nodes. In addition to studying the convergence and analyzing element-wise errors in meshes generated using CISAMR, several example problems are presented to show the ability of this method for modeling 3D problems with intricate morphologies.
Energy-environmental efficiency and optimal restructuring of the global economy

Abstract The primary objective of this study is to investigate the opportunities for economic restructuring, resulting in an optimal increase in the energy-environmental efficiency of the global economy. A novel stochastic data envelopment analysis with a perfect object method (SDEA PO) constitutes the methodology of the research. We equip SDEA PO with the projected gradient of the efficiency score. We employ the indicators of the gross domestic product (GDP) and carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) as output and undesirable output, respectively, and population and clean energy consumption as input and undesirable input, respectively. By using the SDEA PO, we obtain a group efficiency score for the global economy; the projected gradient identifies the direction of optimal economic restructuring. The indicator-wise components of the projected gradient determine locally optimal changes in the shares of each economy, serving particular goals. We use a factor analysis technique to aggregate them into one factor vector that determines the multicriteria optimal structural change. The factor vector determines the redistribution of the GDP, clean energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and population, leading to the maximum possible increase in the energy-environmental efficiency. The suggested approach may be used as a tool for decision-making in a variety of two-tier economic systems.
Sustainable Development and Eco-Capitalism

The transition to a low-carbon economy posits the challenge of how to transform finance-led capitalism into a more ecologically oriented economy. Major systemic transformations in the past have typically required a dual-sequence of structural crisis and political shifts. We may find ourselves once again in such a situation, especially if the acceleration of climate change brings about a panic-like reaction and an alternative political program capable of pushing through the reforms we need to move to eco-capitalism. Such a reform program requires a progressive vision of globalization, proposals for a new social contract, promotion of a “social and solidarity economy” beyond the market-state dichotomy, a profound rethinking of economics and finance in the face of climate change, incorporation of sustainable-development goals, and new cooperation mechanisms for the emerging multipolar world economy.
Thermal Oxidation of Cu Interconnects Capped with CoWP

The thermal oxidation of Cu interconnects, at 350°C in air, has been studied as a function of thickness of a CoWP capping layer. For thin CoWP layers (25 nm), a thick oxide layer (200 nm) is formed which is mainly composed of Cu 2 0. For thick CoWP layers (50 nm), the oxide layer is much thinner (36 nm) and is mainly composed of CoO. For both CoWP thicknesses, depletion of the underlying Cu is often observed after oxidation and whisker growth is often observed on the surface. The results are consistent with an oxidation mechanism where metal is the dominant diffusing species. For thin CoWP layers, Cu diffuses more quickly to the surface than Co, and therefore mainly Cu oxides are formed. For thick CoWP layers, the Cu diffusion to the surface is greatly reduced, and as a result, mainly Co oxides are formed. These results indicate that CoWP is not a good barrier for thermal oxidation, so high temperature exposure to oxidizing ambients must be minimized during processing of integrated circuits where CoWP is used instead of a dielectric barrier.
Structural Studies of Plastic Deformation In Aluminum Single Crystals

Single crystals of high purity aluminum of various orientations were carefully documented after plastic extension. Special attention was given to the formation of slip lines, deformation bands, and asterism. An explanation for the geometry and mechanism of formation of deformation bands is considered.
SCENT-MEDIATED KIN RECOGNITION AND A SIMILAR TYPE OF LONG-TERM OLFACTORY MEMORY IN DOMESTIC DOGS (CANIS FAMILIARIS)

Eight purebred dogs, separated from their mother for 7’68 months (Median: 33) spent more time (p <. 02) reacting to her scent than to that of an unfamiliar, like-breed female, thus displaying scent-mediated kin recognition. Newborn dogs reared for sale are nurtured by human caretakers, thereby creating an enduring social bond. Consistent with this view, 9 purebred dogs separated from their caretaker for 11’39 months (Median: 13) spent more time (p <. 01) reacting to their caretaker’s scent than to that of a like-sex stranger living with a dog of the same breed and sex. The temporal limits of scent-mediated kin recognition and memory of their caretaker’s scent remain to be explored.
Specificity of IgG pinocytosis in the neonatal piglet

Widdowson reported in 1976 that the intestine of the newborn pig increases in mass and protein content if suckled by the mother. This experiment led us to search for intestinal trophic factors in colostrum. We have repeated Widdowson’s observations. There was a visible alteration in the length and diameter of the intestine obtained from piglets suckled for 24 hours. During the first day of life, the weight of the small bowel doubled and the protein increased five-fold. These results confirm Widdowson’s 1986 report.
An Additive to PMMA Bone Cement Enables Postimplantation Drug Refilling, Broadens Range of Compatible Antibiotics, and Prolongs Antimicrobial Therapy.

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement is used in several biomedical applications including as antibiotic-filled beads, temporary skeletal spacers, and cement for orthopedic implant fixation. To mitigate infection following surgery, antibiotics are often mixed into bone cement to achieve local delivery. However, since implanted cement is often structural, incorporated antibiotics must not compromise mechanical properties; this limits the selection of compatible antibiotics. Furthermore, antibiotics cannot be added to resolve future infections once cement is implanted. Finally, delivery from cement is suboptimal as incorporated antibiotics exhibit early burst release with most of the drug remaining permanently trapped. This prolonged subtherapeutic dosage drives pathogen antibiotic resistance. To overcome these limitations of antibiotic-laden bone cement, insoluble cyclodextrin (CD) microparticles are incorporated into PMMA to provide more sustained delivery of a broader range of drugs, without impacting mechanics. PMMA formulations with and without CD microparticles are synthesized and filled with one of three antibiotics and evaluated using zone of inhibition, drug release, and compression studies. Additionally, the ability of PMMA with microparticles to serve as a refillable antibiotic delivery depot is explored. Findings suggest that addition of CD microparticles to cement promotes postimplantation antibiotic refilling and enables incorporation of previously incompatible antibiotics while preserving favorable mechanical properties.
Optimal Sensor Selection via Proximal Optimization Algorithms

We consider the problem of optimal sensor selection in large-scale dynamical systems. To address the combinatorial aspect of this problem, we use a suitable convex surrogate for complexity. The resulting non-convex optimization problem fits nicely into a sparsity-promoting framework for the selection of sensors in order to gracefully degrade performance relative to the optimal Kalman filter that uses all available sensors. Furthermore, a standard change of variables can be used to cast this problem as a semidefinite program (SDP). For large-scale problems, we propose a customized proximal gradient method that scales better than standard SDP solvers. While structural features complicate the use of the proximal Newton method, we investigate alternative second-order extensions using the forward-backward quasi-Newton method.
Bioinspired nonequilibrium search for novel materials

Searching for materials with improved or perhaps completely novel properties involves an iterative process intended to successively narrow the gap between some initial starting point and the desired design target. This can be viewed as an optimization problem in a high-dimensional search space, often with many dozens of material parameters that need to be tuned. To tackle this, the evolutionary process in biology has been a source of inspiration in developing effective search algorithms. However, reaping the full benefits of bioinspired searches for materials design requires some thought. Here, we go beyond traditional black box algorithms and take a broader view of computational evolution strategies. We discuss recent strategies that exploit knowledge about the material configuration statistics and we highlight the advantages when time-varying environments are considered. Throughout, we emphasize that the search strategies themselves can be viewed as a nonequilibrium dynamical process in design space.
Cooperative recruitment of Yan to paired high affinity ETS sites organizes repression to confer specificity and robustness to cardiac cell fate specification

Cis regulatory elements (CREs) are defined by unique combinations of transcription factor binding sites. Emerging evidence suggests that the number, affinity and organization of sites play important roles in regulating enhancer output and ultimately gene expression. Here, we investigate how the cis-regulatory logic of a tissue-specific CRE responsible for even-skipped (eve) induction during cardiogenesis organizes the competing inputs of two ETS members, the activator Pointed (Pnt) and the repressor Yan. Using a combination of reporter gene assays and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, we show that Yan and Pnt have distinct preferences for affinity of sites. Not only does Yan prefer high affinity sites, but a tandem pair of such sites is necessary and sufficient for Yan to tune Eve expression levels in newly specified cardioblasts and to block ectopic Eve induction and cell fate specification in surrounding progenitors. Mechanistically, the cooperative Yan recruitment promoted by this conserved high affinity ETS pair not only biases Yan-Pnt competition at the specific CRE, but also organizes Yan repressive complexes in 3D across the eve locus. Taken together our results uncover a novel mechanism by which differential interpretation of CRE syntax by a competing repressor-activator pair can confer both specificity and robustness to developmental transitions.
From Potsdam to Putzi's: Can Slothrop Get There in Time? And, in Time for What?

Time is always an issue in narrative literature. The conventional story, composed of character actions within a causal logic, always covers a represented expanse of time. That represented expanse of time, however, is rarely, if ever, reported to the reader in a purely linear chronological fashion; likewise, it is rarely, if ever, reported without gaps or without moments of "disnarration," to use Gerald Prince's term, that engage the reader in narrative's writerly dimension. Time in the discourse is concerned with more than reported time; the time of the telling also influences the reader's experience of time in fictional texts. Moreover, the intersection of factual history with/in fictional narrative adds further dimensions of telling time to the reader's experience of the text. Modernist and postmodernist narrative dynamics as well as reader-response, poststructuralist and new-historicist theories for reading narrative have schooled the contemporary reader to suspend belief rather than disbelief and to question the multi-functional nature of time in narrative fiction–even to the point of discovering time traps within the text.
Microhabitat characteristics and impacts of invasive species for the triple-ribbed milkvetch (Astragalus tricarinatus [Fabaceae]) in the San Bernardino Mountains, California.

Astragalus tricarinatus A.Gray is a federally-listed short lived perennial herb endemic to southern California. Its primary habitat is along the ecotone of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts in the San Bernardino and Little San Bernardino Mountains between 390 and 1525 m. Discovery of this species' upland habitat has prompted research into the ecology of populations across its range, as the life history and threats may be different from those of the previously-known wash populations. Our study sought to further document A. tricarinatus distribution and abundance within its range, as well as quantify impacts to its growth and reproductive efforts associated with co-occurring native and invasive plant species. We mapped all known localities in our study area on aerial imagery then used this to visually recognize its typical edaphic habitat and identify new potential sites. Where A. tricarinatus was found, we established plots in which plant size, the number of reproductive structures, and microhabitat characteristics were recorded. Two new occurrences (defined here as >1 km away from known localities) were recorded within its existing range as well as a previously undocumented locality between two known occurrences containing an estimated 2600 plants. Most plants were found on south and east aspects, and on slopes ranging from 30–45°. We found that increases in invasive cover correlated with a decrease in production of reproductive structures. As a federally-listed species occurring in steep, remote habitats with few threats, these findings suggesting an association between invasive species presence and reduced reproductive structures should be further investigated experimentally, as they affect population dynamics and conservation of this species.
Bioelectricity generation and remediation of sulfide contaminated tidal flat sediment

Abstract A dramatic decrease in the catch of shellfish has been observed due to the high amount of Acid Volatile Sulfide (AVS) in the tidal flats in Japan. In the current study, an evaluation of simultaneous bioelectricity generation and remediation of sulfide contaminated tidal flat sediment has been done. The sediment samples collected from Tokyo Bay and Yamaguchi Bay, Japan, have been used in the laboratory test. A 2 L cylindrical shaped Sediment Microbial Fuel Cell (SMFC) has been used to evaluate the remediation of both sediment samples in the laboratory. Three different electrode materials carbon felt, carbon fiber and bamboo charcoal were used in the experiments to compare their efficiency to reduce the AVS from the sediment and generate bioelectricity. It was observed that the AVS reduction was higher at 5 cm depths for the Tokyo Bay sediment (100%) compared to the Yamaguchi Bay sediment (60%). The larger grain size for the Tokyo Bay sediment was the probable reason for this. The maximum voltage was around 100 and 80 mV for Tokyo Bay and Yamaguchi Bay, respectively.
Coordinated Self-Tuning Thermal Management Controller for Mobile Devices

Editor’s notes: Thermal management is a critical factor in determining the performance limits of mobile devices due to their limited cooling capabilities. This article presents a coordinated self-tuning controller that reduces thermal violations significantly while providing higher performance. — Umit Y. Ogras, Arizona State University
Neural correlates of alcohol use disorder severity among nontreatment-seeking heavy drinkers: An examination of the incentive salience and negative emotionality domains of the alcohol and addiction research domain criteria

BACKGROUND The Alcohol and Addiction Research Domain Criteria (AARDoC) propose that alcohol use disorder is associated with neural dysfunction in three primary domains: incentive salience, negative emotionality, and executive function. Prior studies in heavy drinking samples have examined brain activation changes associated with alcohol and negative affect cues, representing the incentive salience and negative emotionality domains, respectively. Yet studies examining such cue-induced changes in functional connectivity (FC) are relatively sparse. METHODS Nontreatment-seeking heavy drinking adults (N = 149, 56.0% male, 48.6% non-white, mean age 34.8 years (SD = 10.0)) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during presentation of alcohol, negative, and neutral pictures. We focused on FC changes involving the nucleus accumbens and amygdala in addition to activation and FC correlations with self-reported AUD severity. RESULTS For alcohol cues versus neutral cues, we observed accumbens FC changes in the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex (PFC), and amygdala FC changes with occipital, parietal, and hippocampal regions. AUD severity correlated positively with activation in the cerebellum (p < 0.05), accumbens FC in the cingulate gyri, somatosensory gyri, and cerebellum (p < 0.05), and with amygdala FC in the PFC and inferior parietal lobule (p < 0.05) for alcohol cues versus neutral cues. For negative cues versus neutral cues, we observed accumbens FC changes in the lateral temporal, occipital, and parietal regions, and amygdala FC changes in the fusiform and lingual gyri (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The present findings provide empirical support for the AARDoC domains of incentive salience and negative emotionality and indicate that AUD severity is associated with salience and response control for reward cues. When covarying for differences in nonalcohol substance use and mood disorder diagnoses, AUD severity was also associated with emotional reactivity for negative cues.
Bushel Solow, Khane. A Life: Poems by Khane Bushel Solow 1892-1966. Translated by Saul Berman. Edited by Beth Solow Mills. NY: n.p., 2019.

Review of Bushel Solow, Khane. A Life: Poems by Khane Bushel Solow 1892-1966. Translated by Saul Berman. Edited by Beth Solow Mills. NY: n.p., 2019.
Polyethylene—The Material of Chance

This chapter begins by looking at the history of polyethylene from its unintended synthesis through to its position as the most widely used, by far, plastic. Consisting of relatively simple molecular chains, containing just two types of atom carbon and hydrogen, polyethylene can be shaped into fibers, pipes, a wide array of containers, made into a foam, and blown into transparent films thinner than a human hair. These different forms enable a range of applications from safely insulating electric power lines to reliably transporting natural gas. This chapter also looks at a closely related polymer to polyethylene, Teflon.
Neuroimaging Features of Intracranial Hypertension in Pediatric Patients With New-Onset Idiopathic Seizures, a Comparison With Patients with Confirmed Diagnosis of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Preliminary Study.

Seizures have been reported in association with idiopathic intracranial hypertension in pediatric patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signs of intracranial hypertension have not been investi...
RCTs with Time-to-Event Outcomes and Effect Modification Parameters

Current methods used to evaluate effect modification in time-to-event data, such as the Cox proportional hazards model or its discrete time analog the logistic failure time model, posit highly restrictive parametric statistical models and attempt to estimate parameters that are specific to the model proposed. These methods, as a result of their parametric nature, tend to be biased and force practitioners to estimate parameters that are convenient rather than parameters they are actually interested in estimating. The TMLE improves on the currently implemented methods in both robustness, its ability to provide unbiased estimates, and flexibility, allowing practitioners to estimate parameters that directly answer their question of interest.
Genetic manipulation of Treponema denticola.

The oral anaerobic spirochete, Treponema denticola, has been implicated in the etiology of human periodontal diseases; however, the molecular basis for the virulence of these organisms is still unclear. Potential pathogenic factors expressed by T. denticola have recently begun to be identified through the development of gene transfer approaches in this organism following electroporetic transformation. Several antibiotic resistance markers have been developed for use in the construction of monospecific mutants in these organisms. In addition, these antibiotic resistance cassettes have been more recently utilized to construct shuttle plasmids for complementation analysis of the mutants. These plasmids were also used to express heterologous spirochete genes in T. denticola. The transformation of other spirochetes such as T. phagedenis with these plasmids further suggests that it should be possible to develop similar gene transfer systems in other cultivable treponemes. Keywords: Spirochaetales; Treponema denticola; electroporation; gene silencing; plasmids; genetic transformation; heterologous gene expression
Perceived Barriers for First-Generation Students: Reforms to Level the Terrain.

This article examines the pervasive difficulties experienced by first-generation students in their quest to attend postsecondary settings. A change in the profile of the undergraduate student body ...
Of the Profession, by the Profession, and for Patients, Families, and Communities : ABMS Board Certification and Medicine’s Professional Self-regulation

Specialty board certification is a longstanding component of the US medical profession’s system of collective self-regulation. Although processes for board certification have changed over the years to match advancing medical practice and expanding public expectations of accountability, board certification has demonstrated to the public, the profession, colleagues, and the individual physician that certified specialists meet high specialtyspecific standards of education, expertise, and character.ThisViewpointdescribestheroleofboardcertification in collective professional self-regulation, current challenges and future directions.