cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polarimetric radar scattering measurements of laboratory grown sea ice

Polarimetric radar scattering measurements were made of saline ice grown in an outdoor facility in support of a new Accelerated Research Initiative (ARI) of the Office of Naval Research. The ARI is multidisciplinary, encompassing active-and-passive optical, microwave, and millimeter-wave remote sensing; ice physics; and forward and inverse scattering modeling. The program objective includes the characterization and exploitation of the electromagnetic properties of sea ice with the ultimate goal to improve the retrieval of geophysical information using remote sensors. This will be accomplished by developing inverse modeling capabilities whose purpose is to retrieve at the highest level of detail the physical-electrical-chemical properties of polar sea ice. This paper describes the active microwave observations made during January 1993 and the relationship between sea ice and its microwave response at frequencies from 0.5-94 GHz. >
High-Resolution CT Findings of Parenchymal Fibrosis Correlate With Prognosis in Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis*

Background Histopathologic evidence of fibrosis on surgical lung biopsy has been associated with reduced survival in patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Changes of pulmonary fibrosis detected on CT may also correlate with prognosis in patients with HP. Methods We identified 69 consecutive patients with HP diagnosed between January 1997 and December 2002 at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Patients were stratified into fibrotic and nonfibrotic groups based on the CT findings. Fibrosis was defined by the presence of irregular linear opacities, traction bronchiectasis, or honeycombing. Measurements and main results Of 69 patients, 26 were classified as fibrotic and 43 as nonfibrotic. Patients in the fibrotic group were older, had longer symptom duration, were more likely to have crackles on auscultation, more likely to be exposed to avian antigen, and had greater restrictive lung impairment (p Conclusion CT findings of parenchymal fibrosis are associated with reduced survival in patients with HP and may serve as a useful prognostic indicator.
Diffractive electroproduction of ρ mesons

A tow pomeron model is used to analyze the distribution of the �� mesons electroproduction cross section with energy for different �� 2 . It is found that the steepness in the energy distribution can be attributed to the increase of the respective weight of the hard pomeron to the soft pomeron with increasing �� 2 . Using some suitable functions to fit the variations of the weights with �� 2 , a remarkable agreement with the experimental data is achieved.
Signal processing for optical communication

Optical communication plays a significant and increasing role in our society. The public demand for higher network speed requires an optical backbone network with larger capacity. Accompanying high transmission-rate optical communications system are severe technical specifications for optical devices and systems. Many popular optical devices could be represented with a digital filter model as described in this article. Use of well-developed signal processing techniques and algorithms to design these optical devices is a wise use of existing technology. The wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system, which is the dominating optical communication system, is introduced in this article. Three signal processing application examples for optical communications are presented: optical wavelength interleaver, an all-pass filter for chromatic dispersion compensation, and an electronic equalizer. As demonstrated in this article, signal processing could play an important role in the development of advanced optical communication systems. However, as demonstrated in the case of an electronic equalizer, some optical system characteristics may require special attention if signal processing techniques are to be applied successfully. Therefore, interdisciplinary cooperation between researchers in optics and signal processing will be crucial for optical communications to fully benefit from signal processing.
Interregional Wage Transmission in an Urban Hierarchy: Tests Using Vector Autoregressive Models

This study applies vector autoregressive modeling techniques to examine a wage transmission hypothesis. The techniques produce a model that quantifies the magnitude and timing of intercity interdependencies in the determination of wage rates. The Granger-Sims notion of causality is used to establish and test the statistical significance of the intercity wage relations. Impulse response functions provide a graphic depiction of the dynamics of the relations determined by the vector autoregressive model. A Granger-causal structure is found that is consistent with the hypothesis of downward wage diffusion through an urban hierarchy of cities. The approach used here holds great promise in many areas of regional science research.
Drug Trafficking and Drug Use among Urban African American Early Adolescents

The relation between drug trafficking (selling and delivering) and drug use among young adolescents has remained poorly characterized to date. In the current study, the associations between drug tr...
Cerebral hyperemia measured with near infrared spectroscopy during treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis in children.

Objective To use near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to evaluate the timing of onset and duration of cerebral hyperemia during diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) treatment in children, and to investigate the relationship of cerebral hyperemia to intravenous fluid treatment. Study design We randomized children aged 8-18 years with DKA to either more rapid or slower intravenous fluid treatment (19 total DKA episodes). NIRS was used to measure rSo 2 during DKA treatment. NIRS monitoring began as soon as informed consent was obtained and continued until the patient was transferred out of the critical care unit. Results rSo 2 values above the normal range (>80%) were detected in 17 of 19 DKA episodes (mean rSo 2 during initial 8 hours of DKA treatment: 86% ± 7%, range 65%-95%). Elevated rSo 2 values were detected as early as the second hour of DKA treatment and persisted for as long as 27 hours. Hourly mean rSo 2 levels during treatment did not differ significantly by fluid treatment group. Conclusions During DKA treatment, children have elevated rSo 2 values consistent with cerebral hyperemia. Hyperemia occurs as early as the second hour of DKA treatment and may persist for ≥27 hours. Cerebral rSo 2 levels during treatment did not differ significantly in patients treated with slower versus more rapid intravenous rehydration.
An Energy-Efficient Architecture for DTN Throwboxes

Disruption Tolerant Networks rely on intermittent contacts between mobile nodes to deliver packets using store-carry-and-forward paradigm. The key to improving performance in DTNs is to engineer a greater number of transfer opportunities. We earlier proposed the use of throwbox nodes, which are stationary, battery powered nodes with storage and processing, to enhance the capacity of DTNs. However, the use of throwboxes without efficient power management is minimally effective. If the nodes are too liberal with their energy consumption, they will fail prematurely. However if they are too conservative, they may miss important transfer opportunities, hence increasing lifetime without improving performance. In this paper, we present a hardware and software architecture for energy efficient throwboxes in DTNs. We propose a hardware platform that uses a multi-tiered, multi-radio, scalable, solar powered platform. The throwbox employs an approximate heuristic for solving the NP-Hard problem of meeting an average power constraint while maximizing the number of bytes forwarded by it. We built and deployed prototype throwboxes in UMassDieselNet -a bus DTN testbed. Through extensive trace-driven simulations and prototype deployment we show that a single throwbox with a 270 cm2 solar panel can run perpetually while improving packet delivery by 37% and reducing message delivery latency by at least 10% in the network.
Telomere shortening and ionizing radiation: A possible role in vascular dysfunction?

AbstractPurpose: In recent years, growing epidemiological evidence has linked ionizing radiation exposure to cardiovascular atherosclerotic disease. However, there are still major gaps in the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of radiation-induced vascular disease, especially for low-dose levels. Telomeres, repetitive DNA sequences of (TTAGGG)n located at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, play a role in regulating vascular aging, and shorter leukocyte telomere length has been demonstrated to predict cardiovascular disease and mortality. There is also evidence supporting the crucial role of telomeres in the formation of chromosome and chromatid aberrations induced by ionizing radiation.Conclusions: The purpose of the present paper is to review the recent advances in the biological mechanisms determining telomere length erosion after ionizing radiation exposure as well as to examine the hypothesis that telomere shortening may be the crucial mediator leading to detrimental vascular effects after ionizin...
Occurrence and Abundance of Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Relative to Field Borders in California Rice

ABSTRACT Field experiments were conducted during 2009 and 2010 on commercial rice fields in the Sacramento Valley of California to validate observations regarding the prevalence of immature populations of the rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), near field borders, and to assess their impact on yield. In 5 commercial fields, insecticide-treated and untreated plots were established 4.5, 30 and 60 m from one edge of the field. Soil core samples were collected on 2 dates and inspected for L. oryzophilus immatures. Rice yields were determined by harvesting 15 m2 plots in 2009 or 1 m2 per plot in 2010. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that in most locations, immature populations were higher in plots 4.5 or 30 m from the field's edge than in plots 60 m from the field's edge. Yields from treated and untreated plots did not differ significantly. Linear regression of immature populations and rice grain yield per plot per location did not yield a significant, inverse ...
Probable Migraine With Visual Aura and Risk of Ischemic Stroke The Stroke Prevention in Young Women Study

Background and Purpose—Migraine with aura is associated with ischemic stroke, but few studies have investigated the clinical and anatomic features of this association. We assessed the association of probable migraine with and without visual aura with ischemic stroke within subgroups defined by stroke subtype, vascular territory, probable migraine characteristics, and other clinical features. Methods—Using data from a population-based, case-control study, we studied 386 women ages 15 to 49 years with first ischemic stroke and 614 age- and ethnicity-matched controls. Based on their responses to a questionnaire on headache symptoms, subjects were classified as having no migraine, probable migraine without visual aura, or probable migraine with visual aura (PMVA). Results—Women with PMVA had 1.5 greater odds of ischemic stroke (95% CI, 1.1 to 2.0); the risk was highest in those with no history of hypertension, diabetes, or myocardial infarction compared to women with no migraine. Women with PMVA who were current cigarette smokers and current users of oral contraceptives had 7.0-fold higher odds of stroke (95% CI, 1.3 to 22.8) than did women with PMVA who were nonsmokers and non–oral contraceptive users. Women with onset of PMVA within the previous year had 6.9-fold higher adjusted odds of stroke (95% CI, 2.3 to 21.2) compared to women with no history of migraine. Conclusions—PMVA was associated with an increased risk of stroke, particularly among women without other medical conditions associated with stroke. Behavioral risk factors, specifically smoking and oral contraceptive use, markedly increased the risk of PMVA, as did recent onset of PMVA. (Stroke. 2007;38:2438-2445.)
The Genetics of Hearing and Balance in Zebrafish

AbstractThe zebrafish is an excellent model system for studying the molecular basis of inner ear development and function. The eggs develop ex utero and the ear is transparent for the first few weeks of life. Forward genetic screens and antisense technology have helped to elucidate the signaling pathways and molecules required for inner ear development and function. This review addresses the most recent advances in our understanding of how the ear forms and discusses the molecules in hair cells that are essential for sensing sound and movement in the zebrafish.
Climate Gradients, Climate Change, and Special Edaphic Floras

Abstract Serpentine endemics and other soil-restricted taxa may be presumed to face extraordinarily high risk from climate change because their narrow edaphic niches limit their possibilities to adapt through migration. However, their distinctive life-history traits and their competitive relationships with faster-growing soil generalists may complicate this picture and produce unexpected outcomes. Here we propose a conceptual framework for how serpentine endemics will fare under climate change, together with three potential tests of its predictions. We believe climate change should be embraced by serpentine plant ecologists as a critical area for greater study.
An in vitro evaluation of the contents of root canals obturated with gutta percha and AH-26 sealer or Resilon and Epiphany sealer.

The purpose of this study was to compare the contents of root canals obturated with gutta percha and AH-26 sealer (Dentsply, Tulsa, OK) to canals obturated with the Resilon and Epiphany (Pentron, Wallingford, CT) system. Canal contents were assessed by determining the percentage of canal space occupied by core material, sealer, voids, and debris. Forty extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were instrumented, and the teeth were randomly assigned to either the gutta percha/AH 26 group or the Epiphany/ Resilon group. Canals were obturated, and the teeth were subsequently embedded in resin and sectioned horizontally at 2, 4, and 6 mm from the anatomic apex. Sections were photographed by using a low vacuum scanning electron microscope. Image-J (Wayne Rasband; National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD) software was used to quantify the proportion of core material, sealer, voids, and debris in each canal. Percentages and statistical comparisons for each method were compared. There were no significant differences found among the two groups in terms of the percentage of core (p 0.9), sealer (p 0.58), debris (p 0.999), or voids (p 1.00). Additionally, there were no differences in the percentage of core material, sealer, debris, or voids at any of the examined levels (2, 4, or 6 mm). (J Endod 2007;33:1359–1363)
Gender‐inclusive science teaching: A feminist‐constructivist approach: A reply to Roychoudhury, Tippins, and Nichols

Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242Accepted 2 August 1996In terms of science teaching pedagogy, we agree with Roychoudhury, Tippins, and Nichols(1995) that (a) students should be allowed time for in-depth study, (b) students ought to be giv-en the freedom to pursue their own interests, and (c) more student direction should be a part ofthe curriculum. We also agree that differences in social expectations and experiences may giverise to different learning experiences and preferred learning styles for men and women. Whilewe accept the observational data describing different behaviors of males and females, we areconcerned with its interpretation. It appears that the authors take female groups’ collaborative-ness and the celebrated “women’s ways of knowing” at face value. Several feminist scholars,including Tavris (1992) and Wolf (1994) have offered theories quite different from the “womenare from Venus and men are from Mars” arguments of popular culture. Both Tavris and Wolfargue that females’ lack of power is the underlying reason for observed behavioral gender dif-ferences.We would argue that in trying to remedy the situation, girl collaborative groups help assurethat differences between male and female learning styles become increasingly wider. Accordingto Tavris (1992), the need for collaboration is not a female skill but a self-protective one; gen-der differences diminish when both sexes are equal in power. A major goal of preservice edu-cation should be to empower teachers to select instructional strategies based on meeting educa-tional goals, rather than on gender. It may be the case that females will learn science moreeffectively if female-friendly strategies are used; however, there needs to be more research withthis question before we can make that assumption.It is our contention that using a gender-inclusive teaching strategy, as suggested by Roy-choudhury et al., keeps elementary school girls focused on their supposed different personalityqualities. Instead of allowing for each student to develop the cognitive abilities necessary to un-derstand and do science, this strategy may end up supporting the ﬂawed belief that there is agirl’s way and a boy’s way of doing science. We have both worked with young girls in an in-dividualized science and mathematics program where this supposed propensity is not observed.
Can Haptics make New Music? - Fader and Plank Demos

Haptic interfaces using active force-feedback have mostly been used for emulating existing instruments and making conventional music. With the right speed, force, precision and software they can also be used to make new sounds and perhaps new music. The requirements are local microprocessors (for low-latency and high update rates), strategic sensors (for force as well as position), and non-linear dynamics (that make for rich overtones and chaotic music).
Simulation of physical systems from geometric models

The design of an extensible system is discussed in which the behavior of physical objects is simulated from their models. Complex objects can be defined in a multiplicity of domains, including their geometric shape, their dynamic response to applied forces, and their controlled behavior. In response to unforeseen changes, e.g., for unexpected collisions, the object models are modified automatically during the simulation.
SUCCESSFUL INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS: THE KEY TO DYNAMIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION

Community college administrators can achieve successful interpersonal relationships with their colleagues by exhibiting positive thoughts about their colleagues, developing openness in their relationships, using a team approach and a wide decision‐making base, and being concerned about the perceptions of others.
Seasonal differences in plasma cortisol and gill corticosteroid receptors in upper and lower mode juvenile Atlantic salmon

Abstract Circulating plasma cortisol and gill corticosteroid receptors (CR) have been observed to change seasonally in conjunction with smolting in Atlantic salmon. To differentiate whether these changes are seasonal or ontogenic, juvenile Atlantic salmon parr were separated by size into upper (UM) and lower mode (LM) in September. At monthly intervals, the fish were sampled for plasma cortisol, gill Na + K + ATPase activity and CR abundance ( B max ) and dissociation constant ( k D ). UM were significantly larger than LM, and showed the silver appearance characteristic of smolts in April and May. Gill Na + K + ATPase activity of UM fish increased 6-fold during the spring; LM fish increased 1.5-fold. Plasma cortisol levels increased significantly (10-fold) in UM fish in May, but not in LM fish. Gill CR B max increased 5-fold over the duration of the study in both groups. CR k D was lowest in October and highest in May; a 1.8- and 2-fold increase in LM and UM, respectively. There were no significant differences in gill CR B max and k D between the two groups during the study, except in May, when k D was significantly greater and B max lower in UM than LM. Peak levels of gill Na + K + ATPase activity occur coincident with an increase in plasma cortisol concentration. Seasonal increases in CR B max and k D are similar in UM and LM fish and occur independent of smolting in juvenile Atlantic salmon. In UM fish, plasma cortisol increases in spring are concurrent with increased smolt characteristics.
Effects of Early Dexamethasone Therapy on Pulmonary Mechanics and Chronic Lung Disease in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Objective. To determine the changes in pulmonary mechanics before and during early dexamethasone therapy, and to evaluate the effect of dexamethasone on the duration of mechanical ventilation in very low birth weight (VLBW) ventilator-dependent infants at risk for chronic lung disease (CLD). Methods. A prospective randomized trial was conducted. Forty-three patients (birth weight 600 to 1500 g, gestational age 24 to 32 weeks) who failed to be weaned from the respirator at 7 to 14 days of age were enrolled; 23 infants received a 7-day course of dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg/day intravenously for 3 days, 0.25 mg/kg/day for 3 days, and 0.1 mg/kg/day for 1 day), and 20 patients were in the control group. At similar mean airway pressure (MAP) and fractional inspired oxygen concentration (FiO2), respiratory system mechanics were measured before and on days 2, 5, and 7 of the study. Airway pressure, flow and tidal volume (VT) were recorded and only mechanical breaths were analyzed. Respiratory compliance (Crs) and respiratory resistance (Rrs) were calculated by two factor least mean square analysis. Results. Eighty-three percent of infants in the dexamethasone group and 90% in the control group received surfactant in the first 24 hours of life. There was a significant increase in Crs and VT in the dexamethasone group as compared with the control group (P 0.21 at 36 weeks of corrected gestational age, chest radiograph changes) was significantly decreased in the dexamethasone group (P Conclusions. Our findings indicate that: 1) early dexamethasone therapy in VLBW infants markedly improves respiratory compliance and tidal volume, reduces FiO2 and MAP requirements, and facilitates extubation in these infants; 2) early dexamethasone therapy reduces the duration of mechanical ventilation and decreases CLD (at 28 days and 36 weeks) in a population of VLBW infants largely treated with surfactant.
Growth of fluorescence gold clusters using photo-chemically activated ligands

Ligands made of lipoic acid (LA) appended with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain have been used in the aqueous phase growth of luminescent gold clusters with distinct emission from yellow to near-IR, using two different routes. In the first route, the gold-ligand complex was chemically reduced using sodium borohydride in alkaline medium, which gave near- IR luminescent gold clusters with maximum emission around 745 nm. In the second method, LA-PEG ligand was photochemically modified to a mixture of thiols, oligomers and oxygenated species under UV-irradiation, which was then used as both reducing agent and stabilizing ligand. By adjusting the pH, temperature, and time of the reaction, we were able to obtain clusters with two distinct emission properties. Refluxing the gold-ligand complex in alkaline medium in the presence of excess ligand gave yellow emission within the first two hours and the emission shifted to red after overnight reaction. Mass spectrometry and chemical assay were used to understand the photo-chemical transformation of Lipoic Acid (LA). Mass spectroscopic studies showed the photo-irradiated product contains thiols, oligomers (dimers, trimers and tetramers) as well as oxygenated species. The amount of thiol formed under different conditions of irradiation was estimated using Ellman’s assay.
Fine Scale Characterization of Crosslinking with the Atomic Force Microscope

Abstract Fine-scale variations of the crosslink density of elastomers are important scientifically and technologically. We have shown that the atomic force microscope ( AFM), used in the force/distance mode, is sensitive to the crosslink density. In this mode, the sample is pushed against the tip in a manner similar to that for standard hardness testing. However, the end of the tip of the AFM is only 100 to 500 A˚ in radius. Further, it can be moved in a controlled manner in very fine increments both from point to point over the surface and into the surface of a sample. As a result, it can sample much more finely spaced and smaller volumes of material than either the typical hardness tester or the usual methods of measuring crosslink density. Samples of a styrene-butadiene copolymer were compounded with varying amounts of dicumyl peroxide and cured under compression molding at 160°C. Crosslink density was measured by swelling. The results show a significant variation of force/distance penetrated with cros...
Expression of Monocytic–Histiocytic Cytochemical Markers in Epithelial Neoplasia

The diagnosis of malignant histiocytosis is usually based upon typical light microscopic features of the neoplasm. Supplementary cytochemical and immunologic features have been suggested as typical of malignant histiocytosis. The present study was prompted by an unusual erythropagocytic hepatocellular carcinoma having immunologic and cytochemical markers suggesting mononuclear phagocytic origin. Twenty-four neoplasms of unquestionable epithelial origin were prospectively evaluated for activity of alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase, a cytochemical marker useful in distinguishing between the non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas and malignant histiocytosis. The epithelial tumors represented a broad spectrum of tissue origins and consistently demonstrated alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase activity. Thus, erythrophagocytosis and alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase positivity may be misleading in the unusual instance in which the histopathologic differential diagnosis includes malignant histiocytosis and epithelial neoplasia. Ultrastructural assessment is useful in the exclusion of poorly differentiated carcinoma.
Ion association in 2:2 complex ion electrolytes: [Co(NH3)5NO2]SO4 in water-dioxane mixtures

Conductivity data are reported for solutions of [Co(NH3)5NO2]SO4 in water and aqueous dioxane. Ion-pair association constants calculated from the data range from 3.8×102 in water to 4.1×104 in 37% dioxane. A plot of logK A vs. 1/D is linear with a slope considerably greater than that for simple 2:2 salts. A major factor contributing to enhanced association appears to be ion-dipole interaction. The dipole moment of the complex cation is estimated to be in the vicinity of 6 debye units.
Ovine uterine morphogenesis: histochemical aspects of endometrial development in the fetus and neonate.

Uterine tissues obtained from fetal (d 60 to term; n = 17; d 0 = day of mating) and neonatal (n = 9; d 0 = birth) lambs were subjected to alcian blue-8GX and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-lectin histochemistry to determine if alcianophilic properties of the epitheliomesenchymal interface (EMI) changed during endometrial morphogenesis and to characterize distribution of binding sites for seven FITC-lectins during uterine development. Neonatal lambs were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy and unilateral hysterectomy (BOHX; n = 3) or unilateral ovariohysterectomy (UOHX; n = 3) on d 0. Remaining tissues were recovered on d 14. Procedures allowed within-animal comparisons of endometrial responses and assessment of the role of the ovary in endometrial morphogenesis. Uteri also were obtained from three intact neonatal lambs by hysterectomy (d 14, d 15 and d 26). Alcianophilic properties of the EMI characteristic of polyanionic glycosaminoglycans (GAG) changed with onset of endometrial remodelling after fetal d 60 and were characterized by loss of EMI alcianophilia at or above .3 M MgCl2 and at low pH. Alcianophilic properties of the neonatal endometrium suggested restabilization of lumenal EMI and destabilization of the EMI in developing endometrial glands. Five of seven FITC-lectins bound to both fetal and neonatal uterine tissue. Tissues from UOHX, BOHX and intact ewes were indistinguishable histochemically. Data provide evidence of a role for GAG in ovine endometrial morphogenesis, ovary-independent initiation of endometrial glandular development, and illustrate potential uses of FITC-lectin conjugates in studies of ungulate uterine tissues.
The influence of dominant shrubs, fire, and time since fire on soil seed banks in mixed chaparral

The composition and density of soil seed banks beneath co-occurring Adenostoma fasciculatum and Ceanothus greggii shrubs from three chaparral stands last burned 9, 35 and 85 years before 1986 were investigated. The overall density of seeds in the soil, as estimated by germinations under greenhouse conditions, increased with time since fire (ca. 8000 to 25000/m2). However, this increase was due entirely to the accumulation of A. fasciculatum seed in the soil (ca. 2000 to 21000/m2). In contrast, the density of C. greggii seed was different in each of the three stands, but was not correlated with time since fire: maximum densities were recorded from the 35 year old stand (ca. 2000/m2). A total of 31 taxa germinated and 17 occurred in sufficient numbers to be analyzed statistically. Germinable seed densities of three herb species were not influenced by soil source (beneath A. fasciculatum or C. greggii), time since fire, or the direct effects of a controlled fire treatment. Germinable seed densities of a further nine species were significantly influenced by the elapsed time since stands last burned. The densities of four decreased and five increased. Four of the species that increased in seed density over the three stands were annuals, suggesting that the chaparral sub-canopy habitat is not as unfavorable for annuals as is often assumed. The fire treatment decreased germinable seed densities of four annual species by 40–70%, but increased the germinable seed densities of the shrubs A. fasciculatum and C. greggii, and the annual Phacelia brachyloba. Our results indicate that seeds of A. fasciculatum will increase in the soil bank for at least 85 years after fire in chaparral where it is dominant. In contrast, seed reserves of C. greggii appear to be influenced primarily by site-specific patterns of seed production and by the intensity of post-dispersal seed predation.
“I Want to Do Things With Languages”: A Male Karenni Refugee’s Reconstructing Multilingual Capital

ABSTRACTThis article discusses how a male Karenni refugee in the United States has constructed multilingual capital along the way of his multiple movements across national borders. As a member of an ethnic minority group in three different countries (Burma, Thailand, and the United States), he has invested in learning multiple languages throughout the movements. Based on a two-year ethnographic study on the participant’s multilingual practices, I argue that being multilingual is a fundamental part of his transnational identities, economic security, and agentive acts. His roles outside formal classroom settings as a language broker, refugee, and an ESL tutor have been shaped by a continuum, or horizontal relationship of languages. The study suggests the inclusion of adult students’ transnational identity and multilingual practices outside a language classroom. In addition, a career that requires multilingual skills and transnational knowledge should be encouraged and created for newcomers.
Growth of uniform CaGe 2 films by alternating layer molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract Layered Zintl phase van der Waals (vdW) materials are of interest due to their strong spin-orbit coupling and potential for high mobility. Here, we report the successful growth of large area CaGe 2 films, as a model of layered Zintl phase materials, on atomically flat Ge(111) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) using an alternating layer growth (ALG) protocol. Reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) patterns of the Ge buffer layer and CaGe 2 indicate high quality two dimensional surfaces, which is further confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), showing atomically flat and uniform CaGe 2 films. The appearance of Laue oscillations in X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Kiessig fringes in the X-ray reflectivity (XRR), which are absent in co-deposited CaGe 2 , confirms the uniformity of the CaGe 2 film and the smoothness of the interface. These results demonstrate a novel method of deposition of CaGe 2 that could be also applied to other layered Zintl phase vdW materials. Also, the high quality of the CaGe 2 film is promising for the exploration of novel properties of germanane.
Effects of Size and Age of the Host Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) on Production of the Parasitoid Wasp Spalangia endius (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae).

One method of control of house flies, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), and other filth flies is by repeated release of large numbers of pupal parasitoids such as Spalangia endius Walker. Rearing these parasitoids may be facilitated by understanding how host factors affect their production. Previous studies have examined the effects of host size and host age on parasitoid production, but have not examined the interaction between host size and host age or the effects with older females, which may be less capable of drilling tough hosts. Females were given hosts of a single size–age category (small young, small old, large young, or large old) for 2 wk. The effect of host size and of host age on parasitoid production depended on female age. On their first day of oviposition, females produced more offspring from large than from small hosts, but host age had no significant effect. The cumulative number of parasitoids produced in the first week was not significantly affected by host size or host age. However, the cumulative number of parasitoids produced over 2 wk was affected by both host size and host age, with the greatest number of parasitoids produced from small young hosts. Thus, not only are smaller hosts cheaper to produce, but these results suggest that their use may have no effect or a positive effect on the number of parasitoids that can be produced when females are ovipositing for a week or two.
Cytomegalovirus Gn Genotypes, Symptoms at Birth, and Sequelae

Researchers at St Orsola General Hospital, Bologna, Italy, monitored symptoms of cytomegalovirus virus (CMV) at birth and during long-term follow-up of 74 congenitally infected newborns, and analyzed the distribution of gN variants in relation to virological parameters, clinical signs at birth, and sequelae, psychomotor impairment and sensorineural hearing loss.
Mary Hays's Female Biography: Feminist Remix

ABSTRACTLike most anthologists in the eighteenth century, Mary Hays drew extensively on previously published writing to compose her 1803 Female Biography. Rather than debate the originality of her ...
Layered Listenings: Lessons of the Land, Air and Sea

Embodied listening approaches that stand outside the canon of pedagogical mainstream provide a wide variety of insights for different pedagogical settings—from participants who have little-to-no musical training, to those with developed musical skills. A whimsical, graphic-text piece is provided to playfully break down barriers of “skill” to urge all participants to heighten awareness of sound in their environment. In addition, a context and suggested use of the piece is provided.
Spheroid Culture System Confers Differentiated Transcriptome Profile and Functional Advantage to 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

This study highlights functional differences between 2-D monolayer and 3-D spheroid 3T3-L1 adipocyte culture models and explores the underlying genomic mechanisms responsible for the different phenotypes present. The spheroids showed higher triglyceride accumulation than the monolayer culture and further increase with larger spheroid size. Whole transcriptome analysis indicated significant differential expression of genes related to adipogenesis, including adipocytokine signaling, fatty acid metabolism, and PPAR-γ signaling. Spheroids also showed downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), integrin, actin-cytoskeleton associated genes, and Rho/GTPase3 expression relative to 2-D monolayer, indicating suppression of the Rho-ROCK pathway and thereby promoting adipogenic differentiation. When exposed to linoleic acid (500 μM) and TNF-α (125 ng/mL) to promote chronic adiposity, linoleic acid treatment resulted in increased intracellular triglycerides and subsequent TNF-α treatment resulted in significantly altered adipocytokine signaling, fatty acid metabolism, and PPAR signaling, in addition to upregulation of multiple MMPs in spheroids vs. monolayer. Overall, 3-D spheroids showed enhanced adipogenic phenotype as indicated by triglyceride synthesis and transcriptome changes while retaining sensitivity to a pro-inflammatory stimulus. The 3-D spheroid culture thus may provide a simple, convenient, and sensitive in vitro model to study adipocyte response to metabolic stresses relevant to clinical pathologies.
Nutritional Management of the Patient with Cerebral Palsy

Nutritional status is intimately related to health in patients with cerebral palsy. There may be numerous difficulties, including poor oromotor function, dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux, intestinal malabsorption, or constipation, all of which might interfere with oral feeding. Feeding tubes are commonly used as an alternative or supplement to oral feeding. It can be difficult to assess the nutritional status of individuals with cerebral palsy, and each nutritional intervention needs to be individualized and followed closely to ensure that the patient receives proper nutritional support. The best nutritional management is accomplished through an active partnership between the patient, family, and care team.
Sexting in the public domain: competing discourses in online news article comments in the USA and the UK involving teenage sexting

AbstractThe current study examined the phenomenon of teenage sexting through an analysis of 1030 comments from 15 online stories in the US and the UK. Four competing messages emerged: (1) Innocuity: Is sexting a harmless or harmful activity?; (2) Comparability: Were teenagers in the past the same or different than current teenagers?; (3) Criminality: Is teenage sexting a criminal offense or a legal activity?; and (4) Sexuality: Is teenage sexting sexual exploration or sexual exploitation? The online comments indicated an overall struggle between two different discursive constructions of sexting: A discourse of normal connection and a discourse of aberrant exposure. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Diagnosis of immunomarkers in vivo via multiplexed surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy with gold nanostars

In this work, we demonstrate the targeted diagnosis of immunomarker programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and simultaneous detection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in breast cancer tumors in vivo using gold nanostars (AuNS) with multiplexed surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Real-time longitudinal tracking with SERS demonstrated maximum accumulation of AuNS occurred 6 h post intravenous (IV) delivery, enabling detection of both biomarkers simultaneously. Raman signal correlating to both PD-L1 and EGFR decreased by ∼30% in control tumors where receptors were pre-blocked prior to AuNS delivery, indicating both the sensitivity and specificity of SERS in distinguishing tumors with different levels of PD-L1 and EGFR expression. Our in vivo study was combined with the first demonstration of ex vivo SERS spatial maps of whole tumor lesions that provided both a qualitative and quantitative assessment of biomarker status with near cellular-level resolution. High resolution SERS maps also provided an overview of AuNS distribution in tumors which correlated well with the vascular density. Mass spectrometry showed AuNS accumulation in tumor and liver, and clearance via spleen, and electron microscopy revealed AuNS were endocytosed in tumors, Kupffer cells in the liver, and macrophages in the spleen. This study demonstrates that SERS-based diagnosis mediated by AuNS provides an accurate measure of multiple biomarkers both in vivo and ex vivo, which will ultimately enable a clinically-translatable platform for patient-tailored immunotherapies and combination treatments.
Dynamic discourse semantics for embedded speech acts

This paper investigates how different speech acts can embed and interact with logical operators and quantifiers. It argues for a discourse based semantics approach to the problem.
The Empowered Patient

Patient facing health informatics is an increasingly rich and interesting field, particularly because many people now use smartphone apps, wearable and other sensors and mobile devices to monitor and report on their behavior, activity and physiologic parameters. Those new technologies now have a name – mHealth (mobile health) – that will be the topic of a later chapter. In this one, we will address some of the other tools and approaches to patient engagement through informatics. We discuss various examples of personal health records and related tools, the technologies and regulatory incentives that enable them, and the factors that have limited their usefulness and adoption by patients. We also contrast traditional and essentially ‘read-only’ patient portals with an array of newer interactive tools that provide patients with greater ability to gain insights into their own health information to better manage their care. Some of these are old ideas while others are quite new. Changing economics and the new models of payment and care are increasing interest in mHealth based approaches to patient engagement in their own care as well as connecting patients to their providers on a more continuous basis.
Exercised Dependence and Shin Pain in a Division I Cross Country Runner: A Case Study

The following case investigates insidious onset of shin pain in a division I female cross country runner. Though her initial evaluation revealed early onset medial tibial stress syndrome, the sequence of events that occurred immediately afterwards is what makes this case unique. As the student-athlete underwent lower extremity rehabilitation to increase her mileage, she continued to report that her pain had plateaued. Additionally, she was reporting inconsistently to her athletic trainer – one day she would present with an antalgic gait, while other days she was pain free. Her first x-ray presented a periosteal reaction of her posterior left tibia. After adhering to the treatment plan for four weeks, the student-athlete continued to report significant bouts of pain as demonstrated by the Visual Analog Scale. A follow-up x-ray then revealed a transverse fracture through the proximal tibia. As this finding left the medical staff questioning reliability in her reportings, they soon discovered that she was excessively exercising beyond the set limitations specifically set by the athletic trainer, coaches, and team physician. Her roommate admitted to the coaching staff that she recalled instances over the past few weeks of the student-athlete deliberately skipping meals, and even conducted bouts of pinging and purging. She was immediately removed from team activities and referred to our team physician who reviewed her case and relevant medical history. She was further referred to additional behavioral counseling for disordered eating, obsessive compulsive tendencies, and her idealization of weight and excessive exercise. Although true exercise addiction is rare, the comorbidity rate in patients with disordered eating is clinically relevant. The Exercise Addiction Inventory is a simple and reliable questionnaire for healthcare providers to utilize during pre-participation examinations as a way of identifying athletes who may have a pertinent previous medical history, and greater risk of developing comorbidities.
Impact of Pre-Transplant Measurable Residual Disease on Relapse Incidence and Progression-Free Survival in Older AML/MDS Patients Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Background Relapse continues to be the major cause of death in AML/MDS patients following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Advanced age has emerged as a strong predictor of relapse due to both generally increased disease risk and reduced ability to deliver myeloablative conditioning due to comorbidities and functional impairment. The impact of measurable residual disease (MRD) prior to HCT has not been assessed in the context of older patients receiving CD34+ selected allografts. Methods We retrospectively examined 297 AML/MDS patients aged 60 years and older who underwent first allo-HCT at our institution from 2001 to 2016. We included only patients who received either a conventional or CD34+ selected graft. We collected MRD data using flow cytometry, cytogenetics (karyotype and/or FISH), and molecular mutation analysis from patients who had achieved a hematologic complete remission pre-HCT. Factors associated with the cumulative incidence of relapse (RI) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed using cause-specific hazard models. Results The median age was 65.8 years (range 60-78.4), and 42% were women. One hundred and eighty-four patients had AML (62%). Fifty-nine percent of patients had HCT-CI >2; 51% had pre-HCT KPS >80; and 37% had high/very high disease risk index (DRI). Seventy-five percent of patients received a myeloablative regimen and 61% received a CD34+ selected graft. Sixteen percent of patients had a mismatched donor. With a median follow-up of 5.1 year for survivors, the 2- and 5-year overall survival was 50% (95% CI: 44-55) and 39% (95% CI: 33-45) respectively. The 2- and 5-year of PFS was 46% (95% CI: 40-51) and 37% (95% CI: 31-43) respectively. By June 30, 2018, 93 patients had relapsed, or their disease progressed, with 3-year cumulative RI of 31% (95% CI: 26-36). Two hundred and four patients had available MRD data and 71, 35%, were MRD positive pre-HCT. In multivariate analysis of RI (Table below), high/very high DRI score (HR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3-3.8, p=0.004) and MRD positivity (HR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.2, p=0.027) were associated with an increased risk, with CD34+ selection approaching statistical significance for a reduced risk (HR 0.6, 95% CI: 0.3-1, p=0.064). In multivariate analysis of PFS, only high/very high DRI score (HR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.7, p=0.003) was associated with an increased risk. Conclusions In this study, we characterized relapse following allogeneic HCT in an older cohort of AML/MDS patients. While limited by the retrospective nature with likely underestimation of MRD status due to different assays and time periods, and by the lack of data on post-transplant maintenance, we confirmed the association of pre-HCT MRD with relapse risk. CD34+ selection has no impact on the risk of relapse.