cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting Parent-Child Differences in Perceptions of How Children Use the Internet for Help With Homework, Identity Development, and Health Information

Bioecological systems theory provides a framework to understand how factors in the child's environment contribute to parent-child differences in estimations of how often children are helped by their Internet use. A national sample survey of 456 matched parent-child pairs investigated how parents-child relational factors, parental attitudes toward the Internet, and the bio-ecology of the child, are related to differing perceptions of the frequency of using the Internet to seek help with homework assignments, to aid in identity development, and to find health information. While previous research shows that parents underestimate risky online behaviors, we investigate whether parent-child differences will emerge in regards to how often the child engages in the behaviors under investigation here. The findings show that parents overestimate these online activities, suggesting they are biased in their estimations. Parent-child relational factors emerged as predictors of parental overestimation for each of these ...
A review of optimal systems for organic production of blueberry and blackberry for fresh and processed markets in the northwestern United States

Abstract Various production systems have been evaluated in blackberry (Rubus L. subgenus Rubus Watson) and northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) in certified organic research trials for 5 and 8 years, respectively, in Aurora, OR, USA (lat. 45°16′47″N, long. 122°45′23″W) and are reviewed here. Treatments included cultivar, weed management, and fertilizer source in both crops; planting system, use of municipal yard debris compost, and fertilizer rate in blueberry; and effectiveness of liquid sources of fertilizer through the drip irrigation system, training time, and impact of withholding irrigation after fruit harvest in blackberry. In blueberry, cumulative yield per plant (2008–2014) averaged 21% greater on raised beds than on flat ground. A black, woven polyethylene ground cover (weed mat) offered the most economical method of weed control, as compared to a mulch of municipal yard debris compost topped with sawdust or sawdust alone. Mulching with weed mat increased cumulative yield compared to the organic mulches, but there was little effect of mulch type on fruit quality. Plants grown with weed mat had a higher shoot-to-root ratio during establishment and required more irrigation water be applied. Addition of yard debris compost to the mulch increased soil and leaf potassium (K), but had little effect on plant nitrogen (N). However, when this compost was used as an amendment prior to planting, soil pH increased to levels above the recommended range for blueberry. Some cultivars were less adapted to the various fertilizer sources and production systems tested. Trailing blackberry plants grown with weed mat produced 25% and 100% higher yield than plants grown with hand-weeding and without weed control, respectively, making this the most economical weed management option. We found no effect of post-harvest deficit irrigation on yield over 2 years. There was little effect of fertilizer source on blackberry yield or fruit quality in processed or fresh production systems. Cultivar differences in adaptation to organic production systems and susceptibility to insect pests were noted. Organic sources of fertilizer contain high levels of nutrients other than N, particularly phosphorus, K, and calcium. The addition of these nutrients when using organic fertilizers, even when they are not required by the plants, must be considered in these production systems. The cost of organic fertilizers tested ranged from $US5.60 to $17.95 per kg of N and varied by method of application. Liquid sources of fish and grain blends were successfully fertigated during the study with little impact on emitter performance. Since our research began, weed mat has become very common in organic as well as conventional blueberry fields in the Pacific northwestern United States thus reducing costs of herbicides and hand weeding.
The Forecasting of Micrometeorological Variables

The current status of the forecasting program developed for nuclear reactor operations at Brookhaven National Laboratory is discussed in some detail. The forecasting technique is based primarily on the empirical relationships between synoptic and micrometeorological variables as they have been determined by observation and climatological studies. Considerable attention is devoted to the classification and prediction of horizontal gustiness, which is used as a measure of turbulence in the meteorological control scheme. The application of the forecasts to control of the nuclear reactor is also discussed.
Application of the WBR algorithm to reduce patient exposure

2737 Objectives Nuclear cardiology has developed into a fundamental part of diagnostic practices today. However, the ionizing radiation associated with these studies has raised concerns. Although the immediate risks are rather minuscule when performing a single cardiac imaging study, the long term effects may increase malignancy in the future. Hence, in the last decade numerous modifications in nuclear medicine have been set forth, including the practice of image filtering and dose modification. Methods Cardiac phantom studies and previous clinical cases using a GE Ventri Dual-Headed Cardiac Camera were examined to confirm that applying imaging filters to a cardiac study, allows a patient’s dose to be reduced without sacrificing image quality. In order to stay consistent in the study, the same table height and distance between the camera and phantom heart was utilized. The limitations of the imaging filter were shown by reducing the frame time per image projection, thus overall counts. Patient size from clinical case studies and the attenuation associated with each was also considered due to the phantoms inability to recreate this. Results Image filters allow low count distorted images to be reconstructed using a meticulous algorithm. The filtered image formed via the WBR computer program protocol presents improved contrast, which would normally be observed from patients who have received a larger dose. Positive distinguishing differences were recognized when displaying the filtered vs. raw data images side by side. The enhanced filtered images provided ample data despite the low counts obtained; thus permitting the nuclear medicine team to make a valuable diagnostic decision. Conclusions Image filters are vastly impacting cardiac studies. ALARA is being recognized without having to forfeit imaging quality. Yet, the enthusiasm for nuclear medicine and the technology behind it is hindered by the growing respect and under educated risks of ionizing radiation. In an effort to reduce patient exposure, Froedtert Hospital strives hard to develop further techniques to minimize patients’ radiation dosage while maintaining exceptional diagnostic accuracy
Adventitious Root Formation in Walnut Hybrid Rootstocks (Juglans hindsii X J. regia)

The walnut hybrid “Paradox” is used extensively as a rootstock for English walnut cultivars grown in California orchards. “Paradox” rootstock produces more vigorous trees and increases yield compared to both J. hindsii (California black) or J. nigra (black). A major obstacle in the development of a clonal “Paradox” rootstock with superior disease resistance is that it has not been able to be rooted with much success. In addition, rooted cuttings usually died when transferred to the field. Recently we have been successful in rooting several genotypes of “Paradox” as well as other individual trees selected as potential rootstocks in the Walnut Improvement Program. Rooting percentages varied considerably ranging from 2 to 92%. Genotype was a major factor accounting for the variable results. Reliable, high (over 70%) rooting percentages, however, were obtained in several genotypes. The method of application was also an important factor in obtaining high rooting percentages. Application of IBA using a novel toothpick method was superior in most cases to that of a quick dip. The highest rooting percentages were first obtained with semi- hardwood cuttings. Careful attention to the amount of water applied to the basal sections of hardwood cuttings was essential for rooting of hardwood cuttings. Other factors that were critical for obtaining high rooting percentages included hedging of the stock plant, water status of the stock plant, and application of several compounds including abscisic acid, ferulic acid or spermine to hardwood cuttings. The addition of these organic compounds increased the rooting percentages significantly. Successful transfer in the field required the use of fiber plugs that kept the roots from being damaged when transferred.
ESTIMATING INTERVENTION EFFECTS IN LONGITUDINAL STUDIES

Longitudinal studies aimed at assessing the impact of interventions on disease risk factors often confront several statistical problems. These problems include 1) dependent variables measured by ordered categories, 2) numerous potentially relevant patterns of transition between outcome levels, 3) mixed units of analysis (e.g., assignment by social unit while theorizing in terms of individuals), 4) incomplete randomization, and 5) correlated estimates for successive occasions of longitudinal measurement. Longitudinal data on use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana among adolescents (n = 1,244, complete data) from the Midwestern Prevention Project are used to demonstrate solutions to each of these problems: 1) a proportional odds regression model, 2) conditional logistic models of transitions with interactions between baseline level and intervention effect, 3) a logistic model estimated with linear regression methods on measures aggregated by social unit, 4) conditional and unconditional models of effect magnitude, and 5) a repeated measures logistic regression technique. Panel data fit to the various models yielded the following conclusions concerning intervention effects in the Midwestern Prevention Project: reduction in the prevalence of cigarette users in treatment schools compared with control schools (8% vs. 18% smoked in the last week at one year follow-up), mixed evidence of an effect on marijuana use, and no evidence of an effect on alcohol use.
Disruption of the sarcolemma of mammalian skeletal muscle fibers by homogenization

A new method has been developed for mechanically disrupting the sarcolemma of mammalian sketletal muscle fibers (sarcolemma nonfunctional). Single fibers were produced from small pieces of the soleus muscle of the rabbit by gentle homogenization in a relaxing solution in a tissue homogenizer. These fibers were found to be longitudinally intact, with a sarcomere spacing of approximately 2.1 mum, permeable to large molecules of 10,000 MW, sensitive to the chemical stimuli that cause Ca2+ to be released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and responsive to Ca2+ in the same manner as frog fibers skinned in the traditional manner. The single fibers were mounted in a tension transducer and steady-state tensions were recorded in test solutions of different Ca2+ concentrations. The data did not differ statistically from data similarly obtained in identically prepared fibers that, in addition, we had longitudinally split in half to ensure disruption of the sarcolemmal barrier to the diffusion of ions.
Marijuana Tourism and Emergency Department Visits in Colorado

At a large hospital in Colorado, the rate of ED visits related to cannabis use doubled for out-of-state patients, with little change for in-state patients, from 2013 through 2014, the first year of retail marijuana sales. Statewide data confirmed these differential trends.
An improved benzophenone procedure for the microdetermination of 5,5-diphenylhydantoin in blood

A modification of the benzophenone procedure of Wallace for the determination of 5,5-diphenylhydantoin in blood has been developed. It is extracted from blood with dichloroethane, returned to alkali, washed with n-heptane, and oxidized with permanganate in screw capped tubes containing a layer of n-heptane. The absorption of the oxidation product is measured spectrophotometrically on an expanded scale using semi-microcuvettes. This procedure eliminates specialized glassware, reduces sample volume, extractant volumes, extraction and oxidation periods, and by washing the final extract with n-heptane non-specific interference is removed. The method is simple, reliable, highly specific and suitable for routine use. Sample requirement is 100–200 μl for a single determination with a detection threshold of less than 0.1 mg/100 ml. The intrabatch coefficient of variation is 1.2% at a blood level of 4.0 mg/100 ml and 7.0% at 0.5 mg/100 ml. The interbatch coefficient of variation for a control serum over one month was 3.8% at 1.31 mg/100 ml.
Grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae) Community Composition and Ecological Disturbance on Southern Idaho Rangeland

Grasshopper assemblages were examined at 30 sites in southcentral Idaho, representing various degrees and types of disturbance. These disturbances included heavy livestock grazing, wildfires, plowing, herbicide applications, and seeding of introduced perennial bunchgrasses, mainly crested wheatgrass. These disturbances resulted in the loss of sagebrush and native perennial grasses and has led to the establishment of exotic annual grasses and forbs on several sites. Grasshopper assemblages on sites dominated by annual vegetation were characterized by relatively high densities, low species diversity, and high proportions of species with broad diet breadths. Introduced perennial grass seedings were characterized by a high proportion of grass-feeding grasshopper species and high species diversity. Sagebrush–grass sites were characterized by lower grasshopper density and high species diversity. These results, obtained under generally low grasshopper densities, suggest that rehabilitation of annual grasslands with perennial grasses and shrubs, and protection of endemic plant communities, can contribute to more diverse grasshopper communities with lower proportions of pest species.
Cardiac Output in Coronary Occlusion Studied by the Wezler-Boeger Physical Method.∗

SummaryIn 4 of 5 cases of coronary occlusion the cardiac output fell rapidly, reaching its lowest level between the second and third day. The output began to rise soon after the third day and maintained a relatively constant level after the tenth day. In the 2 hypertensive patients (Cases 1 and 2) the cardiac output rose in spite of the fact that the blood pressure remained low.
Application of Routine Control Charts in the Intermediate Check-up of Reference Materials

[Objective]To introduce the application of routine control charts in the intermediate check-up of reference materials.[Methods] To carried out the intermediate check-up of the reference materials through drawing calibrating curve slope X-R control charts.[Results] The X-R control charts showed that the calibrating curve slope was under good control,that is to say,the reference materials were reliable.[Conclusion] To draw calibrating curve slope X-R control charts using statistical method to conduct intermediate check-up on the reference materials is feasible and applicable.
Detection of AFP-L3 in Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Objective To explore of clinical value of AFP-L3 in the diagnosis of patients with HCC.Methods The serum AFP-L3 levels in 137 patients with elevated AFP level were detected by ELISA.The patients were divided into HCC group and benign liver disease group.Results The serum levels of AFP-L3 in patients with HCC(109.04±62.51ng/mL) were significantly higher than those patients with benign liver diseases(25.96±49.43ng/mL,P0.001).The area under the ROC curve of AFP-L3 level in patients with HCC was 0.819.Taking AFP-L3 level ≥37.9ng/mL as diagnostic criteria,the sensitivity of AFP-L3 level in HCC diagnosis was 83.7%,and the specificity was 88.9%,with a total conformity rate of 85.4% compared to the confirmed clinical diagnosis.Conclusion The serum AFP-L3 levels might be a valuable biomarker in diagnosis and prediction of prognosis of HCC.The detection of AFP-L3 level by using ELISA is simple and cost-effective method.
Application Analysis on Partial Discharge On-line Monitoring Technology for Gas Insulated Metal Enclosed Switchgear Based on Ultra High Frequency Method

For mastering operation conditions of gas-insulated metal enclosed switchgear equipments,it is necessary to proceed real time monitoring for insulated state.This paper introduces detecting principles,system constitution and application practice of GIS partial discharge on-line monitoring system based on ultra high frequency method by combining internal defect discovery of 220 kV GIS in one substation.The application result show that this system can discover discharge defects inside equipments in time and correctly judge fault types of equipments by combining its own professional data base which may provide decision basis for avoiding accidents and arranging repair schedule reasonably.
[Culture-negative endocarditis: etiology, diagnosis, management and therapy].

Die Diagnose und Therapie der kulturnegativen Endokarditis stellt eine Herausforderung fur den Internisten und Kardiologen dar. Atiologie und Diagnose: Wichtige Ursachen fur eine kulturnegative Endokarditis sind 1. die Verabreichung von Antibiotika vor der Abnahme von Blutkulturen bei Endokarditissyndrom, und 2. Erreger mit verzogertem oder fehlendem Wachstum in konventionellen Nahrmedien. Neben Blutkulturen ermoglichen serologische Tests und molekularbiologische Techniken die Identifizierung eines Erregers. Daruber hinaus konnen klinische, demographische und epidemiologische Patientencharakteristika auf bestimmte Erreger hinweisen. Neben der klinischen Symptomatik gilt die Echokardiographie als die bildgebende Methode der Wahl bei der Diagnostik der kulturnegativen Endokarditis, wobei die transosophageale Echokardiographie eine hohere Sensitivitat fur die Darstellung von Endokarditis-typischen Lasionen aufweist als die transthorakale Echokardiographie. Wichtige Differentialdiagnosen der kulturnegativen Endokarditis sind die nicht bakterielle thrombotische Endokarditis sowie die Koinzidenz einer sklerotischen Herzklappendegeneration und einer systemischen Infektion. Therapie: Die Auswahl der empirischen Antibiotikatherapie richtet sich nach der als wahrscheinliche Ursache anzunehmenden Gruppe von Erregern sowie nach dem klinischen und echokardiographischen Verlauf unter dieser Therapie.
Interlayer-expanded MoS2

Motivated by the novel properties of two-dimensional materials, MoS 2 has been extensively explored with discoveries surging in the recent years. Such impressive progress benefits from the success in synthesizing nanostructured MoS 2 with precisely controlled parameters including edge density and crystalline phase. In this review, we focus on the synthesis of MoS 2 with expanded interlayer spacing and their applications in energy storage, catalysis and environmental remediation, highlighting the importance of tuning interlayer spacing on improving performance of MoS 2 . The challenges faced in this emerging research area and perspective research directions are also discussed.
Rabbit models of pneumonia, peritoneal sepsis, and lung injury.

To study the mechanisms that link sepsis with ARDS, many animal models have been developed. In this chapter, a rabbit model of sepsis secondary to an intrapulmonary or intraabdominal infection has been described. One advantage of the rabbit model of sepsis is that this species produces the C-X-C chemokine, IL-8. In contrast, rodents, which are often used in studies of sepsis and ARDS, lack this important chemokine. A second advantage is the rabbit's size. This species is large enough so that the measurement of physiological parameters (e.g., mean arterial pressure, heart rate, etc.) is not difficult, but they are not so large that they require large quantities of precious reagents (e.g., recombinant proteins and MAbs). A disadvantage of the rabbit model is that there are fewer reagents (e.g., recombinant cytokines and MAbs) available for the study of inflammation in rabbits when compared to mice.
Carb cutting works better with a partner

O-GlcNAc is a reversible post-translational modification that is added by O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and removed by O-GlcNAcase (OGA). OGA is emerging as a therapeutic target for multiple diseases, but its structure has been elusive until now.
P195 Single antigen dilution reveals interference and falsely low MFI for donor specific antibodies

A 48 year old man presented for second kidney transplant with a potential living donor, his brother. His first transplant was in 2000. At evaluation, the patient had HLA single antigen class I and II testing on neat serum treated with DTT, flow crossmatch (FCXM, ±Pronase) and cytotoxic crossmatch (CDC, ±DTT). Neat serum showed antibodies to HLA-A29 and B51, both repeat mismatches from his prior transplant, and an odd pattern of DQA1 antibodies (Table 1). The initial FCXM with his brother was positive on T (187MCS) and B cells (408MCS). The B CDC was also positive. The patient displayed DSA to HLA-A29 (8277MFI), B51 (1588MFI), and DQA1∗02 (8467MFI) in the same serum. However, the crossmatch was unexpectedly strong given the MFI. Importantly, the patient’s first transplant was from another brother, who was HLA identical to this potential sibling donor. We suspected that the patient in fact had strong antibodies to HLA-DQ2 and DQ7, which were repeat mismatches. It was curious that the beads with DQA1∗05 had the lowest MFI as this combination was exactly that present in the first donor. In addition, there were apparently allele-specific DQA1∗03:01 antibodies, which is unusual. Thus, we performed dilution of the serum at 1:10 and 1:100 to determine whether there was interference with very strong antibodies. Dilution of the patient’s serum resulted in a significant increase in MFI for DQ beads. For example, DQA1∗03:02/DQB1∗03:02 went from 944MFI to 10,533 MFI at 1:10. Dilution also showed that the patient’s DSA was to HLA-DQ2 and DQ7 rather than to DQA1 alleles. The donor was declined and paired exchange was recommended. We also noted on the single antigen reports that the patient exhibits “prozone” and the antibodies to DQ7 and DQ2 are much stronger than represented by the MFI in neat serum. This case demonstrates the utility of serum dilution to identify strong antibodies with falsely low MFI, and illustrates a pattern of antibody reactivity that should appear “suspicious” for interference: for example, apparent DQA1 allele-specific antibodies. Download : Download high-res image (208KB) Download : Download full-size image
The Assay of 2’ Deoxyuridine-3’-Monophosphate (dUMP) by 3’ Phosphorylation and Two Dimensional Thin Layer Chromatography: A Potential Radiation Marker of DNA Damage

Deoxyuridine is a stable pyrimidine adduct in DNA, and can be detected via 32P labeling cold DNA. Deoxyuridine (dU; monophosphate - MP) forms by the deamination of deoxycytidine, remains in DNA via deficient uracil glycosylase excision repair, or diminished scavenging by thymidylate synthetase, dUTPase and/or dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activities. The assessment of dUMP adduct formation and normal base composition is carried out by “shot-gun” 5′-phosphorylation of representative deoxyribonucleotides with all four standard 32p.alpha- triphosphates (dNMP’s as monophosphate) through nick translation. Subsequent 3′-monophosphate digest (micrococcal nuclease and spleen phosphodiesterase) “sister exchanges” a radioactive 32PO4= to the nearest neighbor cold nucleotide. Separation in two dimensional PEI-cellulose is carried out in acetic acid (1.0 M., pH 3.5 with NH4OH), and 5.6M (NH4)2SO4, 0.12M Na2EDTA, 0.035M (NH4)HS04 to pH 4. The technique was applied to human placental DNA, control and altered calf thymus DNA with cold stoichiometric replacement of dUMP; and adult Drosophila DNA, which lacks dUTPase and is deficient in uracil glycosylase, is heavily methylated, and surprisingly is devoid of dUMP. Scintillation detection of dUMP is more sensitive than densitometry, but densitometry more accurately measures adducts close to other dNMP’s. dUMP’s ubiquity in DNA is not completely explained by chemical deamination, since this forms slowly in vitro. Nor does enzymatic defense completely preclude dUMP’s presence. This technique easily and quickly quantifies the low molecular weight adduct dUMP in DNA both in vivo and in vitro.
Nickel, Lead, Cadmium, and Chromium Concentrations in Shoots of Maize Grown in Acidic Soil Amended with Coal Combustion Byproducts

Large quantities of coal combustion by-products (CCBs) are produced when power plants burn coal to generate electricity. The CCBs are disposed, usually in landfills, unless used beneficially. One beneficial use of CCBs could be application to agricultural/pasture/forest land. However, concerns exist for trace metal accumulation in plants when CCBs are applied to soil. Concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cd, and Cr in shoots of maize(Zea mays L.) grown (greenhouse) in acidic soil (Umbric Dystrochrept, pliCa= 3.9) amended with 15 CCBs at different levels are provided. The CCBs used were two fly ashes (FAs), three fluidized bed combustion (FBC) by-products, one Ca oxide (CaO) material, six high sulfite (CaSO3) flue gas desulfurization (FGD) by-products, and three high sulfate (CaSO4) FGD by-products. Chemical grade CaSO3, CaSO4and CaCO3 (lime) at different levels were also included in experiments. Because of the large number of materials tested and the various levels for each material tested, several experiments were conducted over time and each experiment had unamended and limed (different levels) soil. Mean shoot concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cd, and Cr in maize varied considerably depending on the CCB used to amend soil. Overall mean concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cd, and Cr in shoots of young maize were 1.47 for Ni, 1.38 for Pb, 0.32 for Cd, and 0.50 for Cr in mg kg−1, and were not above those considered normal for plant tissue. Loading in soil might be of concern if CCBs are continually added to the same soil over long periods of time.
Adaptation of Escherichia coli to long-term batch culture in various rich media

Experimental evolution studies have characterized the genetic strategies microbes utilize to adapt to their environments, mainly focusing on how microbes adapt to constant and/or defined environments. Using a system that incubates Escherichia coli in different complex media in long-term batch culture, we have focused on how heterogeneity and environment affects adaptive landscapes. In this system, there is no passaging of cells, and therefore genetic diversity is lost only through negative selection, without the experimentally-imposed bottlenecking common in other platforms. In contrast with other experimental evolution systems, because of cycling of nutrients and waste products, this is a heterogeneous environment, where selective pressures change over time, similar to natural environments. We determined that incubation in each environment leads to different adaptations by observing the growth advantage in stationary phase (GASP) phenotype. Re-sequencing whole genomes of populations identified both mutant alleles in a conserved set of genes and differences in evolutionary trajectories between environments. Reconstructing identified mutations in the parental strain background confirmed the adaptive advantage of some alleles, but also identified a surprising number of neutral or even deleterious mutations. This result indicates that complex epistatic interactions may be under positive selection within these heterogeneous environments.
Effect of dietary nitrate levels on nitrate fluxes in rat skeletal muscle and liver

Abstract Rodent skeletal muscle has high levels of nitrate ions and this endogenous nitrate reservoir can supply nitrite/nitric oxide (NO) for functional hyperemia and/or for other physiological processes in muscle during exercise. Mice with a NOS1 knockout have markedly reduced muscle nitrate levels, suggesting NO production by NOS and its reaction with oxymyoglobin as a source of nitrate. However, oxygen levels are normally low in most internal organs, which raises the possibility that nitrate-derived NO pathway is physiologically important even at “normoxia”, and muscle nitrate reservoir is the main endogenous NO backup when exogeneous (dietary) nitrate intake is low. Using dietary nitrate manipulations, we explore the importance of diet for maintaining and renewal of muscle nitrate reservoir and its levels in other tissues. We found that skeletal muscle nitrate is extensively used when nitrate in diet is low. One week of nitrate starvation leads to dramatic nitrate depletion in skeletal muscle and a substantial decrease in liver. Nitrate depleted from skeletal muscle during starvation is quickly recovered from new dietary sources, with an unexpected significant “overload” compared with animals not subjected to nitrate starvation. Our results suggest the importance of dietary nitrate for nitrate reserves in muscle and in other tissues, when compared with endogenous NOS-derived sources. This requires an active transport mechanism for sequestering nitrate into cells, stimulated by lack of dietary nitrate or other enzymatic changes. These results confirm the hypothesis that muscle is a major storage site for nitrate in mammals.
Concepts for delivering ifr clearances & exchanging pre-departure data using mobile devices

The majority of general aviation (GA) pilots use mobile devices to conduct many tasks related to flight operations, including performing flight planning, filing Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) flight plans, and retrieving weather briefings. However, there is an opportunity in the aviation community to implement additional mobile device capabilities for electronic (non-verbal) services, such as clearance delivery, departure release, and pre-departure data exchange, to streamline GA pilot operations. The MITRE Corporation (MITRE) has researched how leveraging mobile application technologies for these purposes has the potential to reduce pilot and air traffic control (ATC) workload, mitigate operational risk, and enable pilots to exchange data that will improve scheduling. MITRE has developed a research prototype pilot application and data exchange model to explore this evolutionary vision. This paper provides a detailed description of these concepts, the operational benefits of the various functions, and the data architecture. It also highlights the initial findings of an on-going field demonstration at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) conducted to test the pre-departure data exchange capability. The goal of our work is to mature these concepts so that we can transition the methods and processes to appropriate government and industry entities, who can use them for internal use or create commercially available and supported products that will further GA safety and scheduling.
Lakes of the Arctic

Arctic lakes represent a surprisingly large variety of lake types, including the unique and numerous lakes formed by thermokarst, as well as a variety of physical, chemical, and biological conditions. Two distinguishing features are the long periods of ice cover and the extremes of solar radiation, including continuous daylight and darkness. These extremes of ice and light affect many limnological characteristics, especially the rates and extent of lake stratification, the impoverished biodiversity of higher trophic levels, and the low annual biological productivity. The export of organic materials and nutrients from land to lakes dominates many lake chemical budgets, and inputs during storm events create strong seasonal variations in chemistry. Storm events also affect lake mixing and determine the light and nutrients available for phytoplankton. Arctic lakes are extremely responsive to climate warming because they lie at the transition precipice between solid and liquid water. Loss of ice cover caused by warming increases lake mixing and lengthens the growing season. In the catchment, the thawing of permafrost and melting of ground ice creates thermokarst and causes altered lake chemistry and massive landslides into lakes. Warmer air temperatures increase evaporation and thermokarst activity, which change drainage patterns and have resulted in thousands of disappearing lakes.
All-passive transformable optical mapping near-eye display

We present an all-passive, transformable optical mapping (ATOM) near-eye display based on the “human-centric design” principle. By employing a diffractive optical element, a distorted grating, the ATOM display can project different portions of a two-dimensional display screen to various depths, rendering a real three-dimensional image with correct focus cues. Thanks to its all-passive optical mapping architecture, the ATOM display features a reduced form factor and low power consumption. Moreover, the system can readily switch between a real-three-dimensional and a high-resolution two-dimensional display mode, providing task-tailored viewing experience for a variety of VR/AR applications.
Heller myotomy is the optimal index procedure for esophageal achalasia in adolescents and young adults

There is limited and conflicting data on the optimal intervention for the treatment of achalasia in adolescents and young adults (AYA), Heller myotomy (HM), esophageal dilation (ED) or botulinum toxin injection (botox). The goal of this study is to determine the most appropriate index intervention for achalasia in the AYA population. We completed a longitudinal, population-based analysis of the California (2005–2010) and New York (1999–2014) statewide databases. We included patients 9–25 years old with achalasia who underwent HM, ED or botox. Comparisons were made based on the patients’ index procedure. Rates of 30-day complications, long-term complications, and re-intervention up to 14 years were calculated. Cox regression was performed to determine the risk of re-intervention, adjusting for patient demographics. A total of 442 AYAs were analyzed, representing the largest cohort of young patients with this disease studied to date. Median follow-up was 5.2 years (IQR 1.8–8.0). The overall rate of re-intervention was 29.3%. Rates of re-intervention for ED and botox were equivalent and higher than HM (65.0% for ED, 47.4% for botox and 16.4% for HM, p 0.05). On adjusted analysis, ED and botox were associated with increased risks of re-intervention when compared to HM (HR 5.9, HR 4.8, respectively, p < 0.01). Black patients were found to have a risk of re-intervention twice that of white patients (HR 2.0, p = 0.05). HM has a similar risk of complications but a significantly lower risk of re-intervention when compared to ED and botox. Based on our findings, we recommend HM as the optimal index procedure for AYAs with achalasia.
Progress in development of electrolytes for magnesium batteries

Abstract Over the last few years, there has been an increased interest in developing safe, next-generation battery systems that offer energy densities higher than those of lithium-based batteries. In this context, batteries based on multivalent-ions (Mg2+, Zn2+, Ca2+, and Al3+) have developed their own niche with their capability to achieve at least twice the energy density of monovalent-ion systems such as Li-ion and Na-ion batteries. Among the multivalent-ion battery candidates, magnesium (Mg) batteries appear to be the most viable choice to eventually replace the Li-ion technology because of the high electrode potential, superior safety, and high abundance of Mg-metal. However, the limited development in electrolytes and cathodes has prevented their commercialization to date. There is a lack of suitable electrolytes that can be used at high voltages required for Mg2+ insertion into cathode hosts. The limited compatibility of organic electrolytes with Mg-metal anode is also a challenge, which requires extensive studies of the metal/electrolyte interactions. Such studies over the last two decades were critical in developing state-of-the-art Mg electrolytes that possess voltage windows of >4.0 V and simultaneously be compatible with Mg-metal anodes. Here, we present a review on the development of Mg battery electrolytes, challenges that impede their performance, and promising strategies that have been adopted to address them. We believe that this comprehensive review covering all three categories of Mg electrolytes (liquids, polymers, and solids) would enable researchers to get a quick grasp of the prevailing challenges, and consequently motivate them to develop novel electrolyte candidates.
Respect your elders: effects of ageing on intracranial pressure monitor use in traumatic brain injury.

Background The Brain Trauma Foundation recommends intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor placement for patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Adherence with these guidelines in elderly patients is unknown. We hypothesized that disparities in ICP monitor placement would exist based on patient age. Methods Using the National Trauma Data Bank (2010–2014), we identified patients admitted for blunt TBI with admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of 3–8. Patients were excluded if they had a non-Head Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score ≥3, hospital length of stay Results Of the 30 710 patients with blunt TBI with GCS scores of 3–8 included in our study, 4093 were treated with an ICP monitor. ICP monitor placement rates significantly decreased with increasing age. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that patients treated with an ICP monitor were more likely to be younger, male, have private/commercial insurance, and receive care at an institution with three or more neurosurgeons. Conclusion Patients ≥65 years of age with severe blunt TBI are less likely to be treated with an ICP monitor than younger patients. Age disparities in adherence to Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines may alter the outcomes for patients with severe TBI. Level of evidence Level IV.
Shopping Deliberateness in a Developing Country: An Empirical Study

This study used personal interviews with Turkish female grocery shoppers to determine their shopping behaviors and attitudes. The sample was divided into two groups: deliberate and nondeliberate shoppers. The two groups were then compared in terms of their sociodemographic characteristics, importance placed on patronage motives, purchase location of selected grocery products, and their attitudinal orientations. Results are outlined and implications discussed.
Characterization of the arginine kinase isoforms in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract Phosphagen kinases (PKs) are well-studied enzymes involved in energy homeostasis in a wide range of animal, protozoan, and even some bacterial species. Recent genome efforts have allowed comparative work on the PKs to extend beyond the biochemistry of individual proteins to the comparative cellular physiology and examining of the role of all PK family members in an organism. The sequencing of the Caenorhabditis elegans genome and availability of sophisticated genetic tools within that system affords the opportunity to conduct a detailed physiological analysis of the PKs from a well known invertebrate for comparison with the extensive work conducted on vertebrate systems. As a first step in this effort we have carried out a detailed molecular genetic and biochemical characterization of the PKs in C. elegans. Our results reveal that C. elegans has five PK genes encoding arginine kinases that range in catalytic efficiency (kcat/KMArg) from (3.1 ± 0.6) × 104 to (9 ± 4) × 105 M− 1 s− 1. This range is generally within the range seen for arginine kinases from a variety of species. Our molecular genetic and phylogenetic analysis reveals that the gene family has undergone extensive intron loss and gain within the suborder Rhabditina. In addition, within C. elegans we find evidence of gene duplication and loss. The analysis described here for the C. elegans AKs represents one of the most complete biochemical and molecular genetic analysis of a PK family within a genetically tractable invertebrate system and opens up the possibility of conducting detailed physiological comparisons with vertebrate systems using the sophisticated tools available with this model invertebrate system.
Whole grain consumption and insulin sensitivity

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the scientific evidence on the topic of whole grains and insulin sensitivity. Although obesity is one of the most important risk markers for type 2 diabetes, there is great potential for physical activity and diet, including whole grain foods, to improve insulin sensitivity independent of energy balance and obesity. For this reason, the chapter focuses on mechanisms and effects that are independent of obesity. It discusses plausible biological mechanisms linking whole grain intake to insulin sensitivity in a causal manner, observational human studies on this topic, and the experimental evidence. It also reviews the studies of nutrients or components of foods, such as fiber or vitamins and minerals and presents a discussion on the human investigations on the possible independent effect of whole grains, eaten in their whole food form, on insulin sensitivity, glycemic control, the prevention of type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The chapter further reviews the current research relating to whole grain consumption and insulin resistance, a precursor and risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Insect Outbreaks, Host-Pathogen Interactions, and Induced Plant Defenses

Abstract : Ecologists have long debated whether insect-herbivore population dynamics are driven by "top-down" forces, such as predators and pathogens, or "bottom-up" forces, such as induced plant defenses. In the case of outbreaking forest insects, theoretical ecologists have argued that top-down forces are most important, because mathematical models that incorporate only predators and pathogens explain time series of outbreaks from the field. Proponents of bottom-up forces concede that induced plant defenses often have only weak direct effects, but nevertheless argue that the models that do not consider plant quality are inaccurate because they do not include interactions between induced defenses and insect pathogens. Such interactions reduce average infection risk in the laboratory, and should therefore reduce infection rates during outbreaks in nature, when induced defenses are highest, but data from the field have shown that infection rates instead peak during outbreaks. Here we reconcile models, experiments, and field data, first by using a field experiment to show that, in the outbreaking North American gypsy moth, induced plant defenses affect pathogen transmission mainly by reducing variability in infection risk rather than average infection risk, which has the effect of increasing infection rates during outbreaks, not reducing them. We then show that this reduction in variability has important implications for insect population dynamics, because models in which variability in pathogen infection risk is determined by induced plant defenses produce realistic outbreaks, whereas standard models, when accurately parameterized, instead predict unrealistic stable population dynamics. Our work makes clear that top-down and bottom-up forces may interact in complex ways, contrary to traditional either-or viewpoints, and suggests that induction of plant defenses may augment the effectiveness of baculoviruses in reducing the damage caused by forest pests.
Meerkat: Scalable Replicated Transactions Following the Zero-Coordination Principle

Traditionally, the high cost of network communication between servers has hidden the impact of cross-core coordination in replicated systems. However, new technologies, like kernel-bypass networking and faster network links, have exposed hidden bottlenecks in distributed systems.This paper explores how to build multicore-scalable, replicated storage systems. We introduce a new guideline for their design, called the Zero-Coordination Principle. We use this principle to design a new multicore-scalable, in-memory, replicated, key-value store, called Meerkat. Unlike existing systems, Meerkat eliminates all cross-core and cross-replica coordination, both of which pose a scalability bottleneck. Our experiments found that Meerkat is able to scale up to 80 hyper-threads and execute 8.3 million transactions per second. Meerkat represents an improvement of 12x on state-of-the art, fault-tolerant, in-memory, transactional storage systems built using leader-based replication and a shared transaction log.
Grain boundary facilitated dissolution of nanocrystalline NpO2(s) from legacy waste processing

Dissolution of actinide dioxides, including neptunium dioxide (NpO2(s)), is paramount for the prediction of the environmental fate of nuclear materials. Quantifying dissolution rates, as well as understanding qualitative dissolution mechanisms, informs performance assessment for geologic disposal of spent nuclear fuel and management of legacy radioactive waste. The aim of this research was to measure the dissolution rate of nanocrystalline NpO2(s), produced through legacy nuclear waste processing, under oxidizing conditions, as well as to characterize surface alteration to the material. The solid phase was characterized using electron microscopy techniques (SEM/STEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), indicating preferential dissolution of Np-hydroxide contained in the grain boundaries of NpO2(s) and fragmentation of grains from the matrix. The oxidative dissolution was monitored over 40 weeks, yielding a two-step kinetic dissolution model involving hydration of NpO2(s) and subsequent oxidation and dissolution of the hydroxide phase. The proposed dissolution models for nanocrystalline NpO2(s) suggest that microstructural features such as grain boundaries are key factors affecting dissolution, including release of colloidal particles, and ultimately, environmental fate and transport of nuclear materials.
Moving Beyond Poverty: Effects of Low-Wage Work on Individual, Social, and Family Well-Being:

Social work has long been committed to eliminating poverty, which is at the root of many of the social issues and challenges we address. Over 40% of the U.S. workforce makes less than $15/hour, and...
Wavefront sensing based depth sensor for macroscopic objects

We propose a three-dimensional sensor by leveraging wavelength diversity and wavefront sensing. We correlate two close wavelengths’ wavefronts to generate a centimeter-level synthetic wavelength. The proposed system can achieve mega-pixel lateral and micro depth resolutions.
Virtues as reasons structures

There is a certain kind of tension in recent accounts of the role of reasons in virtue ethics between two plausible claims that pull in different directions. First, that virtues are the central normative notion in virtue ethics; and second, that virtue is a kind of responsiveness to reasons: that reasons explain both what it is to act from virtue, and what the virtues are. I argue that this is a serious tension and necessitates a different account of the relationship between virtues and reasons; one that explains the distinctive normative contribution of virtue, central to virtue ethics, and that also captures the ways in which virtues structure practical reason itself and provide normative reasons for thinking, feeling, and acting. I develop a view, which I call virtues as reasons structure, that achieves these aims by drawing a theoretical and practical distinction between reasons from virtue and reasons for virtue. On this view, character traits explain what reasons a person has. A generous person, for example, is one who characteristically takes certain facts to be reasons for action; these are reasons from the virtue. Reasons for the virtues have a different role in theoretical and practical reflection in grounding claims with respect to which character traits to develop. I conclude by arguing that this view does not lead to a problematic kind of relativism and suggest further lines of inquiry.