cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aspects of breeding biology and social organization in the scissor-tailed flycatcher

We studied Scissor-tailed Flycatchers (Tyrannus forficatus) in southwestern Oklahoma during 1991 and 1992. In spring, males arrived earlier than females, and the sex ratio remained biased toward males for at least four weeks after the first birds arrived. Males defended large, dispersed territories, individual males paired with single females, and all observed copulations were between females and the males on whose territories they nested. From a behavioral perspective, the mating system can be categorized as socially monogamous. There was, however, some behavioral evidence that extra-pair copulations may occur: males displayed in groups to females early in the nesting season and both males and females intruded onto territories. Males did not engage in nest building, incubation, or brooding of young, but both males and females fed nestlings and responded aggressively to potential predators near the nest. Clutch size averaged 4.6 eggs, the incubation period lasted an average of 14.8 days, and an average of 88.0% of eggs that were fully incubated hatched. The majority of pairs (23 of 30,76.7%) fledged young in 1991, but not in 1992 (12 of 31, 38.7%) possibly because of weather-related nestling mortality. Successful pairs fledged an average of 3.7 and 2.8 young in 1991 and 1992, respectively. Approximately half(37 of 87, 42.5%) of the adults but none of the young (n = 108) banded in 1991 were sighted again in 1992. Adults exhibited a high degree of site fidelity between years
Sputtering Yields of Ion Thruster Materials at Oblique Incidence

Assessment of accelerator grid erosion is being performed through a combination of experiments an d computational modeling to provide better estimates of ion thruster service life. One of the most significant wear mechanisms is caused by charge exchange ions striking the accelerator grid hole walls, causing them to widen over time. Because the ions impact at glancing angles, the dependence of the sputtering yields of ion thruster materials on angle of incidence is a required input for any grid erosion models. In this study, existing theoretical and empirical models of sputtering at varying angles of incidence are reviewed . Comparison with results from experimental studies indicate s that agreement with such models for low energy ( 70o with respect to normal). Potential causes of thi s disagreement are investigated, such as effects due to target surface ro ughness and crystal structure. Nomenclature aI =interatomic radius ao =B ohr radius d� =differential cross section E =incident ion energy e =electron charge G =distribution function
Ralph Waldo Emerson's Saxons

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) towers over the American Renaissance but does not, though he should, reign as philosopher-king of American white-race theory Widely hailed for his enormous intellectual strength and prodigious output, Emerson wrote the earliest full-length statement of the ideology later termed "Anglo-Saxonist." His "Saxons" are not, most emphatically, the same as white Americans or white people.1 We ordinarily locate both white masculine gender panic and spread-eagle Anglo-Sax onism at the turn of the twentieth century, but Emerson laid them out half a century earlier, in the 1850s. In an influential treatise and oft-repeated lectures, he portrayed the American as Saxon and the Saxon as manly man and separated the genealogy of the Amer ican Saxon from that of the Celt. Deftly and subtly, Emerson elevated the Saxons and disappeared the Celts from the identity of the American. Emerson makes it crystal clear that "Saxon" (or, later, "Anglo-Saxon") is not a synonym for "white," even though the his toriographical literature often seems to equate them. My remarks this evening come from my work in progress, The History of White People, which W W. Norton will publish in the spring of 2010. The book offers a counterhistory of a prominent theme in Western thought, historicizing the notion of the white, rather than the nonwhite, races.2 Let me state categorically that I do not underestimate or ignore the overwhelming im portance of black race in United States history. A truly gigantic literature exists to explain the meaning and importance of race when it means black, to prove that race-as-blackness really and truly does exist (and, more recently, to show that it is no more than a cultural construction). By concentrating on the white races, I do not overlook or downplay the fundamental nature of concepts of black race. After all, the United States as a nation was founded by and largely for the owners of African slaves. Over the course of some two hun dred years, federal, state, and local governments labored to define black race, a history we
Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Smoking plants and pipes are unusual among artifacts in that they play roles in so many cultural and social domains. Thus, their analysis can provide insights into a vast range of anthropological topics, including technology, social interaction, iconography, religious ideology, chronology, and ritual. This chapter includes thoughts about future directions in pipes and tobacco research, and offers concluding remarks on some of the research highlighted in the volume, Perspectives on the Archaeology of Pipes, Tobacco and other Smoke Plants in the Ancient Americas. Future research may include: additional residue studies (spectrographic chemistry techniques in combination with DNA, pollen, or phytolith analysis may have potential in this regard), geochemical sourcing studies, study of regional distribution patterns in the styles, raw materials, and iconography of smoking pipes (an ideal application of geographic information systems (GIS) software), and additional technological studies to better understand production and manufacturing techniques. Residue analysis in particular is a rapidly expanding area of research with vast potential, but much of the inquiry has historically focused on questions of subsistence, with scant attention to possible drug residues. This is despite abundant evidence in the archaeological record in the form of various drug delivery devices, smoking pipes being a notable example. Recent work has improved residue methods and expanded our understanding of pipes, but there remains great potential in this area of inquiry.
55 APOPTOSIS GENE EXPRESSION AND ACTIVATION DURING CARDIOPULMONARY BYPASS.

Objective Cold blood cardioplegia (CBC) has been advocated as an advancement in myocardial protection during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and cardioplegic arrest (CA) leading to decreased postoperative morbidity. Bcl-2, Bad, and caspase 3 are intermediates within the apoptosis cascade, which is activated following ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced myocardial injury. We studied the expression and modification of these apoptosis intermediates due to cardioplegia and CPB in humans within cardiac and skeletal muscle. Methods Right atrial and skeletal muscle was harvested from cardiac surgical patients ( N = 6) before and after CPB, CBC, and mild hypothermia. Total and modified (cleaved/phosphorylated) caspase 3, Bcl-2, and Bad were measured by quantitative immunoblotting using specific antibodies. Microarray gene expression analysis was carried out using Affymetrix U95 GeneChip following RNA isolation. Activity of terminal caspase 3 was assessed by fluorometric assay. TUNEL assay was performed on atrial sections to identify cells undergoing apoptosis. Two-tailed paired t -test was used for statistical analysis. Results In response to CPB, skeletal muscle samples did not show changes in total or modified apoptosis protein levels in response to CPB. In myocardial tissue, CBC significantly increased phosphorylation or cleavage of Bcl-2, Bad, or caspase 3, while there was no significant change in total protein levels. Bcl-2 (Ser70) and Bad (Ser112) phosphorylation were increased by 2.35 ± 0.40 fold and 1.64 ± 0.25 fold, respectively ( p Conclusion Cold blood cardioplegic arrest triggers the modification/activation balance of both proapoptotic (caspase 3) and antiapoptotic (phospho-Bad and phospho-Bcl-2) proteins. This change is specific to myocardium as apoptosis cascade is not significantly altered following CPB in peripheral skeletal muscle. Moreover, protein activation rather than total protein levels may be the primary indicator of apoptosis induction in myocardium.
Boundary layers in rotating flows

Boundary-layer problems in rotating flows are unique, inasmuch as for many applications a strong interaction exists between the boundary layer and the outer flow. Although such problems may be solved either exactly in some special cases or by perturbation methods in somewhat more general cases, it is necessary to turn to some variation of the classical momentum-integral method to achieve the flexibility required for the general problem. A critical evaluation of such an approximate method involves comparison with known exact solutions, which in turn are always based on some similarity properties that hold for certain external conditions, at least in limited regions. The first part of this paper is devoted to a review of similarity solutions together with discussion of the limitations of the flow regime in which the solutions are valid. Next, a momentum-integral method for the laminar case is established in a form well suited for generalization to turbulent flow, and finally, applications to the interaction problem are discussed.
Use of four-wave mixing spectroscopy in semiconductor material studies

Frequency domain laser spectroscopy has been most often used to provide information on the internal Hamiltonian of the resonant system. In recent work, however, we have shown that by analysis of frequency domain four-wave mixing (FWM) line shapes, it is possible to obtain relaxation rates which reflect how the resonant system interacts with its environment. In addition, these experiments are performed with low-intensity cw lasers and give experimental information quite distinct from information obtained with high-intensity pulsed lasers.
Classical Constituents in Smolensky’s ICS Architecture

In a recent paper,1 Paul Smolensky replies to an article that Jerry Fodor and I published in 1990.2 I shall use this opportunity to make a partial reply; partial, because I lack the space here to address all of the issues Smolensky raises in his paper—a paper that spans sixty-seven pages of print. I shall confine myself to making one key observation and to attempting to clarify a few issues, leaving a fuller discussion for another occasion.3
Visualization of Time-Varying Weather Ensembles across Multiple Resolutions

Uncertainty quantification in climate ensembles is an important topic for the domain scientists, especially for decision making in the real-world scenarios. With powerful computers, simulations now produce time-varying and multi-resolution ensemble data sets. It is of extreme importance to understand the model sensitivity given the input parameters such that more computation power can be allocated to the parameters with higher influence on the output. Also, when ensemble data is produced at different resolutions, understanding the accuracy of different resolutions helps the total time required to produce a desired quality solution with improved storage and computation cost. In this work, we propose to tackle these non-trivial problems on the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model output. We employ a moment independent sensitivity measure to quantify and analyze parameter sensitivity across spatial regions and time domain. A comparison of clustering structures across three resolutions enables the users to investigate the sensitivity variation over the spatial regions of the five input parameters. The temporal trend in the sensitivity values is explored via an MDS view linked with a line chart for interactive brushing. The spatial and temporal views are connected to provide a full exploration system for complete spatio-temporal sensitivity analysis. To analyze the accuracy across varying resolutions, we formulate a Bayesian approach to identify which regions are better predicted at which resolutions compared to the observed precipitation. This information is aggregated over the time domain and finally encoded in an output image through a custom color map that guides the domain experts towards an adaptive grid implementation given a cost model. Users can select and further analyze the spatial and temporal error patterns for multi-resolution accuracy analysis via brushing and linking on the produced image. In this work, we collaborate with a domain expert whose feedback shows the effectiveness of our proposed exploration work-flow.
A rare, potentially life-threatening presentation of passenger lymphocyte syndrome.

BACKGROUND Passenger lymphocyte syndrome occurs when donor lymphocytes are transplanted with a solid organ and produce alloantibodies that react with antigens on the recipient's red blood cells (RBCs). Typically, passenger lymphocyte syndrome presents as immunoglobulin G antibody-mediated, extravascular hemolytic anemia with reticulocytosis. Often, the donor was alloimmunized before transplantation. CASE REPORT A 34-year-old Group O, D+ man with a negative antibody screen received a liver transplant from a Group O, D− donor. Twenty Group O, D+ RBC units were transfused on Postoperative Days (PODs) 0 through 2. On POD 7, the patient developed anemia, a weakly positive antibody screen, and a positive direct antiglobulin test with anti-D in the eluate. After POD 8, a D− transfusion protocol was initiated. Despite laboratory evidence of hemolysis, two initial peripheral blood smears showed no increase in schistocytes or spherocytes, the reticulocyte count was depressed, and a marrow biopsy revealed erythroid hyperplasia. Eventually, anemia resolved after a period of medication non-compliance; however, a positive direct antiglobulin test persisted to the last follow-up date (POD 233). RESULTS Other potential causes of aplastic anemia were investigated, but no alternative cause was found. History excluded passive anti-D. D+, LW− cells were reactive, excluding anti-LW. Genotyping showed no evidence of a partial D genotype. Chart review revealed that the liver donor had a history of anti-D. A diagnosis of passenger lymphocyte syndrome was reached. CONCLUSION Although antibody-mediated hemolytic anemia has been reported to cause reticulocytopenia in the presence of marrow erythroid hyperplasia, this report of passenger lymphocyte syndrome causing a similar post-transplant anemia in association with reticulocytopenia is noteworthy.
Optical and Temporary Double Stars

Two stars situated close together on the sphere may simulate a visual double star though they are independent, and widely separated in the line of sight. Unavoidably, many of these so-called optical or perspectivic objects occur in the double-star lists, the more as fainter objects and larger angular separations are included. As Kubikowski et al (1959) calculated, the probability that two stars with the respective magnitudes ml and m2 form an optical pair with the separation ρ (in arcsec)equals 6 x 10-8 N1N2ρ2, where N i are the star numbers per magnitude and per square degree at the magnitudes m i The numbers Ni strongly depend on the galactic latitude of the region concerned, but even at low latitude, in the Milky Way, they are not as large as to make a high probability of optical llth-magnitude pairs at separations under 10". Thus, the many thousands of wide pairs extracted from Astrographic Catalogue plates will be — with few exceptions — of little interest regarding orbital and proper motions, and yet only a minority of them is expected to be optical. Among the betterknown pairs (brighter than 8m and closer than 5"), optical objects are rare exceptions.
High-Yielding Syntheses of Crown Ether-Based Pyridyl Cryptands

Pyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (PyTFSI)-templated syntheses of 2,6-pyridyl cryptands of cis(4,4′)-dibenzo-30-crown-10 (3a), the p-bromobenzyloxy derivative 3b, bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10 (5), cis(4,4′)-dibenzo-27S-crown-9 (7), cis(4,4′)-dibenzo-27L-crown-9 (9), and cis(4,4′)-dibenzo-24-crown-8 (11) are reported. Here we provide a fast (12 h), high-yielding (89%, 74%, 80%, and 62% for 3a, 3b, 5, and 9, respectively) templation method without the use of a syringe pump. The yields for 7 (19%) and 11 (26%) were lower than with the previous pseudo-high-dilution method, indicating ineffective templation in these cases. Coupled with our previously developed templated syntheses of dibenzo crown ethers, this protocol makes powerful cryptand hosts readily available in gram quantities in good yields from methyl 4(or 3)-hydroxy-3(or 4)-benzyloxybenzoate.
Planning and executing optimal non-entangling paths for tethered underwater vehicles

In this paper, we present a method to improve the navigation of tethered underwater vehicles by computing optimal paths that prevent their tethers from becoming entangled in obstacles. To accomplish this, we define the Non-Entangling Travelling Salesperson Problem (NE-TSP) as an extension of the Travelling Salesperson Problem with a non-entangling constraint. We compute the optimal solution to the NE-TSP by constructing a Mixed Integer Programming model, leveraging homotopy augmented graphs to plan an optimal trajectory through a set of inspection points, while maintaining a non-entangling guarantee. To avoid the computational expense of computing an optimal solution to the NE-TSP, we also introduce several methods to compute near-optimal solutions. In a set of simulated trials, our method was able to plan optimal non-entangling paths through a variety of environments. These results were then validated in a set of pool and field trials using a Seabotix vLBV300 underwater vehicle. The paths generated by our method were then compared to human-generated paths.
The Colorado Humanitarian Surgical Skills Workshop: A Cadaver-Based Workshop to Prepare Residents for Surgery in Austere Settings.

Objective Interest in humanitarian surgery is high among surgical and obstetric residents. The Colorado Humanitarian Surgical Skills Workshop is an annual 2-day course exposing senior residents to surgical techniques essential in low- and middle-income countries but not traditionally taught in US residencies. We evaluated the course’s ability to foster resident comfort, knowledge, and competence in these skills. Design The cohort of course participants was studied prospectively. Participants attended didactic sessions followed by skills sessions using cadavers. Sample areas of focus included general surgery (mesh-free hernia repair), orthopedics (powerless external fixation), and neurosurgery (powerless craniotomy). Before and after the course, participants answered a questionnaire assessing confidence with taught skills; took a knowledge-based test composed of multiple choice and open-ended questions; and participated in a manual skills test of tibial external fixation. Setting The Center for Surgical Innovation, University of Colorado School of Medicine. Participants A total of 12 residents (11 general surgical and 1 obstetric) from ten US institutions. Results After the course, participants perceived increased confidence in performing all 27 taught procedures and ability to practice in low- and middle-income countries. In knowledge-based testing, 10 of 12 residents demonstrated improvement on multiple choice questioning and 9 of 12 residents demonstrated improvement on open-ended questioning with structured scoring. In manual skills testing, all external fixator constructs demonstrated objective improvement on structured scoring and subjective improvement on stability assessment. Conclusions For senior residents interested in humanitarian surgery, a combination of skills-focused teaching and manual practice led to self-perceived and objective improvement in relevant surgical knowledge and skills. The Colorado Humanitarian Surgical Skills Workshop represents an effective model for transmitting essential surgical principles and techniques of value in low-resource settings.
PennCNV in whole-genome sequencing data

The use of high-throughput sequencing data has improved the results of genomic analysis due to the resolution of mapping algorithms. Although several tools for copy-number variation calling in whole genome sequencing have been published, the noisy nature of sequencing data is still a limitation for accuracy and concordance among such tools. To assess the performance of PennCNV original algorithm for array data in whole genome sequencing data, we processed mapping (BAM) files to extract coverage, representing log R ratio (LRR) of signal intensity, and B allele frequency (BAF). We used high quality sample NA12878 from the recently reported NIST database and created 10 artificial samples with several CNVs spread along all chromosomes. We compared PennCNV-Seq with other tools with general deletions and duplications, as well as for different number of copies and copy-neutral loss-of-heterozygosity (LOH). PennCNV-Seq was able to find correct CNVs and can be integrated in existing CNV calling pipelines to report accurately the number of copies in specific genomic regions.
Influence of Exposure Time, Shear Stress, and Surfactants on Detachment of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from Fresh Lettuce Leaf Surfaces During Washing Process

Washing and sanitation of fresh produce are critical for detachment and inactivation of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. The overall goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of processing conditions such as washing time, shear stress, and a food grade surfactant on the detachment of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from lettuce leaf surfaces during a simulated washing process. A benchtop scale rotating disk washing device was designed to simulate the processing conditions used in commercial washing systems. Numerical simulations were carried out to calculate the flow profile and shear stress near the leaf surface. Removal of E. coli O157:H7 as a function of processing conditions in the rotating disk washing device was evaluated by enumeration of bacterial population using plate counting and changes in bioluminescence intensity and further confirmed by bioluminescence imaging. The results showed that shear stress was necessary to remove attached bacteria from inoculated leaf samples and simple incubation of inoculated leaves with wash water was not effective. Furthermore, detachment of bacteria from inoculated leaf samples increased with increasing shear stress and incubation time. Shear stress values in the range of 0 – 300 mPa were adequate to induce removal of approximately 1.5 log CFU/cm2 of bacteria from inoculated samples. The addition of a surfactant increased the removal of bacteria from inoculated leaf samples by 0.5 log CFU/cm2. Overall, these results may guide the design of new produce wash systems as well as current industrial practice related to flow conditions and use of surfactants during washing of fresh produce.
Complete Genome Sequence of Dietzia sp. Strain WMMA184, a Marine Coral-Associated Bacterium.

ABSTRACT Dietzia sp. strain WMMA184 was isolated from the marine coral Montastraea faveolata as part of ongoing drug discovery efforts. Analysis of the 4.16-Mb genome provides information regarding interspecies interactions as it pertains to the regulation of secondary metabolism and natural product biosynthesis potential.
Application of Multiantigen Profiling To Detect Pecan.

ABSTRACT A problem often encountered in the detection and identification of undeclared tree nut food allergens is the lack of analytical methods. This problem is accentuated by the current trend, whereby the primary methods used to detect food allergens are antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and the development of analyte-specific antibodies takes months. The recently developed xMAP food allergen detection assay (xMAP FADA) has the ability to generate multiantigen profiles with tree nuts, thereby providing a potential solution to this problem. The xMAP FADA includes 22 antibodies targeting peanut, soy, and nine tree nuts. The high number of antibodies to a diverse group of tree nuts and legumes and the propensity of tree nuts to cross-react have enabled the development of multiantigen profiling, whereby an analyte reacts with the various antibodies to generate a profile. Recently, a question arose regarding the possible presence of pecan dust at a manufacturer of pecan products tha...
The Role of DNA Double-Strand-Break Rejoining in Chromosome Damage and Repair

There is now ample evidence that DNA double-strand breaks (dsbs) play a major role in chromosomal aberration formation. Although this had been implied for many years from a number of studies (Evans 1977; Wolff 1978), the first concrete evidence for the contribution of dsbs to chromosomal aberration formation came from the studies of Natarajan and co-workers (Natarajan and Obe 1978; Natarajan et al. 1980). In these studies Chinese hamster ovary cells were X-irradiated in either G1 or G2 and subsequently treated with Neurospora endonuclease, an enzyme that specifically cleaves single-stranded DNA. With this treatment all classes of X-ray-induced chromatid aberrations were increased in G2 cells, and an increase in chromosome-type aberrations was found in G1 cells. These results demonstrated that converting X-ray-induced single-strand breaks into dsbs by the action of the Neurospora endonuclease results in increased chromosomal damage. In subsequent studies restriction enzymes were introduced into cells, and highly significant increases in chromosomal aberrations were observed (Bryant 1984; Natarajan and Obe 1984). Restriction enzymes are unique in that the only lesion they make in DNA is the dsb. They can be introduced into cells by a variety of techniques (reviewed by Morgan and Winegar 1990) and cleave at their specific DNA recognition sequence (Rufer and Morgan 1992). However, it appears that it may be the type of dsb rather than the dsb per se that influences the yield of chromosomal aberrations. Of the restriction enzymes used in chromosomal aberration studies, those generating blunt-end dsbs were significantly more efficient at inducing chromosomal aberrations than were those generating cohesive ends with either 5′ or 3′ overhanging ends (Morgan et al. 1990; Ager et al. 1991).
New York’s Strategy for Controlling Acid Rain

Governor Cuomo is an articulate and eloquent spokesman, and is interested not only in the reduction of the acid rain menace, but in other causes related to the environment, to the area of social justice, and many other concerns as well. I am indeed intimidated to have it thought that I might be substituting for Governor Cuomo. Obviously, I cannot do that, and neither am 1 going to be delivering Governor Cuomo’s address. What 1 will say is that Governor Cuomo does have an abiding interest in the subject which brings us together. Governor Cuomo talked with Woody Cole, Chairman of the Adirondack Park Agency, and the Governor repeated his concern that he could not be here with you today, but, when the New York State Legislature is in session, the Governor dare not be far away from Albany.
Chronic Daily Headache: Do We Know It When We See It?

Chronic daily headache (CDH) is a category of headaches that affects 4% of the general population. While it does not have recognition in the current version of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD 3), it is a well-recognized clinical entity among headache specialists, and has been defined by Silberstein and Lipton as a headache lasting 15 or more days per month for at least three consecutive months. The majority of CDH is represented by transformed or chronic migraine (CM) and chronic tension-type headaches (CTTH). However, Hemicrania Continua (HC), Chronic Cluster (CC), and New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH) are also included in this headache category (Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS), Cephalalgia. 33(9):629–808, 2013). Common comorbidities that are associated with CDH include medication overuse headaches, and psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as the myriad of comorbidities associated specifically with CM (Tzu-Hsien, Update of inpatient treatment for refractory chronic daily headache. Berlin: Springer Science; 2015). The best approach to treatment of CDH is a multidisciplinary one that includes medications, as well as non-pharmacologic therapies. Chronic daily headache remains a challenge for headache specialists and other clinicians, and accounts for more than 85% of the economic burden of headache on society (Soo-Jin, Outcome of chronic daily headache or chronic migraine. Berlin: Springer Science; 2015). Since there is no cure at this time, the goal of treatment remains reduction in the frequency, severity, and duration of headaches, with improvement in quality and function of life and reduced disability. This would create a positive economic impact on society through decreased costs and burden of disease.
Decreased PGC-1α Post-Cardiopulmonary Bypass Leads to Impaired Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Patients

Background The mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in patients with diabetes mellitus lacks understanding. We hypothesized that impaired beta-oxidation of fatty acids leads to worsened stress response in this patient population after cardiac surgery. Methods After Institutional Review Board approval, right atrial tissue samples were collected from 35 diabetic patients and 33 nondiabetic patients before and after CPB. Patients with glycated hemoglobin of 6.0 or greater and a clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus were considered to be diabetic. Immunoblotting and microarray analysis were performed to assess protein and gene expression changes. Blots were quantified with ImageJ and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with multiple Student's t test comparisons after normalization. All p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Immunohistochemistry was performed for cellular lipid deposition assessment. Results Diabetic patients had significantly lower levels of PGC-1α before and after CPB (p Conclusions Decreased PGC-1α in diabetic patients may lead to impaired mitochondrial function and attenuated antiapoptotic and angiogenic responses after CPB. Therefore, PGC-1α and upstream regulators could serve as a target for improving beta-oxidation in diabetic patients.
A Validation Study of a Middle Grades Reading Comprehension Assessment

A student’s reading skill is essential to learning. Assessing reading skills, specifically comprehension, is difficult. In the middle grades, students read to learn; and their teachers need a quick...
Atomic layer Deposition of 2-dimensional, Semiconducting SnSe Thin Films

Tin selenide (SnSe) is a two-dimensional, layered metal chalcogenide material. It has a direct band gap, hence has a great potential for next generation of opto- and photovoltaic devices. Uniform, smooth and high quality SnSe thin films were grown over large areas (5cm x 5cm) Si/SiO 2 substrates using Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). Films were grown over a temperature range of 350°C to 450°C, which exhibit p- type semiconductor characteristics. Structural and optical properties of the as-grown films were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). These analyses show growth of 2 dimensional, orthorhombic phase films. Back-gated transistors show p-type conductance, with an average hole mobility of 10 cm2/V.s and I on /I off ratio of ~105. Magnetic analysis shows a paramagnetic behavior.
Renal biopsy findings in patients with extreme obesity: more heterogeneous than you think

The number of obese and morbidly obese patients is increasing and so is the burden of renal disease in these patients. In a large series of biopsies from the morbidly obese patient population, Choung et al. show that there is heterogeneity in the renal disease affecting this population. It is imperative that the underlying renal disease in obese patients be correctly diagnosed for optimal management.
Assessment of IFNγ responsiveness in patient-derived xenografts

Patient-derived xenografts are a useful tool in cancer immunology, as they allow researchers to study human cancers in vivo when starting with a relatively small amount of human tumor tissue. These models make it possible to study tumor cell-intrinsic changes that occur in response to external stimuli including cytokines like interferon gamma (IFNγ) that are important for effective anti-tumor immune responses. IFNγ responsiveness can be measured by assessing surface expression of MHC class I on tumor cells, the molecule on which tumor antigens are presented to cytotoxic T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Low levels of MHC class I and lack of responsiveness have been associated with resistance to T-cell directed therapies like immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this chapter, we present a protocol for an assay to screen patient-derived xenografts for their responsiveness to IFNγ. The results of this assay can be used as a starting point for uncovering cancer cell-intrinsic mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapies in patient tumors.
Influence of Phenolic Acid Content on the Antioxidant Capacity of Hemicellulose from Sorghum Plant Fractions

Recovered hemicellulose fractions from biorefineries have the potential to improve overall process economics during the production of biofuels or other high value chemicals. A common hemicellulose found in many agricultural feedstocks is arabinoxylan (AX). This work investigated the influence of ferulic and p-coumaric acids on the antioxidant capability of AX hemicellulose recovered from sorghum bran, biomass, and bagasse. Sorghum bagasse and sorghum biomass AX contained the largest quantities of bound ferulic and p-coumaric acids at 13.1 mg/100 g and 6.3 mg/100 g, respectively. Antioxidant performance showed that sorghum bagasse AX hemicellulose produced the best reducing capability, while sorghum biomass and sorghum bran AX hemicellulose performed better as free radical scavengers. A reduction in free radical scavenging, as determined by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, occurred for sorghum bagasse and sorghum biomass AX hemicellulose at higher polysaccharide concentrations, which was either caused by the solution properties of the AX hemicelluloses or DPPH reaction reversibility in the presence of phenolic compounds with methoxy content. Alternatively, H2O2 scavenging by the AX hemicellulose revealed a dose-dependent response. Although scavenging effect was reduced at higher concentrations, sorghum bagasse AX hemicellulose functioned as having the best antioxidant capacity with respect to total reducing capability.
Improvements in sleep-disordered breathing during acclimatization to 3800 m and the impact on cognitive function

Sojourners to high altitude often experience poor sleep quality due to sleep-disordered breathing. Additionally, multiple aspects of cognitive function are impaired at high altitude. However, the impact of acclimatization on sleep-disordered breathing and whether poor sleep is a major contributor to cognitive impairments at high altitude remains uncertain. We conducted nocturnal actigraphy and polygraphy, as well as daytime cognitive function tests, in 15 participants (33% women) at sea level and over 3 days of partial acclimatization to high altitude (3800 m). Our goal was to determine if sleep-disordered breathing improved over time and if sleep-disordered breathing was associated with cognitive function. The apnea-hypopnea index and oxygen desaturation index increased on night 1 (adj. p = 0.026 and adj. p = 0.026, respectively), but both improved over the subsequent 2 nights. These measures were matched by poorer self-reported sleep quality on the Stanford Sleepiness Scale and PROMIS questionnaires following 1 night at high altitude (adj. p = 0.027 and adj. p = 0.022, respectively). The reaction time on the psychomotor vigilance task was slower at high altitude and did not improve (SL: 199 ± 27, ALT1: 224 ± 33, ALT2: 216 ± 41, ALT3: 212 ± 27 ms). The reaction times on the balloon analog risk task decreased at high altitude (SL: 474 ± 235, ALT1: 375 ± 159, ALT2: 291 ± 102, ALT3: 267 ± 90 ms), perhaps indicating increased risk-taking behavior. Finally, multiple cognitive function measures were associated with sleep-disordered breathing and measures of subjective sleep quality, rather than low daytime arterial oxygen saturation. These data indicate that sleep-disordered breathing at moderately high altitude improves with partial acclimatization and that some aspects of cognitive performance in unacclimatized sojourners may be impacted by poor sleep rather than hypoxemia alone.
Accessible, FPGA Resource-Optimized Simulation of Multiclock Systems in FireSim

Given the complexity of modern systems-on-chip, hardware-assisted verification is an integral part of the chip-design process. However, chip designers often need to choose between richly featured but expensive emulation platforms or faster, cheaper, but less debuggable FPGA prototyping solutions. FireSim, an open-source, FPGA-accelerated hardware emulation platform hosted in the public cloud, attempts to accessibly offer the best of both worlds. This article highlights two new FireSim capabilities that help realize this goal: multicycle resource optimizations, which can enable an eight-fold increase emulated core count, and FPGA-agnostic support for multiclock systems. These supplement existing FireSim features which provide a foundation for productive emulation, including a cloud manager to automatically scale out experiments and a rich debug toolkit.
First-Order Logic

First-order logic is a generalization of propositional logic, which is also referred to as predicate logic. Predicate logic is a more powerful extension of propositional logic, which can perform more complex reasoning tasks in artificial intelligence that are not possible with the use of only propositional logic.
Brief Report: The Experiences of Families of Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder When Seeking Patient-and Family-Centered Care.

Patient-and family-centered care (PFCC) is a partnership among healthcare professionals, patients, and families that is grounded in mutual respect and is an approach that impacts delivery of care, decision-making, and information sharing. PFCC should be implemented for all, including individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), who experience adverse medical encounters despite increased prevalence and healthcare utilization. Insights into the experiences of families during medical experiences can inform clinical practice by increasing healthcare professionals’ understanding of the population. Using a mixed-methods approach, the perspectives of 40 families were analyzed. The themes include barriers and opportunities to improve upon the delivery of PFCC, which help to advance healthcare interactions and inform solution-based initiatives to facilitate medical visits that may benefit all patients.
Silicon Field Emitter Arrays Fabricated Using a Layout-Independent Process

We present a layout-independent fabrication process for silicon field emitter arrays (FEAs) that improves the scalability of emission current with array size. Using this process, we were able to fabricate and measure FEAs with different array sizes ranging 1 µm2 to 1 mm2, which represents a range of six orders of magnitude in area.
Interventions to Improve Intake of Complementary Foods by Infants 6 to 12 Months of Age in Developing Countries: Impact on Growth and on the Prevalence of Malnutrition and Potential Contribution to Child Survival:

To evaluate programmatic efforts to improve dietary intake and growth in 6- to 12-month-old infants in developing countries, we reviewed the results of 5 efficacy trials and 16 programmes conducted...
DSC Characterization of Nematic-Smectic and Smectic-Smectic Phase Transitions in N(p-n-alkoxy benzilidene)-p-n-alkylanilines (n O. m)

ABSTRACTThe DSC method of Navard and Haudin is applied to characterize the liquid-crystalline phase transitions in a series of n O.m compounds, which exhibit rich but subtle polymorphism. This method involves the measurement of the ratio N = h1/h (where h1 and h are the heights of DSC transition peaks at two heating rates, one being twice the other). The particular relevance to distinguishing the order of the nematic-smectic A (NA) phase transition is emphasized.
Teamwork in School Health: Fifth National Conference on Physicians and Schools

Abstract President, Ruth Abernathy, was the AAHPER representative at the Fifth National Conference on Physicians and Schools. Elizabeth Avery, AAHPER consultant in health education, was chairman of one of the discussion groups. Several other association members served in leadership roles.
Democrats for Ehrlich? What a Confused Group!

This editorial appeared in the daily newspaper for Prince George's County, Md. The author makes the point that Robert Ehrlich's positions when running for Maryland governor against Democratic nominee Kathleen Kennedy Townsend were directly contrary to Democratic policies and voting records. Examples used are Ehrlich's positions on education, environmental standards, gun control, criminal justice issues, as well as his voting record to reduce government spending and aid to programs in these areas.
Expanded Host Range of Sucking Lice and Pinworms of Western North American Chipmunks

ABSTRACT: Biological inventories often miss parasites, a critical component of biodiversity, and even well-studied host species generally have a paucity of parasite records. Efforts to document the host diversity and distribution of parasites can use newly collected specimens as well as museum specimens. We focus on a group of widespread, well-documented hosts, western North American chipmunks (Rodentia: genus Tamias). Field-collected and museum specimens of chipmunks from across western North America were examined externally for sucking lice (Anoplura), and gastrointestinal tracts were examined for pinworms (Oxyuriodea). We documented new hosts and expanded the geographic distribution for four parasite taxa under investigation: Hoplopleura arboricola, Neohaematopinus pacificus, Heteroxynema cucullatum, and Rauschtineria eutamii. This effort demonstrates the utility of museum collections as well as the pressing need for continued field collection to characterize global biodiversity.
Quasiparticle echoes in scanning tunneling microscopy

It is shown that the local density of states, measured in a scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiment, at a single tip position contains oscillations as a function of energy, due to quasiparticle interference, which is related to the positions of nearby scatterers. We propose a method of STM data analysis based on this idea, which can be used to locate the scatterers. In the case of a superconductor, the method can potentially distinguish the nature of the scattering by a particular impurity.
RNA interference: applications in vertebrates.

One of the most unexpected findings in recent years has been the discovery of RNA interference (RNAi). The story started with paradoxical results from manipulations of model organisms such as plants and worms. For example, addition of supernumerary copies of a pigment gene to a petunia, designed to increase the color intensity in the flower, in fact had the opposite of the desired effect—flowers became less colorful instead of more so1. In the worm C. elegans, attempts to modulated genes with DNA antisense were at most partially successful, but a control using double-stranded RNA yielded very efficient suppression of gene expression2. Follow-up experiments established that double-stranded RNA molecules could somehow program the selective degradation of sequence-matched mRNAs (for recent reviews, see3,4,5).
Nucleation time lag at nano-sizes

A rapidly convergent exact expression for the time lag (also, � induction time� ) of transient nucleation obtained by Shneidman and Weinberg [J. Chem. Phys. 97 (1992) 3629] is used to evaluate the lag for clusters with up to 10 8 monomers. Asymptotic approximations to the exact expression are further advanced to provide explicit elementary expressions for the time lag in the Turnbull–Fisher (TF) nucleation model in various domains of parameters. The difference between the TF time lag and the one of Zeldovich–Frenkel nucleation equation is examined in detail. Transient nucleation flux and the number of nuclei are also discussed, and analytical results appear to be in very good agreement with numerical solutions of the TF equations at large sizes, as reported by Granasy and James [J. Chem. Phys. 113 (2000) 9810].
SU-E-I-32: A Comparison of Multi-Detector CT Energy Spectrums for Use in Monte Carlo Simulations

Purpose: To compare two different methods of obtaining energy spectrums for use in Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of a multi‐detector CT (MDCT) scanner. Methods: The first set of CT energy spectrums were obtained by directly measuring the x‐ray tube output using an Amptek CdTe detector with a collimator. The CT x‐ray tube was fixed at the 12 o'clock position and the detector was placed on the patient table. The bowtie filters were removed from the path of the beam, and the tube current was set to 10 mA, the lowest possible setting, to minimize x‐ray fluence. Data was recorded for tube potentials of 80, 100, 120, and 140 kVp. However, the 140 kVp potential saturated the detector. The second set of CT energy spectrums was derived by utilizing a MC simulation to pass a soft tungsten anode spectrum through a proprietary beam hardening material and recording the resulting spectrum. The initial tungsten anode spectrum was obtained using an implementation of Boone and Seibert's tungsten anode spectral model. Results: The MDCT scanner uses a tungsten anode which theoretically results in a spectrum with characteristic x‐rays of 59 keV and 67 keV. The second characteristic x‐ray peak was clearly evident in all of the measured spectrums; however, the first characteristic x‐ray peak was almost nonexistent. The derived spectrums were similar to the measured spectrums in that most of the soft energy in the 30–50 keV range had been filtered out. However, both characteristic x‐rays were present in the derived spectrums. Conclusion: Different spectrums resulting from measured and derived methods suggest a machine specific spectrum should be acquired for accurate Monte Carlo patient dose evaluation. The attenuation in the measured spectrum indicates the presence of a fairly significant hardening filter which may not have been fully accounted for when developing the derived spectrums.