cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of Creep Feeding and Protein Level on Growth and Maternal Performance of Replacement Beef Heifers

Abstract Crossbred Simmental cows (n = 102) nursing heifer calves at two farms (36 pairs grazed mixed cool-season grasses; 66 pairs grazed endophyte infected tall fescue pasture) were randomly assigned to three treatments to determine the effects of creep feed and creep feed protein level on growth, reproduction, and first lactation performance of replacement heifers. Treatments were no creep, 14% CP creep, and 18% CP creep. Creep feeds were offered ad libitum for 84 d prior to weaning. Pasture replicate served as the experimental unit for pre-weaning performance, and postweaning growth, reproduction, and maternal performance utilized individual animal as the experimental unit. Creep feeding and additional dietary protein in creep feed improved (P≤0.05) ADG of nursing calves on pasture. Creep feeding resulted in heavier weight, fatter (P≤0.05) heifers at breeding, but creep CP level did not affect (P>0.05) breeding composition. Body weight at pregnancy determination and postcalving were not different (P≥0.05) because of treatments. Pre-weaning treatment did not influence (P≥0.05) pregnancy, weaning, and calving rates. Noncreep-fed heifers produced more (P≤0.01) milk during the first lactation than creep-fed replacements. High protein creep tended (P≤0.10) to improve milk production during the first 2 mo of lactation. Nonetheless, total milk production was not different (P≥0.05) because of creep CP level. Creep feeding improves pre-weaning growth and depresses first lactation milk production; however, providing additional dietary CP in creep feeds may improve lactation performance during the first 2 mo.
Bank risk and deposit insurance

Arguing that a relatively high cost of deposit insurance indicates that a bank takes excessive risks, this article estimates the cost of deposit insurance for a large sample of banks in 14 economies to assess the relationship between the risk-taking behavior of banks and their corporate governance structure. The results suggest that banks with concentrated ownership tend to take the greatest risks, and those with dispersed ownership engage in a relatively low level of risk taking. Moreover, as a proxy for bank risk, the cost of deposit insurance has some power in predicting bank distress
Is Ideological Competition in Europe Necessary

Ideological competition in Europe, was supposed to end with the Cold War. There are two leading explanations for why it did not. The first says that a Cold War mentality persists because former Soviet elites failed to acknowledge their defeat. This has led to a “values gap” that is preventing progress. The other leading explanation is that Western elites have refused to acknowledge Russia’s contribution to ending the Cold War in order to assume the dominant position in the relationship. This dominance is manifested in the so-called “values gap.” This essay questions the legitimacy of this presumed “values gap” and proposes as an alternative strategy, an integral Europe that embraces its Slavic Heritage as part of its core identity.
VEGF stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of β-catenin and small-pore endothelial barrier dysfunction

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that tyrosine phosphorylation signaling events and protein kinase C (PKC) activation mediate vascular endothelial growth factor-A165 (VEGF)-indu...
Acoustical awareness for intelligent robotic action

With the growth of successes in pattern recognition and signal processing, mobile robot applications today are increasingly equipping their hardware with microphones to improve the set of available sensory information. However, if the robot, and therefore the microphone, ends up in a poor location acoustically, then the data will remain noisy and potentially useless for accomplishing the required task. This is compounded by the fact that there are many bad acoustic locations through which a robot is likely to pass, and so the results from auditory sensors often remain poor for much of the task. The movement of the robot, though, can also be an important tool for overcoming these problems, a tool that has not been exploited in the traditional signal processing community. Robots are not limited to a single location as are traditionally placed microphones, nor are they powerless over to where they will be moved as with wearable computers. If there is a better location available for performing its task, a robot can navigate to that location under its own power. Furthermore, when deciding where to move, robots can develop complex models of the environment. Using an array of sensors, a mobile robot can build models of sound flow through an area, picking from those models the paths most likely to improve performance of an acoustic application. In this dissertation, we address the question of how to exploit robotic movement. Using common sensors, we present a collection of tools for gathering information about the auditory scene and incorporating that information into a general framework for acoustical awareness. Thus equipped, robots can make intelligent decisions regarding control strategies to enhance their performance on the underlying acoustic application.
Cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: an appraisal of outcomes and cost at a newly established peritoneal malignancy program

Abstract Background Outcome measures after cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) for peritoneal carcinomatosis in established centers are well defined. However, results from newly emerging US centers have not been reported. Methods This is a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients with peritoneal malignancies undergoing CRS/HIPEC. Results Fifty-six patients underwent exploratory laparotomy with 36 receiving CRS/HIPEC over 36 months. The median peritoneal cancer index score was 18, and the cytoreduction 0/1 rate was 92%. Postoperative major morbidity was 16.7% with one perioperative death. The median length of hospital stay and intensive care unit days were 9 and 3 days, respectively. Disease-free survival in high-grade vs low-grade tumors was 12.6 and 31.0 months ( P , .03), respectively. Average direct cost for patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC was $25,917. Conclusions Our emerging center's short-term results are comparable with established programs with a trend toward more selective intraoperative judgment on who undergoes CRS/HIPEC.
Updating Narcissus, the Ur-myth of Media, for Digital Gaming:

This article illustrates that the Narcissus myth can and has been interpreted as fundamentally about media. Surveying previous interpretations from Mulvey and McLuhan reveals that these rely upon assumptions based in a literate (Mulvey) and electronic (McLuhan) media environment. These interpretations offer insights into the desires and dangers of media, but they do not capture the unique desires of gaming, which are more about the play between self and other than love of self or other. Thus I offer an updated version for digital gaming. This interpretation portrays Narcissus as becoming entranced by the play between self and image, immediacy and hypermediacy, or control and conditions, leading to a better understanding of digital gaming and virtual space as operating via an economy between these pairs rather than an opposition. This economy produces unique desires not encapsulated by previous interpretations of Narcissus, which are frequently applied to gaming.
Energy availability and infertility.

Purpose of review To relate recent research on the dependence of reproductive function on energy availability in women to recent clinical experience in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Recent findings The dependence of luteinizing hormone pulsatility on energy availability declines during adolescence, but the responses of leptin and other peripheral signals of energy deficiency do not. This finding suggests that central sensitivity to these signals may decline during adolescence. Energy availability may be inadequate in anorexia nervosa patients whose menstrual cycles are not restored after weight recovery. Summary Energy availability is a theoretically satisfying and operationally controllable concept for understanding, investigating, and managing the energy dependence of reproductive function. Nutritional intervention to restore menstrual cycles in anorexia nervosa patients might be more successful if it was guided by energy availability and ovarian volume rather than energy intake and body weight.
Slater on self-referential arguments

[2] Joel Feinberg, Harmless Wrongdoing, Vol. 4 of The Moral Limits of the Criminal Law (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1988). [3] Michael Gorr, 'Liberalism and the Paradox of Blackmail', Philosophy and Public Affairs 21 (1992) 43-66. [4] James Lindgren, 'Unravelling the Paradox of Blackmail', Columbia Law Review 84 (1984) 670-717. [5] John Stuart Mill, On Liberty. [6] Jeffrie G. Murphy, 'Blackmail: A Preliminary Inquiry', The Monist 63 (1980) 156-171.
Thermal Environment Evolution and Its Impact on Vapor Deposition in Large Diameter AlN Bulk Growth

In an AlN sublimation growth system, to obtain a large and thick single crystal, it is very important to maintain the thermal environment suitable for growth inside the crucible during a long period of time (>100 Hours). In this paper, an integrated model capable of describing inductive, radiative and conductive heat transfer will be used to simulate the transient behavior of thermal environment inside the crucible during a 40-hour experiment growth. The effect of graphite insulation degradation on the temperature distribution inside the crucible will be investigated. Simulation results will be compared with the experiments data to study the effect of the insulation thermal conductivity and geometry change, the degradation induced particle deposition, and the crystal size enlargement on the temperature distribution achieved in the crucible and the growth rate. The relationship of graphite insulation degradation with power input change of the induction heated system will be established. The evolution of temperature difference between the surfaces of source material and crystal, which is the driving force of the growth, will be presented.
A CAD method for the determination of free molecule aerodynamic and solar radiation forces and moments

A CAD program to calculate free molecule and solar force and moment coefficients was developed and applied to t.he Space St.at.ion wit.h three different approximations of the structural truss. The primary result is t.hat the geometrical model of t.he spacecraft, rather t.han the paramet.ers such as the temperature of the reflected molecules or reflectance of the surface, is the major factor in calculating accurate force and moment coefficients for a complicated spacecraft Such as the Space Station. The effect of the t.ruSS approximation on the force Coefficients is predictable, with the magnitudes of the coefficients ranked by the size of t.he t r u s approximation. The effect of the truss approximation on the moment coefficients is more complex and shading effects cause significant, irregularities in the moment coefficients as the angle of at.tack varies.
Molecular Mechanism of Exploration on the Prevention of TCM for Drug- resistant Pulmonary Tuberculosis

In recent years,Tuberculosis(TB) has worsened sharply all over the world. The resistance of tuberculosis(TB) has been increased year by year,which severely threatens the human health. Controlling drug- resistant pulmonary tuberculosis especially multi- drug resistant tuberculosis and serious drug- resistant TB is regarded as a long- term and difficult job. TCM has accumulated experience for several thousand years in prevention and control of tuberculosis,and it has certain curative effect on drug- resistant tuberculosis diseases,however,its molecular mechanism is not clearly demonstrated. Discussing molecular mechanism of the prevention of TCM for drug- resistant pulmonary tuberculosis whether depending on repaired mutant gene of mycobacterium tuberculosis will be of great importance in creating a new way of the prevention of drug- resistant TB.
The Effect of Stressful Life Events on Postpartum Depression: Findings from the 2009–2011 Mississippi Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System

Objectives To determine the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) among new mothers in Mississippi during 2009–2011 and evaluate the effects of different stressful life events in the year before delivery on the likelihood of PPD. Methods We used Mississippi Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) 2009–2011 data (n = 3695) to evaluate the effects of different stressful life events on PPD. We categorized 13 stressors into 4 groups: financial, relational, trauma-related, and emotional. A composite score of the mothers’ responses (≥10) to the three items: “I felt down, depressed, or sad”, “I felt hopeless”, and “I felt slowed down” was used to measure PPD. The items were rated on a Likert scale from (1) never to 5 (always). Descriptive statistics, Chi square tests, t tests, and logistic regression analyses were conducted using SAS 9.3 Proc Survey procedure (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). Results The overall prevalence of self-reported PPD was 14.8 %. Mothers who experienced high relational with low financial and high trauma related stresses had the highest likelihood of PPD diagnosis after adjusting for confounders (OR = 8.6; 95 % CI, 3.5–21.3), followed by those who reported high relational stress with low financial and low trauma stresses (OR = 5.9; 95 % CI, 3.5–10.2). Those with high financial, low relational, and low trauma had the least likelihood of PPD (OR = 2.2; 95 % CI, 1.6–3.0) compared to women with low stress in all three categories. Conclusion Our findings showed that the likelihood of PPD was higher among women who had high relational stress, indicating that efforts to effectively prevent PPD need to focus on healthy relationships between partners during pregnancy.
THE THEORY OF BOHM AND BUB

This chapter focuses on Bohm and Bub start with a slight modification of the Wiener–Siegel theory in the simplified form. The Wiener–Siegel theory tried to approach the problem of reduction of states after external interactions by the methods of quantum theory. This method makes an intrinsically illogical change in the description of a system because such a change is practically efficient, and it justifies this step by showing that for statistical purposes the new description is as good as the old one. While this may be satisfactory within a purely statistical theory like quantum theory, it clashes with the (crypto)deterministic philosophy of hidden-variables theory. In interactions between particles, one would lose the (crypto)-determinism that Wiener and Siegel postulated and that was the whole purpose of their hidden-variables theory.
A novel iterative method for approximating frequency response with equivalent pole/residues

Frequency domain modeling of interconnects has become the de facto standard for characterization in high-speed signal and power delivery systems. But time domain system level performance analysis calls for pole/residue representation followed by circuit level synthesis from the frequency domain sampled data model of interconnects. In this paper, a new iterative method that produces a set of equivalent poles and residues from discrete sampled frequency response data is proposed. Each iteration picks a few consecutive points from the given sampled response, identifies a local transfer function that matches their response and reduces error by subtracting the local transfer function. Two test cases, strip-line and package, are demonstrated. And results show that the proposed method has potential in fitting system frequency responses and has wide applications in signal and power integrity modeling and simulation of interconnect networks.
Cycling excitation process for light detection and signal amplification in semiconductors

An intrinsic signal amplification mechanism, namely cycling excitation process (CEP), has been demonstrated in a heavily doped and heavily compensated silicon p-n junction diode. The physical process amplifies photo-generated signal at low bias (<5V) and produces ultralow excess noise at least partially attributed to an internal stabilization mechanism via electron-phonon interactions. Auger excitation, which can be calculated with Fermi Golden rule and quasi pseudopotential, and localized carrier ionization by phonon absorption are considered two key processes responsible for the unique device characteristics. A partially compensated p-n junction silicon diode based on the proposed CEP principle has shown high gain of ~6000 at -5V and an excess noise factor as low as 3.5 at this gain level, measured at 635nm wavelength and 1KHz for potential imaging applications.
A Drosophila model of Fragile X syndrome exhibits defects in phagocytosis by innate immune cells

Fragile X syndrome, the most common known monogenic cause of autism, results from the loss of FMR1, a conserved, ubiquitously expressed RNA-binding protein. Recent evidence suggests that Fragile X syndrome and other types of autism are associated with immune system defects. We found that Drosophila melanogaster Fmr1 mutants exhibit increased sensitivity to bacterial infection and decreased phagocytosis of bacteria by systemic immune cells. Using tissue-specific RNAi-mediated knockdown, we showed that Fmr1 plays a cell-autonomous role in the phagocytosis of bacteria. Fmr1 mutants also exhibit delays in two processes that require phagocytosis by glial cells, the immune cells in the brain: neuronal clearance after injury in adults and the development of the mushroom body, a brain structure required for learning and memory. Delayed neuronal clearance is associated with reduced recruitment of activated glia to the site of injury. These results suggest a previously unrecognized role for Fmr1 in regulating the activation of phagocytic immune cells both in the body and the brain.
Preliminary empirical model for scaling Fourier Amplitude Spectra of strong ground acceleration in terms of earthquake magnitude, source-to-station distance, and recording site conditions

An empirical model for scaling Fourier Amplitude Spectra of strong earthquake ground acceleration in terms of magnitude, M, epicentral distance, R, and recording site conditions has been presented. The analysis based on this model implies that: 1.(a) the Fourier amplitude spectra of strong-motion accelerations are characterized by greater energy content and relatively larger amplitudes for long-period waves corresponding to larger magnitudes M, 2.(b) the shape of Fourier amplitude spectra does not vary appreciably for the distance range between about 10 and 100 km, and 3.(c) long-period spectral amplitudes (T > 1 sec) recorded on alluvium are on the average 2.5 times greater than amplitudes recorded on basement rocks, whereas short-period (T < 0.2 sec) spectral amplitudes tend to be larger on basement rocks. It has been shown that the uncertainties which are associated with the forecasting of Fourier amplitude spectra in terms of magnitude, epicentral distance, site conditions, and component direction are considerable and lead to the range of spectral amplitudes which for an 80 per cent confidence interval exceed one order of magnitude. A model has been presented which empirically approximates the distribution of Fourier spectrum amplitudes and enables one to estimate the spectral shapes which are not exceeded by the presently available data more than 100 (1 - p) per cent of time where p represents the desired confidence level (0 < p <1).
Policing in America: Understanding Public Attitudes Toward the Police. Results from a National Survey

While 68% of white Americans have a favorable view of the police, only 40% of African Americans and 59% of Hispanics have a favorable view. Attitudes have changed little since the 1970s when 67% of whites and 43% of blacks reported favorable views of the police. Racial minorities do not have monolithic attitudes toward the police. This report finds that Hispanics’ perceptions of police occupy a “middle ground” between black and white Americans’ views.
Abstract 064: Role of Sphingosine-1-phosphate 2 Receptor in Renal Microvascular Function of Renal Ischemia-reperfusion Rats

Renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) induced acute kidney injury (IR-AKI) is accompanied by increased renal vascular resistance and a dramatic decline in glomerular filtration rate. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a bioactive sphingolipid metabolite, plays a critical role in IR-AKI. Our recent studies established that exogenous S1P is a potent vasoconstrictor in rat afferent arterioles. We postulated that renal IR enhanced sensitivity of afferent arterioles to S1P-induced vasoconstriction via S1P2 receptor activation. The afferent arteriole response to S1P was assessed using the in vitro blood-perfused juxtamedullary nephron preparation. IR rats were induced by 60 min bilateral renal artery occlusion followed by 24 hours reperfusion. Baseline arteriolar diameter decreased significantly in IR (11.9±0.7 vs. 14.7±0.5 μm in sham, n=7, P -10 -10 -5 M) decreased diameter to 99±1, 95±2, 89±2, 80±3, 58±4, and 34±2% of baseline (n=7), respectively. Renal IR shifted the S1P vasoconstrictor profile to the left. Arteriolar diameter declined to 93±1, 87±1, 76±1, 64±5, 46±5 and 35±4% of baseline (n=7, P -10 -10 -7 M S1P). S1P2 receptor blockade with JTE-013 markedly increased baseline diameter by 51±13% in IR (P
How Do Certified and Uncertified Therapists Differ in Their Perceptions of a Mental Health Intervention for ASD

Given the increasing efforts to implement evidence-based practices (EBPs) in routine mental health (MH) services, it is necessary to examine MH therapists’ perspectives of the training and delivery...
In Situ Measurements of Contact Dynamics in Speed-dependent Hydrogel Friction

Abstract The friction behavior of soft, aqueous, biotribological contacts depends on contact geometry, speed, and pressure. Previous efforts to measure the surface profile of soft sliding contacts have been stymied by the matching index of refraction of aqueous materials submerged in water. Here, hydrogel surface deformations were imaged using confocal microscopy to experimentally investigate the contact geometry as a function of sliding speed. In situ fluorescence confocal microscopy measurements of the contact deformation during unidirectional friction experiments revealed the existence of a front/back asymmetry that increased with increasing sliding speed. A polyacrylamide hydrogel disk (96.5% water) was polymerized with fluorescent dyes and used as a rotating countersample below a polished glass hemispherical pin (1 mm radius of curvature). All experiments were performed submerged in a dilute (0.7 wt%) suspension of 1 μm red fluorescent microspheres in ultrapure water. Imaging of the contact was performed using a confocal microscope in situ with unidirectional sliding at 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 mm/s. The friction coefficient increased monotonically with increasing speed from μ ~ 0.04 at 0.1 mm/s to μ ~ 0.20 at 100 mm/s. All imaging was performed relative to the stationary glass probe under steady-state conditions. The contact line measured by connecting the leading and exiting contact points was nearly perpendicular to the loading direction at 0.1 mm/s sliding speed, but distorted as sliding speed increased. Consistent with the theories of viscoelastic contributions to polymer friction, the tangent of the contact-line angle correlated with friction.
Nonmalignant late cutaneous changes after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant in children

Background There are limited pediatric data on nonmalignant cutaneous changes, including autoimmune conditions and permanent alopecia, after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Objective We sought to characterize late cutaneous changes and associated risk factors after allogeneic HSCT in children. Methods A cross-sectional cohort study of pediatric HSCT recipients was performed at a single institution. All participants underwent a full skin examination. Results The median visit age was 13.8 years, with a median time post-HSCT of 3.6 years. Of 85 patients, 14% (n = 12) had vitiligo, 16% (n = 14) had psoriasis/sebopsoriasis, 25% (n = 21) had alopecia, and 6% (n = 5) had nail changes. Factors significantly associated with vitiligo included a history of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), transplant indication of primary immunodeficiency, and younger age at transplant ( Limitations The cross-sectional design did not allow time of onset identification. Histopathologic correlation was not performed. Conclusion Pediatric HSCT recipients, particularly those with cGVHD, are at risk for developing nonmalignant late cutaneous changes.
High-order, linearly stable, partitioned solvers for general multiphysics problems based on implicit–explicit Runge–Kutta schemes

Abstract This work introduces a general framework for constructing high-order, linearly stable, partitioned solvers for multiphysics problems from a monolithic implicit–explicit Runge–Kutta (IMEX-RK) discretization of the semi-discrete equations. The generic multiphysics problem is modeled as a system of n systems of partial differential equations where the i th subsystem is coupled to the other subsystems through a coupling term that can depend on the state of all the other subsystems. This coupled system of partial differential equations reduces to a coupled system of ordinary differential equations via the method of lines where an appropriate spatial discretization is applied to each subsystem. The coupled system of ordinary differential equations is taken as a monolithic system and discretized using an IMEX-RK discretization with a specific implicit–explicit decomposition that introduces the concept of a predictor for the coupling term. We propose four coupling predictors that enable the monolithic system to be solved in a partitioned manner, i.e., subsystem-by-subsystem, and preserve the IMEX-RK structure and therefore the design order of accuracy of the monolithic scheme. The four partitioned solvers that result from these predictors are high-order accurate, allow for maximum re-use of existing single-physics software, and two of the four solvers allow the subsystems to be solved in parallel at a given stage and time step. We also analyze the stability of a coupled, linear model problem with a specific coupling structure and show that one of the partitioned solvers achieves unconditional linear stability for this problem, while the others are unconditionally stable only for certain values of the coupling strength. We demonstrate the performance of the proposed partitioned solvers on several classes of multiphysics problems including a simple linear system of ODEs, advection–diffusion–reaction systems, fluid–structure interaction problems, and particle-laden flows, where we verify the design order of the IMEX schemes and study various stability properties.
Pitfall of 18F-FDG PET/CT in Characterization of Relapsed Multisystem Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis

We present serial 18F-FDG PET/CT findings in a case of grade 3 pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis positive for the Epstein–Barr virus. The patient experienced a transient complete response to R-CHOP chemotherapy and subsequent multisystem recurrence, predominately involving the subcutaneous region of the torso on 18F-FDG PET/CT. Biopsy of the most hypermetabolic subcutaneous lesion demonstrated grade 1 cutaneous lymphomatoid granulomatosis negative for the Epstein–Barr virus. This report highlights the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in characterizing and monitoring disease progression and regression, as well as the limitations of 18F-FDG PET/CT in accurate grading of multisystem recurrence, given the diversity of clinical and histopathologic features of lymphomatoid granulomatosis.
Dehydration of Restaurant Food Wastes Produces a Nutritious Feedstuff for Use in Pig Diets

Restaurant food wastes obtained from a resort complex in central Florida were dehydrated. The resulting product, when included in complete, mixed diets, was found to be quite nutritious and well utilized by finishing pigs (55 to 110 kg). In addition, no negative effects on resulting carcass or meat quality characteristics were noted.
A Clinician’s View of Affect Development in Infancy

Freud’s first theory of neurosis was an affect theory. It developed into an instinct theory that, in the minds of many, superseded it. Jacobson, who pointed this out in a paper in 1954, believes that this occurrence greatly delayed efforts to clarify the concept of affects and their relationships to other aspects of development. Much that Freud formulated originally in terms of emotions has been shifted and rephrased into instinct theory, but pieces of affect theory have persisted as isolated fragments. Benjamin wrote in 1961, “we do not have [in psychoanalysis] an adequate theory of affects in general and of anxiety in particular, in spite of the significant contributions of Rapaport and others.”
Tolerance Intervals for Variance Component Models Using Bayesian Simulation

This article presents a simulation-based approach for determining Bayesian tolerance intervals in variance component models. The approach handles different kinds of tolerance intervals in a straightforward fashion and is easily tailored to particular ap..
The genera of the Neotropical armored catfish subfamily Loricariinae (Siluriformes: Loricariidae): a practical key and synopsis

The subfamily Loricariinae belongs to the Neotropical mailed catfish family Loricariidae. Members of Loricariinae are recognized by their long and flattened caudal peduncle and absence of an adipose fin. Despite important studies conducted on this group, no comprehensive generic key is presently available. A Hill & Smith (1976) analysis and cluster analysis were performed on external morphological characters taken from specimens or borrowed from the literature. The two main groups recognized correspond to the tribes Harttiini and Loricariini. Within the Loricariini, four morphological groups were found: the Rineloricaria group, the Loricariichthys group, the Loricaria group, and the Pseudohemiodon group. Results of these analyses were used to construct a practical key to thirty genera, followed by a synopsis for each genus.
Trade Effects of the New Silk Road: A Gravity Analysis

This paper takes a first look at the trade effects of China's Belt and Road Initiative, also referred to as the New Silk Road, on the 71 countries potentially involved. The initiative consists of several infrastructure investment projects to improve the land and maritime transportation in the Belt and Road Initiative region. The analysis first uses geo-referenced data and geographical information system analysis to compute the bilateral time to trade before and after the Belt and Road Initiative. Then, it estimates the effect of improvement in bilateral time to trade on bilateral export values and trade patterns, using a gravity model and a comparative advantage model. Finally, the analysis combines the estimates from the regression analysis with the results of the geographical information system analysis to quantify the potential trade effects of the Belt and Road Initiative. The paper finds that (i) the Belt and Road Initiative increases trade flows among participating countries by up to 4.1 percent; (ii) these effects would be three times as large on average if trade reforms complemented the upgrading in transport infrastructure; and (iii) products that use time sensitive inputs and countries that are highly exposed to the new infrastructure and integrated in global value chains have larger trade gains.
Anxiety relates to classroom executive function problems in students with ASD, but not ADHD

Abstract Background Anxiety occurs at elevated rates in developmental disorders and has been linked to executive functioning (EF) deficits. EF is strongly related to academic outcomes, but the relationship between anxiety and EF in the classroom has not been examined. Method We explored this relationship in two neurodevelopmental disorders, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in order to evaluate the specificity of associations between parent-reported anxiety and teacher-reported EF deficits in the classroom setting. Results Greater anxiety was associated with more classroom EF-related problems in the ASD group, but not in the ADHD group. Item-level analysis of classroom EF problems in the ASD group revealed associations between anxiety and difficulties with task initiation, attention, and completion. Anxiety was not related to total or item-level teacher-reported EF problems in the ADHD group. Conclusion Further investigation into disorder-specific mechanisms that lead to the manifestation of anxiety symptoms may pave the way for more effective treatment and favorable academic outcome. Anxiety is related to poor EF in the classroom for students with ASD, which has implications for treating anxiety to promote positive academic outcomes and incorporating EF supports and training into treatment models for anxiety. The lack of association between anxiety and EF for students with ADHD was unexpected and warrants further exploration.
Medical Student Attitudes Toward Blood Donation in Times of Increased Need.

BackgroundIn situations of increased need, such as mass casualty incidents (MCIs) and COVID-19, donated blood products are in shortage across the United States. Medical students are a potential poo...
Genetic Algorithm Optimization for Ultra-broadband Long-wave Infrared Seed Pulse Generation

We demonstrate the production of broadband long-wave infrared pulses centered near 10.3 µm using difference-frequency generation. An accompanying simulation shows that genetic algorithm optimization of chirp can significantly increase the spectral bandwidth.
Photoconductive Electrospun Titania Nanofibres to Develop Gas Sensors Operating at Room Temperature

The use of nanostructured materials, such as those based on metal or metal oxides, has opened a new way to enhance the performances of chemical sensors making them able to detect gases at ppb level. In this type of sensors, the conductance is modulated by the presence of analytes that interact through physical-chemical processes of absorption and desorption, inducing changes in mobility or carriers density. The nano-scale dimensions of these materials enhance the interaction phenomena in terms of time and responses. In order to activate the physical/chemical interaction processes of the sensors based on oxide materials, an high operating temperature (200–400 °C) is required, resulting in significant power consumption. In this chapter, we report our recent studies on the possibility to exploit the titania photoconduction to develop gas sensor devices working at room temperature. We present the characterization of two different photoconductive Electrospun sensing layers: the first one is composed of titania nanofibres (TiO2 NFs) and the second of TiO2 NFs decorated with Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs) ranging from 5 to 10 nm.
Aerosol-Cloud-Drizzle-Turbulence Interactions in Boundary Layer Clouds

Abstract : The long term-goal of this project is to provide an improved description and understanding of the effects of aerosol-cloud interactions and drizzle and entrainment processes in boundary layer clouds for the purpose of developing, improving, and evaluating cloud and boundary layer representations in LES, mesoscale and large-scale forecast models. The scientific objectives are to: 1) document the structure and characteristics of entrainment circulations in marine stratocumulus and fair-weather-cumuli, 2) characterize the vertical distribution of drizzle and how it relates to cloud and mesoscale circulations; 3) investigate the relative role of cloud thickness, cloud turbulence intensity, and aerosols on precipitation production; 4) study the processing of aerosols by cloud processes; and 5) explore mass, moisture, and aerosol transports across interfacial regions at cloud base and at the capping inversion.
Characteristics of superquadric loop antennas for mobile communications applications

The authors present the results of a unified formulation capable of modeling many different loop geometries, including circular, square, and folded dipole configurations, through the use of the superquadric curve. The methodology allows analysis of a single superquadric element or of two loops with arbitrary relative position and orientation and possibly different geometries. A Galerkin-type moment method with piecewise sinusoidal basis and weighting functions is used to solve a coupled form of the electric field integral equation (EFIE) for thin wires. The current obtained from this solution is then used to compute the directivity, input impedance, and correlation coefficient (diversity performance) for the antenna configuration. Both delta gap and magnetic frill source models are implemented in the formulation. >
A New Design for Survey Feedback

Abstract : Survey feedback is a social technology without much theory to offer alternative design strategies or to explain why it works when it does. The present study presents a theoretical discussion analyzing and explaining the use of group methods in feeding back diagnostic data to organizations. A new design the peer group-intergroup model is presented and compared to the traditional family group model. Data evaluating one implementation of this design showed how senior officers of a bank might change their attitudes toward the relevance of a diagnostic study and their willingness to consider changing their own behavior. An explanatory model for the new design, derived from the general theoretical considerations, is discussed with relation to data taken from the feedback sessions.
Focus on Teacher Education: Project-Based Learning; Is There a Problem-Based Difficulty?

A first-year kindergarten teacher was very excited to introduce the “projects” of the week. The children were doing an extended thematic unit on butterflies. Following a reading of The Very Hungry ...
Synthesis of Protein, Ribonucleic Acid, and Ribosomes by Individual Bacterial Cells in Balanced Growth

Relative rates of protein synthesis in individual cells were determined by allowing random populations to incorporate tritiated leucine for very short periods (pulses) and then examining autoradiographs of these cells to assess the amount of incorporation (grains per cell) as a function of cell size. Relative rates of ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis were determined in the same way by using tritiated uracil. Unless the uracil pulse was very short (less than 1/20 generation), the RNA labeled during the pulse was predominantly ribosomal. The rate of protein synthesis in individual cells is directly proportional to cell size. The rate of RNA synthesis also increases linearly with size in larger cells, but there appears to be a slight delay in RNA synthesis immediately after cell division. Total cellular content of protein, RNA, and ribosomes is directly proportional to cell size. Thus, we conclude that, in individual cells during the cell cycle (i) the average rate of protein synthesis per ribosome is constant and (ii) the increase in macromolecular mass of the cell is exponential with age.
Abstract 17713: A Three year Retrospective Analysis of Adverse Cardiac Outcomes in Heart Failure Patients Using Cocaine on Beta-blockers

Background: It is an established fact that beta-blockers (BB) improve survival in patients with HFrEF. However cocaine abusers with HFrEF are currently excluded from this life-saving treatment due to concerns with a theoretical risk of unopposed alpha adrenergic receptor-mediated coronary vasospasms and possible myocardial infarctions (MI). Our study seeks to compare heart failure (HF) outcomes in patients on beta blockers with surreptitious cocaine abuse to those not receiving beta blockers. Methods: From our HF registry, we retrospectively identified 132 patients admitted to the hospital for CHF with related complaints like chest pain or shortness of breath between 2006 and 2008 and cocaine positive drug test. We reviewed the concomitant use of BB in relation to the primary composite end points: MI, total ER visits, HF related admissions 2006-2008, ejection fraction (EF), mean BNP and all- cause mortality. Characteristics of patients with and without BB use were compared using chi-square for categorical...
The Expected Net Present Value of Developing Weight Management Drugs in the Context of Drug Safety Litigation

Following withdrawals, failures, and significant litigation settlements, drug product launches in the anti-obesity category slowed despite a large and growing unmet need. Litigation concerns, a more risk-averse regulatory policy, and the difficulty of developing a product with a compelling risk-benefit profile in this category may have limited innovators’ expected return on investment and restricted investment in this therapeutic area. The objective of the study was to estimate perceived manufacturer risk associated with product safety litigation and increased development costs vs. revenue expectations on anticipated return on investment and to determine which scenarios might change a manufacturer’s investment decision. Expected net present value of a weight-management drug entering pre-clinical trials was calculated for a range of scenarios representing evolving expectations of development costs, revenue, and litigation risk over the past 25 years. These three factors were based on published estimates, historical data, and analogs from other therapeutic areas. The main driver in expected net present value calculations is expected revenue, particularly if one assumes that litigation risk and demand are positively correlated. Changes in development costs associated with increased regulatory concern with potential safety issues for the past 25 years likely did not impact investment decisions. Regulatory policy and litigation risk both played a role in anti-obesity drug development; however, product revenue—reflecting efficacy at acceptable levels of safety—was by far the most important factor. To date, relatively modest sales associated with recent product introductions suggest that developing a product that is sufficiently efficacious with an acceptable level of safety continues to be the primary challenge in this market.
Obesity education for nurse practitioners: perspectives from nurse practitioner faculty.

Purpose The purpose of the study was to investigate curriculum content and teaching practices about obesity in graduate nursing programs in the United States. Methodology A survey of 1202 faculty members teaching in nurse practitioner (NP) programs was conducted using an investigator-created instrument with items based on the National Institutes of Health Obesity Education Initiative guidelines. Objective items were analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric statistics, and the open-ended questions were analyzed using content analysis. Findings NP faculty emphasized existing clinical practice guidelines, but revealed a large disparity between what is emphasized in schools of nursing and the state of the science regarding obesity etiology and management. Faculty place a priority on teaching obesity as a key factor in the development of comorbidities, and weight loss as a means of treating these comorbidities. Teaching about the pathophysiology of obesity, management of bariatric surgery patients, and pharmacologic therapy are de-emphasized. Four main themes about obesity teaching practices were identified from subjects’ comments to open-ended items. Conclusions Additional education and support are needed for faculty to teach about obesity in a way that advances the care of obese patients based on emerging scientific principles.
Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 chemotaxis proteins and electron-transport chain components essential for congregation near insoluble electron acceptors

Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 cells utilize a behaviour response called electrokinesis to increase their speed in the vicinity of IEAs (insoluble electron acceptors), including manganese oxides, iron oxides and poised electrodes [Harris, El-Naggar, Bretschger, Ward, Romine, Obraztsova and Nealson (2010) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 107, 326-331]. However, it is not currently understood how bacteria remain in the vicinity of the IEA and accumulate both on the surface and in the surrounding medium. In the present paper, we provide results indicating that cells that have contacted the IEAs swim faster than those that have not recently made contact. In addition, fast-swimming cells exhibit an enhancement of swimming reversals leading to rapid non-random accumulation of cells on, and adjacent to, mineral particles. We call the observed accumulation near IEAs 'congregation'. Congregation is eliminated by the loss of a critical gene involved with EET (extracellular electron transport) (cymA, SO_4591) and is altered or eliminated in several deletion mutants of homologues of genes that are involved with chemotaxis or energy taxis in Escherichia coli. These genes include chemotactic signal transduction protein (cheA-3, SO_3207), methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins with the Cache domain (mcp_cache, SO_2240) or the PAS (Per/Arnt/Sim) domain (mcp_pas, SO_1385). In the present paper, we report studies of S. oneidensis MR-1 that lend some insight into how microbes in this group can 'sense' the presence of a solid substrate such as a mineral surface, and maintain themselves in the vicinity of the mineral (i.e. via congregation), which may ultimately lead to attachment and biofilm formation.
Atmospheric lifetimes of pollutants

Abstract A pollutant in the atmosphere can be removed by various chemical processes. For lifetimes ⪡ 50 days, the lifetime can be computed from the pseudo first-order removal coefficient at the surface of the earth (room temperature). However for longer lifetimes, the pollutant is dispersed throughout the troposphere, and integrated tropospheric lifetimes must be used. These can be up to four times larger than the lifetime computed from room temperature rate coefficients, and their ratio increases with the activation energy for the removal process Ea and the reciprocal scale height for the concentration of the species with which the pollutant is reacting ζA. Values for τo−15/τo are given in Table 1. For τo−15/τo > 1.0, these values fit the empirical equation τo−15/τo = 1 + 0.41 × 10−3Ea+ 5.7ζA, where τo−15 is the integrated tropospheric lifetime, τo is the lifetime at the surface of the earth (293 K), and Ea and ζA are expressed in K and km−1, respectively.
FLOW-INDUCED IN-PLANE INSTABILITIES OF CURVED PIPES.

Abstract The equation of motion of curved pipes conveying fluid is derived from Hamilton's principle. Depending on the end conditions, the system may be conservative or nonconservative. It is shown that when the flow velocity exceeds a certain value, the conservative system becomes subject to buckling-type instability and the nonconservative system becomes subject to fluttering-type and buckling-type instabilities. The critical flow velocity at which the pipe loses stability has been computed for four end conditions.