cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High temperature reaction rate coefficients derived from N-atom ARAS measurements and excimer photolysis of NO

Mixtures of NO and NO/H 2 in Ar were shock-heated and photolyzed with an ArF excimer laser. Measurements in these experiments of N-atom profiles using atomic resonance absorption spectrophotometry (ARAS) permitted the determination of two rate coefficients. The rate coefficient for the reaction (R1) N+NO→O+N 2 was found to be 4.29×10 13 exp(−787/T) cm 3 mol −1 sec −1 (±20% at 1400 K to ±10% at 3500 K). This is the first direct high temperature measurement of this rate coefficient in the exothermic direction. The rate coefficient for the reaction (R2) N+H 2 →H+NH was found to be 1.60×10 14 exp(−12650/T)(±35% from 1950 to 2850 K). To our knowledge, this is the first direct measurment of this rate coefficient. A study of the N-atom ARAS absorption behavior revealed a noticeable pressure dependence, as well as a weak temperature dependence, in the Beer-Lambert law absoprtion coefficient. Proper consideration of these effects is important when the N-atom ARAS diagnostic is used for absolute concentration measurements
Classical conditioning through auditory stimuli in Drosophila methods and models

The role of sound in Drosophila melanogaster courtship, along with its perception via the antennae, is well established, as is the ability of this fly to learn in classical conditioning protocols. Here, we demonstrate that a neutral acoustic stimulus paired with a sucrose reward can be used to condition the proboscis-extension reflex, part of normal feeding behavior. This appetitive conditioning produces results comparable to those obtained with chemical stimuli in aversive conditioning protocols. We applied a logistic model with general estimating equations to predict the dynamics of learning, which successfully predicts the outcome of training and provides a quantitative estimate of the rate of learning. Use of acoustic stimuli with appetitive conditioning provides both an alternative to models most commonly used in studies of learning and memory in Drosophila and a means of testing hearing in both sexes, independently of courtship responsiveness.
Why we search: visualizing and predicting user behavior

The aggregation and comparison of behavioral patterns on the WWW represent a tremendous opportunity for understanding past behaviors and predicting future behaviors. In this paper, we take a first step at achieving this goal. We present a large scale study correlating the behaviors of Internet users on multiple systems ranging in size from 27 million queries to 14 million blog posts to 20,000 news articles. We formalize a model for events in these time-varying datasets and study their correlation. We have created an interface for analyzing the datasets, which includes a novel visual artifact, the DTWRadar, for summarizing differences between time series. Using our tool we identify a number of behavioral properties that allow us to understand the predictive power of patterns of use.
Global optimization for sustainable design and synthesis of algae processing network for CO2 mitigation and biofuel production using life cycle optimization

Global optimization for sustainable design and synthesis of a large-scale algae processing network under economic and environmental criteria is addressed. An algae processing network superstructure including 7800 processing routes is proposed. Based on the superstructure, a multiobjective mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model is developed to simultaneously optimize the unit cost and the unit global warming potential (GWP). To efficiently solve the nonconvex MINLP model with separable concave terms and mixed-integer fractional terms in the objective functions, a global optimization strategy that integrates a branch-and-refine algorithm based on successive piecewise linear approximations is proposed and an exact parametric algorithm based on Newton’s method. Two Pareto-optimal curves are obtained for biofuel production and biological carbon sequestration, respectively. The unit annual biofuel production cost ranges from $7.02/gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) to $9.71/GGE, corresponding to unit GWP’s of 26.491 to 16.52 kg CO2-eq/GGE, respectively. V C 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 3195–3210, 2014
The macroturbulence of the troposphere

Eddy length scales, eddy velocity scales, and the amplitude of eddy fluxes in the mid-latitude troposphere are discussed, primarily from the qualitative perspective provided by studies of quasi-geostrophic turbulence. The utility of a diffusive picture for the near surface poleward flux of heat is emphasized, as is the extent to which a full closure theory for the troposphere, including the interior potential vorticity fluxes, must revolve around this theory for the heat flux. A central problem in general circulation theory is then to determine which factors control the horizontal diffusivity near the surface. The baroclinic eddy production problem has distinctive features that make it stand out from other inhomogeneous turbulence problems such as Benard convection and laboratory shear flows, the crucial point being that there can be scale separation between the eddies and the scale of the mean flow inhomogeneity in the direction of the relevant transport. This scale separation makes diffusive closures more compelling. In addition, it allows one to compute diffusivities from models of homogeneous turbulence. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0889.1999.00006.x
Production of haploid zebrafish embryos by in vitro fertilization.

The zebrafish has become a mainstream vertebrate model that is relevant for many disciplines of scientific study. Zebrafish are especially well suited for forward genetic analysis of developmental processes due to their external fertilization, embryonic size, rapid ontogeny, and optical clarity – a constellation of traits that enable the direct observation of events ranging from gastrulation to organogenesis with a basic stereomicroscope. Further, zebrafish embryos can survive for several days in the haploid state. The production of haploid embryos in vitro is a powerful tool for mutational analysis, as it enables the identification of recessive mutant alleles present in first generation (F1) female carriers following mutagenesis in the parental (P) generation. This approach eliminates the necessity to raise multiple generations (F2, F3, etc.) which involves breeding of mutant families, thus saving the researcher time along with reducing the needs for zebrafish colony space, labor, and the husbandry costs. Although zebrafish have been used to conduct forward screens for the past several decades, there has been a steady expansion of transgenic and genome editing tools. These tools now offer a plethora of ways to create nuanced assays for next generation screens that can be used to further dissect the gene regulatory networks that drive vertebrate ontogeny. Here, we describe how to prepare haploid zebrafish embryos. This protocol can be implemented for novel future haploid screens, such as in enhancer and suppressor screens, to address the mechanisms of development for a broad number of processes and tissues that form during early embryonic stages.
IDENTIFICATION OF A CORE OF IMPORTANT ENABLING SKILLS FOR THE NTE SUCCESSOR STAGE I EXAMINATION

ABSTRACT The Educational Testing Service has initiated the development of a new series of tests tc be used as part of the process states use to license or certify their teachers. Stage I of this new generation of tests will determine whether teachers possess an acceptable level of competence in the enabling skills the beginning teacher requires. This report describes the research study that was conducted to identify the enabling skills content domain for Stage I assessments. Job analysis was used to identify the core of important skills. A domain of skills was defined through literature review and advice from experts. The second phase was to verify the judgments of content experts through a large-scale survey of 289 state education officials, 2,269 elementary and secondary school teachers, and a supplemental groups of 236 Black and Hispanic teachers. Of the 134 defined enabling skills, only 3 were judged to be of little or no importance by more than 20% of the teachers, and 113 were determined to be important by all respondent groups. These findings may be used in test construction. Eighteen appendixes present supplemental information, including the survey. Twenty-three tables present study information. (Contains 25 references.) (SLD)
Input-output functions of cochlear whole-nerve action potentials: interpretation in terms of one population of neurons.

It is commonly assumed that the two‐segmented input–output functions of the whole‐nerve action potential are a result of the activity of two sets of primary fibers: a low‐ and a high‐sensitivity group. While anatomical studies show the existence of two populations of fibers, there are no clear‐cut electrophysiological signs of two distinct populations responding with different thresholds. In light of this physiological result, it is desirable to construct a scheme for the growth of the whole‐nerve action potential that involves only one group of fibers. This can be done in a qualitative fashion by considering the pattern of single‐unit tuning curves and assessing the contribution of populations of units to the compound response. Thus the slowly growing low‐level segment of the input–output function is identified with the sharp tip region of the tuning curves of the responding units, while the high‐level, rapidly growing, segment is associated with the recruitment of higher‐frequency units that respond on the tail segment of their tuning curves. Thus the low and high parts of the input–output functions are interpreted in terms of the excitation of narrow and wide segments of the cochlear receptor. Masking experiments that support the scheme are described.Subject Classification: [43]65.35, [43]65.42, [43]65.59, [43]65.40.
On tries, suffix trees, and universal variable-length-to-block codes

We show how a digital tree (or trie) structure can be used for both parsing and encoding (in a variable-length to block (VB) or variable-length to variable-length (VV) fashion) of sequences of symbols from a stochastic source. As an example, we construct a simple VB code based on a fixed database adaptation model, and derive an asymptotic expression for its average redundancy rate for memoryless sources.
New Frontiers in Type III Secretion Biology: the Chlamydia Perspective

Members of the order Chlamydiales comprise a group of exquisitely evolved parasites of eukaryotic hosts that extends from single-celled amoeba to mammals. The most notable are human pathogens and include the agent of oculogenital disease Chlamydia trachomatis, the respiratory pathogen C. pneumoniae, and the zoonotic agent C. psittaci. All of these species are obligate intracellular bacteria that develop within parasitophorous vesicles termed inclusions. This demanding lifestyle necessitates orchestrated entry into nonphagocytic cells, creation of a privileged intracellular niche, and subversion of potent host defenses. All chlamydial genomes contain the coding capacity for a nonflagellar type III secretion system, and this mechanism has arisen as an essential contributor to chlamydial virulence. The emergence of tractable approaches to the genetic manipulation of chlamydiae raises the possibility of explosive progress in understanding this important contributor to chlamydial pathogenesis. This minireview considers challenges and recent advances that have revealed how chlamydiae have maintained conserved aspects of T3S while exploiting diversification to yield a system that exerts a fundamental role in the unique biology of Chlamydia species.
Mediterranean climate effects. I. Conifer water use across a Sierra Nevada ecotone

Xylem water potential of the midelevation conifers Pinus jeffreyi, Pinus lambertiana, Abies concolor, and Calocedrus decurrens, the higher elevation Pinus monticola and Abies magnifica, and co-occurring evergreen angiosperm shrubs, together with soil moisture under these plants, were monitored at three sites on the Kern Plateau in the southernmost Sierra Nevada Range of California. Site locations spanned the ecotone between the mid- and upper montane forests at elevations of 2230-2820 m. Measurements were made through a low-snowfall year and a heavy-snowfall year.In the Mediterranean climate of the Sierra Nevada, the heavy winter snowpack persists into late spring, after precipitation has effectively stopped. We found the subsequent depletion of soil moisture due to plant water uptake to result in predawn xylem water potentials for conifers more negative by 0.6-1.4 MPa than those for shrubs or inferred soil potentials. Shrubs generally depleted soil moisture more rapidly and ultimately extracted a greater fraction of the available soil moisture than did the conifers. This depletion of soil moisture by shrubs, particularly Arctostaphylos patula, may limit conifer growth and regeneration by prematurely terminating growth on the shallow soils studied. The conifers all generally showed similar patterns of soil moisture use, except that A. magnifica extracted moisture more rapidly early in the season.
ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF INTERVENTIONS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY

This article provides a review of methods for conducting cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, and cost-benefit studies. Economic evaluations of interventions designed to improve outcomes of patients with diabetes and osteoporosis are reviewed, and key issues for future research are discussed. The role of cost-effectiveness analysis in reimbursement decision making at the public and private levels is explored.
Laboratory Assays of Different Types of Field Trial Typhoid Vaccines and Relationship to Efficacy in Man

Pittman, Margaret (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.), and Howard J. Bohner. Laboratory assays of different types of field trial typhoid vaccines and relationship to efficacy in man. J. Bacteriol. 91:1713–1723. 1966.—Antibody responses of rabbits to H, O, and Vi antigens did not differentiate vaccine K (acetone-killed and dried) from vaccine L (heat-phenolized and dried) relative to human efficacy. A mouse protection assay in which intraperitoneal vaccination and challenge suspended in mucin were used showed vaccine K to be 3.69 times more potent than vaccine L; with subcutaneous vaccination, vaccine K was only 0.78 as potent. With the challenge suspended in saline, the effect of the route of vaccination was accentuated. An old U.S. reference vaccine, heat-phenolized, induced the same types of response as vaccine L. In the assay with intraperitoneal vaccination and mucin-suspended challenge, the potency of vaccine K relative to vaccine L and the potencies of Polish vaccines, P, N, and T, relative to vaccine K were directly correlated with the efficacies of the vaccines for man, as reported for the recent World Health Organization cooperative field trials in British Guiana, Yugoslavia, and Poland. This assay gave a high potency for alcohol-treated vaccine V relative to vaccine L, but the values did not reflect relative efficacy in the USSR field trial; the subcutaneous vaccination assay more closely reflected their human efficacy. An analysis suggested that vaccine K had a mouse protective factor not present in vaccine L and that vaccine V may have had a third factor. The influence of a few variable factors on the assay with intraperitoneal vaccination and mucin-suspended challenge was studied briefly.
Functional expression of the alpha 7 integrin receptor in differentiated smooth muscle cells

Expression of the alpha7 integrin is developmentally regulated and is thought to be tissue-specific for both skeletal and cardiac muscles. We now report that alpha7 is also strongly and ubiquitously expressed by various types of smooth muscle, including vascular, gastrointestinal and genitourinary smooth muscles. In addition, alpha7 was surface-expressed by a number of smooth muscle cell lines that maintained their differentiated phenotype following adaptation to culture. Studies with the mouse 9E11G smooth muscle cell line showed that the alpha7 integrin mediated both adhesion and motility of these cells on laminin 1 substrates. Alpha7 expression appears to correlate with the smooth-muscle-differentiated phenotype. The multipotential P19 mouse embryonic stem cell line lacks alpha7 but uses the alpha6 integrin to adhere to laminin 1. Following retinoic acid-induced P19 differentiation predominantly to the smooth muscle cell lineage, high expression of alpha7 was detected along with partial dependence on alpha7 for binding to laminin. The expression of alpha7 paralleled the induction of smooth-muscle-specific alpha-actin, as revealed by dual-labeling flow cytometry. In contrast, alpha7, which initially was highly expressed on the surface of vascular smooth muscle cell explants, was rapidly downregulated in smooth muscle cell outgrowths as they dedifferentiated into their synthetic phenotype. The results indicate that the expression of alpha7 integrin in smooth muscle cells is associated with their differentiated phenotype and mediates their interaction with laminins.
Technology and the 'Right to Service' in India: Getting Reddy'd

Government bureaucracies are notorious worldwide as sources of “red tape” and delay. Even in countries with a relatively responsive government structure, speed of service can be a source of concern. Over the past few years civil service gridlock in U.S. and Indian states has become politically untenable. Indian politicians have promulgated initiatives to make government in India, both at the federal and state levels, more responsive to the needs of its people. As part of this movement, many of the Indian states have adopted “Right to Service” legislation. While moral, statutory, and even constitutional responses for amelioration deserve consideration, this Essay endorses technology as a potential solution for the frustrating and even crippling inefficiencies of government services systems. In assessing the potential of technology, we draw on the experience of our home country, the U.S. This experience provides examples of success and failure in the government use of technology to facilitate its interactions with its citizens. Even simple technological innovations can improve access to services. India might consider technology as a catalyst for change.
A critical review of consumer value and its complex relationships in the consumer-based brand equity network

Abstract This is a critical review of over 100 conceptual and empirical studies on consumer value in different contexts in order to identify definition and measurement issues, identify its relations with other constructs, and provide future research directions in different contexts including destinations. Results show that consumer value definitions and measurements penetrate into other constructs, such as quality, image and brand value, thus endangering a sound theory development. For a robust theory development in consumer value and its relations with other relevant constructs, a relatively well-defined nomological network, namely consumer-based brand equity framework is suggested to accurately reflect its identity, role and significance among the multiple relevant constructs such as, perceived quality, image, brand value, and consumer loyalty by keeping the integrity of all intact.
Tying Up Loose Ends with Probability

(1997). Tying Up Loose Ends with Probability. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 28, No. 5, pp. 386-388.
Transciliary supraorbital approach (eyebrow approach) for resection of retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas: an alternative approach, case series, and literature review.

Introduction Craniopharyngiomas are known for an irregular growth pattern and extension into the retrochiasmatic space with adherence to adjacent structures. We describe the use of the transciliary supraorbital approach (eyebrow approach) for resection of craniopharyngiomas with retrochiasmatic extension. Methods Our clinical database was reviewed to identify operative cases of craniopharyngiomas between July 1998 and January 2011. Only patients who had retrochiasmatic extension and underwent an eyebrow approach were included in this analysis. Endoscopy was used to aid surgical resection at the discretion of the surgeon. Six patients were identified (three from a retrospective review and three during the course of prospective follow-up evaluation). Results The group included three men and three women (mean age: 41.2 years; range: 28–57 years). All patients had visual and hormonal deficits at presentation. Complete resection was achieved in four patients. Endoscopic assistance was used in three patients. Opening of the frontal sinus occurred in two cases during surgery; an additional surgical procedure was required for repair of a cerebrospinal fluid leak in one of these cases. The duration of clinical follow-up ranged from 18 to 97 months. All patients had excellent cosmetic results, visual improvement to a serviceable level, and a Karnofsky performance scale score ≥80. Conclusions The eyebrow approach is safe for resection of craniopharyngiomas with retrochiasmatic extension. This approach offers a reasonable surgical corridor for resection of the retrochiasmatic tumor component and can be enhanced using endoscopic assistance.
USP51 deubiquitylates H2AK13,15ub and regulates DNA damage response

Dynamic regulation of RNF168-mediated ubiquitylation of histone H2A Lys13,15 (H2AK13,15ub) at DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is crucial for preventing aberrant DNA repair and maintaining genome stability. However, it remains unclear which deubiquitylating enzyme (DUB) removes H2AK13,15ub. Here we show that USP51, a previously uncharacterized DUB, deubiquitylates H2AK13,15ub and regulates DNA damage response. USP51 depletion results in increased spontaneous DNA damage foci and elevated levels of H2AK15ub and impairs DNA damage response. USP51 overexpression suppresses the formation of ionizing radiation-induced 53BP1 and BRCA1 but not RNF168 foci, suggesting that USP51 functions downstream from RNF168 in DNA damage response. In vitro, USP51 binds to H2A-H2B directly and deubiquitylates H2AK13,15ub. In cells, USP51 is recruited to chromatin after DNA damage and regulates the dynamic assembly/disassembly of 53BP1 and BRCA1 foci. These results show that USP51 is the DUB for H2AK13,15ub and regulates DNA damage response.
PCM-21EXPRESSION OF IMMUNE CHECKPOINT PROTEINS IN PATIENT-DERIVED PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR XENOGRAFTS

PCM-21. EXPRESSION OF IMMUNE CHECKPOINT PROTEINS IN PATIENT-DERIVED PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR XENOGRAFTS Eric Ring, Blake Moore, Li Nan, Tina Etminan, James Markert, G. Yancey Gillespie, and Gregory Friedman; University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA Pediatric brain tumors represent the most common solid tumor in children and the leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. Standard of care includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, which are all very damaging to a developing child. While these therapies have improved survival rates, outcomes remain extremely poor for patients with refractory disease. To improve outcomes and lessen toxicities, novel, directed therapies are needed. Recently, immunosuppressive checkpoint molecules that negatively regulate immune cell function and enable local tumor escape, such as PD-L1, CTLA-4, CD200andIndolamine2,3-dioxygenase (IDO),havebeendescribed inadultbrain tumors.Agentsdesigned to inhibit theseproteinshave shownsignificant efficacy in human adult solid tumor studies. Little is known about expression of these checkpoint molecules in pediatric brain tumors. After disaggregation of six patient derived xenografts (2 glioblastoma (GBM), 2 medulloblastoma (MB), and 2 supratentorial primitive neuroendocrine tumors (SPNETs)) harvested from athymic nude mice, we performed flow cytometry to quantify expression of CTLA-4, PD-L1, CD200, and IDO. All three tumor types had high expression levels of IDO (range 60.3-98.7%) and low expression of CD200 (0.5-14.4%). MB and SPNETs expressed low levels of CTLA-4 (2.2-7.5% and 4.2-11.6%, respectively) while GBM showed variable expression (20.5-38.3%). PD-L1 was highly expressed in MB (90.2-91.9%) and variably expressed in SPNETs and GBM (13.2-63.8% and 13.2-87.8%, respectively). Our results suggest that pediatric brain tumors express targetable immune checkpoint molecules, with expression of IDO consistently high, PD-L1 variable, and CD200 and CTLA-4 low. Neuro-Oncology 18:iii139–iii144, 2016. doi:10.1093/neuonc/now080.21 #The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.
Tropical Punch Packing a Real Knockout

This case discusses the interaction of midazolam and grapefruit juice. Midazolam is a cytochrome P450 3A4 substrate. Grapefruit juice is an irreversible and cumulative inhibitor of intestinal 3A4.
Molecular structure and orientation in processed polymers. 2. Application to aromatic polyester fibers

Abstract We characterize the orientation distribution function (ODF) of molecular-scale structure in a set of solution- and melt-spun fibers of a liquid crystalline polyester in order to assess the role of processing in these fibers. The polyester is composed of 40% 1,4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 30% isophthalic acid, and 30% hydroquinone. Crystallinity is measured by both wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A three-component model, consisting of crystalline, oriented non-crystalline, and unoriented non-crystalline components, is required to describe completely the X-ray scattering properties of the fibers. Monte Carlo simulations are used to define the ensemble structure on the atomic scale, for which the resulting ODF is determined. Our results indicate that a single ensemble of dimers on a 3×3 rhombic lattice can be used to characterize the molecular-level non-crystalline structure in all the fibers considered. Fibers spun from the nematic melt produce samples with higher degrees of global orientation as well as a higher degree of crystallinity than those spun from solution. Our results also show that the mechanical bias of the fiber spinning process induces an initial degree of orientation which is then enhanced and perfected, especially in the directions lateral to the chain, by subsequent annealing.
Rediscovering Cr2O72–, an Oxidant with Unrivaled Power and Energy Density, for Affordable, Next-Generation Energy Storage and Conversion

In the search for electrochemical energy storage systems with higher energy and power at reduced cost, alternative oxidants are rarely explored. Here we revisit the oxidant dichromate (Cr2O72–), once used in primary batteries for telegraphs, and carry out the first assessment of its suitability for fuel cells and flow batteries. We show that Cr2O72– delivers 100 times the maximum current density from O2 at just 1/70th of Cr2O72–’s 7.1 M solubility and yields the same voltage at carbon as O2 does at Pt. Furthermore, we show that Cr2O72– produces current densities that are higher than those of virtually all liquid-phase oxidants considered for energy storage. While the use of some high-power oxidants (e.g., H2O2, MnO4–) is impractical due to deleterious side reactions, Cr2O72– reduction proceeds unhindered, enabling its use at high current densities. With these promising properties and an exceptionally low materials cost, Cr2O72– likely provides a path to affordable energy storage.
A comparative study of different methods for calculating electronic transition rates.

We present a comprehensive comparison of the following mixed quantum-classical methods for calculating electronic transition rates: (1) nonequilibrium Fermi’s golden rule, (2) mixed quantum-classical Liouville method, (3) mean-field (Ehrenfest) mixed quantum-classical method, and (4) fewest switches surface-hopping method (in diabatic and adiabatic representations). The comparison is performed on the Garg-Onuchic-Ambegaokar benchmark charge-transfer model, over a broad range of temperatures and electronic coupling strengths, with different nonequilibrium initial states, in the normal and inverted regimes. Under weak to moderate electronic coupling, the nonequilibrium Fermi’s golden rule rates are found to be in good agreement with the rates obtained via the mixed quantum-classical Liouville method that coincides with the fully quantum-mechanically exact results for the model system under study. Our results suggest that the nonequilibrium Fermi’s golden rule can serve as an inexpensive yet accurate alterna...
Effect of collisions on neutrino flavor inhomogeneity in a dense neutrino gas

Abstract We investigate the stability, with respect to spatial inhomogeneity, of a two-dimensional dense neutrino gas. The system exhibits growth of seed inhomogeneity due to nonlinear coherent neutrino self-interactions. In the absence of incoherent collisional effects, we observe a dependence of this instability growth rate on the neutrino mass spectrum: the normal neutrino mass hierarchy exhibits spatial instability over a larger range of neutrino number density compared to that of the inverted case. We further consider the effect of elastic incoherent collisions of the neutrinos with a static background of heavy, nucleon-like scatterers. At small scales, the growth of flavor instability can be suppressed by collisions. At large length scales we find, perhaps surprisingly, that for inverted neutrino mass hierarchy incoherent collisions fail to suppress flavor instabilities, independent of the coupling strength.
Photon-mediated hybridization of molecular vibrational states

Light-matter strong coupling is a promising route toward the modification of chemical and physical properties of molecules without formally changing their constituent atoms, bonds, or geometry. The photon-mediated hybridization of vibrational modes of two different molecules simultaneously dissolved in solution is demonstrated in a solution of hexacyanocobaltate(III) and hexacyanoferrate(II) ions. The formation of polaritons with tunable contributions from the bonds of each molecule is shown to be feasible within practical concentration ranges for cavity controlled chemistry. The resulting modified energy landscape of the two coupled molecules may have interesting effects on chemical processes.
Price and Assortment Optimization for Reusable Resources

We develop techniques for price and assortment optimization in systems of reusable resources with heterogeneous customer preferences when customer arrival rates vary over time. Our results are applicable in both the case of a finite-time horizon and an infinite time horizon in which customer arrival rates vary periodically. In the assortment-only setting we develop a randomized policy attaining a constant-factor guarantee with respect to the optimal dynamic policy. Our proposed algorithm is computationally feasible and allows an operator to trade-off between theoretical guarantees and computational effort. We extend these results to the joint pricing and assortment problem however we also demonstrate that computing these policies can be computationally challenging in general. Despite this we demonstrate techniques to develop joint pricing and assortment strategies in practically relevant special cases. We further propose dynamic policies that in contrast to a greedy policy effective account for the value of resources over time. Our computational experiments based on real world parking bay utilization, demonstrate the importance of accounting for this value in making operational decisions.
Residual Inequity: Assessing the Unintended Consequences of New York City’s Clean Heat Transition

Energy policies and public health are intimately intertwined. In New York City, a series of policies, known as the Clean Heat Program (CHP), were designed to reduce air pollution by banning residual diesel fuel oils, #6 in 2015 and #4 by 2030. This measure is expected to yield environmental and public health benefits over time. While there is near-universal compliance with the #6 ban, a substantial number of buildings still use #4. In this paper, geographic analysis and qualitative interviews with stakeholders were used to interrogate the CHP's policy implementation in Northern Manhattan and the Bronx. A total of 1724 (53%) of all residential residual fuel burning buildings are located in this region. Stakeholders reflected mostly on the need for the program, and overall reactions to its execution. Major findings include that government partnerships with non-governmental organizations were effectively employed. However, weaknesses with the policy were also identified, including missed opportunities for more rapid transitions away from residual fuels, unsuccessful outreach efforts, cost-prohibitive conversion opportunities, and (the perception of) a volatile energy market for clean fuels. Ultimately, this analysis serves as a case study of a unique and innovative urban policy initiative to improve air quality and, consequently, public health.
Spatiotemporal evolution of focal epileptiform activity from surface and laminar field recordings in cat neocortex

New devices that use targeted electrical stimulation to treat refractory localization-related epilepsy have shown great promise, although it is not well known which targets most effectively prevent the initiation and spread of seizures. To better understand how the brain transitions from healthy to seizing on a local scale, we induced focal epileptiform activity in the visual cortex of five anesthetized cats with local application of the GABAA blocker picrotoxin while simultaneously recording local field potentials on a high-resolution electrocorticography array and laminar depth probes. Epileptiform activity appeared in the form of isolated events, revealing a consistent temporal pattern of ictogenesis across animals with interictal events consistently preceding the appearance of seizures. Based on the number of spikes per event, there was a natural separation between seizures and shorter interictal events. Two distinct spatial regions were seen: an epileptic focus that grew in size as activity progressed, and an inhibitory surround that exhibited a distinct relationship with the focus both on the surface and in the depth of the cortex. Epileptiform activity in the cortical laminae was seen concomitant with activity on the surface. Focus spikes appeared earlier on electrodes deeper in the cortex, suggesting that deep cortical layers may be integral to recruiting healthy tissue into the epileptic network and could be a promising target for interventional devices. Our study may inform more effective therapies to prevent seizure generation and spread in localization-related epilepsies. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We induced local epileptiform activity and recorded continuous, high-resolution local field potentials from the surface and depth of the visual cortex in anesthetized cats. Our results reveal a consistent pattern of ictogenesis, characterize the spatial spread of the epileptic focus and its relationship with the inhibitory surround, and show that focus activity within events appears earliest in deeper cortical layers. These findings have potential implications for the monitoring and treatment of refractory epilepsy.
Amyloid positron emission tomography candidates may focus more on benefits than risks of results disclosure

Abstract Introduction Given mounting calls to disclose biomarker test results to research participants, we explored factors underlying decisions by patients with mild cognitive impairment to receive amyloid imaging results. Methods Prospective, qualitative interviews were conducted with 59 participants (30 = mild cognitive impairment patients, 29 = care partners) from the scan arm of a randomized controlled trial on the effects of amyloid PET results disclosure in an Alzheimer Disease Research Center setting. Results Sixty-three percent of the participants were female, with an average age of 72.9 years, and most had greater than a high school level of education (80%). Primary motivations included: (1) better understanding one's mild cognitive impairment etiology and prognosis to plan ahead, and (2) learning one's brain amyloid status for knowledge's sake, regardless of whether the information is actionable. Most participants demonstrated an adequate understanding of the scan's limitations, yet instances of characterizing amyloid PET as a definitive test for Alzheimer's disease occurred. Mention of potential drawbacks, such as negative psychological outcomes, was minimal, even among care partners. Discussion Findings demonstrate a risk of disproportionate focus on possible benefits of testing among amyloid scan candidates and suggest a need to clearly emphasize the limitations of amyloid PET when counseling cognitively impaired patients and their families before testing. Future research should examine whether minimizing drawbacks at the pre-imaging stage has adverse consequences on results disclosure.
“It’s Not Really My Job”: A Mixed Methods Framework for Language Ideologies, Monolingualism, and Teaching Emergent Bilingual Learners:

Teacher education has redoubled efforts to prepare a predominantly monolingual teaching force for linguistic diversity in U.S. schools. Some jurisdictions are requiring specific teacher preparation...
Universelle Konstruktionen und Limites

Universelle Konstruktionen treten uberall in der Mathematik in den verschiedensten Formen auf — als universelle Pfeile nach einem gegebenen Funktor, als universelle Pfeile von einem gegebenen Funktor aus oder als universelle Elemente eines mengenwertigen Funktors. Jeder universelle Pfeil bestimmt eine Darstellung eines entsprechenden m engenwertigen Funktors als Horn-Funktor. Umgekehrt werden derartige Darstellungen vom Yoneda-Lemma analysiert. Limites sind wichtige Beispiele fur universelle Pfeile, sowohl die inversen Limites (= projektive Limites = Limites = Linkswurzeln), als auch — dual dazu — die direkten Limites (= induktive Limites = Colimites = Rechtswurzeln) . In diesem Kapitel definieren wir universelle Pfeile und Limites und untersuchen einige wichtige Spezialfalle von Limites (Produkte, Pullbacks, Differenzkerne...). Tieferliegende Eigenschaften werden in Kapitel IX uber spezielle Limites behandelt, wahrend die Beziehungen zu Adjungierten in Kapitel V studiert werden.
Game development using Greenfoot: senior project

In this paper we describe our very positive experience in teaching a senior project course-in one semester-with game development as the subject matter. In this course a 2D game engine called Greenfoot was used as the development platform. We describe why Greenfoot was chosen as our 2D game engine, what material was covered, and how the course was conducted. We also describe how the grading was performed, the quality of the students' game projects, features of Greenfoot that students liked for game development, features that students wished Greenfoot had, and future work.
Genome-Wide Association Studies to Identify Loci and Candidate Genes Controlling Kernel Weight and Length in a Historical United States Wheat Population

Although kernel weight (KW) is a major component of grain yield, its contribution to yield genetic gain during breeding history has been minimal. This highlights an untapped potential for further increases in yield via improving KW. We investigated variation and genetics of KW and kernel length (KL) via genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using a historical and contemporary soft red winter wheat population representing 200 years of selection and breeding history in the United States. The observed changes of KW and KL over time did not show any conclusive trend. The population showed a structure, which was mainly explained by the time and location of germplasm development. Cluster sharing by germplasm from more than one breeding population was suggestive of episodes of germplasm exchange. Using 2 years of field-based phenotyping, we detected 26 quantitative trait loci (QTL) for KW and 27 QTL for KL with -log10(p) > 3.5. The search for candidate genes near the QTL on the wheat genome version IWGSCv1.0 has resulted in over 500 genes. The predicted functions of several of these genes are related to kernel development, photosynthesis, sucrose and starch synthesis, and assimilate remobilization and transport. We also evaluated the effect of allelic polymorphism of genes previously reported for KW and KL by using Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) markers. Only TaGW2 showed significant association with KW. Two genes, i.e., TaSus2-2B and TaGS-D1 showed significant association with KL. Further physiological studies are needed to decipher the involvement of these genes in KW and KL development.
Preoperative Opioids and 1-year Patient-reported Outcomes After Spine Surgery

Study Design.Longitudinal Cohort Study.Objective.Determine 1-year patient-reported outcomes associated with preoperative chronic opioid therapy and high-preoperative opioid dosages in patients undergoing elective spine surgery.Summary of Background Data.Back pain is the most disabling condition worl
Abstract 679: Pdgf/snail-mediated Endothelial Plasticity Drives Non-productive Neovascularization and Impedes Tissue Repair After Myocardial Infarction

Ischemic heart disease is the most common cause of death in the Western world, largely due to myocardial infarction (MI). After MI, formation of new blood vessels, i.e., neovascularization, is cruc...
Useful addition to acute myocardial infarction diagnosis in patients with left bundle branch block: an algorithm using electrocardiographic and biomarker analysis.

Patients presenting with acute coronary occlusion, manifested by ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), benefit from prompt reperfusion therapy, including either fibrinolysis or primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).1 When considering reperfusion therapy with either PCI or fibrinolysis, delays are associated with a markedly higher rate of short-term and long-term mortality2; furthermore, increased time to initiation of reperfusion therapy from symptom onset is associated with increased risk of poor cardiac function with heart failure and other cardiovascular comorbidities.3 In patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB), the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) resulting from acute coronary occlusion is much more difficult; in fact, the LBBB ECG pattern is considered a confounder to the diagnosis of AMI. This diagnostic difficulty results from the altered depolarisation pattern encountered in LBBB…of course, altered depolarisation results in altered repolarisation, producing ST segment/T wave configurations which obscure the ECG findings of myocardial ischaemia and infarction. The diagnostic challenge does not infrequently result in delays in the initiation of both PCI and fibrinolysis with associated less optimal outcomes in terms of both mortality and subsequent development of heart failure.4 While the LBBB pattern frequently confounds the ECG diagnosis of AMI, these patients are usually very ill on presentation, experiencing cardiogenic shock, acute heart failure and malignant dysrhythmias; thus, the clinician must consider AMI as a potential explanation for the severity of presentation in these ill patients with LBBB. Improved early recognition of AMI in this challenging population may improve outcomes. The analysis in this study by Nestelberger et al 5 is based on three large, prospective, multicentre studies with a central adjudication of AMI applying the universal definition of AMI. Nestelberger et al 5 prospectively evaluated the use of ECG criteria combined with high-sensitivity troponin determinations for the diagnosis of AMI in patients …
Effect of Aboveground Mass Removal on Toxicity of Geyer’s Larkspur, with Important Implications for Grazing Management

Abstract The many species of larkspur (Delphinium spp. L.) are among the most dangerous poisonous plants on rangelands in the western United States, causing death losses estimated at 2 − 5% (up to 15%) per year for cattle grazing in larkspur habitat. Other effects, such as altered grazing management practices and consequent lost forage quantity and quality, are significant but poorly understood. Current best management practice recommendations are based on seasonal avoidance, with little evidence that this is practical or effective. Our ongoing research has presented evidence that instead it may be possible to manage grazing such that all cattle eat some larkspur, but none eat a fatal dose. This raises the question of the potential response of larkspur to being grazed. In this study we examine the response of Geyer’s larkspur (D. geyeri Greene) to two seasons of 25% or 75% aboveground plant mass removal. The 75% treatment led to significantly lower alkaloid concentrations (mg • g− 1) and pools (mg per plant), while the 25% treatment had a lesser effect. Combined with lessons from previous studies, this indicates that Geyer’s larkspur plants subject to aboveground mass removal such as may occur via grazing can be expected to become significantly less dangerous to cattle. We suggest that the mechanisms for this reduction are both alkaloid removal and reduced belowground root mass, as significant evidence indicates that alkaloids are synthesized and stored in the roots. These results continue to build support for our theory that the solution to the seemingly intractable challenge of larkspur poisoning lies not in avoidance but in the skill of managers and the wisdom of herds.
Respiratory Illnesses and Their Influence on Anesthesia in Children

Adverse respiratory events are a major cause of morbidity and mortality from general anesthesia in children. Established risk factors include upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in the previous 2 weeks, wheezing more than three times during the previous year, a history of asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia or other lung disease, eczema, family history of atopy, and exposure to passive smoking. Many of these are markers of underlying airway inflammation, which can lead to airway irritability and bronchial hyper-reactivity. Age is another factor, and infants have double the risk compared to older children. Airway, cardiac or upper abdominal surgeries also increase risk. Premedication with midazolam is associated with increased risk (OR 3.5), while alpha-2 adrenergic agonists are theoretically better. Salbutamol premedication reduces respiratory events in young children with URTI, children undergoing tonsillectomy and in those with multiple risk factors. Intravenous induction, and possibly maintenance with propofol, reduces risk compared to a volatile anesthetic technique. The least invasive suitable airway is preferred for the child with an irritable airway. For example in infants, the laryngeal mask is associated with a lower risk of perioperative respiratory events compared with endotracheal intubation (RR 2·94). Children with multiple risk factors or active symptoms may benefit from deep removal of their endotracheal tube or supraglottic airway. Finally, care by a specialist pediatric anesthetist has been shown to decrease the risk for respiratory events.
An energy approach to Modified Cam-Clay plasticity and damage modeling of cohesive soils

An alternative approach to Modified Cam-Clay (MCC) critical state plasticity coupled with damage is proposed. The provided hyper-elastoplastic/damage framework is motivated by a desire to ensure thermodynamic consistency of model predictions, and is shown to satisfy the principle of maximum plastic dissipation, enabling enforcement of the plastic dissipation (and Clausius–Planck) inequality. A small strain Eshelby-like stress is derived as being energy-conjugate to the plastic strain rate, and relation to the damage-energy release rate is exploited to pose a coupled damage/yield MCC criteria (MCC-D). Relations between volumetric damage and porosity changes are examined, along with a method for estimating the damage state from bulk moduli measurements. The model is shown to simulate well existing high pressure compression measurements of Boulder clay, and connections between damage-related model parameters and behavior exemplifying different microstructural states is examined through numerical experiments.