cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cation-Sugar Cotransport in the Melibiose Transport System of Escherichia coli

The entry of Na+ or H+ into cells of Escherichia coli via the melibiose transport system was stimulated by the addition of certain galactosides. The principal cell used in these studies (W3133) was a lactose transport negative strain of E. coli possessing an inducible melibiose transport system. Such cells were grown in the presence of melibiose, washed, and incubated in the presence of 25 μM Na+. The addition of thiomethylgalactoside (TMG) resulted in a fall in Na+ concentration in the incubation medium. No TMG-stimulated Na+ movement was observed in uninduced cells. In an α-galactosidase negative derivative of W3133 (RA11) a sugar-stimulated Na+ uptake was observed in meliboise-induced cells on the addition of melibiose, thiodigalactoside, methyl-α-galactoside, methyl-β-galactoside, and galactose, but not lactose. It was inferred from these studies that the substrates of the melibiose system enter the cell on the melibiose carrier associated with the simultaneous entry of Na+ when this cation is present...
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in Eurasian Collared Doves (Streptopelia decaocto) and Retrospective Study of Avian Yersiniosis at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (1990–2015)

SUMMARY In February 2015, two Eurasian collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto) were submitted dead to the California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) Laboratory, Turlock branch, from a private aviary experiencing sudden, high mortality (4/9) in adult doves. In both doves, the gross and histologic lesions were indicative of acute, fatal septicemia. Grossly, there were numerous pale yellow foci, 1 to 2 mm in diameter, in the liver and spleen. Microscopically, these foci were composed of acute severe multifocal coagulative necrosis of hepatocytes and splenic pulp with infiltration of heterophils mixed with fibrin and dense colonies of gram-negative bacteria. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis was isolated from the lung, liver, spleen, heart, ovary, kidney, and trachea. The organism was susceptible to most antibiotics it was tested against, except erythromycin. Based on a retrospective study of necropsy submissions to CAHFS between 1990 and 2015, there were 77 avian case submissions of Y. pseudotuberculosis. The...
Radiographic depiction of intra-abdominal fat in newborns: a marker of infants born to diabetic mothers

Radiographic depiction of intra-abdominal fat in newborns: a marker of infants born to diabetic mothers
Oxygen Consumption and osmoregulation in the isopods Sphaeroma hookeri leach and S. rugicauda leach

Abstract The osmoregulation and oxygen uptake of Sphaeroma hookeri Leach and S. rugicauda Leach were studied at different salinities and temperatures. S. hookeri had a higher general level of respiration and a more marked respiratory rise in low salinities than S. rugicauda. There was no direct correlation between the degree of osmoregulation and the rate of respiration because S. rugicauda at low salinities kept its blood more concentrated than S. hookeri.
Arrival of Imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-5-carboxamides: Potent Anti-tuberculosis Agents That Target QcrB

Increasing interest in the potent anti-tuberculosis activity and the novel target (QcrB) of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-carboxamides encouraged extended structure–activity relationship studies of additional scaffolds. This study reports on the in vitro profiling of the imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-5-carboxamides as a new promising class of anti-tuberculosis compounds endowed with nanomolar potency against replicating and drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) as well as low toxicity to VERO cells. Compounds 6, 16, and 17 had MIC values 100 μM. On-target selectivity of this series was confirmed by cross-resistance of specific QcrB mutants as well as the hypersusceptibility of a mutant with a functional gene deletion of the alternative cytochrome bd oxidase. Additionally, to demonstrate selectivity, three analogues (6, 15, 17) were broadly screened against a diverse set of eight strains of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative as well as six disease-causing non-tuberc...
Abstract Algebra Uses Homomorphisms

(1996). Abstract Algebra Uses Homomorphisms. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 103, No. 4, pp. 330-331.
La sintaxis básica del teatro

Este ensayo intentara poner en contacto dos tradiciones dramaticas distanciadas por la geografia y la cronologia. Se trata de las tradiciones indigenas peruanas alrededor de la prision y muerte del Inca Atahuallpa que aparecieron desde los momentos mas tempranos de la conquista, y la obra del dramaturgo ingles Peter Shaffer que lleva el titulo Thc Royal Hunt of the Sun (La real caceria del sol).
A Population Model of Voter Registration and Deadwood

We use a model drawn from population ecology to propose a method to estimate the true number of registered voters in a state, independent of the "deadwood" that may be present on the registration rolls. The paper first presents a conceptual model that distinguishes the "true registration rate" from the official registration rate. A dynamic version of the model is specified that allows for population dynamics, that is, growth in registered voters due to birth, in-state migration, and the registration of the previously unregistered, and decline due to death, out-of-state migration, and the removal of previously registered voters from the rolls. The model is expressed as a Markov process, with registration and deadwood rates estimated for each state. These simulation results produce registration estimates that generally over-estimate true registration rates for most states. This demonstrates a need for further refinement of the model. The model's results are most strongly influenced by the "conditional registration rate" (that is, the rate at which unregistered eligible voters are added to the rolls at each time period), which suggests a priority on fine-tuning estimates of this rate in future iterations of the model.
Perioperative stress response of Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride to the patients with gush door cancer given radical surgery through thoracotomy

Objective:To observe the perioperative stress response of Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to the patients with gush door cancer given radical surgery through thoracotomy.Methods:50 patients with gush door cancer requiring radical surgery through thoracotomy were selected and randomly divided into control group and experimental group(Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride group),each group had 25 cases.The total intravenous anesthesia was used.The concentration of norepinephrine(NE),epinephrine(E) in plasma and mean arterial pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR) of the two groups before induction of anesthesia(T0),immediately after the success of tracheal intubation(T1),30 min after the beginning of surgery(T2),end of surgery(T3),after extubation(T4) were recorded and the recovery time of throat reflex and spontaneous breathing,the time of extubation and the sedation score after extubation were all recorded.Results:Compared with T0,the results of MAP and HR at T1 point in the control group increased significantly(P0.05),the concentration of NE and E of plasma from T1 to T4 also increased significantly(P0.05);compared with T3 point,MAP and HR in the control group increased significantly at T4 point(P0.05);there were no significant changes at each time point of experimental group.The concentration of NE,E from T1 to T4 point in control group were all higher than the experimental group(P0.05).Conclusion:The perioperative application of Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride for the patients with gush door cancer given radical thoracotomy can be effectively inhibit the perioperative concentration of NE,E in plasma,maintain hemodynamic stability,and reduce the perioperative stress response.
Modeling Air Combat Situation Assessment by Using Fuzzy Dynamic Bayesian Network

Automatic and accurate situation assessment is essential for unmanned combat air vehicles(UCAVs)to conduct and maintain their operations autonomously and effectively.The assessment forms the basis of threat assessment and plays an important role in implementing autonomous control and optimization for UCAVs.It is also a fundamental issue in developing combat decision-making support system for manned combat air vehicles(MCAVs).A novel approach was proposed as an attempt to tackle this challenging problem.A model based on discrete fuzzy dynamic Bayesian network was derived for UCAVs' situation assessment.A detailed theoretical analysis on the model and its inference method was given.Relevant simulation experiments were conducted and the results were discussed.It is shown that the presented model can predict accurately changes of the situation in a varying dynamical environment and has a good performance in terms of effective noise filtering from observations.
Testing a Multi-bay Box Subjected to Combined Loads

The COmbined Loads Test System (COLTS) facility at NASA Langley Research Center provides a test capability to help develop validated structures technologies. The test machine was design to accommodate a range of fuselage structures and wing sections and subject them to both quasistatic and cyclic loading conditions. The COLTS facility is capable of testing fuselage barrels up to 4.6 m in diameter and 13.7 m long with combined mechanical, internal pressure, and thermal loads. The COLTS facility is currently being prepared to conduct a combined mechanical and pressure loading for a multi-bay pressure box to experimentally verify the structural performance of a composite structure which is 9.1 m long and representative of a section of a hybrid wing body fuselage section in support of the Environmentally Responsible Aviation Project at NASA. This paper describes development of the multi-bay pressure box test using the COLTS facility. The multi-bay test article will be subjected to mechanical loads and internal pressure loads up to design ultimate load. Mechanical and pressure loads will be applied independently in some tests and simultaneously in others.
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a four-strand hamstring tendon autograft.

To The Editor: We would like to thank Dr. Williams and his coauthors for their very informative and clear “Surgical Techniques” article:“Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with a Four-Strand Hamstring Tendon Autograft. Surgical Technique” (2005;87:S(1):51-66). The authors stated one o'clock position for the right knee and the eleven o'clock position …
SELECTIVITY OF ANTICANCER DRUG ACTION IN THE MODULATION OF THE IMMUNE RESPONSE

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the selectivity of anticancer drug action in the modulation of the immune response. To exploit antitumor immunological and related mechanisms of defense in conjunction with chemotherapy, it is important to minimize the suppressive effects that most anticancer drugs may exert on immune responses. Anti-cancer and anti-proliferative agents may cause selective effects on the development and functions of the components of the immune responses based on specific interactions with the multicellular systems involved. Spesificities of drug action in a multicellular and multifunctional system such as the immune system are likely to become evident and should not be too surprising. The examples of the effects of MTX and of the stringent time restrictions for their reversal suggest that this drug acts primarily on proliferating cell populations and that certain stages of population expansion occurring after antigenic stimulation may be particularly sensitive to this drug due to the requirement for DNA synthesis probably in the face of a rapid utilization of relatively small intracellular pools of indispensable cofactors and metabolites.
Massively Parallel Implementation of Explicitly Correlated Coupled-Cluster Singles and Doubles Using TiledArray Framework

A new distributed-memory massively parallel implementation of standard and explicitly correlated (F12) coupled-cluster singles and doubles (CCSD) with canonical O(N6) computational complexity is described. The implementation is based on the TiledArray tensor framework. Novel features of the implementation include (a) all data greater than O(N) is distributed in memory and (b) the mixed use of density fitting and integral-driven formulations that optionally allows to avoid storage of tensors with three and four unoccupied indices. Excellent strong scaling is demonstrated on a multicore shared-memory computer, a commodity distributed-memory computer, and a national-scale supercomputer. The performance on a shared-memory computer is competitive with the popular CCSD implementations in ORCA and Psi4. Moreover, the CCSD performance on a commodity-size cluster significantly improves on the state-of-the-art package NWChem. The large-scale parallel explicitly correlated coupled-cluster implementation makes routin...
Ecological genomics of local adaptation in Cornus florida L. by genotyping by sequencing

Discovering local adaptation, its genetic underpinnings, and environmental drivers is important for conserving forest species. Ecological genomic approaches coupled with next-generation sequencing are useful means to detect local adaptation and uncover its underlying genetic basis in nonmodel species. We report results from a study on flowering dogwood trees (Cornus florida L.) using genotyping by sequencing (GBS). This species is ecologically important to eastern US forests but is severely threatened by fungal diseases. We analyzed subpopulations in divergent ecological habitats within North Carolina to uncover loci under local selection and associated with environmental-functional traits or disease infection. At this scale, we tested the effect of incorporating additional sequencing before scaling for a broader examination of the entire range. To test for biases of GBS, we sequenced two similarly sampled libraries independently from six populations of three ecological habitats. We obtained environmental-functional traits for each subpopulation to identify associations with genotypes via latent factor mixed modeling (LFMM) and gradient forests analysis. To test whether heterogeneity of abiotic pressures resulted in genetic differentiation indicative of local adaptation, we evaluated Fst per locus while accounting for genetic differentiation between coastal subpopulations and Piedmont-Mountain subpopulations. Of the 54 candidate loci with sufficient evidence of being under selection among both libraries, 28-39 were Arlequin-BayeScan Fst outliers. For LFMM, 45 candidates were associated with climate (of 54), 30 were associated with soil properties, and four were associated with plant health. Reanalysis of combined libraries showed that 42 candidate loci still showed evidence of being under selection. We conclude environment-driven selection on specific loci has resulted in local adaptation in response to potassium deficiencies, temperature, precipitation, and (to a marginal extent) disease. High allele turnover along ecological gradients further supports the adaptive significance of loci speculated to be under selection.
I Cannot Decide

Unhappiness is a fall from grace. It has very simple mechanics (Bibring, 1953). Whatever the ideal, there is a come down, and that is depressing. The creature is dispirited, demoralized, world-weary. Any loss, defeat, or setback tends to have this effect.
Repeatability of graph theoretical metrics derived from resting-state functional networks in paediatric epilepsy patients

Objective:To measure the repeatability of metrics that quantify brain network architecture derived from resting-state functional MRI in a cohort of paediatric patients with epilepsy.Methods:We identified patients with: (1) epilepsy; (2) brain MRI at 3 T; (3) two identical resting-state functional MRI acquisitions performed on the same day. Undirected, weighted networks were constructed based on the resting-state time series using a range of processing parameters including parcellation size and graph threshold. The following topological properties were calculated: degree, strength, characteristic path length, global efficiency, clustering coefficient, modularity and small worldness. Based on repeated measures, we then calculated: (1) Pearson correlation coefficient; (2) intraclass correlation coefficient; (3) root-mean-square coefficient of variation; (4) repeatability coefficient; and (5) 95% confidence limits for change.Results:26 patients were included (age range: 4–21 years). Correlation coefficients d...
Permissions and obligations

This article describes a formal semantics for the deontic concepts -- the concepts of permission and obligation -- which arises naturally from the representations used in artificial intelligence systems Instead of treating deontic logic as a branch of modal logic, with the standard possible worlds semantics, we first develop a language for describing actions, and we define the concepts of permission and obligation in terms of these action descriptions. Using our semantic definitions, we then derive a number of intuitively plausible inferences, and we show generally that the paradoxes which are so frequently associated with deontic logic do not arise in our system.
Designing Together?: Group Dynamics in Participatory Digital Badge Design with Teens

Balancing the dynamics between industry, academia, and stakeholders in a participatory design (PD) project can be challenging, particularly with teens as design partners. In this reflective case study of digital badge design, we attempt to untangle complex PD work that incorporates several groups, each with their own vocabulary, area of expertise, and position in a perceived project structure hierarchy. Using participant interviews that reflect on the design process, triangulated with video, field notes, and design artifacts, we determined that the adolescent stakeholders, science center staff, researchers, and industry professionals viewed the design process through distinct lenses based on their communities of practice, which affected how they perceived the project. Our findings contribute new insight into how youth stakeholders perceive their involvement and role in participatory design practices within a complex design project.
Reduction of Resource Requirements

As the resource requirements of multimedia applications are large, it is important to reduce them as far as possible. In this chapter, first it is examined in Section 6.1 how buffer space requirements can be lowered and which gain can be reached by the discussed methods. Then, in Section 6.2, CPU scheduling mechanisms are described and evaluated which reduce contention situations among continuous-media processing entities.
Feasibility of a Novel Intervention to Improve Participation after Stroke.

IntroductionStroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. With shorter inpatient hospital stays, more time in rehabilitation is devoted to medical stabilization a...
A Cultural and Psychosocial Perspective on Mass Murder

Several different definitions have been proposed by investigators seeking to understand the phenomenon of “mass murder,” although they have much in common. For example, Palermo and Ross (1999) define mass murder as “the sudden, intentional killing of more than one person in the same location and at the same time, usually by a single person” (Palermo & Ross, 1999, p. 8) while Meloy et al. (2004) define mass murder as “the intentional killing of multiple victims in one continuous event” (p. 291). Levin and Madfis (2009) define mass murder as the “anti-social and non-state-sponsored killings of multiple victims during a single episode at one or more closely related locations” (p. 1227).
Teaching Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound to Novice Pediatric Learners: Web-Based E-Learning Versus Traditional Classroom Didactic.

Objective To assess whether Web-based teaching is at least as effective as traditional classroom didactic in improving the proficiency of pediatric novice learners in the image acquisition and interpretation of pneumothorax and pleural effusion using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). Methods We conducted a randomized controlled noninferiority study comparing the effectiveness of Web-based teaching to traditional classroom didactic. The participants were randomized to either group A (live classroom lecture) or group B (Web-based lecture) and completed a survey and knowledge test. They also received hands-on training and completed an objective structured clinical examination. The participants were invited to return 2 months later to test for retention of knowledge and skills. Results There were no significant differences in the mean written test scores between the classroom group and Web group for the precourse test (absolute difference, -2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], -12 to 6.9), postcourse test (absolute difference, 2.0; 95% CI, -1.4, 5.3), and postcourse 2-month retention test (absolute difference, -0.8; 95% CI, -9.6 to 8.1). Similarly, no significant differences were noted in the mean objective structured clinical examination scores for both intervention groups in postcourse (absolute difference, 1.9; 95% CI, -4.7 to 8.5) and 2-month retention (absolute difference, -0.6; 95% CI, -10.7 to 9.5). Conclusions Web-based teaching is at least as effective as traditional classroom didactic in improving the proficiency of novice learners in POCUS. The usage of Web-based tutorials allows a more efficient use of time and a wider dissemination of knowledge.
Plant selenium hyperaccumulation- Ecological effects and potential implications for selenium cycling and community structure.

Abstract Background Selenium (Se) hyperaccumulation occurs in ~50 plant taxa native to seleniferous soils in Western USA. Hyperaccumulator tissue Se levels, 1000–15,000 mg/kg dry weight, are typically 100 times higher than surrounding vegetation. Relative to other species, hyperaccumulators also transform Se more into organic forms. Scope of review We review abiotic and biotic factors influencing soil Se distribution and bioavailability, soil being the source of the Se in hyperaccumulators. Next, we summarize the fate of Se in plants, particularly hyperaccumulators. We then extensively review the impact of plant Se accumulation on ecological interactions. Finally, we discuss the potential impact of Se hyperaccumulators on local community composition and Se cycling. Major conclusions Selenium (hyper)accumulation offers ecological advantages: protection from herbivores and pathogens and competitive advantage over other plants. The extreme Se levels in and around hyperaccumulators create a toxic environment for Se-sensitive ecological partners, while offering a niche for Se-resistant partners. Through these dual effects, hyperaccumulators may influence species composition in their local environment, as well as Se cycling. General significance The implied effects of Se hyperaccumulation on community assembly and local Se cycling warrant further investigations into the contribution of hyperaccumulators and general terrestrial vegetation to global Se cycling and may serve as a case study for how trace elements influence ecological processes. Furthermore, understanding ecological implications of plant Se accumulation are vital for safe implementation of biofortification and phytoremediation, technologies increasingly implemented to battle Se deficiency and toxicity.
Pgc-1α repression and high-fat diet induce age-related macular degeneration-like phenotypes in mice.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the major cause of blindness in the elderly in developed countries and its prevalence is increasing with the aging population. AMD initially affects the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and gradually leads to secondary photoreceptor degeneration. Recent studies have associated mitochondrial damage with AMD, and we have observed mitochondrial and autophagic dysfunction and repressed peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α; also known as Ppargc1a) in native RPE from AMD donor eyes and their respective induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE. To further investigate the effect of PGC-1α repression, we have established a mouse model by feeding Pgc-1α+/- mice with a high-fat diet (HFD) and investigated RPE and retinal health. We show that when mice expressing lower levels of Pgc-1α are exposed to HFD, they present AMD-like abnormalities in RPE and retinal morphology and function. These abnormalities include basal laminar deposits, thickening of Bruch's membrane with drusen marker-containing deposits, RPE and photoreceptor degeneration, decreased mitochondrial activity, increased levels of reactive oxygen species, decreased autophagy dynamics/flux, and increased inflammatory response in the RPE and retina. Our study shows that Pgc-1α is important in outer retina biology and that Pgc-1α+/- mice fed with HFD provide a promising model to study AMD, opening doors for novel treatment strategies.
Applying Percolation Theory

Unlike the previous chapter where propagation of failures along the dependency links was studied in a qualitative, human-judgment fashion, this chapter offers an approach to analyzing resilience to failure propagation via a rigorous use of percolation theory. In percolation theory, the basic idea is that a node failure or an edge failure (reverse) percolates throughout a network, and, accordingly, the failure affects the connectivity among nodes. The degree of network resilience can be measured by the size of a largest component (or cluster) after a fraction of nodes or edges are removed in the network. In many cybersecurity applications, the underlying ideas of percolation theory have not been much explored. In this chapter, it is explained how percolation theory can be used to measure network resilience in the process of dealing with different types of network failures. It introduces the measurement of adaptability and recoverability in addition to that of fault tolerance as new contributions to measuring network resilience by applying percolation theory.
Anatomic Considerations in Transoral Robotic Surgery

Classic approaches to the head and neck are well described in the surgical literature. These “external” or “open” approaches correspond to traditional anatomic dissections and are thus very familiar to head and neck surgeons. In contrast, the anatomy of the larynx and pharynx from a transoral robotic (TORS) standpoint must be approached from an “inside-out” perspective. Thorough knowledge of this anatomic perspective is necessary for achieving appropriate oncologic resection as well as avoiding potentially catastrophic complications.
Lobectomy After Induction Therapy for NSCLC in the Presence of Persistent N2 Disease

Patients who undergo induction therapy for N2 NSCLC should have histologically documented N2 disease and should be restaged following induction therapy to determine the post-induction status of the mediastinal lymph nodes. Patients who have demonstrable disease need to be stratified to determine if the nodal disease is single station, non-bulky, and macroscopic versus microscopic to determine their potential for cure. Invasive restaging has limited sensitivity and negative predictive indices. Patients with limited single station disease and patients with negative restaging are likely to benefit from surgery. Patients requiring a pneumonectomy should not be offered resection.
Molecular Endocrinology of the Testis

This chapter reviews genetically influenced causes of male hypogonadism. Acquired cases of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and acquired forms of gonadotropin deficiency from functional causes or systemic diseases have not been included because they do not have a genetic etiology.
Challenges in Computing for Nanoscale Technologies

In the era of nanoscale technologies, computing systems are faced with a set of common challenges, namely energy-efficiency and reliability. This challenge applies to varieties of computing systems namely software programmable general-purpose processors, hardware reconfigurable computing frameworks and application-specific custom hardware. As demonstrated by numerous prior works from both industry and academia, an energy-efficient and reliable VLSI system in nanoscale technologies is actually an ensemble of the different computing approaches mentioned above. In this chapter, we discuss each of the challenges in detail, particularly in the context of the emerging workloads for modern VLSI systems.
Soft X-ray Free Electron Laser Science at LCLS and Opportunities at LCLS II

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is an X-ray Free Electron Laser that generates ultrafast x-ray pulses for myriad science experiments. A planned upgrade (LCLS-II) will extend the energy range to 25 keV and increase the average intensity by 104.
Developing Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) Management Strategies Based on the Severity of Symptoms in HLB-Endemic Citrus-Producing Regions

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as greening, is a destructive disease caused by the fastidious, phloem-colonizing bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter spp.; 'Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus' (Las) is the most prevalent of the species causing HLB. The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP, Diaphorina citri) transmits Las. HLB is threatening citrus production worldwide, and there is no cure for infected trees. Management strategies targeting diseased trees at different stages of colonization by Las are needed for sustainable citrus production in HLB-endemic regions. We evaluated the effect of the combinations of plant defense elicitors, nitrogen (N) fertilizer, and compost on mildly diseased trees. We tested thermotherapy on severely diseased trees and assessed tree protectors to prevent feeding by ACP, thus preventing Las from being transmitted to new plantings that replaced HLB-moribund trees. After four applications over two consecutive growing seasons we found that the combination of compost, urea, and plant defense elicitors β-aminobutyric acid, plus ascorbic acid and potassium phosphite with or without salicylic acid, slowed down the progression of HLB and reduced disease severity by approximately 18%, compared with the untreated control. Our data showed no decline in fruit yield, indeed treatment resulted in a higher yield compared with the untreated control. Thermotherapy treatment (55°C for 2 min) exhibited a suppressive effect on growth of Las and progress of HLB in severely diseased trees for 2 to 3 months after treatment. The tree protectors prevented feeding by ACP, and therefore young replant trees remained healthy and free from infection by Las over the 2-year duration of the experiment. Taken together, these results may contribute to a basis for developing a targeted approach to control HLB based on stage of host colonization, application of plant defense elicitors, N fertilizer, compost, thermotherapy, and tree protectors. There is potential to implement these strategies in conjunction with other disease control measures to contribute to sustainable citrus production in HLB-endemic regions.
Piezo's membrane footprint and its contribution to mechanosensitivity.

Piezo1 is an ion channel that gates open when mechanical force is applied to a cell membrane, thus allowing cells to detect and respond to mechanical stimulation. Molecular structures of Piezo1 reveal a large ion channel with an unusually curved shape. This study analyzes how such a curved ion channel interacts energetically with the cell membrane. Through membrane mechanical calculations, we show that Piezo1 deforms the membrane shape outside the perimeter of the channel into a curved ‘membrane footprint’. This membrane footprint amplifies the sensitivity of Piezo1 to changes in membrane tension, rendering it exquisitely responsive. We assert that the shape of the Piezo channel is an elegant example of molecular form evolved to optimize a specific function, in this case tension sensitivity. Furthermore, the predicted influence of the membrane footprint on Piezo gating is consistent with the demonstrated importance of membrane-cytoskeletal attachments to Piezo gating.
Theoretical Study of the Reaction of HCl with ClONO2 Catalyzed by NO3-. “Attachment−Detachment” Mechanism for the Anion-Catalyzed Neutral Reactions

The potential energy surface for the reaction of HCl with ClONO2 in the presence of NO3- has been studied using ab initio (MP2) and density functional (B3LYP) methods. The HCl + ClONO2 → Cl2 + HONO2 reaction is shown to have a high barrier of 45−64 kcal/mol. The NO3- catalyzes the reaction, and the entire reaction involves several associative and dissociative steps. The energetically most favorable pathway for the reaction of the complex HCl·NO3- with ClONO2 is to follow the associative steps. Here HCl·NO3-, which is actually Cl-·HNO3, can attach to ClONO2, giving the NO3ClClHNO3- complex, which, after decomposing to Cl2·NO3- + HNO3, forms the Cl2NO3HNO3- complex and then the observed products Cl2 + NO3HNO3-. All the associative steps have no barrier, and the entire reaction occurs with a negative activation energy and with the overall exothermicity of 21.6 and 17.7 kcal/mol at the B3LYP and MP2 levels, respectively. If one follows dissociative steps, the reaction complex HCl·NO3- at first dissociates to ...
Flow and Heat Transfer in Porous Media

This chapter considers single-and multiphase heat and mass transfer in porous media as well as boiling, condensation, melting and solidification in porous media.
3D printing of living bacteria electrode

The capability of preparing three-dimensional (3D) printable living inks provides a unique way to harness the activity of microbes and use them in functional devices. Here we demonstrate the incorporation of the living bacteria Shewanella Oneidensis MR-1 (S. Oneidensis MR-1) directly into an ink used for creating 3D printed structures. Significantly, S. Oneidensis MR-1 survives the 3D printing process by showing prominent activity in degrading the methyl orange azo dye. Through the addition of carbon black to this ink, we further demonstrate the direct printing of a living microbial fuel cell (MFC) anode. To our knowledge, this is the first report on implementing 3D printed bacteria structure as a living electrode for an MFC system. The capability of printing living and functional 3D bacterial structure could open up new possibilities in design and fabrication of microbial devices as well as fundamental research on the interaction between different bacterial strains, electrode materials, and surrounding environments.
Outer hair cell electromotility is low-pass filtered relative to the molecular conformational changes that produce nonlinear capacitance

The outer hair cell (OHC) of the organ of Corti underlies a process that enhances hearing, termed cochlear amplification. The cell possesses a unique voltage-sensing protein, prestin, that changes conformation to cause cell length changes, a process termed electromotility (eM). The prestin voltage sensor generates a capacitance that is both voltage- and frequency-dependent, peaking at a characteristic membrane voltage (Vh), which can be greater than the linear capacitance of the OHC. Accordingly, the OHC membrane time constant depends upon resting potential and the frequency of AC stimulation. The confounding influence of this multifarious time constant on eM frequency response has never been addressed. After correcting for this influence on the whole-cell voltage clamp time constant, we find that both guinea pig and mouse OHC eM is low pass, substantially attenuating in magnitude within the frequency bandwidth of human speech. The frequency response is slowest at Vh, with a cut-off, approximated by single Lorentzian fits within that bandwidth, near 1.5 kHz for the guinea pig OHC and near 4.3 kHz for the mouse OHC, each increasing in a U-shaped manner as holding voltage deviates from Vh Nonlinear capacitance (NLC) measurements follow this pattern, with cut-offs about double that for eM. Macro-patch experiments on OHC lateral membranes, where voltage delivery has high fidelity, confirms low pass roll-off for NLC. The U-shaped voltage dependence of the eM roll-off frequency is consistent with prestin's voltage-dependent transition rates. Modeling indicates that the disparity in frequency cut-offs between eM and NLC may be attributed to viscoelastic coupling between prestin's molecular conformations and nanoscale movements of the cell, possibly via the cytoskeleton, indicating that eM is limited by the OHC's internal environment, as well as the external environment. Our data suggest that the influence of OHC eM on cochlear amplification at higher frequencies needs reassessment.
Sialographic Analysis of Parotid Ductal Abnormalities Associated with Sjogren’s Syndrome

Objectives To analyze the location and degree of parotid ductal abnormalities associated with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) and to correlate findings with the duration of the disease. To develop a classification system based on contemporary sialography techniques and employ the system to grade findings on sialograms. To assess the role for therapeutic intervention in patients with SS. Methods Retrospective chart review of a consecutive series of 337 sialograms done by the senior investigator over a 10-year period identified 26 sialograms in patients who met the criteria for SS as defined by the American-European Consensus Group (2002). A classification system was developed to grade the degree of ductal abnormalities identified on the sialograms. Individual, initial blinded review of these sialograms was performed by two head and neck radiologists to identify and grade abnormalities. Radiographic findings were correlated with patient history including symptom duration. Results All patients with SS had stenoses within the ductal system. About 73.1% of patients had stenoses in each branch of the ductal system (primary, secondary, and tertiary ducts). In 19% of patients, the main duct was of normal caliber despite the presence of stenosis in the more proximal ducts (secondary and tertiary ducts). Peripheral (proximal) duct dilation was characterized among those affected in patterns classified as destructive (34.6%), cavitary (26.9%), globular (11.5%), or punctate (11.5%). A statistically significant positive correlation (p = .0360) was identified between symptom duration and degree of main ductal stenosis. Conclusion Sialography may be useful to objectively assess the degree of parotid ductal damage in SS employing a newly proposed classification system. This assessment may assist clinicians in tailoring management to selectively include ductal dilation.
Challenges in LoS Terahertz MIMO

This paper examines a 2x2 LoS (Line of Sight) MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) channel for terahertz communications. Utilizing measurements, we extract channel models which are then used in a simulation to produce bit error rate curves for uncoded QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying). The specific focus of this work is on studying the impact of changing transmitter receiver distances and relative orientation. Since the terahertz band has a small wavelength, such small movements can have a large impact on the channel. The results support this intuition and show that horizontal displacements of one antenna relative to another by distances as small as 1-2 cm can cause the bit error rate to increase by an order of magnitude. Similarly, utilizing sub- optimal antenna spacing at the transmitter and receiver can also result in similar types of performance degradation. This study illustrates that while LoS MIMO is an effective approach for utilizing the large terahertz bandwidth, we need to consider the effects of antenna deployments.
Allometric Trophic Networks From Individuals to Socio-Ecosystems: Consumer–Resource Theory of the Ecological Elephant in the Room

A well-known parable is that of the blind men studying an elephant each of which assert the elephant is the part they first hold in their hands e.g., “rope!” says the tail holder while the leg holder asserts “tree!” The various subdisciplines of ecology appear similar in that we each engage in our enthusiastic but at least somewhat myopic study with a remarkably limited agreement or even discussion about the overall system which we all study. Allometric trophic network (ATN) theory offers a path out of this dilemma by integrating across scales, taxa, habitats and organizational levels from physiology to ecosystems based on consumer-resource interactions among co-existing organisms. The network architecture and the metabolic and behavioral processes that determine the structure and dynamics of these interactions form the first principles of ATN theory, which in turn provides a synthetic overview and powerfully predictive framework for ecology from organisms to ecosystems. Beyond ecology, ATN theory also synthesizes eco-evolutionary and socio-ecological research still largely based on consumer-resource mechanisms but respectively integrated with processes including natural selection and market mechanisms. This paper briefly describes foundations, advances, and future directions of ATN theory including predicting an ecosystem’s phenotype from its community’s genotype in order to accelerate more predictive and unified understanding of the complex systems studied by ecologists and other environmental scientists.
A fast negative impedance converter for JAWS load compensation

For accurate realization of the ac volt, the Josephson Arbitrary Waveform Synthesizer must not be overly loaded by the electrical network in which it is used. The interaction between its output inductance and stray capacitance in the network can yield significant errors. Such errors are compounded for low-impedance devices, such as thermal transfer standards (TTS). This paper describes a negative impedance converter that has been designed to handle such loads up to 100 kHz. We discuss the motivation for the device, its design, and present some initial ac-ac difference measurements with a TTS.
3D Printed Model of Extrahepatic Biliary Ducts for Biliary Stent Testing

Several inflammatory conditions of the bile ducts cause strictures that prevent the drainage of bile into the gastrointestinal tract. Non-pharmacological treatments to re-establish bile flow include plastic or self-expanding metal stents (SEMs) that are inserted in the bile ducts during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures. The focus of this study was to 3D print an anatomically accurate model of the extrahepatic bile ducts (EHBDs) with tissue-like mechanical properties to improve in vitro testing of stent prototypes. Following generation of an EHBD model via computer aided design (CAD), we tested the ability of Formlabs SLA 3D printers to precisely print the model with polymers selected based on the desired mechanical properties. We found the printers were reliable in printing the dimensionally accurate EHBD model with candidate polymers. Next, we evaluated the mechanical properties of Formlabs Elastic (FE), Flexible (FF), and Durable (FD) resins pre- and post-exposure to water, saline, or bile acid solution at 37 °C for up to one week. FE possessed the most bile duct-like mechanical properties based on its elastic moduli, percent elongations at break, and changes in mass under all liquid exposure conditions. EHBD models printed in FE sustained no functional damage during biliary stent deployment or when tube connectors were inserted, and provided a high level of visualization of deployed stents. These results demonstrate that our 3D printed EHBD model facilitates more realistic pre-clinical in vitro testing of biliary stent prototypes.
Adjusting the Benjamini-Hochberg method for controlling the false discovery rate in knockoff assisted variable selection

The knockoff-based multiple testing setup of Barber & Candes (2015) for variable selection in multiple regression where sample size is as large as the number of explanatory variables is considered. The method of Benjamini & Hochberg (1995) based on ordinary least squares estimates of the regression coefficients is adjusted to the setup, transforming it to a valid p-value based false discovery rate controlling method not relying on any specific correlation structure of the explanatory variables. Simulations and real data applications show that our proposed method that is agnostic to {\pi}0, the proportion of unimportant explanatory variables, and a data-adaptive version of it that uses an estimate of {\pi}0 are powerful competitors of the false discovery rate controlling method in Barber & Candes (2015).
A 95–135 GHz Low Power Dicke Radiometer in SiGe BiCMOS Technology

This paper presents a low-noise and low power calibrated radiometer (Dicke-radiometer), operating at 95–135 GHz and developed in 0.12 µm SiGe BiCMOS technology. The chip consists of single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch, low noise amplifier (LNA) and power detector (PD). The SPDT utilizes reverse saturated HBTs and shows measured insertion loss of 2.1 dB and an isolation of 32 dB at 115 GHz. The four-stage LNA provides 29 dB peak gain with 3 dB bandwidth of 60 GHz and minimum noise figure of 6.1 dB. The square-law power detector achieves responsivity of 11.8 kV/W and 2.1 pW/√Hz noise equivalent power (NEP) of. The integrated receiver results in peak responsivity of 6.4 MV/W and temperature resolution (NETD) of 0.12 K (30 mS integration time) with 25 mW power consumption.
Three-Dimensional Intraarterial Vaso Computed Tomography Depiction of Pipeline Flex with Shield Technology Flow Diverter Stent in Ruptured Blister Aneurysm of Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery

Blister aneurysms are intracranial arterial lesions originating at nonbranching sites of the dorsal supraclinoid internal carotid artery and basilar artery. 1 Among different treatment options, the use of flow-diverting devices is gaining popularity and has the potential for becoming the standard of care. 2 Radiological evaluation of flow diverter braid expansion and vessel wall apposition during procedure has become useful in preventing life-threatening complications. Incomplete coverage of an aneurysm neck, kinking, or incomplete expansion and malapposition of a stent carries a significant risk for thromboembolic events. 3 4
The role of inorganic acidity on templated vanadate composition and dimensionality

Abstract Compositional and structural differences in two organically templated vanadate compounds are directly ascribed to the acidity of the primary building units from which they are constructed. [C6H16N2][(VO)2(HPO3)3] and [C6H16N2][VO(SeO3)(HSeO3)]2 were synthesized under analogous conditions with either phosphorous or selenous acid. The acidities of these primary building units are reflected in both their relative protonation states and the compositions of the resulting solids. Differences in intermolecular interactions cause deviations in dimensionality of the resulting [ ( V O ) 2 ( H P O 3 ) 3 ] n 2 n − layers and [ V O ( S e O 3 ) ( H S e O 3 ) ] n n − chains, as identified and visualized using non-covalent interaction index calculations. Steric repulsions between adjacent [ V O ( S e O 3 ) ( H S e O 3 ) ] n n − chains preclude the formation of two-dimensional layers, such repulsions are absent in [C6H16N2][(VO)2(HPO3)3], as visualized using non-covalent interaction index calculations.
Associations Between Reading Achievement and Independent Reading in Early Elementary School: A Genetically Informative Cross-Lagged Study

This study used a cross-lagged twin design to examine reading achievement and independent reading from 10 to 11 years (n = 436 twin pairs). Reading achievement at age 10 significantly predicted independent reading at age 11. The alternative path, from independent reading at age 10 to reading achievement at age 11, was not significant. Individual differences in reading achievement and independent reading at both ages were primarily due to genetic influences. Furthermore, individual differences in independent reading at age 11 partly reflected genetic influences on reading achievement at age 10. These findings suggest that genetic influences that contribute to individual differences in children’s reading abilities also influence the extent to which children actively seek out and create opportunities to read.