cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Invasion syndromes: hypotheses on relationships among invasive species attributes and characteristics of invaded sites.

As invasion science accepts that there is no single causal factor for biological invasion, the identification of groups of traits that are often associated, or “syndromes”, is a logical move forward. Invasion syndromes are proposed to identify suites of site conditions (biotic and environmental) that render a site vulnerable to invasion by different types of invaders. This paper proposed four invasion syndromes which relate invader attributes (competitive ability, niche construction, phenotypic plasticity, and phenological niche separation) to the biotic characteristics (biodiversity and enemies) and environmental conditions (resource abundance and fluctuation) of invaded sites. The four invasion syndromes described in this paper are a development of hypotheses of how the many factors that influence species invasion might be associated. Invasion Syndrome 1 proposes that sites with relatively high resource abundance and high diversity should be vulnerable to invasion by species with high competitive ability. Invasion Syndrome 2 hypothesizes that sites with relatively low resource abundance and low diversity should be vulnerable to invasion by species with niche construction ability. Invasion Syndrome 3 postulates that sites with moderate or fluctuating resources and moderate diversity should be vulnerable to invasion by species with high phenotypic plasticity. Invasion Syndrome 4 hypothesizes that species introduced into a site where it has phenological niche separation from natives will not have to contend with interference from the biotic community at a site (diversity or natural enemies) and may invade where ever site environmental conditions suit its life history. Further work is needed to support, contradict, or refine these hypotheses and almost certainly will identify more invasion syndromes.
THE CHEMILUMINESCENCE OF AMIDES AND MONOACYL HYDRAZIDES BASED ON FIREFLY DEHYDROLUCIFERIN

— Monoacyl hydrazides based on 5-methyldehydroluciferin and simpler analogs have been synthesized; they proved to be chemiluminescent on treatment with a strong base in DMSO in the presence of oxygen. The light emitters in these cases appear to be the corresponding carboxylate ions; a pathway involving an oxidative decarboxylation was eliminated as a possibility by consideration of the fluorescence wavelengths of the corresponding oxyluciferins. A reaction mechanism for the luminescence involving the possible intermediacy of an azadioxetane is proposed. The corresponding amides were also synthesized; they proved to be equally chemiluminescent to the hydrazides in the dehydroluciferin series.
Bending and Shear Mode Decomposition in C° Structural Elements

ABSTRACT ABSTRACT Various formulations for ° structural finite elements are discussed. By means of two examples, a linear beam and a triangular plate element, it is shown that the proper decomposition of the deformed configuration into its bending and shear modes is essential for the effective performance of C° elements. It is also shown that reduced integration can only be successful if it is equivalent to this decomposition.
Remark on algorithm 726: ORTHPOL—A package of routines for generating orthogonal polynomials and Gauss-type quadrature rules

A collection of subroutines and examples of their uses, as well as the underlying numerical methods, are described for generating orthogonal polynomials relative to arbitrary weight functions. The object of these routines is to produce the coefficients in the three-term recurrence relation satisfied by the orthogonal polynomials. Once these are known, additional data can be generated, such as zeros of orthogonal polynomials and Gauss-type quadrature rules, for which routines are also provided.
Spiral CT angiography of aortic dissection

Spiral CT angiography (CTA) is one of the newest imaging techniques used for the evaluation of aortic dissection. Current spiral CT scanners with high-performance tubes and subsecond scanning allow increased regions of coverage. Large volumes of data are rapidly acquired through the aorta during maximum contrast enhancement. Multiplanar reformat (MPR), curved planar reformat (CPR), and 3-D rendering techniques including shaded surface display (SSD) and maximum intensity projection (MIP) are then applied to the data to generate CT angiographic images of the aorta. Emergent spiral CTA may be performed in patients with suspected aortic dissection who are hemodynamically stable. Postprocessing is performed immediately following data acquisition and can provide additional information for aortic dissection diagnosis and clinical management. The technique, applications, and limitations of spiral CTA for the evaluation of aortic dissection will be discussed relative to the role of other imaging modalities.
Side-reactions during hydrogenolysis of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones of aromatic keto-acids.

THE identification of the keto-acid 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones is greatly facilitated by conversion to their respective amino-acids. The most commonly employed procedure is that first noted by Emil Fischer1 and modified for application to organic systems by Towers et al.2. This involves low-pressure hydrogenolysis over a platinum catalyst, followed by paper chromatography of the amino-acids produced. The yields of the respective amino-acids vary between 30 and 98 per cent, and in general the conversion is free from side-reactions.
The dilemma of past success: insiders' views on the future of the international family planning movement.

Many observers believe that the international family planning movement has played a significant role in reducing fertility levels and slowing population growth in the developing world. Yet the perceived success of family planning programs recently has led some researchers to formulate questions about their relevance and future place on the development policy agenda. Within a framework derived from the sociological literature on social movements we use interviews and focus-group discussions with insiders in the field of population studies to examine current perspectives on the status and future of the family planning movement factors contributing to its declining international visibility and possible responses from the family planning field. Informants cited four possible courses of action for the movement: (1) forming strategic alliances with other movements specifically HIV/AIDS prevention; (2) redefining the family planning message to mobilize and strengthen support; (3) improving service delivery to broaden public acceptance and contraceptive method use; and (4) nurturing new leadership. The future course of the movement-- whether it be one of cooptation by overlapping movements or revitalization--requires waiting until its full history can be written. (authors)
Operational data classes for establishing situational awareness in cyberspace

The United States, including the Department of Defense, relies heavily on information systems and networking technologies to efficiently conduct a wide variety of missions across the globe. With the ever-increasing rate of cyber attacks, this dependency places the nation at risk of a loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its critical information resources; degrading its ability to complete the mission. In this paper, we introduce the operational data classes for establishing situational awareness in cyberspace. A system effectively using our key information components will be able to provide the nation's leadership timely and accurate information to gain an understanding of the operational cyber environment to enable strategic, operational, and tactical decision-making. In doing so, we present, define and provide examples of our key classes of operational data for cyber situational awareness and present a hypothetical case study demonstrating how they must be consolidated to provide a clear and relevant picture to a commander. In addition, current organizational and technical challenges are discussed, and areas for future research are addressed.
Double-passage imaging through a random phase screen

We evaluate the time-averaged double-passage image of a coherently illuminated object that is obscured by a random phase screen. In particular, we study the effect of changing the location of the random screen on the average intensity spectrum of the image. We consider two cases, that when the random screen is at an arbitrary location between the pupil plane of the imaging system and the object plane and that when it is located right next to the object. In both cases we find that the average intensity spectrum of the image is diffraction limited. The results are proved analytically and are supported by numerical calculations.
The Classification of the Benares Chondrite

The Benares meteorite is an LL4 chondrite, not LL6 as recorded in the literature. Some specimens labelled Benares are misidentified.
Insertions of Ketones and Nitriles into Organorhodium(I) Complexes and β-Hydrocarbyl Eliminations from Rhodium(I) Alkoxo and Iminyl Complexes

A series of tris(triethylphosphine)-ligated organorhodium(I) complexes were prepared, and their reactions with electron-poor arylnitriles and diarylketones were studied. [(PEt3)3Rh(Ar)] (Ar = phenyl (1a) or o-anisyl (1e)) reacted with an excess of electron-poor arylnitriles Ar′C≡N (Ar′ = p-CF3C6H4 or 3,5-bis(CF3)C6H3) to form Rh(I) iminyl complexes {(PEt3)3Rh[N═C(Ar)(Ar′)]} (2h−j). In contrast, 3,5-bis(CF3)C6H3CN did not insert into the M−C bond of the arylrhodium(I) complexes [(PEt3)3Rh(Ar)] (Ar = p-CF3C6H4 (1f) or 3,5-bis(CF3)C6H3 (1g)), containing more electron-poor aryl groups. The kinetic data for nitrile insertions were most consistent with a pathway involving initial ligand dissociation, followed by a classic migratory insertion. The iminyl complexes 2i−j decomposed at higher temperatures via β-aryl eliminations with selective migration of the more electron-poor aryl group 3,5-bis(CF3)C6H3 to form 1g and the corresponding nitriles. Migratory aptitudes of various aryl groups were assessed by studyin...
Effect of particulate additions on the contact damage resistance of hot-pressed Si3N4

Silicon nitride matrix composites containing particles of SiC, TiC, and BN were fabricated and tested for improved contact damage resistance at 900° C in an oxidizing atmosphere. Contact damage resistance was characterized with profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, bend tests, and coefficient of friction measurements. The results of these tests indicated that composites containing TiC particles showed dramatically improved friction and wear behaviour compared to the SiC- and BN-containing composites, as well as the monolithic Si3N4. Auger spectroscopy indicated that the improved behaviour was due to the formation of a lubricious oxide containing both titanium and silicon on the surface of the composite and the transfer of some of the oxide to the rider.
New syngas/air ignition data at lower temperature and elevated pressure and comparison to current kinetics models

In the present article, the authors present new data for synthesis gas ignition under practical conditions that, when used in conjunction with an earlier set of data, show considerable disagreement with what is predicted by state-of-the-art chemical kinetics models
Enhancing axon regeneration in peripheral nerves also increases functionally inappropriate reinnervation of targets.

The specificity of reinnervation of peripheral targets by regenerating motor axons was studied in mice by using retrograde fluorescent tracers applied to the cut ends of the tibial and common fibular nerves after transection and surgical repair of the sciatic nerve. When the nerve ends were aligned and secured with fibrin glue, more motoneurons labeled after application of tracer to the common fibular nerve were found in regions of the spinal cord that normally contain only tibial motoneurons. The magnitude of such inappropriate reinnervation did not change at different times after repair. Intentional misalignment of the cut nerve stumps at the time of repair resulted in more extensive inappropriate reinnervation of the different peripheral targets. If the proximal stump of the cut nerve was electrically stimulated at the time of repair, if the distal stump was treated with chondroitinase ABC, or if both protocols were applied, the number of motoneurons labeled was increased. This increase was accompanied by more extensive reinnervation of inappropriate targets than found after untreated nerve repair. Although alterations in the caudorostral distributions of labeled motoneurons observed were not as great as observed after purposeful misalignment of the cut nerve ends, the topographic relationship between the spinal locations of motoneuron somata and the peripheral targets of their axons is disrupted. Enhancement of motor axon regeneration by induction of growth-promoting signaling pathways, reduction in growth inhibition in the environment of regenerating axons, or both, is accompanied by an increase in the amount of functionally inappropriate reinnervation of peripheral targets. J. Comp. Neurol. 490:427–441, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The price of anarchy in mobility-driven contagion dynamics

Public policy and individual incentives determine the patterns of human mobility through transportation networks. In the event of a health emergency, the pursuit of maximum social or individual utility may lead to conflicting objectives in the routing strategies of network users. Individuals tend to avoid exposure so as to minimize the risk of contagion, whereas policymakers aim at coordinated behaviour that maximizes the social welfare. Here, we study agent-driven contagion dynamics through transportation networks, coupled to the adoption of either selfish- or policy-driven rerouting strategies. In analogy with the concept of price of anarchy in transportation networks subject to congestion, we show that maximizing individual utility leads to a loss of welfare for the social group, measured here by the total population infected after an epidemic outbreak.
OCTOR: OCcurrence selecTOR in pattern hierarchies

Hierarchies of patterns of features, of sub-assemblies, or of CSG sub-expressions are used in architectural and mechanical CAD to eliminate laborious repetitions from the design process. Yet, often the placement, shape, or even existence of a selection of the repeated occurrences in the pattern must be adjusted. The specification of a desired selection of occurrences in a hierarchy of patterns is often tedious (involving repetitive steps) or difficult (requiring interaction with an abstract representation of the hierarchy graph). The OCTOR system introduced here addresses these two drawbacks simultaneously, offering an effective and intuitive solution, which requires only two mouse-clicks to specify any one of a wide range of possible selections. It does not require expanding the graph or storing an explicit list of the selected occurrences and is simple to compute. It is hence well suited for a variety of CAD applications, including CSG, feature-based design, assembly mock-up, and animation. We discuss a novel representation of a selection, a technology that makes it possible to use only two mouse-clicks for each selection, and the persistence of these selections when the hierarchy of patterns is edited.
Regeneration of Pacemaker Battery After Explantation

In an effort to evaluate changes in voltage output of a pulse generator after explantation, the output of 33 pulse generators was measured at the time of explant and following 3 days of rest (not pacing). Twenty generators were removed secondary to elective replacement indicators (ERI) and 13 for other causes. The output of ERI generators significantly increased, from 2.62 volts at explant, to 3.17 volts, 3 days later. The non-ERI generators on the other hand, showed no significant change in their output. These observations are important when dealing with battery depletion.
Effectiveness of a National Media Campaign to Promote Parent–Child Communication About Sex

Background. Although there is debate on the effectiveness of youth-focused abstinence education programs, research confirms that parents can influence their children’s decisions about sexual behavior. To leverage parent-based approaches to adolescent sexual health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched the Parents Speak Up National Campaign (PSUNC) to encourage parent–child communication about sex. Previous experimental studies have found the campaign to be efficacious in increasing parent–child communication. But to date, the actual reach of the campaign and its real-world effectiveness in promoting parent–child communication has not been established. The present study addresses this gap. Method. The authors surveyed 1,804 parents of 10- to14-year-old children from the nationally representative Knowledge Networks online panel. The survey included questions about parents’ awareness of PSUNC ads and parent–child communication behaviors. The authors also analyzed market-level data on cam...
Use of projectional phase space data to infer a 4D particle distribution

We consider beams which are described by a 4D transverse distribution f(x,y,x{prime},y{prime}), where x{prime} {triple_bond} p{sub x}/p{sub z} and z is the axial coordinate. A two-slit scanner is commonly employed to measure, over a sequence of shots, a 2D projection of such a beam's phase space, e.g., f(x,x{prime}). Another scanner might yield f(y,y{prime}) or, using crossed slits, f(x,y). A small set of such 2D scans does not uniquely specify f(x,y,x{prime},y{prime}). We have developed ''tomographic'' techniques to synthesize a ''reasonable'' set of particles in a 4D phase space having 2D densities consistent with the experimental data. These techniques are described in a separate document [A. Friedman, et. al., submitted to Phys. Rev. ST-AB, 2002]. Here we briefly summarize one method and describe progress in validating it, using simulations of the High Current Experiment at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Verification of a two-layer inverse Monte Carlo absorption model using multiple source-detector separation diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.

A two-layer Monte Carlo lookup table-based inverse model is validated with two-layered phantoms across physiologically relevant optical property ranges. Reflectance data for source-detector separations of 370 μm and 740 μm were collected from these two-layered phantoms and top layer thickness, reduced scattering coefficient and the top and bottom layer absorption coefficients were extracted using the inverse model and compared to the known values. The results of the phantom verification show that this method is able to accurately extract top layer thickness and scattering when the top layer thickness ranges from 0 to 550 μm. In this range, top layer thicknesses were measured with an average error of 10% and the reduced scattering coefficient was measured with an average error of 15%. The accuracy of top and bottom layer absorption coefficient measurements was found to be highly dependent on top layer thickness, which agrees with physical expectation; however, within appropriate thickness ranges, the error for absorption properties varies from 12–25%.
The first steps of a robot based on jamming skin enabled locomotion

A soft, controllably morphable mobile robot is an ideal platform for traversing complex terrain and navigating small holes. iRobot Corporation and the University of Chicago have made use of a phenomenon known as particle jamming to create such a robot. The robot presented in this work uses jamming skin cells to enable controlled morphing and locomotion.
Sensor authentication in collaborating sensor networks

In this paper, we address a new security problem in the realm of collaborating sensor networks. By collaborating sensor networks, we refer to the networks of sensor networks collaborating on a mission, with each sensor network is independently owned and operated by separate entities. Such networks are practical where a number of independent entities can deploy their own sensor networks in multi-national, commercial, and environmental scenarios, and some of these networks will integrate complementary functionalities for a mission. In the scenario, we address an authentication problem wherein the goal is for the Operator O i of Sensor Network S i to correctly determine the number of active sensors in Network S i , Such a problem is challenging in collaborating sensor networks where other sensor networks, despite showing an intent to collaborate, may not be completely trustworthy and could compromise the authentication process. We propose two authentication protocols to address this problem. Our protocols rely on Physically Unclonable Functions, which are a hardware based authentication primitive exploiting inherent randomness in circuit fabrication. Our protocols are light-weight, energy efficient, and highly secure against a number of attacks. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first paper that addresses a practical security problem in collaborating sensor networks.
Evidence for the Involvement of Nitric Oxide in 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-Induced Serotonin Depletion in the Rat Brain

Production of reactive oxygen and/or nitrogen species has been thought to contribute to the long-term depletion of brain dopamine and serotonin (5-HT) produced by amphetamine derivatives, i.e., methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). In the present study, the effects of nitric-oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors were examined on the long-term depletion of striatal dopamine and/or 5-HT produced by the local perfusion of malonate and MDMA or the systemic administration of MDMA. The effect of MDMA on nitric oxide formation and nitrotyrosine concentration also was determined. Perfusion with MDMA and malonate resulted in a 34% reduction of 5-HT and 49% reduction of dopamine concentrations in the striatum. The systemic administration of NOS inhibitors, N ω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride and S -methyl-l-thiocitrulline ( S -MTC), and the peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst Fe(III) tetrakis (1-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphyrin pentachloride attenuated the MDMA- and malonate-induced depletion of striatal dopamine and 5-HT. S -MTC also attenuated the depletion of 5-HT in the striatum produced by the systemic administration of MDMA without attenuating MDMA-induced hyperthermia. Additionally, the systemic administration of MDMA significantly increased the formation of nitric oxide and the nitrotyrosine concentration in the striatum. These results support the conclusion that MDMA produces reactive nitrogen species in the rat that contribute to the neurotoxicity of this amphetamine analog.
Implications of the equipotential field line approximation for equatorial spread F analysis

[1] Three different approaches to the evaluation of the electrostatic potential in the ionosphere under equatorial spread F(ESF) conditions are considered. First, we calculate the potential using an analytical approach, applying force balance laws to a simplified ionosphere. Second, we compute the potential around a cylinder-like plasma depletion in an idealized ionosphere using both the equipotential field line (EFL) approach and the full 3-D solution to the electrostatic potential problem. Our third approach involves an initial boundary value simulation in a realistic ionosphere using both EFL and 3-D potential solutions. The results show that the equipotential field line assumption does not fully capture the 3-D structure of the ionospheric current system and leads to an underestimation of the growth rate of ESF irregularities in numerical simulations.
Detection and characterization of transport barriers in complex flows via ridge extraction of the finite time Lyapunov exponent field

This paper proposes an algorithm to detect and characterize ridges in the finite time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE) field obtained from a continuous dynamical system or flow. These ridges represent time-dependent separatrices of the flow and are also called Lagrangian coherent structures (LCS). LCS have been demonstrated to be an effective way to analyze realistic time-chaotic flows, although they can be quite complex. Therefore, in order to exploit the information that LCS can provide it is important to locate and characterize these structures in a systematic way. This can be accomplished by interpreting the FTLE as a height field and detecting the LCS as ridges of this graph. Methodologies developed in the image processing framework are integrated with dynamical system inspired approaches in order to characterize ridge strength and location. The main novel contribution of the proposed algorithm is a scheme to connect sets of points into curves or surfaces (rather than distributions of points around a ridge axis) and classify these curves or surfaces using a dynamical systems measure of strength. This approach provides the capability to track ranked LCS in space and time. The results are presented for a simple analytical model and noisy LCS from realistic three-dimensional geophysical fluid data. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Verminous Myelitis in a Pit Bull Puppy

A 10-week-old, male pit bull dog presented to the referring veterinarian with hind limb paresis and epaxial muscle atrophy. No spinal lesions were identified at gross necropsy; however, histologically there was marked granulomatous myelitis in the spinal cord between T13 and L2 with occasional, intralesional nematode larvae. Based on morphologic characteristics, the nematode larvae were identified as Strongyloides spp., possibly Strongyloides stercoralis.
Three-in-One Chromatography-Free Purification, Tag Removal, and Site-Specific Modification of Recombinant Fusion Proteins Using Sortase A and Elastin-like Polypeptides†

Applied in tandem, elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) and the sortase A (SrtA) transpeptidase from Staphylococcus aureus provide a general method for chromatography-free purification of tag-free recombinant proteins and optional, site-specific and homogeneous conjugation of the protein to a small molecule. This system provides an efficient, practical mechanism for generating bioactive proteins and protein-small-molecule combination therapeutics at high yields and purities.
Interleukin-10 and Related Cytokines and Receptors

▪ Abstract The Class 2 α-helical cytokines consist of interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-19, IL-20, IL-22, IL-24 (Mda-7), and IL-26, interferons (IFN-α, -β, -ɛ, -κ, -ω, -δ, -τ, and -γ) and interferon-like molecules (limitin, IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29). The interaction of these cytokines with their specific receptor molecules initiates a broad and varied array of signals that induce cellular antiviral states, modulate inflammatory responses, inhibit or stimulate cell growth, produce or inhibit apoptosis, and affect many immune mechanisms. The information derived from crystal structures and molecular evolution has led to progress in the analysis of the molecular mechanisms initiating their biological activities. These cytokines have significant roles in a variety of pathophysiological processes as well as in regulation of the immune system. Further investigation of these critical intercellular signaling molecules will provide important information to enable these proteins to be used more extensively in therapy for ...
Evaluating Teaching: A Suggestion for Principals

Some would argue that teaching should be evaluated on the basis of how well students achieve. Others contend that teachers should be held accountable only for how well they adhere to sound principles of pedagogy. A procedure for principals to use to evaluate teachers in the latter manner is described here.
First Observations of Nesting by the Argentine Black and White Tegu, Tupinambis merianae, in South Florida

Florida has the most species of introduced and established reptiles in the world. There are more species of non-native lizards reproducing in Florida than native species. Tupinambis merianae (Argentine Black and White Tegu) is established in parts of Hillsborough and Polk counties, FL. No evidence of reproduction has been published in other areas of Florida, although this species has been sighted in various other Florida locations, especially in southeastern sites. Using radio-telemetry, we tracked an adult female tegu in Miami-Dade County to a ruderal thicket with a suspected nest mound. Upon excavation of the mound, we found one clutch of 21 eggs from the current year, and one clutch of 22 hatched egg shells and 13 unhatched eggs from a past year. This is the first evidence confirming expansion of a reproducing population of Argentine Black and White Tegus into southeastern Florida. If this population is small and localized, there is potential for removal if swift, decisive action is taken.
Formulation of polyurea with improved flame retardant properties

This article addresses the flame retardancy of polyurea using three different sulfonate salts, sodium diphenylamine-4-sulfonate, 3-(1-pyridinio)-1-propane sulfonate, and ammonium sulfamate, and their combination with some conventional flame retardants. Cone calorimetry and thermogravimetry are used for the evaluation of the flame retardancy and thermal stability. Among the sulfonate salts, ammonium sulfamate shows the best flame retardancy both alone and in combination. The conventional additives that have been used include ammonium polyphosphate, expandable graphite, aluminum diethylphosphinate, melamine polyphosphate, and a chloroalkylphosphonate, as binary and ternary mixtures at 15 wt.% total loading. The nonsulfur-containing binary system exhibits higher ignition time and better flame and smoke resistance than do the ternary mixtures.
Biliary haptoglobin, a potent promoter of cholesterol crystallization at physiological concentrations.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Several proteins present in human bile have been reported to promote cholesterol crystallization and thus are potentially important in the formation of cholesterol crystals as the initial stage in gallstone pathogenesis. To be physiologically relevant, such proteins must either be present in high concentration in bile or have a potent promoting activity. The current study explored several of the more abundant but unexamined biliary proteins based upon their also having sufficiently high serum concentrations that antibodies were available for both their isolation and quantitation. METHODS: Protein purification was accomplished by immunoaffinity chromatography of bile followed by delipidation. Con A affinity chromatography of bile was used to obtain the bound fraction, a portion of which was delipidated. Crystallization-promoting activity of both the purified proteins and Con A-bound glycoprotein fractions (CABG) was measured by a photometric crystal growth assay. A competitive antibody-capture ELISA assay was developed to measure concentrations of alpha 1-antitrypsin, transferrin, and haptoglobin in native bile. RESULTS: At their relevant physiological concentrations, biliary haptoglobin (15 micrograms/ml) had a crystallization-promoting activity twice that of the biliary IgM (75 micrograms/ml) used as a reference standard (P
The USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program: A Case Study of Implementation and Consumption in Wisconsin.

Purpose/Objectives The US Department of Agriculture created its Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) to address poor nutrition and rising obesity among children. The FFVP allocates funding for selected elementary schools with at least 50% free/reduced price school meal enrollments to provide free fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to students. The purpose of this case study in one Wisconsin FFVP-funded school is to provide 1) an account of what fruits and vegetables were served and consumed and 2) information about FFVP implementation, including benefits, challenges and opportunities for collaborative partnerships. Methods Seventy-six 4th and 5th grade students, four teachers, and the school nutrition director participated in this study. Teachers recorded student consumption of fruits and vegetables over 95 days. The school nutrition director provided information through a telephone interview. Results Fruits were served 66 times, and vegetables were served 29 times. Most items were determined by the school nutrition director to be familiar to students. Students consistently ate the FFVP snacks, consuming fruits at a higher rate than vegetables. FFVP procedures and implementation were relatively easy to execute for this school. Applications to Child Nutrition Professionals These findings provide a useful example of FFVP planning, implementation, and evaluation of outcomes, while also highlighting how schools, researchers and community partners can collaborate to enhance the FFVP. This case study of FFVP implementation and outcomes in a small Midwestern school should prove useful to staff from FFVP schools with similar demographics, especially school nutrition directors with limited experience and schools new to the FFVP. Keywords: nutrition; fruit and vegetable; child obesity; health policy; school-based intervention; Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.
A fault-tolerant voltage measurement method for series connected battery packs

Abstract This paper proposes a fault-tolerant voltage measurement method for battery management systems. Instead of measuring the voltage of individual cells, the proposed method measures the voltage sum of multiple battery cells without additional voltage sensors. A matrix interpretation is developed to demonstrate the viability of the proposed sensor topology to distinguish between sensor faults and cell faults. A methodology is introduced to isolate sensor and cell faults by locating abnormal signals. A measurement electronic circuit is proposed to implement the design concept. Simulation and experiment results support the mathematical analysis and validate the feasibility and robustness of the proposed method. In addition, the measurement problem is generalized and the condition for valid sensor topology is discovered. The tuning of design parameters are analyzed based on fault detection reliability and noise levels.
Protective effect of salt on reduction of viscosity of sodium thymonucleate solutions by heat.

SummaryThe viscosity of aqueous solutions of sodium thymonucleate is reduced both by heating and by addition of sodium chloride and other salts. If, however, the nucleate solution is heated in the presence of a sufficiently high concentration of salt, there is no further decrease in viscosity beyond that induced by the salt. The protective effect of the salt is reversible, for if the salt is removed by dialysis from the heated nucleate-salt mixture, the residual aqueous solution of nucleate again suffers a marked reduction in viscosity on heating.
On Interworking Mechanism Between Adult Education and Vocational Education Based on Post Criterion

Vocational education and adult education will have to strengthen communication and cooperation, which has become their basic need for development.Both vocational education and adult education will train students on some specific professional posts because their graduates will go to different posts after graduation, and therefore the post-criterion becomes the junction between the two kinds of education.The paper studies the post-criterion interworking mechanism between vocational education and adult education and proposes to establish the organizational system,the operating system,the institutional system,supervisory system and security system.
Neural Dataset Generality

Often the filters learned by Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) from different datasets appear similar. This is prominent in the first few layers. This similarity of filters is being exploited for the purposes of transfer learning and some studies have been made to analyse such transferability of features. This is also being used as an initialization technique for different tasks in the same dataset or for the same task in similar datasets. Off-the-shelf CNN features have capitalized on this idea to promote their networks as best transferable and most general and are used in a cavalier manner in day-to-day computer vision tasks. It is curious that while the filters learned by these CNNs are related to the atomic structures of the images from which they are learnt, all datasets learn similar looking low-level filters. With the understanding that a dataset that contains many such atomic structures learn general filters and are therefore useful to initialize other networks with, we propose a way to analyse and quantify generality among datasets from their accuracies on transferred filters. We applied this metric on several popular character recognition, natural image and a medical image dataset, and arrived at some interesting conclusions. On further experimentation we also discovered that particular classes in a dataset themselves are more general than others.
Utility of volumetric assessment of cervical funneling to predict cerclage failure

AbstractObjective: To assess the utility of cervical funnel volume as a predictor of cerclage failure.Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women with a McDonald cerclage and sonographic evidence of cervical funneling between 1/2008 and 2/2014. Funnel volume (FV) was calculated and used as a correction factor for cervical length (CL) or cerclage height (CH). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the predictive value of CL, CL:FV, CH and CH:FV for cerclage failure at 10th percentiles and analyzed for prediction of preterm delivery.Results: Subjects with cerclage failure (n = 30) delivered at a mean gestational age of 29.8 +/− 5.3 weeks compared to 38.1+/− 1.39 weeks in those without failure (n = 27; p < 0.001). ROC curves demonstrated CL:FV was the best predictor of delivery <28 weeks (AUC 0.80), while CL was the best predictor of delivery <34 weeks (AUC 0.76). Stratification of CL:...
Potential of fertilization to improve nutritive value of pricklypear cactus (Opuntia lindheimeri Engelm.)

Pricklypear cactus (Opuntia lindheimeri Engelm.)) an abundant plant in south Texas and north-eastern Mexico, has been used as emergency cattle feed in spite of its relatively low levels of crude protein and phosphorus. A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization on the productivity and nutritive value of pricklypear. Pricklypear was planted on regular 102-cm beds, 46 cm apart in a row and fertilized in the spring for 3 consecutive years. Crude protein levels were increased by 3·1, 4·2, and 4·4 per centage units by the application of 67, 135, and 224 kg N/ha, respectively. Phosphorus content was increased by 0·08 and 0·11 per centage units by the application of 67 and 112 kg P/ha, respectively. Total biomass production was increased approximately five-fold 7 years following planting. These results indicate that N and P fertilization can be used to increase the productivity and nutritive value of pricklypear.
An unusual metastatic tumor to the heart

Abstract Metastatic tumors of the heart are 20 to 40 times more common than the primary cardiac tumors. Cardiac metastasis from pelvic malignancy is rare and gynecological tumors rarely metastasize to the heart. Metastasis into the heart is rare and most of the cases are diagnosed postmortem during autopsy. We report a case of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix into heart causing obstruction of the right ventricle and pulmonary artery causing dyspnea on exertion and eventually patient's demise.
Breast and prostate cancer patient's reliability of treatment reporting.

PURPOSE To compare patient reported cancer treatments with data obtained by trained abstractors in the Metropolitan Detroit Cancer Surveillance System (MDCSS) to assess the reliability of patient interviews as a source for cancer treatments. METHODS Patients (n=492 breast patients and n=291 prostate patients) were identified from the MDCSS and interviewed approximately 6 months after initial diagnosis for receipt of cancer treatment. Kappa statistics compared agreement between patient's report of their treatments and the MDCSS. RESULTS Breast cancer patients had moderate levels of agreement regarding receipt of chemotherapy and radiation and excellent agreement for surgery. In contrast, prostate cancer patients and registry reports achieved excellent concordance for radiation therapy, very good agreement for surgery, and moderate levels of agreement for hormone therapy. Sensitivity of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation reporting exceeded 90% for both patient cohorts. Overall, patients reported more treatment than was recorded i n M DCSS. CONCLUSION Patients can be reliabledata sources for medical information pertaining to cancer therapies, although recall may vary by treatment type and time since treatment. Protocols involving patient interviews may wish to consider these encounters as timely, reliable data source options.
A window of opportunity for climate-change adaptation: easing tree mortality by reducing forest basal area

Increasing aridity as a result of climate change is expected to exacerbate tree mortality. Reducing forest basal area – the cross-sectional area of tree stems within a given ground area – can decrease tree competition, which may reduce drought-induced tree mortality. However, neither the magnitude of expected mortality increases, nor the potential effectiveness of basal area reduction, has been quantified in dryland forests such as those of the drought-prone Southwest US. We used thousands of repeatedly measured forest plots to show that unusually warm and dry conditions are related to high tree mortality rates and that mortality is positively related to basal area. Those relationships suggest that while increasing high temperature extremes forecasted by climate models may lead to elevated tree mortality during the 21st century, future tree mortality might be partly ameliorated by reducing stand basal area. This adaptive forest management strategy may provide a window of opportunity for forest managers and policy makers to guide forest transitions to species and/or genotypes more suited to future climates.
The Chance & Choice Challenge: A Game for Addressing Bullying Behavior From Within

ABSTRACTBullying, in a variety of ubiquitous and ever-changing forms from online name-calling to physical violence, affects the lives of young people. This article provides an overview of a supplemental approach to address bullying behaviors at their source. The Chance & Choice Challenge offers interactive ways to explore the roles played by choice and personal responsibility. This intervention, presented in a game format, appeals to a young client’s sense of individuality and autonomy, allowing the counselor to enhance the experience of the client’s investment in personal choices, and in turn the experience of personal growth.
Evaluation of Dual Tracer (FLT and FDG) PET Imaging As Part of Risk-Adapted Therapy for Patients with Advanced Stage Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

Abstract 792 Introduction: We previously reported the use of a sequential treatment (tx) program, R-CHOP-14 x4 followed by ICE x3, results in an 80% 5-y PFS (JCO 2010; 28 (23): 3754–3761) but interim (int) FDG-PET-4 (FDG-4) scan did not predict outcome. Patients (pts) with a positive (pos) FDG-4 underwent biopsy (bx), of which 85% were negative (neg). There was no difference in PFS for pts with pos FDG-4 and a neg bx vs. FDG-4 neg. In an attempt to reduce false pos FDG-4, we changed the induction tx as well as the timing of FDG-4. In addition, we prospectively evaluated 18F−fluorothymidine (FLT)-PET to determine its value for int evaluation. Proliferative index (PI) Methods: Eligible pts were Results: Sixty pts are evaluable; 50 underwent FLT-PET (10 pts could not be imaged due to lack of FLT availability or inability to schedule the test because of rapid tumor progression). Pt characteristics include: median age 54 (range 21–71), elevated LDH (82%); stage IV (75%); KPS 5) both predicted for PFS (p=.015 and .003, respectively). However, once again, pts with FDG-4 pos, bx neg evaluation had the same outcome as those with neg FDG-4 (p=.28) We combined the 2 FLT cohorts since the results were not significantly different. For the exploratory evaluation of FLT-PET, interpretation of FLT-PET-1/2 was based on delta SUV of >66% as a neg or favorable scan result. Thirty-three FLT-PET-1/2 scans were neg and 29 pts are progression-free (PF), including 8 pts with a pos FDG-4 (all had a negative bx and 7 are PF, hence 7 false pos FDG-4 scans). Among the 17 pts with pos FLT-PET-1/2, nine are PF. Nine FLT-PET-1/2 pos patients were FDG-4 neg and 7 are PF (hence improved response or false pos FLT). Lastly, pts with both pos FLT and FDG-4 did poorly; only 2 of 8 patients are PF. Conclusions: These results confirm the excellent PFS of our sequential R-CHOP-14/ICE program. Altering the rituximab schedule, delaying int restaging by one week, as well as the use of FLT improved int evaluation. In this study, pts with a neg early FLT had an excellent outcome and likely no further imaging test is needed until the end of therapy for this cohort. In addition, pts with a neg FDG-4, despite a pos FLT, also did well with our induction/consolidation program. Future studies in these sub-groups may include reduced treatment strategies. Patients with dual tracer positive disease did poorly and the addition of novel therapy which may include kinase inhibitors with or without transplant is warranted. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Math Problem-Solving

When English is the language of instruction, proficiency in English is strongly correlated with math performance. Students must have the oral language skills to understand instruction and to convey questions to the teacher, as well as the reading skills to understand word problems and the writing skills to respond to them. Learning math skills is not dependent on learning a specific language. However, language is the conduit for learning mathematics. Mathematics educators advise that English learners should increase their proficiency in using English concurrently with increasing their mathematics reasoning skills. Although the English language used in math instruction may need to be simplified for English learners, the complexity of the mathematical reasoning expected of these students should not be reduced. When an English learner has difficulty with word problems, it is important to determine whether the difficulty is due to the words used in the problems, to the spoken language proficiency required to demonstrate proficiency, or to the math reasoning and problem-solving skills of the student. We discuss clinical signs of a math problem-solving disorder and recommended assessment practices, as well as recommended instructional practices to help English learners.
Latino Portrayals in Local News Media: Underrepresentation, Negative Stereotypes, and Institutional Predictors of Coverage

AbstractGiven the rise in negative rhetoric about Latinos in the U.S., it is essential to examine whether this negative tone extends to general, local news as well. An analysis of 2426 news articles drawn from 55 local newspapers in 2015 reveals several important findings. First, despite the intense spotlight on Latinos, they are still underrepresented in local news media. Relative to the other ethnic groups and whites, Latinos are more likely to be portrayed through negative stereotypes. However, the probability of this negative coverage is smaller for news media with a big proportion of Latino audiences, or for publicly-owned media outlets.