cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal patterns and drivers of landscape change in a semi-arid, southern African savanna: a satellite imaging and intensity analysis

Abstract Background The savannas of southern Africa are a highly variable and globally important biome that supports rapidly expanding human populations. They also have one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife on the continent. Savannas occupy a fifth of the earth's land surface, yet despite their ecological and economic significance, little is understood about the complex couplings and feedbacks that drive long-term spatiotemporal patterns of change. Here, we aimed to describe land-cover change in Chobe District, Botswana, and address questions about the complex drivers of patterns of land cover change, with a particular focus on climate, fire, herbivory, and anthropogenic disturbance. Methods We used Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM), Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+), and Operational Land Imager (OLI) satellite imagery from 1990 to 2013 to explore land-cover change across the 21 000 km 2 Chobe District. Net and gross land cover change were assessed for the Chobe National Park, six protected forest reserves, areas surrounding towns and villages, and the riparian corridor of the Chobe River. We also used intensity analysis methods developed by Aldwaik and Pontius to compare observed changes to a hypothetical uniform change to examine how the size and intensity of land cover losses and gains vary between time periods and across different land-cover classes. Findings Patterns of land-cover change in the Chobe District were not strictly linear in nature, a characteristic noted for other dryland systems, with gross land-cover change and intensity analysis showing extensive, active bidirectional exchange between woodland, shrubland, and grassland. Changes in land cover over the study period were characterised by a loss of woodlands, accompanied by an expansion of shrubland. Woodland losses were greatest along the Chobe River, which provides a large proportion of the drinking water, and other essential resources, for human and wildlife populations. Interpretation The multi-decadal monitoring of land-cover changes in southern Africa using remote-sensing provides essential information for societies to manage ecosystem resources locally, so that they might increase resilience to future climate change. Our identification of spatial and temporal patterns of land-cover changes supports the need to develop an early warning framework to identify existing and emergent threats to forest resources and services, and reduce potential adverse effects on the livelihoods and health of local communities. Funding Forest Conservation Botswana (FCB); National Science Foundation.
VPAC1 Targeted 64Cu-TP3805 kit preparation and its evaluation.

Abstract Introduction Previously, our laboratory has shown that 64Cu-TP3805 can specifically target VPAC1 receptors and be used for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of breast (BC) and prostate cancer (PC) in humans. Present work is aimed at the formulation of a freeze-dried diaminedithiol-peptide (N2S2-TP3805) kit and it's evaluation for the preparation of 64Cu labeled TP3805. Parameters such as pH, temperature and incubation time were examined that influenced the radiolabeling efficiency and stability of the product. Methods Kits were prepared under different conditions and radiolabeling efficiency of TP3805 kit was evaluated for a range of pH 3.5–8.5, after addition of 64Cu in 30 μl, 0.1 M HCl. Incubation temperature (37-90 °C) and time (30-120 min.) were also investigated. Kits were stored at −10 °C and their long term stability was determined as a function of their radiolabeling efficiency. Further, stability of 64Cu-TP3805 complex was evaluated in presence of fetal bovine serum and bovine serum albumin by using SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Kits were then used for PET imaging of BC and PC following eIND (101550) and institutional approvals. Specificity of 64Cu-TP3805 for VPAC1 was examined with digital autoradiography (DAR) of prostate tissues obtained after prostatectomy, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissue, and benign and malignant lymph nodes. Results were compared with corresponding tissue histology. Results Radiolabeling efficiency was ≥95% at final pH ~7.2 when incubated at 50 °C for 90 min. Kits were stable up to 18 months when stored at −10 °C, and 64Cu-TP3805 complex exhibited excellent stability for up to 4 h at room temperature. 64Cu-TP3805 complex did not show any transchelation even after 2 h incubation at 37 °C in 10% FBS as well as in BSA as determined by SDS PAGE analysis. DAR identified ≥95% of malignant lesions 11 new PC lesions, 20 high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, 2/2 ejaculatory ducts and 5/5 urethra verumontanum not previously identified The malignant lymph nodes were correctly identified by DAR and for 3/3 BPH patients, and 5/5 cysts, DAR was negative. In human BC (n = 19) and PC (n = 26) were imaged with 100% sensitivity. Conclusion Availability of ready to use N2S2-peptide kits for 64Cu labeling is convenient and eliminates possible day to day variation during its routine preparation for clinical use.
FAIMS based sensing of Burkholderia cepacia caused sour skin in onions under bulk storage condition

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops in the Pacific Northwestern states of the U.S., and is stored for 9–12 months under bulk storage condition. Portable non-contact sensing technologies are needed to effectively detect pathogenic infections to the onion bulbs during bulk storage periods for real-time crop loss management. Therefore, portable field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) was evaluated towards detection of onion sour skin caused by Burkholderia cepacia, an important postharvest disease under bulk storage conditions. Studied were onions stored at 25 °C under two treatment conditions, inoculated with B. cepacia and with sterile water (as control), during 21-days temporal storage. Results confirmed applicability of FAIMS to detect volatile organic compounds pertinent to B. cepacia caused sour skin as early as 3 days after inoculation. Principal component analysis (PCA) score plots for FAIMS extracted data illustrated distinct clusters corresponding to inoculated and healthy treatments. PCA also suggested a significant range of dispersion field intensity (47–77%) and compensation voltage (−0.24 to 0.48 V), which could potentially be used to train portable FAIMS for real-time detection of sour skin under bulk storage conditions.
Early T-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ETP-ALL) Is a High-Risk Subtype in Adults

Background: Early T-cell precursor (ETP) acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (ALL) is a recently recognized high-risk T-ALL subgroup. The optimal therapeutic approaches to adult patients with ETP-ALL are poorly characterized. In this study, we compared the outcomes of adults with ETP-ALL who received treatment on frontline regimens to those of patients with other T-ALL immunophenotypic subtypes. Methods: Patients with newly-diagnosed T-ALL who received frontline chemotherapy between the years 2000 and 2014 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) were identified and immunophenotypically categorized into early, thymic, and mature per the European Group for the Immunologic Classification of Leukemia (EGIL)/WHO classification. Patients with ETP-ALL were identified on the basis of the following immunophenotype: CD1a(-), CD8(-), CD5(-/dim), and positivity for one or more stem cell or myeloid antigens. Patients received frontline treatment with the following chemotherapy regimens: hyper-CVAD alone (n=43), hyper-CVAD + nelarabine (n=44) or augmented BFM regimen (n=24). Results: A total of 111 patients with T-ALL with adequate immunophenotype data were identified. There was no difference in the outcomes of patients based on the EGIL/WHO subtypes (Fig 1). A total of 19 patients (17%) had ETP-ALL. The complete remission rate (CR)/CR with incomplete platelet recovery (CRp) rate in patients with ETP-ALL was significantly lower than that of non-ETP-ALL patients (73% vs. 91%; p=0.03). The median overall survival for patients with ETP-ALL was 20 months vs. not reached for the non-ETP-ALL patients (p = 0.008) (Fig 2). ETP-ALL remained a high-risk subgroup within the WHO 9Early9 group (Fig 3). A subset of patients with early T-ALL had an immunophenotype that resembled that of ETP-ALL except for having ≥75% CD5 expression (ETP+CD5). The OS of patients with ETP+CD5 (n=19) was similar to that of non-ETP-ALL patients and differed from that of ETP-ALL patients (p=0.059). By univariate analysis, the following variables were significant for survival: age, WBC count ( Conclusions: ETP-ALL represents a high-risk disease subtype of adult ALL. Allogeneic stem cell transplant in CR1 should be considered. Novel treatment strategies are needed to improve treatment outcomes in this T-ALL subset. Disclosures Konopleva:Novartis: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Stemline: Research Funding; Calithera: Research Funding; Threshold: Research Funding. Cortes:Astellas: Consultancy, Research Funding; BerGenBio AS: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Ariad: Consultancy, Research Funding; Teva: Research Funding; Ambit: Consultancy, Research Funding; Arog: Research Funding; Celator: Research Funding; Jenssen: Consultancy.
Information Retrieval and Interaction System (IRIS): A Toolkit for Investigating Information Retrieval and Interaction Activities

In this demo we present IRIS, an open-source framework that provides a set of simple and modular document operators that can be combined in various ways to create more interesting and advanced functionality otherwise unavailable during most information search sessions. Those functionalities include summarization, ranking, filtering and query. The goal is to support users looking for, collecting, and synthesizing information. The system is also easily extendable, allowing for customized functionality for users during information sessions and researchers studying higher levels of abstraction for information retrieval. The demo shows the front end interactions using a browser plug-in that offers new interactions with documents during search sessions, as well as the back-end components driving the system.
Model for threading dislocations in metamorphic tandem solar cells on GaAs (001) substrates

We present an approximate model for the threading dislocations in III–V heterostructures and have applied this model to study the defect behavior in metamorphic triple-junction solar cells. This model represents a new approach in which the coefficient for second-order threading dislocation annihilation and coalescence reactions is considered to be determined by the length of misfit dislocations, LMD, in the structure, and we therefore refer to it as the LMD model. On the basis of this model we have compared the average threading dislocation densities in the active layers of triple junction solar cells using linearly-graded buffers of varying thicknesses as well as S-graded (complementary error function) buffers with varying thicknesses and standard deviation parameters. We have shown that the threading dislocation densities in the active regions of metamorphic tandem solar cells depend not only on the thicknesses of the buffer layers but on their compositional grading profiles. The use of S-graded buffer layers instead of linear buffers resulted in lower threading dislocation densities. Moreover, the threading dislocation densities depended strongly on the standard deviation parameters used in the S-graded buffers, with smaller values providing lower threading dislocation densities.
When should screening of pediatric trauma patients for adult behaviors start

Background Care of patients with trauma is not only limited to the sustained physical injuries but also requires addressing social issues, such as substance abuse and interpersonal violence, which are responsible for trauma-related recidivism. This study investigates whether there are age-related variations in these problematic social behaviors to analyze whether there is an age cut-off at which point adolescents should be screened for adult social behaviors. Methods Retrospective review of patients with trauma aged 12–21 admitted to an urban Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma center between February 2013 and April 2016. Demographics, mechanisms of injury, Injury Severity Score, outcomes, toxicology and social history evaluations were abstracted from the electronic medical record. Results 756 patients were admitted during the 39-month period. Most patients were male (73.9%) without significant variation by age. The mechanisms of injury varied by age (p Conclusions As pediatric trauma patients get older, they have increasing risks of social issues typically associated with adults. Our study underscores the need to evaluate and address these issues even in young adolescents. Level of evidence Level IV—epidemiological.
Positional licensing, asymmetric trade-offs and gradient constraints in Harmonic Grammar

In Harmonic Grammar, positional licensing interacts with faithfulness constraints in pathological ways: spreading a feature to a licensing position to satisfy positional licensing can incur many faithfulness violations, and if there are sufficiently many such violations, they gang up to block spreading. This problem is solved if positional licensing is recast as a positive constraint that rewards licensed features in proportion to the number of positions they are associated with, thereby countering faithfulness's multiple violations. This proposal provides support for positive constraints, calls into question arguments against gradient constraints and lays the groundwork for a sound theory of positional licensing in Harmonic Grammar.
Primary Spinal Infections

Infections of the spine can be rapidly progressive and often cause significant neurologic deficits and even death. Unfortunately, they are also often difficult to diagnose, as they can mimic a number of other conditions. With rising numbers of patients who are immunosuppressed due to HIV, diabetes mellitus, and organ transplantation, these infections are becoming increasingly prevalent. Thus, it is important to know how to efficiently diagnose and initiate treatment for these patients.
A screen for genes that regulate synaptic growth reveals mechanisms that stabilize synaptic strength

Synapses grow, prune, and remodel throughout development, experience, and disease. This structural plasticity can destabilize information transfer in the nervous system. However, neural activity remains remarkably stable throughout life, implying that adaptive countermeasures exist to stabilize neurotransmission. Aberrant synaptic structure and function has been associated with a variety of neural diseases including Fragile X syndrome, autism, and intellectual disability. We have screened disruptions in over 300 genes in Drosophila for defects in synaptic growth at the neuromuscular junction. This effort identified 12 mutants with severe reductions or enhancements in synaptic growth. Remarkably, electrophysiological recordings revealed synaptic strength in all but one of these mutants was unchanged compared to wild type. We utilized a combination of genetic, anatomical, and electrophysiological analyses to illuminate three mechanisms that stabilize synaptic strength in the face of alterations in synaptic growth. These include compensatory changes in 1) postsynaptic receptor abundance; 2) presynaptic morphology; and 3) active zone structure. Together, this analysis identifies new genes that regulate synaptic growth and the adaptive strategies that synapses employ to homeostatically stabilize synaptic strength in response.
NIOSH's Respiratory Health Division: 50 years of science and service.

The year 2017 marked the 50th anniversary of NIOSH’s Respiratory Health Division (RHD). RHD began in 1967 as the Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Respiratory Diseases (ALFORD), with a focus ...
AQUATIC NITROGEN DETERMINATIONS IN REAL-TIME

SUMMARY This research work involves quick-time measurements of aquatic borne nitrogen utilizing a nitrate [NO − 3 ] probe, an ammonia [NH 3 ] probe and a pyrolysis/microcoulometric total nitrogen [TN] analyzer. The measurements were taken in a train of unit steps composing a model pilot plant conventional sewage treatment plan, (primary sedimentation and an activated sludge bio-reactor) followed by several advanced waste treatment unit processes and operations (lime treatment, recarbonation, filtration, activated carbon and ion exchange). The objectives of this research are to evaluate the measurement system of real-time determination of aquatic borne nitrogen and to learn the nitrogen removals and interactions within the pilot plant. Both of these are essential ingredients in developing control strategies for aquatic nitrogen pollution abatement. Spikes of nitrogeneous materials were traced through the pilot plant to see the nitrogen alterations and effectiveness of the proposed real-time monitoring system. Organic nitrogen can be estimated by the relationship that groups the numerous different chemical forms as [Org-N] = [TN] - [NH 3 ] - [NO − 3 ] The different types of organics found in wastewater and the rationale for grouping into the above readily measureable parameters are discussed. A value for each of these groups can be determined within 15 min of sampling for (TN) and within 1 min for (NH 3 ) and [NO − 3 ]. These grouped analytic techniques have the necessary speed to monitor trend data in real-time and this compensates for a reason- able loss in accuracy, precision and sensitivity — the quantitative information on these factors is in the paper.
General Principles of Neurocritical Care

Neurocritical care (NCC) refers to the care and examination of the comatose patient; treatment of raised intracranial pressure (ICP) and neuromuscular respiratory failure; use of therapies specific for acute stroke, ICH, SAH, TBI, and status epilepticus, among other conditions; and treatment of medical complications typical for acute neurologic illness. The pivotal aspect of NCC involves providing intensive monitoring to critically ill neurological patients and thus requires the support of specially trained personnel with skills to identify subtle neurologic changes which remain the best markers for worsening injury. The neurointensivist plays a central role, directing medical care, triaging patients, and managing ICU resources. In addition, the critical care provider team also consists of residents, fellows, and/or physician extenders. Ideally such a team should be available 24 h a day to provide continuous monitoring and care. Like any other critically ill patient, management of the neurocritically ill patient begins with ensuring a secured airway, adequate ventilation, and circulation. This is followed by a rapid neurological assessment to grade the level of consciousness and elucidate the cause and severity of injury in order to identify immediate interventions such as ICP control. Once stable, appropriate radiological studies are obtained to confirm the suspected diagnosis followed by specific therapies including neurosurgical interventions. In this chapter, we review the principles of NCC, current neuromonitoring approaches, and the best treatment maneuvers available.
Macro synthetic fibers as reinforcement for deep beams with discontinuity regions: Experimental investigation

Abstract Macro synthetic fibers enhance the response of concrete in tension, ultimately improving its structural behavior, which leads to fully or partially replacing the conventional reinforcements in structural members. However, their applicability in shear predominant critical structural members that have complex stress fields and congested reinforcements have not been investigated. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the performance of macro synthetic fibers in critical structural applications with plausibly reduced conventional reinforcements by comparing the structural response of macro-synthetic-fiber reinforcement with that of conventional reinforcement and steel-fiber-reinforcement from available literature in order to gain perspicacity on different fiber types, fiber dosages, and congestion of reinforcements. An experimental program was conducted on three quarter-scale deep beams with discontinuity regions having reduced reinforcements. Macro-synthetic fibers were added at volume fractions (Vf) of 1% and 2%, and their performance was compared with that of the specimen without fibers. The applied load versus deflection of the beams, failure modes, cracking patterns, and strain in reinforcements were monitored during the tests until failure. The experimental results revealed that the inclusion of 2% Vf of macro synthetic fibers significantly increased the ultimate strength and post-cracking resistance of deep beams.
Dimensional Analysis and Laser-Ultrasonic Inspection of Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing Components

The use of cold spray (CS) in metal additive manufacturing (AM) offers well recognized advantages with typical commercial drivers being a rapid build rate, low process temperature and wide range of usable alloys. For cold spray, technology-specific considerations must be factored into each of the processing steps and in particular, an effective build strategy and toolpath are critical to moving towards near-net shape parts. Inspection and quality control of such complex parts is a challenge and new strategies have to be developed. For this purpose, this study looks to combine optical techniques for dimensional analysis with laser ultrasonics for volume probing.
Weaving a Digital Thread into Concept Design

During concept design of a space system, engineers explore many alternative concepts of operation, requirements, and design solutions. Changes to all these attributes are made frequently. The models that represent the system's definition, properties, and performance must be integrated in a way that not only captures these key attributes in a consistent manner across the various model domains, but they must also be agile to allow for frequent changes to the concept design. Changes should propagate throughout the entire federation of interconnected models and maintain design consistency. To accomplish this, the models and tools used by different disciplines need to “talk” to each other to share data in a way that ultimately leads to informed decision-making. A model framework is presented that describes how interconnected descriptive and analytical models can be used for concept design. The analytical models are implemented by tools that help engineers visualize trade space options, analyze candidate designs, and compare results against requirements. These connected performance models also provide holistic system analyses used to verify that a proposed system concept design meets mission requirements. The outputs of these analytical models are input to a descriptive SysML model in the form of constraints that ultimately verify that a system's mission requirements are met, thus providing a traceable framework, or digital thread, which spans across disparate functional areas.
Professional Art Therapy and Visuospatial Exploration in Parkinson’s Disease: an Experimental Protocol and Preliminary Feasibility Data. (P1.004)

Objective: To illustrate an innovative protocol of intensive Professional Art Therapy (PAT) specifically designed for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. To present feasibility data from the first group completing this pilot program. Background: According to previous studies art therapy exerts beneficial effects on mood and other psychological functions in PD. Art creation involves visuospatial perception, multisensory integration, visuomotor coordination, abstraction and creativity. An intensive PAT program exploiting these skills could be used to improve different symptoms of PD, including visuospatial and gait dysfunction. Design/Methods: An initial cross-sectional biomarker study comparing eye-tracking analysis and fMRI connectivity explored differences in visuospatial functions and visual integration between PD-subjects and age-matched controls. A prospective, open-label, 10-weeks PAT program consisting of 20 sessions specifically designed to improve visuospatial skills in PD patients was administered. The impact of PAT was assessed by means of eye-tracking analysis, fMRI, clinical and neuropsychological performances. Eye-movements were recorded by 250 Hz sampling, infrared camera with 0.5° spatial accuracy. MRI utilized structural T1-weighted 3D high-resolution with co-registered diffusion weighted imaging. Correlative analyses between whole brain tractography, connectivity and visuospatial performances were performed. Results: Since May 2017, 8-PD subjects and 5-controls (ages 54–76) were screened. Feasibility data from this first cohort were obtained. Among all PAT sessions (147), only 9 were missed (94% compliance). All subjects completed the study. Two falls were reported and deemed unrelated to the study. All assessments were performed per protocol. No severe adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Visuospatial function in PD has never been explored through a combined approach of eye movement analysis, fMRI, and clinical profiling nor has the impact of PAT on visuospatial function. Acceptability of PAT seems optimal due to ease of recruitment, excellent adherence and no attrition. Current sample size prevents efficacy analysis. The completion of this study is warranted to assess the therapeutic potential of this novel intervention. Study Supported by: Study supported by The Kellar Family Foundation (grant ID# 008181) Disclosure: Dr. Cucca has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mania has nothing to disclose. Dr. Acosta has nothing to disclose. Dr. Berberian has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bertish has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hudson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lemen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rizzo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Biagioni has nothing to disclose. Dr. Di Rocco has nothing to disclose.
Suspicious minds: The psychological, physical and behavioral consequences of suspecting a partner’s infidelity:

Guided by transactional stress theory, this study examined the psychological, physical, and behavioral consequences of the suspicion of a partner’s infidelity. Survey data collected from 246 indivi...
The Illusion of Transparency in Negotiations

The authors examined whether negotiators are prone to an “illusion of transparency,” or the belief that their private thoughts and feelings are more discernible to their negotiation partners than they actually are. In Study One, negotiators who were trying to conceal their preferences thought that their preferences had “leaked out” more than they actually did. In Study Two, experienced negotiators who were trying to convey information about some of their preferences overestimated their partners’ ability to discern them. The results of Study Three rule out the possibility that the findings are simply the result of the curse of knowledge, or the projection of one’s own knowledge onto others. Discussion explores how the illusion of transparency might impede negotiators’ success. In most cartoon depictions of negotiators in action (a tiny fraction of the cartoon universe, we admit), negotiators are shown with dialog bubbles depicting their overt comments and thought bubbles revealing their private thoughts. These conventions convey the different levels at which negotiators operate: Some of their wants, wishes, and worries are conveyed to the other side, but some are held back for strategic advantage. Because one task in negotiation is deciding how much information to hold back (Raiffa 1982),
Optimal Treatment of Depression and Anxiety in Parkinson's Disease

Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent and have major adverse effects on function and quality of life in Parkinson's disease (PD). Optimal management requires that motor symptoms and psychiatric symptoms be simultaneously addressed. While there is fairly robust evidence for the treatment of motor symptoms, there are no completed randomized controlled trials to guide pharmacological treatment of anxiety in PD and no nonpharmacologic interventions have proven efficacious. Several high-quality trials for depression in PD suggest a number of antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy may help, but there is no data on rates of recurrence, comparative efficacy, or augmentation strategies. In order to address the gaps in knowledge, the authors provide a summary of the current evidence for treating depression and anxiety in PD and offer an algorithm that extends beyond the current literature based on clinical experience working in a multidisciplinary specialty center.
Law and Authors: A Legal Handbook for Writers (Introduction)

Drawing on a wealth of experience in legal scholarship and publishing, Professor Jacqueline D. Lipton provides a useful legal guide for writers whatever their levels of expertise or categories of work (fiction, nonfiction, academic, journalism, freelance content development). This introductory chapter outlines the key legal and business issues authors are likely to face during the course of their careers, and emphasizes that most legal problems have solutions so law should never be an excuse to avoid writing something that an author feels strongly about creating. The larger work draws from case studies and hypothetical examples to address issues of copyright law, including explanations of fair use and the public domain; trademark and branding concerns for those embarking on a publishing career; laws that impact the ways that authors might use social media and marketing promotions; and privacy and defamation questions that writers may face. Although the book focuses on American law, it highlights key areas where laws in other countries differ from those in the United States. The purpose of the book is to explain to those in the publishing industry, or contemplating venturing into the industry, the nuts and bolts of the law as it applies to authors.
Decimal and Percent Representation of Rational Numbers

Many students enter middle school viewing decimal and percent as independent and unrelated concepts rather than as being natural extensions of the standard base-ten system in use today. This commonly held perception generally reflects a lack of basic numeracy on the part of the students concerning the foundations of number and number representations. This is a problem which must be directly addressed in initial instruction if advancement is to be made in developing decimal and percent. These are two new types of number from the perspective of such students, but are really natural extensions of ideas dating back elementary school activities.
A year on: Librarians monitoring COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean

A year into COVID-19, the reality is that the Latin America and Caribbean region does not seem to be turning the page with regard to overcoming the pandemic. At the time of this writing, countries with previous low rates of infections such as Costa Rica, Uruguay, and several Caribbean islands are currently experiencing some of the worst surges in the region. Death rates in countries such as Peru, Mexico, and Argentina are among the highest in the world. When the pandemic is not ravaging a country, social unrest and political instability exacerbate matters. Massive protests in Colombia and Chile, balancing between health emergency and reliance on international tourism in most Caribbean nations, political crises in Haiti and Nicaragua, and threats to the judicial systems in El Salvador and Mexico are a handful of examples of the most salient issues plaguing the region.
Descriptive Epidemiology of Multiple Myeloma

According to estimates by the American Cancer Society, almost 12,000 new cases of multiple myeloma are diagnosed and about 9,000 deaths occur in the United States each year (Silverberg et al, 1990). These account for more than one percent of all cancer cases and almost two percent of deaths due to cancer. Although multiple myeloma may arise at any adult age, it tends to occur in older individuals; the median age at diagnosis was 69.1 years, based on 1973–77 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program data, compared to 65.4 years for all forms of cancer combined (Young et al, 1981).
Optical-optical double-resonance spectroscopy of CaF: The E2Σ+ and E′ 2Π states

Abstract Optical-optical double-resonance (OODR) spectra of CaF are recorded, with reduced Doppler broadening, using two cw, single-mode dye lasers. Molecular constants for E 2 Σ + and E′ 2 Π are obtained from rotational analysis of the 0-0 and 1-0 E 2 Σ + - A 2 Π bands and the 0-0 E′ 2 Π -A 2 Π band, supplemented by fragmentary observations on the E ′- A 0-1 and 1-1 bands: Main parameters E 2 Σ + E′ 2 Π T 0 34 171.218(2) 34 477.413(3) Δ G 1 2 640.912(3) 668.991(24) B e 0.364393(18) 0.368423(50) α e 0.002266(18) 0.002375(50) A(0) 16.483(4) The E′ 2 Π state is observed for the first time. Improved constants for the A 2 Π state are obtained by fitting all extant rotational and vibrational information for the E ′-A and A - X systems. The E and E ′ states are found to obey the unique perturber rather than the pure precession relationship.
Randomized pseudo-random function tree walking algorithm for secure radio-frequency identification

Privacy and security are two main concerns in radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. We first extend the analysis of the randomized tree walking algorithm for RFID tag collision avoidance, which is secure against passive adversaries. Then, we devise a new randomized pseudo-random function (PRF) tree walking algorithm, which is secure against active eavesdroppers and allows for the efficient interrogation of many tags. Our algorithm accommodates the addition and removal of tags from the system, and dynamically adapts to security and privacy policy changes.
Anterior communicating artery aneurysm: Accuracy of CT angiography in determination of inflow dominance.

BackgroundPreoperative assessment of anterior communicating artery (AcoA) aneurysms with cerebral angiography is common, but not without risk. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a widely avai...
Short-term movement patterns of the endangered American burying beetle Nicrophorus americanus

Abstract We conducted a mark–recapture study to evaluate short-term movements of the endangered American burying beetle Nicrophorus americanus . We found that beetles moving between sites averaged 1.23 km night −1 in their search for carrion ( n =23 movements between sites) with a range from 0.25 km for 1 night to a maximum of 10.0 km over 6 nights. In support of the supposition that American burying beetles are generalists in their search for carrion, we observed individual beetles moving between different habitat types (71% of recaptures were in a habitat different from that of the previous site of capture), including movements between grassland and woodlands, as well as between bottomland and upland woodlands. No differences in recapture rates were detected between males and females, or between teneral and fully sclerotized beetles. No beetles were recaptured between trapping sessions within a few weeks of one another within the same year, or from 1 year to the next. The relatively long distances that individual beetles move and the potentially short residency time should be taken into account when evaluating data from monitoring of extant populations and when devising plans to establish new ones.
Fear Appeals and the Formation of Active Publics

This study examines the process through which a fear appeal may transform low-involvement audiences into active publics. Cognitive and emotional responses of uninvolved viewers to a film on environmental contamination are analyzed, together with the coping strategies used to deal with the threat. The research integrates Grunig's situational theory of publics with Rogers' protection-motivation theory to expand the predictive ability of the situational theory. The data indicate that post-test public membership, cognitive activity and emotional arousal during viewing are significantly related to viewers' preferences for coping through message resistance, seeking additional information, or taking action on the film's topic. Results suggest that both cognition and affect mediate viewers' responses to a fearful message, thereby contributing to the creation of active publics who are persuaded to take action on a problem.
Some polynomial-time algorithms for finite monadic Church-Rosser Thue systems

Abstract Based on a careful analysis of reduction sequences in monadic Thue systems we show that some uniform decision problems, among them the uniform conjugacy problem, are decidable in polynomial time for finite monadic Church-Rosser Thue systems. On the other hand, an example of a decision problem is exhibited that is undecidable even for this class of Thue systems.
Frizzled–Dishevelled signaling specificity outcome can be modulated by Diego in Drosophila

Abstract Members of the Frizzled (Fz) family of seven-pass transmembrane receptors are required for the transduction of both Wnt-Fz/β-catenin and Fz/planar cell polarity (PCP) signals. Although both pathways transduce signals via interactions between Fz and the cytoplasmic protein Dishevelled (Dsh), each pathway has specific and distinct effectors. One explanation for the pathway specificity is that signal-induced conformational changes result in unique Fz–Dsh interactions. Our mutational analyses of Fz–Dsh activities in vivo do however not support this model, since both pathways are affected by all mutations tested. Alternatively, the interaction of Fz or Dsh with other proteins could modulate the signaling outcome. We examined the role of a Dsh-binding PCP molecule, Diego (Dgo), in both Wnt-Fz/β-catenin and Fz/PCP signaling. Both loss-of-function and gain-of-function results suggest that Dgo promotes Fz–Dsh/PCP signaling at the expense of Wnt-Fz/β-catenin signaling. Our data suggest that Dgo sequesters Dsh to a functionally distinct Fz/PCP signaling compartment within the cell.
Dually responsive aqueous gels from thermo- and light-sensitive hydrophilic ABA triblock copolymers

We report in this article the synthesis of a series of thermo- and light-sensitive hydrophilic ABA linear triblock copolymers, poly(ethoxytri(ethylene glycol) acrylate-co-o-nitrobenzyl acrylate)-b-poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(ethoxytri(ethylene glycol) acrylate-co-o-nitrobenzyl acrylate) (P(TEGEA-co-NBA)-b-PEO-b-P(TEGEA-co-NBA)), with various NBA molar contents and the study of sol–gel transitions of their aqueous solutions. The copolymers were prepared by ATRP from a difunctional PEO macroinitiator; the polydispersity indexes of all polymers were <1.2. We demonstrated that a 10.0 wt% aqueous solution of a triblock copolymer with a NBA content of 9.3 mol% in the thermosensitive blocks underwent a thermo-induced reversible sol–gel transition and a UV-triggered gel-to-sol transition at a constant temperature. The UV-irradiated solution again can undergo a temperature-induced sol–gel transition but at a higher temperature. The thermo-triggered sol–gel transitions stemmed from the formation of a 3-dimensional network with the dehydrated thermosensitive blocks being associated into hydrophobic cores and the central PEO block forming bridges among micelles. Exposure to UV light cleaved hydrophobic o-nitrobenzyl groups, raised the LCST of thermosensitive blocks, and thus triggered a gel-to-sol transition at a constant temperature. Rheometry was employed to study the sol–gel transitions and gel characteristics. In addition, we studied the effects of polymer concentration and NBA content on sol–gel transition temperature (Tsol–gel) and gel properties before and after UV irradiation. The Tsol–gel increased with the decrease of polymer concentration; the critical gelation concentration for the triblock copolymer with a NBA content of 9.3 mol% was between 3 and 4 wt% before UV irradiation and between 5 and 6% after photocleavage of o-nitrobenzyl groups. The change of Tsol–gel was in general larger for the copolymer with a higher NBA content after UV irradiation.
Binding and phosphorylation of tubulin by G protein-coupled receptor kinases.

Although the β-adrenergic receptor kinase (βARK) mediates agonist-dependent phosphorylation and desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors, recent studies suggest additional cellular functions. During our attempts to identify novel βARK interacting proteins, we found that the cytoskeletal protein tubulin could specifically bind to a βARK-coupled affinity column. In vitro analysis demonstrated that βARK and G protein-coupled receptor kinase-5 (GRK5) were able to stoichiometrically phosphorylate purified tubulin dimers with a preference for β-tubulin and, under certain conditions, the βIII-isotype. Examination of the GRK/tubulin binding characteristics revealed that tubulin dimers and assembled microtubules bind GRKs, whereas the catalytic domain of βARK contains the primary tubulin binding determinants. In vivo interaction of GRK and tubulin was suggested by the following: (i) co-purification of βARK with tubulin from brain tissue; (ii) co-immunoprecipitation of βARK and tubulin from COS-1 cells; and (iii) co-localization of βARK and GRK5 with microtubule structures in COS-1 cells. In addition, GRK-phosphorylated tubulin was found preferentially associated with the microtubule fraction during in vitro assembly assays suggesting potential functional significance. These results suggest a novel link between the cytoskeleton and GRKs that may be important for regulating GRK and/or tubulin function.
Identification of mouse thymus antigen recognition function in a minor, low-density, low-theta cell subpopulation.

Abstract Using a one- or two-step syngeneic transfer system in bone marrow-restored, lethally irradiated mice, the anti-SRBC cooperative cell function of the thymus was identified as being in low-density cell subpopulations constituting less than 10% of total thymus cells. This “B layer” population consisted of about 30% small lymphocytes and 70% large lymphoid cells and blasts, which have an average Θ-antigen content more characteristic of peripheral lymphocytes than of thymocytes. The origin of these cells and some possible implications of these findings are discussed.
Enhancement of mDia2 activity by Rho-kinase-dependent phosphorylation of the diaphanous autoregulatory domain.

It is clear that RhoA activates the DRF (diaphanous-related formin) mDia2 by disrupting the molecular interaction between the DAD (diaphanous autoregulatory domain) and the DID (diaphanous inhibitory domain). Previous studies indicate that a basic motif within the DAD contributes to mDia2 auto-inhibition, and results shown in the present study suggest these residues bind a conserved acidic region within the DID. Furthermore, we demonstrate that mDia2 is phosphorylated by ROCK (Rho-kinase) at two conserved residues (Thr1061 and Ser1070) just C-terminal to the DAD basic region. Phosphomimetic mutations to these residues in the context of the full-length molecule enhanced mDia2 activity as measured by increased actin polymerization, SRF (serum response factor)-dependent smooth muscle-specific gene transcription, and nuclear localization of myocardin-related transcription factor B. Biochemical and functional data indicate that the T1061E/S1070E mutation significantly inhibited the ability of DAD to interact with DID and enhanced mDia2 activation by RhoA. Taken together, the results of the present study indicate that ROCK-dependent phosphorylation of the mDia2 DAD is an important determinant of mDia2 activity and that this signalling mechanism affects actin polymerization and smooth muscle cell-specific gene expression. Abbreviations: Cdc42, cell division cycle 42; DAD, diaphanous autoregulatory domain; DAD, 2A; DAD, T1061A/S1070A; DAD, 2E, DAD T1061E/S1070E; DID, diaphanous inhibitory domain; DRF, diaphanous-related formin; F-actin, filamentous actin; FH, formin homology; FHOD1, formin homology domain-containing protein 1; G-actin, globular actin; GBD, GTPase-binding domain; GFP, green fluorescent protein; GST, glutathione transferase; MRTF, myocardin-related transcription factor; PKA, protein kinase A; PKG, protein kinase G, ROCK, Rho-kinase; SAP, shrimp alkaline phosphatase; SMC, smooth muscle cell; SRF, serum response factor
Cyclic AMP regulation of protein kinase(s) in rabbit skeletal muscle: Nucleoside triphosphate and divalent cation specificity

Abstract Two fractions of protein kinase(s) from rabbit skeletal muscle have been shown to catalyze the phosphorylation of endogenous protein, histone, and glycogen synthase I utilizing UTP, GTP, CTP, and ITP as phosphoryl donors. With one protein kinase fraction, it was found that the enzymatic activity was enhanced by Mn2+ when CTP served as the phosphoryl donor. This is in contrast to the inhibitory effect of Mn2+ on the kinase activity with ATP as the phosphoryl donor. With the second protein kinase fraction, the UTP, GTP, CTP and ITP associated phosphorylation reactions were found to be inhibited by cyclic AMP, whereas the phosphorylation reaction in which ATP served as the phosphoryl donor was found to be stimulated by cyclic AMP. These results suggest that different forms of the protein kinase(s) may exist which have different nucleoside triphosphate donor specificity and metal ion requirement. The serine residues of endogenous protein have been demonstrated to be the sites of phosphorylation when UTP, GTP, CTP and ITP served as the phosphoryl donors.
Evaluation of a digital workstation for interpreting neonatal examinations. A receiver operating characteristic study.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of interpreting clinical neonatal radiographs using a commercially available digital workstation versus conventional radiographic images. METHODS: The case sample consists of 100 chest or abdominal radiographs from the neonatal intensive care unit in which diagnosis was confirmed. Four radiologists served as observers. During two initial reading sessions, half of the studies were viewed on digital radiography monitors and the other half by plain film. Observers indicated whether each patient had normal or abnormal findings and their degree of confidence in this judgment. Six weeks later, observers viewed cases on the alternate presentation system. Two statistical analyses were performed: the data from each observer were treated as a separate experiment in the first analysis; the data from all observers were combined using a new method in the second analysis. RESULTS: No differences between areas under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for viewing on the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) console and plain film were found for any observer (0.86 versus 0.86, 0.89 versus 0.86, 0.88 versus 0.85, 0.83 versus 0.82). CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that for pediatric plain film images, video images offer diagnostic information comparable with that of conventional radiographs for neonatal examinations.