cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ectopic ureter managed by unilateral nephrectomy in two female horses.

Summary Unilateral ureteral ectopia was diagnosed in three-year-old and 10-month-old fillies exhibiting urinary incontinence since birth. In one case reimplantation of the ureter onto the bladder was planned but considered to be impractical intraoperatively. Unilateral nephrectomy was performed successfully in both cases which alleviated the urinary incontinence. Both horses had normal urinary function postoperatively and became healthy, serviceable animals.
Fast determination of resonance states in atomic collisions

Two new criteria for the prediction of a resonance state are proposed and compared with previous citeria. Numerical comparisons are presented for the l = 50 states of OH (X2Πi).
Electrochemical, in-situ surface EXAFS and CTR studies of Co monolayers irreversibly adsorbed onto Pt(111)

Abstract Irreversibly adsorbed Co adlayers with surface coverages of about 0.6 and 1 ML can be deposited onto Pt(111) from CoSO4 in 0.1 M H2SO4 and CoCl2 in 0.1 M NaOH solutions. Once adsorbed, the adlayers were studied in 0.1 M H2SO4 and 0.1 M NaOH solutions respectively, by electrochemical, surface EXAFS (SEXAFS) and crystal truncation rod (CTR) measurements. In 0.1 M H2SO4, an irreversible oxidation with a peak potential value of +1.00 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) corresponding to the oxidation of the cobalt adlayer as well as the Pt substrate was observed. There was also a reduction wave present at −0.29 V and which was ascribed to, at least in part, the evolution of hydrogen and which resulted in the displacement of the cobalt adlayer. In 0.1 M NaOH two redox processes were also observed at formal potential values of −0.355 and −1.04 V. The former, which exhibited significant kinetic limitations, was ascribed to a CoIII(OH)3/CoII(OH)2 redox process. The latter was ascribed to the generation of Co0. SEXAFS measurements in sulfuric acid (at an applied potential of 0.0 V) and in 0.1 M NaOH (at applied potential values of −0.06 and −0.75 V) were consistent with the presence of an oxidized cobalt layer with Co, O and Pt near neighbors. CTR data were also consistent with the presence of an oxidized cobalt bi-layer structure. In 0.1 M NaOH and at a coverage of ca. 1 ML, the deposited cobalt appears to form a 1×1 structure with the cobalt atoms occupying three-fold hollow sites. Relative changes in the number of oxygen near neighbors with applied potential (derived from EXAFS data) were also consistent with electrochemical data. In 0.1 M H2SO4 (at an applied potential of 0.0 V) and at a cobalt coverage of about 0.6 ML, the deposited cobalt appears to form an incommensurate monolayer with an expanded lattice (Co–Co distance of 2.96 A) likely involving co-adsorbed (bi)sulfate.
PREMIER Turbo: Probabilistic error-correction using Markov inference in errored reads using the turbo principle

We present a probabilistic algorithm for error correction for high throughput DNA sequencing data. Our approach leverages our prior algorithm PREMIER where sequencer outputs are modeled as independent realizations of a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) and the problem of error correction is posed as one of maximum likelihood sequence detection over this HMM. In this work we propose an algorithm called PREMIER Turbo which can be viewed as an iterative application of the PREMIER approach. Specifically, we apply error correction in both the forward and the backward directions in a given read. We also present a heuristic inspired by turbo-equalization that incorporates the prior belief on a nucleotide position returned by the Baum-Welch algorithm into the error correction steps. Our approach significantly improves the correction of nucleotides in the beginning of the read. Our test results on the real C. elegans and E. coli datasets show that PREMIER Turbo achieves a significantly better error correction performance than the other competing methods.
Mutational analysis suggests the same design for editing activities of two tRNA synthetases.

Although the structural basis for amino acid activation by class I tRNA synthetases is known, that for their editing activities has remained elusive. Two class I tRNA synthetases discriminate close...
Surface characterization of the extracellular matrix remaining after cell detachment from a thermoresponsive polymer

The temperature-responsive behavior of poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (pNIPAM) directly affects the attachment and detachment of cells cultured on these surfaces. At culture temperatures, cells behave similarly to those on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS), while at room temperature, cells cultured on pNIPAM spontaneously detach as a confluent sheet. In comparison, cells grown on TCPS remain attached indefinitely after the temperature drop, requiring enzymatic or mechanical removal. In this work, we present an examination of the response of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to plasma polymerized NIPAM (ppNIPAM) surfaces using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), and immunostaining. Immunoassay results reveal that, although fibronectin, laminin, and collagen closely associate with the cell sheet, some collagen may be associated with the surface, as well. Our XPS results indicate that ppNIPAM surfaces after cell liftoff differ from their blank counterparts, the primary distinction being the presence of amide and alcohol species on ppNIPAM surfaces used for cell culture, possibly owing to the presence of a proteinaceous film. Finally, a comparison between ppNIPAM-treated surfaces used for cell culture versus control surfaces by principal component analysis of the ToF-SIMS data confirms that the surfaces differ; the presence of molecular ion fragments from amino acids (e.g., alanine, glycine, and proline) is the chief reason for this difference. Therefore, from our surface characterization of ppNIPAM-coated TCPS after cell liftoff, we conclude that although low-temperature liftoff of the BAEC monolayer is accompanied by the majority of the components of the ECM, some of the ECM proteins still remain at the surface.
Development of a comprehensive radiation oncology quality and safety program.

Radiation oncology practice is a collaborative effort that involves multiple clinical and technical specialists including physicians, medical physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapy technologists, and nurses. The safe and efficient delivery of radiation therapy was never a simple matter and is now exceedingly complex. The growing complexity of radiation oncology procedures has been identified as a significant risk factor in potentially causing patient treatment errors. National and international standards have evolved to guide the safe and effective use of ionizing radiation for treatment and have been codified by leading professional organizations into accreditation requirements that necessitate rigorous documentation of performance for each aspect of the process of care. The process of care in radiation oncology refers to a conceptual framework for guaranteeing the appropriateness, quality, and safety of all patients treated with radiation for cancer and certain benign conditions. A primary objective of a Comprehensive Radiation Oncology Quality and Safety Program is the design and clinical implementation of approaches that will minimize the incidence of radiotherapy adverse events that could potentially have negative impacts on the quality of patient care. The papers in this Research Topic address multiple issues that should be considered to ensure managing the process of care with approaches that will ensure the optimal delivery of radiation therapy.
Spaces of orders and their Turing degree spectra

Abstract We investigate computability theoretic and topological properties of spaces of orders on computable orderable groups. A left order on a group G is a linear order of the domain of G , which is left-invariant under the group operation. Right orders and bi-orders are defined similarly. In particular, we study groups for which the spaces of left orders are homeomorphic to the Cantor set, and their Turing degree spectra contain certain upper cones of degrees. Our approach unifies and extends Sikora’s (2004) [28] investigation of orders on groups in topology and Solomon’s (2002) [31] investigation of these orders in computable algebra. Furthermore, we establish that a computable free group F n of rank n > 1 has a bi-order in every Turing degree.
The reaction of the trifluoromethylphenylcarbamylated lysine-13 derivative of horse cytochrome c with cytochrome oxidase

The kinetics of oxidation of horse cytochrome c and the trifluoromethylphenylcarbamylated lysine-13 derivative by cytochrome c oxidase (ferrocytochrome c: oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.9.3.1) were compared using both spectrophotometric and polarographic methods under different experimental conditions. The rate constants measured spectrophotometrically in 0.025 M tris-cacodylate buffers were similar with the two cytochrome at pH 7.8, but those with the derivative were slightly higher at pH 6. Rates measured with polarographic assays in these buffers were the same with the horse and the derivative cytochromes c at pH 6, but at pH 7.8 the rates with the derivative were less at cytochrome c concentrations between 0.05 and 0.5 micro M and were greater at higher concentrations. The pH optima in the polarographic assays of the derivative and the native pigments were different in 0.025 M Tris-cacodylate buffers; in spectrophotometric assays at pH 7.8 the trifluoromethylphenylcarbamylated lysine-13 cytochrome c showed a greater sensitivity to changes in ionic strength than did the native cytochrome. The variations in apparent Km and V values calculated from spectrophotometric and polarographic assays with the two cytochromes cannot be explained as due to changes in binding of cytochrome c to cytochrome oxidase. The large excess of O2 uptake seen in polarographic assays with horse cytochrome c over that expected from spectrophotometric measurements was not apparent with the trifluoromethylphenylcarbamylated lysine-13 derivative. Thus, the derivative seems to have decreased ability to form the combination of cytochrome c with the oxidase giving high turnover rates.
Growth hormone regulation of glomerular AT1 angiotensin receptors in adult uninephrectomized male rats.

Sex differences exist in the mechanisms initiating early compensatory renal growth after unilateral nephrectomy (UNX); remnant kidney growth is growth hormone (GH) independent in adult female rats ...
Applications of the sum-product theorem in finite fields

Summary form only given. About two years ago Bourgain, Katz and Tao (2004) proved the following theorem, essentially stating that in every finite field, a set which does not grow much when we add all pairs of elements, and when we multiply all pairs of elements, must be very close to a subfield. Theorem 1: (Bourgain et al., 2004) For every /spl epsi/ > 0 there exists a /spl delta/ > 0 such that the following holds. Let F be any field with no subfield of size /spl ges/ |F|/sup /spl epsi//. For every set A /spl sube/ F, with |F|/sup /spl epsi// |A|/sup 1 + /spl delta// or the product set |A /spl times/ A| > |A|/sup 1 + /spl delta//. This theorem revealed its fundamental nature quickly. Shortly afterwards it has found many diverse applications, including in number theory, group theory, combinatorial geometry, and the explicit construction of extractors and Ramsey graphs, mostly described in the references below. In my talk I plan to explain some of the applications, as well as to sketch the main ideas of the proof of the sum-product theorem.
Rapid development of knowledge-based systems via integrated knowledge acquisition

This paper presents a novel approach, which is based on integrated (automaticsinteractive) knowledge acquisition, to rapidly develop knowledge-based systems. Linguistic rules compatible with heuristic expert knowledge are used to construct the knowledge base. A fuzzy inference mechanism is used to query the knowledge base for problem solving. Compared with the traditional interview-based knowledge acquisition, our approach is more flexible and requires a shorter development cycle. The traditional approach requires several rounds of interviews (both structured and unstructured). However, our method involves an optional initial interview, followed by data collection, automatic rule generation, and an optional final interviewsrule verification process. The effectiveness of our approach is demonstrated through a benchmark case study and a real-life manufacturing application.
Improved motile sperm recovery by a hyperosmotic Percoll gradient.

Purpose: Our purpose was to investigate whether a new, relatively hyperosmotic Percoll gradient, Enhance-S, can improve total motile sperm recovery rates compared with the commonly used Percoll gradient Perception. Methods: Semen specimens from each of 17 donors were divided into two equal aliquots. One part was washed using Percoll Perception, while the other was prepared using Percoll Enhance-S. Results: Compared to the unwashed specimen, sperm motion characteristics (motility and velocity) improved significantly after Percoll separation using either the Perception or the Enhance-S gradient. There was no difference in motility or velocity in spermatozoa recovered after wash with either of the two preparations. However, the total motile sperm recovery was significantly higher using the Percoll Enhance-S gradient than with the Percoll Perception gradient (P < 0.0024). Conclusion: The new Percoll Enhance-S gradient provides significantly more total motile sperm than the Percoll Perception gradient.
Activator-induced conformational change in general transcription factor TFIIB.

TRANSCRIPTIONAL activator proteins (activators) function, at least in part, by increasing preinitiation complex assembly (for reviews see refs 1–4). Previous studies have shown that an acidic activator forms a contact with the general transcription factor TFIIB (refs 5–7) and recruits it into the preinitiation complex5,8,9. Mutational studies indicate that this interaction between the acidic activator and TFIIB is required for transcriptional stimulation5–7,10,11. We show here that the acidic activator–TFIIB interaction has an additional function in preinitiation complex assembly. We provide evidence that in native TFIIB the amino- and carboxy-terminal domains are engaged in an intramolecular interaction. The acidic activator disrupts this intramolecular interaction to expose binding sites for general transcription factors that enter the preinitiation complex through association with TFIIB. Thus, the acidic activator induces a conformational change in TFIIB that drives preinitiation complex assembly forward.
Trajectory optimization for satellite reconfiguration maneuvers with position and attitude constraints

This paper presents an algorithm for designing spacecraft reconfiguration maneuvers, which is a difficult 6 DOF trajectory design problem with nonlinear attitude dynamics and non-convex constraints. In addition, some of the constraints couple the positions and attitudes of the spacecraft, which makes the problems high-dimensional. The essential feature of the design methodology is the separation into a simplified path planning problem obtaining a feasible solution, then improving it significantly by a smoothing operation. The first step is solved using a rapidly-exploring random tree. The smoother then optimizes the trajectories by iteratively solving a linear program using a linearization of the cost function, dynamics, and constraints about the initial feasible solution. Examples are presented to demonstrate the validity of the approach for complex problems with four spacecraft.
Quartz Crystal Microbalance Studies of Deposition and Dissolution Mechanisms of Electrochromic Films of Diheptylviologen Bromide

Abstract The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique is used in conjunction with cyclic voltammetric and potential step measurements to study the deposition and dissolution mechanisms of thin films of diheptylviologen bromide. Deposition of a uniform, compact film with little incorporation of supporting electrolyte is indicated for potential steps well past the first reduction wave of the viologen. Films with considerable surface roughness are deposited when using potential sweep methods, depending on conditions. Methods are presented which provide the apparent molar mass of the depositing species from appropriate combination of the QCM and electrochemical data. The use of microgravimetric Anson plots together with conventional Anson plots provides a particularly useful approach to such determinations. Due to the potentially detrimental influence of non-uniform current density on the QCM measurements, an ancillary study of copper deposition was carried out using the same concentrations and ionic strengths as those in the viologen experiments. This demonstrated the uniformity of the current density in the viologen experiments and verified the use of QCM measurements under such conditions.
The β-Globin Recombinational Hotspot Reduces the Effects of Strong Selection around HbC, a Recently Arisen Mutation Providing Resistance to Malaria

Recombination is expected to reduce the effect of selection on the extent of linkage disequilibrium (LD), but the impact that recombinational hotspots have on sites linked to selected mutations has not been investigated. We empirically determine chromosomal linkage phase for 5.2 kb spanning the β-globin gene and hotspot. We estimate that the HbC mutation, which is positively selected because of malaria, originated
A low-cost solution for protecting IPs against scan-based side-channel attacks

Scan designs used for testing also provide an easily accessible port for hacking. In this paper, we present a new low-cost secure scan design that is effective against scan-based side-channel attacks. By integrating a test key into test vectors that are scanned into the chip, testing and accessing scan chains are guaranteed to be allowed only by an authorized user. Any attempt to use the scan chain without a verified test vector will result in a randomized output preventing potential side-channel attacks. The proposed technique has a negligible area overhead, has no negative impact on chip performance, and places several levels of security over the scan chain protecting it from potential attacks.
Heat transfer coefficients of natural volcanic clasts

Abstract Heat transfer coefficients used in numerical simulations of volcanic eruptions are typically borrowed from industrial settings where the coefficients are well determined for non-permeable, machined (spherical) materials. Volcanic clasts, in contrast, are permeable and have irregular shapes. We performed a series of laboratory experiments to determine heat transfer coefficients for natural volcanic particles. We measured the surface and interior temperatures during cooling at wind speeds ranging from 0 to 10 m/s. We also measured the permeability and density of the particles. We find that the permeability of the particles has little effect on clast cooling. In the absence of any wind, heat loss occurs by free convection, and we find no relationship between the heat transfer coefficient and particle density. However, for non-zero Reynolds numbers (finite wind speed), the heat transfer coefficient decreases with increasing porosity. We obtain a correlation for the dimensionless heat loss, or Nusselt number, of the form Nu = 2 + aRe1/2Pr1/3 where a is a density dependent coefficient given by a = 0.00022ρ + 0.31, with ρ in kg/m3, and Re and Pr are the Reynolds number and Prandtl number, respectively. Compared with non-porous particles, heat transfer coefficients for natural pumice clasts are reduced by a factor of 2–3 for particles with similar Re. Numerical simulations show that this leads to an increase in depositional temperature by 50–90 °C.
Bio-chip for spatially controlled transfection of nucleic acid payloads into cells in a culture

Transfection of siRNA and plasmid nucleic molecules to animal, microbial and plant cell cultures is a critical process in various research areas, including drug discovery, functional genomics and basic life science research. Till recent times, transfection of these exogenous molecules have been global in nature i.e. targeting all the cells in a culture and lacking capability to spatially confine the transfection to small populations of cells within a single culture. However, in emerging areas like high-throughput screening of large molecule libraries, there is a critical need to transfect multiple different molecules to locally specified regions of a single cell culture and monitor phenotypical changes in these different cell populations. In this study, we present a cell-based biochip that utilizes a microelectrode array to generate localized current density fields that induce electroporation to a targeted group of cells for site-specific transfection of exogenous molecules. More specifically, we optimize the transfection efficiency and viabilities for spatially controlled transfection of Alexa-Fluor-488 conjugated siRNA molecules into NIH3T3 fibroblast cell cultures. Optimal electroporation parameters are established at current density values ranging between 0.05–0.07 µA µm−2 for high transfection efficiencies (>60%) while maintaining viability (>80%) on individual microelectrodes. Additionally, exogenous plasmid molecules are electroporated for site-specific GFP expression and monitored over 48 h in-situ. The microelectrode array technology reported here can therefore be potentially used for targeting specific cells in a culture with spatial precision and transfecting siRNA and plasmids. The microfabrication approach lends itself to significant high-throughput applications in drug-discovery research.
Evaluation of 6 ONRAB Ultralite bait flavor matrices delivered to coyotes (Canis latrans): Implications for oral rabies vaccination

The spread of rabies in terrestrial wildlife throughout the United States is primarily controlled through oral rabies vaccination. Relatively low bait acceptance and seroconversion rates by some target species have prompted investigation into an alternative to the RABORAL V-RG bait currently used. In Canada, ONRAB Ultralite baits are used to vaccinate raccoons (Procyon lotor) and striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis). Comparative studies between RABORAL V-RG and ONRAB found higher seroconversion rates among raccoons that ingested ONRAB, suggesting that it may be a suitable alternative. However, ONRAB has not been evaluated in many rabies reservoir species, including coyotes (Canis latrans). Vaccination of coyotes is a critical element in preventing reemergence of canine strain of rabies in the United States. We evaluated flavor preference of ONRAB Ultralite oral rabies vaccine baits by coyotes. Preferences among bait types differed (Friedman c 2 ¼ 13.28; df ¼ 5; P ¼ 0.02). Of the 6 bait flavors evaluated, cheese ranked the highest, followed by fish, chicken, sugar-vanilla, egg, and bacon flavors. Pairwise trials among the top 3 flavors (cheese, fish, and chicken) showed no difference (Friedman c 2 ¼ 3.00; df ¼ 2; P ¼ 0.22). Our
Microearthquake Studies Using Sonobuoys: Preliminary Results from the Gulf of California

Summary We report preliminary results of the use of telemetering sonobuoy hydrophones to record small local earthquakes in the Gulf of California. Standard naval sonobuoys were deployed, and their FM radio transmissions monitored and recorded on board ship. The airgun on the moving ship was used to triangulate to obtain the positions of the sonobuoys as they drifted. In the six weeks of operation (only two of which were given priority for sonobuoy operation), we recorded numerous individual earthquakes, several earthquake swarms of 5–50 events and one swarm in the Guaymas Basin consisting of about 1000 events in a period of 6 hr. During the Guaymas Basin swarm an array of sonobuoys was deployed in the epicentral region shortly after the beginning of the swarm, and source locations have been determined to within 2 km. With further refinements of navigation and bathymetry we expect the source location error to be reduced further. Such accuracy has never before been achieved for this type of sequence and compares favourably with the accuracy of after-shock locations on land. The events in the Guaymas swarm were located in a 2 km wide graben associated with the Guaymas Basin spreading centre.
Toward Understanding the Size Dependence of Shape Features for Predicting Spiculation in Lung Nodules for Computer-Aided Diagnosis.

We analyze the importance of shape features for predicting spiculation ratings assigned by radiologists to lung nodules in computed tomography (CT) scans. Using the Lung Image Database Consortium (LIDC) data and classification models based on decision trees, we demonstrate that the importance of several shape features increases disproportionately relative to other image features with increasing size of the nodule. Our shaped-based classification results show an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.65 when classifying spiculation for small nodules and an area of 0.91 for large nodules, resulting in a 26 % difference in classification performance using shape features. An analysis of the results illustrates that this change in performance is driven by features that measure boundary complexity, which perform well for large nodules but perform relatively poorly and do no better than other features for small nodules. For large nodules, the roughness of the segmented boundary maps well to the semantic concept of spiculation. For small nodules, measuring directly the complexity of hard segmentations does not yield good results for predicting spiculation due to limits imposed by spatial resolution and the uncertainty in boundary location. Therefore, a wider range of features, including shape, texture, and intensity features, are needed to predict spiculation ratings for small nodules. A further implication is that the efficacy of shape features for a particular classifier used to create computer-aided diagnosis systems depends on the distribution of nodule sizes in the training and testing sets, which may not be consistent across different research studies.
P-Channel Rewritable Avalanche Injection Device (RAID) Operation and Degradation Mechanisms

To implement an electrically rewritable device for Read Mostly Memory applications, the structure of the FAMOS device is modified by incorporating an additional metal gate on top of the floating polysilicon gate and separated from it by a specially grown thermal oxide. Electrical erasure is accomplished by applying a positive voltage pulse to the metal gate. The "write" voltage has been lowered by using ion implantation. Reliability and charge retention are discussed and their impact on the design of the device is assessed. An empirical model for the conduction of oxide between the floating gate and the metal gate is developed and results are projected and compared with data obtained on the device.
The role of mentoring on outcome based sales performance: A qualitative study from the insurance industry

This study explores informal mentoring on outcome-based salesperson performance. Mentoring is believed to play an important role within corporations, yet little empirical evidence exists on its impact on salesperson performance. The authors interviewed salespeople of an international insurance company regarding mentoring and sales performance. Using a qualitative research approach, the authors explored a mentor's influence on the sales performance of the prot g . The findings suggest that mentoring contributes to salesperson performance in numerous ways. Specifically, mentoring salespeople early in their career can benefit all parties; prot g , mentor, and organization. In addition, mentees will often become mentors themselves.
The Bright Man’s Burden

In many states, the mildly retarded must submit to the guidance of competent persons or authorities before making important decisions.1 These include the decision to marry, to have children, to enter into financial contracts, and to live alone. Generally speaking, adults of normal intelligence may make these decisions without obtaining the consent of anyone, and they value this autonomy. When persons of normal intelligence, acting through the state, take custody of the retarded, they do not seek the consent of the retarded, who acquire protection but lose their legal rights. If we claim that relative intellectual superiority justifies restricting the liberties of the retarded, could not exceptionally gifted persons make the same claim concerning persons of normal intelligence? I propose to examine the moral importance of relative intellectual superiority, and to consider whether it can serve as adequate grounds for denying full citizenship to the mildly retarded.
Differential Toxicity of Bare and Hybrid ZnO Nanoparticles in Green Pea (Pisum sativum L.): A Life Cycle Study.

The effect of surface or lattice modification of nanoparticles (NPs) on terrestrial plants is poorly understood. We investigated the impact of different zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs on green pea (Pisum sativum L.), one of the highest consumed legumes globally. Pea plants were grown for 65 d in soil amended with commercially available bare ZnO NPs (10 nm), 2 wt% alumina doped (Al2O3@ZnO NPs, 15 nm), or 1 wt% aminopropyltriethoxysilane coated NPs (KH550@ZnO NP, 20 nm) at 250 and 1000 mg NP/kg soil inside a greenhouse. Bulk (ZnO) and ionic Zn (zinc chloride) were included as controls. Plant fresh and dry biomass, changes in leaf pigment concentrations, elements (Zn, Al, Si), and protein and carbohydrate profile of green pees were quantified upon harvest at 65 days. With the exception of the coated 1000 mg/kg NP treatment, fresh and dry weight were unaffected by Zn exposure. Although all treated plants showed higher tissue Zn than controls, those exposed to Al2O3@ZnO NPs at 1000 mg/kg had greater Zn concentration in roots and seeds, compared to bulk Zn and the other NP treatments, keeping Al and Si uptake largely unaffected. Higher Zn accumulation in green pea seeds were resulted in coated ZnO at 250 mg/kg treatments. In leaves, Al2O3@ZnO NP at 250 mg/kg significantly increased Chl-a and carotenoid concentrations relative to the bulk, ionic, and the other NP treatments. The protein and carbohydrate profiles remained largely unaltered across all treatments with the exception of Al2O3@ZnO NPs at 1000 mg/kg where sucrose concentration of green peas increased significantly, which is likely a biomarker of stress. Importantly, these findings demonstrate that lattice and surface modification can significantly alter the fate and phytotoxic effects of ZnO NPs in food crops and seed nutritional quality. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a life cycle study on comparative toxicity of bare, coated, and doped ZnO NPs on a soil-grown food crop.
Promoting Community Health and Eliminating Health Disparities Through Community-Based Participatory Research

In physical therapy, there is increasing focus on the need at the community level to promote health, eliminate disparities in health status, and ameliorate risk factors among underserved minorities. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is the most promising paradigm for pursuing these goals. Community-based participatory research stresses equitable partnering of the community and investigators in light of local social, structural, and cultural elements. Throughout the research process, the CBPR model emphasizes coalition and team building that joins partners with diverse skills/expertise, knowledge, and sensitivities. This article presents core concepts and principles of CBPR and the rationale for its application in the management of health issues at the community level. Community-based participatory research is now commonly used to address public health issues. A literature review identified limited reports of its use in physical therapy research and services. A published study is used to illustrate features of CBPR for physical therapy. The purpose of this article is to promote an understanding of how physical therapists could use CBPR as a promising way to advance the profession's goals of community health and elimination of health care disparities, and social responsibility. Funding opportunities for the support of CBPR are noted.
MYO-PERICARDITIS WITH AORTITIS: UTILITY OF MULTI-MODALITY IMAGING

Myo-pericarditis with concomitant aortitis is uncommon and poses a challenging diagnostic and management dilemma. A 27 year old male with no medical history presented for evaluation of pleuritic chest pain for 6 weeks. Physical exam was normal with a non-specific baseline electrocardiogram. Lab
On the Achievable Performance of Non-Line-of-Sight Ultraviolet Communications

We show achievable data rates for outdoor non-line-of-sight communications in the deep UV (UV-C) band as a function of modulation scheme, power, range, background noise, and pointing geometry. Both theoretical and numerical results are presented.
SILAC peptide ratio calculator: a tool for SILAC quantitation of peptides and post-translational modifications.

This paper describes an algorithm to assist in relative quantitation of peptide post-translational modifications using stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC). The described algorithm first determines the normalization factor and then calculates SILAC ratios for a list of target peptide masses using precursor ion abundances. Four yeast histone mutants were used to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach for quantitation of peptide post-translational modifications changes. The details of the algorithm’s approach for normalization and peptide ratio calculation are described. The examples demonstrate the robustness of the approach as well as its utility to rapidly determine changes in peptide post-translational modifications within a protein.
Clinical effect comparison of phacoemulsification and small incision cataract extraction and their effects on ocular surface

Objective To observe the clinical effect of small incision cataract extraction and phacoemulsification and their effects on ocular surface.Methods A total of 44 cataract patients(44 eyes) from 2009 to 2010 in our hospital were chosen,according to the surgical type,the patients were randomly divided into observation group and control group,22 cases in each group,the small incision cataract extraction and phacoemulsification were performed,respectively.The preoperative and postoperative visual acuity,postoperative complications were observed,and the corneal sensitivity and tear secretion at postoperative 1 day,1 week,1 month were examined.Results The postoperative visual acuity in observation group was from 0.05 to 0.29 in 4 eyes,from 0.30 to 0.49 in 6 eyes,from 0.50 to 0.79 in 8 eyes,from 0.80 to 1.00 in 4 eyes,which in control group was 6 eyes,10 eyes,4 eyes,2 eyes;Compared with control group,the visual acuity of observation group was better,there was statistical difference(P0.05).Compared with control group,the prevalence of each complication in observation group was obviously decreased,there was statistical difference(P0.05).At postoperative 1 day,1 week,1 month,the central,superior and inferior corneal sensitivity of observation group was significant better than that of control group,there were statistical differences(all P0.05);There was no statistical difference in tear secretion between two groups(P0.05).Conclusion Compared with phacoemulsification,the small incision cataract extraction is simple and convenient with rapid postoperative recovery.
Stuttering Clinical and research update

Abstract Objective To provide an update on the epidemiology, genetics, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of developmental stuttering. Quality of evidence The MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were searched for past and recent studies on the epidemiology, genetics, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of developmental stuttering. Most recommendations are based on small studies, limited-quality evidence, or consensus. Main message Stuttering is a speech disorder, common in persons of all ages, that affects normal fluency and time patterning of speech. Stuttering has been associated with differences in brain anatomy, functioning, and dopamine regulation thought to be due to genetic causes. Attention to making a correct diagnosis or referral in children is important because there is growing consensus that early intervention with speech therapy for children who stutter is critical. For adults, stuttering can be associated with substantial psychosocial morbidity including social anxiety and low quality of life. Pharmacologic treatment has received attention in recent years, but clinical evidence is limited. The mainstay of treatment for children and adults remains speech therapy. Conclusion A growing body of research has attempted to uncover the pathophysiology of stuttering. Referral for speech therapy remains the best option for children and adults.
Antiproliferative Drugs for Restenosis Prevention

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Current treatment strategies aimed at treating the symptoms and consequences of obstructive vascular disease have embraced both optimal medical therapy and catheter-based percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents. Drug-eluting stents elute antiproliferative drugs inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, which occurs in response to injury and thus prevents restenosis. However, all drugs currently approved for use in drug-eluting stents do not discriminate between proliferating vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells, thus delaying re-endothelialization and subsequent vascular healing.
Association of Premenstrual Syndrome with Blood Pressure in Young Adult Women.

Abstract Objective: The prevalence of hypertension in premenopausal women is increasing. There is substantial need for novel strategies to identify women who would benefit from increased screening and early interventions. Several mechanisms likely contributing to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are also involved in hypertension, including renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system dysfunction and micronutrient deficiencies. However, it is unknown whether young women with PMS have elevated blood pressure. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the association of blood pressure, PMS, and premenstrual symptoms in a cross-sectional study of 409 young women (mean age 21 years), conducted from 2006 to 2014. Our analysis included 78 cases (19%) who met established criteria for clinically significant PMS and 88 controls (22%) experiencing few symptoms. Blood pressure was measured during the mid-luteal phase. Lifestyle, diet, anthropometry, and other factors were measured by questionnaire and/or direct measurement. Results: Af...
Radon transforms and Gegenbauer–Chebyshev integrals, II; examples

We transfer the results of Part I related to the modified support theorem and the kernel description of the hyperplane Radon transform to totally geodesic transforms on the sphere and the hyperbolic space, the spherical slice transform, and the spherical mean transform for spheres through the origin. The assumptions for functions are formulated in integral terms and close to minimal.
Teachers’ Voices: Where Policy Meets Practice

Critics and proponents of education accountability policies make competing arguments about how testing affects educators and students. Using research that included semi-structured interviews with 83 teachers and administrators from a wide variety of backgrounds and schools, the author provides insight into how the use of student growth measures (SGMs) to hold educators accountable interacts with social contexts to affect teaching and learning. On a positive note, teachers reported that the use of SGMs has resulted in some voluntary exit of less effective teachers. Yet, low morale has increased turnover among effective teachers, and testing has interacted with socio-economic stratification in ways that negatively impact the social democratic mission of schools as public institutions.
Optimization of Lead-free Organic–inorganic Tin(II) Halide Perovskite Semiconductors by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

Abstract Lead-free organic-inorganic tin halide perovskites were prepared and investigated by a rapid screening technique utilizing a modified scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM). We studied liquid junction photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar cells based on p-type methylammonium tin halide (MASnI3-xBrx) perovskites employing the benzoquinone (BQ) redox couple, BQ/BQ −, in dichloromethane (CH2Cl2). We found that the optimized Sn-based mixed halide perovskite, MASnI0.5Br2.5, exhibits enhanced performance and stability in liquid-junction PEC solar cells, with a power conversion efficiency of 1.51% (an increase of 20.8%) and a photovoltaic lifetime of 175 min (an increase of 75.0%), in comparison to MASnI3 perovskites.
Computer Languages For Students

There are three ways in which programming languages are applied to instruction. In the first application, instructors use programming languages to compose programmed lessons. In the second application, students learn how to use programming languages. In this case, the emphasis is less on the content of the problems being solved than on the programming techniques used to solve them. This paper f ocuses on a third application, in which students u se programming languages to solve problems in areas such as statistics, algebra, logic, and physics. In this application, the computer becomes a powerful tool, under the student's c ontrol, for exploring problem domains. Some programming languages are more appropriate for this application than others. This p aper discusses criteria for suitability, and illustrates them with example from AMPL, a student-friendly dialect o f APL.
KDM6B modulates MAPK pathway mediating multiple myeloma cell growth and survival

Recent studies have delineated cancer-type-specific roles of histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27) demethylase KDM6B/JMJD3 depending on its H3K27 demethylase activity. Here we show that KDM6B is expressed in multiple myeloma (MM) cells; and that shRNA-mediated knockdown and CRISPR-mediated knockout of KDM6B abrogate MM cell growth and survival. Tumor necrosis factor-α or bone marrow stromal cell culture supernatants induce KDM6B, which is blocked by IKKβ inhibitor MLN120B, suggesting that KDM6B is regulated by NF-κB signaling in MM cells. RNA-seq and subsequent ChIP-qPCR analyses reveal that KDM6B is recruited to the loci of genes encoding components of MAPK signaling pathway including ELK1 and FOS, and upregulates expression of these genes without affecting H3K27 methylation level. Overexpression of catalytically inactive KDM6B activates expression of MAPK pathway-related genes, confirming its function independent of demethylase activity. We further demonstrate that downstream targets of KDM6B, ELK1 and FOS, confer MM cell growth. Our study therefore delineates KDM6B function that links NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway mediating MM cell growth and survival, and validates KDM6B as a novel therapeutic target in MM.
Ignition by Multiple Jets

The main reason that hot turbulent jet ignition has become attractive to gas engine manufacturers is that hot jet ignition can achieve faster burn rates due to the ignition system producing multiple, distributed ignition sites, which has greater likelihood igniting a lean mixture compared to spark ignition. This leads to better thermal efficiency and low NOx production. Compared to conventional spark ignition, a hot jet has a much larger surface area leading to multiple ignition sites on its surface which can enhance the probability of successful ignition and cause faster flame propagation and heat release. Over the last few decades, pre-chamber jet ignition had technologically advanced from conceptual design phase to actual engines. The early designs developed by Gussak [1–4], Oppenheim [5, 6], Wolfhard [7], and Murase [8] showed the promise of lean ignition by a hot turbulent jet. Later, Ghoneim and Chen [9], Pitt [10], Yamaguchi [11], Elhsnawi [12], Sadanandan [13], Toulson [14, 15], Gholamisheeri [16], Attard [17], Perera [18], Carpio [19], Shah [20], Karimi [21], Thelen [22], and Biswas [23, 24] further investigated in detail the parametric effects and fundamental physics of turbulent jet ignition in laboratory scale prototype combustors and at engine-relevant conditions. All these studies support that turbulent jet ignition possesses several advantages over traditional spark ignition during ultra-lean combustion such as higher ignition probability, faster burn rates, and multiple ignition kernels.
Pyomo.GDP: Disjunctive Models in Python

Abstract In this work, we describe new capabilities for the Pyomo.GDP modeling environment, moving beyond classical reformulation approaches to include non-standard reformulations and a new logic-based solver, GDPopt. Generalized Disjunctive Programs (GDPs) address optimization problems involving both discrete and continuous decision variables. For difficult problems, advanced reformulations such as the disjunctive “basic step” to intersect multiple disjunctions or the use of procedural reformulations may be necessary. Complex nonlinear GDP models may also be tackled using logic-based outer approximation. These expanded capabilities highlight the flexibility that Pyomo.GDP offers modelers in applying novel strategies to solve difficult optimization problems.
Special Article: The American Academy of Pediatrics Coparent or Second-Parent Adoption by Same-Sex Parents Policy Statement: Its Science, Its Implications

In February 2002, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a Policy Statement entitled Coparent or Second-Parent Adoption by Same-Sex Parents encouraging members to “Advocate for initiatives that establish permanency through coparent or second-parent adoption for children of same-sex partners.” The Policy Statement is based upon the best available science and has resulted in a wide-ranging debate on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues both inside and outside the Academy. Overall, the Policy Statement is likely to have a positive effect on the movement for equal rights for LGBT persons through both legislation and judicial rulings.
Periodic Little's law

Motivated by our recent study of patient flow data from an Israeli emergency department (ED), we establish a sample path periodic Little’s law (PLL), which extends the sample path Little’s law (LL)...
Simultaneous determination of spatially varying thermal conductivity and specific heat using boundary temperature measurements

ABSTRACTAn inverse parameter estimation methodology for non-destructive simultaneous estimation of spatially varying thermal conductivity and specific heat in arbitrary 2D solid objects was develop...
Participatory monitoring and evaluation in development projects of Bangladesh

This paper seeks to understand issues and challenges around the application of participatory development methods and practices in the developing world through the case study of participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) in Bangladesh, while offering suggestions to overcome those challenges. Participatory development as a distinctive development paradigm holds strong potential for empowering communities at the grassroots level and promoting local ownership, which promise more sustainable development impact. However, there is growing evidence that many participatory development initiatives have failed in developing countries, largely due to the neglect of contextual specificities relating to culture, inequalities and gender discriminations. Drawing on in-depth interviews with M&E specialists in both Bangladeshi government and international development organisations, I argue that the blanket and insensitive application of PM&E has significantly reduced its effectiveness in Bangladesh where unequal power relations as well as inequalities and discrimination against women are deeply entrenched. The research has significant implications for both development scholarship and project management practice. It contributes to and enriches debates about participatory development and PM&E in the global context.