cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scholarly Behaviors of Physical Education Methods Teacher Educators in Ohio

This study focused on the behavior of a proportional, stratified random sample of 40 physical education methods teacher educators (PEMTEs) in the state of Ohio, or more specifically, on the professional implications of their scholarly behaviors. The focal questions addressed were (a) how do PEMTEs meet their responsibility to stay current in their professional areas, and (b) what are the professional implications of these efforts? Four specific behaviors were examined as evidence of scholarly behaviors: (a) reading professional journals, (b) writing for publication, (c) attendance at professional conferences, and (d) active involvement in research. Findings were then contrasted to findings from previous studies of physical educators, education professors, and university professors. PEMTEs in Ohio tend to read the professional literature related to physical education without attending to the literature in the broader realm of education. Few of the PEMTEs in Ohio write for publication or are actively involv...
Error analysis of an acoustic current meter

Accuracies of the benthic acoustic stress sensor (BASS) and the proposed modular acoustic velocity sensor (MAVS) are evaluated. A simple model of the hydrodynamic sources of error for acoustic current meters is presented and compared with the measured performance of BASS in a tow-tank and in field deployments. The sources of error addressed include those due to ideal flow around the sensor cage, wake effects from the support structure and transducers, vortex shedding from the cage, and electronic zero-point offsets. Electronic error dominates at velocities less than 5-10 cm/s, while flow disturbance dominates at higher speeds. >
Rat pancreas uptake of [11C]dihydrotetrabenazine stereoisomers.

Abstract (+)-α-[ 11 C]Dihydrotetrabenazine ((+)-[ 11 C]DTBZ), a radioligand for the vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2), has been previously proposed as an in vivo marker of beta-cell degeneration in the pancreas. The stereospecificity of uptake of [ 11 C]DTBZ into rat pancreas was examined here using radiolabeled forms of the (+)- and (−)-isomers. Pancreas localization of (+)-[ 11 C]DTBZ could be partially blocked by prior administration of unlabeled (+)-DTBZ. Pancreatic uptake of the (−)-isomer was unexpectedly high and could not be blocked by pretreatment with (+)-DTBZ, but could be significantly reduced by treatment with racemic tetrabenazine, an in vivo source of (−)-DTBZ. These studies indicate that the inactive isomer of DTBZ does not provide a mechanism for defining the nonspecific binding of (+)-DTBZ in rat pancreas.
Protocol design for scalable and reliable group rekeying

We present the design and specification of a scalable and reliable protocol for group rekeying together with performance evaluation results. The protocol is based upon the use of key trees for secure groups and periodic batch rekeying. At the beginning of each rekey period, the key server sends a rekey message to all users consisting of encrypted new keys (encryptions, in short) carried in a sequence of packets. We present a simple strategy for identifying keys, encryptions, and users, and a key assignment algorithm which ensures that the encryptions needed by a user are in the same packet. Our protocol provides reliable delivery of new keys to all users eventually. It also attempts to deliver new keys to all users with a high probability by the end of the rekeying period. For each rekey message, the protocol runs in two steps: a multicast step followed by a unicast step. Proactive FEC multicast is used to control NACK implosion and reduce delivery latency. Our experiments show that a small FEC block size can be used to reduce encoding time at the server without increasing server bandwidth overhead. Early transition to unicast, after at most two multicast rounds, further reduces the worst-case delivery latency as well as user bandwidth requirement. The key server adaptively adjusts the proactivity factor based upon past feedback information; our experiments show that the number of NACKs after a multicast round can be effectively controlled around a target number. Throughout the protocol design, we strive to minimize processing and bandwidth requirements for both the key server and users.
Systems Integration: Key Perspectives, Experiences, and Challenges

As systems continue to grow in scale and complexity, systems integration SI has become a key concern. This is especially the case in defense and aerospace. SI involves interfacing and enabling the interactions of component elements to collectively provide the functionality needed by the system to accomplish its goals. SI is part of the overall system development life cycle. SI increases in complexity when there are legacy systems that need to be integrated, and when humans are an integral part of the system. An added layer of complexity is introduced when the system has to exhibit resilience and adaptability in the face of contingencies in the operational environment. This paper addresses key perspectives and challenges in SI. Specifically, it presents the integration continuum, ranging from loose to tight integration. It presents a SI ontology that captures the key issues and concerns in a standard language. It also presents various categories of integration and their unique challenges. This paper is intended to clarify various types of integration and to stimulate new ways of thinking about SI.
Glycemic Control and Coronary Heart Disease Risk in Persons With and Without Diabetes: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

the highest quintile of HbA1c level was 1.41 (95% CI, 0.90-2.30); however, there was evidence of a nonlinear relationship in this group. In nondiabetic adults, HbA1c level was not related to CHD risk below a level of 4.6% but was significantly related to risk above that level (P.001). In diabetic adults, the risk of CHD increased throughout the range of HbA1c levels. In the adjusted model, the RR of CHD for a 1–percentage point increase in HbA1c level was 2.36 (95% CI, 1.43-3.90) in persons without diabetes but with an HbA1c level greater than 4.6%. In diabetic adults, the RR was 1.14 (95% CI, 1.07-1.21) per 1–percentage point increase in HbA1c across the full range of HbA1c values. Conclusion:Elevated HbA1clevel is an independent risk factor for CHD in persons with and without diabetes. Arch Intern Med. 2005;165:1910-1916
Predicting dredging-associated effects to coral reefs in Apra Harbor, Guam - Part 1: Sediment exposure modeling

Model studies were conducted to investigate the potential coral reef sediment exposure from dredging associated with proposed development of a deepwater wharf in Apra Harbor, Guam. The Particle Tracking Model (PTM) was applied to quantify the exposure of coral reefs to material suspended by the dredging operations at two alternative sites. Key PTM features include the flexible capability of continuous multiple releases of sediment parcels, control of parcel/substrate interaction, and the ability to efficiently track vast numbers of parcels. This flexibility has facilitated simulating the combined effects of sediment released from clamshell dredging and chiseling within Apra Harbor. Because the rate of material released into the water column by some of the processes is not well understood or known a priori, the modeling approach was to bracket parameters within reasonable ranges to produce a suite of potential results from multiple model runs. Sensitivity analysis to model parameters is used to select the appropriate parameter values for bracketing. Data analysis results include mapping the time series and the maximum values of sedimentation, suspended sediment concentration, and deposition rate. Data were used to quantify various exposure processes that affect coral species in Apra Harbor. The goal of this research is to develop a robust methodology for quantifying and bracketing exposure mechanisms to coral (or other receptors) from dredging operations. These exposure values were utilized in an ecological assessment to predict effects (coral reef impacts) from various dredging scenarios.
Vizdom: interactive analytics through pen and touch

Machine learning (ML) and advanced statistics are important tools for drawing insights from large datasets. However, these techniques often require human intervention to steer computation towards meaningful results. In this demo, we present Vizdom, a new system for interactive analytics through pen and touch. Vizdom's frontend allows users to visually compose complex workflows of ML and statistics operators on an interactive whiteboard, and the back-end leverages recent advances in workflow compilation techniques to run these computations at interactive speeds. Additionally, we are exploring approximation techniques for quickly visualizing partial results that incrementally refine over time. This demo will show Vizdom's capabilities by allowing users to interactively build complex analytics workflows using real-world datasets.
In Remembrance of Fred Thayer

(2007). In Remembrance of Fred Thayer. Administrative Theory & Praxis: Vol. 29, No. 3, pp. 465-469.
Saturation control of a dc motor

A novel approach for implementing an active nonlinear vibration absorber is presented. The absorber takes advantage of the saturation phenomenon that occurs in autoparametric multi-DOF systems coupled with quadratic nonlinearities. The strategy is based on introducing a supplementary second-order controller that is coupled to the plant via an actuator and a nonlinear feedback control law. Once the plant is forced near resonance, its response becomes quickly saturated and the remaining oscillatory energy is channeled to the controller. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally the application of the strategy to regulate the oscillations of a dc motor. We analyze the equations of motion and we assemble a circuit that emulates the controller equation and conduct analog simulations to investigate the technique. Finally, we perform experiments by using the circuit to suppress the vibrations of a rigid beam connected to a dc motor. Our initial investigations demonstrate that saturation control can be implemented very successfully to suppress the vibrations of resonantly excited systems. (Author)
Studies of the di-iron(VI) Intermediate in ferrate-dependent oxygen evolution from water.

Molecular oxygen is produced from water via the following reaction of potassium ferrate (K2FeO4) in acidic solution: 4[H3FeVIO4]+ + 8H3O+ → 4Fe3+ + 3O2 + 18H2O. This study focuses upon the mechanism by which the O–O bond is formed. Stopped-flow kinetics at variable acidities in H2O and D2O are used to complement the analysis of competitive oxygen-18 kinetic isotope effects (18O KIEs) upon consumption of natural abundance water. The derived 18O KIEs provide insights concerning the identity of the transition state. Water attack (WA) and oxo-coupling (OC) transition states were evaluated for various reactions of monomeric and dimeric ferrates using a calibrated density functional theory protocol. Vibrational frequencies from optimized isotopic structures are used here to predict 18O KIEs for comparison to experimental values determined using an established competitive isotope-fractionation method. The high level of agreement between experimental and theoretic isotope effects points to an intramolecular OC me...
Investigation on Air Quality in Newly Decorated Shopping Centers with Different Scales in Zhenjiang City

[Objective] To learn the air quality in newly decorated shopping centers with different scales,provide scientific basis for making prevention and control countermeasure of air quality in shopping centers.[Methods]The monitoring points were set in medium and small shopping centers according to Technical rules of health monitoring for public places (GB/T17220-1998),and evaluation was conducted according to Health requirements and standards for shopping centre (bookstore) (GB 9670-1996).[Results]The qualified rate of formaldehyde in 4 shopping centers was 0.98%,the maximum of 0.91mg/m3 was 6.58 times higher than national standard.The qualified rate of inhalable particulate matter and noise was 98.04% and 19.5% respectively.The values of formaldehyde,noise and inhalable particulate matter in large-scale shopping centers were higher than that in medium and small shopping centers.[Conclusion]It is necessary to pay high attention to air pollution by formaldehyde,which is serious in newly decorated shopping centers.
The Geldanamycin Analogue Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) Inhibitor 17-AAG in Lymphomas: Molecular Mechanisms of 17-AAG-Induced Cell Death in Hodgkin Disease and Non- Hodgkin Lymphoma Cell Lines.

Abstract Heat Shock Proteins (HSP) are stress-induced proteins that act as molecular chaperones in all benign and malignant cells. HSPs are important for maintaining the function of several client proteins involved in transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, and cell-cycle control. HSP90 has been recently identified as a potential therapeutic target in several types of tumors. However, the effect HSP90 inhibition in Hodgkin disease (HD) and non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) remains unknown. The geldanamycin analogue 17-allylamino-17-demethoxy-geldanamycin (17-AAG) is a small molecule inhibitor of HSP90, which interferes with ATP-dependent chaperones activity, with subsequent degredation of client proteins by the proteasome. We studied the activity of 17-AAG in a panel of cell lines of HD (HD-MyZ, HD-LM2, L-428, KM-H2) and NHL (SUDHL1, and Jurkat) origin. HSP90 was expressed in all HD cell lines but not in normal peripheral blood lymphocytes of healthy donors. 17-AAG demonstrated a significant antiproliferative effect in a dose (01 micromolar - 5 micromolar) and time (24 hours to 72 hours) dependent manner in all cells lines, but was most prominant in the HD-LM2 cells. In all HD-derived cell lines, 17-AAG had more than 50% inhibitory effect over control cells. This effect was most prominant after 72 hours of incubation. Subsequently, we examined the molecular mechanisms responsible for this antiproliferative effect. Both cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis were observed. In the HD-LM2 cell line, 17-AAG predominantly induced a G0/G1 cell cycle phase arrest, while in the L-428 cell line there was a G2/M phase arrest (as determined by propidium iodide staining and flow-cytometric analysis). This effect was associated with alterations in MDM2 and cyclin D1 proteins. Cell cycle arrest was followed by apoptosis as determined by Annexin-V binding assay, which was predominantly mediated by caspase 9 activation. 17-AAG also reduced the cellular content of Bcl-2, cFLIP, and AKT, but had no significant effect on XIAP or cIAP2. Furthermore, 17-AAG decreased the total ERK1/2 which has been shown to play an important role in HRS cell survival. 17-AAG-induced apoptosis was partially reversed by the pancaspase inhibitor ZVAD-FMK. Preliminary data suggested that 17-AAG did not enhance the effect of doxoorubicin or gemcitabine chemotherapy. These data suggest a first proof-of-principle that inhibition of HSP90 might be of therapeutic value in HD and NHL.
Median Nerve Tumors

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve causing characteristic symptoms and signs including numbness, paresthesias, and weakness of the thenar muscles. It is the commonest compression neuropathy and accounts for a high number of patient visits to primary care physicians, physiatrists, and surgeons.
Elucidating Potential Energy Surfaces for Singlet O2 Reactions with Protonated, Deprotonated, and Di-Deprotonated Cystine Using a Combination of Approximately Spin-Projected Density Functional Theory and Guided-Ion-Beam Mass Spectrometry.

The reactivity of cystine toward electronically excited singlet O2 (a1Δg) has been long debated, despite the fact that most organic disulfides are susceptible to oxidation by singlet O2. We report a combined experimental and computational study on reactions of singlet O2 with gas-phase cystine at different ionization and hydration states, aimed to determine reaction outcomes, mechanisms, and potential energy surfaces (PESs). Ion–molecule collisions of protonated and di-deprotonated cystine ions with singlet O2, in both the absence and the presence of a water ligand, were measured over a center-of-mass collision energy (Ecol) range from 0.1 to 1.0 eV, using a guided-ion-beam scattering tandem mass spectrometer. No oxidation was observed for these reactant ions except collision-induced dissociation at high energies. Guided by density functional theory (DFT)-calculated PESs, reaction coordinates were established to unravel the origin of the nonreactivity of cystine ions toward singlet O2. To account for mixe...
Signaling Mechanisms of Vav3, a Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor and Androgen Receptor Coactivator, in Physiology and Prostate Cancer Progression

The Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Vav3 is the third member of the Vav family of GEFS and is activated by tyrosine phosphorylation. Through stimulation of Rho GTPase activity, Vav3 promotes cell migration, invasion, and other cellular processes. Work from our laboratory first established that Vav3 is upregulated in models of castration-resistant prostate cancer progression and enhances androgen receptor as well as androgen receptor splice variant activity. Recent analysis of clinical specimens supports Vav3 as a potential biomarker of aggressive prostate cancer. Consistent with a role in promoting castration-­resistant disease, Vav3 is a versatile enhancer of androgen receptor by both ligand-dependent and ligand-independent mechanisms and as such impacts established pathways of androgen receptor reactivation in advanced prostate cancer. Distinct Vav3 domains and mechanisms participate in ligand-dependent and -independent androgen receptor coactivation. To provide a physiologic context, we review Vav3 actions elucidated by gene knockout studies. This chapter describes the pervasive role of Vav3 in progression of prostate cancer to castration resistance. We discuss the mechanisms by which prostate cancer cells exploit Vav3 signaling to promote androgen receptor activity under different hormonal milieus, which are relevant to clinical prostate cancer. Lastly, we review the data on the emerging role for Vav3 in other cancers ranging from leukemias to gliomas.
Structural origins of hemostasis and adaptive immunity

Essentials Structural similarities between platelet GPIb and immune proteins of jawless fishes are profiled. VLRs from lamprey eels and hagfish share a conserved domain arrangement with platelet GPIb. Leucine-rich repeats flanked by disulfide loops are common between glycoprotein Ib and VLRs. Ancestors of the vertebrate lineage likely contain an ancient domain for hemostasis and immunity. Background Adaptive immunity in jawless fishes is performed by a unique set of proteins termed variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs). Here we compare the crystallographic structures of VLRs and the human primary hemostasis receptor, glycoprotein (GP) Ib. It has been estimated jawless fish vertebrates diverged from jawed vertebrates 500 million years ago. Identifying structural similarities provides insights into the origins of primary hemostasis and the unique adaptive immunity of jawless fishes. Methods Three-dimensional structures obtained from crystallographic data and primary sequences alignments are compared. The results focus on overall domain arrangement to include the structural roles of leucine-rich repeats (LRRs), disulfide bond, and disulfide loop arrangements. Results The crystal structures of human GPIb (GPIbαN) and jawless fish VLRs are made up of three common segments each. The N-terminal cap and the C-terminal cap are characterized by disulfide bonds conserved in both GPIbαN and VLRs. The body of each molecule consists of LRRs which varies depending on the number of LRRs present in each molecule. The stacking of the LRRs results in the formation of a concave surface which serves as a motif to build ligand-binding specificity with the flanking regions. Conclusion A comparison of VLR and GPIb structures reveals a phylogenetic trail of cellular differentiation contributing to mammalian hemostasis and jawless fish adaptive immunity. The results provide a structural basis to explain some of the interrelationships between hemostasis and immunity in vertebrates and potentially identifies a common ancestral motif linking hemostasis and immunity.
A Low Power Hardware Implementation of Multi-Object DPM Detector for Autonomous Driving

Object detection is a fundamental process in traffic management systems and self-driving cars. Deformable part model (DPM) is a popular and competitive detector for its high precision. This paper presents a programmable, low power hardware implementation of DPM based object detection for real-time applications. Our approach employs a very fast object detection pipeline with complementary techniques such as fast feature pyramid, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and early classification to accelerate DPM with a reasonable accuracy loss and achieves a speed-up of 50x and 6x over original DPM and cascade DPM respectively on single core CPU. The hardware circuit uses 65nm CMOS technology and consumes only 36.5mW (0.81 nJ/pixel) based on the post-layout simulation. The ASIC has an area of 3362 kgates and 295.5 KB on-chip memory and the design utilizes two simultaneous engines to process two independent object categories with 8 deformable parts per category.
The symptoms of advanced cancer: identification of clinical and research priorities by assessment of prevalence and severity.

In advanced cancer, when cure is impossible, symptoms should be the focus of attention. We report the first prospective, systematic analysis of the severity of 37 symptoms in 1000 patients with advanced cancer, using the Paradox relational database. Pain, easy fatigue, and anorexia were consistently among the 10 most prevalent symptoms associated with cancer at all sites. When pain, anorexia, weakness, anxiety, lack of energy, easy fatigue, early satiety, constipation, and dyspnea were present 60%-80% of patients rated them as moderate or severe, i.e. of clinical importance. The most common symptoms were also the most severe. In general the same symptoms were clinically important at most primary sites. Clinically important dyspnea, hoarseness, hiccough, and dysphagia were more common in men; anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and early satiety in women. Clinically important dyspepsia, nausea, and vomiting occurred more frequently in gynecological cancers.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Profiles of Human, Canine, and Porcine Spirochetes Associated with Colonic Spirochetosis Correlates with in Vivo Brush Border Attachment

A group of phenotypically and genotypically distinct weakly s-hemolytic intestinal spirochetes (WBHIS) have been associated with a diarrheal disease of humans, dogs and swine, designated colonic spirochetosis (CS). Because attachment of spirochetes to the brush border of colonic enterocytes is a consistent feature of CS, it may represent an important virulence mechanism. In this study, pure cultures of WBHIS obtained from humans, dogs, and swine with clinical signs or lesions of CS were compared with Serpulina innocens using biochemical, genotypic and an in vivo brush border attachment assay CS-associated WBHIS did not form genotypic and an in vivo brush border attachment assay. CS-associated WBHIS did not form indole, but hydrolyzed hippurate. Analysis of genomic DNA using arbitrarily primed-PCR (AP-PCR) revealed that the CS-associated WBHIS had a closely related pattern which was distinctly different from that of S. inno-cens. For in vivo brush border attachment assays, one-day old chicks were inoculated by crop gavage with either sterile trypticase soy broth or broth containing either S. innocens or CS-associated WBHIS. On day 7 post-inoculation, the ceca of sham-inoculated control chicks and S. innocens-inoculated chicks had tall columnar enterocytes without spirochetes, and no spirochetes were isolated by culture on selective medium. Focal to segmental attachment of spirochetes to the brush border of superficial enterocytes was present in the ceca of chicks inoculated with WBHIS, and weakly s-hemolytic spirochetes with effacement of the microvillous brush border of colonic enterocytes. Complete agreement between hippurate hydrolysis, specific- and AP-PCR assays and in vivo brush border attachment studies confirms the enteropathogencity of CS-associated WBHIS.
Pertussis Immunisation in Adolescents and Adults

The burden of disease in affected adolescents and adults, their important contribution to the ongoing circulation of B. pertussis in the population, and the associated direct and indirect costs make prevention of pertussis by immunisation beyond childhood an attractive goal. The recent introduction of booster doses in adolescents in Austria, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the United States are an important step in the right direction. However, this most likely will not have a significant impact on reduction of disease in young infants and adults. It will be a challenge for the next few years to convince authorities, health care providers, and the general population about the necessity of regular pertussis vaccine booster doses in adults if better control of this potentially devastating disease is wanted. Although, as has recently been said (Cherry 2005), this "may be looked on by many as a pie-in-the-sky vision," the availability of tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and reduced acellular pertussis, adsorbed (Tdap) vaccines with proven tolerability and immunogenicity make this goal achievable. Introduction and enforcement of regular pertussis boosters, e.g. every 10 years, will not only reduce the overall morbidity of pertussis in the population but most likely--by use of combination vaccines--will also improve the less than optimal coverage of diphtheria and tetanus immunisations in adults.
Patterns of Tobacco Product Use and Correlates Among Adults in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study: A Latent Class Analysis.

Introduction As the tobacco industry and market evolves, there is a growing need to understand the patterns of use of tobacco products and how they relate to demographics, dependency, withdrawal, and quit behavior. Methods We analyzed data from wave 1 of the PATH Study consisting of 14856 individuals. Current users were defined as consuming at least 1 of 10 tobacco products. We performed a latent class analysis (LCA) to identify patterns of tobacco use. We used multinomial regression analysis to explore the association between these patterns with covariates representing socioeconomic status dependence/addiction, past quit attempts, and withdrawal severity. Results We identified four groups of current tobacco users with distinct profiles: (1) 61% of the sample were identified as cigarette-only users; (2) 9% were smokeless tobacco users; (3) 17% of the sample were characterized by being current users of all types of combustible tobacco including cigars, cigarillos, filtered cigars, and smoking a pipe (4) finally, 13% were e-cig and hookah users. All classes also shared a varying frequency of cigarette use. Exclusive cigarette users were more likely to be older and female, and experienced higher dependency and withdrawal. Users of e-cigs and hookah were the younger, most educated of all four subgroups, and presented the lowest dependency and withdrawal among the four groups. Conclusions FDA policy makers may want to discourage the use of tobacco products associated with higher tobacco dependency, and products that may contribute to experiencing higher levels of withdrawal symptoms by the user when trying to quit. Implications We identified four patterns of tobacco product use that are significantly related to demographic characteristics, dependency, and withdrawal. Policies should target users more likely to use tobacco products that increase dependency and withdrawal, making quitting more difficult.
Detecting Safety Signals Among Adverse Events in Clinical Trials

This chapter summarizes statistical and graphical approaches to evaluate safety in clinical trials, with a primary focus on adverse events. Methods are illustrated using a clinical trial of patients who experienced an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
REAL EXCHANGE RATE, MONETARY POLICY, AND THE U.S. ECONOMY: EVIDENCE FROM A FAVAR MODEL

This paper examines the effects of exchange rate depreciation to the U.S. economy in a factor‐augmented vector autoregression model using monthly data of 148 variables for the post–Bretton Woods period of 1973–2017. Exchange rate shock is identified to reflect exogenous disturbances to the foreign exchange market, and movements in exchange rate that are not accounted for by changes in the U.S. monetary policy. We find that depreciation is expansionary and inflationary to the broad U.S. economy, the current account improves over time conforming to the J‐curve theory, and monetary policy is leaning against the wind. (JEL E3, E5, F31, F32, F41)
A preliminary note of egg-case oviparity in a Devonian placoderm fish

Six enigmatic fossils from the Famennian (Devonian) Cleveland Shale in Ohio, U.S.A., are interpreted here as arthrodiran (Placodermi) egg cases. Recognition as egg cases is confirmed based on the observation of layered collagen fibers. The presence of a tuberculated bone fragment preserved within one case confirms a vertebrate source. The nature of the tubercles and the unique morphology of the egg cases supports the interpretation of an arthrodiran source. Reports of Devonian egg cases are limited to either assumed chondrichthyan producers or a putative ‘egg sac’ with a morphology atypical for any vertebrate. The Cleveland Shale egg cases thus represent the first record for a non-chondrichthyan producer. Among placoderms, behaviors of a pelagic life style with obligate nesting sites, reef fishes with live birth, and estuarine and fluvial nurseries, along with eggcase oviparity testifies to the diversity of reproductive strategies. As with modern fishes these strategies may be ecologically driven and the derived and variable reproductive biology of extant chondrichthyans is actually a primitive condition among gnathostomes. One consequence of the diversity of reproductive strategies (dependent on the topology of relationships) is the independent origin of internal fertilization within placoderms, possibly suggesting external fertilization as the primitive gnathostome reproductive mode.
Surgical preparations, labeling strategies, and optical techniques for cell-resolved, in vivo imaging in the mouse spinal cord

In vivo optical imaging has enabled detailed studies of cellular dynamics in the brain of rodents in both healthy and diseased states. Such studies were made possible by three advances: surgical preparations that give optical access to the brain; strategies for in vivo labeling of cells with structural and functional fluorescent indicators; and optical imaging techniques that are relatively insensitive to light scattering by tissue. In vivo imaging in the rodent spinal cord has lagged behind than that in the brain, largely due to the anatomy around the spinal cord that complicates the surgical preparation, and to the strong optical scattering of the dorsal white matter that limits the ability to image deep into the spinal cord. Here, we review recent advances in surgical methods, labeling strategies, and optical tools that have enabled in vivo, high-resolution imaging of the dynamic behaviors of cells in the spinal cord in mice. Surgical preparations that enable long-term optical access and robust stabilization of the spinal cord are now available. Labeling strategies that have been used in the spinal cord tend to follow those that have been used in the brain, and some recent advances in genetically-encoded labeling strategies remain to be capitalized on. The optical imaging methods used to date, including two photon excited fluorescence microscopy, are largely limited to imaging the superficial layers of the spinal cord by the optical scattering of the white matter. Finally, we show preliminary data that points to the use of higher-order nonlinear optical processes, such as three photon excited fluorescence, as a means to image deeper into the mouse spinal cord.
Survey-Based Examination of Demographics, Potential Causes and Treatments of Aberrant Behavior Syndrome(Berserk Male Syndrome) in Camelids

The objective of this study was to examine potential signs, causal factors and treatment interventions for camelids displaying Aberrant Behavior Syndrome (ABS), also known as Berserk Male Syndrome. A survey was developed for camelid owners and veterinarians with camelid experience using Survey Monkey software. Respondents were asked to describe the behaviors associated with the most recent case of ABS they were involved with, information about the animal displaying ABS, and evaluation of the efficacy of treatment interventions used. The majority of respondents identified a general demographic of an intact male camelid raised by its biological mother with daily or weekly handing by humans. Aggressive behavior emerged at one to three years of age, and was directed more frequently at humans than at other animals. Treatment interventions included behavioral modification, castration, moving and/or isolating the animal. All treatments had a higher rate of failure than success. The results of this survey indicate a need for research to identify causal factors and treatments for this behavioral disorder.
Influence of membrane characteristics on performance in soil-membrane-water subsurface desalination irrigation systems

Abstract Desalination using dense membranes, where water transport is driven by soil-water potential, offers an important tool for water managers in agricultural systems; however, progress in this area has been limited by a lack of understanding between membrane characteristics and performance in these systems. This investigation evaluated the performance of different commercially available membranes, representing a range of physical and surface chemical characteristics, and correlated these with performance using kaolin clay as a model soil. Membranes were tested in cross-flow systems containing a soil-membrane-water system, representative of a subsurface irrigation process. Steady-state water flux varied from 0.12 to 2.20 LMH as a function of feed water composition (ionic strength) and membrane properties, namely membrane structural parameter and active layer hydrophilicity. As structural parameter increased, so too did the reduction of net driving force, and the corresponding flux decline, over time. Flux decline after initial wetting of the soil was attributed to dewetting of the microporous membrane support resulting in more tortuous flow paths from the membrane and into the soil.
Volume‐Based Feeding Enhances Enteral Delivery by Maximizing the Optimal Rate of Enteral Feeding (FEED MORE)

BACKGROUND The importance of enteral nutrition (EN) in critically ill patients is well documented. However, actual administration of EN frequently does not amount to prescribed nutrition goals. Persistent underfeeding may lead to impaired immune response, increased mortality, and higher costs. Traditionally, EN uses a rate-based approach, utilizing slow titration to goal and a final fixed hourly rate, regardless of interruptions in feeding. Volume-based feeding (VBF) establishes a 24-hour EN goal volume, and the rate varies to achieve this daily goal when interruptions occur. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective, single-center, quasi-experimental study comparing traditional rate-based feeding (RBF) to VBF in adult patients admitted to the medical and neurosurgical intensive care units (ICUs). The primary outcome was mean percentage of total goal energy received after EN initiation until 7 days, transfer from ICU, removal of feeding tube, or oral diet order placed. Secondary outcomes included mean percentage of total goal protein received, percentage of patients meeting 80% of nutrition goals, incidence of gastric residual volumes >400 mL, and incidence of moderate hyperglycemia (>250 mg/dL). RESULTS The study enrolled 189 patients. Mean percentage of goal energy delivered (75% RBF, 102% VBF; P < .001) and goal protein delivered (68% RBF, 87% VBF; P < .001) was significantly higher with VBF compared with RBF. CONCLUSION VBF demonstrated a significant increase in energy and protein delivery with no major safety or tolerability issues. VBF should be considered for use in ICU patients to optimize nutrition delivery.
Quality of high school programs for students with autism spectrum disorder

The purpose of the study was to examine the quality of high school programs for students with autism spectrum disorder in the United States. The Autism Program Environment Rating Scale-Middle/High School was used to rate the quality of programs for students with autism spectrum disorder in 60 high schools located in three geographic locations in the United States (CA, NC, and WI). Findings indicated that the total quality rating across schools was slightly above the adequate criterion. Higher quality ratings occurred for program environment, learning climate, family participation, and teaming domains. However, quality ratings for intervention domains related to the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (e.g. communication, social, independence, functional behavior, and transition) were below the adequate quality rating level. Also, quality ratings for transition were significantly higher for modified (primarily self-contained) programs than standard diploma (primarily served in general education) programs. School urbanicity was a significant predictor of program quality, with suburban schools having higher quality ratings than urban or rural schools, controlling for race, school enrollment size, and Title 1 eligibility status. Implications for working with teachers and school teams that support high school students with autism spectrum disorder should include a targeted focus on transition programming that includes a breadth of work-based learning experiences and activities that support social-communication domains.
A New Multilevel AC/DC Topology Based H-Bridge Alternate Arm Converter

The current popular modular multilevel converter topology (MMC) needs a large number of cascaded sub modules and switches, a high voltage level of DC bus and a large loss. Based on these problems, a new multilevel converter topology with H-bridge alternate arm is proposed. This topology combines two structures of H-bridge sub module cascade and H-bridge switch series arm. In high-voltage and high-power applications, on the premise of outputting the same AC voltage level, this topology reduces the DC bus voltage level, system loss and cost, and the number of components, simplifies the control method, and improves the system reliability compared with the MMC structure. In this paper, the working mechanism of the topology is described in detail. On this basis, the control strategy of sub module capacitor voltage balancing is proposed. Finally, the PSIM simulation of the topology is carried out, and a single-phase prototype is made in the laboratory. The simulation and experimental waveforms are obtained, which verify the correctness and feasibility of the topology structure.
Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on surgical research and lessons for the future.

BACKGROUND: The current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on all physicians and has resulted in dramatic changes to clinical and research operations. No study has yet looked at the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on the surgical research community. In this study, we sought to understand the impact of the pandemic and its associated restrictions on academic surgeons. METHODS: We surveyed members of the Association for Academic Surgery and the Society of University Surgeons. Survey questions included demographics, current challenges to basic and clinical research activities, attitudes toward remote work and productivity maintenance, and the solutions implemented to maintain productivity. RESULTS: Of 301 respondents, 70% cited a negative impact on research productivity due to mandatory building shutdowns, minimized personnel as a result of social distancing, and suspensions of animal work and clinical trials, with senior faculty and division chiefs and chairs more likely to report a negative impact (P = .001). Only 11% of respondents are documenting their financial losses, and only 19% indicated they received appropriate guidance regarding why and how to monitor the financial impact of the pandemic. Researchers have attempted to maintain research productivity through a focus on remote work, including manuscript writing, grant writing, and data analysis. Some participants have found silver linings, including more time to dedicate to research and family as a result of fewer clinical duties. CONCLUSION: Productivity strategies developed during the pandemic, including writing, remote work and meetings, and structured scheduling, are lessons that will allow the surgical research community to be resilient in the face of future disruptions.
A new aspiration device equipped with a hydro-separator for acute ischemic stroke due to challenging soft and stiff clots.

ObjectiveFragile soft clots and stiff clots remain challenging in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. This study aims to investigate the impact of clot stiffness on the efficacy of thrombectomy...
Make Kindergarten “Funner”: Examining How Kindergarteners Made Sense of the Changed Kindergarten

Background/ContextOver the last two decades, policymakers’ standards-based accountability reforms in the United States have fundamentally changed public schooling in general and kindergarten specif...
Management of Cutaneous Immune-Related Adverse Events in Patients With Cancer Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Systematic Review

Importance There exists a paucity of literature that summarizes the effective management of cutaneous immune-related adverse events (cirAEs) in patients with cancer who are receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Most published articles are small case series from a single institution. To our knowledge, the spectrum of possible treatments has not been systematically reviewed to highlight the breadth of options when caring for patients with cirAEs. Objective To further characterize the development of subtypes of cirAEs in patients with cancer treated with ICIs and provide recommendations on optimal treatment regimens based on the current literature. Evidence review A search was performed in PubMed, Embase European, Web of Science, and Google Scholar on June 26, 2020, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines, limited to the years 2010 to 2020. Articles that met predetermined inclusion criteria (published between January 1, 2010, and June 1, 2020; written in the English language; and original articles, brief reports, case reports, and research letters that reported primarily on cirAE management) were selected, and data were abstracted. Articles that met the scope of the review were also added from reference lists. When possible, the results of studies that addressed a similar question were combined quantitatively. Findings In total, 138 studies (87 from the aforementioned literature search and 51 additional studies pulled from the reference lists of included articles) were included that reported on 879 cirAEs. The subtypes of cirAEs included maculopapular, pruritus, lichenoid, immunobullous, psoriasiform, granulomatous, erythema multiforme or Stevens Johnson Syndrome, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, connective tissue disease, hair, oral, and miscellaneous. Treatments for cirAEs included a combination of topical corticosteroids, systemic corticosteroids, steroid-sparing agents, and discontinuation or cessation of immunotherapy. Conclusions and relevance This systematic review found that treatment with ICIs was associated with many types of skin toxic effects, each with unique treatment options beyond current published guidelines. Further research into key differences between subtypes is critical to improve the care provided to patients with cancer.
Thwarted belongingness mediates the relationship between fear of negative evaluation and suicidal ideation

Fear of negative evaluation has been documented as a mechanism that explains variations in feelings of belongingness. According to the interpersonal theory of suicide (Joiner 2005), feelings of thwarted belongingness, that one does not belong, can significantly increase desire and risk for suicide. We proposed that differences in thwarted belongingness may explain variations in suicidal ideation and behavior as a function of levels of fear of negative evaluation. This hypothesis was tested by examining self-reported fears of negative evaluation, thwarted belongingness, and suicidal ideation in 107 young adults, many who were explicitly targeted for recruitment due to a history of suicidal ideation and behavior [13.1 % had thoughts about suicide without a previous attempt; 15.9 % reported at least one previous attempt (max = 5 attempts)]. Mediation analyses were conducted with suicidal ideation entered as the outcome variable. Results indicated that greater fears of negative evaluation were significantly and positively associated with levels of suicidal ideation. Differences in thwarted belongingness fully accounted for the relationship between fears of negative evaluation and suicidal ideation. We conclude with clinical implications and future directions.
An investigation of process dependence of porous IMD TDDB

Process sensitivity of IMD TDDB in a vertical natural capacitor (VNCAP) structure was evaluated in this paper. Among others, CMP slurry and wet clean chemical were found to have higher level of interaction impacting TDDB performance. This enables proper process optimizations, such as reduction in the Cu+ concentration on ULK top surface. Additionally, dependence of the structure was analyzed and the top metal layer is identified as the weakest link in VNCAP failure. A solution for this was described and it involves accelerated thermal cure step which successfully recovered dielectric electric strength.
The term structure spread and future changes in long and short rates in the G7 countries

Abstract According to the expectations hypothesis, when the spread between long and short rates widens, next quarter's long rate should rise. In the United States, however, long rates decline instead of rising. This anomaly is also present in Canada, the UK, Germany and Japan (four of the additional six G7 countries). Nevertheless, in contrast to the US, where long rates appear to overreact to expected future developments, the anomalous short-run movement of long rates in these other G7 countries is caused by an additive white noise error on long rates that does not materially affect the information in their term structure.
Role of MTHFR gene polymorphisms in malignant transformation in Barrett’s metaplasia

4598 Background: Barrett’s metaplasia is an acquired condition caused by protracted gastroesophageal reflux and involves replacement of normal squamous with the columnar, intestinal type epithelium. Patients diagnosed with Barrett’s metaplasia have a 30- to 40-fold increased risk of developing adenocarcinoma compared with the general population. MTHFR plays a central role in folate metabolism that affects DNA methylation and synthesis. Germ-line mutations at nucleotides 677 (C–>T) and 1298 (A–>C) in the MTHFR gene cause diminished enzyme activity, and previous studies found that the allele frequency of MTHFR 677T was significantly higher among patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) than among controls (63% versus 41%, P
Immunologic Studies of Factor IX (Christmas Factor)

A solid-phase two-site immunoradiometric assay has been developed which measures factor IX antigen levels as low as 0.0004 u per ml of plasma. In normal individuals, the factor IX antigen level correlated with the factor IX procoagulant level. In haemophilia B, 14 patients had markedly reduced antigen levels (less than 0.06 u/ml) and five had normal levels (greater than 0.60 u/ml).