cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
004.1 Longitudinal experiences of social support and sexual risk in a sample of young black gay and bisexual males

Introduction Social support is key to the development of young gay and bisexual men’s positive health outcomes. Little work has explored how contextual factors of social support during first same-sex promote sexual health behaviours in young Black gay and bisexual men (YBGBM). Methods 50 YBGM aged 15–19 were recruited to complete an ACASI survey, baseline in-depth and 3 follow up qualitative interviews over the course of 1 year about the context of lived experiences (Black and gay), social support, recent sex, and sexual health experiences. 42 (84%) YBGBM completed all 4 interviews. Data were analysed to explore constructs and definitions that emerged from the data over multiple time points and then categorised into themes that emerged. Results At baseline, participant’s mean age was 17.6 years (SD = 1.3). Participants mostly self-identified as gay (62%, N = 31) or bisexual (34%, N = 17) bisexual, and reported a mean number of lifetime sexual partners at time of baseline interview as 13.3 (SD = 14.5, Median 8.5) and mean age at first sex of 13.9 (SD = 2.6). Participants reported an average number of partners in the last 4 months of 4.4 (SD = 5.7), 2.1 (SD = 2.0), and 1.4 (SD = 1.7) partners at first, second, and third follow-up, respectively. All participants were able to describe some level of social support; but experiences of social support were inconsistent. Social support varied within economic, geographic, and racial contexts. Participants with consistent social support over follow-up were more likely to report: 1) recent STI/HIV screening; 2) condom-use with partner; and 3) overall fewer partners than youth experiencing inconsistent social support. Conclusions Intersecting social contexts impact social support during sexual development and this may be critical to promoting positive sexual health in YBGBM. Disclosure of interest statement The study is funded by ASTDA and NICHD K-23 HD074470–02, USA. No pharmaceutical grants were received in the development of this study.
Effects of prepartum energy intake on steroids during late gestation and on cow and calf performance.

At 50 d prior to predicted calving, 37 multiparous Angus cows were grouped by sire of mating, age and weight of cow and placed on either a high energy (HE, n = 19) diet or a moderate energy (ME, n = 18) diet. Objectives were to determine the effect of prepartum nutrition on: prepartum serum concentrations of estrone (E1), estrone sulfate (E1SO4) and progesterone (P4); pre- and postpartum cow body weight changes; calf birth weight and cow and calf postpartum performance. The ME cows were group-fed Coastal bermudagrass hay ad libitum and dormant pasture; HE cows were group-fed 2.7 kg ground corn X head-1 X d-1 in addition to the ME treatment. Both groups were combined and fed identically after calving. Cows fed HE were heavier (P less than .01) than cows fed ME at d 10 prepartum and their calves were heavier (P less than .05) at birth and weaning than calves from cows fed ME. Serum E1 concentrations were not significantly different between groups, but serum E1SO4 was higher (P less than .01) at d 10 prepartum in ME cows compared with HE cows. Serum P4 concentrations of ME cows were higher (P less than .05) than those of HE cows. Cow body weights were greater (P less than .01) for the HE group than for the ME group during the first 6 mo postpartum. Cow rebreeding performance was identical for both groups.
PROBLEMS IN PLANT ENDEMISM ON THE COLORADO PLATEAU

The problem of distribution of plant endemics is explored, especially as regards distribution of these plant species on elevational and substrate bases. Endemics oer unit area are greater at elevations above 1980 m and on finely textured soils. A summary of data and a list of references is presented.
Generational Dispositions of Women Faculty: A Critical Examination

Gender inequity endures in the academic profession, and has resulted in experiences that have now shaped the professional dispositions of generations of academic women. This chapter employs a critical lens to examine gender inequity in the academic profession, particularly through the perception of women faculty of the Boomer generation. The Boomer generation’s unique place in the history of women’s advancement in the academic profession provides us with a distinctive context through which to assess gender equity in the academic profession.
Defining the Role of Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography During Radical Nephrectomy With Inferior Vena Cava Tumor Thrombectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Objective To determine the impact of transesophageal echocardiography on the surgical management of patients undergoing nephrectomy and inferior vena cava tumor thrombectomy for renal cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods We retrospectively analyzed intraoperative records of 67 patients with renal cell carcinoma and level II-IV invasion of the inferior vena cava who underwent nephrectomy with tumor thrombectomy between 2007 and 2015. Based on preoperative imaging, patients were categorized according to vena cava thrombus level. Diagnostic utility and impact on surgical management were extracted from the operative note, anesthesia record, and intraoperative echocardiography report. Results Twelve of 34 patients (35%) with level II thrombus, 14 of 18 (78%) with level III thrombus, and 15 of 15 (100%) with level IV thrombus had intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography. With increasing level of tumor thrombus, the diagnostic yield and surgical impact increased. Echocardiography provided new diagnostic information in 7 of 12 (58%) patients with level II thrombus and altered surgical management in 16%. Among level III thrombus patients, echocardiography provided new diagnostic information in 12 of 14 (86%) and altered surgical management in 21%. Echocardiography provided new diagnostic information and impacted surgical management in all 15 (100%) patients with a level IV thrombus. Conclusion The diagnostic yield of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography increases in patients with greater vena caval tumor thrombus extension. This information has a significant influence on surgical decision-making.
The Cox-Maze IV procedure for atrial fibrillation is equally efficacious in patients with rheumatic and degenerative mitral valve disease.

Abstract Objective To determine whether the etiology of mitral valve disease (MVD), due to either rheumatic or degenerative pathology, influences long-term outcomes after the Cox-Maze IV procedure (CMPIV). Methods Between February 2001 and July 2015, 245 patients received a CMIV and concomitant mitral valve procedure. Patients were separated into 2 cohorts based on their etiology of MVD, degenerative (n = 153) and rheumatic (n = 92). Patients were followed prospectively (mean follow-up: 41 ± 37 months) for recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATAs). Perioperative variables and long-term freedom from ATAs on and off antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) were analyzed retrospectively. Results The 2 groups differed in that patients with rheumatic MVD were younger, more likely female, had a larger preoperative left atrial diameter, a longer duration of atrial fibrillation (AF), a greater percentage of longstanding persistent AF, and worse New York Heart Association functional class ( P ≤ .001). Although there was no difference in operative mortality or overall major complications between the groups, the median length of stay in the intensive care unit was longer in the rheumatic cohort. Freedom from recurrent ATAs through 5 years was similar between the 2 cohorts. Predictors of recurrence included failure to use a box-lesion ( P = .012), the duration of preoperative AF ( P = .001), and early occurrence of ATAs ( P = .015). Conclusions The long-term efficacy of the CMPIV in restoring sinus rhythm was similar in patients with either rheumatic or degenerative mitral valve disease. Despite representing a sicker patient population with a longer duration of preoperative AF, patients with rheumatic MVD equally benefit from the CMPIV.
A Look at Some International Lithium Ion Battery Recycling Initiatives

Today the United States is heavily reliant on the lithium-ion battery as most portable devices and electronics run on it. Current innovations are also looking on how to maximize it on the grid and transportation. This paper will look at three sovereign states and their current initiatives on Li-ion battery recycling: US, European Union, and China. The term initiative is used loosely as the information is not permanent in most policies or plans. Li-ion battery recycling initiatives are crucial to look at because used and wasted Li-ion batteries can disrupt public health and Li-ion batteries are expected to be a factor for effective material supply for future battery production especially in transportation, like the Tesla Roadster.
An Investigation into Electric Field-Modulated Photoluminescence of Perovskite solar cells

Electric field-modulated photoluminescence (PL) of perovskite solar cells is investigated to gain deeper insight about the role of the mobile ions in organometal halide perovskites. The PL intensity of perovskite solar cells show significant dependence on the polarity of the external electric field and the voltage scanning direction. This phenomenon is discussed in the framework of an ion migration mechanism, which has been widely accounted for the current density-voltage (J-V) hysteresis in perovskite solar cells. The result suggests that the mobile ions not only change the internal electric field of perovskite solar cells, but also have an effect on the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers.
Which Way Did He Go, George? A Phenomenology of Public Bathroom Use

Under what conditions are bodies allowed or denied access to spaces, especially to those spaces designated as publicly available yet segregated? How does a formerly marked body move once it becomes invisible? How does one who has lived their entire life with a marked body know that they have become invisible? In this chapter, Jenkins describes how his legibility changed during stages of gender transition as his body altered from one that was marked as a lesbian to transgender to one that is invisible as a white heterosexual man, affecting his access to public bathrooms.
Land Justice as a Historical Diagnostic: Thinking with Detroit

Debates around urban land—who owns it, who can access it, who decides, and on what basis—are intensifying in the United States. Fifty years after the end of legally sanctioned segregation, rising r...
Query-by-committee improvement with diversity and density in batch active learning

Abstract Active learning has gained attention as a method to expedite the learning curve of classifiers. To this end, uncertainty sampling is a widely adopted strategy that selects instances closer to the decision boundary. However, uncertainty sampling alone may not be sufficient in batch active learning due to the redundancy of instances and its susceptibility to outliers. In this study, we utilize query-by-committee (QBC) for uncertainty and demonstrate that its performance can be improved by introducing diversity and density in instance utility. Test results show that uncertainty sampling by QBC can be significantly improved with diversity and density incorporated in instance selection. Furthermore, we investigate several distance measures for use in diversity and density and show that random forest dissimilarity can be an effective distance measure in batch active learning. The effects of the characteristics of the data on the results are also analyzed.
Locora: Practical Wi-Fi packet loss diagnosis with only local observations

In a Wi-Fi network, packet loss may occur due to bad channel, collision, or hidden terminal. The Wi-Fi protocol however cannot identify the causes of the loss, and may lead the nodes to take unnecessary or even incorrect actions. In this paper, we propose Loss Cause Oracle (Locora), which can diagnose the actual cause of the packet loss and make correct responses with only local observations. Locora is a comprehensive set of solutions that can estimate the collision probability, detect various kinds of hidden terminals, and interact with the rate selection algorithm and assist it to converge to the best data rate. Locora advances Wi-Fi packet loss diagnosis because it can handle all three types of packet loss while modifying only the packet sender and does not depend on any assumptions on the user traffic. We implement Locora in assembly language in the firmware of the BCM4306 wireless card on the OpenFWWF platform and our experiments show that Lococa achieves significant gains over existing schemes.
Gene mapping in domestic animals

Gene maps are constructed by the synthesis of data obtained by different methods which include family analyses, somatic cell hybridization, direct mapping of DNA segments by Southern blot analysis and in situ hybridization to fixed metaphase chromosomes. Gene mapping has already contributed significantly to a better understanding of the mammalian genome, in particular the human genome but the gene maps of economically important domestic species are not well characterized. The application of somatic cell genetics and recombinant DNA methodologies now allows rapid progress to be made in the construction of detailed gene maps for domestic animals. Such gene maps will serve as tools for selection in applied breeding and for the analysis of polygenic traits.
In vitro transformation of BALB/c-3T3 cells by chlorinated ethanes and ethylenes.

Abstract Eight chlorinated ethanes and 3 chlorinated ethylenes were tested in the BALB c -3T3 cell transformation assay. Under the conditions of the assay, vinyl chloride and 1,1,1-trichloroethane induced a clear positive transformation response while 1,1,2-trichloroethane and trichloroethylene were weakly positive. Chloroethane, 1,1- and 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,1,2- and 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, hexachloroethane and tetrachloroethylene were all negative in the assay conducted in the absence of an exogenous metabolic activation system. These results suggest that the BALB c -3T3 cells possess capability to activate some, but not all, of the chlorinated hydrocarbons which exhibit species specificity in producing carcinogenicity in mice but not in rats.
A broadcast engineering tutorial for non-engineers

1. Introduction BROADCASTING BASICS 2. Types of Broadcasting 3. Sound and Vision 4. Analog Color Television 5. Digital Audio and Video 6. Information Technology 7. Radio Frequency Waves STUDIOS AND, PRODUCTION, AND PLAYOUT FACILITIES 8. Radio Studios 9. Television Studios and Playout Facilities 10. Remote Broadcasting 11. Links TRANSMISSION STANDARDS AND SYSTEMS 12. Analog Radio 13. IBOC Digital Radio 14. Alternate Radio Delivery Systems 15. NTSC Analog Television 16. ATSC Digital Television 17. Alternate Television Delivery Systems 18. Next-Generation Television Systems 19. Transmitter Site Facilities 20. Radio Wave Propagation and Broadcast Regulation 21. Conclusion
Double resonance ejection using novel radiofrequency phase tracking circuitry in a miniaturized planar linear ion trap mass spectrometer.

Rationale Ion trap mass spectrometers are attractive due to their inherent sensitivity and specificity. Miniaturization increases trap portability for in situ mass analysis by relaxing vacuum and voltage requirements but decreases the trapping volume. To overcome signal/resolution loss from miniaturization, double resonance ejection using phase tracking circuitry was investigated. Methods Phase tracking circuitry was developed to induce double resonance ejection in a planar linear ion trap using the β 2/3 hexapole resonance line. Results Double resonance was observed using phase tracking circuitry. Resolution of 0.5 m/z units and improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared with AC resonant ejection were achieved. Conclusions The phase tracking circuitry proved effective despite deviations from a true phase locked condition. Double resonance ejection is a means to increase signal intensity in a miniaturized planar ion trap.
A New Method for Non-Destructive Characterization of Through Holes in Printed Circuit Boards

Abstract Plated through hole (PTH) quality, including plating roughness, is a critical factor in the manufacture of reliable printed circuit boards (PCBs). Currently, cross-sectioning is most commo...
Self-Directed Violence After Medical Emergency Department Visits Among Youth.

Introduction Identifying medical encounters that precede self-directed violence may allow for important prevention opportunities. This study examined the risk of self-directed violence after visiting the emergency department for a range of physical health conditions among youth. Methods This retrospective cohort study used 2012–2013 statewide emergency department data from six states. Among patients aged 15–29 years, the exposure group included 2,192,322 emergency department visits for 16 selected conditions, coded by whether visits for those conditions were the first, second, or third or later visit for that condition. Emergency department visits for a minor infection served as the reference group (n=149,163). A Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the risk of a self-directed violence event within 6 months for each condition. Analyses were conducted in 2017. Results Overall, 8,489 (0.4%) of all patients visited the emergency department for self-directed violence over a 6-month period. Initial visits for epilepsy or seizures conveyed a markedly elevated hazard ratio for subsequent self-directed violence at 6.0 and 5.7, respectively (p Conclusions Young people presenting to the emergency department for certain medical conditions are at an increased risk of subsequent self-directed violence. An awareness of these patterns may help guide screening efforts for suicide prevention in clinical settings.
Optimized hardware accelerators for data mining applications on embedded platforms: Case study principal component analysis

Abstract With the proliferation of mobile, handheld, and embedded devices, many applications such as data mining applications have found their way into these devices. However, mobile devices have stringent area and power limitations, high speed-performance, reduced cost, and time-to-market requirements. Furthermore, applications running on mobile devices are becoming more complex requiring high processing power. These design constraints pose serious challenges to the embedded system designers. In order to process the applications on mobile and embedded systems, effectively and efficiently, optimized hardware architectures are needed. We are investigating the utilization of FPGA-based customized hardware to accelerate embedded data mining applications including handwritten analysis and facial recognition. For these biometric applications, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is applied initially, followed by similarity measure. In this research work, we introduce novel and efficient embedded hardware architectures to accelerate the PCA computation. PCA is a classic technique to reduce the dimensionality of data by transforming the original data set into a new set of variables called Principal Components (PCs) that represent the key features of the data. We propose two hardware versions for PCA computation, each with its unique optimization techniques to enhance the performance of our designs, and one specifically with additional techniques to reduce the memory access latency of embedded platforms. To the best of our knowledge, we could not find similar work for PCA, specifically catered to the embedded devices, in the published literature. We perform experiments to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of our designs using a benchmark dataset for biometrics. Our embedded hardware designs are generic, parameterized, and scalable; and achieve 78 times speedup as compared to its software counterparts.
APPENDIX 4I Digestion of DNA with Restriction Endonucleases

Restriction endonucleases recognize short DNA sequences and cleave double-stranded DNA at specific sites within or adjacent to the recognition sequences. Restriction endonuclease cleavage of DNA into discrete fragments is one of the most basic procedures in molecular biology. This appendix describes restriction endonucleases and their properties.
Multi-Platform Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 Serology Assays for the Detection of COVID-19.

Background COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel beta-coronavirus that is responsible for the 2019 coronavirus pandemic. Acute infections should be diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based tests, but serology tests can demonstrate previous exposure to the virus. Methods We compared the performance of the Diazyme, Roche, and Abbott SARS-CoV-2 serology assays using 179 negative participants to determine negative percentage agreement (NPA) and in 60 SARS-CoV-2 PCR-confirmed positive patients to determine positive percentage agreement (PPA) at 3 different time frames following a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR result. Results At ≥15 days, the PPA (95% CI) was 100 (86.3-100)% for the Diazyme IgM/IgG panel, 96.0 (79.7-99.9)% for the Roche total Ig assay, and 100 (86.3-100)% for the Abbott IgG assay. The NPA (95% CI) was 98.3 (95.2-99.7)% for the Diazyme IgM/IgG panel, 99.4 (96.9-100)% for the Roche total Ig assay, and 98.9 (96.0-99.9)% for the Abbott IgG assay. When the Roche total Ig assay was combined with either the Diazyme IgM/IgG panel or the Abbott IgG assay, the positive predictive value was 100% while the negative predictive value remained greater than 99%. Conclusions Our data demonstrates that the Diazyme, Roche, and Abbott SARS-CoV-2 serology assays have similar clinical performances. We demonstrated a low false-positive rate across all 3 platforms and observed that false positives observed on the Roche platform are unique compared to those observed on the Diazyme or Abbott assays. Using multiple platforms in tandem increases the PPVs, which is important when screening populations with low disease prevalence.
Microplasma ball reactor for JP-8 liquid hydrocarbon conversion to lighter fuels

Abstract Non-equilibrium microplasma technology is used as a non-conventional processing tool to attain fuel conversion efficiency. The microplasma was generated in a reactor with metal balls bouncing between parallel electrodes allowing energy control in a discharge. The released energy, in the range of 20–100 μJ per discharge initiates chain scission reactions to generate shorter chain hydrocarbons. The system consists of 300 reactors and is scaled and optimized to maximize power density while maintaining high efficiency for applications to Jet Propellant 8 (JP-8) fuel. Experiments demonstrate the ability of controlled chemistry (JP-8 to lighter hydrocarbons fuel conversion) without allowing excessive heat and carbon production. Analysis of gas products produced by JP-8 processing with specific energy input of 1450 kJ/kg demonstrates product distributions of 20.9%, 39.4%, 31.7%, 2.5%, 3.5% 1.3% by mass of H2, CH4, C2H4, C2H6, C3H6, C3H8 respectively and is 1.64% of the initial JP-8 mass (24 g). Soot production is only 0.07% of the JP-8 mass that results in a 35:1 product selectivity of gaseous compounds to soot. Calculated gas product yields of 11.7, 2.2, 0.99, 0.07, 0.07 and 0.02 molecules/100 eV for H2, CH4, C2H4, C2H6, C3H6, C3H8 respectively were observed and are generally higher than existing non-equilibrium processing technology.
The Benefits of Omnivory for Reproduction and Life History of a Specialized Aphid Predator, Hippodamia convergens (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville, is a specialized predator of cereal aphids on the High Plains, completing its first generation each year in winter wheat, the resulting adults dispersing into summer crops and producing additional generations, contingent on the availability of aphids. In the present study, we tested the collective value of supplementary plant resources (sugars, pollen, and seedling wheat leaves), and small amounts of alternative prey, eggs of Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), all provided together, for improving beetle life history and reproductive success even when suitable prey, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), were provided ad libitum. Although a monotypic diet of S. graminum yielded slightly faster larval development and heavier adults than the omnivorous diet, preoviposition periods were extended and 21-d fecundities greatly reduced when this diet was continued through adult life, largely due to fewer oviposition days, although egg fertility was unaffected. The results highlight the critical importance of plant-derived resources even when suitable prey are not limiting. However, monotypic diet beetles that diapaused for 21 d in the presence of supplementary plant resources, plus moth eggs, achieved the same reproductive success as those reared on the omnivorous diet, with or without diapause, demonstrating that access to these resources post-emergence was sufficient to compensate for their absence during development. The diapause treatment itself had no impact on the fitness of beetles reared on the omnivorous diet, likely because neither its duration, nor the caloric restriction imposed, were sufficient to diminish reproductive effort.
Human reproductive system microbiomes exhibited significantly different heterogeneity scaling with gut microbiome, but the intra-system scaling is invariant

Maintaining sexual reproduction in a highly competitive world is still one of the major mysteries of biology given the apparently high efficiency of asexual reproduction. Co-evolutionary theories such as the Red Queen hypothesis would suggest that the microbiomes in human reproductive systems, specifically the microbiomes contained in semen and vaginal fluids, should reach some level of homogeneity thanks to arguably the most conspicuous microbiome transmission between two sexes. The long-term sexual coevolution should favor the dynamic homogeneity or stability, which should also be beneficial for sexual reproduction such as sperm survival or fertilization on physiological/ecological time scale. We present a piece of quantitative evidence in the form of microbial community spatial heterogeneity to support the stability notion by analyzing three big datasets of the human vaginal, semen and gut microbiome. Methodologically, we applied a recent community-level extension to the classic Taylors power law (Taylor 1961, 1988: Nature), which reached the rare status of ecological law and has found applications beyond biology. The power law analysis revealed that human vaginal and semen microbiomes exhibited the same scaling parameter size in their community spatial (inter-individual) heterogeneities, while both exhibited significantly different heterogeneity scaling parameter with the human gut microbiome. Both ecological and evolutionary theories, such as hologenome/holobiont and Red Queen, even first principle, would predict that microbiome transmissions between two sexes should have homogenizing effects on the composition and stability of the microbiomes in human reproductive systems.nnImportanceMaintaining sexual reproduction in a highly competitive world is still one of the major mysteries of biology given the apparently high efficiency of asexual reproduction. Co-evolutionary theories such as the Red-Queen hypothesis would suggest that the microbiomes in human reproductive systems, specifically the microbiomes contained in semen and vaginal fluids, should reach some level of homogeneity thanks to arguably the most conspicuous microbiome transmission between two sexes. The long-term sexual co-evolution should favor the dynamic homogeneity or stability, which should also be beneficial for sexual reproduction such as sperm survival or fertilization on physiological/ecological time scale. We present a piece of quantitative evidence in the form of microbial community spatial heterogeneity to support the stability notion by analyzing three big datasets of the human vaginal, semen and gut microbiome. Both ecological and evolutionary theories would predict that microbiome transmissions between two sexes should have homogenizing effects in human reproductive systems.
Impact of High-Level Controller Actions on Local Active End-Nodes in a Distribution Grid

Power utility grid is going through a challenging transformation. Growing number of power electronic active end-nodes are connected to the grid to enable large-scale integration of electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage systems (ESSs), and distributed energy resources (DERs), which increase the importance for high-level controllers to maintain physical limits of an electrical network. In addition, each connected end-node has its own controller embedded into it. These various controllers make the power grid operation complex and further challenging. We aim to understand the operation of these high-level controller actions and their impact on the distribution grid. Therefore, in this study, we analyze the local end-node voltage relationship with total feeder power consumption in the presence of four high-level voltage regulating devices. To serve this purpose, an IEEE 37-bus test system is modified with on-load tap changer (OLTC), voltage regulator (VR), shunt capacitor bank, and volt-var controlled PV smart inverter. We ran four different dynamic simulation cases: (i) without any high-level controller, (ii) with only OLTC and VR, (iii) with only shunt capacitor bank, and (iv) with only volt-var controller. Then, we investigated local active end-node voltage variation and how it is related to substation power consumption. This work will help to understand grid dynamics in estimating global information from local measurements to develop distributed controllers more effectively.
Modeling energy balance fluxes and evapotranspiration of maize and soybean using multispectral and thermal infrared imagery acquired with an unmanned aerial system

Estimating actual crop evapotranspiration (ET) is a critical component in tracking crop water availability and managing irrigation. Various methods presently exist for modeling crop ET utilizing remotely sensed data and imagery as inputs. While more traditional remote sensing platforms like satellite and manned aircraft provide useful information, limitations exist due to lack of spatiotemporal resolution and high cost. Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) now offer greater opportunities for collecting remotely sensed data with enhanced spatiotemporal resolution that may lead to increased accuracy in estimating crop (ET), making near real-time irrigation management more feasible. The two-source energy balance (TSEB) model is one of the methods of estimating crop ET from surface energy balance fluxes. In this research, multispectral and thermal infrared imagery collected with a UAS over maize and soybean fields throughout the growing season at different vegetative stages were used in the TSEB model to estimate spatially distributed surface energy balance fluxes and daily crop ET. The estimated spatially distributed surface fluxes and ET were weighted and aggregated using a two-dimensional flux footprint and validated against measured fluxes from Eddy Covariance systems located within the fields.
Indocyanine green is a sensitive adjunct in the identification and surgical management of local and metastatic hepatoblastoma.

Background Hepatoblastoma is the most common primary pediatric liver malignancy. Indocyanine green (ICG) has been described as an adjunct to resection in small series. Its utility remains undefined in larger cohorts. Methods Records for 29 patients diagnosed with hepatoblastoma who received ICG prior to surgical resection from 2017 to 2020 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was correlation between intraoperative ICG-avidity and histologic presence of hepatoblastoma. A secondary outcome included the histologic margin designation for resected liver specimens. Results ICG sensitivity was 91% for 120 resected thoracic specimens from 21 patients. Specificity was 57%. In 10% of operations, HB-positive specimens were resected solely on ICG-avidity. In an additional 40% of cases, ICG assisted in localizing a preoperatively diagnosed lesion. ICG sensitivity during thoracotomy and thoracoscopic surgery was 95 and 74%, respectively; primary and relapsed disease demonstrated sensitivity of 94 and 73%, respectively. Sensitivity was 92% for 25 resected liver specimens from nine patients with all parenchymal margins grossly negative for disease. Four multifocal lesions were identified with two resected solely by ICG-avidity. Conclusions ICG is a sensitive adjunct for identifying local and metastatic hepatoblastoma, including lesions not visualized on preoperative imaging, and delineating margins during liver resection. False positives limit specificity; however, there were no adverse outcomes from additional resections. We noted that thoracoscopic surgery can be completed safely in patients with less significant disease burden, and conversion to thoracotomy, if necessary, is straightforward.
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein screening: A report of the Forsyth County Project

Abstract A pilot screening program for the prenatal detection of neural tube defects has been conducted in Forsyth County, North Carolina. During the first 2 years of the program, 3,476 women were screened by quantitating levels of maternal serum alpha fetoprotein. Three neural tube defects and one case of multiple congenital anomalies with severe gastroschisis were detected as a result of the screening program. Outcome of pregnancy has been monitored in this group of women and no false negatives have been reported. No false positive amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein values were observed and no normal fetuses were aborted. Data gathered from this screening program again document the validity of maternal serum screening. The method of implementing a program for the prenatal detection of neural tube defects in urban areas is discussed.
The mechanism of action of ethanolamine deaminase. VI. Ethylene glycol, a quasi-substrate for ethanolamine deaminase.

Abstract Incubation of 5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin with ethylene glycol in the presence of ethanolamine deaminase leads to the cleavage of the coenzyme at the carbon-cobalt bond, with the production of equivalent amounts of 5'-deoxyadenosine and acetaldehyde, together with a new corrinoid which appears to arise by a substitution in the coordination sphere of the cobalt whereby the 5'-deoxyadenosyl residue is replaced by another ligand. This reaction is accompanied by the transfer of a hydrogen from ethylene glycol to 5'-deoxyadenosine. After the reaction is over the acetaldehyde dissociates slowly from the enzyme, but both 5'-deoxyadenosine and the new corrinoid remain bound to the enzyme, where the latter is gradually converted to hydroxocobalamin. The cleavage of coenzyme, which is first order in enzyme-B12 complex, obeys saturation kinetics with respect to ethylene glycol, showing a Vmax of about 0.2 sec-1 and a Km for ethylene glycol of 0.02 m. The optical spectrum of the new B12 derivative resembles that of an alkyl cobalamin or a thiol cobalamin. However, spectral changes observed on treating the reaction mixture with urea or heat to denature the enzyme suggest that the latter possibility is more likely than the former. The possibility that the new compound is a hitherto unknown type of corrin derivative cannot be excluded. As a result of the reaction, the activity of the enzyme is substantially reduced, but not abolished. The enzyme is capable of promoting the cleavage of more than 1 mole of coenzyme per mole of active site. Both of these observations indicate that the enzyme participates catalytically in the cleavage reaction, and is not destroyed as a consequence of the reaction. These results are formulated in terms of a mechanism which relates the observed reaction to the catalytic reaction in which ethanolamine is substrate.
Method for In Situ Measurement of Nitrification in a Stream

A method is described in which the oxidation of NH(3)-N to NO(2)-N and NO(3)-N in a stream was measured in situ by use of an equilibration chamber. The conversion was stoichiometric.
Many-body ab initio diffusion quantum Monte Carlo applied to the strongly correlated oxide NiO

We present a many-body diffusion quantum Monte Carlo (DMC) study of the bulk and defect properties of NiO. We find excellent agreement with experimental values, within 0.3%, 0.6%, and 3.5% for the lattice constant, cohesive energy, and bulk modulus, respectively. The quasiparticle bandgap was also computed, and the DMC result of 4.72 (0.17) eV compares well with the experimental value of 4.3 eV. Furthermore, DMC calculations of excited states at the L, Z, and the gamma point of the Brillouin zone reveal a flat upper valence band for NiO, in good agreement with Angle Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy results. To study defect properties, we evaluated the formation energies of the neutral and charged vacancies of oxygen and nickel in NiO. A formation energy of 7.2 (0.15) eV was found for the oxygen vacancy under oxygen rich conditions. For the Ni vacancy, we obtained a formation energy of 3.2 (0.15) eV under Ni rich conditions. These results confirm that NiO occurs as a p-type material with the dominant intrinsic vacancy defect being Ni vacancy.
Vocal fold myofibroblast profile of scarring

Objectives/Hypothesis Vocal fold fibroblasts (VFF) are responsible for extracellular matrix synthesis supporting lamina propria in normal and diseased conditions. When tissue is injured, VFF become activated and differentiate into myofibroblasts to facilitate wound healing response. We investigated if vocal fold myofibroblasts can be utilized as surrogate cells for scarred VFF. Study Design In vitro. Methods Normal VFF cell lines from a 21-year-old male (N21), 59-year-old female (N59), and a scar VFF cell line from a 56-year-old female (S56) were used in this study. 10 ng/mL of transforming growth factor (TGFβ1) was applied for 5 days to normal VFF. Myofibroblast differentiation was determined with immunocytochemistry and western blot, measuring alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Cell growth, proliferation, contractile properties, and gene expression profiles were evaluated. Results N21, N59, and S56 VFF presented elongated configuration. N21+ and N21− VFF demonstrated significantly greater proliferation compared to N59+, N59−, and S56 VFF at 6 days. α-SMA was expressed in all cells. Fibronectin, alpha smooth actin, connective tissue growth factor, and metallopeptidase inhibitor were the highest genes expression in VFF treated with transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1). At 24 hours, S56 VFF showed lower contraction compared to N21+ and N59+ VFF, but at 60 hours S56 VFF had lower collagen contraction compared to all cell groups. Highest collagen contraction matrices were measured with VFF treated with TGFβ1 at 24 hours and N59− VFF at 60 hours. Conclusion VFF treated with TGFβ1 (myofibroblasts) appear to have similar phenotypic characteristics but different genotypic behavior compared to scar VFF. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 126:E110–E117, 2016
Low-cost quantitative palpation device for breast lesion tracking and telehealth

Evaluation of tissues by palpation has been a regular part of physical examination for generations yet it relies on the experience and judgment of a clinician to derive clinical meaning from the sense of touch. Palpation of breast tissues is universally considered a key component in early detection and improving breast cancer outcomes, especially in low- and middle-income countries. We describe a diagnostic device based on an optical tonometer that uses an optical signal and a highly deformable elastomer to quantify the differential mechanical stiffness of interrogated tissues. Preliminary analyses of video and still images from palpation, both in-vivo and with synthetic analog tissues, with the system are described. This system offers an economical alternative to expensive imaging with the ability to be deployed on a mobile phone platform.
An interface current balance formulation of neutral atom transport theory in plasmas

An interface current balance (ICB) method for neutral particle transport is presented and specialized to the calculation of neutral atom transport in background plasmas. A multigroup extension of the ICB methodology is presented which enables the direct calculation of neutral atom energy distributions and energy and momentum transport, as well as particle transport. Extension of the ICB methodology to multidimensions recovers the transmission/escape probability method.
Androgen-induced biochemical responses in epithelium lacking androgen receptors: characterization of androgen receptors in the mesenchymal derivative of urogenital sinus

Abstract Heterotypic tissue recombinants, composed of adult bladder epithelium obtained from testicular feminization syndrome mice (TfmBLE) and embryonic wild-type rat urogenital sinus mesenchyme (UGM) were grown as subcapsular renal grafts in male athymic nude mice for 30 days. The resultant prostatic tissue that developed was subjected to extensive biochemical analyses for androgen receptors. Prom previous autoradiographic studies it was shown that UGM possesses androgen receptors and induces the TfmBLE to form prostatic ductal-acinar epithelium that lacks androgen receptors. The purpose of the present study is to biochemically characterize the mesenchymal androgen receptors. According to results obtained by autoradiographic analyses, androgen receptors are expressed in the mesenchyme of tissue recombinants. Cytosolic androgen receptors analyzed by the Scatchard method utilizing R-1881 as a ligand showed that the dissociation constant ( K d ) of androgen receptors localized within the mesenchyme of the tissue recombinants diners from that found in the mouse prostate gland, but resembles that found in the rat ventral prostate (VP). Sucrose density gradient analysis of the cytosol androgen receptors showed the presence of 8 S [ 3 H]dihydrotestosterone (DHT) binding component under the low salt condition. The mesenchymal androgen receptors are capable of translocating efficiently from cytosol to nuclear compartment, seemingly unaffected by adjacent TfmBLE. The quantity of both cytosol and nuclear androgen receptors expressed in tissue recombinants is only about 1 3 of that found in the rat VP and is in agreement with the morphometric analysis of tissue recombinants, which indicated that about 1 3 of the cells in the tissue recombinants are stromal cells. These results extend previous autoradiographic results and further suggest that androgen receptors present in the mesenchymal compartment may be necessary for the expression of androgen-elicited responses in the TfmBLE that lacks androgen receptors. In addition, this study confirms a novel model system for the study of mesenchymal androgen receptors in tissues unmolested by mechanical or enzymatic dissociation.
How to Become an Enlightened Millian Heir

Tiddy Smith, Philosophia, 42, 173–179 (2014) has recently argued that there is an enlightenment problem for Millianism. In this paper I show that Smith’s argument rests on a misunderstanding, and that the enlightenment problem can be solved according to standard versions of Millianism. In fact, the problem can be solved according to Nathan Salmon’s (1986) version of Millianism, which is one of Smith’s main targets.
Landscape configuration and diversity hotspots in wintering sparrows

Community-level studies with finches have traditionally viewed local resources as the primary constrainst on local diversity. Patches have been considered to be self-contained and embedded in landscapes that were neutral with respect to the ecological processes under investigation. This study uses a factorial design to examine the relative roles of patch content and patch context in determining patterns of species richness. Sparrows were surveyed in small fallow patches that varied in both weed cover and the type of adjacent habitat. Species richness and total sparrow abundance were significantly influenced by both factors. Individual species were also influnced by both factors; however, responses were species-specific. Because occupation of particular plot types was conditional on their association with specific habitat types, the spatial patterning of species assemblages results from the configuration of patch types within the landscape.
Laboratory Hybridization Studies of Allonemobius fasciatus and A. socius (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

Allonemobius fasciatus (De Geer) and A. socius (Scudder) are small ground-dwelling crickets that meet and hybridize, to a limited extent, in a mosaic contact zone stretching from New Jersey to at least as far west as Illinois. To determine whether there is selection against hybridization, we compared heterospecific and hybrid crosses with conspecific crosses with regard to offspring production, viability, and development. Parental, F1, and F2 heterospecific and hybrid crosses produced considerable numbers of offspring, although some cross classes produced significantly fewer offspring than conspecific crosses. Differences in the number of offspring produced between heterospecific or hybrid crosses and conspecific crosses could be attributed to differences in the number of eggs laid rather than to differences in the percentage hatching. The time of hatching, the time required to reach adulthood, and hatchling-to-adult survival were similar in the various cross classes. Postzygotic barriers to gene exchange do not appear to be strong enough to account for the low number of hybrids found in mixed populations.
The role of relationship-based developmentally supportive newborn intensive care in strengthening outcome of preterm infants

This article details the conceptual framework, clinical application, and efficacy of a relationship-based developmentally supportive approach to newborn intensive care referred to as NIDCAP (Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program). Outcomes of the approach are reported in regard to infant health and development, reduction of hospital costs, and family adaptation. The approach is guided by a neurodevelopmental framework for understanding preterm infants and depends on the capacities of professionals to collaborate with one another and with families in support of the infants' medical, developmental, and emotional well-being. The primary vehicle for clinical implementation is detailed behavioral observation with subsequent recommendations for individualized caregiving based on the infant's current functioning and apparent developmental goals. A series of essential components of developmentally oriented caregiving are described, including strategies for coordinated discharge planning, and linkage to community services. The voices of individual clinicians highlight the process of change from protocol-based to relationship-based care.
Amphetamine excretion studies in man.

Abstract The diazoamino coupling method for estimation of amphetamine, which is applicable to primary amines quite generally, has been much improved as a reliable method. With this method the urinary excretion of unchanged amphetamine from intakes as high as 600 mg per day has been studied in man. The percentage excretion of unchanged amphetamine appears to be relatively constant in man throughout the dosage range of 5–600 mg per day. Bulk isolation of the excreted amphetamine after high dosage shows that the levo isomer was less rapidly metabolized in the body.
PROTEIN RELEASE BY BARLEY ALEURONE LAYERS

In addition to releasing hydrolytic enzymes, isolated barley aleurone layers release large amounts of reserve protein. This protein release is only partially dependent on gibberellic acid (GA3). The addition of GA3 causes a shift in molecular weight distribution to lower molecular weight, and a change in the N-terminal profile of the released protein. Inhibition of proteolysis reduces protein release. When proteolysis is inhibited, amylase production can be made partially dependent on added amino acids.