cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Successful Establishment of a Non-Native Species after an Apparent Single Introduction Event: Investigating ND4 Variability in Introduced Black Spiny-Tailed Iguanas (Ctenosaura similis) in Southwestern Florida

Recent studies on invasive species have led to the development of an apparent paradox when trying to explain how populations succeed after experiencing genetic bottlenecks in their new environments. Many introduced populations retain genetic diversity from multiple introduction events, but others that resulted from a single introduction event are expected to have low genetic diversity and low evolutionary potential. Introduced Black Spiny-Tailed Iguanas (Ctenosaura similis) on a barrier island (Keewaydin Island (KI)) in subtropical Florida are thought to be the result of a single introduction of a small founder group, although this population has expanded significantly since its founding in 1995. We investigated the presence of this genetic paradox by determining the genetic variation of this introduced population. We extracted DNA from muscle tissue samples (N = 21) and sequenced a region of the ND4 gene to allow for comparison with previously described native Ctenosaura populations. We documented a single haplotype from KI, which means this iguana population likely descended from a single introduction event and one geographic source population (Honduras). If this single haplotype represents an overall reduction in genetic diversity, then this population demonstrates that genetic variability is not always necessary for a species to become established in a new ecological range. This interpretation may have strong implications for invasive species management. The anthropogenic spread of animal and plant species continues to disturb native ecosystems and impact global biodiversity. Although such translocations are increasingly
Immunomodulatory drugs in myelodysplastic syndromes

This review summarises the mechanism of action of immunomodulatory analogues of thalidomide and their use in myelodysplastic syndromes. Thalidomide was found to have a response rate of approximately 20% in these patients. Lenalidomide--which is more potent and less toxic than thalidomide--has been used in three clinical trials and produced the best responses (60 - > 90%) in low- and intermediate-1-risk transfusion-dependent patients with del(5q). The responses are purely erythroid in nature, and are associated with major cytogenetic responses in > 50% of the del(5q) patients. Non-del(5q) low- and intermediate-1-risk transfusion-dependent patients also had a approximately 25% incidence of transfusion independence following therapy with lenalidomide. Median time to response is approximately 4 weeks and 90% of patients respond within 12 weeks. The precise mechanism of action remains unknown but anticytokine, antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory properties are thought to play a role.
Geostatistical approaches for incorporating elevation into the spatial interpolation of rainfall

This paper presents three multivariate geostatistical algorithms for incorporating a digital elevation model into the spatial prediction of rainfall: simple kriging with varying local means; kriging with an external drift; and colocated cokriging. The techniques are illustrated using annual and monthly rainfall observations measured at 36 climatic stations in a 5000 km 2 region of Portugal. Cross validation is used to compare the prediction performances of the three geostatistical interpolation algorithms with the straightforward linear regression of rainfall against elevation and three univariate techniques: the Thiessen polygon; inverse square distance; and ordinary kriging. Larger prediction errors are obtained for the two algorithms (inverse square distance, Thiessen polygon) that ignore both the elevation and rainfall records at surrounding stations. The three multivariate geostatistical algorithms outperform other interpolators, in particular the linear regression, which stresses the importance of accounting for spatially dependent rainfall observations in addition to the colocated elevation. Last, ordinary kriging yields more accurate predictions than linear regression when the correlation between rainfall and elevation is moderate (less than 0.75 in the case study). q 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Federal Policy Making for Biotechnology, Executive Branch, National Bioethics Advisory Commission

Introduction Historical Background The National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research (The National Commission) The Ethics Advisory Board The President's Commission The Biomedical Ethics Advisory Committee The NIH Human Fetal Tissue Transplantation Research Panel The NIH Human Embryo Research Panel Bioethical Analyses in Other Federal Settings President's Advisory Committee on Human Radiation Experiments Establishment of the National Bioethics Advisory Commission Keywords: federal policy; biotechnology
Solution-processed small-molecule solar cells: breaking the 10% power conversion efficiency

A two-dimensional conjugated small molecule (SMPV1) was designed and synthesized for high performance solution-processed organic solar cells. This study explores the photovoltaic properties of this molecule as a donor, with a fullerene derivative as an acceptor, using solution processing in single junction and double junction tandem solar cells. The single junction solar cells based on SMPV1 exhibited a certified power conversion efficiency of 8.02% under AM 1.5 G irradiation (100 mW cm−2). A homo-tandem solar cell based on SMPV1 was constructed with a novel interlayer (or tunnel junction) consisting of bilayer conjugated polyelectrolyte, demonstrating an unprecedented PCE of 10.1%. These results strongly suggest solution-processed small molecular materials are excellent candidates for organic solar cells.
A credit-based home access point (CHAP) to improve application performance on IEEE 802.11 networks

Expanded high speed Internet availability and decreased wireless technology costs have increased the number of residential computers wirelessly connected to the Internet. While residential users run applications with a wide range of network requirements, these applications receive identical treatment from most wireless access points (APs). Although delay sensitive applications can suffer increased latency in the presence of throughput intensive applications, wireless APs contain few tools to mitigate these effects beyond explicitly classifying traffic based on port numbers or host IP addresses. We propose a Credit-based Home Access Point (CHAP) that features credit-based queue management designed to eliminate the need for explicit AP configuration of per-application quality. Based on wireless conditions, CHAP dynamically adjusts flow priorities to better satisfy their application requirements. Preliminary comparisons with DropTail and Strict Priority Queuing (SPQ) demonstrate the merits of our CHAP approach.
Rainbow Trout Returns from Fingerling Plantings in Dillon Reservoir, Colorado, 1975-1979

Abstract Fingerling rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were stocked in Dillon Reservoir, Colorado, in 1974-1978 and evaluated in terms of harvest, percent return to creel, and cost per fish harvested. The average annual harvest of stocked rainbow trout was 18,300 (14/hectare). The average return to the creel was 4.8% and the average cost per trout harvested was $6.78. Two factors are suspected to be responsible for these low returns and resultant high costs - predation by resident brown trout (Salmo trutta) and competition with kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka) for a limited zooplankton forage base. Thus, Dillon Reservoir is not considered to be a good site for a put-grow-and-take rainbow trout fishery. Based on our findings, fishery managers should be hesitant to stock fingerling rainbow trout in impoundments with substantial populations of predatory fish and/or potential competitors.
Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization and Seed Contamination on Epiphytic Populations of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. allii and Development of Xanthomonas Leaf Blight of Onion

Xanthomonas leaf blight of onion, caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. allii, is a yield-limiting disease in Colorado, for which few effective management strategies are available. The effects of rates of nitrogen fertilization and levels of seed contamination by X. axonopodis pv. allii on epiphytic populations of the pathogen and subsequent disease development were determined in field studies over two years. Epiphytic populations of a rifampicin-resistant mutant were quantified from bulked, asymptomatic leaf tissue using a leaf wash assay. There was no significant relationship between nitrogen fertilization treatment and epiphytic population development, but excessive nitrogen (> 200 kg/ha) fertilization increased disease severity 27 to 50% compared with non-fertilized and low (112 kg/ha) nitrogen fertilizer treatments in 2004. Seed inoculated with various levels of X. axonopodis pv. allii did not result in persistent epiphytic populations of the bacterium or development of symptoms, even at 10 7 CFU/g of seed. The results of these studies suggest moderate rates of nitrogen fertilization may reduce severity of Xanthomonas leaf blight compared to higher rates, and that seed contamination by X. axonopodis pv. allii may be of limited importance for disease development under the semi-arid conditions of furrow-irrigated onion production in Colorado.
The Diversification Puzzle

The levels of diversification in U.S. investors' equity portfolios present a puzzle. Today's optimal level of diversification, measured by the rules of mean–variance portfolio theory, exceeds 300 stocks, but the average investor holds only 3 or 4 stocks. The diversification puzzle can be solved, however, in the context of behavioral portfolio theory. In behavioral portfolio theory, investors construct their portfolios as layered pyramids in which the bottom layers are designed for downside protection and the top layers are designed for upside potential. Risk aversion gives way to risk seeking at the uppermost layer as the desire to avoid poverty gives way to the desire for riches. But what motivates this behavior is the aspirations of investors, not their attitudes toward risk. Some investors fill the uppermost layer with the few stocks of an undiversified portfolio; others fill it with lottery tickets. Neither lottery buying nor undiversified portfolios are consistent with mean–variance portfolio theory,...
Toward end-to-end fairness: a framework for the allocation of multiple prioritized resources in switches and routers

As flows of traffic traverse a network, they share with other flows a variety of resources such as links, buffers and router CPUs in their path. Fairness is an intuitively desirable property in the allocation of resources in a network shared among flows of traffic from different users. While fairness in bandwidth allocation over a shared link has been extensively studied, overall end-to-end fairness in the use of all the resources in the network is ultimately the desired goal. End-to-end fairness becomes especially critical when fair allocation algorithms are used as a component of the mechanisms used to provide end-to-end quality-of-service guarantees. This paper seeks to answer the question of what is fair when a set of traffic flows share multiple resources in the network with a shared order of preference for the opportunity to use these resources. We present the Principle of Fair Prioritized Resource Allocation or the FPRA principle, a powerful extension of any of the classic notions of fairness such as max-min fairness, proportional fairness and utility max-min fairness defined over a single resource. We illustrate this principle by applying it to a system model with a buffer and an output link shared among competing flows of traffic. To complete our illustration of the applicability of the FPRA principle, we propose a measure of fairness and evaluate representative buffer allocation algorithms based on this measure. Besides buffer allocation, the FPRA principle may also be used in other contexts in data communication networks and operating system design.
Sturge–Weber syndrome: advances in diagnostic testing and treatment

Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS) is a sporadic, congenital disorder that impairs the development of the skin, eye and brain. Owing to its multisystem clinical manifestations, a multidisciplinary approach from dermatologists, neurologists and ophthalmologists is required. This article reviews data on pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of SWS with a focus on neurologic and dermatologic abnormalities. In terms of diagnosis, MRI, PET and electroencephalogram are discussed. Treatment of seizures includes prophylactic anti-epileptic medications, focal resection and hemispherectomy. Various treatment options for port-wine stains are also discussed, including pulsed-dye laser and new techniques, such as photodynamic therapy and the concurrent use of diagnostic imaging with pulsed-dye laser. Data supporting different theories of pathogenesis are also reviewed.
Sex hormonal preparations and the liver

The long-term use of oral contraceptives (OCs) may be associated with an increased, though quite small, risk of certain types of liver disease: acute intrahepatic canalicular idiosyncratic cholestasis, benign hepatic tumors (hepatic adenoma, focal nodular hyperplasia, hemangiomas), hepatocellular carcinoma, peliosis hepatis, hepatic vein thrombosis, and portal vein thrombosis. Estrogens have lithogenic properties, as shown by a rise in biliary cholesterol secretion and cholesterol saturation index, yet no substantial increase in the risk of gallstones among estrogen users has been found. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), given after oophorectomy or menopause, is not associated with clinically significant liver injury. Generally speaking, synthetic sex hormones should not be used in patients with acute and chronic liver disease. A trial of a low-dose estrogen can be instituted under close monitoring for adverse reactions and HRT preparations are not contraindicated in patients with chronic liver disease. ...
Sodium and Chloride Movement into the Central Canal of Cat Spinal Cord.

SummaryNet fluxes of sodium, chloride and water across the ependymal lining of tral canal and that a sodium transport system is involved in this process.We are indebted to Dr. Leonard Napolitano of the Department of Anatomy for his help with the micrographs.
Genomic Data Analyses Unveil Cases of Polygenic Evolution: Powerful analytic tools are beginning to establish how changes involving suites of genes lead to new traits in evolving microbes

Short-read sequencing is revolutionizing our understanding of how microbes evolve. Scientists working in academic laboratories now routinely sequence the genomes or transcriptomes of hundreds of microbial isolates, a prelude to addressing questions about what those data tell us. For evolutionary biologists, a central goal is to understand how new phenotypes arise in response to environmental changes. The answer to such questions lies somewhere among the molecular profiles of wild strains, including the genes that enable pathogens to adapt to hosts or halophiles to high-salt conditions.
Abstract POSTER-THER-1409: Targeting p53-FoxM1 axis in ovarian cancer

Abstracts: 10th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium; September 8-9, 2014; Seattle, WA FoxM1, a member of the Forkhead transfection factors, has been found to be overexpressed in many human cancers including ovarian cancer. Although FoxM1 is known to be downregulated by p53, the molecular mechanisms are not well characterized. In this study, we used the MDM2 inhibitor Nutlin-3 as a tool to modulate p53 expression and investigated the mechanism by which p53 regulates FoxM1 expression in ovarian cancer cells. We observed that Nutlin-3 upregulated p53 protein and downregulated FoxM1 mRNA and protein levels in ovarian cancer cell lines with wild type TP53 , but not in cell lines with mutant TP53 . This effect was at least partially blocked by cycloheximide or actinomycin D, indicating a transcription- and translation-dependent mechanism. Pulse-chase studies revealed that downregulation of FoxM1 by Nutlin-3 is due to enhanced FoxM1 mRNA decay. Knockdown of p53 using shRNAs abrogated the suppression of FoxM1 expression by Nutlin-3, indicating a p53-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, silencing of FoxM1 by shRNAs in ovarian cancer cells with or without wild-type TP53 led to a significant decrease in cell proliferation. The FoxM1 inhibitor, thiostrepton, induces cytotoxicity in ovarian cancer cell lines and enhances sensitivity to cisplatin in these cells. Thiostrepton downregulates FoxM1 expression in several ovarian cancer cell lines and enhances sensitivity to carboplatin in vivo. Finally, FoxM1 expression is elevated in nearly all (47/48) ovarian tumors. In summary, the present study provides novel evidence that p53 downregulates FoxM1 in ovarian cancer cells at least in part by destabilizing FoxM1 mRNA and that FoxM1 may be targeted for therapeutic benefits in ovarian cancer. Citation Format: Xuan Zhang, Lihua Cheng, Kay Minn, Magdalena Waggoner, Nikhil K. Parelkar, Iman Jokar, George A. Vielhauer, Rashna Madan, Andrew K. Godwin, Viji Shridhar,, Jeremy Chien. Targeting p53-FoxM1 axis in ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 10th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium; Sep 8-9, 2014; Seattle, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2015;21(16 Suppl):Abstract nr POSTER-THER-1409.
Extrinsic and intrinsic factors influence fitness in an avian hybrid zone

The effects of hybridization on evolutionary processes are primarily determined by the differential between hybrid and parental species fitness. Assessing the impacts of hybridization can be challenging, however, as determining the relationship between individual fitness and the extent of introgression in wild populations is difficult. We evaluated the fitness consequences of hybridization for pure and hybrid females in a hybrid zone between two tidal marsh birds, the saltmarsh sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus), a salt marsh obligate, and Nelson's sparrow (A. nelsoni), which has a broader ecological niche and a much younger evolutionary association with salt marshes. Biotic stressors associated with nesting in tidal environments suggest an important role for differential adaptation in shaping hybrid zone dynamics, with saltmarsh sparrows predicted to be better adapted to nesting in salt marshes. We collected DNA samples from adults (n = 394) and nestlings (n = 431) to determine the extent of introgression using 12 microsatellite loci and tested for the influence of extrinsic (nest placement) and intrinsic (genotype) factors on female reproductive success. We monitored nests (n = 228), collected data on reproductive output, and estimated daily nest survival rates using female genotype and nest characteristics as covariates. To test for reduced survival of hybrid females, we also used capture data to assess the distribution of admixed male and female individuals across age classes. Reproductive success of females varied by genotypic class, but hybrids did not have intermediate success as predicted. Instead, we found that pure Nelson's sparrows had, on average, 33% lower hatching success than any other genotype, whereas F1/F2 hybrids, backcrossed Nelson's sparrows, and backcrossed and pure saltmarsh sparrows all had similar hatching success. We found no effect of genotype or nest placement on daily nest survival probabilities. However, hybrid individuals with a higher proportion of saltmarsh sparrow alleles exhibit nesting behaviours better suited to nesting successfully in tidal marshes. Further, while the proportion of F1/F2 individuals was similar between nestling and adult males, we found that the proportion of F1/F2 individuals was 2.3 times greater in nestling females compared with adult females, indicating reduced survival of F1 females. We conclude that differences in reproductive success among pure and admixed individuals coupled with intrinsic mechanisms (reduced survival in F1 females) shape hybrid zone dynamics in this system.
What skills do physician leaders need now and in the future

The role of the physician leader is moving beyond traditional medical staff issues. A recent national survey of physician leaders shows a growing need for education on specific technical, leadership, and practical skills. The results reveal the medical leadership skills that physician executives consider important today, and provide a window to the future about the skills that will be important tomorrow. Physicians say they need training now in quality assurance, clinical benchmarking, decision-making, and strategic planning. And when they gaze into the future and see the rapid changes throughout health care, they say they'll need more training in communication, organizational change, effective listening, and systems thinking.
Theoretical and Analytical Framework

The previous chapter talked about the importance of promoting civic engagement with science-related issues and described different perspectives on what popular science writing should do. These perspectives are rooted in different understandings of what science is, how it works, and what its relationships with society should be like. This chapter expands on those differences, explaining their social and philosophical underpinnings, moving from the general to the specific. It begins by talking about philosophy of science;1 creating socially robust knowledge requires an understanding of science that accounts for its connections to and roles in society, an understanding provided by a social constructionist view of science that Bauer et al. have dubbed ‘Realist—Skepticism’ (Bauer et al., ‘Public’). Next it discusses rhetorical genre theory as a way to understand texts as discursive objects, then it describes the specific analytic framework I use to identify relevant characteristics of popular science writing in specific texts. Finally, it explains my text selections.
Assessing students’ use of LinkedIn in a business and professional communication course

ABSTRACTThis paper examined the practice of using LinkedIn as a tool for teaching students how to create a professional online presence. A descriptive analysis of student LinkedIn profiles revealed that students included some basic requirements, but many students still neglected to fully complete the profile, thereby leaving out some important information that would boost their credibility. Additional exploratory analyses were conducted. Results are discussed in relation to contemporary best practices for the platform. Suggestions for the improvement of the assignment given to students to teach professional online presence through LinkedIn are also given.
The influence of turbulence models on the accuracy of CFD analysis of a reciprocating mechanism driven heat loop

Abstract A bellows-type Reciprocating-Mechanism Driven Heat Loops (RMDHL) is a novel heat transfer device that could attain a high heat transfer rate through a reciprocating flow of the working fluid inside the heat transfer device. Although the device has been tested and validated experimentally, analytical or numerical study has not been undertaken to understand its working mechanism and provide guidance for the device design. In an effort to improve earlier numerical models of the RMDHL, different turbulence models for the RMDHL design have been studied and compared with prior experimental results to select the most suitable turbulence modeling techniques. The governing equations have been numerically solved using a CFD solver. For the three-dimensional fluid flow, several turbulence models have been studied for the RMDHL, including Standard, RNG, and Realizable k-ɛ Models, Standard and SST k-ω Models, Transition k - k L -ω Model and the Transition SST Model. The results of the simulations have been analyzed and ranked using numerical model calibration template. It was found that the standard k-ω Models provided the least accurate results while the RNG-k-ɛ Model provided the most accurate predictions. It is expected that the results will help improve the accuracy of the work on the RMDHL modeling.
A Best-Effort Multicast Algorithm

Today's IP networks have seen a growing number of applications whose traffic are most efficiently transported using multicast forwarding service. In this paper, we present a scalable, sender-initiated, performance-driven, best-effort tree construction algorithm, which adapts to the changing network conditions. The algorithm does not use any unicast routing protocol. We demonstrate the operations and evaluate the performance of the algorithm using computer simulations.
Patterns of Twitter Behavior Among Networks of Cannabis Dispensaries in California

Background: Twitter represents a social media platform through which medical cannabis dispensaries can rapidly promote and advertise a multitude of retail products. Yet, to date, no studies have systematically evaluated Twitter behavior among dispensaries and how these behaviors influence the formation of social networks. Objectives: This study sought to characterize common cyberbehaviors and shared follower networks among dispensaries operating in two large cannabis markets in California. Methods: From a targeted sample of 119 dispensaries in the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Los Angeles, we collected metadata from the dispensary accounts using the Twitter API. For each city, we characterized the network structure of dispensaries based upon shared followers, then empirically derived communities with the Louvain modularity algorithm. Principal components factor analysis was employed to reduce 12 Twitter measures into a more parsimonious set of cyberbehavioral dimensions. Finally, quadratic discriminant analysis was implemented to verify the ability of the extracted dimensions to classify dispensaries into their derived communities. Results: The modularity algorithm yielded three communities in each city with distinct network structures. The principal components factor analysis reduced the 12 cyberbehaviors into five dimensions that encompassed account age, posting frequency, referencing, hyperlinks, and user engagement among the dispensary accounts. In the quadratic discriminant analysis, the dimensions correctly classified 75% (46/61) of the communities in the San Francisco Bay Area and 71% (41/58) in Greater Los Angeles. Conclusions: The most centralized and strongly connected dispensaries in both cities had newer accounts, higher daily activity, more frequent user engagement, and increased usage of embedded media, keywords, and hyperlinks. Measures derived from both network structure and cyberbehavioral dimensions can serve as key contextual indicators for the online surveillance of cannabis dispensaries and consumer markets over time. [J Med Internet Res 2017;19(7):e236]
Throughput Rate Improvement in a Multiproduct Assembly Line Using Lean and Simulation Modeling and Analysis

Abstract It has been a real challenge to improve the throughput of multiproduct assembly lines due to the complexity of the multiproduct assembly processes. In this paper, we used pull simulation module to mimic a real engine assembly line where 114 different products are being assembled. Line balancing and controlling the work in process (WIP) were found to be the driving elements to improve the throughput rate. Developing effective design of experiments for the simulation modelling and analysis helped in validating the impact of the changes. Recommended solutions have helped the engine assembly line to increase its throughput rate by 14%.
One meter deployable reflectarray antenna for earth science radars

This paper describes the development of a 1-m deployable reflectarray antenna which is designed to fit in a 6U (10×20×30cm3) class CubeSats. It operates at 35.75 GHz for the measurement of atmospheric processes over a short, evolutionary timescale. It deploys into a 98.6 cm × 82.1cm flat reflector. This antenna provides a gain of 48.0 dBi and an aperture efficiency of 44%. It consists of a cassegrain reflectarray using 14 deployable panels, one fixed panel and a telescoping feed and subreflector.
The Effect of Competition on the Demand for Skilled Labor: Matching with Externalities in the NBA

This paper studies a novel explanation for observed productivity differences among firms in the same industry. Competition is allowed to affect labor productivity, so that heterogeneity in competition affects the demand for skilled labor, leading to differences in firm performance. This mechanism is explored in the setting of professional basketball where heterogeneity in competition is easily measured. I develop and estimate a matching model with externalities, where the value of a match between a player and team depends on the entire allocation of matches. The results show that competition has a significant effect on hiring decisions, and leads to a clustering of talent among firms that are particularly strong rivals.
Quantum Potential in Relativistic Dynamics

The experimental confirmation of nonlocality has renewed interest in Bohm's quantum potential. The construction of quantum potentials for relativistic systems has encountered difficulties which do not arise in a parametrized formulation of relativistic quantum mechanics known as Relativistic Dynamics. The purpose of this paper is to show how to construct a quantum potential in the relativistic domain by deriving a relativistically invariant quantum potential using Relativistic Dynamics. The formalism is applied to three relativistic scalar particle models: a single particle interacting with a scalar potential; N particles interacting with a scalar potential; and a single particle interacting with an electromagnetic 4-vector potential.
Adjustments to Photosystem Stoichiometry and Electron Transfer Proteins Are Key to the Remarkably Fast Growth of the Cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973

At the genome level, Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973 (Synechococcus 2973) is nearly identical to the model cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 (Synechococcus 7942) with only 55 single nucleotide differences separating the two strains. Despite the high similarity between the two strains, Synechococcus 2973 grows three times faster, accumulates significantly more glycogen, is tolerant to extremely high light intensities, and displays higher photosynthetic rates. The high homology between the two strains provides a unique opportunity to examine the factors that lead to increased photosynthetic rates. We compared the photophysiology of the two strains and determined the differences in Synechococcus 2973 that lead to increased photosynthetic rates and the concomitant increase in biomass production. In this study, we identified inefficiencies in the electron transport chain of Synechococcus 7942 that have been alleviated in Synechococcus 2973. Photosystem II (PSII) capacity is the same in both strains. However, Synechococcus 2973 exhibits a 1.6-fold increase in PSI content, a 1.5-fold increase in cytochrome b6f content, and a 2.4-fold increase in plastocyanin content on a per cell basis. The increased content of electron carriers allows a higher flux of electrons through the photosynthetic electron transport chain, while the increased PSI content provides more oxidizing power to maintain upstream carriers ready to accept electrons. These changes serve to increase the photosynthetic efficiency of Synechococcus 2973, the fastest growing cyanobacterium known.IMPORTANCE As the global population increases, the amount of arable land continues to decrease. To prevent a looming food crisis, crop productivity per acre must increase. A promising target for improving crop productivity is increasing the photosynthetic rates in crop plants. Cyanobacteria serve as models for higher plant photosynthetic systems and are an important test bed for improvements in photosynthetic productivity. In this study, we identified key factors that lead to improved photosynthetic efficiency and increased production of biomass of a cyanobacterium. We suggest that the findings presented herein will give direction to improvements that may be made in other photosynthetic organisms to improve photosynthetic efficiency.
A stochastic local discontinuous Galerkin method for stochastic two-point boundary-value problems driven by additive noises

Abstract The local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) method has been successfully applied to deterministic boundary-value problems (BVPs) arising from a wide range of applications. In this paper, we propose a stochastic analogue of the LDG method for stochastic two-point BVPs. We first approximate the white noise process by a piecewise constant random process to obtain an approximate BVP. We show that the solution of the new BVP converges to the solution of the original problem. The new problem is then discretized using the LDG method for deterministic problems. We prove that the solution to the new approximate BVP has better regularity which facilitates the convergence proof for the proposed LDG method. More precisely, we prove L 2 error estimates for the solution and for the auxiliary variable that approximates the first-order derivative. The order of convergence is proved to be two in the mean-square sense, when piecewise polynomials of degree at most p are used. Finally, several numerical examples are provided to illustrate the theoretical results.
Trusting and Dependable Sibling Relationships as Social Capital Among African American Youth

Background: Although it is well known that the relationship between siblings has demonstrable influence on positive youth development, little is known about which aspects of the sibling relationshi...
Xenoprotein engineering via synthetic libraries

Chemical methods have enabled the total synthesis of protein molecules of ever-increasing size and complexity. However, methods to engineer synthetic proteins comprising noncanonical amino acids have not kept pace, even though this capability would be a distinct advantage of the total synthesis approach to protein science. In this work, we report a platform for protein engineering based on the screening of synthetic one-bead one-compound protein libraries. Screening throughput approaching that of cell surface display was achieved by a combination of magnetic bead enrichment, flow cytometry analysis of on-bead screens, and high-throughput MS/MS-based sequencing of identified active compounds. Direct screening of a synthetic protein library by these methods resulted in the de novo discovery of mirror-image miniprotein-based binders to a ∼150-kDa protein target, a task that would be difficult or impossible by other means.
Entre metáforas e epifanias: a (trans)formação de identidades em Sergio Y. vai à América

In the present essay, I argue that despite the conservative ideals espoused by the narrator of Alexandre Vidal Porto's Sergio Y. vai a America (2014), it is precisely within these conflictive and contradicting thoughts that one finds a critique of heteronormativity. In other words, while Vidal Porto seems not to address problems regularly addressed in the field of queer and gender studies, his omission of queer performativity and any empowering discourse for the transgender community is a strategy he employs to interrogate how conservative societies such as Brazil define sex, sexual identity, social practices, and queer space.
Laser weld geometry and microstructure of cast Uranium-6 wt% niobium alloy

Abstract Laser welding was performed on a U6wt%Nb uranium alloy using a 400 W solid state laser with welding speeds from 20 to 2500 mm/s. This speed range spanned melt pool sizes from traditional welding to surface modification and additive manufacturing. With increasing scan speed, the ratio of weld length relative to depth and width increased, with melt pool lengths being more than 5x greater than the width and 10x greater than the depth at the highest speeds. Keyhole mode welds were shown to occur at low speeds, while conduction mode welds occurred at 700 mm/s or higher as the weld depth dropped off more rapidly than width at higher speeds. Microstructures that form at the boundary between the fusion zone and base metal were observed to have a nonconventional appearance consisting of interpenetrating dark and light contrast phases before cells or dendrites appear. Dendrites with secondary arms form from this boundary in keyhole welds and refine to no visible secondary arms near the weld center. Primary and secondary dendrite arms, where present, were shown to refine in size inversely with cooling rate raised to the 0.465 and 0.375 powers respectively. Dendrites were largely absent from the conduction mode welds at higher speeds, and were replaced by a banded microstructure that appears to form by an oscillatory solidification front mechanism.
Obvious properties of computer programs

We explore the question of what properties of LISP programs can be made "obvious" to a computer system. We present a polynomial-time algorithm for inferring interesting properties of pure LISP programs. Building on previous work in knowledge representation for rapid inference, we present a language for representing properties of programs. We treat properties as generalized types, i.e., sets of program values. The property language is expressive enough to represent any RE set of LISP values as a property, and can naturally represent a wide variety of useful properties. We then use a general technique to construct a polynomial-time property inference relation and use type-inference style program analysis to integrate this relation into an algorithm for inferring properties of programs. This algorithm is intended to work in the context of a library of background information, most of which is typically derived from previous runs of the algorithm. Due to the expressive representation system, no algorithm can infer every valid property-- so instead of proving completeness we show our algorithm's usefulness by giving examples of properties inferred. These examples include that insertion sort returns a sorted permutation of its input, and that a clique finding program correctly returns a clique.
SELECTING THE LARGEST INTERACTION IN A TWO-FACTOR EXPERIMENT

Publisher Summary The research described in this chapter involved the study of the effect of several different methods of treatment on a physiological response of male and female subjects—otherwise matched with respect to other factors that might affect the response—as required by a medical research worker. The study was undertaken with the consideration that the effect of the treatment on the mean response is different for men than for women and also that it varies from treatment to treatment. A large interaction between the sex and the method of treatment was suspected to identify the sex treatment combination for which this interaction is largest, in turn, deciphering the mechanism underlying the effectiveness of the methods of treatment. The statistical problem is to design the experiment on such a scale that this largest interaction can, if it is sufficiently large to be of practical importance to the experimenter, be detected with preassigned probability.
Multiagent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and tumor response are associated with improved survival in pancreatic cancer.

Abstract Background Neoadjuvant therapy (NT) for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) has evolved to include multi-agent regimens and chemoradiation. We report our experience and compare outcomes of initially resectable pancreatic cancer (IRPC) vs BRPC receiving NT across two eras of chemotherapy regimens. Methods Data were collected retrospectively on pancreaticoduodenectomy patients between January 2008 and October 2015. Outcomes and survival were compared based on patient, laboratory and treatment factors. Results 195 patients were included and 133 had IRPC and 62 BRPC. IRPC operations were shorter (449 min vs 520 min, p = 0.003), had less blood loss (663 ml vs 954 ml, p = 0.002) and involved fewer vascular resections (29% vs 76%, p = 0.002). The rate of R0 resection was identical (82%, p = 1) and the IRPC group had higher node-positive ratio (19.3% vs 7.2% p Conclusions BRPC patients treated with NT have similar morbidity and survival to their IRPC counterparts. Pathologic response and modern NT are associated with improved survival.
Density-functional-theory approach to determine band offsets and dielectric breakdown properties across metal/crystal oxide and metal/amorphous oxide interfaces: A case study of Al/SiO2

Abstract Amorphous insulating oxides play a significant role in contemporary electronic industry. Understanding the band alignment of heterogeneous interfaces containing amorphous structures helps to better control the carrier transport property at the interface. Classical band offset methods developed in the literature align eigenlevels with respect to an ideal bulk reference or vacuum level. However, the local disorder of amorphous structures makes the bulk reference impossible to set up, which makes the classical methods inapplicable. In this study, we introduce a new approach based on the Linear Combination of Atomic Orbital (LCAO) projection of wave-function to line-up bands at metal/oxide interfaces. The LCAO projection of wave-function reveals all metal/oxide interface effects, such as built-in voltage, interface dipole, virtual oxide thinning, barrier deformation, and band bending. Therefore, it provides a complete and accurate band alignment between two different materials with different crystal structures. The method is first validated at Al/crystal-SiO2 (Al/c-SiO2) interface against experimental data and then extended to Al/amorphous-SiO2 (Al/a-SiO2) interface. For both systems (Al/c-SiO2 and Al/a-SiO2), we also observed a space charge region at the interface, which leads to non-linear band deformation in the oxide. The space charge region effectively decreases the oxide layer thickness, hence lowering its dielectric strength. This analysis is further supported by extracting hopping integrals from Maximally Localized Wannier Functions (MLWFs) across the interface. In both cases, the largest hopping integral is between two centers localized on the metal side and the oxide side. Such a hopping integral indicates the electron path across the interface that could trigger the dielectric breakdown. The hopping integral is larger for the Al/c-SiO2 than for the Al/a-SiO2. Consequently, the Al/a-SiO2 appears to be more resistant to breakdown.
Thyroid Embryonic Anomalies Involving the Medial and Lateral Anlagen: Two Surgical Case Reports

Introduction. An ectopic anomalous accessory thyroid is extremely rare. We present two related case reports. Case. A 43-year-old morbidly obese female presented with a palpable left thyroid mass. Initial impression after preoperative workup was a diffuse bilateral multinodular goiter with a left nodule suspicious for malignancy. She underwent a total thyroidectomy. On further palpation after initial excision, two masses on the left neck area were noted, dissected, and excised. In the second case, a 65-year-old female presented with a substernal exophytic mass displacing the trachea to the right after a left thyroid lobectomy 4 years ago. Cytology revealed a retained substernal thyroid. She is scheduled for a substernal thyroidectomy through a median sternotomy. Discussion. In all partial or complete thyroidectomy cases, care should be taken to palpate or to use intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) for any extra thyroid mass. An intuitive surgical approach is needed to evaluate for possible embryologic anomalies of the thyroid. There are two thyroid anlagen that can explain ectopic aberrant anomalies: the median anlage-thyroid rest and the lateral anlage from the ultimobranchial body of the fourth pharyngeal pouch. Surgeons should keep in mind that multiple ectopic thyroid glands could be present in any thyroidectomy procedure.
Social Avoidance as a Predictor of Psychosocial Functioning in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Prospective Longitudinal Analysis

Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) experience elevated social avoidance, both as a consequence and independent of BDD concerns. To explore how social avoidance relates to the long-term course of functioning for people with BDD, this prospective longitudinal study evaluated the hypothesis that initial social avoidance would predict changes in psychosocial functioning over 3 years, such that greater initial social avoidance would predict worsening functioning. At intake, individuals with BDD (N = 200) completed measures of social avoidance independent of BDD, social avoidance due to BDD or any other source, overall psychosocial functioning, and psychosocial functioning in specific domains. Overall and specific functioning was prospectively evaluated at three subsequent yearly follow-up assessments. Mixed model analyses evaluated the relation between baseline social avoidance and changes in functioning. Results provided mixed support for hypotheses, indicating that higher baseline social avoidance independent of BDD predicted worsening functioning in two of the four overall functioning indices and in both specific domains—interpersonal relationship quality and work/academic/household functioning. Higher global social avoidance (due to BDD or any other source) predicted poorer overall functioning for two of the four global functioning indices but did not predict functioning in either specific domain. Social avoidance, both related and unrelated to body image, might play an important role in the trajectory of psychosocial functioning for people with BDD.
16.1 A 12b 18GS/s RF Sampling ADC with an Integrated Wideband Track-and-Hold Amplifier and Background Calibration

High sample rate ADCs with high input bandwidth and low power consumption enable direct RF sampling, more integration, flexibility and lower cost for communication, instrumentation and other applications. The state of the art of interleaved RF converters enables up to 10GS/s with 12-14b of resolution [1]–[4]. However, to increase the sample rate, the number of interleaved sub-ADCs tends to increase, which degrades the interleaving spurs due to sampling time and bandwidth mismatch, increases the input capacitance, reduces the input bandwidth, and increases the power consumption of the ADC. Randomization of the interleaved sub-ADCs helps alleviate the impact of the interleaving spurs, but that degrades the noise and increases power consumption in a manner that gets progressively worse as the input frequency and number of interleaved sub-ADCs increase [1].
Observation of millimeter wave ferromagnetic resonance in cubic and hexagonal ferrites

Natural ferromagnetic resonance (in the absence of an externally applied DC magnetic field) has been observed at 240 GHz in a powdered magnetoplumbite suspended in a thin layer of paint. “Induced” ferromagnetic resonance has been observed at many millimeter wave frequencies in the presence of an externally applied magnetic field according to the rule: f = γ H.
Dupilumab as Add-on Therapy for Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyposis in Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease:

BackgroundAspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) affects 7% of asthmatics. Usual therapies are inadequate for asthma and/or nasal polyposis, leading to decreased quality of life.ObjectiveOu...
Wilsonian Effective Field Theory and String Theory

We argue that deriving an effective field theory from string theory requires a Wilsonian perspective with a physical cutoff. Employing proper time regularization we demonstrate the decoupling of states and contrast this with what happens in dimensional regularization. In particular we point out that even if the cosmological constant (CC) calculated from some classical action at some ultra-violet scale is negative, this does not necessarily imply that the CC calculated at cosmological scales is also negative, and discuss the possible criteria for achieving a positive CC starting with a CC at the string/KK scale which is negative. Obviously this has implications for swampland claims.