cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
"Memory bias" for recall of experiences during initial weight loss is affected by subsequent weight loss outcome.

Research has suggested that memories of mood, emotions, and behaviors are not purely unbiased retrieval, but more similar to reconstructions based on current opinions, positive or negative experiences associated with the memory, and how a person believes they would have felt, thought, or acted. We investigated this memory bias in 66 adult participants with overweight/obesity who rated their mood, emotions, and behaviors during a 12-week, Internet-based behavioral weight loss program and later recalled these ratings at Month 3 (immediate post-test) and Month 12 (follow-up). At Month 3, participants recalled the intervention more positively than reported previously, p = .010, but reported remembering the intervention more negatively at the Month 12 follow-up, p = .004. Memory bias was associated with initial weight loss and regain, ps < .05, such that participants who lost more weight at Month 3 remembered their mood, emotions, and behaviors during intervention more positively, and those who regained more weight at Month 12, more negatively. Future research should investigate whether this bias is associated with willingness to re-engage with intervention.
The evolutionary ecology of a species ring: a test of alternative models

Abstract. The formation of ring species might provide an explanation of how speciation can occur despite ongoing gene flow. However, few species fit all of the criteria of a classic ring species that formed via isolation by distance around a barrier. Population genetic analyses and ecological niche models were used to examine a ring of song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) subspecies that surround the Sierra Nevada in North America. Eight models were compared that included both geography-based and ecology-based scenarios of ring formation. Song sparrows do fit some aspects of a classic ring species that formed via expansion around a barrier; however, admixture rather than complete reproductive isolation occurred when populations met at the terminus of the ring in southern California. Nichemodels show that variation among subspecies is likely to reflect adaptation to local conditions coupled with current limitations to gene flow across ecotones and that birds are likely to have expanded from a refugium in the s...
Development and validation of fiberscope sample imaging system for in-situ sample assessment

Fiberscope Sample Imaging System (FiSI) is a sample verification system developed for a potential comet surface sample return mission. This paper describes recent development and validation of the FiSI system. The illumination design is revised to enhance imaging robustness for dusty sample observation. The comet sample object area is illuminated by ten bundles of illumination fibers that are separated from the imaging fiberscopes. Two LED illumination sources provide switchable sample illumination that can be individually adjusted for different sample conditions. The FiSI fiberscope was validated in an environmental chamber for a wide temperature range of −170 °C to +70 °C. Moreover, the FiSI prototype was tested on a parabolic aircraft flight to validate operation in simulated microgravity. During 60 parabolic maneuvers, the FiSI system operated flawlessly and obtained images of different types and quantities of samples including dusty comet sample simulants. The FiSI prototype was successfully demonstrated in a relevant thermal and microgravity environment and it is now validated to TRL 6.
Quellcode der Unit Txt

Die in dieser Unit implementierten Routinen machen von einer komplexen Datenstruktur Gebrauch, die mit einer Unzahl von Zeigern ein dichtes Netz knupft (ein Text zeigt auf einen anderen, der auf die erste, letzte, markierte und aktuelle Zeile zeigt, diese wiederum zeigen auf die vorhergehenden und nachsten Zeilen sowie auf den eigentlichen Zeileninhalt). Um uns nicht darin zu verfangen, mochte ich an dieser Stelle genauer auf diese Datenstruktur eingehen.
FUNCTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE DOPAMINERGIC NIGROSTRIATAL SYSTEM

ABSTRACT Blockade of impulse traffic in the nigrostriatal pathway by axotomy causes a rise in striatal dopamine and activation of tyrosine hydroxylase in adult and 10 day old rats. These responses do not occur in 4 day old rats. Moreover, while α -methyl-p-tyrosine causes a loss of DA at both ages, the loss at 10 days, but not at 4 days, is blocked by axotomy. These results suggest there is little impulse traffic at 4 days of age. However, impulse traffic can be initiated by haloperidol and tyrosine hydroxylase activated by γ-OH-butyrate at both ages. Thus, while functionally competent at 4 days, the dopamine neurons are not physiologically active at this age.
Unfocused Interaction in Distributed Workgroups

Face-to-face human interaction is divided into “focused” and “unfocused” types. Unfocused interaction often conveys important content and context information and contributes to group cohesiveness and effectiveness. Research in Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) and Computer Supported Collaborative Work (CSCW) is also concerned with human interaction. CMC tools, such as electronic mail, and CSCW tools, such as Decision Support Systems (DSS) and Group Support Systems (GSS) provide for focused interaction among members of distributed workgroups. However, little has been published regarding unfocused interaction in distributed workgroups, where group members’ primary work activities hold “center-stage” and communication activities are peripheral, though this describes many distributed educational and work situations. A framework for studying this type of support using standard web browsers and server applications is described, and informal preliminary results are discussed. Opportunities for future support of peripheral awareness and unfocused interaction are also discussed.
Rigid bronchoscopy: the value of a venerable procedure.

Abstract The rigid bronchoscope is a unique and invaluable instrument that allows evaluation, control, and therapeutic manipulation of the proximal tracheobronchial tree. Massive hemoptysis, foreign body removal, airway stenosis, laser resection, and pediatric bronchoscopy are the most common indications for the rigid bronchoscope. Improved anesthetic agents have improved the safety and comfort of the procedure for patients having either diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. The ability to use the rigid bronchoscope in therapeutic situations depends, however, on a level of skill and experience with the instrument that can be obtained only by its frequent use for diagnostic indications in the proximal airway.
Removal of Difficult Colon Polyps

Difficult colon polyps are not necessarily large, such as those over 2 cm in diameter, but may be relatively small but flat, or may be in a difficult or inaccessible area of the colon. These polyps include lesions that require special maneuvers for their removal.
Dental topography and human evolution with comments on the diets of Australopithecus africanus and Paranthropus

Dental functional morphology can inform us on the dietaryadaptations of early hominins and other fossil primates. Traditionalapproaches to understanding dental form-function relationships haverelied mostly on unworn teeth for analysis. This has limited oursamples and our understanding of how teeth are adapted to wear in amanner that keeps them mechanically efficient for chewing. Thispaper reviews a relatively new tool for the study of occlusalfunctional morphology, dental topographic analysis. Thislandmark-free, three-dimensional approach involves the creation andmeasurement of digital models of teeth using point cloud data andGeographic Information Systems software. Three examples arepresented. First, a study of living great apes is reviewed to showthat worn teeth can be included in the study of dental topography,and that species with different diets have corresponding andpredictable differences in the shapes of their molars at comparablestages of tooth wear. Second, a longitudinal study of howlingmonkeys is summarized to demonstrate that different individualswithin this species have consistent changes in crown shape as theirteeth wear down. This suggests species-specific wear patterns, anecessary prerequisite for the inference of function from form ofworn fossil teeth. Third, a new dental topographic analysis ispresented for Australopithecus africanus and Paranthropusrobustus to illustrate that this approach can offer insights intothe dietary adaptations of early hominins and other fossil primates.Results presented here confirm that the A. africanus and P. robustus differed in their dietary adaptations. The degree ofdifference between their occlusal morphologies is on the orderexpected of species that often eat similar foods, but differ at “crunch” times. Dental topography data suggest that P.robustus probably fell back more on hard, brittle items whereasA. africanus relied on tougher, more elastic foods when preferred resources were less available.
Pelomyxa palustris Greefe. II. Its ultrastructure.

The Pelomyxa palustris amoebae used in this study were multinucleate, herbivorous protozoans. All nuclei within a single organism were similar, but several types of nuclei were seen in different amoeba. These nuclei might represent various stages of mitosis although metaphase and anaphase stages were never seen. Rod-shaped bacteria within vesicles characteristically surrounded the nuclei. Bacterial rods of this as well as another type also occurred within vesicles in the cytoplasm. The nuclear envelope contained annuli and it was covered externally by minute vesicles. Nucleoli and micronucleoli were most frequently located along the inner surface of the nuclear envelope. Clusters of electron-opaque spheroids were found within the nucleoli; sometimes, they existed free in the nucleoplasm. Intranuclear globules of lipidlike material were often seen.
Addressing Maternal Mortality And Morbidity In California Through Public-Private Partnerships.

In 2006, noting a rise in maternal deaths and complications, the California Department of Public Health launched efforts to investigate maternal deaths. In that year, the California Maternal Qualit...
Tree-structured multi-stage principal component analysis (TMPCA): theory and applications

Abstract A PCA based sequence-to-vector (seq2vec) dimension reduction method for the text classification problem, called the tree-structured multi-stage principal component analysis (TMPCA) is presented in this paper. Theoretical analysis and applicability of TMPCA are demonstrated as an extension to our previous work (Su, Huang, & Kuo, 2018b). Unlike conventional word-to-vector embedding methods, the TMPCA method conducts dimension reduction at the sequence level without labeled training data. Furthermore, it can preserve the sequential structure of input sequences. We show that TMPCA is computationally efficient and able to facilitate sequence-based text classification tasks by preserving strong mutual information between its input and output mathematically. It is also demonstrated by experimental results that a dense (fully connected) network trained on the TMPCA preprocessed data achieves better performance than state-of-the-art fastText and other neural-network-based solutions.
A 14 µM × 26 µM 20-GB/S 3-MW CDR Circuit with High Jitter Tolerance

A full-rate CDR loop employs a 3-stage ring VCO, a master-slave passive sampler as both a phase detector and a filter, and a new flipflop to achieve a bandwidth of 170 MHz. Implemented in 45-nm CMOS technology, the circuit exhibits a jitter tolerance of 2 UI at 5 MHz and a recovered clock jitter of 340 fs with $2^{7}-1$ PRBS.
Aggressive Synchronization with Partial Processing for Iterative ML Jobs on Clusters

Executing distributed machine learning (ML) jobs on Spark follows Bulk Synchronous Parallel (BSP) model, where parallel tasks execute the same iteration at the same time and the generated updates must be synchronized on parameters when all tasks are finished. However, the parallel tasks rarely have the same execution time due to sparse data so that the synchronization has to wait for tasks finished late. Moreover, running Spark on heterogeneous clusters makes it even worse because of stragglers, where the synchronization is significantly delayed by the slowest task.This paper attacks the fundamental BSP model that supports iterative ML jobs. We propose and develop a novel BSP-based Aggressive synchronization (A-BSP) model based on the convergent property of iterative ML algorithms, by allowing the algorithm to use the updates generated based on partial input data for synchronization. Specifically, when the fastest task completes, A-BSP fetches the current updates generated by the rest tasks that have partially processed their input data to push for aggressive synchronization. Furthermore, unprocessed data is prioritized for processing in the subsequent iterations to ensure algorithm convergence rate. Theoretically, we prove the algorithm convergence for gradient descent under A-BSP model. We have implemented A-BSP as a light-weight BSP-compatible mechanism in Spark and performed evaluations with various ML jobs. Experimental results show that compared to BSP, A-BSP speeds up the execution by up to 2.36x. We have also extended A-BSP onto Petuum platform and compared to the Stale Synchronous Parallel (SSP) and Asynchronous Synchronous Parallel (ASP) models. A-BSP performs better than SSP and ASP for gradient descent based jobs. It also outperforms SSP for jobs on physical heterogeneous clusters.
Continuum prediction of entrainment rates and agglomeration of gas-fluidized, lightly-cohesive particles

Abstract In this work, a continuum theory for cohesive particles developed recently ( Kellogg et al., 2017 ) is applied to lightly-cohesive particles in an unbounded, gas-solid riser. The novelty of this recent theory is its fundamental incorporation of the effects of the granular temperature (i.e., continuum measure of impact velocity) and the material and cohesion properties on the rates of aggregation and breakage of agglomerates. Here, we extend this theory to multiphase systems and place particular emphasis on its ability to predict entrainment rate, as past empirical correlations vary by orders of magnitude when applied to the same system ( Chew et al., 2015 ). Specifically, continuum predictions of entrainment rates and agglomerate fraction are compared with Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations of lightly-cohesive particles in a gas-solid flow. The agreement obtained for these quantities provides preliminary validation for the use of the continuum theory for cohesive particles in gas-solid flows.
Diversity in emergency management scholarship.

Women and racial / ethnic minorities have long been underrepresented in the field of emergency management. This is true for both practice and research. The lack of women and racial / ethnic minorities in the profession and their perceived absence in research or scholarly study may have impacts on the effectiveness of response and recovery efforts as well as the broader scientific knowledge within the field. Historically, women and racial / ethnic minority communities have disproportionately experienced negative impacts following disasters. Earlier related studies have pointed to the underrepresentation as a contributing factor in community vulnerability. The scarcity of women in practice and as students in this field has been particularly evident in the United States. Using data from a recent survey of emergency management programs nationwide, this article reviews the concerns in research with regards to women and ethnic minority communities during disasters, efforts to increase representation of these groups in the field, and discusses the implications for practice, policy, and future research. The findings show that women have a strong presence in emergency management programs nationwide, and while specific data on racial and ethnic minorities are lacking, the observed increases reported in this article encourages further study.
“Biology of the Eye,” A Novel Multiformat Translational Elective for Medical Students

Objective To allow medical undergraduate students an exposure to ophthalmology in the preclinical years as well as introduce concepts of basic and clinical science in ophthalmology for medical students. Methods The 10-session elective was offered to 2nd year medical students in the fall of 2016 and to 1st and 2nd year medical students in the fall of 2017 at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. The curriculum included a dissection laboratory, lectures, and journal reviews of key topics in ophthalmology with a basic scientist and clinician. At the conclusion of the sessions, the students evaluated this course by survey. Results Six medical students participated in the fall of 2016 and 11 students in the fall of 2017. The response rate was 83.33 and 100%, respectively. On a five- point Likert's scale, the students in both fall 2016 and 2017 rated the course as 4.7, indicating a positive reaction. Quality of learning objectives was rated as 4.4 and 4.5 in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Course management had a score of 4.4 and 4.6 in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Comments included: “I learned a lot about the eye I would not have known if I had not taken the course,” “I enjoyed the interplay between the clinical and basic science experts,” and “I liked the model of learning about a subject then looking at the research [sic].” Conclusions Based on the students' responses and level of satisfaction, we concluded that the elective course was successful at increasing medical students' exposure to ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine while incorporating both basic and clinical science. Based on review of the students' feedback, modifications to the course included, expanding the course to 1st year medical students, limiting presentation times, simplifying presentation topics, and adding worksheets to guide article review sessions.
An external calibrator for hydrogen observatories

The External Calibrator for Hydrogen Observatories (ECHO) is an ongoing project to develop precision calibration sources for wide-field, low frequency, radio arrays such as the Murchison Widefield Array and the Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array which target 21cm radiation from primordial times. The accuracy of existing antenna beam models have been found to be a key factor limiting the realized sensitivity of the analysis pipelines. The precision required motivates us to go beyond applying a single model to each antenna in the array characterization and instead measure the response of the as-built system. We have developed a system for mapping the response pattern with a drone-mounted transmitter. Here we report a first series of tests, including our first test maps of known calibration standards and a second test mapping an MWA tile.
The effect of post-baccalaureate business certificates on job search: Results from a correspondence study

Abstract This paper tests whether post-baccalaureate business certificates improve the job callback rates of applicants using a correspondence study. We randomly assign a post-baccalaureate certificate to fictitious resumes and apply to real vacancy postings for managerial, administrative and accounting assistant positions in several large cities on multiple large online job boards. We find no statistical relationship between having a certificate and the probability of receiving a callback, with the 95 % confidence interval being (−1.44, 0.50) percentage points with a baseline callback rate of 11.6%. Our results suggest that post-baccalaureate certificates may provide little value to job seekers, though it remains an unexplored question as to whether such certificates improve wage growth or promotions on the job.
The importance of considering a wide range of differential diagnoses forpatients presenting with complaints of urinary incontinence: Acase report

Urinary incontinence (UI) is common in women and is often associated with decreased quality of life. It is important to consider a range of wide differential diagnoses when evaluating a patient presenting with presumed with UI. This case describes a patient referred to urogynecology for urinary incontinence caused by a common, benign and usually asymptomatic gynecologic condition: nabothian cysts. However, based on presentation and imaging, there was concern about a more serious condition: adenoma malignum. This case emphasizes the importance of considering a wide range of differential diagnoses and describes several important differential diagnoses associated with urinary incontinence.
Effects of curcumin on β-catenin signaling pathways in human hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2

Objective To explore the effects of curcumin (cur) on β-catenin signaling pathways in HepG2 and elucidate its anti tumor molecular mechanism.Methods The expressions of mRNA and protein of β-catenin in control HepG2 and curcumin treatment groups of different concentrations (10,20,30,40,50amol/L) were evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR)and Western blot.And the transcriptional activity of β catenin was assayed by TOP flash/FOP flash dual luciferase reporter system.The expressions of β-catenin targeted gene cyclin D1,VEGF and MMP9 were evaluated by RT PCR.Results β-catenin was highly expressed in HepG2.Curcumin (10 50amol/L) could inhibit the mRNA expression of β-catenin by approximately 20％,40％,48％,58％ and 60％ respectively.Meanwhile curcumin (20 50amol/L) significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of β-catenin targeted gene MMP9,cyclin D1 and VEGF (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The expression of β-catenin at the protein level decreased by approximately 30％,43％,60％ and 75％after treatment.And the transcriptional activity of β-catenin in HepG2 was also inhibited by different concentrations of curcumin (20 50 μmol/L) and decreased by approximately 27％,36％,55％ and 60％ respectively (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Conclusions Curcumin can inhibit the expression and transcriptional activity of β-catenin and affect the expression of β-catenin targeted gene through the β catenin signaling pathways.And it may be a possible mechanism of its anti neoplastic effect. Key words: Liver neoplasms; Curcumin; β-catenin; Cyclin D1
Regulatory proteins direct a transcriptional network in response to antibiotic stress

Abstract In a given bacterial population, antibiotic treatment will kill a large portion of the population, while a small, tolerant subpopulation will survive. Tolerant cells disrupt the efficacy of antibiotic treatment and increase the likelihood that a population gains antibiotic resistance. When a population becomes resistant, antibiotic treatment fails, which is a major health concern. Since antibiotic tolerance often leads to resistance, we have taken a systems biology approach to examine how transcriptional networks respond to antibiotic stress so that cells can survive and recover after antibiotic treatment. We have compared gene expression with and without ampicillin in E. coli. While many previous studies have identified aspects of the antibiotic stress response at either the protein or transcriptional level, our work leverages existing knowledge of transcriptional regulation to link the dynamics of the two allowing for a more holistic approach. Here, we are the first to develop a whole-cell, transcriptional regulatory network (TRN) of antibiotic tolerant subpopulations and examine how cells respond at the transcriptional level to bactericidal concentrations of an antibiotic. Using TRN analysis, we show how certain sigma and transcription factors are affecting transcriptional regulation under antibiotic stress, and that changes in gene expression specific to ampicillin treatment can be directly linked to cell survival and recovery. The resulting network demonstrates that cells are mounting an active and coordinated response to the antibiotic that spans multiple systems and pathways. The redundancy and interconnectivity of the networks suggest that accounting for whole-cell dynamics may be crucial when modeling and studying antibiotic tolerance in the future.
Multidimensional Aspects of Female Sexual Function in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Case-Control Study.

Context 46,XX patients with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are exposed to elevated androgens in utero causing varying levels of virilization. The majority undergo feminizing genitoplasty early in life, with potential impact on sexual function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Objective We aimed to determine how sexual and lower urinary tract function, body image, and global HRQoL differs between patients with classic CAH and controls and to characterize how gynecologic anatomy contributes to outcomes. Methods 36 patients with classic CAH and 27 control women who were matched for age, race, and marital status underwent standardized gynecological examination and validated questionnaires. The responses were analyzed in relation to gynecological measurements, genotype, and disease status. Results Compared with controls, patients with CAH were more likely to have sexual dysfunction (P = 0.009), dyspareunia (P = 0.007), and other pelvic pain (P = 0.007); were less likely to be heterosexual (P = 0.013) or ever have been sexually active (P = 0.003); had poorer body image independent of body mass index (P < 0.001); and had worse HRQoL in the areas of general health (P = 0.03) and pain (P = 0.009). The patients with CAH had smaller vaginal calibers and perineal body lengths and larger clitoral indexes when compared with controls (P < 0.001). A larger vaginal caliber in CAH patients was associated with better overall sexual function (P = 0.024), increased sexual satisfaction (P = 0.017), less pain (P < 0.001), and greater number of sexual partners (P = 0.02). Conclusions 46,XX patients with CAH have increased rates of sexual dysfunction, poor body image, and poor HRQoL, which is mitigated by having a larger vaginal caliber. Management aimed at optimizing vaginal caliber might improve sexual function.
Heat shield for de Sitter space

We investigate a quantum vacuum state for ($1+1$)-dimensional de Sitter space, corresponding to a region within a perfectly reflecting symmetric box of fixed physical size. We find that a particle detector inside the box registers zero response, implying that the walls of the box screen out the thermal effects of the de Sitter horizon. The box thus creates a ``quiescent oasis'' with a temperature below the de Sitter horizon temperature, an unexpected feature that opens the way to an analysis of heat and entropy exchange between the box and the horizon in the context of the generalized second law of thermodynamics. We also calculate the stress-energy-momentum tensor of the region within the box, showing that the total energy in the box is less than the same volume of de Sitter space in the presence of thermal fluctuations.
PÉTER SIPTÁR and MIKLÓS TÖRKENCZY. The phonology of Hungarian.

(2004). PETER SIPTAR and MIKLOS TORKENCZY. The phonology of Hungarian.. WORD: Vol. 55, No. 3, pp. 491-495.
Gamificación e innovación educativa: apuntes para la práctica

Responder a las exigencias de la educacion en este momento, implica que el docente, se convierta en un innovador de sus practicas aulicas y, sobre todo, se identifique por el esfuerzo constante de contribuir o concebir el proceso de ensenanza y aprendizaje en una experiencia ludica mediada por las tecnologias de la informacion y las comunicaciones. Las experiencias y reflexiones que se hacen de este proceso se identifican con la gamificacion, asumida con insertidumbre, en un principio, pero que viene ganando terreno en el proceso educativo en general. En este trabajo se explican algunas consideraciones acerca de este proceso, en un intento loable por aportar a la practica y se dejan planteadas a lo largo del analisis exigencias y aspectos metodologicos que guiaran la gamificacion como parte del ejercicio de innovacion en la practica. Con este proposito se dedican espacios para confrontar criterios y asumir desde la posicion que se defiende las posibilidades de establecer relaciones entre gamificacion e innovacion. Palabras clave: Ludica, gamificacion, innovacion educativa. ABSTRACT Responding to the demands of education at this time implies that the teacher becomes an innovator of the ear practices and, above all, identifies by the constant effort to contribute or conceive the teaching and learning process in a playful experience mediated by information and communication technologies. The experiences and reflections that are made of this process are identified with gamification, assumed with insecurity, at first, but which has been gaining ground in the educational process in general. In this paper, some considerations about this process are explained, in a laudable attempt to contribute to the practice, and the demands and methodological aspects that will guide gamification as part of the practice of innovation exercise are raised throughout the analysis. For this purpose, spaces are dedicated to confront criteria and assume from the position that defends the possibilities of establishing relationships between gamification and innovation. Keywords: Playful, gamification, educational innovation.
Stability and Kinetics of Silica-Protected Plasmonic Photocatalysts for Gas-Phase Degradation of Total Volatile Organic Compounds

Stability and kinetics of plasmonic photocatalysts for gas-phase toluene degradation were assessed by monitoring total volatile organic compound (TVOC) concentration versus UV-A illumination time in a recirculating batch reactor (plate-type flow-through). Plasmonic samples were produced by either coating silver on, or layering silica-protected or unprotected silver beneath, the photocatalyst. Samples were modeled using Finite difference time domain simulations, and characterized. Experimental results show that silver-coated photocatalysts, and photocatalysts layered over unprotected silver, exhibit initially high TVOC degradation rates compared to TiO2, but suffer from relatively rapid deactivation attributed to silver oxidation. Photocatalysts layered over silica-protected (i.e., silica-coated) silver exhibited improved stability versus photocatalysts layered over unprotected (i.e., uncoated) silver, and demonstrated more than 50% increase in reaction rate constant and more than a threefold increase in apparent quantum yield over the non-plasmonic control sample (TiO2 over SiO2). The results of this study demonstrate that a silica layer can help slow down fouling of silica nanoparticles, and that silica-coated silver nanoparticles not only help speed up reaction rate overall but also appear to speed up release of adventitious carbon from the photocatalyst surface during the initial phase of a reaction.
Wide-Scale Clinical Implementation of Knowledge-Based Planning: An Investigation of Workforce Efficiency, Need for Post-automation Refinement, and Data-Driven Model Maintenance.

Purpose Our purpose was to investigate the effect of automated knowledge-based planning (KBP) on real-world clinical workflow efficiency, assess whether manual refinement of KBP plans improves plan quality across multiple disease sites, and develop a data-driven method to periodically improve KBP automated planning routines. Methods and Materials Using clinical knowledge-based automated planning routines for prostate, prostatic fossa, head and neck, and hypofractionated lung disease sites in a commercial KBP solution, workflow efficiency was compared in terms of planning time in a pre-KBP (n = 145 plans) and post-KBP (n = 503) patient cohort. Post-KBP, planning was initialized with KBP (KBP-only) and subsequently manually refined (KBP +human). Differences in planning time were tested for significance using a 2-tailed Mann-Whitney U test (P Results KBP significantly reduced planning time in all disease sites: prostate (median: 7.6 hrs → 2.1 hrs; P Conclusions KBP increased clinical efficiency by significantly reducing planning time. On average, human refinement offered minimal dose improvements over KBP-only plans. In the single disease site where KBP +human was superior to KBP-only, differences were eliminated by adjusting optimization parameters in a revised KBP routine.
Visualizing Synaptic Transfer of Tumor Antigens Amongst Dendritic Cells

Tumors frequently program CD8 T cell immunity that is ‘exhausted’, or otherwise fails to provide for tumor clearance. This begins when tumor antigens reach the lymph node (LN) to stimulate T cells yet we know little of how tumor material is transported and disseminated amongst the large variety of antigen-presenting dendritic cell (DC) subsets in the LN. Here, in vitro and in vivo assays together with lattice light sheet and multiphoton imaging we demonstrate that tumor proteins are carried to LN within discrete vesicles inside DC and are then transferred amongst DC subsets. A cup-on-cup synapse is formed between interacting DC and directed vesicle transfer takes place routinely in the absence of free exosomes. DC containing these vesicles can uniquely activate T cells whereas DC lacking them do not. Understanding this restricted sharing of tumor identity provides substantial room for engineering better anti-tumor immunity.
Reproductive trade-offs and phenotypic selection change with body condition, but not with predation regime, across island lizard populations.

Trade-offs between reproduction and survival are central to life-history theory and are expected to shape patterns of phenotypic selection, but the ecological factors structuring these trade-offs and resultant patterns of selection are generally unknown. We manipulated reproductive investment and predation regime in island populations of brown anole lizards (Anolis sagrei) to test (1) whether previously documented increases in the survival of experimentally non-reproductive females (OVX = ovariectomy) reflect the greater susceptibility of reproductive females (SHAM = control) to predation and (2) whether phenotypic selection differs as a function of reproductive investment and predation regime. OVX females exceeded SHAM controls in growth, mass gain and body condition, indicating pronounced energetic costs of reproduction. Although mortality was greatest in the presence of bird and snake predators, differences in survival between OVX and SHAM were unrelated to predation regime, as were patterns of natural selection on body size. Instead, we found that body condition at the conclusion of the experiment differed significantly across populations, suggesting that local environments varied in their ability to support mass gain and positive energy balance. As mean body condition improved across populations, the magnitude of the survival cost of reproduction increased, linear selection on body size shifted from positive to negative, and quadratic selection shifted from stabilizing to weakly disruptive. Our results suggest that reproductive trade-offs and patterns of phenotypic selection in female brown anoles are more sensitive to inferred variation in environmental quality than to experimentally induced variation in predation.
The Brain Phenotype in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Androgens, Anovulation, and Gender

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition with reproductive and metabolic features. Recent studies confirmed that women with PCOS have multiple genetic allelic variants that are independently associated with hyperandrogenism, gonadotropin regulation, timing of menopause, depression, and metabolic disturbances, including insulin resistance [1]. Of note, the data cited above showed that not all women with PCOS possess the full complement of the 14 genetic variants identified. Genetic heterogeneity results in clinical heterogeneity. We have long recognized that there is a spectrum of clinical presentation, with some women having a more pronounced reproductive phenotype and others presenting primarily with metabolic features. Despite variation related to PCOS genotype and phenotype, however, two long-recognized pathogenic themes remain the same: excess androgen exposure and insulin resistance. Since androgens and insulin modulate of brain architecture and function, it is not surprising that PCOS is associated with a brain phenotype, but also one that presents variably. Building on the notion that the brain is a target of hormones of all classes, in this chapter we characterize the brain phenotype in PCOS and explore the evidence that the brain phenotype is the result of androgen exposure that not only predisposes to anovulation and obesity but also has the potential to skew gender identity and sexual orientation.
Biomarkers of Cerebral Small Vessel Endotheliopathy (S48.005)

Objective: Investigate the diagnostic value of endothelia-derived exosome cargo in a case control study of neurologically normal individuals with and without evidence of vascular disease on brain imaging. Background: Therapeutic development for cerebral small vessel endotheliopathies (cSVD) has been hampered by difficulty with early diagnosis. Inward budding of endosomal multivesicular bodies form intraluminal vesicles that contain intracellular cargo such as proteins, lipids and RNA, as they move to the plasma membrane to be secreted as exosomes. Exosomes may thus present unique biomarkers of disease aiding in diagnosis and understanding of the underlying molecular pathways. Design/Methods: Participants included 27 neurologically-normal adults were brought in for blood sample collection and exosome preparation. Based on an MRI within 12 months of their blood draw, 11 had brain MRI changes suggestive of cSVD with modified Fazekas score >=2 and 16 had normal brain MRI. Participants completed a cognitive battery, physical examination, and a health questionnaire. MRI was within 12 months of blood draw. Exosome cargo was analyzed via ELISA for: CD81, GLUT1, LAT1, P-GP, as well as VCAM1, and NOSTRIN, which can be found in endothelia throughout the body. Discriminant functions, logistic regression, and regression modelling were performed. Results: Compared to controls plasma levels of exosome-derived proteins were significantly higher in cases, with the exception fo VCAM1. Discriminant function was performed with best AUC for GLUT1: 0.89 (SE 0.076, 95% CI 0.744 – 1.042) and similar results for others, except VCAM1. One SD increase in GLUT1 (688 pg/ml) increased odds of having cSVD by 460%. Conclusions: In a case control design, the concentration of brain-specific proteins from endothelial-specific exosomes was shown to differ in a group of subjects with neuroimaging evidence of cSVD versus controls. Exosomes offer a window into molecular differences in diseased versus healthy cerebral small vessel endothelia, and could potentially serve as biomarkers of disease. Disclosure: Dr. Elahi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Altendahl has nothing to disclose. Dr. Staffaroni has nothing to disclose. Dr. Casaletto has nothing to disclose. Dr. Maillard has nothing to disclose. Dr. Neuhaus has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hinman has nothing to disclose. Dr. DeCarli has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Goetzl has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kramer has nothing to disclose.
Long-term rotation with monoculture cover crops increases yield of strawberry, reduces weed populations, and maintains soil chemical, physical, and biological characteristics during strawberry production

iii CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCITON Thesis Organization Introduction and Literature Review 1 References 8 CHAPTER 2. LONG-TERM COVER CROP ROTATION WITH STRAWBERRY MAINTAINS CHEMICAL, PHYSICAL, AND BIOLOGICAL SOIL Abstract 16 Introduction 17 Materials and Methods 21 Results 26 Discussion 29 References 38 Tables 43 CHAPTER 3. ROTATION WITH COVER CROPS INCREASES PLANT DENSITY AND YIELD OF STRAWBERRY AND SUPPRESSES WEEDS Abstract 52 Introduction 53 Materials and Methods 55 Results 57 Discussion 59 References 61 Tables 64 CHAPTER 4. GENERAL CONCLUSIONS General Discussion 69 Recommendations for Future Research 72 APPENDIX Additional Tables 73 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 102
The Future of Development Finance

Development finance is at a turning point. There is talk about a “triple revolution of goals, actors and tools.” As much of Asia grows its way out of poverty, aid will increasingly be focused on Africa and on countries plagued by instability, or with governments unable to meet the basic needs of their populations. A growing share of development finance will be directed to tackling global public goods - like climate change, conflict prevention, and public health. Responsibility for addressing global challenges will increasingly be borne by coalitions that cut across states, the private sector, and civil society. These networks to address poverty and global issues will become a feature of the international architecture in a multipolar world. The rules of the game and the tools of development assistance need to evolve to focus on transparency, results, accountability, a market-driven division of labor and flexible partnerships for the future development finance system to become an effective tool of global problem solving.
A Logical Approach to Reasoning about Uncertainty: A Tutorial

Uncertainty is a fundamental—and unavoidable—feature of daily life. In order to deal with uncertainty intelligently, we need to be able to represent it and reason about it. These notes describe a systematic approach for doing so. I have made no attempt to be comprehensive here; I have been guided by my biases and my own research.
Passive immunization of the pig against gonadotropin releasing hormone during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle

Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of passively immunizing pigs against gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle. In Experiment 1, sows were given GnRH antibodies at weaning and they lacked estrogen secretion during the five days immediately after weaning and had delayed returns to estrus. In Experiment 2, gilts passively immunized against GnRH on Day 16 or 17 of the estrous cycle (Day 0 = first day of estrus) had lower (P<0.03) concentrations of estradiol-17β than control gilts, and they did not exhibited estrus at the expected time (Days 18 to 22). When observed three weeks after passive immunization, control gilts had corpora lutea present on their ovaries, whereas GnRH-immunized gilts had follicles and no corpora lutea. The amount of GnRH antiserum given did not alter (P<0.05) serum concentrations of LH or pulsatile release of LH in sows and gilts. In Experiment 3, prepuberal gilts were given 1,000 IU PMSG at 0 h and GnRH antiserum at 72 and 120 h. This treatment lowered the preovulatory surge of LH and FSH, but it did not alter serum estradiol-17β concentrations, the proportion of pigs exhibiting estrus, or the ovulation rate. These results indicate that passive immunization of pigs against GnRH before initiation of or during the early part of the follicular phase of the estrous cycle retards follicular development, whereas administration of GnRH antibodies during the latter stages of follicular development does not have an affect. Since the concentration of antibodies was not high enough to alter basal or pulsatile LH secretion, the mechanism of action of the GnRH antiserum may involve a direct ovarian action.
Photocatalytic reduction of heavy metal ions on derivatized titanium dioxide nano-particle surface studied by XAFS

Abstract Photoreduction of heavy metal ions, Cu2− and Hg2+, on TiO2 nano-particle surfaces, has been investigated by XAFS measurements. The effects of TiO2 surface modification reagents on the reaction efficiency have been studied. We observed a significant reaction efficiency enhancement when amino acid alanine was added to a mixture of 0.01 M Cu2+ and TiO2 nano-particles. Fifty percent of the adsorbed Cu2+ has been reduced to Cu0 after 1-h illumination with a UV-enhanced xenon lamp. Photoreduction of Hg2+ on TiO2 colloid surfaces was also investigated without and with thiolactic acid (TLA). In this case, the photoreduction efficiency for Hg2+ was lowered. Structures of metal ion surroundings in various complexes as well as their role in photoreduction of metal ions are discussed.
The distribution of inverses modulo a prime in short intervals

Abstract. Let p be an odd prime and let ν denote the multiplicative inverse of ν (mod p). Also let N = {ν (mod p) : M < ν ≤ M + N} , where M ≥ 0 and N ≥ 1 are integers such that (M,M + N ] ⊆ (0, p). To study the distribution of the elements of N in intervals, we let f(m,H) be the number of n ∈ (m,m + H] with n(mod p) ∈ N . Our main result is an estimate for the k moment of f(m,H) about its mean. From this we deduce an estimate for certain moments of lengths of gaps between consecutive elements of N .
NADH oxidase activity of soybean plasma membranes oscillates with a temperature compensated period of 24 min

Summary The enzymatic activity of a hormone-stimulated and growth-related protein disulfide-thiol oxidoreductase (NADH oxidase) with protein disulfide-thiol interchange activity of etiolated hypocotyls of soybean oscillates with a period of about 24 min or 60 times per 24 h day. The oscillations were temperature compensated such that the period remained constant at about 24 min between 17 and 37°C, a temperature range over which enzymatic activity varied approximately fourfold (Q10 of 2). The oscillations were observed with intact tissue sections, with isolated plasma membrane vesicles, and with the detergent-solubilized and partially purified enzyme. The oscillations were observed both with the oxidation of NADH and in the restoration of activity to scrambled ribonuclease used as a measure of the protein disulfide-thiol interchange activity. The enzymatic activity which is located at the cell surface may represent a biochemical reaction with a potential function as an ultradian oscillator of circadian time keeping.
Immunoglobulin light-chain structural gene sequences cloned in a bacterial plasmid.

IMMUNOGLOBULIN light-chain mRNA molecules and their cDNA transcripts have served as molecular probes in hybridisation experiments designed to quantify the number of immunoglobulin genes1–13 and to characterise the arrangement of these genes in the mammalian genome14,15. In other studies these mRNAs and cDNAs have been used as substrates for nucleotide sequence analyses to define the structural gene encoding immunoglobulin light chains16,17. Unfortunately, two central technical problems have developed during these studies. First, the immunoglobulin mRNA cannot be obtained in amounts sufficient for many experiments. For example, determination of the complete nucleotide sequence of this RNA remains difficult without more material. Second, immunoglobulin mRNA cannot be obtained as a homogeneous RNA completely free of other RNA species. These impurities have probably interfered with several hybridisation studies. In order to obtain a substrate for nucleotide sequence analysis as well as to provide a pure hybridisation probe we have cloned the DNA (cDNA) complementary to the immunoglobulin light-chain (kappa) mRNA from the mouse myeloma MOPC-149. The plasmid pCRl-κ40 is shown here to contain sequences corresponding to 700 bases of the immunoglobulin mRNA.
Hypervelocity heat-transfer measurements in an expansion tube

A series of experiments has been conducted in the NASA HYPULSE Expansion Tube, in both CO2 and air test gases, in order to obtain data for comparison with computational results and to assess the capability for performing hypervelocity heat-transfer studies in this facility. Heat-transfer measurements were made in both test gases on 70 deg sphere-cone models and on hemisphere models of various radii. HYPULSE freestream flow conditions in these test gases were found to be repeatable to within 3-10%, and aerothermodynamic test times of 150 microsec in CO2 and 125 microsec in air were identified. Heat-transfer measurement uncertainty was estimated to be 10-15%. Comparisons were made with computational results from the non-equilibrium Navier-Stokes solver NEQ2D. Measured and computed heat-transfer rates agreed to within 10% on the hemispheres and on the sphere-cone forebodies, and to within 10% in CO2 and 25% in air on the afterbodies and stings of the sphere-cone models.