cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uniform particle-droplet partitioning of 18 organic and elemental components measured in and below DYCOMS-II stratocumulus clouds

[1] Microphysical and chemical aerosol measurements collected during DYCOMS-II research flights in marine stratocumulus clouds near San Diego in 2001 were used to evaluate the partitioning of 18 organic and elemental components between droplet residuals and unactivated particles. Bulk submicron particle (between 0.2 and 1.3 μm dry diameter) and droplet residual (above 9 μm ambient diameter) filter samples analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) were dominated by sea salt, ammonium, sulfate, and organic compounds. For the four nighttime and two daytime flights studied, the mass concentration of unactivated particles and droplet residuals were correlated (R2 > 0.8) with consistent linear relationships for mass scavenging of all 18 components on each flight, meaning that the measured particle population partitions between droplet residuals and unactivated particles as if the particles contain internal mixtures of the measured components. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for flights 3, 5, and 7 support some degree of internal mixing since more than 90% of measured submicron particles larger than 0.26 μm included sea salt-derived components. The observed range of 0.26 to 0.40 of mass scavenging coefficients for the four nighttime flights results from the small variations in temperature profile, updraft velocity, and mixed layer depth among the flights. The uniformity of scavenging coefficients for multiple chemical components is consistent with the aged or processed internal mixtures of sea salt, sulfate, and organic compounds expected at long distances downwind from major particle sources.
The Influence of Tropical Plant Diversity and Composition on Soil Microbial Communities

There is growing interest in understanding the linkages between above- and belowground communities, and very little is known about these linkages in tropical systems. Using an experimental site at La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica, we examined whether plant diversity, plant community composition, and season influenced microbial communities. We also determined whether soil characteristics were related to differences in microbial communities. Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) composition revealed that microbial community composition differed across a plant diversity gradient (plots contained 1, 3, 5, or over 25 species). Plant species identity also was a factor influencing microbial community composition; PLFA composition significantly varied among monocultures, and among three-species combinations that differed in plant species composition. Differences among treatments within each of these comparisons were apparent in all four sampling dates of the study. There was no consistent shift in microbial community composition between wet and dry seasons, although we did see significant changes over time. Of all measured soil characteristics, soil C/N was most often associated with changes in microbial community composition across treatment groups. Our findings provide evidence for human alteration of soil microbial communities via the alteration of plant community composition and diversity and that such changes are mediated in part by changes in soil carbon quality.
HIERARCHICAL SHAPE DESCRIPTION AND SIMILARITY-INVARIANT RECOGNITION USING GRADIENT PROPAGATION

This paper presents a novel hierarchical shape description scheme based on propagating the image gradient radially. This radial propagation is equivalent to a vectorial convolution with sector elements. The propagated gradient field collides at centers of convex/concave shape components, which can be detected as points of high directional disparity. A novel vectorial disparity measure called Cancellation Energy is used to measure this collision of the gradient field, and local maxima of this measure yield feature tokens. These feature tokens form a compact description of shapes and their components and indicate their central locations and sizes. In addition, a Gradient Signature is formed by the gradient field that collides at each center, which is itself a robust and size-independent description of the corresponding shape component. Experimental results demonstrate that the shape description is robust to distortion, noise and clutter. An important advantage of this scheme is that the feature tokens are obtained pre-attentively, without prior understanding of the image. The hierarchical description is also successfully used for similarity-invariant recognition of 2D shapes with a multi-dimensional indexing scheme based on the Gradient Signature.
Multivariable stability analysis and controller synthesis for a precision pointing and isolation system utilizing magnetic force actuators

for one degree of rotation. The two degrees of translation control. are used to keep the two bodies from drifting beyond the dynamical range of the magnetic bearings. The actual system is modelled as a rigid body with 6 DOF's, three DOF's in rotation and three in translation. Consequently a minimum of six actuators is required to maintain complete control of the forward body's dynamics. The placement of these six HBA's at the interface of the forward and aft bodies is depicted in Figure lb.
Planar Harmonic Maps with Inner and Blaschke Dilatations

A univalent harmonic map of the unit disk Δ[ratio ]={z∈[Copf ][ratio ][mid ]z[mid ]<1} is a complex-valued function f(z) on Δ that satisfies Laplace's equation fzz[bar]=0 and is injective. The Jacobian J[ratio ]=[mid ]fz[mid ]2 −[mid ]fz[bar][mid ]2 of a univalent harmonic map can never vanish [18], and so we might as well assume that J>0 throughout Δ. Then [mid ]fz[mid ]>0 and a short computation verifies that the analytic dilatation ω[ratio ] =f[bar]z[bar]/fz is indeed an analytic function, with [mid ]ω[mid ] 0. Clearly ω≡0 when f is a conformal map, and in general the dilatation ω measures how far f is from being conformal. Also, if ω happens to be the square of an analytic function, then f ‘lifts’ to give an isothermal coordinate map for a minimal surface, and in that case i/√ω equals the stereographic projection of the Gauss map of the surface.
Behavior of curved steel trapezoidal box-girders during construction

Abstract In recent years, steel, trapezoidal box-girders for curved highway interchanges have been used extensively. For these structural systems, the majority of the steel girder cross-sectional stresses occur during the concrete pouring sequence. This paper describes a comprehensive study on the behavior of curved girders during construction. Data collected for the current research shows significant differences between the measured and predicted quantities, particularly for later pours. An overview of the steel–concrete interface behavior at early concrete ages and the development of an analytical tool to predict the response of systems with semi-cured concrete are given. Field monitoring of two bridges during construction is presented. The measured results were compared to analytical predictions obtained using software developed specifically under this research to address deficiencies with currently available analytical tools. Accounting for strength and stiffness gained throughout the construction process, the developed software is able to accurately capture girder stresses during construction.
Facilitating General Education Participation for Students with Behavior Problems by Linking Positive Behavior Supports and Person-Centered Planning

We studied the effects of combining positive behavior supports and person-centered planning on problem behavior and general education participation. Three students—one receiving special education services and two who were at risk for more restrictive placements-participated in a school team-based assessment and intervention process. Assessments focused on students' strengths, interests, and support needs, along with possible social and biological causes of problem behavior. Schoolwide interventions, based on this expanded functional assessment approach, were implemented in teams composed of general educators, special educators, and school administrators. Results indicated that two of the three students increased or maintained high levels of general education participation and showed decreases in problem behavior. For a third student, poor implementation of the support plan was associated with increases in problem behavior and decreases in general education participation. Interrelations between operant fun...
INTEREST IN MARITAL RECONCILIATION AMONG DIVORCING PARENTS

This study offers thefirst research data on the interest of divorcing parents in marital reconciliation.A sample of 2,484 divorcing parents was surveyed after taking required parenting classes.They were asked about whether they believed their marriage could still be saved with hard work, and about their interest in reconciliation services. About 1 in 4 individual parents indicated some belief that their marriage could still be saved, and in about 1 in 9 matched couples both partners did. As for interest in reconciliation services, about 3 in 10 individuals indicated potential interest. In a sub-sample of 329 matched couples, about 1 in 3 couples had one partner interested but not the other, and in 1 in 10 couples both partners were interested in reconciliation services. Findings were consistent across most demographic and marital factors. The only strong predictors of reconciliation interest were gender, with males being more interested than females, and initiator status, with far greater interest among those whose partner initiated the divorce. These findings are discussed in terms of attachment theory and future prospects of divorce services.
Evaluation of buccal cell collection protocols for genetic susceptibility studies

Buccal cells are increasingly used as a source of quality DNA to improve participation rates in molecular studies. Here, three buccal cell collection protocols were compared to determine factors aA ecting the yield of cells, total DNA per sample, and DNA yield per cell. In addition, kinetic quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (TaqMan TM ) was used to quantify human DNA available for PCR. The method of collection used
An Ontological Approach to Quantifying the Functional Flexibility of Embedded Systems

Quantitative measures of the system property flexibility have long eluded systems analysts. This paper introduces a mathematical framework to define, measure, and analyze embedded system functional flexibility in a quantitative manner. The methodology employs a domain-specific ontology to encode a system's functions and its hardware resources in a natural and efficient manner, decoupling the logical and physical aspects of the system. The modeling of system functions is expressed in polynomial form and easily converted to matrix form for efficient mathematical and computational analysis. Algebraic, topological, and combinatorial methods are used to perturb a system's functions to explore its flexibility. Of special note, is the ability to mathematically vary a system's defined functionality in a manner that maintains logical similarity to its initial form. For the first time known, quantitative characterizations of these effects are derived, yielding measures that provide insights into a system's ability to admit change (flexibility) and its sensitivity to such changes. These measures of flexibility may be expressed as objective functions so that they may be integrated into design space exploration or optimization frameworks, thus allowing flexibility to be considered with other objectives in system trades.
Intercomparison of Nine Micrometeorological Stations during the BEAREX08 Field Campaign

Land–atmosphere interactions play a critical role in regulating numerous meteorological, hydrological, and environmental processes. Investigating these processes often requires multiple measurement sites representing a range of surface conditions. Before these measurements can be compared, however, it is imperative that the differences among the instrumentation systems are fully characterized. Using data collected as a part of the 2008 Bushland Evapotranspiration and Agricultural Remote Sensing Experiment (BEAREX08), measurements from nine collocated eddy covariance (EC) systems were compared with the twofold objective of 1) characterizing the interinstrument variation in the measurements, and 2) quantifying the measurement uncertainty associated with each system. Focusing on the three turbulent fluxes (heat, water vapor, and carbon dioxide), this study evaluated the measurement uncertainty using multiple techniques. The results of the analyses indicated that there could be substantial variability in the uncertainty estimates because of the advective conditions that characterized the study site during the afternoon and evening hours. However, when the analysis was limited to nonadvective, quasi-normal conditions, the response of the nine EC stations were remarkably similar. For the daytime period, both the method of Hollinger and Richardson and the method of Mann and Lenschow indicated that the uncertainty in the measurements of sensible heat, latent heat, and carbon dioxide flux were approximately 13 W m 22 ,2 7 Wm 22 , and 0.10 mg m 22 s 21 , respectively. Based on the results of this study, it is clear that advection can greatly increase the uncertainty associated with EC flux measurements. Since these conditions, as well as other phenomena that could impact the measurement uncertainty, are often intermittent, it may be beneficial to conduct uncertainty analyses on an ongoing basis.
Acoustic-perceptual studies of aging voice in women*

The ability of listeners to judge the age of speakers from voice samples has been established in several studies (1-5). There are hints from these perceptual studies that fundamental frequency (Fo) stability may influence listeners' judgments of a speaker's age (3,5), and acoustic studies have provided evidence that older speakers demonstrate reduced stability of Fo in comparison with younger speakers (6,7). However, the precise relationship of Fo stability measures to listeners' age judgments has not been investigated previously. Similarly, the importance of vocal tract resonance information to perceived age judgments had not been established, despite the fact that anatomical and physiological evidence suggests that advancing age brings about changes in the supralaryngeal system (8-13). The purpose of this study was to examine acoustic measures of Fo stability and vocal tract resonance characteristics in women's voices in relation to actual speaker age as well as perceived age (14,15). Recordings of normally phonated and whispered / 8 / vowels were obtained from 75 women divided equally among three age groups (25-35, 45-55, and 70-80 years). Speakers were instructed to produce phonated vowels "as steadily as possible," and these vowels were analyzed acoustically for jitter and fundamental frequency standard deviation (FoSD). Jitter refers to small cycle-tocycle variations in the frequency of vibration of the vocal folds. FoSD refers to variations in Fo around the mean Fo of phonation. Resonance peaks (F1 and F2 frequency) were determined for both phonated and whispered / 8 / v o w e l s . Two groups of
Faculty issues in distance education

Distance education is becoming common in the delivery of software engineering education and training. This panel will examine this phenomenon from the perspective of faculty delivering distance programs. Panelists have experience with a variety of delivery technologies and will discuss considerations and impact of using those methods of delivery.
The Moderating Effects of Ethnicity and Employment Type on Insurance Coverage: Four Asian Subgroups in California

Despite nearly universal insurance coverage for older Americans over the age of 65, the preretirement age cohort is susceptible to gaps in coverage. Related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), this study investigated heterogeneity in insurance status for preretirement Asian immigrants by examining the interacting effects of Asian ethnicity and employment type, which is a major factor that determines an individual's insurance status in the U.S. Data from the 2009 California Health Interview Survey, which included 1,024 Asians between the ages of 50 and 64, were analyzed. Our findings indicate significant moderating effects of employment type and Asian ethnicity. However, regardless of employment type, Koreans had the highest rate of being uninsured. To effectively reach the ACA's goal of reducing the number of uninsured individuals, targeted interventions specific to Asian subgroups are essential.
Mouse models of insulin resistance.

The hallmarks of type 2 diabetes are impaired insulin action in peripheral tissues and decreased pancreatic β-cell function. Classically, the two defects have been viewed as separate entities, with insulin resistance arising primarily from impaired insulin-dependent glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, and β-cell dysfunction arising from impaired coupling of glucose sensing to insulin secretion. Targeted mutagenesis and transgenesis involving components of the insulin action pathway have changed our understanding of these phenomena. It appears that the role of insulin signaling in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes has been overestimated in classic insulin target tissues, such as skeletal muscle, whereas it has been overlooked in liver, pancreatic β-cells, and brain, which had been thought not to be primary insulin targets. We review recent progress and try to reconcile areas of apparent controversy surrounding insulin signaling in skeletal muscle and pancreatic β-cells.
Response to nutritional deprivation in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

SUMMARY The accumulation of total tissue DNA as an index of cell number, and the weight/DNA ratio as an index of cell size were used to establish the effects of severe stunting imposed by malnutrition on cellular development and the permanence or reversibility of such stunting in Japanese quail. The results indicated that in the quail cellular growth is much more a function of hyperplastic growth than hypertrophy of existing cells and that, contrary to observations in the rat, hyperplastic growth is resumed after periods of underfeeding once an adequate supply of nutrients is provided. This suggests that in the quail the lesion created by nutritional stress is at the level of DNA synthesis.
Essential Hypertension. Therapeutic Trial of Veriloid, a New Extract of Veratrum viride.∗

SummaryIn hypertensive patients Veriloid is an active hypotensive agent when administered acutely, or chronically for periods as long as 5 months. Meticulous regulation of dosage is important in obtaining optimum results. After several weeks of continuous therapy it is frequently necessary to reduce the dosage in order to avoid nausea and vomiting. Nevertheless, relative to its hypotensive effects Veriloid seems to produce fewer toxic reactions than any other oral preparation of Veratrum viride presently available.
On the computability of affordances as relations

One of the principal advantages of affordance-based design is that Gibson's theory of affordances is a relational theory, akin to other relational approaches such as relational biology and relational computer science. The relationships between artifacts and their designers and users are of such primary importance that only a theory that is able to deal with those relationships directly appears to be sufficient for describing the wide breadth of problems in engineering design. However, there is no precise definition for what qualifies as a relational theory. In mathematics, we do find something approaching a theory of relations, dating back at least to Charles Peirce's Logic of Relatives around 1870. While rather general, Peirce's ideas on the subject laid the foundation for advances in the 20th century, including the relational model of databases. This paper is a first attempt at applying the mathematics of relations to affordances, with the aim of more precisely characterizing affordances, which heretofore have been difficult to define and, lacking appropriate mathematics, nearly impossible to subject to computation. Meanwhile, the implicit computability of affordances as relations is demonstrated by examples drawn from engineering, physics, computer science, biology, and architecture.
Greenfield filter versus Mobin-Uddin umbrella: the continuing quest for the ideal method of vena caval interruption.

During the past 10 years, the Mobin-Uddin umbrella and the Greenfield filter have been developed as transvenous methods of interrupting the vena cava with minimal morbidity and operative mortality. We have used the transvenous method of caval interruption in 97 patients: the Mobin-Uddin umbrella in 65 and the Greenfield filter in 32. There was an overall operative mortality rate of 4%; related more to the underlying disease than to the technique of filter or umbrella placement. On the basis of clinical follow-up, the recurrence rate for nonfatal pulmonary emboli was 3% with the Mobin-Uddin umbrella and 3.3% with the Greenfield filter. No subsequent lethal embolus was observed with either device. Misplacement occurred with three of the Mobin-Uddin umbrellas and four of the Greenfield filters, all during the early part of our experience. Lethal migration of the transvenous device occurred in one patient with a Mobin-Uddin umbrella. Detailed long-term follow-up with vena cavograms or postmortem examination in 40 patients (18 umbrellas and 22 filters) revealed occlusion of the vena cava in 5% with Greenfield filters and in 73% with Mobin-Uddin umbrellas; clot was observed proximal to the umbrella in one patient. Consequently, we recommend the Greenfield filter as the ideal method for protection against thromboembolism because of its ease of insertion under local anesthesia, its high patency rate thereby eliminating stasis sequelae, and its protection from lethal thromboembolism.
Gene activities for ribosomal components in Escherichia coli B/r

The relative transcriptional activities of genes coding for ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and ribosomal proteins (r-proteins) at a steady-state growth rates ranging from 0.65 to 2.1 doublings/h can be estimated from previous measurements of the synthesis rates of stable and unstable RNA (Pato & von Meyenburg, 1970; Nierlich, 1972a,b; Bremer et al., 1973; Dennis & Bremer, 1973b, 1974b) and ribosomal proteins (Schleif, 1967; Dennis & Bremer, 1974a). Comparison of these transcriptional activities suggests that the expression of the r-protein genes and rRNA genes is controlled seperately.
Meta-analysis of adolescent drug prevention programs: results of the 1993 meta-analysis.

Policy relevant conclusions emerge when meta-analytic techniques are used to achieve consensus out of the inconsistencies found in individual research studies. Extensive search procedures located 120 school-based drug prevention programs that evaluated success on self-reported drug use measures. Hypothesis tests were made of an a priori classification scheme for the type of program. Six types of programs were identified based on content and delivery and were collapsed into noninteractive and interactive programs.
Keys to species of Ceratacis and Synopeas from New Zealand, with the description of new species (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae)

Fifteen species new to science are described, viz. Ceratacis capitata, Ceratacis newzealandica, Ceratacis valentinei, Synopeas densisetosum, Synopeas denticorne, Synopeas elegans, Synopeas kristenseni, Synopeas lanuginosum, Synopeas marrisi, Synopeas motuhoropapense, Synopeas occipitocarinatum, Synopeas ramsayi, Synopeas terrestre, Synopeas trifolii, and Synopeas wardi. Keys to the hereby known N.Z. species of Ceratacis and Synopeas are provided.
Teaching Them to Teach: Programmatic Evaluation of Graduate Assistants’ Teaching Performance

Academic libraries are one of the most important sources of “on the job” training for future library instructors. Librarians who supervise and assess these future library instructors (often in graduate assistant positions) often choose to provide observations and feedback each semester to these instructors in training. Scholarly literature, however, provides little information on whether this system helps graduate assistants to develop as teachers. The authors of this article assessed graduate assistants’ performance as teachers over three semesters using a system of observation and self-assessment. They analyzed both patterns and areas of growth and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this system.
Infantile Mitochondrial Disease

A detailed clinical, pathologic, biochemical, and genetic analysis of a case of lethal infantile mitochondrial disease is reported from the Departments of Biochemistry, Pediatrics, Neurology and Nephrology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
Local Ancestry Association, Admixture Mapping, and Ongoing Challenges.

Genome-wide association is the most widely used methodology for mapping of disease genes for complex traits. Among many limitations of this approach is the requirement for investigating large disease populations and use of sizeable number of genetic markers, which necessitates correction for multiple comparisons and is a reason for its reduced power for signal detection. These limitations have prompted alternative approaches to identify novel disease loci. One such approach is the admixture mapping, which provides a more powered alternative for gene discovery in admixed populations for a trait that is differentially distributed in the ancestral populations. One such example is the African American population, which is at increased risk for chronic and end-stage renal disease, HIV-associated nephropathy, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, which are believed to originate from African ancestry. See Article by Shendre et al In the classical sense, admixture is the result of breeding between individuals from ≥2 isolated populations. The consequence of the gene flow is temporary generation of long haplotype blocks that contains genetic variants of one or another population. The approach in admixture mapping is based on the assumption that in the admixed populations the disease-causing alleles will be more frequent on chromosome segments derived from the ancestral population with the higher prevalence for the disease. The admixture mapping associates ancestry of haplotype block with a specific trait using differences in allele frequencies of the ancestral population. The haplotype blocks become shorter with increasing age of the admixed population through higher recombination events during each meiosis. Shorter admixed linkage disequilibrium (LD) blocks require a higher density of markers to differentiate chromosome ancestry transition. In admixed populations such as African Americans or Hispanics, the gene flow has originated within the last several hundred years, resulting in linked alleles that show extended LD relative to the ancestral populations. …
Complexities Involved in Mentoring Towards a High-Leverage Practice in the Induction Years

Background/ContextFor years mentoring has been promoted as an essential element of effective induction programs. Since research reports of the impact of mentoring have been uneven, it is critical t...
Defining and Managing Normal and Abnormal Second Stage of Labor.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Practice Bulletin No. 49 on Dystocia and Augmentation of Labor defines a prolonged second stage as more than 2 hours without or 3 hours with epidural analgesia in nulliparous women, and 1 hour without, or 2 hours with epidural in multiparous women. This definition diagnoses 10% to 14% of nulliparous and 3% to 3.5% of multiparous women as having a prolonged second stage. Although current labor norms remained largely based on data established by Friedman in the 1950s, modern obstetric population and practice have evolved with time.
Structure-dependent SERS activity of plasmonic nanorattles with built-in electromagnetic hotspots

Hollow plasmonic nanostructures with built-in and accessible electromagnetic hotspots such as nanorattles, obtained through a galvanic replacement reaction, have received wide attention in chemical and biological sensing and targeted drug delivery. In this study, we investigate the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity of plasmonic nanorattles obtained through different degrees of galvanic replacement of Au@Ag nanocubes. We found that the SERS efficacy of the nanorattles is governed by the plasmon extinction intensity, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) wavelength of the nanostructures with respect to the excitation source and intensity of the electromagnetic field at the hotspot, with the latter playing a determining role. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations showed excellent agreement with the experimental findings that an optimal degree of galvanic replacement is critical for maximum SERS enhancement. The rational design and synthesis of the plasmonic nanorattles based on these findings can make these nanostructures highly attractive for SERS-based chemical and biological sensing and bioimaging.
Micromechanics of BMC

In the mechanics of composites of the graphite-epoxy class, at least for the usual structural applications, there has been little need for studies of micromechanics. Although the fiber stiffness properties can vary significantly in this class, characterization of the unidirectional composite has become routine and inexpensive. The quality of bonding between fibers and matrix was an issue at first, the chemical problems associated with strong bonding were quickly solved, and in general, there have been few applications demanding weak bonding. Finally, epoxy resins have demonstrated little significant variations in mechanical properties. All of these facts contribute to negate the need for sophisticated micromechanical analysis — strong, stiff fibers, a matrix having high ductibliity (strain-to-failure), and strong bonding are targets that lead to good mechanical performance. All of these points are clear from physical reasoning. With the advent of ceramic-and glass-ceramic composites, however, things are not so straightforward. In this case, there is a plethora of matrix materials, at least until sorting based on material compatibility has been accomplished and wide variations exist in the significant thermomechanical properties, such as modulus of elasticity, thermal expansion coefficient, ultimate strength, and fracture toughness: Perfectly bonded interfaces are not deemed desirable and there is a wider range of ambient temperatures, leading to the need for considerations of thermal stress effect. Furthermore, failure modes involving only individual constituents and/or interfaces are predominant. Finally, constituent materials are expensive, scarce, and difficult to test with precision. All these facts suggest that micromechanical analyses are of paramount importance.
Signaling to and from the RNA Polymerase III Transcription and Processing Machinery.

RNA polymerase (Pol) III has a specialized role in transcribing the most abundant RNAs in eukaryotic cells, transfer RNAs (tRNAs), along with other ubiquitous small noncoding RNAs, many of which have functions related to the ribosome and protein synthesis. The high energetic cost of producing these RNAs and their central role in protein synthesis underlie the robust regulation of Pol III transcription in response to nutrients and stress by growth regulatory pathways. Downstream of Pol III, signaling impacts posttranscriptional processes affecting tRNA function in translation and tRNA cleavage into smaller fragments that are increasingly attributed with novel cellular activities. In this review, we consider how nutrients and stress control Pol III transcription via its factors and its negative regulator, Maf1. We highlight recent work showing that the composition of the tRNA population and the function of individual tRNAs is dynamically controlled and that unrestrained Pol III transcription can reprogram c...
Using Electronic Health Records to Enhance a Peer Health Navigator Intervention: A Randomized Pilot Test for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness and Housing Instability.

Individuals with serious mental illnesses have high rates of comorbid physical health issues and have numerous barriers to addressing their health and health care needs. The present pilot study tested the feasibility of a modified form of the “Bridge” peer-health navigator intervention delivered in a usual care setting by agency personnel. The modifications concerned the use of an electronic personal health record with individuals experiencing with housing instability. Twenty participants were randomized to receive the intervention immediately or after 6 months. Health navigator contacts and use of personal health records were associated with improvements in health care and self-management. This pilot study demonstrated promising evidence for the feasibility of adding personal health record use to a peer-led intervention.
Gender-Based Differences Among Pharmacy Students Involved in Academically Dishonest Behavior

Objective. To determine whether differences based on gender exist among pharmacy students involved in cases of admitted cheating or other academic dishonesty and to assess perceptions of academic dishonesty. Methods. Two cohorts of second-year male and female pharmacy students from four Northern California pharmacy programs were invited to complete a 45-item cross-sectional survey. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-squared test were used for statistical analysis. Results. There were 330 surveys completed with a 59% response rate. No significant gender-based differences were found regarding admitted cheating in pharmacy school and in regards to participating in various forms of academically dishonest behavior. Female students were more likely than male students to report witnessing a classmate copying another student's assignment. Male students were less likely than female students to perceive a student who distributed a stolen exam as a cheater. Conclusion. No gender-based differences were noted in cases of admitted cheating or with regards to taking part in various forms of academically dishonest behavior. However, female students report witnessing cheating more than male students, and male students may have a more lenient perception toward academically dishonest behavior than female students. The information gathered from this study may provide further insight to pharmacy programs and educators regarding academic dishonesty at their institution.
Xanthurenic acid and its role in the tryptophane metabolism of pyridoxine-deficient rats.

In a previous publication (1) the isolation of a green pigment from the urine of pyridoxine-deficient rats was described. The green pigment was shown to be the product of a reaction between ferric ammonium sulfate or other ferric salts and a compound whose nature was unknown. This compound has now been isolated in crystalline form. It is a yellow pigment and has been identified as xanthurenic acid.
Virtual septal myectomy for preoperative planning in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Objective Although septal myectomy (SM) is the preferred treatment for medication-refractory obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the procedure remains subjective. We have developed a virtual myectomy (VM) technique using 3-dimensional reconstruction of gated cardiac computed tomography (CT) to assist intraoperative objective assessment of the adequacy of the resection. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients 15 patients who underwent a SM guided by preoperative VM at our program between March 2016 and July 2017. Gated cardiac CT was performed to allow delineation of the left ventricular (LV) myocardium at end-diastole to replicate the cardioplegic myocardial arrest (90%-95% RR interval). SM was performed to attain resection volume predicted by VM. Retrospective, blinded VM also was performed with fixed parameters to determine relationship between ideal (VM1) and conservative (VM2) VM and actual resection. Results Mean patient age was 52.1 ± 10.6 years, 27% were male, and 80% had New York Heart Association class 3 or 4. Preoperative mean peak LV outflow tract gradient was 79 mm Hg (range 47-82). In-hospital mortality was 0%. Mean postoperative LV outflow tract gradient was 13 mm Hg (11-19). Gated cardiac CT was performed with mean phase 94% (86%-98%). Mean total LV myocardial volume was 226 cm3 (146-365) and volume of the asymmetric portion of the LV was 19 cm3 (5.2-48.8). Actual surgical resection volume was 6.2 ± 1.7 cm3. Retrospective VM1 and VM2 performed postoperatively blinded to surgical results were 12.8 cm3 (4.8-29.23) and 6.7 cm3 (3.5-13.2), showing a modest correlation (R1 = 0.44, R2 = 0.56) with actual myectomy. Conclusions Three-dimensional CT and VM can be a viable addition to preoperative assessment of patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
The myth of Afghan electoral democracy: the irregularities of the 2014 presidential election

This article systematically assesses the 2014 Afghanistan Presidential Election, the first transfer of power from President Hamid Karzai to an elected successor, using provincial voting data as wel...
MAX WEBER, HANNAH ARENDT, AND THE QUESTION OF CIVIL POWER

Abstract This article traces the concept of 'civil power' in Jeffrey Alexander's book The Civil Sphere. Doing so leads to an interpretation of the work as operating in the space between the different theories and definitions of power in the work of Max Weber and Hannah Arendt. Read in this way, The Civil Sphere becomes not only a Durkheimian argument about solidarity, but also an argument about the consequential ways in which acting together and not acting together constitute a space of variation in the degree to which power and violence can reined in, in so far as they are reigned out in the making of democratic sovereignty.
Reducing risk and leveraging markets: The impact of financial structure on federal contractor performance:

This paper analyzes how financial controls, as established through the payment structure, are used and whether they influence federal contractor performance. These payment structures include varian...
Economic aspects of insomnia medication treatment among Medicare beneficiaries.

Study objectives To examine economic aspects of insomnia and insomnia medication treatment among a nationally representative sample of older adult Medicare beneficiaries. Methods Using a random 5% sample of Medicare administrative data (2006-2013), insomnia was defined using International Classification of Disease, Version 9, Clinical Modification diagnostic codes. Treatment was operationalized as one or more prescription fills for an US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved insomnia medication following diagnosis, in previously untreated individuals. To evaluate the economic impact of insomnia treatment on healthcare utilization (HCU) and costs in the year following insomnia diagnosis, a difference-in-differences approach was implemented using generalized linear models. Results A total of 23 079 beneficiaries with insomnia (M age = 71.7 years) were included. Of these, 5154 (22%) received one or more fills for an FDA-approved insomnia medication following insomnia diagnosis. For both treated and untreated individuals, HCU and costs increased during the 12 months prior to diagnosis. Insomnia treatment was associated with significantly increased emergency department visits and prescription fills in the year following insomnia diagnosis. After accounting for pre-diagnosis differences between groups, no significant differences in pre- to post-diagnosis costs were observed between treated and untreated individuals. Conclusions These results advance previous research into economics of insomnia disorder by evaluating the impact of medication treatment and highlighting important differences between treated and untreated individuals. Future studies should seek to understand why some individuals diagnosed with insomnia receive treatment but others do not, to identify clinically meaningful clusters of older adults with insomnia, and to explore the economic impact of insomnia and insomnia treatment among subgroups of individuals with insomnia, such as those with cardiovascular diseases, mood disorders, and neurodegenerative disease.
The inverse relationship between national food security and annual cholera incidence: a 30-country analysis.

Introduction Individual and household-level evidence suggests a relationship between food insecurity and cholera risk. The relationship between national food security and the size of cholera outbreaks is unknown. Methods We analysed the relationship between national food security and annual cholera incidence rate from 2012 to 2015 across 30 countries. We used components of the Global Food Security Index (GFSI) as measures of food security. We included countries with available GFSI reporting cases of cholera during the study period, excluding high-income countries. We developed multivariable zero-inflated negative binomial models with annual cholera incidence rate as the outcome, GFSI components as the exposure of interest, fixed effects for country and year, and time-varying effects related to water, sanitation, and hygiene, oral cholera vaccine deployment, healthcare expenditure, conflict and extreme weather. Results The 30 countries reported 550 106 total cases of cholera from 2012 to 2015, with a median annual incidence rate of 3.1 cases per 100 000 people (IQR 0.3–9.9). We found independent inverse relationships between cholera and Overall GFSI (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.57, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.78), GFSI-Availability (IRR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.95) and GFSI-Affordability (IRR 0.76, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.92). Conclusions We identified a strong inverse relationship between national food security and annual incidence rate of cholera. In the context of prior evidence at the individual and household levels, this suggests that there is a linkage between food insecurity and cholera at the national level that should be further considered in assessing cholera risk in vulnerable regions and in designing cholera control interventions.
Scaled Nested Key Equation Solver for Generalized Integrated Interleaved Decoder

Generalized integrated interleaved (GII) codes nest Reed-Solomon (RS) or BCH sub-codewords to generate codewords belonging to stronger RS or BCH codes. Their hyper-speed decoding and good error-correction capability make them one of the best candidates for next-generation terabit/s digital storage and communications. The key equation solver (KES) in the nested decoding stage causes clock frequency bottleneck and takes a large portion of the GII decoder area. Recent architectures reduce the critical path to two multipliers and rely on the application of the slow-down technique to further reduce it to one. The slow-down technique requires two sub-codewords to be interleaved in the nested KES. However, most of the time, the nested decoding only needs to be carried out on one sub-codeword and half of the clock cycles are wasted. This paper proposes two fast nested KES algorithms, both of which have one multiplier in the critical path without applying slow-down and accordingly reduce the latency of the nested KES to almost a half. The short critical path is achieved by algorithmic reformulations that enable the pre-computation of the scalars in parallel with polynomial updating. Our second design adopts scaled versions of the polynomials to enable product term sharing so that the number of multipliers in each pair of processing elements is reduced from 8 as in the first design to 4. Novel scaling and combined scalar computations are developed to keep the critical path one multiplier. For an example GII code over $GF(2^{8})$ that has 3 nested codewords, our designs achieve 49.9% reduction on the number of clock cycles needed in the nested KES compared to prior designs. Besides, our second design requires 22% less area than the first one under the same timing constraint.
Diagnosing Herbicide Injury in Corn

This 9-page fact sheet lists nine modes of action: the mechanism of action, behavior in plants, symptoms and herbicides, and illustrations. Written by Sarah Berger, Jason Ferrell, and Peter Dittmar, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, January 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag374
Functionalization Reactions Catalyzed by Activation Enzymes

Activation enzymes catalyze oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis reactions, resulting in the introduction of functional groups to lipophilic foreign compounds, thus increasing the water solubility of parent compounds and facilitating their excretion from the body. The functional reactions introduced to foreign compounds include N-oxidation, S-oxidation, aromatic and aliphatic hydroxylation, O- and N-dealkylation, hydrolysis, and epoxidation. Functionalization reactions are catalyzed by activation enzymes, including cytochrome P450 oxidase, flavin monooxygenase, amine oxidase, nitroreductase, azoreductase, molybdenum hydroxylase, epoxide hydrolase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and aldehyde dehydrogenase. Oxidation reactions occur at carbon and nitrogen atoms or unsaturated hydrocarbon while reduction reactions at nitrogen atom or carbonyl group and hydrolysis reactions at ester, amide, or epoxide group.
Relational processes between people and place: Understanding environmental interest and identity through a learning ecosystem lens

My dissertation used a learning ecosystems framework to examine the complex nature of environmental interest and identity development which unfold in dynamic, non-linear ways across time and space,...
Multiplication operators on Hardy and weighted Bergman spaces over planar regions

This paper studies some aspects of commutant theory and functional calculus for analytic multiplication operators on Hardy and weighted Bergman spaces over bounded planar regions. Multiplication operators defined by univalent functions are shown to commute only with multiplication operators. This result is generalized to a tuple of operators, and a sufficient condition is given for irreducibility of that induced by finite Blaschke products. Operators defined by fairly general ancestral functions are shown to commute with no nonzero compact operators, and these include the ones by monomial functions over annuli. For such operators over annuli, we characterize a certain dense subalgebra of the commutant. Norm and sequential weak closures of the analytic functional calculus algebra generated by a multiplication operator are characterized and essential spectral mapping properties obtained. Generalizing the similarity for finite Blaschke products to a larger class of weighted Bergman spaces, the commutant classification of these operators is obtained and seen strictly finer than the similarity classification, among other related results.
Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) prediction models for ignition sensitive fuels using machine learning methods

Abstract Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship (QSPR) regression models for Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) prediction of 60 flammable compounds have been developed using machine learning algorithms Random Forests (RF), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and a non-machine learning algorithm - Genetic Function Approximation (GFA). RF algorithm was implemented for feature selection to identify the 13 molecular descriptors having maximum effect on MIE prediction accuracy (i.e. descriptors affecting MIE prediction accuracy >1%). Thereafter, these descriptors were used as input parameters to develop the RF, ANN and GFA models. The optimized RF algorithm resulted in test set R2 of 0.85 and displayed high internal robustness and external predictability. The ANN and GFA algorithms displayed improved performance only on addition of an additional parameter - Structure Parameter to the existing 13 descriptor set. The optimized ANN and the GFA models displayed a test set R2 of 0.79 and 0.71, respectively. The ANN model resulted in lower machine learning bias as compared to the RF model. The ANN model was observed to be more reliable than RF model for MIE prediction of small datasets. Based on this work, the RF algorithm for feature selection in QSPR modeling and the ANN, RF algorithms were observed to be promising options for MIE prediction applications.