cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoid receptor binds half sites as a monomer and regulates specific target genes

Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a hormone-activated, DNA-binding transcriptional regulatory factor that controls inflammation, metabolism, stress responses, and other physiological processes. In vitro, GR binds as an inverted dimer to a motif consisting of two imperfectly palindromic 6 bp half sites separated by 3 bp spacers. In vivo, GR employs different patterns of functional surfaces of GR to regulate different target genes. The relationships between GR genomic binding and functional surface utilization have not been defined. We find that A477T, a GR mutant that disrupts the dimerization interface, differs from wild-type GRα in binding and regulation of target genes. Genomic regions strongly occupied by A477T are enriched for a novel half site motif. In vitro, GRα binds half sites as a monomer. Through the overlap between GRα- and A477T-bound regions, we identify GRα-bound regions containing only half sites. We further identify GR target genes linked with half sites and not with the full motif. Genomic regions bound by GR differ in underlying DNA sequence motifs and in the GR functional surfaces employed for regulation. Identification of GR binding regions that selectively utilize particular GR surfaces may discriminate sub-motifs, including the half site motif, that favor those surfaces. This approach may contribute to predictive models for GR activity and therapy.
A polydisperse two‐fluid model for surf zone bubble simulation

[1] Wave breaking in the surf zone entrains large volumes of air bubbles into the water column, forming a two-phase bubbly flow field. Numerical study of bubbly flow is largely restricted by the lack of robust and comprehensive bubble entrainment models. In this paper, we propose a new model that connects bubble entrainment with turbulent dissipation rate at the air-water interface. The entrainment model as well as a polydisperse two-fluid model are incorporated into a 3-D volume of fluid code TRUCHAS. The bubbly flow model is first tested against laboratory experimental data for an oscillatory bubble plume. The calculated time-averaged liquid velocities and their fluctuations agree well with measurements, indicating that the model correctly reproduces dynamic interactions between the liquid phase and the continuum representation of the gas phase. Then, it is employed to study the bubbly flow under a laboratory surf zone breaking wave. Through the comparisons with experimental data, it is demonstrated that the model describes bubble entrainment and void fraction evolution reasonably well. The exponential decay of void fraction observed in the laboratory experiments is captured by the model. The kinematics of bubble plume as well as the vertical evolution of bubble size spectrum at any depth are investigated. Studies of bubble effects on liquid phase turbulence show that the presence of bubbles could suppress a large amount of turbulence under breaking waves.
Motor and sensory mechanisms of feeding in Pleurobranchaea.

Nerves of the cerebropleural ganglion play a major role in the sensory and motor aspects of feeding in the marine mollusk, Pleurobranchaea. Investigations of these nerves were carried out using whole-body preparations capable of essentially normal feeding behavior. Chemosensory nerves which function in food arousal are the rhinophore, tentacle (large branch) and large oral veil nerves, and a nerve of the pedal ganglion (P3). Recordings from these nerves are consistent with previous behavioral findings concerned with the location of receptor regions. The feeding cycle of proboscis extension, thrusting, and withdrawal, is controlled primarilly by cerebral nerves. The mouth nerve and small oral veil nerve supply muscles which control the oral tube. When these muscles contract, the oral tube and mouth are pulled open, and the buccal mass, which forms the core of the proboscis, advances part way. At his time, the body wall musculature, innervated by the body wall nerve and a pedal nerve (P4), contracts behind the buccal mass, forcing it out of the open mouth. Proboscis thrusting is accomplished by rhythmic bursts of the mouth and small oral veil nerves. Withdrawal of the buccal mass is accomplished essentially by the reverse process. This conception of the feeding cycle was developed by considering the muscular anatomy and by behavior simulation. It was confirmed by recording motor nerve output and muscle activity during food stimulation.
The configural shape illusion.

A new illusion, called the configural shape illusion (CSI), is described in which the apparent shape of an object (the "target") is systematically distorted by the presence of an adjacent shape (the "inducer") that is distinct from, but perceptually grouped with, the target. The target is selectively elongated in a direction consistent with the extension of the larger configuration that includes both target and inducer. Experiments 1 and 2 show that the CSI magnitude varies systematically with factors known to influence grouping strength between configural elements, including proximity, good continuation, positional alignment, lightness similarity, hue similarity, and common fate. Experiments 3 through 5 examine the influence of relative inducer size and target size on illusion magnitude. We suggest that the CSI is caused by edge assimilation modulated by similarity between the target and inducer arising from population coding of edge positions. This assimilation account fits well with previous explanations of one-dimensional illusions of linear extent (e.g., the Muller-Lyer and Baldwin illusions), which are extended to account for the present two-dimensional illusion of shape.
PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS OF MICRONESIAN WHITE-EYES BASED ON MITOCHONDRIAL SEQUENCE DATA

Abstract Using mitochondrial sequence data, we estimated phylogenetic relationships and genetic divergence among selected species of white-eyes (Zosteropidae). We focused on taxa endemic to islands in Micronesia, specifically Zosterops conspicillatus, Z. semperi, Z. hypolais, Rukia oleaginea, and Cleptornis marchei. We also included in our data set five additional species of Zosterops from the Indo-Australian region and three species from Africa, as well as additional passerine outgroups. Our mitochondrial sequence data revealed substantial genetic divergence (5.7 to 7.3%) among Z. conspicillatus, Z. semperi, and Z. hypolais, three taxa that formerly were treated as a single species. In addition, a sequence divergence of 6.5 ± SE of 1.7% was found between the population of Z. conspicillatus from Rota and “conspecific” populations on Guam, Tinian, and Saipan. The distinctiveness of the Rota population suggests that this taxon should be recognized as a distinct species, a result that bears on the conservati...
Angiotensin II and alpha-agonist. II. Effects on ovine fetoplacental prostaglandins

The fetoplacental vasculature is more sensitive to angiotensin II (ANG II) than to alpha-agonists, possibly reflecting their differing effects on vascular prostaglandin (PG) production. To examine this we studied in fetal sheep (123-138 days) the effects of ANG II (n = 7; 0.057, 1.15, and 5.73 micrograms/min) and phenylephrine (PHEN, n = 7; 0.306, 1.53, and 7.64 micrograms/min) on mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and simultaneous measurements of umbilical arterial and venous PGE2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (PGI2) and thromboxane B2 (TxB2) concentrations. ANG II increased MAP and decreased HR dose dependently (P less than 0.05). Basal umbilical venous plasma PGE2 levels exceeded PGI2 (P less than 0.001) and increased during ANG II infusions from 502 +/- 63 to 516 +/- 113, 647 +/- 188, and 1,968 +/- 541 pg/ml (mean +/- SE, P less than 0.05), as did venous-arterial concentration differences (129 +/- 26 to 179 +/- 47, 244 +/- 58, and 1,287 +/- 507 pg/ml, respectively; P less than 0.05). ANG II also increased umbilical venous PGI2 levels from 110 +/- 13 to 116 +/- 24, 144 +/- 46, and 680 +/- 147 pg/ml (P less than 0.01) and the venous-arterial concentration difference from 3 +/- 6 to 20 +/- 16, 41 +/- 27, and 405 +/- 122 pg/ml (P less than 0.05), respectively. ANG II had no effect on plasma TxB2, and no umbilical venous-arterial concentration differences existed. Although PHEN increased MAP and decreased HR, plasma eicosanoid concentrations were unaltered. The fetus is more sensitive to ANG II than PHEN; however, only ANG II increased placental PGE2 and PGI2 production.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Survival after Pneumonectomy for Stage III Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Objectives: Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a poor prognosis. Reports suggest that five-year survival after current treatment is between 14 to 24 percent. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the morbidity and mortality of patients diagnosed with stage III NSCLC and treated with pneumonectomy at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, KY. Methods: We reviewed the medical record and tumor registry follow-up data on 100 consecutive patients who underwent pneumonectomy for lung cancer at the University of Kentucky. Results: We identified thirty-six patients in stage III who underwent pneumonectomy. Ten patients had surgery only, eight patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, and eighteen patients received neoadjuvant therapy. There was one surgical death in this series. Mean follow-up was 2.9 years. One-, three-, and five-year survival was 66%, 38%, and 38%, respectively. Five-year survival for the group with adjuvant therapy was 60%. Conclusion: Most lung cancer patients present with advanced disease and the prognosis remains poor. Our experience indicates resection offers an above average chance of long-term survival when supplemented with neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant therapy.
Advanced Ti-Implanted Optical Waveguides in LiNbO3

LiNbO 3 is the best substrate for modulators and switches for integrated optics. Efficient low loss waveguides for light in LiNbO 3 are formed by introducing Ti-ions into its lattice, thus increasing locally the ordinary and the extraordinary indices of refraction. We are the first to use the very versatile technique of ion-implantation to administer Ti into LiNbO 3 . This implantation process offers the possibility to introduce significantly more Ti into a well-defined volume than conventional diffusion techniques. During this process first an amorphous non-equilibrium phase is generated, which has to be kept at low temperatures in order to prevent segregation. Subsequent thermal treatment leads to solid phase epitaxy and restores the desired stable crystalline state. We have used this technique to fabricate excellent planar waveguides, channel waveguides and Mach-Zehnder modulators.
Ethnographic Research on Criminal Careers Needs, Contributions, and Prospects

Pioneering research on “criminal careers” changed the course of criminology, reviving, and invigorating preexisting strands of inquiry while opening the door for the emergence of the developmental and life-course perspective that has become one of the dominant paradigms in recent criminological research. A persistent concern in this tradition has been the search for mechanisms connecting one stage of life to another. While qualitative methods are ideally suited for discovering and describing these mechanisms, there is far more published research based on quantitative longitudinal data. Calls for more qualitative work have become routine. This article first briefly describes the history of qualitative research on criminal careers and then discusses how a focus on changes in individual offending patterns over time emerged during the inductive theory-building process that produced the book Getting Paid, which began life as a comparative community study. Subsequent qualitative work is then discussed, with a f...
Cross-talk between m1 muscarinic acetylcholine and beta 2-adrenergic receptors. cAMP and the third intracellular loop of m1 muscarinic receptors confer heterologous regulation.

Genes encoding the m1 muscarinic (m1 mAChR) and beta 2-adrenergic receptors (beta 2AR) were stably co-expressed into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to study receptor regulation and cross-talk. Persistent activation of the beta 2AR/adenylate cyclase pathway by isoproterenol leads to heterologous desensitization, internalization, and down-regulation of the m1 mAChR which is comparable, but smaller in magnitude, with that seen with persistent activation of the m1 mAChR by carbachol. This heterologous effect was mimicked by dibutyryl cAMP and forskolin and antagonized by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H-8. A potential consensus sequence for phosphorylation by PKA (Lys351-Arg-Lys-Thr354) exists on the third intracellular loop of the m1 mAChR, suggesting that receptor phosphorylation by PKA may be involved in heterologous regulation. The loss of m1 mAChRs induced by carbachol was not reversed by H-8, indicating that homologous regulation is not dependent on PKA. Recent evidence suggests that muscarinic agonist-mediated internalization of the m1 mAChR involves the third intracellular loop (i3) (Maeda, S., Lameh, J., Mallet, W. G., Philip, M., Ramachandran, J., and Sadee, W. (1990) FEBS Lett. 269, 386-388). Three deletion mutant receptors were constructed in which the majority, or small regions, of i3 were eliminated but the membrane proximal portions of the loop were left intact. Each of the mutants was co-expressed with the beta 2AR in CHO cells. A small region in i3 was identified which is crucial for carbachol- and isoproterenol-promoted internalization and down-regulation. This region contains a series of 6 serine residues within an 8-amino acid stretch. A similar domain has been identified in the carboxyl tail of the beta 2AR and has been proposed to participate in receptor internalization (Hausdorff, W. P., Campbell, P. T., Ostrowski, J., Yu, S. S., Caron, M. G., and Lefkowitz, R. J. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 88, 2979-2983).
Study of Carrier Transport in Silver Paste Metallized Silicon Solar Cells

Abstract Formation of electrical contacts by printing silver (Ag) paste on silicon (Si) solar cells and subsequent sintering is widely used because it is a low-cost and high-throughput process. However, due to the complicated interfacial compositions and structures between the Ag and Si emitter, current transport through the interface is not well understood. Currently, there are two main current transport models in the literature which include the direct-contact model of Ag crystallites contacting the tips of Si pyramids, and the Ag-insulator (thin interfacial glass)-Si (MIS) model, where Ag nanoparticles can assist tunneling through the insulator. Here, we present experimental evidence to further examine both contact mechanisms on p-type solar cells. The results obtained support the presence of both contact models in optimally fired devices.
Pharmacologic Management of Acute Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury is a serious global public health problem that often leaves patients with devastating permanent disabilities. Although advances in supportive care have improved outcome in recent decades, there remains great need for a safe and efficacious medical treatment that improves neurologic outcome. This article reviews pharmacologic treatments evaluated or in the process of development in humans. Cellular transplantation strategies are briefly reviewed especially where they have been evaluated with pharmacologic treatments. There is great hope that one or more of these new therapeutics will be successfully translated and improve the neurologic recovery of patients in the near future.
Aspheric/freeform optical surface description for controlling illumination from point-like light sources

We present an optical surface in closed form that can be used to design lenses for controlling relative illumination on a target surface. The optical surface is constructed by rotation of the pedal curve to the ellipse about its minor axis. Three renditions of the surface are provided, namely as an expansion of a base surface, and as combinations of several base surfaces. Examples of the performance of the surfaces are presented for the case of a point light source.
Abstract 1125: Oncogenic PIK3CA mutations reprogram glutamine metabolism in colorectal cancers

Glutamine addiction is a major metabolic reprogramming event that occurs in cancer cells. Many tumors exhibit oncogene-dependent addiction to glutamine. PIK3CA, which encodes the p110α catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase α, is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human cancers. However, whether PIK3CA mutations reprogram cancer metabolism is an important unaddressed question. Here we show that oncogenic PIK3CA mutations reprogram glutamine metabolism by up-regulating glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2) in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, thereby rendering them addicted to glutamine. We demonstrated that induction of GPT2 by mutant p110α is necessary and sufficient to render CRC cells addicted to glutamine. Moreover, aminooxyacetate, which inhibits enzymatic activity of aminotransferases including GPT2, suppresses xenograft tumor growth of CRCs with PIK3CA mutations, but not CRCs with WT PIK3CA. Thus our data suggest that targeting glutamine metabolism may be an effective approach to treat CRC patients harboring PIK3CA mutations. Mutant p110α up-regulates GPT2 gene expression through an AKT-independent PDK1-RSK2-ATF4 signaling axis. We showed that ATF4 is a transcription factor that activates GPT2 gene expression. We further demonstrated that mutant p110α activates RSK2 kinase through PDK1. Activated RSK2 then phosphorylates ATF4 at the serine residue 245, which in turn recruits deubiquitinase USP8 and protects ATF4 from ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Lastly, using [13C5-]glutamine isotope-tracing technology, we showed that PIK3CA mutant CRCs convert more glutamine to α-keto-glutarate to replenish the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to generate ATP. Together, our data establish oncogenic PIK3CA mutations as a cause of glutamine addiction in CRCs. Citation Format: Yujun Hao, Yardena Samuels, Qingling Li, Dawid Krokowski, Henri Brunengraber, Maria Hatzoglou, Guo-Fang Zhang, Bert Vogelstein, Zhenghe Wang. Oncogenic PIK3CA mutations reprogram glutamine metabolism in colorectal cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1125. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1125
Multiparametric model predictive control strategies of the hypnotic component in intravenous anesthesia

This paper presents the development of multiparametric model predictive control strategies for the control of the hypnotic part of the depth of anaesthesia. Based on a detailed compartmental model featuring a pharmacokinetic and a pharmacodynamic part, two different control strategies are employed and tested comparatively with the nominal mp-MPC. The designed strategies: a simultaneous multiparametric moving horizon estimation and model predictive control and a multiparametric model predictive control using a switch for the administration of the drug infusion, are able to tackle some of the most important challenges in control of anaetshesia. The performances of the designed controllers are tested on a set of 12 patients in the induction and maintenance phase and analyzed comparatively. The simulations show good performances and satisfactory behavior.
Outcomes after intracerebral hemorrhage from arteriovenous malformations

Objective: To compare outcomes after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) from cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) rupture and other causes of ICH. Methods: We performed a retrospective population-based study using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. We used standard diagnosis codes to identify ICH cases from 2002 to 2011. Our predictor variable was cerebral AVM. Our primary outcomes were inpatient mortality and home discharge. We used logistic regression to compare outcomes between patients with ICH with and without AVM while adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and hospital characteristics. In a confirmatory analysis using a prospective cohort of patients hospitalized with ICH at our institution, we additionally adjusted for hematoma characteristics and the Glasgow Coma Scale score. Results: Among 619,167 ICH hospitalizations, the 4,485 patients (0.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6–0.8) with an AVM were younger and had fewer medical comorbidities than patients without AVM. After adjustment for confounders, patients with AVM had lower odds of death (odds ratio [OR] 0.5, 95% CI 0.4–0.7) and higher odds of home discharge (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.4–3.0) than patients without AVM. In a confirmatory analysis of 342 patients with ICH at our institution, the 34 patients (9.9%, 95% CI 7.2–13.6) with a ruptured AVM had higher odds of ambulatory independence at discharge (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.4–13.1) compared to patients without AVM. Conclusions: Patients with ICH due to ruptured AVM have more favorable outcomes than patients with ICH from other causes.
The effect of human engagement depicted in contextual photographs on the visual attention patterns of adults with traumatic brain injury.

Abstract Photographs are a frequently employed tool for the rehabilitation of adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working with these individuals must select photos that are easily identifiable and meaningful to their clients. In this investigation, we examined the visual attention response to camera- (i.e., depicted human figure looking toward camera) and task-engaged (i.e., depicted human figure looking at and touching an object) contextual photographs for a group of adults with TBI and a group of adults without neurological conditions. Eye-tracking technology served to accurately and objectively measure visual fixations. Although differences were hypothesized given the cognitive deficits associated with TBI, study results revealed little difference in the visual fixation patterns of adults with and without TBI. Specifically, both groups of participants tended to fixate rapidly on the depicted human figure and fixate more on objects in which a human figure was task-engaged than when a human figure was camera-engaged. These results indicate that strategic placement of human figures in a contextual photograph may modify the way in which individuals with TBI visually attend to and interpret photographs. In addition, task-engagement appears to have a guiding effect on visual attention that may be of benefit to SLPs hoping to select more effective contextual photographs for their clients with TBI. Finally, the limited differences in visual attention patterns between individuals with TBI and their age and gender matched peers without neurological impairments indicates that these two groups find similar photograph regions to be worthy of visual fixation. Learning outcomes : Readers will gain knowledge regarding the photograph selection process for individuals with TBI. In addition, readers will be able to identify camera- and task-engaged photographs and to explain why task-engagement may be a beneficial component of contextual photographs.
STRATEGIES FOR REMEMBERING

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the strategies for remembering. The presence of incidental pictures produces a detrimental effect on central memory performance. Three factors have deleterious effects on short-term memory: an imposed auditory distractor, the presence of an incidental or irrelevant stimulus, and an imposed labeling of the to-be-remembered stimuli. Whether the deleterious effects occur depends entirely upon the developmental level, or chronological age, of the subjects. Imposed irrelevant stimuli, such as piano notes or pictures, impede performance for the younger but not the older individuals. Central versus incidental memory correlates positively at the younger ages and negatively at the older. The development of the use of strategies occurs because of two types of developmental changes. The specific changes are those that a particular mediator, such as verbal rehearsal, goes through. Labeling is not done by the young child at all. With development, overt labeling of stimulus objects in the environment becomes the normal response. When learning or remembering becomes important, strings of labels are repeated covertly. The other type of developmental change is called general, and it involves planfulness on the part of the child.
Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion in atrial fibrillation patients with a contraindication to oral anticoagulation: a focused review

Stroke is the most feared complication of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although oral anticoagulation with non-vitamin K antagonist and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been established to significantly reduce risk of stroke, real-world use of these agents are often suboptimal due to concerns for adverse events including bleeding from both patients and clinicians. Particularly in patients with previous serious bleeding, oral anticoagulation may be contraindicated. Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), mechanically targeting the source of most of the thrombi in AF, holds an immense potential as an alternative to OAC in management of stroke prophylaxis. In this focused review, we describe the available evidence of various LAAO devices, detailing data regarding their use in patients with a contraindication for oral anticoagulation. Although some questions of safety and appropriate use of these new devices in patients who cannot tolerate anticoagulation remain, LAAO devices offer a significant step forward in the management of patients with AF, including those patients who may not be able to be prescribed OAC at all. Future studies involving patients fully contraindicated to OAC are warranted in the era of LAAO devices for stroke risk reduction.
Electron microscopy of viruses.

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the technical aspects of the science and practice of electron microscopy. The electron microscope yields it's most detailed and unambiguous answers in delineating the three-dimensional surface contours of objects, such as viruses, after they have been dried on the supporting film and shadowed. The electron microscope is frequently used for the examination of virus preparations that are relatively impure and in which the morphological identity of the virus is uncertain or is completely unknown. The microscope cannot yield an “identification” of a particle such as a virus; however, it can be extremely useful in providing a correlation between the presence of a certain class of particle and an associated activity. The traditional procedure in attempting to establish a morphological identity of a virus is to take some partially purified material from both infected and noninfected cells, place drops of both suspensions on specimen screens and allow them to dry, shadow the dried specimens, and examine fields in an electron microscope. The electron microscope can be used to provide two types of information about purified virus suspensions: (1) the numbers of virus particles present in the suspension and (2) the size and shape of the particles.
When expectation fails: towards a self-correcting inference system

Contextual understanding depends on a reader's ability to correctly infer a context within which to interpret the events in a story. This "context-selection problem" has traditionally been expressed in terms of heuristics for making the correct initial selection of a story context. This paper presents a view of context selection as an ongoing process spread throughout the understanding process. This view requires that the understander be capable of recognizing and correcting erroneous initial context inferences. A computer program called ARTHUR is described, which selects the correct context for a story by dynamically re-evaluating its own initial inferences in light of subsequent information in a story.
Global Results by Local Averaging for Nearly Hamiltonian Systems

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the global results by local averaging for nearly Hamiltonian systems. It presents a space in which the points represent differential equations; a subset consists of Hamiltonian systems, and a further subset of integrable Hamiltonian systems. Integrable systems do not form an open set, either among Hamiltonian systems or in general, and it is natural to ask what sort of systems lay near an integrable system. For the Hamiltonian case, this leads into the theories of Poincare–Birkhoff and Kolmogorov–Arnol’d–Moser. The chapter presents a case of non-Hamiltonian perturbations of an integrable Hamiltonian system. According to a general theorem of Arnol’d, the phase space of an integrable system is divided up by separatrices into regions admitting action/angle variables r, θ in which the system takes the form r = 0, θ = Ω(r). Each torus r = const is invariant and foliated with minimal invariant tori of lower dimension depending on the commensurability relations satisfied by Ω(r).
Development and application of a real-time water environment cyberinfrastructure for kayaker safety in the Apostle Islands, Lake Superior

Abstract Assessing all pertinent environmental variables to categorize a skill level to safely navigate the water environment can be difficult for inexperienced kayakers, especially at a remote site where internet access is limited. A real-time kayaker safety assessment of water environmental conditions at the Mainland Sea Caves of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Lake Superior is achieved. We present a new cyberinfrastructure that provides kayakers with real-time data access and a Safety Index (SI) with consideration of multiple environmental factors to characterize the degree of navigational difficulty for classifying kayaker skill levels. Specifically, radar reflectivity is added to improve forecasts of dangerous conditions caused by convective storms using state-of-the-art weather and wave modeling. Spectral characteristics of surface waves are employed to correlate the occurrences of extreme and freak waves. In addition, unexpectedly dangerous conditions like coastal upwelling and freak wave occurrence due to changing wind directions are considered. A contingency plan is implemented to handle the issue of possibly missing required environmental data. Display of the SI and visualization of other real-time environmental data are communicated by a power-efficient kiosk. Web analytics demonstrates a public interest in real-time water conditions and the need for the on-site kiosk to provide the latest information before kayakers enter the water. The new real-time water environment cyberinfrastructure for kayaker safety in the Apostle Islands, Lake Superior has been successfully operated since 2014.
Modeling conduit choice for valve-sparing aortic root replacement on biomechanics with a 3-dimensional–printed heart simulator

Abstract Objective The optimal conduit for valve-sparing aortic root replacement is still debated, with several conduit variations available, ranging from straight tubular grafts to Valsalva grafts. Benefits of neosinus reconstruction include enhanced flow profiles and improved hemodynamics. Curiously, however, some clinical data suggest that straight grafts may have greater long-term durability. In this study, we hypothesized that straight tubular grafts may help maintain the native cylindrical position of the aortic valve commissures radially, resulting in preserved leaflet coaptation, reduced stresses, and potentially improved valve performance. Methods Using 3D printing, a left heart simulator with a valve-sparing root replacement model and a physiologic coronary circulation was constructed. Aortic valves were dissected from fresh porcine hearts and reimplanted into either straight tubular grafts (n = 6) or Valsalva grafts (n = 6). Conduits were mounted into the heart simulator and hemodynamic, echocardiographic, and high-speed videometric data were collected. Results Hemodynamic parameters and coronary blood flow were similar between straight and Valsalva grafts, although the former were associated with lower regurgitant fractions, less peak intercommissural radial separation, preserved leaflet coaptation, decreased leaflet velocities, and lower relative leaflet forces compared with Valsalva grafts. Conclusions Valsalva grafts and straight grafts perform equally well in terms of gross hemodyanics and coronary blood flow. Interestingly, however, the biomechanics of these 2 conduits differ considerably, with straight grafts providing increased radial commissural stability and leaflet coaptation. Further investigation into how these parameters influence clinical outcomes is warranted.
Implementation of an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Model in the Emergency Department

Study ObjectiveThe objective of this retrospective descriptive study was to quantify clinical activities performed by pharmacists in an advanced pharmacy practice model in the emergency department ...
Use of Recast Intervention to Teach Causal Adverbials to Young Children With Developmental Language Disorder Within a Science Curriculum: A Single Case Design Study

Purpose Language serves as an essential resource to learn about cause and effect throughout childhood. Causal adverbial sentences use causal conjunctions (e.g., because, so) to join 2 clauses to ex...
Investigation of Newly Developed Microwave Heated Moisture Analyzer Measurements of Ketchup and Milk Samples in Climatic Chamber

The article presents evaluation of newly developed microwave moisture analyzer for moisture content measurements, for drying and heating applications. This microwave device operates at 2.45 GHz and consists of waveguide line and resonant chamber optimized with the use of microwave simulation software. The work presents results of tests of developed system, carried out in climatic chamber, allowing air humidity and temperature adjustment in broad range. Experiments were carried out in 20 ℃ to 40 ℃ and humidity from 40% to 80%. The study showed that, using developed microwave moisture analyzer, it is possible to dry and measure moisture content in a given sample significantly faster than in traditional methods. This relates also to extreme environmental conditions, in which the system was validated and proved its operating parameters. The results were in line with reference method of determining moisture content in samples.
Internet of Things for Water Sustainability

The water is a finite resource. The issue of sustainable withdrawal of freshwater is a vital concern being faced by the community. There is a strong connection between the energy, food, and water which is referred to as water-food-energy nexus. The agriculture industry and municipalities are struggling to meet the demand of water supply. This situation is particularly exacerbated in the developing countries. The projected increase in world population requires more fresh water resources. New technologies are being developed to reduce water usage in the field of agriculture (e.g., sensor guided autonomous irrigation management systems). Agricultural water withdrawal is also impacting ground and surface water resources. Although the importance of reduction in water usage cannot be overemphasized, major efforts for sustainable water are directed towards the novel technology development for cleaning and recycling. Moreover, currently, energy technologies require abundant water for energy production. Therefore, energy sustainability is inextricably linked to water sustainability. The water sustainability IoT has a strong potential to solve many challenges in water-food-energy nexus. In this chapter, the architecture of IoT for water sustainability is presented. An in-depth coverage of sensing and communication technologies and water systems is also provided.
Are dark matter and dark energy related

There is no law of physics dictating that these phenomena can't be connected, and it is natural to wonder about it, writes Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
Improving Pediatric Administrative Disaster Preparedness Through Simulated Disaster Huddles

Members of an emergency department (ED) staff need to be prepared for mass casualty incidents (MCIs) at all times. Didactic sessions, drills, and functional exercises have shown to be effective, but it is challenging to find time and resources for appropriate training. We conducted brief, task-specific drills (deemed "disaster huddles") in a pediatric ED (PED) to examine if such an approach could be an alternative or supplement to traditional MCI training paradigms. Over the course of the study, we observed an improving trend in the overall score for administrative disaster preparedness. Disaster huddles may be an effective way to improve administrative disaster preparedness in the PED. Low-effort, low-time commitment education could be an attractive way for further disaster preparedness efforts. Further studies are indicated to show a potential impact on lasting behavior and patient outcomes.
Preparing the child welfare workforce: Organizational commitment, identity, and desire to stay

Abstract Background Since 1995, Colorado has had a Title IV-E child welfare Stipend Program, most recently involving four universities in partnership with the Colorado Department of Human Services. Objective A ten-year cohort study was conducted to understand program graduates' experiences with organizational commitment, the impact of stipends on child welfare professional identity and desire to remain in the child welfare field. Participants and methods The mixed methods evaluation involved 245 stipend graduates from 2006 to 2016 from Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs and included an online survey and focus groups. Results Results indicate stipend graduates remained in the workforce beyond payback periods, felt prepared for the job, appreciated the skills and networks gained from their programs, and expressed gratitude for the financial assistance. Graduates identified workforce factors including peer support, supervisor support, and mobility in the agency as key retention sources for remaining in child welfare.
Troubleshooting the Phaco Machine

Being capable of troubleshooting the system is very important. When the system set up goes smoothly, it’s intuitive, takes only a few minutes, and requires very little additional input from you. But when the system comes back with a balky message suggesting that something is amiss, this is where you earn the big bucks.
Taxonomic Review of the Genus Aepycysta Drake and Bondar (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae), with the Description of Two New Species from Guatemala and Mexico

The genus Aepycysta Drake and Bondar is reviewed. Two new species, Aepycysta maya Knudson and Torres Miller, n. sp. and Aepycysta schaffneri Knudson and Torres Miller, n. sp. from Mexico, Guatemala, and Nicaragua are described. Diagnoses for Aepycysta decorata Monte, Aepycysta schwarzi (Drake), and Aepycysta undosa Drake and Bondar; a key for the identification of Aepycysta, and a distribution map for the North American species are provided.
The effect of cadmium on adrenergic neurotransmission in vitro.

Abstract The effect of cadmium on the response of isolated perfused rabbit ear arteries to nerve stimulation and norepinephrine administration was examined. Cadmium in concentrations of .075–.25μM caused enhancement of the pressor responses to nerve stimulation, but higher concentrations caused inhibition of the response. The pressor response to norepinephrine was also inhibited by cadmium, but required a 100x higher concentration than that needed for inhibition of the response to nerve stimulation. The dual effect of cadmium on the response to nerve stimulation suggests a plausible explanation for the conflicting reports in the literature regarding the blood pressure effects of cadmium exposure. The enhancement by low concentrations of cadmium of the response to nerve stimulation provides a possible mechanism for cadmium-induced hypertension.
Sub-micrometer random-pyramid texturing of silicon solar wafers with excellent surface passivation and low reflectance

Abstract Select emerging solar cell technologies, ranging from very narrow screen-printed fingers to perovskite/silicon tandems, would benefit from a reduction of the height of the standard pyramidal texture of monocrystalline silicon wafers to below 1 μm. However, fabricating such small surface features usually compromises the requisite low reflectance and high passivation quality. Through systematic design of experiments, we demonstrate that conventional alkaline-based wet-chemical etching processes can be tuned to produce dense, spatially homogeneous, and uniformly sized sub-micrometer pyramids. Precise texture size can be further controlled by adding potassium silicate to the texturing solution to effectively slow the pyramid growth rate and promote nucleation. With pyramid size distribution data—extracted from multiple atomic force microscopy images across each wafer—we demonstrate 16 nanotextures with average pyramid sizes ranging from 62 to 512 nm, with the largest having only 0.3% of its pyramids taller than 1 μm. Six of the nanotextures exhibit light trapping and surface defect densities comparable to state-of-the-art microtextured wafers. The best nanotexture achieved an AM1.5G-weighted reflectance of 11.8% and a minority-carrier lifetime of 3.4 ms after passivation with amorphous silicon, demonstrating that smaller textures need not deteriorate solar cell performance.
Abiotic Cycles Mediate the Strength of Cross-Boundary Consumption Within Coastal Food Webs

Understanding the effect of habitat edges on species interactions (e.g. predation) is critical for determining landscape-scale patterns in productivity and the structuring of communities in an ever-changing environment. Both abiotic cycles and habitat structure can mediate faunal movements across habitat edges and determine predators’ ability to access prey across both space and time. To quantify the effects of cyclical abiotic factors and habitat structure on consumer-resource dynamics across habitat boundaries at the land-sea interface, four complementary studies were conducted. Marsh periwinkles Littoraria irrorata were tethered within salt marshes of varying tidal amplitude, at 3 distances from the marsh edge, and assessed for predation after 24 h. Nekton catch rate was assessed with fyke net sampling as a proxy for predator utilization of the marsh platform. Consumption rates were positively correlated with tidal amplitude and proximity to the seaward marsh edge, and there was also a slight positive relationship between tidal amplitude and nekton access to the marsh. Tidal amplitude was positively correlated with Spartina alterniflora shoot density and negatively correlated with shoot height. Therefore, to separate the effects of habitat structure from tidal forcing, independent manipulations of shoot density and shoot height were conducted. We found that the signal of local habitat structure on consumption rates appears to be secondary to the effects of abiotic cycles on consumption. Disentangling the interactions between abiotic cycles and biotic structure of ecosystems across ecological boundaries is key to understanding both the strengths of species interactions and the mediation of cross-boundary energy flow.
Of Daughters and Ducats: Our Mutual Friend and Dickens's Anti-Shylock

The character of Mr. Riah, the saintly and honorable Jew in Dickens's Our Mutual Friend (1864), has long been assumed to constitute the author's apology for his portrait of the nefarious Fagin in Oliver Twist (1837), a portrait that drew upon the most insidious of anti-Semitic stereotypes. I argue that these assumptions neglect the wider context of the novel's engagement with The Merchant of Venice, and that rather than simply serving as an apology for Fagin, Riah functions explicitly as an anti-Shylock. The question of Dickens's anti-Semitism does not concern me here; his attitudes toward actual Jews reflect the typical complexity of liberal Victorians. Our Mutual Friend's engagement with Shakespeare's archetypical representation of the evil Jew, however, does allow Dickens to expose the uses and abuses of such representations in the English tradition. If the ambiguities of Shylock's character implicitly point out the faultlines in the social project of demonizing the Jews, Dickens's adaptation of the play, in which a character in effect performs the role of Shylock, makes such faultlines explicit: Dickens uses his anti-Shylock to critique his own society's depiction of the stage Jew.
Evidence Regarding Rapid Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy in Patients Living with HIV.

Rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is increasingly more common among clinics serving people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). It is recommended by major guidelines and is especially important in achieving the Getting to Zero (GTZ) goals by 2030. Patients should be offered the option to initiate ART as soon as possible, preferably at time of HIV diagnosis, with the goal of reducing transmission, morbidity, and mortality. Three published randomized controlled trials, and several other observational, prospective, and retrospective studies, demonstrated superior rates of viral suppression (VS) with initiation of rapid ART compared to standard of care. Improved time to VS and retention in care were also observed. Based on the regimens studied, a tenofovir backbone combined with an integrase strand transfer inhibitor or protease inhibitor is recommended for rapid start initiation. Since ART is started earlier compared with standard of care, there is opportunity to achieve VS at a much faster rate, especially in the setting of starting on the day of diagnosis. What requires further evaluation is whether or not VS is sustained over time with quicker linkage and initiation of HIV care. Initiating rapid ART in newly diagnosed PLWH provides a promising approach to achieving GTZ. When offered rapid ART, virologic suppression is improved compared to standard of care, which may reduce transmission and, ultimately, new HIV infections.
Intra-household Bargaining, Son Preference and the Status of Women in India:

Son preference prevails among Indian families. We test the hypothesis that women who bear sons experience an elevated status within the household, which translates into their increased role in deci...