cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Environment on Children's Executive Function: A Study of Three Private Schools

The purpose of this study was to examine the executive function of 4th- to 6th-grade students in three distinctively different private school environments: a Montessori school, a classical school, and a Catholic school. Using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, parent-teacher dyads rated the executive function of 112 students. Results indicated differences in executive function ratings according to school environment, as well as by the source of the rating, with parents tending to rate their children higher as compared to the teacher ratings.
AIF, reactive oxygen species, and neurodegeneration: a "complex" problem.

Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) is a flavin-binding mitochondrial intermembrane space protein that is implicated in diverse but intertwined processes that include maintenance of electron transport chain function, reactive oxygen species regulation, cell death, and neurodegeneration. In acute brain injury, AIF acquires a pro-death role upon translocation from the mitochondria to the nucleus, where it initiates chromatin condensation and large-scale DNA fragmentation. Although harlequin mice exhibiting an 80–90% global reduction in AIF protein are resistant to numerous forms of acute brain injury, they paradoxically undergo slow, progressive neurodegeneration beginning at three months of age. Brain deterioration, accompanied by markers of oxidative stress, is most pronounced in the cerebellum and retina, although it also occurs in the cortex, striatum, and thalamus. Loss of an AIF pro-survival function linked to assembly or stabilization of electron transport chain complex I underlies chronic neurodegeneration. To date, most studies of neurodegeneration have failed to adequately separate the relative importance of the mitochondrial and nuclear functions of AIF in determining the extent of injury, or whether oxidative stress plays a causative role. This review explores the complicated relationship among AIF, complex I, and the regulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels. It also discusses the controversial role of complex I deficiency in Parkinson’s disease, and what can be learned from the AIF- and complex I-depleted harlequin mouse.
Emerging Technologies for Hydrologic and Water Quality Modeling Research

During the past two decades there has been a dramatic increase in the development and application of hydrologic and water quality models to evaluate complex environmental processes and to assess nonpoint source pollution of soil and water resources. Recognizing that advancements in modeling continue to be driven by developments in computer technology, it is worthwhile to examine some of the current and emerging computer technologies that hold great promise for advancing the use of hydrologic and water quality models. An attempt is made to forecast and briefly discuss the impact that technologies such as geographic information systems, global positioning systems, and scientific visualization will have on the future of hydrologic and water quality modeling. Forecasting is a very risky business, not because of our chronic inability to predict what will happen in the future but also because such speculation raises questions about what we modelers and model users desire and value. The thesis of this article is that some current and most of the emerging technologies will facilitate development and widespread use of hydrologic and water quality models for water resources management and decision making in the future.
Radiation and chemistry in the stratosphere: Sensitivity to O2 absorption cross sections in the Herzberg continuum

We propose that a significant overestimate of the molecular oxygen absorption cross sections in the important spectral window from 200-220 nm is in large part responsible for the discrepancy between observed and modeled vertical profiles of some halocarbons (CFCl_3 in particular), as well as for the long-standing problem of simultaneously fitting N_2O, CH_4, CF_2Cl_2 and CFCl_3 profiles with a single eddy diffusion model. Recent measurements of the direct solar flux in the stratosphere by J.R. Herman and co-workers seem to support this idea. Replacing our current O_2 cross sections in the 200-220 nm range by values in better agreement with the results of the above group leads to a reduction in N_2O, CF_2Cl_2 and CFCl_3 concentrations (by factors of 0.70, 0.62 and 0.19, respectively, at 30 km), while CH_4, H_2 and CO profiles are essentially unchanged. Moreover, the predicted concentration of HNO_3 above 30 km is reduced by ∼50%, yielding better agreement with observations. The reduction in O_2 cross sections produces a 10-20% decrease in ozone above about 35 km, but a fairly large increase (∼30%) near the peak around 20-25 km. The changes in other stratospheric species are also briefly discussed.
Workload-adaptive management of energy-smart disk storage systems

Recent studies have identified disk storage systems as one of the major consumers of power in data centers. Many disk power management (DPM) schemes were suggested where the power consumed by disks is reduced by spinning them down during long idle periods. Spinning the disks down and up results in additional energy and response time costs. For that reason, DPM schemes are effective only if the disks experience relatively long idle periods and the scheme does not introduce a severe response time penalty. In this paper we introduce a dynamic block exchange algorithm which switches data between disks based on the observed workload such that frequently accessed blocks end up residing on a few “hot” disks thus allowing the majority of disks to experience longer idle periods. We validate the effectiveness of the algorithm with trace-driven simulations showing power savings of up to 50% with very small response time penalties.
A Broadband Microstrip Antenna With Improved Gain for Noncontact Vital Sign Radar Detection

A 4.37 GHz broadband microstrip antenna with improved gain was designed and fabricated. Compared to a partial ground plane single-patch reference antenna, the proposed broadband antenna shows better directivity and improved gain performance. In addition, its radiation pattern was designed for a vital sign radar application. This antenna was implemented in a portable 4.46.7 GHz radar sensor, which can be used for noncontact vital sign detection for security or healthcare applications. The wide frequency tuning range allows the system to be tuned for an optimum transmission frequency.
RE-VISIONING WOMEN AND SOCIAL CHANGE: Where Are the Children?

Feminists have re-visioned women as active subjects in knowledge by granting them agency and diversity and by challenging divisions like public versus private. But both feminist and traditional knowledge remain deeply adult centered. Adult perspectives infuse three contemporary images of children: as threats to adult society, as victims of adults, and as learners of adult culture (“socialization”). We can bring children more fully into knowledge by clarifying ideological constructions, with attention to the diversity of children's actual lives and circumstances; by emphasizing children's agency as well as their subordination; and by challenging their conceptual privatization. The re-visioning of children involves complex issues of gender, generation, autonomy, and relatedness.
Zero skew clock routing algorithm for high performance ASIC systems

As the chip dimensions are growing and switching speed of circuit elements is increasing, the issues related to clock delay are becoming more important. As a result, clock routing problem has been extensively studied in recent years. Most of the research has concentrated on minimizing or eliminating clock skew. The problem of minimizing total wirelength and maintaining planarity has received little or no attention. The authors consider the problem of routing clock nets in high performance ASIC systems. They develop an algorithm which routes a planar clock tree with zero skew and minimal total wirelength. The proposed algorithm provides a tradeoff between total wavelength and planarity of the clock tree. The authors propose two clock routing approaches; First, they develop a clock routing algorithm, which achieves zero skew clock trees with minimal wirelength. The second approach results in planar clock trees with zero skew at the cost of larger wirelength. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm produces zero skew trees which are planar and have up to 15% less wirelength than previous algorithms. >
The Structure and Paramutagenicity of the R-marbled Haplotype of Zea mays

Paramutation is the meiotically heritable silencing of a gene that can occur in particular heterozygous combinations. The R-marbled ( R-mb ) haplotype is paramutagenic: it causes paramutable r1 haplotypes like R-r to become heritably silenced. R-mb was found to comprise three distinct r1 genes arranged as direct repeats. The most distal gene of R-mb, Scm , contains a novel transposable element, Shooter ( Sho ). Excision of the Sho element early in aleurone development results in the characteristic “marbled” aleurone pigmentation pattern conferred by R-mb. The effect of gene copy number on the paramutagenic strength of R-mb was tested. Paramutagenic strength of R-mb is directly correlated with r1 gene copy number. Paramutagenic strength of R-mb is directly correlated with r1 gene copy number. Paramutagenic strength of R-mb was not affected by removal, through crossing over, of the Sho transposon. Finally, R-mb does not appear to contain the transposable element, Doppia , which is associated with paramutability of R-r , and has been suggested to play a role in paramutagenicity of another paramutagenic haplotype, R-stippled.
Benefits of comprehensive and interactive on-line monitoring and expert systems for power transformers

Modern comprehensive monitoring systems for power transformers lead to increased operating reliability and reduction of operating and life-cycle costs. The monitoring of all transformer main components is one requirement to achieve the knowledge of the operation conditions of the transformer. A further improvement is achieved by correlation of all measured and analyzed values of the transformer or even across transformers in substation. In order to meet these requirements, specific architectures and software models are essential. This contribution describes the application of the above mentioned requirements in comprehensive monitoring systems. More than 100 years of experience in the manufacturing and service of power transformers and the knowledge gained from monitoring of several hundred transformers made it possible, to create a transformer expert system, which features complete data management, analysis algorithms and diagnosis functions. The simple and interactive user interface is an essential element for the application of the monitoring system and the built in simulator. With the use of the comprehensive monitoring system and the derived optimized operation, the lifetime of the transformer can be extended. The knowledge of the condition of the transformer and the early recognition of incipient failures with the help of the monitoring system ensure the safe and enduring operation of the power transformer.
On the role of endogenous opioid peptides: failure of naloxone to influence shock escape threshold in the rat.

Abstract Rats treated with doses of naloxone sufficient to block morphine analgesia showed no change in the threshold for escape from foot shock. The data offer no support to the hypothesis that an endogenous opioid modulates responsiveness to pain and discomfort.
Debating “Intrinsic Evil”

Recent US election cycles, debates about the Affordable Care Act, and a variety of so-called culture war issues have placed the term “intrinsic evil” into public discourse. This issue's roundtable affords readers the opportunity to probe deeply various dimensions of the concept, such as the pedagogical effectiveness of the term, its current use in virtue ethics, and the rhetorical effectiveness of competing moral discourses. The authors' explorations range from consideration of classical questions about the substance and circumstances of acts to a taxonomy for “intrinsic evil” to how social processes affect the discourses available to ethicists.
APLELEGANCE—the art of staying within one's depth

@'s which are the sign of an ISO APL programmer losing his or her mental grip. The temptations of a fast interactive system as a substitute for thought are considerable, and should be resisted. To this end there are places in which informal perceptions of how APL2 functions and operators work can be more valuable than the formal descriptions given in the manuals, and this paper focuses on some points where such pedagogical issues arise. It consists of 4 sections, each with rules or precepts for the disciplined and controlled use of nestedness.
A simple synthesis of symmetrical α-diones from organometallic reagents and 1,4-dimethyl-piperazine-2,3-dione

Abstract Short reflux of an equimolar mixture of N-N′-dimethyl ethylenediamine and diethyl oxalate in i-propanol or diethyl ether leads to 1,4-dimethyl-piperazine-2,3-dione, which is able to react with two equivalent of organolithium or Grignard compounds to form symmetrically substituted α-diones in excellent yields.
Threat-Related Acoustical Differences in Alarm Calls by Wild Bonnet Macaques (Macaca radiata) Elicited by Python and Leopard Models

Wild and urban bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) were studied in southern India to record alarm calls during presentations of realistic models of spotted and dark leopards (Panthera pardus) and an Indian python (Python molurus). Recordings of alarm calls were made from members of four forest troops at feeding stations who observed brief and prolonged presentations of fully exposed spotted and dark leopard morphs and partially concealed views of the spotted morph. Four different forest troops were presented a slowly moving python near feeding stations. Two predator-inexperienced urban troops from the city of Bangalore were presented either the spotted leopard morph briefly or the python. Analyses of alarm calls revealed differences in acoustic structure, such as a lower harmonic to noise ratio, which can be interpreted as reflecting the level of perceived threat rather than predator type. Noisy alarm calls likely indicate high states of physiological arousal that might provide eavesdropping troop members with information useful for assessing the urgency of the predatory threat. Lack of alarm-call distinctiveness characterizing predator type is complemented by explicit contextual information in which alarm calling to leopards never occurred on the ground whereas nearly all initial python-elicited alarm calls were made by individuals on the ground monitoring the python. The alarm calls of Bangalore monkeys distinguished the leopard and python models, with the latter engendering the noisiest calls and immediate flight to trees. Such flight is unnecessary with the python and suggests that, without appropriate experience with pythons, bonnet macaques adopt less predator specific refuge-seeking behavior.
Detection of Human Metapneumovirus in Clinical Samples by Immunofluorescence Staining of Shell Vial Centrifugation Cultures Prepared from Three Different Cell Lines

Monoclonal antibody MAb-8 was evaluated for detection of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in shell vial centrifugation cultures (SVCC). Detection of HMPV was similar in A549, HEp-2, and LLC-MK2 SVCC, and MAb-8 staining was optimal on day 2 postinoculation. Availability of SVCC for HMPV will be of significant benefit to clinical laboratories.
Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of metformin in horses.

Objective—To determine pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability of metformin in healthy horses. Animals—4 adult horses. Procedures—6 g of metformin was administered 3 times IV and PO (fed and unfed) to each horse, by use of a crossover design, with a 1-week washout period between treatments. Plasma metformin concentration was determined via high-pressure liquid chromatography. Results—Mean ± SD distribution half-life of metformin following IV administration was 24.9 ± 0.4 minutes with a volume of distribution of 0.3 ± 0.1 L/kg. Mean area under the curve was 20.9 ± 2.0 h·μg/mL for IV administration; PO administration resulted in area under the curves of 1.6 ± 0.4 h·μg/mL in unfed horses and 0.8 ± 0.2 h·μg/mL in fed horses. Bioavailability was determined to be approximately 7.1 ± 1.5% in unfed horses and 3.9 ± 1.0% in fed horses. The maximal concentration following PO administration in unfed horses was 0.4 ± 0.1 μg/mL with a time at maximal concentration of 0.9 ± 0.1 hours. In fed horses, maximal concentra...
a Note on Discrete Symmetries in Toroidal Compactifications of Strings

In this paper we look for discrete invariances of the partition function in toroidal compactifications of strings. We show that besides world-sheet modular invariance, the partition function is invariant under GL (2d, ℤ) transformations (GL (2d + 16, ℤ) when Wilson lines are present) acting upon the instanton contribution.
Power management of a stand-alone wind/photovoltaic/fuel-cell energy system

Summary form only given. This paper proposes an ac-linked hybrid wind/photovoltaic (PV)/fuel-cell (FC) alternative energy system for stand-alone applications. Wind and PV are the primary power sources of the system, and a FC-electrolyzer combination is used as a backup and long term storage system. An overall power management strategy is designed for the proposed system to manage power flows among the different energy sources and the storage unit in the system. A simulation model for the hybrid energy system has been developed using MATLAB/Simulink. The system performance under different scenarios has been verified by carrying out simulation studies using a practical load demand profile and real weather data.
Challenges and opportunities of allogeneic donor-derived CAR T cells.

Purpose of review As T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are entering advanced phases of clinical trial testing with promising results, the potential implications of use in an allogeneic environment is emerging as an important consideration. This review discusses the use of allogeneic CAR therapy, the potential effects of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling on CAR T cell efficacy, and the potential for TCR elimination to generate an off-the-shelf product.
The clinical spectrum of acute coronary syndromes

More than 5 million Americans visit hospital emergency departments each year with the complaint of chest pain. Two million patients are admitted to hospitals because of chest pain, but the diagnosis of coronary heart disease is confirmed in only one fourth of them. Acute coronary syndrome represents a clinical syndrome that includes unstable angina, non-Q-wave myocardial infarction and Q-wave myocardial infarction. The goal of management of patients with acute coronary syndrome is to rapidly recognize and manage their cardiac ischemic event, define the risk of myocardial ischemia and recurrent cardiac events, and minimize unnecessary risk to the patient. These decisions can all be made by the use of standard clinical descriptors that include chest pain, the electrocardiogram, and biochemical markers of myocardial injury during and after an acute ischemic episode.
British Sky Broadcasting Group, Plc

British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (BSkyB) packaged television content into channels and distributed it via satellite to subscribers and to other distribution platforms. Sports programming and, in particular, live coverage of Premier League Football was one of BSkyBs main attractions for its customers and lay at the core of BSkyBs positioning. In 1996, BSkyB acquired a four-year license to the exclusive broadcasting rights of all Premier League football matches for (pounds) GBP670 million. The year was 1999 and, as the expiration of the Premier League license drew nearer, new strategies for the upcoming licensing round had to be formulated. This case may be used as part of a course on strategic analysis (game theory) or as a stand-alone class in a strategy course. The case is centered on the strategic effect of asymmetric equity positions (toeholds) on bargaining power. In particular, the case offers opportunities to discuss: - The effect of vertical integration on bargaining power - The strategic analysis of toeholds - Iterated competitive analysis - The notion of dominance solvability.
Enhancing superconducting critical current by randomness

The key ingredient of high critical currents in a type-II superconductor is defect sites that pin vortices. Contrary to earlier understanding on nanopatterned artificial pinning, here we show unequivocally the advantages of a random pinscape over an ordered array in a wide magnetic field range. We reveal that the better performance of a random pinscape is due to the variation of its local density of pinning sites (LDOPS), which mitigates the motion of vortices. This is confirmed by achieving even higher enhancement of the critical current through a conformally mapped random pinscape, where the distribution of the LDOPS is further enlarged. The demonstrated key role of LDOPS in enhancing superconducting critical currents gets at the heart of random versus commensurate pinning. Our findings highlight the importance of random pinscapes in enhancing the superconducting critical currents of applied superconductors.
Abstract 17434: Simple Renal Cysts as Predictors of Thoracic Aortic Disease

Thoracic aortic diseases (TAD), namely aneurysm and dissection, are usually clinically silent, so that the first symptom is often either death or a life-threatening complication. Several medical conditions such as bicuspid aortic valve, intracranial aortic aneurysm, and family history of TAD have all been associated with an increased risk of developing a TAD in the patient. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of simple renal cysts (SRC) in patients with TAD in order to assess the hypothesis that the presence of SRC can be used as a predictor for development of TAD. We evaluated the prevalence of SRC in patients with TAD (n=842, 539 males, 303 females, mean age 63.5 ± 14.2) undergoing treatment at our institution during the period 2004-2013. The patients were divided into four groups: ascending aortic aneurysm (456, 54.2%), descending aortic aneurysm (86, 10.2%), Type A aortic dissection (118, 14.0%), and Type B aortic dissection (182, 21.6%). The prevalence of SRC was determined by analyzing the reports of computed tomography imaging of the chest and abdomen of these patients. The results of our study are presented in the Table. We found that the prevalence of SRC is 37.1%, 57.0%, 44.1%, and 46.7% for patients with ascending, descending aortic aneurysm, Type A, and Type B aortic dissection, respectively. These numbers are considerably greater than expectations for the overall prevalence of SRC for the general public (range 10% to 14% in recent reports). In addition, the prevalence of SRC was not significantly different between males and females (p>0.05), despite the reported male predominance for the general population (2:1 male:female ratio). In conclusion, in this study we established an increased prevalence of SRC in patients with TAD. These results are suggestive that SRC can potentially be used as a marker for timely detection of patients at risk of developing TAD.
Intensified preparative regimens and autologous transplantation in refractory or relapsed intermediate grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Intensified preparative regimens and autologous transplantation in refractory or relapsed intermediate grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
The Importance of Orbital Analysis

It has long been known that there are multiple solutions to the self-consistent Hartree-Fock equations. This can be problematic if careful attention is not given to the orbital occupation and electronic state in the converged wave function. The issues with convergence have been demonstrated through the calculation of potential energy curves for O2, F2, Cl2, Br2, LiF, NaCl, CaO, MgO, ScO, FeO, TiO, YO, and ZrO. Hartree-Fock (HF) calculations were used to compute the points on the potential energy surface, with dynamic electron correlation included through the use of the completely renormalized coupled cluster, including singles, doubles, and perturbative triples [CR-CC(2,3)]. Even in regions with little to no multireference character, as determined by the T1/D1 diagnostics, HF does not always converge to the ground electronic state. As HF provides the reference wave function for CR-CC(2,3), and other post-Hartree-Fock ab initio methods, treatment of electron correlation does not necessarily result in a smooth potential energy curve, especially if HF is unable to produce a smooth curve. Even the convergence rate of multireference methods can be affected as the initial orbitals that form the basis for multireference calculations are frequently obtained from HF calculations.
Urological complications of sickle cell disease in a pediatric population.

AbstractWe surveyed 321 patients 1 to 18 years old who were followed at the sickle cell clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia between 1970 and 1984 for urological complications of the disease. Mean followup was 5 years and all patients exhibited a typical spectrum of hemoglobin types. The urological problems encountered were those cited in the literature, namely hematuria, urinary tract infection and priapism. Surprisingly few of our patients experienced significant renal bleeding. Although the number of patients with infection evaluated radiographically was small, the frequency of renal parenchymal scarring was disturbingly high despite the reported rarity of reflux in black subjects. Our survey and a review of the literature indicate that most sicklemic children with urinary infection are not subjected to urological evaluation. We question the wisdom of that policy. Finally, we found that priapism responds most often to nonsurgical therapy and that it rarely results in impotence in young sic...
Size matters: experimental partitioning of the strength of fish herbivory on a fringing coral reef in Moorea, French Polynesia

While the importance of top-down control by grazers in maintaining tropical reef community structure is well known, the effect of ‘fishing down the food web’, which simultaneously changes the abundance and size of herbivorous fishes, has received less attention. As many fishing practices target the biggest fish and regulations often set minimum size limits, understanding size-dependency of this controlling force is important. We evaluated the hypothesis that reduction in the abundance and size of fish, regardless of species identity, reduces the role of herbivory in controlling algal abundance on reefs and assessed variation in efficacy of this top-down control on different types of common macroalgae. We quantified herbivory rates within cages of differing opening sizes on assemblages of four common algal species (Padina boryana, Dictyota bartayresiana, Halimeda opuntia and Galaxaura fasciculata) on two fringing reefs in Moorea, French Polynesia. Small acanthurids ( 50% in the largest opening cages (6 × 6 cm) where the maximum size fish entering was 12 cm in length (mean = 7.6, SE = 0.4). Fish entering medium (4.5 × 4.5 cm openings, maximum fish length = 8 cm, mean = 6.3, SE = 0.4) and small (3 × 3 cm openings, no fish observed entering) cages had herbivory rates approximately equal to the control treatment (1 × 1 cm openings). Consumption varied among algal species, with minimal consumption of physically and chemically defended algae and no pattern across treatments. Our results demonstrate a need for management plans to not only maintain the overall abundance of herbivorous fish but to protect the largest sizes for effective top-down control of algal communities.
NCO-01NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILES IN INDIVIDUALS WITH INCIDENTAL MENINGIOMA

Meningioma is a primary brain tumor that is thought to be most often asymptomatic. To our knowledge, no study has attempted to describe neurocognitive function in patients with incidental meningiomas. We hypothesized that relative to controls, individuals with incidental meningioma will have subtle neurocognitive deficits affecting efficiency and attention. To investigate this hypothesis, we utilized the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (MCSA), which is a population-based sample of Olmsted County, Minnesota residents used to study prevalence, incidence, and risk-factors for Mild Cognitive Impairment and dementia and includes neuropsychological testing and brain MRI every 15 months. Using a text search of radiologist's notes of 2,402 MCSA individuals, mean age 77 ± 8 years and scanned between 2004-2014, we identified 52 subjects (2%) who had at least one meningioma. Most meningiomas were small (94% < 3cm). Each of the 52 subjects was matched to five non-demented MCSA controls (n = 260) on age, sex, and education. Cognitive domains assessed included memory, attention-executive function, language, and visuospatial. Groups did not differ on prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment (Meningioma = 13%, Controls = 12%). Across cognitive domains, very similar performance was observed for the two groups (p's ≥ 0.30). Subtle differences in memory performance (0.3 z-scores units; 95% CI - 0.6 to 0.0; p = 0.10) emerged for the evaluation that occurred when the meningioma was at its largest measurement during the study, and may be related to location. Our findings suggest that small meningiomas are clinically benign, but that may change as the tumor evolves, and might be impacted by other factors, such as meningioma location.
NFAT regulation of cystathionine γ-lyase expression in endothelial cells is impaired in rats exposed to intermittent hypoxia

This study identifies the calcium-regulated transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells as a novel regulator of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE). This pathway is basally active in mesenteri...
Recent Advances in Numerical Simulation and Control of Asymmetric Flows Around Slender Bodies

The problems of asymmetric flow around slender bodies and its control are formulated using the unsteady, compressible, thin-layer or full Navier-Stokes equations which are solved using an implicit, flux-difference splitting, finite-volume scheme. The problem is numerically simulated for both locally-conical and three-dimensional flows. The numerical applications include studies of the effects of relative incidence, Mach number and Reynolds number on the flow asymmetry. For the control of flow asymmetry, the numerical simulation cover passive and active control methods. For the passive control, the effectiveness of vertical fins placed in the leeward plane of geometric symmetry and side strakes with different orientations is studied. For the active control, the effectiveness of normal and tangential flow injection and surface heating and a combination of these methods is studied.
Nongenomic Actions of 17-β Estradiol Restore Respiratory Neuroplasticity in Young Ovariectomized Female Rats.

Gonadal steroids modulate CNS plasticity, including phrenic long-term facilitation (pLTF), a form of spinal respiratory neuroplasticity resulting in increased phrenic nerve motor output following exposure to acute intermittent hypoxia (aIH; three 5 min episodes, 10.5% O 2 ). Despite the importance of respiratory system neuroplasticity, and its dependence on estrogen in males, little is known about pLTF expression or mechanisms of estrogen signaling in females. Here, we tested the hypotheses that (1) pLTF expression in young, gonadally intact female rats would be expressed during estrous cycle stages in which 17β-estradiol (E2) is naturally high (e.g., proestrus vs estrus), (2) pLTF would be absent in ovariectomized (OVX) rats and in physiological conditions in which serum progesterone, but not E2, is elevated (e.g., lactating rats, 3–10 d postpartum), and (3) acute E2 administration would be sufficient to restore pLTF in OVX rats. Recordings of phrenic nerve activity in female Sprague Dawley rats (3–4 months) revealed a direct correlation between serum E2 levels and pLTF expression in cycling female rats. pLTF was abolished with OVX, but was re-established by acute E2 replacement (3 h, intraperitoneal). To identify underlying E2 signaling mechanisms, we intrathecally applied BSA-conjugated E2 over the spinal phrenic motor nucleus and found that pLTF expression was restored within 15 min, suggesting nongenomic E2 effects at membrane estrogen receptors. These data are the first to investigate the role of ovarian E2 in young cycling females, and to identify a role for nongenomic estrogen signaling in any form of respiratory system neuroplasticity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Exposure to acute intermittent hypoxia induces phrenic long-term facilitation (pLTF), a form of spinal respiratory motor plasticity that improves breathing in models of spinal cord injury. Although pathways leading to pLTF are well studied in males and estradiol (E2) is known to be required, it has seldom been investigated in females, and underlying mechanisms of E2 signaling are unknown in either sex. We found that while ovariectomy abolished pLTF, it could be restored by acute systemic E2, or by intraspinal application of the membrane-impermeable E2 (BSA-conjugated E2; 15 min). The ability of nongenomic estrogen signaling within the cervical spinal cord to recover respiratory neuroplasticity in disorders of respiratory insufficiency suggests that membrane estrogen receptors may represent novel therapeutic targets to restore breathing in both sexes.
A molar microwear texture analysis of pitheciid primates

Dental microwear textures have been examined for a broad range of extant primates to assess their efficacy for reconstructing diets of fossil species. To date though, no dental microwear texture data have been published for pitheciid molars, despite reported variation in degree of sclerocarpy and, by extension, the fracture properties of foods these platyrrhines eat. While all pitheciids eat hard or tough seeds, Chiropotes and Pithecia have been documented to consume more than Callicebus. In this study, we explored whether measures of molar microwear texture complexity discriminate taxa following variation in reliance upon seeds, and whether dispersion among variables is greatest in Callicebus, which has the most variable diet. Here we report results for a study of microwear textures on M2 “Phase II” facets of Ch. satanas (N = 14), P. irrorata (N = 8), and Ca. moloch (N = 24) from the Brazilian Amazon (Oriximina, UHE Samuel, and Taperinha, respectively). Textures examined using a scanning confocal profiler showed significant differences in central tendencies for three measures: mean dale area (Sda), anisotropy (Str), and heterogeneity (HAsfc9). Ten measures showed significant differences in dispersion, with Callicebus being significantly more variable in eight of those ten. These results demonstrate that the pitheciids with different morphological adaptations and dietary reliance on seeds differ in their dental microwear textures, though less than initially hypothesized. Measures of dispersion, especially, show potential for identifying dietary variability.
Reconfigurable Analog Signal Processing by Living Cells

Living cells are known for their capacity for versatile signal processing, particularly the ability to respond differently to the same stimuli using biochemical networks that integrate environmental signals and reconfigure their dynamic responses. However, the complexity of natural biological networks confounds the discovery of fundamental mechanisms behind versatile signaling. Here, we study one specific aspect of reconfigurable signal processing in which a minimal biological network integrates two signals, using one to reconfigure the network’s transfer function with respect to the other, producing an emergent switch between induction and repression. In contrast to known mechanisms, the new mechanism reconfigures transfer functions through genetic networks without extensive protein–protein interactions. These results provide a novel explanation for the versatility of genetic programs, and suggest a new mechanism of signal integration that may govern flexibility and plasticity of gene expression.
Microbiota-Derived Metabolic Factors Reduce Campylobacteriosis in Mice.

Background & Aims Campylobacter jejuni, a prevalent foodborne bacterial pathogen, exploits the host innate response to induce colitis. Little is known about the roles of microbiota in C jejuni–induced intestinal inflammation. We investigated interactions between microbiota and intestinal cells during C jejuni infection of mice. Methods Germ-free C57BL/6 Il10−/− mice were colonized with conventional microbiota and infected with a single dose of C jejuni (109 colony-forming units/mouse) via gavage. Conventional microbiota were cultured under aerobic, microaerobic, or anaerobic conditions and orally transplanted into germ-free Il10−/− mice. Colon tissues were collected from mice and analyzed by histology, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunoblotting. Fecal microbiota and bile acids were analyzed with 16S sequencing and high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry, respectively. Results Introduction of conventional microbiota reduced C jejuni–induced colitis in previously germ-free Il10−/− mice, independent of fecal load of C jejuni, accompanied by reduced activation of mammalian target of rapamycin. Microbiota transplantation and 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing experiments showed that Clostridium XI, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus were enriched in fecal samples from mice colonized with microbiota cultured in anaerobic conditions (which reduce colitis) compared with mice fed microbiota cultured under aerobic conditions (susceptible to colitis). Oral administration to mice of microbiota-derived secondary bile acid sodium deoxycholate, but not ursodeoxycholic acid or lithocholic acid, reduced C jejuni–induced colitis. Depletion of secondary bile acid–producing bacteria with antibiotics that kill anaerobic bacteria (clindamycin) promoted C jejuni–induced colitis in specific pathogen-free Il10−/− mice compared with the nonspecific antibiotic nalidixic acid; colitis induction by antibiotics was associated with reduced level of luminal deoxycholate. Conclusions We identified a mechanism by which the microbiota controls susceptibility to C jejuni infection in mice, via bacteria-derived secondary bile acids.
Evaluation of the Complexity of Automated Trace Alignment using Novel Power Obfuscation Methods

This paper presents a methodology for evaluating power obfuscation approaches that seek to obfuscate the location of sensitive operations in the power trace, thereby increasing the complexity of automated trace alignment. The paper presents a new adversary model and proposes a new metric, mean trials to success (MTTS), to evaluate power obfuscation methods in the context of automated trace alignment. We evaluate two common obfuscation methods, namely instruction shuffling and random instruction insertion, and we present a new obfuscation method using power shaping to intentionally mislead the attacker.
Space Traffic Management at the National and International Levels

The number of objects in Earth’s orbit has continued to grow since the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. The historical “few objects, large space” principle left satellite ...
Basics in Discrete Complexity Theory

In this chapter we give the formal definitions and basic results of discrete complexity theory, in particular, regarding the complexity classes between logarithmic space and exponential space. Some results on complexity classes of sparse sets and tally sets are included because they are closely related to the structure of the representations of real numbers under our formal definition. Other results in discrete complexity theory, not directly related to our theory, will be introduced in later chapters when they are needed. This chapter is not intended to be an introductory reading for discrete complexity theory. Many important issues in the theory are omitted and most theorems are given without proofs. The reader who wishes to learn more systematically about complexity theory is referred to Garey and Johnson [1979] and Balcazar, Diaz and Gabarro [1988, 1990].
Mapping the relationships between trail conditions and experiential elements of long-distance hiking

Abstract Trail users that experience acceptable social and ecological conditions are more likely to act as trail stewards, exhibit proper trail etiquette, and use low-impact practices. However, the relationships between specific trail conditions and experiential elements of long-distance hiking are not well understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify how trail conditions influence particular elements of the long-distance hiking experience. The researchers used a mixed-methods approach involving semi-structured interviews (n = 17), quantitative questionnaires (n = 336), ecological measurements of trail conditions (n = 21–5 km sections), and modified Recreation Suitability Mapping (RSM) techniques to quantify the relationships between five trail conditions (trail incision, muddiness, rugosity, trail width, and gradient) and four experiential elements of long-distance hiking (level of challenge, perceived impact to musculoskeletal system, valuation of tread aesthetics, and ability to maintain an ideal hiking pace). Quantified values were weighted, analyzed, and mapped using SPSS 22.0 and ArcMap 10.2.2. Significant differences exist in the scores and distributions of ecological measures across all sections, indicating that trail conditions vary significantly across sampled trail sections. Although, long-distance hikers felt all four experiential elements were important, tread aesthetics was ranked by 50.2% of sampled hikers as the most important experiential element to the overall experience. The resulting information after applying the weights suggests what particular type of experience is likely for each trail section considering the presence of trail conditions.
Abstract WP76: Automated Detection of Hyperdense MCA Sign and Automated Notification of Large Vessel Occlusion Using Artificial Intelligence

Introduction: The hyperdense vessel sign (HDVS) on non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) is one of the earliest findings in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Further, the HDVS has been associated with poor outcomes. Recognition of the HDVS, which indicates the presence and location of a red blo
Civil Society and the Public Sphere: History of the Concept

This article is reproduced from the previous edition, volume 3, pp. 1897–1903, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
Utility of Metric Conversion for Success in Introductory College Science Courses

Cross-connections between the sciences and mathematics are emphasized through the Next Generation Science Standards and the Common Core State Standards in the United States. One topic that is a common bridge between math and science is the concept of measurement and unit conversions in the metric/English system. This article uses a mixed-methods research design attempt to highlight the significance of this topic to demonstrate scientific literacy and for preparing students to be college ready. An analysis of content from college level introductory physical science textbooks, middle and high school math and science teacher surveys, clinical interviews and college studentsurveys are used to show how this critical concept may not be getting the attention it deserves in the US school systems. Furthermore, the critical need to have specific questions related to this topic on standardized state assessments has been suggested. The results indicate the need to reify this topic more extensively over the school years, especially since the metric system of measurement is not a part of daily life in the United States.
Selection of the optimal personalized treatment from multiple treatments with multivariate outcome measures.

In this work, we propose a novel method for individualized treatment selection when the treatment response is multivariate. For the K treatment (K ≥2) scenario we compare quantities that are suitab...
The Navigated Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Accuracy Rate, Effect on Surgical Time, and Complications.

Author(s): Xi, Zhuo; Chou, Dean; Mummaneni, Praveen V; Burch, Shane | Abstract: OBJECTIVE:The oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) can be done with either fluoroscopy or navigation. However, it is unclear how navigation affects the overall flow of the procedure. We wished to report on the accuracy of this technique using navigation and on how navigation affects surgical time and complications. METHODS:A retrospective review was undertaken to evaluate patients who underwent OLIF using spinal navigation at University of California San Francisco. Data collected were demographic variables, perioperative variables, and radiographic images. Postoperative lateral radiographs were analyzed for accuracy of cage placement. The disc space was divided into 4 quadrants from anterior to posterior, zone 1 being anterior, and zone 4 being posterior. The accuracy of cage placement was assessed by placement. RESULTS:There were 214 patients who met the inclusion criteria. A total of 350 levels were instrumented from L1 to L5 using navigation. The mean follow-up time was 17.42 months. The mean surgical time was 211 minutes, and the average surgical time per level was 129.01 minutes. After radiographic analysis, 94.86% of cages were placed within quartiles 1 to 3. One patient (0.47%) underwent revision surgery because of suboptimal cage placement. For approach-related complications, transient neurological symptoms were 10.28%, there was no vascular injury. CONCLUSION:The use of navigation to perform OLIF from L1 to L5 resulted in a cage placement accuracy rate of 94.86% in 214 patients.
Time Trends in Opioid Use by Dementia Severity in Long-Term Care Nursing Home Residents

Abstract Objective Current information on opioid use in nursing home residents, particularly those with dementia, is unknown. We examined the temporal trends in opioid use by dementia severity and the association of dementia severity with opioid use in long-term care nursing home residents. Design Repeated measures cross-sectional study. Setting Long-term care nursing homes. Participants Using 20% Minimum Data Set (MDS) and Medicare claims from 2011-2017, we included long-term care residents (n = 734,739) from each year who had 120 days of consecutive stay. In a secondary analysis, we included residents who had an emergency department visit for a fracture (n = 12,927). Measurements Dementia was classified as no, mild, moderate, and severe based on the first MDS assessment each year. In the 120 days of nursing home stay, opioid use was measured as any, prolonged (>90 days), and high-dose (≥90 morphine milligram equivalent dose/day). For residents with a fracture, opioid use was measured within 7 days after emergency department discharge. Association of dementia severity with opioid use was evaluated using logistic regression. Results Overall, any opioid use declined by 8.5% (35.2% to 32.2%, P Conclusions and Implications Use of opioids declined in nursing home residents from 2011 to 2017, and the use was lower in residents with dementia, possibly reflecting suboptimal pain management in this population.