cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of a novel sialic acid transporter in Haemophilus ducreyi.

ABSTRACT Haemophilus ducreyi, the causative agent of chancroid, produces a lipooligosaccharide (LOS) which terminates in N-acetyllactosamine. This glycoform can be further extended by the addition of a single sialic acid residue to the terminal galactose moiety. H. ducreyi does not synthesize sialic acid, which must be acquired from the host during infection or from the culture medium when the bacteria are grown in vitro. However, H. ducreyi does not have genes that are highly homologous to the genes encoding known bacterial sialic acid transporters. In this study, we identified the sialic acid transporter by screening strains in a library of random transposon mutants for those mutants that were unable to add sialic acid to N-acetyllactosamine-containing LOS. Mutants that reacted with the monoclonal antibody 3F11, which recognizes the terminal lactosamine structure, and lacked reactivity with the lectin Maackia amurensis agglutinin, which recognizes α2,3-linked sialic acid, were further characterized to demonstrate that they produced a N-acetyllactosamine-containing LOS by silver-stained sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometric analyses. The genes interrupted in these mutants were mapped to a four-gene cluster with similarity to genes encoding bacterial ABC transporters. Uptake assays using radiolabeled sialic acid confirmed that the mutants were unable to transport sialic acid. This study is the first report of bacteria using an ABC transporter for sialic acid uptake.
The IS Undergraduate Curriculum: Predicting Student Outcomes In An Upper Division Programming Course

Academic performance of students is a primary factor in student attrition. Being able to reliably predict academic success would facilitate improved advising for academic program and course selection. This study examines several predictor variables and assesses their value in predicting course performance in an upper division computer programming course in an undergraduate business-based Information Systems (IS) degree program.
Spectroscopic properties of complexes of acridine orange with glycosaminoglycans II. Aggregated complexes-evidence for long-range order.

Aggregated complexes of acridine orange with dermatan and chondroitin sulfates have been studied in aqueous solution by absorption and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Aggregation was found to be favored at high-dye and glycosaminoglycan concentrations, and in solutions where anionic sites of the glycosaminoglycan are effectively complexed with dye. The aggregates can be removed from solution by centrifugation at 27,000 × g for 1 hr or by filtration through a membrane containing pores of 0.1 μm diameter. The aggregated complexes exhibit large-magnitude-ellipticity circular dichroism bands. In addition, the circular dichroism spectrum observed for a solution containing aggregated acridine orange/chondroitin 4-sulfate complexes is nearly a mirror image of that obtained for aggregated acridine orange/dermatan sulfate complexes. Cooperative alterations (sharp transitions) in the circular dichroism ellipticities of the aggregates occur at elevated temperatures, and result in spectroscopically distinct aggregates upon cooling. The circular dichroism properties and temperature effects are attributed to a supramolecular ordering of acridine orange/glycosaminoglycan complexes within the aggregates, which can be reorganized to a more stable form at high temperatures. Mixed aggregates, containing two different glycosaminoglycans, can be formed. The circular dichroism properties of the mixed aggregates also indicate the existence of long-range order in the arrangement of the complexes. Mixed aggregates containing dermatan sulfate and either chondroitin 4-sulfate or chondroitin 6-sulfate resemble pure dermatan sulfate aggregates in circular dichroism characteristics.
External Characters as Indications of Egg Production

Abstract The external characters that indicate egg production may be classified into four groups depending on the way in which they manifest themselves. These groups are: (1) molting; (2) pigmentation; (3) condition; (4) actions. A study of some of the various periodicals shows that at least as early as 1876, a woman contributor to the Cultivator and Country Gentleman, recognized that late layers are late moulters, and that late moulters molt rapidly. This fact seems to have been rediscovered several times before Bulletin 258, “The Molting of Fowls” was published. Until that bulletin was published, it seems to have been the general practice to strongly advise against using the late moulters as breaders, even if they were late layers. Some observations that were made last fall gave a correlation of over .50 with a probable error of plus or minus .02. The relation held true regardless of whether it was the …
A generic broadcast protocol in ad hoc networks based on self-pruning

In ad hoc wireless networks, a successful broadcasting requires that the nodes forwarding the broadcast packet form a connected dominating set to ensure the coverage. An efficient broadcast method should generate a small forward node set without excessive overhead. Neighbor-knowledge-based methods, including neighbor-designating methods and self-pruning methods, are localized algorithms that reduce the number of forward nodes based on affordable local information. A generic broadcast protocol based on a simple self-pruning rule is proposed in this paper. The underlying local information, including the network information collected via exchanging "hello" messages and the broadcast history information carried by incoming broadcast packets, is discussed and formally defined. Most existing self-pruning protocols are shown to be special cases of the self-pruning rule. Simulation results show that more efficient protocols can be derived from the generic protocol, and high delivery ratio can be achieved with near-to-accurate local information.
Temporal–compositional trends over short and long time-scales in basalts of the Big Pine Volcanic Field, California

Abstract Primitive basaltic single eruptions in the Big Pine Volcanic Field (BPVF) of Owens Valley, California show systematic temporal–compositional variation that cannot be described by simple models of fractional crystallization, partial melting of a single source, or crustal contamination. We targeted five monogenetic eruption sequences in the BPVF for detailed chemical and isotopic measurements and 40 Ar/ 39 Ar dating, focusing primarily on the Papoose Canyon sequence. The vent of the primitive (Mg# = 69) Papoose Canyon sequence (760.8 ± 22.8 ka) produced magmas with systematically decreasing (up to a factor of two) incompatible element concentrations, at roughly constant MgO (9.8 ± 0.3 (1σ) wt.%) and Na 2 O. SiO 2 and compatible elements (Cr and Ni) show systematic increases, while 87 Sr/ 86 Sr systematically decreases (0.7063–0.7055) and e Nd increases (− 3.4 to − 1.1). 187 Os/ 188 Os is highly radiogenic (0.20–0.31), but variations among four samples do not correlate with other chemical or isotopic indices, are not systematic with respect to eruption order, and thus the Os system appears to be decoupled from the dominant trends. The single eruption trends likely result from coupled melting and mixing of two isotopically distinct sources, either through melt-rock interaction or melting of a lithologically heterogeneous source. The other four sequences, Jalopy Cone (469.4 ± 9.2 ka), Quarry Cone (90.5 ±17.6 ka), Volcanic Bomb Cone (61.6 ± 23.4 ka), and Goodale Bee Cone (31.8 ± 12.1 ka) show similar systematic temporal decreases in incompatible elements. Monogenetic volcanic fields are often used to decipher tectonic changes on the order of 10 5 –10 6 yr through long-term changes in lava chemistry. However, the systematic variation found in Papoose Canyon (10 0 –10 2 yr) nearly spans that of the entire volcanic field, and straddles cutoffs for models of changing tectonic regime over much longer time-scales. Moreover, ten new 40 Ar/ 39 Ar ages combined with chemistry from all BPVF single eruption sequences show the long-term trend of BPVF evolution comprises the overlapping, temporal–compositional trends of the monogenetic vents. This suggests that the single eruption sequences contain the bulk of the systematic chemical variation, whereas their aggregate compositions define the long-term trend of volcanic field evolution.
A BiCMOS 50-MHz voltage-controlled oscillator with quadrature outputs

Design, analysis, and measured results are presented for a completely integrated voltage-controlled oscillator characterized over the range 25.6 to 76 MHz. The oscillator is based on a fully differential four-stage ring architecture with identical stages tuned via p-channel FETs operating in the linear region. Fabricated for 3.0 to 5.0 V operation in a 1.0-/spl mu/m BiCMOS process, the circuit operates with power dissipation on the order of 3 mW and FM sideband noise below -80 dBc Hz at 25 kHz offset from the carrier. The intended application is in communications products, where tunability, well-characterized spectral characteristics, and quadrature signals are important.
The future of environmental networks—Governance and civil society in a global context

Abstract Knowledge networks are a recent innovation in global environmental governance. They provide a means for local and regional initiatives aimed at averting, mitigating, or adapting to climate change and other trans-boundary problems to join together in a system that: permits sharing of experiences, diffuses policy innovation across national borders, and spans divergent disciplinary boundaries so as to better communicate science to local decision-makers. We consider the role currently played by networks and the possibility that, over time, their soft power characteristics – a reliance on value change and policy emulation – may eventually place them in a position to globally coordinate local and regional environmental policy innovations. If successful, their efforts might supplant the need for national action to address climate change, even if they do not replace the nation-state system whose environmental management efforts will continue to rely on hard power: the use, primarily, of economic incentives to induce policy change. “ICLEI provides technical consulting, training, and information services to build capacity, share knowledge, and support local government in the implementation of sustainable development at the local level. Our basic premise is that locally designed initiatives can provide an effective and cost-efficient way to achieve local, national, and global sustainability objectives.” – International Council of Local Environmental Initiatives – website, 2010 “When California passed its global warming law two years ago, we were out there on an island, so we started forming partnerships everywhere we could. We teamed up with Great Britain, the Canadian provinces, and the Western and Northeastern states and with states like those of my co hosts – Illinois, Florida, Kansas, Wisconsin and more. And right here, for the first time, we have officials from China, India, Mexico, Brazil, and Indonesia and across the world in the same summit, working toward the same goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and growing green economies in our own backyards.” – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Global Climate Summit. Los Angeles, California. November 18, 2008.
Vascular Plant Flora of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Cobb County, Georgia

Abstract Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Cobb County, GA, is administered by the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior, and comprises 1183 ha (2923 acres) including three significant Civil War battleground sites of the Atlanta Campaign of 1864. A floristic survey was conducted to provide Park Service personnel with a vouchered plant species checklist, supplemented with salient information such as relative abundance, locality data, and general community type. Twelve collecting trips conducted in 2006 yielded 538 species and two varieties of vascular plants. The six largest families were Asteraceae (73 spp.), Poaceae (69 spp.), Fabaceae (39 spp.), Rosaceae (21 spp.), Cyperaceae (19 spp.), and Lamiaceae (14 spp.). According to state rankings, six rare plant species occur within the study area, including Asclepias purpurascens (rare) and Thaspium pinnatifidum (endangered). Twenty-three percent of the non-cultivated flora is nonnative. Alliaria petiolata, a serious invasi...
Studies of induced malignant tumors of placental and uterine origin in the rat

Abstract 1. Induced malignant tumors of placental and uterine origin were studied in the rat. Dimethylbenzanthracene dissolved in beeswax was applied to 1,042 embryonic sacs of 144 adult Long-Evans rats after fetectomy on the tenth to twelfth day of pregnancy. At various intervals (7 to 40 weeks) following the operation, the rats were sacrificed and the induced tumors and their metastases were examined histologically. 2. Malignant tumors were induced in 65 rats (45 per cent). Eleven pulmonary metastases (17 per cent) and 10 lymph node metastases (15.4 per cent) were observed in the tumor-bearing animals. 3. Seven choriocarcinomas were produced, an incidence of less than 1 per cent of all embryonic sacs. Three out of the 7 choriocarcinomas had pulmonary metastases, whereas no lymph node metastasis was found. 4. As to malignant tumors of uterine origin, 7 sarcomas (leiomyosarcomas and endometrial stromal sarcomas), 2 carcinosarcomas, 46 malignant tumors forming glandular spaces (adenocarcinomas and malignant mesotheliomas), 4 adenoacanthomas, and 16 squamous cell carcinomas were induced. The pathogenesis of these induced tumors is discussed.
The Polyglot Vampire: The Politics of Translation in Bram Stoker's Dracula

The vampire’s longevity provides a solution to the difficulty voiced by Benedict Anderson: ‘[W]hat limits one’s access to other languages is not their imperviousness, but one’s own mortality.’ This article discusses the vampire’s intimate relation with translation and polyglossia, arguing that Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula () anticipates its own translatability by reworking ethnographic and travel sources to engage with debates now central to translation studies. The afterlife of Stoker’s undead Count finds its epitome in desiring relationships mediated not simply through blood, but through linguistic mastery, the restriction to a mother tongue, and the translated text. To this end, the novel pits the politics of multilingualism in central Europe against new, femalemediated technologies of translation: shorthand, the telegraph, the phonograph and medical hypnosis. The text of Dracula invites us to reconsider the intimacy involved in translating and the desire for translated texts in light of the novel’s own cinematic and linguistic translatability.
Choroid plexus electrolytes and ultrastructure following transient forebrain ischemia

A temporal profile of lateral and fourth ventricle rat choroid plexus (LVCP and 4VCP, respectively) tissue injury and recovery was determined using alterations in K, Na, and H2O content and ultrastructure after 10 min of transient forebrain ischemia (TFI). At 0.5 h postischemia the LVCP displayed a maximum reduction in K content by 32% and a significant increase in Na content by 85% and H2O content by 22%. LVCP tissue K, Na, and H2O content returned to sham values by 24 h postischemia. Ultrastructural changes appeared more severe between 0.5 and 12 h postischemia, whereas by 24 h, normal ultrastructure was restored. Elevations in 4VCP tissue Na (P < 0.05) and H2O content, which were less than those in LVCP, gradually reached a maximum by 24 h compared with sham. No change in 4VCP tissue ultrastructure was observed. These results indicate that the LVCP tissue is more vulnerable than 4VCP in the bilateral carotid artery occlusion model but that it recovers in a timely manner after TFI. Furthermore, the ability of the LVCP tissue to rapidly recover suggests its functional importance in helping to restore brain homeostasis.
An Experimental and Teleonomic Investigation of Avian Brood Parasitism

The term “teleonomy” has been suggested by Williams (1966:258) to describe the scientific study of adaptations. Williams indicated that relatively few evolutionary studies deal primarily with teleonomy despite the fact that adaptation is the most basic feature of evolution and of all biology. Avian brood parasitism, the phenomenon in which certain birds, the parasites, deposit their eggs in the nests of other birds, their hosts, is especially well suited to teleonomic studies since it provides a system in which the presence or absence of relatively obvious adaptations can be examined in two interacting genetic lineages. Parasitism is typically detrimental to the host’ s reproductive efforts and selection favors defenses that reduce the impact of the parasite. These host defenses are in turn damaging to the parasite’ s reproductive efforts and selection favors counter-adaptations by the parasite. cause the death of all of the host’ s own young through competition for food (Friedmann 1963 ) . In certain cases, brood parasites seem to have extirpated or caused declines of local host populations (Schiermann in Southern 1954:221, Bond in Friedmann 1971:250, Mayfield 1961a). Thus, the adaptive value of host defenses is clearly very great.
Analysis on microorganism parameters of drinking water in Zhuzhou city from 2009 to 2011

Objective To understand to microorganism parameters of drinking water in Zhuzhou city and provide basis for management of drinking water. Methods The microorganism parameters of drinking water monitoring samples from 2009 to 2011 in Zhuhzou were analyzed retrospectively. Results The pass rate on all test items of samples from water supply was 100.0 %,but the pass rates of total number of colonies,coliform bacteria,heat-resistant coliform and Escherichia coil of the well water were 72.2 %,83.3 %,88.9 %,88.9 %;the pass rates of total number of colonies and coliform bacteria of tap water were both 100%,the two parameters of secondary supply water and direct drinking water were 97.1%,99.7 % and 89.4 %,99.2 %.Conclusions The pass rates of microorganism parameters in municipal and secondary supply water were better than well water and direct drinking water.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Acute Neural Cell Death

Now that the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in both necrotic and apoptotic neuronal cell death is firmly established, the molecular mechanisms by which acute stress alters mitochondrial activities and induces cell death must be elucidated. Although a greater understanding of mitochondrial ROS production and apoptogenic protein release is essential, we should also continue to study the ways in which oxidative phosphorylation and cerebral energy metabolism are impaired. Clarification of mitochondrial dysfunction mechanisms will likely require a combination of approaches using measurements performed with living cells, as well as isolated mitochondria and permeabilized cells. The knowledge thus obtained should lead to development of novel modes of protection against neural cell death. The relevance of such results will need verification with animal models of acute neurodegeneration, including models of ischemia and traumatic brain injury.
The Civil Rights Movement and Contemporary Social Equality

This paper examines the impact of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950’s and 60’s on the contemporary social, economic and political predicament of African Americans. This evaluation is descriptive in nature and focuses primarily on the current social and economic reality. This paper is an attempt to examine and better understand changes in the social and economic predicament of African Americans since the 1950’s and 60’s relative to white Americans. Given the success of the Civil Rights Movement, one would reasonably expect to observe an improvement in the performance of social and economic indicators among African Americans relative to whites. This paper seeks to determine if this in fact has been the case. If this has not occurred, it is important to identify factors which have impeded progress towards achieving social, economic and political equity.
Human-Specific Factors are Required for Tat-Mediated Trans-Activation of the HIV-1 and HIV-2 LTRs

The regulation of HIV gene expression is a complex process involving the interaction of viral regulatory gene products and host cell factors. The Tat gene has been shown to play an essential role in the positive regulation of viral gene expression (6, 9). HIV-1 Tat mediates its effect through a sequence termed TAR, which has been genetically defined to reside in the R region of the LTR (19). The TAR region is present in the leader sequence of all viral encoded RNAs, as well as both ends the proviral DNA. The boundaries of HIV-1 TAR are +1 to +80 (where +1 indicates the initiation of transcription). The TAR region has the potential to fold into a stem-loop secondary structure when transcribed into RNA.
How school climate relates to chronic absence: A multi-level latent profile analysis

Chronic absence is a significant problem in schools. School climate may play an important role in influencing chronic absence rates among schools, yet little research has evaluated how school climate constructs relate to chronic absence. Using multilevel latent profile analysis, we evaluated how profiles of student perceptions of school climate at both the student and school level differentiated school-level rates of chronic absence. Participants included 25,776 middle and high school students from 106 schools who completed a district administered school climate survey. Students attended schools in a large urban school district where 89% of 6th through 12th grade students were African-American and 61% were eligible for the federally subsidized school meals program. Three student-level profiles of perceptions of school climate emerged that corresponded to "positive," "moderate," and "negative" climate. Two predominant patterns regarding the distribution of these profiles within schools emerged that corresponded to the two school-level profiles of "marginal climate" and "climate challenged" schools. Students reporting "moderate" and "negative" climate in their schools were more likely to attend schools with higher chronic absence rates than students reporting that their school had "positive" climate. Likewise, "climate challenged" schools had significantly higher chronic absence rates than "marginal climate" schools. These results suggest that school climate shares an important relation with chronic absence among adolescent students attending urban schools. Implications for prevention and intervention programs are discussed.
Cerebral Amyloid Deposition Is Associated with Gait Parameters in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging.

Objectives To determine the cross-sectional association between cerebral amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition and gait. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Population-based cohort study in Olmsted County, MN. Participants Cognitively normal individuals (n = 611), aged 50 to 69 years, enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging with concurrent PiB-PET imaging and gait assessment. Participants with a history of stroke, alcoholism, Parkinson's disease, subdural hematoma, traumatic brain injury, or normal pressure hydrocephalus were excluded. Measurements PiB-PET SUVR was measured in prefrontal, orbitofrontal, parietal, temporal, anterior cingulate, posterior cingulate, and motor-specific regions of interest (ROIs). Gait parameters (speed, cadence, stride length, double support time, and intra-individual stance time variability) were measured using GAITRite® instrumentation. Linear regression models were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, education, APOE e4 allele, Charlson comorbidity index, and depression. In secondary analyses, we additionally adjusted for neurodegeneration (hippocampal volume, FDG PET SUVR, and cortical thickness) in AD-associated regions. Results In fully adjusted models including neuroimaging measures of neurodegeneration, higher PiB-PET SUVR across all ROIs was associated with slower gait speed (P < .05 except for the parietal ROI), lower cadence and longer double support time (P ≤ .05 except for the motor ROI), and greater stance time variability (P < .05). In sex-stratified analyses, the association between higher PiB-PET SUVR across all ROIs and measures of gait was only present among women. Conclusion PiB-PET SUVR across ROIs, independent of general measures of AD-associated neurodegeneration, is associated with poorer performance on multiple gait parameters among cognitively normal women, aged 50 to 69 years. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether Aβ predicts gait decline in both women and men.
Incorporating basic and applied approaches to evaluate the effects of invasive Asian Carp on native fishes: A necessary first step for integrated pest management.

Numerous studies throughout North America allege deleterious associations among invasive Asian Carp and native fishes; however, no empirical evidence on a system-wide scale exists. We used Mississippi River Basin fish community data collected by the Long Term Resource Monitoring program and the Missouri Department of Conservation to evaluate possible interaction between Asian Carp and native fishes. Results from two decades of long-term monitoring throughout much of the Mississippi River suggest that Silver Carp relative abundance has increased while relative abundance (Bigmouth Buffalo [F 3, 8240 = 6.44, P 0.05). To this end, this study provides evidence that Silver Carp are likely adversely influencing native fishes; however, mere presence of Silver Carp in the system does not induce deleterious effects on native fishes. To the best of our knowledge, this evaluation is the first to describe the effects of Asian Carp throughout the Mississippi River Basin and could be used to reduce the effects of Asian Carp on native biota through an integrated pest management program as suggested by congressional policy. Despite the simplicity of the data analyzed and approach used, this study provides a framework for beginning to identify the interactions of invasive fish pests on native fishes (i.e., necessary first step of integrated pest management). However, knowledge gaps remain. We suggest future efforts should conduct more in depth analyses (i.e., multivariate statistical approaches) that investigate the influence on all native species.
Molecular challenges of neuroendocrine tumors (Review)

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a very heterogeneous group that are thought to originate from the cells of the endocrine and nervous systems. These tumors develop in a number of organs, predominantly in the gastrointestinal and pulmonary systems. Clinical detection and diagnosis are reliable at the late stages when metastatic spread has occurred. However, traditional conventional therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy are not effective. In the majority of cases even surgical resection at that stage is unlikely to produce promising reusults. NETs present a serious clinical challenge, as the survival rates remain low, and as these rare tumors are very difficult to study, novel approaches and therapies are required. This review will highlight the important points of accumulated knowledge covering the molecular aspects of the role of neuroendocrine cells, hormonal peptides, the reasons for ectopic hormone production in NET, neuropeptides and epigenetic regulation as well as the other challenging questions that require further understanding.
Soil Metals and Ectomycorrhizal Fungi Associated with American Chestnut Hybrids as Reclamation Trees on Formerly Coal Mined Land

Hybrid chestnut (Castanea dentata × C. mollissima) has the potential to provide a valuable agroforestry crop on formerly coal mined landscapes. However, the soil interactions of mycorrhizal fungi and buried metals associated with mining are not known. This study examined soil, plant tissue, and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) root colonization on eight-year-old hybrid (BC1F3 and BC2F3) and American chestnuts on a reclaimed coal mine in Ohio, USA. Chestnut trees were measured and ECM colonization on roots was quantified. Leaves, flowers, and soil were analyzed for heavy metals. Differences were not detected among tree types regarding metal accumulation in plant tissue or ECM colonization. BC2F3 hybrids had greater survival and less cankers than American chestnuts ( = 0.006 and = 0.02 and 0.01). When comparing tissue, manganese and aluminum were in higher concentrations in leaves than flowers, where copper and selenium were significantly higher in floral tissue ( < 0.05). All trees were flowering at this time meriting further examination in nut tissue. Block effects for selenium and zinc indicate the variability in reclaimed soils requiring further monitoring for possible elemental transfer to nut and wood tissue.
Primary Intra-Medullary Nailing of Open Tibia Fractures Caused by Low-Velocity Gunshots: Does Operative Debridement Increase Infection Rates?

Abstract Background: Although gunshot-induced extremity fractures are typically not considered open fractures, there is controversy regarding wound management in the setting of operative fixation to limit infection complications. Previous studies have evaluated the need for a formal irrigation and debridement (ID particular fracture patterns more prone to infection; and patient characteristics more prone to infections. Patients and Methods: Retrospective cohort study at a single level I trauma center of gunshot-induced tibial shaft fractures managed primarily with IMN in 39 patients from October 1, 2008 to October 30, 2016...
A 28 nW CMOS supply voltage monitor for adaptive ultra-low power IoT chips

A comparator bank operational down to 0.3 V along with a voltage reference circuit enable the design of an ultra-lowpower supply voltage monitor. This architecture is capable of a wide range of operational voltage (0.3 V to 1 V) and its measured power consumption is 28 nW at 0.5 V.
On the Cohomology of Anosov Actions

The goal of this survey is to present recent cohomological results in the theory of Anosov actions, as well as to show how they are related to other results in the field. Due to constraints of space, the presentation is biased toward results related to our work.
Branched Side Chains Govern Counterion Position and Doping Mechanism in Conjugated Polythiophenes

Predicting the interactions between a semiconducting polymer and dopant is not straightforward due to the intrinsic structural and energetic disorder in polymeric systems. Although the driving force for efficient charge transfer depends on a favorable offset between the electron donor and acceptor, we demonstrate that the efficacy of doping also relies on structural constraints of incorporating a dopant molecule into the semiconducting polymer film. Here, we report the evolution in spectroscopic and electrical properties of a model conjugated polymer upon exposure to two dopant types: one that directly oxidizes the polymeric backbone and one that protonates the polymer backbone. Through vapor phase infiltration, the common charge transfer dopant, F4-TCNQ, forms a charge transfer complex (CTC) with the polymer poly(3-(2′-ethyl)hexylthiophene) (P3EHT), a conjugated polymer with the same backbone as the well-characterized polymer P3HT, resulting in a maximum electrical conductivity of 3 × 10–5 S cm–1. We pos...
Pseudorandom numbers for conformal measures

We propose a new algorithm for generating pseudorandom (pseudo-generic) numbers of conformal measures of a continuous map T acting on a compact space X and for a Holder continuous potential φ : X → ℝ. In particular, we show that this algorithm provides good approximations to generic points for hyperbolic rational functions of degree two and the potential −h log |T′|, where h denotes the Hausdorff dimension of the Julia set of T.
Patient Outcomes Following Total Joint Replacement Surgery: A Comparison of Hospitals and Ambulatory Surgery Centers.

Abstract Background For several years, many orthopedic surgeons have been performing total joint replacements in hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) and more recently in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). In a recent shift, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services began reimbursing for total knee replacement surgery in HOPDs. Some observers have expressed concerns over patient safety for the Medicare population particularly if Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services extends the policy to include total hip replacement surgery and coverage in ASCs. Methods This study used a large claims database of non-Medicare patients to examine inpatient and outpatient total knee replacement and total hip replacement surgery performed on a near-elderly population during 2014-2016. We applied propensity score methods to match inpatients with ASC patients and HOPD patients with ASC patients adjusting for risk using the HHS Hierarchical Condition Categories risk adjustment model. We conducted statistical tests comparing clinical outcomes across the 3 settings and examined relative costs. Results Readmissions, postsurgical complications, and payments were lower for outpatients than for inpatients. Within outpatient settings, readmissions and postsurgical complications were lower in ASCs than in HOPDs but payments for ASC patients were higher than payments for HOPD patients. Conclusion Our findings support the argument that outpatient total joint replacement is appropriate for select patients treated in both HOPDs and ASCs, although in the commercially insured population, the latter services may come at a cost. Until further study of outpatient total joint replacement in the Medicare population becomes available, how this will extrapolate to the Medicare population is unknown.
A Redshift Survey of Very Faint (B ≤ 22.5) Field Galaxies, Radio Sources, and Quasars

As part of a three year program to study the evolution of galaxies, quasars, and radio sources (in collaborations with R. Kron and R. Windhorst), we will use over 30 nights on the KPNO 4-m CCD Cryogenic Camera System, in the multi-aperture mode, to measure the redshifts of several hundred very faint objects. These will be selected from four fields (SA68 00h+15; Lynx 08h+45; SA57 13h+30; Here 17h+50); for each we possess 4-m plates in four bandpasses (limits: U≃23, B≃24, V≃23, I≃21) as well as Westerbork interferometer maps to 1 mJy at 21cm (a 50cm survey is in progress). Galaxies are selected randomly by their apparent red magnitudes as measured with a PDS; quasar candidates to B≈22.5 by stellar objects which lie apart from Galactic stars in the multi-color diagram; and radio sources by their positional coincidence with optical images (~50% of the 300 radio sources are identified). To date, 10 nights have produced spectra of ∿250 field galaxies, ~20 radio sources, and ~40 quasar candidates.
Relaxor Ferroelectric Capacitors Embrace Polymorphic Nanodomains

Among the energy storage devices, the dielectric capacitors possess the fastest charge/discharge speed and highest power density. However, their energy density is low. Recently in Science, Pan et al. demonstrated a relaxor ferroelectric ceramic thin film with polymorphic nanodomains that achieves an energy density of 112 J/cm3 with a high discharge/change efficiency.
“Não existem rebeldes negros”: repensando o legado de E. P. Thompson para a Guerra Civil Americana

The article addresses the loyalty of slaves to the Union during the American Civil War going beyond two usual statements, either "Lincoln freed the slaves" or "the slaves were freed." In doing so, it discusses how the abolition of slavery was a result of the interaction of two powerful actors, the Republican Party and its leader the US president and the slaves themselves, who claimed to be free by migrating to the Union lines. In a dialogue with E. P. Thompson, the article draws attention to the significance to plebeians and workers of the exclusion of institutional politics and the importance of political history also for black Americans.
Biodegradable and stretchable polymeric materials for transient electronic devices

Electronic devices have revolutionized society’s trajectories within, and interactions with, the world. The skin on our bodies holds incredible functionalities, such as stretchability and degradability, which only recently are being explored for electronic systems and have the potential to revolutionize device applications and disposal. Polymeric materials are especially poised to realize stretchable and transient electronics. In this article, strategies are reviewed for synthesizing and utilizing biodegradable and elastomeric organic materials, followed by component-specific materials approaches and examples of assembled stretchable and transient systems. Stretchable and biodegradable organic electronic devices will call upon intersections of different fields, which promise to open up new frontiers for electronics in the biomedical, exploratory, sensory, and consumer electronics fields.
The Assessment of Lobe Oxygenation by Differential Blood Gas Analysis on Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion May Predict Postoperative Outcomes

Purpose Lung assessment of marginal donor lungs on ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) can be challenging due to limited objective parameters. Currently, the significance of isolated differential analysis of blood gas (ABG) from each lobar pulmonary vein is not clear. The aim of this study is to identify the impact of differential ABG (D-ABG) on EVLP evaluation, and compare the D-ABG with the post-transplant outcomes. Methods From Feb 2016 to August 2019, 110 EVLP lungs from 57 donors were analyzed for this study. Donor lungs were perfused with an acellular EVLP protocol, and transplant suitability of lungs was evaluated based on standard EVLP parameters. D-ABGs were taken from each pulmonary vein at the same time of standard evaluation. In transplanted EVLP lungs, primary graft dysfunction (PGD) was assessed at 72 hours. Results In the favorable group (defined as PGD grade 0-1), both PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio at left atrium (P/F LA) and P/F ratio at lower lobe pulmonary vein (P/F LPV) were significantly higher than that of the unfavorable group (non-suitable or PGD grade 2-3) [LA, 526 (466-574) vs. 437 (386-499) mmHg, P Conclusion These results suggest that D-ABG on EVLP could provide additional, valuable information for evaluation. The deterioration of lobe oxygenation might be masked throughout whole lung ABG; however, low D-ABG of the lower lobe may predict a greater incidence of high-grade PGD after lung transplantation.
Disaster drills as experiential learning opportunities for geographic education

Student participation in municipal disaster drills can enhance geographic skill sets as well as build community resilience to local hazards. In these drills, students often assume the role of victi...
A Bayesian multivariate mixture model for skewed longitudinal data with intermittent missing observations: An application to infant motor development.

In studies of infant growth, an important research goal is to identify latent clusters of infants with delayed motor development-a risk factor for adverse outcomes later in life. However, there are numerous statistical challenges in modeling motor development: the data are typically skewed, exhibit intermittent missingness, and are correlated across repeated measurements over time. Using data from the Nurture study, a cohort of approximately 600 mother-infant pairs, we develop a flexible Bayesian mixture model for the analysis of infant motor development. First, we model developmental trajectories using matrix skew-normal distributions with cluster-specific parameters to accommodate dependence and skewness in the data. Second, we model the cluster-membership probabilities using a Polya-Gamma data-augmentation scheme, which improves predictions of the cluster-membership allocations. Lastly, we impute missing responses from conditional multivariate skew-normal distributions. Bayesian inference is achieved through straightforward Gibbs sampling. Through simulation studies, we show that the proposed model yields improved inferences over models that ignore skewness or adopt conventional imputation methods. We applied the model to the Nurture data and identified two distinct developmental clusters, as well as detrimental effects of food insecurity on motor development. These findings can aid investigators in targeting interventions during this critical early-life developmental window.
Compliance with Transmission-Based Precautions: Does Influenza Season Matter?

Background Transmission-based precautions (TBP) are used by healthcare workers (HCWs) to prevent transmission of certain infectious agents. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if HCWs are more likely to be compliant with TBP during influenza season. Methods A TBP observation program was implemented in January, 2018 at a 1266-bed academic hospital. Infection prevention performed observations of compliance with contact and droplet precautions, on all inpatient units. Observers instructed to observe HCWs for personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance when caring for a patient with a designated isolation status. Observations were performed monthly on each unit. The study period was from 7/1/2018 through 9/30/2019, it was divided into: influenza season (12/20/2018 - 5/20/2019) and non-influenza season (7/1/2018 - 12/19/2018 and 5/21/2019 - 7/31/2019). Influenza season was defined as the time when the hospital microbiology laboratory reported increased positive influenza test. TBP observation compliance was compared using Mantel-Haenszel chi-square analysis. Results Between 7/1/2018 and 9/30/2019 there were 1789 TBP observations [1220 (68.2%) during non-influenza season and 569 (31.8%) during influenza season]. 608 (33.8%) TBP observations were non-compliant with more than one aspect of PPE use. Documented TBP non-compliance was no different for influenza season [178 (31.3%)] vs. non-influenza season [427 (35%), p = 0.122]. Non-compliant TBP observations were no different between seasons for contact precautions [169 (35.5%) during influenza season vs. 415 (36.7%) during non-influenza season, p=0.660] compared to droplet precautions [10 (6.9%) during influenza season vs 10 (6.0%) during non-influenza season, p=0.742]. Non-compliant TBP observations were significantly higher for contact precautions compared to droplet precautions [584 (36.3%) contact vs. 20 (6.5%) droplet precautions, p Conclusions Non-compliance with TBP did not differ between influenza and non-influenza season. Non-compliance with contact precautions was higher than with droplet precautions.
Comparison of muscle activity during sit-to-stand movement at different chair heights between obese and normal-weight subjects.

The purpose of present study was to compare the tibialis anterior (TA), rectus femoris (RF), and erector spinae (ES) muscle activities at variety chair height during sit-to-stand (STS) on normal weight and obese subjects. Also, we compared the muscle activity difference between the normal weight and obese subjects. The study included 26 subjects (normal weight 13 and obese 13). Each subject performed STS at three chair heights (40 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm) and TA, RF, and ES muscle activities measured. According to the results of the measurement, muscle activation of TA showed significantly higher than RF and ES muscle activation during STS at all chair heights on obese subjects. The muscle activation of TA showed significantly higher than RF muscle activation during STS at all chair heights on normal weight subjects. The muscle activation of RF and ES showed significantly higher in normal weight subjects than obese subjects at 40 cm and 50 cm of chair heights. However, the TA muscle activation showed no significant difference between normal weight subjects and obese subjects. This study’s results suggested that obese subjects should practice the use of RF and ES muscles in a low-height chair during STS.
Gifts of an enemy: scavenging dynamics in the presence of wolves (Canis lupus)

Carrion represents an important resource for carnivores. Examining competition for carrion in a risk–reward framework allows for a better understanding of how predator guilds compete for and benefit from carrion. We used trail camera data to compare wintertime carrion use and vigilance behavior of four carnivores in Denali National Park and Preserve. We found that carrion use was dominated by wolves (Canis lupus) and wolverines (Gulo gulo), followed by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and coyotes (Canis latrans). Wolves and wolverines were twice as likely to visit a carcass as foxes and coyotes, and their visits were longer and more numerous. Our results suggest scavenging animals reduced their risk exposure primarily by reducing their use of carrion, with some evidence of increased vigilance at busy sites. We found that carrion use and behavior at carcass sites were influenced by the mortality type of the carcass, the age of the carcass, and the long-term intensity of wolf use in the area. Our results also suggest that wolves are the “top scavenger,” and indicate that intraguild competition for carrion strongly affects which species benefit from carrion, with larger and more aggressive species dominating.
A Punctuated Equilibrium Theory of Policy Disasters

This paper develops a theory of the relationship between policy disasters and regime type. Policy disasters, defined as avoidable, unintended extreme negative policy outcomes, are important political and historical events above that receive relatively little attention from political scientists and scholars of public policy. Using the predictions of Punctuated Equilibrium Theory, I argue that systems with higher error accumulation will experience more policy disasters. These disasters will take two forms: disasters caused by policymaking negligence and disasters caused by policymaking overreactions. Systems with more veto players and weaker information flows will experience more disasters, but information flows will have a stronger impact than veto players. I test this theory using data on financial crises and natural and technological disasters across seventy countries over sixty years. I find strong evidence that systems with weaker information flows tend to have greater disaster risk, but mixed evidence of the impact of veto players on disaster risk.
White Collar Crime: Recent Trends and Debates

Recent trends in white-collar crime include a shift in theoretical orientation to opportunity and choice perspectives, a rising interest in the psychology of white-collar crime, research focused on the role of white-collar crime in the global financial crisis, and a continuation of research interest on white-collar offenders' use of neutralizations and accounts. Debated issues include the efficacy of different regulatory styles in controlling white-collar crime, gender and white-collar crime, and the applicability of low self-control theory to white-collar offenders.
Counselling survivors of childhood sexual abuse

Introduction The False Memory Debate Counselling Implications Disclosing an Experience of Child Sexual Abuse Focusing on the Abuse Experience Reinterpreting the Sexual Abuse Experience from an Adult Perspective Addressing the Context of the Sexual Abuse Making Desired Life Changes Addressing Resolution Issues Group Counselling Case Study The Counselling Process with an Adult Survivor of Child Sexual Abuse
Cleaning Up After the Reaction

Abstract Hazardous waste disposal, secondary containment, KOH bath, syringe cleaning wires.
Increases in Neuroinflammation and Astrocyte Activation in a Murine Model of Mixed Dementia

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus are risk factors for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia. This disease pathology includes small strokes, cerebrovascular occlusions, and c...
Optimal difference systems of sets with multipliers

Difference Systems of Sets (DSS) are combinatorial structures that are used in code synchronization. A DSS is optimal if the associated code has minimum redundancy for the given block length n, alphabet size q, and error-correcting capacity ρ. An algorithm is described for finding optimal DSS that admit prescribed symmetries defined by automorphisms of the cyclic group of order n, together with optimal DSS found by this algorithm.