cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computing Integrated Ratings from Heterogeneous Phenotypic Assessments: A Case Study of Lettuce Postharvest Quality and Downy Mildew Resistance

Comparing performance of a large number of accessions simultaneously is not always possible. Frequently, only subsets of all accessions are tested in separate trials with only some (or none) of the accessions overlapping between subsets. Using standard statistical approaches to combine data from such a sparsely populated accession × trial matrix is precluded if different rating scales are used to evaluate accessions in those trials. Here we compare two approaches that can compute an overall linear rating for the performance of all accessions across a set of trials, even for accessions that were never tested together and were rated on dissimilar scales. We use data from lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) postharvest quality collected on 178 accessions in 18 trials and assessment of lettuce resistance to downy mildew (Bremia lactucae Regel) performed on 583 accessions in 53 trials. The projected values (PV) approach uses a combination of principal component analysis and resampling to merge trial results and calculates an overall rating from real values. In contrast, the rankaggregation (RA) approach uses an extension of the Rasch model to combine rank-ordered data from individual trials. We found high correlation between ratings produced by the two approaches for the postharvest quality (r = 0.803) and the resistance to downy mildew (r = 0.748). Combining data from multiple experiments identifi ed lettuce accessions with a high level of resistance to the disease and a slow rate of deterioration when processed for salad. The PV and RA approaches also allow combining data from different laboratories or databases.
Deciding How Much to Share in Class: A Study of the Experiences of Students of Color Enrolled in Multicultural Counseling Courses.

This qualitative study investigated the experiences of Students of Color in multicultural counseling courses in relation to classroom participation. Results suggest several complex tensions that Students of Color experience when deciding whether and how much to participate in class. Implications for multicultural training are provided.
Depth Dependence and Chemical Effects in Ion Mixing of Ni on SiO2

We report on our studies of Ni transport induced by 290 keV Xe irradiation of thin Ni films evaporated on thermally grown SiO2 at Xe fluences of 1015–1016 cm−2 and at temperatures of 77–750 K during irradiation. A simple etching technique was used to remove the free Ni leaving the SiO2 layer with incorporated Xe and Ni, whose profiles are directly measured using 2 MeV He+ backscattering spectrometry. Marker experiments are used to verify the selectivity of the etching procedure. An apparent discontinuity in the Ni concentration across the Ni-SiO2 interface may produce the high selectivity observed within our etching process. Features associated with both cascade mixing and recoil implantation are readily discernible in the residual metal profiles. An exponential tail is evident beyond ∼ 500 A of the SiO2 and is insensitive to temperature. within 500 A of the surface the Ni profile demonstrates a strong temperature dependence which affects both the cascade mixing and recoil implantation processes. These profiles show favorable agreement with theory for samples implanted at temperatures of ≤ 300 K, while deviations in the high temperature behavior suggest a way chemical effects may alter the collision processes.
Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) performance of partially remitted community-dwelling patients with schizophrenia

Abstract Patients with schizophrenia perform worse than healthy controls on many neuro-psychological tests. However, previous studies of neuro-cognitive function have mostly been carried out on acutely ill or institutionalized patients. The objective of this study was to generate norms for performance of partially remitted community-dwelling patients with schizophrenia on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Partially remitted outpatients attending a depot antipsychotic clinic or a clozapine clinic (n=272) were tested using the MMSE. Demographic and clinical characteristics associated with MMSE performance, as well as the performance of specific items, were examined. MMSE score was significantly associated with educational status and race. Patients in our sample performed approximately 2–3 points below the population norms at all ages, but the mean score for the group was not in the impaired range. There was no apparent widening of this gap with advancing age. Patients who did poorly most frequently had difficulty with memory, attention and construction tasks. The MMSE is easy to administer to outpatients with schizophrenia and most patients score in the un-impaired range. The MMSE may be used to identify a subgroup of patients who score in the impaired range, for further investigations.
Physiologic oxygen tensions limit oxidant-mediated killing of schistosome eggs by inflammatory cells and isolated granulomas.

Explanted hepatic granuiomas, eoslnophils obtained from the peritoneal cavity of schistosome-infected mice, schistosome egg granuloma macrophages, alveolar macrophages, and activated perltoneal macrophages obtained from Listens-infected mice were miracidicidal when cultured at 21% oxygen. This activity was markedly attenuated at physiologic oxygen concentrations (1-15%). Catalase and superoxide dismutase blocked the miracidlcidal activity of Inflammatory cells but did not prevent granuioma-medlated egg killing. However, the biomlmetic superoxide dismutase, copper (II) [dlisopropyl sallcylate]2, Inhibited granuloma-mediated egg killing in a dose-dependent, apparently nontoxic manner. Thloglycollate-ellcited macrophages did not kill schistosome egg mlracidla even when cultured in 21% oxygen, unless pretreated with lipopolysacchanide. Isolated schlstosome eggs Initiated an oxidative burst In macrophages, as measured by superoxide anion production. This burst was suppressed at reduced oxygen concentrations. Thus schistosome egg miracidia can be killed nonspecifically by macrophages through the release of cytotoxic reactive oxygen IntermedIates triggered by the egg. This activity Is not supported by the oxygen concentrations found In most tissues, with the possible exception of the lung. Schistosoma mansoni eggs, Injected Intraveneously and lodged In the pulmonary vasculature of mice, were killed rapidly, with a half life of 3.5 days. Eggs, injected Into the mesenteric veins and lodged in the liver, remained fully viable for several weeks. The data suggest that the high oxygen tension of the lung allows for the Increased production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROl) by local inflammatory cells, which In turn Increases their miracidicidal efficiency. Conversely, the relatively hypoxic environment of the liver decreases ROl production by local Inflammatory cells and decreases theIr mlracldlcldal efficIency.
Use of quadratic electroabsorption for measurement of the hyperpolarizability β of asymmetric molecules

We show that quadratic electroabsorption (QEA) can be used for measurement of the hyperpolarizability β in asymmetric, polar molecules. QEA has already been used to obtain the second hyperpolarizability gamma in centrosymmetric molecules. However, because of the existence of a static dipole moment µ in asymmetric molecules, β can contribute significantly to the third-order susceptibility measured with the QEA experiment owing to a reorientational mechanism through the mixed term βµ. We apply inhomogeneously broadened, quantum sum-over-states models for both β and gamma to describe the QEA response of asymmetric molecules. Comparing the models and the data for two asymmetric nonlinear optical chromophores, we found that β yields the dominant response. QEA is thus a useful tool for measuring the dispersion of β and can be used for reliable determination of the off-resonant value β_0.
FUS1 Regulates the Opening and Expansion of Fusion Pores between Mating Yeast

Mating yeast cells provide a genetically accessible system for the study of cell fusion. The dynamics of fusion pores between yeast cells were analyzed by following the exchange of fluorescent markers between fusion partners. Upon plasma membrane fusion, cytoplasmic GFP and DsRed diffuse between cells at rates proportional to the size of the fusion pore. GFP permeance measurements reveal that a typical fusion pore opens with a burst and then gradually expands. In some mating pairs, a sudden increase in GFP permeance was found, consistent with the opening of a second pore. In contrast, other fusion pores closed after permitting a limited amount of cytoplasmic exchange. Deletion of FUS1 from both mating partners caused a >10-fold reduction in the initial permeance and expansion rate of the fusion pore. Although fus1 mating pairs also have a defect in degrading the cell wall that separates mating partners before plasma membrane fusion, other cell fusion mutants with cell wall remodeling defects had more modest effects on fusion pore permeance. Karyogamy is delayed by >1 h in fus1 mating pairs, possibly as a consequence of retarded fusion pore expansion.
Resonant Raman scattering in GaSe and GaSxSe1−x

Multiphonon resonant Raman scattering up to four phonons in GaSe and one- and two-phonon resonant Raman scattering in the mixed GaSxSe1−x crystals withx≤0.23 have been investigated. The results can be explained by a simple theory in which the dispersion of the resonance behavior is mainly dominated by resonances with the 1s direct exciton state.
Family resilience: a developmental systems framework

AbstractThis article presents a brief overview of a family resilience conceptual framework, grounded in a multi-level developmental systems orientation. A family systems perspective broadens attention to resources for individual resilience throughout the family network of relationships. The concept of family resilience refers to the family as a functional system, impacted by highly stressful events and social contexts, and in turn, facilitating the positive adaptation of all members and strengthening the family unit. A research-informed map of key processes in family resilience is outlined, highlighting the recursive and synergistic influences of transactional processes within families and with their social environment. Varied process elements may be more or less useful, depending on different adverse situations over time, with a major crisis, trauma, or loss; disruptive transitions; or chronic multi-stress conditions. This perspective is attuned to the diversity of family cultures and structures, their r...
Computer use in cognitive psychology

Some influences of computers on theory and methodology in cognitive research are discussed. Theoretical constructs that cognitive science has borrowed from computer science include processing algorithms, processing rates, information organization, and information selection. The application of these constructs to human information processing is considered, with illustrations from memory and reading research. Further, the role of computers in research methodology is evaluated, on the basis of a comparison of 1962 and 1992 journal articles. Attributes considered include the nature of stimulus control, item content and physical features, cognitive task demands, information feedback to subjects, and assessment of individual differences in cognitive strategies. These methodological attributes are illustrated by memory and reading paradigms for which computer technology is critical. Computer science has enriched theory and data in cognitive science, but the comparison of journal articles from 1962 and 1992 suggests that many psychologists are not taking full advantage of these possibilities.
Development of a "Prime and Trigger" Concept for Compact Afterburner Combustion

[Abstract] State of the art afterburner combustion employs spray bars and flameholders in a long cavity, which adds significant weight and size to the engine. This paper presents a feasibility study for the development of a compact “Prime and Trigger” afterburner that eliminates the flameholders and reduces the length of the engine. In this concept, fuel is injected just upstream or in between the turbine stages in such a manner that upon exiting the turbine the fuel has evaporated and premixed without significant combustion, a process referred to as priming. If necessary, reactions are triggered by an igniter in order to ensure complete combustion in the afterburner. This concept is investigated using an experimental setup that simulates the typical velocity, temperature, and oxygen content of a gas turbine engine. Realistic turbine pressures are not attained in this near-atmospheric facility in order to reduce the cost and complexity of its design. However, the difference in operating pressure between this facility and turbine engines limits the extent of the feasibility analysis, since high pressure operation may lead to different results. This paper addresses this issue by providing a theoretical assessment of the effects of high pressure on the priming and autoignition process. First, we describe a developed theoretical model that predicts the location and nature of the fuel autoignition. Next, preliminary experimental results are presented which verify the feasibility of fuel priming and autoignition at low pressures and show good agreement with the developed theoretical model. Finally, the theoretical model is extended to high pressure operating conditions. We identify the effects of high pressure on chemistry and droplet vaporization and provide a treatment of flash-boiling of the fuel, which may occur due to a rapid decrease in ambient pressure. From the theoretical assessment, we conclude that fuel priming and autoignition is feasible at high pressure and may even benefit from it.
Impact of incorporating visual biofeedback in 4D MRI

Precise radiation therapy (RT) for abdominal lesions is complicated by respiratory motion and suboptimal soft tissue contrast in 4D CT. 4D MRI offers improved con­trast although long scan times and irregular breathing patterns can be limiting. To address this, visual biofeedback (VBF) was introduced into 4D MRI. Ten volunteers were consented to an IRB-approved protocol. Prospective respiratory-triggered, T2-weighted, coronal 4D MRIs were acquired on an open 1.0T MR-SIM. VBF was integrated using an MR-compatible interactive breath-hold control system. Subjects visually monitored their breathing patterns to stay within predetermined tolerances. 4D MRIs were acquired with and without VBF for 2- and 8-phase acquisitions. Normalized respiratory waveforms were evaluated for scan time, duty cycle (programmed/acquisition time), breathing period, and breathing regularity (end-inhale coefficient of variation, EI-COV). Three reviewers performed image quality assessment to compare artifacts with and without VBF. Respiration-induced liver motion was calculated via centroid difference analysis of end-exhale (EE) and EI liver contours. Incorporating VBF reduced 2-phase acquisition time (4.7 ± 1.0 and 5.4 ± 1.5 min with and without VBF, respectively) while reducing EI-COV by 43.8% ± 16.6%. For 8-phase acquisitions, VBF reduced acquisition time by 1.9 ± 1.6 min and EI-COVs by 38.8% ± 25.7% despite breathing rate remaining similar (11.1 ± 3.8 breaths/min with vs. 10.5 ± 2.9 without). Using VBF yielded higher duty cycles than unguided free breathing (34.4% ± 5.8% vs. 28.1% ± 6.6%, respectively). Image grading showed that out of 40 paired evaluations, 20 cases had equivalent and 17 had improved image quality scores with VBF, particularly for mid-exhale and EI. Increased liver excursion was observed with VBF, where superior–inferior, anterior–posterior, and left–right EE-EI displacements were 14.1± 5.8, 4.9 ± 2.1, and 1.5 ± 1.0 mm, respectively, with VBF compared to 11.9 ± 4.5, 3.7 ± 2.1, and 1.2 ± 1.4 mm without. Incorporating VBF into 4D MRI substantially reduced acquisition time, breathing irregularity, and image artifacts. However, differences in excursion were observed, thus implementation will be required throughout the RT workflow.
Synthesis and regioselective functionalization of perhalogenated BODIPYs

Three perhalogenated BODIPYs (1b–3b), bearing chloro and bromo groups at all carbon positions, were synthesized and characterized. The reactivity of BODIPY 3b was investigated under Stille cross-coupling reactions, and single crystal X-ray analysis was used to confirm the regioselectivity of the reactions. Further substitution at the boron atom produced nona-functionalized BODIPYs 7a,b, which show 676 and 739 nm emissions with 91 and 100 nm Stokes shifts, respectively.
Calcium as a cardiovascular toxin in CKD-MBD

Disordered calcium balance and homeostasis are common in patients with chronic kidney disease. Such alterations are commonly associated with abnormal bone remodeling, directly and indirectly. Similarly, positive calcium balance may also be a factor in the pathogenesis of extra skeletal soft tissue and arterial calcification. Calcium may directly affect cardiac structure and function through direct effects to alter cell signaling due to abnormal intracellular calcium homeostasis 2) extra-skeletal deposition of calcium and phosphate in the myocardium and small cardiac arterioles, 3) inducing cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through calcium and hormone activation of NFAT signaling mechanisms, and 4) increased aorta calcification resulting in chronic increased afterload leading to hypertrophy. Similarly, calcium may alter vascular smooth muscle cell function and affect cell signaling which may predispose to a proliferative phenotype important in arteriosclerosis and arterial calcification. Thus, disorders of calcium balance and homeostasis due to CKD-MBD may play a role in the high cardiovascular burden observed in patients with CKD.
Predictors of granulomatous lymphocytic interstitial lung disease in common variable immunodeficiency.

Abstract Background A subset of patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) develop granulomatous lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD), which is associated with early mortality. Objective To determine a set of clinical and/or laboratory parameters that correlate with GLILD. Methods A retrospective, nested case-control (patients with CVID diagnosed with GLILD compared with patients with CVID without a diagnosis of GLILD) medical record review was undertaken at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Network and univariate analysis was used to identify clinical and laboratory parameters at the time of diagnosis that are associated with GLILD. Results Twenty-six cases with radiologic evidence of GLILD were included in this study. Eighteen cases (69%) cases had coexistent splenomegaly with lower IgA levels ( P = .04) compared with the controls. Patients with low IgA levels ( 5%) ( P = .007). Univariate analysis revealed that splenomegaly (odds ratio [OR], 17.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9–74.5), history of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) or autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.1–20.2), low IgA level (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.2–11.9), and percentage expansion of CD21low (OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 1.6–24.7) were independently associated with GLILD. Logistic regression analysis revealed that splenomegaly, history of ITP or AIHA, low IgA level, and percentage expansion of CD21low B cells are highly sensitive in predicting presence of GLILD (area under the receiver operating curve of 0.86). Conclusion Presence of splenomegaly, history of ITP or AIHA, low serum IgA level, and percentage expansion of CD21low B cells may be useful to identify a group of patients at high risk for development of GLILD.
Study on the Effect of Mn, Zn, and Sb on Undercooling Behavior of Sn-Ag-Cu Alloys Using Differential Thermal Analysis

Differential thermal analysis (DTA) has been conducted on directionally solidified near-eutectic Sn-3.0 wt.%Ag-0.5 wt.%Cu (SAC), SAC $$+$$ 0.2 wt.%Sb, SAC $$+$$ 0.2 wt.%Mn, and SAC $$+$$ 0.2 wt.%Zn. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy was used to study element partitioning behavior and estimate DTA sample compositions. Mn and Zn additives reduced the undercooling of SAC from 20.4 $$^\circ \hbox {C}$$ to $$4.9^\circ \hbox {C}$$ and $$2^\circ \hbox {C}$$ , respectively. Measurements were performed at cooling rate of $$10^\circ \hbox {C}$$ per minute. After introducing 200 ppm $$\hbox {O}_2$$ into the DTA, this undercooling reduction ceased for SAC $$+$$ Mn but persisted for SAC $$+$$ Zn.
Non-native English speakers' experiences with academic course access in a U.S. university setting

Abstract This study explores non-native English-speaking (NNES) students' learning experiences in a graduate course. Using qualitative methodology including interviews and focus groups, a total of five graduate student participants (four from China, one from Egypt) provided data about their experiences of learning in a graduate class at a large Southeastern university in the U.S. Data was analyzed by the two researchers from TESOL field using inter-analyst agreement in determining and applying codes to the data. Grounded theory methodology was adopted to interpret the data with no preconceived ideas about NNES students' learning experiences and to develop our own understandings of these experiences. Findings indicate that these NNES students expressed the value of learning in an American classroom with native English speaking students and Americans while also acknowledging the challenges. Internal factors (i.e. motivation) as well as external factors (i.e. encouragement or positive feedback from teachers) contribute to persistence and success of these learners. Results suggest principles of sheltered instruction are effective in a higher education setting for NNES students.
Within-Subject Effects of Sucrose Concentration on Conditioned Suppression of Licking

The effect of sucrose concentration on conditioned suppression of dipper licking was investigated in 10 albino rats tested 18 times under each of 2 sucrose conditions. Conventional indices of preference showed that every S strongly preferred 32% over 8% sucrose; yet only 5 Ss suppressed significantly more to a preaversive CS when licking the less preferred solution. 4 Ss did not suppress differentially as a function of sucrose concentration, and 1 suppressed significantly more when licking 32% than when licking 8%.
Liver dysfunction in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Prevalence, outcomes, and pathological findings.

The prevalence of liver dysfunction and its association with outcomes in patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is unknown. Newly diagnosed (<12 months) previously untreated CLL patients seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN between 9/1993 and 4/2016 who had baseline assessment of at least one liver function test (LFT) were included in this analysis. The prevalence of liver dysfunction at baseline, proportion of patients who acquired LFT abnormalities, time to first therapy (TTFT) and overall survival (OS) were assessed. An abnormal LFT was present in 82/2336 (3.5%) patients at diagnosis and was associated with advanced Rai stage (Rai III-IV) (21% vs. 6%; p<0.001), lower hemoglobin (13.1 gm/dL vs. 13.9 gm/dL; p<0.001), and lower platelet count (187x109/L vs. 200x109/L; p=0.03). Additionally, 236 patients with normal LFTs at diagnosis developed acquired liver dysfunction during follow-up. Patients with abnormal LFTs at diagnosis had a shorter OS compared to those with normal LFTs (HR 1.80 95%CI 1.13-2.87; p=0.014, adjusted for age, sex, Rai stage, and treatment), although TTFT was not different. Of 52 patients who underwent a liver biopsy, CLL was present in liver tissue in 39/52 (73%) patients, with the portal tracts the most common region involved. Histopathology findings of liver involvement by CLL had limited correlation with choice of CLL therapy. In conclusion, approximately 1 of 25 newly diagnosed CLL patients has abnormal LFTs at diagnosis. Although the TTFT was not different among patients with abnormal LFTs, these patients have a shorter OS compared to those with normal LFTs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Familial isolated primary hyperparathyroidism associated with germline GCM2 mutations is more aggressive and has a lesser rate of biochemical cure.

Background Hereditary primary hyperparathyroidism may be syndromic or nonsyndromic (familial isolated hyperparathyroidism). Recently, germline activating mutations in the GCM2 gene were identified in a subset of familial isolated hyperparathyroidism. This study examined the clinical and biochemical characteristics and the treatment outcomes of GCM2 mutation-positive familial isolated hyperparathyroidism as compared to sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical features, parathyroid pathology, and operative outcomes in 18 patients with GCM2 germline mutations and 457 patients with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism. Results Age at diagnosis, sex distribution, race/ethnicity, and preoperative serum calcium concentrations were similar between the 2 groups. The preoperative serum levels of intact parathyroid hormone was greater in patients with GCM2-associated primary hyperparathyroidism (239 ± 394 vs 136 ± 113, P = .005) as were rates of multigland disease and parathyroid carcinoma in the GCM2 group (78% vs 14.3%, P Conclusion GCM2-associated primary hyperparathyroidism patients have greater preoperative parathyroid hormone levels, a greater rate of multigland disease, a lesser rate of biochemical cure, and a substantial risk of parathyroid carcinoma. Knowledge of these clinical characteristics could optimize the surgical management of GCM2-associated familial isolated hyperparathyroidism.
System Effects on Bioreactor Landfill Performance Based on Coupled Hydro-Bio-Mechanical Modeling

AbstractA newly developed and validated numerical model that accounts for the coupled hydro-bio-mechanical processes in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills, was employed to assess influence of va...
A three-region analytical model for InP MISFETs operating in the millimeter-wave regime

Metal-Si0 2 -InP Field effect transistors (MISFETs) for the millimeter-wave systems have been analytically analyzed using a two-dimensional three-region analytical model. The surface potential and other device parameters are numerically computed. The electrical characteristics are compared with the experimental results reported in the literature for transistors operating at about 40 GHz.
THEA: A novel approach to gene identification in phage genomes

Motivation: Currently there are no tools specifically designed for annotating genes in phages. Several tools are available that have been adapted to run on phage genomes, but due to their underlying design they are unable to capture the full complexity of phage genomes. Phages have adapted their genomes to be extremely compact, having adjacent genes that overlap, and genes completely inside of other longer genes. This non-delineated genome structure makes it difficult for gene prediction using the currently available gene annotators. Here we present THEA (The Algorithm), a novel method for gene calling specifically designed for phage genomes. While the compact nature of genes in phages is a problem for current gene annotators, we exploit this property by treating a phage genome as a network of paths: where open reading frames are favorable, and overlaps and gaps are less favorable, but still possible. We represent this network of connections as a weighted graph, and use graph theory to find the optimal path. Results: We compare THEA to other gene callers by annotating a set of 2,133 complete phage genomes from GenBank, using THEA and the three most popular gene callers. We found that the four programs agree on 82% of the total predicted genes, with THEA predicting significantly more genes than the other three. We searched for these extra genes in both GenBank9s non-redundant protein database and sequence read archive, and found that they are present at levels that suggest that these are functional protein coding genes. Availability and Implementation: The source code and all files can be found at: https://github.com/deprekate/THEA
In Search of Precision in Absorptive Capacity Research: A Synthesis of the Literature and Consolidation of Findings:

This paper addresses two fundamental problems in the absorptive capacity (AC) literature: conceptual ambiguity on what AC is and a lack of synthesized empirical findings showing how AC matters for firm outcomes. We take a two-pronged approach to address these problems: (1) conceptual distillation of the literature to discern the core AC dimensions, outcomes, and contingent external knowledge conditions and (2) meta-analysis of the empirical literature to synthesize the findings. For conceptual distillation, we identify three dimensions of AC: absorptive effort (i.e., the knowledge-building investments made by a firm), absorptive knowledge base (i.e., the current knowledge stock of a firm), and absorptive process (i.e., a firm’s internal procedures and practices related to knowledge diffusion). We develop these dimensions by explicating their theoretical roots, functions, mechanisms, and corresponding measures. Leveraging the conceptual distillation, we conduct meta-analyses of the empirical literature and...
Diffuse Optical Tomography for Brain Imaging: Theory

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a noninvasive, nonionizing, and inexpensive imaging technique that uses near-infrared light to probe tissue optical properties. Regional variations in oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin concentrations as well as blood flow and oxygen consumption can be imaged by monitoring spatiotemporal variations in the absorption spectra. For brain imaging, this provides DOT unique abilities to directly measure the hemodynamic, metabolic, and neuronal responses to cells (neurons), and tissue and organ activations with high temporal resolution and good tissue penetration. DOT can be used as a stand-alone modality or can be integrated with other imaging modalities such as fMRI/MRI, PET/CT, and EEG/MEG in studying neurophysiology and pathology. This book chapter serves as an introduction to the basic theory and principles of DOT for neuroimaging. It covers the major aspects of advances in neural optical imaging including mathematics, physics, chemistry, reconstruction algorithm, instrumentation, image-guided spectroscopy, neurovascular and neurometabolic coupling, and clinical applications.
Effects of peer-to-peer carsharing on vehicle owners’ travel behavior

Abstract Peer-to-peer (P2P) carsharing is a system where car owners rent their vehicle out to other individuals, usually through a facilitating company. One public policy objective of carsharing is to reduce vehicle miles travelled (VMT), which happens as members (renters) reduce car ownership. With a P2P system, VMT reductions could also occur if vehicle owners leave their car to be rented when they would normally drive. This paper assesses how participation in P2P carsharing affects the driving behavior of participating car owners. Data are from 235 car owners in Portland, Oregon who enrolled in a P2P program. The analysis is based on surveys, vehicle use data collected via in-vehicle GPS, and in-depth interviews. Overall, vehicle owners made very few changes to their driving behavior according to the GPS data, with average vehicle use increasing slightly. However, a subset of owners (39%) did decrease their driving by 10% or more one year after the baseline. Factors associated with this reduction in use included higher baseline vehicle use, higher rental activity, income constraints, and more flexibility in daily travel. In addition, some owners appear to use P2P as a catalyst to change travel behavior, including increased use of other modes.
Part I. Comparison of 1,2- and 1,3- elimination reactions; Part II. Factors which influence the ionization of carboxylic acids

ion of hydrogen XCH2CH2CH2CN+BXCH2CH2CHCN + BH XCH2CH2CH-CN ,CH^ X—GHp--CH-CN /-.12 CH2~ CH2-CN +X" from the substrate, followed by a rapid elimination of halo­ gen by the anion* This process seems logical since anion formation would be favored by the electrophilic cyano group, and the anion, if formed, would be stabilized by resonance. [XCHgCHgCHCNj [xCHgCHgCH = C = S] Furthermore, the mechanism would fit second order kinetics, since both the base and the substrate are involved in the rate-determining step. It is not in agreement with the qualitative observations of the relative rates, however. The fact that r-bromobutyronitrile reacted considerably faster than the chloronitrile is sufficient evidence to dis­ card this process as the mechanism. A second mechanism to be considered involves the same steps as in the above case with the second step rate-determining.
Effect of time of therapy with wild-type lytic bacteriophages on the reduction of Salmonella Enteritidis in broiler chickens.

Abstract Salmonella Enteritidis remains a leading cause of human foodborne disease, mostly associated with the consumption of contaminated poultry products. To more strategically implement a phage therapy scheme for S. Enteritidis control in broilers, a cocktail containing three wild-type lytic bacteriophages (LBs) previously isolated from chickens was evaluated shortly and later after a challenge. Genomic characterization, lytic spectrum and in vitro efficacy were determined for each studied LB. In independent trials, broilers challenged with S. Enteritidis on day of hatch received phage therapy from 6 to 10 days of age (early treatment), and from 31 to 35 days of age (later treatment). S. Enteritidis analyses were performed before treatment and at 1, 4, 7 and 10 days post-treatment (dpt) in both trials. Partial DNA sequence analysis of each LB revealed close similarity to the Ackermannviridae family. LBs lysed different Salmonella enterica serovars, while other tested bacteria were refractory. An in-vitro reduction of 1.49, 0.65 and 0.58 log10 CFU/mL in S. Enteritidis number was obtained after co-incubation for 3 h with each LB. Both in vivo trials showed a significant reduction in the average number of intestinal S. Enteritidis calculated after phage therapy compared with controls. However, the highest efficiency was found in the later therapy, which resulted in a reduction of 1.08 log10 CFU/g in the average from 4 to 10 dpt, showing potential for future use as a pre-harvest strategy to reduce the S. Enteritidis intestinal colonization in broilers on farms.
Shotgun Proteomics of non-depleted and depleted hemolymph of human Schistosomiasis snail vector; Biomphalaria glabrata, revealed vital immune related proteins

Background: Biomphalaria glabrata is an important host in the transmission of human schistosomiasis in the Caribbean and South America. There are serious setbacks in the current control measures, hence need to explore alternatives. Objective: To unveil Biomphalaria glabrata hemolymph proteome for possible detailed knowledge of its immunity in host-pathogen relationship. Methods: In this study we performed a shotgun proteomic and bioinformatic analyses of the non-depleted and depleted [0.5 and 0.75% Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) depletion] hemolymph of B. glabrata (LE strain). Results: Our analysis was able to mine a total of 148 proteins from the hemolymph. The highest number of protein (148) was obtained from the 0.5% TFA-depleted sample, followed by 62 proteins from the 0.75% TFA-depleted sample and only 59 from non-depleted hemolymph. Conclusion: Most of these proteins are novel and some of them may perform an important role in the immunity of this snail against invading pathogens.
The Great Oklahoma Swindle: Race, Religion, and Lies in America’s Weirdest State: by Russell Cobb, Lincoln, University of Nebraska Press, 2020, 272 pp., $29.95 (hardcover). ISBN: 9781496209986

Loving a place is not always easy. Russell Cobb’s The Great Oklahoma Swindle: Race, Religion, and Lies in America’s Weirdest State is complicated labor of love that critically examines Oklahoma’s h...
Abstract P737: Human Homologs Of Differentially Expressed Plasma MicroRNAs In Preclinical Murine Models Target Fundamental Mechanisms Of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation

Introduction: There is a current need for sensitive and specific biomarkers of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM) that can be readily translated from preclinical to human models to accurately di...
The Innate Immune Response to Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis: A Systems Modeling Approach

Abstract Invasive aspergillosis is a fungal respiratory infection that poses an increasingly serious health risk with the rise in the number of immunocompromised patients and the emergence of fungal strains resistant to first-line anti-fungal drugs. Consequently, there is a pressing need for host-centric therapeutics for this infection, which motivated the work presented in this paper. Given the multi-scale nature of the immune response, computational models are a key technology for capturing the dynamics of the battle between the pathogen and the immune system. We describe such a multi-scale computational model, focused on the mechanisms for iron regulation, a key element for fungal virulence in the pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. A key feature of the model is that its parameters have been derived from an extensive literature search rather than data fitting. The model is shown to reproduce a wide range of published time course data, as well as custom validation data generated for this purpose. It also accurately reproduces many qualitative features of the initial course of infection. Author summary The battle between the immune system and invading pathogens is highly dynamic, involving mechanisms from the intracellular and tissue scales to the whole-body scale. Medical interventions aim to change the dynamic trajectory of the infection in the patient’s favor. Computational models that capture the system dynamics can play an important role in understanding the mechanisms determining the course of infection and discovering possible interventions. The model described here focuses on a well-defined and complex mechanism, the “battle over iron” between the host and a respiratory fungal pathogen, a crucial virulence factor. It includes several cell types, cytokines, and other molecules involved in the immune response. A key feature of the model is its broad validity, resulting from efforts to find information about numerical values for all of the many model parameters in the literature, rather than determining them by fitting the model to one or more time courses of experimental data. Consequently, the model can form the basis for investigating host-centric interventions in the course of the disease, as well as for expanding it to study other pathogens and inflammatory lung diseases.
Plant uptake of nitrogen adsorbed to biochars made from dairy manure.

The conversion of dairy waste with high moisture contents to dry fertilizers may reduce environmental degradation while lowering crop production costs. We converted the solid portion of screw-pressed dairy manure into a sorbent for volatile ammonia (NH3) in the liquid fraction using pyrolysis and pre-treatment with carbon dioxide (CO2). The extractable N in manure biochar exposed to NH3 following CO2 pre-treatment reached 3.36 g N kg−1, 1260-fold greater extractable N than in untreated manure biochar. Ammonia exposure was 142-times more effective in increasing extractable N than immersing manure biochar in the liquid fraction containing dissolved ammonium. Radish and tomato grown in horticultural media with manure biochar treated with CO2 + NH3 promoted up to 35% greater plant growth (dry weight) and 36–83% greater N uptake compared to manure biochar alone. Uptake of N was similar between plants grown with wood biochar exposed to CO2 + NH3, compared to N-equivalent treatments. The available N in dairy waste in New York (NY) state, if pyrolyzed and treated with NH3 + CO2, is equivalent to 11,732–42,232 Mg N year−1, valued at 6–21.5 million USD year−1. Separated dairy manure treated with CO2 + NH3 can offset 23–82% of N fertilizer needs of NY State, while stabilizing both the solid and liquid fraction of manure for reduced environmental pollution.
The Lincoln Administration and Freedom of the Press in Civil War Maryland

Across all of American history, the accumulation of state power during times of war and national emergency has been the most destructive threat to freedom of the press. Clashes between the government and the press have occurred as early as the Quasi-War with France and recently as the War on Terror. Freedom of the press came under sustained assault during World War I and again during the Vietnam War. But perhaps the most outrageous violations of freedom of the press came during the Civil War. Although suppression of freedom of the press by the Lincoln Administration took place across a broad swath of the Union, the battle between government and press was particularly acute in border states because of their slave populations and secessionist sentiments. In particular, Maryland presented a complex challenge to President Lincoln during the Civil War. The people of the slaveholding state were sympathetic to the South, but its economy was becoming increasingly integrated with the industrial North. Most importantly, Maryland's strategic location placed it on three sides of Washington, D.C.; and its secession would leave the national capital completely surrounded by the Confederacy. Deciding that the loss of the capital would be intolerable to the war effort, the Lincoln administration suspended the writ of habeas corpus as part of a larger, deliberate campaign to keep Maryland in the Union. The suspension was the foundation upon which the administration suppressed freedom of the press in Maryland. This strategy involved imprisonment without trial of journalists and publishers, seizing their property, deportation beyond the Federal lines, shuttering of their newspapers, and barring their publications from using the mails. These events represented among the most egregious violations of civil liberties in American history.
The Year in Cardiothoracic Transplant Anesthesia: Selected Highlights From 2020 Part II: Cardiac Transplantation.

This special article focuses on the highlights in cardiothoracic transplantation literature in the year 2020. Part I encompasses the recent literature on lung transplantation, including the advances in preoperative assessment and optimization, donor management, including the use of ex-vivo lung perfusion, recipient management, including those who have been infected with coronavirus disease 2019, updates on the perioperative management, including the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and long-term outcomes.
A Taxonomy of Equity Factors

A perplexing problem with Adams' (1963) equity theory has been the difficulty associated with operationalizing requisite components, perceived employee inputs, and outcomes. This study, involving 352 respondents, produced empirically derived, two-dimensional taxonomies of inputs and outcomes, laying the foundation for identification of key variables. Specifically, the study summarizes a typology of 9 distinct employee inputs perceived as controllable by individuals, including effort, education, attendance, and cooperativeness. Conversely, the study summarizes a typology of 14 distinct outcomes along a continuum of 4 dimensions, including personalized vs. generalized and economic vs. noneconomic characteristics. These typologies and incumbent regression analysis provide insight into the complexities associated with inputs and outcomes in the context of equity theory.
MicroRNA Regulation of Neuronal Differentiation and Plasticity

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) expressed in the mammalian nervous system exhibit context-dependent functions during different stages of neuronal development, from early neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation to dendritic morphogenesis and neuronal plasticity. miRNAs often act through regulatory networks in specific cellular contexts and at specific times to ensure the progression through each biological state. Crosstalk between miRNAs and RNA-binding proteins introduces an additional layer of regulatory complexity in miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation. Plasticity in localised parts of synapses is necessary for the information storage capacity of the brain. miRNAs and RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs) contribute to synaptic plasticity by modulating dendritic mRNA translation and dendritic spines. Specific molecules in neuronal cells may regulate miRNA action at the post-transcriptional and transcriptional level, suggesting that they may be involved in early and late responses underlying synaptic plasticity processes. Studies in animal models show that RISC and specific miRNAs may be recruited in synaptic plasticity processes underpinning learning, memory and cognition. Recent discoveries provide an encouraging starting point to investigate miRNA/RISC involvement in the development, progression and eventual therapeutic treatment of neurological and psychiatric diseases. Here we discuss recent findings that highlight the role of microRNAs in the regulatory networks associated with neuronal differentiation and synaptic plasticity in mammals.
Formal Mutations: Variation, Constraint, Selection

Formal mutations explore tectonic possibilities in architectural form and space. They build upon the observation that editing already existing data is more native to the digital environment than inputting new data. In an architectural context, this means that transforming already existing forms is a potent and effective way to derive new forms, ideas and designs. This is achieved by animating an initial form with the use of space warps, morphs and form modifiers. Any form can be subsequently deformed and used as a seed for another design. In a further step the process of change is paralleled to other processes such as those found in nature and evolution. As a result, design methodology has to account for the creative error-mutation that helps a designer break away from the obvious and predictable, while setting design on unexpected but meaningful trajectories. Terms such as contaminations, traces, seeds, thresholds, attractors, etc. are becoming building blocks of the design process.
Mixed signal design watermarking for IP protection

Watermarking is the embedding of data in a medium for ownership, verification, distribution tracking, authentication, copyright protection, and data hiding. It has been well studied for use in digital media such as in audio, digital images and video. In this work, watermarking is extended to the realm of computer-aided design (CAD) for physical design of integrated circuits (IC's) in order to protect and facilitate re-use of intellectual property (IP) blocks (circuitry). As designs become more complex and cycle times shorter, the re-use of IP blocks is becoming more and more important. However, in order to aid in this re-use, improved methods of securing and tracking ownership need to be in place. Watermarking these valuable design blocks, whether custom transistors or standard cells, is shown to be a practical method of securing ownership of the property, even after local perturbations in the design. A method of watermarking circuit elements in both fully-custom analog or digital macrocell designs as well as analog or digital standard cell based designs is presented. This protection scheme thus applies to analog, digital, and mixed signal designs, with the only exception being that of a gate array implemented circuits.