cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing a cultural orientation model of electronic word-of-mouth communication: a comparative study of U.S. and Korean social media users

ABSTRACTExpanding electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) literature and cross-cultural literature, this study proposes a horizontal–vertical dimensions of individualism and collectivism (HVIC)-eWOM model in a cross-cultural context. We employed HVIC at the individual level to explain the variance of eWOM communications on social media. We collected data from American and Korean social media users to examine how the hypothesized model fits the samples from each country. The analysis of the HVIC-eWOM model within and between the two countries revealed that there are some similarities and differences in influential cultural dimensions on eWOM communications in the two countries. The results suggest that vertical aspects of individualism and collectivism are significant drivers of opinion-leadership and opinion-seeking tendencies for both countries.
Males Prefer Younger Females: Age Preference Among Online Daters in the Dominican Republic

Previous research has found that online daters show a trend in age preference, with males seeking females younger than themselves and females seeking males older than themselves. These studies covered a wide geographic area but not in the Caribbean. To contribute to the literature, we examine online daters’ age preferences in the Dominican Republic. Our statistical analyses show that similar gendered age preferences exist among Dominican online daters even after controlling for their ages. On average, Dominican males prefer younger partners and the reverse is true for females. While there might be cultural differences in different countries affecting the extent and degree of age preferences, the consistent difference by sex underscores the challenges faced by older females in the online dating market.
ATP Metabolism in Mammalian Red Blood Cells

The pioneering work by Harris (1941) and Danowski (1941) showed that glucose was indispensable for K uptake by erythrocytes, thereby setting the stage for the establishment of the connection between metabolism and active cation transport (Whittam and Ager 1965). Nearly 3 decades later, another metabolic link to a cellular function has been demonstrated. The epoch-making discovery reported independently and simultaneously by Chanutin and Curnish (1967) and Benesch and Benesch (1967) laid the foundation for a close relationship between metabolism and oxygen affinity of hemoglobin. Comparative and developmental studies have continued to unravel the fascinating evolutionary selection of a wide variety of metabolites now known to influence the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin. This interesting topic will be discussed by other speakers in this symposium. In this paper, we will examine ATP metabolism in red cells of three mammalian species from a comparative point of view.
Designing Awareness with Attention-based Groupware

A design rationale for the implementation of awareness features in the attention-based GAZE Groupware System is discussed. Attention-based groupware uses a framework for the design of awareness features based on the capturing, conveyance and rendering of information about human attention. The aim is to integrally provide information about the focus of conversational as well as workspace activities of participants. Our design themes were: implicit capturing of awareness information; scalability of networked awareness information; and representation of awareness information using natural affordances. Eye tracking provides a direct and noncommand way of capturing human attention. It allows attentive information to be conveyed separate from the communication signal itself, in a machine-readable format. This eases the integration of Conversational and Workspace Awareness information, and allows network bandwidth consumption of this information to scale linearly with the number of users. Attentional focus also provides an organizationa l metaphor for the rendering of awareness information. By combining a more strict WYSIWIS general communilaboration tool (a 3D virtual meeting room) with more relaxed-WYSIWIS focused collaboration tools (2D editors), the attention of human participants can be guided and represented from broad to focused activity.
Importance of Phase Equilibria on Process Control of Si3N4 Fabrication

In order to understand and develop materials, some material scientists are striving to establish interrelations between fabrication, composition (or phase equilibria), microstructure and properties. Knowledge of these interrelations leads to the anticipation of engineering problems in using the material and to the routes to material improvement. Important interrelations have been uncovered for the family of silicon nitride alloys fabricated with a densification aid. These interrelations will be the subject of this review; interrelation between composition and properties will be emphasized.
Markov Chains with Random Transition Probabilities

In this chapter we consider a Markov chain {ξ k , k ∈ Z +} having a finite state space but random transition probabilities. Of interest here is the asymptotic behavior of the chain and its transition probabilities as n → ∞ under the assumption that the transition probabilities of the Markov chain are close to those of a homogeneous Markov chain having nonrandom transition probabilities.
Factor Structure of a Spanish Translation of an Obesity-Specific Parent-Report Measure of Health-Related Quality of Life.

Objective Latino youth are disproportionately affected by pediatric obesity and consequently experience impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Although many caregivers of Latino youth do not speak English fluently, no validated Spanish translations of obesity-specific HRQOL measures exist for this population. Therefore, non-English-speaking Latino parents have typically been excluded from analyses related to HRQOL. This study assesses the factor structure of a Spanish translation of a parent-report measure of obesity-specific HRQOL, Sizing Them Up, in a treatment-seeking sample of children with obesity. Methods Structural equation modeling was used to assess the factor structure of the 6-subscale, 22-item Sizing Them Up measure in 154 parents of treatment-seeking Latino youth (5-18 years of age). Analyses exploring internal consistency and convergent validity were also conducted. Results Acceptable measurement fit was achieved for the six-factor solution. However, the higher-order model assessing Total HRQOL did not reach acceptable levels, as results found that the Positive Social Attributes (PSA) subscale was not representative of Total HRQOL; internal consistency and convergent validity results also supported this finding. Conclusions The current study provides support for the utility of a modified version of Sizing Them Up, excluding the PSA Scale, as a parent-report measure of obesity-specific HRQOL in treatment-seeking Latino youth with obesity.
VX-809/661 Correction of F508del-CFTR Rescue Nrf2 Dysfunction In CF Airway Epithelia

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a multi-organ progressive genetic disease caused by loss of functional cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel, including in airway epithelia. Previously, we identified a significant dysfunction in CF cells of the transcription factor nuclear-factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), a major regulator of redox balance and inflammatory signaling. Here we report the discovery of an interaction and colocalization of Nrf2 and CFTR in non-CF human primary bronchial epithelia by Proximity Ligation Assay, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence, which is diminished in CF human primary bronchial epithelia, and rescued with VX-809 or VX-661 treatment for 48-72 hr. In primary CF cells, F508del-CFTR correctors induce Nrf2 nuclear localization, Nrf2-dependent luciferase activity, and transcriptional activation of target genes. Diminished Nrf2 activity and colocalization with F508del-CFTR is also exhibited in mutant mice. Correction of Nrf2 by VX-809/VX-661 is dependent on sufficient correction of F508del and is blocked by inhibition of corrected channel function, or high-level shRNA knockdown of F508del-CFTR. Finally, partial CFTR knockdown, insufficient to decrease channel function, does not inhibit Nrf2 activity, further establishing the importance of CFTR function. Our findings demonstrate, for the first time, that CFTR and Nrf2 interact, and that VX-809/VX-661 correction of CFTR can correct Nrf2 dysfunction in CF.
Adopting, Integrating, and Evaluating Computational Creativity Exercises to Improve Student Learning

In this workshop, participants will learn how to integrate in their classes computational thinking and creative thinking activities that have been shown via rigorous research to significantly improve student learning and performance. Specifically, participants will be familiarized with the suite of Computational Creativity Exercises (non-programming-based, group-based, active learning exercises), take part in completing two of the exercises, learn how to integrate and adapt them into their courses, and be exposed to the educational research studies behind the development, design, and administration of these exercises. Participants will also learn how to conduct evidence-based, educational research studies. Workshop sessions will include presentations, panel-based Q&A, breakout group discussions, and hands-on activities. More information can be found at cse.unl.edu/agents/ic2think/CCEWorkshop
Preventing Unplanned Extubations in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Background: Unplanned extubations (UE) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) often result in traumatic, emergent re-intubation, and the infant may experience hemodynamic instability and need for increased ventilatory support. Efforts to reduce UE will decrease these morbidities. Aim: To reduce the UE rate to 1 UE per 100 ventilator-days by December 2015. Setting: Level IV NICU with 1200 admissions annually, with original 2010 baseline UE rate of 2.1 UE per 100 ventilator-days. Methods: Using the Organizational Model for Transformational Change in Healthcare, a multi-disciplinary QI team comprised of respiratory therapists, …
Resistance prediction of two fishing vessel models based on RANS solutions

Abstract This paper presents the numerical prediction of calm water resistance of a fishing vessel using the open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) package, OpenFOAM. Numerical simulations were carried out for two different vessel models, one with an optimized bulbous bow and the other without a bulbous bow, by solving the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations. The numerical solutions were validated against the experimental results. The wave profile along the ship hull and wave elevations on the free surface are presented. The effect of grid resolution on predicted total resistances for the two models was investigated. Uncertainty analysis based on the Least Square Root (LSR) method was carried out to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the numerical results.
Virtual estimation of the Griffith’s modulus and cohesive strength of ultra-high performance concrete

Abstract This investigation presents a computational methodology to estimate the unit fracture energy (Griffith’s modulus) and the cohesive strength of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). The hydration of plain UHPC mixtures is simulated using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Virtual Cement and Concrete Testing Laboratory (VCCTL) hydration simulator. The Young’s modulus of elasticity of the hardened concrete is obtained via finite-element analysis of a sample cube of its micro-structure. Applying the Extended Finite Element modeling capabilities of ABAQUS to previously grooved simple structural elements under gradually-increasing load, the results of computational simulations of the start of crack growth are linked to the corresponding predictions by regressions on experimental observations in classical linear elastic fracture mechanics physical tests. A procedure is developed to estimate both the Griffith’s modulus and the cohesive strength of the UHPC, which are difficult to assess experimentally. As an application, the effect on the horizontal thrust at the abutments of a two-hinged symmetric arch with a crown crack and uniformly loaded is analyzed using the data provided by the pure-bending test on a pre-grooved simply supported beam.
STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF NANO-OXIDE LAYERS IN PtMn BASED SPECULAR SPIN VALVES

A systematic structure characterization and mechanism of nano-oxide layers (NOLs) and specular spin valves using X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) has been studied.The specular reflection effect from the NOLs was found to enhance ΔR/R from 12% in the spin valve with no NOL to more than 15% and 17% in the case of natural and plasma oxidation of the NOL,an increase in MR ratio by more than 30%.The plasma NOL can provide more stronger electron specular effect than the nature NOL on enhancing the MR ratio.Meanwhile,the oxygen exposure plays an important role in NOLs process.Large MR ratio can be obtained in NOL specular spin valves by plasma oxidation process.Fabricating NOLs without any crystal structure degradation is critical to obtatin high MR ratio.HRTEM reveals that oxide clusters mixing with insufficiently oxidized CoFe layers prevailed in natural NOL,and the natural oxidation was inhomogeneous.In contrast,plasma NOL has a thinner,more homogeneously oxidized CoFe layers with sharp interfaces.In plasma NOLs,the structures still maintain CoFe crystal structure.The structures and magnetic correlation of the NOL specular spin valves are discussed.
Pembrolizumab - emerging treatment of pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma: A case report.

Background Few studies have addressed the efficacy of pembrolizumab in pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC), a rare, previously rapidly fatal subtype of non-small-cell lung cancer. Case summary We report the case of a 69-year-old man presented with respiratory distress caused by a large left upper lung lobe mass diagnosed as PSC with programmed death-ligand 1 expressed on more than 50 percent of tumor cells. The patient was started on pembrolizumab and, after 5 cycles, there was a more than 80 percent decrease in the size of the tumor mass. Further decrease was seen at the end of 10 cycles. The patient has been tolerating pembrolizumab well, with no limiting side-effects. Fourteen months after first coming into the hospital, he remains asymptomatic. Conclusion Pembrolizumab appears as a viable emerging treatment for PSC.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Citation Classics in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine.

OBJECTIVES A bibliometric analysis of articles in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine (JUM) identified the journals' most impactful articles. METHODS A bibliometric analysis of citation classics that were published in the JUM from its inception in 1982 to 2019 was performed. All citation classics, defined as articles cited 100 or more times, were evaluated for the number of citations, citations per year, publication year, subspecialty, design, and country of origin. Characteristics were compared before and after 1998 by the Mann-Whitney test for unpaired data and 2-sample z tests of sample proportions. The Kruskal-Wallis test for nonparametric continuous data was used to compare the median number of citations per year by decade of publication. RESULTS A total of 7868 articles were published in the JUM between 1982 and 2019; 54 (0.7%) were citation classics. The median citation classics year of publication was 1998 (interquartile range [IQR], 1991-2003). Most citation classics originated from the United States (36 of 54 [66.7%]), were observational (47 of 54 [87%]), and were related to obstetric and gynecologic topics (16 of 54 [29.6%]). Citation classics after 1998 received significantly more citations per year (9.3 versus 4.7; P < .001), with no other differences noted. The median number of citations per year increased for each decade, with medians of 4 citations (IQR, 3.6-4.7) in 1982 to 1991 and 11.2 citations (IQR, 9-13.9) in 2002 to 2012 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS This list provides insight into the most influential articles that were published in the JUM. Most citation classics were observational, were from the United States, and covered obstetric and gynecologic topics. Citation classics received more citations per year after 1998.
Estereotipar economiza tempo: Transformando representações culturais lusófonas e melhores práticas de língua portuguesa em Práticas para Alavancagem de Ensino

Este artigo enfoca a estereotipagem comparando ensino, aprendizagem e materiais de Portugues como Segunda Lingua e de Lingua Estrangeira. O debate academico atual mostra que os estereotipos afetam a aquisicao de linguas estrangeiras, apesar de o ato de categorizar o mundo nos ajudar a reconhecer o desconhecido. Ainda assim, os estereotipos podem servir como ponto de partida para o exercicio da desconstrucao, recorrente nas Praticas para Alavancagem de Ensino, traducao livre (High-Leverage Teaching Practice, ou HLTP em ingles) e aplicaveis a qualquer abordagem de ensino, publico ou alinhamento de conteudo (GLISAN; DONATO, 2017). A estereotipagem tambem ocorre fora da sala de aula quando externalizada numa dicotomia de distanciamento e de pertenca: quanto mais os aprendizes se envolvem na cultura-alvo, mais se distanciam da cultura fonte. Os resultados indicam que categorias de distância linguistica e de status de identidade so sao fortemente influenciadas por repertorios de vida, e comprometem qualquer tentativa de pluricentrismo na abordagem de Portugues para Comunicacao Internacional, se o ensino, a aprendizagem, e o conteudo girarem em torno do conceito de melhores praticas, modelos e observacoes, ao inves da desconstrucao,como visto nas HLTPs
18 – Electrode Potentials

Publisher Summary The chapter explains charts of operating potential ranges for different solvent/electrolyte/electrode combinations. Operating potentials can act as a guide for determining the maximum and minimum potential to apply to a system. There are some popular organic mediators that are often used for sensors and biosensors. The redox species of the organic mediators are also frequently used as electron transfer mediators in sensors and biosensors. Electrode potentials can be used in conjunction with operating potential ranges to determine the optimal solution/electrode for monitoring a given redox specie. Estimated potential ranges include aqueous and nonaqueous solutions, and standard and formal electrode potentials. Analysis of electrode potentials using common organic mediators and inorganic one-electron complexes provide necessary data to measure standard and formal potentials. Formal potentials for common protein electron transfer reactions in biologically related systems and standard reduction potentials for biochemical reduction reactions are emphasized in the chapter. Half-wave potentials or peak potentials for selected vitamins, drugs, and neurochemicals are listed in the chapter. These potentials are dependent on solvent, solvent purity, and electrolyte, and thus should serve only as a guide.
Biomechanical comparison of distal femoral fracture fixation: Analysis of non‐locked, locked, and far‐cortical locked constructs

To assess whether far-cortical locking (FCL) screws alter the fracture site strain environment and allow shorter bridge plate constructs for supracondylar femoral fractures, we tested the fracture site displacement under force of synthetic left femora with a 5-cm metaphyseal fracture gap, modeling comminution. Five models of nine constructs were tested (three types of diaphyseal screws [nonlocking, locking, and FCL] and two plate lengths [13 holes and 5 holes]). Long plate models using three or four diaphyseal screws (working length 13.5 or 7.5 cm, respectively) were compared with short plates with three diaphyseal screws (working length 7.5 cm). Models were loaded axially and torsionally; 100 cycles in random order. Primary outcome measures were axial and torsional fracture site stiffness. FCL screws decreased rotational stiffness 19% (P < .01) compared with baseline nonlocking screws in the same plate and working length construct, mirroring the effect (20% decrease in stiffness, P < .01) of nearly doubling the nonlocking construct working length (7.5-13.5 cm). Similarly, FCL screws decreased axial stiffness 23% (P < .01) in the same baseline comparison. Fracture site displacement under loading comparable to a long working length nonlocked plate construct was achieved using a shorter FCL plate construct. By closely replicating the biomechanical properties of a long plate construct, a fracture site strain environment considered favorable in promoting fracture healing might still be achievable using a shorter plate length. Clinical Significance: It might be possible to optimize fracture site strain environment and displacement under loading using shorter FCL plate constructs. Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 00:00-00, 2020.
Bird-window collisions: different fall and winter risk and protective factors

Background To reduce bird fatalities from millions of window collisions each year in North America, it is important to understand how design and landscape elements relate to collision risk. The current study extends prior research that found that buildings near ornamental pear trees (Prunus calleryana) and buildings with mirrored windows significantly increased odds of collisions among eight buildings on the University of Utah campus in winter. The previous study found bird-friendly glass was not related to collision risk, although only one fatality occurred at two buildings with ORNILUX® ultraviolet (UV) or fritted windows. We reasoned that extending data collection to include fall might provide a better test of efficacy. We tested the following three hypotheses: (1) Buildings with mirrored windows would experience more collisions, replicating the original study; (2) the addition of fall migration data would reveal fewer collisions at the buildings with bird-friendly windows; (3) the danger of pear tree proximity would be heightened in winter, when fruit is ripe enough to appeal to frugivores, especially the Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) that frequent these trees. Methods Trained observers monitored buildings three times per week in Fall (September 12 to October 27, 2019) and Winter (October 29, 2019 to January 24, 2020). Collisions were photographed and documented in the iNaturalist University of Utah Bird Window Collision Project. Results There were 39 total collisions, from 0 to 14 per building.Using generalized estimating equations, buildings near pear trees had 3.33-fold increased odds, mirrored windows had 5.92-fold increased odds, and bird-friendly windows had an 84% lower odds (Odds ratio = 0.16) of bird window collisions when analyzed separately; all were statistically significant (p < 0.01). A test of all possible combinations of risk and protective factors revealed that the best fit model included pear trees (odds = 2.31) and mirrored windows (odds = 2.33). A separate analysis tested the pear tree by season interaction model; it yielded the deadliest combination, with 40-fold increased odds for buildings near pear trees in winter season. Discussion This research provides the first peer-reviewed evidence found for the efficacy of bird-friendly fritted windows and ORNILUX ® UV windows in buildings. In addition, it replicated a study that established the dangers of mirrored windows and fruiting pear trees near buildings. These risks were especially dangerous to Cedar Waxwings, who constituted 62.2% of the identifiable window collision victims. This research highlights how building risks depend on window design, landscape choices, species, and season. If replicated, analyses of risk factors can help identify buildings that require mitigation to make existing windows less deadly. Results also support the installation of bird-friendly glass in new or renovated buildings to reduce fatalities.
Impact of reflex fosfomycin susceptibility testing on the utilization of carbapenems for definitive extended-spectrum β-lactamase Escherichia coli urinary tract infection treatment

Purpose A protocol was started within a large health system to automatically test all confirmed extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli urine isolates for susceptibility to fosfomycin, an antibiotic not routinely included in such testing in most institutions. This study assessed the effectiveness of the protocol at reducing carbapenem use for the definitive treatment of ESBL E. coli urinary tract infection (UTI) through several endpoints. Methods Eighty and 99 patients were compared pre- and postintervention, respectively. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who received definitive carbapenem therapy. Key secondary outcomes included median total carbapenem days of therapy (DOT), discharge on intravenous UTI antibiotics, and median total antibiotic DOT. Results Preprotocol vs postprotocol definitive carbapenem use was seen in 59 of 80 patients (73.8%) and 71 of 99 patients (71.7%) (95% confidence interval [CI] for difference, -11.1% to 15.1%; P = 0.76). The rates of step-down to oral agents pre- and postintervention were 15 of 59 (25.4%) and 35 of 71 (49.3%) (P = 0.004). Median carbapenem DOT in those receiving carbapenems decreased from 8 to 4 days (95% CI, -5 to -1 days; P = 0.001). Median total DOT decreased from 10 to 8 days (95% CI, -3 to -1 days; P = 0.002). Conclusion Implementation of a laboratory policy to automatically test ESBL positive E. coli for fosfomycin susceptibility did not reduce the percentage of patients receiving at least 1 dose of carbapenem treatment. It did result in a larger percentage reduction in step-down use of intravenous antibiotics for UTI prior to discharge, reduction in carbapenem DOT, and reduction in total antibiotic DOT.
Marine Heatwave Stress Test of Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management in the Gulf of Alaska Pacific Cod Fishery

In 2014–2016 an unprecedented warming event in the North Pacific Ocean triggered changes in ecosystem of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) impacting fisheries management. The marine heatwave was noteworthy in its geographical extent, depth range, and persistence, with evidence of shifts in species distribution and reduced productivity. In 2017 groundfish survey indicated that GOA Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) had experienced a 71% decline in abundance from the previous 2015 survey. The GOA Pacific cod fishery supports a $103 million fishery which is 29% of the groundfish harvest value in the GOA. In this paper, we demonstrate that an increase in metabolic demand during this extended marine heatwave as well as a reduced prey supply can explain the decline in GOA Pacific cod biomass. Although increased mortality likely led to the decline in the Pacific cod population, historically low recruitment concurrent with the heatwave portends a slow recovery for the stock and gives a preview of impacts facing this region due to climate change. We evaluate the intersection of climate change with ecosystem-based fisheries management in the context of GOA Pacific cod with a description of the sensitivities of the ecosystem, how the changes in the ecosystem affected the Pacific cod stock, and a description of how the management system in the North Pacific handled this shock. We also provide suggestions on how fisheries management systems could be improved to better contend with the impacts of climate change such as the effects of heatwaves like that experienced in 2014–2016.
Suppression of internal waves by thermohaline staircases

This study attempts to quantify and explain the systematic weakening of internal gravity waves in fingering and diffusive thermohaline staircases. The interaction between waves and staircases is explored using a combination of direct numerical simulations (DNS) and an asymptotic multiscale model. The multiscale theory makes it possible to express the wave decay rate is only weakly dependent on the thickness of layers in the staircase, the overall density ratio and the diffusivity ratio. The proposed physical mechanism of attenuation emphasizes the significance of eddy diffusion of temperature and salinity, whereas eddy viscosity plays a secondary role in damping internal waves. The asymptotic model is successfully validated by the DNS performed in numerically accessible regimes. We also discuss potential implications of staircase-induced suppression for diapycnal mixing by overturning internal waves in the ocean.
Detection and cross-reaction of Dirofilaria repens using a commercial heartworm antigen test kit.

Antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests are widely used for the diagnosis of heartworm infection in dogs. While commercially-available heartworm antigen tests have high sensitivity and specificity, false-negative test results can occur in dogs with low worm burdens, female-only infections, or prior to patency. The use of immune complex dissociation (ICD) methods have demonstrated increased sensitivity in the detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigens and the reversal of false-negative antigen results. However, there are concerns pertaining to false-positive antigen results due to infections of other nematode parasites, especially post-ICD. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of heat-treatment on serum samples of dogs experimentally-infected with Dirofilaria repens during the course of infection, to assess for potential cross-reactivity on heartworm antigen tests. Archived serum samples from three dogs experimentally-infected with D. repens were utilized. All samples were tested for cross-reactivity pre- and post-heat-treatment using the DiroCHEK® Heartworm Antigen test kit throughout infection (day -9 through 404 days post-infection; dpi). All heat-treated samples tested false-positive starting at 164 dpi and continuing through 404 dpi, thereby testing positive prior to patency. No cross-reactivity was observed for any dog at any time point prior to heat-treatment. Our results suggest that the ICD method decreased the specificity of heartworm antigen tests and caused cross-reactivity of serum from dogs experimentally infected with D. repens. In conclusion, heat-treatment of serum in areas co-endemic for D. repens and D. immitis has limited clinical value, and should be used with caution.
SRWC bioenergy productivity and economic feasibility on marginal lands.

Abstract Evolving bioenergy markets necessitate consideration of marginal lands for woody biomass production worldwide particularly the southeastern U.S., a prominent wood pellet exporter to Europe. Growing short rotation woody crops (SRWCs) on marginal lands minimizes concerns about using croplands for bioenergy production and reinforces sustainability of wood supply to existing and growing global biomass markets. We estimated mean annual aboveground green biomass increments (MAIs) and assessed economic feasibility of various operationally established (0.5 ha–109 ha) SRWC stands on lands used to mitigate environmental liabilities of municipal wastewater, livestock wastewater and sludge, and subsurface contamination by petroleum and pesticides. MAIs (Mg ha −1 yr −1 ) had no consistent relationship with stand density or age. Non-irrigated Populus , Plantanus occidentalis L. and Pinus taeda L. stands produced 2.4–12.4 Mg ha −1 yr −1 . Older, irrigated Taxodium distchum L., Fraxinus pennsylvanica L., and coppiced P. occidentalis stands had higher MAIs (10.6–21.3 Mg ha −1 yr −1 ) than irrigated Liquidambar styraciflua L. and non-coppiced, irrigated P. occidentalis (8–18 Mg ha −1 yr −1 ). Natural hardwood MAIs at 20–60 years were less than hardwood and P. taeda productivities at 5–20 years. Unlike weed control, irrigation and coppicing improved managed hardwood productivity. Rotation length affected economic outcomes although the returns were poor due to high establishment and maintenance costs, low productivities and low current stumpage values, which are expected to quickly change with development of robust global markets.
Linking Executive Function and Peer Problems from Early Childhood Through Middle Adolescence

Peer interactions and executive function play central roles in the development of healthy children, as peer problems have been indicative of lower cognitive competencies such as self-regulatory behavior and poor executive function has been indicative of problem behaviors and social dysfunction. However, few studies have focused on the relation between peer interactions and executive function and the underlying mechanisms that may create this link. Using a national sample (n = 1164, 48.6 % female) from the Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD), we analyzed executive function and peer problems (including victimization and rejection) across three waves within each domain (executive function or peer problems), beginning in early childhood and ending in middle adolescence. Executive function was measured as a multi-method, multi-informant composite including reports from parents on the Children’s Behavior Questionnaire and Child Behavior Checklist and child’s performance on behavioral tasks including the Continuous Performance Task, Woodcock-Johnson, Tower of Hanoi, Operation Span Task, Stroop, and Tower of London. Peer problems were measured as a multi-informant composite including self, teacher, and afterschool caregiver reports on multiple peer-relationship scales. Using a cross-lagged design, our Structural Equation Modeling findings suggested that experiencing peer problems contributed to lower executive function later in childhood and better executive function reduced the likelihood of experiencing peer problems later in childhood and middle adolescence, although these relations weakened as a child moves into adolescence. The results highlight that peer relationships are involved in the development of strengths and deficits in executive function and vice versa.
Ethnic Differences on Students’ Approaches to Learning: Self-Regulatory Cognitive and Motivational Predictors of Academic Achievement for Latino/a and White College Students

We examined (a) the construct validity across White and Latino college students in terms of motivational and the use of learning strategies constructs and (b) the differences in the relationships among sociocultural variables and motivation/learning-related factors and academic achievement. Results of multi-group confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the scales of motivation and learning-related factors proved to be equivalent across the groups. We tested a theoretical model of relationships among sociocultural backgrounds and motivational factors which affected achievement using structural equation model (SEM) methods. In general, the patterns of relationships were in the expected direction. There were significant ethnic differences in terms of specific effects of background characteristics on motivational and/or learning-related factors. Ethnic differences were also found in the relationships between the use of adaptive and maladaptive learning strategies and academic achievement. The research is discussed with respect to the relatively sparse literature on sociocultural aspects of motivation and their effects on academic achievement with college-level Latino students.
A portable blood plasma clot micro-elastometry device based on resonant acoustic spectroscopy

Abnormal blood clot stiffness is an important indicator of coagulation disorders arising from a variety of cardiovascular diseases and drug treatments. Here, we present a portable instrument for elastometry of microliter volume blood samples based upon the principle of resonant acoustic spectroscopy, where a sample of well-defined dimensions exhibits a fundamental longitudinal resonance mode proportional to the square root of the Young’s modulus. In contrast to commercial thromboelastography, the resonant acoustic method offers improved repeatability and accuracy due to the high signal-to-noise ratio of the resonant vibration. We review the measurement principles and the design of a magnetically actuated microbead force transducer applying between 23 pN and 6.7 nN, providing a wide dynamic range of elastic moduli (3 Pa–27 kPa) appropriate for measurement of clot elastic modulus (CEM). An automated and portable device, the CEMport, is introduced and implemented using a 2 nm resolution displacement sensor with demonstrated accuracy and precision of 3% and 2%, respectively, of CEM in biogels. Importantly, the small strains (<0.13%) and low strain rates (<1/s) employed by the CEMport maintain a linear stress-to-strain relationship which provides a perturbative measurement of the Young’s modulus. Measurements of blood plasma CEM versus heparin concentration show that CEMport is sensitive to heparin levels below 0.050 U/ml, which suggests future applications in sensing heparin levels of post-surgical cardiopulmonary bypass patients. The portability, high accuracy, and high precision of this device enable new clinical and animal studies for associating CEM with blood coagulation disorders, potentially leading to improved diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring.
Detergent solubility of the inositol trisphosphate receptor in rat brain membranes : evidence for association of the receptor with ankyrin

Rat cerebellar membranes sedimenting at 10,000 x g contain significantly greater amounts of [3H]D-myo inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate- (IP3) binding sites that are resistant to extraction by Triton X-100 than membranes sedimenting at 100,000 x g. Scatchard analysis of the Triton X-100-resistant binding site revealed the presence of a single binding site with an 8-fold higher affinity for IP3 than present in 10,000 x g membranes. The Triton X-100-resistant binding site displayed high specificity for Ins(1,4,5)P3 and was sensitive to inhibition by both heparin and calcium. A polyclonal antibody to the C terminus of the IP3 receptor (IP3R) and biotinylated concanavalin A recognized the same 235 kDa band in Western blots of membrane and Triton X-100-insoluble fractions. The ligand binding activity of the IP3R could be measured in immunoprecipitates obtained from detergent-soluble extracts treated with IP3R antibody. An antibody to chick erythrocyte ankyrin also immunoprecipitated [3H]IP3-binding sites and immunoreactive IP3R protein. These effects of ankyrin antibody were prevented by preadsorption to erythrocyte ghosts and were not reproduced by spectrin antibodies. Cross-reactivity of the ankyrin antibody with the IP3R was excluded by the demonstration of selective loss of immunoreactive ankyrin protein when IP3R antibody immunoprecipitates were boiled in SDS buffers or when membranes were alkali-treated. These results suggest that a population of IP3R in brain may be attached to an isoform of ankyrin. This may mediate interactions of the IP3R with the cytoskeleton and account for observations regarding the detergent insolubility of the protein.
Parental perceptions of health status and psychologic adjustment of children with asthma.

The relationship between severity of illness and psychologic adjustment was evaluated in 46 children with asthma. Two measures of the severity of asthma were used: the first, a composite objective measure based on clinical history and the second, parental estimates of the severity of their child's illness. Psychologic adjustment was measured by the Health Resources Inventory, a parental report of childhood behavior. Parental estimates of severity were correlated significantly with the objective measure of severity (r = .39; P less than .01), although a concordance value of 54% indicated marked lack of agreement between parental and objective ratings. As a group, children in this study achieved apparently normal adjustment scores, although scores ranged widely across all categories of severity. Children whose parents ranked their asthma as mild or severe had significantly lower adjustment scores (F = 3.28; P less than .05) than did those children rated by their parents as having moderate asthma. Children's ranks on the composite objective measure of severity were not associated with their adjustment scores, although children with greater use of medication had lower adjustment scores than did children with little or moderate medication use (P less than .05). The relationship of severity of illness to psychologic adjustment is complex. Children at all levels of severity may demonstrate problems of adjustment, suggesting that attention to psychologic risk should not be limited only to children with severe asthma.
3 Effects of Neighborhood Violence on Preschoolers' Social Functional with Peers

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the extent to which four-year-old children and their families are exposed to neighborhood violence and to explore the socio-emotional impact of this exposure on young children. Chronic exposure to community violence is believed to have a negative impact on children's cognitive and socio-emotional functioning, there are few studies that have directly addressed this issue, and none has been conducted with children under the age of six. To examine the impact of community violence on young children and their families, an age group is examined that has not been previously studied using a comprehensive and integrated methodology. Mothers are interviewed about their household demography, their family's exposure to community violence, presence of conflict in the home, and their children's distress symptoms. Children are observed during free play with peers and are given a sociometric interview.
Pulsational analyses of post planetary nebula central stars and degenerate dwarfs

Recent observational and theoretical studies of the ZZ Ceti variables (DA degenerate dwarfs), the DBV variables (DB degenerate dwarfs), and the GW Vir variables (DO degenerate dwarfs) have shown them to be pulsating in nonradial g-modes. The pulsation mechanism has been identified for each class of variable star. For the ZZ Ceti and DBV variables it is both the kappa and gamma effects in the partial ionization regions of either hydrogen or helium and also a recently identified pulsation driving mechanism called “convection blocking.” For the GW Vir variables, it is the kappa and gamma effects in the partial ionization region of carbon and oxygen. The ZZ Ceti variables must have pure hydrogen surface layers, the DBV stars must have pure helium surface layers, and the GW Vir stars must have carbon and oxygen rich surface layers with only a small amount of helium present. The accuracy of the prediction for the GW Vir stars is limited by the lack of observational determinations of their luminosity, effective temperature, and composition.
Response to FCC Notice of Inquiry 09-94: “Empowering Parents and Protecting Children in an Evolving Media Landscape”

This paper is a response to the FCC's Notice of Inquiry (09-94) on Empowering Parents and Protecting Children in an Evolving Media Landscape (PDF). The response synthesizes current research and data on the media practices of youth, focusing on three main areas -- 1) Risky Behaviors and Online Safety, 2) Privacy, Publicity and Reputation, and 3) Information Dissemination, Youth-Created Content and Quality of Information -- in order to highlight issues of genuine concern, such as growing participation and literacy gaps, and, crucially, in order to discuss the positive and creative opportunities that electronic media provide for young people. In each area, potential policy responses are discussed.
Low protein diet during gestation and lactation induces autophagy-related gene LC3 in the liver of rat dams (737.5)

Autophagy is essential for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and is activated in mouse liver cells by amino acid deprivation. A low protein diet during gestation and lactation has been associated with poor fetal development but consequence in mother has not been fully investigated. This study aims to investigate the effects of a low protein diet during gestation and lactation on liver physiology of dams and characterize the associated hepatic autophagy. Timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a control (control, 20 kcal% protein) or a low protein (LP, 8 kcal% protein) diet during gestation and lactation. Dam liver was collected for analysis at weaning. LP dams had significantly lower circulating threonine than control dams, which is accompanied with the hepatic activation of Amino Acid Response pathway. Expression of an autophagy-related gene, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (lc3) was up-regulated by the LP diet which coincided with increased ATF4 binding at the predicted pro...
Ensuring Fault Tolerance of Phase-Locked Clocks

Processors within a real-time multiprocessor system must be synchronized with as little overhead as possible. Although synchronization can be achieved via both software (e.g., interactive convergence and interactive consistency algorithms) and hardware (e.g., multistage synchronizers and phase-locked clocks), phase-locked clocks are most attractive due to their small overheads.
Experiments with a high quality, low complexity 4800 bps residual excited LPC (RELP) vocoder

The authors present an approach for achieving high quality speech coding at 4800 bps using a residual excited LPC (RELP) coder. Numerous experiments were performed to identify and code the significant parameters in the spectral, pitch, and residual models. Major principles for high quality residual coding are discussed. >
Sedimentation from flocculated suspensions in the presence of settling‐driven gravitational interface instabilities

We experimentally examine sedimentation from a freshwater suspension of clay flocs overlying saltwater in the presence of gravitational instabilities. The study seeks to determine: (1) if flocculation hampers or alters interface instability formation; (2) how the removal rates of sediment from the buoyant layer compare to those predicted by individual floc settling; and (3) whether or not it is possible to develop a model for effective settling velocity. The experiments were conducted in a tank at isothermal conditions. All experiments were initially stably stratified but later developed instabilities near the interface that grew into downward convecting plumes of fluid and sediment. Throughout, we measured sediment concentration in the upper and lower layers, floc size, and plume descent rates. The data showed that flocculation modifies the mixture settling velocity, and therefore shifts the mode of interface instability from double-diffusive (what one would expect from unflocculated clay) to settling-driven leaking and Rayleigh-Taylor instability formation. Removal rates of sediment from the upper layer in the presence of these instabilities were on the same order of magnitude as those predicted by individual floc settling. However, removal rates were found to better correlate with the speed of the interface plumes. A simple force-balance model was found to be capable of reasonably describing plume velocity based on concentration in the buoyant layer. This relation, coupled with a critical Grashof number and geometry relations, allowed us to develop a model for the effective settling velocity of the mixture based solely on integral values of the upper layer.
Hydric Conditions During Incubation Influence Locomotor Performance of Hatchling Snapping Turtles

Locomotor performance of hatchling snapping turtles ( Chelydra serpentina ) was assessed while turtles were running on land and swimming in water. Hatchlings from eggs incubated on a relatively wet substrate were faster than hatchlings from eggs incubated on a drier medium, both in absolute distance and in body lengths moved per unit time. The superior performance of turtles from the wet substrate was not due to differences in hydration of tissues, because differences in performance persisted after turtles from both groups had been fully hydrated. The superior performance of turtles from the wet substrate may stem from a greater aerobic capacity, because these animals accumulated lactate more slowly during locomotion than did turtles from eggs incubated on the dry substrate. These observations may provide a physiological basis for the improved survival of larger hatchlings of many species of reptiles.