cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systematics and population level analysis of Anopheles darlingi.

A new phylogenetic analysis of the Nyssorhynchus subgenus (Danoff-Burg and Conn, unpub. data) using six data sets morphological (all life stages); scanning electron micrographs of eggs; nuclear ITS2 sequences; mitochondrial COII, ND2 and ND6 sequences? revealed different topologies when each data set was analyzed separately but no heterogeneity between the data sets using the arn test. Consequently, the most accurate estimate of the phylogeny was obtained when all the data were combined. This new phylogeny supports a monophyletic Nyssorhynchus subgenus but both previously recognized sections in the subgenus (Albimanus and Argyritarsis) were demonstrated to be paraphyletic relative to each other and four of the seven clades included species previously placed in both sections. One of these clades includes both Anopheles darlingi and An. albimanus, suggesting that the ability to vector malaria effectively may have originated once in this subgenus. Both a conserved (315 bp) and a variable (425 bp) region of the mitochondrial COI gene from 15 populations of An. darlingi from Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, French Guiana, Peru and Venezuela were used to examine the evolutionary history of this species and to test several analytical assumptions. Results demonstrated (1) parsimony analysis is equally informative compared to distance analysis using NJ; (2) clades or clusters are more strongly supported when these two regions are combined compared to either region separately; (3) evidence (in the form of remnants of older haplotype lineages) for two colonization events; and (4) significant genetic divergence within the population from Peixoto de Azevedo (State of Mato Grosso, Brazil). The oldest lineage includes populations from Peixoto, Boa Vista (State of Roraima) and Dourado (State of Sao Paulo).
Study of the far wake vortex field generated by a rectangular airfoil in a water tank.

Underwater towing experiments were carried out with a rectangular airfoil of aspect ratio 5.3 at 4 and 8 deg angles of attack and at chord-based Reynolds numbers between 2 x 100,000 and 7.5 x 100,000. Quantitative measurements by means of the hydrogen bubble technique indicated lower peak swirl velocities in the range of 100 to 1000 lenghts downstream than have been measured in wind tunnel of flight tests. The maximum circumferential velocity decayed whereas the turbulent eddy viscosity increased. This behavior and other known rates of vortex decay are explained in terms of an analytical solution for the vortex problem with time varying eddy viscosity. It is shown that this case corresponds to nonequilibrium turbulent vortex flow.
Pragmatic Literacy and Empowerment: An Aymara Example

An adult literacy campaign in the peasant village of Kullaka in the Peruvian Andes is described as successful, not because the monolingual Aymara-speaking women achieve Spanish literacy, but because they are empowered by the process. They insist that their teacher follow standard literacy teaching practices that allow them to pass a test and obtain their first-grade literacy certificates and their official identity cards. ADULT LITERACY; ANDES; FEMALE EMPOWERMENT Sixteen years ago, I spent over a year living and doing fieldwork in a small Aymara community on the shore of Lake Titicaca in the Peruvian altiplano (the Andean high plain). In this article, I have given the community the fictitious name of "Kullaka" (which means "sister" in Aymara) to protect the villagers' privacy. My husband and I lived in Kullaka while he collected the data for his doctoral dissertation. Our reciprocal agreement with the community was that, as foreign teachers, we would help in the adult education campaign that was being conducted throughout the region by the Peruvian government. Kullaka had a school building but no staff to teach in it, either to the children or the adults. The structure had been built some years before by Seventh-Day Adventist missionaries, but the teachers had withdrawn to less remote villages. The public rural-education school system staffed a school in a nearby community, but there were no teachers willing to make the long trek to Kullaka, which lies on a large peninsula several kilometers from a road. Most schoolteachers in rural Peru prefer to live in the market towns from which they can commute to their schools daily by public transportation. With teachers in short supply, a school as far from roads as Kullaka's is unlikely to be staffed. My contribution was a Spanish literacy class for the adult Aymaraspeaking women of Kullaka, most of whom had never attended school and spoke no Spanish. Explaining why and how the women of Kullaka and I undertook and successfully completed such a complex task requires some background information about the region and the political climate of Peru in the mid-1970s.
Keratinocyte growth factor improves alveolar barrier function: keeping claudins in line

keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) has myriad effects on alveolar epithelial cells with the potential to prevent lung injury and improve repair including: mitogenic activity, stimulating cell migration, promoting surfactant production, and improving lung fluid clearance ([9][1], [24][2]). In fact, KGF
Beyond the Gamma Band: The Role of High-Frequency Features in Movement Classification

Electrocorticographic spectral changes during movement show a behavioral inflection in the classic gamma band (30-70 Hz). We quantify this inflection and demonstrate that it limits classification accuracy. We call for the designation of a functionally defined band above it, which we denote the chi-band.
Lessons learned at sea—ocean sailing as a metaphor for surgical training

Surgical education is in the process of tumultuous change. Mastering this change will require a new set of competencies and a new understanding of the medical education process. While accreditation agencies are rapidly working to define the new criteria and benchmarks, training programs are quickly pulling together curricula, objectives, and evaluation tools. Yet much has already been learned in other complex, high-risk activities. Blue water sailing, ocean racing, and trans-Atlantic crossing are all activities that require a renewed form of leadership and an understanding of how knowledge, skill, and behavior come together to define the competent sailor. Ideas learned in such endeavors may assist the surgical educator in defining the horizons and the hazards of this uncharted voyage.
Iqg1p links spatial and secretion landmarks to polarity and cytokinesis.

Cytokinesis requires the polarization of the actin cytoskeleton, the secretion machinery, and the correct positioning of the division axis. Budding yeast cells commit to their cytokinesis plane by choosing a bud site and polarizing their growth. Iqg1p (Cyk1p) was previously implicated in cytokinesis (Epp and Chant, 1997; Lippincott and Li, 1998; Osman and Cerione, 1998), as well as in the establishment of polarity and protein trafficking (Osman and Cerione, 1998). To better understand how Iqg1p influences these processes, we performed a two-hybrid screen and identified the spatial landmark Bud4p as a binding partner. Iqg1p can be coimmunoprecipitated with Bud4p, and Bud4p requires Iqg1p for its proper localization. Iqg1p also appears to specify axial bud-site selection and mediates the proper localization of the septin, Cdc12p, as well as binds and helps localize the secretion landmark, Sec3p. The double mutants iqg1Δsec3Δ and bud4Δsec3Δ display defects in polarity, budding pattern and cytokinesis, and electron microscopic studies reveal that these cells have aberrant septal deposition. Taken together, these findings suggest that Iqg1p recruits landmark proteins to form a targeting patch that coordinates axial budding with cytokinesis.
Vocal pathology in socially deprived monkeys.

Structural abnormalities were found in the clear calls of rhesus monkeys raised in partial social isolation. These abnormalities included abrupt pitch changes, harmonic emphasis shifts, temporal discontinuity, and lack of the characteristic inflection found in such calls from mother-reared control monkeys. Other forms of vocalization appeared structurally normal. Vocal pathologies were distinctive for each isolate tested and persisted over the age range 8-24 months.
Taxon mapping exemplifies punctuated equilibrium and atavistic saltation

Two or more exemplars of the same taxon forming a nonmonophyletic group on a molecular tree may be viewed as representing surviving populations of a deep shared ancestral taxon, and if different species of the same genus, then theoretically phenotypically static remnants of punctuated equilibrium. That taxon may be mapped on a molecular cladogram and evolutionarily resolved at the taxon level inclusive of all exemplars. The technique for mapping taxa on a molecular tree, termed here caulistics, is much like mapping traits but recovers macroevolutionary information at the taxon level. All lineages arising from the mapped taxon are its direct descendants. Mapped taxa superimposed or overlapping may reveal packaged adaptive traits. When a mapped taxon is well split by another mapped taxon on a molecular tree, atavistic saltation based on triggering an epigenetically retained trait complex is a theoretical explanation. Caulistics combines traditional taxonomy and molecular phylogenetics to reveal previously unknown aspects of the macroevolutionary past.
Intraperitoneal pentobarbitone anaesthesia of Mystromys albicaudatus

Anaesthesia trials with intraperitoneal (i.p.) pentobarbitone sodium in Mystromys albicaudatus indicated that the optimum dose is between 4 and 5 mg/100 g bodyweight. No differences were detected in duration of anaesthesia associated with sex or time of day.
Habituation in Stentor: a response-dependent process

The contractile protozoan Stentor coeruleus habituates during repetition of the mechanical stimulus used to elicit the initial contractions. This decrement in response probability was found to be highly correlated with a reduction in receptor potential amplitude, while the amplitude of the action potentials that triggered the contractions did not change. When mechanical stimulation elicited receptor potentials and not action potentials, the receptor potential did not habituate significantly. Conversely, action potentials repetitively elicited by current pulses habituated animals to mechanical stimuli. Similarly, voltage steps used to simulate action potentials produced pronounced decrements in receptor currents recorded from voltage-clamped cells, while mechanical stimulation produced only small decrements. Thus, habituation depends primarily on action potential production, while mechanical stimulation itself makes a much smaller, but significant, contribution. The temporal relation between mechanical stimuli and action potentials, when both occur, is inconsequential in determining the rate and degree of habituation produced.
Biological Effects of Intense Subnanosecond Electrical Pulses

The application of nanosecond pulses to biological cells, which has been shown to lead to electroporation of not only the cell membrane, but also the membranes of subcellular structures, has spawned a new field of research: bioelectrics. A new domain of pulsed electric field interactions with cell structures and functions opens up when the pulse duration is reduced to values such that membrane charging becomes negligible, and direct electric field - molecule effects determine the biological mechanisms. For mammalian cells, this holds for a pulse duration of one nanosecond or less. In addition to entering a new domain of electric field-cell interactions, entering the subnanosecond temporal range will allow us to use wideband antennas, rather than needle or plate electrodes, to generate large pulsed electric fields with reasonable spatial resolution in tissue. In order to study the biological effect of subnanosecond pulses we have developed a sub-ns pulse generator. The generated voltage pulses have 160 kV amplitude, 200 ps rise-time, and 800 ps pulse width, and are delivered to a cylindrical Teflon chamber with polished flat electrodes at either end. Length and diameter of the chamber are 3 and 2 mm, respectively, resulting in a volume of approximately 10 ?L. We have started applying subnanosecond pulses to B16 (mouse melanoma) cells. First experiments at extremely high electric fields of 950 kV/cm show that with a relatively small number of pulses, programmed cell death can be initiated.
Trend and Challenge on System-on-a-Chip Designs

The success of system-on-a-chip (SoC) hinges upon a well-concerted integrated approach from multiple disciplines, such as device, design, and application. From the device perspective, rapidly improving VLSI technology allows the integration of billions of transistors on a single chip, thus permitting a wide range of functions to be combined on one chip. From the application perspective, numerous killer applications have been identified, which can make full use of the aforementioned functionalities provided by a single chip. From the design perspective, however, with greater device integration, system designs become more complex and are increasingly challenging to design. Moving forward, novel approaches will be needed to meet these challenges. This paper explores several new design strategies, which represent the current design trends to deal with the emerging issues. For example, recognizing the stringent requirements on power consumption, memory bandwidth/latency, and transistor variability, novel power/thermal management, multi-processor SoC, reconfigurable logic, and design for verification and testing have now been incorporated into modern system design. In addition, we look into some plausible solutions. For example, further innovations on scalable, reusable, and reliable system architectures, IP deployment and integration, on-chip interconnects, and memory hierarchies are all anticipated in the near future.
The parasitic dinoflagellates of marine crustaceans

Parasitic dinoflagellates have recently emerged as significant disease agents of commer- cially important crustaceans. For example, epizootics of Hematodinium have seriously affected cer- tain crab and lobster fisheries. The parasitic dinoflagellates of crustaceans are, however, relatively unknown. Marine crustaceans are parasitized by two orders of dinoflagellates: the Blastodinida and the Syndinida. Crustaceans are also parasitized by the Paradinida and the Ellobiopsidae, taxa that have close historical ties and possible taxonomic affinities with the dinoflagellates. The taxonomy and life history patterns of the different parasitic species are largely dictated by their host-parasite rela- tionships. For example, sporulation in the blastodinids occurs internally but is completed externally with the expulsion of spores via the anus of the host. The egg-parasitic chytriodinids sporulate externally after destroying their host egg. The tissue-dwelling syndinids have plasmodia that sporu- late internally and generally kill their hosts upon the expulsion of the dinospores. Unfortunately, complete life cycles have not been elucidated for any of the parasitic forms, hence characteristics of the life cycles must be applied cautiously to the systematics of the taxa. For example, gamogony and the presence of resting cysts are only known from a few species; they probably occur in most species. Further work on the life cycles of the parasitic dinoflagellates of crustaceans should con- centrate on establishing the life cycles of representative species from each order or family. Parasitic dinoflagellates infect copepods, amphipods, mysids, euphausiids, and decapods. Their pathogenicity varies with their invasiveness in the host. The gut-dwelling blastodinids are relatively benign, while the chytriodinids kill their host egg. Members of the pervasive Syndinida and Paradinida are overtly pathogenic and insidiously ramify throughout the hemal sinuses and organs of their hosts. Members of the Ellobiopsidae vary from the commensal Ellobiocystis to the overtly parasitic Thulassomyces. Host castration and feminization are common pathologic results of infection by these parasites. The severity of the castration is dependent upon the invasiveness of the parasitic species and the duration of the infection, while the degree of feminization is related to the stage at which the host acquires the infection. Most of the parasitic dinoflagellates occur in epizootics in their host popula- tions. Recent epizootics of Hematodinium spp. have had severe effects on crustacean fisheries in Alaska, Virginia, and Scotland, and may potentially result in changes to the benthic communities of the hosts. The epizootics are often associated with host-parasite systems that occur in regions with unique hydrological features, such as fjords or poorly draining estuaries with shallow sills. These regions are ideal for the application of a "landscape" ecology approach that could lead to a better understanding of the epizootiology of parasitic dinoflagellates and other marine pathogens.
Robust localization of multiple events in sensor networks

Localization of events is a canonical problem for sensor networks, especially for applications such as intrusion detection or neighborhood monitoring. We employ a general sensor model which models various types of sensor nodes. However, traditional triangulation method will be unsolvable when the sensor nodes are positioned on a line. To overcome such ill-conditioned cases, we can use MAP or MMSE methods to estimate event locations. Moreover, to locate multiple simultaneous events and overcome the ill-conditioned case when the sensor nodes are collinear, we need to solve a system of nonlinear equations. We propose a novel method which solves this system of nonlinear equations and multiple-event locations can be found. Experiments and error analysis of the method demonstrate the performance of our methods.
Epidemiology and horizontal transmission of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2).

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is a small, non-enveloped, circular, single-stranded DNA virus of economic importance in the swine industry worldwide. Based on the sequence analyses of PCV2 strains, isolates can be divided into five subtypes (PCV2a-e). PCV2 is an ubiquitous virus based on serological and viremia data from countries worldwide. In addition, PCV2 DNA was discovered in archived samples prior to the first recognition of clinical disease. Recently, a worldwide shift in PCV2 subtype from PCV2a to PCV2b occurred. PCV2 DNA can be detected in fecal, nasal, oral and tonsillar swabs as well as in urine and feces from both naturally and experimentally infected pigs. PCV2 DNA can be detected early in the infectious process and persists for extended periods of time. The effectiveness of disinfectants for reducing PCV2 in vitro is variable and PCV2 is very stable in the pig environment. Limited data exist on the horizontal transmission of PCV2. Direct transmission of PCV2 between experimentally or naturally infected animals and naive animals has been documented and the incorporation of clinical or subclinically infected animals into a population represents a risk to the herd. Indirect transmission through the oral, aerosol or vaccine routes is likely a lesser risk for the transmission of PCV2 in most swine populations but may be worth evaluating in high heath herds. The objective of this review was to discuss data on the epidemiology and horizontal transmission of PCV2.
Cloning and characterization of a wound‐specific hydroxyproline‐rich glycoprotein in Phaseolus vulgaris

Abstract. We have isolated a cDNA clone whose corresponding transcript encodes an apoprotein of a hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein. Both infection of plants with fungal spores and treatment of suspension-cultured bean cells with a fungal elicitor preparation cause a rapid decrease of the level of this mRNA. Wounding of bean tissue, however, leads to a very rapid, transient induction of this transcript. In contrast, all bean hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins described previously are induced both after infection with fungal spores and after mechanical damage. The protein encoded by this new clone contains a proline-rich domain of about 30 kilodaltons. Most of these proline residues are part of the characteristic peptides Ser-Pro4, Scr-Pro5 and Ser-Pro6, which are often tandemly repeated. These tandem-repeats are not found in any of the other bean hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins, where almost all of the Ser-Pro4 units are integrated into higher order repetitive units of 16 amino acids. The gene is present at a single or low copy number in the haploid genome and exhibits an unusual codon usage bias for the amino acids proline and serine.
Managing electronic documents and work flows: Enterprise content management at work in nonprofit organizations

Web management and knowledge management systems have made significant technological advances, culminating in large information management systems such as enterprise content management (ECM). ECM is a Web-based publishing system that manages large numbers of electronic documents and other Web assets intended for publication to Web portals and other complex Web sites. Work in nonprofit organizations can benefit from adopting new communication technologies that promote collaboration and enterprisewide knowledge management. The unique characteristics of ECM are enumerated and analyzed from a knowledge management perspective. We identify three stages of document life cycles in ECM implementations—content, reification, and commodification/process—as the content management model. We present the model as a mechanism for decision makers and scholars to use in evaluating the organizational impacts of systems such as ECM. We also argue that decision makers in nonprofit organizations should take care to avoid overly commodifying business processes in the final stage, where participation may be more beneficial than efficiency.
Breaking barriers and creating inclusiveness: Lessons of organizational transformation to advance women faculty in academic science and engineering

To increase the representation and participation of women and other minorities in organizations, workplaces must become more inclusive. For such change to be successful and sustainable, organizations must systematically break down the barriers constraining women's participation and effectiveness; improve their prevailing structures, policies, and practices; and engender transformation in their climates. This article presents the experience of 19 U.S. universities, funded by the National Science Foundation's ADVANCE Institutional Transformation program, that have embraced comprehensive transformation for improved gender representation and inclusion in science and engineering disciplines. It describes the facilitating factors, program initiatives, institutionalization, and outcomes of their transformation, and suggests a transformation model that all organizations can use to create an inclusive and productive workplace for a diverse workforce. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reversible histone acetylation and deacetylation mediate genome-wide, promoter-dependent, and locus-specific changes in gene expression during plant development

Histone acetylation and deacetylation activate or repress transcription, yet the physiological relevance of reversible changes in chromatin structure and gene expression is poorly understood. We have shown that disrupting the expression of AtHD1 that encodes a putative Arabidopsis thaliana histone deacetylase induces a variety of developmental abnormalities. However, causal effects of the AtHD1 disruption on chromatin structure and gene expression are unknown. Using Arabidopsis spotted oligo-gene microarray analysis, here we report that >7% of the transcriptome was up- or downregulated in A. thaliana plants containing a T-DNA insertion in AtHD1 (athd1-t1), indicating that AtHD1 provides positive and negative control of transcriptional regulation. Remarkably, genes involved in ionic homeostasis and protein synthesis were ectopically expressed, whereas genes in ionic homeostasis, protein transport, and plant hormonal regulation were repressed in athd1-t1 leaves or flowers, suggesting a role of AtHD1 in developmental and environmental regulation of gene expression. Moreover, defective AtHD1 induced site-specific and reversible acetylation changes in H3-Lys9, H4-Lys12, and H4 tetra-lysines (residues 5, 8, 12, and 16) in homozygous recessive and heterozygous plants. Transcriptional activation was locus specific and often associated with specific acetylation sites in the vicinity of promoters, whereas gene repression did not correlate with changes in histone acetylation or correlated directly with H3-Lys9 methylation but not with DNA methylation. The data suggest that histone acetylation and deacetylation are promoter dependent, locus specific, and genetically reversible, which provides a general mechanism for reversible gene regulation responsive to developmental and environmental changes.
A review of methods for subtyping Yersinia pestis: From phenotypes to whole genome sequencing

Numerous subtyping methods have been applied to Yersinia pestis with varying success. Here, we review the various subtyping methods that have been applied to Y. pestis and their capacity for answering questions regarding the population genetics, phylogeography, and molecular epidemiology of this important human pathogen. Methods are evaluated in terms of expense, difficulty, transferability among laboratories, discriminatory power, usefulness for different study questions, and current applicability in light of the advent of whole genome sequencing.
Helioseismic Observations of Plasma Motions in the Solar Convection Zone

Helioseismology provides unique information about the global dynamics of the Sun and local flows in active regions in the upper convection zone. We present a brief review of the current knowledge of plasma flows in convection zone. Methods of global helioseismology based on inversion of normal mode frequencies and frequency splitting are used to infer properties of the differential rotation, zonal and meridional flows, and the upper turbulent boundary layer. Time-distance helioseismology provides threedimensional maps of sound-speed perturbations and flow velocities for supergranulation, sunspots, emerging magnetic flux events and evolving active regions. The results reveal complex and often counter-intuitive dynamics of solar plasma and its interaction with magnetic fields. We discuss implications of these results for understanding the structure of turbulent convection, physics of sunspots and active regions, and also perspectives and challenges.
Suppression of renin release by antagonism of endogenous opiates in the dog

The influence of blockade of endogenous opioids on the release of renin due to partial renal arterial constriction was determined acutely and chronically in unilaterally nephrectomized dogs. In acute preparations changes in plasma renin activity, arterial blood pressure, and heart rate were determined after 15 min of 60% renal arterial constriction before and after administration of either a saline vehicle, the opiate antagonist naloxone (0.05 mg/kg), or morphine (2 mg/kg). Acute antagonism of endogenous opiates abolished the increase in plasma renin activity and mean arterial pressure associated with renal arterial constriction. Repeated renal arterial constrictions in saline- or morphine-treated animals did not alter the humoral or hemodynamic responses. In chronic preparations long-term naloxone infusion attenuated the development of renovascular hypertension and diminished the increase in plasma renin activity. These data suggest that endogenous opioid peptides are modulators in the control of renin release and may be important participants in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
Blind source separation for vibration-based diagnostics of rotorcraft bearings:

The vibration signals from sensors monitoring the activity of individual bearings in a power train unit may be linear instantaneous mixtures of vibrations generated by various dynamic components. G...
A Generic Review of the Dufoureinae of the Western Hemisphere (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

The genera of Dufoureinae of the world are listed, with comments and references to important works on them. A key is given to the 7 genera of the Western Hemisphere, and a new genus and species, Penapis penai , are described from Chile ; this species is the only known South American dufoureine. Figures of structures, never previosuly illustrated, of Conanthalictus, Protodufourea , and Sphecodosoma are given.
FIRST FLOWERING DATES FOR CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

The following list of native and cultivated plants is arranged according to the first recorded date of blooming for each species as observed in Oklahoma County or any of the counties contiguous to it. Most of the records are from Norman in Cleveland County, with a few from Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County and Shawnee in Pottawatomie County. Where more than one has been recorded, the average is given as the arithmetic average of the dates. Dates of observations of plants which had attained full bloom, where known, have been eliminated, except where they were the earliest recorded dates for the species. Such dates have been starred (*) in the list. A plant is considered in bloom when as many as one flower is open and having either stamens shedding pollen or the stigma ready to receive pollen, as indicated by pollen grains adhering to it or the obviously mature condition of the stigma. Exceptionally early bloomings within the shelter of buildings or other barriers are included, but those resulting from artificial heat have been eliminated.
Response of patients with renal involvement by progressive systemic sclerosis to antihypertensive therapy.

1. Renal involvement in progressive systemic sclerosis is characterized by hypertension, grade III or IV hypertensive retinopathy, rapidly progressive renal failure and enhanced plasma renin activity. 2. Of 70 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis involving the kidneys seen since 1955, 48 died within less than 3 months and 16 are alive or survived longer than 1 year. 3. Aggressive antihypertensive therapy was the principal factor that prevented early death in the 16 survivors. 4. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition with captopril appears to be the treatment of choice at present, but methyldopa or minoxidil may be successful in certain patients whose response to captopril is not satisfactory.
The effects of prior computer use on computer-based writing: The 2011 NAEP writing assessment

Abstract Writing achievement levels are chronically low for K-12 students. As assessments follow the transition to computer-based writing, differences in technology access may exacerbate students’ difficulties. Indeed, the writing process is shaped by the tools we use and computer-based writing is different from writing with pen and paper. We examine the relationship between reported prior use of computers and students’ achievement on the first national computer-based writing assessment in the United States, the 2011 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assessment. Using data from over 24,100 eighth grade students, we found that prior use of computers for school-related writing had a direct effect on writing achievement scores on the computer-based NAEP assessment. One standard deviation increase in prior use led to a 0.14 and 0.16 standard deviation increase in mean and scaled writing achievement scores respectively, with demographic controls and jackknife weighting in our SEM analysis. We also looked at earlier NAEP assessments and found that prior computer use did not positively affect the earlier pen and paper-based writing assessments.
An Evaluation of the Current Export Marketing Practices of United States Firms

This study evaluated the current export marketing practices of United States firms and compared them to successful export marketing strategies reported in the literature. The research showed that more U.S. exporters are committed to exporting. A large number sell directly to end-users through their own export department and provide some form of dealer support; about 60 percent of the respondents visit their overseas customers persistently. However, many exporters still take the easy way out: use of the f.o.b. (ex-factory or U.S. port) basis for price quotation, determining export pricing from their U.S. price list, and do minimal information search. Suggestions for improving U.S. exporting practices are also provided in this papers.
Nonlinear-optical response in metal-free phthalocyanine

We recently reported remarkably large third- order nonlinear optical susceptibilities in a series of metal-substituted tetrakis-(cumylphenoxy)phthalocyanines1 (MPcCP4) at 1.064 μm, a wavelength far from resonance with the main absorption bands. The χ(3) ranged up to 2 × 10−10 esu. The figures of merit χ(3)/ατ of these materials are also very large. The third- order susceptibility was enhanced by a factor of up to 50 by transition-metal substitution. The underlying mechanism responsible for the nonlinear response in these materials was not known. To elucidate the mechanism, the metal- free prototype, H2PcCP4, was studied in more detail.
Pet loss and continuing bonds in children and adolescents

There is little research available regarding the impact of pet loss on children. In the current mixed-methods study, we explored the different ways that children use continuing bonds (CB) to cope f...
Gravitational radiation from cosmic strings

Abstract It has been recently shown that vacuum strings produced at the grand unification phase transition can generate density fluctuations sufficient to explain the galaxy formation. Here I estimate the energy density and the spectrum of the background gravitational radiation produced by the strings.
Virtual RLC active damping for grid-connected inverters with LCL filters

This paper presents a virtual RLC damper for resonance damping in an LCL-type grid-connected voltage source inverter by capacitor current feedback through a second-order high pass filter. The proposed method can achieve good damping performance and enhance the system stability by inherently compensating phase lag around the resonant frequency introduced by digital time delay. Moreover, the analysis in this paper proves that the existing virtual RC damper method is a special case of the proposed method. The parameter design principle for the RLC damper is also investigated. The analysis and the effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified with simulation results.
Some guidelines for surfing the edge of chaos, while riding dangerously close to the black hole of trauma

The political scene in the USA has changed dramatically with the election of Donald Trump, and antidemocratic forces appear to be gaining momentum in other countries as well. Using a post-traumatic lens to view these political forces, the author summarizes social psychology research on authoritarianism, terror management theory, and obedience studies to illustrate some of the challenges that lie ahead for citizens who want to restore Enlightenment values to their rightful position and, in doing so, defeat the antidemocratic, authoritarian and antiscientific forces that are on the rise. Then, drawing upon the growing knowledge base about the power of organizational culture and the change process, the author emphasizes the importance for any group aiming at progressive ideals to embrace a shared knowledge base, a set of shared values, a shared language and an array of shared tools for practical application in a group.
Refugee Mental Health: A Primary Care Approach.

A review of the refugee resettlement process and the clinical aspects of caring for patients who have experienced war, conflict, violence, and threats.
Primary Thrombectomy in tPA (Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator) Eligible Stroke Patients With Proximal Intracranial Occlusions.

A 56-year-old diabetic man presented to the emergency room 45 minutes after right-sided hemiplegia and global aphasia. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 20; ASPECTS score (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score), 9, on computed tomographic (CT) scan; and CT angiography showed terminal ICA T occlusion. Both angio suite and interventionalist are available. No contraindication for IV tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator). Would you consider transferring the patient directly to the angio suite for thrombectomy skipping IV tPA? Primary thrombectomy (PT) versus IV tPA followed by thrombectomy in stroke patients with proximal intracranial occlusions. ### Urs Fischer and Johannes Kaesmacher > “It seems that perfection is attained, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing more to take away.” > > Antoine de Saint Exupery Do we harm the patient when we take the tPA away? The 2 most important considerations in favor of the bridging approach are preinterventional recanalization obviating the need for thrombectomy and the increased odds for recanalization if the occlusion site is not accessible or reperfusion is not achieved by mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Given the proximal occlusion site, the presumingly high thrombus burden and the short tPA-to-groin puncture interval outlined in the scenario, the odds for all of the latter are negligible (≈3–4/100).1 In particular, it seems unlikely that tPA will lyse hard thrombi, which are not retrievable with stent retrievers. A recent meta-analysis has suggested that tPA may promote good angiographic results2; however, the interpretation is severely limited by selection and publication bias and not supported by recent post hoc analyses of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) or large prospective cohorts.3,4 Until now, there is no conclusive evidence: neither that tPA promotes good angiographic results in subsequent MT,3,4 nor that the effect size of MT is altered by pretreatment with …
The Productivity Concept: Definition, Measurement and Managerial Importance

Productivity is probably one of the most common, and at the same time one of the vaguest concepts in the linguistics of Business and Management. Like the concept of quality, we think we know it intuitively, yet we soon discover that numerous difficulties are inherent in the precise conceptual definition of productivity, let alone its empirical measurement. The objective of this chapter is to review the relative merits of some of the most widely used measures of total factor productivity.
Limited Clinical Relevance of Vertebral Artery Injury in Blunt Trauma.

Background Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI), although rare, is more common than previously thought and carries a substantial stroke and mortality risk. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the differences between blunt carotid artery (CA) and vertebral artery (VA) injuries, assess the stroke and death rates related to these injuries, and identify the relationship of Injury Severity Score (ISS) with stroke and mortality in BCVI. Methods Using a retrospective review of the trauma registry at a level I trauma center, we identified patients with BCVI. The study period began in January 2003 and ended in July 2014. Demographics, injuries reported, investigative studies performed, and outcomes data were obtained and analyzed. Radiographic images of both blunt CA and VA injuries were reviewed and graded by an independent radiologist, according to the current classification of blunt CA injuries. Results BCVI involving 114 vessels was identified in 103 patients. This population consisted of 65 males and 38 females with an average age of 45 years (15–92, range). The average ISS was 22 (4–75, range). Cervical spine fracture occurred in 80% of VA injuries (64 total patients). Injuries involved the CA in 33, the VA in 59, and both in 11. The CA group had a higher incidence of traumatic brain injury (61% vs. 46%), ISS (27 vs. 18), and stroke (24% vs. 3%), compared to the VA group. Mortality in the CA group was 30% compared to 3% in the VA group. Patients with high ISS (≥25) had increased stroke rates compared to those with lower ( 25. Logistic regression revealed that vessel injured, ISS, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) were significant risk factors for mortality. Multivariate analysis demonstrated carotid injury, and lowest GCS were independently associated with mortality. Conclusions In this comparison of CA and VA injuries in BCVI, VA injuries were more common and more frequently found with cervical spine fractures than CA injuries. However, VA injuries had a lower incidence of CVA and mortality. A high ISS was associated with stroke and mortality while carotid injury and lowest GCS were independently associated with increased mortality.
Enseñar como un “acto de amor” con métodos de enseñanza-aprendizaje no tradicionales en los entornos virtuales

In the following essay, the concept of “teaching as an act of love” in virtual environments is explained. This essay describes some non-traditional teaching-learning methods and their incorporation in virtual courses. The objective of this essay is to help teachers create more effective virtual environments using non-traditional teaching-learning methods that, in turn, promote teaching as an “act of love.” Teaching as an “act of love” implies that teachers incorporate these non-traditional teaching-learning methods in virtual environments, focusing their efforts on knowing their students and their needs. Critical and constructivist theories of education will be discussed to understand how to adapt these methods to virtual environments. Among the non-traditional teaching-learning methods mentioned in the essay are the following: learning by the association of experiences, learning by discovery, constructivist learning, and cooperative learning among others.
High-temperature mid-infrared absorption spectra of methanol (CH3OH) and ethanol (C2H5OH) between 930 and 1170 cm-1

Abstract A methodology was recently developed with a broad-tuning, rapid-scan external-cavity quantum-cascade-laser in conjunction with shock tube facilities to measure the high-temperature mid-infrared absorption spectra of gaseous molecules. This technique is deployed to measure the cross section profiles in the C-O stretching band for methanol (CH3OH) and ethanol (C2H5OH) between 930 and 1170 cm-1. Methanol spectra are presented from 620 to 1304K between 0.98-3.30 atm with distinctive P, Q, and R branches of the ν8 vibrational band. At elevated temperatures, the emergence of hotbands and high-J ro-vibrational transitions are clearly observed. The absorption cross sections of ethanol are measured from 296 to 1018K between 0.90-3.27 atm. The peak strength decreases with temperature, with the peak location shifting to lower wavenumbers. These measurements are compared with existing empirical models, illustrating a strong need for the development of a high-temperature spectroscopic database.
Nitrogen requirements of Ethiopian mustard for biofuel feedstock in South Dakota.

Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) is a non-food oilseed crop that has received attention for its potential as a low-input biofuel feedstock suitable for production in the semiarid regions of the Northern Great Plains (NGP). Because B. carinata is a new crop to the NGP, the best management practices have yet to be developed. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of N fertilizer rate on seed yield, seed oil concentration, and oil yield of B. carinata and to determine the economic optimum N fertilizer rates. Field studies were conducted at two locations in South Dakota to evaluate the response of two B. carinata varieties to five N fertilizer rates (0, 28, 56, 84, and 140 kg N ha–¹) during the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons. Increasing N fertilizer rate increased seed yield and oil yield, each reaching a peak at 84 kg ha–¹ N and then slowly decreasing following a quadratic model. On the other hand, increasing N rate linearly decreased seed oil concentration. The economic optimum N rate ranged from 60 to 81 kg N ha–¹ depending on cost of N fertilizer and the price of carinata seed. These results show that the N requirement for B. carinata is lower than that for many crops grown in the NGP, including corn and small grains. These findings confirm that B. carinata requires low N fertility and has the potential for incorporation into cropping systems in the semiarid regions of the NGP.
The Frequency, Nature, and Effects of Coerced Debt Among a National Sample of Women Seeking Help for Intimate Partner Violence.

This study examines the frequency, nature, and effects of coerced debt, defined as non-consensual, credit-related transactions that occur in intimate relationships where one partner uses coercive c...
Gluteal Muscle Activation During Common Yoga Poses.

# Background Approximately 24% of physical therapists report regularly using yoga to strengthen major muscle groups. Although clinicians and athletes often use yoga as a form of strength training, little is known about the activation of specific muscle groups during yoga poses, including the gluteus maximus and medius. # Hypothesis/Purpose The purpose of this study was to measure gluteus maximimus and gluteus medius activation via electromyography (EMG) during five common yoga poses. A secondary purpose of the current study was to examine differences in muscle activation between sexes and experience levels. # Study Design Cross-Sectional # Methods Thirty-one healthy males and females aged 18-35 years were tested during five yoga poses performed in a randomized order. Surface EMG electrodes were placed on subjects’ right gluteus maximus and gluteus medius. Subjects performed the poses on both sides following a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) test for each muscle. All yoga pose EMG data were normalized to the corresponding muscle MVIC data. # Results Highest gluteus maximus activation occurred during Half Moon Pose on the lifted/back leg (63.3% MVIC), followed by the stance/front leg during Half Moon Pose (61.7%), then the lifted/back leg during Warrior Three Pose (46.1%). Highest gluteus medius activation occurred during Half Moon Pose on the lifted/back leg (41.9%), followed by the lifted/back leg during the Warrior Three Pose (41.6%). A significant difference was found in %MVIC of gluteus medius activity between male and female subjects (p = 0.026), and between experienced and inexperienced subjects (p = 0.050), indicating higher activation among males and inexperienced subjects, respectively. # Conclusion Half Moon Pose and Warrior Three Pose elicited the highest activation for both the gluteus maximus and the gluteus medius. Higher gluteus medius activation was seen in males and inexperienced subjects compared to their female and experienced counterparts. # Level of Evidence 3
Reterritorializing digital performance from South to North

Digital networks, digital technologies, and the publics they promote have often been analyzed as imagined communities, or virtual versions of territorial units. In the twenty-first century, however...
Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a metabolic complication of rapid cell turnover and therefore is seen most frequently in pediatric oncology patients with large tumor burdens (often with renal parenchymal involvement), tumors with short doubling times and those exquisitely sensitive to cytotoxic therapy such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). TLS can include metabolic complications related to hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia (with resultant hypocalcemia) and hyperuricemia. Laboratory TLS (LTLS) should be differentiated from clinical TLS (CTLS); CTLS includes seizures, cardiac arrhythmias and acute kidney injury necessitating renal dialysis. Recognition of risk factors for LTLS and preventive therapy remain the most important management steps to minimize development of CTLS. The evidence basis behind recommendations in the management of TLS is often negligible and therefore based mostly on consensus statements; here we analyze the existing literature in relation to the consensus statements to determine and grade rational guidelines.