cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for Two Flagellar Stators and Their Role in the Motility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous bacterium capable of twitching, swimming, and swarming motility. In this study, we present evidence that P. aeruginosa has two flagellar stators, conserved in all pseudomonads as well as some other gram-negative bacteria. Either stator is sufficient for swimming, but both are necessary for swarming motility under most of the conditions tested, suggesting that these two stators may have different roles in these two types of motility.
Toward precise pulmonary nodule descriptors for nodule type classification

A framework for nodule feature-based extraction is presented to classify lung nodules in low-dose CT slices (LDCT) into four categories: juxta, well-circumscribed, vascularized and pleural-tail, based on the extracted information. The Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) and an adaptation to Daugman's Iris Recognition algorithm are used for analysis. The SIFT descriptor results are projected to lower-dimensional subspaces using PCA and LDA. Complex Gabor wavelet nodule response obtained from an adopted Daugman Iris Recognition algorithm revealed improvements from the original Daugman binary iris code. This showed that binarized nodule responses (codes) are inadequate for classification since nodules lack texture concentration as seen in the iris, while the SIFT algorithm projected using PCA showed robustness and precision in classification.
Atomic noise spectra in nonlinear magneto-optical rotation in a rubidium vapor

We have studied the noise spectra in a nonlinear magneto-optical rotation experiment in a rubidium vapor. We observed the reduction of noise in the intensity difference of two orthogonally polarized components of the laser beam. The dependence of the noise level on both the frequency and the longitudinal magnetic field has been studied. We found that the optimal condition for the noise reduction is to work around zero longitudinal magnetic field, where the intensity correlation between the two orthogonally polarized components is maximum. Our results can be used to reduce or eliminate the atomic excess noise, therefore improving the sensitivity of nonlinear magneto-optical rotation magnetometers and other atom-optical-based applications.
The devil to pay: a cost of mutualism with Myrmelachista schumanni ants in 'devil's gardens' is increased herbivory on Duroia hirsuta trees.

‘Devil’s gardens’ are nearly pure stands of the myrmecophyte, Duroia hirsuta, that occur in Amazonian rainforests. Devil’s gardens are created by Myrmelachista schumanni ants, which nest in D. hirsuta trees and kill other plants using formic acid as an herbicide. Here, we show that this ant–plant mutualism has an associated cost; by making devil’s gardens, M. schumanni increases herbivory on D. hirsuta. We measured standing leaf herbivory on D. hirsuta trees and found that they sustain higher herbivory inside than outside devil’s gardens. We also measured the rate of herbivory on nursery-grown D. hirsuta saplings planted inside and outside devil’s gardens in ant-exclusion and control treatments. We found that when we excluded ants, herbivory on D. hirsuta was higher inside than outside devil’s gardens. These results suggest that devil’s gardens are a concentrated resource for herbivores. Myrmelachista schumanni workers defend D. hirsuta against herbivores, but do not fully counterbalance the high herbivore pressure in devil’s gardens. We suggest that high herbivory may limit the spread of devil’s gardens, possibly explaining why devil’s gardens do not overrun Amazonian rainforests.
Fair sharing using service-level agreements (SLAs) for open access in EPON

Ethernet passive optical networks (EPONs) are an attractive solution for meeting the broadband access requirements of residential users. Open access is a regulatory requirement in many countries which mandates that the access infrastructure must be open to various service providers for free competition. Thus, different service providers may cater services to same or different users using the same shared access channel. Open access demands fairness in the use of network resources among sharing entities, namely service providers and end users. In this study, we investigate scheduling algorithms for fair bandwidth sharing in the context of open access for EPONs.
Quantitative measurement of reproductive output in the American oyster, Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin), using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Abstract. A quantitative gonadal index was developed for oysters, Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin. 1791), using polyclonal antibodies from eggs and sperm. Percoll used in the purification of oyster eggs and sperm greatly improved the purity of antigens compared to filtering the egg or sperm through a fine mesh only. The antigen-antibody reaction was tested with indirect sandwich ELISA using alkaline phosphatase-conjugated goat anti-rabbit igG as a secondary antibody. Rabbit anti-oyster egg IgG and anti-oyster sperm IgG initially exhibited a weak cross-reactivity over somatic tissue. Absoring with acetone-dried oyster tissue powder removed this cross-reactivity. Both antisera exhibited strong specific immunological reactions to oyster eggs or sperm respectively. The quantity of eggs or sperm was measured using ELISA and a quantitative gonadosomatic index (dry wt of egg or sperm/dry wt oyster) (GSI) calculated. GSI from ELISA correlated with gonadal stage measured histologically. Monthly mean GSI of female oysters was highest during late spring to early summer (0·157–0·201) and lowest during early winter to early spring (0·002-0·000). Maximum GSI observed during the study was 0·422 for female oysters and 0·446 for male oysters. Female oysters produce 3·7–65·4 million eggs, with an average of 21·1 million during each spawning. A positive correlation was observed between the number of eggs produced and oyster size; the number of eggs in the gonad increased as oyster size (i.e. total dry wt) increased (r= 0·67); however, the relationship was non-linear. Large oysters contained proportionally fewer eggs. Prevalence of Perkinsus marinus parasitism was high, 90–100%, during the study, as was weighted incidence, 1·33 to 2·67, No statistically significant correlation was observed between infection intensity and the per cent weight of oyster eggs or egg number.
'Go Ye, Therefore, and Make Disciples of All Nations': Proselytism in the New World Order

This article describes the modern paradox of religious rights - the sudden awakening of religion and religious freedom around the globe versus the tragic escalation of religious rights abuses born of local bigotry and creedal clashes. This paradox lies in part in competing understandings of the rights and rites of conversion and the role that local political communities can play in preventing or facilitating the same. Some communities regard the right to change one's religion as an essential principle of religious freedom that the state must protect. Others regard it as a calculated insult to the rights of the religious community whose interests the state must support. The paradox also lies in part in competing understandings of the rights and wrongs of proselytism - particularly the clash between one party's claims to free exercise rights to share the faith versus another party's rights to freedom of conscience and religious self-determination. This article suggests measures drawn from the Western story of religious rights to mitigate the problem of conversion and to soften the tensions between the religious rights of individuals and groups. This article further argues that while peaceable proselytism is protected by international human rights law, resolving the modern problem of proselytism will require more self-restraint from proselytizers than legal limitations from government.
Upper mantle structure of central and West Antarctica from array analysis of Rayleigh wave phase velocities

The seismic velocity structure of Antarctica is important, both as a constraint on the tectonic history of the continent and for understanding solid Earth interactions with the ice sheet. We use Rayleigh wave array analysis methods applied to teleseismic data from recent temporary broadband seismograph deployments to image the upper mantle structure of central and West Antarctica. Phase velocity maps are determined using a two-plane-wave tomography method, and are inverted for shear velocity using a Monte-Carlo approach to estimate three-dimensional velocity structure. Results illuminate the structural dichotomy between the East Antarctic Craton and West Antarctica, with West Antarctica showing thinner crust and slower upper mantle velocity. West Antarctica is characterized by a 70-100 km thick lithosphere, underlain by a low velocity zone to depths of at least 200 km. The slowest anomalies are beneath Ross Island and the Marie Byrd Land dome, and are interpreted as upper mantle thermal anomalies possibly due to mantle plumes. The central Transantarctic Mountains are marked by an uppermost mantle slow velocity anomaly, suggesting that the topography is thermally supported. The presence of thin, higher velocity lithosphere to depths of about 70 km beneath the West Antarctic Rift System limits estimates of the regionally averaged heat flow to less than 90 mW/m2. The Ellsworth-Whitmore block is underlain by mantle with velocities that are intermediate between those of the West Antarctic Rift System and the East Antarctic Craton. We interpret this province as Precambrian continental lithosphere that has been altered by Phanerozoic tectonic and magmatic activity.
Early metabolomics changes in heart and plasma during chronic doxorubicin treatment in B6C3F1 mice.

The present study aimed to identify molecular markers of early stages of cardiotoxicity induced by a potent chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin (DOX). Male B6C3F1 mice were dosed with 3 mg kg(-1) DOX or saline via tail vein weekly for 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 weeks (cumulative DOX doses of 6, 9, 12, 18 or 24 mg kg(-1) , respectively) and euthanized a week after the last dose. Mass spectrometry-based and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry-based metabolic profiling were employed to identify initial biomarkers of cardiotoxicity before myocardial injury and cardiac pathology, which were not noted until after the 18 and 24 mg kg(-1) cumulative doses, respectively. After a cumulative dose of 6 mg kg(-1) , 18 amino acids and four biogenic amines (acetylornithine, kynurenine, putrescine and serotonin) were significantly increased in cardiac tissue; 16 amino acids and two biogenic amines (acetylornithine and hydroxyproline) were significantly altered in plasma. In addition, 16 acylcarnitines were significantly increased in plasma and five were significantly decreased in cardiac tissue compared to saline-treated controls. Plasma lactate and succinate, involved in the Krebs cycle, were significantly altered after a cumulative dose of 6 mg kg(-1) . A few metabolites remained altered at higher cumulative DOX doses, which could partly indicate a transition from injury processes at 2 weeks to repair processes with additional injury happening concurrently before myocardial injury at 8 weeks. These altered metabolic profiles in mouse heart and plasma during the initial stages of injury progression due to DOX treatment may suggest these metabolites as candidate early biomarkers of cardiotoxicity. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Identification and Validation of miRNA Target Sites Within Nontraditional miRNA Targets

miRNAs are endogenous small RNAs that regulate gene expression through recognition of complementary RNA sequences. While miRNAs have generally been understood to repress gene expression posttranscriptionally through recognition of 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTRs) of mRNA transcripts, they have the potential to target additional classes of RNAs. Understanding the expanding pool of potential miRNA targets has been hindered by the lack of tools for predicting target sites within these RNAs. Here, the principles for developing computational algorithms for identifying putative miRNA target sites outside of mRNA are discussed. Laboratory techniques for validating computational miRNA target predictions are described.
Abstract 4861: Triple-negative breast cancers establish a systemic environment that drives malignant progression of otherwise indolent disseminated tumors via EGF and IGF

Breast cancer recurrence rates are variable, suggesting that tumor cells disseminate from primary sites at an early stage but remain indolent for extended periods of time before progressing to symptomatic disease. Little is known about mechanisms that cause otherwise dormant tumors to become overt cancers, making it difficult to predict which breast cancer patients are likely to relapse and therefore likely to benefit from preemptive therapy. To address these challenges, we use a human breast tumor xenograft model in which aggressively growing breast cancers (“instigators”) promote the growth of otherwise indolent breast cancers (“responders”) that have disseminated to distant sites. These pro-tumorigenic systemic effects are established by instigating tumors, in large part, through their mobilization of bone marrow cells (BMCs) that are subsequently recruited to the responding breast tumors, where they create a tumor-supportive microenvironment. We report here that the mechanisms of establishing tumor-supportive systemic environments depend upon the molecular-histopathological subtype of the instigating breast cancer. Instigating cell lines and primary tumor surgical specimens, derived from patients with either triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) or luminal breast cancer (LBC), established different subtype-specific systemic environments that impinged in different ways upon the malignant features of responding tumor cells and their microenvironment. In particular, the TNBC-induced responding tumor microenvironment was characterized by elevated levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). EGF and IGF acted on responding tumor cells in a paracrine manner to induce expression of factors that play a role in tumor-initiation, embryonic stem cell maintenance, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Pharmacological administration of EGFR and IGF1R inhibitors prevented responding tumors from acquiring the TNBC-induced malignant features, thus maintaining them in an indolent state. Our results demonstrate that microenvironmental composition, as well as tumor cell phenotypic plasticity and molecular properties, are strongly influenced by the host systemic macroenvironment. Our work suggests that the crosstalk between disseminated tumor cells and their microenvironment can be exploited therapeutically to improve outcomes for patients with TNBC. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4861. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4861
The technology element model, path-dependent growth, and innovation policy

ABSTRACTThis paper uses a multi-element model of technology-based growth, including characterizations of both private and public components of such elements, to assess expansion paths for high-tech industries. Such a technology element model (TEM) maintains the traditional proprietary (excludable) technology element that directly results in innovations, while adding the ‘technology platform’ – a quasi-public (non-excludable) proof of concept that bridges the gap between an industry's science base and proprietary technology development, and a diverse technical infrastructure that has substantial impacts on industry productivity. These three elements are related to each other and to the production of technical knowledge by a homothetic technology production function. The TEM is then applied to assess the concept of constrained expansion paths. Such path dependence is shown to be a natural evolutionary process in that the evolving character of a technology over time is not necessarily the result of market fa...
An evaluation of Easton's paradigm for the oxyhemoglobin equilibrium curve.

A new paradigm for the oxyhemoglobin equilibrium curve proposed by Easton (1979) has been fit to human and dog blood saturation data by a simple linear regression algorithm. The equation derived from Easton’s paradigm is characterized by only two parameters, and can fit saturation data between 0 and 95% with a root mean square error less than 0.5%. The upper 5% of the curve is not adequately described. Easton’s equation is more accurate than the empirical Hill (1910) equation and approaches the accuracy of the more complicated Adair (1925) equation in this range.
Judging the Judge

“ The nation will judge both the offender and judges for themselves.” Jefferson to William B. Giles, April 20, 1807 “…His Honor did not for two days understand either the questions or himself…” Burr on Marshall, September 20, 1807 “Our Treason Laws may be defective, but I believe Marshall’s Conduct strictly and correctly legal as the Laws now stand.” John Adams to John Quincy Adams, February 12, 1808 To judge Marshall’s performance as trial judge – to see him as his enemies saw him – one needs to remember that the great chief justice was not yet great in 1807. To be sure, he was a popular figure in Richmond, where he and his family had resided since 1780. Thanks to his bold diplomacy in the XYZ affair in 1798, he was also a celebrated hero. Those in a position to know, friend and foe alike, agreed that he was a uniquely gifted lawyer. As evidence of promised greatness, there was his opinion in Marbury v. Madison , but that opinion had not yet achieved iconic status and neither had the man who wrote it. Whether Marshall would be a great chief justice – or indeed, whether he would be the first chief justice to be impeached – was all yet to be determined. Virginia Republicans, numerous and well placed in 1807 and spurred on by a popular president, had decided feelings about that question. They remembered Marshall as Virginia’s leading Federalist in the 1790s, a closet Hamiltonian named to head the Supreme Court by departing Federalist President John Adams to subvert President-elect Jefferson’s democratic “revolution”; not for a moment did they believe that a judicial robe neutralized Marshall’s partisan instincts. As for Marbury : Rather than a mark of genius, it was proof final of his aggrandizing agenda.
The Origins of Judaism: From Canaan to the Rise of Islam

The Origins of Judaism provides a clear, straightforward account of the development of ancient Judaism in both the Judean homeland and the Diaspora. Beginning with the Bible and ending with the rise of Islam, the text depicts the emergence of a religion that would be recognized today as Judaism out of customs and conceptions that were quite different from any that now exist. Special attention is given to the early rabbis' contribution to this historical process. Together with the main narrative, the book provides substantial quotations from primary texts (biblical, rabbinic and other) along with extended side treatments of important themes, a glossary, short biographies of leading early rabbis, a chronology of important dates and suggestions for further reading.
From Out of Sight, Out of Mind to In Sight and In Mind: Enhancing Reflective Capacities in a Group Attachment-Based Intervention

This chapter describes the Group Attachment-Based Intervention (GABI) specifically designed for clinical work with marginalized, socially isolated parents and their children, aged zero to three years. GABI aims to prevent child maltreatment by developing secure parent/child attachment relationships, promoting infant mental health, and reducing parental stress and social isolation. The theoretical and research background to GABI, an illustration of how it is delivered, and how it is taught to trainees, are the focus of this chapter. Reflective functioning is a central feature of the approach, serving both as a therapeutic goal and an organizing feature of the supervision of trainee clinicians. A unique feature of the chapter is the presentation of two clinical vignettes abstracted from over 50 h of video footage of the clinical work that forms the basis of the GABI manual.
Brexpiprazole: A New Treatment Option for Schizophrenia and Major Depressive Disorder

Objective: To review the pharmacology and clinical data for brexpiprazole in schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (MDD). Data Sources: An English-language literature search using PubMed and ...
A microfluidic detection system for quantitation of copper incorporating a wavelength-ratiometric fluorescent quantum dot pair

Described is a new approach to building a microfluidic quantum dot wavelength-ratiometric sensor system for quantifying copper in water and biological samples. This simple-to-use, low-cost, sensitive analytical method has great utility as an indicator and quantitative tool, and we have applied it here with copper as the target analyte. CdTe quantum dots of two different sizes, emitting green and red light, are utilized as fluorophores. The green dot is used as a constant emitter and is encapsulated in a silica shell. The red dot, which is immobilized on the silica surface, is quenched in the presence of copper. The dual emission of the quantum dot wavelength-ratiometric sensor results in a fluorescence color change from red to green, identified visually, corresponding to the absence or the presence of copper. The wavelength-ratiometric sensor is mixed with microcrystalline cellulose and dropcast on a microfluidic chip, made of poly(methyl methacrylate) and assembled using polycaprolactone. Red and green intensity values from the RGB system are used as analytical signals for the calibration curve. Copper in water samples is quantitatively determined by constructing a Stern–Volmer plot in the range of 1–30 mg L−1. For serum samples, absolute values of red and green intensity were plotted to mitigate non-linearity in the Stern–Volmer plot. The microfluidic format of this quantum dot wavelength-ratiometric sensor makes rapid, low-cost testing feasible and convenient for copper detection, directly addressing a diagnostic goal.
Design and Discovery of New Combinations of Mutant DNA Polymerases and Modified DNA Substrates

Chemical modifications can enhance the properties of DNA by imparting nuclease resistance and generating more-diverse physical structures. However, native DNA polymerases generally cannot synthesize significant lengths of DNA with modified nucleotide triphosphates. Previous efforts have identified a mutant of DNA polymerase I from Thermus aquaticus DNA (SFM19) as capable of synthesizing a range of short, 2'-modified DNAs; however, it is limited in the length of the products it can synthesize. Here, we rationally designed and characterized ten mutants of SFM19. From this, we identified enzymes with substantially improved activity for the synthesis of 2'F-, 2'OH-, 2'OMe-, and 3'OMe-modified DNA as well as for reverse transcription of 2'OMe DNA. We also evaluated mutant DNA polymerases previously only tested for synthesis for 2'OMe DNA and showed that they are capable of an expanded range of modified DNA synthesis. This work significantly expands the known combinations of modified DNA and Taq DNA polymerase mutants.
Recruitment Strategies, Matrices, and Techniques Used in Hiring Veterans

Successful transition to civilian employment is a challenge for veterans. The purpose of this single case study was to explore critical aspects of hiring managers’ decision-making process and to understand how these strategies and techniques affect the hiring of veterans. Tajfel and Turner’s social identity theory and Lewin’s organizational change model formed the conceptual framework for the study. The participants for this study were 8 hiring managers from a midsized company in the Upper Hudson Valley Region, New York. Data were collected using semistructured interviews. The data were analyzed and coded and 4 themes emerged: strategies used to fill open positions, specific recruitment and interview protocols, veterans’ skills from military training, and lack of experience with hiring veterans. The study results may contribute to veteran’s awareness of the skills that employers are seeking that veterans may be able to fulfill. The results of the study could create an opportunity for hiring managers to recognize that veterans represent a trained, ready-made talent pool. The social impact of the study could help hiring managers identify and design the required job description criteria to include the transferable skills of veterans.
Elements of a Nonlinear System Identification Methodology of Broad Applicability with Application to Bolted Joints

This chapter presents a recently proposed nonlinear system identification methodology that has the promise of broad applicability based on a global–local approach. In the proposed nonlinear system identification methodology, measured time series are decomposed in terms of approximately monochromatic dominant intrinsic mode functions, which are either depicted in frequency-energy plots (the global aspect of nonlinear system identification), or are used to construct local models in terms of sets of intrinsic modal oscillators (the local aspect of nonlinear system identification). The proposed nonlinear system identification methodology is applied to the analysis and modeling of the nonlinear damping effects induced by a frictional interface on the dynamics of a beam with a bolted joint connection. In particular, we show that by studying the temporal decays of the logarithms of the moduli of the complex amplitudes of the forcing functions of the intrinsic modal oscillators, we can deduce the nonlinear damping effects in the dynamics. The nonlinear system identification methodology can be employed to study nonlinear damping effects in structural assemblies with more complex mechanical joints, and nonlinear stiffness effects in structural components with local or distributed nonlinearities of a different source. Moreover, it is possible to study the effects of nonproportional (linear or nonlinear) damping distribution on the modal responses, and conceive methods for modeling such effects and for examining how these effects perturb the result of classical modal analysis.
Abstract 20215: Left Ventricular Assist Device Inflow Cannula-Mitral Alignment and Pump Migration Impact LVAD Dysfunction Over Long Term Support

Purpose: LVAD position at implant has long term implications with aligning the inflow cannula along the mitral valve axis and anchoring the pump as important goals. This study investigates the impa...
Negative affect, message reactance and perceived risk: how do pictorial cigarette pack warnings change quit intentions?

Objective Pictorial warnings on cigarette packs increase motivation to quit smoking. We sought to examine the potential mediating role of negative affect, message reactance (ie, an oppositional reaction to a message) and perceived risk in shaping quit intentions. Methods In 2014 and 2015, we randomly assigned 2149 adult US smokers to receive either pictorial warnings or text-only warnings applied to their cigarette packs for 4 weeks. Analyses used structural equation modelling with bootstrapped SEs to test our theorised mediational model. Findings Pictorial warnings increased negative affect, message reactance and quit intentions (all P positive association with perceived risk (mediated effect=0.02, P negative association with perceived risk (mediated effect=−0.01, P Conclusions Pictorial cigarette pack warnings increased quit intentions by increasing negative affect. Message reactance partially attenuated this increase in intentions. The opposing associations of negative affect and reactance on perceived risk may explain why pictorial warnings did not lead to observable changes in perceived risk.
Do Schools That Screen for Body Mass Index Have Recommended Safeguards in Place

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that schools adopt 10 safeguards before launching a body mass index (BMI) screening program; however, little is known about schools' safeguard adoption. Authors identified questions from the 2014 School Health Policies and Practices Study that aligned with 4 of the 10 safeguards to estimate safeguard prevalence among schools that screened students for BMI (40.7%, N = 223). Among these schools, 3.1% had all four safeguards and 56.5% had none or one. The most prevalent safeguard was having reliable and accurate equipment (54.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [46.1, 62.1]). Providing staff with appropriate expertise and training was the least prevalent; respondents in 26.4% (95% CI [17.1, 35.6]) of schools received recent training on weight status assessment, weight management, and eating disorder identification. School-based BMI screening is common, but adopting multiple recommended safeguards is not. Absent these safeguards, BMI screening programs may fall short of intended outcomes and potentially incur unintended consequences.
Comparison Between Image-Guided and Landmark-Based Glenohumeral Joint Injections for the Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis: A Cost-Effectiveness Study.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of landmark-based and image-guided intraarticular steroid injections for the initial treatment of a population with adhe...
Parathyroid Hormone, Parathyroid Hormone–Related Protein, and Calcitonin

Publisher Summary This chapter provides information on mechanism, structure, and function of parathyroid hormone (PTH), parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), and Calcitonin. The observations that intermittent administration of PTH induces anabolic responses in the skeleton have led to the development of PTH analogs for the treatment of osteoporosis. Like many growth factors or cytokines, PTHrP has been suggested to have many functions, such as in the skeleton, mammary gland, placenta, smooth muscle and the cardiovascular system, teeth, and bone homeostatis. Finally, as far as calcitonin is concerned, it is a convenient serum tumor marker for medullary thyroid carcinoma, and can be used in longitudinal monitoring of patients for signs of recurrence or progression after surgery. There is considerable variability in the ability of individual medullary thyroid cancers to produce calcitonin, so baseline levels drawn prior to surgery are needed to interpret results. The effects of calcitonin on the osteoclast have made it a useful agent in treatment of bone and calcium disorders.
THE ENERGY EXCHANGE BETWEEN ARGON AND A HOT GRAPHITE SURFACE

The energy exchange between cold argon gas and a hot graphite surface has been measured in continuation of the work presented at the Third Carbon Conference, using the same method and equipment. The amount of energy carried away by the argon atoms is proportional to the pressure in the range from 3–15 μ, independent of the temperature of the graphite surface ranging from 1100°K to 1500°K, and inversely proportional to the temperature of the cell wall, i.e. the temperature of the atoms before striking the hot surface, just as had been found for He, Ne, Kr and CH4. The critical temperature Tc for the temporary adsorption of A on the graphite surface derived from these experiments is 780°K. Furthermore, it was established that the accommodation coefficient becomes 1 within the error of ±5% for temperatures of the graphite surface below 780°K in accordance with the model of temporary physical adsorption proposed for the exchange mechanism.
Anti-La antibodies.

Anti-La antibodies usually occur in sera with anti-Ro antibodies and represent important serologic markers of Sjogren's syndrome and neonatal lupus erythematosus. In addition to their diagnostic and prognostic significance, anti-La antibodies have proved valuable reagents for molecularly characterizing its antigenic target, which is a 47 kD ribonucleoprotein located in the nucleus and cytoplasm of mammalian cells. The isotype distribution and fine specificity of the anti-La response as well as its associations with HLA-DR and DQ loci suggest that these autoantibodies arise by a T cell-dependent, antigen-driven mechanism. Further insights into the mechanisms of anti-La production in humans may be gained by studying experimental animal models that develop these antibodies spontaneously or through induction by various immunization protocols.
Morphology of Nanostructured Films for Environmental Applications: Simulation of Simultaneous Sintering and Growth

A sequential Brownian dynamics approach was used to establish the morphological evolution of a nanostructured particle deposit accounting for random diffusion, particle–particle and particle–surface interactions through van der Waals forces, and sintering of deposited particles. Monodisperse (30nm radius) titanium dioxide particles were used in the simulations. A linear sintering law rate expression was used to account for the decrease in total surface area of the deposit. Characteristics such as packing thickness, total surface area, and fractal dimension are reported as a function of time during the deposition process. Sintering resulted in higher fractal dimensions (as defined) for the deposits, and elevated temperatures resulted in more compact deposits.
Visual expectations: a cognitive model of fuzzy decision making

The goal of our research is to create a computer model that follows the same decision making process as humans for a specific visual task. Human vision is a complex cognitive process that includes many top down and bottom up processes. Sensory information is altered and combined before it even reaches the brain. Decisions made solely on visual information can be controlled through how we believe we are perceiving information (verses what we are actually seeing). Furthermore, these decisions can be modeled to create a system that responds in the same manner as a human.
Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides: case reports and literature review.

Antecedents : Le mycosis fongoide hypopigmente est une variante rare du mycosis fongoide (MF) ayant une predilection pour les sujets jeunes a la peau foncee. Objectif : Decrire de nouveaux cas de MF hypopigmente avec rearrangement genique des TCR confirme par analyse. Methodes : Expose de cas et etude de la litterature. Resultats : Trois des quatre patients souffrant d'un MF hypopigmente presentaient un rearrangement genique des TCR. Un cinquieme cas (mycosis fongoide hypopigmente et micro-abces de Pautrier classiques) est decrit pour lequel aucune analyse du rearrangement genique des TCR n'a ete effectuee. Conclusion : Malgre une predilection pour les population a la peau foncee, le MF hypopigmente peut aussi affecter des patients du type caucasien. Dans les cas douteux, l'amplification en chaine par polymerase peut etre utilement employee pour detecter precocement la presence du MF hypopigmente.
Effect of altering nutrient density (concentrate to roughage ratio) and restricting energy intake on rate, efficiency and composition of growing lambs.

Two hundred ninety-eight Rambouillet ewe and wether lambs approximately 9 mo old from Texas were allotted to pens (29 to 30 lambs/pen). Two replicate pens were fed each of five diets. Two methods of restricting energy intake were evaluated: altering nutrient density (55% vs 72.5% vs 90% concentrate levels) and restricting intake of the 90% concentrate pelleted diet (92.5% or 85% ad libitum intake). Daily gains were highest with the 72.5% concentrate level and feed efficiency was poorest with the 55% concentrate diet fed ad libitum. Altering nutrient density did not reduce energy intake because lambs compensated by increasing feed intake at the lower nutrient densities. Actual feed intake was 89.5% of ad libitum for the 92.5% of ad libitum intake level and 84% of ad libitum at the 85% of ad libitum intake level due to refusal to consume some fines from the 90% concentrate diet. Feed refusal was greatest for lambs with ad libitum access to feed. Average daily gain was depressed by 8% at the 85% intake level. However, feed efficiency was improved (P less than .01) by 20% when intake was restricted to 92.5% of the ad libitum intake level. Differences in carcass traits were small, but consistent; carcass fat content was reduced slightly by restricting feed intake at constant slaughter weight.
Mathematical assessment of the role of Dengvaxia vaccine on the transmission dynamics of dengue serotypes.

Abstract A new mathematical model is designed and used to assess the impact of the newly-released Dengvaxia vaccine on the transmission dynamics of two co-circulating dengue strains (where strain 1 consists of dengue serotypes 1, 3 and 4; and strain 2 consists of dengue serotype 2). It is shown that the model exhibits the phenomenon of backward bifurcation when the disease-induced mortality in the host population exceeds a certain threshold value or if the vaccine does not provide perfect protection against infection with the two strains. In the absence of backward bifurcation, the disease-free equilibrium of the model is shown to be globally-asymptotically stable whenever the associated reproduction number is less than unity. It is shown that the community-wide use of the vaccine could induce positive, negative or no population-level impact, depending on the sign of a certain epidemiological threshold quantity (known as the vaccine impact factor). Simulations of the model, using data from Oaxaca, Mexico, show that, although the community-wide use of the vaccine will significantly reduce dengue burden in the community, it is unable to lead to the elimination of the two dengue strains. It is further shown that the use of Dengvaxia vaccine in dengue-naive populations may induce increased risk of severe disease in these populations.
Recent Progress in Laboratory Astrophysics Achieved with NASA Ames’ COSmIC Facility

We describe the characteristics and the capabilities of the laboratory facility, COSmIC, that was developed at NASA Ames to generate, process and analyze interstellar, circumstellar and planetary analogs in the laboratory. COSmIC stands for ’Cosmic Simulation Chamber’ and is dedicated to the study of neutral and ionized molecules and nanoparticles under the low temperature and high vacuum conditions that are required to simulate various space environments such as diffuse interstellar clouds, circumstellar outflows and planetary atmospheres. Recent results obtained using COSmIC will be highlighted. In particular, the progress that has been achieved in the domain of the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) and in monitoring, in the laboratory, the formation of circumstellar dust grains and planetary atmosphere aerosols from their gas-phase molecular precursors. Plans for future laboratory experiments on interstellar and planetary molecules and grains will also be addressed, as well as the implications of the studies underway for astronomical observations and past and future space mission data analysis.
Ultrasound Noncontact Particle Manipulation of Three-dimensional Dynamic User-specified Patterns of Particles in Air

It may look like magic, but it's science: Using external fields for noncontact particle manipulation offers great advantage in many applications, including lab-on-a-chip technology, materials processing, and containerless transport. In particular, ultrasound wave fields can be used as virtual tweezers to move particles along a chosen trajectory, or to form desired patterns. Typical methods in three dimensions allow manipulation of a single particle, or a static formation of a pattern of particles, but this work presents a method to control the $p\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}o\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}s\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}i\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}t\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}i\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}o\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}n$ $a\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}n\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}d$ $t\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}r\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}a\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}j\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}e\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}c\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}t\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}o\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}r\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}y$ of an entire user-specified pattern, or subsets of the pattern, including individual particles.
Prioritization of Metamorphic Relations Based on Test Case Execution Properties

A test oracle is essential for software testing. In certain complex systems, it is hard to distinguish between correct and incorrect behavior. Metamorphic testing is one of the solution to solve the test oracle problem. In metamorphic testing, metamorphic relations (MRs) are derived based on the properties exhibited by the program under test (PUT). These MRs play a major role in the generation of test data for conducting MT. The effectiveness of MRs can be determined based on the ability to detect considerable faults for the given PUT. Many metamorphic relations with different fault finding capability can be used to test the PUT and it is important to identify and prioritize the MRs based on its fault finding effectiveness. In order to answer this challenge, we propose to prioritize the MRs based on the diversity in the execution path of the source and follow-up test cases of the MRs. We propose four metrics to capture different levels of diversity in the execution behavior of the test cases for each of the derived MRs. The total weight calculated for each of the MRs using the metrics is used to prioritize the MRs.
Patterns and drivers of long‐term changes in breeding bird communities in a global biodiversity hotspot in Mexico

National Park Service; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Veolia Environment Foundation; Sky Island Alliance
A DEADLY CASE OF THE JITTERS: CATECHOLAMINERGIC POLYMORPHIC VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA AND THE ROLE OF LEFT CARDIAC SYMPATHETIC DENERVATION

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is an important cause of polymorphic VT and sudden cardiac death in otherwise young, healthy individuals. Early detection and informed decision making are crucial to decrease the risk of sudden cardiac death. A 23 year old female was
Synthesis and characterization of phase-pure manganese(II) and manganese(III) silicalite-2.

Manganese silicalite-2 was synthesized at high pH using the molecular cluster Mn12O12(O2CCH3)16 as a Mn source. The silicalite-2 (ZSM-11) materials were synthesized using 3,5-dimethyl-N,N-diethylpiperdinium hydroxide as a structure-directing agent to produce phase-pure ZSM-11 materials. No precipitation of manganese hydroxide was observed, and synthesis resulted in the incorporation of up to 2.5 mol % Mn into the silicalite-2 with direct substitution into the framework verified by the linear relationship between the unit cell volume and loading. The Mn is reduced to MnII during hydrothermal synthesis and incorporated into the silicalite-2 framework during calcination at 500 °C. Further calcination at 750 °C does not affect the crystallinity but oxidizes essentially all of the MnII to MnIII in the framework. The large difference in oxidation temperatures between the II and III oxidation states provides a means of producing relatively pure manganese(II) and manganese(III) silicalite-2 materials for applicat...
Numerical study of two balls settling in viscoelastic fluids from an initial vertical configuration

In this article, we have investigated, via numerical simulation, the interaction of two identical balls settling in a vertical square tube filled with a viscoelastic fluid. For two balls released in Oldroyd-B fluids, one on top of the other initially, we have observed two possible scenarios, among others: either the trailing ball catches up the leading one to form a doublet (dipole) or the balls separate with a stable final distance. If the ball density is slightly larger than the fluid density, the two balls form a doublet, either vertical or tilted. If one further increases the ball density, the two balls still form a doublet if the initial distance is small enough, but for larger initial distances at higher elasticity numbers, the balls move away from each other and their distance reaches a stable constant. Factors influencing doublet formation are (possibly among others) the ball density, the ball initial distance, and the fluid elasticity number. When settling in finite extendable nonlinear elastic–Chilcott and Rallison fluids, low values of the coil maximal extension limit enhance ball separation.In this article, we have investigated, via numerical simulation, the interaction of two identical balls settling in a vertical square tube filled with a viscoelastic fluid. For two balls released in Oldroyd-B fluids, one on top of the other initially, we have observed two possible scenarios, among others: either the trailing ball catches up the leading one to form a doublet (dipole) or the balls separate with a stable final distance. If the ball density is slightly larger than the fluid density, the two balls form a doublet, either vertical or tilted. If one further increases the ball density, the two balls still form a doublet if the initial distance is small enough, but for larger initial distances at higher elasticity numbers, the balls move away from each other and their distance reaches a stable constant. Factors influencing doublet formation are (possibly among others) the ball density, the ball initial distance, and the fluid elasticity number. When settling in finite extendable nonlinear elastic–C...
Exploring Preservice Teachers’ Beliefs about Effective Science Teaching through Their Collaborative Oral Reflections

Teaching effectiveness is increasingly highlighted as an important quality in teachers, and teacher education programs have used various approaches to improve preservice teachers’ teaching effectiv...
Feeding behavior of Frankliniella fusca on seedling cotton expressing Cry51Aa2.834_16 Bt toxin

Background Tobacco thrips, Frankliniella fusca (Hinds), is a pest of cotton. Currently, growers rely on neonicotinoid seed treatments to control F. fusca. However, the occurrence of neonicotinoid-resistant F. fusca populations has created new challenges for their management. Development of thrips-active Cry51Aa2.834_16 Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin expressed in MON 88702 cotton will be an important new tactic for thrips management. Previous studies have shown that MON 88702 causes limited mortality of F. fusca adults and larvae but reduces infestations on seedling cotton by suppressing oviposition from colonizing adults. This suggests that the toxin affects host preference of adult F. fusca. Knowledge of the effect of this trait on F. fusca feeding behavior provides a more complete understanding of MON 88702 activity. Using electropenetrography, we compared the feeding behaviors of adult F. fusca females on MON 88702 cotton and a non-Bt isoline cotton over 2 h. The number of probes, proportion of probes resulting in ingestion, total duration of ingestion, and duration of ingestion per event were measured. Results On MON 88702 seedlings, F. fusca probed and ingested fewer times than those on non-Bt cotton. Probes on MON 88702 were less likely to lead to ingestion than on non-Bt cotton. The total duration of ingestion and duration of ingestion per event did not differ between treatments. Conclusion The results show that MON 88702 has an antifeedant effect on F. fusca, which provides insight into behavioral responses driving MON 88702 aversion and anti-oviposition documented in previous studies. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
Chapter 1 – ANALYTIC FUNCTIONS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the theory of functions of a complex variable and analytic functions, which extends the concepts of calculus to the complex plane. In doing so, differentiation and integration acquire new depth and elegance, and the two-dimensional nature of the complex plane yields many results useful in applied mathematics. Polynomials and rational functions in a real variable yield analytic functions when the real variable is replaced by z, where z = x + iy, and x and y are real numbers and i is the imaginary unit satisfying the property i2 = – 1. This is by no means an isolated example. In fact all elementary functions in calculus, such as exponentials, logarithms, and trigonometric functions, give rise to analytic functions when suitably extended to the complex plane. Therefore, the chapter presents the extensions of these elementary functions and their properties.