cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
This Ain't Paris Sweetie: Exploring West African and French Identity in the Southern United States

This autoethnography explores West African and French identity in the Southern United States. Seven short poems trace back a journey from West Africa and France to the American South and flesh out the contours of a transient and suspended self. A brown immigrant woman, my text reconstructs the embodied experience of racism and sexism in a small conservative community. Poetic prose helps to capture the elusive nature of a narrative, best expressed through fragmentary impressions. These bits written in half-dream state bring to life the folding and unfolding of identity/ies in a foreign land. They also offer a political and cultural reflection on racism, sexism, and immigration. Finally, because they open many windows to other narratives, they shed light on intertextuality in autoethnographic practice, through what I call the "Russian Dolls" metaphor.
Phosphorylation of TFIIA Stimulates TATA Binding Protein-TATA Interaction and Contributes to Maximal Transcription and Viability in Yeast

Posttranslational modification of general transcription factors may be an important mechanism for global gene regulation. The general transcription factor IIA (TFIIA) binds to the TATA binding protein (TBP) and is essential for high-level transcription mediated by various activators. Modulation of the TFIIA-TBP interaction is a likely target of transcriptional regulation. We report here that Toa1, the large subunit of yeast TFIIA, is phosphorylated in vivo and that this phosphorylation stabilizes the TFIIA-TBP-DNA complex and is required for high-level transcription. Alanine substitution of serine residues 220, 225, and 232 completely eliminated in vivo phosphorylation of Toa1, although no single amino acid substitution of these serine residues eliminated phosphorylation in vivo. Phosphorylated TFIIA was 30-fold more efficient in forming a stable complex with TBP and TATA DNA. Dephosphorylation of yeast-derived TFIIA reduced DNA binding activity, and recombinant TFIIA could be stimulated by in vitro phosphorylation with casein kinase II. Yeast strains expressing the toa1 S220/225/232A showed reduced high-level transcriptional activity at the URA1, URA3, and HIS3 promoters but were viable. However, S220/225/232A was synthetically lethal when combined with an alanine substitution mutation at W285, which disrupts the TFIIA-TBP interface. Phosphorylation of TFIIA could therefore be an important mechanism of transcription modulation, since it stimulates TFIIA-TBP association, enhances high-level transcription, and contributes to yeast viability. Eukaryotic RNA polymerases require the formation of a multiprotein preinitiation complex near the promoter start site for efficient transcription initiation to occur (reviewed in references 8, 42, 49, and 63). The composition of the preinitiation complex may vary among promoters, but the best-studied model promoters indicate that the preinitiation complex consists of the general transcription factors TFIIA, TFIIB, TFIID, TFIIE, TFIIF, and TFIIH. The formation of the preinitiation complex and the subsequent recruitment of RNA polymerase II to the promoter start site can be rate limiting for transcription in vitro and in vivo and are subject to regulation by activators and repressors. Precisely how activators and repressors
A β-catenin survival signal is required for normal lobular development in the mammary gland

The Wnt (wingless) family of secreted glycoproteins initiates a signalling pathway implicated in the regulation of both normal mouse mammary gland development and tumorigenesis. Multiple Wnt signals ultimately converge on the multifunctional protein β-catenin to activate the transcription of target genes. Although β-catenin plays a crucial role in canonical Wnt signalling, it also functions in epithelial cell-cell adhesion at the adherens junctions. This study was designed to isolate β-catenin9s signalling function from its role in adherence during mouse mammary gland development. A transgenic dominant-negative β-catenin chimera (β-eng), which retains normal protein-binding properties of wild-type β-catenin but lacks its C-terminal signalling domain, was expressed preferentially in the mammary gland. Thus, β-eng inhibits the signalling capacity of endogenousβ -catenin, while preserving normal cell-cell adhesion properties. Analysis of the mammary gland in transgenic mice revealed a severe inhibition of lobuloalveolar development and a failure of the mice to nurse their young. Expression of β-eng resulted in an induction of apoptosis both in transgenic mice and in retrovirally transduced HC11 cells. Thus, endogenousβ -catenin expression appears to be required to provide a survival signal in mammary epithelial cells, which can be suppressed by transgenic expression of β-eng. Comparison of the timing of transgene expression with the transgenic phenotype suggested a model in which β-catenin9s survival signal is required in lobular progenitors that later differentiate into lobuloalveolar clusters. This study illustrates the importance ofβ -catenin signalling in mammary lobuloalveolar development.
Clostridium cadaveris bacteremia in the immunocompromised host.

Clostridium cadaveris, usually considered a non-pathogen, was isolated from blood cultures of two febrile patients with cancer. The bacteremias appeared to have originated from the abdomen. This organism has not been previously reported as the etiological agent in this setting. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Servo: a programming model for many-core computing

Conventional programming models were designed to be used by expert programmers for programming for large-scale multiprocessors, distributed computational clusters, or specialized parallel machines. These models, therefore, are deemed either too difficult for an "average" programmer (who will be expected to do parallel programming in the many-core world) or too inefficient to use for many-core architectures [3]. Similarly, conventional execution models were designed for performance, not scalability.To address the challenge of performance scalability for many-core architectures, we introduce Servo, a Service Oriented programming model that decomposes every program into a set of components (each with its own local memory, mutable state, and a program counter) that either request services or deliver services. Servo is characterized by the decoupling of logical communication mapping between program modules (or services) from physical communication mapping between modules. This allows the services to be migrated and replicated during execution. The proposed model also allows the granularity of data parallel operations to be changed dynamically. This allows runtime variation in the locking granularity which in turn enables higher write-parallelism. Finally, the models partition even data into services. This can significantly enhance locality and makes it possible to have superlinear speedups with increasing number of cores.Our preliminary investigations demonstrate significant performance scalability advantages for Servo.
Fuzzy modeling based on generalized neural networks and fuzzy clustering objective functions

An approach to the formulation of fuzzy if-then rules based on clustering objective functions is proposed. The membership functions are then calibrated with the generalized neural networks technique to achieve a desired input-output mapping. The learning procedure is basically a gradient-descent algorithm. A Kalman filter algorithm is used to improve the overall performance. >
Effects of clover and small grain cover crops and tillage techniques on seedling emergence of some dicotyledonous weed species

We monitored emergence of morning-glory, pigweed, and prickly sida from seeded populations in no-till plots with no debris (reference plots) or with crimson clover, subterranean clover, rye, or wheat debris. Cover crops were either desiccated by glyphosate or mowed and tilled into the soil. Debris levels, soil temperature, moisture, pH, nitrate, total phenolic acid and compaction were monitored during May to August in both 1992 and 1993. Seedling emergence for all three weed species ranged from <1 to 16% of seeds sown. Surface debris treatments delayed weed seedling emergence compared with the reference plots. Rye and wheat debris consistently suppressed weed emergence; in contrast, the effects of clover debris on weed emergence ranged from suppression to stimulation. Gfyphosate application resulted in a longer delay and greater suppression of seedling emergence in May than in April. In 1993, plots in which living biomass was tilled into the soil were also included and monitored. Weed seedling emergence was stimulated when living biomass was incorporated into the soil. Covariate, correlation and principle component analyses did not identify significant relationships between weed seedling emergence and soil physical and chemical characteristics (e.g., total phenolic acid, nitrate, moisture, temperature). We hypothesize that the observed initial delay of the weed seedling emergence for all three species was likely due to low initial soil moisture. The subsequent rapid recovery of seedling emergence of morning-glory and pigweed but notprickfy sida in the clover compared with the small grain debris plots was likely due to variation in soil allelopathic agents or nitrate-N levels. The stimulation of weed seedling emergence when living biomass was incorporated into the soil was likely caused by an increase in “safe” germination sites coupled with the absence of a zone of inhibition resulting from tillage.
Sulforaphane induces cell cycle arrest by protecting RB-E2F-1 complex in epithelial ovarian cancer cells

Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate phytochemical present predominantly in cruciferous vegetables such as brussels sprout and broccoli, is considered a promising chemo-preventive agent against cancer. In-vitro exposure to SFN appears to result in the induction of apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in a variety of tumor types. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to the inhibition of cell cycle progression by SFN are poorly understood in epithelial ovarian cancer cells (EOC). The aim of this study is to understand the signaling mechanisms through which SFN influences the cell growth and proliferation in EOC. SFN at concentrations of 5 - 20 μM induced a dose-dependent suppression of growth in cell lines MDAH 2774 and SkOV-3 with an IC50 of ~8 μM after a 3 day exposure. Combination treatment with chemotherapeutic agent, paclitaxel, resulted in additive growth suppression. SFN at ~8 μM decreased growth by 40% and 20% on day 1 in MDAH 2774 and SkOV-3, respectively. Cells treated with cytotoxic concentrations of SFN have reduced cell migration and increased apoptotic cell death via an increase in Bak/Bcl-2 ratio and cleavage of procaspase-9 and poly (ADP-ribose)-polymerase (PARP). Gene expression profile analysis of cell cycle regulated proteins demonstrated increased levels of tumor suppressor retinoblastoma protein (RB) and decreased levels of E2F-1 transcription factor. SFN treatment resulted in G1 cell cycle arrest through down modulation of RB phosphorylation and by protecting the RB-E2F-1 complex. SFN induces growth arrest and apoptosis in EOC cells. Inhibition of retinoblastoma (RB) phosphorylation and reduction in levels of free E2F-1 appear to play an important role in EOC growth arrest.
Cutaneous Infection with Mycobacterium abscessus in a Child

Nontuberculous mycobacteria can cause cutaneous infections in both children and adults. Localized nontuberculous mycobacterial infections of the skin have been reported in children following injections or surgical procedures. We report a child who developed a cutaneous nontuberculous mycobacterial infection after exposure of a skin wound to pond water. Cutaneous infection with the rapidly growing mycobacteria Mycobacterium abscessus was demonstrated by clinical and histologic evaluation on the lower leg of an otherwise healthy 12-year-old Caucasian boy. We describe this as an instance of an unusual acquisition of cutaneous M. abscessus infection in a child.
The Role of Capital Market Settings in Disclosure Policy

M y remarks concern the potential policy implications that arise from the relations among disclosure, cost of capital, and the nature of the capital market setting. My primary claim is that different capital market settings may yield different policy implications. For example, consider disclosure by an individual firm in a diversified market setting. That element of disclosure that provides information about the idiosyncratic behavior of the firm’s cash flow may have no relevance to policy makers in a market where idiosyncratic effects diversify away. Alternatively, that element that provides information about the systematic behavior of the firm’s cash flow may be relevant because it affects systematic risk. In other words, the policy implications of disclosure cannot be divorced from assumptions about the nature of the capital market setting where a firm’s shares are traded. With regard to capital market settings, one salient feature is whether the market is perfectly competitive, imperfectly competitive, or some mixture of the two. Most researchers in finance and accounting—to say nothing of most regulators—blur the distinction between perfect versus imperfect competition settings. This criticism is harsher still when researchers and regulators fail to make any distinction whatsoever. Despite this oversight, disclosure’s effects differ in perfect versus imperfect competition settings. These distinctions may have important policy implications. In perfectly competitive markets, each investor believes that his/her demand for an asset has no effect on the price at which his/her demand will be satisfied, and in equilibrium this belief is sustained. Perfect competition is consistent with markets that are deep, liquid, and attract many investors. In imperfectly competitive markets, each investor believes that his/her demand for an asset affects the price at which his/her demand will be satisfied, and in equilibrium this belief is sustained. Imperfect competition is consistent with markets that are not deep, illiquid, and attract relatively few investors.
A Synchronization Technique for Array-based LDPC Codes in Channels With Varying Sampling Rate

We describe a method for enhancing the synchronization error correction properties of an array-based low density parity check (LDPC) code. The proposed method uses code expurgation: a linear subcode is retained for message encoding and additional input bits are used for protection against synchronization errors. The method is easy to implement and incurs minimal loss in rate.
Design Exploration of Optical Interconnection Networks for Chip Multiprocessors

The network-on-chip (NoC) paradigm has emerged as a promising solution for providing connectivity among the increasing number of cores that get integrated into both systems-on chip (SoC) and chip multiprocessors (CMP). In future high performance CMPs, however, the high bandwidth requirements will not be adequately provided by electronic NoCs without dissipating large amounts of power. Previously, we have made the case for the photonic NoC as a unique interconnect solution for delivering scalable bandwidth-per-watt performance that surpasses equivalent electronic NoCs. Building on this work, we study the adoption of photonic communication for CMPs and we present three main contributions: (1) we propose two nonblocking topologies for photonic NoC designs and we assess both qualitatively and quantitatively the pros and cons that they offer with respect to the original (blocking) topology, (2) we show how a photonic NoC is better suited for a CMP made of complex multi-threaded cores, and (3) we present the first simulation based assessment of the benefits of using a photonic NoC for a real application, i.e. computing a large FFT.
Orienting Multiple Interviewers: The Use of an Interview Orientation and Standardized Interview

An interviewer orientation protocol and standardized interview can be an effective way of orienting multiple interviews to qualitative research. A standardized interview involves an actor taught to portray a research participant consistently in several interview encounters. In this article, the authors describe the interview protocol, and the development and application of a standardized interview. The benefits of using a standardized interview as a formative method to orient multiple interviewers include assessing the interviewers' integration of the interview protocol, the nonverbal and verbal presentation of the interview process between interviewers, and the general flow of the interview from interviewer to interviewer. As more qualitative research is conducted using multiple interviewers, the method of an interview protocol and subsequent standardized interview might be helpful when orienting interviewers to the challenges and promises of conducting research using a critical framework.
CONCURRIT: a domain specific language for reproducing concurrency bugs

We present CONCURRIT, a domain-specific language (DSL) for reproducing concurrency bugs. Given some partial information about the nature of a bug in an application, a programmer can write a CONCURRIT script to formally and concisely specify a set of thread schedules to explore in order to find a schedule exhibiting the bug. Further, the programmer can specify how these thread schedules should be searched to find a schedule that reproduces the bug. We implemented CONCURRIT as an embedded DSL in C++, which uses manual or automatic source instrumentation to partially control the scheduling of the software under test. Using CONCURRIT, we were able to write concise tests to reproduce concurrency bugs in a variety of benchmarks, including the Mozilla's SpiderMonkey JavaScript engine, Memcached, Apache's HTTP server, and MySQL.
PHYLOGENETIC POSITION OF EIMERIA ANTROZOI, A BAT COCCIDIUM (APICOMPLEXA: EIMERIIDAE) AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO MORPHOLOGICALLY SIMILAR EIMERIA SPP. FROM BATS AND RODENTS BASED ON NUCLEAR 18S AND PLASTID 23S rDNA SEQUENCES

Partial plastid 23S and nuclear 18S rDNA genes were amplified and sequenced from 2 morphologically similar Eimeria species, E. antrozoi from a bat (Antrozous pallidus) and E. arizonensis from deer mice (Peromyscus spp.), as well as some other Eimeria species from bats and rodents. The phylogenetic trees clearly separated E. antrozoi from E. arizonensis. The phylogenies based on plastid 23S rDNA data and combined data of both plastid and nuclear genes grouped 2 bat Eimeria and 3 morphologically similar Eimeria species from rodents into 2 separate clades with high bootstrap support (100%, 3 rodent Eimeria species; 72–97%, 2 bat Eimeria species), which supports E. antrozoi as a valid species. The rodent Eimeria species did not form a monophyletic group. The 2 bat Eimeria species formed a clade with the 3 morphologically similar rodent Eimeria species (E. arizonensis, E. albigulae, E. onychomysis, all from cricetid rodents) with 100% bootstrap support, whereas 2 other rodent Eimeria species (E. nieschulzi, E....
Removing Ground and Intermittent Clutter Contamination from Wind Profiler Signals Using Wavelet Transforms

Abstract New algorithms for removing ground and intermittent clutter contamination from wind profiler data are presented. The techniques use wavelet transforms to “filter” the contribution of clutter to the wind profiler signals. Examples of typical clutter contamination using simulated and actual signals are presented. The corresponding Doppler spectra before and after wavelet filtering are compared. The authors find that wavelet filtering can reduce the clutter-to-clear-air signal power by as much as 40 dB, even when the clutter and clear-air peaks cannot be resolved in the Doppler spectrum. The enhancement in clear-air signal detectability in the presence of clutter is due to the more efficient separation of clutter and clear-air energy in the wavelet domain.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of thermal burns

The use of hyperbaric oxygen as an adjunct in the treatment of thermal injury is considered controversial. It is frequently condemned as being too dangerous and/or too expensive for routine use. A comprehensive review of the world literature fails to support these conclusions. A significant body of data suggest it may be of great benefit and its utilization can favorably affect outcome relative to length of hospital stay, surgical procedures, reduction of infection, and mortality.
Smoking-Relevant Nicotine Concentration Attenuates the Unfolded Protein Response in Dopaminergic Neurons

Retrospective epidemiological studies show an inverse correlation between susceptibility to Parkinson's disease and a person's history of tobacco use. Animal model studies suggest nicotine as a neuroprotective agent and nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (nAChRs) as targets for neuroprotection, but the underlying neuroprotective mechanism(s) are unknown. We cultured mouse ventral midbrain neurons for 3 weeks. Ten to 20% of neurons were dopaminergic (DA), revealed by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity. We evoked mild endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress with tunicamycin (Tu), producing modest increases in the level of nuclear ATF6, phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α, nuclear XBP1, and the downstream proapoptotic effector nuclear C/EBP homologous protein. We incubated cultures for 2 weeks with 200 nm nicotine, the approximate steady-state concentration between cigarette smoking or vaping, or during nicotine patch use. Nicotine incubation suppressed Tu-induced ER stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR). Study of mice with fluorescent nAChR subunits showed that the cultured TH+ neurons displayed α4, α6, and β3 nAChR subunit expression and ACh-evoked currents. Gene expression profile in cultures from TH-eGFP mice showed that the TH+ neurons also express several other genes associated with DA release. Nicotine also upregulated ACh-induced currents in DA neurons by ∼2.5-fold. Thus, nicotine, at a concentration too low to activate an appreciable fraction of plasma membrane nAChRs, induces two sequelae of pharmacological chaperoning in the ER: UPR suppression and nAChR upregulation. Therefore, one mechanism of neuroprotection by nicotine is pharmacological chaperoning, leading to UPR suppression. Measuring this pathway may help in assessing neuroprotection.
Controls, Trustworthiness, and Trust in Group Settings

This study investigates the effect of group-level versus individual-level controls on coworker trust and employee effort. Prior research is limited to controls in one-on-one settings (i.e., one individual imposing a control on another). In contrast, controls in the workplace are often imposed at the department, or organizational level, where they are less clearly a signal of mistrust. I find that the effect of a control on coworker trust differs depending on whether it is imposed at the individual or group level. Specifically, imposing an individual-level control has a significantly negative effect on coworker trust, while imposing a group-level control has a positive effect on coworker trust. I find that both individual-level and group-level controls have a negative effect on employee effort. I also find that controls have a more negative effect for more trustworthy employees, in terms of both coworker trust and employee effort. In additional analyses, I find evidence that by selectively imposing controls only on less trustworthy employees, managers may be able to mitigate the negative effect of controls on employee effort while still protecting themselves against the most likely threats of employee opportunism.
Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) Practice Patterns and IGRT's Impact on Workflow and Treatment Planning: Results From a National Survey of American Society for Radiation Oncology Members

Purpose To survey image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) practice patterns, as well as IGRT's impact on clinical workflow and planning treatment volumes (PTVs). Methods and Materials A sample of 5979 treatment site–specific surveys was e-mailed to the membership of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), with questions pertaining to IGRT modality/frequency, PTV expansions, method of image verification, and perceived utility/value of IGRT. On-line image verification was defined as images obtained and reviewed by the physician before treatment. Off-line image verification was defined as images obtained before treatment and then reviewed by the physician before the next treatment. Results Of 601 evaluable responses, 95% reported IGRT capabilities other than portal imaging. The majority (92%) used volumetric imaging (cone-beam CT [CBCT] or megavoltage CT), with volumetric imaging being the most commonly used modality for all sites except breast. The majority of respondents obtained daily CBCTs for head and neck intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), lung 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy or IMRT, anus or pelvis IMRT, prostate IMRT, and prostatic fossa IMRT. For all sites, on-line image verification was most frequently performed during the first few fractions only. No association was seen between IGRT frequency or CBCT utilization and clinical treatment volume to PTV expansions. Of the 208 academic radiation oncologists who reported working with residents, only 41% reported trainee involvement in IGRT verification processes. Conclusion Consensus guidelines, further evidence-based approaches for PTV margin selection, and greater resident involvement are needed for standardized use of IGRT practices.
Joint reconstruction of absorption and refractive properties in propagation-based x-ray phase-contrast tomography via a non-linear image reconstruction algorithm

Propagation-based X-ray phase-contrast tomography (XPCT) provides the opportunity to image weakly absorbing objects and is being explored actively for a variety of important pre-clinical applications. Quantitative XPCT image reconstruction methods typically involve a phase retrieval step followed by application of an image reconstruction algorithm. Most approaches to phase retrieval require either acquiring multiple images at different object-to-detector distances or introducing simplifying assumptions, such as a single-material assumption, to linearize the imaging model. In order to overcome these limitations, a non-linear image reconstruction method has been proposed previously that jointly estimates the absorption and refractive properties of an object from XPCT projection data acquired at a single propagation distance, without the need to linearize the imaging model. However, the numerical properties of the associated non-convex optimization problem remain largely unexplored. In this study, computer simulations are conducted to investigate the feasibility of the joint reconstruction problem in practice. We demonstrate that the joint reconstruction problem is ill-posed and sensitive to system inconsistencies. Particularly, the method can generate accurate refractive index images only if the object is thin and has no phase-wrapping in the data. However, we also observed that, for weakly absorbing objects, the refractive index images reconstructed by the joint reconstruction method are, in general, more accurate than those reconstructed using methods that simply ignore the object’s absorption.
Analysis on Windage Design Parameters of Suspension Insulator String at Home and Abroad

Through comparing the differences of parameter selecting in the basic wind speed, the uneven coefficient of wind pressure and the height variation coefficient of wind pressure at home and abroad, some conclusions are drawn in the design of suspension insulator strings. The results show that: in the aspect of basic wind speed choosing, there are great differences either in the wind speed conversion of observation density and time or in the return period between China and overseas countries; the selecting and the conversion method of wind pressure's uneven coefficient have significant influence on conductor's wind load; the different types of ground roughness have great influence on the values of height variation coefficient of wind presssure, which has not been defined explicitly in the transition area in domestic transmission line standard. So wind parameters should be observed on site for different terrains and heights, and these parameters can be optimized and improved through the accumulation of long-term observation data.
The application of hemoperfusion in severe juvenile dermatomyositis

Objectives To investigate the clinical effect of hemoperfusion in severe juvenile dermatomyositis. Methods Two patients with severe juvenile dermatomyositis, who accepted hemoperfusion treatment, were retrospectively analyzed. Results In these 2 patients, the hemoperfusion process were smooth. The muscle pain was reduced and the muscle enzymes were decreased. After hemoperfusion, one patient refused to continue treatment and the disease recurrent. The other patient continued to accept the immunosuppressive therapy and eventually improved. Conclusions For juvenile dermatomyositis, hemoperfusion was a safe and effective auxiliary treatment. It could be applied when the general treatment was invalid.
Thymidine Diphosphate 4-Acetamido-4,6-dideoxyhexoses III. PURIFICATION AND PROPERTIES OF THYMIDINE DIPHOSPHATE 4-KETO-6-DEOXY-d-GLUCOSE TRANSAMINASE FROM ESCHERICHIA COLI STRAIN B

A pyridoxal phosphate-requiring transaminase which catalyzes a reversible reaction between thymidine diphosphate 4-keto-6-deoxy- d -glucose and l -glutamate to form TDP-4-amino-4,6-dideoxy- d -glucose and α-ketoglutarate has been purified 28-fold from an extract of Escherichia coli strain B. Some properties of the enzyme are reported. Transaminase activity is widely distributed among strains of E. coli, Salmonella, and Pasteurella pseudotuberculosis, but among the organisms studied only E. coli strain B has a transaminase which catalyzes the synthesis of TDP-4-amino-4,6-dideoxy- d -glucose. The other organisms have an enzyme which catalyzes the synthesis of the nucleotide containing the sugar with the d -galacto configuration.
Selected Undergraduate Student Projects at La Suerte and Ometepe Island: Tryouts, Results, First Publications, and More Ideas to Progress Research and Conservation

The tropics left their spell on us. Many of us got drawn into tropical research as students through books like Kathy Milton’s The Howler Monkey (1980), or by writings like by Terborgh (1992), and Kricher and Plotkin (1999). As a teacher, I have been intrigued by the Monteverde field schools, which used undergraduates for some of their high-level research projects. Before that, I benefitted from the hearsay that came from Dan Janzen’s boot camp field schools with the Organization of Tropical Studies (OTS; http://www.ots.ac.cr/). Until then, I had no real clue that this is even possible or effective. But from that eye-opening experience, I saw it done at many locations, and so we tried it out ourselves.
The Role of Sex Steroids in Alzheimer's Disease: Prevention and Treatment

Publisher Summary There is a strong biologic rationale for the use of estrogen-containing hormone therapy (HT) for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). For treatment, clinical trial evidence indicates that beginning HT in the presence of dementia due to AD does not improve symptoms or slow progression. There is no evidence of substantial harm in this setting, but the specific issue of HT discontinuation for women with AD has not been addressed. A more important public health concern is HT use by healthy women without dementia. There is no clinical trial evidence that initiating HT after about age 64 improves memory or other cognitive abilities. In addition, for the older postmenopausal woman, the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS) trials provide strong evidence that HT elevates dementia risk within several years of initiation. However, it is controversial whether WHIMS results should be applied to younger women who were not eligible to enroll in WHIMS protocols. Observational studies, in which HT exposures tended to occur in younger women, indicate that HT use might reduce AD risk. However, potential biases in observational studies remain a strong concern. Fortunately, the incidence of AD is very low during the midlife period, when women and their physicians might consider HT for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms of the menopause. If HT elevates AD risk in this younger age group, the absolute risk of short-term usage is likely to be low.
High performance cross-strip detector technologies for space astrophysics

We describe a novel MCP imaging detector scheme using the Cross Strip (XS) anode. This anode uses charge division, and centroiding, of microchannel plate charge signals detected on two orthogonal layers of sense strips to encode event X-Y position, event time and signal amplitude. We have developed novel XS anode structures that will, in combination with a new generation of small pore MCP's (< 4 mum pores), perform at the highest resolution levels (<10 mum) with self triggered ~1 ns timing accuracy and encode photons at greater than 1 MHz rates. Our development the XS charge division scheme has been demonstrated with formats up to 32 mm2. They show excellent resolution (better than 7 mum FWHM, actually imaging the MCP pores) using low MCP gain (5 times 105). We have investigated XS anode structures that will accommodate a wide variety of forms (circular, square, rectangular). We are using this concept to produce open face and sealed tube detectors for imaging a wide range of photon and particle events. To encode event positions we have designed and built a parallel channel encoding electronics. The front end boards utilize two RD-20, 32 channel preamplifier ASICs. The pre- amplified signal is post-amplified on the same board in order to match the dynamic range of downstream 60 Msps ADCs that constantly digitize the signal for subsequent digital peak detection. Tests with eight 60 Msps ADC channels and a software Finite Impulse Response algorithm demonstrate < 5 mum electronic resolution and <10 mum resolution with a 32 mm XS anode detector. A full 64 channel 60 Msps ADC circuit has been constructed along with a Xilinx Virtex 5 FPGA event processing board. In combination with firmware based Xilinx centroiding algorithms, encoding the event positions at more than 1 MHz rates over large areas should also be possible. Such detector system may be used for a variety of future missions, in solar, solar system and astronomical applications.
Perspectives from Patients and Healthcare Providers on the Practice of Maternal Placentophagy

Abstract Purpose: Placentophagy (maternal consumption of the placenta) has become increasingly prevalent in the past decade among women seeking to promote health and healing during the postpartum period. The purpose of this study was to assess patient and provider familiarity with and attitudes toward placentophagy, as well as patients’ willingness to try placentophagy. Methods: Two cross-sectional surveys with questions regarding placentophagy practice were distributed to healthcare providers and patients. The provider survey was distributed via email listservers to international perinatal professional organizations and to obstetrics and gynecology, nurse midwifery, family medicine, and psychiatry departments at three urban hospitals. Patient surveys were administered in person at an urban hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Results: Approximately two thirds (66%; n = 100) of patients and most (89%; n = 161) of providers were familiar with placentophagy. Patients with a history of a self-reported mental healt...
Dysfunctional oleoylethanolamide signaling in a mouse model of Prader-Willi syndrome

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), the leading genetic cause of obesity, is characterized by a striking hyperphagic behavior that can lead to obesity, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and death. The molecular mechanism underlying impaired satiety in PWS is unknown. Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is a lipid mediator involved in the control of feeding, body weight and energy metabolism. OEA produced by small-intestinal enterocytes during dietary fat digestion activates type-α peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR-α) to trigger an afferent signal that causes satiety. Emerging evidence from genetic and human laboratory studies suggests that deficits in OEA-mediated signaling might be implicated in human obesity. In the present study, we investigated whether OEA contributes to feeding dysregulation in Magel2m+/p- (Magel2 KO) mice, an animal model of PWS. Fasted/refed male Magel2 KO mice eat more than do their wild-type littermates and become overweight with age. Meal pattern analyses show that hyperphagia in Magel2 KO is due to increased meal size and meal duration rather than to lengthening of the intermeal interval, which is suggestive of a defect in mechanisms underlying satiation. Food-dependent OEA accumulation in jejunum and fasting OEA levels in plasma are significantly greater in Magel2 KO mice than in wild-type controls. Together, these findings indicate that deletion of the Magel2 gene is accompanied by marked changes in OEA signaling. Importantly, intraperitoneal administration of OEA (10mg/kg) significantly reduces food intake in fasted/refed Magel2 KO mice, pointing to a possible use of this natural compound to control hunger in PWS.
Quinolone Ear Drops After Tympanostomy Tubes and the Risk of Eardrum Perforation: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background This study investigated whether quinolone ear drops, with or without corticosteroids, increase the risk of perforation requiring tympanoplasty following tympanostomy tube (TT) placement in children. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study using Medicaid encounter and pharmacy billing data from 29 US states between 1999 and 2006. Children <18 years old without predisposing factors for perforation during a 6-month look-back period entered the cohort after TT placement and first dispensing of antibiotic ear drops. Included ear drops were quinolones (ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin plus hydrocortisone, or ciprofloxacin plus dexamethasone) or neomycin plus hydrocortisone. Children were followed until end of 2006, end of Medicaid enrollment, or occurrence of study outcome. A Cox regression model, adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, initial TT indication, reinsertion of TT, adenoidectomy, and number of ear drop prescriptions was used to compare the rate of perforation between quinolone and neomycin plus hydrocortisone ear drop-exposed children. Perforation was defined by its diagnosis code followed by a tympanoplasty code. Results A total of 96595 children entered the study cohort. Patients exposed to quinolone ear drops had a higher risk of perforation, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.61 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-2.26). The adjusted hazard ratios were 1.49 (95% CI, 1.05-2.09) for ofloxacin, 1.94 (95% CI, 1.32-2.85) for ciprofloxacin plus hydrocortisone, and 2.00 (95% CI, 1.18-3.41) for ciprofloxacin plus dexamethasone. Conclusions Exposure of children with TT to quinolone ear drops is associated with increased risk of perforations requiring tympanoplasty, which appears to be further exaggerated by corticosteroids. Clinicians should consider the risk of perforation and counsel patients/families accordingly when prescribing quinolone ear drops.
Fatigue modeling for a thermoplastic polymer under mean strain and variable amplitude loadings

Abstract The applicability of several fatigue damage models for polyether ether ketone (PEEK) under mean strain and variable amplitude multi-block loadings is evaluated. The models utilized in this study are assessed against experimental data for PEEK under various cyclic loading conditions, including (1) constant amplitude loading with non-zero mean strains, (2) two-block loading with zero and non-zero mean strains, and (3) three- and four-block loading with zero mean strain. Several fatigue models, including a strain-based, a strain-stress-based, and an energy-based, are employed to correct for the effect of mean strain and stress on fatigue behavior of PEEK. Among these models, the energy-based approach, which considers the deformation response of the material throughout its entire life, better correlates the PEEK experimental data in the presence of mean strain. For specimens under block loading, three different damage accumulation models are employed to evaluate their applicability for PEEK. These include the Linear Damage Rule, as well as the non-linear Damage Curve Approach and Hashin-Rotem model. Additionally, a Direct Cumulative Damage (DCD) approach using an energy-based parameter is also employed to account for the load history and sequence effect on PEEK fatigue behavior. The DCD method is found to provide acceptable fatigue life predictions for PEEK under multi-block loading with various strain ratios and frequencies.
Abstract 405: Inhibition of Class I Histone Deacetylases at Reperfusion Attenuates Ischemia-reperfusion Injury and Modifies Mitochondrial Acetylation

Although rapid reperfusion of ischemic tissue is the treatment of choice for myocardial infarction, much of the resultant damage occurs as a consequence of reperfusion itself. Previously, we have shown that pretreatment with MS-275, a selective class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, preserves left-ventricular (LV) function and substantially reduces the area of infarcted tissue in isolated rat hearts subjected to ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Here, we tested the hypothesis that MS-275 treatment at reperfusion reduces LV tissue damage and improves post-ischemic LV contractile function. To do this, hearts from male Sprague-Dawley rats were isolated and perfused ex vivo on a Langendorff perfusion apparatus. A saline-filled balloon was inserted into the left ventricle of the heart to monitor ventricular pressure development throughout the experiment. Hearts were subjected to 30 minutes of ischemia, followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. MS-275 was administered during the entire reperfusion phase, and resultant functional data were compared to untreated hearts. There was no difference in any metric of pre-ischemic contractile function between groups. 10nM MS-275 administered at reperfusion significantly improved multiple measures of LV function, including dP/dtmax, -dP/dtmax, developed pressure and rate pressure product. We also observed a significant reduction in infarct area of treated hearts compared to control, as measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Unexpectedly, mass spectrometry analysis revealed significant changes in acetylation state of multiple mitochondrial enzymes. Administration of MS-275 during the reperfusion phase of IR is sufficient to partially rescue LV function from reperfusion-induced damage. This study emphasizes the importance of exploring class I HDAC inhibitors for protection against ischemia-reperfusion.
Prevention of corrosion of silver reflectors for the National Ignition Facility

A durable protected silver coating was designed and fabricated for possible use on flashlamp reflectors in the National Ignition Facility to avoid tarnishing under corrosive conditions and intense visible light . This coating provides a valuable alternative for mirror coatings where high reflectance and durability are important requirements. This paper describes a protected silver coating having high reflectance from 400 nm to 10,000 nm. The specular reflectance is between 95 percent and 98 percent in the visible region and 98 percent or better in the IR region.
Validating the Thoracic Revised Cardiac Risk Index Following Lung Resection

Background The Thoracic Revised Cardiac Index (ThRCRI) is a tool that differentiates patients who may proceed to lung resection (classes A or B) from those who should receive additional cardiac evaluation (classes C or D). This study aims to describe the ability of the ThRCRI to stratify patients based on major cardiac complication rates using a large multi-institutional dataset. Methods Patients undergoing lobectomy or pneumonectomy were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataset from 2005 to 2012. Patients were grouped into 4 risk classes based on a summary score of preoperative risk factors: ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, renal comorbidity, and pneumonectomy. The primary outcome was the incidence of perioperative major cardiac complication in each of the 4 risk classes. Results Of the 4,625 patients identified, the majority underwent surgery for malignant disease (78%) and had an open procedure (70%). Among ThRCRI risk factors, 9% of patients had ischemic heart disease, 7% had cerebrovascular disease, 2% had renal comorbidity, and 6% underwent pneumonectomy. Incidence of cardiac complication in all patients was 2%. Incidence of cardiac complication within risk classes A, B, C, and D were 1%, 3%, 9%, and 4%, respectively (p Conclusions Using a large multi-institutional dataset, the ThRCRI can differentiate patients at higher risk for cardiac complication following lung resection (classes C and D) and can be a useful preoperative instrument. The ThRCRI may allow for identifying patients who would benefit from additional cardiac evaluation.
Essential Competencies for the Athletics Director

(1961). Essential Competencies for the Athletics Director. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 32, No. 5, pp. 38-67.
Learning Temporal Causal Graphs for Relational Time-Series Analysis

Learning temporal causal graph structures from multivariate time-series data reveals important dependency relationships between current observations and histories, and provides a better understanding of complex systems. In this paper, we examine learning tasks where one is presented with multiple multivariate time-series, as well as a relational graph among the different time-series. We propose an L1 regularized hidden Markov random field regression framework to leverage the information provided by the relational graph and jointly infer more accurate temporal causal structures for all time-series. We test the proposed model on climate modeling and cross-species microarray data analysis applications.
A wide‐line low frequency electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer

A continuous wave, homodyne, low frequency electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer is described which can accommodate 15 cm diameter objects. The spectrometer can utilize small volume and surface coil probes operating between 100 and 500 MHz. The magnetic field can be scanned between 0 and 35 mT and is thus suitable for g < 2 spins and wide absorption lines. The spectrometer can record conventional field swept, field cycled, and spatially resolved spectra. Details of the instrument design and representative spectra from six different samples are presented. This design has applications to study objects with cultural heritage significance.
Robust rendezvous for multi-robot system with random node failures: an optimization approach

In this paper, we consider the problem of designing distributed control algorithms to solve the rendezvous problem for multi-robot systems with limited sensing, for situations in which random nodes may fail during execution. We first formulate a distributed solution based upon averaging algorithms that have been reported in the consensus literature. In this case, at each stage of execution a one-step sequential optimal control (i.e., naive greedy algorithm) is used. We propose a distributed stochastic optimal control algorithm that minimizes a mean–variance cost function for each stage, given that the probability distribution for possible node failures is known a priori, as well as a minimax version of the problem when the prior probability distribution is not known. We demonstrate via extensive numerical simulations that our proposed algorithm provides statistically better rendezvous task performance than contemporary algorithms in cases for which failures occur.