cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laser heated nanodroplet PCR on a Petri dish

We report the development of a real-time PCR system driven solely by laser heating with nanoliter droplets on a polystyrene Petri dish.
Sybil Ludington, the Female Paul Revere: The Making of a Revolutionary War Heroine

Abstract Sybil Ludington, “the female Paul Revere,” has proven to be a remarkably protean figure in the memory of and contestation over the American Revolution. Her place in history has shifted in response to changing currents in culture and politics, demonstrating the ways in which the past is made and remade to satisfy contemporary audiences.
Temperature-gradients in ocean-waters

During the past ten years as a part of other work it has been necessary to make temperature-studies of ocean-waters in different areas and under different conditions. It seemed possible that some of the typical results and particularly the technique might be of interest to the Section of Oceanography.
The Prediction of Good and Poor Reading Before Kindergarten Entry A Nine-Year Follow-Up

A year-group of children was followed from before kindergarten entry to late 8th grade. The Holbrook Screening Battery, admininstered at age 4, correctly predicted 89% of good readers and 75% of poor readers at grade 8. The 12 poorest readers were 4.1 years below grade level and 6.9 years below the mean of the group, in spite of early identification and special help. Their progress was compared with that of two groups who had appeared to be at risk, but who were average readers at grade 8. The main characteristics differentiating poor readers from good were birth history, family history of learning disability, birth position, speech delay, and socioeconomic status.
Giant Strains in Non-Textured (Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3-Based Lead-Free Ceramics

Giant electric-field-induced strain of 0.70%, corresponding to a d33 * value of 1400 pm V(-1) , is observed in a lead-free (Bi1/2 Na1/2 )TiO3 -based polycrystalline ceramic. This is comparable to the properties of single crystals. An in situ transmission electron microscopy study indicates that the excellent performance originates from phase transitions under the applied electric fields.
Variability in Sonic Muscle Size and Innervation among Three Sciaenids: Spot, Atlantic Croaker, and Weakfish

Abstract Comparisons of sonic muscle width, body cavity length, and sonic muscle innervation patterns were made for three species of sciaenids: weakfish, Cynoscion regalis; Atlantic croaker, Micropogonias undulatus; and spot, Leiostomus xanthurus. Body cavity length and sonic muscle width (rostrocaudal extent), both normalized for TL, were significantly different among the three species, increasing from spot to croaker to weakfish. However, the percentage of the body cavity length including sonic muscle was greater in the croaker and weakfish than in the spot. The sonic muscles of sciaenids are innervated by a number of true spinal nerves rather than by paired occipital spinal nerves. The number of sonic nerves increased from spot (4–5 nerves from vertebrae 4–9) to croaker (6–8 from vertebrae 3–10) to weakfish (8–9 nerves from vertebrae 3–12), paralleling the increase in muscle width. Although the number of nerves and their vertebra of origin varied within each species, they were bilaterally symmetrical w...
Snf1/AMPK promotes the formation of Kog1/Raptor-bodies to increase the activation threshold of TORC1 in budding yeast

The target of rapamycin complex I (TORC1) regulates cell growth and metabolism in eukaryotes. Previous studies have shown that nitrogen and amino acid signals activate TORC1 via the small GTPases, Gtr1/2. However, little is known about the way that other nutrient signals are transmitted to TORC1. Here we report that glucose starvation triggers disassembly of TORC1, and movement of the key TORC1 component Kog1/Raptor to a single body near the edge of the vacuole. These events are driven by Snf1/AMPK-dependent phosphorylation of Kog1 at Ser 491/494 and two nearby prion-like motifs. Kog1-bodies then serve to increase the threshold for TORC1 activation in cells that have been starved for a significant period of time. Together, our data show that Kog1-bodies create hysteresis (memory) in the TORC1 pathway and help ensure that cells remain committed to a quiescent state under suboptimal conditions. We suggest that other protein bodies formed in starvation conditions have a similar function.
A novel crizotinib-resistant solvent-front mutation responsive to cabozantinib therapy in a patient with ROS1-rearranged lung cancer

Purpose: Rearranged ROS1 is a crizotinib-sensitive oncogenic driver in lung cancer. The development of acquired resistance, however, poses a serious clinical challenge. Consequently, experimental and clinical validation of resistance mechanisms and potential second-line therapies is essential. Experimental Design: We report the discovery of a novel, solvent-front ROS1 D2033N mutation in a patient with CD74- ROS1 –rearranged lung adenocarcinoma and acquired resistance to crizotinib. Crizotinib resistance of CD74-ROS1 D2033N was functionally evaluated using cell-based assays and structural modeling. Results: In biochemical and cell-based assays, the CD74-ROS1 D2033N mutant demonstrated significantly decreased sensitivity to crizotinib. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed compromised crizotinib binding due to drastic changes in the electrostatic interaction between the D2033 residue and crizotinib and reorientation of neighboring residues. In contrast, cabozantinib binding was unaffected by the D2033N substitution, and inhibitory potency against the mutant was retained. Notably, cabozantinib treatment resulted in a rapid clinical and near-complete radiographic response in this patient. Conclusions: These results provide the first example of successful therapeutic intervention with targeted therapy to overcome crizotinib resistance in a ROS1 -rearranged cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 22(10); 2351–8. ©2015 AACR .
A Short-Panel Identification of Lifetime Income Process

Without long panel structures, the persistence of individual income risks cannot be identified. In this paper, we derive bounds on age-profile persistence levels with short panels where there are only 2-year panel structures. These bounds remarkably capture a low persistence in the early ages and the gradual rise of persistence as an individual in the U.S. gets older. Using intentionally constructed short and long panels from Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), we then verify how much the short-panel estimates might deviate from the long-panel estimates, provided that long-panel persistence levels are known. We find that despite its higher volatility, the short-panel estimated variance of permanent and transitory shocks mostly falls within the 95% confidence intervals of long-panel estimates and life-cycle patterns are quite in line.
Fabrication and Characterization of Poly(ε-caprolactone)/α-Cyclodextrin Pseudorotaxane Nanofibers

Multifunctional scaffolds comprising neat poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) and α-cyclodextrin pseudorotaxanated in α-cyclodextrin form have been fabricated using a conventional electrospinning process. Thorough in-depth characterizations were performed on the pseudorotaxane nanofibers prepared from chloroform (CFM) and CFM/dimethylformamide (DMF) utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), rheology, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), and Instron tensile testing. The results indicate the nanofibers obtained from chloroform retain the rotaxanated structure; while those obtained from CFM/DMF had significantly dethreaded during electrospinning. As a consequence, the nanowebs obtained from CFM showed higher moduli and lower elongations at break compared to neat PCL nanowebs and PCL/α-CD nanowebs electrospun from CFM/DMF.
Consenting postpartum women for use of routinely collected biospecimens and/or future biospecimen collection.

The National Children’s Study (NCS) Harris County, Texas Study Center participated in the NCS Provider Based Sampling (PBS) substudy of the NCS Vanguard Phase pilot. As part of the hospital-based birth cohort component of the PBS substudy, we conducted a secondary data analysis to evaluate the proportion of postpartum women who consented to future biospecimen collection alone and to both future collection and use of residual birth biospecimens. In phase 1, 32 postpartum women at one hospital were asked to consent only to maternal future biospecimen collection. In phase 2, 40 other postpartum women from the same hospital were asked for an additional consent to use residual clinical biospecimens from the birth event that otherwise would be discarded, including cord blood and maternal blood and urine. Among 103 eligible women, a total of 72 participated. They were 28.3 ± 5.9 years old on average; 58 % were Hispanic; 63 % consented in English, and 37 % in Spanish; 39 % had some college education; 42 % were married; 60 % had an annual family income <$30,000; and 51 % were employed. In phase 1, 59 % consented to future biospecimen collection, and in phase 2, 95 % consented to both future collection and use of at least one residual birth biospecimen, with a difference between phases of 36 % [95 % CI 17–54 %]. Demographic characteristics did not differ among those who did and did not consent. Postpartum women were significantly more likely to grant consent for use of future and residual hospital-obtained biospecimens than future biospecimen collection alone.
The Future of Bush v. Gore

At the beginning of the Roberts Court, this article considers three dimensions of the Rehnquist Court's most famous precedent, examining the precedent's potential for influencing the development of the law along each of these dimensions. First, to what extent will the Equal Protection holding of the Court's opinion in Bush v. Gore generate a new domain of meritorious Equal Protection challenges to voting inequalities? Second, to what extent will the Supreme Court's willingness to stop the Florida recount in 2000 result in greater judicial intervention into voting procedures while they are underway? And third, to what extent will the intense media and academic criticism of Bush v. Gore affect the Court's role in constitutional cases generally? The article will devote more space to the first of these questions, because elections in 2004 and 2006 revealed a myriad of fact patterns that generate potentially meritorious claims requiring detailed substantive analysis of the Equal Protection precedent. Even so, the article's answer to the second question (also based on insights from voting-related litigation in 2004 and 2006)  that Bush v. Gore discourages judicial intervention into the voting process  is significant, because it corrects a misreading by many eager litigants of the signal sent by the Court. And as for the case's long-term implications for constitutional law generally, they are likely to be minimal, because the reason for the case's extreme notoriety (its role in identifying the winning presidential candidate) is likely to be its least important attribute over time.
Cambodian Provincial Business Environment Scorecard 2006

The PBES is a comprehensive ranking of economic governance in 10 Cambodian provinces, constructed from a 500-firm survey and objective data.
An A-SAR ADC circuit with adaptive auxiliary comparison scheme

This paper extends the accelerated-SAR (A-SAR) technique, which was previously implemented in a Voltage-to-Time (VTC) based ADC circuit, to the mainstream voltage comparison based ADC circuits. In the design of VTC-based A-SAR ADC circuits, the levels for auxiliary comparison can be easily generated. However, it is more complicated to produce such auxiliary levels in the voltage comparison based circuits. Techniques to cope with this design challenge are discussed in the paper. In addition, this work further enhances the efficiency of the A-SAR technique by introducing adaptive auxiliary level selection. System-level simulations show that the proposed adaptive auxiliary level selection method significantly outperforms the previous approach that uses fixed auxiliary levels. Circuit techniques to implement the adaptive methods are also presented in the paper. The proposed method and developed circuit techniques are implemented in 10-bit ADC circuits. The performance of the A-SAR ADC is compared with a conventional SAR ADC and the comparison demonstrates the benefits of the proposed techniques.
On the Distinction--or Lack of Distinction--Between Population Health and Public Health.

The author reflects on distinctions and differences between the terms public health and population health and speculates on if the public health community should distinguish itself from it. She suggests the discussion over terminology provides the public health community with an opportunity to clarify what they believe public health is or should be about. It mentions that health care services are not excluded by the population health approach but is placed in context.
Diverse descriptions of experimental practice as supports for learning

Descriptions of practice are selective, therefore instructional designs based on alternative descriptions of practice likely support learning in different ways. This empirical exploration of the relationship between descriptions of experimental practice and the learning they support utilizes two concurrent sixth grade design experiments. Each design experiment was based on a practice theory of instruction stemming from one of two divergent descriptions of experimentation. One view of experimentation emphasizes the logic of controlling variables, whereas an alternative description locates instructional leverage in precisely those aspects of experimentation necessarily backgrounded by a focus on logic, that is, in the mundane actions of constructing experimental apparatus. Learning outcomes documented through multiple assessments identify ways in which divergent descriptions of practice support learning in different ways. The results suggest that logic may not play the role often assumed in learning to experiment and point to apparatus construction as an activity from which students glean some flexible capabilities that may be educationally fundamental to experimentation.
Advanced Capabilities of the PYXAID Program: Integration Schemes, Decoherence Effects, Multiexcitonic States, and Field-Matter Interaction

In our previous work [J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2013, 9, 4959], we introduced the PYXAID program, developed for the purpose of performing nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations in large-scale condensed matter systems. The methodological aspects and the basic capabilities of the program have been extensively discussed. In the present work, we perform a thorough investigation of advanced capabilities of the program, namely, the advanced integration techniques for the time-dependent Schrodinger equation (TD-SE), the decoherence corrections via decoherence-induced surface hopping, the use of multiexciton basis configurations, and the direct simulation of photoexcitation via explicit light–matter interaction. We demonstrate the importance of the mentioned features by studying the electronic dynamics in a variety of systems. In particular, we demonstrate that the advanced integration techniques for solving TD-SE may lead to a significant speedup of the calculations and provide more stable solutions. We show ...
Impact of Random-access Automation on the Immunoassay Laboratory

To raise productivity without sacrificing quality or increasing costs at North Memorial Medical Center, Robbinsdale, Minn, various random-access immunoassay analyzers (RAIAs) were evaluated. The analyzers were compared for their ability to perform immunoassay tests throughout the day, and provide expedient turnaround time for certain analytes without sacrificing result quality. The RAIA ACS: 180 analyzer (Ciba-Corning Diagnostics Corp, Medfield, Mass) was chosen and phased in at the medical center’s immunoassay section. The labor savings from using this analyzer have increased productivity enough to absorb a 15% greater work load, and the medical center now offers several additional immunoassay tests previously referred to other laboratories.
Status and Risk Factors of HIV Infection Among MSM in Chengdu

Objectives To provide scientific evidence for developing effective prevention strategies by analyzing the results of Chengdu men who have sex with men(MSM) HIV sentinel surveillance in 2011 and exploring the risk factors.Methods Cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the demography and behavior data,accompany with HIV and syphilis test.The risk factors were analyzed with single χ2 test and multiple Logistic regression.Results Totally 251 MSMs in Chengdu were investigated in 2011.The HIV incidence rate was 15.54%,while the syphilis incidence rate was 13.55%;the awareness rate of HIV related knowledge was 90.03%;the rate of having sex with men in last 6 months was 86.5%,and the percentage of condom usage in the last anal intercourse was 62.21%,while its consistently usage was 36.87%;20.72% of MSMs admitted their heterosexual behavior,with the rate of consistent condom usage of 19.23%.Conclusion The infection rate of HIV is relatively high among MSMs in Chengdu,with widespread of high risk sex behavior.The acknowledgement of HIV related knowledge is relatively high,but the rate of consistent condom use is low.Services of condom promotion and VCT should be strengthed to reduce risk factors of HIV infection.
Decomposition and coordination state estimation based PMU

One feature of the PMU measurements is that local estimation can be processed,and the system can be divided automatically into a number of observability sub-systems around PMU.From this idea,this paper proposes decomposition and coordination state estimation algorithm in view of quicker calculating speed.Decomposition relies on the location of PMU,and coordination is responsible for linking different sub-systems smoothly,at last the result of estimation is identical to the integrated estimation while quicker speed is achieved.Finally,it uses IEEE 39 and IEEE 118 bus systems as examples to verify the validity of the study and gives conclusions.
Analysis on the data of gonorrhea in Shiyan City from 1995-2011

[Objective]To analyze the epidemic situation of gonorrhea in Shiyan City,provide the scientific basis for prevention and control.[Methods]The descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted.[Results]A total of 7587 gonorrhea cases were reported in Shiyan City from 1995-2011,and the average annual reported incidence rate was 13.31/lakh.After the implementation of direct network report of infectious diseases,the reported incidence rate of gonorrhea showed a downward trend,and it ranked fifth place among B category infectious disease in 2011.The cases of gonorrhea were mainly reported in Shiyan urban area,and most of patients were people aged 20-39 years old.[Conclusion]In order to continuously reduce the reported incidence rate of gonorrhea in Shiyan City,it is necessary to carry out the comprehensive measures according to the key population and key area.
Novel Transmission -line Magnetic Device and Its Applications

The novel micromagnetic devices with magnetic/dielectric hybrid transmission line structure were introduced They are expected to be used in many applications to high frequency devices,such as transmission line low pass filters,frequncy modulation type magnetic field sensor, λ /4 transformer and short termination inductors
The Effects of Different Treatment Methods on Physiological Indices of SD Rat in 30 Days Oral Toxicity Test

Object In order to find out the changes of physiological indices of SD rat in 30 days oral toxicity test which resulted from different treatment methods,and set up quality control system of laboratory.Method Three methods,including drinking water freely and feeding either distilled water or vegetable oil via a stomach tube were used.Body weight,food-intake,visceral weight,and blood and biochemistry values were recorded,and the food utilization ratio and the ratio of visceral weight/body weight were calculated.Results The results of 18 reports from 360 rats showed that the weekly weights,weekly food-intake,and visceral green weight in the group with stomachic tube feedings of edible vegetable oil were significantly lower than those of the group of drinking water freely.So the total weight increment,total food-intake and total food utilization ratio were significantly lower correspondingly.There was no difference in blood values between groups of males and females.The difference in blood chemistry values was large.Blood sugar values in male rats were significantly lower and triglyceride levels in males and females were significantly higher.There was no difference between the values of blood and biochemistry in both stomachic tube feedings of distilled water and drinking water freely groups.Conclusion Three methods in 30 days oral toxicity test were feasible.The values of physiological and biochemistry of SD rat were fluctuant and the range was larger.And the values were receivable and were provided some scientific references for animal experiment.
Mannose-6-Phosphate: A Regulator of LLO Destruction

Oligosaccharyltransferase (OT) catalyzes the signature reaction of the asparagine-linked glycosylation pathway, namely, the transfer of preformed glycans from the lipid-linked oligosaccharide Glc3Man9GlcNAc2-P-P-Dolichol (G3M9Gn2-LLO) to appropriate asparaginyl residues on acceptor polypeptides. We have identified a reaction, possibly catalyzed by OT, that results in the hydrolysis or "transfer to water" of host LLOs in response to viral infection with release of a free G3M9Gn2 glycan. The loss of LLO ostensibly hinders N-glycosylation of viral polypeptides. This response is achieved by a novel stress-activated signaling pathway in which free mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) acts as a second-messenger. Here, we describe methods with permeabilized mammalian cells for activation of the M6P-regulated LLO hydrolysis, or transfer of glycan to water, in vitro.
Clean Energy Incentives: Risks, Capture, and Federalism

Response to Professor Felix Mormann’s article Clean Energy Federalism, 67 FLA. L. REV. 1621 (2015): Professor Mormann provides a compelling framework for effectively incentivizing clean energy development in the United States and for theorizing this field. The article tackles two primary questions that arise in the incentives and innovation debate, including what types of incentives work best — such as renewable portfolio standards (RPSs) or feed-in tariffs (FITs) — and what level of government should formulate and administer these incentives. Building from previous literature on the benefits of combining FITs and RPS mechanisms, Professor Mormann argues for what I call a “pluralistic” approach to incentivizing clean energy. He concludes that a combination of incentives — both the RPS and the FIT — and the governance of these incentives at different levels (such as the federal and state level) might be the most effective incentivization approach, and the most palatable from a federalism perspective. He also concludes that an RPS might best be federally created and administered, although noting good reasons for a state-administered RPS, too. Finally, Professor Mormann argues that FITs are best located at the sub-federal (state or local) level.My only quibble with the piece is Professor Mormann’s conclusion that FITs should be state-based endeavors. It appears that RPSs and FITs could be either local, state, or federal — or a combination of these, as Professor Mormann notes in the RPS context — and could still be quite effective. Provided that these incentives are offered at different governance levels, the benefits of diluting risk and the threat of capture seem equal, regardless of which level of government is chosen. Thus, the paper could perhaps be even more agnostic about the proper level of FIT governance while still persuading readers of the importance of multi-level approaches to incentivizing clean energy. Professor Mormann acknowledges that a federal FIT could allow for variation in terms of states having the latitude to issue varied FITs above a federal floor or through waivers. Indeed, this would likely be the most efficient path to take if a federal FIT were implemented. But the federal government could also create different FITs for different states (while working with states to better understand the unique aspects of peak electricity generation, transmission congestion, and distribution challenges within each state), and this possibility, along with the option of a FIT floor or waivers for states, might merit further exploration in future work.
The Formula of Autonomy or of Universal Law: Part II

In the preceding chapter, we saw that Kant maintained that the Categorical Imperative is the only norm we need to guide our moral judgments: By itself, it is both the necessary and sufficient criterion for correct moral judgments. But using that norm properly requires us to observe three procedural protocols. First, we must take the laws of the world of nature as a model of the universal form of and consistency between laws in a possible moral world. Second, we must test maxims for their moral acceptability only within the context of that ideal world already formed by morally obligatory laws. Finally, since reason is an intrinsically teleological faculty, the ideal moral world, which is based on reason alone, must be a world of objective and mutually compatible ends. So every morally acceptable action-type must have an end compatible with all other ends in that world. One of the variants of the Categorical Imperative reads: “Act according to a maxim of ends which it can be a universal law for everyone to have” ( M.M. 395). Kant himself thought of this as a variation of the second formula, but since every maxim at least tacitly contains an end, this could just as easily be taken to be a version of the Formula of Universal Law. Thus far, we have tested maxims against common human social practices such as promising, each having its own given “natural” purpose.
Effects of sediment loading on food perception and ingestion by freshwater copepods

Seasonal influx of suspended sediments to lakes is common in many aquatic systems, particularly during periods of high flow. Suspended particles not only affect visibility and net primary productivity, as light penetration is reduced, but may also affect the ability of herbivorous zooplankton to locate and ingest food. In Swan Lake, an oligotrophic lake in northwestern Montana, the dose association between zooplankton population development and seasonal maxima in turbidity levels suggests that the community present during peak turbidity is minimally impacted by suspended sediments. This report presents the results of laboratory investigations into the effect of suspended sediments on feeding by the copepod Diaptomus ashlandii, the dominant zoo‐plankter in Swan Lake. Ingestion rate for copepods feeding on 32P labeled algae was significantly reduced in the presence of suspended particles at all turbidity levels tested (5 to 200 NTU's) compared to ingestion rate in the absence of suspended particles (0 NTU's).
An efficient implementation of the nonlocal small-slope approximation for bistatic scattering from two-dimensional rough surfaces

We implement the second-order nonlocal small-slope approximation (NLSSA) to compute bistatic scattering from deterministic two-dimensional rough surfaces. Due to a fewer number of function evaluations in the NLSSA kernel versus the (local) second-order SSA kernel and NLSSA scattering amplitude characteristics that enable integral evaluations by fast Fourier transforms, the computational cost of NLSSA can be slightly reduced versus that of second-order SSA. For the rough surfaces and parameter space considered here, the results do not show significant differences among the techniques.
Noninvasive Assessment of Cardiovascular Autonomic Control in Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome

The goal of this study was to quantify autonomic system dysfunction, as manifested by cardiovascular and respiratory response abnormalities, in patients with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS). During wakefulness, we continuously measured the ECG, arterial blood pressure (ABP), airflow, end-tidal CO 2 partial pressure (PET CO2 ), and arterial oxygen saturation (SatO 2 ) in each subject. These measurements were made during spontaneous breathing in supine, sitting and standing postures, and also when each subject tracked his/her prior spontaneous breathing pattern while supine. We also performed the cold face test, hyperoxic hypercapnic rebreathing and the isocapnic hypoxic rebreathing challenges. Using spectral analysis and modeling techniques, we sought to computationally delineate the physiological mechanisms that mediate these abnormalities, as well as to determine the extent to which these abnormalities are related to peripheral or central chemoreflex dysfunction. Our preliminary results support the notion that sympathetic tone is markedly elevated in CCHS, and that differences in autonomic control from normal controls can be delineated by observing the responses to different stressors.
Risk Analysis and Its Application in FSIS.

Risk analysis has become a well established field in the United States during the past two decades; it is used very effectively in several application areas to assess and manage risk. Advances in the application of risk analysis to a wider range of hazards, including biological hazards, and scenarios are now occurring. Definitions of risk analysis terms (including risk assessment, risk management, and risk communication) have been developed along with the rationale, purpose, and need for risk analysis in regulation. Generic principles and applications are presented. A risk analysis program for foodborne hazards is being developed by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A food risk analysis program for meat and poultry is being designed and some potential projects for risk assessment have been selected. All types of foodborne hazards (biological chemical, and physical) will be addressed in the new program. A general overview of risk assessment procedures and the organizational structure for the program are presented. National and international food risk analysis activities by the FSIS are summarized. The Agency expects the new risk analysis program to facilitate the regulation of FSIS-inspected food products.
A High Temperature 4H-SiC Voltage Reference for Depletion Mode GaN-Based Circuits

Abstract High temperature electronics are highly demanded for many applications such as automotive, space, and oil and gas exploration. Electronic circuits for those applications are required to operate reliably without using bulky cooling systems. Circuits based on silicon (Si) suffer from high leakage currents at high temperatures. Silicon Carbide (SiC) circuits, on the other hand, are suitable for high temperature applications due to the wide bandgap and offer high breakdown voltage and low leakage current. This paper presents a negative voltage reference for high temperature applications using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) 4H-SiC transistors. The proposed voltage reference adopts Widlar bandgap reference topology, and it aims to provide a negative reference voltage for Gallium Nitride (GaN) circuits operating at high temperatures. Measurement results indicate that the proposed circuit provides a negative reference voltage with a low temperature coefficient of 42 ppm/°C for temperatures ranging from ...
Both cytopathic and non-cytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) induced autophagy at a similar rate

Abstract Autophagy is a cellular process that maintains cellular homeostasis by the proteolytic recycling of cytoplasm. Autophagy occurs at basal levels in almost all cells. It is upregulated in cellular stress including starvation, oxidative stress or during infection. Several viruses including flavivirus have developed strategies to subvert or use autophagy for their efficient replication. Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a member of the Flaviviridae family and the pestivirus virus group. BVDV is responsible for significant economic loss in cattle industry worldwide. A unique characteristic of BVDV is the well-characterized genetic changes that can result in two different phenotypes (biotypes) in cell culture: cytopathic (cp) or non-cytopathic (ncp) effects. The ncp viruses are the most prevalent and important for clinical disease. This study was carried out to determine the effect of different BVDV phenotypes using the virus pair, cp TGAC and ncp TGAN in autophagy induction, as well as to investigate the role of autophagy in BVDV induced cytopathic effect. Results showed that both biotypes (cp and ncp) of BVDV induced autophagy in immortal Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell line as well as primary bovine turbinate (Bt) cells following infection. There was no significant difference between cp or ncp strains of BVDV in autophagosome formation (p
Out With The Old, In With The New?: Unpacking Member Turnover in Online Production Groups

Nearly any group is subject to turnover : some people leave, while others join. Turnover can be especially high in online groups, since participation typically is strictly voluntary. We investigated the effects of member turnover in online groups, specifically in Wikipedia's WikiProjects. We based our studies on theories from organizational science, which suggest that it is not just the amount of turnover, but the characteristics of those leaving and those joining that matter. We characterized leavers and newcomers by their prior productivity, tenure (in the group or community), and participation in other groups within the larger community. Furthermore, we considered the moderating effect of group size on turnover. We analyzed data from 88,427 editors who participated in 1,054 WikiProjects, finding that (1) the positive effects of newcomers to a group were larger than the negative effects of leavers, (2) prior productivity, tenure, and participation in other groups all played significant roles, and (3) the effects of leavers and newcomers were amplified in larger groups.
Food and feed safety of DAS-444Ø6-6 herbicide-tolerant soybean.

Abstract DAS-444O6-6 soybean was genetically engineered (GE) to withstand applications of three different herbicides. Tolerance to glufosinate and glyphosate is achieved through expression of the phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (PAT) and double-mutated maize 5-enolpyruvyl shikimate-3-phosphate synthase (2mEPSPS) enzymes, respectively. These proteins are expressed in currently commercialized crops and represent no novel risk. Tolerance to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is achieved through expression of the aryloxyalkanoate dioxygenase 12 (AAD-12) enzyme, which is novel in crops. The safety of the AAD-12 protein and DAS-444O6-6 event was assessed for food and feed safety based on the weight of evidence and found to be as safe as non-GE soybean.
Is there a commonality of occlusion for dental, TMD and obstructive sleep apnea patients? Thoughts on a snowy day.

Due to the many recent articles and studies written about the dentist’s role in sleep medicine, there has been a rush of dentists shifting their attention to providing dental sleep appliances for p...
Sleep and self-care correlates before and after implantation of a left-ventricular assist device (LVAD)

The impact of sleep on LVAD patients' self-care behaviors is unknown. This study examined the patterns and changes of patients sleep quality (SQ), daytime sleepiness (DS), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and self-care capability (SCC) before and after LVAD. In addition, the relationships among these variables were explored. This observational study consisted of 38 subjects from two VAD Centers in Michigan. The subjects completed self-reported demographics and psychometrically sound SQ, DS, IADL, and SCC questionnaires before LVAD implant and at 1, 3, and 6 months after implant. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear mixed models, and partial least square models. Subjects (mean age, 56.3 ± 10.3 years) were predominantly white (63%), male (68%), married (60%), and living with caregivers (92%). Over 70% had axial flow LVADs implanted as bridge-to-transplant (55%). Subjects' SQ was poor throughout the study period, along with high normal-to-excessive levels of DS. Problems with IADL before implant were significantly reduced at 1 through 6 months after implant. SCC ranged from "good" to "excellent" before and after implant. Significant relationships between SQ and IADL (β = 0.43, p < 0.01) and DS and SCC (β = - 0.62, p < 0.01) were found. In conclusion, poor SQ and high degrees of DS were prevalent before and up to 6 months after LVAD implant. The data inferred that the improvement in IADL was associated with an improvement in SQ. Research is needed to clarify the negative impact of DS on SCC and explain the contributions of caregivers on patients' SCC over time.
Effects of recombinant porcine somatotropin on placental size, fetal growth, and IGF-I and IGF-II concentrations in pigs.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of recombinant porcine somatotropin (rpST) on placental size, fetal growth, and maternal and fetal IGF-I and IGF-II concentrations. Twenty-four pregnant gilts received daily injections of either 1 mL of saline (control) (n = 12) or 5 mg of rpST (n = 12) from d 30 to 43 of gestation. Gilts were slaughtered on d 44 of gestation, reproductive tracts were removed, and fetal weight and length, placental weight, and implantation length were recorded. There was no effect of rpST on fetal or implantation length. Placental weight increased with rpST administration (71.20 +/- 3.52 vs 58.35 +/- 3.41 g; P 240 mm) (16.04 vs 13.86 g compared with 19.47 vs 18.21 g, respectively). Analysis using a modified Brody curve suggests that the effect of rpST treatment on fetal weight is equivalent to the effect of increasing implantation length by 58.8 mm. Administration of rpST numerically raised IGF-I (P = .07) and IGF-II (P = .12) concentrations in fetal serum. Although maternal serum IGF-I concentrations were similar at d 30, treatment with rpST increased these concentrations over time (77.76, 247.75, 267.85 vs 82.59, 79.59, 77.97 ng/mL on d 30, 37, 43, respectively; P < .001, SE = 14.09). Maternal IGF-II concentrations were also similar at d 30 but decreased over time with rpST treatment (265.78, 219.61, 191.05 vs 285.44, 284.72, 283.05 ng/mL; P < .03, SE = 14.03). Increased maternal IGF-I concentrations may exhibit negative feedback on maternal IGF-II concentrations. The more pronounced effect of rpST on growth in fetuses with shorter implantation lengths suggests that rpST may increase uptake or utilization of nutrients by fetuses. In addition, nutrient transfer across placental membranes may be enhanced by rpST.
The Discounting Dilemma: Institutional Benefits, Unintended Consequences, and Principles for Reform

In recent years, concerns regarding runaway college tuition and student loan debt have risen to the forefront of the public consciousness, undermining confidence in the value of a college degree. I...
REACH Harlem: young urban boys’ experiences in an after-school PA positive youth development program

Background: After-school approaches offer a viable solution to the current challenge of physical inactivity among many adolescents; however, availability, cost, transportation, and interest limit m...
Measuring coordination of epilepsy care: A mixed methods evaluation of social network analysis versus relational coordination

Abstract Objectives Coordination of multidisciplinary care is critical to address the complex needs of people with neurological disorders; however, quality improvement and research tools to measure coordination of neurological care are not well-developed. This study explored and compared the value of social network analysis (SNA) and relational coordination (RC) in measuring coordination of care in a neurology setting. The Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (VA) established an Epilepsy Centers of Excellence (ECOE) hub and spoke model of care, which provides a setting to measure coordination of care across networks of providers. Methods In a parallel mixed methods approach, we compared coordination of care of VA providers who formally engage the ECOE system to VA providers outside the ECOE system using SNA and RC. Coordination of care scores were compiled from provider teams across 66 VA facilities, and key informant interviews of 80 epilepsy care team members were conducted concurrently to describe the quality of epilepsy care coordinating in the VA healthcare system. Results On average, members of healthcare teams affiliated with the ECOE program rated quality of communication and respect higher than non-ECOE physicians. Connectivity between neurologist and primary care providers as well as between neurologists and mental health providers were higher within ECOE hub facilities compared to spoke referring facilities. Key informant interviews reported the important role of formal and informal programming, social support and social capital, and social influence on epilepsy care networks. Conclusion For quality improvement and research purposes, SNA and RC can be used to measure coordination of neurological care; RC provides a detailed assessment of the quality of communication within and across healthcare teams but is difficult to administer and analyze; SNA provides large scale coordination of care maps and metrics to compare across large healthcare systems. The two measures provide complimentary coordination of care data at a local as well as population level. Interviews describe the mechanisms of developing and sustaining health professional networks that are not captured in either SNA or RC measures.
Application Domain: Routing Algorithms

Our work on program synthesis is targeted at a particular VLSI CAD problem: wire routing. We focus on a particular class of routing tools called maze routers. This chapter describes the actions of routers in general and maze routers in particular, and then reviews the relevant mechanics of maze routing systems. Maze routing algorithms have been applied to a variety of wire routing problems. Varying “environmental” constraints strongly affect a router’s implementation. As evidence of this dependency on environmental constraints, we organize the constraints into three fields: algorithm, application, and fabrication constraints. We then describe the effects of modifying various constraints within these fields.
Physical Cosmology From the 21-cm Line

Author(s): Furlanetto, Steven R | Abstract: We describe how the high-redshift 21-cm background can be used to improve both our understanding of the fundamental cosmological parameters of our Universe and exotic processes originating in the dark sector. The 21-cm background emerging during the cosmological Dark Ages, the era between hydrogen recombination and the formation of the first luminous sources (likely at z ~ 30), is difficult to measure but provides several powerful advantages for these purposes: in addition to the lack of astrophysical contamination, it will allow probes of very small scale structure over a very large volume. Additionally, the 21-cm background is sensitive to the thermal state of the intergalactic hydrogen and therefore probes any exotic processes (including, e.g., dark matter scattering or decay and primordial black holes) during that era. After astrophysical sources have formed, cosmological information can be separated from astrophysical effects on the 21-cm background through methods such as redshift space distortions, joint modeling, and by searching for indirect effects on the astrophysical sources themselves.
Health-Related Fitness of Children who are Visually Impaired:

This study tested 46 children with visual impairments (26 girls and 20 boys) on the Fitnessgram health-related fitness test. It found that fewer than 20% of the children with visual impairments pas...
Efficacy of Cell-Based Therapies for Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a leading cause of death and disability. Additionally, growing evidence suggests a link between TBI-induced neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disorders. Treatments for TBI patients are limited, largely focused on rehabilitation therapy, and ultimately, fail to provide long-term neuroprotective or neurorestorative benefits. Because of the prevalence of TBI and lack of viable treatments, new therapies are needed which can promote neurological recovery. Cell-based treatments are a promising avenue because of their potential to provide multiple therapeutic benefits. Cell-based therapies can promote neuroprotection via modulation of inflammation and promote neurorestoration via induction of angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Neural stem/progenitor cell transplantations have been investigated in preclinical TBI models for their ability to directly contribute to neuroregeneration, form neural-like cells, and improve recovery. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated in clinical trials through multiple different routes of administration. Intravenous administration of MSCs appears most promising, demonstrating a robust safety profile, correlation with neurological improvements, and reductions in systemic inflammation following TBI. While still preliminary, evidence suggests cell-based therapies may become a viable treatment for TBI based on their ability to promote neuroregeneration and reduce inflammation.
Supporting Strategic Investment in Social Programs: a Cost Analysis of the Family Check-Up

High-quality evidence about the costs of effective interventions for children can provide a foundation for fiscally responsible policy capable of achieving impact. This study estimated the costs to society of the Family Check-up, an evidence-based brief home-visiting intervention for high-risk families implemented in the Early Steps multisite efficacy trial. Intervention arm families in three sites were offered 4 consecutive years of intervention, when target children were ages 2 through 5. Data for estimating total, average, and marginal costs and family burden (means and standard deviations, 2015 USD, discounted at 3% per year) came from a detailed database that prospectively documented resource use at the family level and a supplemental interview with trial leaders. Secondary analyses evaluated differences in costs among higher and lower risk families using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results indicated annual average costs of $1066 per family (SD = $400), with time spent by families valued at an additional $84 (SD = $99) on average. Costs declined significantly from ages 2 through 5. Once training and oversight patterns were established, additional families could be served at half the cost, $501 (SD = $404). On the margin, higher risk families cost more, $583 (SD = $444) compared to $463 (SD = $380) for lower risk families, but prior analyses showed they also benefited more. Sensitivity analyses indicated potential for wage-related cost savings in real-world implementation compared to the university-based trial. This study illustrates the dynamics of Family Check-up resource use over time and across families differing in risk.