cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis 10-Formyl Tetrahydrofolate Deformylases Are Essential for Photorespiration

In prokaryotes, PurU (10-formyl tetrahydrofolate [THF] deformylase) metabolizes 10-formyl THF to formate and THF for purine and Gly biosyntheses. The Arabidopsis thaliana genome contains two putative purU genes, At4g17360 and At5g47435. Knocking out these genes simultaneously results in plants that are smaller and paler than the wild type. These double knockout (dKO) mutant plants show a 70-fold increase in Gly levels and accumulate elevated levels of 5- and 10-formyl THF. Embryo development in dKO mutants arrests between heart and early bent cotyledon stages. Mature seeds are shriveled, accumulate low amounts of lipids, and fail to germinate. However, the dKO mutant is only conditionally lethal and is rescued by growth under nonphotorespiratory conditions. In addition, culturing dKO siliques in the presence of sucrose restores normal embryo development and seed viability, suggesting that the seed and embryo development phenotypes are a result of a maternal effect. Our findings are consistent with the involvement of At4g17360 and At5g47435 proteins in photorespiration, which is to prevent excessive accumulation of 5-formyl THF, a potent inhibitor of the Gly decarboxylase/Ser hydroxymethyltransferase complex. Supporting this role, deletion of the At2g38660 gene that encodes the bifunctional 5,10-methylene THF dehydrogenase/5,10-methenyl THF cyclohydrolase that acts upstream of 5-formyl THF formation restored the wild-type phenotype in dKO plants.
Collaborative representations: supporting face to face and online knowledge-building discourse

The present widespread interest in the use of electronic media for learning presents an unprecedented opportunity for leveraging the computational medium's strengths for learning. However, existing software tools provide only primitive support for online knowledge-building discourse. Further work is needed in supporting coordinated use of disciplinary representations, discourse representations, and knowledge representations. The paper introduces the concept of representational guidance for discourse along with results of an initial study of this phenomenon in face to face situations. The paper then considers the requirements for supporting asynchronous online knowledge-building discourse, finding existing computer mediated communication tools to be particularly deficient in supporting artifact-centered discourse. A solution is proposed that coordinates discourse representations with disciplinary and knowledge representations.
Impacts of the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) induced ash (Fraxinus spp.) mortality on forest carbon cycling and successional dynamics in the eastern United States

Invasive species are widely recognized as altering species and community dynamics, but their impacts on biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem processes are less understood. The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) is a phloem feeding beetle that was inadvertently introduced to the US in the 1990s and relies solely on ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) to complete its life cycle. Ash trees have a wide geographic distribution and are an important component of many different forest types in the US. The larval feeding behavior of the emerald ash borer (EAB) effectively girdles the tree’s phloem tissue resulting in tree mortality in as little as 2 years and stand mortality in as little as 5 years. Using the forest inventory and analysis database, we found that forest lands in the lower 48 states hold approximately 8.7 billion ash trees and saplings, which represent ~2.5 % of the aboveground forest carbon mass. Furthermore, we measured tree growth in 7 EAB impacted and 5 non-EAB impacted temperate forests in the Midwestern United States to quantify the impacts of EAB induced tree mortality on tree growth. We hypothesized that the initial C lost would be partly compensated for by the enhanced non-ash tree growth in EAB-impacted regions relative to non-EAB impacted regions. The EAB disturbance enhanced growth of non-ash trees in the EAB impacted region relative to the non-EAB impacted region. Results also indicate that in EAB impacted areas, growth of trees from the genera Acer and Ulmus responded most positively. Finally, we quantified annual biometric net primary productivity of the EAB impacted forests and compared these quantities to modeled growth of these forests in the absence of EAB and found that large scale ash tree mortality has reduced short term regional forest productivity. The loss of ash biometric net primary productivity is, in part compensated by enhanced growth of non-ash species. As expected, EAB disturbance severity was greater in forests with higher basal areas of ash. This study illustrates the ecosystem and regional scale impacts of invasive pest-induced disturbance on biogeochemical cycling and forest species composition.
Organizational Crisis. Part I: Definition and Conceptualization

Initially, a two part definition of organizational crisis is presented, related to their significance and prevalence and reflecting either (a) opportunities to meet organizational goals or (b) demands or threats that may prevent an organization from attaining its goals or limiting its abilities to meet them and (c) which the organization seeks to resolve because outcome stakes are important and the ideal resolution strategy uncertain. Thus, crises have both objective and subjective aspects. A number of elements of the definition are discussed in terms of their implications for organizations and their subsystems. Finally, three major aspects of our conceptualization are described in terms of empirical examples from our investigations followed by a typology of eight kinds of organizational crisis based upon three dimensions, (1) control, (2) opportunity-threat, and (3) organizational susceptibility and vulnerability to crisis. Part II will deal with strategies and responses to crisis.
Altered Calcium Dynamics Mediates P19-Derived Neuron-Like Cell Responses to Millimeter-Wave Radiation

Intracellular calcium oscillations have long been recognized as a principal mediator of many vital cellular activities. Furthermore, Ca(2+) dynamics can be modulated by external physical cues, including electromagnetic fields. While cellular responses to low-frequency electric fields have been established, the possible non-thermal effects of millimeter-wave (MMW) radiation are still a subject of discussion and debate. We used mouse embryonic stem cell-derived neuronal cells and a custom-built 94 GHz applicator to examine in real time the altered Ca(2+) oscillations associated with MMW stimulation. MMW irradiation at 18.6 kW/m(2) nominal power density significantly increased the Ca(2+) spiking frequency in the cells exhibiting Ca(2+) activity. The N-type calcium channels, phospholipase C enzyme, and actin cytoskeleton appear to be involved in mediating increased Ca(2+) spiking. Reorganization of the actin microfilaments by a 94 GHz field seems to play a crucial role in modulating not only Ca(2+) activity but also cell biomechanics. Many but not all observed cellular responses to MMW were similar to thermally induced effects. For example, cell exposure to a 94 GHz field induced nitric oxide production in some morphologically distinct neuronal cells that could not be reproduced by thermal heating of the cells up to 42 degrees C. The highest observed average temperature rise in the MMW exposure chamber was approximately 8 degrees C above the room temperature, with possible complex non-uniform microscopic distribution of heating rates at the cell level. Our findings may be useful to establish quantitative molecular benchmarks for elucidation of nociception mechanisms and evaluation of potential adverse bioeffects associated with MMW exposure. Moreover, control of Ca(2+) dynamics by MMW stimulation may offer new tools for regulation of Ca(2+)-dependent cellular and molecular activities, for example, in tissue engineering applications.
Electromyographic and kinetic analysis of two abdominal muscle performance tests.

AbstractBackground: In order to accurately assess the abdominal muscles, clinicians need valid clinical measures. The double leg lowering test (DLLT) and lower abdominal muscle progression (LAMP) are two common tests of abdominal muscle performance. The purposes of this study were to determine the relation between surface electromyographic (EMG) activity during the DLLT and LAMP levels; hip joint resultant moments and DLLT and LAMP levels; and the two measures of DLLT and LAMP. Methods: Ten healthy participants were tested under both conditions. Surface EMG activity of the abdominal muscles was obtained, while pelvic movement was detected simultaneously. Results: A moderate to strong association was found between rectus abdominus muscle activity and a moderate association with the external obliques with both test levels. For the internal oblique/transversus abdominus, a moderate and weak association was found with the DLLT and LAMP, respectively. A very strong association existed between the hip resultant...
Highly Selective Synthesis of Halomon, Plocamenone, and Isoplocamenone

Over 160 chiral vicinal bromochlorinated natural products have been identified; however, a lack of synthetic methods for the selective incorporation of halogens into organic molecules has hindered their synthesis. Here we disclose the first total synthesis and structural confirmation of isoplocamenone and plocamenone, as well as the first selective and scalable synthesis of the preclinical anticancer natural product halomon. The synthesis of these inter-halogenated compounds has been enabled by our recently developed chemo-, regio-, and enantioselective dihalogenation reaction.
T04 — Sparsity-aware through-the-wall radar imaging

Summary form only given. Through-the-Wall Radar Imaging (TWRI) and Urban Sensing is an emerging technology that provides vision into otherwise obscured areas, thereby, facilitating information-gathering and intelligent decision-making. The objectives of TWRI include the determination of the building layouts, discerning the intent of activities inside the building, or detecting, locating, tracking, and imaging of targets inside enclosed structures. These three areas of attributes are highly desirable for a range of civil and military applications, examples being search and rescue missions, hostage rescue situations, and surveillance and reconnaissance in urban environments. The ultimate goal in these applications is to achieve situational awareness in an efficient and reliable manner. This goal is primarily challenged by the growing demand on radar systems to deliver high-resolution images and more accurate information. This demand, in turn, results in a significant increase in the number of data samples to be recorded, stored, and subsequently processed. Further, logistic constraints may render some of the data observations in time, space, and frequency difficult or impossible to attain. Such difficulty may be attributed to interference within a frequency band or at specific frequencies, and also due to the inability of the electromagnetic waves to reach the behind-the-wall scene from certain aspect angles. The emerging field of Compressive Sensing (CS) provides a new perspective for expediting data acquisition and alleviating processing bottlenecks in radar imaging without compromising the image quality. Towards the objective of providing quick turnaround and reliable situational awareness in urban environments, these techniques yield efficient sensing operations that allow high-resolution imaging of sparse scenes. In this tutorial, we present a comprehensive treatment of TWRI under compressive illuminations. More specifically, focus will be on CS based approaches to streamline data acquisition with much fewer space-time samples and to provide high-resolution imaging capability for both stationary and moving target detection and localization under challenging urban environments. The discussed methodologies are an integral part of candidate solutions to pressing problems facing the TWRI and urban sensing technology.
A Corticosteroid Gene Therapy Combination Strategy to Maximize Intramuscular-Mediated Delivery in Postischemic Myocardium.

Achieving sufficient plasmid delivery is a key unresolved problem in postischemic myocardium for the latest clinical trials whose main objective is to rapidly upregulate potent regenerative mechanisms within a tight therapeutic window (i.e., within 48 hr). The well-documented impediments for efficient plasmid trafficking and subsequent transduction include anatomical-scale, cardiac disease-related comorbidities, and localized immune responses following the acute myocardial infarction event. An appreciation of delivery challenges originated from the first-in-human cardiac surgery gene therapy trial,1 which featured direct intramuscular (IM) injection of adenovirus encoding the vascular endothelial growth factor. Long-term follow-up of this phase I trial yielded no clear evidence of efficacy, likely because of a limited, transient expression profile—but it provided an impetus for improvements in vector, target, and clinical delivery strategies. Since then, numerous regenerative trials such as the stromal cell-derived growth factor 1 have generated significant interest. These strategies seek to repair myocardium through the chemoattraction of endogenous stem cell lineages shortly after myocardial infarction.2 In contrast to viral vector-mediated transgenes, these approaches offer rapid onset gene overexpression through high-dose, yet low-risk vector plasmids. The IM route is attractive for this emerging therapeutic class because of its clinical feasibility through both surgical (Fig. 1A) and catheter-based delivery techniques, but is limited by transfer inefficiency. Despite technical modifications of needle-based delivery in myocardium, these problems persist: poor retention, inconsistent performance per site, and the highly focal resultant delivery profiles. This results in the demand for more injections, thus increasing the risk for additional injury in already-compromised myocardium.3 In addition, recent trial results suggest that the predominant intracoronary infusion route may be even less efficient in patients with significant coronary disease, thus renewing interest in IM delivery. Therefore, a shift toward improvement in the delivery profile featuring clinically applicable drug combination approaches has been explored as a means to increase efficiency per injection site.4
Iron spin crossover and its influence on post-perovskite transitions in MgSiO3 and MgGeO3

MgGeO3-perovskite is known to be a low-pressure analog of MgSiO3-perovskite in many respects, but especially in regard to the post-perovskite transition. As such, investigation of spin state changes in Fe-bearing MgGeO3 might help to clarify some aspects of this type of state change in Fe-bearing MgSiO3. Using DFT+U calculations, we have investigated pressure induced spin state changes in Fe 2+ and Fe 3+ in MgGeO3 perovskite and post-perovskite. Owing to the relatively larger atomic size of germanium compared to silicon, germanate phases have larger unit cell volume and inter-atomic distances than equivalent silicate phases at same pressures. As a result, all pressure induced state changes in iron occur at higher pressures in germanate phases than in the silicate ones, be it a spin state change or position change of (ferrous) iron in the perovskite cage. We showed that iron state transitions occur at particular average Fe-O bond-length irrespective of mineral composition (silicate or germanate) or functionals (LDA+Usc or GGA+Usc). Ferrous iron substitution decreases the perovskite to post-perovskite (PPv) transition pressure while coupled ferric iron substitution increases it noticeably.
Effect of Bifidobacteria on intestinal bacterial translocation in experimental obstructive jaundice

Objective To investigate the effects of enteral administration of Bifidobacteria on intestinal bacteria translocation that was induced by obstructive jaundice in rats.Methods A total of 30 Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups of 10 each:I,sham operated;II,bile duct ligation(BDL);Ⅲ,BDL+ bifidobacteria treatment group.GroupⅠ:10 rats underwent laparotomy,common bile duct(CBD) was not actually ligated and transected,but sham ligation of CBD was performed.GroupsⅡ,Ⅲ:20 rats underwent laparotomy,CBD ligation and transection.Terminal ileal samples for histology,tissue specimens from the mesenteric lymph nodes(MLNs),spleen(SPL),and liver(LIV) for culture,and portal blood samples for the liver function and endotoxin measurements were obtained 10 days later.Results Compared to the controls,a significant increase in contaminated MLN samples was noted in group Ⅱ(P0.05) but were significantly reduced in group Ⅲ(P0.05).The liver function was significantly improved in group Ⅲ than in group Ⅱ.The value of endotoxin in group Ⅲ was significantly lower than that in groupⅡ[(0.74±0.20)EU/ml vs(1.99±0.31)EU/ml,P0.01].Histologically,shortened and blunted villi,and even subtotal villous atrophy were observed in the small intestinal mueosa in BDL group.However,the damaged ileum mucosa was markedly repaired after bifidobacteria-supplemented formula.Conclusion Enteral administration of the probiotic bifidobacteria in the presence of obstructive jaundice improves the ileal histology,ameliorates BT and endotoxemia.
Health Survey of Residents in an Electronic Waste Disposal Area

[Objective] To learn the electronic waste(e-waste) disposal technology,and to explore the potential impact of e-waste on the health of recycling workers and residents in recycling area.[Methods] Three villages in Zhejiang province involving the business of e-waste centralized recycling and disposal were selected as site A,while another village with less the business was selected as control area(site B).A total of 1 432 residents of 756 households were interviewed face-to-face using a self-designed questionnaire.[Results] In site A,the most common e-waste disposal technology was hand-disassembling to dispose circuit boards,wires and cables,etc.There was no statistical difference in the disease prevalence rate of people aged 15 or older between site A and site B,but the children below 15 years old in site A were more likely to have anemia than those in site B.People with the history of e-waste disassembling had a higher rate of hypertension and coronary artery disease than those without the history.There was no statistical difference in the rate of respiratory,nervous,skin,and other chronic diseases between them.[Conclusion] E-waste pollution has adverse effects on the health of children,and potential hazards to the adult residents and the workers exposed.
Bayesian Approach to "Healthy Worker Hire Effect" in Standardized Mortality Ratio Analysis.

Objectives In this study, we address the healthy worker hire effect that arises when people with greater than average health are recruited to work in industrial jobs. Methods Epidemiologists have used both general and working population reference rates to gauge influence of healthy worker hire effect on the standardized mortality ratio. We propose a Bayesian procedure that uses information derived from general and working population reference rates to calculate standardized mortality ratio. Results The procedure is illustrated in the context of heart disease and lung cancer mortality analyses of a cohort of workers from a fluoropolymer production facility. Conclusions Application of our method should allow for fuller discussions of the healthy worker effect when one of its components, the healthy worker hire effect, is evaluated quantitatively. Our method can be utilized to improve risk estimates for a cohort with occupational exposure.
WNK Kinases in Development and Disease

WNK (With-No-Lysine (K)) kinases are serine-threonine kinases characterized by an atypical placement of a catalytic lysine within the kinase domain. Mutations in human WNK1 or WNK4 cause an autosomal dominant syndrome of hypertension and hyperkalemia, reflecting the fact that WNK kinases are critical regulators of renal ion transport processes. Here, the role of WNKs in the regulation of ion transport processes in vertebrate and invertebrate renal function, cellular and organismal osmoregulation, and cell migration and cerebral edema will be reviewed, along with emerging literature demonstrating roles for WNKs in cardiovascular and neural development, Wnt signaling, and cancer. Conserved roles for these kinases across phyla are emphasized.
Impression Making and Lab Work Authorization Forms in Fixed Prosthodontics: A Preclinical Exercise.

Abstract Introduction Making a final impression using a custom tray for fixed prosthodontics is a widely accepted procedure that is taught in many dental schools. As such, achieving competency in i...
Effects of Dietary Trans Fatty Acids on Mutagenesis of Known Carcinogens.

The metabolic activating potential of liver homogenates from animals fed a diet containing 46.6% trans fatty acids or a diet containing less than .1% trans fatty acids was compared in the Ames assay with 2-aminofluorene (AF), benzo(a)pyrene (BP), and dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). The control fat had a similar fatty acid composition only consisting of cis fatty acid (cis fats). Since both the cis and trans fats contained moderate levels of saturated fatty acids, a comparison was made between these two fats and corn oil. All three fats were incorporated into high fat, 20%, and low fat, 5%, diets and fed to male Sprague-Dawley rats for three weeks. Although the mutagenic potentials of AF and BP increased with increasing mutagen concentration and with increasing level of dietary fat, there was no consistent difference in mutagenic potential between the cis and trans fats. DMBA was mutagenic only at the two highest concentrations with livers from corn oil-fed rats. The mutagenic activating potential of S-9 from animals fed trans fat diets generally was similar to that of animals fed cis fat diets, but did not follow the trend of animals fed corn oil diets. Thus the amount and/or type of polyunsaturated fatty acids (essential fatty acids) present in the diet may be key factors in evaluating the enhancement of mutagenic activity of DMBA by dietary fat.
Changes in US Lifetime Heroin Use and Heroin Use Disorder: Prevalence From the 2001-2002 to 2012-2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.

Importance Heroin use is an urgent concern in the United States. Little is know about the course of heroin use, heroin use disorder, and associated factors. Objective To examine changes in the lifetime prevalence, patterns, and associated demographics of heroin use and use disorder from 2001-2002 to 2012-2013 in 2 nationally representative samples of the US adult general population. Design, Setting, and Participants This survey study included data from 43 093 respondents of the 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) and 36 309 respondents of the 2012-2013 NESARC-III. Data were analyzed from February 2 to September 15, 2016. Main Outcomes and Measures Lifetime heroin use and DSM-IV heroin use disorder. Results Among the 79 402 respondents (43.3% men; 56.7% women; mean [SD] age, 46.1 [17.9] years), prevalence of heroin use and heroin use disorder significantly increased from 2001-2002 to 2012-2013 (use: 0.33% [SE, 0.03%] vs 1.6% [SE, 0.08%]; disorder: 0.21% [SE, 0.03%] vs 0.69% [SE, 0.06%]; P P P P = .01) and 30 to 44 (0.20% [SE, 0.04%] in 2001-2002 vs 0.77% [0.10%] in 2012-2013; P = .03) years than among nonwhite individuals (0.25% [SE, 0.04%] in 2001-2002 vs 0.43% [0.07%] in 2012-2013) and older adults (0.22% [SE, 0.04%] in 2001-2002 vs 0.51% [SE, 0.07%] in 2012-2013). Among users, significant differences were found across time in the proportion of respondents meeting DSM-IV heroin use disorder criteria (63.35% [SE, 4.79%] in 2001-2001 vs 42.69% [SE, 2.87%] in 2012-2013; P DSM-IV heroin abuse was significantly more prevalent among users in 2001-2002 (37.02% [SE, 4.67%]) than in 2012-2013 (19.19% [SE, 2.34%]; P = .001). DSM-IV heroin dependence among users was similar in 2001-2002 (28.22% [SE, 3.95%]) and in 2012-2013 (25.02% [SE, 2.20%]; P = .48). The proportion of those reporting initiation of nonmedical use of prescription opioids before initiating heroin use increased across time among white individuals (35.83% [SE, 6.03%] in 2001-2002 to 52.83% [SE, 2.88%] in 2012-2013; P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance The prevalence of heroin use and heroin use disorder increased significantly, with greater increases among white individuals. The nonmedical use of prescription opioids preceding heroin use increased among white individuals, supporting a link between the prescription opioid epidemic and heroin use in this population. Findings highlight the need for educational campaigns regarding harms related to heroin use and the need to expand access to treatment in populations at increased risk for heroin use and heroin use disorder.
The Self-Recording of Weights and Bites in the Treatment of Obesity

The effects of self-recording of weight and bites on subsequent weight was assessed using a single-subject design. Six university students (1 male and 5 female) were exposed to a similar sequence of conditions which included: (a) weekly weigh-ins, (b) self-recording of daily weights, (c) control for observation, (d) self-recording of bites, and (e) a reversal condition in which subjects stopped recording bites but continued recording weights and meeting for weekly weigh-ins. No significant weight reductions occurred in conjunction with weekly weigh-ins, self-recording of daily weights, or the control for observation. Five of the six subjects lost more than two pounds while recording bites, monitoring daily weights, and meeting for weekly weigh-ins. During reversal, five of the six subjects maintained the weight loss over the 2- to 4-week condition. Variables related to the interaction between self-recording of bites and eating were suggested as an explanation for the results.
Molecular Simulations of Solute Transport in Polymer Melts

Polymer membranes are typically used to separate gas mixtures on the basis of molecular size differences (“sieving”). The gas purity is known to be inversely proportional to the membrane flux, and the slope of this plot in glassy polymers is empirically found to be determined by the sizes of the gas molecules being separated, λ = (dB/dA)2 – 1. Despite potential mechanistic differences, the separation performance of rubbery polymers is often discussed in the same framework as their glassy counterparts. Here we perform molecular dynamics simulations of spherical solutes in coarse-grained high-density, high temperature polymer melts to gain a molecular understanding of their transport and separation behavior. We find that the diffusion coefficient follows an exponential law D ∼ e–ad. Since this dependence results in λ = dB/dA – 1, these findings do not provide a direct understanding of the experimentally deduced slope of the Robeson plot.
Rooting depth varies differentially in trees and grasses as a function of mean annual rainfall in an African savanna.

A significant fraction of the terrestrial biosphere comprises biomes containing tree–grass mixtures. Forecasting vegetation dynamics in these environments requires a thorough understanding of how trees and grasses use and compete for key belowground resources. There is disagreement about the extent to which tree–grass vertical root separation occurs in these ecosystems, how this overlap varies across large-scale environmental gradients, and what these rooting differences imply for water resource availability and tree–grass competition and coexistence. To assess the extent of tree–grass rooting overlap and how tree and grass rooting patterns vary across resource gradients, we examined landscape-level patterns of tree and grass functional rooting depth along a mean annual precipitation (MAP) gradient extending from ~ 450 to ~ 750 mm year−1 in Kruger National Park, South Africa. We used stable isotopes from soil and stem water to make inferences about relative differences in rooting depth between these two functional groups. We found clear differences in rooting depth between grasses and trees across the MAP gradient, with grasses generally exhibiting shallower rooting profiles than trees. We also found that trees tended to become more shallow-rooted as a function of MAP, to the point that trees and grasses largely overlapped in terms of rooting depth at the wettest sites. Our results reconcile previously conflicting evidence for rooting overlap in this system, and have important implications for understanding tree–grass dynamics under altered precipitation scenarios.
Renal and Bladder Ultrasound

Point-of-care evaluation of the urinary system is focused on assessing the kidneys and bladder. Commonly, renal ultrasound is used to evaluate for hydronephrosis and/or evidence of renal stones in patients who present with signs and symptoms of nephrolithiasis. It is also frequently used to image the bladder to obtain measurements for calculating bladder volume in patients who report urinary retention. More recently, this ultrasound technique allows providers to evaluate for causes of gross hematuria and pain with indwelling catheter, for example. At times, incidental findings are noted, such as a bladder or renal mass, that will necessitate further management making it important to learn how to recognize these structures. This chapter will review the basic genitourinary anatomy, image acquisition, normal ultrasound anatomy, and interpretation of pathology.
Multiscale modeling of the structure and properties of ceramic nanocomposites

Abstract: One of the most recent developments in ceramics has been the distribution of multiple phases in a ceramic composite at the nanoscopic length scale. An advanced nanocomposite microstructure such as that of polycrystalline silicon carbide (SiC)–silicon nitride (Si3N4) nanocomposites contains multiple length scales with grain boundary thickness of the order of 50 nm, SiC particle sizes of the order of 200–300 nm and Si3N4 grain sizes of the order of 0.8–1.5 μm. Designing the microstructure of such a composite for a targeted set of material properties is, therefore, a daunting task. Since the microstructure involves multiple length scales, multiscale analyses based material design is an appropriate approach for such a task. With this view, this chapter presents an overview of the current state of the art and work performed in this area.
Masked Speech Recognition and Reading Ability in School-Age Children: Is There a Relationship?

Purpose The relationship between reading (decoding) skills, phonological processing abilities, and masked speech recognition in typically developing children was explored. This experiment was designed to evaluate the relationship between phonological processing and decoding abilities and 2 aspects of masked speech recognition in typically developing children: (a) the ability to benefit from temporal and spectral modulations within a noise masker and (b) the masking exerted by a speech masker. Method Forty-two typically developing 3rd- and 4th-grade children with normal hearing, ranging in age from 8;10 to 10;6 years (mean age = 9;2 years, SD = 0.5 months), completed sentence recognition testing in 4 different maskers: steady-state noise, temporally modulated noise, spectrally modulated noise, and two-talker speech. Children also underwent assessment of phonological processing abilities and assessments of single-word decoding. As a comparison group, 15 adults with normal hearing also completed speech-in-no...
Introduction to confocal microscopy and three-dimensional reconstruction.

Publisher Summary This chapter introduces the principle of confocal microscopy. The different types of confocal microscopes currently available and the various applications of confocal microscopy are discussed. Methods of specimen preparation for confocal microscopy are provided as guidelines and should be generally applicable to most cell types. The chapter also describes three-dimensional reconstruction, four-dimensional imaging, and the methodology for producing color prints and slides of confocal data. In conventional microscopy, much of the depth or volume of the specimen is uniformly and simultaneously illuminated in addition to the plane in which the objective lens is focused. This leads to out-of-focus blur from areas above and below the focal plane of interest. Out-of-focus light reduces contrast and decreases resolution, making it difficult to discern various cellular structures. In contrast, the illumination in a confocal microscope is not simultaneous, but sequential. The illumination is focused as a spot on one volume element of the specimen at a time.
Self-knowledge and self-representation

In this paper I introduce a contrast between homomorphic and nonhomomorphic ascriptions of informational content to representations. In the former case there is a mapping from the parts of the representation onto the constituents of the content. In the latter case, there is not; some of the constituents of the content are settled by background factors. I contrast this distinction with that between context dependent and context independent ascriptions of content. I note that in cases where the ascriber of content shares the background with the agent, one is inclined to ascribe homomorphic content of a sort that does not have a fixed truth-value to a representation. This leads to the notion of relative information. Some uses for relative information are noted. Finally, the distinctions developed are used to distinguish three types of self-knowledge and account for their relations.
Functional Significance of the Excitatory Effects of GABA in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus.

Over 90% of neurons within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) express γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Although GABA is primarily an inhibitory neurotransmitter, in vitro studies suggest that the activat...
Potential for overlooked melanoma in solid organ donors with a severely dysplastic nevus

Current or recent malignancy is a contraindication to organ donation because of the risk of transmission. Given the profound organ shortage in the United States, transplant surgeons frequently consider potential deceased organ donors with a remote history of malignancy. However, a diagnosis of melanoma, at any time, is an absolute contraindication to organ donation.1 Melanoma is one of the cancers most commonly transmitted from donor to recipient, which is likely related to its pathophysiology. The behavior of melanoma can be modulated by immunity; melanoma can remain dormant in the donor and then reactivate in the recipient because of the intense immunosuppression required to prevent rejection.2 The first described case of melanoma transmitted from donor to recipient occurred in 1961 when part of a melanoma was purposefully transmitted from a daughter to her mother with the hope the mother would develop antibodies against the melanoma that could be transmitted back to the daughter. Melanoma developed in the mother, and she died about a year later.3, 4 Buell et al5 reported that melanoma initially present in the donor has a 74% transmission rate and a 58% mortality rate for organ transplant recipients. There are several reports of donor-derived melanoma being transmitted to some or all of the subsequent organ transplant recipients.1, 5, 6 Because melanoma transmission is a significant risk, all potential donors undergo skin evaluation before organ allocation. In contrast, potential organ donors with a history of basal cell carcinoma or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma are commonly considered appropriate organ donors, but guidelines for organ donors with a history of dysplastic nevi are lacking.1 Here we present a case of a deceased organ donor with a dysplastic nevus identified just before organ donation. Our center accepted the liver for transplantation in a patient with hepatitis C complicated by hepatocellular carcinoma. Consent for organ donation was confirmed, and the typical predonation evaluation commenced with anticipated donation of the liver and both kidneys.
Situational influences on experiences of long-distance hikers.

The Appalachian Trail (AT), Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and Continental Divide Trail (CDT) are arguably the most popular long-distance hiking routes in the United States. With increasing need for recreational space, these trails are experiencing heavier visitation and impact. Research on the experiences of long-distance hikers can be used as a means of justifying funding for the management of the AT, PCT, CDT, and other long-distance trails. This study used the Benefits of Hiking Scale to determine whether benefits of participation and components of means-end theory varied based on the duration and location of long-distance hiking experiences. The study used an online survey to collect data from 292 hikers, who were classified as non-thru-hikers, AT thru-hikers, or thru-hikers of other long-distance trails. The number of thru-hikes completed in the last 10 years was also calculated. Results suggest that non-thru-hikers seek to maintain or improve physical health to a greater degree than thru-hikers, who appear to be motivated by other aspects of the hiking experience. Subscribe to JOREL
Thermal hydraulic model of the molten salt reactor experiment with the NEAMS system analysis module

Abstract System analysis codes have a long history of providing best-estimate and conservative safety analysis for both light water and advanced reactor technologies, including molten salt reactors. As interest continues to expand with advanced reactor concepts, system analysis codes will need revisions to accommodate the behavior of these technologies. Legacy system analysis codes will need to be updated to the latest numerical techniques to shorten execution time and increase the accuracy of results. One example of a modern system analysis code that already encompasses these characteristics is the System Analysis Module (SAM). One key objective of this paper was to review available information for system code modeling of the Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) from sources in the open literature and collect the information from these open sources in one place for the first time. This supports the potential objective of developing an open specification for system code analysis for MSRE steady state and transients with and without reactor kinetics. Data from actual MSRE tests will serve as the basis for code-to-code comparison exercises, including the MSRE zero power physics tests, the fuel pump start-up and coast down tests, and the natural circulation transient. The objective is to produce a code-to-code benchmark with a standardized set of comparison problems, recognizing the limitations of the original data. To demonstrate an initial application of this objective and the usefulness of compiling this open data, two Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE)-related models were developed to evaluate SAM for liquid fueled molten salt reactors. One model was the SAM MSRE hydraulic mockup, which provided experimental data for pressure drop measurements. The second model was the complete MSRE primary loop. The MSRE primary loop model incorporated a fluoride salt fuel/coolant with heat transfer in both the core and heat exchanger. For both the hydraulic mockup and MSRE primary loop models, a holistic 1-D system description was built using open documentation, an open description that can be readily modified and applied for any system analysis code. SAM results for the pressure drop of the hydraulic mockup model were within 6% with measurements. Coolant temperatures for the primary loop model matched the expected axial change in temperature from historical calculations. Using alternative coolant properties obtained from the literature, corresponding to salts with different actinide contents, returned similar trends in core temperature profiles. A thermal hydraulic demonstration of a loss-of-flow transient showed the importance of coupling SAM thermal hydraulic analysis to neutronics. This coupling is essential for simulating MSR transients with system analysis codes.
A Case for Table-Based Approximate Computing

The plummeting cost and rising density of memory units is leading to a resurgence of interest in tabular computing, already popular in the context of FPGA circuits. Use of tables offers a natural framework for bimodal or multimodal schemes that combine a quick, direct readout of approximate values with a refinement mechanism for improved precision when needed. In this paper, after reviewing ideas and methods relevant to the two domains of table-based and approximate computing, we discuss key benefits of using tables to realize the latter. We also point out how the covered methods are connected with related notions of adaptive-precision arithmetic and lazy computation.
Fully-Coherent Electromagnetic Scattering Model for 3D Dense Random Volumes

Physics-based Fully-Coherent Electromagnetic (EM) scattering model from 3D dense random volumes with arbitrary thickness is considered. A fully-coherent EM computation is performed using the Statistical S-Matrix Wave Propagation-in Spectral domain approach (SSWaP-SD) along with a Method of Moments (MoM) code based on the Discrete-Dipole Approximation (DDA). For an arbitrarily thick volume, thin slabs of the medium is analyzed a corresponding polarimetric N-port (representing different directions of scattering) S-matrix is generated. These S-matrices are cascaded using SSWaP-SD method to calculate the total forward and backward bistatic scattered fields in a fully coherent way. The simulation results of the backscattering from an arbitrary thick snow layer are presented.
A crisis for the verification and validation of turbulence simulations

Abstract Three algorithms have been proposed for solution of the Rayleigh–Taylor turbulent mixing problem. They are based upon three different physical principles governing the Euler equations for fluid flow. The principles serve to select the physically relevant solution from among many nonunique solutions. The admissibility principle is in dispute. The three different algorithms, expressing the three physical admissibility principles can be formulated in terms of the three energy dissipation rates or the entropy production rates, as selected by the size of the sub grid scale coefficients. These have maximal values or less than maximal values. The resulting solutions are markedly different. We find strong validation evidence that supports the maximum rate principle, based on a review of prior results and on new results presented here. We review experimental data used for validation and sufficient to discriminate among the three. We present a new analysis of this data. We show that the hypothesized long wave length perturbations in the initial conditions are not significant, so that validation can be based on this data in a straight forward manner. One of the algorithms is labeled direct numerical simulation, but is not, and as a consequence, the two algorithms with less than maximal SGS coefficients are variants of one another. Recommendations for the numerical modeling of the deflagration to detonation transition in type Ia supernova are discussed.
How Problem Identification Strategies Influence Creativity Outcomes

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of students’ strategic approaches to problem identification on their ability to identify problems, solve problems, and develop divergent ideas. Eighth and ninth grade students (N = 90) completed the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking-Figural (TTCT-F), as a measure of divergent thinking. Then, students responded to semi-structured interview prompts while completing a creative problem-solving task (i.e., Creative Problem Solving-Microanalysis Interview Protocol; CPS-MIP). Problem identification strategies were significantly, positively related to (a) problem identification fluency, (b) problem-solving fluency, (c) TTCT-F Elaboration subscale performance, and (d) TTCT-F average standard score; however, the most adaptive strategic approach differed based on outcome measure. Collectively, this study demonstrates the importance of specific problem identification strategies in generating ideas to solve problems.
CCL2/CCR2 signaling in cancer pathogenesis.

Chemokines are a family of small cytokines, which guide a variety of immune/inflammatory cells to the site of tumor in tumorigenesis. A dysregulated expression of chemokines is implicated in different types of cancer including prostate cancer. The progression and metastasis of prostate cancer involve a complex network of chemokines that regulate the recruitment and trafficking of immune cells. The chemokine CCL2 and its main receptor CCR2 have been receiving particular interest on their roles in cancer pathogenesis. The up-regulation of CCL2/CCR2 and varied immune conditions in prostate cancer, are associated with cancer advancement, metastasis, and relapse. Here we reviewed recent findings, which link CCL2/CCR2 to the inflammation and cancer pathogenesis, and discussed the therapeutic potential of CCL2/CCR2 axis in cancer treatment based on results from our group and other investigators, with a major focus on prostate cancer.
“On” or “for” Nothing/Rien: Nothing, Silence and Noise in Samuel Beckett and John Cage

This is a comparative study of Samuel Beckett’s Textes pour rien (1950, published 1958) and John Cage’s Lecture on Nothing (1949, published 1961). These two projects, each of which emblematizes the...
GPR68 deletion impairs hippocampal long-term potentiation and passive avoidance behavior.

Increased neural activities reduced pH at the synaptic cleft and interstitial spaces. Recent studies have shown that protons function as a neurotransmitter. However, it remains unclear whether protons signal through a metabotropic receptor to regulate synaptic function. Here, we showed that GPR68, a proton-sensitive GPCR, exhibited wide expression in the hippocampus, with higher expression observed in CA3 pyramidal neurons and dentate granule cells. In organotypic hippocampal slice neurons, ectopically expressed GPR68-GFP was present in dendrites, dendritic spines, and axons. Recordings in hippocampal slices isolated from GPR68−/− mice showed a reduced fiber volley at the Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses, a reduced long-term potentiation (LTP), but unaltered paired-pulse ratio. In a step-through passive avoidance test, GPR68−/− mice exhibited reduced avoidance to the dark chamber. These findings showed that GPR68 contributes to hippocampal LTP and aversive fear memory.
Software Diversity for Cyber Deception

In this paper, we propose a cyber deception approach using software diversity in a honeynet. Honeypot allocation is used as an active cyber deception technique to increase the uncertainty of adversaries and hide the true state of the network. Moreover, software diversity limits the ability of attackers to discover honeypots. Specifically, this paper introduces a diversity-based honeypot allocation approach for network security formulated in a game-theoretic framework. We consider a two-player zero-sum game between the network defender and the adversary. To validate our findings, we measured the potential benefits of diversity on network security and calculated the optimum diversifying strategy in Nash equilibrium using different honeypot types.
Development and Implementation of an Earlier Refeeding after Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Guideline for Non-Surgical NEC

Background: For infants with NEC treated non-surgically, there is no consensus for when to re-initiate enteral feeds after NEC. In a previous meta-analysis, earlier refeeding (4-7 days after diagnosis of NEC) suggested a decreased incidence of the combined adverse outcome (NEC recurrence or stricture) and possible other benefits. Based on this analysis, we implemented a standardized guideline for non-surgical NEC through a consensus survey of key stakeholders involved in the decision to start refeeding at our institution. We aimed to implement and monitor a multidisciplinary clinical consensus guideline to …