cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stability Analysis for $k$-wise Intersecting Families

We consider the following generalization of the seminal Erdős–Ko–Rado theorem, due to Frankl. For some $k\geq 2$, let $\mathcal{F}$ be a $k$-wise intersecting family of $r$-subsets of an $n$ element set $X$, i.e. for any $F_1,\ldots,F_k\in \mathcal{F}$, $\cap_{i=1}^k F_i\neq \emptyset$. If $r\leq \dfrac{(k-1)n}{k}$, then $|\mathcal{F}|\leq {n-1 \choose r-1}$. We prove a stability version of this theorem, analogous to similar results of Dinur-Friedgut, Keevash-Mubayi and others for the EKR theorem. The technique we use is a generalization of Katona's circle method, initially employed by Keevash, which uses expansion properties of a particular Cayley graph of the symmetric group.
Evaporation and Precipitation over the Arabian Sea During Several Monsoon Seasons

Abstract Evaporation estimates were made over the Arabian Sea for the southwest monsoon seasons (covering June, July and August) of 1963, 1964, 1973, 1974 and 1977. The monthly mean evaporation was maximum in June but fell by 18% in August. The spatial distribution of evaporation was such that the west central Arabian Sea registered high amounts. A secondary maximum, evidently of Southern Hemisphere origin, appeared in the south central Arabian Sea in August and was obviously associated with one of the several low-level wind maxima in the western Indian Ocean. The satellite-derived precipitation in both the 1973 and 1974 monsoon seasons was confined to the eastern Arabian Sea and was mostly aligned parallel to the west coast of India. The total precipitation during these two seasons amounted to only 40% of the total evaporation. Based on the work of Saha and Bavadekar (1973), it is conjectured that a good part of the remaining 60% of evaporation is transported into India.
The Evolution of Hurricane Danny (1997) at Landfall: Doppler-Observed Eyewall Replacement, Vortex Contraction/Intensification, and Low-Level Wind Maxima

Danny made landfall as a minimal hurricane on the Alabama coast on 19 July 1997 after drifting over Mobile Bay for over 10 h. Danny’s unusually close proximity to the Doppler radar (WSR-88D) in Mobile provided an unprecedented view of the storm’s complex and dramatic evolution during a prolonged landfall event over a 1-day period. Base reflectivity and velocity products were combined with aircraft reconnaissance information to detail the formation of concentric eyewalls and complete evolution of an eyewall replacement cycle. This highly symmetric hurricane then underwent a rapid asymmetric transition in Mobile Bay during which a small eyewall mesovortex developed adjacent to intense convection in the western eyewall. Radar-estimated rainfall increased dramatically during the asymmetric phase. Rates exceeded 100 mm h21 for nine consecutive hours west of the center while precipitation nearly vanished to the east. Changes in the distribution of precipitation corresponded with changes in the low-level wind velocity structure. A 25-h temporal composite of WSR-88D base velocities displayed axisymmetric intensification and contraction of Danny’s core during the eyewall replacement cycle. Later, the asymmetric phase was dominated by further contraction and intensification on the west side only. In the western eyewall, a persistent boundary layer wind maximum evolved and contracted to a radius of only 10‐13 km from the center. Concurrently, eastside boundary layer winds diminished as the maximum winds rose to 1‐1.5-km altitude and the radius expanded. Danny reached maximum intensity during this asymmetric phase in Mobile Bay with base velocities .44 m s21 (85 kt) at 600-m elevation. Eyewall contraction in the meandering storm, combined with climatologically elevated SSTs in shallow Mobile Bay, probably played significant roles in Danny’s continued intensification there. Discrepancies arose in determining Danny’s structural patterns, intensity, and evolution during landfall. Interpretation varied depending on the type of platform used to observe the storm. The continual sampling of the storm by the nearby WSR-88D provided detail not available from aircraft data alone. Doppler base velocities in the intense westside convection were much stronger than measured at flight level. Yet, the opposite was true in the storm’s drier east side. Doppler radar showed that the westside base velocity maxima were confined to the boundary layer (600‐700 m) and represented a slightly conservative estimate of maximum surface gusts recorded at Dauphin Island during the passage of Danny’s convective eyewall. Thus, winds probably were even stronger at boundary layer levels below the WSR-88D’s lowest scan elevation. The shallowness and persistence of Danny’s boundary layer velocity maxima stressed the need for accurate wind information in the lowest few hundred meters of a tropical cyclone’s eyewall for a better indication of the storm’s true intensity and near-surface wind velocities.
Interprofessional Simulation Olympics as a platform to assess team work knowledge acquisition

Introduction Several years ago an on-stage competition called SimWars was introduced to the simulation community. This concept was adopted into a patient safety course as a way to further engage students and named Sim Olympics. We sought to evaluate it as a platform for assessment of learning in students who participated as audience members. Methods A non-equivalent groups design was used to assess whether students could be taught to recognise features of effective teamwork, including a pair of expert raters. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare students’ attitudes toward interprofessional education (IPE) education, teamwork and simulation, before and after the course. Results Student scores compared to expert scores showed good agreement. For team 1 there were no statistical differences noted (M=19.58, SD=4.34 given by the students, M=17.50, SD=2.12 given by the experts), t (192)=1.26, p=0.264. There was also no difference for team 2 (M=15.173, SD=5.52 given by the students, M=19.50, SD=3.53 given by the experts), t (173)=0.863, p=0.354. A premeasure and postmeasure of students’ attitudes towards IPE education, teamwork and simulation, also showed significant time effect, p Conclusions Medical and nursing students were able to demonstrate their learning of teamwork dynamics by discerning differences between great teamwork and good teamwork as proficiently as seasoned experts. Findings of this study may further support the use of observation as a method to evaluate learning.
Breeding Season of three Rodents on White Mountain, California

Data on breeding condition and sex ratio are presented for Reithrodontomys megalotis , Peromyscus crinitus and Lagurus curtatus at four elevations from 4,500 to 12,400 feet in southern California. In all, 662 “potential adults” were snap-trapped at five periods throughout the year.
'Skin in the Tax Game:' Invisible Taxpayers? Invisible Citizens?

This essay was the basis for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Lecture at the Villanova University School of Law on January 27, 2014. It examines economic justice from a tax perspective.“Skin in the game” – some thing that the interested party has at risk – has become a part of everyday American political discourse. Personal financial risk – some personal stake – is demanded of all “players.” The implications are clear: no skin, no play. The requirement for “skin in the game” in the context of ongoing fiscal debate along with the “concern” that in 2011 almost fifty percent of Americans paid no federal income tax is the latest version of the ongoing “cut-taxes/reduce governmental size” wrangling. It is also another play on the high political salience of the federal income tax as an institution. Focus solely on the federal income tax, however, inappropriately skews the debate. As an editorial in the New York Times indicated, for many of these non-(federal) taxpayers, the absence of liability resulted from deliberate tax policy implemented during the Reagan administration. Of equal importance and as also noted in that editorial, the federal income tax is not the only source of governmental tax liability. Exemption of liability for federal income tax purposes does not carry with it similar exemption from other levies either on the federal level or on the state and local levels. As noted in the editorial, “[e]ven if [Americans] earn too little to qualify for the income tax, they pay payroll taxes, gasoline excise taxes and state and local taxes.”Because the American system of governance is federalist, government on each level must identify sources of revenue adequate to defray services provided and – with the exception of the federal government – must do so within the confines of a balanced budget. In this essay, I examine the federal levies to which these taxpayers remain subject in combination with state and local taxes thus establishing that less affluent Americans have “skin in the tax game.” I also comment on the inherently regressive nature of these taxes as well as the effect of income and wealth disparity on likely comparative tax burdens. I conclude by identifying several ways in which sole focus on federal tax burden inappropriately skews debate, potentially distorts policy, and limits opportunity for citizen input across all levels of government.
Session 3 Overview: Management of Astronomical Pecularities

Session 3 on “Handling and Use of Special Format Materials” dealt with diverse items which are of unique importance in astronomical libraries. Preprints and reprints are important in several ways. Libraries’ collection and dissemination of information about pre-publication journal and conference papers boosts the astronomer’s awareness of current research in a timely fashion. Individual libraries’ practices range from very basic—the receipt and physical display of preprints—to the more elaborate activities including production of lists, gathering of subsequent publication information about the papers themselves, construction of local databases listing preprints, and electronic network exchange of listings. There was a consensus that the sending of reprint series is far less important than it was in years past. We heard a call for formal recognition or designation of a central clearinghouse for information about astronomy preprints.
Novel B55α-PP2A mutations in AML promote AKT T308 phosphorylation and sensitivity to AKT inhibitor-induced growth arrest

Activation of the Protein Kinase B (PKB), or AKT pathway has been shown to correlate with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) prognosis. B55α-Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) has been shown to dephosphorylate AKT at Thr-308 rendering it inactive. In fact, low expression of the PP2A regulatory subunit B55α was associated with activated phospho-AKT and correlated with inferior outcomes in AML. Despite this fact, no studies have specifically demonstrated a mechanism whereby B55α expression is regulated in AML. In this study, we demonstrate novel loss of function mutations in the PPP2R2A gene identified in leukemic blasts from three AML patients. These mutations eliminate B55α protein expression thereby allowing constitutive AKT activation. In addition, leukemic blasts with PPP2R2A gene mutation were more sensitive to treatment with the AKT inhibitor MK2206, but less responsive to the PP2A activator FTY720. Using leukemia cell lines, we further demonstrate that B55α expression correlates with AKT Thr-308 phosphorylation and predicts responsiveness to AKT inhibition and PP2A activation. Together our data illustrate the importance of the B55α-PP2A-AKT pathway in leukemogenesis. Screening for disruptions in this pathway at initial AML diagnosis may predict response to targeted therapies against AKT and PP2A.
Solar (actinic) dermatoses in the dog and cat

Solar (actinic) dermatoses are a group of conditions that share a common cause: exposure to excess ultraviolet radiation (sunlight). There is a progression from solar dermatitis through to actinic keratosis and eventually squamous cell carcinoma. This paper discusses the clinical signs, diagnosis and management of these presentations, together with associated conditions such as actinic comedones, and the rarer solar haemangioma and haemangiosarcoma. Other sunlight-exacerbated conditions such as discoid lupus erythematosus are also mentioned.
Final Remarks and Outlook for Teaming-Based Resilience in Supply Networks

Resilience is becoming a central concern in modern complex systems. As such, supply networks need design and operation mechanisms capable of enabling multi-level resilient behavior. In order to guide researchers and practitioners in these tasks, Chaps. 2– 5 introduce the basic elements required to understand resilience requirements and model SN behavior. These foundational concepts should provide the base for future research efforts in resilient systems. Inspired in the principles of Collaborative Control Theory, Chaps. 6– 9 present a teaming-driven approach to design and operate supply networks: Resilience by Teaming. A suite of protocols and design guidelines are presented in detail to provide practitioners with a generalized approach to design structures and control flow in physical, digital, and service SNs. The protocols and design considerations discussed in RBT are analyzed in real-world case studies in Chaps. 10– 12. In this final chapter, the major contributions of the book are revisited. Future research lines are discussed not only in relation to the extension of Resilience by Teaming, but also from a general perspective for complex resilient systems.
Role of chaotic dynamics in neural plasticity

Mathematical models are essential for the study of complex neural systems at all levels of the hierarchy from macromolecules through neurons to brain systems. ANN are readily available, but most of them are inappropriate for modeling brain function in normal behavior, because they stem from studies of neural systems in anesthetized or paralyzed animals which are capable only of reflux output. That class of models lacks the goal-directed, self-organizing properties of neural systems in behaving animals. In contrast to the stability of ANN and their reliance on asymptotic convergence to steady states (point attractors) and periodic oscillations (limit cycle attractors), BNN are intrinsically unstable. They continuously generate 'spontaneous' aperiodic activity that manifests the operation of chaotic dynamics undergoing repeated state transitions. Observations on the activity patterns of sensory cortex reveal that the perceptual outputs of BNN are by construction of spatial patterns and dynamic trajectories and not by computation using symbolic representations. Chaotic dynamics plays essential roles both in the construction of perceptions and in the continuing update of cortical populations, which requires selective synaptic modification during associative learning and habituation. Simultaneous multichannel recording from the olfactory bulb and cortex has given the following experimental results. (1) The cortical activity that relates to the perception of a sensory stimulus is carried macroscopically by a smaller number of single neurons e.g. 'units', 'feature detectors'. (2) The macroscopic activity reflects the meaning and significance of the stimulus for the experimental subject and not the stimulus as it is known to the observer. (3) The activity carries the meaning in spatial patterns, not in time series (the difference between a phonograph or radio and movie or TV). (4) The spatial patterns of activity that accompany previously learned stimuli or responses are changed by the introduction of new stimuli and also by modifications in reinforcement contingencies. There is no invariance in the memory store within the populations. (5) The patterns of activity are created by dynamic neural interactions in sensory cortex, not by registration or filtering of stimuli. There is no evidence for storage, retrieval, cross-correlation or logical tree search. (6) The dynamics is chaotic, not merely noisy, so that each act of perception involves a new construction by the cortex not by mere information processing. From these findings we infer that chaotic dynamics plays a crucial role in the construction of the associational contexts comprising the memory systems of experimental subjects.
Balancing Student Success: Assessing Supplemental Instruction Through Coarsened Exact Matching

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a voluntary, non-remedial, peer-facilitated, course-specific intervention that has been widely demonstrated to increase student success, yet concerns persist regarding the biasing effects of disproportionate participation by already higher-performing students. With a focus on maintaining access for all students, a large, public university in the Western United States used student demographic, performance, and SI participation data to evaluate the intervention’s efficacy while reducing selection bias. This analysis was conducted in the first year of SI implementation within a traditionally high-challenge introductory psychology course. Findings indicate a statistically significant relationship between student participation in SI and increased odds of successful course completion. Furthermore, the application of Coarsened Exact Matching reduced concerns that increased course performance was attributed to an over-representation of higher performing students who elected to attend SI Sessions.
Pass-the-Hash: One of the Most Prevalent Yet Underrated Attacks for Credentials Theft and Reuse

The aim of this article is to bring some light into the following topics: what is Pass-the-Hash, what is the methodology of such an attack on a Windows based environment and what are the environment prerequisites needed for a successful attack. The report also discusses the methods, techniques and best practices of how and where to organize the defense.
Insights into the Active Electrocatalytic Areas of Layered Double Hydroxide and Amorphous Nickel–Iron Oxide Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) and amorphous nickel–iron (oxy)hydroxides (Ni1–xFexOOH) are emerging catalysts for the electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER). It is still unresolved if the layered two-dimensional (2D) structure allows for active catalytic sites to exist below the traditional electrode/electrolyte interface. Herein, we utilized the surface interrogation mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SI-SECM) to directly measure active site densities in situ. We determined that Ni0.8Fe0.2OOH LDH showed a 10-fold increase in the active site density compared to rock salt Ni0.8:Fe0.2 oxide, giving direct evidence that water and hydroxide in the interlayer are able to create stable NiIV/FeIV active species at layers below the electrode/electrolyte interface. This result suggests that electrolyte permeability of the 2D LDH structure is a major contributor for its increased catalytic activity. Amorphous Ni0.8:Fe0.2 oxide also exhibits an anomalously high active site density and higher activ...
A modified Schapery theory to predict the progressive failure of CFRP

Abstract Schapery theory, a thermodynamically-based work potential, is widely employed for describing material micro-structure changes in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites (CFRCs). Many well-accepted Schapery models utilize an approximation, ν ij · ν kl ≈ 0 ( i , j , k , l = 1 , 2 , 3 ) , to formulate the matrix micro-damage evolution equation. In contrast to that, a modified Schapery model from using full elastic strain energy expression, W Strain , is presented and investigated. Our comparison results indicate that employing such approximation in 3D Schapery model introduces a spurious elastic strain energy term, predicts less matrix micro-damage accumulations and subsequently overestimates the degraded Young’s modulus. The role of W Strain in Schapery theory, model simplification approach, the applicability of the proposed 3D Schapery model as well as the consistency of using secant material assumption are discussed thereafter. In addition, the discrepancy between utilizing secant and tangent modulus degradation functions are also studied. We hope these findings could aid in the elucidation of the Schapery model formulation and benefit its application on simulating undulated fiber tows in textile composites.
Reaping the benefits of assessment for learning: achievement, identity, and equity

In many parts of the world, there is an increased demand for effectiveness and equity in education and for the development of students who see themselves as lifelong learners to meet economic and social challenges. Assessment for learning (AfL) can play a significant role in achieving these three demands. The purpose of AfL is to inform learning, not to measure it or sum it up; it is assessment that focuses on learning as it is taking place, not at the end of a sequence of learning; and it is intended to move learning forward from its current status. There is ample evidence that when effectively implemented AfL can improve learning for all students. However, less attention has been paid to the impact of AfL on the development of students’ mathematical identities and to supporting equity goals. This paper uses a practice-based example to illustrate the benefits of AfL to student learning, to students’ identities as doers of mathematics and to equity in the classroom. Consideration is also given to the particular case of English learners to illustrate how effective AfL practices can also support both language and concept development.
Cord Blood as a Treatment for Stroke

Over the last few decades, there has been an explosion in stem cell research. The investigation of umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells as a treatment for stroke is even more recent. Ease of collection and the ability to maintain their stem cell properties post-cryopreservation made these cells very attractive candidates for treatment development initially. UCB cells have many advantages including a wide variety of cell types present, including hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, lymphocytes, and monocytes, which enhances their ability to modulate multiple targets impacted by neurodegenerative processes. Although the precise mechanisms of action are still being researched, UCB cells have been shown to benefit functional recovery and also reduce infarct size post-stroke. They have also demonstrated an ability to provide these benefits when administered peripherally and within 24–48 h post-stroke, which immensely expands the current treatment window of 3–4 h for tissue plasminogen activator. This chapter highlights the current research with UCB cells in the development of a novel treatment for stroke and demonstrates the great therapeutic potential of these cells.
Current and future oxygen (O2) supply technologies for oxy-fuel combustion

Abstract: This chapter describes air separation technologies for supplying oxygen for oxy-fuel combustion. Cryogenic air separation processes and equipment technologies are described, including a historical as well as a forward looking perspective on those technologies. Specific attention is given to the oxygen requirements for oxy-fuel power plants and processes suitable for this application. An advanced technology under development that is based on oxygen transport membranes (OTMs) is also described.
Biodegradable Microsphere-Hydrogel Ocular Drug Delivery System for Controlled and Extended Release of Bioactive Aflibercept In Vitro

Purpose: Current standard of care for neovascular eye diseases require repeated intravitreal bolus injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs). The purpose of this study was...
Family-versus Lone-founder Controlled Corporations: Socioemotional wealth and the board of directors

We distinguish between family companies involving multiple family members as owners and/or managers and lone-founder companies involving only the founder and no other family members. We consider ho...
Evaluation of pharmacy student perceptions and stereotypes of healthcare professionals before and after an internal medicine advanced pharmacy practice experience.

Abstract Background A focus of delivering effective patient-centered care is working as an interprofessional team. Pharmacy students may harbor stereotypes of other healthcare professions that could impede collaboration. The objective of this study was to assess pharmacy student ratings of pharmacists and other healthcare professionals' characteristics before and after their internal medicine advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) to determine if the APPE altered their stereotypes. A pre- and post-survey utilizing the Student Stereotypes Rating Questionnaire (SSRQ) was used to carry out the study goals. Impact Students had more interactions with pharmacists, physicians, and nurses than with other professionals. Pharmacy students' perceptions of their own profession (autostereotypes) were higher compared to the other disciplines, with a movement towards equality following APPE completion. Students also rated professionals lower if they completed the survey in earlier APPE blocks. These results are limited by the lack of coupling between surveys, a low response rate, and incomplete surveys. Recommendations Methods that would have strengthened results include focusing on the healthcare professionals that students interacted with most, quantifying the number of experiences they had with each group before and after the rotation, requiring answers to all survey questions, and a strategy to match pre- and post-survey results. Discussion Despite the limitations of the study, the experiences gained during the APPE positively impacted student perceptions and attitudes towards other healthcare disciplines. This experience type may be a key component to producing pharmacy graduates who are prepared to work collaboratively with other professionals.
Patterns of Diabetes Screening and Prediabetes Treatment during Office Visits in the US.

Introduction: The American Diabetes Association recommends annual screenings for prediabetes if the patient meets the suggested requirements. The overall prevalence of prediabetes has decreased from an estimated 86 million adults in 2012 to 84.1 million adults in 2015 in the United States. Along with lifestyle modifications, the use of metformin as a treatment option or in combination has shown a decrease in weight and health care costs. This study was designed to review the prevalence of screening and treatment of prediabetes in the United States by using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, as well as identify any factors associated with screenings and treatment. Methods: The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey was used to examine a study sample of office visits between 2012 and 2015, reviewing the prevalence of screenings and lab services ordered or provided at each patient visit. Inclusion criteria consisted of the recommendations given by the American Diabetes Association including any patient ≥45 years or adult patient Results: A total of 105,721 office visits (2012 to 2015) were included in the analysis. The diabetes screening prevalence increased from 10% in 2012 to 13.4% in 2015. Metformin (n = 140, 76.1%) was the most common antidiabetic medication prescribed to treat prediabetes. Conclusions: The prevalence of diabetes screening during office visits remained lower than 15% between 2012 and 2015 in the United States. Physicians primarily prescribe lifestyle modifications, including a healthy diet and exercise, with metformin being used in some cases for the prevention of diabetes.
The role of CD4 T cells in immune system activation and viral reproduction in a simple model for HIV infection

Abstract CD4 T cells play a fundamental role in the adaptive immune response including the stimulation of cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which infects and kills CD4 T cells causes progressive failure of the immune system. However, HIV particles are also reproduced by the infected CD4 T cells. Therefore, during HIV infection, infected and healthy CD4 T cells act in opposition to each other, reproducing virus particles and activating and stimulating cellular immune responses, respectively. In this investigation, we develop and analyze a simple system of four ordinary differential equations that accounts for these two opposing roles of CD4 T cells. The model illustrates the importance of the CTL immune response during the asymptomatic stage of HIV infection. In addition, the solution behavior exhibits the two stages of infection, asymptomatic and final AIDS stages. In the model, a weak immune response results in a short asymptomatic stage and faster development of AIDS, whereas a strong immune response illustrates the long asymptomatic stage. A model with a latent stage for infected CD4 T cells is also investigated and compared numerically with the original model. The model shows that strong stimulation of CTLs by CD4 T cells is necessary to prevent progression to the AIDS stage.
United Kingdom, United Courts? Hierarchical Interactions and Attention to Precedent in the British Judiciary:

Most empirical examinations of hierarchical interactions among the courts are limited to a single judiciary, the American courts. A significant puzzle that remains is the extent to which lower cour...
Dynamics of Auxilin1 and GAK in clathrin-1 mediated traffic

Clathrin coated vesicles formed at the plasma membrane lose their clathrin lattice within seconds of pinching off, through the action of the Hsc70 "uncoating ATPase". The J-domain containing proteins, auxilin1 (Aux1) and auxilin2/cyclin-G dependent kinase (GAK), recruit Hsc70. Aux1 and GAK are closely related homologs, each with a phosphatase- and tensin-like (PTEN-like) domain, a clathrin-binding region, and a C-terminal J-domain; GAK has an additional, N-terminal Ser/Thr kinase domain. The PTEN-like domain has no phosphatase activity, but it can recognize phosphatidylinositol phosphate head groups. Aux1 and GAK appear on coated vesicles in successive transient bursts, immediately after dynamin mediated membrane scission has released the vesicle from the plasma membrane. We show here that these bursts represent recruitment of a very small number of auxilins such that even 4-6 molecules are sufficient to mediate uncoating. In contrast, we could not detect auxilins in abortive pits or at any time during coated-pit assembly. We have also shown previously that clathrin coated vesicles have a dynamic phosphoinositide landscape, and we have proposed that lipid head group recognition might determine the timing of Aux1 and GAK appearance. We now show that differential recruitment of Aux1 and GAK correlates with temporal variations in phosphoinositide composition, consistent with a lipid-switch timing mechanism.
Escherichia coli has a Unique Transcriptional Program in Long-Term Stationary Phase

Microbes live in complex and consistently changing environments, but it is difficult to replicate this in the laboratory. Escherichia coli has been used as a model organism in experimental evolution studies for years; specifically, we and others have used it to study evolution in complex environments by incubating the cells into long-term stationary phase (LTSP) in rich media. In LTSP, cells experience a variety of stresses and changing conditions. While we have hypothesized that this experimental system is more similar to natural environments than some other lab conditions, we do not yet know how cells respond to this environment biochemically or physiologically. In this study, we begin to unravel the cells' responses to this environment by characterizing the transcriptome of cells during LTSP. We found that cells in LTSP have a unique transcriptional program, and that several genes are uniquely upregulated or downregulated in this phase. Further, we identified two genes, cspB and cspI, which are most highly expressed in LTSP, even though these genes are primarily known to respond to cold-shock. When competed with wild-type cells, these genes are also important for survival during LTSP. These data allow us to compare biochemical responses to multiple environments and identify useful model systems, identify gene products that may play a role in survival in this complex environment, and identify novel functions of proteins.
Screening for Mental Health Conditions in Athletes

Mental health screening has shown promise and value in the athletic population. Screening tests for eating disorders, depression, and general anxiety disorder should be performed for identifying those athletes that might need support. Ideally, screening would take place on intake and following injury, and testing should be considered for depression, anxiety, sexual abuse, and alcohol and drug use in the appropriate context, particularly for at-risk athletes or for those athletes not following predictable recovery courses following injury.
Stoichiometry-controllable optical defects in CuxIn2−xSy quantum dots for energy harvesting

The large Stokes shift for CuxIn2−xSy (CIS) quantum dots (QDs) reduces reabsorption losses in luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). However, reabsorption still occurs due to their broad absorption spectra, which, along with below unity quantum yields, hamper device performance. The origin of these optical properties is heavily debated, and makes it difficult to optimize CIS for LSCs and other energy harvesting devices such as solid-state and sensitized solar cells. Here, we show with density functional theory calculations that anti-site defects form in near-stoichiometric CIS QDs, while copper vacancies charge-compensated by the oxidation of a second Cu atom form in Cu-deficient structures. Both defects lead to large Stokes shifts, but defects only localize holes in the excited-state leading to strong intragap absorption, which is suppressed for paramagnetic defects that localize holes in the ground-state. The relative concentration of each defect and competing defect phases that lead to non-emissive carrier trapping is controllable by stoichiometry and Fermi-level, and optimal chemical processing conditions for energy harvesting applications are discussed.
“The Mirror with a Memory”: The Great War through the Lens of Percy Brown, British Correspondent and Photojournalist (1914-1920)

This article examines the “path of crazy paving” of Percy A. Brown, a British working-class carpenter, figure skater, photo correspondent, and magazine journalist, who covered the twentieth century...
Phasor and Simplified Average Models of Two-Stage Single-Phase PV System

The computational challenge in solving dynamic models of power distribution grids increases with high penetration of distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems. IEEE-1547 requires smart PV inverters to provide dynamic volt-var and volt-watt support functions, which motivates solving dynamics of large distribution grids with multiple distributed PVs. The existing dynamic models of PV systems are overly detailed and computationally intractable for solving distribution grid dynamics with a large number of distributed PVs. In this work, a simplified average model and a phasor-based model of a two-stage single-phase smart PV system are developed and compared with the existing average and detailed models in literature. The results show remarkably fast performance from the proposed phasor-based and simplified average models of PVs, while sufficiently capturing necessary volt-var and volt-watt dynamics.
Development of compact DOI-measurable PET detectors for simultaneous PET/MR Imaging.

It is critically needed yet challenging to develop compact PET detectors with high sensitivity and uniform, high imaging resolution for improving the performance of simultaneous PET/MR imaging, particularly for an integrated/inserted small-bore system. Using the latest “edge-less” SiPM arrays for DOI measurement using the design of dual-ended-scintillator readout, we developed several compact PET detectors suited for PET/MR imaging. Each detector consists of one LYSO array with each end coupled to a SiPM array. Multiple detectors can be seamlessly tiled together along all sides to form a large detector panel. Detectors with 1.5x1.5 and 2.0x2.0 mm crystals at 20 or 30 mm lengths were studied. Readout of individual SiPM or capacitor-based signal multiplexing was used to transfer 3D interaction position-coded analog signals through flexible-print-circuit cables to dedicated ASIC frontend electronics to output digital timing pulses that encode interaction information. These digital pulses can be transferred to, through standard LVDS cables, and decoded by a FPGA-based data acquisition positioned outside the MRI scanner for coincidence event selection. Initial detector performance measurement shows excellent crystal identification even with 30 mm long crystals, ~18% and 2.8 ns energy and timing resolutions, and around 2-3 mm DOI resolution. A large size detector panel can be scaled up with these modular detectors and different PET systems can be flexibly configured with the scalable readout electronics and data acquisition, providing an important design advantage for different system and application requirements. It is expected that standard shielding of detectors, electronics and signal transfer lines can be applied for simultaneous PET/MR imaging applications, with desired DOI measurement capability to enhance the PET performance and image quality.
On Games and Links: Extending the Vocabulary of Agency and Immersion in Interactive Narratives

The opposition between narrative agencythe ability for readers and players to make meaningful choicesand narrative immersion has been an ongoing conflict in the world of interactive storytelling. Some forms, such as games, have been argued to be more successful at balancing the tension between interactivity and immersion than forms like hypertext fiction [16]. Using these two forms as illustration, this paper will argue for the need for more nuanced understandings of "agency" and "immersion" by introducing definitions of diegetic and extra-diegetic agency alongside definitions of narrative and mechanical immersion. Extending the vocabulary of agency and immersion highlights some key differences in how games and hypertexts have been understood.
Using Brightness and Saturation to Visualize Belief and Uncertainty

In developing a visual language for mobile robots, it is necessary to represent the uncertainty present in robot position, obstacle position, and even obstacle presence. In developing a visualization of the robot's model of its environment, this uncertainty should be presented to the experimenter, in order to be able to evaluate the extent to which the robot's sensors and sensor fusion rules are providing consistent and reliable information.In Isaac, a project developing a rule-based visual language for mobile robots, a time-varying diagram is used to represent the robot's current world model. Hue is used to represent object classes, and brightness is used to represent the degree of belief of an object's presence. A region in which there is confidence that no object is present is shown as white, while a region with high confidence in the presence of an object is represented with color. Saturation is used to represent confidence in the assessment of object presence (or absence): a totally unsaturated (i.e. grey) area represents an area in which there is no belief at all either in favor of or against the presence of any object; a fully saturated area represents an area in which there is high confidence in the region's classification. The combination of hue to distinguish between object classes with brightness and saturation for belief and confidence results in a three-dimensional color space for model visualization.Sensor characteristics are encoded in belief functions; upon receiving sensor information, both belief functions and confidence levels can be modified. Belief functions in the presence and absence of obstacles in the model are maintained through Dempster-Shafer evidential reasoning.
Trends and Considerations Affecting Noncredit Programs.

Noncredit programs help to define continuing education programs. Current trends indicate that change in noncredit programming will continue, and likely accelerate, as a result of new audiences, technologies, and institutional expectations.
Infant Perception and Cognition

This chapter examines methods, theories, and research on infant perception and cognition. The focus is on developmental changes during the first two years of life, and no sharp distinction is made between perceptual development and cognitive development. The chapter emphasizes a set of information-processing propositions, according to which early perceptual and cognitive development is a constructive, nonlinear process involving successive levels of information integration over age. Several popular techniques for assessing infant perception and cognition are described, including visual preferences, habituation, and conditioning. Similarities and differences among these techniques are mentioned along with a number of misconceptions regarding them. Several theoretical approaches are outlined, including Piagetian theory, dynamical systems, connectionist modeling, and cognitive neuroscience. Specific research topics covered in the chapter include infant perception of color, form, size, and shape and the development of perceptual constancies. Next discussed are topics related to infants' perception of entire objects, including object permanence, object unity, object identification, and the special case of infant face perception. How infants group multiple objects into categories is covered next. The final section describes research on individual differences and the degree to which one can predict childhood performance from scores on infant tests. Keywords: categorization; cognition; infancy; information processing; perception; vision research
Characterization of a small (25-kilodalton) derivative of the Rous sarcoma virus Gag protein competent for particle release.

Abstract Retroviral Gag proteins have the ability to induce budding and particle release from the plasma membrane when expressed in the absence of all of the other virus-encoded components; however, the locations of the functional domains within the Gag protein that are important for this process are poorly understood. It was shown previously that the protease sequence of the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) Gag protein can be replaced with a foreign polypeptide, iso-1-cytochrome c from a yeast, without disrupting particle assembly (R. A. Weldon, Jr., C. R. Erdie, M. G. Oliver, and J. W. Wills, J. Virol. 64:4169-4179, 1990). An unexpected product of the chimeric gag gene is a small, Gag-related protein named p25C. This product was of interest because of its high efficiency of packaging into particles. The goal of the experiments described here was to determine the mechanism by which p25C is synthesized and packaged into particles. The results demonstrate that it is not the product of proteolytic processing of the Gag-cytochrome precursor but is derived from an unusual spliced mRNA. cDNA clones of the spliced mRNA were obtained, and each expressed a product of approximately 25 kDa, designated p25M1, which was released into the growth medium in membrane-enclosed particles that were much lighter than authentic retrovirions as measured in sucrose density gradients. DNA sequencing revealed that the clones encode the first 180 of the 701 amino acids of the RSV Gag protein and no residues from iso-1-cytochrome c. This suggested that a domain in the carboxy-terminal half of Gag is important for the packaging of Gag proteins into dense arrays within the particles. In support of this hypothesis, particles of the correct density were obtained when a small segment from the carboxy terminus of the RSV Gag protein (residues 417 to 584) was included on the end of p25.
Care of Adults in Children's Hospitals: Acknowledging the Aging Elephant in the Room.

In the past, the care of adult patients in children’s hospitals was an uncommon occurrence. However, the face of pediatrics is changing rapidly as advances in care of once-terminal childhood illnesses allow patients to survive well into adulthood. Given the specialized care frequently required to treat these congenital and childhood diseases, adult survivors are often treated by pediatric specialists housed in children’s hospitals. This paradigm shift means that some children’s hospitals must be well equipped to care for these adults, which may stress the capabilities of both pediatric health care professionals and institutions. Patients older than 21 years account for 15 000 admissions to children’s hospitals annually, and this number is trending upward. 1 Transitional patients (ages 18-21 years) had a greater than 150% increase in total inpatient charges at children’s hospitals between 1999 and 2009, while adult patients (>21 years old) had a greater than 50% increase during that time. 2 For some conditions such as malignant neoplasm and cerebral palsy, admissions to pediatric institutions are growing at a faster rate in adult-aged patients than in children. 2 As these numbers increase, children’s hospitals will need to develop additional infrastructure and new models of care to treat these adults in a safe, standardized, and evidence-based manner.
The utilization of alpha-2'-deoxythioguanosine by murine tumor cells.

The α- and β-anomers of 29-deoxythioguanosine were prepared with a radiocarbon label in the sugar moiety and a radiosulfur label in the base. In vivo experiments were conducted with Mecca Lymphosarcoma ascites cells in mice. Determination of the distribution of radioactivity in base and sugar of material incorporated into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), relative to the distribution in the precursors, indicated that both anomers can be incorporated into the DNA without the separation of sugar and base. Degradation of DNA containing label from these nucleotide precursors, with deoxyribonuclease and phosphodiesterase, showed that the β-anomer was almost all present in the nucleotide chain. The incorporation of α-anomer into DNA gave a much higher proportion of terminal labeling, but also indicated that some α-nucleoside had entered the nucleotide chain. The data also indicated that entry of α-deoxynucleoside into the RNA can occur without exchange of the sugar.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Refractory Respiratory Failure

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used now for more than four decades, and although initial clinical use and evidence were controversial of its benefit, technological advances in the components of the circuit, increase clinical experience, and further clinical evidence in the past decade have increased the number of centers that have employed this technology. ECMO employed as a rescue treatment for refractory respiratory failure has gained increasing support due to improvement in technology and emerging clinical evidence. The main indication for ECMO for respiratory failure is ARDS due to infection; however, recently there has been an increase in the use of ECMO for decompensated end-stage respiratory failure in patients awaiting lung transplantation. Possible contraindications for ECMO are inability to anticoagulate and the presence of malignancy. The current evidence has shown optimistic survival rates as well as quality of life that justify its use for refractory respiratory failure.
FERMENTATION OF ETHYLENE GLYCOL BY CLOSTRIDIUM GLYCOLICUM, SP. N

Gaston, Lamont W. (National Heart Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.) and E. R. Stadtman. Fermentation of ethylene glycol by Clostridium glycolicum, sp. n. J. Bacteriol. 85:356–362. 1963.—An anaerobic organism which utilizes ethylene glycol as a source of energy and carbon has been isolated from mud. It is a long (5 μ), slender, motile, gram-positive, spore-forming rod, with peritrichous flagellae. It grows well from 22 to 37 C at pH 7.4 to 7.6, and ferments glucose, fructose, sorbitol, dulcitol, and cellulose. It does not reduce nitrates, form indole, or cause hemolysis or proteolysis except for a slight attack on coagulated egg albumin. Fifteen amino acids and the vitamins biotin and pantothenate are required for optimal growth on ethylene glycol. Analogues other than propylene glycol do not support growth. Ethylene glycol and propylene glycol are stoichiometrically converted to equal amounts of the respective acid and alcohol.