cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of androstenedione as an androgenic component of river water downstream of a pulp and paper mill effluent

This study evaluates a recent report indicating that androstenedione (4-androsten-3, 17-dione) contributes to the andro-genicity of water downstream of a pulp and paper mill discharge on the Fenholloway River (FL, USA). Extraction and concentration of Fenholloway water with C18 solid-phase extraction columns followed by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography resulted in clearly defined fractions with in vitro androgenic activity in CV-I cells that had been transiently cotransfected with human androgen receptor and reporter gene constructs. However, we were unable to detect androstenedione in the active fractions by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometry analyses of deionized and Fenholloway River water samples that had been spiked with androstenedione, then extracted and fractionated, revealed that the androgen was found only in inactive fractions. We conclude that, although androstenedione was present at easily detectable concentrations in the river water (>100 ng/ L), this compound is not associated with androgenic activity of water from the site.
Influence of wind conditions on siting, design and performance considerations for offshore wind turbines in the Gulf of Mexico region

In this paper Gulf of Mexico wind conditions are analyzed to distinguish suitable regions for wind farm development. A turbine merit rating parameter is introduced to evaluate the combined effects of rotor size, turbine rating and economical boundary conditions. An analytical approach is then taken to match local site conditions with a suitable wind turbine rating and rotor size configuration. Hurricane extreme wind data, annual wind speed distributions and environmental restrictions are considered to identify shallow water areas, suitable for the operation of offshore wind turbines.
AMASS: a database for investigating protein structures

Motivation: Modern techniques have produced many sequence annotation databases and protein structure portals, but these Web resources are rarely integrated in ways that permit straightforward exploration of protein functional residues and their co-localization. Results: We have created the AMASS database, which maps 1D sequence annotation databases to 3D protein structures with an intuitive visualization interface. Our platform also provides an analysis service that screens mass spectrometry sequence data for post-translational modifications that reside in functionally relevant locations within protein structures. The system is built on the premise that functional residues such as active sites, cancer mutations and post-translational modifications within proteins may co-localize and share common functions. Availability and implementation: AMASS database is implemented with Biopython and Apache as a freely available Web server at amass-db.org. Contact: moc.liamg@ekleim.notnilc
Phenomenological Differences among Self Hypnosis, Mindfulness Meditation, and Imaging

A survey of 122 subjects was conducted to investigate the differences in the phenomenological quality of the experiences engendered by three types of awareness discipline: self-hypnosis (21 subjects), waking dreaming (49 subjects) and mindfulness meditation (25 subjects from a 2-week retreat, and another group of twenty-seven subjects from a 2-day weekend retreat). A questionnaire, the Profile of Trance, Imaging, and Meditation Experience (TIME) was used in the survey Discriminant analyses were used to construct models of the differences in the phenomenological quality of the experiences among the three groups. A number of phenomenological dimensions, in the major areas of attention, thinking, memory, imagery, body sensations, emotions, time sense, reality sense, and sense of self, were found which could accurately distinguish among the experiences of practitioners of the three types of awareness training. Results show that while self hypnosis involves self-referential thinking, memory changes, and intens...
Enrichment of specific bacterial and eukaryotic microbes in the rhizosphere of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) through root exudates.

Identification of microbes that actively utilize root exudates is essential to understand plant-microbe interactions. To identify active root exudate-utilizing microorganisms associated with switchgrass - a potential bioenergy crop - plants were labelled in situ with (13) CO2 , and 16S and 18S rRNA genes in the (13) C-labelled rhizosphere DNA were pyrosequenced. Multi-pulse labelling for 5 days produced detectable (13) C-DNA, which was well separated from unlabelled DNA. Methylibium from the order Burkholderiales were the most heavily labelled bacteria. Pythium, Auricularia and Galerina were the most heavily labelled eukaryotic microbes. We also identified a Glomus intraradices-like species; Glomus members are arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi that are able to colonize the switchgrass root. All of these heavily labelled microorganisms were also among the most abundant species in the rhizosphere. Species belonging to Methylibium and Pythium were the most heavily labelled and the most abundant bacteria and eukaryotes in the rhizosphere of switchgrass. Our results revealed that nearly all of the dominant rhizosphere bacterial and eukaryotic microbes were able to utilize root exudates. The enrichment of microbial species in the rhizosphere is selective and mostly due to root exudation, which functions as a nutrition source, promoting the growth of these microbes.
Prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 20 by chorionic villus sampling (CVS): a case report with long-term outcome.

A case of prenatally diagnosed non-mosaic trisomy 20 in cells cultured from a chorionic villus sample (CVS)is presented. The term placental karyotype was also non-mosaic trisomy 20. The karyotype of the newborn was 46,XY/47,XY,+20 in foreskin cultures and in a second skin culture; blood lymphocyte culture was 46,XY. Aside from diffuse, hypopigmentary swirls along the lines of Blaschko observed on his extremities and trunk, referred to as hypomelanosis of Ito, the patient is clinically normal at 8 3/4 years of age. In addition, he is one of the oldest reported cases of mosaic trisomy 20 confirmed after birth for which the clinical outcome has been monitored. This case demonstrates that these trisomy 20 findings are compatible with normal psychomotor development and phenotype.
Type III Secretion Machines: Bacterial Devices for Protein Delivery into Host Cells

Several Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria have evolved a complex protein secretion system termed type III to deliver bacterial effector proteins into host cells that then modulate host cellular functions. These bacterial devices are present in both plant and animal pathogenic bacteria and are evolutionarily related to the flagellar apparatus. Although type III secretion systems are substantially conserved, the effector molecules they deliver are unique for each bacterial species. Understanding the biology of these devices may allow the development of novel prevention and therapeutic approaches for several infectious diseases.
A unique set of the Burkholderia collagen-like proteins provides insight into pathogenesis, genome evolution and niche adaptation, and infection detection.

Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei, classified as category B priority pathogens, are significant human and animal pathogens that are highly infectious and broad-spectrum antibiotic resistant. Currently, the pathogenicity mechanisms utilized by Burkholderia are not fully understood, and correct diagnosis of B. pseudomallei and B. mallei infection remains a challenge due to limited detection methods. Here, we provide a comprehensive analysis of a set of 13 novel Burkholderia collagen-like proteins (Bucl) that were identified among B. pseudomallei and B. mallei select agents. We infer that several Bucl proteins participate in pathogenesis based on their noncollagenous domains that are associated with the components of a type III secretion apparatus and membrane transport systems. Homology modeling of the outer membrane efflux domain of Bucl8 points to a role in multi-drug resistance. We determined that bucl genes are widespread in B. pseudomallei and B. mallei; Fischer’s exact test and Cramer’s V2 values indicate that the majority of bucl genes are highly associated with these pathogenic species versus nonpathogenic B. thailandensis. We designed a bucl-based quantitative PCR assay which was able to detect B. pseudomallei infection in a mouse with a detection limit of 50 CFU. Finally, chromosomal mapping and phylogenetic analysis of bucl loci revealed considerable genomic plasticity and adaptation of Burkholderia spp. to host and environmental niches. In this study, we identified a large set of phylogenetically unrelated bucl genes commonly found in Burkholderia select agents, encoding predicted pathogenicity factors, detection targets, and vaccine candidates.
Predation risk, gender and the group size effect: does elk vigilance depend upon the behaviour of conspecifics?

Many animals benefit from the presence of conspecifics by reducing their rate of scanning for predators while increasing their time spent foraging. This group size effect could arise from a decreased perception of individual risk (dilution hypothesis) and/or an increased ability to detect predators (detection hypothesis). We compared individual and group vigilance of Rocky Mountain elk, Cervus elaphus, in three regions of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, U.S.A. that varied in their encounter frequency with coyote, Canis latrans, grizzly bear, Ursus arctos, and grey wolf,Canis lupus , predators. Adult females without calves increased scanning and decreased foraging with high encounter risk and small herd size. Adult females with calves increased scanning and decreased foraging with high encounter risk, but showed no decrease in scanning with large herd size. Yearlings increased scanning and decreased feeding with small herd size, but not with high encounter risk. Adult males were least vigilant, fed most and were not influenced by encounter risk or herd size. These age–sex class differences led to significant differences in group vigilance depending on the composition of the herd. Herds with a majority of mothers were significantly more vigilant than herds with a majority of adult males. However, these differences in group vigilance had no influence on the individual scanning of females without calves. Thus, the decrease in individual scanning with herd size may depend more on changes in individual risk than on cooperative detection of predators. Copyright 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
Role of Contests in the Scramble Competition Mating System of a Leaf Beetle

Male competition for mates can occur through contests or a scramble to locate females. We examined the significance of contests for mates in the leaf beetle Chrysomela aeneicollis, which experiences a short breeding season. During peak mating season, 18–52% of beetles are found in male-female pairs, and nearly half of these are copulating. Sex ratios do not differ from parity, females are larger than males, and positive size-assortative mating occurs. Males fight (2–4% of beetles) over access to females, and disruption of mating usually follows these contests. In the laboratory, we compared mating and fighting frequencies for males found in mating pairs (field-paired) and single males placed into an arena with a field-paired female. Mating pairs were switched in half of arenas (new male-female pairs) and maintained in the other half. For 2 days, each male was free to move about and fight; thereafter males were tethered to prevent contests. Mating frequencies were significantly greater for field-paired than single males in both situations. Male size was not related to mating frequency; however, large females received more matings than small ones. These data suggest that males fight for high quality females, but otherwise search for as many matings as possible.
Two more pieces to the 1000-piece carbohydrate puzzle

Healthy diets are high in carbohydrate. The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range for carbohydrates is 45–65%. A maximum intake of 25% of added sugars is suggested. Americans should choose fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and cooked dry beans and peas as staples in the diet. Dairy products are also a nutrient-dense source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the primary energy source for active people. Sedentary people, including most Americans, should decrease consumption of caloric carbohydrates to balance energy needs and attain and maintain ideal weight.
New roles for DNA cytosine modification, eRNA, anchors, and superanchors in developing B cell progenitors

B-cell fate is orchestrated by a series of well-characterized developmental regulators. Here, we found that the onset of B-cell development was accompanied by large-scale changes in DNA cytosine modifications associated with promoters, enhancers, and anchors. These changes were tightly linked to alterations in transcription factor occupancy and nascent RNA (eRNA) transcription. We found that the prepro-B to the pro-B-cell transition was associated with a global exchange of DNA cytosine modifications for polycomb-mediated repression at CpG islands. Hypomethylated regions were found exclusively in the active/permissive compartment of the nucleus and were predominantly associated with regulatory elements or anchors that orchestrate the folding patterns of the genome. We identified superanchors, characterized by clusters of hypomethylated CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF)-bound elements, which were predominantly located at boundaries that define topological associated domains. A particularly prominent hypomethylated superanchor was positioned down-stream of the Ig heavy chain (Igh) locus. Analysis of global formaldehyde-cross-linking studies indicated that the Igh locus superanchor interacts with the VH region repertoire across vast genomic distances. We propose that the Igh locus superanchor sequesters the VH and DHJH regions into a spatial confined geometric environment to promote rapid first-passage times. Collectively, these studies demonstrate how, in developing B cells, DNA cytosine modifications associated with regulatory and architectural elements affect patterns of gene expression, folding patterns of the genome, and antigen receptor assembly.
Abnormal Pressures and Their Relation to Oil and Gas Migration and Accumulation: ABSTRACT

Subsurface water exists in a dynamic state, and the condition of hydrodynamic flow, or potential for flow, is indicated by abnormal fluid pressures. Excess pressures indicate updip flow of water and transfer of hydrocarbons from source rock to reservoir in stratigraphic or structural traps. Deficient pressures most commonly indicate downdip flow, reinforcement of capillary-pressure barriers, and enhanced oil columns in stratigraphic traps. The principles of hydrodynamic flow can be applied in either case for prediction of sites for petroleum accumulation; furthermore, a quantitative estimate can often be made of the amount of oil or gas trapped. Excess pressures in the Gulf Coast Tertiary section are generated by several mechanisms: (1) nonequilibrium compaction, (2) clay transformation, (3) aquathermal pressuring, and (4) hydrocarbon End_Page 422------------------------------ generation. These mechanisms operate at different depths and temperatures, but may, in some cases, operate together to produce hydrodynamic flow. The result of flow is development of secondary porosity by dissolution of grains or cement and by hydrocarbon migration. Oil and gas accumulate in local, low-potential volumes of reservoir rock in which the pressures can be either slightly or greatly in excess of normal hydrostatic pressures. Deficient pressures in Rocky Mountain basins are caused by uplift, exposure, and recharge of aquifer systems by meteoric waters. Downdip hydrodynamic flow results in oil columns of unusual height in which the oil trapped by flow greatly exceeds that which can be trapped by capillary-pressure barriers alone. These basins may have locally excess pressures due to clay transformation, or hydrocarbon generation, or locally deficient pressures due to gas blockage in fine-grained rocks. The principles of flow are well established but not widely applied, and there is a need for better documentation of causes for abnormal pressures and the effects of flow. Knowledge of fluid-pressure regime can often be determined from relatively few points of subsurface control for a better understanding of fluid-migration history. Such knowledge is essential to oil and gas exploration in both poorly tested and mature basins. End_of_Article - Last_Page 423------------
Ligand- and oxygen-isotope-exchange pathways of geochemical interest

Environmental context Most chemical processes in water are either ligand- or electron-exchange reactions. Here the general reactivity trends for ligand-exchange reactions in aqueous solutions are reviewed and it is shown that simple rules dominate the chemistry. These simple rules shed light on most molecular processes in water, including the uptake and degradation of pesticides, the sequestration of toxic metals and the corrosion of minerals. Abstract It is through ligand-exchange kinetics that environmental geochemists establish an understanding of molecular processes, particularly for insulating oxides where there are not explicit electron exchanges. The substitution of ligands for terminal functional groups is relatively insensitive to small changes in structure but are sensitive to bond strengths and acid–base chemistry. Ligand exchanges involving chelating organic molecules are separable into two classes: (i) ligand substitutions that are enhanced by the presence of the chelating ligand, called a ‘spectator’ ligand and (ii) chelation reactions themselves, which are controlled by the Lewis basicity of the attacking functional group and the rates of ring closure. In contrast to this relatively simple chemistry at terminal functional groups, substitutions at bridging oxygens are exquisitely sensitive to details of structure. Included in this class are oxygen-isotope exchange and mineral-dissolution reactions. In large nanometer-sized ions, metastable structures form as intermediates by detachment of a surface metal atom, often from a underlying, highly coordinated oxygen, such as μ4-oxo, by solvation forces. A metastable equilibrium is then established by concerted motion of many atoms in the structure. The newly undercoordinated metal in the intermediate adds a water or ligand from solution, and protons transfer to other oxygens in the metastable structure, giving rise to a characteristic broad amphoteric chemistry. These metastable structures have an appreciable lifetime and require charge separation, which is why counterions affect the rates. The number and character of these intermediate structures reflect the symmetry of the starting structure.
Predicting chronic lethality of chemicals to fishes from acute toxicity test data: Theory of accelerated life testing

A method for modeling aquatic toxicity data based on the theory of accelerate3ed life testing is presented, and a procedure for maximum likelihood fitting the proposed model is developed. The procedure is computerized as software, which can predict chronic lethality of chemicals using data from acute toxicity tests. A database of various chemicals and fish species was analyzed. When the calculated values of prediction were compared to the maximum acceptable toxicant concentrations obtained from actual chronic toxicity experiments, the new technique provided accurate predictions. Problems in using the ``maximum acceptable toxicant concentration`` and applications of the proposed method are discussed.
RFI mitigation and detection for the SMAP radar

The planned Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission1 will use both active radar and passive radiometer instruments at L-Band to measure and monitor both soil moisture and freeze/thaw state globally. The frequency band allocated for the SMAP radar is shared with the Global Navigation Satellite Systems and ground-based radiolocation services. Signals from those users present significant sources of anthropogenic radio frequency interference (RFI) which contaminate the radar measurements. To mitigate RFI, the radar is designed with tunable operating frequency, which allows the center frequency to be tuned to avoid RFI. The filtering scheme in the receiver is configured to get a high level of RFI suppression. To meet the high accuracy measurement requirements, RFI detection and correction will be required during ground data processing. Some candidate algorithms have been evaluated, and they have been tested against simulated SMAP data derived from the PALSAR data.
Radiance Covariance and Climate Models

Spectral empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) derived from the covariance of satellite radiance spectra may be interpreted in terms of the vertical distribution of the covariance of temperature, water vapor, and clouds. This has been done for four major geographic regions: the tropical oceans, midlatitude oceans, and three important land areas. The purpose of the investigation is to demonstrate the important constraints that resolved spectral radiances can place upon climate models.
The Shear, Convergence, and Thermohaline Structure of a Front*

Abstract With the objective of measuring convergence directly to confirm previous observations of frontal subduction, a seaward upwelling jet off central California was studied using satellite infrared images, hydrographic sections, ship drift, and clusters of surface drifters. The cyclonic front of the jet was sharper than 1 km, resulting in a shear several times larger than f. A cross-frontal convergence of 7 cm s−1 over the width of the front (equivalent to 0.8f) was visible as a 20-m-wide accumulation of debris. The sharpness of the front lasted at least for a day. Away from the cyclonic front, the divergence of the flow was small and the shear was less than 0.6f. Thermohaline layers, originating at the front, were interleaving along isopycnals, suggesting water subduction. It is proposed that the asymetry between anticyclonic and cyclonic sides of the jet, and the strong convergence at the cyclonicfront, resulted from a frictionally driven ageostrophic secondary circulation superimposed on the geostr...
Major Depression With Seasonal Variation: Is It a Valid Construct?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is based on the theory that some depressions occur seasonally in response to reduced sunlight. SAD has attracted cultural and research attention for more than 30 years and influenced the DSM through inclusion of the seasonal variation modifier for the major depression diagnosis. This study was designed to determine if a seasonally related pattern of occurrence of major depression could be demonstrated in a population-based study. A cross-sectional U.S. survey of adults completed the Patient Health Questionnaire–8 Depression Scale. Regression models were used to determine if depression was related to measures of sunlight exposure. Depression was unrelated to latitude, season, or sunlight. Results do not support the validity of a seasonal modifier in major depression. The idea of seasonal depression may be strongly rooted in folk psychology, but it is not supported by objective data. Consideration should be given to discontinuing seasonal variation as a diagnostic modifier ...
A Preliminary Report on the Experimental Host Range of the Transmissible Mink Encephalopathy Agent

Transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) is an infrequently occurring disease of ranch mink characterized by a long incubation period, a progressive clinical course of neurologic dysfunction, and lesions of a spongiform encephalopathy [1, 2]. Because of the long incubation period, it has not been possible to determine the source of infection by direct means. This study was initiated to establish a host range for the TME agent in an attempt to identify possible sources of infection in the diet of mink and to determine host relationships with scrapie virus, which causes a disease having similar clinicopathologic features.
Correlation of Gram's Stain, Cellular Response and Bacterial Culture of Cerebrospinal Fluids

Over an eight-year period, 4,677 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens were examined by Gram's stain, culture and white blood cell count, as well as for chemical constituents. The Gram's stain was consistently negative on those CSFs (4,213) with a cell count of less than 100/mm3, and only two of these specimens had a positive culture. Of those specimens with a cell count greater than 100/mm3 (464), however, 9.5% and 7.8% of the specimens were positive by culture and Gram's stain, respectively. Of those CSFs with positive cultures, the Gram's stain was also positive in 81 % of the specimens. These data suggest that Gram's stain and perhaps culture of CSFs with cell counts of less than 10/mm3 are of no practical diagnostic significance and may be eliminated as routine procedures.
Visually guided landing on plants: no faceplants

![][1] A bee takes off from its hive and lands on a flower. This apparently effortless landing, however, is no mean feat. It requires a considerable amount of sensory feedback and fine speed control – miscalculations can be catastrophic. In order to land successfully, bees must slow
The hawk-goose phenomenon: A replication and an extension

Mallard ducks, having no prior experience with objects passing overhead, were more active in the presence of the silhouette of a hawk than that of a goose. However, Ss were equally responsive to a triangle moving either base-forward or apex-forward. The results confirm earlier reports of the hawk-goose phenomenon, and cast doubt upon its explanation in terms of differences in the rate of change of visual stimulation produced by the two silhouettes.
CHARACTERIZATION OF ELECTRON-MEDIATED VIBRATION- ELECTRONIC (V-E) ENERGY TRANSFER IN OPTICALLY PUMPED PLASMAS USING LANGMUIR PROBE MEASUREMENTS

The paper discusses the results of experiments in CO laser pumped CO-Ar and CO-N2 plasmas, with and without O2 and NO additives. Ionization in these strongly nonequilibrium plasmas occurs by an associative ionization mechanism, in collisions of two highly vibrationally excited CO molecules. The experiments show that removal of the electrons from the optically pumped plasmas using a saturated Thomson discharge results in considerable reduction of the UV/visible radiation from the plasma (CO 4 positive bands, NO γ bands, CN violet bands, and C2 Swan bands). At some conditions, the removal of electrons results in a nearly complete extinguishing of the UV/visible glow of the plasma. This effect occurs even though electron removal results in an increase of the high vibrational level populations of the ground electronic state CO(XΣ, v~15-35). On the other hand, deliberate electron density increase by adding small amounts of O2 or NO to the optically pumped CO-Ar plasmas produced substantial increase of the UV/visible radiation intensity, which strongly correlates with the electron density. The results of the present experiments suggest that V-E energy transfer processes in optically pumped plasmas may be mediated by electrons, which are created in the absence of an electric field, with low initial energies. Most importantly, this effect occurs at ionization fractions as low as ne/N~10 -10. Electron density measurements using microwave absorption and Langmuir probe diagnostics are compared and the electron temperatures in the optically pumped plasmas are determined for the first time.
A Christian Value? Faculty Diversity at Southern Evangelical Campuses

ABSTRACTThis case study research project examined efforts at three member institutions of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), all located in the southern United States, to increase faculty diversity. The study also explored how these efforts related to institutional mission and what aspects within the history of evangelicalism were perceived to promote or hinder the hiring of diverse faculty at these institutions. The study participants consisted of eleven faculty members, seven administrators, and two students from the three case study universities, and one administrator from the main office of the CCCU. Data were analyzed from a combination of personal interviews, observations, field notes, documents, and textual analysis, resulting in the identification of themes related to faculty diversity. Although these institutions had made great strides in diversity efforts, the study findings revealed that more intentional and systematic processes need to be established in order to increase...
Employee satisfaction with occupational health services: Results of a survey

Employee satisfaction with occupational health care services can be one important indicator of quality of care. Satisfaction assessment can provide feedback to improve health care services and utilization. Employee satisfaction with health care services may be a reflection of the value the company places on health care and safety.
Las lágrimas de Hernán Cortés en la «Historia verdadera» de Bernal Díaz del Castillo

This article analyzes the function of Hernan Cortes’ tears in the Historia verdadera by Bernal Diaz del Castillo. Some critics have read Cortes’ weeping as a sign of weakness. Actually, the tears of the hero are a manifestation that links the figure of the conqueror —and by extension the whole text— to the classical epic tradition, as well as to an incipient concept of tragedy.
Observation and Monitoring of Mangrove Forests Using Remote Sensing: Opportunities and Challenges

Mangrove forests, distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, are in a constant flux. They provide important ecosystem goods and services to nature and society. In recent years, the carbon sequestration potential and protective role of mangrove forests from natural disasters is being highlighted as an effective option for climate change adaptation and mitigation. The forests are under threat from both natural and anthropogenic forces. However, accurate, reliable, and timely information of the distribution and dynamics of mangrove forests of the world is not readily available. Recent developments in the availability and accessibility of remotely sensed data, advancement in image pre-processing and classification algorithms, significant improvement in computing, availability of expertise in handling remotely sensed data, and an increasing awareness of the applicability of remote sensing products has greatly improved our scientific understanding of changing mangrove forest cover attributes. As reported in this special issue, the use of both optical and radar satellite data at various spatial resolutions (i.e., 1 m to 30 m) to derive meaningful forest cover attributes (e.g., species discrimination, above ground biomass) is on the rise. This multi-sensor trend is likely to continue into the future providing a more complete inventory of global mangrove forest distributions and attribute inventories at enhanced temporal frequency. The papers presented in this “Special Issue” provide important remote sensing monitoring advancements needed to meet future scientific objectives for global mangrove forest monitoring from local to global scales.
A Flexible Platform for Tangible Graphic Scores

This paper outlines the development of a versatile platform for the performance and composition of tangible graphic scores, providing technical details of the hardware and software design. The system is conceived as a touch surface facilitating modular textured plates, coupled with corresponding visual feedback.
TAKOTSUBO CARDIOMYOPATHY (TCM) INCREASES RISK OF LETHAL ARRHYTHMIAS

Background: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), although generally considered reversible, can be associated with significant mortality due to lethal arrhythmias. Repolarization abnormalities in TCM can lead to characteristic T-wave abnormalities & QT prolongation that place patients at increased risk
Minimizing yield and quality losses in watermelon with multi-site and strobilurin fungicides effective against foliar and fruit anthracnose

Abstract Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum orbiculare race 2, has re-emerged as a problematic disease on watermelon in the southern United States where the majority of U. S. watermelons are produced. Although several new fungicide active ingredients have been registered on cucurbits, their effects on watermelon yields produced during anthracnose epidemics have not been assessed. Field experiments were done in 2014 and 2017 on seeded watermelon treated with 13 fungicides in FRAC Groups 1, 3, 7, 9, 11, 27, M03, and M05. Trifloxystrobin, azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, thiophanate-methyl, chlorothalonil, and mancozeb consistently reduced the severity of foliar anthracnose compared to water and to the other seven fungicides tested. In general, mancozeb, chlorothalonil, and trifloxystrobin increased the numbers and weights of total and marketable-sized fruit and reduced the percentage of fruit with symptoms of anthracnose compared to the water control and to FRAC Group 7 fungicides. These three fungicides also increased the soluble solids content of fruit in 2014. Multi-site fungicides and strobilurin fungicides were more effective against anthracnose than fungicides in FRAC Groups 3, 7, 9, and 27.
Medicinal versus Recreational Cannabis Use among Returning Veterans.

Author(s): Metrik, Jane; Bassett, Shayna S; Aston, Elizabeth R; Jackson, Kristina M; Borsari, Brian | Abstract: BackgroundAlthough increasing rates of cannabis use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) are well-documented among veterans, little is known about their use of cannabis specifically for medicinal purposes. The present study characterizes such use and compares veterans reporting cannabis use for medicinal (n = 66) versus recreational (n = 77) purposes on (a) sociodemographic factors, (b) psychiatric disorders (posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], major depressive disorder [MDD], and CUD), (c) other substance use, (d) reasons for cannabis use and cannabis-related problems, and (e) physical and mental health.MethodsParticipants were veterans deployed post 9/11/2001 recruited from a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility (N = 143; mean [SD] age = 30.0 [6.6]; mean [SD] deployments = 1.7 [1.1]) who reported past-year cannabis use.ResultsThe most frequently endorsed conditions for medicinal cannabis (MC) use were anxiety/stress, PTSD, pain, depression, and insomnia. In logistic regression analyses adjusted for frequency of cannabis use, MC users were significantly more likely (OR = 3.16) to meet criteria for PTSD than recreational cannabis (RC) users. Relative to RC users, MC users reported significantly greater motivation for using cannabis to cope with sleep disturbance as well as significantly poorer sleep quality and worse physical health.ConclusionsVeterans who use cannabis for medicinal purposes differ significantly in sleep, physical and mental health functioning than veterans who use cannabis for recreational purposes. PTSD and sleep problems may be especially relevant issues to address in screening and providing clinical care to returning veterans who are using cannabis for medicinal purposes.
A neural network model for response to looming objects by frog and toad

Toads exhibit a wide variety of avoidance patterns depending on the stimulus situation. The analysis of this situation is achieved through interaction between the optic tectum and pretectum. The retinal signal is first received and processed by tectal neurons and their outputs then converge onto pretectal neurons. Based on these converging inputs, neurons in thalamic pretectum are able to analyze the stimulus situation and determine an appropriate avoidance action. The spatial location of the stimulus is encoded in the topography of tectal neurons. This signal is projected onto a motor heading map which specifies the direction of the avoidance movement. We develop a neural network model to account for the toad’s detection of and response to a looming stimulus.
Lacrimal gland adenocarcinoma responding to checkpoint inhibition and androgen deprivation

Although the histologically diverse classification of salivary gland tumors can be successfully applied to the epithelial lacrimal gland neoplasms, it is not clear whether the molecular makeup differs between these two different tumor types. Adenocarcinomas have known to have driver mutations in non-small cell lung cancer, however, besides HER2 expression not much is known regarding molecular drivers in lacrimal tumors. Androgen receptor (AR) expression and deprivation combined with checkpoint inhibition (CPI) have not been described before in lacrimal gland adenocarcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing a prolonged response to CPI and AR inhibitors.
Basis for the Bauschinger effect in copper single crystals: changes in the long-range internal stress with reverse deformation

The long-range internal stresses (LRIS) associated with the Bauschinger effect were investigated using synchrotron X-ray microbeam diffraction and reversed deformation experiments. [100]-oriented Cu single crystals were deformed in compression to approximately − 0.3 true strain, followed by tension to a strain of approximately + 0.02. Two conclusions are arrived at from this work: First, the LRIS are confirmed in this work to be small relative to the applied stress both before and after reversal. Second, the LRIS persist after 2% reversed strain despite a significant drop in the overall dislocation density by dynamic recovery. This appears to satisfy the necessary condition for LRIS to significantly contribute to a Bauschinger effect in materials. The pronounced Bauschinger effect in Cu is probably best rationalized by a combination of both the LRIS and the Orowan–Sleeswyk model that relies on a non-uniform distribution of dislocation obstacles without a substantial LRIS.
Selective reduction of the unsaturated compounds

Oleic acid and methyl oleate, free of the offending dienoic and trienoic impurities, have been obtained by synthesis and isolation from natural sources. The synthetic method involved selective hydrogenation of stearolic acid and its methyl ester. An isolation method combining the usual crystallization and fractional distillation procedures with a mild and selective hydrogenation step has been developed. These substances exhibited consistent properties. Autoxidation studies showed that the induction period is characteristic of these pure fatty materials and markedly affected by the traces of dienoic and trienoic impurities. An explanation for such induction period has also been offered.
The Clinical Translation Process in the United States

This chapter presents strategies and practical guidance for the development and early clinical translation of radiopharmaceuticals for oncology in the United States, particularly for non-commercial, academic sponsors. Process planning, preclinical safety evaluation, product quality, clinical design, regulatory mechanisms, and the investigational new drug application are discussed. The principles presented apply to small molecule or biological molecular imaging probes, theranostic platforms, and radiotherapeutics and focus on first-in-human studies. It is hoped that this overview will help academic investigators navigate the regulatory system efficiently and safely.
Mineral status in beef cows fed broiler litter diets with cation-anion differences or supplemented with hay.

Two studies were conducted to evaluate mineral status of beef cows consuming broiler litter (BL). During the first study, three diets (hay, BL + corn + hay, and BL + corn + hay + NH4C1) were fed to 45 pregnant cows from December through May to evaluate the effect of decreasing the dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD). Dry matter intake was not affected (P > .05) by treatments. Serum Ca was suppressed (P .05) by diet. Estimated digestibilities of OM, ADF, NDF, and hemicellulose were decreased (P .05) were determined for milk or urine excretion of Ca. For the second study, three diets (hay, BL + corn, and BL + corn + hay) were fed to 48 cows. Serum Ca was suppressed (P < .05) in cows consuming BL diets, and serum hydroxyproline was greater (P < .05) in cows consuming the hay-supplemented diet than in those consuming BL without hay. Lowering the DCAD was not effective in offsetting the serum Ca changes observed; however, supplementing hay may allow for more bone resorption of Ca at a time when cows are in need of increased Ca.
Treatment of benign cephalic histiocytosis with topical 1% rapamycin ointment

We report a pediatric case of extensive, progressive benign cephalic histiocytosis (BCH) involving the face, trunk, and extremities with response of facial lesions to treatment with topical 1% rapamycin. A split-face model was used to demonstrate improvement on the treated side versus the untreated side. After physician and parental perception of effectiveness, based in part on photodocumentation, subsequently both cheeks were treated with continued improvement.
Abstract PD4-02: Withdrawn

This abstract was withdrawn by the authors. Citation Format: Wong MJ, Patel R, DeMartini WB, Todderud JE, Okamoto S, Ikeda DM. Withdrawn [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD4-02.
The credibility of online news: an evaluation of the information by university students / La credibilidad de las noticias en Internet: una evaluación de la información por estudiantes universitarios

The spread of online disinformation is one of the 10 global risks of the future according to the World Economic Forum, and 51% of experts believe that this situation will not improve in the coming ...
A Swarm Optimization Solver Based on Ferroelectric Spiking Neural Networks.

As computational models inspired by the biological neural system, spiking neural networks (SNN) continue to demonstrate great potential in the landscape of artificial intelligence, particularly in tasks such as recognition, inference, and learning. While SNN focuses on achieving high-level intelligence of individual creatures, Swarm Intelligence (SI) is another type of bio-inspired models that mimic the collective intelligence of biological swarms, i.e. bird flocks, fish school and ant colonies. SI algorithms provide efficient and practical solutions to many difficult optimization problems through multi-agent metaheuristic search. Bridging these two distinct subfields of artificial intelligence has the potential to harness collective behavior and learning ability of biological systems. In this work, we explore the feasibility of connecting these two models by implementing a generalized SI model on SNN. In the proposed computing paradigm, we use SNNs to represent agents in the swarm and encode problem solutions with the spike firing rate and with spike timing. The coupled neurons communicate and modulate each other’s action potentials through event-driven spikes and synchronize their dynamics around the states of optimal solutions. We demonstrate that such an SI-SNN model is capable of efficiently solving optimization problems, such as parameter optimization of continuous functions and a ubiquitous combinatorial optimization problem, namely, the traveling salesman problem with near-optimal solutions. Furthermore, we demonstrate an efficient implementation of such neural dynamics on an emerging hardware platform, namely ferroelectric field-effect transistor (FeFET) based spiking neurons. Such an emerging in-silico neuron is composed of a compact 1T-1FeFET structure with both excitatory and inhibitory inputs. We show that the designed neuromorphic system can serve as an optimization solver with high-performance and high energy-efficiency.
Design of thermophotovoltaics for tolerance of parasitic absorption.

With advances in thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cells enabling recycling of sub-bandgap photons, a key barrier to reaching high prototype efficiencies has become radiative losses to parasitic high-emissivity regions, such as heavily doped contact regions, defects in coatings, and inactive areas. Here, we examine the impact of such radiative losses on the performance of various candidate cell materials, including GaAs, Si, InGaAsP, InGaAs, GaSb, and InGaAsSb. The ability of a TPV design to resist this performance loss is termed “radiation-sink tolerance” (RST). We show that RST is directly proportional to the spectral overlap between the absorptance profile of the cell and the emission profile of the emitter, which can be improved by adding a lower-bandgap absorber, increasing the emitter temperature, and utilizing a selective emitter. Our RST expressions can be used to estimate the efficiency of a prototypical TPV generator based on a component-level measurement.
Reactions of Strained Carbon-Carbon Bonds with Metal Atoms

The reactions between atomic iron and cyclopropane have been investigated in cryogenic matrices. Photolysis of the matrix leads to carbon-carbon bond activation of the cyclopropane by photoexcited iron atoms to yield ferracyclobutane. This species is converted rapidly to methyl vinyl iron via an undetected ethylene iron carbene complex. Prolonged photolysis of the matrix yields methane and ethynyl iron hydride. Unligated iron carbene (Fe=CH2) can be microsynthesized by cocondensing iron atoms with diazomethane in argon. The chemistry of this species can be investigated by doping the matrix with a third reagent.
Examining the vulnerability of ambivalent young adults to e-cigarette messages.

This study used a randomized online experiment to understand the interrelationships between e-cigarette benefit and harm perceptions, e-cigarette use ambivalence, and e-cigarette message exposure a...
Divisive display augmented reality (ddAR) for real-world warfighter performance

Commercial augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) displays are designed for indoor nearfield gaming tasks. Conversely, outdoor warfighter tasks have a different set of needs for optimal performance, e.g. for aided target recognition (AiTR). The information display needs to be visible across a wide luminance range, from mesopic to photopic (0.001 to 100,000 cd/m2), including maxto- min luminance ratio exceeding 10,000-to-1 within a single scene (high dynamic range luminance, HDR). The information display also should not distract from other tasks, a difficult requirement because the saliency of the information display depends on its relationship to the HDR background texture. We suggest that a transparency-adjustable divisive display AR (ddAR) could achieve these luminance and saliency needs, with potentially less complexity and processing power than current additive displays. We report measurements of acuity to predict how such ddAR might affect low contrast visibility under gaze shifts, which often result in 10- or 100-fold changes in luminance. We developed an HDR display projection system with up to 100,000-to-1 luminance contrast ratio and assessed how luminance dynamics affect acuity to semi-transparent letters against a uniform background. Immediately following a luminance flash, visual acuity is unaffected at 20% letter contrast, and it is only weakly affected at 10% letter contrast (+0.10 and +0.12 LogMAR for flashes of 25× and 100× luminance). The resilience of low contrast letter acuity across luminance changes suggests that soft highlighting and ddAR could effectively convey information, to improve AiTR under real world luminance.