cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thousands of microsatellite loci from the venomous coralsnake Micrurus fulvius and variability of select loci across populations and related species.

Studies of population genetics increasingly use next-generation DNA sequencing to identify microsatellite loci in nonmodel organisms. There are, however, relatively few studies that validate the feasibility of transitioning from marker development to experimental application across populations and species. North American coralsnakes of the Micrurus fulvius species complex occur in the United States and Mexico, and little is known about their population structure and phylogenetic relationships. This absence of information and population genetics markers is particularly concerning because they are highly venomous and have important implications on human health. To alleviate this problem in coralsnakes, we investigated the feasibility of using 454 shotgun sequences for microsatellite marker development. First, a genomic shotgun library from a single individual was sequenced (approximately 7.74 megabases; 26 831 reads) to identify potentially amplifiable microsatellite loci (PALs). We then hierarchically sampled 76 individuals from throughout the geographic distribution of the species complex and examined whether PALs were amplifiable and polymorphic. Approximately half of the loci tested were readily amplifiable from all individuals, and 80% of the loci tested for variation were variable and thus informative as population genetic markers. To evaluate the repetitive landscape characteristics across multiple snakes, we also compared microsatellite content between the coralsnake and two other previously sampled snakes, the venomous copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) and Burmese python (Python molurus).
Best-Practice Technology, Technical Leadership, and Regional Economic Development

One general response by firms to competitive pressures in technologically dynamic economies is the search within an industry and/or its linked industries for alternative or improved best-practice techniques. The extent of the search for new techniques and subsequent patterns of adoption and adaption are dependent on differential and changing intra- and inter-industry innovative activities. Some plants and firms are more successful at incorporating best-practice technology, achieve higher levels of productivity performance, and attain the status of best-practice enterprises. These enterprises may also assume the role of technical leaders and foster further changes and improvements in the technology of the industry. This article examines first the origins of best-practice technology in an industry, and the nature and evolutionary patterns of technical leadership. This is followed by a consideration of the regional growth impacts and development implications of different evolutionary conditions.
Roughness of thin perfluoropolyether lubricant films: influence on disk drive technology

In disk drive technology, lubricant thickness and roughness are important, but often overlooked, contributors to slider-disk spacing. In this paper, we use X-ray reflectivity to measure the thickness and lubricant-air roughness of a perfluoropolyether lubricant (Fomblin Zdol) on silicon wafers and carbon overcoats. For Zdol on smooth silicon, the roughness increases with increasing lubricant thickness consistent with capillary wave roughening. For Zdol on the rougher surface of amorphous hydrogenated carbon, the lubricant smoothes to a value limited by the capillary wave roughening. We show that the lubricant density above the surface does not reach the density of air until approximately 3/spl sigma/ away from the average lubricant thickness. This lubricant-air interface width contributes substantially to current and future slider-disk spacings.
HYBRID BRIDGMAN ANVIL DESIGN: AN OPTICAL WINDOW FOR IN-SITU SPECTROSCOPY IN LARGE VOLUME PRESSES

The absence of in-situ optical probes for large volume presses often limits their application to high-pressure materials research. In this paper, we present a unique anvil/optical window-design for use in large volume presses, which consists of an inverted diamond anvil seated in a Bridgman type anvil. A small cylindrical aperture through the Bridgman anvil ending at the back of diamond anvil allows optical access to the sample chamber and permits direct optical spectroscopy measurements, such as ruby fluorescence (in-situ pressure) or Raman spectroscopy. This performance of this anvil-design has been demonstrated by loading KBr to a pressure of 14.5 GPa.
What determines people’s fairness judgments? Identification and outcomes influence procedural justice evaluations under uncertainty

Abstract When the procedures people experience are uncertain, factors unrelated to principles of procedural justice may nevertheless shape procedural justice judgments. This paper investigates two of these factors: an individual’s level of social identification with the group enacting the procedures and the outcomes associated with the procedure. It was predicted and found that high (vs. low) levels of identification promote relatively positive perceptions of procedural justice. It was also predicted and found that desirable (vs. undesirable) outcomes promote relatively positive perceptions of procedural justice. These effects only emerged in the absence of direct information indicating whether procedures were (un)fair. By showing an influence of identification and outcomes on procedural justice judgments under conditions of informational uncertainty, these studies provide important experimental evidence that integrates and extends previous research on justice, identity, and uncertainty to understand subjective evaluations of process fairness.
Surgical Techniques for Implanting the Automatic Implantable Defibrillator

Depuis fevrier 1980, le defibrillateur automatique a ete implante chez 77 patients ayant survecus a plusieurs arrets cardiaques. La voie souscostale a ete utilisee chez 28 patients, et la tharocotomie chez 20 patients. Dans 29 cas, une sternotomie mediane a ete utilisee en raison d'autres interventions chirurgicales cardiaques anterieures. Bien que la voie sous costale paraisse la plus benigne, toutes ces techniques sont efficaces. La methode preferee est determinee par l'aspect clinique. Les statistiques demontrent une survie nettement amelioree chez tous ces patients a haut risque. Since February 1980, the automatic defibrillator was implanted in 77 survivors of multiple cardiac arrest. The subxiphoid technique was used in 28 patients and the thoracotomy technique was used in 20 patients with previous cardiac surgery. Median sternotomy was used in 29 patients undergoing open heart procedures as well as defibrillator implantation. While the subxiphoid is the most benign procedure employed, all are safe and well tolerated. The method used is determined by the clinical picture. Survival studies indicate improved survival in this high risk population.
A SPATIAL AND TOPICAL ASSESSMENT OF DIGITAL GEOGRAPHIC DATABASE ACTIVITIES IN THE U.S.

Characteristics of digital geographic databases throughout the U.S. are examined using data from a nationwide survey of potential digital data users/producers. The survey, conducted by Rand McNally-Infomap, identified more than 900 digital databases. Emphasis is on categories of data, differences in data at various scales and among organization types, and the spatial distribution of databases and data categories. Categories examined include boundaries, locational identifiers, property/valuation, utilities/energy/communication, transportation, socioeconomic, physical environment, and natural resource utilization.
An optimal investment strategy model for fiber to the home

A modeling approach is demonstrated for selecting an optimal investment strategy, over time, for deploying optical fiber in the local loop. The analysis proceeds in three steps. First, the authors forecast cost trends for the key components of a residential fiber network over a 20-year time horizon. Second, an engineering planning model calculates the total cost of providing broadband services using various technologies, for each level of component costs. Third, a dynamic programming model determines the optimal time to deploy fiber-based technology, given component cost trends and revenue forecasts. This approach allows the authors to examine when to begin installing residential fiber networks, and whether some investments should be deferred in order to incorporate future technologies. A description is given of the broadband network architectures evaluated in the study. The authors describe their procedure for determining the optimal investment scenario over time. They review the component cost and other assumptions underlying their scenarios. They present results of their analysis. >
Soil disturbance by vertebrates alters seed predation, movement and germination in an African rain forest

Biopedturbation,oranimal-causedsoildisturbance,maybeimportantfordevelopmentandmaintenanceof small-scaleheterogeneityinecosystemswiththepotentialtoalterseedmortalityandrecruitment.However,itsrolein tropicalforestshasbeenlargelyignored.Thisstudyexploredeffectsofvertebratebiopedturbationonseed(1)microsite heterogeneity, (2) predation and (3) germination in a West African rain forest. Exclosure experiments were used to studyhowbiopedturbationalteredburialandmovementsofseedsoffourcommoncanopyspecies.Effectofseedburial on removal by seed predators was also examined. Germination of the dominant canopy species (Raphia palma-pinus)in swamp forest was tested within artificial disturbances mimicking that of a locally common but endangered mammal, the Liberian mongoose (Liberiictis kuhni), which was estimated to turn over the entire forest floor in this habitat in c. 8 mo. Seed exposure to biopedturbation for 20 d (n =80) led to an overall 6.5-fold increase in small-scale horizontal movement and increased probability of burial (6-52% higher), varying by species. Burial effectively eliminated seed removal for all four species (n = 160) by seed predators over 20 d. Germination of Raphia palma-pinus seeds (n = 100) was enhanced by 17.5% on average over 4 mo in simulated disturbances. Results suggest biopedturbation may be important for seedling recruitment and that loss of species with this functional role could have underappreciated yet important impacts on tropical plant communities.
Corrective Procedures for Penile Shortening Due to Peyronie's Disease

ABSTRACTPeyronie's disease is a poorly understood scarring condition of the tunica albuginea that often causes pain and deformity of the penis. When Peyronie's disease is present predominantly unilaterally, bending of the penis to 1 side occurs. With bilateral or circumferential disease the tunica albuginea does not expand, and penile shortening and/or narrowing occurs. We performed unilateral or bilateral penile lengthening procedures on 22 patients with penile shortening due to Peyronie's disease who refused a procedure, such as tucks or the Nesbit operation, that might result in further penile shortening. Five men underwent incision of the plaque and dermal patch without implantation of a penile prosthesis, while 8 underwent penile implantation plus incisions in the tunica albuginea without patches, and 5 underwent circumferential incision of the tunica albuginea and its septum with patching and placement of a penile implant. (Average length gain with circumferential incision was 1.5 inches with this p...
Effect of chlorine on near-liquidus crystallization of olivine-phyric shergottite NWA 6234 at 1 GPa: Implication for volatile-induced melting of the Martian mantle

Martian magmas are thought to be rich in chlorine compared with their terrestrial counterparts. Here, we experimentally investigate the effect of chlorine on liquidus depression and near-liquidus crystallization of olivine-phyric shergottite NWA 6234 and compare these results with previous experimental results on the effect of chlorine on near-liquidus crystallization of the surface basalts Humphrey and Fastball. Previous experimental results showed that the change in liquidus temperature is dependent on the bulk composition of the basalt. The effect of chlorine on liquidus depression is greater for lower SiO2 and higher Al2O3 magmas than for higher SiO2 and lower Al2O3 magmas. The bulk composition for this study has lower Al2O3 and higher FeO contents than previous work; therefore, we provide additional constraints on the effect of the bulk composition on the influence of chlorine on near-liquidus crystallization. High pressure and temperature crystallization experiments were performed at 1 GPa on a synthetic basalt, of the bulk composition of NWA 6234, with 0–4 wt% Cl added to the sample as AgCl. The results are consistent with previous notions that with increasing wt% Cl in the melt, the crystallization temperature decreases. Importantly, our results have a liquidus depression ∆T (°C) from added chlorine that is consistent with the difference in bulk composition and suggest a dependence on both the bulk Al2O3 and FeO content. Our results suggest that the addition of chlorine to the Martian mantle may lower magma genesis temperatures and potentially aid in the petrogenesis of Martian magmas.
Topology, Empiricism, and Operationalism

Soulevant le probleme de la connaissance empirique des points et des frontieres a travers l'exemple des carres d'un echiquier, l'A. propose une analyse operationnelle des concepts topologiques par analogie avec l'analyse euclidienne et l'analyse fregeenne du parallelisme. Il s'agit de reperer les proprietes et les representations topologiques des lignes et des points en commun
A simulation of operations (SIMOP) model for Shuttle logistic support of space construction projects

Simulation is a well accepted tool of engineering analysis which can be used to model a complex system and to provide insight as to the relative importance and effectiveness of various components of the system. The Simulation of Operations (SIMOP) model simulates the operations involved with the Space Shuttle launch system. SIMOP was developed and implemented on STELLA simulation software on a Maclntosh llci computer. Monte Carlo simulation methods were used in the model to generate assembly completion time estimates. Statistical analysis was used to compare NASA's deterministic 29/13 SSF assembly schedule and the model output schedule. The outputs indicate that a launch rate of 4.5 flights per year and a time between missions averaging 79 days is achievable with current facilities** . These outputs are very comparable to actual flight data of 4 flights per year and 74 days between launches. The model was then used to determine the ability to complete SSF assembly on the planned 1600 day timeline using the current Shuttle fleet and existing facilities. The results indicate that the probability of assembling SSF on schedule is low (13%). SIMOP and statistical analysis can accurately predict historical Shuttle operations statistics and can be used to The authors are indebted to Professor * George W. Morgenthaler, Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department, for suggesting and guiding this work. t Master Degree Candidate, Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department. University of Colorado, Boulder. AlAA Student Member. * Master Degree Candidate, Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department. University of Colorado, Boulder. AlAA Student Member. 4.5 flights : 4 between flight periods of 79 days each = 316 days, which leaves 49 days left in the year for Shuttle on-orbit operations. ** design launch infrastructure to achieve desired launch rates.
A Study of Potential Test Capabilities of the NASA Langley 0.3-Meter Transonic Cryogenic Wind Tunnel

The cryogenic and high pressure capabilities of the NASA Langley 0.3-Meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel provide a relatively unique, small-scale, high-Reynolds number aerodynamic research facility. However, its usefulness is currently restricted by reliance on a two-dimensional adaptive wall test section coupled with an underperforming facility control system. Access to the test section is restricted, the adaptive walls can be slow to converge, and the tunnel often requires excessive time to reach a set point, particularly at low Mach numbers. As a result, productivity and operational efficiency are compromised. As part of an effort to revitalize the facility, this paper documents a study conducted into design concepts for a new transonic test section with a variable configuration and passive ventilated walls. The new test section will be adaptable so as to simulate the characteristics of a variety of existing large transonic facilities, such as the National Transonic Facility and the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel, both at NASA Langley, and the NASA Ames 11ft transonic tunnel. The ability to simulate test section conditions in a variety of other transonic facilities would provide researchers with enhanced opportunities for risk reduction, test development, and validation of fundamental flow problems such as the study of wall interference correction techniques and application of modern fluid dynamic measurement methods under high Reynolds number conditions.
The Impact of Delirium After Cardiac Surgical Procedures on Postoperative Resource Use.

Background Delirium is a common complication after cardiac surgical procedures and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, whether rigorously assessed postoperative delirium is associated with an increased length of stay in the intensive care unit (LOS-ICU), length of stay (LOS), and hospital charges is not clear. Methods Patients (n = 66) undergoing coronary artery bypass or valve operations, or both, were enrolled in a nested cohort study. Rigorous delirium assessments were conducted using the Confusion Assessment Method. LOS-ICU and LOS were obtained from the medical record, and hospital charges were obtained from administrative data reported to the state. Because of the skewed distribution of outcome variables, outcomes were compared using rank-sum tests, as well as median regression incorporating propensity scores. Results Patients who developed delirium (56%) versus no delirium (43%) had increased median LOS-ICU (75.6 hours [interquartile range (IQR): 43.6 to 136.8] vs. 29.7 hours [IQR: 21.7 to 46.0]; p = 0.002), increased median LOS (9 days [IQR: 6 to 16] vs. 7 days [IQR: 5 to 8]; p = 0.006), and increased median hospital charges ($51,805 [IQR: $44,041 to $80,238] vs. $41,576 [IQR: $35,748 to $43,660]; p = 0.002). In propensity score models adjusted for patient-related and surgical characteristics and complications, the results for LOS-ICU and cost remained highly significant, although the results for LOS were attenuated on the basis of the specific statistical model. Increased severity of delirium was associated with both increased LOS-ICU and increased charges in a dose-response manner. Conclusions Delirium after cardiac surgical procedures is independently associated with both increased LOS-ICU and higher hospital charges. Because delirium is potentially preventable, targeted delirium-prevention protocols for high-risk patients may represent an important strategy for quality improvement.
In and out

The story is about a drawn character who has a mind of his own. He has always been inside the monitor, but one day, he realizes that there is another space beyond. If you suddenly found yourself in a totally new world, what would you like to do?The character created in 3ds max was composed with live-action background in Adobe After Effects. Hardware: Pentium 3 750.
‘If Today You Hear His Voice …’: Repentance, Return, and Reconciliation in the Old Testament:

Repentance, return, and reconciliation are closely related themes in Biblical literature. Here, I trace an arc from Genesis to Nehemiah upon which these themes might be mapped. In Genesis, there ar...
A molecular approach delineating surface markers on human T-lymphocytes.

Isolation of human T-cell antigens is an important step in the biological characterization of T-cell subpopulations bearing these distinctive antigens. Since the outer plasma membranes of T-lymphocytes exhibit an array of protein markers, heterologous antisera raised against intact T-cells usually yield multiple antibodies against each of these cell surface constituents (1–6). These antisera can be rendered pecific for T-lymphocytes by repeated adsorptions; however, even adsorbed T-cell specific sera may be comprised of antibodies for more than one T-cell differentiation antigen (5,7). Monovalent antisera reacting with immuno-chemically purified surface antigens will be increasingly important for biological studies of human T-cells.
Applying the Management Process and the Problem-Solving Method

This chapter provides an application of the theory that has been presented in Chapters 1 through 6. A case example is studied by following the steps of the problem-solving method, each of which has been discussed in separate chapters. As a review, this problem-solving method involves: 1. Problem identification 2. Problem definition and/or goal statement 3. Problem analysis 4. Alternative solutions 5. Recommended action 6. Implementation and evaluation
Factors Influencing Parents’ Eating Behaviors: Insights for Childhood Nutritional Intake

It is well recognized that parents can directly affect the consumption patterns and eating behaviors of children. The purpose of this study was to examine parents’ responses to external factors that influence their eating behaviors. Parents completed a questionnaire that assessed family eating practices and determined factors influencing eating behaviors. Additionally, parents participated in a focus group session designed to dialogue about real-life scenarios related to factors influencing eating practices. Significant findings were revealed through the themes of healthy eating, cooking practices, and eating away from home. Findings also showed the major factors that influence the eating behaviors of parents were time, convenience and conscious choice.
Rationale for a new triphasic oral contraceptive.

The data on menstrual bleeding patterns recorded by women taking experimental oral contraceptives based on norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol are emphasized in this description of the experimental basis for the triphasic now containing 0.5 0.75 and 1.0 mg norethindrone and 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol. The minimum effective doses in a combined pill with these steroids contains 30-35 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 0.5 mg norethindrone (ortho-Novum 1/35) reduced from original doses of 100-150 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 10 mg norethindrone marketed in 1963 (Ortho- Novum). The characteristic bleeding pattern seen with Ortho-novum 1.35 is a higher than normal incidence of late cycle breakthrough bleeding particularly during the 1st few cycles. To approximate the normal biological cycle of progesterone secretion a biphasic pill was designed with 0.5 mg norethindrone and 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol for 10 days followed by 1 mg norethindrone and 35 mcg EE for 11 days. This pill reduced the late cycle bleeding but produced an increased incidence of midcycle bleeding. When the triphasic pill was introduced a bleeding pattern comparable to the results reported with Ortho-Novum 1.35 was found in trials in the U.S. Canada and France. With the triphasic amenorrhea lasting 60 days or more occurred in 1% and failure to bleed in 4% of subjects levels comparable to those seen with higher dose pills.
Introduction: The Puzzle of Latino Partisanship

The introduction to the book presents the increasing importance of Latinos in national politics. Both parties must appeal to Latinos in order to win political contests in the near and distant future. While exploring some of the existing theories of partisanship, the author proposes to readers that a group-based approach is best suited to understand immigrant partisanship. The author makes the case that partisanship is pivotal to politics in the USA and that the theory developed in the book is equally applicable to other minority groups that are closely linked to immigration and can be generalized.
High-speed second harmonic generation holographic microscopy of biological specimens

We present three-dimensional images of biological samples acquired using nonlinear optical, holographic microscopy. The femtosecond oscillator operates at a wavelength with low sample scattering and its low average power prevents damage to the samples.
Identification of MicroRNAs as Breast Cancer Prognosis Markers through the Cancer Genome Atlas

Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer and second-leading cause of cancer mortality in American women. The dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) plays a key role in almost all cancers, including breast cancer. We comprehensively analyzed miRNA expression, global gene expression, and patient survival from the Cancer Genomes Atlas (TCGA) to identify clinically relevant miRNAs and their potential gene targets in breast tumors. In our analysis, we found that increased expression of 12 mature miRNAs-hsa-miR-320a, hsa-miR-361-5p, hsa-miR-103a-3p, hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-374b-5p, hsa-miR-140-3p, hsa-miR-25-3p, hsa-miR-651-5p, hsa-miR-200c-3p, hsa-miR-30a-5p, hsa-miR-30c-5p, and hsa-let-7i-5p -each predicted improved breast cancer survival. Of the 12 miRNAs, miR-320a, miR-361-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-103a-3p were selected for further analysis. By correlating global gene expression with miRNA expression and then employing miRNA target prediction analysis, we suggest that the four miRNAs may exert protective phenotypes by targeting breast oncogenes that contribute to patient survival. We propose that miR-320a targets the survival-associated genes RAD51, RRP1B, and TDG; miR-361-5p targets ARCN1; and miR-21-5p targets MSH2, RMND5A, STAG2, and UBE2D3. The results of our stringent bioinformatics approach for identifying clinically relevant miRNAs and their targets indicate that miR-320a, miR-361-5p, and miR-21-5p may contribute to breast cancer survival.
Languages for operating systems description, design and implementation

The transfer of information about operating systems is severely hampered by the lack of suitable means for precise communication. If major progress is to be made in reducing the high cost of developing and maintaining system software, new communication techniques must be fashioned to improve both vertical and horizontal transfer of information about operating systems.
Transmitting Faith in the Republic: Muslim Schooling in Modern Plural France

AbstractThis article explores and analyzes private Muslim schooling in France using ethnographic research performed in 2013–2014 in Lille-, Lyon-, and Paris-based Muslim schools. The article discusses the course content and the interpretations of Islam that are taught, demonstrating how French republican values are fused together with Islam to promote a specific brand of French Muslim citizenship and identity. I argue that Muslim schools should be seen as part of the process of the normalization of Muslim-based civic engagement and that they represent a particular response to France's new plurality that reinterprets the boundaries of “French” and “Muslim.”
Access to Information and Farmer's Market Choice: The Case of Potato in Highland Bolivia

Potato incomes are critical determinants of Andean farmers' household well-being. Efforts to improve incomes of producers should recognize the role of access to market information. In highland Bolivia, market information has entered the digital age. Cell phones are ubiquitous, and networks lubricated by cellular technologies are affecting traditional means of gathering information. Andean markets are characterized by the heavy involvement of women. Lower information costs could change market choices and roles of men and women. This study explores the effects of information access on market choice near Cochabamba. It diagnoses the roles of men and women and investigates decision-making and changes in it.The research confirms the importance of gender and cell phones to market access. Market decisions are made jointly by men and women, but women take a leading role in marketing. Women dominate marketing by negotiating favorable prices with buyers who are also women. Marketing networks have not changed substantially since the introduction of new information technologies. While cellular technology has broadened access to information and quickened its flow, it has not fundamentally changed network structures.The study provides recommendations about improving competitiveness of small-scale potato producers: (1) increasing access to information by expanding the information content of existing networks; (2) expanding cell phones access; (3) consideration of the important roles intermediaries play; and (4) more technical support for market and information access.
School Nurses on the Front Lines of Medicine: Uppers and Downers: The Approach to the Student With Altered Mental Status:

Although a student presenting with altered mental status due to substance use may occur infrequently in the school setting, it is of utmost importance to develop a differential diagnosis and to initiate stabilization of the student. This article describes the initial assessment and management of a student presenting with altered mental status, focusing on the differential diagnosis of altered mental status, on the varying presentations associated with common intoxications and ingestions, and on the screening tools available for the detection of depression and substance use.
Future Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis

Future immunotherapy for immune-mediated neurologic diseases is in a state of rapid development. The current therapeutic arsenal consists of a mixture of older and new agents whose uses are actively being redefined. Our current understanding of mechanisms of action of established medications and developing approaches will be discussed in relation to disease pathogenesis models. Also, we will present a framework for incorporating current and future therapies into rational treatment strategies and will be addressed together with a review of relevant clinical studies. Mechanisms of immunotherapy and clinical strategies will be discussed in the context of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Wall Region Porosity Distributions for Packed Beds of Uniform Spheres with Modified and Unmodified Walls

A mathematical derivation of the porosity (local void fraction) distribution near the walls of packed beds of uniform spheres is presented. This investigation supports the study of methods of reducing or eliminating the so-called wall effect, or bypass flow, which accompanies the increase in porosity when spheres come in contact with a solid boundary. Limiting the amount of bypass flow is important in certain applications such as in packed bed nuclear reactors where bypass flow allows some coolant to avoid the high power density core region. Four basic porosity distributions are determined. The first investigates the case where spheres against a flat wall are packed in the tightest possible packing density. This density is then reduced by changing the sphere spacing until the minimum porosity matches that obtained experimentally. In the other cases, the effect of various ways of embedding spheres in the wall on the wall region porosity is examined. By partially embedding spheres in the wall, the porosity at the wall is reduced and the most direct cause of the bypass flow is thereby eliminated. The porosity is found by evaluating the ratio of the solid area to total area in a plane which is parallel to the wall. The local porosity is derived as a function of distance from the wall in the region within one-half a sphere diameter from the wall. The average porosity of the wall region is also calculated. This research has application to flow situations such as packed bed chemical reactors, pebble bed nuclear reactors and flow in packed beds.
The fringe-saving A* search algorithm: a feasibility study

In this paper, we develop Fringe-Saving A* (FSA*), an incremental version of A* that repeatedly finds shortest paths in a known gridworld from a given start cell to a given goal cell while the traversability costs of cells increase or decrease. The first search of FSA* is the same as that of A*. However, FSA* is able to find shortest paths during the subsequent searches faster than A* because it reuses the beginning of the immediately preceeding A* search tree that is identical to the current A* search tree. FSA* does this by restoring the content of the OPEN list of A* at the point in time when an A* search for the current search problem could deviate from the A* search for the immediately preceeding search problem. We present first experimental results that demonstrate that FSA* can have a runtime advantage over A* and Lifelong Planning A* (LPA*), an alternative incremental version of A*.
Salivary immunoglobulin A in healthy adolescent females: effects of maximal exercise, physical activity, body composition and diet.

Background The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acute maximal exercise (VO2max test) on salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) responses in adolescent females. A secondary aim was to examine the relationship between resting SIgA levels and VO2max, physical activity, body composition, and diet. Methods Fifty healthy female adolescents completed a laboratory-based VO2max test, assessment of body composition via hydrodensitometry, a validated physical activity questionnaire (PAQ-A), and a three-day food diary. Unstimulated saliva was collected before, and 5 and 120 minutes after VO2max testing. Absolute SIgA (µg/mL) concentration was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Secretion rate of SIgA (µg/min) was calculated by multiplying absolute SIgA concentration by saliva flow rate (SFR, µL/min). Results A significant increase in absolute SIgA concentration (146.8±59.2 µg/mL) was noted immediately after VO2max testing (P 0.05). No significant VO2max test effects were observed for SIgA secretion rate and SFR (P>0.05). VO2max values (41.92±6.36 mL/kg/min) were correlated with body fat percentage (r=-0.59; P 0.05) except for dietary fiber which correlated with resting absolute SIgA concentration (r=0.29; P Conclusions Findings indicate that acute graded maximal exercise results in a transient increase in absolute SIgA concentration and that these changes are associated with individual VO2max values.
Discerning novel splice junctions derived from RNA-seq alignment: a deep learning approach

Exon splicing is a regulated cellular process in the transcription of protein-coding genes. Technological advancements and cost reductions in RNA sequencing have made quantitative and qualitative assessments of the transcriptome both possible and widely available. RNA-seq provides unprecedented resolution to identify gene structures and resolve the diversity of splicing variants. However, currently available ab initio aligners are vulnerable to spurious alignments due to random sequence matches and sample-reference genome discordance. As a consequence, a significant set of false positive exon junction predictions would be introduced, which will further confuse downstream analyses of splice variant discovery and abundance estimation. In this work, we present a deep learning based splice junction sequence classifier, named DeepSplice, which employs convolutional neural networks to classify candidate splice junctions. We show (I) DeepSplice outperforms state-of-the-art methods for splice site classification when applied to the popular benchmark dataset HS3D, (II) DeepSplice shows high accuracy for splice junction classification with GENCODE annotation, and (III) the application of DeepSplice to classify putative splice junctions generated by Rail-RNA alignment of 21,504 human RNA-seq data significantly reduces 43 million candidates into around 3 million highly confident novel splice junctions. A model inferred from the sequences of annotated exon junctions that can then classify splice junctions derived from primary RNA-seq data has been implemented. The performance of the model was evaluated and compared through comprehensive benchmarking and testing, indicating a reliable performance and gross usability for classifying novel splice junctions derived from RNA-seq alignment.
Dual-Stub Loaded Microstrip Line-Fed Multi-Slot Printed Antenna for L TE Bands

A dual tuning stub loaded microstrip line-fed multi-slot antenna design is presented in this paper for operation in the L TE band. The slot antenna on a grounded dielectric slab is comprised of three wide slot sections: one horizontal slot, one vertical slot, and a circular slot joining both slots. These slots are excited by a microstrip feed line on the other side of the dielectric. This arrangement generates multiple modes that are combined to obtain a large bandwidth for covering most of the L TE band: from 850 MHz to 2600 MHz or beyond. Two similar slots and feed lines are placed on two corners of the ground plane for polarization diversity. The fabricated antenna shows an excellent agreement in terms of scattering parameters.
Dreissenid veliger dynamics along a nearshore to offshore transect in Lake Michigan

Abstract Dreissenid mussel veligers compose a substantial component of pelagic biomass in the Great Lakes, yet their dynamics are poorly understood. To evaluate seasonal, spatial, and inter-annual variation in veliger density, we used a 64-μm mesh plankton net (2008, 2013–2016) and a 153-μm mesh plankton net (2007–2016) to collect dreissenid veligers at nearshore (15–25 m depth), transitional (45 m) and offshore (93–110 m) sites in southeast Lake Michigan during March–December. We also evaluated trends in density of recently settled mussels relative to veliger abundance and the density of the standing stock of adult mussels. Veliger density peaked during both summer and fall at all sites, but peak densities in summer were generally higher nearshore, whereas peak densities in the fall were generally higher offshore. The density of veligers in the 153-μm net was overall 28% of that in the 64-μm net, but there was high variability in this comparison among months. Smaller veligers were much more abundant in the 64-μm net, but there was little difference in the size distribution and abundance between nets for the 210–300 μm size classes. Thus, the 153-μm net could still be a useful tool for assessing density trends of larger veligers just prior to their settlement. Newly settled mussels (≤2 mm) were most abundant in summer or fall at the nearshore and offshore sites but were nearly absent at the transitional site despite the high density of veligers there. Factors other than veliger density must play an important role in mussel recruitment.
Team Approach: Management of Scapholunate Instability

The wrist maintains stability through complex articulations of the carpal bones, dependent upon intrinsic and extrinsic ligaments.Injury to the scapholunate interosseous ligament may lead to dissociative carpal instability, abnormal carpal kinetics, and sometimes arthritis.The kinematics, kinetics,
Predictors of Collegiate Student-Athletes' Concussion-Related Knowledge and Behaviors.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore student-athletes' concussion-related knowledge and attitudes toward reporting symptoms, demographic predictors of knowledge and attitudes, and determine whether responses to the survey changed following an online educational intervention. METHODS A total of 108 Division I student-athletes enrolled at a large southern university completed a survey evaluating knowledge regarding concussion-related terminology, symptoms and recovery trajectories, as well as attitudes toward reporting symptoms following a possible concussion. Student-athletes completed the questionnaire both 24-48 h before and one week after reviewing the educational presentation. RESULTS At baseline, participants correctly identified 72% of concussion symptoms included in the questionnaire, as well as correctly identified 75% of items related to the typical recovery trajectory post-concussion. A total of 54% of baseline attitudes toward reporting symptoms matched clinical best practices. Multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed that male sex and non-Caucasian race were associated with worse baseline knowledge of concussion symptoms. Concussion knowledge was not associated with attitudes toward reporting symptoms. Paired samples t-tests indicated that knowledge of concussion-related terminology improved modestly following the educational presentation. CONCLUSIONS Some subsets of collegiate student-athletes show relatively lower knowledge about symptoms of concussion than others. As a result, these groups may benefit from increased educational efforts to ensure they recognize when a concussion may have occurred. Additionally, as knowledge and attitudes were unrelated and the intervention had a modest effect on knowledge but not attitudes, future work should explore interventions that are designed to directly alter attitudes.
Toward a Social Theory of Argumentation.

Although Willard's insights that technical reason and public deliberation reciprocally inform and define one another are to some extent affirmed, the project of critical analysis of argument sphere...
Molecular Simulations Reveal the Role of Antibody Fine Specificity and Viral Maturation State on Antibody-Dependent Enhancement of Infection in Dengue Virus.

Recent clinical studies have revealed that severe symptoms of dengue fever are associated with low pre-existing antibody levels. These findings provide direct clinical evidence for the theory of antibody-dependent enhancement of infection (ADE), which postulates that sub-neutralizing levels of antibodies facilitate the invasion of host cells by the dengue virus. Here, we carried out molecular simulations of polyclonal antibody mixtures binding to the dengue virus particle to explore the contributions of antibody concentration, epitope specificity, and viral maturation to ADE in the context of primary and secondary dengue infections. Our simulation results reproduced in vitro studies of ADE, providing a molecular basis for how sub-neutralizing antibody concentrations enhance the ability of the virus to infect host cells. We found that antibody fine specificity, or the relative antibody response to different epitopes on the surface of the dengue virus, plays a major role in determining the degree of ADE observed at low antibody concentrations. Specifically, we found that the higher the relative antibody response to certain cross-reactive epitopes, such as the fusion loop or prM, the greater was the range of antibody concentrations where ADE occurred. This potentially explains why low antibody concentrations are associated with severe disease in secondary infections. Further exploration of the role of viral heterogeneity in ADE revealed that our observations were robust to a wide range of dengue virus conformations, and that partially mature states, in particular, are associated with the greatest degree of ADE.
Assessing the value of preoperative medical clearance in patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Purpose To determine rates of intraoperative and postoperative systemic and ocular adverse events and establish the value of preoperative medical assessment in patients undergoing surgery for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair at a single academic center. Patients and methods Retrospective cohort study of 185 patients undergoing surgery for repair of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) at a single academic center. Medical records were reviewed for medical comorbidities, completion of preoperative medical examination, anesthesia used during surgery, intraoperative adverse medical events, intraoperative ocular complications, and systemic and ocular postoperative complications. The main outcome of interest was the association of comorbidities and preoperative medical evaluation with intraoperative and postoperative complications. Results Approximately 48% of the patients presented with no medical comorbidities of interest. Formal preoperative evaluation by an independent medical provider was completed in 36% of the patients. Overall, intraoperative and postoperative systemic complications (5.7% and 1%, respectively) and intraoperative and postoperative ocular complications (0.5% for both) were uncommon. Patients with a history of chronic heart failure (OR 24.5, P=0.02) or who received general anesthesia (OR 9.56, P<0.001) had increased risk of having experienced any intraoperative or postoperative complication. No relationship between preoperative medical evaluation and intraoperative and postoperative complications was observed. Conclusion Patients undergoing surgery for RRD repair presented with fewer medical comorbidities than previously reported in patients undergoing all vitreoretinal surgeries. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were uncommon and were increased in patients with chronic heart failure or who received general anesthesia. Complications were not significantly associated with preoperative evaluation by an independent medical provider.
Most High-Intensity Transient Signals Are Not Associated With Specific Surgical Maneuvers.

Background:Mortality after congenital heart defect surgery has dropped dramatically in the last few decades. Current research on long-term outcomes has focused on preventing secondary neurological ...
Implementation effectiveness of psychosocial and environmental care practices in assisted living.

Abstract Psychosocial and environmental care practices are recommended to address behavioral expressions in persons with dementia, but their use has been limited partly because guidance is lacking regarding implementation. In response, we developed a simple “how-to” guide of evidence-based protocols for aromatherapy, natural light, familiar music, and robotic pets; trained staff in four assisted living (AL) communities to use the practices; provided materials; met with them regularly; and evaluated fidelity, facilitators and barriers to implementation, and staff knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy. After two months, staff reported more familiarity, confidence, and use; barriers such as difficulty locating supplies and task-focused staff with limited time; and staff “champion” facilitators. Notable differences were identified across communities, suggesting that just as care to individuals must be person-centered, practices embraced by communities must fit that community. Through strategic adoption, successful implementation is possible. The “how-to” guide is appropriate for AL, nursing homes, and persons’ own homes.
Health care costs related to home spirometry in the eICE randomized trial.

Abstract Background Home spirometry with regular symptom assessment is one strategy to track lung health to intervene early in episodes of pulmonary exacerbations (PE). In a multi-center randomized controlled trial home spirometry and symptom tracking demonstrated no significant differences regarding the primary clinical endpoint, FEV1, compared to usual care, but did identify differences in healthcare utilization. We used data from the Early Intervention in Cystic Fibrosis Exacerbation (eICE) study to evaluate whether home monitoring of PE is a cost-minimizing intervention in the context of this randomized trial. Methods We reviewed healthcare resource utilization of all 267 eICE participants, including outpatient visits, antibiotics and hospitalizations. Prices were identified in the IBM/Watson MarketScanⓇ Commercial Claims and Encounters Databases and averaged over the 2014-2017 period. Using total healthcare utilization costs, we generated summary statistics by intervention and protocol arm (total cost, mean cost, standard deviation). We performed Welch Two Sample t-tests to determine if total costs and cost by type of utilization differed significantly between groups. Results Outpatient visit costs were significantly higher by 13% in the Early Intervention (EI) than in the usual care (UC) arm ($3,345 vs. $2,966). We found no significant differences in outpatient antibiotic, hospitalization, or total health care costs between the arms. Conclusions Within the context of the eICE trial, outpatient visits were significantly higher in those with experimental home spirometry care, but that did not translate into statistically significant differences of overall health care costs between the two arms.