cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemical Stability of the Fiber Coating/Matrix Interface in Silicon-Based Ceramic Matrix Composites

Carbon and boron nitride are used as fiber coatings in silicon-based composites. In order to assess the long-term stability of these materials, reactions of carbon/Si3N4 and BN/SiC were studied at high temperatures with Knudsen effusion, coupon tests, and microstructural examination. In the carbon/Si3N4 system, carbon reacted with Si3N4 to form gaseous N2 and SiC. The formation of SiC limited further reaction by physically separating the carbon and Si3N4. Consequently, the development of high p(N2) at the interface, predicted from thermochemical calculations, did not occur, thus limiting the potential deleterious effects of the reaction on the composite. Strong indications of a reaction between BN and SiC were shown by TEM and SIMS analysis of the BN/SiC interface. In long-term exposures, this reaction can lead to a depletion of a BN coating and/or an unfavorable change of the interfacial properties, limiting the beneficial effects of the coating.
Analyzing the longitudinal impact of proximity, location, and personality on smartphone usage

Over the past few years, mobile devices, particularly smartphones have seen dramatic increases in data consumption. The significant increases in data usage have placed tremendous strain on the wireless infrastructure, necessitating research across a variety of optimization, efficiency, and capacity improvements. Complementary to those research efforts is the acquisition of a better understanding of what aspects drive user smartphone usage. In this paper, we leverage the unique characteristics of the NetSense study, a longitudinal study covering three years of a large cohort of smartphone users, to demonstrate how proximity, location, and individual differences (e.g., personality) can play an important role in understanding smartphone usage over time. We analyze the longitudinal impact of proximity density, personality, and location on smartphone traffic consumption. We show that friendship proximity (i.e., SMS contacts and Facebook friendship) has a significant impact on traffic consumption and personality tends to impact application preference / consumption; However, the true behavior might not be presented due to restrictions of network connectivity. Applications can have significantly different contextual usages based on the location. We believe our study raises the importance of considering proximity, personality, and location as context relevant for the purposes of assessing user data consumption.
Conceptualiser les troubles mentaux chez les enfants et les adolescents

J’explore de facon critique la supposition du DSM et de theoriciens tels que Wakefield et Gert selon laquelle les troubles mentaux doivent etre attribues a un individu plutot qu’a un groupe de personnes. Cette supposition est particulierement problematique en pedopsychiatrie ou le systeme familial est tres souvent au centre de l’attention clinique. Il y a bien sur des elements de preuve substantiels indiquant que certains troubles mentaux des individus sont causes par leurs relations avec les autres et que leur guerison est grandement facilitee en traitant le groupe, tel que la famille, comme un tout. Malgre cela, il y a eu beaucoup moins de travail conceptuel visant a definir ce que cela pourrait etre pour un couple, une famille ou un autre groupe que de se voir attribuer un trouble mental. Pour traiter de cette question, j’utilise un debat entre Wakefield (2000) et Murphy et Woolfolk (2000) sur la question de savoir s’il fait partie du concept de trouble mental que celui-ci soit cause par une dysfonction interne de la personne. Je discute aussi de la proposition faite par Bolton (2000) d’abandonner completement le concept de trouble mental et d’utiliser plutot le concept, plus large, de probleme de sante mentale. Je soutiens qu’en fin de compte le caractere individuel des troubles mentaux ne constitue pas une verite conceptuelle a priori, et qu’il faut faire intervenir des considerations pragmatiques pour decider s’il est utile de nous limiter a une telle definition ou si nous pourrions etre mieux servis par une definition plus extensive. Je fais le lien avec le pragmatisme et je soutiens qu’une approche pluraliste non reductive est particulierement appropriee en pedopsychiatrie.
Do patients' unrealistic weight goals have prognostic significance for bariatric surgery?

Research has shown that obese individuals report goal weight losses in excess of those achievable with standard treatments for obesity. Little is known about the goal weights of bariatric surgery patients, or the prognostic significance of unrealistic goals on surgical outcomes, including weight losses and changes in associated behavioral and psychological domains. A consecutive series of 139 gastric bypass (GBP) surgery candidates reported weight loss goals prior to GBP surgery and at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Dream, Happy, Acceptable, and Disappointed weights following treatment were reported. Consistent with previous research, goal weights at baseline were lower than those attainable even with surgery. Repeated measures analyses, controlling for baseline BMI, revealed no changes in any of the goal weights from baseline to 6 and 12 months following surgery. After controlling for baseline BMI, weight loss expectations at baseline did not predict weight loss at either follow-up point. Unrealistic weight goals were also largely unrelated to psychological functioning prior to surgery, and were unrelated to the magnitude of the improvements in eatingrelated behaviors and psychological functioning after surgery. Interestingly, mean goal weights parallel current weight classifications: i.e., dream BMI corresponds with the cutoff for normal (BMI ≤ 5), happy BMI (=27) with the lower bound for “overweight” and acceptable BMI (=30) with the lower bound for obesity. Among GBP surgery patients, goal weights are remarkably consistent over time, and unrealistic weight loss goals do not appear to have negative prognostic significance on surgical outcomes.
Association of the neuronal nicotinic receptor β2 subunit gene (CHRNB2) with subjective responses to alcohol and nicotine

Nicotine addiction and alcohol dependence are highly comorbid disorders that are likely to share overlapping genetic components. We have examined two neuronal nicotinic receptor subunit genes (CHRNA4 and CHRNB2) for possible associations with nicotine and alcohol phenotypes, including measures of frequency of use and measures of initial subjective response in the period shortly after first using the drugs. The subjects were 1,068 ethnically diverse young adults participating in ongoing longitudinal studies of adolescent drug behaviors at the University of Colorado, representing both clinical and community samples. Analysis of six SNPs in the CHRNA4 gene provided modest support for an association with past 6 month use of alcohol in Caucasians (three SNPs with P < 0.08), but no evidence for an association with tobacco and CHRNA4 was detected. However, a SNP (rs2072658) located immediately upstream of CHRNB2 was associated with the initial subjective response to both alcohol and tobacco. This study provides the first evidence for association between the CHRNB2 gene and nicotine- and alcohol-related phenotypes, and suggests that polymorphisms in CHRNB2 may be important in mediating early responses to nicotine and alcohol.
Cannabinoids in Humans. I. Analysis of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Six Metabolites in Plasma and Urine Using GC-MS

This report describes a method for the quantitative analysis of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and six of its metabolites, 8 alpha-hydroxy-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, 8 beta-hydroxy-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-hydroxy-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, 8 alpha,11-dihydroxy-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, 8 beta,11-dihydroxy-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol. In addition, the method was designed to detect cannabidiol and cannabinol, two naturally occurring cannabinoids. Plasma and urine samples were hydrolyzed with bacterial (Escherichia coli) beta-glucuronidase and extracted with hexane-ethyl acetate (7:1). Analysis and quantitation were performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the electron ionization mode coupled with selected ion monitoring. The cannabinoids were detected as their trimethylsilyl derivatives to enhance their chromatographic separation and mass spectral characteristics. The linearity of the procedure was excellent for all of the compounds within the range tested (0-100 ng/mL). Limits of detection ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 ng/mL in urine and from 0.6 to 2.1 ng/mL in plasma depending on the analyte.
Preference-Performance Linkage of the Xylem Feeding Leafhopper, Homalodisca vitripennis (Hemiptera Cicadellidae)

Insect species exhibiting a weak linkage between adult preference and immature performance have frequently been shown to be prone to outbreaks. We used choice and no-choice tests to examine the preference-performance linkage of the xylem fluid-feeding leafhopper, Homalodisca vitripennis Germar. Leafhoppers were offered a choice of hosts common to their native range and also a choice from hosts where they have been recently introduced. Behavior (residence preference, oviposition preference, and consumption rates) was quantified in choice tests. Performance (development of immature leafhoppers, fecundity, body weights, and survivorship) was quantified in no-choice tests. Virtually all aspects of leafhopper behavior and performance varied with host species, yet there were no linkages between adult preference and immature performance. Lagerstroemia indica and Citrus sinensis were the preferred hosts, but both species supported <30% of neonate development until the second stadia. Glycine max was the superior developmental host with development to the adult stage exceeding 40%, but this host was seldom used by adult leafhoppers. Adult preference reflected aspects of adult performance including increases in fecundity, body weights, and survivorship. These preference-performance linkages were impacted by environmental context, insect reproductive status, and insect feeding history. Essential amino acids were consistently correlated with performance of both adult and developing insects; relationships between nutrients and preference were less consistent. The weak linkage of adult preference and immature leafhopper performance are discussed in terms of outbreaks of H. vitripennis.
Session V Discussion with Carol Werner

Question: You talked about the 20 meetings around the country. What other public input has there been in any of this process?
Analysis of uranyl-bearing phases by EXAFS spectroscopy: Interferences, multiple scattering, accuracy of structural parameters, and spectral differences

As part of a larger study of uranium speciation in complex environmental samples, we have collected and analyzed the U L III-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra of nineteen minerals and compounds containing uranium as the uranyl moiety, ![Formula][1] . Analysis of seventeen of these spectra yielded structural parameters for uranyl local environments that agree with their published crystal structures; the clarkeite EXAFS spectrum and published crystal structure do not agree, and zellerite lacks a published structure. EXAFS fitting results for clarkeite show significant variability in the local environment of uranium, indicating that this phase is not truly hexagonal. Although zellerite lacks a published structure, its EXAFS spectrum is quite similar to that of rutherfordine, suggesting a similar uranyl local environment, and possibly a related structure. Our analysis of the uranium EXAFS spectra of the nineteen phases indicates that multiple scattering (MS) contributes significant spectral amplitude, especially MS associated with the uranyl moiety and carbonate and phosphate ligands. The signal from MS associated with bidentate carbonate is strong and ubiquitous, even in aqueous ![Formula][2] , suggesting that this signal may serve as an indicator of bidentate carbonate binding to uranyl in adsorption complexes. Multiple atomic shells at similar distances, or split atomic shells – both common features in the structure of uranyl-containing phases – produce interferences in the EXAFS spectrum that reduce the accuracy of the analysis. EXAFS-derived interatomic distances do not differ significantly from those derived from XRD, except when spectral interferences cause systematic errors in the analysis. Spectral differences and similarities have been analyzed using statistical methods. Quantitative analysis of the EXAFS spectra of samples containing multiple uranium phases may be complicated by the similarity of spectra from the same or related uranium-containing mineral groups, and by the possibility that two phases may mask the presence of a third. As EXAFS spectroscopy cannot always unambiguously determine the speciation of uranium in environmental samples, other complementary analytical techniques should be employed as well. [1]: /embed/tex-math-1.gif [2]: /embed/tex-math-2.gif
PATTERNS OF CHARACTER DIVERGENCE AND THE EVOLUTION OF REPRODUCTIVE ECOTYPES OF DALECHAMPIA SCANDENS (EUPHORBIACEAE).

The variation of four floral characters (resin-gland area, gland-stigma distance, gland-anther distance, and anther-stigma distance) was analyzed across 15 populations of Dalechampia scandens occurring sympatrically, in various combinations, with five other congeners. Univariate and multivariate analysis of variance and a posteriori comparison tests indicate that there are significant statistical patterns of character divergence away from sympatric congeners for three of the floral characters. These characters, which on the basis of common garden studies appear to be under genetic control, may not vary independently; i.e., genetic control may be overlapping. The characters appear to be functionally related. Populations of Dalechampia scandens occurring sympatrically with congeners possessing relatively large resin glands, large gland-stigma distances and large anther-stigma distances (e.g., D. dioscoreifolia and D. affinis) have significantly smaller resin glands, gland-stigma distances and anther-stigma distances than do populations occurring sympatrically with congeners with relatively small resin glands, gland-stigma distances, and anther-stigma distances (e.g., D. cissifolia, D. heteromorpha and D. schottii). Populations of D. scandens not sympatric with other Dalechampia species generally have intermediately sized structures. The pattern of bidirectional divergence is consistent with the evolutionary scenario that selection against interspecific pollination has resulted in local ecotypic differentiation and character displacement in populations sympatric with ecologically similar congeners.
Magnetic and Plasmonic Contrast Agents in Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has gained widespread application for many biomedical applications, yet the traditional array of contrast agents used in incoherent imaging modalities do not provide contrast in OCT. Owing to the high biocompatibility of iron oxides and noble metals, magnetic and plasmonic nanoparticles, respectively, have been developed as OCT contrast agents to enable a range of biological and pre-clinical studies. Here, we provide a review of these developments within the past decade, including an overview of the physical contrast mechanisms and classes of OCT system hardware add-ons needed for magnetic and plasmonic nanoparticle contrast. A comparison of the wide variety of nanoparticle systems is also presented, where the figures of merit depend strongly upon the choice of biological application.
Epidemiologic characteristic of infectious diarrhea in Jiangmen during 2009-2011

Objective To analyze epidemiologic characteristics of infectious diarrhea in Jiang men and explore the limits of current monitoring system.Methods Descriptive epidemiological method was applied to analyze characteristics of reported infectious diarrhea cases derived from routine infectious disease monitoring system during 2009-2011.Results There were totally reported 53 624 infectious diarrhea cases with ascending trend and annual incidence from 378 /100 000 to 428 /100 000 during 2009-2011.40.64% was below 5 years old.The peak seasons of infectious diarrhea were autumn and winter.The top 3 areas of high incidence in Jingmen were Heshan,Pengjiang and Xinhui.There occurred 3 outbreaks of infectious diarrhea during 2009-2011,all of them was caused by norovirus.Conclusion Infectious diarrhea plays an important role in the notifiable infectious disease reported in Jiangmen.We should evaluate and improve the infectious diarrhea reporting system,and strengthen the surveillance and control work for infectious diarrhea.
Network localization of hemichorea-hemiballismus.

Objective: To determine whether neuroanatomically heterogeneous strokes causing hemichorea-hemiballismus localize to a common functional network. Methods: We identified 29 cases of lesion-induced hemichorea-hemiballismus from the literature and mapped each lesion volume onto a reference brain. Using a recently validated technique termed lesion network mapping, we tested whether these lesions belonged to the same functional network. To accomplish this, the network of brain regions functionally connected to each lesion was identified using a connectome dataset from healthy participants. Network maps were overlapped to identify any region functionally connected to our set of lesions. Specificity was evaluated using a case-control design; control cohorts included a group of similar lesions randomized to different brain locations and a second group of lesions causing a separate movement disorder, asterixis. Reproducibility was evaluated using an independent cohort of 10 additional hemichorea-hemiballismus cases. Results: Lesions showed heterogeneity in anatomical location, consistent with prior reports. However, at least 90% of these lesions showed network overlap in the posterolateral putamen. This result was specific to lesions causing hemichorea-hemiballismus and reproducible in an independent cohort. The putaminal overlap site was itself connected to a broader motor network that predicted the distribution of lesions causing hemichorea-hemiballismus. Conclusions: Strokes causing hemichorea-hemiballismus, while anatomically heterogeneous, localize to a common functional network. Specifically, lesions occur in regions functionally connected to the posterolateral putamen, a region previously implicated in hyperkinetic movement disorders. Lesion network mapping may be useful in identifying the neuroanatomical substrates of heterogeneous lesion-based disorders.
Intracoronary Poloxamer 188 Prevents Reperfusion Injury in a Porcine Model of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Highlights •STEMI remains a significant cause of in-hospital mortality, and up to 20% of people go on to develop heart failure. •P188 is a nonionic triblock copolymer believed to prevent cellular injury after ischemia and reperfusion. The CORE trial examined P188 for STEMI patients showing no benefit when it was infused through a peripheral IV catheter approximately 30 min after revascularization with thrombolytic therapy. •STEMI was induced in pigs using endovascular coronary artery occlusion to compare intracoronary infusion of P188 immediately after revascularization to infusion of P188 through a peripheral IV catheter 30 min after revascularization. Immediate intracoronary infusion of vehicle control and PEG, a rheological control, were also compared. •Intracoronary infusion of P188 immediately upon reperfusion reduced infarct size by 68% compared with delayed peripheral P188 infusion, which was similar to vehicle control. •Mitochondrial respiration and calcium stress tolerance were preserved in the ischemic tissue of pigs treated with immediate intracoronary P188 infusion. Mitochondria from pigs with delayed peripheral P188 infusion were no different from control pigs. •By reducing infarct size and mitochondrial dysfunction, immediate intracoronary infusion of P188 may provide a therapeutic strategy to improve post-STEMI outcomes. The timing and route of delivery were critical to the observed benefit.
Religion and Security in Central Asia: Recommendations for the Next U.S. Administration

The five countries in the Central Asian region have been of interest to US policy-makers since they were granted independence 25 years ago partly to prevent Russian revanchist policies, but also be...
U-Tube Steam Generator Predictions: New Tube Bundle Convective Heat Transfer Correlations

A RELAP5/MOD2 computer code model for a Model Boiler-2 U-tube steam generator (UTSG) is developed to predict the thermal-hydraulic response of a UTSG during steady-state operation and for a loss-of...
Detection of CCN1 and CCN5 mRNA in Human Cancer Samples Using a Modified In Situ Hybridization Technique

In situ hybridization is an ideal tool for the detection and localization of mRNA expression of specific gene(s) in tissue sections and cell lines for prognosis, predictive markers, and highlighted potential therapeutic targets. Given the importance of CCN1 and CCN5 in breast and pancreatic cancer progression, these two secretory proteins could be novel therapeutic targets. Thus, evaluating the distribution of mRNA of these targets using in situ hybridization could be important preclinical tools. This chapter describes a detailed in situ hybridization technique for the detection of CCN1 and CCN5 in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded patient samples of breast and pancreatic cancers.
Indirect Combustion Technology With Renewable Non-Edible Transesterified Oil Feedstock

This investigation focused on the combustion and performance of an indirect injection (IDI) diesel engine powered by a non-edible biodiesel blend, Brassica Carinata. This oilseed has become an attractive non-edible feedstock for biodiesel in the United States, given potential agronomical advantages. A small bore, single cylinder IDI engine was run at 2000 rpm and 5.5 bar indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) using ultra-low sulfur diesel #2 (ULSD#2) and compared with C50, a 50% Carinata biodiesel-ULSD#2 blend (by mass). The apparent heat release for C50 reached a maximum of 22.04 J/deg which was 6.3 % lower and peaked 1.80 CAD before ULSD#2. The radiation and convection heat fluxes had similar maximum values of 0.62 MW/m2 and 1.34 MW/m2, respectively. The brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) of C50 was 211.05 g/kWh, which was 9% higher than for ULSD#2. The mechanical efficiency was maintained relatively constant at 55% while the indicated thermal efficiency of the engine reached 59%. Both fuels produced similar nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions with ULSD#2 and C50 producing 2.29 g/kWh and 2.23 g/kWh, respectively. The results indicate that the IDI engine can optimally work with concentrations up to 50% biodiesel.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
High-resolution imaging techniques in tissue engineering

Abstract Tissue engineering is a rapidly growing multidisciplinary field promising to improve human health via the development of biological substitutes and regeneration of damaged tissues. Monitoring and evaluation of the scaffold formation, cell migration, and tissue growth are essential and critical aspects for successful engineering and regeneration of tissues and organs. Among these, high-resolution imaging and assessment techniques for tissue engineering are indispensable due to the superior capacity to visualize and analyze detailed morphological and functional information of tissues and cells. In this chapter, we focus on the imaging techniques that have microscale or submicroscale spatial resolution and that are capable of live, nondestructive characterization of tissues and cells. We describe the basics of these techniques, review the features that are useful for tissue engineering, comment on the limitations, and discuss the major applications, aiming to provide a valuable reference for the researchers working in this exciting field.
Improving Imaging: Our Professional Imperative

Many factors, including disproportionate growth rates and exciting new technologies, have focused attention on cardiovascular imaging. However, critical examination of the field reveals a surprisingly weak evidence base and inconsistent systematic attention to quality improvement. Remedies span research and practice. The optimal clinical continuum of care begins with ensuring a proper match between the diagnostic test and the individual’s clinical question, and progresses to include image acquisition, image interpretation, and results reporting. Better research methodologies are needed to more tightly link imaging use to improved outcomes in non-biased community populations. To accomplish these lofty goals, alignment across stakeholders is needed to ensure the necessary human and capital investment in research and systems of care.
Chromatin Boundaries Require the Functional Cooperation Between hSET1 and NURF Complexes

Abstract Abstract 646 Chromatin modification and remodeling activities play a central role in organizing nuclear functions in eukaryotic genome. Chromatin domains with characteristic epigenetic marks are organized by chromatin insulator. The chicken b-globin insulator, 5′HS4, is an excellent model system to study how insulator maintains gene function and prevents the encroachment of repressive heterochromatin. We showed previously that USF1/2 bound 5′HS4 insulator mediates chromatin barrier activity by recruiting and organizing active histone modifications in the chicken b-globin locus. However, it is not clear how insulator establishes such a barrier. To further understand the physical function of USF1, we purified the USF1-associated protein complexes. We found that USF1 forms a multiprotein complex with hSET1 and NURF exhibiting histone H3K4 methyltransferase and ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling activities, respectively. Both hSET1 and NURF complexes are specifically recruited to the 5′HS4 insulator by USF1 to retain the active chromatin structure. Knock-down of BPTF, a component of NURF complex, resulted in a rapid loss of barrier activity that protects a transgene from chromatin silencing. The loss of barrier by the BPTF knock-down is accompanied by an alternation of nucleosome positioning that expands the nucleosome to the nucleosome free linker region in the HS4 insulator site and increases repressive H3K9 dimethylation. Furthermore, the suppression of hSET1, a H3K4 methyltransferase, leads to not only a loss of barrier activity, but also a loss of H3K4 dimethylation and H3K9/K14 acetylation, as well as the recruitment of BPTF at chromatin insulator sites. Thus, our data reveal a molecular mechanism in which histone modifying enzyme hSET1 and chromatin remodeling complex NURF collaborate together to maintain the 5′HS4 chromatin barrier activity and to prevent the encroachment of adjacent heterochromatin. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Rotation strategy for electric energy meter based on analytic hierarchy process

The operation error of the electric energy metering device directly affects the accuracy of the electricity trade calculation, so it's very important to ensure the device working accurately. Based on the electric energy meter condition assessment model, considering economic benefits, management benefits and social benefits, we use fuzzy analytic hierarchy process to establish a rotation meter benefit assessment model. Using this model calculate the rotation benefit score. Thus the corresponding rotation strategies for electric energy meter were established. This method has better adaptability than the traditional management approach. By means of quantitative analysis of scientific results, the cycle of rotation, rotation adjustment strategy accordingly, more objective and reasonable than traditional management.
Apoptosis in Drosophila

Holometabolous insects, such as the dipteran Drosophila, exhibit two distinct life forms and undergo a complete metamorphosis. The Drosophila embryo develops over the course of one day and hatches into a motile and feeding first instar larva, which grows and subsequently moults twice (Figure 1). The first and second larval instars each last about a day, while the third instar lasts approximately three days. At the end of the third larval instar, the animal ceases to feed, climbs up a suitable substrate, and initiates pupariation. The pupal stage lasts approximately four days, during which time the larva metamorphoses into the adult fly. The ease of rearing Drosophila, their fecundity, and short life cycle have all contributed to their use as a genetic model system (see Ashburner, 1989). In addition, the Drosophila genome is relatively small (∼1.6 X 108 base pairs per haploid genome), and is organised into only four chromosomes which are all linked by a common chromocentre. The large polytene chromosomes of the larval salivary gland greatly facilitate the cytological mapping of chromosomal rearrangements as well as the localisation of cloned genes via in situ hybridisation. In addition, the use of balancer chromosomes, which repress recombination and provide dominant phenotypic markers, greatly facilitates genetic screens and the stable maintenance of homozygous lethal chromosomes.
Comparative Genomics of Ralstonia solanacearum Identifies Candidate Genes Associated with Cool Virulence.

Strains of the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex in the phylotype IIB group are capable of causing Bacterial Wilt disease in potato and tomato at temperatures lower than 24°C. The capability of these strains to survive and to incite infection at temperatures colder than their normally tropical boundaries represents a threat to US agriculture in temperate regions. In this work, we used a comparative genomics approach to identify orthologous genes linked to the lower temperature virulence phenotype. Six R. solanacearum cool virulent (CV) strains were compared to six strains non-pathogenic at low temperature (NPLT). CV strains can cause Bacterial Wilt symptoms at temperatures below 24°C, while NPLT cannot. Four R. solanacearum strains were sequenced for this work in order to complete the comparison. An orthologous genes comparison identified 44 genes present only in CV strains and 19 genes present only in NPLT strains. Gene annotation revealed a high percentage of genes compared with whole genomes in the transcriptional regulator and transport categories. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis identified 265 genes containing conserved non-synonymous SNPs in CV strains. Ten genes in the pathogenicity category were identified in this group. Comparisons of type 3 secretion system (T3SS), type 6 secretion system (T6SS) clusters, and associated effectors did not indicate a correlation with the CV phenotype except for one T6SS VGR effector potentially associated with the CV phenotype. This is the first R. solanacearum genomic comparative analysis of multiple strains with different temperature related virulence. The candidate genes identified by this comparison are potential factors involved in virulence at low temperatures that need to be investigated. The high percentage of transcriptional regulators among the genes present only in CV strains supports the hypothesis that temperature dependent regulation of virulence genes explains the differential virulence phenotype at low temperatures. This comparison contributes to find new possible connections of temperature dependent virulence to the previously described complex regulatory system involving quorum-sensing, phenotype conversion (phcA), acyl-HSL production and responses to SA. It also added novel candidate T6SS effectors and useful detailed information about the T6SS in R. solanacearum.
Adaptive Landscapes and Optimality

Optimality is the concept that maximizing fitness represents a tradeoff between conflicting selection pressures, typically producing intermediate values of traits. For phenotypes, the outcome of conflicting selection can be analyzed with models such as optimal foraging theory and optimal clutch size. From a genetic perspective, optimization can involve stabilizing selection on a single trait, or opposing selection acting on different but genetically correlated traits. Optimality can be viewed in the context of Wright’s adaptive topography; in the simplest case, there is a single optimal phenotype, represented as a single peak. More realistic situations correspond to an adaptive topography with multiple peaks separated by valleys.
Economics and Planning of Short-Haul and Short-Line Railway Intermodal Service: Lessons from Previous and Current Operations

To develop a more competitive and efficient transportation system, railroads have engaged in intermodal freight transportation of both containers and trailers. Though intermodal rail operations have increased dramatically since the 1950s, traffic trends have also evolved with shipper demands, improved rail infrastructure, and enhanced operational strategy. Many former main railroad lines are now operated by short-line and regional carriers. Industrial centers that were once home to intermodal terminals, both large and small, have lost their intermodal connectivity since short-line and regional railroads typically do not handle intermodal traffic. With local terminals lost, shippers have been forced to increase drayage distances to centralized Class I railroad intermodal terminals. With the economies of scale afforded by recent record levels of intermodal rail traffic, opportunities have arisen to revitalize short-haul intermodal service. In many instances, short-line and regional railroads have taken this...
The face-mind link: Why we see minds behind faces, and how others' minds change how we see their face

Understanding others' minds has puzzled philosophers for centuries. Psychologists, too, have recently begun asking questions about what causes us to see another person as having complex or simple mental faculties. Here, we review recent evidence linking how we perceive others' faces with how we perceive others' minds—the face-mind link. We first discuss research demonstrating a face-to-mind effect, showing that both certain facial features (e.g., eyes) and face perception processes (e.g., configural processing) can trigger the perception that a face has a mind. We then discuss recent evidence demonstrating a mind-to-face effect, showing that believing a person is inhumane (i.e., their mind) leads their face to be processed less like a face and more like an object. Finally, we consider both the consequences of this bidirectional face-mind link, and what the next steps may be in understanding how and why we infer minds from faces, and how and why beliefs about others' minds affects how we see their face.
Does insulin therapy matter? Determinants of diabetes care outcomes.

Abstract Objective To evaluate adherence to care standards for people with diabetes (PWDs) on insulin therapy versus PWDs who are not on insulin therapy, controlling for social determinants. Research design and methods Utilizing the United States 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey, this study used logistic regression analyses to estimate differences in self-care behaviors, healthcare provider quality of care, and diabetic complications for individuals on insulin therapy and individuals not on insulin therapy. Results PWDs on insulin therapy are more likely to adhere to self-care measures (self-glucose checks [OR: 7.57], self-foot checks [OR: 1.27], diabetes class participation [OR: 1.96]), adherence to provider care standards (diabetes-related doctor visits [OR: 1.24], comprehensive foot exam [OR: 1.80], dilated eye exam [OR: 1.34]), and to self-report diabetic complications (retinopathy [OR: 2.77], kidney disease [OR:2.14]), controlling for sociodemographic variables. Conclusion PWDs on insulin and their healthcare providers are more likely to meet the treatment goals set by the American Diabetes Association. PWDs on insulin therapy may have better overall relationships with providers due to a reduction in stigmatization based on the social construction of diabetes.
Socioeconomic Status and Self-Rated Oral Health; Diminished Return among Hispanic Whites.

Background. An extensive body of knowledge has documented weaker health effects of socio-economic status (SES) for Blacks compared to Whites, a phenomenon also known as Blacks’ diminished return. It is, however, unknown whether the same diminished return also holds for other ethnic minorities such as Hispanics or not. Aim. Using a nationally representative sample, the current study aimed to compare Non-Hispanic and Hispanic Whites for the effects of SES on self-rated oral health. Methods. For the current cross-sectional study, we used data from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (CPES), 2001–2003. With a nationally representative sampling, CPES included 11,207 adults who were either non-Hispanic Whites (n = 7587) or Hispanic Whites (n = 3620. The dependent variable was self-rated oral health, treated as dichotomous measure. Independent variables were education, income, employment, and marital status. Ethnicity was the focal moderator. Age and gender were covariates. Logistic regressions were used for data analysis. Results. Education, income, employment, and marital status were associated with oral health in the pooled sample. Although education, income, employment, and marital status were associated with oral health in non-Hispanic Whites, none of these associations were found for Hispanic Whites. Conclusion. In a similar pattern to Blacks’ diminished return, differential gain of SES indicators exists between Hispanic and non-Hispanic Whites, with a disadvantage for Hispanic Whites. Diminished return of SES should be regarded as a systemically neglected contributing mechanism behind ethnic oral health disparities in the United States. Replication of Blacks’ diminished return for Hispanics suggests that these processes are not specific to ethnic minority groups, and non-White groups gain less because they are not enjoying the privilege and advantage of Whites.
Case 15: A VP Shunt

A 76-year-old female is scheduled for an emergency VP shunt. Two weeks prior, she had a craniotomy for a cerebral aneurysm. She is now obtunded and responds only to painful stimuli. Her vital signs are stable and she is breathing spontaneously. She has a naso-gastric feeding tube in situ. The last feed was 6 h ago. She weighs 68 kg and is 5 ft 8 in. tall. The surgeon tells you that he wants the mean arterial pressure (MAP) to be 80 mmHg and that the surgery will be less than 1 h.
Reagents for Peptide Synthesis

A solution of tert.butanol (74.1 g = 94 ml, 1 mol) and quinoline (130 g = 119 ml, 1 mol) in dichloromethane (150 ml) is stirred while phenyl chlorocarbonate [2] (157 g = 126 ml, 1 mol) is added dropwise. The rate of addition is regulated to maintain the temperature of the reaction mixture between 38 and 41 °C. After overnight storage at room temperature enough water is added to dissolve the precipitated quinoline hydrochloride. The organic layer is separated and washed twice with water (60 ml each time) and with 5% hydrochloric acid (3 to 4 times, 60 ml each time). The solution is dried over MgSO4, the solvent removed by distillation and the crude tert.butyl phenyl carbonate distilled from a Claisen flask. At 0.5 mm it boils at 74–78 °C [3]. The yield is about 143 g (73%).
Blocking Optimization Techniques for Sparse Tensor Computation

We present a detailed analysis of the sparse matricized tensor times Khatri-Rao product (MTTKRP) kernel that is the key bottleneck in various sparse tensor computations. By using the well-known roofline model and carefully instrumenting the state-of-the-art MTTKRP code with the pressure point analysis technique, we show that the performance of MTTKRP is highly sensitive to data traffic like other sparse computations. We also identify key performance bottlenecks that diverge from our prior knowledge of sparse MTTKRP on modern processors. We propose to use blocking optimization techniques to address the bottlenecks identified within the MTTKRP computation. By using a combination of two blocking techniques, we achieve more than 3.5x and 2.0x speedup over the stateof-the-art MTTKRP implementation in the SPLATT library on four real-world data sets and two synthetically generated data sets, respectively. We also employ a new data partitioning technique for the distributed MTTKRP implementation, which provides an additional dimension of scalability. As a result, our implementation exhibits good strong scaling and a 1.6x speedup on 64 nodes for two real-world data sets, when compared to the SPLATT library.
Insights from molecular signature of in vivo cardiac c-Kit(+) cells following cardiac injury and β-catenin inhibition.

Abstract There is much interest over resident c-Kit(+) cells in tissue regeneration. Their role in cardiac regeneration has been controversial. In this study we aim to understand the in vivo behavior of cardiac c-Kit(+) cells at baseline and after myocardial infarction and in response to Sfrp2. This approach can accurately study the in vivo transcript expressions of these cells in temporal response to injury and overcomes the limitations of the in vitro approach. RNA-seq was performed with c-Kit(+) cells and cardiomyocytes from healthy non-injured mice as well as c-Kit(+) cells from 1 day post-MI and 12 days post-MI mice. When compared to in vivo c-Kit(+) cells isolated from a healthy non-injured mouse heart, cardiomyocytes were enriched in transcripts that express anion channels, cation channels, developmental/differentiation pathway components, as well as proteins that inhibit canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Myocardial infarction (MI) induced in vivo c-Kit(+) cells to transiently adopt the cardiomyocyte-specific signature: expression of a number of cardiomyocyte-specific transcripts was maximal 1 day post-MI and declined by 12 days post-MI. We next studied the effect of β-catenin inhibition on in vivo c-Kit(+) cells by administering the Wnt inhibitor Sfrp2 into the infarct border zone. Sfrp2 both enhanced and sustained cardiomyocyte-specific gene expression in the in vivo c-Kit(+) cells: expression of cardiomyocyte-specific transcripts was higher and there was no decline in expression by 12 days post-MI. Further analysis of the biology of c-Kit(+) cells identified that culture induced a significant and irreversible change in their molecular signature raising questions about reliability of in vitro studies. Our findings provide evidence that MI induces in vivo c-Kit(+) cells to adopt transiently a cardiomyocyte-specific pattern of gene expression, and Sfrp2 further enhances and induces sustained gene expression. Our approach is important for understanding c-Kit(+) cells in cardiac regeneration and also has broad implications in the investigation of in vivo resident stem cells in other areas of tissue regeneration.
Stress-localized durable icephobic surfaces

Icephobic surfaces have daily critical impact on human lives in cold climates, with uses ranging from aviation systems and infrastructure to energy systems. However, creation of these surfaces for low-temperature applications remains difficult. Non-wetting, liquid-infused and hydrated surfaces have inspired routes for development of icephobic surfaces. However, high ice adhesion strength (∼20–100 kPa) and subsequent ice accretion, low long-term mechanical and environmental durability and high production cost have restricted their applications. Here, we lay the fundamentals of a new physical concept called stress-localization to develop icephobic surfaces with ice adhesion in the order of 1 kPa and exceptional mechanical, chemical and environmental durability.
An Investigation of Computer-based Simulations for School Crises Management.

This article describes the research and development associated with creating a computer-based simulation used for training school personnel in crisis management. Specifically, the paper addresses t...
Development of the State Optimism Measure.

Abstract Background Optimism, or positive expectations about the future, is associated with better health. It is commonly assessed as a trait, but it may change over time and circumstance. Accordingly, we developed a measure of state optimism. Methods An initial 29-item pool was generated based on literature reviews and expert consultations. It was administered to three samples: sample 1 was a general healthy population (n = 136), sample 2 was people with cardiac disease (n = 96), and sample 3 was persons recovering from problematic substance use (n = 265). Exploratory factor analysis and item-level descriptive statistics were used to select items to form a unidimensional State Optimism Measure (SOM). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to test fit. Results The selected seven SOM items demonstrated acceptable to high factor loadings on a single dominant factor (loadings: 0.64–0.93). There was high internal reliability across samples (Cronbach's alphas: 0.92–0.96), and strong convergent validity correlations in hypothesized directions. The SOM's correlations with other optimism measures indicate preliminary construct validity. CFA statistics indicated acceptable fit of the SOM model. Conclusions We developed a psychometrically-sound measure of state optimism that can be used in various settings. Predictive and criterion validity will be tested in future studies.
Pediatric Pain Assessment in the Emergency Department: Patient and Caregiver Agreement Using the Wong-Baker FACES and the Faces Pain Scale-Revised.

Objective This study aimed to assess the agreement between patients presenting to the pediatric emergency department (ED) with acute pain and their caregivers when using the Wong-Baker FACES (WBF) and Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R). Methods This was a prospective, observational study examining patients 3 to 7.5 years old presenting to a pediatric ED with acute pain. Participants completed the WBF and FPS-R twice during their ED evaluation. Caregivers rated their child's pain using both the WBF and FPS-R at the same time points. Intraclass correlations (ICCs) were calculated between caregiver and child reports at each time point, and Bland-Altman plots were created. Results Forty-six subjects were enrolled over 5 months. Mean age was 5.5 ± 1.2 years. Average initial child pain scores were 6.6 ± 2.8 (WBF) and 6.1 ± 3.3 (FPS-R), and repeat scores were 3.3 ± 3.4 (WBF) and 3.1 ± 3.3 (FPS-R). Average initial caregiver pain scores were 6.3 ± 2.4 (WBF) and 6.2 ± 2.3 (FPS-R), and repeat scores were 3.4 ± 2.0 (WBF) and 3.4 ± 2.1 (FPS-R). On initial assessment, ICCs between children and caregivers using the FPS-R and WBF were 0.33 and 0.22, respectively. On repeat assessment, the ICCs were 0.31 for FPS-R and 0.26 for WBF. Bland-Altman plots showed poor agreement but no systematic bias. Conclusion There was poor agreement between caregivers and children when using the WBF and FPS-R for assessment of acute pain in the ED. Caregiver report should not be used as a substitute for self-report of pain if possible.