cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attention in Cognitive Science and Second Language Acquisition

This paper examines how the cognitive notion of attention has been employed in SLA and how it is understood in cognitive science. It summarizes recent research on attention from cognitive and neuroscience approaches. Some reformulations of problems raised in SLA research related to attention are proposed. Current research offers detailed ideas about attention and its component processes. These ideas, elaborated theoretically and empirically in cognitive neuroscience, may help untangle some important but difficult issues in SLA. Early, coarse-grained conceptions of attention, such as the limited-capacity metaphor or the automatic versus controlled processing dichotomy, are recast into an integrated human attention system with three separate yet interrelated networks: alertness, orientation, and detection. This finer grained analysis of attention is employed in a model of the role of attention in SLA.
Africa's Media Empire: Drum 's Expansion to Nigeria

Publishing in Africa remains so difficult an enterprise that many publishers have collapsed, their dreams disappearing with them. This is especially true of the print media, particularly newspapers and magazines. During the past century, many magazines and newspapers failed to establish a loyal readership, keep costs down, insure wide circulation, or turn a huge profit. Consequently, not many African magazines can be viewed as “successful.” Drum magazine, however, remains an exception.In 1951 Drum, a magazine written for and by Africans, was established in South Africa. Drum enjoyed a great deal of success and is now widely recognized as having been a driving force in black South African culture and life throughout the 1950s and 1960s. In the South African historiography Drum has been thoroughly researched. The magazine's impact on South African journalism, literature, gender configurations, African resistance, and urban South African culture has been documented and often lauded by various scholars. Many former members of the South African edition's payroll, both editors and staff alike, have gone on to become successes in literature, journalism, and photography. Often such staff members credit Drum for directly shaping their careers and directly state this in their writings. Consequently, Drum is often associated only with South Africa. While Drum greatly influenced South Africa, its satel¬lite projects throughout Africa were no less important. These satellite projects cemented Drum's reputation as the leading magazine newspaper in Africa and each edition became fixtures in west African and east African societies.
Mercury Retention in Several Strains and Strain Crosses of Chickens

Abstract MILLER et al. (1959a, b, 1967) reported that one strain of inbred chickens selected by Bearse et al. (1963) for resistance to the avian leukosis complex retained more mercury in the liver and kidney following injection of mercuric chloride than another line selected for susceptibility. Later, Miller et al. (1969) reported a possible relationship between retention of mercury and resistance to lymphoid leukosis. During the course of the investigation the retention of mercury in a number of other lines of chickens, resulting from commercial, university and federal selections of strains and strain crosses, was determined and this paper reports these results. METHODS AND MATERIALS Shipments of hatching eggs or day old chicks of several strains and strain crosses were obtained from research laboratories or commercial hatcheries. The 32 samples of strains and strain crosses are listed in Table 1. Strains WWREC-R (leukosis resistant) and S (leukosis susceptible), developed by the…
Dynamical and Microphysical Evolution during Mixed-Phase Cloud Glaciation Simulated Using the Bulk Adaptive Habit Prediction Model

AbstractA bulk microphysics scheme predicting ice particle habit evolution has been implemented in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model. Large-eddy simulations are analyzed to study the effects of ice habit and number concentration on the bulk ice and liquid masses, dynamics, and lifetime of Arctic mixed-phase boundary layer clouds. The microphysical and dynamical evolution simulated using the adaptive habit scheme is compared with that assuming spherical particles with a density of bulk ice or a reduced density and with mass–dimensional parameterizations. It is found that the adaptive habit method returns an increased (decreased) ice (liquid) mass as compared to spheres and provides a more accurate simulation as compared to dendrite mass–size relations.Using the adaptive habit method, simulations are then completed to understand the microphysical and dynamical interactions within a single-layer mixed-phase stratocumulus cloud observed during flight 31 of the Indirect and Semi-Direct Aerosol Campaig...
A Review of “Independence: The Struggle to Set America Free”

The circumstances leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence have been a subject of great historical interest for over two hundred years, but—at least outside of New England—only sma...
Complex Greenland outlet glacier flow captured

The Greenland Ice Sheet is losing mass at an accelerating rate due to increased surface melt and flow acceleration in outlet glaciers. Quantifying future dynamic contributions to sea level requires accurate portrayal of outlet glaciers in ice sheet simulations, but to date poor knowledge of subglacial topography and limited model resolution have prevented reproduction of complex spatial patterns of outlet flow. Here we combine a high-resolution ice-sheet model coupled to uniformly applied models of subglacial hydrology and basal sliding, and a new subglacial topography data set to simulate the flow of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Flow patterns of many outlet glaciers are well captured, illustrating fundamental commonalities in outlet glacier flow and highlighting the importance of efforts to map subglacial topography. Success in reproducing present day flow patterns shows the potential for prognostic modelling of ice sheets without the need for spatially varying parameters with uncertain time evolution.
The Public Code of Racialized Electioneering

Race can be a useful signal of a voter's political preferences. Knowing a voter's race is therefore valuable to politicians looking to assemble electoral coalitions. But, when politicians want to reach out to voters through individual-level campaign appeals, it is difficult for them to distinguish Black voters from White voters. When a voter's race is listed in a public record, as it is in eight Southern states, mobilization by race becomes easier, resulting in substantially higher turnout among voters with known races. This analysis demonstrates the power of having information in electoral politics, offers a corrective to theories that over-estimate what politicians typically know about voters, and suggests that an administrative policy meant to protect minority voting rights has the perverse effect of heightening racial segmentation. Implications for the future are considered, when politicians and campaigns will have access to even more personal information about citizens.
VITAMIN A AT PHARMACOLOGIC DOSES AMELIORATES THE MEMBRANE LIPID PEROXIDATION INJURY AND TESTICULAR ATROPHY THAT OCCURS WITH CHRONIC ALCOHOL FEEDING IN RATS

The interaction of ethanol (ETOH) with testicular subcellular membranes contributes, at least in part, to alcohol-induced gonadal dysfunction. Vitamin A reaches the testes via the circulation as the retinyl ester and is converted to the free alcohol (retinol) and then to the aldehyde (retinal); retinal is the form of the vitamin which is essential for normal spermato-genesis. Because retinol can function as a free radical scavenger, testicular mitochondria were evaluated for evidence of a protective role provided by supplemental dietary vitamin A on ETOH-induced alterations in testicular structure and function in rats. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated by measurement of malonaldehyde formation and glutathione content of the testes. Compared to isocalorically matched dextrimaltose-fed controls (ISO) receiving a modified vitamin A containing diet, rats fed the corresponding ETOH diet for 50 days had a reduced testes/body ratio (ETOH: 0.0114 +/- 0.0004 vs ISO: 0.0128 +/- 0.0004). Mitochondrial enriched extracts obtained from the testes of these ETOH-fed rats showed significant increases in malonaldehyde formation; moreover, glutathione levels were reduced in the testes of the alcohol-fed animals when compared to their isocaloric controls. In contrast, no evidence for testicular atrophy was present in ETOH-fed rats receiving a standard vitamin A enriched diet; moreover, such ETOH-fed rats had a reduced rate of malonaldehyde formation as compared to their respective controls. Similarly, glutathione levels were not depleted in the testes of the ETOH-fed rats receiving the vitamin A enriched diet. Taken together, these data suggest that lipid peroxidation is a consequence of ethanol metabolism which can be attenuated, at least in part, by vitamin A.
Practical Application of Soil Mechanics: A Symposium: Stability of Embankment Foundations

The analyses made in connection with the design of two large rock-fill embankments proposed as part of the now discontinued Passamaquoddy Tidal Power Project, included certain unusual studies of st...
Comparison of Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) Tests in Two Supersonic Wind Tunnels

Two 3.0% scale models of the proposed NASA Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) were te sted at the NASA Ames and NASA Langley Unitary Project wind t unnel s over a range of conditions representative of the final phase of atmospheric entry (142 ° � � �172 °, 0.3 � M � 4.0, 0.5 · 10 6 � Re D � 8.0 · 10 6 ). Static force and moment data were obtained with six component balances. Static pressure data were obtained with pressure taps. Wi thin the overlap range of the tests (142 ° � � �170 °, 1.6 � M � 2.5, 1.0 · 10 6 � Re D � 1.5 · 10 6 ) it is possible to make a direct comparison of results from the two different facil ities. This is useful in bounding the uncertainty in experimental data from both facilities. The aerodynamic coefficients Cm, CN, and CA, are typically observed to vary by to less than ±0.0015, ±0.002, and ±0.012, respectively between the two facilities. Discrepancies increase with Mach number. Possible sources of variation include differences in flow angularity , differences in tunnel operating temperature, and differences in blockage of the tunnel by the models.
In vitro fertilization and other assisted reproductive techniques

Each year, thousands of pregnancies are achieved worldwide by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and its modifications, commonly grouped under the general term "assisted reproductive techniques" (ARTs). The IVF program at the University of Southern California (USC) was among the first to be established in the United States and had the distinction of achieving success, in 1981, with the first IVF infant to be born on the West Coast. This paper discusses patient selection, superovulation techniques, methods of follicle aspiration, sperm preparation, embryo transfer procedures and management of the luteal phase of ART cycles. The various ARTs are described, as are the expected success rates. Particular emphasis is placed on the techniques of oocyte donation and unstimulated IVF, both of which play prominent roles in the treatment of infertility in the USC program.
Collaborative Care for Depression Symptoms in an Outpatient Cardiology Setting: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background Depression is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary heart disease. Finding effective methods for identifying and treating depression in these patients is a high priority. The purpose of this study was to determine whether collaborative care (CC) for patients who screen positive for depression during an outpatient cardiology visit results in greater improvement in depression symptoms and better medical outcomes than seen in patients who screen positive for depression but receive only usual care (UC).
The Gendered and Heterosexist Evolution of the Teacher Exemplar in the United States: Equity Implications for LGBTQ and Gender Nonconforming Teachers.

Challenges confront lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and transgender public school teachers or those who are perceived as such or who desire to be open about their sexual orientations or gender identities or expression. Teachers who do not conform to gender and sexual orientation norms currently are and historically have been the subject of persecution, urban myths, and general hysteria—part of bigger efforts to normalize heterosexuality and cisgender-ness through the development of a distinctive “exemplar” related to who teachers should be. We examine the related historical and legal context of gender and sexuality in schools and then offer suggestions regarding how to redress the lingering impacts of gender- and heteronormativity.
The Relationship between Wedding Expenses and Marriage Duration: A Comment on Francis and Mialon

This paper comments on a paper written by Andrew M. Francis and Hugo M. Mialon, titled ‘A Diamond is Forever’ and Other Fairy Tales: The Relationship between Wedding Expenses and Marriage Duration, and makes suggestions for implementing the results of their study.
A geochemical approach to constraining the formation of glassy fallout debris from nuclear tests

Glassy nuclear fallout debris from near-surface nuclear tests is fundamentally reprocessed earth material. A geochemical approach to analysis of glassy fallout is uniquely suited to determine the means of reprocessing and shed light on the mechanisms of fallout formation. An improved understanding of fallout formation is of interest both for its potential to guide post-detonation nuclear forensic investigations and in the context of possible affinities between glassy debris and other glasses generated by high-energy natural events, such as meteorite impacts and lightning strikes. This study presents a large major-element compositional dataset for glasses within aerodynamic fallout from the Trinity nuclear test (“trinitite”) and a geochemically based analysis of the glass compositional trends. Silica-rich and alkali-rich trinitite glasses show compositions and textures consistent with formation through melting of individual mineral grains—quartz and alkali feldspar, respectively—from the test-site sediment. The volumetrically dominant glass phase—called the CaMgFe glass—shows extreme major-element compositional variability. Compositional trends in the CaMgFe glass are most consistent with formation through volatility-controlled condensation from compositionally heterogeneous plasma. Radioactivity occurs only in CaMgFe glass, indicating that co-condensation of evaporated bulk ground material and trace device material was the main mechanism of radioisotope incorporation into trinitite. CaMgFe trinitite glasses overlap compositionally with basalts, rhyolites, fulgurites, tektites, and microtektites but display greater compositional diversity than all of these naturally formed glasses. Indeed, the most refractory CaMgFe glasses compositionally resemble early solar system condensates—specifically, CAIs.
The effect of exercise intervention on daily life activities and social participation in individuals with Down syndrome: A systematic review.

Abstract Background Few systematic reviews have looked at the effect of exercise intervention on activities of daily living and social participation in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) across the lifespan. Aims To evaluate the research on the effectiveness of exercise intervention on daily life activities and participation in individuals with DS. Methods and procedures Studies are from six electronic databases (CINHAL, Cochrane, ERIC, PEDro, PubMed, and PsycINFO) from 1987 to 2016. Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria. American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) levels of evidence and an Intervention Clinical Appraisal Form were used to independently assess study quality and outcome measures coded using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Outcomes and results There were 525 participants, age range, 3–65.5 years. The quality of the studies ranges from AACPDM Level I–IV and Intervention Clinical Appraisal Form scores of 4 to 10. A meta analysis was not conducted due to heterogenity of studies. Conclusions and implications Exercise intervention was supported for both daily life activities and participation. Rigorous research studies are needed across the lifespan using objective outcome measures for ICF levels.
Resistance of two Arkansas Palmer amaranth populations to multiple herbicide sites of action

Herbicide resistance may evolve at a rapid rate with the lack of proper adoption of best management practices (BMPs). This wide-spread resistance problem is particularly impactful for fields with problematic weeds such as Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri). Protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-inhibiting herbicides have been one of the remaining effective sites of action (SOAs) for the control of Palmer amaranth, but even these herbicides have begun to fail in many soybean fields across Arkansas, USA. The objective of this research was to determine which of the most commonly used PPO-inhibiting herbicides have the greatest effect on two putative PPO-resistant Palmer amaranth populations, compared to a susceptible standard, when applied preemergence (PRE) and postemergence (POST); as well as to test for multiple resistance to other commonly used herbicides. A dose-response study was conducted under greenhouse conditions that examined five PRE herbicides and four POST herbicides on one PPO-susceptible and two PPO-resistant populations. Complete control was not achieved at the 8X rate with any PPO-inhibiting herbicide at the PRE application; whereas for the POST application, complete control was not achieved until after the 32X rate for all herbicides. Furthermore, twenty-one different herbicides, representing various SOAs, were used to test various application timings (preplant incorporated (PPI), PRE and POST) on these populations at a 1X field rate. Both of the PPI herbicides (trifluralin and pendimethalin) provided 9.7% mortality of Palmer amaranth. Only two PRE herbicides (in 2 SOAs) showed greater than 85% mortality and three POST application herbicides (3 SOAs) all had greater than 95% mortality of both Palmer amaranth populations. Thus, it is likely that PPO-inhibiting herbicides or the other commonly used herbicides, which were tested, cannot be solely relied upon in the field. Thus, the use of multiple effective sites of action along with other integrated weed management tactics need to be a focus for management of this species.
Broadband terahertz generation from metamaterials and their hybrid quantum structures (Conference Presentation)

The terahertz spectral regime, ranging from about 0.1–15 THz, is one of the least explored yet most technologically transformative spectral regions. One current challenge is to develop efficient and compact terahertz emitters/detectors with a broadband and gapless spectrum that can be tailored for various pump photon energies. A particularly essential and topical question is how to create nonlinear broadband terahertz devices using deeply subwavelength nanoscale meta-atom resonators. Here we demonstrate efficient single-cycle broadband THz generation, ranging from about 0.1–4 THz, in two model hybrid quantum nanostructures: (1) a thin layer of split-ring resonators (SRRs) with few tens of nanometers thickness by pumping at the telecommunications wavelength of 200 THz; (2) SRRs coupled to intersubband transitions in quantum wells pumping at 30 THz. We also reveal a giant sheet nonlinear susceptibility that far exceeds thin films and bulk non-centrosymmetric materials. Finally, I will also discuss their significances for THz enabled nonlinear spectroscopy and quantum phase discovery applications.
Using Key Performance Indicators to Reduce Perceived Perioperative Complexity and Improve Patient Workflow

This study examines the development and use of balanced scorecard metrics as key performance indicators within each stage of the perioperative process to enable business process management across the entire process to gauge performance and target improvement opportunities. The identification of existing limitations, potential capabilities, and the subsequent contextual understanding are contributing factors toward perioperative improvement. This paper identifies how dynamic technological activities of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis applied to internal and external organizational data can highlight complex relationships within integrated hospital processes to address root causes rather than symptoms and ultimately yield improved capabilities. This case study investigates how integrated information systems can identify, qualify, and quantify perioperative performance indicators to measure improvement based on a 157-month longitudinal study of a large, 1,157 registered-bed teaching hospital. The theoretical and practical implications and/or limitations of this study's results are also discussed with respect to practitioners and researchers alike.
Financial incentives and purchase restrictions in a food benefit program affect the types of foods and beverages purchased: results from a randomized trial

This research evaluated the effects of financial incentives and purchase restrictions on food purchasing in a food benefit program for low income people. Participants (n=279) were randomized to groups: 1) Incentive- 30% financial incentive for fruits and vegetables purchased with food benefits; 2) Restriction- no purchase of sugar-sweetened beverages, sweet baked goods, or candies with food benefits; 3) Incentive plus Restriction; or 4) Control- no incentive or restrictions. Participants received a study-specific debit card where funds were added monthly for 12-weeks. Food purchase receipts were collected over 16 weeks. Total dollars spent on grocery purchases and by targeted food categories were computed from receipts. Group differences were examined using general linear models. Weekly purchases of fruit significantly increased in the Incentive plus Restriction ($4.8) compared to the Restriction ($1.7) and Control ($2.1) groups (p <.01). Sugar-sweetened beverage purchases significantly decreased in the Incentive plus Restriction (−$0.8 per week) and Restriction ($-1.4 per week) groups compared to the Control group (+$1.5; p< .0001). Sweet baked goods purchases significantly decreased in the Restriction (−$0.70 per week) compared to the Control group (+$0.82 per week; p < .01). Paired financial incentives and restrictions on foods and beverages purchased with food program funds may support more healthful food purchases compared to no incentives or restrictions. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02643576 .
Draft Genome Sequences of Salmonella enterica Isolates Containing Incompatibility Group I1 Plasmids from Swine, Poultry, and Human Sources.

ABSTRACT The draft genome sequences of eight Salmonella enterica isolates from various sources were evaluated for the influence of incompatibility group I1 (IncI1) plasmids on virulence. Strains SE142, SE143, SE144, and SE146 originated from swine, SE36N and SE89N from poultry-related sources, and SE991 and SE1148 from human patients.
Is There a British Empire

Adams denied that there was a British Empire and that there were colonies. He asserted that the Empire was only a popular expression to describe the totality of the possessions of the king of England. It had, however, no legal or constitutional significance. As for colonies, Adams pointed out that the common law made no reference to colonies. If there was no empire and there were no colonies, then what term would serve to identify all of the territories that the king of England ruled in one or another of his multiple capacities? To answer this question Adams turned to the history of English acquisition of the lands commonly termed the British Empire and how were they governed.
Virally Induced Cancers

Immunosuppressed patients are at particular risk for skin cancers caused by, or associated with, viral infection. This chapter reviews three viral-associated skin cancers: human herpesvirus-8-associated Kaposi’s sarcoma, Merkel cell polyomavirus-associated Merkel cell carcinoma, and HPV-associated cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
Strain sensing ability of metallic particulate reinforced cementitious composites: Experiments and microstructure-guided finite element modeling

Abstract This paper evaluates the capability of waste iron powder-reinforced cementitious matrices as self-sensing materials in lieu of more expensive carbon fiber and nanoparticle reinforced matrices. Electrical impedance spectroscopy coupled with equivalent circuit modeling is used to determine the bulk resistance of the composite beams containing up to 40% by volume of iron particulates under flexural loading. The fractional change in resistance and the gage factor, as functions of the applied stress, increases with increasing iron particulate content, demonstrating the ability of these composites in self-sensing. A microstructure-guided electro-mechanical finite element model is used to simulate the strain sensing response of these composites. The 2D microstructure is subjected to different applied tensile stresses, and the deformed geometry subjected to an electrical potential to simulate the change in resistance. Debonding at the inclusion-paste interface under load, which is found to significantly influence the fractional change in resistance, is accounted for by using a bilinear softening model. The model is found to correlate well with the experimental data, and has the potential to facilitate microstructural design of materials to achieve desired degrees of self-sensing.
Ray-Dutt and Bailar Twists in Fe(II)-Tris(2,2'-bipyridine): Spin States, Sterics, and Fe-N Bond Strengths.

Twisting motions in six-coordinate trischelate transition-metal complexes have long been recognized as a potential reaction coordinate for nondissociative racemization by changing the coordination geometry from octahedral to trigonal prismatic in the transition state. These pathways have been previously established as the Bailar twist (conversion to D3h symmetry) and the Ray-Dutt twist (conversion to C2v symmetry). Twisting motions have been shown to be associated with changes in spin state and are therefore of relevance not only to thermal isomerization pathways but also to spin-crossover (SCO) and intersystem crossing mechanisms. In this work, density functional theory and complete active space self-consistent field calculations are used to probe the structural and energetic features of idealized Bailar and Ray-Dutt twisting mechanisms for a model Fe(II) polypyridine complex, [Fe(bpy)3]2+ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine). We find that the energies of the D3h and C2v trigonal prismatic structures are strongly dep...
Do Genetic Factors Influence the Dejours Phenomenon

Ventilation in response to breathing 100% oxygen is characterized in mammalian species by a decrease in minute ventilation1. This effect, which we will term the “Dejours phenomenon”, is especially evident in the period immediately following exposure to hypoxia. Though the physiologic basis for this phenomenon is not completely understood, it is believed to reflect an acute reduction in peripheral chemoreceptor input, and the magnitude of respiratory depression is considered an index of chemoreceptor drive from the carotid body.
Description of an ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block technique and the spread of dye in dog cadavers.

Abstract Objectives To describe an ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block and determine the distribution after injection of two volumes of methylene blue in dog cadavers. Study design Prospective experimental cadaveric study. Animals Twelve dog cadavers weighing 11 ± 3 kg. Methods Ultrasound-guided injections aimed at the fifth thoracic (T5) paravertebral space were performed in randomized order using 0.1 or 0.3 mL kg–1 dye solution (six dogs for each volume). Anatomic dissections determined dye spread characteristics, including the presence and degree of staining of spinal nerves, and the presence of intercostal and sympathetic trunk spread. Staining of mediastinum, epidural, intrapleural and contralateral thoracic paravertebral space was recorded. Results There was no significant difference in dye distribution between groups. The use of anatomic landmarks resulted in the inaccurate identification of the T5 paravertebral space. The T4, T5 and T6 paravertebral spaces were injected in four, five and three of 12 dogs, respectively. Complete staining of the spinal nerve of the thoracic paravertebral space injected was observed in 11 of 12 dogs, and partial staining in one dog in the low-volume group. Multisegmental distribution was demonstrated with staining of contiguous spinal nerves in one dog in the high-volume group, and multiple segments of intercostal (three dogs) and sympathetic trunk (four dogs) spread in both groups. No mediastinal, epidural, intrapleural or contralateral thoracic paravertebral space staining was observed. Conclusions and clinical relevance Ultrasound-guided injection at the thoracic paravertebral space resulted in staining of the spinal nerve in all dogs. However, T5 paravertebral space was not accurately identified using anatomic landmarks. Dye distribution was not significantly different between the two groups; therefore, the use of the lower-volume and multiple-site injections would be potentially necessary in clinical cases to achieve ipsilateral blockade of the thoracic wall.
Stability of non-proteinogenic amino acids to UV and gamma irradiation

Almost all living organisms on Earth utilize the same 20 amino acids to build their millions of different proteins, even though there are hundreds of amino acids naturally occurring on Earth. Although it is likely that both the prebiotic and the current environment of Earth shaped the selection of these 20 proteinogenic amino acids, environmental conditions on extraterrestrial planets and moons are known to be quite different than those on Earth. In particular, the surfaces of planets and moons such as Mars, Europa and Enceladus have a much greater flux of UV and gamma radiation impacting their surface than that of Earth. Thus, if life were to have evolved extraterrestrially, a different lexicon of amino acids may have been selected due to different environmental pressures, such as higher radiation exposure. One fundamental property an amino acid must have in order to be of use to the evolution of life is relative stability. Therefore, we studied the stability of three different proteinogenic amino acids (tyrosine, phenylalanine and tryptophan) as compared with 20 non-proteinogenic amino acids that were structurally similar to the aromatic proteinogenic amino acids, following ultraviolet (UV) light (254, 302, or 365 nm) and gamma-ray irradiation. The degree of degradation of the amino acids was quantified using an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS). The result showed that many non-proteinogenic amino acids had either equal or increased stability to certain radiation wavelengths as compared with their proteinogenic counterparts, with fluorinated phenylalanine and tryptophan derivatives, in particular, exhibiting enhanced stability as compared with proteinogenic phenylalanine and tryptophan amino acids following gamma and select UV irradiation.
Hydrogen Sulfide Promotes Bone Homeostasis by Balancing Inflammatory Cytokine Signaling in CBS-Deficient Mice through an Epigenetic Mechanism

Previously, we have shown hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) to have a detrimental effect on bone remodeling, which is associated with osteoporosis. During transsulfuration, Hcy is metabolized into hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gasotransmitter molecule known to regulate bone formation. Therefore, in the present study, we examined whether H2S ameliorates HHcy induced epigenetic and molecular alterations leading to osteoporotic bone loss. To test this mechanism, we employed cystathionine-beta-synthase heterozygote knockout mice, fed with a methionine rich diet (CBS+/− +Met), supplemented with H2S-donor NaHS for 8 weeks. Treatment with NaHS, normalizes plasma H2S, and completely prevents trabecular bone loss in CBS+/− mice. Our data showed that HHcy caused inhibition of HDAC3 activity and subsequent inflammation by imbalancing redox homeostasis. The mechanistic study revealed that inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) are transcriptionally activated by an acetylated lysine residue in histone (H3K27ac) of chromatin by binding to its promoter and subsequently regulating gene expression. A blockade of HDAC3 inhibition in CBS+/− mice by HDAC activator ITSA-1, led to the remodeling of histone landscapes in the genome and thereby attenuated histone acetylation-dependent inflammatory signaling. We also confirmed that RUNX2 was sulfhydrated by administration of NaHS. Collectively, restoration of H2S may provide a novel treatment for CBS-deficiency induced metabolic osteoporosis.
Raman spectral analyses of amino acids in life processes

Amino acids are the basic “building blocks” of peptides and proteins and play important roles in the physiological processes of all species. In this study, we simulated the Raman spectrum of Glycine, Tyrosine and Phenylalanine using General Atomic and Molecular Electronic Structure System (GAMESS) and Gaussian, two computational codes that perform calculations of electronic and vibrational properties of molecules. Through our work, strong bands with N-H and O-H bonds and with benzyl ring were pinpointed and identified. Our work presents insights into the importance of intermolecular bonding of amino acids in the life and physiological processes, including metabolism, signal transduction, and neurotransmission etc.
Local Tissue Response to Subcutaneous Administration of Ceftriaxone in an Animal Model.

Subcutaneous administration is a novel way to deliver antibiotics for an infection, but intolerability has been reported. Evaluating the local tolerability of subcutaneously administered antibiotics is not standardized. The goal of this study was to develop an animal model to assess the subcutaneous administration of ceftriaxone. Sprague-Dawley rats were given daily subcutaneous injections for 12 days. The back of each animal was divided into 4 quadrants, with injections rotating each day among the quadrants. Ceftriaxone (1,000 mg/kg of body weight daily) was given in different concentrations and durations. Normal saline and potassium chloride solutions (2 meq/2 ml) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. After the treatment course, skin samples were biopsied, and the local inflammatory response was assessed histologically using a semiquantitative scoring system. The histopathology scores were compared using a Kruskal-Wallis test. Injections with potassium chloride resulted in full-thickness skin necrosis with subcutaneous atrophy that was not seen in the saline-injected animals; inflammation of the muscular panniculus was observed, with various degrees of myocyte injury. Serosanguinous cavity formation in the subcutaneous compartment was observed when ceftriaxone (125 mg/ml) was given as a bolus injection, but the extent of the local tissue response was remarkably reduced when the same ceftriaxone dose was given at a lower concentration (25 mg/ml) over 120 min (P = 0.63, compared to saline controls). At a low concentration, ceftriaxone infusion was found to be well tolerated in this animal tissue necrosis model. If validated, the model could be an instrumental platform to evaluate different pharmaceutical formulations for subcutaneous delivery.
Fault-Tolerant Control of Discrete-Event Systems With Controllability Failures

A supervisory policy controls a Discrete-Event System (DES) by appropriately disabling a subset of events, known as controllable events , based on the observed event string generated by the supervised DES thus far. We consider supervisory control of DES in the presence of an extraneous fault that renders an arbitrary subset of controllable events to be temporarily uncontrollable. The fault is detected at the first occurrence of a controllable event that was disabled by the supervisor. It is rectified after finitely-many such unintended occurrences of controllable events following which the supervisor regains control of all controllable events and can prevent them from occurring when deemed necessary. We present a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a supervisor that enforces a desired language specification in the paradigm of Ramadge and Wonham, under the fault semantics described above. We also prove that such a supervisor, if it exists, can always be synthesized if the language of the plant and the specification is regular .
Apoptotic endometrial caspase-3 mediated phospholipase a2 activation, a critical component in programing uterine receptivity.

The objective of this study was to determine the consequence of uterine apoptotic caspase-3 activation on day 1 post coitus (dpc) in the pregnant mouse. We previously demonstrated that during pregnancy uterine caspase-3 activation isolated to the myometrial compartment is largely non-apoptotic and controls uterine quiescence. In this study we determined that uterine caspase-3 activation on 1 dpc may play a critical role in regulating endometrial PGE2 synthesis though iPLA2 activation. These analyses provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms that regulate previously reported increases in endometrial PGE2 synthesis in very early pregnancy, that act to enhance uterine receptivity. We have identified the site and impact of that uterine apoptotic caspase-3 activation utilizing uteri isolated from non-pregnant control animals at estrous and diestrous and from control pregnant mice at 1-19 dpc. In addition, uteri were isolated from non-ligated controls (GD), unilateral (UL) and bilateral ligated (BL) uterine horn mouse models at 1, 3 and 6 dpc. Uteri were examined for apoptotic indices, such as caspase-3 activation and TUNEL staining. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to identify the site of apoptotic caspase-3 activation. The presence of the truncated form of phospholipase A2 (tiPLA2) was examined as a measure of apoptotic caspase-3 mediated iPLA2 activation. Our analysis determined that apoptotic caspase-3 and iPLA2 activation were limited to the endometrial compartments of the control and unilateral uteri on 1dpc and were not found in the bilateral ligated uterine horn on 3 or 6 dpc. Our data indicates that the presence of a conceptus on 1 dpc triggers an increase in endometrial apoptotic caspase-3 mediated iPLA2 activation. iPLA2 when activated causes the hydrolysis of fatty acids resulting in arachidonic acid release and production of PGE2, which in early pregnancy has been demonstrated to act in a leutoprotective manner, prolonging progesterone synthesis and promoting uterine receptivity.
Associations of spousal communication with contraceptive method use among adolescent wives and their husbands in Niger.

Objectives This study aims to examine associations between spousal communication about contraception and ever use of modern contraception, overt modern contraceptive use (with husband's knowledge), and covert modern contraceptive use (without husband's knowledge) among adolescent wives and their husbands in Niger. Study design Cross-sectional data, from the Reaching Married Adolescents Study, were collected from randomly selected adolescent wives (ages 13-19 years) and their husbands from 48 randomly selected villages in rural Niger (N = 1,020 couples). Logistic regression models assessed associations of couples' reports of spousal communication about contraception with wives' reports of contraception (overall, overt, and covert). Results About one-fourth of adolescent wives and one-fifth of husbands reported spousal communication about contraception. Results showed couples' reports of spousal communication about contraception were positively associated with ever use of modern contraception. Couples' reports of spousal communication about contraception were negatively associated with covert modern contraceptive use compared to overt use. Wives' reports of spousal communication were marginally associated with covert use compared to no use but husbands' reports were not. Conclusion Among a sample of couples in Niger, spousal communication about contraception was positively associated with modern contraceptive use (compared to no use) and negatively with covert use (compared to overt use) but wives' and husbands' reports showed differential associations with covert use compared to no use. Since there is little understanding of couple communication surrounding covert contraceptive use decisions, research should focus on characterizing content and context of couple communication particularly in cases of disagreement over fertility decisions.
Role of Trauma-Informed Care in Disasters

Direct practice is the application of theory and/or methods to the resolution and prevention of psychosocial problems experienced by individuals, families, and groups. In this chapter, I discuss trauma-informed care as a direct practice intervention for disasters. I focus on natural disasters such as fires, hurricanes, and floods, acknowledging that some disasters are man-made and some are a combination. Trauma-informed care is not intended to diagnose or treat trauma-related conditions. Instead, trauma-informed care is a universal precautions approach (Kusmaul & Anderson, 2018) that treats all survivors as if they might have adverse effects from traumatic events that are both known and unknown but may be affecting survivors and responders either way (Bloom, Creating sanctuary: Toward the evolution of sane societies (Revised Edition). New York: Routledge, 2013). This chapter begins with disaster risks in specific communities and globally, trauma-related psychological conditions, and the components of trauma-informed care: safety; trustworthiness and transparency; peer support; collaboration and mutuality; empowerment, voice, and choice; and cultural, historical, and gender issues (SAMHSA, SAMHSA’s concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14-4884. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014). Then existing evidence on the benefits of trauma-informed care is reviewed. The conclusion focuses on the need for trauma-informed approaches in disaster response and recovery. Trauma-informed care is important for improving psychosocial outcomes of everyone impacted by disasters, including those with past traumatic experiences.
Faculty Disclosure of Personal Mental Health History and Resident Physician Perceptions of Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness.

Problem Distress, depression, and burnout are common during medical training. Stigma surrounding seeking help for mental illness during medical training may involve fear of negative peer perceptions, academic jeopardy, and adverse future career consequences. Faculty disclosure of personal mental health illness may reduce stigma surrounding mental health disorders and reassure and encourage trainees to seek help when needed. Approach The authors aimed to assess the impact of faculty disclosure of mental health issues on stigma toward help-seeking during training, self-reflection about mental health, and resident physician awareness of mental health resources. Three self-selected faculty members shared their personal experiences with depression and mental health during a confidential noon conference intended for internal medicine residents at Mayo Clinic Rochester as part of their core curriculum in December 2016. Institutional and community mental health resources were provided. After the conference, attendees completed an anonymous survey assessing self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding mental health during medical training. Outcomes One hundred percent of residents (39/39) agreed that they enjoyed the conference. Thirty-five of 39 (89.7%) respondents agreed that their knowledge of available mental health resources increased and 33/39 (84.6%) agreed they were more likely to pursue mental health resources after attending the conference. Thirty-eight of 39 (97.4%) residents agreed that faculty sharing their personal struggles destigmatizes mental health issues during training, and the same percentage reported engaging in postconference self-reflection regarding their own mental health and well-being. Next steps Resident conference sessions during which faculty self-disclose personal mental health experiences may help decrease the stigma of mental health issues during medical training and increase the likelihood residents will seek assistance when needed. The authors encourage further study of longer-term outcomes and actual help-seeking behaviors across learner levels and training environments.
Multiscale Manufacturing of Amorphous Alloys by a Facile Electrodeposition Approach and Their Property Dependence on the Local Atomic Order.

Metallic glasses are a unique class of materials combining ultrahigh strength together with plastic-like processing ability. However, the currently used melt quenching route to obtain amorphous all...
Demographics, aetiology and outcome of paediatric acute liver failure in Singapore.

Introduction The aetiology of paediatric acute liver failure (PALF) varies widely according to age, and geographic and socioeconomic factors. This study aimed to examine the epidemiology, aetiology and outcome of PALF in Singapore at a single centre. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients aged 0-18 years who were diagnosed with PALF from 2007 to 2019. PALF was defined by: absence of chronic liver disease; biochemical evidence of acute liver injury; and coagulopathy, non-correctible by vitamin K, defined as prothrombin time (PT) ≥ 20 seconds or international normalised ratio (INR) ≥ 2.0 regardless of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) or PT ≥ 15 seconds or INR ≥ 1.5 in the presence of HE. Results 34 patients were included. Median age at diagnosis was 10 months (range 7 days to 156 months). The top three causes of PALF were indeterminate (41.2%), metabolic (26.5%) and infectious (26.5%) aetiologies. A metabolic disorder was the most frequent aetiology in infants 12 months (50%). No cases of viral hepatitis A or B presenting with PALF were detected. Overall spontaneous recovery rate (survival without liver transplantation [LT]) was 38.2%, and overall mortality rate was 47.1%. Six patients underwent living-donor LT, and the post-transplant survival at one year was 83.3%. Conclusion The aetiologic spectrum of PALF in Singapore is similar to that in developed Western countries, with indeterminate aetiology accounting for the majority. PALF is associated with poor overall survival; hence, timely LT for suitable candidates is critical to improve survival outcomes.
Comparative Advantage in the Household: Should One Person Specialize in a Household’s Financial Matters?

This study examines if households experience utility gains by selecting one of its members to specialize in its financial management. Utilizing data that are collected from the Health and Retirement Study, a variable measuring households’ level of financial specialization (HFS) is first constructed. The HFS variable is examined for its association with household utility, measured in this study as financial satisfaction, income satisfaction, and life satisfaction. The evidence provided strongly indicates that a household that selects one of its members to specialize in its financial management experiences utility gains.