cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Models for mass-independent space and energy focusing in time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Abstract Various models for improved resolving power in time-of-flight mass spectrometry have been considered. A model for dynamic post-source acceleration has been developed in an attempt to achieve mass-independent space and energy focusing. The model incorporates all pertinent parameters including the extraction voltage, the accelerating and field-free region lengths, and the dynamic acceleration function. Mathematical analysis and computer simulations based on equations from this model have been used to develop a new post-source acceleration technique. Simulations indicate that concurrent space and energy focusing is possible, and that unit resolving power can be achieved up to at least 2000 u using typical gaseous source conditions and readily attainable instrumental parameters.
Silver Nanoparticle Formation: Predictions and Verification of the Aggregative Growth Model

The mechanisms of growth of 5−30 nm silver particles produced from the reduction of silver perchlorate by sodium borohydride are explored. Evidence is provided that, within 5 s of mixing of silver perchlorate with borohydride, the concentration of ionic silver has dropped 2 orders of magnitude, initially resulting in the formation of ∼2.5 nm silver particles. We hypothesize that growth takes place over the next 20−50 min by an aggregative growth mechanism. This hypothesis is tested by comparing model predictions with experimental results of particle growth rates over a range of ionic strengths and reaction temperatures. The model assumes particles interact via electrostatic and van der Waals forces, and comparison of numerical solutions to population balance models for aggregation and coalescence demonstrates that particle growth rates and final sizes can be predicted with surface potentials within 20% of those previously reported under reaction conditions.
An 8 bit microprocessor identifies second order transfer functions

Using a hyperstable identification algorithm, this paper experimentally demonstrates the feasibility of real time system identification on an inexpensive 8 bit microprocessor.
Site-dependent inhibition of neuronal c-jun in the brainstem elicited by imidazoline I1 receptor activation: Role in rilmenidine-evoked hypotension

Abstract Clonidine (a mixed α 2 -adrenoceptor and imidazoline I 1 receptor agonist)-evoked hypotension was associated with dissimilar reductions in c-jun gene expression in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in normotensive rats. In the present study, we investigated the relative contribution of the α 2 -adrenoceptor vs. the imidazoline I 1 receptor to the reduction in c-jun gene expression in these two brainstem areas. In conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), equihypotensive doses of three centrally acting hypotensive drugs with different selectivity for the two receptors were administered intracisternally (4 μl) to limit their actions to the brain. As a control, a similar hypotensive response was elicited by i.v. hydralazine. Clonidine (0.5 μg), or α-methylnorepinephrine (α-MNE, 4 μg), a highly selective α 2 -adrenoceptor agonist, similarly reduced c-jun mRNA expression in the NTS and rostral ventrolateral medulla. In contrast, a similar hypotensive response (−37 ± 3.5 mm Hg) caused by the selective imidazoline I 1 receptor agonist rilmenidine (25 μg) was associated with reduction in c-jun mRNA expression in the rostral ventrolateral medulla, but not in the NTS. Further, intra-rostral ventrolateral medulla rilmenidine (40 nmol) reduced c-Jun protein expression in rostral ventrolateral medulla and blood pressure and both responses were antagonized by selective imidazoline I 1 receptor (efaroxan, 4 nmol), but not α 2 -adrenoceptor (SK&F 86466, 10 nmol) blockade. These results suggest: (1) the c-jun containing neurons in the brainstem are involved in the centrally mediated hypotension elicited by centrally acting antihypertensive agents, and (2) the α 2 -adrenoceptor modulates c-jun gene expression in the NTS and rostral ventrolateral medulla implicated in centrally mediated hypotension, and (3) the imidazoline I 1 receptor mediated inhibition of c-jun gene expression in the rostral ventrolateral medulla, but not in the NTS, contributes to the centrally mediated hypotension by the second generation drugs.
An APA-Informed Perspective on the Shortage of School Psychologists: Welcome Licensed Psychologists into the Schools (and Did We Mention Xeriscape Gardening Together?).

The authors were asked to respond to the shortage of school psychologists from the perspective of the Division of School Psychology of the American Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association (APA), and also chose to address the larger issue of the shortage and lack of accessibility of mental health services for children in the schools. We have recommended that licensed psychologists who want to provide psychological services in the schools have two options: (a) obtain the school psychology credential required by their state and work under the title of School Psychologist, and/or (b) obtain school practice competence and seek and create opportunities to practice psychology in the schools under their license as licensed psychologists. The joint document being developed in collaboration between the Division of School Psychology of the APA and the National Association of School Psychologists is one major step forward in addressing these recommendations. Further work is needed to delineate principles of “school practice competency.” We further foresee that by promoting and adopting a xeriscape model of schools, licensed psychologists and credentialed school psychologists can work together to expand the provision of educational, psychological, and mental health services in the schools to all children, guided by a model that stresses using scarce and precious resources wisely. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 41: 461–472, 2004.
The Structure of Context: Deciphering Frame Analysis

This article proposes that Goffman's Frame Analysis can be interpreted as a step toward unpacking the idea of context. His analysis implies a recursive model involving frames within frames. The key problem is that neither Goffman nor anyone else has clearly defined what is meant by a frame. I propose that it can be represented by a word, phrase, or proposition. A subjective context can be represented as an assembly of these items, joined together by operators such as and, since, if, not, and then. Furthermore, this model can be combined with the recursive levels of mutual awareness in earlier approaches to consensus. The combination would represent the intersubjective context: it can be used to find the minimum amount of background that would allow consensual interpretations of discourse. It could also construct a chain that links discourse to the institutional level, the micro-macro pathway from word and gesture to social structure. Goffman hinted that mathematical notation might be used to represent a f...
Capacity bounds for two-dimensional asymmetric M-ary (0, κ) and (d,α) runlength-limited channels

We present bounds on the two-dimensional capacity for two sets of symmetric and asymmetric M-ary runlength-limited constraints based on simple constructions. The bounds extend and generalize previous work on binary constraints.
Outcome of toddlers with specific expressive language delay

This article describes a follow-up of 25 boys diagnosed as having specific expressive language delay (SELD) in the 24- to 31-month age period. At the time of diagnosis, all subjects had Bayley MDI scores above 85, Reynell Receptive Language Age scores within 4 months of their chronological age, and Reynell Expressive Language Age scores at least 5 months below chronological age; most had vocabularies of fewer than 50 words and few if any word combinations. At follow-up, 16 boys were 3 years old, 7 were 3½, and 2 were 4 years of age. When seen for follow-up, half the 25 boys still had very poor expressive language. These boys were speaking at best in short, telegraphic sentences, and many had moderately severe articulation disorders with quite poor intelligibility. The 12 boys with better outcome had a range of language skills. All spoke in sentences to some extent, and each displayed some mastery of early morphemes (prepositions, plurals, articles, progressive tense, and possessives). However, few if any of the children spoke in completely fluent, syntactically complex, and morphologically correct language. Problems with copula and auxiliary verbs, with past tense inflections, and with pronouns seemed especially common. This research suggests that children with SELD at 24 to 30 months are at considerable risk for continuing language problems.
Characterization of basolateral-targeting signals in the neonatal Fc receptor

The neonatal Fc receptor, FcRn, transports proteins through cells, avoiding degradative compartments. FcRn is used in many physiological processes where proteins must remain intact while they move through cells. These contexts include the transport of IgG antibodies from mother to offspring, and the protection of IgG and albumin from catabolism. In polarized cell models, FcRn in the plasma membrane is predominantly at the basolateral surface. This distribution depends on two signals that overlap endocytosis signals. One of these signals resembles a YXXPhi motif, but with a tryptophan in place of the critical tyrosine residue; the other is a DDXXXLL signal. We examined the effects of mutations in and around these signals on the basolateral targeting of rat FcRn in rat inner medullary collecting duct cells. We also studied a second acidic cluster, Glu331/Glu333, some distance from either endocytosis signal. Some amino acid substitutions in the W-2 and W+3 positions disrupted the tryptophan-based basolateral-targeting signal without impairing its function in endocytosis. The tryptophan-based basolateral targeting and endocytosis signals are thus distinct but overlapping, as has been seen for collinear tyrosine-based signals. Surprisingly, the tryptophan-based basolateral-targeting signal required the aspartate pair of the dileucine-based signal. This acidic cluster, separated by two amino acids from the Phi residue of the tryptophan signal, is therefore a component of both of the basolateral-targeting signals. The acidic cluster Glu-331/Glu333 was not required for basolateral targeting, but its replacement reduced endocytosis.
Familial multiple coagulation factor deficiencies: new biologic insight from rare genetic bleeding disorders

Summary. Combined deficiency of factor (F)V and FVIII (F5F8D) and combined deficiency of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (VKCFD) comprise the vast majority of reported cases of familial multiple coagulation factor deficiencies. Recently, significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders. F5F8D is caused by mutations in two different genes (LMAN1 and MCFD2) that encode components of a stable protein complex. This complex is localized to the secretory pathway of the cell and likely functions in transporting newly synthesized FV and FVIII, and perhaps other proteins, from the ER to the Golgi. VKCFD is either caused by mutations in the c-carboxylase gene or in a recently identified gene encoding the vitamin K epoxide reductase. These two proteins are essential components of the vitamin K dependent carboxylation reaction. Deficiency in either protein leads to under-carboxylation and reduced activities of all the vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors, as well as several other proteins. The multiple coagulation factor deficiencies provide a notable example of important basic biological insight gained through the study of rare human diseases.
First evidence of fish larvae producing sounds

The acoustic ecology of marine fishes has traditionally focused on adults, while overlooking the early life-history stages. Here, we document the first acoustic recordings of pre-settlement stage grey snapper larvae (Lutjanus griseus). Through a combination of in situ and unprovoked laboratory recordings, we found that L. griseus larvae are acoustically active during the night, producing ‘knock’ and ‘growl’ sounds that are spectrally and temporally similar to those of adults. While the exact function and physiological mechanisms of sound production in fish larvae are unknown, we suggest that these sounds may enable snapper larvae to maintain group cohesion at night when visual cues are reduced.
Realizing Linear Controllers with Strong Derivative Actions using Sliding Mode Technique

A new method is developed to implement a linear continuous data controller using the sliding mode technique. One main advantage of this approach is that the controller can contain differentiators even in face of a substantial amount of output noise.
Patterns of maxillofacial injuries related to interaction with horses.

Abstract Purpose Studies of trauma patients have described patterns of injuries sustained from unfortunate encounters with large animals. However, the patterns of maxillofacial injuries have yet to be reported. The goal of this investigation was to describe and report on maxillofacial injuries that are associated with interaction with horses. Patients and methods Charts were selected from the trauma registry by E-code at a level 1 trauma center in Portland, OR. A retrospective review was performed on charts collected from the previous 5 years (1998–2002). Data were collected according to patient, pattern of injuries, and mechanism of injury. Results The 62 patients who were identified consisted of 15 males (24%) and 47 females (76%) and ranged in age from 1 to 83 years (average age, 32 years; most frequent age, 12 years). Most of the accidents occurred in the spring months and involved a horse known to the patient. The most common mechanism was falling from the horse. However, being kicked was correlated with a more serious injury ( P = .048). The most frequent injury was abrasion/contusion (24 [39%]), second were lacerations (20 [32%]), and third were fractures (18 [29%]). Fifty (81%) were not wearing helmets. Forty-six (74%) of the patients had other associated injuries. Conclusions In patients with facial injuries related to horses, younger females were the most frequently involved. Facial injuries were often associated with other types of injuries. Nearly a third of the facial injuries sustained were fractures. The percentage of riders without a helmet was high. However, in our patient population, wearing a helmet does not seem to add any protection to the face, and almost all of the accidents involved a horse known to the patient. More education aimed at horse owners regarding the use of helmets, proper handling and riding skills, and supervising young riders is encouraged to prevent further injuries.
Acute Renal Failure Associated with Vancomycin- and Tobramycin-Laden Cement in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Objective:To describe 2 cases of acute renal failure (ARF) associated with the use of antibiotic-laden cement incorporated in total hip arthroplasties (THA).Case Summaries:An 82-year-old female received a right THA with antibiotic-laden cement spacers. She developed ARF 5 months following implantation, concurrent with an elevated serum tobramycin concentration of 5.5 μg/mL. After explantation of the prosthesis and spacers, serum creatinine and antibiotic concentrations decreased to within normal limits. A 79-year-old male received antibiotic-laden cement spacers in a revision of his right THA due to infection. ARF developed 1 1/2 months after the revision; a serum tobramycin concentration was 2.9 μg/mL Serum creatinine and antibiotic serum concentrations decreased to within normal limits with explantation.Discussion:More than 250 000 joint replacements are performed yearly in the US. A common complication is infection, which occurs in 1–2% of primary replacements and 3–4% of revisions of previously infect...
Leucine and insulin activate p70 S6 kinase through different pathways in human skeletal muscle

Amino acids and insulin have anabolic effects in skeletal muscle, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. To test the hypothesis that leucine and insulin stimulate translation initiation in human skeletal muscle by phosphorylating 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70(S6k)), we infused healthy adults with leucine alone (n = 6), insulin alone (n = 6), or both leucine and insulin (n = 6) for 2 h. p70(S6k) and protein kinase B (PKB) serine(473) phosphorylation were measured in vastus lateralis muscles. Plasma leucine increased from approximately 116 to 343 micromol/l during the leucine-alone and leucine + insulin infusions. Plasma insulin increased to approximately 400 pmol/l during the insulin-alone and leucine + insulin infusions and was unchanged during the leucine-alone infusion. Phosphorylation of p70(S6k) increased 4-fold in response to leucine alone, 8-fold in response to insulin alone, and 18-fold after the leucine + insulin infusion. Insulin-alone and leucine + insulin infusions increased PKB phosphorylation, but leucine alone had no effect. These results show that physiological concentrations of leucine and insulin activate a key mediator of protein synthesis in human skeletal muscle. They suggest that leucine stimulates protein synthesis through a nutrient signaling mechanism independent of insulin, raising the possibility that administration of branched-chain amino acids may improve protein synthesis in insulin-resistant states.
Cytometric Analysis of Shape and DNA Content in Mammalian Sperm

Male germ cells respond dramatically to a variety of insults and are important reproductive dosimeters. Semen analyses are very useful in studies on the effects of drugs, chemicals, and environmental hazards on testicular function, male fertility and heritable germinal mutations. Sperm were analyzed by flow cytometry and slit-scan flow analysis for injury following the exposure of testes to mutagens. The utility of flow cytometry in genotoxin screening and monitoring of occupational exposure was evaluated. The technique proved valuable in separation of X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm and the potential applicability of this technique in artificial insemination and a solution, of accurately assessing the DNA content of sperm were evaluated-with reference to determination of X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm.
Parasite‐associated pathology of the dolphin fish, Coryphaena hippurus L., from Florida waters

. Eleven wild-caught dolphin fish (Coryphaena hippurus L.) from Florida waters and 16 of the same species from an experimental mariculture facility were examined for evidence of parasitic disease. Thirteen (48–1%) were found to be infected with parasites of the digestive tract. Adults of the digenean trematode Dinurus rornatus were present in the stomach and intestine. Invasive metacercarial stages of the same species were found encysted in the somatic musculature, pericardium and stomach wall. Metacercaria were associated with mild inflammatory cell infiltration of the musculature and gastric submucosa and, in one case, focal degeneration of the muscle fibres. In addition, invasive plerocercoidsof an unidentified cestode species occurred in the stomach and intestine of a moribund juvenile fish; the associated lesions included degeneration and ulceration of the gastric and intestinal mucosa, with haemorrhage and granuloma formation in submucosal tissues. These findings indicate that parasitic infection of the digestive tract can be a significant cause of disease in dolphin fish in Florida waters.
Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Practices and Attitudes among Primary Care Providers at an Academic Medical Center

Background: Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening reduces lung cancer–specific and overall mortality. We sought to assess lung cancer screening practices and attitudes among primary care providers (PCPs) in the era of new LDCT screening guidelines. Methods: In 2013, we surveyed PCPs at an academic medical center (60% response) and assessed: lung cancer screening use, perceived screening effectiveness, knowledge of screening guidelines, perceived barriers to LDCT use, and interest in LDCT screening education. Results: Few PCPs ( n = 212) reported ordering lung cancer screening: chest X-ray (21%), LDCT (12%), and sputum cytology (3%). Only 47% of providers knew three or more of six guideline components for LDCT screening; 24% did not know any guideline components. In multiple logistic regression analysis, providers who knew three or more guideline components were more likely to order LDCT (OR, 7.1; 95% confidence intervals, 2.0–25.6). Many providers (30%) were unsure of the effectiveness of LDCT. Mammography, colonoscopy, and Pap smear were rated more frequently as effective in reducing cancer mortality compared with LDCT (all P values < 0.0001). Common perceived barriers included patient cost (86.9% major or minor barrier), harm from false positives (82.7%), patients’ lack of awareness (81.3%), risk of incidental findings (81.3%), and insurance coverage (80.1%). Conclusions: LDCT lung cancer screening is currently an uncommon practice at an academic medical center. PCPs report ordering chest X-ray, a nonrecommended screening test, more often than LDCT. PCPs had a limited understanding of lung cancer screening guidelines and LDCT effectiveness. Provider educational interventions are needed to facilitate shared decision-making with patients. Impact: This study describes some of the first data available about PCPs' use of lung cancer screening tests since the publication of multiple professional guidelines endorsing LDCT. Knowledge gaps were identified that may hinder the uptake of evidence-based lung cancer screening guidelines. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(4); 1–7. ©2015 AACR.
The recent Arctic warm period

Arctic winter, spring and autumn surface air temperature (SAT) anomalies and associated sea level pressure (SLP) fields have decidedly different spatial patterns at the beginning of the 21st century (2000–2007) compared to most of the 20th century; we suggest calling this recent interval the Arctic warm period. For example, spring melt date as measured at the North Pole Environmental Observatory (2002–2007) is 7 d earlier than the records from the Russian North Pole stations (1937–1987) and statistically different at the 0.05 level. The 20th centurywas dominated by the two main climate patterns, the Arctic Oscillation/Northern Annular Mode (AO/NAM)and the Pacific North American-like (PNA*) pattern. The predominately zonal winds associated with the positive phases of these patterns contribute to warm anomalies in the Arctic primarily over their respective Eastern andWestern Hemisphere land areas, as in 1989–1995 and 1977–1987. In contrast, SAT in winter (DJF) and spring (MAM) for 2000–2007 show an Arctic-wide SAT anomaly of greater than +1.0°C and regional hot spots over the central Arctic of greater than +3.0°C. Unlike the AO and PNA*, anomalous geostrophic winds for 2000–2007 often tended to blow toward the central Arctic, a meridional wind circulation pattern. In spring 2000–2005, these winds were from the Bering Sea toward the North Pole, whereas in 2006–2007 they were mostly from the eastern Barents Sea. A meridional pattern was also seen in the late 1930s with anomalous winter (DJFM) SAT, at Spitzbergen, of greater than +4°C. Both periods suggest natural atmospheric advective contributions to the hot spots with regional loss of sea ice. Recent warm SAT anomalies in autumn are consistent with climate model projections in response to summer reductions in sea ice extent. The recent dramatic loss of Arctic sea ice appears to be due to a combination of a global warming signal and fortuitous phasing of intrinsic climate patterns.
Ranking academic impact of GIS research organizations in the United States: a bibliographic network analysis over 20 years

In the United States, geographic information system (GIS) has been widely used and researched in thousands of organizations, including academic institutions, government agencies, and businesses. Few efforts have evaluated how much impact an organization has on the research community. To fill this gap, I established collaboration and citation networks among 2394 US organizations and calculated their impact scores based on quantity, diversity, and spread of scholarly activities. I reported top-ranking organizations between 1992 and 2011 and identified spatio-temporal patterns of GIS growth over the United States. The results are valuable for organizations to assess their strengths and weakness and find a path to broaden the impact.
Characterization and Biological Significance of Immunosuppressive Peptide D2702.75–84(E → V) Binding Protein ISOLATION OF HEME OXYGENASE-1

Abstract This is the first report on peptidic inhibitors of heme oxygenase. Such peptides were originally developed from the immunomodulatory peptide 2702.75–84 which corresponds to amino acid residues 75 to 84 of the α1-helix of HLA-B2702 (2702.75–84) and has been shown to be immunosuppressive in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, 2702.75–84 inhibited cytotoxic T- and natural killer cell- mediated target cell lysis, andin vivo peptide therapy resulted in prolongation of heart and skin allograft survival in mice. The peptide was also shown to bind to heat shock protein 70. However, d-enantiomers of 2702.75–84 and derivatives thereof, while still being immunosuppressive, did not bind to heat shock protein 70. This study was designed to identify proteins binding to peptide D2702.75–84(E → V) (rvnlrialry) consisting of d-amino acids. Compared with 2702.75–84 (RENLRIALRY), glutamic acid residue 76 (E) was replaced with valine (V). Affinity chromatography using immobilized D2702.75–84(E → V) and mouse and human cell extracts, resulted in the isolation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Peptide D2702.75–84 inhibited HO activity in vitro in a dose dependent manner. Similar to what has been observed with other inhibitors of HO, administration of peptide into mice resulted in an up-regulation of HO-1 mRNA and protein, as well as enzyme activity in liver, spleen and kidney. Other peptides derived from 2702.75–84 with similar immunomodulatory activity displayed similar effects. In contrast, inactive derivatives of 2702.75–84 had no effect on HO activity. Therefore, the immunosuppressive effects of the described immunomodulatory peptides are similar to those of cobalt-protoporphyrin, a known up-regulator of HO-1. Our results suggest that HO-1 modulation may be a novel mechanism of immunomodulation.
Reaching learners beyond our hallowed halls

Rethinking the design of computer science courses and broadening the definition of computing education both on and off campus.
SimConnect and SimTalk for distributed cyber-physical system simulation

Real-time embedded and cyber-physical systems challenge simulation disciplines due to the heterogeneous tools used to model components in the system exploration and design phases. Termed “heterogeneity,” the mixed-model problem challenges multi-simulator coordination, where event causality must be preserved among simulators with different models of computation, signals, criteria for time advancement, and levels of abstraction. SimConnect and SimTalk enable heterogeneous, distributed, hardware/software co-simulation with a simplified backplane approach, emphasizing the simulation of software interacting with simulated world-model electrical, mechanical, and physical effects. The structure of SimConnect and SimTalk is described, adhering to the properties of a Kahn Process Network. Application of the tools to the coordination of three different simulators (TExaS, Ngspice, and Simulink) is presented to simulate closed-loop, hardware/software-based, Proportional-Integral-Derivative/Pulse-Width-Modulated contr...
Co-transplantation of endothelial cells with xenotransplanted human ovarian tissue improves primirdial follicles survival

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women aged between 20-38 years (300 infertile couples) presented to a university affiliated fertility center were approached to participate in the study. Only 150 couples that underwent ICSI for male factor infertility accepted to participate and 94 of them had retrieved enough FF samples suitable for laboratory testing. The FF sample was obtained, centrifuged, and stored in liquid nitrogen. The concentrations of four PCBs 28, 52, 138, 180 were estimated in the obtained FF samples using Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry. SPSS statistical analysis program (version 17) was used. Multiple regression analysis was used to correlate the PCBS to ICSI outcomes. RESULTS: Themean age of study participants was 31.5 6.2 years. Their body mass index (BMI) was 26.19 6.84, baseline FSH was 7.6 2.65, and Estradiol 59.3 10.5. There were significant negative correlations between the concentrations of the 4 PCBS and the endometrial thickness (Adjusted r 0.2, P 1⁄4 .0001). The higher PCB 28 concentration in the FF was associated with lower number of retrieved oocytes (adjusted r 0.07, P 1⁄4 0.0001). Moreover, fertilization and embryo cleavage rates were negatively correlated with PCB 180 FF concentration (adjusted r 0.07, P 1⁄4 0.001 and adjusted r 0.1, P1⁄40.002, respectively). The number of the implanted embryos was negatively correlated with PCB 52 FF concentration (adjusted r 0.2, P1⁄4 0.02). However the clinical pregnancy rate did not reach the level of significance. CONCLUSIONS: Higher concentrations of any type PCBs are associated with thinner endometrium. The higher the level of PCB 28 and 180 the lower the retrieval, fertilization and embryo cleavage rates. High PCBs concentration in the FF adversely affect embryological ICSI outcome. However, more data is needed to evaluate the PCBS effect on the clinical outcome.
Racial Group Membership and Multicultural Training: Examining the Experiences of Counseling and Counseling Psychology Students

This study documents various process elements of multicultural training from the perspective of counseling and counseling psychology students within the United States (US). Using a mixed-methods approach, findings indicate that racial group membership is an important variable that differentially impacts White students and students of Color while undertaking a multicultural counseling course. Results of a principal components analysis revealed four components associated with racial group membership, including negative racial experiences and salience of racial diversity. Findings from a grounded theory analysis identified five overarching themes including intense emotional experiences, representing one’s racial group, and issues of safety impacting course experience. Implications for training and future research are offered.
Binary Black Hole Mergers from Globular Clusters: Masses, Merger Rates, and the Impact of Stellar Evolution

The recent discovery of GW150914, the binary black hole merger detected by Advanced LIGO, has the potential to revolutionize observational astrophysics. But to fully utilize this new window into the Universe, we must compare these new observations to detailed models of binary black hole formation throughout cosmic time. Expanding upon our previous work [C. L. Rodriguez, M. Morscher, B. Pattabiraman, S. Chatterjee, C.-J. Haster, and F. A. Rasio, Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 051101 (2015).], we study merging binary black holes formed in globular clusters using our Monte Carlo approach to stellar dynamics. We have created a new set of 52 cluster models with different masses, metallicities, and radii to fully characterize the binary black hole merger rate. These models include all the relevant dynamical processes (such as two-body relaxation, strong encounters, and three-body binary formation) and agree well with detailed direct $N$-body simulations. In addition, we have enhanced our stellar evolution algorithms with updated metallicity-dependent stellar wind and supernova prescriptions, allowing us to compare our results directly to the most recent population synthesis predictions for merger rates from isolated binary evolution. We explore the relationship between a cluster's global properties and the population of binary black holes that it produces. In particular, we derive a numerically calibrated relationship between the merger times of ejected black hole binaries and a cluster's mass and radius. With our improved treatment of stellar evolution, we find that globular clusters can produce a significant population of massive black hole binaries that merge in the local Universe. We explore the masses and mass ratios of these binaries as a function of redshift, and find a merger rate of $\ensuremath{\sim}5\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{Gpc}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}{\mathrm{yr}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ in the local Universe, with 80% of sources having total masses from $32{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ to $64{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$. Under standard assumptions, approximately one out of every seven binary black hole mergers in the local Universe will have originated in a globular cluster, but we also explore the sensitivity of this result to different assumptions for binary stellar evolution. If black holes were born with significant natal kicks, comparable to those of neutron stars, then the merger rate of binary black holes from globular clusters would be comparable to that from the field, with approximately $1/2$ of mergers originating in clusters. Finally we point out that population synthesis results for the field may also be modified by dynamical interactions of binaries taking place in dense star clusters which, unlike globular clusters, dissolved before the present day.
Mapping QTLs for morpho-agronomic traits in proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is the cereal crop with the low water requirement and increasingly being used for human consumption. It is the most common rotational crop within wheat-based dryland production systems in the semiarid High Plains of the USA. However, there is no published genetic map for this species, which prevents the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL). The objectives of the present study were (1) construction of a genetic linkage map and (2) identification of DNA markers linked to QTLs for morpho-agronomic traits. A total of 93 recombinant inbred lines derived from a single F1 (“Huntsman” × “Minsum”) were genotyped with GBS-SNP markers and phenotyped for nine morpho-agronomic traits in the field during 2013 and 2014 at Scottsbluff and Sidney, NE. IciMapping v.4.0.6.0 was used for constructing a genetic linkage map and mapping QTL. The RILs exhibited significant variation for a wide range of traits, and several traits showed evidence of genotype × environment interactions. A total of 833 GBS-SNP markers formed 18 major and 84 minor linkage groups, whereas 519 markers remained ungrouped. A total of 117 GBS-SNP markers were distributed on the 18 major linkage groups spanning a genome length of 2137 cM of proso millet with an average distance of 18 cM between markers. The length and number of markers in each of the 18 major linkage groups ranged from 54.6 to 236 cM and 4 to 12, respectively. A total of 18 QTLs for eight morpho-agronomic traits were detected on 14 linkage groups, each of which explained 13.2–34.7 % phenotypic variance. DNA markers flanking the QTLs were identified, which will aid in marker-assisted selection of these traits. To our knowledge, this is the first genetic linkage map and QTL mapping in proso millet, which will support further genetic analysis and genomics-assisted genetic improvement of this crop.
Note on Involutions of the Nth Order

(1926). Note on Involutions of the Nth Order. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 33, No. 1, pp. 31-34.
Assessment of overall survival: Y-90 microspheres treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

209 Objectives The objective of this study was to assess overall survival of patients (pts) with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with Y-90 microspheres (SIR-Spheres or Therasphere). Methods 135 consecutive pts with unresectable HCC were treated with Y-90 microspheres. Pts were staged by Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) scores. Tc-99m MAA imaging was used to evaluate lung shunting and SPECT/CT was used for determination of the prescribed dose. Survival time in months was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results 70 pts (4 BCLC score A, 49 B, 17 C) underwent Therasphere treatment, and 65 pts (2 BCLC score A, 39 B, 23 C) underwent SIR-Spheres treatment. The median activities of SIR-Spheres and Therasphere delivered were 1.1 and 2.4 GBq, respectively. Pts treated with Therasphere had significant higher overall survival than those treated with SIR-Spheres (P=0.03). Overall survival between pts with stage A and B/C disease was not significant different, probably because of the small volume of stage A pts. Conclusions In pts with unresectable HCC, Y-90 Therasphere therapy shows significant survival improvement as compared with Y-90 SIR-Spheres.
Sphingomyelinase treatment of low density lipoprotein and cultured cells results in enhanced processing of LDL which can be modulated by sphingomyelin.

The addition of neutral sphingomyelinase from S. aureus to the medium of rat intestinal epithelial cell cultures (IEC-6) containing added human low density lipoprotein (LDL) resulted in two- to fivefold increases in LDL uptake and degradation. This overall effect was shown to be the combined result of sphingomyelinase activity on the composition of the LDL particle and a separate action directly on the cells when native LDL was incubated with sphingomyelinase from S. aureus followed by removal of the sphingomyelinase. Analysis of sphingomyelinase-treated LDL showed that > 95% of the sphingomyelin (SM) was hydrolyzed, but no changes were observed in all the other components of the LDL particle. This modified LDL particle (SM(-)LDL) was also bound and degraded at higher rates than control LDL in a variety of cell lines, e.g., HepG2, GM-43, and CHO-K1 cells. No evidence of increased aggregation of SM(-)LDL could be observed. The increased processing of SM(-)LDL was due to enhanced affinity to LDL receptors and not to an increase in LDL receptor number. When sphingomyelinase from S. aureus was added to the medium of IEC-6 or GM-43 cells, which were processing SM(-)LDL, further increases in SM(-)LDL processing were observed, which were primarily due to greatly enhanced cellular degradation of SM(-)LDL, with little change in receptor binding and cell association. Since there was little sphingomyelin remaining in SM(-)LDL, it was assumed that the action of sphingomyelinase on the cells resulted in the enhanced degradation. In support of this concept, previous addition of sphingomyelin to cells growing in lipoprotein-deficient medium followed by addition of SM(-)LDL greatly inhibited the degradation of the apolipoprotein of SM(-)LDL. On the other hand, addition of sphingomyelin concomitantly with SM(-)LDL did not inhibit degradation. These results are interpreted to indicate that there may be two pathways for cellular processing of sphingomyelin, one of which may be a determinant in the lysosomal processing of the apolipoprotein of LDL. In support of this concept, addition of desipramine, an inhibitor of lysosomal sphingomyelinase, to IEC-6 cells in culture greatly inhibited the degradation of 125I-labeled LDL without affecting the receptor binding and cell association. Overall, these results suggest that sphingomyelin may play a modulatory role in cellular cholesterol homeostasis by regulating uptake of LDL as well as LDL processing.
Improved TOPSIS Group Decision-making Approach and its Application to Warship Demonstration

In Multi-attribute group decision making,it is usually assumed that all the attributes are independent mutually.However in practice interactions often exist between some attributes.To deal with this problem,the concept ofλ-fuzzy measures is introduced,and a new TOPSIS group decision making algorithm is developed,in which the interactions between attributes can be described effectively.Hence,more reasonable result can be get based on this algorithm.An example of navy warship demonstration is given to validate the proposed method.
High strain-rate plastic deformation of molybdenum: Experimental investigation, constitutive modeling and validation using impact tests

Abstract In this paper, an experimental study on the quasi-static behavior and dynamic behavior of a polycrystalline molybdenum material is presented. Due to the material's limited tensile ductility, successfully acquiring data for impact conditions is very challenging. For the first time, Taylor impact tests were successfully conducted on this material for impact velocities in the range of 140–165 m/s. For impact velocities beyond this range, the very high tensile pressures generated in the specimen immediately after impact lead to failure. A constitutive model accounting for the key features of the Mo plastic behavior, i.e. its tension–compression asymmetry and plastic anisotropy was developed. An implicit solver was used to simulate the impact deformation. A good agreement was obtained between predictions and experimental outlines of the specimens. Furthermore, it was shown that the model can be used to gain understanding of the dynamic deformation process in terms of time evolution of the pressure, the extent of the plastically deformed zone, distribution of the local plastic strain rates, and when the transition to quasi-stable deformation occurs.
Literacy Is a Civil Write: The Art, Science, and Soul of Transformative Classrooms

This chapter explores a creative writing poem that places community-based poet-mentor educators into low-income middle and high school classrooms to devise curricula that excavates student experiences as a basis for learning. Building upon research on multiple literacies, my findings demonstrate that learning is a social practice, situated in the lives of students. To unearth young people’s capabilities, homegrown experts from the neighborhood shifted the classroom culture and opened the space up for courageous vulnerability and soul-stirring spoken word performance poetry. Throughout this process, young people and the teachers in this study came to use writing as an educational and emancipatory tool for reading the word, the world, and themselves anew. This form of social justice instruction turned nouns, like hope, into verbs for marginalized youth in the inner-city.
The Best Marketing Plans

WHILE RESEARCHING THIS BOOK, I asked dozens of marketers the same question: “ Tell me about the best marketing plan you have ever seen. What made it so good?” Whether they worked in pharmaceuticals or financial services or consumer packaged goods, whether they worked for a nonprofit or a for– profit organization, and whether they worked in the United States or Asia, their answers were all the same.
A Mathematical Architecture for Molecular Computing

Traditional computing uses transistors and binary logic in order to perform computing operations. This approach has proved successful as long as the number of transistors per integrated circuit can be scaled to accommodate increasing speed and heat requirements. Unfortunately, this approach does not allow speeds above the limit where the size of the transistors approaches the limit of the integrated circuit substrates' molecular size. In this condition, electrons cannot reliably be contained within the boundaries separating one transistor from the next and increasingly small circuits become impractical. The current solution to this dilemma is to increase the number of functional units on an integrated circuit and thereby eliminate the need for increasingly small transistors. However whether we increase the number of functional units or the speed, there are inherent limitations in the number of transistors we can put onto one chip. We therefore look to another functional approach to generate the next generation of integrated circuits. We therefore look to using the molecules and elementary particles themselves as a means of computation. In order to accomplish molecular computation we need to modify the model of traditional computation from a transistor based binary method to analog based arbitrary basis model. This approach is not unknown since optical computation among other has used analog processing for highly parallel computation. The issue with molecular and quantum computing methods has traditionally been that understanding the state the computing function itself is often subject to high degree uncertainty. This uncertainty is not unexpected since the number of possible states that can exist when electromagnetic energy interrogates a collection of molecules, atoms, or electrons is quite large. In order to develop a method of representing these states we use a partially observable Markov decision process. We will then develop a finite state machine approach to computation based on a model for our molecular or quantum system.
Kimberlite discoveries in NW Liberia: Tropical exploration & preliminary results

Abstract This report is brief in context and rich in unexpected discovery. With > 2 km of erosion, kimberlite models predict the near-complete removal of pipes with exposures to the pipe-root-zones of dikes. Exploration in NW Liberia has, indeed, uncovered eight kimberlite dikes (~ 10 m wide) but also an en echelon pipe, comparable in size to the Kimberley pipe and De Beers' pipe in South Africa. Discoveries are in a narrow 200–300 m wide valley of extraordinary thick bush, undergrowth, and organic overburden. Ilmenite and co-existing leucoxene were used as diagnostic tracers for detecting hard rock kimberlite in this tropical terrane. Micro-diamonds show that the redox state of ilmenite is a potentially useful proxy as an index for macro-diamond preservation. The tectonic control of kimberlites is complex, with diverse lithologies. Discoveries include a well-defined regional trend for kimberlite dikes along paleo-fracture zones, Precambrian in age (Liberia Trend), coupled with kimberlite dikes on the craton that are traced to Mesozoic oceanic transform faults (the Sierra Leone Trend). Although long predicted, this is the first report of kimberlite dike-trends in Liberia that are similar in orientation to those in Sierra Leone. An explosive blow on a Liberia-Trend dike demonstrates a similarity to the dynamics attendant in rich (50–500 cpht) diamond-bearing dikes in Sierra Leone, and in South Africa of comparable age. The potentially high grade dikes, along with the pipe (~ 500 × 50 m), now more reasonably accounts for the enormous number of alluvial diamonds (blood and non-conflict), recovered over more than seven decades, downstream from the discovery cluster. A neglected region since the classic work by Bardet (1974), and with few contributions on Liberia since then, an update is considered timely, particularly in the context of discoveries of diamond-bearing kimberlite.
Perioperative participation of orthopedic patients and surgical staff in a nasal decolonization intervention to reduce Staphylococcus spp surgical site infections

With the goal of reducing rates of surgical site infections in our spine patients, we initiated a trial to investigate the impact of adding perisurgical nasal decolonization involving patients and surgical and nursing staff. We combined immediate presurgical application of a nonantibiotic alcohol-based nasal antiseptic with existing chlorhexidine bath or wipes in a comprehensive pre- and postoperative decolonization protocol. Mean infection rates were significantly decreased by 81% from 1.76 to 0.33 per 100 surgeries during the 15-month trial, when compared with the prior 9-month baseline.