cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Energy and Angular Distributions of Electrons from Ion Impact on Atomic and Molecular Hydrogen. II. 20- 114-keV H + + H

Results of crossed-beam measurements of cross sections differential in ejected electron energy and angle for ionization of atomic hydrogen by 20--114-keV protons are reported. Secondary electrons were measured over an energy range of 1.5--300 eV and an angular range of 15[degree]--165[degree]. Atomic-hydrogen targets were produced in a radio-frequency discharge source with a dissociation fraction of about 74%. Ratios of cross sections for H targets to those for H[sub 2] targets were obtained from measurements on the mixed target. From these ratios, the measured dissociation fractions, and the absolute cross sections measured for H[sub 2] targets, the cross sections for H targets were determined. These measurements are compared with the results of the first-order Born approximation, the continuum-distorted-wave eikonal-initial-state approximation, and the classical trajectory Monte Carlo (CTMC) methods. Good overall agreement is found with the CTMC results, except for slow, backward electron emission. The addition of the classically suppressed dipole transitions from the Born approximation to the CTMC results yields a good estimate of the ejected electron spectrum.
Rearrangements of α-halosilanes induced by intramolecular nucleophilic attack at silicon

Abstract Migrations of organic groups from silicon to carbon are facilitated by intramolecular attack by alkoxide at silicon.
One Experience is Worth a Thousand Words: Engaging Undergraduates in Field Research on Gender

CONCEPTUALIZATION 3. Instructor lectures on different epistemological approaches and research designs. 9. Students discuss the data and offer interpreations. viewed an Oklahoma Supreme Court justice reported: My conversation with my female interview subject was a very positive experience. We had a great conversation about life, work, and family. I have never really given much thought to "mentoring" as a concept, but I certainly learned a lot in talking with her. Not to sound cliched, it was refreshing and inspiring to get advice from someone who has some of the same basic ideas as I do. She encouraged me to trust myself and my own decisions and to not be driven by the ideas that having money and a "five-year plan" are everything. While a positive experience, field research of this type can seem daunting since many students are not particularly proactive. The students complained of scheduling problems and expressed their general anxiety about interviewing public officials. Two missed appointments caused me some embarrassment. To insure a high level of participation, a teacher must have the resources or time to lay the groundwork for the project and be willing to do a lot of hand holding. Embarking on such a project requires planning, coordination, and administrative support that may outstrip available resources. The administrative details also limit the extent to which experiential learning can be pursued; undoubtedly a more extensive field experience of five or six interviews would have been even more beneficial for students. The logistics of a project that large are formidable, however.
Thermal modeling of selective area laser deposition of titanium nitride on a finite slab with stationary and moving laser beams

Abstract A thermal model of selective area laser deposition of titanium nitride on a finite slab under irradiation by a stationary or a moving laser beam is presented in this paper. Heat transfer in the substrate and gases, the chemical reaction on the substrate’s top surface, and the mass transfer of gases in the chamber were taken into account in the model. For the cases of the stationary laser beam, the predicted deposited film profile was in good agreement with the experimental results. For the cases of the moving laser beam, the deposited film became higher and wider when the scanning velocity was decreased or the laser power was increased. Because of the low sticking coefficient of TiN at high temperature, a groove appeared on the top of the deposited film when high laser power was applied.
The inventory of suicide orientation-30: Further validation with adolescent psychiatric inpatients

The present study examined the construct validity of the Inventory of Suicide Orientation-30 (ISO-30; King & Kowalchuk, 1994) with a sample of adolescent psychiatric inpatients. The ISO-30 is designed to assess five dimensions of risk factors related to suicide: hopelessness, suicide ideation, low self-esteem, inability to cope with emotions, and social isolation and withdrawal. Participants included 202 psychiatric hospitalized (106 boys, 96 girls) adolescents, ages 14 to 17 years. Confirmatory factor analyses provided support for the fit of the original five-factor oblique model. Reliability estimates of the study measures were adequate. Evidence of discriminant, convergent, and incremental validity estimates of the ISO-30 were strong. Contributions and limitations of the present findings are discussed.
Business Process Composition with QoS Optimization

One of the challenges in SOA is to provide an efficient and effective way to identify compatible Web service(s) and compose them into a service process that satisfies a user’s functional and non-functional needs. Quality of Service (QoS), like response time or throughput, might need to be optimized for the selected service process. This paper describes a system architecture and strategies Web services composition with QoS optimization. The strategies include a uniform cost backward search for optimizing response time and an improved greedy search for optimizing throughput.
Quantitative seismic geomorphology of a Quaternary leveed-channel system, offshore eastern Trinidad and Tobago, northeastern South America

This article documents the application of techniques in quantitative seismic geomorphology in quantifying the morphometrics and architecture of deep-marine leveed-channel systems within an about 10,000-km2 (3861-mi2) study area offshore eastern Trinidad, West Indies. The principal goal of this study is to assess the relationship, if any, between sea-floor morphology and channel and levee architecture and morphology toward the development of predictive models of reservoir distribution and channel-system morphology that might be applicable to the interpretation of these types of deposits in similar settings around the world. Seven channel systems, classed into three types, within a 200-ms interval of data immediately below the modern sea floor provided the data for analysis. Results suggest that local structural features and sea-floor slopes exert more influence on channel morphology and occurrence than do eustatic sea level factors. Sinuosities, channel widths, meander-belt widths (MBWs), and meander-arc height (MAH) all increase as the channel systems age. Slope and sinuosity are directly related to one another, with sinuosity increasing as slope increases. Levee heights and widths increase downslope in areas of lower slope gradients. Channel sinuosity, MAH, and MBW increase immediately downslope from localized diapirs, and channels appear to migrate updip over time because of regional inflation of distal arc prism areas. Diapirs and uplifts cause overbank splays to become more confined and cause levees to shorten and taper rapidly. Regional tilt to the south appears to affect accommodation, creating a sink for sediments near the toe of slope. Regional tilt also affects flow processes in the channels, causing an increased overbanking of flows toward the south, away from the plate margin, resulting in higher, wider levees on the south sides of the channels.
v-mos protein produced by in vitro translation has protein kinase activity.

The v-mos protein, termed p37v-mos, has a closely associated serine/threonine protein kinase activity. To provide further information about its protein kinase activity, we tested the activity of p37v-mos produced in a cell-free translation system from transcripts generated from a cloned v-mos gene. Anti-mos(37-55) immunoprecipitates of in vitro-produced p37v-mos were found to possess serine/threonine protein kinase activity, whereas those obtained with anti-mos(260-271), known to block v-mos autophosphorylation, lacked kinase activity. The phosphorylated products were identical in size to p37v-mos and p43v-mos produced in protein kinase assays from Moloney murine sarcoma virus-infected cells expressing authentic p37v-mos. These results provide further proof that the protein kinase activity associated with p37v-mos is an intrinsic property of the v-mos gene product. This translation system also provides a useful experimental model to study the activation of the mos protein kinase. Thus, protein kinase assays performed on [35S]methionine-labeled p37v-mos produced p43v-mos at the expense of p37v-mos. Phosphatase treatment removed the p43v-mos species, resulting in increase of the p37v-mos-sized protein, confirming our previous interpretation that p43v-mos is a hyperphosphorylated form of p37v-mos. Images
Beyond supply and demand: A feminist-institutionalist theory of candidate selection

Dynamics of candidate selection are central to political representation. The dominant model used to study the case of women focuses on the supply of and demand for female aspirants. This article develops a critique of this approach, by drawing on two sets of theoretical tools: institutionalism and feminism. It subsequently elaborates an alternative perspective on candidate selection based on configurations of three kinds of gendered institutions: systemic, practical, and normative. The utility of this approach is then explored through three paired comparisons of cases in which quota policies have been introduced, disrupting some but not necessarily all aspects of gendered institutional configurations.
A differential absorption spectrometer for determining flash X-ray spectra from 10 to 2000 keV

A differential absorption spectrometer was developed and used on various bremsstrahlung sources (Pelletron, Saturn, and SPEED), with endpoint energies from 150 to 2000 keV. Spectral data were unfolded using response functions generated by TIGER and CEPXS/ONETRAN. Unfolded spectra are qualitatively in agreement with predicted spectra for steady-state bremsstrahlung sources from 150 DeV and 900 keV. Applications and limitations of the diagnostic are discussed, and modifications and simplifications are suggested. >
Long-Term Quantitative Results following Fundoplication and Antroplasty for Gastroesophageal Reflux and Delayed Gastric Emptying in Children

Abstract Background: The operative management of children with combined gastroesophageal reflux and delayed gastric emptying is controversial. This study measures the long-term follow-up of gastric emptying in children who have undergone gastroesophageal fundoplication combined with antroplasty. Methods: Fifteen randomly selected children with gastroesophageal reflux and scintigraphically demonstrated delayed gastric emptying underwent fundoplication and antroplasty. Each patient had another gastric emptying scintigraphic study performed an average of 3.6 years postoperation. Results: All patients reported improvement of their symptoms compared with before the operation, and none required further medical therapy for gastroesophageal reflux or experienced dumping syndrome. Eleven of the 15 patients had significant long-term improvement of their gastric emptying postoperatively. The mean percent of isotope meal remaining in the stomach at 90 minutes improved from 72% preoperatively to 40% postoperatively ( P = 0.0005). Conclusions: Gastric emptying in children with gastroesophageal reflux and delayed gastric emptying is significantly improved for several years in three-fourths of patients after fundoplication and antroplasty. Fundoplication and concomitant antroplasty are recommended for symptomatic children with documented gastroesophageal reflux and delayed gastric emptying.
Effectiveness and efficiency of RFID technology in supply chain management: strategic values and challenges

In this study, we examine the fundamental components of RFID technology in a comprehensive supply chain strategy that directly support the effectiveness and efficiency of supply chain management. We examine the appropriate business processes affected by the RFID technology, the required planning and examination for successful implementation, and many potential impacts on effectiveness and efficiency of supply chain management. We emphasize on business values and strategic advantages of RFID technology as well as the challenges and recommendations in adoption of the technology particularly when a company extends its supply chain to upstream suppliers and downstream customers, as their external integration needs to gain in capacity planning and in efficiency. Using four major supply chain processes, we highlight economic opportunities and challenges when planning and implementing RFID technology within an existing supply chain framework. We will focus on the capabilities of RFID in providing security, privacy, and integrity of supply chain processes while facilitating sharing information with upstream suppliers and downstream customers, developing alliances, establishing strategic alliances, and gaining competitive advantages.
Exposure in vivo to silica or lipopolysaccharide produces transient or sustained upregulation, respectively, of PYPAF7 and MEFV genes in bronchoalveolar lavage cells in rats.

A family of proteins containing PAAD [for PYRIN, AIM (absent in melanoma), apoptosis-associated protein speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain, and death domain] domain was found to be involved in modulating inflammatory responses, by its ability to regulate nuclear factor (NF)-κB and procaspase-1 activation. In this study, intratracheal instillation of silica in rats was found to produce transient upregulation of mRNA levels of the PAAD family of proteins, PYPAF7 (PYRIN containing Apaf1-like protein; Apaf stands for apoptosis activating factor) and MEFV (for Mediterranean fever), in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells. The levels were markedly elevated at 4 h, returning to basal levels by 24 h. In contrast, intratracheal instillation of LPS produced a sustained upregulation of the two genes in BAL cells. In vitro exposure of BAL cells to silica or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced no changes in the expression of these genes, indicating that silica or LPS exposure in vivo induces some f...
The effect of switch resistance on pipelined ADC MDAC settling time

The goal of this paper is to provide an intuitive approach to switch sizing in SC circuits, focusing primarily on the MDAC of a pipelined ADC. Theory and simulation show that properly choosing the switch resistances to create a critically damped system can reduce the settling time of the circuit.
A Subinhibitory Concentration of Clarithromycin Inhibits Mycobacterium avium Biofilm Formation

Mycobacterium avium causes disseminated infection in immunosuppressed individuals and lung infection in patients with chronic lung diseases. M. avium forms biofilm in the environment and possibly in human airways. Antibiotics with activity against the bacterium could inhibit biofilm formation. Clarithromycin inhibits biofilm formation but has no activity against established biofilm.
The (End of) Washington Consensus and Regime Transitions in the Post-Globalization Era: The Case of Tanzania Coffee Industry Policy

Throughout the 1990s proponents of the ﾑWashington Consensusﾒ promoted the idea of a positive relationship between economic liberalization and democracy. Adherents of this perspective argued that the introduction of market forces democracy would shift the balance of power away from the state towards civil society. However, recent experiences in many transitional suggests that liberal politics and economics has done more to entrench incumbent elites, stregnthen and weaken political opposition. This research seeks to understand why many governments have reached this stalemate in the liberalization process by analyzing the social origins of emerging political regimes by examining the local, national and international forces involved in developing Tanzania's Coffee Industry Policy. Towards this end, this research will propose an empirical political economy model that views institutional outcomes as a result of shifts in power relations between local and national state and non-state institutions, information asymmetries, and oligopolistic behavior of non-state actors. It is argued that this research will shed light on the relationship between market liberalization and democratic development, the origins of the present economic structure and political regime, the divided character of the ruling elite, the role of the state, and the impact of informal institutions on formal institutional outcomes.
The Man in the Mirror: Reflections on Authenticity and Visibility in the Clinical Relationship

In this essay, the author explores themes of self-disclosure, transparency, and the clinical use of self. Through the lens of the author's experiences as a transgender male therapist who transitioned while in clinical practice, the essay examines how clients responded to this disclosure and how it affected the clinical relationship and work. This essay was originally delivered as the keynote address for the Transgender Clinical Symposium, New York, on February 20, 2010.
Quantum-Size Variation in Optical Transition Energies of CdTe Crystals in Glass

We examine the effects of finite crystallite size on the energies of optical transitions originating from states located at two different critical points of the semiconductor Brillouin zone. Using a versatile, dual source, R.F. sputtering technique, CdTe-glass composite thin films have been produced possessing average crystal sizes ranging from 24 to 125 A in films containing up to 30 vol% semiconductor. Analysis of quantum-size induced transition energy shifts, monitored by optical absorption, indicates the persistence of significant Coulomb interactions between carriers at the gamma point of CdTe in crystallite sizes 0.3 times the size of the bulk exciton. L-point transition energy shifts support the existence of 2-D bound electron-hole pair states whose center-of-mass motion is confined in the semiconductor crystals.
Synthesis and characterization of new fluoride-containing manganese vanadates A 2 Mn 2 V 2 O 7 F 2 (A=Rb, Cs) and Mn 2 VO 4 F

Abstract Large single crystals of A2Mn2V2O7F2 (A=Rb, Cs) and Mn2VO4F were grown using a high-temperature (~600 °C) hydrothermal technique. Single crystal X-ray diffraction and powder X-ray diffraction were utilized to characterize the structures, which both possess MnO4F2 building blocks. The A2Mn2V2O7F2 series crystallizes as a new structure type in space group Pbcn (No. 60), Z=4 (Rb2Mn2V2O7F2: a=7.4389(17) A, b=11.574(3) A, c=10.914(2) A; Cs2Mn2V2O7F2: a=7.5615(15) A, b=11.745(2) A, c=11.127(2) A). The structure is composed of zigzag chains of edge-sharing MnO4F2 units running along the a-axis, and interconnected through V2O7 pyrovanadate groups. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements on this interesting one-dimensional structural feature based on Mn2+ indicated that Cs2Mn2V2O7F2 is antiferromagnetic with a Neel temperature, TN=~3 K and a Weiss constant, θ, of −11.7(1) K. Raman and infrared spectra were also analyzed to identify the fundamental V–O vibrational modes in Cs2Mn2V2O7F2. Mn2(VO4)F crystalizes in the monoclinic space group of C2/c (no. 15), Z=8 with unit cell parameters of a=13.559(2) A, b=6.8036(7) A, c=10.1408(13) A and β=116.16(3)°. The structure is associated with those of triplite and wagnerite. Dynamic fluorine disorder gives rise to complex alternating chains of five-and six-coordinate Mn2+. These interpenetrating chains are additionally connected through isolated VO4 tetrahedra to form the condensed structure.
Effects of cervical arthroplasty on neck response during a simulated rotary-wing aircraft impact

A computational finite element analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of C5-6 cervical total disc replacement (CTDR) on cross-sectional neck loading and cervical spine kinematics during a simulated rotary-wing aircraft ground impact. The neck of a human body finite element model was modified to include a C5-6 interbody arthroplasty with either a Prestige ST or ProDisc-C CTDR. The adjacent-level, cross-sectional loading for the C5-6 segment was not greatly altered by the CTDRs, as indicated by CORrelation and Analysis (CORA) ratings of 0.988 for the Prestige ST and 0.909 for the ProDisc-C. The CTDRs increased the interbody range of motion, altering both the interbody and cervical facet loading. While the facet capsules experienced increased tension in both CTDR simulations, established injury threshold levels were not reached. Overall, cervical arthroplasty at the C5-6 level did not appear to have a deleterious effect on the dynamic neck response during a simulated rotary-wing aircraft impact.
Inhibition of human lymphocyte blast transformation by streptolysin O.

Abstract Streptolysin O in the hemolytically active form failed to stimulate in vitro lymphocyte blast transformation as measured by thymidine uptake, while streptolysin O inactivated by heating or cholesterol did stimulate thymidine uptake. Hemolytically active streptolysin O was a very effective inhibitor of phytohemagglutinin-induced lymphocyte transformation, but only when the cells were treated first with streptolysin O. Lymphocytes from a PPD-sensitive donor could not be transformed by PPD when pretreated with streptolysin O. The levels of streptolysin O necessary to block transformation (0.5 to 2.0 HU per milliliter) had no measurable effect on cell viability as measured by Evans-Blue dye uptake and did not cause lysis of lymphocytes.
The Eisenhower/Khrushchev rhetorical compact: Toward a model of cooperative public discourse

One important problem faced by public speakers is rhetorical situations characterized by a multiplicity of rhetors and audiences. The public speaker is not only speaking to the immediate audience but is also speaking to a larger audience of “rhetorical players” who will potentially respond with public statements or symbolic actions of their own. In situations involving interdependent goals, speakers can potentially “hold each other hostage” by their ability to change the rhetorical context. Based on this dynamic, I argue that rhetors have incentive to engage in subtle rhetorical patterns of accommodation. Public speakers establish rhetorical process rules to coordinate action and meaning. The phenomenon of coordinated rhetorical rules is referred to as a “rhetorical compact.” An interpretive case study involving Dwight D. Eisenhower and Nikita S. Khrushchev illustrates the interactive aspect of rhetorical compacts and public policy. This analysis concludes that identification of compacts can help explain ...
On the Facts of the Text as the Basis of Human Communication Research

The notion of “text” has emerged as an important and controversial frame for postmodern social inquiry (see, for example, the collection of essays in Baynes, Bohman, & McCarthy, 1987). While offering a particular angle on “textuality” and building on Kenneth Burke’s (1954/1964) method of “indexing,” this essay argues for the literal application of “the text” to human communication research. In this line of argument, the predicament of the (social) researcher, as well as that of the social actor, is seen as being one of “intertextuality.” Such claims are advanced in the interest of bringing more closely together “humanistic” and “scientific” approaches to the study of human relations. The essay includes a critical-analytical illustration of Burkean indexing with respect to a historic document: the U.S. Catholic bishops’ 1983 pastoral letter, The Challenge of Peace.
The Historical Tradition of Case Reporting

The case report as we know it today has evolved over almost 4000 years. From the medical writings of the ancient Egyptian physician-priests, who mixed practical observation with magical beliefs, and the detailed and objective case descriptions of Hippocrates’ Epidemics, this chapter traces the key stages in the development of the modern case report. The works of Hippocrates, Galen, Rhazes, Avicenna, Lusitanus, Wang Ji, John Warren, James Parkinson, and William Osler illustrate the changing forms and functions of the case report from ancient times through the Dark Ages, the Enlightenment, the Scientific Revolution, and the beginnings of modern medicine. The twentieth century saw a tremendous surge in the publication of case reports focusing on new diseases, drug side effects, etiology and mechanisms of disease, therapy, prognosis, and education. In the 1980s and 1990s, the rise of evidence-based medicine and the impact factor led to a temporary decline in case report publication; since then, case reports have rebounded with the development of electronic case report journals, along with an increasing appreciation for the evidence value of case reports.
Virtual fixture assistance for needle passing and knot tying

Suturing is a challenging and highly dexterous task in minimally invasive surgery, even with the assistance of robotic surgical systems. In this work, we propose a simple yet versatile impedance virtual fixture framework, which can be applied on the master manipulator in a tele-operated robotic surgical system. With this framework, we further develop two types of virtual fixtures that assist with the needle passing and knot tying sub-tasks in suturing. The paper also presents the results of a 14-participant user study for both needle passing and knot tying sub-tasks, showing that virtual fixture assistance for novice users increases the needle passing exit point accuracy, reduces the number of errors (suture slip) in knot tying, and simultaneously decreases the task completion time and overall operator workload.
Conversion of Sweet Sorghum Bagasse into Value-Added Biochar

Sweet sorghum bagasse is an untapped resourceful carbon-rich material that can be thermochemically converted into value-added biochars. These biochars can be applied to the field as soil amendment for soil health enhancement, improved soil carbon content, water holding capacity, soil drainage and aeration, and plant and sugar yields. This study looked at four different varieties of sweet sorghum and processed their bagasse into biochars at low and high temperature (350 °C and 700 °C). The feedstock materials and respective biochars were chemically characterized for their nutrient content. Several physicochemical and adsorptive properties were also determined to ascertain their potential use as either adsorbents, soil amendment materials or as fuel sources, and compared with other plant and refinery wastes. No major differences were observed among the varieties in terms of resulting properties of the biochar; however, pyrolysis temperature affected biochar properties. Fuel value, fixed carbon, ash content and surface area increased with pyrolysis temperature. However, low-temperature biochars were better candidates as copper ion sorbents. Benefits of using sweet sorghum bagasse as value-added material are expected to help both sweet sorghum growers and processors through the production of value-added pyrolysis products, as well as enhancing the sweet sorghum industry’s role in renewable energy markets.
The effects of distractor sounds presented through bone conduction headphones on the localization of critical environmental sounds

Bone conduction headphones are devices that transmit sound through the bones of a listener's head rather than through the air in their outer ear. They have been marketed as a safer way to enjoy audio content while walking, jogging, or cycling. However, listening to distracting sounds over bone conduction may still disrupt a listener's awareness of their auditory environment. The present study investigated the nature of this interference with the faculty of sound source localization-a key prerequisite for generating situation awareness through audio. Participants sat in the middle of a circle of loudspeakers and listened for target sounds played from different directions. Each time they heard a sound, they responded by indicating what direction they judged the sound to have come from. Meanwhile, participants listened to distractor sounds played through bone conduction headphones. Participants heard (1) no distractor sounds, (2) a spoken story that they were instructed to ignore, and (3) the same spoken story that they were instructed to attend to. For conditions (2) and (3), some participants heard a version of the story with background music, while others heard the spoken story without the music. Participants had greater localization error in the distractor-present conditions. Additionally, participants who heard the spoken story with music exhibited greater localization error. However, there was no effect of whether participants ignored or attended to distractors. This pattern was attributed to masking effects, and was more pronounced for narrow-band targets compared to broadband targets. Post-hoc analyses found evidence of a 'pulling' effect, in which localization judgments were systematically biased toward the apparent direction of the bone conducted distractors. These results indicate that using bone conduction headphones can be expected to cause a decline in a person's awareness of their environment, in a subtle way that a jogger or cyclist might not be actively aware of, even if their attention is directed to the environment and environmental sounds are readily detectible.
Impacts of soil incorporation of pre-incubated silica-rich rice residue on soil biogeochemistry and greenhouse gas fluxes under flooding and drying

Incorporation of silica-rich rice husk residue into flooded paddy soil decreases arsenic uptake by rice. However, the impact of this practice on soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and elemental cycling is unresolved particularly as amended soils experience recurrent flooding and drying cycles. We evaluated the impact of pre-incubated silica-rich rice residue incorporation to soils on pore water chemistry and soil GHG fluxes (i.e., CO2, CH4, N2O) over a flooding and drying cycle typical of flooded rice cultivation. Soils pre-incubated with rice husk had 4-fold higher pore water Si than control and 2-fold higher than soils pre-incubated with rice straw, whereas the pore water As and Fe concentrations in soils amended with pre-incubated straw and husk were unexpectedly similar (maximum ~0.85μM and ~450μM levels, respectively). Pre-incubation of residues did not affect Si but did affect the pore water levels of As and Fe compared to previous studies using fresh residues where straw amended soils had higher As and Fe in pore water. The global warming potential (GWP) of soil GHG emissions decreased in the order straw (612±76g CO2-eqm-2)>husk (367±42gCO2-eqm-2)>ashed husk=ashed straw (251±26 and 278±28gCO2-eqm-2)>control (186±23gCO2-eqm-2). The GWP increase due to pre-incubated straw amendment was due to: a) larger N2O fluxes during re-flooding; b) smaller contributions from larger CH4 fluxes during flooded periods; and c) higher CH4 and CO2 fluxes at the onset of drainage. In contrast, the GWP of the husk amendment was dominated by CO2 and CH4 emissions during flooded and drainage periods, while ashed amendments increased CO2 emissions particularly during drainage. This experiment shows that ashed residues and husk addition minimizes GWP of flooded soils and enhances pore water Si compared to straw addition even after pre-incubation.
Flash-and-Freeze: A Novel Technique to Capture Membrane Dynamics with Electron Microscopy

Cells constantly change their membrane architecture and protein distribution, but it is extremely difficult to visualize these events at a temporal and spatial resolution on the order of ms and nm, respectively. We have developed a time-resolved electron microscopy technique, "flash-and-freeze," that induces cellular events with optogenetics and visualizes the resulting membrane dynamics by freezing cells at defined time points after stimulation. To demonstrate this technique, we expressed channelrhodopsin, a light-sensitive cation channel, in mouse hippocampal neurons. A flash of light stimulates neuronal activity and induces neurotransmitter release from synaptic terminals through the fusion of synaptic vesicles. The optogenetic stimulation of neurons is coupled with high-pressure freezing to follow morphological changes during synaptic transmission. Using a commercial instrument, we captured the fusion of synaptic vesicles and the recovery of the synaptic vesicle membrane. To visualize the sequence of events, large datasets were generated and analyzed blindly, since morphological changes were followed in different cells over time. Nevertheless, flash-and-freeze allows the visualization of membrane dynamics in electron micrographs with ms temporal resolution.
Engaging the Organic Conventionalization Debate

Organic agriculture in the US emerged in California in the 1960s as part of the environmental social movement response to the negative externalities of industrialism (Belasco 1989). The first organic standard developed in California in 1990 is the model for the US standard (Guthman 2004a). Although opposed by conventional agriculture, organics is now part of the mainstream, available in the majority of supermarkets. The success of organics is a great victory for the environmental movement and other critics of conventional agriculture. Sociologically, the success is problematic due to conventionalization, or the process whereby organics takes on many of the characteristics of mainstream agriculture regarding scale and structure. The scholarly discussion regarding the extent and implications of conventionalization has generated a substantial literature in agrifood studies.
Intra-islet endothelial cell and β-cell crosstalk: Implication for islet cell transplantation

The intra-islet microvasculature is a critical interface between the blood and islet endocrine cells governing a number of cellular and pathophysiological processes associated with the pancreatic tissue. A growing body of evidence indicates a strong functional and physical interdependency of β-cells with endothelial cells (ECs), the building blocks of islet microvasculature. Intra-islet ECs, actively regulate vascular permeability and appear to play a role in fine-tuning blood glucose sensing and regulation. These cells also tend to behave as "guardians", controlling the expression and movement of a number of important immune mediators, thereby strongly contributing to the physiology of islets. This review will focus on the molecular signalling and crosstalk between the intra-islet ECs and β-cells and how their relationship can be a potential target for intervention strategies in islet pathology and islet transplantation.
Shared decision making and time to exacerbation in children with asthma.

ABSTRACTObjective: Although shared decision making (SDM) is a promising approach for improving outcomes for patients with chronic diseases, no evidence currently supports the use of SDM to delay asthma exacerbations. We evaluated the impact of an SDM intervention implemented by providers in a real-world setting on time to exacerbation in children with asthma. Methods: This study used a prospective cohort observed between 2011 and 2013 at five primary care practices that serve vulnerable populations (e.g., Medicaid and uninsured patients) in Charlotte, NC. Patients aged 2 to 17 receiving SDM were matched to those receiving usual care using propensity scores. Time to asthma exacerbation (asthma hospitalization, emergency department visit or oral steroid prescription in the outpatient setting) was compared between groups using Kaplan–Meier curves and conditional Cox proportional hazards models. Results: The cohort included 746 children, 60.5% male and 54.2% African American, with a mean age of 8.6 years. Of ...
Response by Nallamothu and Hill to Letter Regarding Article, “Preprints and Cardiovascular Science: Prescient or Premature?”

We thank Dr Katritsis for his letter on our article on preprints recently published in Circulation and Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes .1,2 We agree with many of his points. Like him, we recognize that we now live in a revolutionary era and the new digital world calls for adaptation beyond old models that have been in place for centuries. Where we tend to disagree, however, is with the potential implications of preprints …
Teaching Complex Ecological Concepts Through a Demonstration Garden: Biodiversity, Invasive Species, and Conservation in Practice

Biodiversity encompasses the variety within and between species in an environment. Native communities host a diverse array of species and interactions among members. Invasions by non-native species reduce biodiversity and a community9s ability to support diverse assemblages, and are among the largest drivers of modern species extinctions. The Keep It Native Demonstration (KIND) Garden demonstrates the differences between invaded and intact plant communities. Utilizing this resource, we developed an inquiry-based activity for grades 5–7 that focused on observational data. Student groups recorded the number of animal and plant species in multiple habitat types. We then compiled data from the separate groups and averaged the number of species observed in each habitat type. The results were graphed to enable students to visualize the differences in species diversity among habitats. This exercise illustrated differences in species richness and diversity between invaded and native plant dominated areas, and allowed students to begin initial data interpretation. We provide methods for this activity, strategies for implementing the activity on other sites, and adaptations to accommodate different grade levels and the associated Next Generation Science Standards.
Nanospray desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of untreated and treated probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri cells

Mass spectrometry has proven to be a useful technique for rapid identification of bacterial cells. Among various ionization techniques in mass spectrometry, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) has been commonly used for the identification of bacterial cells. Recently, MALDI mass spectrometry has also been utilized to distinguish cellular responses. Ambient ionization techniques do support whole bacterial cell analysis, which include desorption electrospray ionization (DESI). Nanospray DESI (nDESI) is a new variant of DESI, and its application to whole-cell mass spectrometry is limited. In this project, the use of nDESI mass spectrometry to measure probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri (LR) cells is explored. A unique and reproducible mass spectral pattern of untreated LR cells was obtained by using 50% methanol/water as nDESI solvent. The use of nDESI mass spectrometry is further extended to distinguish untreated LR cells from treated LR cells that have been exposed to low pH. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using nDESI in whole-cell mass spectrometry.
Ways of Knowing as Learning Styles: Learning MAGIC with a Partner

Ninety-six pairs of college students, relatively unacquainted with one another were asked to learn a novel and complex fantasy card game in a 50-min videotaped session, using first a scripted set of turns and written explanations of game rules and procedures, then playing until the end of the session or until a clear winner emerged. They then filled out a series of rating scales about their perceptions of and reactions to the session and their partner. Last, students filled out the Attitudes Toward Thinking and Learning Scale (ATTLS), a survey instrument that measures purported stable individual differences in epistemological approaches to learning and knowledge. Significant differences in perception of partners and the learning session were correlated with epistemological approach. Moreover, raters blind to students' epistemological approaches rated congeniality of the sessions differentially as function of the approaches of target students. Discrepancies between the partners' epistemological approaches led to differences in their ratings of their enjoyment of the learning session. Connected knowing (CK) and separate knowing (SK) differed as a function of participant's gender, as expected; however, scores were unrelated to any of the performance measures. This suggests once again that epistemological approaches do not affect the amount of learning that occurs, but rather the attitude a learner holds toward the process.
Human Experimental Pain Models 2: The Cold Pressor Model

The cold pressor test is a reliable pain model in which subjects submerge their hands and forearms into ice water while onset to pain, pain intensity, and tolerance are assessed. Although originally developed as a model for hypertension, the paradigm leads to development of reproducible pain responses allowing assessment to analgesic medications. However, analgesic variability to various medications has been observed. A recent study suggests that methodological discrepancies may contribute to such inconsistencies. The model may be more reproducible by utilizing consistent protocols.
The Ethnogonic Tales of the Türks

This article is a tour de horizon of the origin myths that were recorded in the Chinese dynastic and other historical works written during the Turk era (552–ca. 744) and in subsequent official hist...
Secondhand Exposure to Aerosols From Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Asthma Exacerbations Among Youth With Asthma.

Background Current research suggests an association between the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and asthma symptoms in youth, but little is known about the association of secondhand ENDS aerosol exposure and asthma control. The present study examines the relationship of secondhand ENDS aerosol exposure and asthma exacerbations among youth with asthma. Methods Youth who participated in the 2016 Florida Youth Tobacco survey (aged 11-17 years) with a self-reported diagnosis of asthma (N = 11,830) reported asthma attacks in the past 12 months, demographic characteristics, cigarette use, cigar use, hookah use, ENDS use, past 30-day secondhand smoke exposure, and past 30-day secondhand ENDS aerosol exposure. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between secondhand ENDS aerosol exposure and past 12-month asthma attack status, adjusting for covariates. Results Overall, 21% of youth with asthma reported having an asthma attack in the past 12 months, and 33% reported secondhand ENDS aerosol exposure. Secondhand ENDS aerosol exposure was associated with higher odds of reporting an asthma attack in the past 12 months, adjusting for covariates (adjusted OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.11-1.47). Conclusions Secondhand exposure to ENDS aerosols may be related to asthma symptoms in youth. Physicians may need to counsel youth with asthma regarding the potential risks of exposure. Future research is necessary to evaluate the longitudinal relationship between secondhand ENDS aerosol exposure and asthma control.
The mechanistic study behind suppression of GVHD while retaining GVL activities by myeloid-derived suppressor cells.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major barrier to the widespread use of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for treating hematologic malignancies. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been recognized as crucial immunosuppressive cells in various pathologic settings. Here, we investigated whether the unique functional properties of MDSCs could be harnessed to control allo-HSCT-associated GVHD. Using multiple murine GVHD/GVL models including both MHC-mismatched and miHA-mismatched, we demonstrated that treatment with CD115+ MDSCs efficiently suppressed GVHD but did not significantly impair graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) activity, leading to 80 and 67% protection in treated mice in GVHD and GVL models, respectively. The mechanism for this dissociation of GVHD from GVL, specifically the emergence of donor-derived NKG2D+ CD8 T cells with a memory phenotype in MDSC-treated recipient mice, was identified. NKG2D expression on donor T cells was required for eradication of allogeneic lymphoma cells. Furthermore, long-term surviving MDSC recipients that exhibited cytolytic activities against allogeneic leukemia cells had a significantly increased percentage of T regulatory cells and, more importantly, NKG2D+ CD8 T cells. These findings indicate that MDSCs can be used as a novel cell-based therapy to suppress GVHD while maintaining GVL activities through selective induction of NKG2D+ CD8 memory T cells.
GRP Model for Sensorimotor Learning.

Learning from complex demonstrations is challenging, especially when the demonstration consists of different strategies. A popular approach is to use a deep neural network to perform imitation learning. However, the structure of that deep neural network has to be ``deep" enough to capture all possible scenarios. Besides the machine learning issue, how humans learn in the sense of physiology has rarely been addressed and relevant works on spinal cord learning are rarer. In this work, we develop a novel modular learning architecture, the Generator and Responsibility Predictor (GRP) model, which automatically learns the sub-task policies from an unsegmented controller demonstration and learns to switch between the policies. We also introduce a more physiological based neural network architecture. We implemented our GRP model and our proposed neural network to form a model the transfers the swing leg control from the brain to the spinal cord. Our result suggests that by using the GRP model the brain can successfully transfer the target swing leg control to the spinal cord and the resulting model can switch between sub-control policies automatically.