cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic Parameters and Prediction of Breeding Values in Switchgrass Bred for Bioenergy

Estimating genetic parameters is an essential step in breeding by recurrent selection to maximize genetic gains over time. This study evaluated the effects of selection on genetic variation across two successive cycles (C1 and C2) of a ‘Summer’x‘Kanlow’ switchgrass (L.) population. Two progeny tests were planted in 2007 and 2011 near Mead, NE and respectively analyzed for 2 and 4 yr. Each test was a randomized complete block design, with four replicates of 34 halfsib families in single-row plots of 10 seedlings in C1 and with three replicates of 111 halfsib families in single-row plots of five seedlings in C2. The C2 test included C0, C1, and parental populations for comparison. Multivariate mixed linear models revealed ample additive genetic variation for dry matter yield (DMY), Klason lignin (KL), and predicted ethanol yield (ETOH) in both cycles, with heritability ranging from 0.40±0.18 to 0.5±0.14 at the family level, from 0.22±0.17 to 0.36±0.22 at the individual level, and from 0.25 to 0.31 within family in C1. Matching values in C2 were: from 0.42±0.09 to 0.63±0.07, from 0.10±0.07 to 0.34±0.13, and from 0.12 to 0.48. More opportunity exists to improve DMY, with a coefficient of additive genetic variation of 11 to 32%, than KL (3–5%) or ETOH (3–6%). The traits were properly aligned for joint improvement for high DMY and reduced KL in C1, owing to favorable genetic correlations (=−0.33±0.11) and each having respective of 0.600.05 and −0.620.07 with ETOH. In C2, the between DMY and KL (−0.19±0.10) or ETOH (0.04±0.04) decreased towards zero, and that between KL and ETOH was moderately less negative (−0.35±0.15). These results suggest a strong genetic basis for improvement of the traits and monitoring of their patterns every cycle to find the proper weights that maximize the breeding goal of designing the ideal bioenergy switchgrass.
Abstract P197: Extracellular Ubiquitin Blocks CXCL12-Induced Proliferation of Cardiac Fibroblasts

CXCR4 receptors mediate in part hypertension-induced cardiac fibrosis. This suggests that endogenous CXCR4-receptor agonists stimulate cardiac fibroblast (CF) proliferation; however, this possibility is unexplored. Although CXCL12 (aka SDF-1α) is the best described endogenous CXCR4 agonist, ubiquitin 1-76 (U-76) exists in the extracellular compartment (10 to 100 nM) and is reported to be a CXCR4 agonist. Therefore, we investigated the ability of both CXCL12 and U-76 to stimulate growth of rat CFs. Low concentrations of CXCL12 (10 nM x 4 days) increased CF proliferation (from 38,973 ± 384 to 44,429 ± 774 cells/well, n=6, p 1-74 (U-74), a metabolite of U-76, inhibited the pro-growth effects of CXCL12 + sitagliptin 10-fold more potently than did U-76. CFs expressed insulin degrading enzyme (IDE) mRNA (qRT-PCR), protein (western blot), and activity (IDE activity assay) and inhibition of IDE with the newly discovered potent IDE inhibitor 6bK (1 μM) prevented U-76 from blocking the growth effects of CXCL12 + sitagliptin. Analysis by mass spectrometry (selected ion monitoring) demonstrated that CFs converted U-76 to U-74 and this conversion was attenuated by 6bK. Conclusions: CFs express IDE and therefore convert U-76 to U-74; U-74 blocks CXCR4 receptors thus protecting against CXCL12 + DPP4 inhibitor induced CF proliferation. Implications: In patients with low IDE activity (due to genes or drugs) who are treated with DPP4 inhibitors, U-74 (CXCR4 antagonist) levels would be low and CXCL12 (CXCR4 agonist) levels would be high, thus possibly creating a “perfect storm” for CF over-proliferation and cardiac fibrosis.
Phenetic and cladistic studies help clarify species assemblages in Passiflora section Dysosmia (Passifloraceae)

One of the most enigmatic and unusual groups in the passionflower genus, Passiflora section Dysosmia (Passifloraceae), stands out as a group that is notoriously taxonomically complicated. Phenetic and cladistic analyses of Dysosmia were carried out with representatives from all 21 species currently recognized in the section, in order to delineate morphological groups above the species level. The study was based mainly on vegetative morphological characters and included principal coordinates, non-metric multidimensional scaling, cluster, and cladistic analyses. Results from each analysis reveals that three major species assemblages exist within Dysosmia, corresponding largely to vegetative pubescence and fruit color. The results presented here set the stage for future systematic and phylogenetic studies in Passiflora sect. Dysosmia.
Generation of photonic entanglement in green fluorescent proteins

Recent development of spectroscopic techniques based on quantum states of light can precipitate many breakthroughs in observing and controlling light-matter interactions in biological materials on a fundamental quantum level. For this reason, the generation of entangled light in biologically produced fluorescent proteins would be promising because of their biocompatibility. Here we demonstrate the generation of polarization-entangled two-photon state through spontaneous four-wave mixing in enhanced green fluorescent proteins. The reconstructed density matrix indicates that the entangled state is subject to decoherence originating from two-photon absorption. However, the prepared state is less sensitive to environmental decoherence because of the protective β-barrel structure that encapsulates the fluorophore in the protein. We further explore the quantumness, including classical and quantum correlations, of the state in the decoherence environment. Our method for photonic entanglement generation may have potential for developing quantum spectroscopic techniques and quantum-enhanced measurements in biological materials.
Bowel Control Strategies Used by Veterans With Long-Standing Spinal Cord Injuries.

STUDY PURPOSE The aim of the study was to describe strategies used by veterans with spinal cord injury to achieve control over bowel function and fit their bowel programs into their lifestyles in the years following the initial injury. METHODS/DESIGN Using a qualitative descriptive design, 18 outpatient veterans with spinal cord injuries were interviewed at a Veteran's Administration hospital. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed to determine major themes. FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS Fourteen of 18 participants had gained control over bowel function and led active lives. They emphasized the importance of positive attitudes, listening to their bodies, being physically active, taking charge, and using trial and error to find the best bowel control strategies. Findings also highlighted the value of peer support and the problem of military service connected back injury leading to spinal cord injury. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Participants provided practical advice for adapting strategies learned during rehabilitation for long-term bowel control after discharge home.
Graphical approach for influence maximization in social networks under generic threshold-based non-submodular model

As a widely observable social effect, influence diffusion refers to a process where innovations, trends, awareness, etc. spread across the network via the social impact among individuals. Motivated by such social effect, the concept of influence maximization is coined, where the goal is to select a bounded number of the most influential nodes (seed nodes) from a social network so that they can jointly trigger the maximal influence diffusion. A rich body of research in this area is performed under statistical diffusion models with provable submodularity, which essentially simplifies the problem as the optimal result can be approximated by the simple greedy search. When the diffusion models are non-submodular, however, the research community mostly focuses on how to bound/approximate them by tractable submodular functions. In other words, there is still a lack of efficient methods that can directly resolve non-submodular influence maximization problems. In this regard, we fill the gap by proposing seed selection strategies using network graphical properties in a generalized non-submodular threshold-based model, called influence barricade model. Under this model, we first establish theories to reveal graphical conditions that ensure the network generated by node removals has the same optimal seed set as that in the original network. We then exploit these theoretical conditions to develop efficient algorithms by strategically removing less-important nodes and selecting seeds only in the remaining network. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first graph-based approach that directly tackles non-submodular influence maximization. Evaluations on both synthetic and real-world Facebook/Twitter datasets confirm the superior efficiency of the proposed algorithms, which are orders of magnitude faster than benchmarks for large networks.
Electrochemical Energy Storage with an Aqueous Quinone–Air Chemistry

Organic electrode materials such as quinones are drawing rising attention as promising redox-active materials for the development of rechargeable batteries. In aqueous solutions, the redox potential of quinones is dependent on the alkalinity and acidity of the medium. Under an alkaline condition, the oxidation potential of hydroquinone (existing as diphenolate) is ca. 0.8 V lower than that under an acidic condition. On the other hand, under an acidic condition, the reduction potential of oxygen is ca. 0.8 V higher than that under an alkaline condition. By taking these advantages, a Quinone-air cell with a rational voltage is strategically demonstrated with an alkaline anode electrolyte and an acidic cathode electrolyte, which are physically separated by a Na+-ion conductive solid-state electrolyte membrane. The Na+-ions shuttling through the solid-state membrane act as ionic mediators/messengers to sustain and link the redox reactions at the two electrodes.
Effectiveness of Human Autonomy Teaming in Cockpit Applications

Single pilot and/or remotely piloted operations are becoming feasible in the national airspace system because of advances in autonomous systems, and the development of Human-Autonomy Teams (HAT). We compared a recommender tool for cockpit applications installed with HAT tools or No HAT tools, using simulations of off-nominal events varying in severity. Pilots on average spent more time with the tool when the HAT features were present, but there was considerable variability between pilots in tool usage. However, greater time spent using the tool was associated with lower subjective workload (NASA TLX).
On Instinctive Human Peace Versus War

There is a substantial history of scholars and others claiming that human beings are “instinctively” war prone. This perspective has recently been amplified by a chorus of some anthropologists, evolutionary biologists, and evolutionary psychologists, exaggerating this argument by the use of material from the Yanomamo people (a pre-technological group, known for their ferocity) as well as research on nonhuman primates. Such generalizations are, however, misleading, since there are numerous human societies whose history has been distinctly non-warlike, just as there are species of nonhuman primates that are notably pacific. The scientific reality is that Homo sapiens are endowed by evolution with the potential to be either violent or pacific, depending on circumstances, while the ethical reality is that unlike other claims that are morally neutral, the assertion that human beings are “naturally” war prone also has political implications, sensitivity to which should make scholars especially careful when making such pronouncements, particularly since they are not only liable to be incorrect but to have deleterious social consequences.
Hemikolektomie links bei Kolonkarzinom

Tumoren der linken Kolonflexur, im absteigenden Kolon und im Bereich des Sigmoids (vgl. Kap.26).
INCREASE OF NEURONAL NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE DURING CHRONIC HYPOXIA

Nitric oxide (NO) is a remarkable biological messenger that participates in a wide range of functions in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Since this free-radical gas cannot be stored in synaptic vesicles like other neurotransmitters, the activity of nitric oxide synthase must be carefully modulated to provide appropriate levels of NO.
Cryogenic Freezing of Foods

Liquid nitrogen freezing of food began on a commercial basis in 1960, and now accounts for at least 6% of the foods that are commercially frozen [1,2]. In spite of this increase in usage, considerable controversy still exists with regard to the relative merits of cryogenic freezing vs. more traditional methods of freezing. This controversy will not be concluded with this presentation, but hopefully the information presented will provide a sounder basis for comparison than has been available heretofore.
One-Pot Synthesis of Block Copolymers Containing a Polyolefin Block

Polyolefin-containing block copolymers were catalytically synthesized using a postpolymerization modification strategy. A traditional olefin polymerization followed by a tandem hydroformylation/hydrogenation of the olefinic terminated polymer was implemented to yield a hydroxyl terminated polyolefin. The hydroxyl terminated polyolefin was then used as a macroinitiator for the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters to yield the corresponding diblock copolymer. This methodology was applied to an array of different polyolefins and two cyclic monomers (e-caprolactone and lactide) showcasing the versatility of the protocol. Most noticeably, isotactic polypropylene was quantitatively incorporated into block copolymers. Additionally, the hydrophobicity of polyethylene films was successfully decreased by the addition of small amounts of a block copolymer.
Effects of Novel Calpain Inhibitors in Transgenic Animal Model of Parkinson's disease/dementia with Lewy bodies.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are neurodegenerative disorders of the aging population characterized by the accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn). The mechanisms triggering α-syn toxicity are not completely understood, however, c-terminus truncation of α-syn by proteases such as calpain may have a role. Therefore, inhibition of calpain may be of value. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of systemically administered novel low molecular weight calpain inhibitors on α-syn pathology in a transgenic mouse model. For this purpose, non-tg and α-syn tg mice received the calpain inhibitors - Gabadur, Neurodur or a vehicle, twice a day for 30 days. Immunocytochemical analysis showed a 60% reduction in α-syn deposition using Gabadur and a 40% reduction using Neurodur with a concomitant reduction in c-terminus α-syn and improvements in neurodegeneration. Western blot analysis showed a 77% decrease in α-spectrin breakdown products (SBDPs) SBDPs with Gabadur and 63% reduction using Neurodur. There was a 65% reduction in the active calpain form with Gabadur and a 45% reduction with Neurodur. Moreover, treatment with calpain inhibitors improved activity performance of the α-syn tg mice. Taken together, this study suggests that calpain inhibition might be considered in the treatment of synucleinopathies.
Evaluation of an Algorithm for Identifying Ocular Conditions in Electronic Health Record Data

Importance For research involving big data, researchers must accurately identify patients with ocular diseases or phenotypes of interest. Reliance on administrative billing codes alone for this purpose is limiting. Objective To develop a method to accurately identify the presence or absence of ocular conditions of interest using electronic health record (EHR) data. Design, Setting, and Participants This study is a retrospective analysis of the EHR data of patients (n = 122 339) in the Sight Outcomes Research Collaborative Ophthalmology Data Repository who received eye care at participating academic medical centers between August 1, 2012, and August 31, 2017. An algorithm that searches structured and unstructured (free-text) EHR data for conditions of interest was developed and then tested to determine how well it could detect the presence or absence of exfoliation syndrome (XFS). The algorithm was trained to search for evidence of XFS among a sample of patients with and without XFS (n = 200) by reviewingInternational Classification of Diseases, Ninth RevisionorInternational Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision(ICD-9orICD-10) billing codes, the patient’s problem list, and text within the ocular examination section and unstructured (free-text) data in the EHR. The likelihood that each patient had XFS was estimated using logistic least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. The EHR data of all patients were run through the algorithm to generate an XFS probability score for each patient. The algorithm was validated with review of EHRs by glaucoma specialists. Main Outcomes and Measures Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the algorithm were computed as the proportion of patients correctly classified with XFS or without XFS. Results This study included 122 339 patients, with a mean (SD) age of 52.4 (25.1) years. Of these patients, 69 002 (56.4%) were female and 99 579 (81.4%) were white. The algorithm assigned a less than 10% probability of XFS for 121 085 patients (99.0%) as well as an XFS probability score of more than 75% for 543 patients (0.4%), more than 90% for 353 patients (0.3%), and more than 99% for 83 patients (0.07%). Validated by glaucoma specialists, the algorithm had a PPV of 95.0% (95% CI, 89.5%-97.7%) and an NPV of 100% (95% CI, 91.2%-100%). When there wasICD-9orICD-10billing code documentation of XFS, in 86% or 96% of the records, respectively, evidence of XFS was also recorded elsewhere in the EHR. Conversely, when there was clinical examination or free-text evidence of XFS, it was documented withICD-9codes only approximately 40% of the time and even less often withICD-10codes. Conclusions and Relevance The algorithm developed, tested, and validated in this study appears to be better at identifying the presence or absence of XFS in EHR data than the conventional approach of assessing only billing codes; such an algorithm may enhance the ability of investigators to use EHR data to study patients with ocular diseases.
DreamGigs: Designing a Tool to Empower Low-Resource Job Seekers

Technology allows us to scale the number of jobs we search for and apply to, train for work, and earn money online. However, these technologies do not benefit all job seekers equally and must be designed to better support the needs of underserved job seekers. Research suggests that underserved job seekers prefer employment technologies that can support them in articulating their skills and experiences and in identifying pathways to achieve their career goals. Therefore, we present the design, implementation, and evaluation of DreamGigs, a tool that identifies the skills job seekers need to reach their dream jobs and presents volunteer and employment opportunities for them to acquire those skills. Our evaluation results show that DreamGigs aids in the process of personal empowerment. We contribute design implications for mitigating aspects of powerlessness that low-resource job seekers experience and discuss ways to promote action-taking in these job seekers.
Applications of Microcomputers by Visually Impaired Persons.

Many educational and vocational opportunities require access to computers and microcomputers. This article discusses the uses of microcomputers by sighted users and blind and visually impaired user...
The Evolution of Social Cognition

We discuss the growing comparative literature with a focus on the evolution of particular social cognitive skills. We review various hypotheses regarding the evolution of such traits followed by summaries of recent research findings within several key areas. Comparative psychologists have recently expanded their studies to a multitude of species; yet, social cognitive skills remain to be tested in relatively less social species. We suggest that scholars resist the temptation to focus on evidence for human-like traits in their research subjects and instead maintain an open mind to better appreciate the social spheres of other species from the perspective of those species. Such refocusing will require an effort to place laboratory tests in ecological contexts and greater collaboration between field and laboratory approaches. We conclude that cognitive abilities occur along a continuum of abstraction, rather than existing in an all or none fashion across phylogenetic divides. Thus, there is evidence for both cognitive continuity and discontinuity between human and other animal minds.
Incorporating Foundational Evidence-Based Practice Concepts and Skills across an Athletic Training Education Program.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to provide an example of how to develop and implement an evidence-based practice (EBP) concepts and skills plan in an athletic training education program (ATEP). Background: Evidence-based practice is an integral part of medical practice today. As stated in the Athletic Training Educational Competencies 4th edition, athletic training educators are expected to develop their students' abilities to engage in EBP. However, foundational concepts and skills are needed to effectively practice EBP. Description: To eliminate redundancy and better prepare our students for EBP, a plan based on incorporating foundational concepts and skills concepts in small, sequential doses in our ATEP was devised and implemented. Clinical Advantage(s): Exposure to foundational EBP concepts and skills is necessary for students to actively engage in EBP. Conclusion(s): Despite the challenges for both students and faculty, the plan ensures we expose our students to EBP concepts and skills, th...
A photogrammetric approach to fusing natural colour and thermal infrared UAS imagery in 3D point cloud generation

The inclusion of thermal infrared (TIR) data in point clouds derived from unmanned aircraft system (UAS) imagery can benefit a variety of applications in which surface temperature and 3D geometry a...
Post-acquisition processing confounds in brain volumetric quantification of white matter hyperintensities

Abstract Background Disparate research sites using identical or near-identical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition techniques often produce results that demonstrate significant variability regarding volumetric quantification of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in the aging population. The sources of such variability have not previously been fully explored. New method 3D FLAIR sequences from a group of randomly selected aged subjects were analyzed to identify sources-of-variability in post-acquisition processing that can be problematic when comparing WMH volumetric data across disparate sites. The methods developed focused on standardizing post-acquisition protocol processing methods to develop a protocol with less than 0.5% inter-rater variance. Results A series of experiments using standard MRI acquisition sequences explored post-acquisition sources-of-variability in the quantification of WMH volumetric data. Sources-of-variability included: the choice of image center, software suite and version, thresholding selection, and manual editing procedures (when used). Controlling for the identified sources-of-variability led to a protocol with less than 0.5% variability between independent raters in post-acquisition WMH volumetric quantification. Comparison with existing method(s) Post-acquisition processing techniques can introduce an average variance approaching 15% in WMH volume quantification despite identical scan acquisitions. Understanding and controlling for such sources-of-variability can reduce post-acquisition quantitative image processing variance to less than 0.5%. Discussion Considerations of potential sources-of-variability in MRI volume quantification techniques and reduction in such variability is imperative to allow for reliable cross-site and cross-study comparisons.
Regression of Epileptogenesis by Inhibiting Tropomyosin Kinase B Signaling following a Seizure.

Objective Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a devastating disease in which seizures persist in 35% of patients despite optimal use of antiseizure drugs. Clinical and preclinical evidence implicates seizures themselves as one factor promoting epilepsy progression. What is the molecular consequence of a seizure that promotes progression? Evidence from preclinical studies led us to hypothesize that activation of tropomyosin kinase B (TrkB)-phospholipase-C-gamma-1 (PLCγ1) signaling induced by a seizure promotes epileptogenesis. Methods To examine the effects of inhibiting TrkB signaling on epileptogenesis following an isolated seizure, we implemented a modified kindling model in which we induced a seizure through amygdala stimulation and then used either a chemical-genetic strategy or pharmacologic methods to disrupt signaling for 2 days following the seizure. The severity of a subsequent seizure was assessed by behavioral and electrographic measures. Results Transient inhibition of TrkB-PLCγ1 signaling initiated after an isolated seizure limited progression of epileptogenesis, evidenced by the reduced severity and duration of subsequent seizures. Unexpectedly, transient inhibition of TrkB-PLCγ1 signaling initiated following a seizure also reverted a subset of animals to an earlier state of epileptogenesis. Remarkably, inhibition of TrkB-PLCγ1 signaling in the absence of a recent seizure did not reduce severity of subsequent seizures. Interpretation These results suggest a novel strategy for limiting progression or potentially ameliorating severity of TLE whereby transient inhibition of TrkB-PLCγ1 signaling is initiated following a seizure. ANN NEUROL 2019;86:939-950.
Tuberculosis Transmission or Mortality Among Persons Living with HIV, USA, 2011-2016.

Persons living with HIV are more likely to have tuberculosis (TB) disease attributed to recent transmission (RT) and to die during TB treatment than persons without HIV. We examined factors associated with RT or mortality among TB/HIV patients. Using National TB Surveillance System data from 2011 to 2016, we calculated multivariable adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 99% confidence intervals (CI) to estimate associations between patient characteristics and RT or mortality. Mortality analyses were restricted to 2011–2014 to allow sufficient time for reporting outcomes. TB disease was attributed to RT in 491 (20%) of 2415 TB/HIV patients. RT was more likely among those reporting homelessness (aOR, 2.6; CI, 2.0, 3.5) or substance use (aOR,1.6; CI, 1.2, 2.1) and among blacks (aOR,1.8; CI, 1.2, 2.8) and Hispanics (aOR, 1.8; CI, 1.1, 2.9); RT was less likely among non-US-born persons (aOR, 0.2; CI, 0.2, 0.3). The proportion who died during TB treatment was higher among persons with HIV than without (8.6% versus 5.2%; p < 0.0001). Among 2273 TB/HIV patients, 195 died during TB treatment. Age ≥ 65 years (aOR, 5.3; CI, 2.4, 11.6), 45–64 years (aOR, 2.2; CI, 1.4, 3.4), and having another medical risk factor for TB (aOR, 3.3; CI, 1.8, 6.2) were associated with death; directly observed treatment (DOT) for TB was protective (aOR, 0.5; CI, 0.2, 1.0). Among TB/HIV patients, blacks, Hispanics, and those reporting homelessness or substance use should be prioritized for interventions that decrease TB transmission. Improved adherence to treatment through DOT was associated with decreased mortality, but additional interventions are needed to reduce mortality among older patients and those TB/HIV patients with another medical risk factor for TB.
Batteries and Fuel Cells in Space

The year 2000 will mark the 44th anniversary of the space program that started with the launch of the first Sputnik on October 4, 1956.
David Oliver: Is the NHS really over-managed?

In a recent speech Matt Hancock attacked excessive bureaucracy and regulation for constraining clinical leadership, agile service, and the digital innovation we’ve seen in the NHS during the pandemic.1 Ten years ago another Conservative health secretary, Andrew Lansley, made it a key plank of his white paper on NHS reform to purge it of bureaucracy, reduce NHS managers and quangos, and give clinicians more control over resources and decisions.2 The Health and Social Care Act 2012 was described by David Nicholson, then NHS chief, as a reorganisation “big enough to be seen from outer space.” It was subsequently estimated by the King’s Fund to have cost at least £4bn …
História em quadrinhos adaptada como recurso didático no ensino de geometria na educação básica

The study explored the theory of multiple intelligences, more specifically the spatial one that has the capacity to form mental models (image), perceive the world, effect transformations or be able to recreate aspects of visual experience. In this context, strategies that use adapted comic books can be important didactic and metaphorical resources for teaching. The resource tends to enhance the teaching process by associating the situations presented in the stories with the students' prior knowledge, with a view to meaningful learning. The research is characterized as qualitative with characteristics of a case study in which it sought to generate knowledge for the solution of the problem found by teachers of basic education in relation to learning. In this way, it starts from its contextualization for the elaboration of an activity that used a comic strip adapted from “Chico Bento at Shopping Geometrico” with the objective of relating the content with his images as a didactic resource for the re / construction of concepts of geometry. The study was carried out in a State Public School in the city of Santo Ângelo / RS in two high school classes. One, with 28 students with an average age of 24 years and the other, 24 students with an average age of 17 years. The research demonstrated, through its results, that comics facilitate learning and can be explored for any content or age, making the class more dynamic. Still, it made it possible for the objective to be achieved, as students developed the ability to read and understand mathematical concepts more easily.
MCBAT: a practical tool for model counting constraints on bounded integer arrays

Model counting procedures for data structures are crucial for advancing the field of automated quantitative program analysis. We present a tool for Model Counting for Bounded Array Theory (MCBAT). MCBAT works on quantified integer array constraints in which all arrays have a finite length. We employ reductions from the theory of arrays to uninterpreted functions and linear integer arithmetic (LIA). Once reduced to LIA, we leverage Barvinok's polynomial time integer lattice point enumeration algorithm. Finally, we present a case study demonstrating applicability to automated quantitative program analysis. MCBAT is available for immediate use as a Docker image and the source code is freely available in our Github repository.
What types of films are successful at the box office? Predicting opening weekend and non-opening gross earnings of films

Although the film industry is high risk, sequels and films adapted from novels or comic books can be financially successful because they can capitalise on the established brands of their parent wor...
Free Transit Passes and School Attendance among High School Students

In multiple U.S. cities, school districts and transit providers collaborate to provide students free public transit access, either replacing or supplementing the yellow school bus service. Although...
Chapter 88 – Endangered Insects

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the endangered insects, their importance, factors causing their endangerment, and how can be they protected. The Xerces blue butterfly, Antioch katydid, Tobia's caddisfly, Roberts's alloperlan stonefly, Colorado burrowing mayfly, and Rocky Mountain grasshopper all were driven extinct by humans, and all foreshadow the fate of the world's endangered insects. With almost 1 million described species, insects eclipse all other forms of animal life on Earth, not only in sheer numbers, diversity, and biomass but also in their importance to functioning ecosystems. The sheer number and mass of insects reflect their enormous ecological impact. The world's ecosystems depend on insects for pollination, decomposition, soil aeration, and nutrient and energy cycling. Endangered species also plays a linchpin role in small, specialized systems, such as caves, oceanic islands, or some pollinator – plant relationships. To conserve insects successfully, the general public, scientists, land managers, and conservationists need to understand the extraordinary value that these organisms provide. It is unlikely that all people will develop an affinity for these animals, but it is plausible that a more compelling depiction of the contributions insects make to human welfare and survival will improve the public's attitude toward these organisms.
Healthcare costs associated with depression in medically ill fee-for-service medicare participants

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between depression and healthcare costs in medically ill fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare recipients. STUDY DESIGN: Observational analysis of Medicare claims data. SETTING: Medicare Health Support (MHS) program at Green Ribbon Health. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen thousand nine hundred two participants with diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure (CHF), or both. MEASUREMENTS: This study examined participant data for a 12-month period before MHS enrollment (collected between November 2004 and August 2006). Twelve-month healthcare costs (based on Medicare claims) in 2,108 participants with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, claims diagnoses of depression, 1,081 participants with possible depression (positive depression screen on the two-item Patient Health Questionnaire or self reported antidepressant use), and 11,713 participants without depression were compared. Gamma regression models were used to adjust for demographic and clinical differences and nonnormal distribution of cost data. RESULTS: Participants with depression had significantly higher total healthcare costs than those without ($20,046 vs $11,956; P<.01). Higher costs were observed in participants with depression in every cost category except specialty mental health care, which accounted for less than 1% of total healthcare costs. Participants with depression had higher costs in each quartile of increasing medical severity (measured using the Charlson Comorbidity Index). These differences remained statistically significant after adjusting for demographic and other clinical differences. CONCLUSION: Depression is associated with significantly higher healthcare costs in FFS Medicare recipients with diabetes mellitus and CHF. Only a small proportion of the increased costs are spent on mental health specialty care.
HIFU treatment time reduction through heating approach optimisation

Purpose: This study evaluated the HIFU treatment time reductions attainable for several scan paths when optimising the heating approach used (single, discrete pulses versus volumetric scanning) and the paths’ focal zone heating locations’; number (NFZL), spacings, sequencing order, number of heating cycles (NCYCLES), and heating times. Also evaluated were the effects of focal zone size, increased tissue absorptivity due to heating, and optimisation technique.Materials and methods: Treatments of homogeneous constant property tumours were simulated for several simple generic tumour shapes and sizes. The concentrated heating approach (which delivered the desired thermal dose to each location in one discrete heating pulse (NCYCLES = 1)) was compared to the fractionated heating approach (which dosed the tumour using multiple, shorter pulses repeatedly scanned around the heating path (i.e. ‘volumetric scanning’ with NCYCLES > 1)). Treatment times were minimised using both simultaneous, collective pulse optimisa...
Environment matting extensions: towards higher accuracy and real-time capture

Environment matting is a generalization of traditional bluescreen matting. By photographing an object in front of a sequence of structured light backdrops, a set of approximate light-transport paths through the object can be computed. The original environment matting research chose a middle ground—using a moderate number of photographs to produce results that were reasonably accurate for many objects. In this work, we extend the technique in two opposite directions: recovering a more accurate model at the expense of using additional structured light backdrops, and obtaining a simplified matte using just a single backdrop. The first extension allows for the capture of complex and subtle interactions of light with objects, while the second allows for video capture of colorless objects in motion.
Investigation on the Phase Noise and EVM of Digitally Modulated Millimeter Wave Signal in WDM Optical Heterodyning System

In this paper, theoretical model on phase noise in self-heterodyning optical system for mmW generation is proposed. Phase noise is impacted by optical path difference between both optical tones and laser source coherence time, but also by RF generators phase noise. Phase noise measurements of the mmW signal and RF sources have been realized to discuss the validity of the model. Based both on the theoretical approach and on the phase noise characterizations, an error vector magnitude (EVM) model is developed to quantify the impact of the optical self-heterodyning output phase noise on up-converted broadband digital signal (ECMA 387 standard).
The time course of aconitate formation from isocitrate in H2O and D2O.

Abstract Michaelis constants and maximum velocities for aconitase can be used to predict with good accuracy the time curves for conversion of isocitrate of cis -aconitic acid when these kinetic data are substituted into the numerically integrated steady-state rate equations. The close agreement of the observed and theoretical curves, in both H 2 O and D 2 O, is evidence of internal consistency of the data.
Suppression of Control Reversal Using Leading- and Trailing-Edge Control Surfaces

Control reversal is the loss, due to the flexibility of the primary aerostructure, of aircraft maneuvering loads induced by control surfaces. In recent years, attention has been given to the suppression of reversal through the use of distributed control surfaces. The authors study reversal behavior for a wing section with full-span leading-edge and trailing-edge control surfaces. The essential equations are developed by examining static aeroelastic responses. Analysis and experiments are presented. Specific trailing-edge to leading-edge control commands are identified to optimize performance. Although reversal is not eliminated in the experiments, the addition of the leading edge is shown to improve performance substantially. The research also identifies the adverse consequences of actuator flexibility.
Blood clearance of sheep erythrocytes in mice measured immunologically and by visual count.

SummaryImmunological and visual counting methods are described for following the circulatory clearance of sheep erythrocytes in mice. In the immunological assay the uptake of anti-sheep erythrocyte hemolysin by mouse blood was measured. Visual counts were based on the finding that, contrary to mouse erythrocytes, sheep erythrocytes are morphologically altered by hypotonic Gower's solution. The clearance rates observed by the two methods were in close agreement.
Spatial and temporal variability in stream dissolved organic carbon quantity and quality in an Adirondack forested catchment

Abstract The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) quantity and quality in streams regulate many ecosystem processes at the watershed scale. There is, however, a dearth of information on the spatial variability of in-stream DOC quality in small catchments. Our study used direct DOC concentration measurements and fluorescence spectroscopy indices to determine how stream DOC quantity and quality changed over space and time in a forested catchment of the US Northeast, and provided insight into how these systems might respond to changes in land use and/or climate in the coming years. Land cover (e.g., wetlands, lakes) exerted a dominant role over changes in flow and/or air temperature at regulating DOC concentrations in the watershed. Wetland areas acted as large sources of humic-rich DOC, while lakes were DOC sinks, especially for humic-rich DOC. DOC quality indices were generally significantly ( p 7 mg C L −1 ) primarily tied to the mobilization of terrestrial highly degraded humic rich DOC, likely to be less bioavailable (and less fresh) than the DOC exported at times when DOC concentrations are low ( −1 ). Overall, results pointed to a two-phase DOC export whereby mobile and bioavailable fractions of DOC in surface water (protein-like DOC) are produced throughout the watershed (including the wetland), while recalcitrant humic-like DOC fractions are predominantly generated by the wetland, before preferentially sedimenting out in the lake. As the climate continues to change, we will likely find not only an increase in the amount of DOC exported at the watershed scale, but also a shift in the quality of this DOC toward less bioavailable DOC fractions rich in humic substances.
Design of selective coatings for solar thermal applications using sub-wavelength metal-dielectric structures

ABSTRACT Spectral control of the emissivity of surfaces is essential in applications such as solar thermal energy and thermophotovoltaic energy conversion in order to achieve the highest conversion efficiencies possible. We investigated surfaces consisting of periodic, nanoscale V-grooves coated with aperiodic metal-dielectric stacks. This approach combines impedance matching using tapered metallic features with the excellent spectral selectivity of aperiodic metal-dielectric stacks. We expl ain how changes in the angle of the V-grooves can be used to tailor the spectral selectivity over a wide angular range to significantly in crease the efficiency of thermophotovoltaic and solar thermal systems. Optimal coatings for concentrated solar power are predicted to have thermal emissivity below 5% at 450qC while absorbing >90% of the incident light. Keywords: solar thermal, thermophotovoltaics, solar selective coatings, metal-dielectric, V-groove, grating 1. INTRODUCTION The efficiency of concentrated solar thermal (CST) system s is thermodynamically limite d by the Carnot efficiency and is thus strongly dependent on the maximal achievable temperature of the working fluid, often synthetic oil. Parabolic troughs have concentration ratios of ~80, and operate at temperatures up to 660K
Molecular dynamics study of deformation and fracture in a tantalum nano-crystalline thin film

We present results from molecular dynamics simulations of two nano-crystalline tantalum thin films that illuminate the variety of atomic-scale mechanisms of incipient plasticity. Sample 1 contains approximately 500 K atoms and 3 grains, chosen to facilitate study at 105 s−1 strain rate; sample 2 has 4.6 M atoms and 30 grains. The samples are loaded in uniaxial tension at deformation rates of 105–109 s−1, and display phenomena including emission of perfect 1/2〈1 1 1〉-type dislocations and the formation and migration of twin boundaries. It was found that screw dislocation emission is the first deformation mechanism activated at strain rates below 108 s−1. Deformation twins emerge as a deformation mechanism at higher strains, with twins observed to cross grain boundaries as larger strains are reached. At high strain rates atoms are displaced with the characteristic twin vector at a ratio of 3 : 1 (108 s−1) or 4 : 1 (109 s−1) to characteristic dislocation vectors. Fracture is nucleated through a nano-void growth process. Grain boundary sliding does not scale with increasing strain rate. Detailed analysis of nano-scale deformation using these tools enhances our understanding of deformation mechanisms in tantalum.
The effect of As on Al and Ga segregation during the codeposition of Al, Ga and As on a GaAs(100) surface: kinetic simulations

Abstract We report kinetic simulations of the growth patterns generated by the codeposition of Al, Ga and As on a GaAs(100) surface and compare them to the patterns generated when Al and Ga are codeposited in the absence of As. We find that the presence of As can affect dramatically the aggregation of Al. At zero As pressure the Al atoms aggregate to form a long strip with smooth borders. Addition of As prevents strip formation and leads to the growth of many islands with irregular AlGa borders. This trend is increased by higher As flux or by lower temperature.
Informal Assessment of Written Expression

This article presents an approach to informal assessment of written ex- pression which allows the teacher to determine (a) the skills acquired and correctly used by the student, (b) the skills needing remediation, and (c) the skills to be in- troduced. A Checklist of Written Expression Skills is provided as an aid in this in- formal assessment procedure. Results of the assessment are directly related to the instructional objectives and annual goals in the student's IEP. Written expression and informal assessment are defined and development of the language system is discussed. Data required by the teacher prior to informal assessment are described as (a) the broad spectrum of written expression skills, (b) requirements of the specific writing task being assessed, and (c) student characteristics related to the student's language system.
Evidence for concurrent spread of tobacco mosaic virus from infected epidermal cells to neighboring epidermal and mesophyll cells

Abstract The upper surfaces of tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum L.) leaves were mechanically inoculated with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and, at various times thereafter, protoplasts from upper epidermal and pallisade mesophyll cells were isolated. The percentage of each type of protoplast infected with TMV was then determined by fluorescent antibody analysis. The results provided an estimation of the numbers of infections initially established and of the direction and rate of spread of virus to neighboring leaf cells. From 0.4 to 2% of the epidermal protoplasts, but none of the mesophyll protoplasts, isolated during the first 5–6 h after inoculation of leaves were infected. With leaves sampled during the next 1–2 h, the percentage of infected epidermal protoplasts increased; at the same time, the percentage of infected mesophyll protoplasts increased from zero to values approximating the initial percentage of infected epidermal protoplasts. This suggests that only epidermal cells were initially infected and that virus later spread from these cells to both epidermal and mesophyll cells in the inoculated leaves.