cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 524: Renal Hemodynamic and Excretory Responses to Infusion of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, Imatinib in Anesthetized Mice

Systemic administration of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, imatinib has been shown to have potent vasodilator activity in pulmonary and systemic vascular beds in rats. Chronic treatment with imatinib was also shown to cause marked attenuation of the renal injury in AngII induced hypertensive rats. However, the involvement of tyrosine kinases in the regulation of renal hemodynamics and excretory function is not yet clearly defined. To examine the role of constitutively active tyrosine kinases in the kidney, we have examined the renal effects of intravenous infusion of imatinib mesylate (Novartis Pharma, AG, Basel, Switzerland) at incremental doses (0.02, 0.2 and 2 mg/min/kg bw) as well as its interaction with nitric oxide (NO) activity in anesthetized mice. Systemic blood pressure (SBP) was recorded from a cannula placed in the left carotid artery. Renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured by renal clearances of PAH and inulin respectively. From a control SBP value of 91 ± 3 mmHg in one group of mice (n=5), imatinib caused minimal changes in SBP at lower doses (87 ± 4 and 86 ± 5mmHg; n=5) but caused significant reduction (75 ± 4 mmHg; P
An Energy Combiner Design for Multiple Microbial Energy Harvesting Sources

Multiple renewable energy sources, such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs), can greatly improve the energy output to drive loads for prolonged operation time. However, even designed with exactly the same material, size and structure, the generated voltages at their outputs are different due to the nonlinear effects of microorganisms. Simply combining these sources degrades the overall efficiency and excludes some source contributions. A conventional energy combining platform is not suited for low-voltage energy sources and has limited overall efficiency. In this paper, a new energy combiner circuit is proposed. The proposed circuit can be either power up a load or charge an energy storage such as a rechargeable battery or a supercapacitor. Simulation results are carried out in a 0.13$\mu$m CMOS process and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design.
Cost-effectiveness of Operative Versus Non-operative Management of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures:

The management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures is controversial, and most injuries are treated with surgery in the USA. The cost utility of operative versus non-operative treatment of acute Achilles tendon injury is unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of operative versus functional non-operative treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. A Markov cost-utility analysis was conducted from the societal perspective using a 2-year time horizon. Hospital costs were derived from New York State billing data, and physician and rehabilitation costs were derived from the Medicare physician fee schedule. Indirect costs of missed work were calculated using estimates from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Rates of re-rupture, major and minor complications, and the associated costs were obtained from the literature. Effectiveness was expressed in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). For the base-case analysis, operative and non-operative patients were assumed to have the same utilities (quality of life) following surgery. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of model assumptions. In the base-case model, non-operative management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures dominated operative management, resulting in both lower costs and greater QALY gains. The differences in costs and effectiveness were relatively small. The benefit of non-operative treatment was 1.69 QALYs, and the benefit of operative treatment was 1.67 QALYs. Similarly, the total cost of operative and non-operative management was $13,936 versus $13,413, respectively. In sensitivity analyses, surgical costs and days of missed work were important drivers of cost-effectiveness. If hospitalization costs dropped below $2621 (compared with $3145) or the hourly wage rose above $29 (compared with $24), then operative treatment became a cost-effective strategy at the willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000/QALY. The model results were also highly sensitive to the relative utilities for operative versus non-operative treatment. If non-operative utilities decreased relative to operative utilities by just 2%, then operative management became the dominant treatment strategy. For acute Achilles tendon ruptures, non-operative treatment provided greater benefits and lower costs than operative management in the base case; however, surgical costs and the economic impact associated with return to work are important determinants of the preferred cost-effective strategy.
Significant efficiency enhancements in high power backward wave oscillators using inhomogeneous slow wave structures

We present a high efficiency backward wave oscillator (BWO) using an inhomogeneous slow wave structure (SWS). This SWS is based on a novel unit cell design that features mode dominance reversal and complete isolation of passbands. Inhomogeneity is introduced by varying the periods of the SWS cells in each section. The resulting SWS is then fabricated and cold-tested to determine its dispersion curve. Results from this cold test demonstrate higher order dispersion in the form of multiple secondary inflection points (MSIPs). Current simulations with commercial particle-in-cell (PIC) software show that a 3-section inhomogeneous SWS can singificantly enhance power efficieny by over 20%. PIC simulations using this SWS design predict a peak output power of 8.25 MW at 2.62 GHz, corresponding to a power conversion efficiency of 70%.
Determinants and Evaluation of Local Energy-Efficiency Initiatives from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

This article examines variation in localâ€ level energyâ€ efficiency grants and corresponding initiatives from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) in the United States. The analysis is based upon a hurdle model of counts of energyâ€ efficiency grants received by 348 local governments that received these grants from 2009 to 2013, as well as 348 matched local governments that did not receive such funds. Cityâ€ level characteristics including amount of federal financial support, per capita income, signaling of preferences for sustainability policies, manufacturing, and political influences are shown to be empirically important determinants of variation in local energyâ€ efficiency initiatives. The evidence suggests that all else held equal, the $21.8 billion in ARRA funds expended with the intent of increasing local energyâ€ efficiency programs and policies successfully led to this end.c¾Ža›½a¤ e‹ a’Œa† aeS•eµ„ae³•aeiˆa¸­aœ°ae–¹eƒ½aeo ae•ˆcŽ‡a€ie®®cs„a†³a®sa› c´ a’Œe¯„a»· aeœ¬ae–‡ae£€eaŒao†c¾Ža›½aœ°ae–¹co§eƒ½aeo ae•ˆcŽ‡ae‹¨ae¬¾cs„a·®a¼‚, a Œae—¶ae£€eaŒao†c¾Ža›½a¤ e‹ a’Œa† aeS•eµ„ae³•aeiˆi¼ˆAmerican Recovery and Reinvestment Act, ARRAi¼‰a¸­cs„c›¸ao”a€ie®®a€‚aeœ¬ae–‡cs„aˆ†aež aŸoaoŽa¸€ei¹a…³aoŽeƒ½aeo ae•ˆcŽ‡ae‹¨ae¬¾ae€»ae•°cs„ae …ae ae¨iaž‹i¼ˆhurdle modeli¼‰, 348 a¸aaœ°ae–¹ae”?aoœae›¾aœ¨ 2009â€ 2013 a¹´e—´aeŽ¥a —e?‡e?™c±»ae‹¨ae¬¾, a Œae ·a¯¹ao”cs„ 348 a¸aaœ°ae–¹ae”?aoœa¹¶aeœaaeŽ¥a —aˆ°e?™c±»ae¬¾ei¹a€‚a „aœ°ae–¹eƒ½aeo ae•ˆcŽ‡a€ie®®a­˜aœ¨a·®a¼‚cs„e‡ e¦ a†³a®sa› c´ eƒ½a±žaoŽa¸‚co§c‰¹e‰², aŒ…ae‹¬e ”e‚¦e´¢ae”?ae”¯aeŒ ae•°c›®, aooa ‡ae”¶a…¥, a a¥½a ¯aeŒ c»­ae”?c­–cs„ae ‡a?—, aˆ¶e€ a¸sa½±a“ aS›a’Œae”?ae²»a½±a“ aS›a€‚c ”c©¶e¯ ae˜Ž, a½“a…¶a»–ae ia»¶eƒ½c›¸a Œcs„aeƒ…a†µa¸‹, ae„ a›¾eS±e´¹ 218 ao?c¾Ža…ƒeµ„e‡‘a»¥a¢žaS aœ°ae–¹eƒ½aeo ae•ˆcŽ‡e®iaˆ’a’Œae”?c­–cs„ ARRA ae³•aeiˆaˆ™aeˆ aSŸaœ°a®žcŽ°ao†e?™a¸€c›®ae ‡a€‚Determinantes y EvaluaciA³n De Las Iniciativas Locales De Eficiencia EnergA©tica De La American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Este documento examina la variaciA³n en subvenciones de eficiencia energA©tica a nivel local y las iniciativas correspondientes de la American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) en los Estados Unidos. El anAilisis se basa en un modelo de obstAiculos a partir de cuentas de subvenciones de eficiencia energA©tica recibidas por 348 gobiernos locales que recibieron estas subvenciones de 2009 a 2013, asA­ como 348 gobiernos locales elegibles que no recibieron tales fondos. Las caracterA­sticas a nivel de ciudad que incluyen el monto de apoyo financiero federal, ingresos per cAipita, seA±alizaciA³n de preferencias para polA­ticas de sustentabilidad, la manufactura y las influencias polA­ticas se muestran como determinantes empA­ricamente importantes de la variaciA³n en iniciativas locales de eficiencia energA©tica. La evidencia muestra que, todo lo demAis siendo igual, los $21,8 mil millones en fondos de ARRA utilizados con la intenciA³n de incrementar programas locales de eficiencia energA©tica y polA­ticas llevaron exitosamente a este resultado.
The Distribution of Road Salt in Private Drinking Water Wells in a Southeastern New York Suburban Township

We used a GIS analysis of sodium and chloride concentrations in private water wells in a southeastern New York township to describe the pattern of distribution of road salt in aquifers tapped for drinking water. The primary source of road salt was sodium chloride, and sodium and chloride concentrations were significantly correlated ( = 0.80, 30 m from the wells ( < 0.01). Chloride concentrations were not affected by well depth or adjacent road type (major or minor roads). Surface geology and hydrologic soil class had significant effects ( < 0.01) on chloride concentrations in wells, with porous surface geology types and well-drained soils having higher concentrations; these effects may be confounded by the fact that ISC was more likely to occur on these permeable surface geology and soil types. Hot and cold spot analysis revealed substantial unevenness in chloride concentrations. Results for sodium were similar to those for chloride. Overall, these results indicate that road salt contamination of groundwater is unevenly distributed and is affected by landscape factors that can be used to guide well testing and best management practices of deicing salt distribution.
Análisis de la percepción de los exámenes DELE A1 realizada por estudiantes taiwaneses de ELE

espanolLas exigencias actuales academicas y laborales estan marcando cambios significativos en el aprendizaje de segundas lenguas. En la actualidad, empresas y universidades demandan certificados internacionales que acrediten el nivel de adquisicion de una segunda lengua. El examen DELE es una de las pruebas mas reconocidas de certificacion internacional del nivel de espanol. El objetivo de este articulo es analizar la percepcion que los estudiantes taiwaneses de espanol como segunda lengua tienen del examen de certificacion DELE A1. Se ha utilizado una metodologia basada en cuestionarios, obteniendose una muestra representativa de 120 candidatos que se han participado en el examen DELE A1 durante las convocatorias internacionales de mayo y noviembre de 2012. En el articulo se exponen los primeros resultados obtenidos, y se extraen conclusiones provisionales sobre el examen DELE A1 en Taiwan. Junto al interes academico, la investigacion tiene una relevancia practica ya que los datos obtenidos pueden contribuir al diseno de clases especificas de preparacion para futuras convocatorias. De aqui, que en la parte final del articulo se enumeran ciertas orientaciones metodologicas, que pueden ser utiles para que los futuros candidatos en proximas convocatorias puedan obtener mejores resultados. EnglishCurrent academic and work requirements are leading to significant changes in second language learning. Today, companies and universities demand international certificates to prove one's proficiency of a second language acquisition. The DELE (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language) is one of the most recognized international certification tests to show the proficiency of Spanish as a second language. The aim of this paper is to analyze the perception that Taiwanese learners of Spanish as a foreign language have of the DELE A1 test. Questionnaires were completed by a representative sample of 120 foreign language students, recruited from the DELE accredited centers in Taiwan, who had participated in the two DELE A1 tests conducted in the year 2012. The article reveals the preliminary results as well as some conclusions about the mean difficulties that Taiwanese students of the Spanish language face in DELE A1 tests, in Taiwan. This research has some practical relevance because the collected data can contribute to designing specific classes to prepare students for future tests. In addition, the paper lists some methodological guidelines which may be useful for future candidates in upcoming tests, to attain better results.
Optical design of perovskite solar cells for applications in monolithic tandem configuration with CuInSe2 bottom cells

Monolithic integrated thin film tandem solar cells consisting of a high bandgap perovskite top cell and a low bandgap thin film bottom cell are expected to reach higher power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) with lower manufacturing cost and environmental impacts than the market-dominant crystalline silicon photovoltaics. There have been several demonstrations of 4-terminal and 2-terminal perovskite tandem devices with CuInGaSe2 (CIGS) or CuInSe2 (CIS) and, similar to the other tandem structures, the optimization of this device relies on optimal choice for the perovskite bandgap and thickness. Therefore, further advancement will be enabled by tuning the perovskite absorber to maximize the photocurrent limited by the current match condition. Here, we systematically study the optical absorption and transmission of perovskite thin films with varying absorber band gap. Based on these results, we model the photocurrent generations in both perovskite and CIS subcells and estimate the performances of projected tandem devices by considering the ideally functioning perovskite and CIS device. Our results show that for perovskite layers with 500 nm thickness the optimal bandgap is around 1.6 eV. With these configurations, PCEs above 20% could be achieved by monolithically integrated perovskite/CIS tandem solar cells. Also by modelling the absorption at every layer we calculate the quantum efficiency at each subcell in addition to tracking optical losses.
Victims or Criminals? Discretion, Sorting, and Bureaucratic Culture in the U.S. Immigration System

This article examines the Obama Administration’s effort to encourage the use of prosecutorial discretion by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the executive agency in charge of the enforcement of immigration laws. Since 2010, the Obama Administration has repeatedly stated that agency officials are to focus enforcement efforts on those who pose a threat or danger, rather than pursuing deportation of all undocumented immigrants with equal fervor. Yet despite repeated directives by the administration, the implementation of prosecutorial discretion is widely considered a failure. Data and anecdotes from the field suggest that ICE has yet to embrace this more nuanced approach to the enforcement of immigration laws. In this article, I argue that one key reason that prosecutorial discretion has not taken hold within ICE is the failure of the President and his administration to adequately account for agency culture. In particular, the prosecutorial discretion initiative directly conflicts with the central role that criminal convictions play in ICE culture. To support my argument, I present an in-depth case study of the agency’s refusal to exercise discretion in a highly compelling case. For over two years, ICE aggressively prosecuted a client of University of Arizona’s immigration clinic who appeared to be the quintessential recipient of prosecutorial discretion, as the victim of domestic violence, sex trafficking, and the primary caregiver for three young U.S citizen children. Despite these equities, ICE’s decision to prosecute was based wholly on the single conviction on her record, which was directly related to her victimization and for which she received a sentence of probation only.I situate this case study in a theoretical framework regarding bureaucratic culture. Applying this analysis to ICE brings into focus key elements of the agency’s culture, particularly its tendency to view all immigrants as criminal threats. This culture makes the sole fact of a conviction – without regard to its seriousness or context – a nearly irreversible determinant of the agency’s approach to any given case. My analysis of the nature and intensity of ICE’s bureaucratic culture has troubling implications for the capacity of the President and his administration to implement reforms that counter the lack of nuance in the immigration system’s current legal framework. It suggests that locating discretion primarily in the enforcement arm of the immigration bureaucracy has inherent limitations that lead to a system poorly designed to address humanitarian concerns raised in individual cases.
Magnetic structure of ErNi 2 B 2 C

Neutron-diffraction techniques have been used to study the magnetic structure of the superconductor ${\mathrm{ErNi}}_{2}$${\mathrm{B}}_{2}$C (${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$=11 K). The experimental results, obtained on single crystals, show that below approximately 7 K this compound is in an incommensurate modulated antiferromagnetic state, with wave vector 0.553a*, that coexists with superconductivity. The field dependence of the magnetic structure of this compound was studied at 5.5 K as a function of an externally applied magnetic field both along the b and c axes of the tetragonal structure.
Planning workpiece grasp points for cooperating robot movements

In this paper, we consider "four-bar movements" of dual robot systems holding a common workpiece. These movements are used to determine the grasp points which guarantee that the workpiece does not leave the workspace of the system as it moves through three specified positions. The theory is developed for planar cooperating robots, however it can be generalized to general spatial systems. The result is a new application for solution rectification techniques in four-bar mechanism synthesis theory.
Theory-Guided Virtual Reality Psychotherapies: Going beyond CBT-Based Approaches

Most VR applications in mental health care have focused on cognitive behavioral therapy. This paper is a call to expand research into other theory-guided psychotherapy practices. Evidence is presented that supports the so-called dodo bird effect that contends that all bona fide psychotherapies are equally effective. Two avenues for expanding research are suggested that focus on VR strengths: creating VR playspaces (virtual environments where therapist and client can engage playfully) and VR drama therapy.
The Path to Performance Rewards: Perceptions Among Federal Employees on the Promise of Performance Appraisal:

Performance rewards are designed to incentivize individuals to obtain productivity. The performance appraisal process represents the organization’s efforts to introduce a formal plan alignment dire...
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism and Kleefstra Syndrome due to a Pathogenic Variant in the EHMT1 Gene: An Underrecognized Association

Kleefstra syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by intellectual disability, childhood hypotonia, and facial dysmorphisms. Genital anomalies such as micropenis, cryptorchidism, and hypospadias have been reported in 30-40% of males diagnosed with the disease. However, endocrinological investigations have been limited. We describe a case of an adolescent male with Kleefstra syndrome due to a pathogenic variant in the EHMT1 gene whose workup for isolated micropenis is suggestive of a partial hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. A possible endocrine mechanism of the genital anomaly associated with Kleefstra syndrome is discussed.
Postoperative Surgical Site Infection After Spine Surgery: An Update From the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) Morbidity and Mortality Database*

Study Design Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Objective Analyze the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) Morbidity & Mortality (M&M) database to assess the incidence and characteristics related to postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) after spinal deformity surgery. Summary of Background Data Infections involving spinal instrumentation are associated with greater rates of disability. Rates of postoperative SSI after spinal deformity surgery range from 1.9% to 4.4%. Postoperative SSI rates of 4.2% for adult kyphosis, 2.1% for adult spondylolisthesis, and 3.7% for adult scoliosis have been reported. Methods The SRS M&M database was evaluated to define patient demographics, perioperative factors, and infection characteristics of spinal deformity patients with postoperative spine infections after deformity surgery in 2012. Results Of the 47,755 procedures reported to the SRS in 2012, there were 578 (1.2%) diagnosed SSIs. Infection rates for patients with kyphosis were significantly higher compared with patients with scoliosis (2.4% vs. 1.1%, p Conclusion SSIs occur in 1.2% of spine deformity patients, with a rate significantly higher in patients with kyphosis. Approximately 25% of these infections are secondary to gram-negative species. Antibiotic complications occur in 4.5% of patients being treated for SSI. Despite advancements in surgical technique and infection prophylaxis, postoperative SSI remains one of the most common complications in spinal deformity surgery. Level of Evidence Level III
Effects of short-term turbidity on sensory preference and behaviour of adult fish

When changing environments make the primary sensory modality less useful or reliable, animals may shift their reliance to a different sensory modality. However, such plasticity in sensory modalities may be unlikely outside of critical developmental periods or may depend on the type of behaviour associated with the sensory response. Animals' previous experience with a particular environment and its influence on the reliability of cues may also constrain the occurrence of sensory shifts. Here, we ask about the impacts of changing environments that occur during adulthood on sensory behaviour. Specifically, we housed adult zebrafish, Danio rerio, for 6 weeks either in constantly clear water, or in water that was periodically turbid. We then compared the two groups in terms of their (1) response to a reflexive optomotor stimulus, (2) choice for visual versus olfactory cues in a foraging context and (3) social behaviour. We found that fish with experiences in the turbid context responded less robustly to a reflexive visual stimulus and responded to olfactory as opposed to visual cues as the first choice, suggesting a shift in their primary sensory modality. However, other behavioural measures (e.g. shoal cohesion, charge rate, activity level) depended more on the context in which they were measured than on recent experience. Taken together, these results suggest that recent experiences in particular physical contexts may impact the use of different sensory modalities and visual physiology, but that these effects depend on the type of behaviour being considered. These compensatory shifts between sensory modalities may help animals to buffer other forms of behaviour from major changes in the environment.
CLARITY reveals a more protracted temporal course of axon swelling and disconnection than previously described following traumatic brain injury

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is an important consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI). At the moment of trauma, axons rarely disconnect, but undergo cytoskeletal disruption and transport interruption leading to protein accumulation within swellings. The amyloid precursor protein (APP) accumulates rapidly and the standard histological evaluation of axonal pathology relies upon its detection. APP+ swellings first appear as varicosities along intact axons, which can ultimately undergo secondary disconnection to leave a terminal "axon bulb" at the disconnected, proximal end. However, sites of disconnection are difficult to determine with certainty using standard, thin tissue sections, thus limiting the comprehensive evaluation of axon degeneration. The tissue-clearing technique, CLARITY, permits three-dimensional visualization of axons that would otherwise be out of plane in standard tissue sections. Here, we examined the morphology and connection status of APP+ swellings using CLARITY at 6 h, 24 h, 1 week and 1 month following the controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of TBI in mice. Remarkably, many APP+ swellings that appeared as terminal bulbs when viewed in standard 8-µm-thick regions of tissue were instead revealed to be varicose swellings along intact axons when three dimensions were fully visible. Moreover, the percentage of these potentially viable axon swellings differed with survival from injury and may represent the delayed onset of distinct mechanisms of degeneration. Even at 1-month post-CCI, ~10% of apparently terminal bulbs were revealed as connected by CLARITY and are thus potentially salvageable. Intriguingly, the diameter of swellings decreased with survival, including varicosities along intact axons, and may reflect reversal of, or reduced, axonal transport interruption in the chronic setting. These data indicate that APP immunohistochemistry on standard thickness tissue sections overestimates axon disconnection, particularly acutely post-injury. Evaluating cleared tissue demonstrates a surprisingly delayed process of axon disconnection and thus longer window of therapeutic opportunity than previously appreciated. Intriguingly, a subset of axon swellings may also be capable of recovery.
Negative affect, dietary restriction, and food choice in bulimia nervosa.

Abstract Objective Negative affect is a precipitant for binge eating in bulimia nervosa (BN). The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of negative affect on food choices on a more granular level among individuals with BN using a computerized Food Choice Task. Method Individuals with BN (n = 25) and healthy controls (HC, n = 21) participated in a computerized Food Choice Task following negative and neutral affect inductions, across two study sessions. During the task participants rated high and low-fat food items for Healthiness and Tastiness. Individuals then made a series of choices between a neutral-rated food and high and low-fat foods and were then given a snack based upon these choices. Results Overall negative affect score increased significantly for both the BN and HC groups following the negative affect induction. The group of individuals with BN, relative to the HC group, was less likely to choose high-fat foods (z = −2.763, p = 0.006), and these choices were not impacted by affect condition. Health ratings influenced food choices significantly more among individuals with BN than HC (z = 2.55, p = 0.01). Discussion Induction of negative affect was successful, yet was not related to an increase in proportion of high-fat food choices in the group of individuals with BN. The Food Choice Task captured dietary restriction in individuals with BN and results highlight the utility of this task as a probe to examine how the values of healthiness and tastiness impact food choice in individuals with BN.
Transfer in speech motor learning: The role of voicing

Previous studies have demonstrated that American English speakers can improve their production of phonotactically illegal onset clusters (e.g., DBEEGO) after structured practice. However, the nature of what is learned remains incompletely understood. We use a transfer paradigm to address this question by examining performance on trained and untrained novel consonant sequences. In particular, we investigated whether the differences between voiced and voiceless stop-stop clusters (e.g., /gd/ vs. /kt/) influences transfer of learning, hypothesizing that the voiced clusters involve more complex motor control. Forty native speakers of American English practiced nonwords beginning with either voiced (/gd/, /db/, /gb/) or voiceless (/kt/, /kp/, /tp/) stop-stop onset clusters. All participants were tested on both types of clusters at baseline (prior to practice) and in two retention sessions (20 minutes (R1) and 2 days (R2) after practice). Blinded coders rated cluster accuracy based on presence of a vowel in the acoustics. Preliminary results (n = 10) indicate a trend of bi-directional transfer, with participants in both practice conditions exhibiting improved accuracy for both trained and untrained clusters. Previous studies have demonstrated that American English speakers can improve their production of phonotactically illegal onset clusters (e.g., DBEEGO) after structured practice. However, the nature of what is learned remains incompletely understood. We use a transfer paradigm to address this question by examining performance on trained and untrained novel consonant sequences. In particular, we investigated whether the differences between voiced and voiceless stop-stop clusters (e.g., /gd/ vs. /kt/) influences transfer of learning, hypothesizing that the voiced clusters involve more complex motor control. Forty native speakers of American English practiced nonwords beginning with either voiced (/gd/, /db/, /gb/) or voiceless (/kt/, /kp/, /tp/) stop-stop onset clusters. All participants were tested on both types of clusters at baseline (prior to practice) and in two retention sessions (20 minutes (R1) and 2 days (R2) after practice). Blinded coders rated cluster accuracy based on presence of a vowel in the...
Race and the Mona Lisa: Reflecting on Antiracist Teaching Practice

AbstractWe report on multicultural education pedagogies that support teacher candidates in enacting antiracist teaching practice. These pedagogies draw from the experience of a 12-year-old child in...
Melatonin and Other Pineal Products

Morphological studies on the mammalian pinealocyte predict the secretion of proteins, peptides or related substances. Certain pineal activities have been reported which cannot be accounted for on the basis of the physiological action of melatonin. These facts have led investigators to search for non-indolic pineal substances which may carry out an important role in neuroendocrine regulation. Abundant evidence has accumulated showing that melatonin-free fractions derived from extracts of pineal tissue demonstrate significant inhibitory effects on gonadotropin and the reproductive system. Additionally, recent experiments in light-deprived hamsters have shown that when stimulated the pineal gland can evoke reduced pituitary and serum prolactin levels. These results have led to the search for and discovery of pineal prolactin inhibiting factors (PPIF). Rat and bovine PPIF, partially purified from acetic acid extracts using Sephadex chromatography, Amicon ultrafiltration and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), was observed to reduce acutely serum prolactin levels in rats, an effect not shared by melatonin. Newly identified pineal compounds include pteridines, which may act as co-factors in the regulation of catecholamine and hydroxyindole synthesis, the antigonadotropic tripeptide threonylseryllysine, and the aminosulfonic acid taurine which has been shown to be synthesized by the rat pineal and to stimulate pineal N-acetyltransferase activity and melatonin synthesis. Finally, a bovine pineal substance showing neurohypophysial hormone-like activity was partially purified from glacial acetic acid extracts by Sephadex chromatography, Amicon ultrafiltration and ion exchange chromatography. The elution volume of this substance, detected by milk ejection bioassay, was not identical to that of synthetic arginine vasotocin or arginine vasopressin, but showed chemical characteristics more closely related to oxytocin or a substance of unknown structure.
A Phenomenological Study of Racial Harassment in School and Emotional Effects Among the Retrospective Accounts of Older Black Adolescents

Increased reports in public schools and depictions on social media signify racial harassment is quite prevalent in the lives of black students in the United States. However, the degree to which research has focused on the specific forms of racial harassment in school and its emotional effects remain understudied. This phenomenological study explored the retrospective accounts of racial harassment in the public-school experiences of a sample of older black youth and the emotional consequences of such encounters. Findings from the participants indicate the most prevalent form of racial harassment occurred in the form of subtle assaults and racial slights, followed by verbal and physical assaults. Participants were also more likely to express anger and sadness in their accounts of racial harassment. Discussion focuses on how racial harassment has adverse emotional consequences and the need for interventions that address racial healing, bias reduction, and emotional regulation for adults and students in school.
Staying Ahead of the Wave

Covid-19 Notes: Staying Ahead of the Wave This report from a hard-hit hospital on Long Island, New York, explains how the local coronavirus epidemic led to rapid innovation. The ED set up a forward...
Abstract 5997: Increased connexin 43 expression and gap junction communication correlates with invasion following reduced glucose metabolism in breast cancer cells

Dysregulation of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is a common feature during cancer progression. GJIC is a means of direct cell-cell communication mediated by regulated membrane channels composed of connexin proteins. This communication is frequently lost between primary tumor cells but may be upregulated at secondary metastatic sites with stromal cells. Control of this process by cancer cells has been shown to facilitate aggressive qualities both in vitro and in vivo. During the process of metastasis, cells encounter numerous metabolic challenges that must be overcome, particularly during growth of primary tumors. In this study, we set out to evaluate if changes to cancer cell metabolism affect GJIC in breast cancer cells. To address this question, we generated a metabolic variant of the MDA-MB-231 cell line conditioned to grow in glucose-limiting conditions. These cells were grown in FBS supplemented RPMI with Citation Format: Jennifer C. Jones, Amanda M. Miceli, Mary M. Chaudhry, Mallika A. Jai, Romel N. Pancho, Alan Lazzar, Bradley S. Taylor, Vishnupriya Bodempudi, Prarthana P. Jain, Sheeri Hanjra, Alexander E. Urban, Brian Zanotti, Ellen K. Kohlmeir, Thomas M. Bodenstine. Increased connexin 43 expression and gap junction communication correlates with invasion following reduced glucose metabolism in breast cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 5997.
Near-Zero Power Integrated Microsystems for the IOT

State-of-the-art sensors are not "smart" enough to identify targets of interest. They consume power continuously to monitor the environment even when there is no relevant data to be detected. This paper presents a new class of zero-power microsystems that fundamentally break the paradigm, remaining dormant, with zero-power consumption, until awakened by a specific physical signature associated with an event of interest. In particular, we demonstrate infrared (IR) digitizing sensors that consist of plasmonically enhanced micromechanical photoswitches (PMPs) that selectively harvest the impinging electromagnetic energy in design-defined spectral bands of interest and use it to create mechanically a conducting channel between two electrical contacts, without the need for any additional power source. Such a passive IR digitizer is capable of producing a wake-up bit when exposed to a specific IR spectral signature associated to a target of interest while rejecting background interference. Here we show the device characterization, system level integration with commercial off-the-shelf electronics, and three application examples of the zero-power IR sensors (plant water content monitoring, flame detection and human presence sensing). The capability of these zero-power sensors of consuming power only when useful information is present results in a nearly unlimited duration of operation, with a groundbreaking impact on the proliferation of the IoT.
Total Quality Management

Collis P. Huntington, owner of Newport News Shipbuilding, engraved in 1917 the company’s motto on the side of the building: “We shall build good ships here; at a profit, if we can, at a loss if we must, but always build good ships.” (Dobyns and Crawford-Mason, 1991: 11). Five thousand years before Huntington, Egyptian inspectors checked the work of masons who dressed the stones of the pyramids, and the ancient Chinese had a department of the government to establish and maintain quality standards (Juran, 1993). These examples show that, meeting the standards, whether they were set by kings or merchants, was important. Ever since businesses have been engaged in the production of goods and services, quality has been a concern to the producer and the user. In that sense, quality has never gone out of fashion and never will. But what has changed over the years is the meaning of the term “quality,” its significance to organizations, and how it is managed.
A 67-Year-Old Woman With Abdominal Pain and Dyspnea.

Case Presentation A 67-year-old woman presented to her primary physician with a year of periumbilical abdominal discomfort with diarrhea, bloating, and unintentional weight loss. While undergoing workup for the abdominal pain, she presented to the ED with dyspnea that worsened over a few weeks. She had no associated chest pain, lower extremity edema, fevers, or chills, but endorsed orthopnea. The patient’s medical history included hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus. Her family history was significant for coronary disease in her father and hypertension in her mother. She had no recent travel; she is a nonsmoker and rare alcohol drinker. She worked in administration.
Radiation exposure in 101 non-coronary fluoroscopically guided interventional procedures: reference levels of air kerma at the reference point and air kerma-area product

Objectives To present the median value and 75th percentile of air kerma at the reference point (Ka,r), air kerma-area product (KAP), and fluoroscopic time for a large number of fluoroscopically-guided interventional (FGI) procedures. Methods This retrospective study included the consecutive non-coronary FGI procedures from a Radiology department between May 2016 and October 2018 at a large tertiary care hospital in the U.S. An in-house developed, semi-automated software, integrated with a dictation system, was used to record patient examination information, including Ka,r, KAP and fluoroscopic time. The included patient procedures were categorized into procedure types. A software package R (version 3.5.1, R Foundation) was used to calculate procedure-specific quartiles of radiation exposure. Results Based on analysis of 24,911 FGI cases, median value and 75th percentile are presented for each of Ka,r, KAP and fluoroscopic time for 101 procedures that can act as benchmark for comparison for dose optimization studies. Conclusion This study provides reference levels (50th and 75th percentiles) for a comprehensive list of FGI procedures, reflecting an overall picture of the latest FGI studies for diagnosis, targeted minimally invasive intervention, and therapeutic treatment. Advances in knowledge This study provides reference levels (50th and 75th percentiles) for the largest number of fluoroscopically-guided interventional procedures reported to-date (101 procedures), in terms of air kerma at the reference point, air kerma-area product, and fluoroscopic time, among which these quartiles for ≥50 procedures are presented for the first time.
Fullerene-like cages versus alternant cages: isomer stability of B13N13, B14N14, and B16N16

Abstract The production of boron nitride nanotubes has prompted numerous investigations into the structural properties of intermediate-sized boron nitride molecules. For molecules with more than twenty atoms, cage isomers are the most stable. In this study, two classes of boron nitrides are compared: fullerene-like structures consisting of pentagons and hexagons, and alternant structures consisting of squares and hexagons. These two classes are compared for B 13 N 13 , B 14 N 14 , and B 16 N 16 by theoretical calculations using Hartree–Fock theory and density functional theory (B3LYP and LDA). The major result is that the alternant structures are more stable than the molecules based on fullerenes.
Cross‐autocorrelations among asset classes: Evidence from the mutual fund industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine asset class cross‐autocorrelations at the macro‐level by exploring the return associations among mutual fund asset classes. The low transactions costs of trading mutual funds make this extension important since informed traders can potentially use mutual funds to exploit asset class return cross‐autocorrelations that were not exploitable with individual securities.Design/methodology/approach – The Granger causality tests and correlation results are employed to ascertain whether significant relationships exist among asset classes. Using a time series of 2,739 daily returns for 641 mutual funds comprising 20 asset classes, trading strategies are developed using the initial sample and evaluated out‐of‐sample on a risk‐adjusted basis.Findings – Both the cross‐autocorrelations and Granger causality tests suggest that most of the domestic equity asset class returns can predict future global and international equity returns. Further, the trading‐rule portfolios p...
Evolution of the Lean Enterprise System

Many aerospace enterprises and other organizations have adopted a variety of management approaches to achieve continuous process improvement, enterprise change and transformation, such as the lean enterprise system, total quality management (TQM), theory of constraints (TOC), agile manufacturing, and business process re-engineering (BPR). Among them, the lean enterprise system, with its origins in the Toyota Production System (TPS), comes closest to providing a holistic view of enterprises as complex socio-technical systems embodying a mutually supportive set of precepts and practices driving enterprise operations at all levels (i.e., strategic, tactical, operational) and throughout the enterprise value stream encompassing both upstream supplier networks and downstream customer-focused activities. Lean enterprise principles and practices have evolved over many decades through a process of experimentation, learning and adaptation. A distinction is made between the basic lean enterprise system (BLES), capturing salient developments over the period between the late 1940s and mid-1990s, and the contemporary lean enterprise system (CLES), capturing major conceptual and implementation-related extensions of the basic model since the mid-1990s. The lean enterprise system, as a viable framework for explaining the structure and dynamics of modern networked enterprises, for managing them, and for improving their performance through either continuous process improvement or planned systemic change and transformation, remains a work-in-progress. Keywords: lean manufacturing; just-in-time-production (JIT); Toyota production system (TPS); lean enterprise system; total quality management (TQM); six sigma; lean six sigma; theory of constraints (TOC); agile manufacturing; business process reengineering (BPR); enterprise change and transformation
The Concept of Risk Tolerance in Personal Financial Planning

Assessment of risk tolerance is fundamental to proper asset allocation within a household portfolio. It is also a frequently misunderstood concept and difficult to measure practically. We discuss the relationship between risk aversion and portfolio recommendations based on an expected utility approach, review selected empirical research on risk tolerance, and propose to separate risk capacity, expectations, and other factors from the concept of risk tolerance.
A survey of the physiochemical characteristics and the zooplankton communities in an ephemeral karst lake

Chaney Lake State Nature Preserve is a 68 ha ephemeral karst lake in southern Warren County, Kentucky (USA). Chaney typically fills with water in the winter as groundwater levels rise and then slowly dries via evaporation and drainage back into the subsurface over the summer months. The lake contains several habitat types, identifiable by the dominant plant communities, which may have different physiochemical characteristics. Since these differences may result in an increase in habitat heterogeneity and niches available for colonization by resident zooplankton, a suite of physiochemical and nutrient parameters was monitored in these habitats from January 1997–August 1998. Zooplankton densities and community structure were assessed from January 1997 through May 1998. There were few significant differences among the habitats but there were significantly higher concentrations of NOx and higher specific conductivities associated with some of the groundwater inlet areas in the lake. Zooplankton were abundant, but there were no differences in zooplankton densities among the areas sampled. These results suggest that the physiochemical properties in the lake are heavily influenced by the groundwater inputs and that land use patterns around Chaney Lake may be having an impact on the preserve.
Causes and Mechanisms of Cerebellar Infarction in Young Patients

To the Editor: The recent article by Barinagarrementeria and colleagues,1 dealing with the causes and mechanisms of cerebellar infarction in young patients, is not only informative but also provocative. The finding that 67% were caused by vertebral artery dissection raises several questions. Specifically, the pathogenesis of spontaneous vertebral artery dissection remains unknown, yet several independent factors exist that may provide clues. Did any of the individuals have chiropractic therapy,2 shampooing in a beauty parlor,3 or sustained neck angulation activity4 …
The effects of heavy resistance training and a high protein diet (3.4g/kg/d) on body composition, exercise performance and indices of health in resistance-trained individuals - a follow-up investigation

Background The consumption of a high protein diet (> 4g/kg/d) in trained men and women who did not alter their training program has been previously shown to have no significant effect on body composition. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to determine if a high protein diet in conjunction with a body part, split-routine heavy resistance training program would affect indices of body composition, performance and health.
Using interdisciplinary teams in a mobile application development course

Due to the overwhelming popularity of smartphones and tablets, many computing departments are introducing mobile application development (Android, iOS, Windows Phone, etc.) courses into their curriculum. Art and Design departments are also equipping their students to design graphics for this growing market. This paper describes an experiment combining undergraduate computer science and graphic design students on interdisciplinary teams to develop Android applications. After spending the semester developing the apps, students were asked to reflect on their experiences. The responses have been analyzed and the outcomes from the experiment are being shared. It is hoped the findings in this paper will aid other instructors who are thinking about merging the talents of graphic design and computer science students to develop software.