cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GENERATING EMPIRICALLY DETERMINED, CONTINUOUS MEASURES OF LEAF SHAPE FOR PALEOCLIMATE RECONSTRUCTION

Paleobotanists have developed numerous methods for quantifying correlations between leaf form and climate, so that fossil leaves can be used to estimate past terrestrial climate. Approaches currently used can be broken into two classes: those using categorical, primarily qualitative shape characters (such as round base) and those describing shape as ratios or other abstract mathematical descriptors (such as perimeter-to-area ratio). Both classes of approach have limitations and are hard to compare to one another. We show how eigenshape analysis provides both interpretable characters and measures of continuous variation, thus potentially overcoming the limitations of both current approaches. We applied eigenshape analysis to a sample of 394 nonlobed leaves from extant assemblages to empirically identify independent leaf shape characters. This resulted in the identification of 20 shape characters. Of these, 13 reflected variation due to broad-scale asymmetry as well as asymmetry localized to the tip, base, and lamina-petiole junction. The remaining seven characters, in order of variance explained, corresponded roughly to base shape, tip angle, location of widest portion of the leaf (ovate to obovate variation), extent of widest portion of the leaf (elliptic to oblong variation), tip shape (blunt to drip tip), ovate to obovate variation localized to the middle of the leaf, and extension of the lamina along the petiole at the lamina-petiole junction. All 7 of these characters and only 1 of the 13 asymmetry characters had an association with climate. These characters corresponded to five of the seven broad categories of Wolfe's Climate-Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program shape descriptors, excluding only tooth shape and lobing. The results of this study indicate that eigenshape-generated measures of leaf shape merit further exploration.
Chemical Control of Nematode Vectors of Plant Viruses

Chemical control of plant pathogenic nematodes has been practiced successfully for 30 years. Both fumigant and nonfumigant nematicides are presently used. In the production of annual crops the nematicides are applied at rates sufficient to reduce the nematode population below the economic threshold level but generally no attempt is made to eradicate the nematodes. An 80–90% reduction in the population in the upper 40–60 cm of soil is usually adequate to provide economic control.
Tissue-specific Expression of Dominant Negative Mutant Drosophila HSC70 Causes Developmental Defects and Lethality

The Drosophila melanogaster HSC3 and HSC4 genes encode Hsc70 proteins homologous to the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein BiP and the cytoplasmic clathrin uncoating ATPase, respectively. These proteins possess ATP binding/hydrolysis activities that mediate their ability to aid in protein folding by coordinating the sequential binding and release of misfolded proteins. To investigate the roles of HSC3 (Hsc3p) and HSC4 (Hsc4p) proteins during development, GAL4-targeted gene expression was used to analyze the effects of producing dominant negatively acting Hsc3p (D231S, K97S) and Hsc4p (D206S, K71S) proteins, containing single amino acid substitutions in their ATP-binding domains, in specific tissues of Drosophila throughout development. We show that the production of each mutant protein results in lethality over a range of developmental stages, depending on the levels of protein produced and which tissues are targeted. We demonstrate that the functions of both Hsc3p and Hsc4p are required for proper tissue establishment and maintenance. Production of mutant Hsc4p, but not Hsc3p, results in induction of the stress-inducible Hsp70 at normal temperatures. Evidence is presented that lethality is caused by tissue-specific defects that result from a global accumulation of misfolded protein caused by lack of functional Hsc70. We show that both mutant Hsc3ps are defective in ATP-induced substrate release, although Hsc3p(D231S) does undergo an ATP-induced conformational change. We believe that the amino acid substitutions in Hsc3p interfere with the structural coupling of ATP binding to substrate release, and this defect is the basis for the mutant proteins’ dominant negative effects in vivo.
Research-Based Implementation of Peer Instruction:A Literature Review

Current instructional reforms in undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses have focused on enhancing adoption of evidence-based instructional practices among STEM faculty members. These practices have been empirically demonstrated to enhance student learning and attitudes. However, research indicates that instructors often adapt rather than adopt practices, unknowingly compromising their effectiveness. Thus, there is a need to raise awareness of the research-based implementation of these practices, develop fidelity of implementation protocols to understand adaptations being made, and ultimately characterize the true impact of reform efforts based on these practices. Peer instruction (PI) is an example of an evidence-based instructional practice that consists of asking students conceptual questions during class time and collecting their answers via clickers or response cards. Extensive research has been conducted by physics and biology education researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of this practice and to better understand the intricacies of its implementation. PI has also been investigated in other disciplines, such as chemistry and computer science. This article reviews and summarizes these various bodies of research and provides instructors and researchers with a research-based model for the effective implementation of PI. Limitations of current studies and recommendations for future empirical inquiries are also provided.
Treatment De-intensification in HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer: Evidence, Controversies, and Strategies

A subset of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) has been shown to be related to human papillomavirus (HPV). These cancers have improved prognosis compared to non-HPV-associated OPSCC. The recognition of this favorable prognosis cohort of patients has occurred in the midst of decades of investigations seeking to intensify local-regional therapy to improve tumor control and survival rates. With long-term follow-up, it is now clear that these intensification strategies are associated with significant late toxicities prompting a re-evaluation of the role of intensified local-regional therapy for HPV-associated OPSCC. The de-intensification strategies that have been evaluated or currently under evaluation are reviewed in this article.
Application kernels: HPC resources performance monitoring and variance analysis

Application kernels are computationally lightweight benchmarks or applications run repeatedly on high performance computing HPC clusters in order to track the Quality of Service QoS provided to the users. They have been successful in detecting a variety of hardware and software issues, some severe, that have subsequently been corrected, resulting in improved system performance and throughput. In this work, the application kernels performance monitoring module of eXtreme Data Metrics on Demand XDMoD is described. Through the XDMoD framework, the application kernels have been run repetitively on the Texas Advanced Computing Center's Stampede and Lonestar4 clusters for a total of over 14,000 jobs. This provides a body of data on the HPC clusters operation that can be used to statistically analyze how the application performance, as measured by metrics such as execution time and communication bandwidth, is affected by the cluster's workload. We discuss metric distributions, carry out regression and correlation analyses, and use a PCA study to describe the variance and relate the variance to factors such as the spatial distribution of the application in the cluster. Ultimately, these types of analyses can be used to improve the application kernel mechanism, which in turn results in improved QoS of the HPC infrastructure that is delivered to the end users. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interwoven Ubiquitination Oscillators and Control of Cell Cycle Transitions

Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis has emerged as a paramount mechanism for regulating the cell division cycle. Changes in the activities of certain E3 ligases can promote the interconversion of cell cycle states or transitions. Recent studies have revealed how distinct E3 ligases control the activity of other E3 ligases and how the interplay between these degradation machines sets up the timing of cell cycle transitions. For example, during G 1 , the anaphase-promoting complex in conjunction with Cdh1 (APC Cdh1 ) catalyzes destruction of the S-phase activator Skp2, helping to define the G 1 state. In response to poorly defined signals, APC Cdh1 activity is reduced, allowing accumulation of Skp2 and therefore entry into S phase. In many cases, E3 ligases also function to ubiquitinate proteins that negatively regulate cell cycle transitions. Recent work indicates that cyclin-dependent kinase 2 and Polo kinase collaborate to phosphorylate Wee1, thereby promoting its ubiquitination by SCF β-TRCP . Thus, activation of the mitotic transition produces feedback signals that help to turn off the negative upstream pathway to further reenforce the transition.
Evaluation of Plasma, Metaraminol, and Hydrocortisone in Experimental Endotoxin Shock

An experimental model of canine endotoxin shock was employed for evaluating therapeutic agents that are used in the management of peripheral vascular collapse. An important feature of the present study was that an agent or agents were not administered until hypotension and oligulria were present. Progressive endotoxin shock was not reversed by the infusion of large amounts of canine plasma. Large doses of hydrocortisone did not prevent a lethal outcome. Even though the blood pressure was stabilized near normotensive levels with the vasopressor drug, metaraminol, progressive shock occurred. The most significant finding was that lethal endotoxin shock was prevented in six of the 10 animals studied by the simultaneous use of hydrocortisone and metaraminol. Only one-eighth the amount of metaraminol was necessary to maintain normotensive levels of blood pressure if a large dose of hydrocortisone was administered before the infusion of the pressor drug.
Characteristics of medial temporal lobe epilepsy: I. Results of history and physical examination

In order to more precisely define a syndrome of medial temporal lobe epilepsy, histories and physical findings were evaluated in 67 patients studied with intracranial electrodes who had medial temporal seizure onset and became seizure free following temporal lobectomy. Patients with circumscribed, potentially epileptogenic mass lesions were excluded. Fifty-four patients (81%) had histories of convulsions during early childhood or infancy, 52 of which were associated with fever. Complicated febrile seizures occurred in 33 (94%) of the 35 patients in whom detailed descriptions of the febrile seizures were available. Bacterial (5) or viral (2) central central nervous system infections were present in 7 patients with seizures and fevers. Other less common, but probably significant, risk factors included head trauma (10%) and birth trauma (3%). Only 5 patients had no apparent risk factors. The mean age at habitual seizure onset was 9 years. All patients had complex partial seizures, with half having only complex partial seizures. The other half also had secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures, but these were never the predominant seizure type. Only 3 patients had histories of convulsive status epilepticus and no patient had a history of nonconvulsive status epilepticus. All but 3 patients reported auras before some or all of their seizures, with an abdominal visceral sensation being by far the most common type of aura (61%). Of the 60 patients with identified risk factors, all but 2 had an interval between the presumed cerebral insult and the development of habitual seizures, with a mean seizure-free interval of 7.5 years.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Biology Teachers' Attitudes toward and Use of Indiana's Evolution Standards.

This study examines the relationship between biology teachers' evolution teaching practices and their regard and use of Indiana state evolution standards. A survey developed by the authors contained five subscales: use of standards; attitude toward standards; attitude toward evolution standards; evolution teaching practices; and demographic information. This survey was administered to 229 Indiana biology teachers. Data were analyzed using the Rasch model to convert Likert rating scale data into ratio data used for parametric analyses. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between use of standards and attitude toward standards, attitude toward standards and evolution teaching practices, and attitude toward evolution standards and days teaching evolution. These findings suggest practical relationships between standards use, teachers' regard of standards, and evolution teaching practices. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 236–257, 2007
Dual-channel strained-layer in GaAs-GaAs-AlGaAs WDM source with integrated coupler by selective-area MOCVD

Selective-area metalorganic chemical vapor deposition is used to fabricate a dual-channel strained-layer InGaAs-GaAs-AlGaAs WDM source with integrated coupler. Threshold currents of 11.5 mA were obtained for 1100 /spl mu/m long uncoated channels operating cw at room temperature. Both channels can be coupled into a single mode fiber without the need for an external coupler. >
On the optimality and exactness of wavenumber-domain SAR data processing

Derives the wavenumber-domain SAR processing algorithm within a Hilbert-space framework. The derivation of the algorithm is motivated from geometrical considerations and the resulting image formation procedure is seen to be optimal. A new derivation of the algorithm, using a direct approximation of an exact Fourier identity, is given. The exact formulation is shown to be equivalent to previous derivations with appropriate approximations. Then, an approximate derivation of the algorithm is given which uses the principle of stationary phase to approximate the Fourier transforms. Fortunately, the approximations are exceedingly good for typical SAR imaging scenarios. Requirements on sampling for discrete implementation of the algorithm are discussed and the resolution achievable using this algorithm is shown to agree with that obtainable in a comparable spotlight scenario. >
Assessing parental childrearing behaviors: A comparison of parent, child, and aggregate ratings from two instruments

Abstract This report examined the relative validity of scores of childrearing behavior based upon ratings by four rater types (mother, father, college-age child, and a sibling) from 186 families. Using the Worell and Worell Parent Behavior Form (PBF; Worell & Worell, 1974 ), subscale scores based on each rater type were of roughly equal internal consistency, had parallel factor structures, and yielded modest agreement with the three other rater types. These results are parallel to earlier findings for Schaefer's Child's Report of Parent Behavior Inventory (CRPBI; Schaefer, 1965 ; Schwarz, Barton-Henry, & Pruzinsky, 1985 ) with a similar sample. There was little or no evidence that ratings by the child subject were superior to those of any other family member. Aggregating ratings of multiple family members greatly increased the generalizability of factor scores: The correlations between the three congruent factors of the PBF and the CRPBI averaged. 79 when 4-rater aggregate scores from each istrument were employed. Sources of validity and error in assessing childrearing behavior were discussed.
Spatial inequalities in Western cities: A comparison of North American and German urban areas

Since metropolitan areas in North America and Western Europe reflect similar social and economic divisions in society; similar degrees of spatial inequality for social and housing indicators are expected. This proposition was tested for seven cities (four in West Germany, two in the United States and one in Canada) for 1960–61 and 1970–71. Eight of the nine social indicators showed approximately equal inequality scores, once scale differences are controlled. Minority groups in American cities were significantly more spatially concentrated than those in German or Canadian cities. Areas of multiple housing deprivation were more clearly defined in American cities and the populations living in these areas were predominantly minority, old, renters and welfare recipients, a sharp contrast to deprived areas in cities in the other two nations. The German urban social mosaic is becoming more ‘Americanized’ as postwar housing shortages give way to increased homeownership, suburbanization and greater social class segregation.
Phage display of ScFv peptides recognizing the thymidine(6–4)thymidine photoproduct

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces DNA photoproducts in skin cells and is the predominant cause of human skin cancers. To understand human susceptibility to skin cancer and to facilitate the development of prevention measures, highly specific reagents to detect and quantitate UV-induced DNA adducts in human skin will be needed. One approach towards this end is the use of monoclonal antibody-based molecular dosimetry methods. To facilitate the development of photoproduct-specific antibody reagents we have: (i) cloned and sequenced a single chain variable fragment (ScFv) gene coding for one such high affinity monoclonal antibody, αUVssDNA-1 (mAb C3B6), recognizing the thymidine(6–4)thymidine photoproduct; (ii) expressed and displayed the cloned ScFv gene on the surface of phage; (iii) selected functional recombinant phage by panning; (iv) purified the ScFv peptide; (v) shown that the purified ScFv peptide binds to UV-irradiated polythymidylic acid but not unirradiated polythymidylic acid. This is the first demonstration of the use of phage display to select a ScFv recognizing DNA damage. In addition, this is the initial step towards immortalizing the antibody gene for genetic manipulation, structure–function studies and application to human investigations.
Optics and the Line in Plato's Republic

Socrates, in the Republic (509 d–511 e), uses the symbol of a divided line to illustrate the distinction between the Visible and Intelligible Worlds, and between the kinds of perception appropriate to each. This paper will present a new hypothesis: that the proportions of the line are derived from optical theory.The construction of the Divided Line is described as follows: Socrates asks his interlocutors to represent the Visible and Intelligible Worlds by a line divided into two unequal segments. (See Diagram I, below, where line AA' is divided at C.) The ratio in which the division is to be made is not specified, and it seems that any ratio is acceptable provided that one segment is longer than the other. Socrates then tells them to cut each part again according to the same ratio as the original division. (In Diagram I, below, AC is divided at F, and CA' is divided at F'.) After describing the division of the line thus into four parts, Socrates goes on to explain the philosophical significance of each part. For the purposes of this paper the following brief identification of each segment of the line will suffice.
Qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques for network security assessment

As attacks upon critical network infrastructures increase in complexity and destructiveness, new methods are needed to aid security administrators in protecting their networks. This paper describes a multistage attack modeling framework in which to explore new techniques for risk-based network security management. The multistage attack modeling foundation employs functional vulnerability specifications, object-oriented network models and attacker capability expressions to support compound vulnerability analysis. It is through this framework that we present quantitative and qualitative techniques for compound vulnerability risk assessment.
Computer Go: A grand challenge to AI

The oriental game of Go is among the most tantalizing unconquered challenges in artificial intelligence after IBM's DEEP BLUE beat the world Chess champion in 1997. Its high branching factor prevents the conventional tree search approach, and long-range spatiotemporal interactions make position evaluation extremely difficult. Thus, Go attracts researchers from diverse fields who are attempting to understand how computers can represent human playing and win the game against humans. Numerous publications already exist on this topic with different motivations and a variety of application contexts. This chapter surveys methods and some related works used in computer Go published from 1970 until now, and offers a basic overview for future study. We also present our attempts and simulation results in building a non-knowledge game engine, using a novel hybrid evolutionary computation algorithm, for the Capture Go game.
Film Industry Channel Innovations Or With Digital Movie Transmission: Will Popcorn Prices Drop At Movie Theaters?

Changes in the film industry are occurring and are expected to continue to change due to the internet and other new technology. This manuscript investigates the distribution system of the film industry and how it is being impacted by these changes. Will the stadium seating movie theater go by the wayside as the old drive-in theaters? Will distribution of movies be downloaded as common as music is now? These and more questions are addressed in this research effort.
Effects of Family Responsibilities, Gender, and Career Identity Salience on Performance Outcomes

Predictions based on the human capital, gender discrimination, and social identity theories were tested. Individuals with salient career identities were willing to expend extra effort at work and r...
Existential Categories In Contemporary Literature

Presenting a paper on existentialism is somewhat like escorting a lady of rather dubious reputation to a party: the half-smiles and half-concealed glances are matched by an absorbing interest in the newcomer, and there is a nervousness in the discussion. Among philosophers the term “existentialism” is unique in this respect: no other term can make philosophers smile. What they are smiling about remains a mystery; that they smile, however, is no less mysterious. Again, there is a nervousness which teases about the subject, and which, in the end, is often all that ever emerges from the discussion. But even where existential philosophy is given a more serious hearing, the sense of mystery never quite vanishes; it transposes itself instead into an almost eschatological expectancy, the awaiting of a resolute answer to the jocular yet desperate question, “Well, what exactly is existentialism ?” Unfortunately, most goodwilled and competent efforts to answer this question are blocked at the outset by misunderstandings, mistaken preconceptions on the part of the questioner. Moreover, the questioner too often falls into one of several patterns. Perhaps the best way of introducing my conception of existential philosophy is by indicating, briefly, some of the typical objections raised against it and then proceeding to a positive statement of what I take to be the “real thing.”
Inelastic Buckling Gradient

The inelastic buckling gradient is defined in relation to the behavior of a geometrically perfect column, considering both the continuously strain-hardening material (typified by a structural aluminum alloy) and structural steel in the presence of residual stress. For the continuously strain-hardening material and for a column of monosymmetric cross section, buckling in the plane of symmetry may be initiated in either direction. However, inelastic buckling gradient will have different values for buckling in the alternative directions. A tee section, buckling with the flange on the convex side (with the lesser buckling gradient), will become increasingly stable with respect to lateral buckling out of the plane of symmetry, provided that inelastic lateral-torsional buckling does not develop. Buckling with the flange on the concave side will lead to inelastic lateral and torsional instability before reaching the maximum load obtainable with full lateral and torsional support. Formulas for the inelastic buckling gradient of structural steel columns with initial residual stresses are developed.
Murine models of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the histopathologic, serologic, lymphocytic, virological, hormonal, and genetic characteristics of murine models of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying murine SLE are highly complex, apparently well-programmed genetically, but still diverse and their bases not as yet well defined. Significant serologic and cellular experimental data support the statement that the final immunopathologic perturbation in murine (and human) SLE is a B lymphocyte hyperactivity with corresponding enhancement of serum antibodies and autoantibodies, particularly IgG, and consequent formation of pathogenic antigen–antibody ICs. On the basis of the available data, it appears that this B cell hyperactivity is polyclonal but not necessarily panclonal in nature, because not only antibodies against a wide array of autoantigens but also antibodies against incidental antigens, such as haptens, can be detected. The presence of autoantibodies and of their idiotypes in some recombinant lupus x normal murine lines expressing the normal partner's V genes, normal mice in which an exogenous or endogenous (Ipr gene) immunostimulator has been introduced, and unmanipulated normal mice indicate that lupus mice are not unique in their structural genetic Ig elements, whose presence determines the development of their autoimmune disease. The cause of B cell hyperactivity in lupus has not yet been fully elucidated. Autonomous B cell maturation does not appear likely, because B cell proliferation and differentiation in lupus mice was found to be dependent on the same number of accessory signals as in normal mice.
Abstract 3754: Homocysteine Induces Alternations Of Tight Junction Proteins In Brain Endothelial Cells.

Hyperhomocysteinmia (HHcy) is associated with neurological disorders (Stroke, Alzheimer, Parkinson etc) and causes blood brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. We previously showed that an elevated level...
A system for simultaneous near-infrared reflectance and transillumination imaging of occlusal carious lesions.

Clinicians need technologies to improve the diagnosis of questionable occlusal carious lesions (QOC’s) and determine if decay has penetrated to the underlying dentin. Assessing lesion depth from near-infrared (NIR) images holds great potential due to the high transparency of enamel and stain to NIR light at λ=1300-1700-nm, which allows direct visualization and quantified measurements of enamel demineralization. Unfortunately, NIR reflectance measurements alone are limited in utility for approximating occlusal lesion depth >200-μm due to light attenuation from the lesion body. Previous studies sought to combine NIR reflectance and transillumination measurements taken at λ=1300-nm in order to estimate QOC depth and severity. The objective of this study was to quantify the change in lesion contrast and size measured from multispectral NIR reflectance and transillumination images of natural occlusal carious lesions with increasing lesion depth and severity in order to determine the optimal multimodal wavelength combinations for estimating QOC depth. Extracted teeth with varying amounts of natural occlusal decay were measured using a multispectral-multimodal NIR imaging system at prominent wavelengths within the λ=1300-1700-nm spectral region. Image analysis software was used to calculate lesion contrast and area values between sound and carious enamel regions.
Review of explosive detection methodologies and the emergence of standoff deep UV resonance Raman

Due to terrorist use of explosive devices, intense interest has been directed towards the development of techniques and instrumentation to detect explosives. A number of analytical techniques are currently under investigation for trace explosive detection. Several methods have been successfully commercialized including colorimetric kits, fluorescence quenching sensors, and ion mobility spectrometers that see widespread field use. A key limitation of all currently utilized field techniques is that they require close proximity or physical interaction with the object being analyzed. The ideal trace explosive detection technique would be able to detect trace amounts of explosives from a distance to ensure personnel safety. Laser-based spectroscopies are the only currently viable techniques that can be utilized to sense trace amounts of explosives at standoff distances. This review compares currently used explosive detection techniques with recently developed standoff methods. We emphasize the development of UV resonance Raman spectroscopy for standoff explosive detection. This work has recently been enabled by advances in laser and spectrometer design. Trace explosive detection has also been advanced by the recently developed understanding of deep UV photochemistry for several explosive molecules. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exposure to an Aeroallergen as a Possible Precipitating Factor in Respiratory Arrest in Young Patients with Asthma

Background. Exposure to airborne spores of the common mold Alternaria alternata has been implicated in asthma attacks. Such exposure is particularly frequent in the Midwest during the summer and fall months. To determine the role of A. alternata in triggering severe asthma attacks, we investigated the cases of 11 patients with asthma who had sudden respiratory arrest and determined the frequency of sensitivity to this allergen in these patients. Methods. The 11 patients (age range, 11 to 25 years) with initial episodes of respiratory arrest, which was fatal in 2 patients, were identified in the course of their care in our pediatric and adult clinical allergy practice and by a retrospective review of all Mayo Clinic records of patients with severe asthma cared for between 1980 and 1989. Skin-test reactivity to A. alternata and levels of IgE antibody against this mold in the 11 patients were compared with those in 99 matched controls with asthma who had no history of respiratory arrest. Results. All the pat...
On-Demand Droplet Fusion: A Strategy for Stimulus-Responsive Biosensing in Solution

A novel strategy is reported for biochemically controlled fusion of oil-in-water (O/W) droplets as an in-solution sensor for biological targets. Inspired by the SNARE complex in cells, the emulsions were stabilized by a combination of phospholipids, phospholipid–poly(ethylene glycol) conjugates, and cholesterol-anchored oligonucleotides. Prior to oligonucleotide binding, the droplets were stable in aqueous media, but hybridization of the oligonucleotides in a zipperlike fashion was shown to initiate droplet fusion. Using image analysis of content mixing of dye-loaded droplets, fusion specificity was studied and optimized as a function of interfacial chemistry. Changing the orientation of the anchored oligonucleotides, using long-chain phospholipids (C18 and C22), and binding a complementary oligonucleotide slowed or even halted fusion completely. Based on these studies, a sensor for the biomarker thrombin was designed using competitive binding of aptamer strands, with droplet fusion increasing as a functi...
Analysis of Density and Seasonal Fluctuation of Rodents at Hedong Airport in Yinchuan

Objective In order to understand density,seasonal fluctuation and population distribution of rodents at Hedong Airport in Yinchuan,to provide scientific basis for controlling rat damage and prevention of rodent-spread diseases.Methods Day-clamps,day and nights cramp frame and 5-meter-linear clamps were taken to investigate at the airport.Results ① Totally 7 463 cramp times were delivered.32 rodents were caught.After classification,the rodents belonged to Rattus norvegicus(21.9%),Mus musculus(31.2%),Citellus dauricus(34.4%),Meriones meridianus(12.5%),with the dominant species of Citellus.② Average density of domestic rodents in utility area was 0.28 rodents/100 rooms.No rodent was caught in air-terminal.Average density of wild rodents in hardstand was 0.22 rodents/hm2.③The domestic rodents reached peak in April and October,while the amount of wild rodents was at peak in June.The density of rodents was zero in January,February,September and November.Conclusions The density of rodents at Hedong Airport in Yinchuan is low,with relative simple constitution of rodent species.It is the airport without rodent damage.Effort should be done to insist on scientific deratization so as to prevent epidemic from import and keep the deratization effect.
The Indonesian Human Rights Court for East Timor: Liability for Crimes Against Humanity

In early 2002 a special human rights court was convened in Jakarta, Indonesia to try a Indonesians suspected of committing human rights crimes in connection with an independence referendum held in East Timor in 1999. A total of 18 Indonesian military and civilian officials were charged with crimes against humanity. All of the defendants were charged on a theory of command responsibility for crimes committed by persons under their command and control. While six of the 18 defendants were convicted at trial, all of the accused were exonerated on appeal. Several studies have shown demonstrated that the trials before the East Timor human rights court failed in the goals of identifying and punishing those responsible for the abuses committed in East Timor. This paper examines the trials for what they reveal about the Indonesian legal system. A close examination of the way law and fact were analyzed and argued in the East Timor trials shows that the truth of what happened in East Timor and the law of command responsibility and crimes against humanity had little importance at the trials. The eventual outcome of the prosecutions was guaranteed by the fact the military that committed the crimes in 1999 was still in power when those who directed the violence were tried in 2002. Nevertheless, some of the participants refused to bow to the inevitable, and struggled to bring to light evidence that the Indonesian military had formulated and executed a campaign of violence against East Timorese supporters of independence.
DIMENSIONALITY AND MEASUREMENT INVARIANCE OF A SCHOOL READINESS SCREENER BY ETHNICITY AND HOME LANGUAGE

This study examined the dimensionality and measurement invariance of the Kindergarten Student Entrance Profile (KSEP) when used to rate the school readiness of children from different ethnic backgrounds (Latino or White, non-Latino), as well as from households where a different language was predominant (Spanish or English). Teachers rated the readiness of 9,335 children during the first month of kindergarten in four ethnically diverse, medium-sized school districts in central California. From the total sample, two overlapping subsamples (S1 and S2) were identified. First, a series of confirmatory factor analyses were conducted with S1 (n = 7,787) to examine the dimensionality and measurement invariance of the KSEP with children who identified as either Latino or White at the time of kindergarten enrollment. Next, the same set of analyses were replicated with S2 (n = 9, 234) to examine whether results held for students from households where the primary language spoken was Spanish or English. Results yielded evidence supporting a two-factor structure encompassing social-emotional and cognitive dimensions of children's readiness. In addition, results showed the KSEP exhibited measurement invariance across student ethnicities (Latino/White) and home languages (Spanish/English). The results of this study provide psychometric evidence that is particularly important for a universal school readiness screener.
Evaluation of Variability in Inhaled Nitric Oxide Use and Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Importance Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is an expensive, commonly used therapy among patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH); however, data to support its ongoing use in this patient population are lacking. Objective To describe the spectrum of iNO use among patients with CDH and its association with pulmonary hypertension (pHTN) and mortality. Design, Setting, and Participants A review was conducted of prospectively collected patient data in the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group registry between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2014, from 70 participating centers in 13 countries. A total of 3367 newborn infants diagnosed with CDH and entered into the registry were reviewed. On the basis of echocardiogram data, pHTN was defined as right ventricular systolic pressure greater than or equal to two-thirds of the systemic systolic pressure. Propensity score and regression analyses were performed. Intervention Use of iNO. Main Outcomes and Measures Variability in iNO use and its association with pHTN and mortality. These outcomes were formulated prior to data evaluation. Results Sixty-eight (97.1%) centers used iNO. Of 3367 patients with CDH (1366 [40.6%] females; median estimated gestational age, 38 weeks; range, 23-42 weeks), a total of 2047 (60.8%) received iNO; the mean percentage of those receiving iNO per center was 62.3% (range, 0%-100%). Median iNO dose and duration were 20 (range, 0.1-80) ppm and 8 (range, 0-100) days. Of the 2174 infants with pHTN, 1613 infants (74.2%) received iNO. Of the 943 infants without pHTN, 343 infants (36.4%) were treated with iNO. Based on propensity score analysis incorporating 10 clinically relevant variables, iNO use was significantly associated with increased mortality (average treatment effect on the treated: 0.15; 95% CI, 0.10-0.20). Conclusions and Relevance Inhaled nitric oxide use is common but highly variable among centers, and 36% of patients without pHTN received iNO therapy. Based on data from 70 centers, iNO use in patients with CDH may be associated with increased mortality. Future efforts should be directed toward data-driven standardization of iNO use to ensure cost-effective practices.
Length scale effects and multiscale modeling of thermally induced phase transformation kinetics in NiTi SMA

Thermally induced phase transformation in NiTi shape memory alloys (SMAs) shows strong size and shape, collectively termed length scale effects, at the nano to micrometer scales, and that has important implications for the design and use of devices and structures at such scales. This paper, based on a recently developed multiscale model that utilizes molecular dynamics (MDs) simulations at small scales and MD-verified phase field (PhF) simulations at larger scales, reports results on specific length scale effects, i.e. length scale effects in martensite phase fraction (MPF) evolution, transformation temperatures (martensite and austenite start and finish) and in the thermally cyclic transformation between austenitic and martensitic phase. The multiscale study identifies saturation points for length scale effects and studies, for the first time, the length scale effect on the kinetics (i.e. developed internal strains) in the B19' phase during phase transformation. The major part of the work addresses small scale single crystals in specific orientations. However, the multiscale method is used in a unique and novel way to indirectly study length scale and grain size effects on evolution kinetics in polycrystalline NiTi, and to compare the simulation results to experiments. The interplay of the grain size and the length scale effect on the thermally induced MPF evolution is also shown in this present study. Finally, the multiscale coupling results are employed to improve phenomenological material models for NiTi SMA.
Metasurface Holograms for Holographic Imaging

As a revolutionary three-dimensional (3D) optical imaging technique, optical holography has attracted wide attention for its capability of recording both the amplitude and phase information of light scattered from objects. Holograms are designed to transform an incident wave into a desired arbitrary wavefront in the far field, which requires ultimate complex phase control in each hologram pixel. Conventional holograms shape the wavefront via the phase accumulation effect during the wave propagation through bulky optical elements, suffering issues of low-resolution imaging and high-order diffraction. Recently, metasurfaces, 2D metamaterials with ultrathin thickness, have emerged as an important platform to reproduce computer-generated holograms due to their advantages in manipulating light with well-controlled amplitude, phase, and polarization. In this article, the latest research progress in various types of metasurface holograms is reviewed from their design principles to versatile functional applications. At the end, more potential applications of metasurface holograms are discussed and some future research directions are also provided.
Production, Characterisation and Testing of an Ovine Antitoxin against Ricin; Efficacy, Potency and Mechanisms of Action

Ricin is a type II ribosome-inactivating toxin that catalytically inactivates ribosomes ultimately leading to cell death. The toxicity of ricin along with the prevalence of castor beans (its natural source) has led to its increased notoriety and incidences of nefarious use. Despite these concerns, there are no licensed therapies available for treating ricin intoxication. Here, we describe the development of a F(ab')₂ polyclonal ovine antitoxin against ricin and demonstrate the efficacy of a single, post-exposure, administration in an in vivo murine model of intoxication against aerosolised ricin. We found that a single dose of antitoxin afforded a wide window of opportunity for effective treatment with 100% protection observed in mice challenged with aerosolised ricin when given 24 h after exposure to the toxin and 75% protection when given at 30 h. Treated mice had reduced weight loss and clinical signs of intoxication compared to the untreated control group. Finally, using imaging flow cytometry, it was found that both cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of ricin toxin to the Golgi apparatus was reduced in the presence of the antitoxin suggesting both actions can contribute to the therapeutic mechanism of a polyclonal antitoxin. Collectively, the research highlights the significant potential of the ovine F(ab')₂ antitoxin as a treatment for ricin intoxication.
The Role of Integrin α4β7 in HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment.

Acute HIV infection is characterized by high-level viral replication throughout the body’s lymphoid system, particularly in gut-associated lymphoid tissues resulting in damage to structural components of gut tissue. This damage is irreversible and believed to contribute to the development of immune deficiencies. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) does not restore gut structure and function. Studies in macaques point to an alternative treatment strategy that may ameliorate gut damage. Integrin α4β7 mediates the homing of lymphocytes to gut tissues. Vedolizumab, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) antagonist of α4β7, has demonstrated efficacy and has been approved for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in humans. Here, we describe our current knowledge, and the gaps in our understanding, of the role of α4β7 in HIV pathogenesis and treatment. When administered to macaques prior to infection, a nonhuman primate analogue of vedolizumab prevents transmission of SIV. In combination with ART, this mAb facilitates durable virologic control following treatment interruption. Targeting α4β7 represents a novel therapeutic approach to prevent and treat HIV infection.
Combination absorption and fluorescence for detection of vessels in intestinal sub-mucosa (Conference Presentation)

Injuries to main vascular structures within the sub mucosa present a serious complication during surgery. There is no evidence-based treatment to prevent this type of injury, so detection is critical. Using a combination of absorption and fluorescence imaging we can detect blood vessel phantoms to a depth of 7 mm in intestinal sub-mucosa. Using an illumination source at 850, and reading the cross-polarized reflected signal also at 850 gives the absorption image. Simultaneous excitation of ICG at 785 nm creates a fluorescent response that is used for contrast enhancement.
Establishing the minimal clinically important difference for the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders.

BACKGROUND Olfactory-specific quality of life (QOL) can be measured using the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders Negative Statements (QOD-NS). Changes in the QOD-NS after treatment can be difficult to interpret since there is no standardized definition of clinically meaningful improvement. METHODS Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) completed the QOD-NS. Four distribution-based methods were used to calculate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID): (1) one-half standard deviation (SD); (2) standard error of the mean (SEM); (3) Cohen's effect size (d) of the smallest unit of change; and (4) minimal detectable change (MDC). We also averaged all 4 of the scores together. Finally, the likelihood of achieving a MCID after sinus surgery using these methods, as well as average QOD-NS scores, was stratified by normal vs abnormal baseline QOD-NS scores. RESULTS Outcomes were examined on 128 patients. The mean ± SD improvement in QOD-NS score after surgery was 4.3 ± 11.0 for the entire cohort and 9.6 ± 12.9 for those with abnormal baseline scores (p < 0.001). The MCID values using the different techniques were: (1) SD = 6.5; (2) SEM = 3.1; (3) d = 2.6; and (4) MDC = 8.6. The MCID score was 5.2 on average. For the total cohort analysis, the likelihood of reporting a MCID ranged from 26% to 51%, and 49% to 70% for patients reporting preoperative abnormal olfaction. CONCLUSION Distribution-based MCID values of the QOD-NS range between 2.6 and 8.6 points, with an average of 5.2. When stratified by preoperative QOD-NS scores the majority of patients reporting abnormal preoperative QOD-NS scores achieved a MCID.
Directional long-distance movements by white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus in Florida

Knowledge of directional tendencies among long-distance movements by animals can be important in planning conservation and management strategies for wildlife at the landscape scale. The direction of 23 long-distance movements (≥2 km) among a non-migratory population of white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus on the Osceola National Forest, Florida, during 1989–1991 was examined. Direction of dispersal by 10 yearlings (7 males, 3 females) was non-uniform in distribution and averaged 95°. Direction of 13 excursions by 12 adults (2 males, 10 females) also was non-uniform but was bimodally (east-west) distributed; mean directions of the two distributions were 83° and 261°. Thus, both excursions and dispersals of radio-instrumented deer were on an east-west axis. No prominent landscape features that would direct deer movement were apparent. However, the fact that deer movements followed a consistent directional trend, even in a relatively homogeneous landscape, may have important implications for management of gene flow among small populations.
TKI resistance in Ph-like ALL.

In this issue of Blood, Zhang et al identify and characterize an imatinib-resistant mutation (PDGFRB C843G) in a B-progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) patient harboring a novel AGGF1-PDGFRB fusion.1