cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Work in progress - teaching speech signal processing and coding using LabVIEWTM

This paper presents a visual programming and visualization tool for use in covering signal processing aspects of speech coding in a DSP class. The tool is based on the national instruments LabVIEWtrade environment. The framework of this tool was built using existing C code as a library along with LabVIEW's native functionalities. Standardized linear predictive coding algorithms have been implemented; these are used to demonstrate in our DSP classes how digital filters and signal modeling is utilized in cellular and military communications. Experiments covered include the introduction of speech synthesis models, parameterization of speech in terms of filter and excitation parameters, and robustness of speech parameters to additive and channel noise. The tool provides capabilities for both quantitative and subjective assessment of the synthesized speech signal. An assessment process for the tool is in place and preliminary results will be presented at the conference.
Developmentally Regulated Intestinal Expression of IFN-γ and Its Target Genes and the Age-Specific Response to Enteric Salmonella Infection

Young infants are highly susceptible to systemic dissemination of enteric pathogens such as Salmonella typhimurium when compared with older individuals. The mechanisms underlying this differential susceptibility have not been defined clearly. To better understand this phenomenon, we examined the responses of adult mice and preweaned pups to oral infection by S. typhimurium. We found clear age-specific differences, namely, an attenuated intestinal inflammatory response and a higher systemic bacterial burden in the pups compared with the adults. To elucidate the molecular basis for these differences, we obtained a microarray-based profile of gene expression in the small intestines of uninfected adult and preweaned animals. The results indicated a striking age-dependent increase in the intestinal expression of a number of IFN-gamma-regulated genes involved in antimicrobial defense. This finding was confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR, which also demonstrated an age-dependent increase in intestinal expression of IFN-gamma. The developmental up-regulation of the IFN-gamma-regulated genes was dependent on both IFN-gamma and a normal commensal microflora, as indicated by experiments in IFN-gamma-knockout mice and germfree mice, respectively. However, the increase in expression of IFN-gamma itself was independent of the commensal flora. The functional importance of IFN-gamma in the immunological maturation of the intestine was confirmed by the observation that the response of adult IFN-gamma-knockout animals to S. typhimurium infection resembled that of the wild-type pups. Our findings thus reveal a novel role for IFN-gamma in the developmental regulation of antimicrobial responses in the intestine.
Young Women's Perceptions of the Relationship in Fifty Shades of Grey.

Abstract Objective: Millions of women are interacting with Fifty Shades of Grey—a best-selling novel and film. Yet, to date, no social science study has been undertaken to examine women's perceptions of the Fifty Shades relationship narrative in its film adaptation—what they deem appealing, what they deem unappealing, and what they would welcome or resist in their own relationship. In the present study, we used focus groups to examine women's perceptions of the relationship patterns in the Fifty Shades of Grey film. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with 35 young adult women (randomly sampled from the registrar's office of a large Midwestern university) immediately after watching the Fifty Shades film with the study team at a local theater within two days of the film's release. Seven semistructured questions concentrating on reactions to the relationship patterns between Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele depicted in the Fifty Shades film were asked, including general reactions, appealing and unappeal...
[Accepted Article Manuscript Version (Postprint)] Entertainment-Oriented Gratifications of Sports Media: Contributors to Suspense, Hedonic Enjoyment, and Appreciation

This survey study investigated contributors to viewers' hedonic enjoyment, appreciation, and emotional responses to a televised baseball game. There was an indirect relationship between athlete affinity and hedonic enjoyment by way of suspense. This relationship was moderated by the game's outcome such that suspense was associated more strongly with enjoyment when the viewer's team lost. Interest and knowledge of a player was the form of affinity that had a stronger relationship to suspense, rather than the viewers' sense of having a virtual friendship. Virtual friendship and sport involvement were associated directly with appreciation. Enjoyment and appreciation were associated with different emotional responses. Whereas enjoyment was associated with stronger positive and weaker negative emotions, appreciation was associated with stronger positive, negative, and meaningful emotions.
Mens Rea and Mental Disorder

This chapter, to be included in a volume on the insanity defense, suggests that the law on mens rea entails law on the relevance of the criminal defendant’s mental disorder. The whole range of questions on the relevance of the defendant’s mental health should find answers flowing from how the law resolves questions on mens rea. For example, whether there should exist an insanity defense, and of what type, depends at least in part upon how the law treats mens rea. How the law treats mens rea, in turn, depends upon the purpose the law pursues in its doctrine of mens rea, and this purpose depends upon the purpose the law pursues in the criminal law itself.
Plant biomass and nitrogen partitioning changes between silking and maturity in newer versus older maize hybrids

Abstract Characterization of the pre- and post-silking period differences in dry matter (DM) accumulation and nitrogen (N) uptake and partitioning between older and newer maize ( Zea mays L.) hybrids is useful in the context of providing possible mechanisms of yield and N efficiency gains over the decades of genetic improvement. However, there is substantial uncertainty about the mechanisms by which DM and N partitioning into distinct plant organs at silking (R1) affect their respective post-silking dynamics in modern versus older maize hybrids. Clarity is also lacking about management impacts on how source (leaf and stem) strength and sink (grain) strength drive post-silking DM (PostDM) and post-silking N (PostN) dynamics in genotypes of different eras. In this two-year and two-location study, we compared two newer hybrids (commercialized in 2005) to one older hybrid (commercialized in 1975) in 2012 and to two older hybrids (the same 1975 hybrid, and one commercialized in 1967) in 2013. All hybrids were compared under two N fertilizer rates (55 kg N ha −1 , 220 kg N ha −1 ) and three densities (54,000 pl ha −1 , 79,000 pl ha −1 , 104,000 pl ha −1 ). Although both moderate and high plant densities increased leaf N contents at silking and remobilized N from leaves during grain fill, density × hybrid interactions were not significant for these or almost all parameters measured. Older hybrids consistently partitioned more of their total DM at silking to stem than leaf relative to both newer hybrids. Both newer and older hybrids increased PostDM (an average increase from 8.3 to 10.1 Mg ha −1 ) and PostN (an average increase from 36.3 to 63.6 kg N ha −1 ) in response to the higher N rate over the 2-year period. Newer hybrids accumulated 2.1–2.3 Mg ha −1 more grain DM than the single older hybrid in 2012, and newer hybrids accumulated 1.3 and 3.1 Mg ha −1 more grain DM than the 1975 and 1967 hybrids in 2013 when overall PostDM gains were much higher than in 2012. In 2013, more of the Grain N content (GrainN) was derived from post-silking N uptake in newer hybrids versus older hybrids. Plant component DM and N changes between silking and maturity stages in 2013 suggested 33% of final grain N originated from leaves (with no net DM depletion), and 22% of grain N originated from stems (accompanied by a net 20% DM depletion), during grain filling in a rather consistent manner for all four hybrids. However, newer hybrids maintained a higher leaf DM and leaf N content at maturity (despite a lower leaf N concentration and higher grain N harvest index) compared to older hybrids. These results indicated that retaining leaf function by enhancing leaf biomass and N content and, consequently, PostN accumulation during the grain filling, benefited from a higher DM partitioning to leaves at silking in newer hybrids.
Forecasting the Nominal Exchange Rate between the Brazilian Real and the American Dollar

The purpose of this study is to determine an econometric model forecasting the nominal exchange rate between the Brazilian Real and the American Dollar. Monthly data from January, 1995 through February, 2001 is used. The Dickey-Fuller (DF) and Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) for the existence of a unitary root in the series of the nominal exchange rate (R$/U$), the inflation differential between Brazil and the USA, as well as the interest rate differential between Brazil and the USA, which are integrated in first order, or I(1). The econometric estimate is based on a methodology which considers the specification of a general model to a more specific one. According to the chow test, the forecast for six months is stable, indicating ex-ante coefficients in a determined period of significance.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein Induced Bone Formation and the Bone — Bone Marrow Consortium

A low molecular weight component named bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), chemically isolated from the organic matrix of bone, induces postfetal connective tissue cells (pericytes) surrounding small blood vessels to differentiate into cartilage and bone. The sequence of biochemical and morphological pre-, para-, and postdifferentiated events indicate that BMP initiates an organized process of diverse means to an end. The end product is a spherical ossicle of lamellar bone filled with red bone marrow. The process is morphogenetic because a preliminary phase of 24 h of hyaluronate accumulation followed by 24 h of hyaluronidase activity, characteristic of embryonic skeletal tissue anlagen formation, precedes the cytodifferentiation phase of development. Cytodifferentiation culminates in the formation of a complete ossicle (Figs. 1, 2). It is not known whether BMP is endocytosed and transferred to the nucleus to derepress one key gene, or a tandem-linked chain of genes, regulating the biosynthesis of various skeletal products.
Content based video retrieval on mobile devices: How much content is enough?

In the field of content based video retrieval, recent work has focused on creation and matching of signatures as an effective method for video search, copy or “near-duplicate” detection. In this paper, we address the question of how much content is enough to initiate a content based video retrieval query from a mobile device. We extract and utilize the motion vectors from an HEVC-encoded bitstream and use them as the content-dependent features to create video signatures. We propose an energy function to quantify the mount of motion information contained in video. Our experimental results exhibit that our proposed approach is able to generate a signature robust to common signal processing techniques and that our proposed energy function can be efficiently used to select the length of a video clip used to query the video database from a mobile device.
Risk Factors for Recurrence after First Seizure

Recurrence after a first unprovoked cryptogenic/idiopathic seizure was studied in 213 children followed at FCM-Unicamp, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Mapping the Photoresponse of CH3NH3PbI3 Hybrid Perovskite Thin Films at the Nanoscale

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on thin films of organolead trihalide perovskites (OTPs) hold unprecedented promise for low-cost, high-efficiency photovoltaics (PVs) of the future. While PV performance parameters of PSCs, such as short circuit current, open circuit voltage, and maximum power, are always measured at the macroscopic scale, it is necessary to probe such photoresponses at the nanoscale to gain key insights into the fundamental PV mechanisms and their localized dependence on the OTP thin-film microstructure. Here we use photoconductive atomic force microscopy spectroscopy to map for the first time variations of PV performance at the nanoscale for planar PSCs based on hole-transport-layer free methylammonium lead triiodide (CH3NH3PbI3 or MAPbI3) thin films. These results reveal substantial variations in the photoresponse that correlate with thin-film microstructural features such as intragrain planar defects, grains, grain boundaries, and notably also grain-aggregates. The insights gained i...
Bicircular matroids representable over G F ( 4 ) or G F ( 5 )

Given a bicircular matroid B ( G ) and q ź { 4 , 5 } , we characterize when the bicircular matroid B ( G ) is G F ( q ) -representable by precisely describing the structure of G . These descriptions yield polynomial-time algorithms with input G to certify if B ( G ) is or is not G F ( q ) -representable.
Future Directions in Clinical Research Informatics

Given the rapid advances in biomedical discoveries, the growth of the human population, and the escalating costs of health care, there is an ever increasing need for clinical research that will enable the testing and implementation of cost-effective therapies at the exclusion of those that are not. The fundamentally information-intensive nature of such clinical research endeavors begs for the solutions offered by CRI. As a result, the demand for informatics professionals who focus on the increasingly important field of clinical and translational research will only grow. New models, tools, and approaches need to be developed to achieve this, and this innovation is what will drive the field forward in the coming years.
Variation in δ 15 N and δ 13 C values of forages for Arctic caribou: effects of location, phenology and simulated digestion.

Rationale The use of stable isotopes for dietary estimates of wildlife assumes that there are consistent differences in isotopic ratios among diet items, and that the differences in these ratios between the diet item and the animal tissues (i.e., fractionation) are predictable. However, variation in isotopic ratios and fractionation of δ13C and δ15N values among locations, seasons, and forages are poorly described for arctic herbivores especially migratory species such as caribou (Rangifer tarandus). Methods We measured the δ13C and δ15N values of seven species of forage growing along a 200-km transect through the range of the Central Arctic caribou herd on the North Slope of Alaska over 2 years. We compared forages available at the beginning (May; n = 175) and the end (n = 157) of the growing season (September). Purified enzymes were used to measure N digestibility and to assess isotopic fractionation in response to nutrient digestibility during simulated digestion. Results Values for δ13C declined by 1.38 ‰ with increasing latitude across the transect, and increased by 0.44 ‰ from the beginning to the end of the season. The range of values for δ15N was greater than that for δ13C (13.29 vs 5.60 ‰). Differences in values for δ13C between graminoids (Eriophorum and Carex spp.) and shrubs (Betula and Salix spp.) were small but δ15N values distinguished graminoids (1.87 ± 1.02 ‰) from shrubs (−2.87 ± 2.93 ‰) consistently across season and latitude. However, undigested residues of forages were enriched in 15N when the digestibility of N was less than 0.67. Conclusions Although δ15N values can distinguish plant groups in the diet of arctic herbivores, variation in the digestibility of dietary items may need to be considered in applying fractionation values for 15N to caribou and other herbivores that select highly digestible items (e.g. forbs) as well as heavily defended plants (e.g. woody browse). Published in 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Kilohertz Electrical Stimulation Nerve Conduction Block: Effects of Electrode Surface Area

Kilohertz electrical stimulation (KES) induces repeatable and reversible conduction block of nerve activity and is a potential therapeutic option for various diseases and disorders resulting from pathological or undesired neurological activity. However, successful translation of KES nerve block to clinical applications is stymied by many unknowns, such as the relevance of the onset response, acceptable levels of waveform contamination, and optimal electrode characteristics. We investigated the role of electrode geometric surface area on the KES nerve block threshold using 20- and 40-kHz current-controlled sinusoidal KES. Electrodes were electrochemically characterized and used to characterize typical KES waveforms and electrode charge characteristics. KES nerve block amplitudes, onset duration, and recovery of normal conduction after delivery of the KES were evaluated along with power requirements for effective KES nerve block. Results from this investigation demonstrate that increasing electrode geometric surface area provides for a more power-efficient KES nerve block. Reductions in block threshold by increased electrode surface area were found to be KES-frequency-dependent, with block thresholds and average power consumption reduced by greater than two times with 20-kHz KES waveforms and greater than three times for 40-kHz KES waveforms.
Information Spreading During Emergencies and Anomalous Events

The most critical time for information to spread is in the aftermath of a serious emergency, crisis, or disaster. Individuals affected by such situations can now turn to an array of communication channels, from mobile phone calls and text messages to social media posts, when alerting social ties. These channels drastically improve the speed of information in a time-sensitive event, and provide extant records of human dynamics during and afterward the event. Retrospective analysis of such anomalous events provides researchers with a class of “found experiments” that may be used to better understand social spreading. In this chapter, we study information spreading due to a number of emergency events, including the Boston Marathon Bombing and a plane crash at a western European airport. We also contrast the different information which may be gleaned by social media data compared with mobile phone data and we estimate the rate of anomalous events in a mobile phone dataset using a proposed anomaly detection method.
Risk Factors Proximate to Suicide and Suicide Risk Assessment in the Context of Denied Suicide Ideation.

Health care providers have significant opportunities to identify individuals at near-term risk for suicide, but lack empirical data on near-term risk factors. This study aimed to identify dynamic, state-related risk factors observed by clinical practitioners within the last 30 days of life of 157 patients who died by suicide and to compare these near-term risk factors among patients who denied versus responded positively to having suicide ideation (SI) when last asked by a clinical practitioner prior to their death. Risk factors charted for the majority of all decedents were a history of prior suicide ideation and/or suicide attempt, current anxiety/agitation and sleep problems, current interpersonal problems or job/financial strain, current comorbid diagnoses, current social isolation/withdrawal, and a family history of mental disorder. Two-thirds of patients denied having SI when last asked and one-half of these patients were dead by suicide within 2 days. Decedents who denied having SI were quite similar in charted diagnoses, symptoms, behaviors, and environmental circumstances to decedents who responded affirmatively to having SI. Reliance on verbalized or reported SI as a gateway to a suicide risk assessment is questioned and the need for better understanding near-term risk for suicide, particularly in the absence of stated SI, is highlighted.
Are denser cities greener? Evidence from China, 2000–2010

Whether a city develops into a more compact one with a higher density or a more sprawling one may affect multiple aspects of the urban environment, including ecosystem health, greenhouse gas emissions, and quality of life. Using panel data gathered from China's cities from 2000 to 2010, we take advantage of the significant variation in the temporal change of density across cities to estimate the relationship between gross urban population density and multiple indicators of urban greenness. Fixed‐effects estimates support the widely held belief that density improves air quality and reduces the per capita carbon footprint. Results also suggest that higher density reduces the growth of road infrastructure and vehicle ownership and promotes walking. While density often translates into proximity and accessibility, higher density does reduce a city's per capita urban park and green space. This study strengthens the urban policy and planning literature with much needed longitudinal evidence. Our overall findings support higher density as opposed to lower density urban development in China.
Analysis of the genome sequence of Phomopsis longicolla: a fungal pathogen causing Phomopsis seed decay in soybean

Phomopsis longicolla T. W. Hobbs (syn. Diaporthe longicolla) is a seed-borne fungus causing Phomopsis seed decay in soybean. This disease is one of the most devastating diseases reducing soybean seed quality worldwide. To facilitate investigation of the genomic basis of pathogenicity and to understand the mechanism of the disease development, the genome of an isolate, MSPL10–6, from Mississippi, USA was sequenced, de novo assembled, and analyzed. The genome of MSPL 10–6 was estimated to be approximately 62 Mb in size with an overall G + C content of 48.6%. Of 16,597 predicted genes, 9866 genes (59.45%) had significant matches to genes in the NCBI nr database, while 18.01% of them did not link to any gene ontology classification, and 9.64% of genes did not significantly match any known genes. Analysis of the 1221 putative genes that encoded carbohydrate-activated enzymes (CAZys) indicated that 715 genes belong to three classes of CAZy that have a direct role in degrading plant cell walls. A novel fungal ulvan lyase (PL24; EC 4.2.2.-) was identified. Approximately 12.7% of the P. longicolla genome consists of repetitive elements. A total of 510 potentially horizontally transferred genes were identified. They appeared to originate from 22 other fungi, 26 eubacteria and 5 archaebacteria. The genome of the P. longicolla isolate MSPL10–6 represented the first reported genome sequence in the fungal Diaporthe-Phomopsis complex causing soybean diseases. The genome contained a number of Pfams not described previously. Information obtained from this study enhances our knowledge about this seed-borne pathogen and will facilitate further research on the genomic basis and pathogenicity mechanism of P. longicolla and aids in development of improved strategies for efficient management of Phomopsis seed decay in soybean.
Using Technology to Improve Rural Access to Justice

This Article explores the wide justice gap in rural communities in the United States and argues that non-profit legal services providers, volunteer lawyers, law schools and even private lawyers should explore ways in which technology can improve access to justice in rural communities. While technology-enhanced legal practice can assist urban and rural communities alike, this article focuses on the promise such technology holds to close the justice gap in America’s rural communities by discussing the following: the current state of rural access to justice; the current state of technology-enhanced legal services and the promise such technology holds for addressing the justice gap in rural communities, with a focus on efforts mostly in New York State; and the prospects of a technology-enhanced legal practice that strives to serve America’s low- and moderate-income rural communities.
“Risky” Subjects: Theorizing Migration as Risk and Implications for Newcomers in Schools and Societies

This article theorizes migration as risk, drawing on Biesta’s notion of risk. The author explores how productive risk connects with emancipation, seeing the risky migrant subjects in societies in n...
Sintering of Fine Ferric Oxide Particles

Pressed compacts of α-Fe2O3 powders of average particle diameter about 0.1μ were sintered in air at temperatures ranging from 700°–1200°C. The rapid initial densification was observed only in impure powders. Compacts made of “pure” α-Fe2O3 powder increased their density slowly with time of heating. Two different grain structures were observed.
Abstract A58: Racial disparities in head and neck cancers in an urban hospital

Introduction: Although head and neck cancer incidence rates are higher for white residents in Philadelphia, PA, related mortality rates are highest for black residents. It is not clear how clinical factors and risk factors like HPV and smoking contribute to these disparities. The goal of this study is to determine which factors are associated with advanced head and neck cancers in a diverse sample of patients from a Philadelphia hospital. Methods: Cancer registry data from Thomas Jefferson University (957 beds, Philadelphia, PA) were used to obtain clinical records from 922 head and neck cancer patients diagnosed from 2011-2015. One patient of other race was removed from these analyses. We examined advanced cancer among the primary racial groups represented in our hospital population. Chi-square tests were used to examine differences in categorical variables. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare continuous variables. Logistic and Cox regression models were designed to examine independent associations with advanced disease and time to mortality. Covariates included age, race, tumor stage, HPV status, smoking status, gender, and treatment type. Results: Our sample included 921 patients (788 white, 96 black, 37 Asian). Our descriptive analysis showed that among the three groups, blacks were more likely to be female (p=0.033). Positive HPV status was most prevalent for white patients (p=0.004). Oral and nasopharyngeal cancers were most common among Asians, and oropharyngeal cancers were most common among whites. In univariate analysis, black patients were most likely to die from their cancer. Multivariable analyses showed that current smoking (compared to never smoking) was associated with T3/T4 stage at diagnosis (OR=6.85, 95% CI=1.11-42.2). Time to death was significantly shorter for older individuals (HR=1.02 95% CI=1.01-1.05), current smokers (HR=2.24, 95% CI=1.25-4.00) and patients receiving radiation only (HR=7.70, 95% CI=1.38-42.95). Positive HPV status was protective (HR=0.29, 95% CI=0.19-0.44). No significant race effects were observed in these models. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that race is not independently associated with head and neck cancer or associated mortality. These results also suggest that some risk factors for head and neck cancer and related outcomes may be modified by educational and behavioral interventions. Citation Format: Charnita Zeigler-Johnson, Scott Keith, Frances Guiles, David Cognetti, Voichita Bar-Ad, Rita Axelrod. Racial disparities in head and neck cancers in an urban hospital [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr A58.
Enhanced Flash Swap: Using NAND Flash As a Swap Device with Lifetime Control

Modern mobile consumer electronics require more memory than ever, as more complicated and memory-heavy features are becoming more common. One of the ways to improve memory space is to have NAND flash as a swap device. However, naively adopting such approach has reliability issues, due to the limited lifetime of NAND flash devices. In this paper, we propose a new solution, Enhanced Flash Swap (EFS). EFS uses NAND flash as a swap device with a careful control of its lifetime. This paper introduces several techniques to address the issue of lifetime on flash-based swap, including deduplication, compression, buffering and physical block management. We also present how to optimize write I/O patterns for a longer lifetime through an intensive experiment of WAF estimation on real devices. Experimental results show that EFS has greater lifetime by 3.6x - 138x than traditional swap system.
Development of a Novel Canine Model of Ischemic Stroke: Skull Base Approach with Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion

Objective Although canine stroke models have several intrinsic advantages, establishing consistent and reproducible territorial stroke in these models has been challenging because of the abundance of collateral circulation. We have described a skull-base surgical approach that yields reproducible stroke volumes. Methods Ten male beagles were studied. In all 10 dogs, a craniectomy was performed to expose the circle of Willis. Cerebral aneurysm clips were temporarily applied to the middle cerebral artery (MCA), anterior cerebral artery (ACA), posterior cerebral artery, and/or ophthalmic artery (OA) for 1 hour, followed by cauterization of the distal MCA pial collateral vessels. Indocyanine green angiography was performed to assess the local blood flow to the intended area of infarction. The dogs' neurologic examination was evaluated, and the stroke burden was quantified using magnetic resonance imaging. Results High mortality was observed after 1-hour clip occlusion of the posterior cerebral artery, MCA, ACA, and OA (n = 4). Without coagulation of the MCA collateral vessels, 1-hour occlusion of the MCA and/or ACA and OA yielded inconsistent stroke volumes (n = 2). In contrast, after coagulation of the distal MCA pial collateral vessels, 1-hour occlusion of the MCA, ACA, and OA yielded consistent territorial stroke volumes (n = 4; average stroke volume, 9.13 ± 0.90 cm3; no surgical mortalities), with reproducible neurologic deficits. Conclusion Consistent stroke volumes can be achieved in male beagles using a skull base surgical approach with temporary occlusion of the MCA, ACA, and OA when combined with cauterization of the distal MCA pial collateral vessels.
Gravitation by Nonaxisymmetric Rotating Objects and Generation of High-Energy Particle Populations

A novel process is proposed to create high-energy particle populations in well-organized plasma structures surrounding nonaxisymmetric systems in which one or more components orbit around another. Binaries of black holes or neutron stars and light objects rotating around a massive object are examples of current interest. The relevant tridimensional and time-dependent gravitational potentials are shown to sustain the excitation of vertically localized ballooning modes in a plasma structure imbedded in a vertical magnetic field. These modes are viewed as composed of waves oppositely propagating in the vertical direction and can be excited when their frequency can match that of the orbiting frequency of one object around another. The formation of high-energy particle populations is predicted on the basis of the mode–particle resonance interactions associated with the mode components and the presence or the formation of a high-energy beam is not required. Rather, a vertical oscillatory force acting on the surrounding plasma structure is a necessary factor. High-energy flares associated with composite systems or envisioned precursors to the collapse of binary of compact objects are consistent with the presented theory.
Guideline-discordant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) use in localized prostate cancer (CaP) and cost implications: A population-based study.

4647 Background: ADT use in localized CaP has increased overall survival and is recommended by National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines in certain clinical situations. However, ADT m...
Odor-Specific Deactivation Defects in a Drosophila Odorant-Binding Protein Mutant

Insect odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are a large, diverse group of low-molecular weight proteins secreted into the fluid bathing olfactory and gustatory neuron dendrites. The best-characterized OBP, LUSH (OBP76a) enhances pheromone sensitivity enabling detection of physiological levels of the male-specific pheromone, 11-cis vaccenyl acetate. The role of the other OBPs encoded in the Drosophila genome is largely unknown. Here, using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9, we generated and characterized the loss-of-function phenotype for two genes encoding homologous OBPs, OS-E (OBP83b) and OS-F (OBP83a). Instead of activation defects, these extracellular proteins are required for normal deactivation of odorant responses to a subset of odorants. Remarkably, odorants detected by the same odorant receptor are differentially affected by the loss of the OBPs, revealing an odorant-specific role in deactivation kinetics. In stark contrast to lush mutants, the OS-E/F mutants have normal activation kinetics to the affected odorants, even at low stimulus concentrations, suggesting that these OBPs are not competing for these ligands with the odorant receptors. We also show that OS-E and OS-F are functionally redundant as either is sufficient to revert the mutant phenotype in transgenic rescue experiments. These findings expand our understanding of the roles of OBPs to include the deactivation of odorant responses.
The organochlorine pesticides pentachlorophenol and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane increase secretion and production of interleukin 6 by human immune cells.

Abstract The environmental contaminants pentachlorophenol (PCP) and 4, 4′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) are detected in some human blood samples at levels as high as 5 μM (PCP) and 260 nM (DDT). Several cancers are associated with exposures to these contaminants. IL-6 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that when dysregulated stimulates inflammatory diseases and tumor progression. Immune cells exposed to PCP at 0.05–5 μM and DDT at 0.025–2.5 μM showed increased secretion of IL-6 when the cell preparations contained either T lymphocytes or monocytes. Increased IL-6 secretion was due to PCP and DDT induced cellular production of the cytokine and was dependent on MAP kinase signaling pathways (in the case of PCP). Compound-induced increases in IL-6 production were in part due to increases in either the transcription of and/or stability of its mRNA. Thus, both PCP and DDT have the potential to produce chronic inflammation by stimulating production of IL-6 by immune cells.
Histological, histochemical and biochemical characterization of larval digestive system ontogeny in black tetra Gymnocorymbus ternetzi to inform aquaculture weaning protocols

Abstract Identifying an appropriate larval diet is a significant challenge in aquaculture. To overcome this bottleneck, characterization of larval fish digestive system ontogeny is critical for optimizing nutritional protocols. Intensive culture of characids for ornamental trade is highly dependent on live Artemia nauplii through the larval stage. Live feeds have unique challenges relative to prepared microparticulate diets (MDs), specifically pertaining to availability, labor, and cost. In this study, a feeding trial was conducted to compare three commercially available MDs in larval Black Tetra Gymnocorymbus ternetzi. Larvae exhibited poor survival and growth for MDs relative to Artemia. Digestive system ontogeny was characterized using histology, histochemistry, and digestive enzyme activity assays from the onset of exogenous feeding through the larval stage. G. terntzi exhibited an agastric larval stage, as well as low digestive enzyme activity at the onset of exogenous feeding, followed by increases in trypsin, lipase, and pepsin activity. Histological differentiation of the stomach, including gastric gland formation and production of periodic acid Schiff positive neutral mucopolysaccharides, as well as the onset of pepsin activity, occurred at 22 days post hatch (dph). This shift from agastric to gastric digestion indicated elevated digestive capacity and increased ability to consume a diversity of prey. Based on these data, experiments were conducted to evaluate different weaning times from Artemia to a MD. Larvae were fed Artemia exclusively from hatch through the end of the trial, a MD exclusively, or were transitioned from Artemia to a MD at three different time points. For G. ternetzi fed until 33 dph, weaning beginning at 13 dph exhibited higher survival (20.6 ± 1.8%) than live Artemia and weaning beginning at 18 dph and 23 dph (mean: 13.6 ± 1.5%), while the MD resulted in the lowest survival (0.8 ± 0.2%). These results indicate that weaning is possible prior to gastric differentiation, suggesting that it is possible to rely less on Artemia as a larval feed in this characid species.
Crystal symmetry determination in electron diffraction using machine learning

Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) is one of the primary tools for crystal structure determination. However, this method requires human input to select potential phases for Hough-based or dictionary pattern matching and is not well suited for phase identification. Automated phase identification is the first step in making EBSD into a high-throughput technique. We used a machine learning–based approach and developed a general methodology for rapid and autonomous identification of the crystal symmetry from EBSD patterns. We evaluated our algorithm with diffraction patterns from materials outside the training set. The neural network assigned importance to the same symmetry features that a crystallographer would use for structure identification.
Pharmacies and features of the built environment associated with opioid overdose: A geospatial comparison of rural and urban regions in Alabama, USA.

Background Elements of the physical environment have been shown to influence health behaviors including drug use and overdose mortality. Throughout the opioid epidemic in the United States, rural regions have been disproportionately affected by opioid overdose. Although the relationship between the urban built environment and opioid overdose has been established, little is known as to how trends may differ in rural areas. Methods Risk terrain modeling was used as a spatial analytical approach to assess environmental features that significantly increase the risk of opioid overdose in Jefferson County, Alabama. Spatial risk assessments were conducted for urban and rural regions as well as for the county as a whole. Criminogenic, opioid-related, and community variables were included and compared across spatial risk models. Results The geographic context, rural or urban, influenced the relationship between environmental features and opioid overdose. In rural areas, community features such as bus stops and public schools were related to the occurrence of opioid overdose. In urban areas, inpatient treatment centers, transitional living facilities, express loan establishments, and liquor vendors were significantly related to the locations of opioid overdose. Conclusion Risk terrain modeling can be used to locate high-risk areas for opioid overdose while identifying factors that are contributing to the risk of events occurring in communities. The patterns of overdose risk differ in rural and urban contexts and may be used to inform the placement of treatment and prevention resources.
What is a pink diode? Further experiments with LED technology

I have long been impressed with the extensive number of experiments that can be done with light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The ubiquity and affordability of LEDs continues to provide promise for new inquiry-style experiments. In this article, I describe a few innovations that I have added to the repertoire of the LED as physics equipment. Some of these experiments are on the physics of color, especially with concerns to unusually colored diodes, but mostly they are on new ways to help students and teachers get to know how diodes work and what makes them such special apparatus.
American Sign Language Interpreters in Public Schools: An Illusion of Inclusion that Perpetuates Language Deprivation

Many deaf children have limited access to language, spoken or signed, during early childhood – which has damaging effects on many aspects of development. There has been a recent shift to consider deafness and language deprivation as separate but related conditions. As such, educational plans should differentiate between services related to deafness and services related to language deprivation. Many deaf children attend mainstream public schools, and the primary service offered to students who use American Sign Language (ASL) is generally a sign language interpreter. We argue that while sign language interpreters can be an effective accommodation for deafness (i.e., students who are deaf and not language-deprived), there is no reason to believe they are an effective accommodation for language deprivation (i.e., students who are deaf and language-deprived). Using interpreters instead of appropriate educational supports may exacerbate symptoms of language deprivation by prolonging the period of time a child goes with limited access to language.
Managing trouble spots in conversation: Other-initiated repair elicitations produced by a bilingual youth with autism

Abstract This study examines other-initiated repair sequences in everyday conversations between a bilingual youth with autism and his family members. The analysis is centered on the types of repair initiators produced by the youth, the targets of his repair elicitations, and his family members’ subsequent actions. Findings include two dominant patterns in the data that indicate marked differences in the ways the youth’s parents interact with him. The discussion highlights the youth’s ability to shift the participation framework to facilitate his understanding of a previous utterance; the analysis also reveals the strategies employed by some of his family members to encourage interactional progressivity. The concluding section addresses implications of the study for understanding how bilingual youth with autism target trouble sources, enact alignment, and draw from their bilingual proficiencies in everyday conversations.
The Role of Strategic Internal Communication in Workplace Discrimination: A Perspective of Racial Minority Employees

While numerous organizations have undertaken initiatives to reduce workplace discrimination owing to racial/ethnic backgrounds, racial inequalities in the workplace continue to persist. Providing a...
Filling Exciton Trap-States in Two-Dimensional Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) and Diselenide (WSe2) Monolayers

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDs) hold a great potential to platform future flexible optoelectronics. The beating hearts of these materials are their excitons known as XA and XB, which arise from transitions between spin-orbit split (SOS) levels in the conduction and valence bands at the K-point. The functionality of 2D-TMD-based devices is determined by the dynamics of these excitons. One of the most consequential channels of exciton decay on the device functionality is the defect-assisted recombination (DAR). Here, we employ steady-state absorption and emission spectroscopies, and pump density-dependent femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy to report on the effect of DAR on the lifetime of excitons in monolayers of tungsten disulfide (2D-WS2) and diselenide (2D-WSe2). These pump-probe measurements suggested that while exciton decay dynamics in both monolayers are driven by DAR, in 2D-WS2, defect states near the XB exciton fill up before those near the XA exciton. However, in the 2D-WSe2 monolayer, the defect states fill up similarly. Understanding the contribution of DAR on the lifetime of excitons and the partition of this decay channel between XA and XB excitons may open new horizons for the incorporation of 2D-TMD materials in future optoelectronics.
Specialty Training for Behavior Analysts to Work in Substance Abuse Treatment

Employment opportunities for substance abuse counselors are expected to grow by 23% over the next decade, making this an opportune field for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), particularly those at the master’s level. Although certification in behavior analysis is not currently needed for employment in substance abuse treatment, research has shown that interventions based on behavior analysis are among the most effective in changing behaviors of individuals with substance use problems. Despite these findings, credentialing requirements for substance abuse counselors do not follow a behavioral model, and few training opportunities exist to prepare BCBAs to work in specialty substance abuse treatment. This chapter outlines recommended additions to the BACB fifth edition task list that would be required to meet Advanced Substance Abuse Counselor credentialing standards. They are translated to behavioral concepts where possible, and the additional training necessary for a master’s level BCBA to provide treatment effectively is identified. These additions include training in the concepts and principles of pharmacology, behavior pharmacology, and behavioral economics. Training is also suggested in methods for measuring substance use and other related behaviors, in the application of individual analysis designs in this area, and in randomized clinical trial designs. Training in methods of functional assessment, in empirically established behavior change procedures (e.g., abstinence-based reinforcement, acceptance and commitment therapy, community reinforcement approaches), and in medication-assisted treatments is also recommended. Finally, ethical issues, regulatory frameworks, and supervision issues are discussed. Hopefully, as behavior analytic treatments become more widely implemented, training programs will consider incorporating these recommendations.
Fundamental evolution of all Orthocoronavirinae including three deadly lineages descendent from Chiroptera-hosted coronaviruses: SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) emerged in humans in 2002. Despite reports showing Chiroptera as the original animal reservoir of SARS-CoV, many argue that Carnivora-hosted viruses are the most likely origin. The emergence of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012 also involves Chiroptera-hosted lineages. However, factors such as the lack of comprehensive phylogenies hamper our understanding of host shifts once MERS-CoV emerged in humans and Artiodactyla. Since 2019, the origin of SARS-CoV-2, causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), added to this episodic history of zoonotic transmission events. Here we introduce a phylogenetic analysis of 2006 unique and complete genomes of different lineages of Orthocoronavirinae. We used gene annotations to align orthologous sequences for total evidence analysis under the parsimony optimality criterion. Deltacoronavirus and Gammacoronavirus were set as outgroups to understand spillovers of Alphacoronavirus and Betacoronavirus among ten orders of animals. We corroborated that Chiroptera-hosted viruses are the sister group of SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-related viruses. Other zoonotic events were qualified and quantified to provide a comprehensive picture of the risk of coronavirus emergence among humans. Finally, we used a 250 SARS-CoV-2 genomes dataset to elucidate the phylogenetic relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and Chiroptera-hosted coronaviruses.