cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulation of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Processes Using Local- and Nonlocal-Closure Schemes

A soil‐vegetation‐atmospheric boundary layer model was developed to study the performance of two localclosure and two nonlocal-closure boundary layer mixing schemes for use in meteorological and air quality simulation models. Full interaction between the surface and atmosphere is achieved by representing surface characteristics and associated processes using a prognostic soil‐vegetation scheme and atmospheric boundary layer schemes. There are 30 layers in the lowest 3 km of the model with a high resolution near the surface. The four boundary layer schemes are tested by simulating atmospheric boundary layer structures over densely and sparsely vegetated regions using the observational data from the First ISLSCP (International Satellite Land Surface Climatology Project) Field Experiment (FIFE) and from Wangara. Simulation results indicate that the near-surface turbulent fluxes predicted by the four boundary layer schemes differ from each other, even though the formulation used to represent the surface-layer processes is the same. These differences arise from the differing ways of representing subgrid-scale vertical mixing processes. Results also indicate that the vertical profiles of predicted parameters (i.e., temperature, mixing ratio, and horizontal winds) from the four mixed-layer schemes differ from each other, particularly during the daytime growth of the mixed layer. During the evening hours, after the mixed layer has reached its maximum depth, the differences among these respective predicted variables are found to be insignificant. There were some general features that were associated with each of the schemes in all of the simulations. Compared with observations, in all of the cases the simulated maximum depths of the boundary layer for each scheme were consistently either lower or higher, superadiabatic lapse rates were consistently either stronger or weaker, and the intensity of the vertical mixing was either stronger or weaker. Also, throughout the simulation period in all case studies, most of the differences in the predicted parameters are present in the surface layer and near the top of the mixed layer.
A Method for Making Aceto-Carmin Smears Permanent

Anthers are collected and placed in a solution of 1 part acetic acid to 3 parts of absolute alcohol. The contents of the anther are squeezed out on a slide in a drop of Belling's iron-aceto-carmin solution and a cover glass placed over the drop. Care should be taken to remove all anther walls and flower parts. Heat the slide over an alcohol flame for a second, repeating 4 or 5 times. Place the slide in a petri dish filled with a 10% solution of acetic acid. When the cover glass has risen away from the slide gently remove the cover glass and place in a Coplin jar containing equal parts of alcohol and acetic acid. Likewise, place the slide in this solution. Run both cover and slide thru the following solutions: 1 part acetic acid to 3 parts absolute alcohol, 1 part acetic acid to 9 parts absolute alcohol, absolute alcohol and finally equal parts of absolute alcohol and xylol. Recombine the cover and slide in xylol-balsam directly from this solution.
Modeling of Near-Field Concentrated Solar Thermophotovoltaic Microsystem

Modeling of a near-field concentrated solar thermophotovoltaic (STPV) microsystem is carried out to investigate the use of STPV-based solid-state energy conversion as a high power density MEMS power generator. Near-field radiation can be realized between two closely separated surfaces (i.e. order of radiation wavelength), resulting in the enhancement of the heat radiation flux orders of magnitudes higher than the blackbody limit, consequently increasing cell output power density. The Near-field STPV model consists of an absorber/emitter model used to estimate the net power absorbed from solar irradiance, a near-field radiation transfer model to evaluate the power tunneled from the emitter to the PV cell at different separation distances, and a PV cell model to determine the photocurrent generated due to thermal radiation absorbed. Results reveal that decreasing separation distance between the emitter and the PV cell increases the absorber/emitter thermal efficiency, increases conversion efficiency, and the power density (×100 far-field). The results also predict increase in cooling power requirement as the separation distance is decreased, which may be a limiting design parameter for near-field STPV microsystems. Based on the model, an overall conversion efficiency of 17% at a separation distance of 10 nm and emitter temperature of 2000 K with solar concentration 6000 sun can be reached; this corresponds to an output power density of 9×105 W/m2.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Does Distance between Target and Acquirer Matter for Bank Mergers

Geographical deregulation in the 1980s and 1990s led to a wave of US bank mergers. A still unresolved issue is the role that distance between target and acquirer plays in the performance and efficiency of mergers. In theory, a nearby bank acquisition reduces monitoring costs while a distant acquisition achieves greater risk diversification. By analyzing the efficiency and performance of more than one thousand bank mergers between 1988 and 2002, we find that distance improved bank performance for mergers within a given BHC. In contrast, distance led to a decline in profitability and an increase in risk for mergers of banks from different BHCs. We argue that the BHC structure enables a firm to establish effective monitoring capabilities before consolidating, which allows the BHC to manage far-flung enterprises effectively.
Application of the Moving-Bed Chemical Looping Process for High Methane Conversion

The syngas chemical looping (SCL) process has been demonstrated at The Ohio State University for the conversion of gaseous fuels, such as natural gas and syngas, to sequestration-ready carbon dioxi...
Streamwise and Spanwise Geometry Contributions to Parachute Line Drag

This paper addresses wake survey results of wind tunnel tests conducted in the US Air Force Academy’s Low Speed Wind Tunnel (LSWT) for several parachute suspension line configurations. Specifically, the team determined drag characteristics for 600 lb Dacron in “Y” configurations oriented parallel and transverse to the freestream. For the streamwise-Y configuration a hotwire anemometer was used to collect wake velocity profiles at freestream velocities of 51 fps, 76 fps, and 93 fps, with tensions at 10 lbs. Tests for the spanwise-Y configuration were completed at 45 fps with each of the four lines kept at a tension of 10 lbs. Measurements are made at several heights along each configuration and the variation due to the geometry, including line spacing (T/D and S/D) and profile, shows significant variation in the associated momentum deficit. Results of these investigations are consolidated and compared with empirical and theoretical data for flow around circular cylinders. Nomenclature
Prostaglandin Inhibition of Innervated Antral Motility in Dogs

SummaryPGE1 has been analyzed in terms of its effect on vagally driven gastric motor activity in dogs; profound inhibition of 2-deoxy-d-glucose stimulated motility was observed.The effect of PGE1 on serum calcium, potassium, and blood sugar levels has been monitored; no significant change in calcium or potassium during PGE1 infusion has been noted. Blood sugar, traditionally elevated by 2-deoxy- d-glucose, was not altered from its usual pattern after PGE1 infusion.PGE1 is capable, in doses previously shown to have an inhibitory effect on gastric secretion, to inhibit gastric motility as well. The precise mode of action is speculated upon but remains undisclosed.A special thanks is given to Miss Catherine Holm for her technical assistance and to Upjohn Company for the PGE1.
Peak-shifting in real-time time-dependent density functional theory.

In recent years, the development and application of real-time time-dependent density functional theory (RT-TDDFT) has gained momentum as a computationally efficient method for modeling electron dynamics and properties that require going beyond a linear response of the electron density. However, the RT-TDDFT method within the adiabatic approximation can unphysically shift absorption peaks throughout the electron dynamics. Here, we investigate the origin of these time-dependent resonances observed in RT-TDDFT spectra. Using both exact exchange and hybrid exchange-correlation approximate functionals, adiabatic RT-TDDFT gives time-dependent absorption spectra in which the peaks shift in energy as populations of the excited states fluctuate, while exact wave function methods yield peaks that are constant in energy but vary in intensity. The magnitude of the RT-TDDFT peak shift depends on the frequency and intensity of the applied field, in line with previous studies, but it oscillates as a function of time-dep...
Surveillance on Influenza in Yichang,2007-2010

Objective To explore the regular epidemic patterns of influenza in Yichang during 2007-2010.Methods MDCK cell and chick embryo were adopted to isolate influenza virus from the samples and hem agglutination inhibition test was carried out to identify influenza virus.Results Among all the 554 137 outpatients,18 652 were detected with influenza like illness(ILI),accounting for 3.37%.A total of 163 strains of influenza viruses were isolated,with an isolation rate of 5.89%.The dominant epidemic strain of influenza virus was B influenza in 2007,A(H3) subtype in 2008,A(H3) subtype and H1N1 in 2009,and A(H3) subtype in 2010.There were 2 epidemic peaks in the year: summer and winter.Altogether 23 outbreaks of influenza were reported during the period,and 82.61% happened in primary and middle schools.Conclusion Influenza incidence stays steady during 2007-2008 and also in 2010,yet with influenza pandemic in 2009.The dominant strains of influenza virus alternated during the period.The variant and highly pathogenic strains had not been detected.
223 MECHANICAL STRETCH STIMULATES α-EPITHELIAL NA+ CHANNEL EXPRESSION IN MURINE LUNG EPITHELIAL CELLS: ROLE OF MAPKS

Mechanical stretch of the alveolar epithelium initiates the transduction of intracellular signals in alveolar epithelial cells that elicit numerous cellular responses. Alveolar epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC), in particular the α-subunit, are essential for the maintenance of fluid-free lungs. We studied the effect of mechanical stretch on the expression of α-ENaC in murine lung epithelial (MLE-12) cells. MLE-12 cells were cultured on flexible collagen-coated membranes and exposed to either cyclic (20% strain, 30 cycles/min) or static (10% strain) stretch for up to 24 h. A significant rise in α-ENaC mRNA expression over resting cells occurred 3 h after either cyclic or static stretch. This increase in α-ENaC mRNA expression was attenuated in the presence of actinomycin D. Cyclic stretch induced a 3.4-fold increase and static stretch a 3.2-fold increase in α-ENaC protein after 24 h compared to resting cells. This response was reduced when stretched in the presence of cycloheximide. Cell counts and 3[H] leucine incorporation increased over 24 h in all study groups and were comparable between resting and either static or cyclic stretched cells. In resting cells, low levels of α-ENaC protein were intracellularly localized as detected by immunofluorescence. After cyclic stretch for 24 h, α-ENaC protein was elevated and appeared interspersed at the cell membrane, whereas after static stretch for 24 h, increased α-ENaC protein appeared in a better-defined pattern at the cell membrane. Exposure of MLE-12 cells to either static or cyclic stretch for 2 h caused activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways; extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1,2), p38 MAPK and the stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK). Inhibition of ERK1,2 by PD98059 did not inhibit the cyclic or static stretch-induced increases in α-ENaC protein, whereas inhibition of p38 MAPK by SB203580 and inhibition of SAPK/JNK by JNK inhibitor II significantly attenuated the increase in either cyclic or static stretch-induced α-ENaC protein after 24 h. From our study, we conclude that either cyclic or static stretch of MLE-12 cells for 24 h induces de novo synthesis of α-ENaC protein. This increase in α-ENaC protein is mediated at least in part by the MAPK pathways, specifically the p38 and JNK pathways.
Advanced Numerical Modeling of the Dispersion of Ceramic Nanoparticles during Ultrasonic Cavitation Processing and Solidification of 6061-based Nanocomposites

The metal-matrix-nano-composites (MMNCs) in this study consist of a 6061 alloy matrix reinforced with 1.0 wt.% SiC 50 nm diameter nanoparticles that are dispersed uniformly within the matrix in large volume using an ultrasonic cavitation dispersion technique (UCDS) available in the Solidification Laboratory at UA. The required ultrasonic parameters to achieve the required cavitation for adequate degassing and refining of the aluminium alloy as well as the fluid flow characteristics for uniform dispersion of the nanoparticles into the 6061 matrix are being investigated in this study by using an in-house developed CFD ultrasonic cavitation model. The multiphase CFD model accounts for turbulent fluid flow, heat transfer and solidification as well as the complex interaction between the solidifying alloy and nanoparticles by using the Ansys's Fluent Dense Discrete Phase Model (DDPM) and a particle engulfment and pushing (PEP) model. The PEP model accounts for the Brownian motion. SEM analysis was performed on the as-cast MMNC coupons processed via UCDS and confirmed the distribution of the nanoparticles predicted by the current CFD model. A parametric study was performed using the validated CFD model. The study includes the effects of magnitude of the fluid flow and ultrasonic probe location (gravity direction).
LCP Program Evolution

There is sometimes a resemblance between certain solutions obtained by one or another method, and the organization we propose. However, to arrive at this organization using LCP (Logical Construction of Programs) a certain number of frequently-neglected principles must be respected, and a process of problem resolution used which is radically different from those in normal use.
DD51: Role Overload – zu viele Hüte auf! (Oktober 2007)

War das eine gute alte Zeit, als jeder noch seine Aufgabe hatte! Heute aber haben wir ganz viele Rollen, wie man so sagt. Jede dieser Rollen konnte ein Full-Time-Job sein, aber wir haben nur ein einziges Leben. Wie zerteilen wir uns also?
UV Absorption Line Ratios in Circumgalactic Medium at Low Redshift in Realistic Cosmological Hydrodynamic Simulations

Utilizing high-resolution cosmological hydrodynamic simulations we investigate various ultra-violet absorption lines in the circumgalactic medium of star forming galaxies at low redshift, in hopes of checking and alleviating the claimed observational conundrum of the ratio of NV to OVI absorbers, among others. We find a satisfactory agreement between simulations and extant observational data with respect to the ratios of the following four line pairs examined, NV/OVI, SiIV/OVI, NIII/OVI and NII/OVI. For the pairs involving nitrogen lines, we examine two cases of nitrogen abundance, one with constant N/O ratio and the other with varying N/O ratio, with the latter motivated by theoretical considerations of two different synthetic sources of nitrogen that is empirically verified independently. Along a separate vector, for all line pairs, we examine two cases of radiation field, one with the Haardt-Madau background radiation field and the other with an additional local radiation field sourced by hot gas in the host galaxy. In all cases, two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests indicate excellent agreements. We find that the apparent agreements between simulations and observations will be strongly tested, if the bulk of current upper limits of various line ratios are turned into actual detections. We show that an increase in observational sensitivity by 0.2 dex will already start to significantly constrain the models.
26. Williams’ Without Invention Nothing Is Well Spaced

(1968). 26. Williams’ Without Invention Nothing Is Well Spaced. The Explicator: Vol. 27, No. 4, pp. 52-53.
MoS2/Reduced Graphene Oxide-Based 2D Nancomposites for Boosting the Energy Density of Electric Double-Layer Capacitor

A method for synthesizing and structuring 2D-MoS2/rGO (molybdenum disulfide/reduced graphene oxide) nanocomposite-based electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) that has a slower discharge rate and higher energy density than rGO-based EDLC (RG-EDLC) is reported. The rGO electrode and the nanocomposite were characterized using powder XRD and SEM for their physical and structural properties. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was used to analyze the electrochemical behavior of the EDLCs. A maximum current density at which the MoS2/rGO nanocomposite-based EDLC (MRG-EDLC) can charge and discharge was 2.5 A/g, while it was 1A/g for the RG-EDLC. The specific capacitance of the MRG-EDLC was 14.52 F/g at 0.5 A/g with an energy density of 8.06 Wh/kg.
A Decision Support Tool for Sustainable Land Use, Transportation, Buildings/Infrastructure, and Materials Management.

One issue for community groups, local and regional planners, and politicians, is that they require relevant information to develop programs and initiatives for incorporating sustainability principles into their physical infrastructure, operations, and decision-making processes. This research project addressed the issue through two research questions. The first research question that this project was designed to address, which was greatly influenced by the vast number of references in the sustainability literature, was an ontological one, " what are the major categories that sustainability decisions can be grouped under, and how might those categories be related? ". The second research question that this project answered was, " how can information contained in the sustainability literature be made accessible to users in a convenient format? ". The Multi-Sector Sustainability Browser (MSSB) is a decision support tool (DST) designed to synthesize and summarize research in four sustainability decision domains, Land Use, Buildings and Infrastructure, Transportation, and Materials Management in a manner that provides easy and rapid access to information for use in planning and decision making. Weblinks are provided to reference documents and resources from the four sustainability decision domains, allowing users to download relevant documents and extract information in support of sustainability decisions and related program initiatives.
Google Data Studio

Google Data Studio is a new data visualization program designed as a user-friendly tool for representing complex datasets in an attractive and clear fashion. Data Studio’s core function is interpretation of social media and web analytics; however, its support of data sources like MySQL and spreadsheets suggests Data Studio could be used by researchers to interpret their own data in an equally user-friendly fashion. While Data Studio relies on the usual mix of chart and graphs to convey meaning, it enhances them with features including the ability to integrate multiple sources into a single report, dynamic data updating, and interactive visualizations. Data Studio’s support for third-party data sources could use further development; however, it is a promising resource for budding data visualizers.
The Who, Why, and How of Small-Molecule Production in Invertebrate Microbiomes: Basic Insights Fueling Drug Discovery.

ABSTRACT Bacteria have supplied us with many bioactive molecules for use in medicine and agriculture. However, rates of discovery have decreased as the biosynthetic capacity of the culturable biosphere has been continuously mined for many decades. The as-yet-uncultured biosphere is likely to hold far greater biosynthetic potential, especially where ecological niches favor the selection of therapeutically useful bioactivities. I outline here how metagenomics and other systems biology approaches can be used to gain insight into small-molecule biosynthesis and the selective forces which shape it. I also argue that we need a greater understanding of the function of small molecules in complex microbiomes and rational synthetic biology methods to functionally reconstruct large biosynthetic pathways in heterologous hosts.
Kinetics of Molybdenum Adsorption and Desorption in Soils

Much uncertainty exists in mechanisms and kinetics controlling the adsorption and desorption of molybdenum (Mo) in the soil environment. To investigate the characteristics of Mo adsorption and desorption and predict Mo behavior in the vadose zone, kinetic batch experiments were performed using three soils: Webster loam, Windsor sand and Mahan sand. Adsorption isotherms for Mo were strongly nonlinear for all three soils. Strong kinetic adsorption of Mo by all soils was also observed, where the rate of retention was rapid initially and was followed by slow retention behavior with time. The time-dependent Mo sorption rate was not influenced when constant pH was maintained. Desorption or release results indicated that there were significant fractions of Mo that appeared to be irreversible or slowly reversibly sorbed by Windsor and Mahan. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analysis for Windsor and Mahan soils indicated that most of Mo had been bound to kaolinite, whereas Webster had similar XANES features to those of Mo sorbed to montmorillonite. A sequential extraction procedure provided evidence that a significant amount of Mo was irreversibly sorbed. A multireaction model (MRM) with nonlinear equilibrium and kinetic sorption parameters was used to describe the adsorption-desorption kinetics of Mo on soils. Our results demonstrated that a formulation of MRM with two sorption sites (equilibrium and reversible) successfully described Mo adsorption-desorption data for Webster loam, and an additional irreversible reaction phase was recommended to describe Mo desorption or release with time for Windsor and Mahan soils.
A Study of China’s No-First-Use Policy on Nuclear Weapons

China’s no-first-use policy implies that the country possesses nuclear weapons only to deter other states from a nuclear attack. It expresses the purely self-defensive nature of China’s nuclear str...
Multi-Angle Light Scattering Estimation of Pectin Molecular Weight and the Effect of Homogenization

ABSTRACT A method has been presented to estimate the molecular weight of commercial pectin based on separation on linear mix gel permeation chromatography and multi-angle light scattering detection. Although pectin cannot be cleanly separated by GPC, analysis of individual slices of the chromatogram allows some estimation of the heterogeneity of commercial pectins. Although the pectic substances differed in molecular weight, the RMS values were similar. This technique was used to estimate a decrease in pectin molecular weight after high pressure homogenization. Pectin molecular weight was not changed by homogenization at 17 MPa but was decreased by about 25% by homogenization at 124 MPa. The polydispersity (calculated as Mw/Mn) was not affected by homogenization.
Lagrangian vs Hamiltonian: The best approach to relativistic orbits

In introductory general relativity courses, free particle trajectories, such as astronomical orbits, are generally developed via a Lagrangian and variational calculus, so that physical examples can precede the mathematics of tensor calculus. The use of a Hamiltonian is viewed as more advanced and typically comes later if at all. We suggest here that this might not be the optimal order in a first course in general relativity, especially if orbits are to be solved with numerical methods. We discuss some of the issues that arise in both the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian approaches.
Room-Temperature Phototransistor with Negative Photoresponsivity of 10 8 A W -1 Using Fullerene-Sensitized Aligned Carbon Nanotubes.

Detection of low intensity light down to a few photons requires photodetectors with high gain. A new photodetector is reported based on C60 -sensitized aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) transistors with an extremely high responsivity of 108 A W-1 (gain > 108 ) in the ultraviolet and visible range, and 720 A W-1 (gain = 940) in the infrared range. In contrast to most sensitized phototransistors that operate on the photogating effect, the new photodetector operates on the modulation of the electrons scattering in the CNTs, leading to negative photoconductivity. Comparison with similar photodetectors using random CNT networks shows the benefit of using aligned CNTs. At room temperature, the aligned CNT photodetectors are demonstrated to detect a few tens of photons per CNT.
The Importance of Religiosity to the Well-Being of African American Older Adults Living With Dementia

This study was a post hoc analysis of a larger qualitative descriptive study exploring family involvement in health promotion activities for African Americans living with dementia where participants identified religious practices as meaningful health promotion activities. The purpose of this study was to explore ways in which religiosity may influence the well-being of older adults living with dementia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among a sample of 22 family caregivers and 15 older adults living with dementia (N = 37). Three themes emerged: Engagement, Promotion of Faith and Spiritual Connectedness, and Maintenance of Religious Practices. It is imperative for family caregivers to understand the important contributions of religious activities and beliefs to the well-being of their family member. This information might be of use for faith communities, policy makers, and health care providers in the provision of optimal person-centered care and the promotion of quality of life for persons living with dementia.
The effect of child support on the labor supply of custodial mothers participating in TANF

Abstract Child support is a critical source of income, especially for the growing proportion of children born to unmarried mothers. Current social policy supports custodial parent employment (e.g., the Earned Income Tax Credit [EITC] and other work supports have largely taken the place of an entitlement to cash assistance for single mothers of young children). Given many single mothers' limited earnings potential, child support from noncustodial fathers is also important. This raises questions about the effects of child support on custodial mothers' labor supply, and whether policies that increase child support receipt will thereby discourage mothers' employment. This paper addresses these questions, taking advantage of data from a statewide randomized experiment conducted in Wisconsin. Unlike previous nonexperimental research, we do not find any negative effect of child support on the likelihood to work for pay or the number of hours worked in a given week. Recent U.S. social welfare policies have focused on increasing both custodial mothers' child support collections and their labor supply. The results suggest that these may be compatible policies; the absence of a negative labor supply effect strengthens the potential antipoverty effectiveness of child support.
Metastatic Brain Tumors: Surgery Perspective

Metastatic brain tumors occur more frequently than other intracranial neoplasms and are a serious complication of systemic cancer [1]. Their annual incidence exceeds 100,000 [2], [3] and is on the rise as patients live longer from improved treatments for extracranial cancer [4], [5]. Thus, patients with brain metastases constitute a significant fraction of the case load in the neurosurgery services at many oncologic care centers.
Rationale for blindness to treatment assignment in between-group experiments testing generalized communication and language

AbstractBlindness to participants’ assigned treatment group is an essential protection against detection bias in between-group experimental designs testing treatment effects on generalized communic...
Prediagnostic Allostatic Load as a Predictor of Poorly Differentiated and Larger Sized Breast Cancers among Black Women in the Women's Circle of Health Follow-Up Study.

Background: Few studies have empirically tested the association of allostatic load (AL) with breast cancer clinicopathology. The aim of this study was to examine the association of AL, measured using relevant biomarkers recorded in medical records before breast cancer diagnosis, with unfavorable tumor clinicopathologic features among Black women. Methods: In a sample of 409 Black women with non-metastatic breast cancer, who are enrolled in the Women9s Circle of Health Follow-Up Study (WCHFS), we estimated pre-diagnostic AL using two measures: AL measure 1 (lipid profile-based - assessed by systolic and diastolic blood pressure [SBP, DBP], high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels, waist circumference, and use of diabetes, hypertension, or hypercholesterolemia medication) and AL measure 2 (inflammatory index-based - assessed by SBP, DBP, glucose and albumin levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate, body mass index, waist circumference, and use of medications described above). We used Cohen9s kappa statistic to assess agreement between the two AL measures and multivariable logistic models to assess the associations of interest. Results: AL measures 1 and 2 moderately agreed (κ=0.504). Higher pre-diagnostic AL predicted higher grade (poorly differentiated vs. well/moderately differentiated) using AL measure 1 (OR=2.16; 95% CI: 1.18, 3.94) and AL measure 2 (OR=1.60; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.51), and larger tumor size (≥2 cm vs. <2 cm; OR=1.58; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.46) using AL measure 2 only. Conclusions: Elevated pre-diagnostic AL might contribute to more unfavorable breast cancer clinicopathology. Impact: Addressing elevated pre-diagnostic levels of AL has potentially important clinical implications.
An Electrically Actuated, Carbon-Nanotube-Based Biomimetic Ion Pump

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are well-established transporters of electronic current, electrolyte, and ions. In this work, we demonstrate an electrically actuated biomimetic ion pump by combining these electronic and nanofluidic transport capabilities within an individual SWCNT device. Ion pumping is driven by a solid-state electronic input, as Coulomb drag coupling transduces electrical energy from solid-state charge along the SWCNT shell to electrolyte inside the SWCNT core. Short-circuit ionic currents, measured without an electrolyte potential difference, exceed 1 nA and scale larger with increasing ion concentrations through 1 M, demonstrating applicability under physiological (∼140 mM) and saltwater (∼600 mM) conditions. The interlayer coupling allows ionic currents to be tuned with the source-drain potential difference and electronic currents to be tuned with the electrolyte potential difference. This combined electronic-nanofluidic SWCNT device presents intriguing applications as a biomimetic ion pump or component of an artificial membrane.
Lessons Learned: Deformity Correction and Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis in a Patient With Glanzmann Thrombasthenia: A Case Report.

Case A 33-year-old woman with Glanzmann thrombasthenia presented to us with a distal tibia nonunion. We attempted to treat her with a multiplanar ring external fixator, but the patient was unable to tolerate the correction, so we resorted to a tibiotalocalcaneal fusion. Hemostasis was difficult to achieve despite the use of antithrombinolytics, factor VII, and platelet transfusions. Conclusion Bleeding can be difficult to control in patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia. However, overaggressive preadministration of antithrombinolytics should be avoided because it may have adverse effects such as acrocyanosis. The presence of thrombasthenia does not seem to affect the success of arthrodesis.
Redox nanoparticles: the corner stones in the development of Parkinson's disease therapeutics

Abstract Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the etiopathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Panoply of antioxidants has long been used to overcome oxidative stress primarily by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, hitherto studied antioxidants repose a few challenges such as low bioavailability, solubility, internalization in nontarget tissues, and short systemic circulation. Interestingly, redox nanoparticles have been used to cater to the needs of current therapeutics targeted against neurodegenerative disorders. They play an essential role in scavenging ROS and overcome abovementioned challenges, thus inducing substantial therapeutic effects.
Rewriting Teacher Education: Food, Love, and Community

In this article, we present the intertwining stories of a teacher education learning community who are (re) writing the current dehumanizing narrative of standardization, crisis mongering, and survival of the fittest ethos that continue to harm our learners, teachers, and communities. We argue that when teacher education candidates are repositioned from consumers of theory and methods to inquirers of practice, their collectively constructed knowledge not only illuminates locally significant issues but also disrupts institutional hierarchies. Drawing from narrative inquiry theory and a collaborative methodical approach, we—a professor and students—share our personal stories of learning together in a required teacher education course and practicum placement at a local high school. Bringing together conceptions of voice, human capability, and “place”, we provide a layered framework to understand pedagogical practices that operate to unravel systems of standardization and hyper-individualism. Our inquiry approach, public narration, and our democratization of knowledge serve as an example of teacher education pedagogy with a disruptive agenda.
Telestroke in the Time of COVID-19: The Mayo Clinic Experience.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic, and in the weeks following, public health organizations, medical associations, and governing bodies throughout the world recommended limiting contact with others to "flatten the curve" of COVID-19. Although both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes have been reported with COVID-19, there has been anecdotal suggestion of an overall decrease in stroke admissions. To date, the effects of any pandemic on telestroke service lines have not been described. The purpose of this cross-sectional analysis of telestroke activations in the 30 days before and after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic is to describe the difference in case volumes of telestroke activations, the characteristics of patients, and treatment recommendations between the 2 time frames. We found a 50.0% reduction in total telestroke activations between the predeclaration group (142 patients) and the postdeclaration group (71 patients). There were no statistically significant differences in age (P=.95), sex (P=.10), diagnosis (P=.26), or regional variations (P=.08) in activation volumes. The percentage of patients for whom we recommended urgent stroke treatment with intravenous alteplase, mechanical thrombectomy, or both decreased from 44.4% (28 of 63) to 33.3% (11 of 33). The reasons for the sunstantial decrease in telestroke activations and urgent stroke treatment recommendations are likely multifactorial but nevertheless underscore the importance of continued public health measures to encourage patients and families to seek emergency medical care at the time of symptom onset.
The biosynthesis of the anti‐microbial diterpenoid leubethanol in Leucophyllum frutescens proceeds via an all‐cis prenyl intermediate.

Serrulatane diterpenoids are natural products found in plants from a subset of genera within the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). Many of these compounds have been characterized as having anti-microbial properties and share a common diterpene backbone. One example, leubethanol from Texas sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) has demonstrated activity against multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. Leubethanol is the only serrulatane diterpenoid identified from this genus; however, a range of such compounds have been found throughout the closely related Eremophila genus. Despite their potential therapeutic relevance, the biosynthesis of serrulatane diterpenoids has not been previously reported. Here we leverage the simple product profile and high accumulation of leubethanol in the roots of L. frutescens and compare tissue-specific transcriptomes with existing data from Eremophila serrulata to decipher the biosynthesis of leubethanol. A short-chain cis-prenyl transferase (LfCPT1) first produces the rare diterpene precursor nerylneryl diphosphate, which is cyclized by an unusual plastidial terpene synthase (LfTPS1) into the characteristic serrulatane diterpene backbone. Final conversion to leubethanol is catalyzed by a cytochrome P450 (CYP71D616) of the CYP71 clan. This pathway documents the presence of a short-chain cis-prenyl diphosphate synthase, previously only found in Solanaceae, which is likely involved in the biosynthesis of other known diterpene backbones in Eremophila. LfTPS1 represents neofunctionalization of a compartment-switching terpene synthase accepting a novel substrate in the plastid. Biosynthetic access to leubethanol will enable pathway discovery to more complex serrulatane diterpenoids which share this common starting structure and provide a platform for the production and diversification of this class of promising anti-microbial therapeutics in heterologous systems.
Cardiac Contractility Modulation in Heart Failure: Mechanisms and Clinical Evidence

Device-based therapy utilizing cardiac contractility modulation (CCM™) was approved by the FDA in March 2019 for patients with moderately to severely symptomatic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction between 25 and 45% on optimal guideline-directed medical therapy in normal sinus rhythm and not a candidate for cardiac resynchronization therapy. This review explores the mechanism of action behind CCM, the most recent clinical trials, and the expansion of therapy to additional patient populations. The most recent trial on CCM explored a two-lead system, which was as equally efficacious as three-lead model. Importantly, CCM was shown to be effective in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), who made up 15% of the population studied. Furthermore, emerging data from the European Registry suggests improvement in mortality with the use of CCM. New developments of a two-lead system have allowed for expansion into a broader array of patient populations, including those with AF, while maintaining the safety and efficacy of this therapy.
Conservation at the University of Florida

Hidden away from public view and far from the reference desks, the Conservation and Preservation unit has been working to save and repair Smathers Libraries collections for over 30 years.
Atmospheric General Circulation Modeling

This entry provides a brief introduction to the computer models of the atmosphere used for climate studies. The concepts of atmospheric forcing and response are developed and used to highlight the importance of clouds and aerosols to the climate system and the many uncertainties associated with their representation.
Aggregation and degradation in JetStream: streaming analytics in the wide area

We present JetStream, a system that allows real-time analysis of large, widely-distributed changing data sets. Traditional approaches to distributed analytics require users to specify in advance which data is to be backhauled to a central location for analysis. This is a poor match for domains where available bandwidth is scarce and it is infeasible to collect all potentially useful data.JetStream addresses bandwidth limits in two ways, both of which are explicit in the programming model. The system incorporates structured storage in the form of OLAP data cubes, so data can be stored for analysis near where it is generated. Using cubes, queries can aggregate data in ways and locations of their choosing. The system also includes adaptive filtering and other transformations that adjusts data quality to match available bandwidth. Many bandwidth-saving transformations are possible; we discuss which are appropriate for which data and how they can best be combined.We implemented a range of analytic queries on web request logs and image data. Queries could be expressed in a few lines of code. Using structured storage on source nodes conserved network bandwidth by allowing data to be collected only when needed to fulfill queries. Our adaptive control mechanisms are responsive enough to keep end-to-end latency within a few seconds, even when available bandwidth drops by a factor of two, and are flexible enough to express practical policies.
jcc: Integrating Timed Default Concurrent Constraint Programming into Java

This paper describes jcc, an integration of the timed default concurrent constraint programming framework [16] (Timed Default cc) into Java [7]. jcc is intended for use in education and research, for the programming of embedded reactive systems, for parallel/distributed simulation and modelling (particularly for space, robotics and systems biology applications), and to support the development of constraint-based program analysis and type-checking tools.
Energy-harvesting microsystems

Wireless microsensors and other miniaturized electronics cannot only monitor and better-manage power consumption in emerging small- and large-scale applications (for space, military, medical, agricultural, and consumer markets) but also add energy-saving and performance-enhancing intelligence to old, expensive, and difficult-to-replace infrastructures and tiny contraptions in difficult-to-reach places (like the human body). The energy these smart devices store, however, is often insufficient to power the functions they incorporate (such as telemetry, interface, processing, and others) for extended periods. Still more, replacing or recharging the batteries of hundreds of networked nodes is costly, and invasive in the case of the human body. Harvesting ambient energy to continually replenish a battery and wirelessly harnessing radiated energy periodically are therefore appealing alternatives, even if the development of relevant technologies today is, in relative terms, at its infancy. This talk discusses the state of the art and current research efforts in harnessing and conditioning energy and power from miniaturized transducers.
Temporal endogenous gene expression profiles in response to polymer‐mediated transfection and profile comparison to lipid‐mediated transfection

Background Design of efficient nonviral gene delivery systems is limited by the rudimentary understanding of specific molecules that facilitate transfection. Methods Polyplexes using 25-kDa polyethylenimine (PEI) and plasmid-encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) were delivered to HEK 293T cells. After treating cells with polyplexes, microarrays were used to identify endogenous genes differentially expressed between treated and untreated cells (2 h of exposure) or between flow-separated transfected cells (GFP+) and treated, untransfected cells (GFP–) at 8, 16 and 24 h after lipoplex treatment. Cell priming studies were conducted using pharmacologic agents to alter endogenous levels of the identified differentially expressed genes to determine effect on transfection levels. Differentially expressed genes in polyplex-mediated transfection were compared with those differentially expressed in lipoplex transfection to identify DNA carrier-dependent molecular factors. Results Differentially expressed genes were RGS1, ARHGAP24, PDZD2, SNX24, GSN and IGF2BP1 after 2 h; RAP1A and ACTA1 after 8 h; RAP1A, WDR78 and ACTA1 after 16 h; and RAP1A, SCG5, ATF3, IREB2 and ACTA1 after 24 h. Pharmacologic studies altering endogenous levels for ARHGAP24, GSN, IGF2BP1, PDZD2 and RGS1 were able to increase or decrease transgene production. Comparing differentially expressed genes for polyplexes and lipoplexes, no common genes were identified at the 2-h time point, whereas, after the 8-h time point, RAP1A, ATF3 and HSPA6 were similarly expressed. SCG5 and PGAP1 were only upregulated in polyplex-transfected cells. Conclusions The identified genes and pharmacologic agents provide targets for improving transfection systems, although polyplex or lipoplex dependencies must be considered. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy production using fission fragment rockets

Fission fragment rockets are nuclear reactors with a core consisting of thin fibers in a vacuum, and which use magnetic fields to extract the fission fragments from the reactor core. As an alternative to ordinary nuclear reactors, fission fragment rockets would have the following advantages: Approximately twice as efficient if one can directly convert the fission fragment energy into electricity; by reducing the buildup of a fission fragment inventory in the reactor one could avoid a Chernobyl type disaster; and collecting the fission fragments outside the reactor could simplify the waste disposal problem. 6 refs., 4 figs., 2 tabs.
Investigation of energy management strategies for photovoltaic systems - An analysis technique

Progress is reported in formulating energy management strategies for stand-alone PV systems, developing an analytical tool that can be used to investigate these strategies, applying this tool to determine the proper control algorithms and control variables (controller inputs and outputs) for a range of applications, and quantifying the relative performance and economics when compared to systems that do not apply energy management. The analysis technique developed may be broadly applied to a variety of systems to determine the most appropriate energy management strategies, control variables and algorithms. The only inputs required are statistical distributions for stochastic energy inputs and outputs of the system and the system's device characteristics (efficiency and ratings). Although the formulation was originally driven by stand-alone PV system needs, the techniques are also applicable to hybrid and grid connected systems.
The Relative Roles of Factor H Binding Protein, Neisserial Surface Protein A, and Lipooligosaccharide Sialylation in Regulation of the Alternative Pathway of Complement on Meningococci

Neisseria meningitidis inhibits the alternative pathway (AP) of complement using diverse mechanisms, including expression of capsule (select serogroups), Neisserial surface protein A (NspA), factor H (fH) binding protein (fHbp), and lipooligosaccharide (LOS) sialylation. The contribution of the latter three molecules in AP regulation in encapsulated meningococci was studied using isogenic mutants. When LOS was unsialylated, deleting NspA alone from group A strain A2594 (low fHbp/high NspA) significantly increased AP-mediated C3 deposition. C3 deposition further increased ∼2-fold in a ΔfHbpΔNspA double mutant, indicating cooperative fHbp function. LOS sialylation of A2594 ΔfHbpΔNspA decreased the rate of C3 deposition, revealing AP inhibition by LOS sialic acid. Maximal C3 deposition on group B strain H44/76 (high fHbp/low NspA) occurred when all three molecules were absent; again, LOS sialylation attenuated the AP in the absence of both fHbp and NspA. When H44/76 LOS was unsialylated, both fHbp and NspA independently inhibited the AP. LOS sialylation enhanced binding of fH C-terminal domains 18-20 to C3 fragments deposited on bacteria. Interaction of meningococci with nonhuman complement is relevant for animal models and vaccine evaluation studies that use nonhuman complement. Consistent with their human-specific fH binding, neither fHbp nor NspA regulated the rat AP. However, LOS sialylation inhibited the rat AP and, as with human serum, enhanced binding of rat fH to surface-bound C3. These data highlight the cooperative roles of meningococcal NspA and fHbp in regulating the human AP and broaden the molecular basis for LOS sialylation in AP regulation on meningococci in more than one animal species.