cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Managing for resilience: a landscape framework for food and livelihood security and ecosystem services

To address the twin pressures of land degradation and climate change in communities of agriculturalists, agro-pastoralists and pastoralists who are vulnerable to acute and chronic food and livelihood insecurity, we review emerging resilience approaches to agricultural development and present a resilience framework for agriculture and resource management at multiple scales and social-ecological interfaces. The paper draws on academic literature, field observation, insight from development researchers and practitioners, and agency reports to build a framework for guiding investment in initiatives that stand to sustainably improve the livelihoods of rural populations whose livelihood security is at risk from a combination of poverty and drought, deforestation, over-grazing, forced migration or other shocks. We suggest how working at landscape scale to link interventions in agroecological, livelihood, ecological and institutional dimensions of resilience, and integrating the four dimensions through stakeholder-engaged, adaptive collaborative management enables synergies to be captured and trade-offs reduced. We use the insights from development practitioners, political ecologists, and rural sociologists to highlight the need to historically, politically, and culturally situate this framework, and to emphasize the importance of participatory methods in successful resilient landscape management projects.
RiboTag: Not Lost in Translation

Measuring RNA from a defined subset of cells derived from a complex tissue is an important challenge that has confounded the field. Two recently developed tools have simplified this issue. The RiboTag and BacTRAP (Translating Ribosome Affinity Purification) methods allow for immunoprecipitation of ribosome-associated RNA from specific cells within complex tissues by expressing tagged ribosomal protein in desired cell types (GFP-tagged RPL10 for TRAP and hemagglutinin-tagged RPL22 for RiboTag) (Doyle et al, 2008; Heiman et al, 2008; Sanz et al, 2009). More specifically, these methods allow analysis of the ‘translatome'—ribosome-associated mRNA—which may be particularly sensitive to event-dependent regulation of protein translation. For example, RiboTag-expressing transgenic mice were recently used to compare differential gene expression responses to cocaine in striatal neurons expressing D1 and D2 dopamine receptors (Chandra et al, 2015).
Determination of formetanate hydrochloride in selected fruits by coupled-column cation exchange liquid chromatography.

A strong cation exchange (SCX) liquid chromatographic (LC) method is described for determination of formetanate hydrochloride residue in pome, citrus, and stone fruits. A test portion of fruit, homogenized with the peel left on, was blended with acidified acetonitrile and filtered. A portion of extract was finely filtered, and a 500 microL aliquot (ca 0.2 g test sample equivalent) was loaded onto an SCX solid-phase extraction (SPE) LC column, which replaced the injection loop of the LC injection valve. Cations were selectively enriched; noncations were eluted by acetonitrile in a pre-separation cleanup. Turning the valve to the inject position coupled the SPE column to an SCX analytical column for separation and detection at 250 nm. The mobile phase was 0.4M pH 3.0 ammonium phosphate buffer-water-acetonitrile (50 + 25 + 25). Formetanate cation was quantitated by peak area and regression coefficients from a 5-point linear calibration covering a 100-fold range. Recovery of duplicate fortifications of apple, pear, orange, and peach averaged 89-99% at the respective U.S. tolerances of 3, 3, 4, or 5 ppm and averaged 93-99% at one-tenth of the respective tolerance level. Peel pigments or variable peel bulk of crop varieties tested, as well as other endogenous fruit material, contributed interference that was below the 0.02 ppm limit of detection. In a 1991 limited survey comprising 15 samples, none were found violative. Residues were found in 2 samples, but only 1 measurement was quantifiable, near the 0.06 ppm limit of quantitation.
Ibogaine: a potent noncompetitive blocker of ganglionic/neuronal nicotinic receptors.

Ibogaine noncompetitively blocked (IC50 ∼ 20 nm) 22NaCl influx through ganglionic-type nicotinic receptor channels of rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. The major metabolite O-desmethylibogaine was 75-fold less active, andO-t-butyl-O-desmethylibogaine was 20-fold less active. Ibogaine was relatively weak as a blocker (IC50 ∼ 2000 nm) of the neuromuscular-type nicotinic receptor channels in human medulloblastoma TE671 cells. The blockade of nicotinic responses by ibogaine was only partially reversible in PC12 cells. In vivo, ibogaine at 10 mg/kg completely blocked epibatidine-elicited antinociception in mice, a response that is mediated by central nicotinic receptor channels. There was no significant blockade of the epibatidine response at 24 hr after the administration of 40 mg/kg ibogaine. The blockade of nicotinic channels could contribute to the antiaddictive properties of ibogaine.
Species interactions and plant polyploidy

Polyploidy is a common mode of speciation that can have far-reaching consequences for plant ecology and evolution. Because polyploidy can induce an array of phenotypic changes, there can be cascading effects on interactions with other species. These interactions, in turn, can have reciprocal effects on polyploid plants, potentially impacting their establishment and persistence. Although there is a wealth of information on the genetic and phenotypic effects of polyploidy, the study of species interactions in polyploid plants remains a comparatively young field. Here we reviewed the available evidence for how polyploidy may impact many types of species interactions that range from mutualism to antagonism. Specifically, we focused on three main questions: (1) Does polyploidy directly cause the formation of novel interactions not experienced by diploids, or does it create an opportunity for natural selection to then form novel interactions? (2) Does polyploidy cause consistent, predictable changes in species interactions vs. the evolution of idiosyncratic differences? (3) Does polyploidy lead to greater evolvability in species interactions? From the scarce evidence available, we found that novel interactions are rare but that polyploidy can induce changes in pollinator, herbivore, and pathogen interactions. Although further tests are needed, it is likely that selection following whole-genome duplication is important in all types of species interaction and that there are circumstances in which polyploidy can enhance the evolvability of interactions with other species.
Moderating effects of self-image congruity on the relationship between advertisement message strength and revisiting intention

ABSTRACTThis research note delineates the effect of restaurant customers’ perceived self-image congruity (i.e., the match between the image of a product or brand and customers’ image of themselves) on the relationship between the strength of a restaurant advertisement and customers’ intention to revisit that restaurant. This study posits that customers’ preference for a restaurant brand, formed by their perceived self-image congruity, can alter the effects of ad message strength on their revisiting intention. More specifically, due to the biasing effect caused by self-image congruity, the effect of an ad’s argument strength on behavioral intentions may be diminished when customers have a high perceived level of self-image congruity. The findings indicate that strong ad messages elicit significantly higher revisiting intentions than weak ad messages when customers perceive a mismatch between the image, the brand, and themselves; however, no significant difference in revisiting intentions was detected betwe...
Long-Range Strategic Planning

Not every executive likes long-range strategic planning. Planning involves some commitment to a long-term goal and some strategy to attain it. Having a plan limits-at least to some extent-the executive’s freedom of action to obtain some shorter-term goals. By the nature of their jobs, most executives are doers, think short-term, and like to trust their judgement. A plan, for many executives, is an impediment.
Dissipation of Alachlor, Metolachlor, and Atrazine from Starch-Encapsulated Formulations in a Sandy Loam Soil

Research was conducted to determine the effect of starch encapsulation on soil dissipation and weed control with alachlor, metolachlor, and atrazine on an Estherville sandy loam in the field. Starch encapsulation increased persistence of alachlor in the surface 15 cm of soil compared to the emulsifiable concentrate formulation during the first 60 d after treatment More alachlor was detected 30 to 75 cm deep with emulsifiable concentrate than the starch-encapsulated formulation 30 d after treatment. Little alachlor was detected below 15 cm thereafter. Starch encapsulation also increased persistence of metolachlor in the surface 15 cm, but reduced concentrations at 15 to 30 cm compared to the emulsifiable concentrate 30 d after treatment. By 120 and 340 d after treatment, metolachlor concentrations at 15 to 30 cm were greater with starch-encapsulated than emulsifiable concentrate formulation. Starch encapsulation greatly increased atrazine persistence in the surface 15 cm compared to the dry flowable formulation. Although encapsulation increased atrazine concentration in the surface 15 cm, it reduced the concentration below 15 cm compared to the dry flowable formulation 30 and 60 d after treatment However, by 120 and 340 d after treatment, starch encapsulation often resulted in greater atrazine concentrations below 15 cm than the dry flowable formulation. Control of green foxtail and redroot pigweed with starch-encapsulated herbicides was similar or superior to the commercial formulations.
Differential association rule mining for the study of protein-protein interaction networks

Protein-protein interactions are of great interest to biologists. A variety of high-throughput techniques have been devised, each of which leads to a separate definition of an interaction network. The concept of differential association rule mining is introduced to study the annotations of proteins in the context of one or more interaction networks. Differences among items across edges of a network are explicitly targeted. As a second step we identify differences between networks that are separately defined on the same set of nodes. The technique of differential association rule mining is applied to the comparison of protein annotations within an interaction network and between different interaction networks. In both cases we were able to find rules that explain known properties of protein interaction networks as well as rules that show promise for advanced study.
Max-Linear Competing Factor Models

Models incorporating “latent” variables have been commonplace in financial, social, and behavioral sciences. Factor model, the most popular latent model, explains the continuous observed variables ...
Report on the 29th International Florida Artificial Intelligence Research Society Conference (FLAIRS-29)

The 29th International Florida Artificial Intelligence Research Society Conference (FLAIRS-29) was held May 16-18, 2016, at the Hilton Key Largo Resort in Key Largo, Florida, USA. The conference events included invited speakers, special tracks, and presentations of papers, posters, and awards. The conference chair was Bill Eberle from Tennessee Technological University. The program co-chairs were Zdravko Markov from Central Connecticut State University and Ingrid Russell from the University of Hartford. The special track were coordinated by Vasile Rus from University of Memphis.
Development and Evaluation of a Statewide HIV-HCV-STD Online Clinical Education Program for Primary Care Providers

We developed a statewide HIV-HCV-STD online education program for timely and effective dissemination of clinical evidence to primary care healthcare providers. For this purpose, we built a large repository of multimedia learning modules, interactive case simulations tools, and other online education resources. We proactively disseminated these resources to clinicians through multiple online platforms and communication channels, and recorded rapid increase in resource usage. We performed analyses on use contexts, identified specific usage patterns, and characterized the correlations between resource usage and promotional activities. Evaluations have shown that clinicians had a very positive feedback of the online education program, intended to use the learned knowledge, and planned to make practice changes. Future studies are required to verify the generalizability of the findings and to identify the covariates that contribute to the program success.
Approximate ballistics formulas for spherical pellets in free flight

Abstract The ballistics equations for spherical pellets in free flight are simplified through appropriate scaling of the pellet velocity and pellet distance. Two different drag coefficient curves are averaged to yield a single curve applicable to shot pellets and round balls. The resulting S-shaped drag coefficient curve is approximated by three straight-line segments. The scaled ballistics equations are then solved exactly and simple formulas are found for the velocity and flight time with respect to trajectory distance. The formulas are applicable to spherical shot pellets and round balls of any composition under any atmospheric conditions. The formulas are amenable to quick and easy computation and may also serve as an aid in understanding and comparing black-box ballistics calculators. For shotshell ballistics, an important assumption in the present investigation is that the pellets are moving as single, free spheres and not as a dense cloud or in a shot column, in particular, the pellets are not interacting during flight. Therefore, the formulas are most appropriate for single round balls, for large shot sizes, and for pellets of small shot size fired from open chokes. The formulas are clear and accessible, and can be implemented by military or law enforcement personnel as well as hunters and shooters. This work differs from previous investigations in that accurate ballistics formulas are derived for spherical projectiles of shotguns and muzzleloaders using realistic drag coefficients.
A Faculty Professional Development Model That Improves Student Learning, Encourages Active-Learning Instructional Practices, and Works for Faculty at Multiple Institutions

Helping faculty develop high-quality instruction that positively affects student learning can be complicated by time limitations, a lack of resources, and inexperience using student data to make iterative improvements. We describe a community of 16 faculty from five institutions who overcame these challenges and collaboratively designed, taught, iteratively revised, and published an instructional unit about the potential effect of mutations on DNA replication, transcription, and translation. The unit was taught to more than 2000 students in 18 courses, and student performance improved from preassessment to postassessment in every classroom. This increase occurred even though faculty varied in their instructional practices when they were teaching identical materials. We present information on how this faculty group was organized and facilitated, how members used student data to positively affect learning, and how they increased their use of active-learning instructional practices in the classroom as a result of participation. We also interviewed faculty to learn more about the most useful components of the process. We suggest that this professional development model can be used for geographically separated faculty who are interested in working together on a known conceptual difficulty to improve student learning and explore active-learning instructional practices.
Powers and the Pantheistic Problem of Unity

If the universe and God are identical, as pantheism holds, how can we reconcile the supposed unity of God with the apparent dis-unity of the universe’s elements? I argue that a powers ontology, which generates a form of pantheism under plausible assumptions, is apt to solve the problem of unity. There is reason to think that the directedness of powers is equivalent to the directedness, or intentionality, of mental states. This implies that intentionality is a feature of the physical world at large, not just the mind. As Pfeifer (2016) argues, this physical intentionality represents a mild form of panpsychism that is interpretable as a brand of pantheism. I argue that the theory of powers holism (Mumford 2004; Williams 2010) explains the unity of the universe’s elements and thus the unity of a pantheistic God, and that powers holism is strengthened by fully recognizing the role of physical intentionality.
Cbl as a Master Regulator of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Trafficking

The Cbl proteins are a family of RING finger ubiquitin ligases which are found throughout metazoans. In mammalian cells there are three Cbl proteins, Cbl, Cbl-b, and Cbl-c. The RING finger domain, responsible for ubiquitin ligase activity, is surrounded by protein interaction motifs that allow Cbl proteins to interact with a large number of signaling proteins and thus function in many signaling pathways. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are rapidly internalized upon activation and can either be recycled to the cell surface or degraded in the lysosome (a process known as downregulation). The Cbl proteins ubiquitinate the activated RTKs and mediate their trafficking to the lysosome for degradation. Thus, they are critical regulators of RTK downregulation. This process is tightly regulated by RTK-mediated phosphorylation of the Cbl proteins that activates the ubiquitin ligase activity of the Cbl protein. In addition, multiple proteins can attenuate Cbl-mediated ubiquitination and downregulation of the RTK. Mutations which disrupt the ubiquitin ligase activity of the Cbl proteins result in oncogenic forms, and such mutations have been described in human myeloid neoplasms. In addition mutations in the RTK or overexpression of negative regulators of Cbl proteins can result in aberrant RTK downregulation and transformation. Thus, the Cbl proteins are critical regulators of RTK trafficking and serve to tune the level of RTK activity.
CULTIVATING COMIDA: Dignity and Devastation in Vermont’s Dairy Industry

First paragraph: After years of challenging economic conditions, the first several months of 2018 spelled disaster for a number of Vermont’s dairy farms. As reported in a local weekly newspaper article, “Sell­ing the Herd: A Milk Price Crisis Is Devastating Vermont’s Dairy Farms” (Heintz, 2018), the ongoing downturn in milk prices has led a number of farms to close shop. This leaves just 749 dairy farms in a state where more than 11,000 existed seven decades prior. Alongside increased costs of production, this article also reveals that dairy farmers are receiving little more for their milk than they did in the late 1970s, despite the ever-increasing costs of production and environmental pressures. The economic downturn has had a pronounced effect on smaller family farms, par­ticularly those with fewer than 200 cows, and has affected organic and conventional dairies alike. These economic realities have exacerbated the consolidation of the industry, leaving mega-farms as those most likely to survive. These same farms are often criticized for contributing to mounting concerns about the state’s water quality and ques­tionable labor conditions, particularly for the immi­grant farmworkers who are in large part respon­sible for sustaining the dairy industry....
Intraoperative Dilemmas and Challenges with Vasovasostomy and Vasoepididymostomy

There are a number of unique dilemmas and challenges that all reversal doctors will encounter. From dealing with protuberant pouchy abdominal vasal mucosa to performing the anastomosis down to the thin-walled, deep convoluted testicular vas, these special situations often require modifications of standard techniques. How to work with absent adventitia or a large epididymal cyst or more commonly widely discrepant lumens can be challenging even for the most experienced microsurgeons. Vasoepididymostomy specific challenges include the absence of fluid or sperm in the open epididymal tubules, a very vascular or scarred overlying epididymal tunica, flat almost nonvisible epididymal tubules, as well as a lengthy vasal gap.
Longitudinal HIV Transmission Risk Profiles Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Living With HIV in the SUN Study

Examining how multiple concomitant factors interact to augment HIV transmission risk is needed to inform more effective primary and secondary HIV prevention programs for men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. The development of a "taxonomy" of long-term sexual and drug-related risk behavior profiles may have important implications for resource allocation and targeted HIV prevention programming. A secondary data analysis was conducted to explore longitudinal HIV transmission risk profiles among 423 MSM living with HIV enrolled in the Study to Understand the Natural History of HIV and AIDS in the Era of Effective Therapy (SUN Study). Between March 2004 and February 2012, participants completed semiannual, audio computer-assisted self-interviews that included demographics, employment status, medical information, alcohol use, stimulant use, sexual risk, and depression. Latent class analysis was used to identify patterns of risky behavior over time with respect to sexual risk, heavy drinking, and stimulant (i.e., methamphetamine and cocaine) use taken collectively. Three classes were identified: (a) High Sustained Heavy Drinker Class (33%), (b) High Mostly Stable Sexual Risk Class (17%), and (c) Overall Low Risk Class. (50%). Post hoc comparisons between classes revealed that men in Classes 1 ( p = .03) and 2 ( p = .02) were significantly younger than those in Class 3. In comparison to those in Classes 1 and 3, those in Class 2 were less likely to report being a racial/ethnic minority ( p = .04) and had the highest self-reported sexually transmitted infections ( p < .001). Findings indicate the need to better integrate sexual and substance use risk reduction strategies, including brief interventions and engagement in addiction treatment, for MSM living with HIV in the United States.
Video-Rate Non-Raster AFM Imaging With Cycloid Trajectory

We demonstrate the application of the internal model principle in tracking a sequential cycloid trajectory to achieve video-rate atomic force microscope (AFM) imaging. To generate a sequential cycloid pattern, one axis of the nanopositioner traces a sinusoidal signal superimposed on a slow triangular wave. Discontinuities at turning points induce large peaks in the steady-state tracking error. To address this issue, a smooth trajectory is designed to reduce the magnitude of error by 60 nm compared with the triangular wave. This trajectory reduces the magnitude of error 10 times. The tracking controller includes the dynamics of the harmonic waveforms and the ramp signal as well as higher order harmonics of the scanning frequency, and an integrator to cope with the system nonlinearities at low frequencies. We perform experiments on a two degree of freedom microelectromechanical system nanopositioner at various scanning frequencies ranging from 500 to 2580 Hz within a scan area of $5\,\,\mu \text {m} \times 10\,\,\mu \text {m}$ . The root-mean-square value of tracking error remains below 6.1 nm with a pitch size of 44.2 nm. We acquire time-lapse AFM images in contact mode at scan rates as high as 20 frames per second.
The Impact of the Fecal Microbiome on Cancer Immunotherapy.

Recent advances in culture-free methods of studying the human microbiome, coupled with strong bioinformatics tools, have provided new insights on the role of the human microbiome in health and disease. The human gut, in particular, houses a vast number and diverse variety of microbes. A plethora of evidence has demonstrated the significant effects of the gut microbiome on local and systemic immunity. Studies in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients provided early evidence of the involvement of the gut microbiome in the development of graft-versus-host disease and its related mortality. Cancer immunotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors, in particular, harness the power of the host’s immune system to fight a range of malignancies. Resistance to immunotherapy and fatal immune-related adverse events both continue to be challenges in the field. The role of the human gut microbiome in affecting the response to immunotherapy was recently uncovered through a series of preclinical and clinical studies. The evidence presented in these studies provides tremendous potential for gut microbes to be used for biomarker development and therapeutic intervention trials.
Developmental Perspectives and Risk Factors for Substance Use

This chapter discusses normative adolescent development, including neurobiological and psychosocial maturation that contribute to significant vulnerabilities to substance use initiation and escalation. As brain structures mature at different rates, there is an imbalance between motivation to seek reward that drives behavior and executive functioning that filters it. Adolescence also marks the transition of the primary social group from family to peers, which may motivate adolescent substance use. The impact of individual substances on the developing brain is highlighted in the context of societal changes in risk perception and availability. Risk and protective factors that determine substance use disorder progression are discussed. Practical considerations for addressing substance use as part of routine care for children and adolescents are included.
Should antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia be given for a lifetime? Replication of a naturalistic, long-term, follow-up study of antipsychotic treatment

ObjectiveBecause ethically and practically a randomized control trial of antipsychotics will never be done, we recently conducted and reported a 8- to 50-year, naturalistic follow-up from an academic clinic of patients with chronic schizophrenia on antipsychotic medication. We found that better medication adherence was a statistically significant predictor of better long-term global outcome and life satisfaction. Because there were important limitations on our findings, we now in this communication, using similar methodology, detail outcomes for a very different sample—inner city patients with chronic schizophrenia with a long past history of antipsychotic treatment, who were enrolled in clinical trials for new medications for schizophrenia.MethodsThis is a retrospective, naturalistic, longitudinal 6- to 49-years antipsychotic treatment (mean average, 20) follow-up of a consecutive series of patients volunteering for screening for studies with schizophrenia. Lifetime data were collected on (1) their medication adherence, (2) long-term global outcome, and (3) life satisfaction. Outcomes were rated by 2 different clinicians, 1 with information on medication adherence (nonblind rater) and 1 without (blind rater). We used linear regression models adjusted for age, family support, substance use disorder, race, marital status, and number of years in treatment to estimate the association between adherence and each outcome.ResultsA total of 34 patients were assessed. Medication adherence was positively associated with the blind clinician’s rating of global outcome (P value=0.03) and the global assessment of functioning (P value=0.05). In the nonblinded clinician rating, medication adherence was unrelated to global outcome (P value=0.26) and to patients’ report of life satisfaction (P value=0.54).ConclusionThis replication study, like our previous study, is not inconsistent with the recommendation for continuous, long-term treatment for chronic schizophrenia unless medically contraindicated.
The Sternal Foramen: The Possible Forensic Misinterpretation of an Anatomic Abnormality

Misinterpretations of autopsy findings have been a major cause of concern to forensic scientists. Two comprehensive catalogues of the more common mistakes in forensic pathology and the interpretation of artifacts encountered in the medicolegal autopsy have been published [1,2]. This article documents the occurrence of a relatively rare congenital anomaly which may be misleading and may result in serious erroneous conclusions, particularly when evaluating skeletonized human remains. This abnormality and its relationship to medicolegal cases has not been previously reported in the forensic literature.
Flavor halos andconsumer perceptions offood healthfulness

Purpose This paper aims to examine how repeated exposure to health-related products that contain flavors (e.g. cherry-flavored cough syrup) create “flavor halos” that can bias perceptions about the healthfulness of foods that contain the same flavors (e.g. cherry-flavored cheesecake). Design/methodology/approach Six experiments, using both between- and within-subjects designs, explore the effects of flavor halos in hypothetical and actual consumption settings. They test the underlying mechanism, rule out competing explanations and identify an opportunity to correct the cognitive biases created by flavor halos. Findings Flavor halos can be created via repeated exposure to flavored medicinal products in the marketplace. These flavor halos bias dieters’ judgments about the healthfulness of vice foods containing such flavors. Dieters are motivated toward a directional conclusion about food healthfulness to mediate the guilt associated with consuming indulgent products. Providing dieters with corrective information mitigates these effects. Research limitations/implications The authors examine one way flavor halos are created –via repeated exposure to flavored medicinal products. Future research should explore other ways flavor halos are created and other ways to mitigate their effects. Practical implications Considering the prevalence of obesity, organizations striving to help consumers pursue health goals (e.g. weight watchers) can use flavors to improve dietary compliance. Health-care organizations can help consumers understand and correct the cognitive biases associated with flavor halos. Originality/value By identifying flavor halos, this work adds to the literature investigating how flavors influence consumers’ judgments about healthfulness. The results suggest dieters apply flavor halos as they engage in motivated reasoning to license their indulgent desires.
Prospects for a Revival in U. S. Productivity Growth

Abstract The growth rate of total-economy U.S. labor productivity during the eight-year period between 2010:Q3 and 2018:Q3 was only 0.53 percent, lower by a large margin than any other eight-year interval in U.S. postwar quarterly data. This paper divides the question of a possible revival in productivity growth into two questions. The first is the possibility of a procyclical response in the gap between actual and trend productivity growth, and the second is a revival in the productivity growth trend itself. An econometric study of the procyclical gap elasticity takes account of a smaller response in the data since the mid-1980s. Because there is no post-1985 procyclicality in the productivity gap, in simulations of our equation estimated through 2015 we find that projections of the coefficients accurately track the failure of productivity growth to exhibit any revival during the three quarters of 2018 during which output growth has accelerated. Lacking a procyclical revival of the productivity gap, the chance of a revival rests with the productivity growth trend itself. An equation that estimates the responsiveness of that trend to labor market tightness and to capital deepening yields our second conclusion that, based on forecasts of the future trajectory of the unemployment rate and the capital-labor ratio, a revival in trend productivity growth of 0.2 percentage points may occur during 2019-21.
Adjustment of Inertial Survey System Errors

Based upon analyses of Inertial Survey System (ISS), test data equations have been derived that will accurately reproduce the error distribution characteristics of an Inertial Survey System in a tr...
Biomass Fast Pyrolysis Using a Novel Microsphere Microreactor Approach: Model-Based Interpretations

A novel microsphere microreactor approach was used to capture the real-time dynamics of fast pyrolysis of single biomass microspheres using fast flame ionization detection at a data capture rate of...
Pathophysiology and Epidemiology of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the most common disease of the bone affecting greater than 10.2 million adults in the USA. This disease is a deficiency in the normal quantity of bone in the body and is defined as a bone mineral density < 2.5 standard deviations below the mean in young healthy individuals. On a cellular level, there are several interconnecting pathways that result in increased absorption of bone. These pathways are affected by genetics, medications, and lifestyle factors. Understanding the epidemiology and pathophysiology of osteoporosis can improve the surgeon’s ability to care for this growing patient population.
Like Snow in the Spring Time: Allotment, Fractionation, and the Indian Land Tenure Problem

This article is an in-depth treatment of the fractionation, or co-ownership, problem in American Indian land tenure. The purpose of this work is twofold. First, the article establishes that fractionation is more than just inconvenient or unfortunate, but is instead a serious problem with major implications for modern tribal sovereignty. Second, the article proposes major reform that would remove unnecessary federal regulation of intratribal transactions and abolish the formulaic intestate division of property in favor of a more flexible case-by-case model that I call equitable distribution, with little added administrative expense.The article proceeds by examining the historical roots of the problem, surveying its modern scope, analyzing fractionation's many problematic consequences, and proposing several steps toward a more lasting solution.
Concomitant Pavlovian conditioning of heart rate and leg flexion responses in the rat

Pavlovian conditioning was studied in male Fischer 344 rats using tones as the conditioned stimulus (CS) and footshock as the unconditioned stimulus (UCS). Different groups of animals received (a) contiguous CS-UCS pairings with a 0.5 sec CS, (b) contiguous CS-UCS pairings with a 4.0 sec CS, or (c) a random sequence of noncontiguous tones and shocks using either a 0.5 sec or a 4.0 sec CS. Heart rate (HR) and leg flexion (LF) responses were recorded. Leg flexion conditioning occurred only in the 0.5 sec contiguous group. Decelerative HR CRs occurred only in the 4.0 sec contiguous group. Accelerative HR changes occurred in the other two groups but were significantly greater in the 0.5 sec contiguous group. These results are similar to but not identical to those obtained during eyeblink or nictitating membrane conditioning in rabbits, and suggest that the topography of the Pavlovian HR CR is dependent on the simultaneous occurrence of other classically conditioned responses.
Acrolein: A Potential Mediator of Oxidative Damage in Diabetic Retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults. Extensive evidences have documented that oxidative stress mediates a critical role in the pathogenesis of DR. Acrolein, a product of polyamines oxidation and lipid peroxidation, has been demonstrated to be involved in the pathogenesis of various human diseases. Acrolein’s harmful effects are mediated through multiple mechanisms, including DNA damage, inflammation, ROS formation, protein adduction, membrane disruption, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Recent investigations have reported the involvement of acrolein in the pathogenesis of DR. These studies have shown a detrimental effect of acrolein on the retinal neurovascular unit under diabetic conditions. The current review summarizes the existing literature on the sources of acrolein, the impact of acrolein in the generation of oxidative damage in the diabetic retina, and the mechanisms of acrolein action in the pathogenesis of DR. The possible therapeutic interventions such as the use of polyamine oxidase inhibitors, agents with antioxidant properties, and acrolein scavengers to reduce acrolein toxicity are also discussed.
Study of interconnect errors, network congestion, and applications characteristics for throttle prediction on a large scale HPC system

Abstract Today’s High Performance Computing (HPC) systems contain thousand of nodes which work together to provide performance in the order of petaflops. The performance of these systems depends on various components like processors, memory, and interconnect. Among all, interconnect plays a major role as it glues together all the hardware components in an HPC system. A slow interconnect can impact a scientific application running on multiple processes severely as they rely on fast network messages to communicate and synchronize frequently. Unfortunately, the HPC community lacks a study that explores different interconnect errors, congestion events and applications characteristics on a large-scale HPC system. In our previous work, we process and analyze interconnect data of the Titan supercomputer to develop a thorough understanding of interconnects faults, errors, and congestion events. In this work, we first show how congestion events can impact application performance. We then investigate application characteristics interaction with interconnect errors and network congestion to predict applications encountering congestion with more than 90% accuracy.
On multi-class automated vehicles: Car-following behavior and its implications for traffic dynamics

Abstract This paper develops a unifying framework to unveil the physical car-following (CF) behaviors of automated vehicles (AVs) under different control paradigms and parameter settings. The proposed framework adopts the flexible asymmetric behavior (AB) model to reveal the control mechanisms and their manifestation in the physical CF behavior, particularly their response to traffic disturbances. A mapping relationship between the AB model parameters and control parameters is then obtained to understand the range of CF behavior possible. Finally, a predictive modeling approach based on a logistic classifier coupled with a convoluted Multivariate Gaussian Process ( MGP ) is designed to predict the CF behavior of an AV. Analysis of two well-known controllers, linear state-feedback and Model Predictive Control (MPC), show how the proposed framework can uncover the CF mechanisms and provide insights into traffic-level disturbance evolution. The proposed analysis framework remains scalable and can be applied to a variety of controllers. Ultimately, it can guide AV control design that is not myopic, but considers traffic-level performance.
BoTM: Basestation-on-the-move, a Radio Access Network Management Primitive

Software-defined Radio Access Networks (SD-RANs) enable unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to customize and/or optimize network operations. In particular, network function virtualization suggests that network functions are no longer tightly coupled to any specific hardware instance or location. In this paper we present our work on BoTM, basestationon-the-move, where we exploit network function virtualization in an SD-RAN environment to dynamically "move" a mobile base station from one location to another to realize a general RAN management primitive. Specifically, we show how an SD-RAN environment enables orchestration across both the virtual infrastructure layer (i.e., the base station) as well as the mobile network functional layer (i.e., the protocol interactions in a mobile network), allowing a base station and its associated endpoints to be moved, fostering new network management functionality. We present the design and implementation of this network management primitive using Open Air Interface and the FlexRAN framework, with experimental results and efficiency metrics.
The Magic of Thermodynamics

The fundamental premise as well as the method of proof of Clausius second law analysis is here shown to be logically at fault.
GHG Mitigation Technology Performance Evaluations Underway at the GHG Technology Verification Center

The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Technology Verification Center is one of 12 independent verification entities operating under the U.S. EPA-sponsored Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) program. The ETV program tries to accelerate the acceptance and use of improved technologies through the development of third-party technology performance data. The Center focuses on GHG mitigation and monitoring technologies and has completed performance verification testing on one technology and initiated testing on six others. Technologies applicable to the natural gas industry, electricity generation industry, and GHG monitoring industry have been the primary focus of the Center’s initial efforts. This paper outlines the Center’s verification approach and activities. Final results are presented on a fuel cell technology for which testing has been completed, and preliminary results are presented for two additional types of technologies that have completed the first phase of a two-phase verification test.
Voice outcomes following reoperative central neck dissection for recurrent/persistent thyroid cancer

Objectives/Hypothesis We aimed to assess voice outcomes following reoperative central neck dissection (RCND) to characterize postoperative voice difficulties experienced, determine the natural progression of vocal recovery, and identify risk factors for the development of voice disorders postoperatively. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Methods Consecutive patients with recurrent/persistent thyroid cancer who were deemed appropriate candidates for RCND were eligible for participation in this study. A battery of voice evaluation measures was administered both preoperatively and 2 to 4 weeks postoperatively. Results Twenty consecutive patients were included. Postoperatively, six (30%) new incidents of vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) were identified, with two (10%) being due to intentional recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) transection. On 1-year follow-up, two patients had full restoration of vocal fold mobility and four had persistent VFMI. No preoperative voice/laryngeal exam factors were predictive of postoperative VFMI. Clinically relevant change in postoperative Voice Handicap Index score was absent in all patients without VFMI and present in five of six patients with VFMI (P = .0004). Patients with VFMI had significantly poorer overall dysphonia grade, less glottic closure, and elevated jitter in contrast to those individuals without VFMI. Patients with malignant tissue in the remnant thyroid were four times more likely to develop VFMI than those with central neck lymph node metastases alone (P = .06). Conclusion Patients undergoing RCND are at risk for postoperative VFMI, even when the RLN is anatomically preserved, with subsequent impact on quality of life. Presence of malignant disease in the remnant thyroid appears to be the best predictor for postoperative VFMI. Level of Evidence 2b. Laryngoscope, 125:2621–2625, 2015
Claims data studies of sedative-hypnotics and hip fractures in older people: exploring residual confounding using survey information.

Objectives: To identify the magnitude of confounding bias caused by factors not measured in claims data studies of sedative-hypnotic use and fractures. Design: Cross-sectional survey data. Setting: Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS). Participants: Eight thousand seven hundred eighty-five survey participants aged 65 and older. Measurements: To determine the association between sedative-hypnotic use and potential confounding factors, five factors not measured in Medicare claims data but measured in the MCBS were assessed: body-mass index, smoking, activity of daily living (ADL) score, cognitive impairment, and Rosow-Breslau physical impairment scale. The association between benzodiazepine or zolpidem use and these five factors was estimated. Combined with literature estimates of the associations between confounders and fractures, it was possible to compute the extent of residual confounding bias caused by a failure to adjust for them. Results: Comparing zolpidem users with nonusers, there was considerable overestimation of an association with hip fractures if ADL scores (21.5% bias) or Rosow-Breslau impairment scales (10.6%) were unobserved in claims data. All five unmeasured confounders together resulted in net confounding of 9.8% (range 0–39%). Comparing benzodiazepine users with nonusers, effect estimates were moderately biased (6.1%). After correction for this bias, the association observed in claims data (relative risk (RR)=1.38; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.14–1.66) was comparable with that found in a recent study using clinical data (RR=1.20, 95% CI=0.72–2.00). In contrast to the clinical study, the claims data study achieved formal statistical significance because of its much larger size (288 vs 1,222 hip fractures). Conclusion: Claims data studies tend to overestimate the relationship between benzodiazepine use and hip fractures. After correcting for such bias, a statistically significant association persists. Concluding that there is no relationship at all based on small clinical studies that did not reach statistical significance may be misleading.
Real-time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop tests of a battery system

In this paper, a real time model of the microgrid with an energy storage system has been implemented in RT-Lab. Coordinated control of the battery storage system with a PV system is simulated. To be more realistic, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testbed has been implemented with a real battery cell (3.2-V, 40-Ahr) connected to the real-time simulation model of the microgrid. A programmable current source (Magna) and programmable load (Bk 8500) have been used to create charging and discharging paths between the energy storage unit and the RT-LAB.
Insulin activates a novel adipocyte mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase that shows rapid phasic kinetics and is distinct from c-Raf.

Treatment of adipocytes with insulin or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) results in transient activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) (Tmax = 90 s) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (Tmax = 300 s). We have identified a novel insulin-stimulated MEK kinase (I-MEKK) in the 100,000 x g infranatant that shows rapid phasic kinetics that temporally precede that of MEK. Maximal activation of I-MEKK occurs within 20 +/- 5 s (S.D., n = 3) followed by complete inactivation by 30 +/- 10 s (S.D., n = 3). I-MEKK was characterized by anion-exchange and gel filtration chromatography and separated into two distinct activities of approximately 56 kDa that phosphorylated and activated MEK. I-MEKKs did not co-elute on anion exchange with c-Raf or 73-kDa MEK kinase (MEKK), suggesting they are distinct enzymes. Protein phosphatase 2A inactivated both I-MEKKs in vitro and in the intact cell okadaic acid blocked inactivation in the presence of insulin. These results suggest activation of I-MEKK involves phosphorylation on serine or threonine residues. I-MEKK was not activated by PMA, suggesting that in adipocytes the enzyme represents a divergence point between signal transduction pathways mediated by insulin and those activating protein kinase C.
Sparrow Modeling to Understand Water-Quality Conditions in Major Regions of the United States: A Featured Collection Introduction.

Preston, Stephen D., Richard B. Alexander, and David M. Wolock, 2011. SPARROW Modeling to Understand Water-Quality Conditions in Major Regions of the United States: A Featured Collection Introduction. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 47(5):887-890. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2011.00585.x