cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
After exit: Academic achievement patterns of former English language learners.

With few exceptions, accountability systems for programs for English language learners (ELLs) have focused on the achievement patterns of ELLs who are still considered “limited English proficient” and program evaluations have been unable to answer the question whether ELLs actually catch up with English proficient peers after attending a bilingual or English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Disaggregating data for former ELLs can therefore provide important information for long-term district and program accountability. The study was concerned with the achievement patterns in English language arts, Math, and Science of former ELLs who attended a bilingual and a English as a Second Language (ESL) program. It also explored whether length of program participation and grade level exited played a significant role in predicting academic achievement patterns for these exited students. Results indicate that 4th grade students more closely paralleled non- ELL students’ achievement patterns than 8th grade students, particularly for the BE students. While length of program participation is not a significant predictor of former ELLs’ academic success, exit grade does emerge as an important variable to take into consideration in setting exit guidelines.
Primary structure of triosephosphate isomerase from Bacillus stearothermophilus.

1. Triosephosphate isomerase from Bacillus stearothermophilus is a dimeric enzyme comprising two chemically identical polypeptide chains. 2. The nearly complete amino acid sequence of the subunit polypeptide chain has been established from sequences of tryptic, chymotryptic and lysine-blocked tryptic fragments of S-[2-14C]carboxy-methylated enzyme. Overlaps not established by experimental data have been provisionally established from considerations of sequence homology with previously established sequences for the rabbit, chicken and coelacanth enzymes. The nearly complete sequence of the 249 residues is a follows. 3. Comparison of the thermophile and chicken muscle enzymes shows that 40% of the residues are in identical sequence. 4. Correlation of the sequence of the thermophile enzyme with the three-dimensional structure of the muscle enzyme shows that residues in the catalytic site and in the subunit interface are strongly conserved. Possible correlations between sequence changes and thermal stabilisation of the dimeric structure are also noted.
Reflex Effects of Left Ventricular Distention

In open-chest dogs, the peripheral circulation was carried on a heart-lung machine. The pulmonary artery was obstructed and the left atrium and the right ventricle were drained into the venous reservoir of the machine. A balloon in the bloodless left ventricle permitted its distention. Pressures were recorded in the left ventricle and the aortic arch or a femoral artery. After distention of the left ventricle, the left ventricular diastolic pressure rose, the systemic arterial pressure fell, and bradycardia occurred. Distention of the left ventricle also caused reflex dilation of systemic veins. These effects were reversible and were abolished by section of the vagi. They are attributed to receptors in the myocardium of the left ventricle. It is considered likely that these reflex effects of left ventricular distention contribute to the mechanism of cardiogenic shock.
Hospitalization for pulmonary embolism associated with antecedent testosterone or estrogen therapy in patients found to have familial and acquired thrombophilia

In patients hospitalized over a 4 year period for pulmonary embolism (PE), we assessed relationships of testosterone (TT) and estrogen therapy (ET) anteceding PE in patients found to have familial-acquired thrombophilia. From 2011 through 2014, 347 patients were hospitalized in Cincinnati Mercy Hospitals with PE. Retrospective chart review was used to identify patients receiving TT or ET before PE; coagulation studies were done prospectively if necessary. Preceding hospitalization for PE, 8 of 154 men (5 %) used TT, and 24 of 193 women (12 %) used ET. The median number of months from the initiation of TT or ET to development of PE was 7 months in men and 18 months in women. Of the 6 men having coagulation measures, all had ≥ 1 thrombophilia, and of the 18 women having measures of coagulation, 16 had ≥ 1 thrombophilia. The sensitivity of a previous history of thrombosis to predict PE was low, 25 % (2/8 men), 4 % (1/24 women). Of 154 men hospitalized for PE, 8 (5 %) used TT, and of 193 women, 24 (12 %) used ET. Our data suggests that PE is an important complication of TT in men and ET in women, in part reflecting an interaction between familial and acquired thrombophilia and exogenous hormone use.
Positional Occlusion of an Interposition Vein Graft for Brachial Artery Reconstruction Following Open Elbow Dislocation in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report.

Case: We present a case of positional occlusion of the brachial artery after open elbow dislocation and vein graft reconstruction in a pediatric patient. Two years after reconstruction, arterial Doppler studies demonstrated occlusion of the artery; however, an angiogram revealed a widely patent artery. Given the clinical findings of pain and cold intolerance, the patient underwent surgical exploration. Arterial occlusion was found to coincide with elbow flexion. The redundant segment of the basilic vein graft was resected and repaired end-to-end. Conclusions: Vein graft reconstruction of the brachial artery should be checked for patency in flexion prior to closing the incision. Vein grafts with lengths in excess of a defect may kink in flexion due to redundant graft and the relatively thin walls of veins compared to arteries. This case report emphasizes that an understanding of routine tests is invaluable when eliciting the etiology of contradictory test results.
Immunochemical Studies of Bovine Parathyroid Hormone.

SummaryAn antiserum to bovine parathyroid hormone has been produced in each of 4 rabbits studied, indicating that this hormone is antigenic. The absorbed antiserum induced a single precipitin line by immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis with PTH of variable states of purity, and exerted a specific anti-PTH effect on biologic activity. There are apparent antigenic differences between beef and human parathyroid hormone.
Raman Spectrum Analysis of Single Russula Spores Based on Optical Tweezers and Raman Spectroscopy

As ectomycorrhizal symbionts with forest tree,species in the genus Russula are conspicuous and important mushroom elements in forest ecosystems.A Raman tweezers setup was used to record the Raman spectrum of single Russula spore.Spores from dried fruit bodies sourced from Guangxi province and Yunnan province,China,and spores stored at 4 ℃ or frozen for five years were tested.Raman spectrum detailed the components of single spore.The spectra from different species show large similarity.Project of principal components analysis could not distinguish the spores from different species of the genus Russula.The spectra of spores stored at 4 ℃ or frozen for five years also show large similarity.The result indicates that Raman tweezers could be used to obtain the molecular information conveniently and peek into the changes of principal components from single spore.But more investigation should be explored for the taxonomic application in Russula genus.
Simulation Analysis on the Stability Control of Microgrid in the Islanded Operation Mode

To improve the analysis of the stability characteristics and influencing factors in microgrid system,the dynamic simulation model of microgrid system is established under PSCAD / EMTDC,the system characteristics of microgrid under CVCF control,LoadShedding and Generator-Shedding control are simulated. The results show that microgrid system has poor anti disturbance capacity and poor system stability in its islanded operation mode. When the system fault or disturbance occurred,the microgrid system needs adequate amount of spinning reserve capacity or fast stability control measures in order to maintain secure and stable operation of the microgrid system. In addition,some improving measures and suggestions are put forward.
Bargaining with Grandma: The Impact of the South African Pension on Household Decision-Making

I examine how an exogenous change in individual income affects decision-making in the household. Using the age discontinuity in eligibility for the South African pension, I find that eligible women are 15 percentage points more likely to be the primary decision-maker in the household than noneligible women. This corresponds with a large increase in their share of household income. There are no parallel effects for men. Due to labor force withdrawal, male income does not increase with eligibility, suggesting that their status in the household is unchanged.
The Nondischargeability of Student Loans in Personal Bankruptcy Proceedings: The Search for a Theory

Student loans are not dischargeable in personal bankruptcy proceedings in the United States. Why is that so? The answer to that question has remained largely unexamined in bankruptcy scholarship to date. Doctrinal and empirical pieces have sprouted up here and there (some quite good), but theoretical treatment has been sparse. This article seeks to help fill that void. It assembles various defensible theories (some more defensible than others) under which student loans should be treated as nondischargeable debts. It then takes a comparative perspective by looking at how the laws in various jurisdictions square with these theories. The United States rates poorly; its laws tend toward implementation of the least defensible theories and only tangentially embrace the more compelling ones. By contrast, countries such as Australia and New Zealand, which take an income-contingent approach to student debt default, are on the right track.
Properties of Austenitic Steels for Nuclear Reactor Applications

Austenitic stainless steels are widely used in current commercial BWR and PWR systems as in-core and surrounding structural materials. These versatile steels have also been the main materials considered and applied for many advanced reactor technologies, including fast-breeder reactors and magnetic fusion reactors. For advanced reactors for higher temperatures or high lifetime damage levels, modified versions of the standard commercial stainless steel grades have been developed to provide improved performance properties and radiation resistance in specific reactor environments. An overview of the unirradiated properties and a summary of some important radiation-induced changes in properties are presented. The development of several alloys for more radiation resistance or better performance in specific reactor environments is highlighted.
Characterization and modeling of polymeric matrix under multi-axial static and dynamic loading

A polymeric foam commonly used in composite sandwich structures was characterized under multi-axial loading at strain rates varying from quasi-static to dynamic. Tests were conducted under uniaxial compression, tension, pure shear and combinations of normal and shear stresses. Quasi-static and intermediate strain rate tests were conducted in a servo-hydraulic testing machine. High strain rate tests were conducted using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (Kolsky bar) system made of polycarbonate bars having an impedance compatible to that of the foam material. The typical compressive stress-strain behavior of the polymeric foam exhibits a linear elastic region up to a yield point, a nonlinear elastic-plastic region up to an initial peak or “critical stress” corresponding to collapse initiation of the cells, followed by strain softening up to a local minimum (plateau or saddle point stress) and finally, a strain hardening region up to densification of the foam. The characteristic stresses of the stress-strain behavior vary linearly with the logarithm of strain rate. A general three-dimensional elastic-viscoplastic model, formulated in strain space, was proposed. The model expresses the multi-axial state of stress in terms of an effective stress, incorporates strain rate effects and includes the large deformation region. Stress-strain curves obtained under multi-axial loading at different strain rates were used to develop and validate the elastic-viscoplastic constitutive model. Excellent agreement was shown between model predictions and experimental results.
All your data (effectively) belong to us: data practices among direct-to-consumer genetic testing firms

Direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTC-GT) has become a convenient method to help people to understand their genetic makeup. Owing in part to concerns regarding confidentiality, privacy, and secondary use of data, professional and government bodies created guidelines to promote transparency among these companies. Using a comprehensive and systematic approach, this study assessed DTC-GT company compliance with international transparency guidelines. A framework analysis was performed on 30 DTC-GT health and/or ancestry websites identified using a US-based online search strategy during the summer of 2015. A codebook was developed from a synthesis of relevant guidelines from seven DTC-GT guideline documents and applied to each website. Although most companies met guidelines related to transparency regarding security protocols, storage procedures, and third-party disclosures, few met guidelines regarding sharing risks from data disclosures. Additionally, few companies disclosed how long data would be kept for services or research. Use of data for research was frequently mentioned only in privacy policies and terms of service documents, and only two-thirds of companies required an additional consent to use consumer data for health-related research. Our analysis shows that DTC-GT companies do not consistently meet international transparency guidelines related to confidentiality, privacy, and secondary use of data. Genet Med advance online publication 22 September 2016
Optimization and application of dry film photoresist for rapid fabrication of high-aspect-ratio microfluidic devices

Fabrication of high-aspect-ratio PDMS microfluidic devices with conventional SU-8 based soft photolithography is challenging, and often, the thickness of the master from which PDMS replicas are molded is non-uniform. Here, we present an optimized, low cost, fast prototyping microfabrication technique to make deep (up to 500 μm) and high-aspect-ratio (up to 10) microfluidic channels by producing masters by laminating a single or multiple layers of a thin dry film photoresist onto metal wafers. In particular, we explore the required exposure energy for different film thicknesses as well as the highest achievable channel depths and aspect ratios. The homogeneity of the depth of PDMS channels formed using these masters is quantified and found to be remarkably uniform over distances of 20 mm or more. The importance of the processing parameters, such as the exposure energy and development time on final feature size, wall angle, and channel aspect ratio, is investigated. In addition, we report some failure cases, the potential reasons, and strategies for making optimized devices. Potentially, deep microfluidic channels with a wide range of aspect ratios can be used to make long, homogenous separation devices that can be used in cell sorting, filtration, and flow cytometry. We believe the protocols we outline here will be of great utility to the microfluidics community.
Toward informed leadership: Teaching students to make better decisions using information

ABSTRACTStudies have shown that introducing additional information without context leads to worse decision making. Informed leadership is the purposeful integration of information into decision management. This article reframes information literacy as decision management using elementals of evidence-based management. It highlights strategies such as decision awareness, process creation, and decision practice and approaches for purposeful application in the information literacy classroom.
Evaluating an Alternative CS1 for Students with Prior Programming Experience

Before Fall 2013, our CS majors were required to take the same 4-credit introductory programming course as part of a two-semester CS1 designed to be welcoming to novices. As CS in K-12 has expanded, the diversity of incoming students' programming backgrounds has increased, raising concerns that the climate was becoming increasingly intimidating for novices. The literature suggests these effects could disproportionately impact retention of female students and other underrepresented minorities, undermining other efforts to broaden participation in computing. To address these concerns, we split the first course based on students' prior programming experience. Using statistical techniques, we analyzed the intermediate quantitative impact of this and other curricular changes. Our results suggest that adding the alternative CS1 course had little effect on retention, but the overall structure has been successful in achieving comparable CS2 outcomes regardless of prior experience.
Territories of the soul: queered belonging in the black diaspora

The 1957 publication of the Wolfenden report in Britain examined the legal status of gay relationships and advocated the decriminalization of same-sex acts. During this same time period – the late ...
The commercial transformation of world football and the North–South divide: A global value chain analysis:

This paper takes a world-systemic perspective on global football seen through the lens of the Global North–South political–economic divide that has long motivated development studies. After synthesizing an historical account of the commercial transformation of world football since the mid-1970s, the paper considers the organization and operation of the world football economy using the analytical construct of the “global value chains” perspective. The analysis identifies two distinct football governance structures that broadly correspond to the “producer-driven” and “buyer-driven” governance structures long identified by commodity/value chain scholars, and that imply different flows of resources across world football’s North–South divide. The paper concludes by considering implications of the value chain governance structures for both the value chains and sports studies literatures.
Prognostic stratification of patients with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma using a clinical and biochemical scoring system.

Metastatic nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is known to have poor survival outcomes. Clinical and biochemical parameters may impact survival outcomes among patients with metastatic NPC and may be used for prognostication. One-hundred and fifty-eight patients with metastatic NPC treated at a single tertiary institution were analyzed retrospectively. Multivariate analysis was carried out on patients who were given disease control treatment (n = 135). A numerical score derived from the regression coefficients of each identified independent variable was used to create prognostic groups (PG). A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Independent negative prognostic factors included ECOG status >1, LDH level >580 U/L, hemoglobin level <12.0 g/dL and having more than one metastatic organ involvement. Three PGs were obtained: low risk (total score = 0), intermediate risk (1–2) and high risk (3–4). Median survivals of the 3 groups (low, intermediate and high risk) were 57.1, 18.1 and 8.0 months for the three different risk groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Risk stratification of patients with metastatic nasopharyngeal cancer is possible using a prognostic scoring system based on clinical and biochemical parameters. Patients with low-risk score may achieve good metastatic survival and may benefit from additional therapy for disease control.
Deep sea mining and robotics: Assessing legal, societal and ethical implications

International approval for countries to explore deep sea mining for economic growth and development are ready to proceed with autonomous robots to extract minerals for economic growth and development and, simultaneously, maintaining sustainability. This paper examines the multi-level frameworks of international organizations and national policies and laws on deep-sea mining and robot development and the impact on society in diverse political cultures with varying stakeholders.
Interdependent Career Types and Divergent Standpoints on the Use of Advanced Technology in Medicine.

This paper uses the case of the uneven use of a robotic technology to explain how physicians with similar training come to engage in different medical practices. I develop a conceptual framework in...
Toward Privacy Enhanced Solutions For Granular Control Over Health Data Collected by Wearable Devices

The advent of wearable technologies has engendered novel ways to understand human behavior as it relates to personalized healthcare and health management. As the availability of these technologies expand and proliferate among users, concerns about threats to data privacy have been raised, specifically, regarding the collection and dissemination of data from wearable devices. These factors point to the urgency to better understand user sharing preferences to formulate personalized solutions that give users granular control of the data collected by their wearable devices. The goal of my dissertation is to design and build human-centered solutions that address the need for granular privacy control over data generated by wearable devices.
Polar nephelometers for light scattering by ice crystals and aerosols: design and measurements

The angular distribution of light scattered from a particle is dependent on its size, shape, composition and on the wavelength and polarization state of the incident light. This information is of tremendous interest to many researchers due to implications in the fields of remote sensing, climatic effects of radiative transfer, and in industrial and scientific laboratories in applications such as aerosol monitoring (Hansen and Lacis 1990; Liou et al. 1999; Mishchenko et al. 1995). The measured angular scattering patterns can lend insights into the chemical and physical properties of the particles (i.e., Pluchino 1987; Swanson et al. 1999; Shaw 1979). The interest in these data is shown by the over 25 polar nephelometers (PN) described in this chapter, that have been built since the 1960s to experimentally examine the angular scattering properties of various small particles. The goals of these measurements are either to verify the increasingly complex theoretical methods of calculating the scattering properties of non-spherical particles, or to use the angular intensities to infer optical, physical or chemical properties of the particles.
Stability and Dynamics of Viscous Shock Waves

We examine from a classical dynamical systems point of view stability, dynamics, and bifurcation of viscous shock waves and related solutions of nonlinear pde. The central object of our investigations is the Evans function: its meaning, numerical approximation, and behavior in various asymptotic limits.
Cystic fibrosis respiratory microbiota: unraveling complexity to inform clinical practice.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterized by chronic cycles of pulmonary infection, inflammation, and mucus obstruction, beginning early in life, and eventually leading to progressive lung damage and early mortality. During the past ~15 years, culture-independent analyses of CF respiratory samples have identified diverse bacterial communities in CF airways, and relationships between respiratory microbiota and clinical outcomes.Areas covered: This paper reviews recent advances in our understanding of the relationships between respiratory microbiota and CF lung disease. The paper focuses on measures of airway bacterial community diversity and estimates of the relative abundance of anaerobic species. Finally, this paper will review the opportunities for advancing patient care suggested by these studies and highlight some of the ongoing challenges and unmet needs in translating this knowledge into clinical practice.Expert commentary: Culture-independent analyses of respiratory m...
Par-Cteno-Genesis or Cteno Par-Genesis

In bilaterians and cnidarians, embryonic and epithelial cell-polarity are regulated by the interactions between Par proteins, Wnt/PCP signaling pathway, and cell-cell adhesion. Par proteins are highly conserved across Metazoa, including ctenophores. But strikingly, ctenophore genomes lack components of the Wnt/PCP pathway and cell-cell adhesion complexes; raising the question if ctenophore cells are polarized by mechanisms involving Par proteins. Here, by using immunohistochemistry and live-cell imaging overexpression of specific mRNAs, we describe for the first time the subcellular localization of selected Par proteins in blastomeres and epithelial cells during the embryogenesis of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi . We show that these proteins distribute differently compared to what has been described for other animals. This differential localization might be related with the emergence of different junctional complexes during Metazoa evolution. Data obtained here challenge the ancestry of the apicobasal cell polarity and raise questions about the homology of epithelial tissue across the Metazoa.
Geometry and Motion in General Relativity

A classic problem in general relativity, long studied by both physicists and philosophers of physics, concerns whether the geodesic principle may be derived from other principles of the theory, or must be posited independently. In a recent paper [Geroch & Weatherall, “The Motion of Small Bodies in Space-Time,” Comm. Math. Phys. (forthcoming)], Bob Geroch and I have introduced a new approach to this problem, based on a notion we call “tracking.” In the present paper, I situate the main results of that paper with respect to two other, related approaches, and then make some preliminary remarks on the interpretational significance of the new approach. My main suggestion is that “tracking” provides the resources for eliminating “point particles”—a problematic notion in general relativity—from the geodesic principle altogether.
Emerging misunderstood presentations of cardiovascular disease in young women

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death for females in the United States accounting for over 412 000 female deaths in 2016. CVD mortality in young women <55 years old remains significantly high and greater than that in men. HYPOTHESIS There is a void with regards to awareness of CVD in women. Many traditional CVD risk estimate tools fail to identify the "at risk" female and is true for the young female patient. There needs to be a shift in focus from looking for the vulnerable plaque to looking for the "at risk" patient. METHODS This review outlines the emerging misunderstood presentations of CVD in young women which include certain categories of myocardial infarction (MI) with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), such as spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), as well as the more stable myocardial ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) category focusing on mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia (MSIMI). RESULTS The prevalence of MINOCA in patients presenting with MI is greater in women. In younger women with CVD, SCAD is an emerging misunderstood presentation in this group of patients with type 2 SCAD being the most common form. MSIMI, a form of INOCA, is more common in women with CVD. CONCLUSIONS There are emerging misunderstood factors that are prevalent in young women, such as SCAD and MSIMI. It is important to recognize their presentations in young women to prevent misdiagnosis, missed diagnosis as well as mismanagement of these patients to improve their clinical outcomes.
Dose Effects of Recombinant Adenovirus Immunization in Rodents

Recombinant adenovirus type 5 (rAd) has been used as a vaccine platform against many infectious diseases and has been shown to be an effective vaccine vector. The dose of the vaccine varies significantly from study to study, making it very difficult to compare immune responses and vaccine efficacy. This study determined the immune correlates induced by serial dilutions of rAd vaccines delivered intramuscularly (IM) and intranasally (IN) to mice and rats. When immunized IM, mice had substantially higher antibody responses at the higher vaccine doses, whereas, the IN immunized mice showed a lower response to the higher rAd vaccine doses. Rats did not show dose-dependent antibody responses to increasing vaccine doses. The IM immunized mice and rats also showed significant dose-dependent T cell responses to the rAd vaccine. However, the T cell immunity plateaued in both mice and rats at 109 and 1010 vp/animal, respectively. Additionally, the highest dose of vaccine in mice and rats did not improve the T cell responses. A final vaccine analysis using a lethal influenza virus challenge showed that despite the differences in the immune responses observed in the mice, the mice had very similar patterns of protection. This indicates that rAd vaccines induced dose-dependent immune responses, especially in IM immunized animals, and that immune correlates are not as predictive of protection as initially thought.
Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound to Facilitate Guidance and Intrauterine Placement of a Foley Urinary Catheter to Tamponade Life-Threatening Postprocedure Hemorrhage Caused by Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Abstract Background Severe vaginal hemorrhage caused by disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) after dilation and evacuation is a rare but life-threatening situation that can be difficult to manage. Obtaining hemostasis in such a patient with heavy vaginal bleeding secondary to DIC can be difficult. One technique involves the use of a urinary bladder catheter inserted into the uterus that is inflated to apply pressure on the endometrium, allowing for tamponade of the bleeding. Case Report A 36-year-old female gravida 2 para 0 at 21 weeks’ gestation presented to the emergency department after being transferred from another facility for a higher level of care available at our facility, after a dilation and evacuation procedure that was indicated because of intrauterine fetal demise. The physical examination was significant for an ill-appearing female with active heavy vaginal bleeding. Resuscitation was initiated with packed red blood cells, cryoprecipitate, and platelets. Because of her thrombocytopenia, the development of DIC was suspected. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was performed and showed a thickened endometrial stripe with evidence of multiple anechoic foci, which were thought to represent intrauterine clots. To tamponade the bleeding, a 30-cc standard Foley urinary bladder catheter was placed into the uterus, using POCUS for guidance, to attempt to induce hemostasis via tamponade of the bleeding after inflation of the catheter balloon. Placement of an intrauterine urinary catheter to enable tamponade can be useful for the management of uncontrolled hemorrhage, but can be difficult to accomplish without use of POCUS for guidance. POCUS enabled us to accomplish accurate intrauterine placement of the urinary catheter and confirmation of a properly placed catheter balloon within the uterus. Why Should an Emergency Physician be Aware of This? Menorrhagia in the emergency department can be difficult to manage, especially in the setting of DIC. Placement of an intrauterine urinary catheter can be useful in management but may be difficult for the inexperienced provider. POCUS can be used to guide the catheter into place and confirm the location once the balloon is inflated.
Cold acclimation of mesophyll conductance, bundle-sheath conductance and leakiness in Miscanthus × giganteus.

The cold acclimations of mesophyll conductance (gm ), bundle-sheath conductance (gbs ) and the CO2 concentrating mechanism (CCM) of C4 plants have not been well studied. Here, we estimated the temperature response of gm , gbs and leakiness (ϕ), the amount of concentrated CO2 that escapes the bundle-sheath cells, for the chilling-tolerant C4 plant Miscanthus × giganteus grown at 14 and 25°C. To estimate these parameters, we combined the C4 -enzyme-limited photosynthesis model and the Δ13 C discrimination model. These combined models were parameterised using in vitro activities of carbonic anhydrase (CA), pyruvate, phosphate dikinase (PPDK), ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPc). Cold-grown Miscanthus plants increased in vitro activities of RuBisCO and PPDK but decreased PEPc activity compared with warm-grown plants. Mesophyll conductance and gbs responded strongly to measurement temperatures but did not differ between plants from the two growth temperatures. Furthermore, modelling showed that ϕ increased with measurement temperatures for both cold-grown and warm-grown plants, but was only marginally larger in cold-grown compared with warm-grown plants. Our results in Miscanthus support that gm and gbs are unresponsive to growth temperature and that the CCM is able to acclimate to cold through increased activity of PPDK and RuBisCO.
Forensic Geophysics Instrumentation and Data Acquisition

Nowadays, in the forensic science geophysical methods should detect, characterise, and discriminate hidden structures to obtain useful information and provide accurate and efficient results for the investigative purpose. In this field in comparison with other direct procedures (such as direct excavations, drill cores, etc.), geophysical methods minimise time and cost factors and maximise the amount of data, information, and knowledge that can be obtained. This chapter introduces a new “not standard” procedures to acquire the geophysical data, new mode to process, and interpret them. A framework for identify the basic problem and successively chose the appropriate solution with data processing and the relationship between the data, the information, and the apriori knowledge is presented. In the book and particularly in this chapter attempts to respond to the question of how data, information, and knowledge can be enhanced for crime site characterisation. The latter item discussed in this chapter is related to the advanced visualisation techniques and how they can help and address classical crime and civil problems.
Getting to the heart of food craving with resting heart rate variability in adolescents

Abstract Background There is an epidemic of obesity in children and adolescents. Research into the self-regulatory factors that drive eating behavior is of critical importance. Food craving contributes to overeating and difficulty with weight loss and is strongly correlated with self-regulation. High-frequency heart rate variability (HF HRV) reflects parasympathetic activity and is positively associated with self-regulation. Few studies of HF HRV and food craving have been conducted in adolescents. The current study examined the association between HF HRV and food craving in a large-scale sample of healthy adolescents. Method Electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded in 134 healthy adolescents aged 10–17 during a 7-min resting state. Participants also completed the Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait (FCQ-T). The relative power of HF HRV was calculated. Association between HF HRV and food craving was examined in the context of sex and age. Next, the relative significance of all food craving subscales was considered in relation to HF HRV. Results HF HRV was inversely correlated with food craving, taking into account sex and age. Considering all the subscales of FCQ-T in relation to HF HRV, the “lack of control over eating” subscale accounted for the most significant variance. Conclusion This was the first study to evaluate resting HRV and eating behaviors in a large-scale adolescent sample. HF HRV was negatively associated with food craving, with lower HF HRV correlating with higher food craving, especially in the context of diminished control over eating. HF HRV could be a potential biomarker for food craving and food-related self-regulation capacity, and therefore may aid weight management interventions.
Staphylococcal Protein A (spa) Locus Is a Hot Spot for Recombination and Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a major canine pathogen but also occasionally colonizes and infects humans. Multidrug-resistant methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MDR MRSP) strains have emerged globally, making treatment and control of this pathogen challenging. Sequence type 71 (ST71), ST68, and ST45 are the most widespread and successful MDR MRSP clones. The potential genetic factors underlying the clonal success of these and other predominant clones remain unknown. Characterization of the pangenome, lineage-associated accessory genes, and genes acquired through horizontal gene transfer from other bacteria is important for identifying such factors. Here, we analyzed genome sequence data from 622 S. pseudintermedius isolates to investigate the evolution of pathogenicity across lineages. We show that the predominant clones carry one or more lineage-associated virulence genes. The gene encoding staphylococcal protein A (SpA), a key virulence factor involved in immune evasion and a potential vaccine antigen, is deleted in 62% of isolates. Most importantly, we have discovered that the spa locus is a hot spot for recombination and horizontal gene transfer in S. pseudintermedius, where genes related to restriction modification, prophage immunity, mercury resistance, and nucleotide and carbohydrate metabolism have been acquired in different lineages. Our study also establishes that ST45 is composed of two distinct sublineages that differ in their accessory gene content and virulence potential. Collectively, this study reports several previously undetected lineage-associated genetic factors that may have a role in the clonal success of the major MDR MRSP clones. These data provide a framework for future experimental studies on S. pseudintermedius pathogenesis and for developing novel therapeutics against this pathogen. IMPORTANCEStaphylococcus pseudintermedius is a major canine pathogen but can also occasionally infect humans. Identification of genetic factors contributing to the virulence and clonal success of multidrug-resistant S. pseudintermedius clones is critical for the development of therapeutics against this pathogen. Here, we characterized the genome sequences of a global collection of 622 S. pseudintermedius isolates. We show that all major clones, besides carrying core virulence genes, which are present in all strains, carry one or more lineage-specific genes. Many of these genes have been acquired from other bacterial species through a horizontal gene transfer mechanism. Importantly, we have discovered that the staphylococcal protein A gene (spa), a widely used marker for molecular typing of S. pseudintermedius strains and a potential vaccine candidate antigen, is deleted in 62% of strains. Furthermore, the spa locus in S. pseudintermedius acts as a reservoir to accumulate lineage-associated genes with adaptive functions.
The Persistence of Residential Segregation by Race, 1940 to 2010: The Role of Federal Housing Policy:

Has public policy shaped the persistence of residential segregation by race over time? Social Structures of Accumulation (SSA) theory, which explains major shifts in policy paradigms as a response ...
Effect of abscisic acid and superabsorbent polymer on tolerance of Abelmoschus esculentus to drought

The experiment was conducted during the agricultural season (2016-2017) to study the effect of paper spraying with Abyssic acid and mixing polymers with soil to grow the Abelmoschus esculentus under different irrigation periods. The experiment developed with the design of complete random sections as a global experiment with three replicates. The first factor included irrigating factors (irrigations 3, 6, 9) day and spray agent with Abyssic acid at concentrations (0, 3, 6) mg / L and the third agent mixing polymers with soil, Soil mixed with polymers (0.5 kg / m2) with a depth of 20 cm. The results showed that the increase in the duration of the irrigation period to 9 days resulted in a decrease in the characteristics of the study (dry weight, chlorophyll content, relative water content in leaves) and a clear increase in the percentage of water deficit in the soil while irrigation every 3 days significantly exceeded the studied traits. The results showed that spraying plants with Abyssic acid and its different concentrations, especially 6 mg / L, led to a clear increase in the traits studied. Mixing the soil with polymers has led to a marked improvement in the studied indicators and increased plant resistance to water scarcity. Interaction factors between the duration of irrigation with alfalfa and the addition of soil polymers showed a significant effect on most studied traits.
How Body Image Can Influence a Woman’s Perception of Menopause

In a women’s life, the universal sign of aging is menopause. This biological experience can be viewed as a women’s rite of passage into the next chapter of life. This change affects each person dif...
Discrete fracture network model analysis of the effects of fluid transport on the morphology of a cluster of activated fractures.

Convective transport in low-permeability rocks can be enhanced by the injection of a pressurized fluid to activate preexisting weak planes (fractures). These fractures are initially closed, but fluid-pressure-induced slippage creates void space that allows for fluid flow. The Coulomb-Mohr criterion yields a critical pressure required to open each of the fractures. Due to the intrinsic porosity of the rock, the injected fluid can flow from the fractures' surfaces to the rock matrix through a process referred to as leakoff. Following this activation mechanism, the connectivity of the cluster of activated fractures is strongly dependent on the ratio ${F}_{N}$ of the standard deviation of the critical pressures to the viscous pressure drop over a fracture's length. Recently, we proposed a continuum model to predict the effects of fluid transport on the morphology of the cluster of activated fractures formed by this process over a specific intermediate range of values of ${F}_{N}$ [Alhashim and Koch, J. Fluid Mech. 847, 286 (2018)]. In this paper, the activation process of a discrete well-connected network of preexisting fractures embedded in a highly heterogeneous rock is modeled to analyze the effects of fluid transport on the resulting cluster's morphology for a wider range of ${F}_{N}$ and show how the idealized averaged equation solution arises in a discrete system. We derive a length scale ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{ch}$, which is a function of ${F}_{N}$ above which the viscous pressure drop is important. This length scale, along with the radius of the cluster $R$ and the average separation between the preexisting fractures ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{0}$, can be used to define distinct growth regimes where different models can be used to describe the growth dynamics and predict the connectivity of the active network. When ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{0}\ensuremath{\sim}{\ensuremath{\xi}}_{ch}\ensuremath{\ll}R$, the cluster is well connected and a linear pressure diffusion equation can be used to describe the cluster's growth. When ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{ch}\ensuremath{\gg}R\ensuremath{\gg}{\ensuremath{\xi}}_{0}$, a fractal network is formed by an invasion percolation process. In an intermediate regime ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{0}\ensuremath{\ll}{\ensuremath{\xi}}_{ch}\ensuremath{\ll}R$, percolation theory relates the porosity and permeability of the network to the local fluid pressure. For this regime, we validate the predictions of the continuum theory we recently developed to describe the cluster growth on length scales larger than ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{ch}$.
Mitigating selection bias in organ allocation models.

Background The lung allocation system in the U.S. prioritizes lung transplant candidates based on estimated pre- and post-transplant survival via the Lung Allocation Scores (LAS). However, these models do not account for selection bias, which results from individuals being removed from the waitlist due to receipt of transplant, as well as transplanted individuals necessarily having survived long enough to receive a transplant. Such selection biases lead to inaccurate predictions. Methods We used a weighted estimation strategy to account for selection bias in the pre- and post-transplant models used to calculate the LAS. We then created a modified LAS using these weights, and compared its performance to that of the existing LAS via time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and Bland-Altman plots. Results The modified LAS exhibited better discrimination and calibration than the existing LAS, and led to changes in patient prioritization. Conclusions Our approach to addressing selection bias is intuitive and can be applied to any organ allocation system that prioritizes patients based on estimated pre- and post-transplant survival. This work is especially relevant to current efforts to ensure more equitable distribution of organs.
Aerosol Delivery via Nebulization From the Dry Side of a Heated Humidifier During Mechanical Ventilation

Background: Previous work measured aerosol delivery for i-AIRE, a prototype inline breath-enhanced jet nebulizer (BEJN) located on the wet/outlet of the humidifier. Recent observations reported that placement of single-patient-use nebulizers in this location results in excess condensation in the inspiratory limb and nebulizer flooding. The present study tested i-AIRE in vitro compared to Solo, a vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN) on the humidifier dry/inlet side of the ventilator circuit during continuous and bolus treatment nebulization. Methods: Two adult duty cycle (DC) breathing patterns were tested during continuous infusion (5 or 10 mL/h) with and without dynamic changes in infusion rate and DC, or bolus delivery (3 or 6 mL) of radiolabeled saline. Inhaled mass (IM) reported as a function of time was measured in real-time using a gamma ratemeter (µCi/min) and analyzed by multiple linear regression. Expiratory losses (EXP) were measured and reported as the IM:EXP ratio. Results: During simple continuous infusion, IM increased linearly for both nebulizer types. IM variability was attributable to DC (P Conclusions: Aerosol delivery during continuous infusion and bolus delivery is comparable between the BEJN and VMN and determined by pump flow and initial ventilator settings. Once treatment is initiated, further adjustments in ventilator settings did not significantly affect drug delivery. Furthermore, placement of the nebulizer on the humidifier dry-side allows for a greater inhaled mass-to-expiratory loss ratio than predicted by ventilator DC.
The Influence of Consumer Religiosity and Religious Affiliation on Sunday Shopping

Sunday, once considered a day for family as well as a religious holiday, is increasingly becoming a day for consumer activity. In response to this consumer demand, unrestricted Sunday shopping within urban areas has become commonplace; however, this retail practice has not extended itself to rural areas. Hence, Sunday shopping by rural consumers may constitute a dimension of generalized outshopping. Although many demographic and psychographic variables have been examined in relation to outshopping, no study has specifically investigated Sunday outshopping and the possible moderating effects of the religious commitment of the rural community. The purpose of this study, then, is to provide an empirical examination of the relationship between religiosity, Sunday shopping, and Sunday outshopping. This investigation appears warranted in that a defined association between religiosity and Sunday shopping further characterizes and explains the consumer, allows better retail strategies with respect to the trading areas’ religiosity, and creates a basis for selecting target markets.
The homology of the space of affine flags containing a nilpotent element

We show that the homology of the space of Iwahori subalgebras containing a nilpotent element of a split semisimple Lie algebra over C((e)) is isomorphic to the homology of the entire affine flag manifold.