cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Avian Response to Removal of Feral Sheep on Santa Cruz Island, California

Abstract Feral herbivores can affect birds on islands indirectly, by altering habitat structure via impacts on vegetation. I censused birds in an open shrub/grassland habitat on Santa Cruz Island, California, in 1980 and again in 2008, 24 years after feral sheep were removed, in order to assess avian responses to vegetation changes resulting from sheep removal. Vegetation change was characterized by an increased density of both overstory and low-growing shrubs, along with denser herbaceous vegetation, and these characteristics were associated with substantial changes in bird abundance. Species that prefer dense shrubs, such as Spotted Towhees (Pipilo maculatus) and Orange-crowned Warblers (Oreothlypis celata), increased in abundance, whereas species such as House Finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) and Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) that prefer open, disturbed areas decreased. Rufous-crowned Sparrows (Aimophila ruficeps) and Island Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma insularis), both insular endemic taxa, showed a mixed...
The Evolution and Diversity of DNA Transposons in the Genome of the Lizard Anolis carolinensis

DNA transposons have considerably affected the size and structure of eukaryotic genomes and have been an important source of evolutionary novelties. In vertebrates, DNA transposons are discontinuously distributed due to the frequent extinction and recolonization of these genomes by active elements. We performed a detailed analysis of the DNA transposons in the genome of the lizard Anolis carolinensis, the first non-avian reptile to have its genome sequenced. Elements belonging to six of the previously recognized superfamilies of elements (hAT, Tc1/Mariner, Helitron, PIF/Harbinger, Polinton/Maverick, and Chapaev) were identified. However, only four (hAT, Tc1/Mariner, Helitron, and Chapaev) of these superfamilies have successfully amplified in the anole genome, producing 67 distinct families. The majority (57/67) are nonautonomous and demonstrate an extraordinary diversity of structure, resulting from frequent interelement recombination and incorporation of extraneous DNA sequences. The age distribution of transposon families differs among superfamilies and reveals different dynamics of amplification. Chapaev is the only superfamily to be extinct and is represented only by old copies. The hAT, Tc1/Mariner, and Helitron superfamilies show different pattern of amplification, yet they are predominantly represented by young families, whereas divergent families are exceedingly rare. Although it is likely that some elements, in particular long ones, are subjected to purifying selection and do not reach fixation, the majority of families are neutral and accumulate in the anole genome in large numbers. We propose that the scarcity of old copies in the anole genome results from the rapid decay of elements, caused by a high rate of DNA loss.
During Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection of Rabbits, the Ability To Express the Latency-Associated Transcript Increases Latent-Phase Transcription of Lytic Genes

Trigeminal ganglia (TG) from rabbits latently infected with either wild-type herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or the latency-associated transcript (LAT) promoter deletion mutant 17ΔPst were assessed for their viral chromatin profile and transcript abundance. The wild-type 17syn+ genomes were more enriched in the transcriptionally permissive mark dimethyl H3 K4 than were the 17ΔPst genomes at the 5′ exon and ICP0 and ICP27 promoters. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis revealed significantly more ICP4, tk, and glycoprotein C lytic transcripts in 17syn+ than in 17ΔPst. These results suggest that, for efficient reactivation from latency in rabbits, the LAT is important for increased transcription of lytic genes during latency.
Surgical treatment of thyrotoxicosis in children and adolescents.

Forty-one children and adolescents had thyroidectomies for Grave’s disease during an 8 yr period. Twenty patients became euthyroid within a short period after treatment with antithyroid drugs and had operations with minimal ditruption of their lives. Antithyroid drugs were administered to 20 patients for a longer period of time as a primary form of treatment for Grave’s disease. Complications resulting from drug toxicity, poor cooperation by patients, and persistent goiters were indications for thyroidectomier in this group. Permanent remissions, after prolonged antithyroid drug therapy, are rare in children. Because the treatment is associated with significant morbidity, this form of therapy is unacceptable in most cases. Iodine-131 was given to 30 children or adolescents for Grave’s disease during the same time period. Iodine-131 is primarily indicated for patients who are resistant or allergic to antithyroid drugs, I7 ORTY-FIVE CHILDREN, 13 yr who have serious systemic diseases, or who have had previous thyroid opemtions. Hypothyroidism is an inevitable result of effective “‘I treatment of Grave’s disey;; in children. Serious consequences from I therapy were not observed during the short period of follow-up. Subtotal thyroidectomy continues to be the preferred primary treatment for most patients with Grave’s disease in childhood. Total thyroidectomy may be indicated for patients in the first decade of life. Hypothyroidism, which is easily managed in this age group, is the price paid for the prevention of recurrent Grave’s disease. Early detection and treatment of hypothyroidism can be achieved only by a careful follow-up of all patients treated by less than total thyroidectomy for Grave’s disease.
A diabetes education program for school personnel

Since the release of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), there has been a trend to intensify therapy in children with type1 diabetes even though the trial did not include children of less than 13 years. There has also been a plethora of new diabetes information and technological advances recently. Providing diabetes care, particularly intensive therapy, for the child with diabetes creates a special challenge when insulin and blood glucose monitoring are now needed in school. Regulations in the United States federal laws mandate services for children with disabilities in the school. School personnel must be knowledgeable on new advances and prepared to actively participate in diabetes care. In response to the rapid changes and new information, the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Diabetes Center assessed the knowledge level and needs of school personnel and implemented a comprehensive education program. The program was entitled the ‘5 Cs of diabetes’, which highlighted new information in the areas of cause, classification, complications (acute and chronic), care and cure. The program was presented in six school districts (156 school personnel). A ten-item multiple pre- and post-test was administered. Participants showed a statistically significant improvement in knowledge scores. This study demonstrated the need to provide new diabetes information to school personnel and that the ‘5 Cs’ program design was extremely efficacious in educating school personnel. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exactly Sparse Extended Information Filters for Feature-based SLAM

Recent research concerning the Gaussian canonical form for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) has given rise to a handful of algorithms that attempt to solve the SLAM scalability problem for arbitrarily large environments. One such estimator that has received due attention is the Sparse Extended Information Filter (SEIF) proposed by Thrun et al., which is reported to be nearly constant time, irrespective of the size of the map. The key to the SEIF's scalability is to prune weak links in what is a dense information (inverse covariance) matrix to achieve a sparse approximation that allows for efficient, scalable SLAM. We demonstrate that the SEIF sparsification strategy yields error estimates that are overconfident when expressed in the global reference frame, while empirical results show that relative map consistency is maintained. In this paper, we propose an alternative scalable estimator based on an information form that maintains sparsity while preserving consistency. The paper describes a method for controlling the population of the information matrix, whereby we track a modified version of the SLAM posterior, essentially by ignoring a small fraction of temporal measurements. In this manner, the Exactly Sparse Extended Information Filter (ESEIF) performs inference over a model that is conservative relative to the standard Gaussian distribution. We compare our algorithm to the SEIF and standard EKF both in simulation as well as on two nonlinear datasets. The results convincingly show that our method yields conservative estimates for the robot pose and map that are nearly identical to those of the EKF.
Interfacial properties and structural conformation of thermosonicated bovine serum albumin

Aqueous Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) solutions were treated with high-intensity ultrasound (20 W cm −2 ) for 15, 30 and 45 min at temperatures of up to 85 °C. The equilibrium and dynamic surface tension of native and ultrasonicated BSA at the air-solution interface was measured using drop shape analysis. The effect of ultrasound on the secondary structure of BSA was monitored by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Surface pressure of BSA at the air-solvent interface increased as a consequence of sonication treatment at 20 °C. Both the rate of surface pressure increase and the equilibrium surface pressure of sonicated BSA were significantly different than that of native BSA. Diffusion coefficients calculated from dynamic surface tension values using long-term and short-term solutions of the general adsorption model of Ward and Tordai increased upon application of ultrasound, e.g. D eff,shortterm ≈5.2×10 −9 m 2 /s for native BSA and D eff,shortterm ≈2×10 −8 m 2 /s for BSA solutions sonicated for 45 min. Deconvolution of circular dichroism spectra indicated a small but reproducible increase in helical content and a 22% decrease in unordered structure elements after 45 min of sonication. The increase in the rate of protein adsorption with ultrasonication was more pronounced at elevated temperatures. Above the denaturation temperature of the protein, both heat treatment and thermosonication were found to reduce helical content of BSA, e.g. from 61% for native protein to 31 and 40% for heat-treated and thermosonicated proteins at 85 °C, respectively. Results were attributed to an ultrasonically-induced modification of the molecular structure of BSA with increased intramolecular mobility and surface activity.
Infant Rotavirus Vaccination May Provide Indirect Protection to Older Children and Adults in the United States

Following the introduction of rotavirus vaccination in the United States, rotavirus and cause-unspecified gastroenteritis discharges significantly decreased in 2008 in the 0-4, 5-14, and 15-24-year age groups, with significant reductions observed in March, the historic peak rotavirus month, in all age groups. We estimate that 15% of the total 66 000 averted hospitalizations and 20% of the $204 million in averted direct medical costs attributable to the vaccination program were among unvaccinated 5-24 year-olds. This study demonstrates a previously unrecognized burden of severe rotavirus in the population >5 years and the primacy of very young children in the transmission of rotavirus.
SYNTHESIS OF N-ALKYL-N-{[(TRIPHENYLPHOSPHORANYLID ENE)-AMINO]SULFONYL}THIOUREAS FROM ETHYL N-ALKYL-N'-{[(TRIPHENYL-PHOSPHORANYLIDENE)AMINO] SULFONYL)CARBAMIMIDOTHIOATES

Abstract N-(Triphenylphosphoranylidene)sulfamoyl chloride was reacted with the ethyl ester monohydrobro-mide of a series of N-alkylcarbamimidothioic acids (alkylpseudothiuronium salts) to give ethyl N-alkyl-N'-{[(triphenylphosphoraylidene)amino]sulfonyl}carbamimidothioates which were converted to the corresponding N-alkyl-N'-([(triphenylphosphoranylide)amino]sulfonyl}thioureas by S-dealkylation with NaHS/H2S in DMF.
Giant resonances and fine structure in Si28 from the Al27(p,γ)Si28 reaction

Abstract The reaction Al 27 (p,γ)Si 28 has been studied over the energy range 4 MeV E p 0 and γ 1 that appear in th capture spectrum correspond to transitions to the ground state and to the first excited state of Si 28 at 1.78 MeV. A 90° yield curve taken at 15 keV intervals shows that for each gamma ray the cross section fluctuates widely and rapidly about an average which traces out a giant resonance. The γ 1 giant resonance is displaced upward from the γ 0 giant resonance by an energy about equal to the energy of the first excited state of Si 28 . Transitions to the second and/or third excited states of Si 28 are also observed but not resolved from each other. There is evidence that this group (γ 2 +γ 3 ) also displays a giant resonance at a still higher excitation energy. The fluctuations in the cross sections are analysed and shown to resemble Ericson fluctuations. There is also evidence for structure of an intermediate width. The angular distributions, measured at 15 keV intervals over representative energy regions, are relatively constant as compared with the fluctuations in the cross sections. The distributions are approximately W ( θ ) = 1+0.07 P 1 for γ 0 and W ( θ ) = 1+0.10 P 1 –0.50 P 2 –0.10 P 3 for γ 1 . Invariant angular distributions suggest fixed configurations for the giant resonances; thus it is not possible to identify the observed structure with individual particle-hole levels. Possible assignments for the giant resonances are discussed.
SEMIOCHEMICALS, TRAPS/TARGETS AND MASS TRAPPING TECHNOLOGY FOR MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT

Technologies which utilize semiochemicals, traps/targets and mass trapping are relatively new for management of adult mosquito populations. To date most of the emphasis has been on developing barriers of attractant-baited and insecticide-impregnated targets. The most successful continuous use of this type of technology has been at Stevens' Landing, Collier County, FL. Recently, commercially available traps have been evaluated for their ability to reduce nuisance populations of mosquitoes. Use of Mosquito Magnet™ Pro traps along a nature trail on an isolated island (Atsena Otie) in the Gulf of Mexico resulted in a significant reduction in annoyance caused by the black salt marsh mosquito Ochlerotatus taeniorhynchus (Wiedemann). This chapter presents a brief discussion of semiochemicals (behavior modifying) and mosquito traps, strategies for using them for insect control, and an overview of the recent advancements in research activities conducted to evaluate using combinations of semiochemicals and mass trapping techniques for adult mosquito management.
The Supreme Court, the Gun Industry, and the Misguided Revival of Strict Territorial Limits on the Reach of State Law

While tort lawsuits against gun manufacturers and sellers have captured much attention in recent years, there is an intriguing constitutional issue arising in the cases that has largely escaped notice. The gun companies build a defense from statements in a line of recent Supreme Court opinions indicating that the dormant Commerce Clause forbids application of a state statute to commerce occurring wholly outside the state's borders. The gun companies contend that it would be unconstitutional for them to be held liable under state tort law for the manufacture or sale of a gun that occurred outside the state. Several courts have accepted that argument, which would dramatically reduce the reach of state authority, while other courts have expressed bewilderment about the lack of clear precedent affirming or rejecting the argument. This article contends that the Supreme Court should disavow its recent statements about strict territorial limits on the reach of state law. Those statements hark back to a conception of state authority that prevailed throughout the law a century ago but appeared to be dead until the Supreme Court's recent comments revived it. The statements have no support in modern precedent, they arose in part from a Supreme Court opinion's error in citation of authority, and they cannot be correct without rendering unconstitutional a vast number of the products liability and other tort claims that courts hear every day. Lower court decisions trying to follow the Supreme Court's lead on this point have produced only confusion and inconsistency. Strict territorial limits on the reach of state law died long ago for good reasons. The Supreme Court should let them rest in peace. While it ultimately fails, the gun companies' argument highlights the need for courts to clear up the substantial confusion surrounding this important but overlooked constitutional issue.
Dependable ≠ unaffordable

This paper presents a software architecture for hardware fault tolerance based on loosely-synchronized, redundant virtual machines (LSRVM). LSRVM will provide high levels of reliability by tolerating hardware faults at all levels of the system. Historically, such hardware fault tolerance has only been achievable using custom-designed hardware and proprietary operating systems. Today, however, technological trends and economic factors are driving a reduction in the amount of custom-designed hardware. We believe that this path should be followed to its ultimate conclusion: a highly-available, fault-tolerant computing system based entirely on commodity hardware and open-source operating systems. Our revolutionary approach utilizes virtualization to efficiently provide redundancy on modern commodity hardware. When combined with existing application-level fault tolerance mechanisms, LSRVM will provide very high levels of reliability at extremely low cost.
Connecting Source with Sink: The Role of Arabidopsis AAP8 in Phloem Loading of Amino Acids

Allocation of large amounts of nitrogen to developing organs occurs in the phloem and is essential for plant growth and seed development. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and many other plant species, amino acids represent the dominant nitrogen transport forms in the phloem, and they are mainly synthesized in photosynthetically active source leaves. Following their synthesis, a broad spectrum of the amino nitrogen is actively loaded into the phloem of leaf minor veins and transported within the phloem sap to sinks such as developing leaves, fruits, or seeds. Controlled regulation of the source-to-sink transport of amino acids has long been postulated; however, the molecular mechanism of amino acid phloem loading was still unknown. In this study, Arabidopsis AMINO ACID PERMEASE8 (AAP8) was shown to be expressed in the source leaf phloem and localized to the plasma membrane, suggesting its function in phloem loading. This was further supported by transport studies with aap8 mutants fed with radiolabeled amino acids and by leaf exudate analyses. In addition, biochemical and molecular analyses revealed alterations in leaf nitrogen pools and metabolism dependent on the developmental stage of the mutants. Decreased amino acid phloem loading and partitioning to sinks led to decreased silique and seed numbers, but seed protein levels were unchanged, demonstrating the importance of AAP8 function for sink development rather than seed quality. Overall, these results show that AAP8 plays an important role in source-to-sink partitioning of nitrogen and that its function affects source leaf physiology and seed yield.
Vacancies and small polarons in SrTiO 3

Using first-principles calculations we investigate the impact of intrinsic defects and small polarons on the electrical and optical properties of ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$. We pay special attention to the seemingly contradictory role of oxygen vacancies as shallow donor and source of deep-level luminescence, as reported in the literature. We find that oxygen vacancies are double donors, and that one electron is easily ionized, explaining the shallow donor behavior. The second electron is trapped in the form of a small polaron, and this additional binding energy explains the behavior as a deep center that gives rise to blue luminescence. At low temperatures, holes become self-trapped, and recombination of free electrons with self-trapped holes gives rise to green luminescence. These results explain the intricate interplay between the observed green and blue luminescence in ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$, and form a framework for interpreting similar phenomena in other complex oxides.
Banality of Evil

Hannah Arendt developed the concept of the “banality of evil” during her coverage of the 1961 Adolf Eichmann trial in Jerusalem for The New Yorker magazine. Rather than portraying evil as monstrous and demonic, Arendt emphasized how totalitarian society encouraged evil acts based on thoughtlessness and lack of judgment. Her concept produced sustained controversy but continues to be referenced to explain instances of evil committed with extreme thoughtlessness. Keywords: antisemitism; Arendt, Hannah; totalitarianism
Clot Retraction: A Miniaturized Hemoretractometer for Blood Clot Retraction Testing (Small 29/2016)

Whole blood coagulation testing provides valuable diagnostic information on diseases such as bleeding disorders, heart attack, deep venous thrombosis, etc. On page 3926, J. Fu and co-workers develop a miniaturized hemoretractometer to measure clot contraction upon blood coagulation with good reproducibility and robustness. This device design shows great application potential in point-of-care testing. Photo credit: David Peyer from University of Michigan.
Influence of Molecular Aggregation on Electron Transfer at the Perylene Diimide/Indium-Tin Oxide Interface

Chemisorption of an organic monolayer to tune the surface properties of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) electrode can improve the performance of organic electronic devices that rely on efficient charge transfer between an organic active layer and a TCO contact. Here, a series of perylene diimides (PDIs) was synthesized and used to study relationships between monolayer structure/properties and electron transfer kinetics at PDI-modified indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. In these PDI molecules, one of the imide substituents is a benzene ring bearing a phosphonic acid (PA) and the other is a bulky aryl group that is twisted out of the plane of the PDI core. The size of the bulky aryl group and the substitution of the benzene ring bearing the PA were both varied, which altered the extent of aggregation when these molecules were absorbed as monolayer films (MLs) on ITO, as revealed by both attenuated total reflectance (ATR) and total internal reflection fluorescence spectra. Polarized ATR measurements ind...
Phosphorus availability and turnover in the Chesapeake Bay: Insights from nutrient stoichiometry and phosphate oxygen isotope ratios

Understanding phosphorus (P) availability and its control on eutrophication in the Chesapeake Bay is complicated by variable sources and biogeochemical transformations. We investigated seasonal and spatial variability in P limitation and biological utilization in the bay using nutrient stoichiometry (of both dissolved and particulate forms), phosphate oxygen isotope ratios, and alkaline phosphatase activity at 3 sites along the salinity gradient. We demonstrate that particulate nutrient ratios can be used as indicators of nutrient limitations in the bay, and suggest strong seasonal and spatial variability in P availability: the surface water is P limiting in spring, but this condition is alleviated in summer and in the deeper waters. Variability in P limitation is well reflected in the trends of phosphate oxygen isotope composition (δ18OP), with values approaching isotopic equilibration under P limiting conditions, suggesting rapid biological P turnover. δ18OP values suggest multiple phosphate sources, including remobilization of terrestrial inorganic P phases, and remineralization of organic P. P from both sources is sufficiently cycled by organisms, suggested by the extensive equilibrium oxygen isotope exchange. Our results further suggest high P utilization in the deeper euphotic zone where nutrients are abundant, raising caution on studying nutrient availability and limitation only in the surface water.
Near optimal control and network co-design for uncertain networked control system with constraints

Near optimal control and network co-design problem has been investigated for uncertain networked control system (NCS) with limited transmit power in this paper. First, the mathematical connection between network imperfections and practical wireless network channel performance has been investigate. Then, a novel co-model has been represented for NCS combining effects from physical system and network channel model effectively. Then, adopting neuro dynamics programming (NDP) technique and actor-critic-identifier (ACI) design architecture, a novel online finite horizon optimal control and network co-design has been developed. The developed algorithm cannot merely obtain the optimal co-design within finite time, but also relax the stringent requirement about physical system and network dynamics. In addition, developed novel co-design can satisfy the practical constraints, e.g. transmit power constraint. The Lyapunov stability analysis is used to validate the effectiveness of developed scheme. With the proper NN weight update law, proposed scheme can ensure all closed-loop signals and NN weights are uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB). Furthermore, simulation results have been provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed scheme.
Association Between Obesity, Age, and Functional Decline in Survivors of Cardiac Surgery

Background/Objectives Little is known about the effect of obesity on functional decline after cardiac surgery, especially in elderly adults. Our goal was to determine the association between obesity and functional decline in the 2 years after cardiac surgery and the interaction between obesity and age. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting The Health and Retirement Study, 2004–2014. Participants U.S. adults aged 50 and older who indicated having cardiac surgery and had a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 kg/m2 or greater (N = 1,731). Measurements BMI was classified as normal or overweight (18.5–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥30 kg/m2). Primary outcome was decline in ability to perform an activity of daily living (ADL) after surgery. Results Respondents had a median age of 71, 59.3% were female, and 34.3% were obese. Obese respondents had a higher incidence of ADL decline (22.4%) than those who were not obese (17.1%) (P = .007). In the multivariable analysis of our full cohort, obesity was not associated with ADL decline (odds ratio (OR)=1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.90–1.59, P = .21) after cardiac surgery, although obese respondents aged 50 to 79 had greater odds of ADL decline (OR=1.45, 95% CI=1.06–2.00, P = .02). Obese respondents aged 80 and older had nonstatistically significantly lower odds of ADL decline (OR=0.61, 95% CI=0.30–1.24, P = .18) compared to non-obese respondents. Conclusion The association between obesity and postoperative functional decline in survivors of cardiac surgery differed according to age. Additional research is needed to identify interventions to improve outcomes in groups of older adults in whom obesity may increase the risk of postoperative functional decline.
Fantasies of the Library: Anna-Sophie Springer and Etienne Turpin, eds.

Review of Anna-Sophie Springer and Etienne Turpin, eds. Fantasies of the Library. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2016. 160 pp.; 30 color ills.; 15 b/w ills. Hardcover $24.95. (9780262035200)
Effect of heat shock on hot water plumbing microbiota and Legionella pneumophila control

Heat shock is a potential control strategy for Legionella pneumophila in hot water plumbing systems. However, it is not consistently effective, with little understanding of its influence on the broader plumbing microbiome. Here, we employed a lab-scale recirculating hot water plumbing rig to compare the pre- and post-“heat shock” (i.e., 40 → 60 → 40 °C) microbiota at distal taps. In addition, we used a second plumbing rig to represent a well-managed system at 60 °C and conducted a “control” sampling at 60 °C, subsequently reducing the temperature to 40 °C to observe the effects on Legionella and the microbiota under a simulated “thermal disruption” scenario. According to 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, in the heat shock scenario, there was no significant difference or statistically significant, but small, difference in the microbial community composition at the distal taps pre- versus post-heat shock (both biofilm and water; weighted and unweighted UniFrac distance matrices). While heat shock did lead to decreased total bacteria numbers at distal taps, it did not measurably alter the richness or evenness of the microbiota. Quantitative PCR measurements demonstrated that L. pneumophila relative abundance at distal taps also was not significantly different at 2-month post-heat shock relative to the pre-heat shock condition, while relative abundance of Vermamoeba vermiformis, a known Legionella host, did increase. In the thermal disruption scenario, relative abundance of planktonic L. pneumophila (quantitative PCR data) increased to levels comparable to those observed in the heat shock scenario within 2 months of switching long-term operation at 60 to 40 °C. Overall, water use frequency and water heater temperature set point exhibited a stronger effect than one-time heat shock on the microbial composition and Legionella levels at distal taps. While heat shock may be effective for instantaneous Legionella control and reduction in total bacteria numbers, water heater temperature set point and water use frequency are more promising factors for long-term Legionella and microbial community control, illustrating the importance of maintaining consistent elevated temperatures in the system relative to short-term heat shock.
Free Spirits: Spiritualism, Republicanism, and Radicalism in the Civil War Era

With Free Spirits, Mark A. Lause has made an invaluable contribution to the fast-growing historiography on spiritualism in the Atlantic world. Spiritualism was a set of religious beliefs that origi...
Cervical Disc Arthroplasty: Review and Update for Radiologists.

An increasing number of cervical artificial discs are being implanted in the United States. Successful imaging evaluation of preoperative cervical disc arthroplasty candidates and postoperative patients requires an understanding of patient selection criteria, hardware design, and imaging appearances of normal hardware and the spectrum of postoperative complications.
Immunofluorescence and Immunohistochemistry

Chapter Summary The staining of tissue sections with specific antibodies is an invaluable technique for determining protein expression patterns and the spatial distributions of cell types of interest. This technique, which can result in the generation of either an opaque or fluorescent signal, necessitates the marriage of a suitable primary antibody with optimal tissue preparation and staining methodologies. Here, we describe protocols for applying tissue immunostaining to the study of the pregnant mouse uterus.
Hormone-dependent differentiation of mammary gland in vitro.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the studies of the synthesis of specific protein markers of differentiated function in an attempt to define stages of transition in the differentiation of mammary alveolar cells in vitro. These studies have provided information relating to several major questions regarding the nature of differentiation of mammalian cells. Evidence has been provided to support the concept that cell division is a prerequisite for the expression of new differentiated function. The agent of primary importance in effecting covert differentiation, hydrocortisone, acts upon the parent cells, and new function is expressed by the daughter cells. However, the requirement for cell division and the basis for the new genetic expression remain to be explained in molecular terms. Concern with the intracellular control mechanisms involved must be coupled with recognition of the possible importance of mesenchymal cells in modifying the response of epithelial cells. These studies have emphasized the vulnerability of proliferating cells to factors in the environment, especially to hormonal agents that have the capacity to alter genetic expression within cells.
Taxing the Publicly Traded Stock in a Corporate Acquisition

The proposal would treat publicly traded stock received by target shareholders in an acquisitive reorganization as boot. Because target shareholders drop by more than 20 percent, the gain would be taxable as capital gain. Publicly traded partnership interests would be treated the same. There would be no gain or loss at the corporate level, however, even if the target corporations acted as a conduit to shareholders. Shareholders would not be taxed under this proposal if their corporation issues new stock, even if control changes, and if existing shares become publicly marketable. The proposal is made as a part of the Shelf Project, a collaboration by tax professionals to develop and perfect proposals to help Congress when it needs to raise revenue. Shelf Project proposals are intended to raise revenue without raising tax rates, defend the tax base, and improve the rationality and efficiency of the tax system. Given the calls for economic stimulus, some proposals may stay on the shelf for a while. A longer description of the project is found at ‘‘The Shelf Project: Revenue-Raising Proposals That Defend the Tax Base,’’ Tax Notes, Dec. 10, 2007, p. 1077, Doc 2007-22632, or 2007 TNT 238-37. Shelf Project proposals follow the format of a congressional tax committee report in explaining current law, what is wrong with it, and how to fix it.
Repeatability and Spatiotemporal Variability of Emerging Soil Health Indicators Relative to Routine Soil Nutrient Tests

Ideal indicators suitable for routine soil health evaluation would be rapid, cost-effective, sensitive to management, and exhibit low analytical variability. Permanganate-oxidizable C (POXC), mineralizable C, and soil protein are rapid and emerging soil health indicators of labile organic matter (OM), but their repeatability and spatiotemporal variability remain largely unknown. We examined the repeatability and spatiotemporal variability of each indicator relative to routine soil nutrient tests. Grid soil samples were collected three times during a corn (Zea mays L.) growing season at three sites in Ohio. Analytical variability of indicators ranked from highest to lowest mean coefficients of variation (CVs): mineralizable C (13–23%) > OM via loss-on-ignition (OM-LOI; 11–16%) = POXC (9–19%) > protein (2.6–3.2%) = Mehlich-3 P (1.8–2.6%) = Mehlich-3 K (3.0–3.8%) > pH (≤1%). Temporal variability of indicators ranked from highest to lowest mean CVs: mineralizable C (22–37%) > OM-LOI (16–25%) = POXC (9–21%) = Mehlich-3 P (14–33%) = Mehlich-3 K (6–33%) ≥ protein (7–13%) > pH (1.7–3.6%). Almost all soil properties exhibited moderate to strong spatial autocorrelations, occurring at range distances ≤76 m. Our results collectively suggest: (i) mineralizable C and POXC have analytical variability similar to that of OM-LOI, whereas soil protein similar to Mehlich-3 extractable nutrients; (ii) the soil health indicators exhibit temporal variability to a degree similar to routine soil nutrient tests; and (iii) the soil health indicators display spatial variability to a similar extent as the routine soil nutrient tests and therefore do not require greater soil sampling densities within a field.
Volumetric analysis of vocal fold atrophy via magnetic resonance imaging.

Objective To quantitatively test the hypothesis that older patients have increased thyroarytenoid muscle atrophy by comparing thyroarytenoid muscle volumes across different age groups. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted. The study included 111 patients with no history of laryngeal pathology. Two investigators reviewed magnetic resonance imaging studies of these patients and manually traced the thyroarytenoid muscles on multiple slices bilaterally. Thyroarytenoid muscle volumes were then computed using imaging analysis software. Patients were stratified into three age groups (18-50 years, 51-64 years, and 65 years or older) for comparison. Results Intra- and inter-rater reliabilities were excellent for all measurements (intraclass correlation co-efficient > 0.90). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean volumes of left and right thyroarytenoid muscles in all age and gender groups. Conclusion Given the lack of statistically significant difference in thyroarytenoid muscle volume between age groups on magnetic resonance imaging, the prevailing assumption that age-related thyroarytenoid muscle atrophy contributes to presbyphonia should be re-examined.
Dynamic Modeling Strategy To Assess Impacts of Hydrodynamic Parameters on Industrial Hydropurification Process by Considering Catalyst Deactivation

In this study, modeling and simulation of the dynamic behavior of an industrial-scale trickle bed reactor (TBR) with application to a hydropurification process for production of purified terephthal...
Phase fMRI Reveals More Sparseness and Balance of Rest Brain Functional Connectivity Than Magnitude fMRI

Conventionally, brain function is inferred from the magnitude data of the complex-valued fMRI output. Since the fMRI phase image (unwrapped) provides a representation of brain internal magnetic fieldmap (by a constant scale difference), it can also be used to study brain function while providing a more direct representation of the brain's magnetic state. In this study, we collected a cohort of resting-state fMRI magnitude and phase data pairs from 600 subjects (age from 10 to 76, 346 males), decomposed the phase data by group independent component analysis (pICA), calculated the functional network connectivity (pFNC). In comparison with the magnitude-based brain function analysis (mICA and mFNC), we find that the pFNC matrix contains fewer significant functional connections (with p-value thresholding) than the mFNC matrix, which are sparsely distributed across the whole brain with near/far interconnections and positive/negative correlations in rough balance. We also find a few of brain rest sub-networks within the phase data, primarily in subcortical, cerebellar, and visual regions. Overall, our findings offer new insights into brain function connectivity in the context of a focus on the brain's internal magnetic state.
Does It Matter Which Parent is Absent? Labor Migration, Parenting, and Adolescent Development in China

In China, 61 million children have been left behind in their original rural communities by migrant-labor parents, among whom 60% live apart from their migrant mother. This study examined the associations of mother versus father absence with adolescents’ academic achievement, cognitive ability, and emotional well-being in rural China as well as explored parenting practices (i.e., parental regulation, parent-child communication, parent-child co-activities) as mechanisms to explain the hypothesized different maternal and paternal roles in relation to adolescent development. Using a recent nationally representative dataset with 7419 adolescents, fixed effects models and propensity score weighting were used to assess the association between parental migration and adolescent development. Multiple regressions with the Sobel tests were employed to explore the mediating role of parenting practices. The analyses revealed that living in mother-absent households was negatively associated with adolescents’ test scores and depressive symptoms, whereas living in father-absent households was rarely associated with negative outcomes. Results also indicated that the differences between the child development in mother- versus father-absent households were partially explained by disparities in parenting practices. Our study suggested that parental absence and parenting practices were jointly related to youth development among types of migrant families. Given the massive level of labor migration in China as well as the growth of labor migration in many other developing countries, both scholars and policy makers will want to take note.
Quantum-like model of behavioral response computation using neural oscillators

In this paper we propose the use of neural interference as the origin of quantum-like effects in the brain. We do so by using a neural oscillator model consistent with neurophysiological data. The model used was shown elsewhere to reproduce well the predictions of behavioral stimulus-response theory. The quantum-like effects are brought about by the spreading activation of incompatible oscillators, leading to an interference-like effect mediated by inhibitory and excitatory synapses.
Neurotheology: How Science Can Enlighten Us About Spirituality: by Andrew Newberg, New York, Columbia University Press, 2018, vi + 321 pp., US$35.00 (hardcover), ISBN 978 023 117904 1

For some three decades, Andrew Newberg and his colleagues have been engaged in applying the research methods of brain study and neuroscience to the phenomena of human spiritual experience, mystical...
Improving Billing Compliance Within a Pediatric Neurology Department

Over a 3-month period in 2014, the Pediatric Neurology Division had a total of 1,255 clinic encounters at two clinics, which involve Child Neurology trainees. Nearly 25% of charges for those visits were created late or not at all. Subsequent denial of payment or non-payment caused approximately $9,831.33 of lost revenue monthly. Regardless of provider billing preference (paper versus electronic), missing charges were widespread and involved all levels of departmental providers (faculty, fellow, and nurse practitioner). Key objectives were to make the pediatric neurology billing process more effective by reducing or eliminating the revenue lost due to clinical charges that were not created in a timely manner. Our aim was to reduce the average monthly …
Size of liquid metal particles influences actuation properties of a liquid crystal elastomer composite

Composites of liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) that are electrically conductive have the potential to function as soft "artificial muscle" actuators that can be reversibly stimulated with electrical Joule-heating. Conductivity can be achieved by embedding the LCE with droplets of an alloy of gallium and indium that is liquid at room temperature. These soft artificial muscles are capable of >50% reversible actuation with an applied load. The key to actuation at high loadings of liquid metal (LM) is that the droplets deform with the surrounding matrix. By controlling the size of LM droplets through simple processing techniques, we show that the actuator properties of the LM-LCE muscle can be tuned. For example, composites with smaller liquid metal particles (ca. 10 μm or less) are stiffer than those with larger liquid metal particles (ca. >100 μm) and are capable of greater force output. However, smaller particles reduce actuation strain and composites with large particles exhibit significantly greater stroke length. Such tunability in actuation properties permits the fabrication of specialized soft artificial muscles, where processing of the composite controls actuation strain and actuation force.
Standing Up for Women? How Party and Gender Influence Politicians’ Online Discussion of Planned Parenthood

Research suggests that women may use social media to overcome disadvantages when running for and serving in public office. However, limited research has explored how party and gender influence poli...
Invited Review: Quantifying protein mobilization in dairy cows during the transition period

ABSTRACT Purpose Published literature reporting protein mobilization measurements and potential methods to quantify protein mobilization were reviewed to provide information about the timing and extent of tissue mobilization for dairy cattle. Sources The main sources for information and data included in the review were peer-reviewed literature. Synthesis During late gestation, the dairy cow undergoes a homeorhetic change for protein metabolism by mobilizing muscle to meet AA and potentially glucose requirements of the fetus and uterus in addition to provide AA for body maintenance and colostrogenesis. The onset of lactation represents a large increase in the demand for AA to support milk production before sufficient dietary protein intake is able to meet those requirements. To meet AA demands in late gestation and early lactation, high-producing dairy cows mobilize muscle. Some studies suggest the extent of muscle mobilization of a cow exceeds 13% of body protein in well-fed transition dairy cattle and 25% in N-limiting diets; however, there appears to be large variation in the extent of protein that is mobilized. Conclusions and Applications There are several non-terminal approaches (e.g., ultrasound imaging and measuring metabolites from muscle degradation) to provide information about the extent of mobilization that allow us to evaluate how much protein is being mobilized and when mobilization occurs in a lactating dairy cow. Each of these techniques comes with their own tradeoffs but can ultimately provide information regarding protein mobilization. Further research will need to evaluate how these techniques can be combined to allow for both ease of use and accurate representation of the quantity of muscle present and therefore estimate the extent of mobilization over time.
Analysis of the acoustic characteristics of spaces relating to their emotional impact

Sound and emotions have a link that has been widely studied in music. However, when sound propagates through space during a performance, the architectural features of the space impact how sound reflects, causing an alteration in some of the original sound characteristics. Therefore, it is essential to study how the acoustic environment contributes to the emotional impact. For instance, researchers in worship spaces have reported the significance of the acoustic environment in impacting emotions and enhancing the spiritual experience. Nevertheless, further research is required to understand the acoustic parameters that contribute to that effect. In a previous study, the researcher analyzed the emotional response to the acoustic environments of worship spaces using self-report and physiological indicators. This study builds on the earlier results by analyzing the acoustic characteristics of such spaces and their relationship to the emotional impact. Establishing such a link between room acoustics' parameters and emotions provides a guide for designing spaces that enhance the occupant's experience.
Direct conjugation of fluorescent quantum dots with E. coli via surface-displayed histidine-containing peptides.

Abstract Biocompatible approaches to labeling bacteria with fluorescent nanoparticles are essential in order to create living bacterial bioconjugates for imaging, biosensors, medicine, and other applications. Herein we report the direct conjugation of carboxyl quantum dots (QDs) with E. coli outer membrane via surface-displayed binding peptides. The histidine-containing peptide H6G9 was displayed at the N-terminus of membrane-embedded enhanced circularly permuted outer membrane protein X (eCPX) scaffold, which was expressed upon chemical induction. The presence of the binding peptide creates an environment distinct from the negatively charged E. coli surface and provides strong binding affinity to carboxyl quantum dots (QDs). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of E. coli-QD bioconjugates revealed high loading densities of these QDs immobilized on the cell surface, even when adding a very low concentration (10 μg/mL) of QDs in order to reduce the cell exposure. These hybrid cells strongly fluoresce with each of the distinct colors of loaded QDs with different emission wavelengths, which can be easily visualized by fluorescence microscopy or differentiated using flow cytometry. Importantly, the E. coli–QD bioconjugates were highly viable and maintained the ability to grow and divide. This study demonstrates a simple, direct, and highly efficient method for labelling bacteria with QDs, without significantly compromising the vitality of the cells.