cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trade-off between plant growth and defense? A comparison of sagebrush populations

We used ecotypic variation in big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) to examine potential trade-offs between inherent growth rate and tolerance or resistance to herbivory. Seeds were obtained from seven geographic populations, and 1,120 seedlings were established in a common garden. In one set of plots, plants were subjected to five treatments: control, regular insecticide spray, moderate browsing, severe browsing, or moderate browsing plus insecticide. Plants in a second set of plots were all untreated, and were used to estimate ambient growth, flower production, and susceptibility to herbivorous insects. In the first growing season, population differences in relative growth rate produced approximately seven-fold variation in mean biomass. Two populations of basin big sagebrush (A. tridentata tridentata) and one population of mountain big sagebrush (A. tridentata vaseyana) grew fastest; those of Wyoming big sagebrush (A. tridentata wyomingensis) showed the slowest growth. Bi-weekly application of insecticide for two growing seasons had no effect on the growth of either browsed or unbrowsed plants. All populations showed compensatory growth (but not overcompensation) in response to browsing, but the degree of compensation was unrelated to inherent growth rate. Similarly, there was no consistent relationship between plant growth rate and flower production in the second growing season. Some insects colonized fast-growing populations more frequently than slow-growing ones, but patterns of insect colonization were species-specific. At the level of geographic populations and subspecies, we found little evidence of a built-in trade-off between inherent growth rate and the ability to tolerate or resist herbivory. Because population ranks for growth rate changed substantially between seasons, attempts to correlate growth and defense characters need to account for differences in the growth trajectories of perennial plants.
The Impact Of A Secondary Market On Video Game Purchase Intentions

The secondary market for video game purchases is a multi-billion dollar industry that some believe is unfair to video game developers. Using the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), we investigated user attitudes and subjective norms and their affect on a consumer’s intention to buy new video games. While TRA has been used to study purchase intentions of material goods and digital goods, our study extends this work to investigate video games, which have both a physical and digital component. Based on a survey of 118 undergraduate students, two of the hypothesized relationships are significant predictors of intention to purchase: previous experience in the primary market and access to the secondary market. The results of this study highlight the applicability of TRA to the video game market, suggest marketing strategies for video game developers, and caution against criminalizing the resale of video games.
Cryo‐Electron Tomography for Structural Characterization of Macromolecular Complexes

Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) is an emerging 3-D reconstruction technology that combines the principles of tomographic 3-D reconstruction with the unmatched structural preservation of biological material embedded in vitreous ice. Cryo-ET is particularly suited to investigating cell-biological samples and large macromolecular structures that are too polymorphic to be reconstructed by classical averaging-based 3-D reconstruction procedures. This unit aims to make cryo-ET accessible to newcomers and discusses the specialized equipment required, as well as the relevant advantages and hurdles associated with sample preparation by vitrification and cryo-ET. Protocols describe specimen preparation, data recording and 3-D data reconstruction for cryo-ET, with a special focus on macromolecular complexes. A step-by-step procedure for specimen vitrification by plunge freezing is provided, followed by the general practicalities of tilt-series acquisition for cryo-ET, including advice on how to select an area appropriate for acquiring a tilt series. A brief introduction to the underlying computational reconstruction principles applied in tomography is described, along with instructions for reconstructing a tomogram from cryo-tilt series data. Finally, a method is detailed for extracting small subvolumes containing identical macromolecular structures from tomograms for alignment and averaging as a means to increase the signal-to-noise ratio and eliminate missing wedge effects inherent in tomographic reconstructions.
A high-spin square-planar Fe(II) complex stabilized by a trianionic pincer-type ligand and conclusive evidence for retention of geometry and spin state in solution

Square-planar high-spin Fe(II) molecular compounds are rare and the only three non-macrocyclic or sterically-driven examples reported share a common FeO4 core. Using an easily modifiable pincer-type ligand, the successful synthesis of the first compound of this type that breaks the FeO4 motif was achieved. In addition, we present the first evidence that geometry and spin state persist in solution. Extensive characterization includes the first high-field EPR and variable field/temperature Mossbauer spectra for this class of compounds. Analysis of the spectroscopic data indicates this complex exhibits a large and positive zero-field splitting tensor. Furthermore, the unusually small ΔEQ value determined for this compound is rationalized on the basis of DFT calculations.
Parallel Interaction Medium Access for Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

The parallel interaction medium access (PIMA) protocol is introduced to orchestrate channel access in a wireless ad hoc network when nodes are endowed with a single half- duplex radio, and can either transmit multiple packets to multiple destinations in parallel or receive multiple packets from multiple transmitters in parallel using OFDMA. Analytical and simulation results indicate that PIMA attains tremendous improvements in channel throughput compared to MAC protocols aimed at attaining concurrency via traditional channel switching techniques proposed in the past for multi-channel networks.
Difference in Memory

The study of popular memory is necessarily relational. It involves the exploration of two sets of relations: (1) that between dominant memory and oppositional forms across the public field, including academic productions; and (2) the relation between public discourse and a more privatized sense of the past generated within lived culture.2 This paper is concerned with the second of these two constitutive relations in the study of popular memory—the often vexed but close linkages between public constructions and private reminiscences.
Comparison of the T1 and D1 diagnostics for electronic structure theory: a new definition for the open-shell D1 diagnostic

Abstract It is shown that the coupled-cluster T 1 operator used in a previous study to define the open-shell D 1 diagnostic is ill defined, and leads to an arbitrary definition of the open-shell D 1 diagnostic. A new definition is proposed that eliminates this ambiguity and approximately restores the mathematical relationship previously noted between the closed-shell D 1 and T 1 diagnostics. Statistical comparison of the T 1 and D 1 diagnostics shows a very high degree of correlation between them for the molecular systems studied thus far, although it is argued that both diagnostics used together can provide more information than either can separately.
Biomedical Applications of Zinc Oxide Nanomaterials

Nanotechnology has witnessed tremendous advancement over the last several decades. Zinc oxide (ZnO), which can exhibit a wide variety of nanostructures, possesses unique semiconducting, optical, and piezoelectric properties hence has been investigated for a wide variety of applications. The most important features of ZnO nanomaterials are low toxicity and biodegradability. Zn(2+) is an indispensable trace element for adults (~10 mg of Zn(2+) per day is recommended) and it is involved in various aspects of metabolism. Chemically, the surface of ZnO is rich in -OH groups, which can be readily functionalized by various surface decorating molecules. In this review article, we summarized the current status of the use of ZnO nanomaterials for biomedical applications, such as biomedical imaging (which includes fluorescence, magnetic resonance, positron emission tomography, as well as dual-modality imaging), drug delivery, gene delivery, and biosensing of a wide array of molecules of interest. Research in biomedical applications of ZnO nanomaterials will continue to flourish over the next decade, and much research effort will be needed to develop biocompatible/biodegradable ZnO nanoplatforms for potential clinical translation.
SHARP POINCARÉ–SOBOLEV INEQUALITIES AND THE SHORTEST LENGTH OF SIMPLE CLOSED GEODESICS ON A TOPOLOGICAL TWO SPHERE

We show that the sharp constants of Poincare–Sobolev inequalities for any smooth two dimensional Riemannian manifold are less than or equal to . For a smooth topological two sphere M2, the sharp constants are if and only if M2 is isometric to two sphere S2 with the standard metric. In the same spirit, we show that for certain special smooth topological sphere the ratio between the shortest length of simple closed geodesics and the square root of its area is less than or equals to .
The Economics of Producing Market Turkeys

Abstract This study determined: 1) The capital investment in land, buildings, and equipment and machinery for producing market turkeys as related to enterprise size; 2) the cost per pound to produce Broad-Breasted Bronze toms, hens, and mixed flocks as related to management system (brooding and range rearing from day-old poults vs. range rearing eight-week-old started poults), flock size, and number of flocks per year; 3) the amount and relative importance of variable and fixed cost items of production; 4) the effect of feed conversion efficiency, mortality rate, market age and weight, and utilization of brooding capacity on production costs; and 5) the identity and importance of factors accounting for economies of scale. Five hypothetical models (5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 thousand birds), with size based on brooding capacity or number of started poults placed on range at one time, and 1 or 2 flocks per year, were designed using the synthetic method. Budget standards (for physical facilities and inputs) and flock management practices reflected recommendations of Midwest poultry scientists and costs were based on 1965–66 price relationships in Kansas. Production costs for range rearing started poults were slightly higher than for brooding and range rearing. Raising two flocks per year instead of one reduced cost. Tom turkeys could be produced approximately 3 to 4 cents per pound cheaper than hens, and slightly cheaper than a mixed flock. Feed and poults, the largest cost items, amounted to 78.7% of total costs for the brooding and range rearing system; and 85.7% for the other management system. Depreciation on buildings, equipment, and machinery was the largest fixed cost item. Economies of scale—which existed for both management systems, with approximately half of the savings occurring between the 5,000- and 10,000-bird size flocks—were relatively small, especially in flocks larger than 10,000 birds, and were smaller for toms than for hens. The cost reduction per pound (0.95 cent) from brooding and range rearing two 5,000-bird mixed flocks per year rather than one was equal to that obtainable by expanding one mixed flock per year from 5,000 to 50,000 birds. Expanding the turkey enterprise to 50,000 birds, and two flocks per year, appears to be justified in terms of cost savings. But increased mortality (from 9 to 15%) for tom turkeys would offset economies of scale gained by expanding flock size from 20,000 to 50,000 birds. Production costs varied considerably, depending on how fully brooding capacity was utilized. Depreciation, interest on investment, repairs and maintenance, and poult cost were major factors accounting for economies of scale (between 5,000 and 50,000 birds) in brooding and range rearing. The optimum age to market tom turkeys was 26 weeks, based on feed requirements per pound of gain.
Automated Requirements Traceability: The Study of Human Analysts

The requirements traceability matrix (RTM) supports many software engineering and software verification and validation (V&V) activities such as change impact analysis, reverse engineering, reuse, and regression testing. The generation of RTMs is tedious and error-prone, though, thus RTMs are often not generated or maintained. Automated techniques have been developed to generate candidate RTMs with some success. When using RTMs to support the V&V of mission-or safety-critical systems, however, a human analyst must vet the candidate RTMs. The focus thus becomes the quality of the final RTM. This paper investigate show human analysts perform when vetting candidate RTMs. Specifically, a study was undertaken at two universities and had 26 participants analyze RTMs of varying accuracy for a Java code formatter program. The study found that humans tend to move their candidate RTM toward the line that represents recall = precision. Participants who examined RTMs with low recall and low precision drastically improved both.
Corticotropin-releasing hormone: clinical applications

Corticotropin-releasing hormone, a 41-amino-acid peptide, is an important hypothalamic factor regulating the pituitary secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This hormone, while rarely involved in the etiology of Cushing's syndrome, seems to play a major role in the pathogenesis of non-Cushing hypercortisolemic states. The administration of synthetic human and ovine CRH has been found useful in the differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome and in the preoperative localization of intrasellar ACTH-secreting tumors.
Acoustic reflex amplitude. I. Effect of age and sex.

Crossed and uncrossed acoustic reflex amplitude was measured in 92 adult subjects. Subject age and sex markedly influenced reflex amplitude. Over the range of 20-80 years, reflex amplitude decreased, on the average, by 56%. In older subjects, there was a significant sex effect. Maximum amplitude in males was 64% of female amplitude.
MDSCs enhance tumor cell proliferation in a caspase-1 related inflammasome cytokines dependent way

Myeloid-derived-suppression cells (MDSCs) are believed to be an important immune evasion mechanism by suppressing T cells. We investigated whether MDSCs have direct T cell independent pro-carcinogenic effect on tumor cells. We sorted the monocytic CD14+/CD11b+/HLA-DRlow MDSCs from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients and found that MDSCs increased the proliferation index of HNSCC cells. Similar results were seen from co-culturing murine MDSCs and CT26 and B16 cells. Supernatant from the MDSCs were found to secrete inflammasome cytokines IL-1b and IL-18. MDSC's enhancement of proliferative index of the tumor was found to be caspase-1 dependent using FLICA. To test this in vivo, T cell depleted caspase-1 null mice showed significant decrease in tumor growth rate. To confirm the importance of myeloid inflammasome signaling in carcinogenesis, we suppressed MyD88 gene in tumor cell line Cal27 and found that the ability of MDSCs to promoting tumor proliferation is diminished. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that MDSCs can promote tumor cells proliferation on a inflammasome cytokines dependent manner.
Governing Small‐Town America Today: The Promise and Dilemma of Dense Networks

This essay examines the governance of small towns in the United States. Small towns have received little attention in the public administration literature to date, yet 1 in 10 Americans still lives in one, representing roughly 75 percent of all municipalities in the United States and some 33 million people. Small towns are characterized as dense, multiplex networks that lend unique dynamics to local politics. However, they face significant social, economic, technological, and demographic trends that compromise towns’ prevailing frame of reference, fracture their networks, and alter the traditional setting of small-town governance. In the face of these issues, “thicker,” more active ways of engaging the public are needed to reknit community bonds and build civic capacity. Service learning for master of public administration students is proposed as a way to develop the emotional intelligence necessary to make sense of the complex social dynamics of small towns and to facilitate the hard work of building enabling relationships.
All Electrochemical Fabrication of a Platinized Nanoporous Au Thin-Film Catalyst

In an effort to decrease the high cost associated with the design, testing, and production of electrocatalysts, a completely electrochemical scheme has been developed to deposit and platinize a nanoporous Au (NPG) based catalyst for formic acid oxidation. The proposed route enables synthesis of an alternative to the most established, nanoparticles based catalysts and addresses issues of the latter associated with either contamination inherent from the synthetic route or poor adhesion to the supporting electrode. The synthetic protocol includes as a first step, electrochemical codeposition of a Au(1–x)Agx alloy in a thiosulfate based electrolyte followed by selective electrochemical dissolution (dealloying) of Ag as the less noble metal, that generates an ultrathin and preferably continuous porous structure featuring thickness of less than 20 nm. NPG is then functionalized with Pt (no thicker than 1 nm) by surface limited redox replacement (SLRR) of underpotentially deposited Pb layer to form Pt-NPG. SLRR ...
A Theoretical Examination of the Isomerization Pathways for HBrO3 Isomers

The structures, vibrational spectra, and relative energetics of HBrO3 isomers and the transition states for their isomerization have been examined using the quadratic configuration interaction meth...
The Binding Energy of Li 6

The mass defect of ${\mathrm{Li}}^{6}$ has been calculated with the use of a symmetric Hamiltonian. Perturbation theory was employed in the main part of the work, and an upper limit for the contribution of all functions to the first and second order perturbation energies was obtained. This upper limit is 10 percent smaller than the experimental binding energy. It was then shown on the basis of variational calculations that perturbation theory, carried to this stage, over-shoots the mark, and the upper limit to the binding energy is reduced to 26 Mev, which is 6 Mev short of the experimental value. These figures are based on a set of nuclear constants which favor large mass defects. The perturbational effect of all doubly excited configurations upon the $^{3}D$ state of ${\mathrm{Li}}^{6}$ was investigated and compared with the effect of similar functions upon the $^{3}S$ state. The result is that the first order $^{3}D\ensuremath{-}^{3}S$ splitting, which is about 2 Mev, is enlarged to 6 Mev, both levels being depressed.
Experience-dependent hippocampal pattern differentiation prevents interference during subsequent learning

There is limited evidence linking learning related changes in hippocampal representations and memory interference. Here Favila and colleagues demonstrate that learning reduces overlap in hippocampal activity patterns corresponding to similar events, which benefits subsequent learning by preventing interference.
Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 183

Abstract Evaluated nuclear structure and decay data for all nuclides with mass number A=183 (Yb, Lu, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Hg, Tl, Pb) are presented here. At, Po and Fr have not yet been observed, but for prediction of ground state and/or isomer properties see, e.g., 2015Bh08 (At, Fr), 2013Ba41 (Tl), 2013Ho05 (Po). This evaluation includes structure and decay data information available by 15 April 2015 and supersedes that by R.B. Firestone published in Nuclear Data Sheets 65, 589 (1992) (literature cutoff 9 January 1991), and subsequent revisions by C.M. Baglin for 183Au in ENSDF database (literature cutoff 13 March 1999), 183Hg in Nuclear Data Sheets 91, 117 (2000) (literature cutoff 25 September 2000), 183Tl in Nuclear Data Sheets 95, 49 (2002) (literature cutoff 1 January 2002) and 183Pb in ENSDF (literature cutoff 6 January 2003). Since the prior Nuclear Data Sheets publication of this mass chain: 183Yb (2012Ku26) and 183Pb (2006An11, 2006Se18, 2007De09, 2009Se13) have been observed; our knowledge of high–spin states has been significantly expanded for 183Ta (2009Sh17), 183W (1999Sa60), 183Re (1998Ha51, 2001Sh41), 183Au (2002Jo18, 2005So01) and 183Tl (2001Mu26, 2004Ra28); a large amount of new structure information for 183W has been obtained from transfer reactions (1997Pr02, 2011Bo09), (n,n'γ) (1993Pr09) and thermal neutron capture (1993Pr09, 1997Pr02, 2011Bo09, 2014Hu02), as well as from the two–photon cascade study by 2005Su29.
Relationship between "extension of refractoriness" and probability of successful defibrillation.

The "extension of refractoriness" hypothesis, which suggests that the shock halts fibrillation by extending the refractory period, has not been directly tested. Defibrillation (5 isolated rabbit he...
Evaluation of age of dam effects on maternal performance of multilactation daughters from high- and low-milk EPD sires at three locations in the southern United States.

Angus bulls (n = 16) selected for either high- or low-milk EPD but similar growth EPD were mated within location at random to Angus cows. Daughters were bred to calve at 2 yr of age and annually until 6 yr of age. Milk yield was measured four times during lactation with a portable milking machine to estimate 12-h milk yield. Milk was collected for analysis of the percentage of fat and protein. A mixed model procedure was used to analyze the weaning weight, milk yield, and milk component data. The model for weaning weight included location, genetic line of sire, gender of calf, and age of dam. Calf age at weaning was used as a covariate. The model for the milk yield and components included location, genetic line of sire, gender of calf, period, and age of dam. Random effects for all models included sire of dam nested within line, sire of calf, and year. Genetic line was a significant source of variation for milk yield (P < 0.01) and weaning weight (P < 0.01) but not for percentage of fat or protein. Location was significant for milk yield (P < 0. 01), fat (P < 0. 01), protein (P < 0.01), and weaning weight (P < 0.01). The interaction of line with location was not significant except for percentage of protein (P < 0.01). Age of dam was significant for milk yield (P < 0.01), weaning weight (P < 0.01), and percentage of protein (P < 0.01), but not for percentage of fat (P = 0.29). Line difference for mean weaning weight was 18.1 kg, which is similar to the difference between lines for milk EPD (19 kg). Weaning weights from high-milk EPD line daughters were heavier (P < 0.01) than low-milk EPD line daughters at each age of dam evaluated. Cows nursed by males had higher milk yields (4.33 kg/12 h) than cows nursed by heifers (4.0 kg/12 h). The difference in yields for gender was significant for 2-, 3-, and 5-yr-old cows, but not for 4-(P < 0.052) and 6-yr old (P < 0.15) cows. Correlation coefficients between weaning weight and weaning EPD, milk EPD, and total maternal EPD were greater than zero (P < 0.01) (0.76, 0.65, and 0.89, respectively). Daughters of sires with high-milk EPD produced more milk at each age and weaned heavier calves than daughters of sires with low-milk EPD. These results confirm the value of milk EPD for improvement of weaning weights in beef cattle and also validate age of dam effects on milk yield and the associated effects on weaning weights.
Who is a public health nutritionist

Public health nutritionists have the unique role of assuming leadership in defining the nutritional needs of the community, mobilizing resources, and planning and coordinating programs to meet these needs. They are practitioners or providers of care in the field of nutrition. The authors consider the ramifications of these statements in light of a report on “Nutrition Personnel in Public Health/’ (I).
Distributed sensor swarms for monitoring bird behavior: an integrated system using wildlife acoustics recorders

Birds are frequently vocal. Monitoring their songs and calls has provided much useful information about their ecology and behavior. Recording bird songs and locations can be resource intensive, frequently requiring two or more observers, causing considerable disturbance and possible only for short times. Passive arrays of acoustic sensors offer the possibility of greatly increasing our ability to monitor bird activity. The desirability of such arrays is obvious: they are less intrusive, can monitor continuously over long periods, permit collaboration which enables better localization, provide fault tolerance, and facilitate sharing to optimize scarce resources. That the interest has been increasing so much lately is in large part, because we are now at the point, where the promise of such arrays is realizable with current or reasonably anticipated technologies. Controlling collaborative arrays can be difficult. Engineered solutions are sometimes available, but they are often brittle and appropriate only for ideal environments. We would like our systems to be: robust, in that they can handle changing environments or agents and are untroubled by occasionally wrong or noisy messages; adaptive in that they can learn to deal with unanticipated source or events, form new concepts, and communicate in languages that are specialized for particular agents; and finally, they should be self-configuring, to deal with changing situations and goals. After reviewing research employing sensor arrays by others to monitor bird behavior, we will describe research in our laboratory. Our focus will be on the construction of such systems, especially how such arrays can extract information from the environment and communicate to arrive at a collective understanding of their region and events occurring there.
Insulin Signaling Regulates the FoxM1/PLK1/CENP-A Pathway to Promote Adaptive Pancreatic β Cell Proliferation.

Investigation of cell-cycle kinetics in mammalian pancreatic β cells has mostly focused on transition from the quiescent (G0) to G1 phase. Here, we report that centromere protein A (CENP-A), which is required for chromosome segregation during the M-phase, is necessary for adaptive β cell proliferation. Receptor-mediated insulin signaling promotes DNA-binding activity of FoxM1 to regulate expression of CENP-A and polo-like kinase-1 (PLK1) by modulating cyclin-dependent kinase-1/2. CENP-A deposition at the centromere is augmented by PLK1 to promote mitosis, while knocking down CENP-A limits β cell proliferation and survival. CENP-A deficiency in β cells leads to impaired adaptive proliferation in response to pregnancy, acute and chronic insulin resistance, and aging in mice. Insulin-stimulated CENP-A/PLK1 protein expression is blunted in islets from patients with type 2 diabetes. These data implicate the insulin-FoxM1/PLK1/CENP-A pathway-regulated mitotic cell-cycle progression as an essential component in the β cell adaptation to delay and/or prevent progression to diabetes.
Urge Incontinence: Updates in Non-pharmacologic Treatments

The aim of this manuscript is to provide an overview of the recent literature on non-pharmacologic therapies for urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), specifically focusing on treatments for adult women who suffer from UUI in the setting of idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). This review describes recent studies examining the efficacy of biofeedback-assisted pelvic muscle therapy, the effect of bariatric surgery on urinary incontinence, alternative approaches for tibial and transcutaneous nerve stimulation, sacral neuromodulation as compared to botulinum toxin type A, and 5-year outcomes of sacral neuromodulation therapy. The evidence supporting acupuncture as an alternative treatment is examined, and experimental therapies including electromagnetic nerve stimulation and fractional vaginal CO2 laser therapy are reviewed. Emerging areas for UUI research including the urinary microbiome, urinary biomarkers, and considerations in refining future treatment guidelines are discussed. UUI is a complex disorder that can be improved by a wide variety of therapies. Non-pharmacologic therapies are effective and widely utilized treatment options for those suffering from UUI. As we continue to learn more about this burdensome condition, less invasive and more effective therapies will hopefully become more easily available with lower cost of care.
Changes in the World Health Organization 2016 classification of myeloid neoplasms everyone should know.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review highlights the main changes in the revised 2016 WHO classification of myeloid neoplasms (published in 2017) that impact diagnosis and ultimately impact management of patients with these diseases. RECENT FINDINGS The revision was based on data accumulated since the 2008 WHO classification, much of which relate to new molecular genetic information about these neoplasms. This massive recent influx of data concerning the significance of pathogenic mutations has affected all myeloid neoplasm categories. The new information has been incorporated as part of the diagnostic criteria of many diseases and has led to the creation of new provisional entities defined by genetic features. Germline mutations that predispose to myeloid neoplasms are also emerging as important findings that impact disease classification. SUMMARY The growing body of genetic data have not only altered the classification of myeloid neoplasms, but are also impacting patient management. Genetically-defined disease categories have characteristic prognoses and predicted clinical behavior. Some mutations are associated with responsiveness to certain therapies, including those that target relevant oncogenes. The disease categories in the new classification facilitate the application of risk-adapted therapy based on the most recently available data.
The negative effect of perioperative red blood cell transfusion on morbidity and mortality after major abdominal operations

Abstract Background This study aims to test associations between perioperative blood transfusion and postoperative morbidity and mortality after major abdominal operations. Methods The 2014 ACS NSQIP dataset was queried for all patients who underwent one of the ten major abdominal operations. Separate multivariable regression models, were developed to evaluate the independent effects of perioperative blood transfusion on morbidity and mortality. Results Of 48,854 patients in the study cohort, 4887 (10%) received a blood transfusion. Rates of transfusion ranged from 4% for laparoscopic gastrointestinal resection to 58% for open AAA. After adjusting for significant effects of NSQIP-estimated probabilities, transfusion was independently associated with morbidity and mortality after open AAA repair (OR = 1.99/14.4 respectively, p ≤ 0.010), esophagectomy (OR = 2.80/3.0, p Conclusions Perioperative blood transfusion is independently associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality after most major abdominal operations.
Visual Tracking of Six-Axis Motion Rendering Ultraprecise Visual Servoing of Microscopic Objects

This paper presents visual tracking of six-axis motion that renders ultraprecise visual servoing of microscopic objects. The principle of three-axis out-of-plane motion tracking is based on three-degree-of-freedom laterally sampled white light interferometry and real-time unbiased nonlinear parameter estimation of orientation-dependent interference fringes. A continuously shifting model of the warped shadow projection image of the object is derived and employed to achieve unbiased real-time image registration for three-axis in-plane motion tracking. Processing of images and parameter estimation are synchronized with real-time image acquisition to realize six-axis motion tracking. The ability of the proposed approach to eliminate measurement bias associated with previous approaches is validated through computer simulations. The visual motion tracking system is integrated with a six-axis compliant piezo stage to establish a six-axis visual servo control system. Experimental results are presented and used to examine positioning resolution and to demonstrate superior precision achieved for long-range motion tracking.
Evaluating Summary Measures of Heterogeneous Political Discussion: The Critical Roles of Excluded Cases and Discussion with People Holding Extreme Views

ABSTRACTSummary network heterogeneity measures are frequently used and often-cited in work on interpersonal political disagreement, but their properties are not well documented and they produce ano...
Active Site of Ribonuclease A

Ribonuclease A (RNase A; Ee 3.1.27.5) was perhaps the most studied enzyme of the 20th century and is the best characterized ribonuclease. The #x201C;A.#x201D; in its name refers not to its substrate specificity, but to the predominant form of the enzyme produced by the bovine pancreas. RNase A is unmodified, whereas RNase B, RNase e, and RNase D are mixtures of glycoforms. Because of its availability in large quantity and high purity, RNase A has been the object of landmark work in protein chemistry and enzymology (see Cuchillo et al. 1997; Raines 1998 and references therein). In addition, cytotoxic RNase A variants and homologues have demonstrated utility as chemotherapeutic agents (Leland and Raines 2001).
Supercapacitors from high fructose corn syrup-derived activated carbons

Abstract Hydrothermal processing and physical activation are used to prepare activated carbons from high fructose corn syrup. The activated carbons are present in spherical shape and possess a high surface area of 1473 m2 /g. Both the surface area and micropore fraction increase with the increase of the activation time. Using the prepared activated carbons as electrodes and 6 M KOH aqueous solution as electrolyte, supercapacitor cells of symmetrical type (two electrodes) are constructed. The electrochemical performance of the supercapacitor cells is investigated. The experimental results show the increase of the specific gravimetric capacitance with the increase of the total surface area, suggesting the importance of the activation time in controlling the porous characteristics of the activated carbons and the electrochemical characteristics of the supercapacitor cells made from the activated carbons. The largest specific capacitance and energy density achieved are 168 F/g at an electric current density of 0.2 A/g and 4.2 W h/kg at a power density of 1.5 kW/kg. The micropores play a dominant role in the energy storage of the supercapacitor cells made from the prepared activated carbons.
Acquired ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency in pediatric and adolescent patients with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) disrupts the metabolic pathway responsible for converting nitrogenous waste to urea, allowing for excretion. When impaired, ammonia levels accumulate in the blood resulting in severe, sometimes life-threatening toxicities. Abnormalities of the urea cycle are often inherited, though there are some rarer acquired forms. We describe two cases of acquired OTCD in pediatric patients with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC). We detail its presentation and management, explore potential underlying pathophysiology, and propose a practice change to optimize care of FL-HCC patients.
Degree Completion is an “All-In” Process!

ABSTRACTThere are national, state, and institutional efforts to increase the completion rates of students enrolled in higher education institutions across the United States. This manuscript describes how one community college developed a total institutional commitment approach that became very successful in terms of significant Associate Degree and Certificate completions over a five-year period. It provides a system that can be implemented by community colleges across the country.
Numerical ellipsometry: Use of parameter sensitivity to guide measurement selection for transparent anisotropic films

Abstract Ellipsometry is an optical technique for determining properties of laminar reflecting (or transmitting) structures from the measurement of light polarization state change resulting from the light-sample interaction. In all but the simplest of cases, the measurements must be followed by data processing in which the measured data is compared to an appropriate mathematical model of the sample derived from Maxwell's equations and measurement conditions. Thus a key common problem is determining how many and which measurements to make. A single measurement in standard ellipsometry consists of one complex data point and in generalized ellipsometry, three complex data points and therefore usually more than one measurement is required. Previously we have addressed these problems using Complex Analysis in the n-k plane for homogeneous isotropic films. One of the key findings was that certain angles and wavelengths are useful and others are not. The purpose of the work here is to extend that analysis to anisotropic films. These films have a greater number of unknowns and consequently may require more measurements. The central question remains, how many measurements are needed and which specific measurements will provide sufficiently independent equations considering the unknowns. It can be that additional measurements vary to such a small degree that they are not useful considering measurement error tolerance. The work to be presented will show how to identify useful measurements based upon the anticipated, non-depolarizing sample configuration. The approach avoids making unnecessary measurements which can actually reduce the solution accuracy.
Transistor noise in SiGe HBT RF technology

This brief presents experimental and modeling results of device noise in SiGe HBT RF technology. By careful bandgap engineering, a simultaneous reduction of RF noise, 1/f noise, and phase noise has been achieved. At a given I/sub B/, transistors with different base bandgap profiles show similar 1/f noise. At a given I/sub C/, however, transistors with a higher /spl beta/ (and hence lower RF noise) show lower 1/f noise. Circuit analysis and simulation shows that the phase noise is reduced as well.
Anisotropic freeze-cast collagen scaffolds for tissue regeneration: How processing conditions affect structure and properties in the dry and fully hydrated states.

Abstract Few systematic structure–property-processing correlations for directionally freeze-cast biopolymer scaffolds are reported. Such correlations are critical to enable scaffold design with attractive structural and mechanical cues in vivo. This study focuses on freeze-cast collagen scaffolds with three different applied cooling rates (10, 1, and 0.1 °C/min) and two freezing directions (longitudinal and radial). A semi-automated approach for the structural characterization of fully hydrated scaffolds by confocal microscopy is developed to facilitate an objective quantification and comparison of structural features. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy and compression testing are performed longitudinally and transversely. Structural and mechanical properties are determined on dry and fully hydrated scaffolds. Longitudinally frozen scaffolds have aligned and regular pores while those in radially frozen ones exhibit greater variations in pore geometry and alignment. Lamellar spacing, pore area, and cell wall thickness increase with decreasing cooling rate: in longitudinally frozen scaffolds from 25 µm to 83.5 µm, from 814 µm2 to 8452 µm2, and from 4.21 µm to 10.4 µm, and in radially frozen ones, from 69 µm to 116 µm, from 7679 µm2 to 25,670 µm2, and from 6.18 µm to 13.6 µm, respectively. Both longitudinally and radially frozen scaffolds possess higher mechanical property values, when loaded parallel rather than perpendicular to the ice-crystal growth direction. Modulus and yield strength range from 779 kPa to 4700 kPa and from 38 kPa to 137 kPa, respectively, as a function of cooling rate and freezing direction. Collated, the correlations obtained in this study enable the custom-design of freeze-cast collagen scaffolds, which are ideally suited for a large variety of tissue regeneration applications.
Racionalismo y fe: la filosofía chilena en la época de Andrés Bello

This article places the development of Chilean philosophy during the nineteenth century in a national intellectual and political context. It identifies the tension between rationalism and faith as the organizing principie that guides the development of the discipline in Chile during the period. It argues that, in many ways due to the influence of Andres Bello, Chilean philosophy managed to reconcile, not without conflict, Catholic traditions with modern secular philosophical currents. The creation of the Universidad de Chile played a critical role in this process, and thus philosophy developed in a primarily academic direction, monitored strongly from the Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities. Emphasis is given in this article to the establishment of procedures for the teaching of the field in the national educational system.
Oscillations and Coupling in Interconnections of Two-Dimensional Brain Networks

Oscillations in the brain are one of the most ubiquitous and robust patterns of activity and correlate with various cognitive phenomena. In this work, we study the existence and properties of oscillations in simple mean-field models of brain activity with bounded linear-threshold rate dynamics. First, we obtain exact conditions for the existence of limit cycles in two-dimensional excitatory-inhibitory networks (E-I pairs). Building on this result, we study networks of multiple E-I pairs, provide exact conditions for the lack of stable equilibria, and numerically show that this is a tight proxy for the existence of oscillatory behavior. Finally, we study cross-frequency coupling between pairs of oscillators each consisting of an E-I pair. We find that while both phase-phase coupling (synchronization) and phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) monotonically increase with inter-oscillator connection strength, there exists a tradeoff in increasing frequency mismatch between the oscillators as it de-synchronizes them while enhancing their PAC.
Successful Use of Ertapenem for the Treatment of Enterobacter cloacae Complex Infection of the Central Nervous System (CNS)

A 55-year-old female with a past medical history of cocaine use and hypertension was admitted for intracranial hemorrhage requiring right decompressive craniotomy with duraplasty. Due to persistent fevers, a head CT scan obtained on day 28 of hospitalization identified a low-density subgaleal fluid collection overlying the duraplasty. Aspiration of this collection was sent for culture which grew 2+ Enterobacter cloacae complex susceptible to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMX-TMP), gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and ertapenem. Based on these results, the patient was transitioned from empiric vancomycin and ceftazidime to SMX-TMP and metronidazole. Despite treatment with SMX-TMP and metronidazole, aspirated subgaleal collection cultures remained positive for E. cloacae. Intrathecal gentamicin was therefore added; however, repeat subgaleal culture collections remained persistently positive. Given the persistently positive subgaleal culture collections, the patient was transitioned from SMX-TMP and metronidazole to ertapenem. After transition to ertapenem, subgaleal cultures were sterilized and the patient's infection was resolved. This report suggests ertapenem may be a viable option for central nervous system infections; however, further study is needed.
Universal design law of equivalent systems for Nesterenko solitary waves transmission

Wave propagation behavior within 1D granular chain has been a much-studied topic in the past decades due to its novel physical wave phenomena. The initial motivation of the present study was prompted by how to construct a granular system with desired wave properties and particle motions. Here, we systematically report the methodology to construct equivalent systems (systems with identical output) using theoretical analysis, experiments and numerical simulation. We investigate the properties of Nesterenko solitary wave supported by one-dimensional granular chains and achieve an equivalent wave transmission among various materials and dimensions. The results of typical experiments and finite element analysis fully support the established theoretical predictions based on Hertz contact and long wavelength approximation theory, which yields a broad class of equivalent systems. Finally, an instructive mechanism map, containing various equivalent systems, is proposed to clarify the relationship between geometric parameters and material properties, providing insights into designing a desired nonlinear dynamic system and guidance for potential engineering applications.
Do Sexual Minorities Face Greater Risk for Sexual Harassment, Ever and at School, in Adolescence?: Findings From a 2019 Cross-Sectional Study of U.S. Adults

Bullying of sexual minorities in the United States is common and often begins in middle and high school, yet research that examines sexual harassment of sexual minorities is limited. This study examines whether sexual minorities are more likely than straight people to (a) report sexual harassment and (b) report sexual harassment as adolescents at middle or high school. We analyzed survey data from a cross-sectional study of sexual harassment and assault, conducted with nationally representative samples of adults in 2019 (N = 2,205). Sexual harassment was categorized as non-physically aggressive sexual harassment only (NPSH; e.g., verbal or cyber harassment), physically aggressive sexual harassment (PSH; e.g., stalking, rubbing up against you; with or without NPSH), sexual assault (SA; i.e., forced sex; with or without NPSH or PSH), or no sexual harassment (none). In total, 6% of female and male respondents identified as a sexual minority. A history of sexual harassment or assault was reported by 95.0% of sexual minority women and 80.3% of straight women (p = .001), and by 77.3% of sexual minority men and 41.3% of straight men (p = .001). Multivariable multinomial models demonstrate that sexual minorities were more likely than straight individuals to report NPSH (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 2.88, 95% [Confidence Interval] CI = [1.33, 6.20]), PSH (AOR = 4.15, 95% CI: [1.77, 9.77]), and SA (AOR = 5.48, 95% CI = [2.56, 11.73]; reference group: no harassment), as well as to report PSH (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI = [1.30, 5.47]) at school in middle or high school. These abuses demonstrate increased risk for sexual harassment among sexual minorities, including increased risk for physically aggressive sexual harassment when in middle and high school.