cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Maize Lines on Larval Fitness Costs of Cry1F Resistance in the European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Crops producing insecticidal toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are widely planted and enable management of key insect pests while reducing the use of conventional insecticides. However, the evolution of Bt resistance could diminish these benefits. Fitness costs of Bt resistance occur in the absence of Bt toxin when individuals with resistance alleles show a reduction in fitness relative to susceptible individuals, and they can delay the evolution of resistance. Ecological factors including host-plant variety can affect the magnitude of fitness costs, and consequently, the degree to which fitness costs delay resistance. In this study, we measured fitness costs of resistance to Bt toxin Cry1F in the European corn borer Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) using Cry1F-resistant and Cry1F-susceptible strains sharing a similar genetic background. Fitness costs were tested on three lines of maize, Zea mays L., by measuring larval survival and development in two greenhouse experiments with plants in either the vegetative or reproductive stage. Both experiments showed that maize line significantly affected larval survival and developmental rate. However, larval survival, mass, and developmental rate did not differ between the Cry1F-resistant and susceptible strains, indicating a lack of fitness costs of resistance to Cry1F for the larval fitness components measured in this experiment. Future experiments should test for fitness costs of Cry1F resistance affecting survival to adulthood and adult life-history parameters.
Mobile Banking Adoption by Under-Banked Communities in the United States: Adapting Mobile Banking Features from Low-Income Countries

This research in progress paper adapts a theoretical framework from Internet Banking domain and test it in a new domain, conducts empirical study to test the theoretical framework in the US, and identifies common mobile banking features in low-income countries and tests their adaption in the US. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is used to test student behavior in Mobile Banking use. We test eight constructs that were found to affect Internet Banking use and adapt it to mobile banking use. The constructs include perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived enjoyment, mobile network quality, security and privacy, trust, awareness, and regulation and compliance. The study is under progress.
Near-optimal algorithms for unique games

Unique games are constraint satisfaction problems that can be viewed as a generalization of Max-Cut to a larger domain size. The Unique Games Conjecture states that it is hard to distinguish between instances of unique games where almost all constraints are satisfiable and those where almost none are satisfiable. It has been shown to imply a number of inapproximability results for fundamental problems that seem difficult to obtain by more standard complexity assumptions. Thus, proving or refuting this conjecture is an important goal. We present significantly improved approximation algorithms for unique games. For instances with domain size k where the optimal solution satisfies 1-e fraction of all constraints, our algorithms satisfy roughly k-e/(2-e) and 1- O(√elog k) fraction of all constraints. Our algorithms are based on rounding a natural semidefinite programming relaxation for the problem and their performance almost matches the integrality gap of this relaxation. Our results are near optimal if the Unique Games Conjecture is true, i.e. any improvement (beyond low order terms) would refute the conjecture.
Maternal caffeine consumption and risk of neural tube defects.

BACKGROUND: Animal studies demonstrate teratogenic effects of caffeine, whereas human studies are inconclusive. METHODS: Associations between maternal caffeine consumption and neural tube defects (NTDs) by type of NTD (anencephaly, spina bifida, or encephalocele) were examined using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS). Total average daily caffeine from coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate consumption during the year before pregnancy was estimated for 768 mothers of infants with NTDs and 4143 mothers of infants without birth defects who gave birth during 1997 through 2002. Periconceptional use of caffeine-containing medications was evaluated separately. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) associated with consumption of total caffeine and each caffeine source were estimated from logistic regression models. RESULTS: Positive associations were observed between spina bifida and total caffeine consumption (OR 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1–1.9) and each caffeine source except caffeinated tea, which showed a negative association with spina bifida (OR 0.7; 95% CI: 0.6–0.9). Associations with modestly increased risk of NTDs and encephalocele were also observed. The association between caffeine consumption and anencephaly differed by maternal race/ethnicity. No dose effects were found. CONCLUSIONS: Additional studies should confirm whether women who consume caffeine are at increased risk for pregnancies complicated by NTDs. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Tunable Release of Multiplex Biochemicals by Plasmonically Active Rotary Nanomotors

It is highly desirable to precisely tune the molecule release rate from the surfaces of nanoparticles (NPs) that are relevant to cancer therapy and single-cell biology. An innovative mechanism is reported to actively tune the biochemical release rate by rotation of NPs. Plasmonic nanomotors were assembled from NPs and applied in multiplex biochemical release and detection. Both single and multiplex biosignals can be released in a tunable fashion by controlling the rotation speed of the nanomotors. The chemistry and release rate of individual chemicals can be revealed by Raman spectroscopy. The fundamental mechanism was modeled quantitatively and attributed to the fluidic boundary-layer reduction owing to the liquid convection. This work, which explored the synergistic attributes of surface enhanced Raman scattering and nanoelectromechanical systems, could inspire new sensors that are potentially interesting for various bio-applications.
Verbal Inflectional Morphology in L1 and L2 Spanish: A Frequency Effects Study Examining Storage Versus Composition

This study examines the storage vs. composition of Spanish inflected verbal forms in L1 and L2 speakers of Spanish. L2 participants were selected to have mid-to-advanced proficiency, high classroom experience, and low immersion experience, typical of medium-to-advanced foreign language learners. Participants were shown the infinitival forms of verbs from either Class I (the default class, which takes new verbs) or Classes II and III (non-default classes), and were asked to produce either first-person singular present-tense or imperfect forms, in separate tasks. In the present tense, the L1 speakers showed inflected-form frequency effects (i.e., higher frequency forms were produced faster, which is taken as a reflection of storage) for stem-changing (irregular) verb-forms from both Class I (e.g., pensar-pienso) and Classes II and III (e.g., perder-pierdo), as well as for non-stem-changing (regular) forms in Classes II/III (e.g., vender-vendo), in which the regular transformation does not appear to constitute a default. In contrast, Class I regulars (e.g., pescar-pesco), whose non-stem-changing transformation constitutes a default (e.g., it is applied to new verbs), showed no frequency effects. L2 speakers showed frequency effects for all four conditions (Classes I and II/III, regulars and irregulars). In the imperfect tense, the L1 speakers showed frequency effects for Class II/III (-ia-suffixed) but not Class I (-aba-suffixed) forms, even though both involve non-stem-change (regular) default transformations. The L2 speakers showed frequency effects for both types of forms. The pattern of results was not explained by a wide range of potentially confounding experimental and statistical factors, and does not appear to be compatible with single-mechanism models, which argue that all linguistic forms are learned and processed in associative memory. The findings are consistent with a dual-system view in which both verb class and regularity influence the storage vs. composition of inflected forms. Specifically, the data suggest that in L1, inflected verbal forms are stored (as evidenced by frequency effects) unless they are both from Class I and undergo non-stem-changing default transformations. In contrast the findings suggest that at least these L2 participants may store all inflected verb-forms. Taken together, the results support dual-system models of L1 and L2 processing in which, at least at mid-to-advanced L2 proficiency and lower levels of immersion experience, the processing of rule-governed forms may depend not on L1 combinatorial processes, but instead on memorized representations.
Basic Training in the Neuropsychological Care of Veterans

Throughout the history of Clinical Psychology, psychologists have served an important role as providers of mental health services to Veterans. Medical centers within the Veterans Affairs (VA) syste...
Virulence ofMetarhizium anisopliaeto Embryos of the Grass ShrimpPalaemonetes pugio

Abstract Experiments were performed in which developing embryos of the grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio, were exposed to conidiospores of the insect pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae. Responses were variable, with significant ( P ≤ 0.05) adverse effects observed in five of six experiments conducted. Dead embryos and larvae with visible growth of M. anisopliae were observed in all experiments. Growth of M. anisopliae was occasionally observed on embryos and larvae prior to death. Delayed hatch was also observed. In one of the initial experiments, an increase in N -acetyl-β- d -glucosaminidase, EC 3.2.1.30 (NAGase), activity accompanied by an increase in virulence toward shrimp embryos was observed. Additional experiments in which conidiospores were produced on homogenized caterpillars suggested a positive correlation between virulence of M. anisopliae to P. pugio embryos and activity of spore-associated NAGase. Under these laboratory conditions M. anisopliae was an invasive pathogen of grass shrimp embryos, and the growth substrates on which their spores develop can influence the severity of effects on these nontarget arthropods.
Developing scripts to teach social skills: can the crowd assist the author?

The social world that most of us navigate effortlessly can prove to be a perplexing and disconcerting place for individuals with autism. Currently there are no models to assist non-expert authors as they create customized social script-based instructional modules for a particular child. We describe an approach to using human computation to develop complex models of social scripts for a plethora of complex and interesting social scenarios, possible obstacles that may arise in those scenarios, and potential solutions to those obstacles. Human input is the natural way to build these models, and in so doing create valuable assistance for those trying to navigate the intricacies of a social life.
Tax Shelters and the Code: Navigating between Text and Intent

Tax shelters raise difficult problems of statutory interpretation. In her interesting article, Of Lenity, Chevron, and KPMG, Kristin Hickman explores one of them: the recent tendency of courts to apply the rule of lenity in civil cases, potentially leading to a narrow interpretation of the Code that would undermine efforts to collect the taxes that Congress intended to impose. In that article and in earlier work, she also discusses the importance of courts deferring to the IRS under the Chevron doctrine as a tool in collecting taxes. We agree both with Hickman's articulation and analysis of this problem. Here, we situate more broadly the status of tax shelters in the jurisprudence of statutory interpretation. Tax shelters typically involve carefully crafting transactions to make them fit within gaps or ambiguities in legislation. The goal is to thwart the intent of the legislature without violating the plain language of the statute. We show how tax shelters are a challenge to ordinary principles of statutory interpretation, whether or not lenity is expanded to make it even more difficult to combat them, and whether or not the judges interpreting the Code regard themselves as textualists in the tradition of Justice Scalia. We make a few suggestions as to how courts can use current doctrines of statutory interpretation, such as the ordinary meaning rule, to improve enforcement efforts.
What You Bring to the Courthouse: The Interaction between Racial Context and Jury Awards

Despite the hurdles required to overcome selection effects in analyzing trial results, scholars have studied the effect of judicial ideology and juror race on verdicts. But these variables have never been interacted. Using a two-part selection model and a new dataset of federal civil jury verdicts, this article finds selection effects driven by contingent-fee plaintiff’s attorneys, no effect on verdicts for judicial ideology, and a curvilinear effect of the size of the black population on verdicts.
Application of the maximum relative entropy method to the physics of ferromagnetic materials

Abstract It is known that the Maximum relative Entropy (MrE) method can be used to both update and approximate probability distributions functions in statistical inference problems. In this manuscript, we apply the MrE method to infer magnetic properties of ferromagnetic materials. In addition to comparing our approach to more traditional methodologies based upon the Ising model and Mean Field Theory, we also test the effectiveness of the MrE method on conventionally unexplored ferromagnetic materials with defects .
Effects of an external nasal dilator strip on differentiated ratings of perceived exertion.

17 college-age subjects performed two 20-min. runs at 65% of maximal oxygen consumption. Randomized trials were conducted with an external nasal dilator strip or without. Subjects were polled every 5 min. for over-all rating of perceived exertion, central rating of perceived exertion, and local rating of perceived exertion. The use of an external nasal dilator strip did not significantly lower any of the three.
Proteolytic sensitivity of the α subunit in luciferases ofPhotobacterium species

Bacterial luciferases isolated from strains of three species ofPhotobacterium (P. leiognathi, P. phosphoreum andP. fischeri) have been found to be considerably more sensitive to trypsin inactivation than luciferase fromBeneckea harveyi. P. leiognathi luciferase has a pseudo-first-order rate constant of inactivation of 0.14 min−1 when exposed to 1 μg/ml (42 nM) trypsin. As judged by sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis of the products of proteolysis, only the α subunit of the αβ heterodimeric luciferases ofPhotobacterium species was attacked by trypsin. After treatment of these enzymes with trypsin, the β subunit of eachPhotobacterium species retained its ability to reform active luciferase when renatured with native complementary α subunit.
Spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea: prevalence of multiple simultaneous skull base defects.

BackgroundSpontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are caused by intracranial hypertension. Given this underlying etiology, patients may be at risk for developing multiple skull base defects.Obj...
Interrelationship of Hypera postica (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Bathyplectes curculionis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) in the Eastern United States with Particular Reference to Encapsulation of the Parasite Eggs by the Weevil Larvae

In the Eastern United States, larvae of the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), encapsulate eggs of the ichneumonid Bathyplectes curculionis (Thomson). Therefore, a high percentage of weevil larvae are immune to the parasite. Under laboratory conditions, encapsulation was observed in all larval instars parasitized but was more pronounced in second through fourth instars containing single parasite eggs. However, in superparasitized larvae, immunity usually broke down because of the inability of host larvae to encapsulate supernumerary eggs. The degree of immunity under field conditions was apparently related to the density of both host and parasite and to their seasonal development. Encapsulation in the H. postica – B. curculionis relationship in the East, therefore, appears to reduce the effectiveness of the parasite as a biological control agent. The host-parasite relationship in California differs, since there encapsulation occurs rarely. The eastern H. postica may be a different biological strain from that in the West.
Activity, Feeding, and Development Among Larvae of Specialist and Generalist Phytoseiid Mite Species (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Feeding, development, activity, and other behaviors were assessed among larvae of 13 representative specialist and generalist phytoseiid mite species. Larval feeding types were not associated with degree of specialization. Obligatory-, facultative-, and nonfeeding larvae occurred in highly selective predators as well as in polyphages. Larvae of Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, P. macropilis (Banks), Kampimodromus aberrans Oudemans, Neoseiulus longispinosus (Evans), N. cucumeris (Oudemans), N. barkeri Hughes, and Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten are nonfeeders; larvae of N. fallacis (Garman), N. californicus (McGregor), and Amblyseius andersoni Chant are facultative feeders; and larvae of Galendromus occidentalis (Nesbitt), Euseius finlandicus (Oudemans), and E. hibisci (Chant) are obligatory feeders. Nonfeeding P. persimilis, P. macropilis, and K. aberrans larvae developed fastest. Obligatory-feeding E. finlandicus and E. hibisci larvae developed slowest. With food, larvae of most species rested after some initial activity, whereas obligatory-feeding larvae of both Euseius species frequently moved throughout the stage. Without food, obligatory-feeding larvae and facultative-feeding N. fallacis larvae were most active. Regardless of larval feeding type, larvae without food walked more and developed slower than those with food. Jerking was defined as an avoidance response and was most frequent in N. fallacis larvae but absent in larvae of K. aberrans and N. barkeri and obligatory-feeding larvae. Profiles of larval traits are provided for each species. Factors leading to specific larval life histories and taxonomic associations of larval feeding types are discussed.
Presence of two glutamic-oxalacetic transaminases in serum of dogs following acute injury of the liver.

SummarySerums of dogs poisoned with carbon tetrachloride exhibited high activities of GOT I and GOT II with maxima 48 hours after administration of the toxic agent. At no time, however, did GOT II contribute to total activity more than 16%. In control serums the presence of GOT II could not be established with certainty. Disappearance rates of intravenously administered purified preparations of transaminase also were studied in dogs. Activity of GOT II decreased very much faster than that of GOT I. This difference may explain the uneven distribution of the 2 serum transaminases in carbon tetrachloride poisoning.
Beyond Error Patterns: A Sociocultural View of Fraction Comparison Errors in Students With Mathematical Learning Disabilities

Although many students struggle with fractions, students with mathematical learning disabilities (MLDs) experience pervasive difficulties because of neurological differences in how they process numerical information. These students make errors that are qualitatively different than their typically achieving and low-achieving peers. This study builds upon a quantitative study of fraction comparison errors and a qualitative study of students’ understandings to explore why students with MLDs make errors on the easiest fraction comparison problems. A detailed analysis of videotaped individual tutoring sessions with two adult students with MLDs revealed that both students understood mathematical representations in atypical ways, which may help explain the unique and persistent error patterns identified in students with MLDs. This study illustrates how building upon both quantitative and qualitative studies can provide a more nuanced understanding of student errors, which in turn can directly connect to implicat...
Abstract A70: Mast cells in prostate cancer race disparities: Are the minutemen of the microenvironment the key?

The goal of the current study is to establish the mechanism by which mast cells may serve as a prognostic factor in and possibly explain the racial disparity associated with prostate cancer. There is increasing evidence for a strong association between chronic inflammation and prostate cancer, and the role of mast cells in prostate cancer are of particular interest as they have been suggested to influence cancer progression and immune modulation. It is well established that prostate cancer presents with significant racial disparities, with African American (AA) men being 65% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than Caucasian American (CA) men and more than two times as likely to die as a result of prostate cancer. In addition, studies have shown AA men to be significantly more likely to present with inflammation in prostate biopsy samples negative for prostate cancer, while microarray data has suggested that inflammatory pathways are highly represented in the differentially expressed mRNA in the tumors of AA vs CA men. Complicating these results, it is probable that inflammatory cells play varied and multiple roles in different regions and grades within the same cancer. With this in mind, we are currently using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in-situ hybridization techniques to directly visualize and localize mast cells in the prostate microenvironment. These studies are aided by novel digital image analysis using a software framework integrating whole slide imaging, virtual microscopy, and ImageJ based analysis algorithms. Our preliminary results in a 10 case tissue microarray (TMA) are consistent with other reports in the literature indicating that there are higher mast cell densities in better differentiated cancers; however, we are examining this further in a larger full slide cohort in relation to Gleason grade and stage. We are currently utilizing this image analysis technology on a TMA cohort designed to explore differences in mast cell density in AA vs CA men. Furthermore, we aim to examine differences in mast cell subtypes between benign and malignant regions of the prostate and between AA and CA men. Our goal is to establish the mechanism by which mast cells may serve as a prognostic factor in prostate cancer and may help to explain prostate cancer racial disparities. Citation Format: Heidi A. Hempel, Ibrahim Kulac, Nathan S. Cuka, Toby C. Cornish, Angelo M. De Marzo, Karen S. Sfanos. Mast cells in prostate cancer race disparities: Are the minutemen of the microenvironment the key? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A70.
Increasing Number of Drip Irrigation Lines for Water Conservation during Strawberry Establishment

ABSTRACTStrawberry transplants in California are planted through narrow holes in raised beds covered with polyethylene mulch. They are irrigated with overhead sprinklers for the first five weeks to leach salts and maintain plant turgidity; most of this sprinkler-applied water runs off the plastic without reaching the plants. At three coastal locations, we compared grower controlled drip irrigation with doubled number of tapes to sprinkler irrigation immediately after planting. Root zone EC and moisture levels were similar in both irrigation systems. Depending on the location, water use was reduced 24 to 78% in drip-only plots compared to sprinkler and runoff was nearly eliminated. Plants in drip-only plots were similar in size and root biomass to those established with sprinkler irrigation. Early yields were similar in the two irrigation systems. Thus, use of the increased number of drip tapes conserves water during strawberry establishment without negative effects on plant performance.
Sudden Cardiac Death Risk Stratification in Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Climbing the Pyramid of Knowledge

Nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) is the second leading cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the United States. As with coronary artery disease, large-scale clinical trials evaluating implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy based on noninvasive risk markers have focused largely on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).1,2 These studies demonstrate that ICD use in selected patients with NIDCM and depressed LVEF is associated with improved survival.3 The broader question is whether ICD use based on LVEF (and New York Heart Association class) as currently listed in the guidelines represents optimal deployment of this valuable but costly resource. As with ischemic cardiomyopathy, this question is easily answered by the observations that many SCD cases occur in patients whose LVEF is not within the guideline criteria for ICD implantation and that the majority of patients whose LVEF does fall within the guideline criteria do not experience appropriate shocks from their ICD. Although ICD shocks may overestimate the benefit of ICDs to reduce SCD, ICD shocks were reported in only 33 of 229 patients in Defibrillators in Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Treatment Evaluation (DEFINITE).4 This underscores the need for improved risk stratification to better deploy ICD use for SCD prevention. In addition to providing improved clinical outcomes, better ICD deployment via improved risk stratification could dramatically enhance the cost-effectiveness of this treatment. However, the question of how to achieve improved risk stratification endures. Article see p 1101 Pezawas et al5 report on the predictive value of LVEF, heart rate variability, baroreflex sensitivity, signal averaged ECG, and microvolt T wave alternans in patients with NIDCM. Although this is a fairly small study, important strengths are the inclusion of patients with a broad array of LVEFs, repeat testing at 3 years, and the long duration of follow-up (median, 7 years). Sixty percent …
Initiated chemical vapor deposition polymers for high peak-power laser targets

Abstract We report two examples of initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) polymers being developed for use in laser targets for high peak-power laser systems. First, we show that iCVD poly(divinylbenzene) is more photo-oxidatively stable than the plasma polymers currently used in laser targets. Thick layers (10–12 μm) of this highly crosslinked polymer can be deposited with near-zero intrinsic film stress. Second, we show that iCVD epoxy polymers can be crosslinked after deposition to form thin adhesive layers for assembling precision laser targets. The bondlines can be made as thin as ~ 1 μm, approximately a factor of 2 thinner than achievable using viscous resin-based adhesives. These bonds can withstand downstream coining and stamping processes.
The use of systems analysis tools in knowledge engineering

'Expert systems' is an application which is still in its infancy. The process of building expert systems is known as 'knowledge engineering'. To improve the knowledge engineering approach, many lessons could be learned from the systems analysis/software engineering field. Knowledge engineers could borrow some of the successful techniques used in software engineering to solidify and enhance the expert system building process. This paper addresses these areas where software engineering practices could greatly aid expert system development.
Designing a community aware virtual learning infrastructure for STEM

In seeking solutions to the engagement of STEM learners, the research community has offered approaches on both the learning technology and STEM pedagogy fronts. These approaches are predominantly being developed in parallel with negligible empirical studies as to the integration of applied learning theory and delivery technology. To compound this challenge there exists the critical component of developing diversity within the STEM workforce inclusive of underrepresented groups. This paper proposes a set of prime concerns and a design science research methodology grounding for a cloud based infrastructure capable of supporting STEM intervention strategies.
School-Based Health Education in Yucatan, Mexico about the Chikungunya virus and Mosquito Illness Prevention

The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has been rapidly spreading throughout Latin America, utilizing pre-existing vectors to infiltrate the immunologically naive populations. With the current rise of the Zika Virus, there is an urgent need for more rigorous vector control efforts to prevent further Zika breakout. We designed a schoolbased education module on CHIKV and mosquito prevention and presented it to the local students of ages of 6-18 in a rural town called Sudzal in Yucatan, Mexico. We distributed questionnaires before and after education to test the students’ knowledge of CHIKV and mosquito prevention. Chisquared test was performed to determine the efficacy of the presentation in increasing their knowledge. The education presentation has proven to effectively educate the local residents in several critical methods of mosquito prevention, increasing the average test scores by 67% post-education. These include applying repellent, staying hydrated during recuperation, and cleaning indoor water containers to eliminate breeding sites (P<0.001). Furthermore, the questionnaire captured the residents’ behavioral patterns regarding CHIKV and mosquito prevention and identified cultural, ecological, and socioeconomic factors hindering effective implementation of vector control.
Solid-state synthesis of YAG powders through microwave coupling of oxide/carbon particulate mixtures

Abstract The rapid synthesis of yttrium aluminum garnet (Y 3 Al 15 O 12 , YAG) powder was investigated through the use of microwave irradiation of the oxide precursor system. For this investigation, an external hybrid heating source was not used. Instead, the rapid heating of the precursor materials (yttria and alumina powders, which are typically transparent to 2.45 GHz microwaves) was initiated by mixing an intrinsic absorbing material (carbon) into the original oxide precursors. The effect of the carbon characteristics, such as carbon source, concentration, particle size, and agglomerate microstructure were evaluated on the efficiency of coupling and resultant oxide reaction. The microwave power was varied to optimize the YAG conversion and eliminate intermediate phase formation. Interactions between the conductive carbon particles and the dielectric oxides within the microwave exposure produced local arching and micro-plasma formation within the powder bed, resulting in the rapid formation of the refractory YAG composition. This optimal conduction led to temperatures of 1000 °C that could be achieved in less than 5 min resulting in the formation of > 90 vol% YAG. The understanding of a conductor/dielectric particulate system in this work, provided insight into possible application of similar systems where microwave irradiation could be used for enhanced solid-state formation, local melting events, and gas phase reactions with a composite powder media.
Effects of social isolation on LPS-induced hippocampal amyloid-beta expression and cognitive dysfunction in C57BL6/J mice

The connection between inflammation and various disease states is strongly affirmed in the existing literature, along with the connection between stress and immune function. Of particular interest is the connection between psychological stress and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as clinical data have shown that stress is a risk factor for dementia-related dysfunction. Here we present data from a series of studies designed to examine the relationship between stress, inflammation, and amyloid-beta production. First we examined how two different durations of social isolation, acute (6 days) or chronic (28 days), influence the inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Results from this study provide evidence that both manipulations are capable of exaggerating the inflammatory response to LPS. Following this, we studied the effect of stress on inflammation-induced amyloid-beta production in a non-transgenic model using C57BL6/J mice. After completion of both stress protocols, animals were treated with either LPS or saline once per day for seven consecutive days. Cognition was assessed using the contextual fear conditioning paradigm, and hippocampal tissue was extracted for amyloid-beta protein level quantification. LPS-induced elevations in hippocampal amyloid-beta are sufficient to induce cognitive deficits in a contextual fear conditioning paradigm. Furthermore, preliminary results suggest that stress and immune function may interact to increase amyloid-beta production, the protein responsible for plaque formation in AD.
Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention for Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to test whether behavioral weight loss (BWL) intervention decreases headaches in women with comorbid migraine and overweight or obesity. METHODS This randomized, single-blind trial allocated women 18 to 50 years old with 4 to 20 migraine days per month and a BMI = 25.0-49.9 kg/m2 to 16 weeks of BWL (n = 54), which targeted exercise and eating behaviors for weight loss, or to migraine education control (ME, n = 56), which delivered didactic instruction on migraine and treatments. Participants completed a 4-week smartphone headache diary at baseline, posttreatment (16-20 wk), and follow-up (32-36 wk). The primary outcome was posttreatment change in migraine days per month, analyzed via linear mixed effects models. RESULTS Of 110 participants randomly assigned, 85 (78%) and 80 (73%) completed posttreatment and follow-up. Although the BWL group achieved greater weight loss (mean [95% CI] in kilograms) than the ME group at posttreatment (-3.8 [-2.5 to -5.0] vs. + 0.9 [-0.4 to 2.2], P < 0.001) and follow-up (-3.2 [-2.0 to -4.5] vs. + 1.1 [-0.2 to 2.4], P < 0.001), there were no significant group (BWL vs. ME) differences (mean [95% CI]) in migraine days per month at posttreatment (-3.0 [-2.0 to -4.0] vs. -4.0 [-2.9 to -5.0], P = 0.185) or follow-up (-3.8 [-2.7 to -4.8] vs. -4.4 [-3.4 to -5.5], P = 0.378). CONCLUSIONS Contrary to hypotheses, BWL and ME yielded similar, sustained reductions in migraine headaches. Future research should evaluate whether adding BWL to standard pharmacological and/or nonpharmacological migraine treatment approaches yields greater benefits.
Methods to reduce false reporting of substance abstinence in clinical research.

OBJECTIVES Substance use may influence study results in human subjects research. This study aims to report the concordance between self-report and biochemical assessments of substance use and test the effect of methods to reduce false reports of abstinence in trauma-exposed women participating in a research study. METHODS In this pilot study, substance use was assessed during telephone prescreening and via self-report and biochemical verification (i.e., urine toxicology and alcohol breathalyzer tests) at an in-person evaluation. Due to the high number of participants who tested positive for substances despite self-reporting abstinence during prescreening, study procedures were modified to disincentivize false self-reports of substance use two thirds of the way through recruitment. New potential participants were explicitly informed during prescreening and informed consent that a positive drug or alcohol test during screening would result in exclusion from the study and withholding of payment. RESULTS Prior to modifying study methods, 20% of participants who had reported abstinence during the telephone prescreen had a positive substance use test at the in-person visit. Modifying study procedures resulted in an 81% decrease in positive substance use assessments. CONCLUSIONS Adoption of this methodology may decrease inadvertent confounding of clinical research outcomes by undetected and/or misreported substance use.
Identification of drought responsive QTLs during vegetative growth stage of rice using a saturated GBS-based SNP linkage map

Drought is a major abiotic constraint for rice production worldwide. The quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for drought tolerance traits identified in earlier studies have large confidence intervals due to low density linkage maps. Further, these studies largely focused on the above ground traits. Therefore, this study aims to identify QTLs for root and shoot traits at the vegetative growth stage using a genotyping by sequencing (GBS) based saturated SNP linkage map. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population from a cross between Cocodrie and N-22 was evaluated for eight morphological traits under drought stress. Drought was imposed to plants grown in 75 cm long plastic pots at the vegetative growth stage. Using a saturated SNP linkage map, 14 additive QTLs were identified for root length, shoot length, fresh root mass, fresh shoot mass, number of tillers, dry root mass, dry shoot mass, and root-shoot ratio. Majority of the drought responsive QTLs were located on chromosome 1. The expression of QTLs varied under stress and irrigated condition. Shoot length QTLs qSL1.38 and qSL1.11 were congruent to dry shoot mass QTL qDSM1.38 and dry root mass QTL qDRM1.11, respectively. Analysis of genes present within QTL confidence intervals revealed many potential candidate genes such as laccase, Calvin cycle protein, serine threonine protein kinase, heat shock protein, and WRKY protein. Another important gene, Brevis radix, present in the root length QTL region, was known to modulate root growth through cell proliferation and elongation. The candidate genes and the QTL information will be helpful for marker-assisted pyramiding to improve drought tolerance in rice.
Objective coding of content and techniques in workplace-based supervision of an EBT in public mental health

Workplace-based clinical supervision as an implementation strategy to support evidence-based treatment (EBT) in public mental health has received limited research attention. A commonly provided infrastructure support, it may offer a relatively cost-neutral implementation strategy for organizations. However, research has not objectively examined workplace-based supervision of EBT and specifically how it might differ from EBT supervision provided in efficacy and effectiveness trials. Data come from a descriptive study of supervision in the context of a state-funded EBT implementation effort. Verbal interactions from audio recordings of 438 supervision sessions between 28 supervisors and 70 clinicians from 17 public mental health organizations (in 23 offices) were objectively coded for presence and intensity coverage of 29 supervision strategies (16 content and 13 technique items), duration, and temporal focus. Random effects mixed models estimated proportion of variance in content and techniques attributable to the supervisor and clinician levels. Interrater reliability among coders was excellent. EBT cases averaged 12.4 min of supervision per session. Intensity of coverage for EBT content varied, with some discussed frequently at medium or high intensity (exposure) and others infrequently discussed or discussed only at low intensity (behavior management; assigning/reviewing client homework). Other than fidelity assessment, supervision techniques common in treatment trials (e.g., reviewing actual practice, behavioral rehearsal) were used rarely or primarily at low intensity. In general, EBT content clustered more at the clinician level; different techniques clustered at either the clinician or supervisor level. Workplace-based clinical supervision may be a feasible implementation strategy for supporting EBT implementation, yet it differs from supervision in treatment trials. Time allotted per case is limited, compressing time for EBT coverage. Techniques that involve observation of clinician skills are rarely used. Workplace-based supervision content appears to be tailored to individual clinicians and driven to some degree by the individual supervisor. Our findings point to areas for intervention to enhance the potential of workplace-based supervision for implementation effectiveness. NCT01800266 , Clinical Trials, Retrospectively Registered (for this descriptive study; registration prior to any intervention [part of phase II RCT, this manuscript is only phase I descriptive results])
A design‐based approach to small area estimation using a semiparametric generalized linear mixed model

In small area estimation, non‐parametric models with penalized spline regression have been demonstrated to be a useful tool in creating granular area estimates to provide supplemental information where samples are few or non‐existent. This study further examines the ability of a semiparametric generalized linear mixed model to produce conforming estimates for multiple area levels. A mosaic analogy is used to describe this process. A design‐based jackknife method is employed for variance calculation.
Optical Scattering of Structured Light

Optical scattering of diffraction-free structured light beams was studied using a diffuser at the far field in a forward direction. Generated Speckle is determined by the phase difference in the structured light beams.
Theoretical Reflections on Wilhelm Reich’s Character Analysis

The ideas contained in Wilhelm Reich's Character Analysis, while very influential, have not been thoroughly exploited in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. These ideas, aimed particularly at producing genuine change rather than mere intellectual understanding, are reexamined. Further implications of them are discussed.
Age-related changes in gallbladder contractility and cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration in the guinea pig

Gallbladder (GB) motility diminishes with aging. This study was performed to characterize mechanisms that are involved in changes in GB contractility that occur during aging. Cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and the contractile force of guinea pig GB muscle strips were simultaneously measured using fura-2 and force-displacement transducers. The binding ability of the Ca2+ channel antagonist and GB muscle compliance were also examined. The COOH-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK-8) evoked a dose-dependent increase in force and [Ca2+]i. Changes of [Ca2+]i and contractile force of muscle strips in response to CCK-8 were significantly greater in young (2 mo old) compared with mature and aged (12 and 24 mo old) guinea pigs (changes in [Ca2+]i, ED50: 46.1 nM at 2 mo, 6.1 microM at 12 mo, and 2.8 mM at 24 mo; changes of contractile force, ED50: 24.8 microM at 2 mo, 2.1 mM at 12 mo, and 357 mM at 24 mo). However, the magnitude of the contraction at each percent change in [Ca2+]i was actually similar in young and aged guinea pigs. In a Ca(2+)-free buffer, the responses of [Ca2+]i and force to CCK-8 in both young and aged GB muscles decreased, but those were still dose and age dependent. Binding ability of the Ca2+ channel antagonist did not differ in the young and aged groups, but the compliance of the GB muscle strip decreased with aging. These results suggest that both a reduced mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ and a decreased muscle compliance are responsible, at least in part, for age-related reduced contraction of guinea pig GB in response to CCK.
Impassibility and Divine Love

Any plausible model of a personal God must present a compelling account of divine love for creation. Charles Hartshorne, Nicholas Wolterstorff, Clark Pinnock and other recent thinkers have claimed that the impassible model of God advocated by Thomism commits its adherents to a conception of an indifferent, uncaring deity. In contrast, these critics claim that a changing and passible portrayal of God better depicts a loving deity. This paper defends the Thomistic model of God from this charge and demonstrates the continuing attractiveness of the impassible model of God.
Kinship and Population Subdivision

The coefficient of kinship between two diploid organisms describes their overall genetic similarity to each other relative to some base population. For example, kinship between parent and offspring of 1/4 describes gene sharing in excess of random sharing in a random mating population. In a subdivided population the statistic F st describes gene sharing within subdivisions in the same way. Since F st among human populations on a world scale is reliably 10 to 15%, kinship between two individuals of the same human population is equivalent to kinship between grandparent and grandchild or between half siblings. The widespread assertion that this is small and insignificant should be reexamined.
Safety and Security Analysis of Control Chains in SCADA Using the NFR Approach

Abstract The objective of this research is to shed light on the applicability of the Non-Functional Requirements (NFR) Approach to the concept of control chains for the combined analysis of safety and security of SCADA systems and, more generally, to computer systems used in automation, including functional safety and security standards. The paper discusses the concept of control chains, presents an overview of the NFR Approach, and applies this approach to the safety and security analysis of control chains in a case study of the automatic control of the hydrocarbon tank pressure control system.
Stroke in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic device infection undergoing transvenous lead removal.

Background Stroke can be a devastating complication in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infection. Paradoxical septic embolism can occur in the presence of device leads and patent foramen ovale (PFO) via embolic dislodgment during transvenous lead removal (TLR). Objective The purpose of this study was to examine stroke and its associated factors in patients undergoing TLR for CIED infection. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing TLR for CIED infection from January 1, 2000, to July 30, 2017, from all 3 tertiary referral centers at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Phoenix, and Jacksonville). The primary outcome was stroke and was further categorized into preprocedural and postprocedural stroke. Associated risk factors were analyzed. Results A total of 774 patients (mean age 67.6 ± 14.9 years) underwent TLR for CIED infection. The stroke rate in this cohort was 1.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1%–3.2%). The preprocedural and postprocedural stroke rate was 0.9% (95% CI 0.4%–1.9%) and 1.0% (95% CI 0.4%–2.0%), respectively. PFOs were identified in 46.7% of patients with stroke and in 12.9% of patients without stroke, and were independently associated with stroke (P = .0002). This was especially in patients with right-sided vegetations with right-to-left shunting (odds ratio 6.4; 95% CI 1.3–31.0; P = .022). Conclusion In patients with CIED infection undergoing TLR, the presence of PFO, especially with right-sided vegetation with right-to-left shunting, was associated with an increased risk of stroke. This finding suggests that PFO screening before TLR warrants meticulous attention.