cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of heart fatty acid-binding protein as a rapid indicator for assessment of myocardial damage in pediatric cardiac surgery.

Abstract Objectives Perioperative myocardial damage is a major determinant of postoperative cardiac dysfunction for congenital heart disease. Heart fatty acid–binding protein is reported to be a rapid marker of perioperative myocardial damage that peaks earlier than creatine kinase isoenzyme MB or cardiac troponin T in adults. The objective of this study was to assess the suitability of using serum concentrations of heart fatty acid–binding protein for evaluation of perioperative myocardial damage in pediatric cardiac surgery. Methods After institutional review board approval and informed consent, 100 children undergoing open procedures for congenital heart disease were prospectively enrolled in the study. Mean age at operation was 4.9 ± 0.4 years. Serum concentrations of heart fatty acid–binding protein, creatine kinase isoenzyme MB, and cardiac troponin T were measured serially before operation and at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 6 hours after aortic declamping. Relationships between serum peak level of heart fatty acid–binding protein and intraoperative and postoperative clinical variables were evaluated. Results Serum heart fatty acid–binding protein reached its peak level at 1 hour after declamping in 95 patients (95%), which was significantly earlier ( P r = 0.91, P r = 0.77, P r = 0.80, P P P P P P Conclusions Heart fatty acid–binding protein is a rapid marker for assessment of myocardial damage and clinical outcome in pediatric cardiac surgery. In particular, serum heart fatty acid–binding protein level immediately after aortic declamping may be a potentially useful prognostic indicator of myocardial damage as well as clinical outcome in pediatric cardiac surgery.
Spontaneous aberrant right subclavian arterio-oesophageal fistula in a previously healthy child

An aberrant right subclavian artery arising from a left aortic arch is the most frequently described congenital aortic arch anomaly, occurring in 0.5 to 2.3% of the general population. Despite the retro-oesophageal course of the aberrant subclavian artery, an arterio-oesophageal fistula is an uncommon finding, only previously reported as a very rare complication in critically ill patients with oesophageal instrumentation or foreign body ingestion. We describe a unique case of a spontaneous aberrant right subclavian arterio-oesophageal fistula without an inciting event in a 17-month-child.
PHASE TRANSTIONS IN THE 3-DIMENSIONAL 16-VERTEX MODEL

A three-dimensional sixteen-vertex model on the diamond lattice describing proton ordering in KDP-type crystals is shown to exhibit both 1st- and 2nd-order phase transitions. The model's critical behavior was found, using analyses of series expansions and Monte Carlo simulations. When the transition is 2nd-order, critical exponents belong to the universality class of the three-dimensional Ising model.
Characterization of thin films, interfaces and surfaces by high-resolution electron microscopy

Abstract Recent applications of high-resolution electron microscopy in our laboratory to the characterization of thin films, interfaces and surfaces are described. The information typically available using this technique about thin films is illustrated by studies of multiple quantum wells, metallic superlattices, magnetic films and X-ray optical elements. The problems associated with imaging interfaces are discussed by reference to silicon/silicide interfaces and grain boundaries in metals. Finally, recent observations of semiconductor surface reconstructions and beam-induced reactions at oxide surfaces are briefly summarized.
Fisheye lens conoscopy

Conoscopy is the visualisation of the birefringence of materials using depolarisation of light passing through with a broad range of incident orientations. In recent years, conoscopy has become an important optical tool in the science of soft materials, such as liquid crystals and polymers, and is widely applied in materials engineering and development, for example in technologies ranging from display optics to plastic food packaging. This paper reports ‘fisheye lens conoscopy’, a fundamentally new and broadly applicable optical approach to conoscopy that is particularly appropriate for the study of soft materials. These capabilities are illustrated using a fisheye lens system to characterise birefringent and polarising polymer films and liquid crystal test cells. In addition to birefringence measurement, fisheye conoscopic determination of the emission characteristics of commercial light emitting devices such as liquid crystal displays and the transmission of topographically patterned light control films...
Deposited nanorod films for photonic crystal biosensor applications

Planar photonic crystals have been used as the basis of many biological sensing devices. Here, the authors successfully demonstrated that the combination of the photonic crystal structures and a dielectric nanorod coating prepared by the glancing-angle deposition technique can lead to significant increases in the device sensitivity. By incorporating a TiO2 nanorod coating onto the label-free photonic crystal biosensor structure, the surface area of the device is increased. The results for detection of polymer films and proteins indicate up to a 5.5 fold enhancement of detected adsorbed mass density.
CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND VIOLENT CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR*

Using a prospective cohorts design, official criminal histories for a large sample of substantiated and validated cases of physical and sexual abuse and neglect from the years 1967 through 1971 (n = 908) were compared with those of a matched control group (n = 667) of individuals with no official record of abuse or neglect. Abused and neglected subjects had higher rates of having an adult criminal record than controls and a larger number of arrests as an adult. Based on a logit analysis, a model using four explanatory variables (age, sex, race, and abuse/neglect status) provided a good fit. In comparison with controls, abused and neglected subjects also had a higher frequency of arrests for violent offenses as adults; however, this was due primarily to significantly more adult violent offenses by abused males. Support for the cycle of violence is discussed as well as sex differences in the results, limitations of the findings, and implications for further research.
Industrial Adaptation of the Time Dependent Failure Rate

The time dependence of the failure rate of electronic parts and equipments has been strongly evidenced by recent data. Information is cited which reveals that for many devices failure rate not only is time dependent but is an inverse time function, i.e., decreases as time increases. The possibility that this property is inherent in many other parts and systems is hypothesized. The electronics industry will be confronted with new and perplexing problems when the non-constant failure rate is treated with realism. Reliability estimations (predictions) in the proposal stages for example, will involve new concepts in failure rate numbers which are no longer "F", but "F(t)". It is anticipated that these functions will be unwieldy. Useful data will be scarce for some time to come. This industry must develop improved reliability estimating and testing techniques to realize the benefits of this more accurate mathematical function, F(t). An important added capability, that of part improvement through long burn-in, will accrue for parts that are characterized by decreasing failure rates. Customers, in requiring part and subsystem suppliers to prove failure rates by test, in accord with Darnell Report2and AGREE Report1philosophies, should insist that the time dependence of failure rate be established. Industry-wide and government coordinated efforts appear necessary if we are to achieve data that will enable us to take our long-buried heads out of the sand.
Online Ringing Characterization as a Diagnostic Technique for IGBTs in Power Drives

Embeddable features that are easily incorporated in traditional power drive systems are identified for prognostics and health management (PHM) systems. The proposed novel feature takes advantage of the original pulsewidth modulation (PWM) waveform produced by the inverter that is already available in the system as a succession of step functions to study the system's response at high frequencies. The high-order oscillatory responses (ringing) present in the voltages and currents of the system are a reflection of the interaction among the internal parametric components of the power devices, allowing device characterization. Evaluating the change over time of these parameters characterized from ringing becomes a key novel feature to assess the aging status of the power electronic circuit and electric machine with respect to transistor degradation. We propose the use of a low-cost bandpass analog filter centered at a high frequency, which is relevant as a feature input capable of aging tracking. The simplified model supporting ringing as a feature to evaluate component aging and its experimental evaluation are presented with experimental data, corroborating its viability as a practical real-time power device health-state indicator.
Anthropology of Religion: A Handbook

Anthropology of Religion:. Handbook. Stephen D. Glazier. ed. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1997. 542 pp.
LEARNING BY STATE RECURRENCE DETECTION

This research investigates a new technique for unsupervised learning of nonlinear control problems. The approach is applied both to Michie and Chambers BOXES algorithm and to Barto, Sutton and Anderson's extension, the ASE/ACE system, and has significantly improved the convergence rate of stochastically based learning automata. Recurrence learning is a new nonlinear reward-penalty algorithm. It exploits information found during learning trials to reinforce decisions resulting in the recurrence of nonfailing states. Recurrence learning applies positive reinforcement during the exploration of the search space, whereas in the BOXES or ASE algorithms, only negative weight reinforcement is applied, and then only on failure. Simulation results show that the added information from recurrence learning increases the learning rate. Our empirical results show that recurrence learning is faster than both basic failure driven learning and failure prediction methods. Although recurrence learning has only been tested in failure driven experiments, there are goal directed learning applications where detection of recurring oscillations may provide useful information that reduces the learning time by applying negative, instead of positive reinforcement. Detection of cycles provides a heuristic to improve the balance between evidence gathering and goal directed search.
Multiple Mechanisms Contribute to Schizosaccharomyces pombe Origin Recognition Complex-DNA Interactions

Eukaryotic DNA replication requires the assembly of multiprotein pre-replication complexes (pre-RCs) at chromosomal origins of DNA replication. Here we describe the interactions of highly purified Schizosaccharomyces pombe pre-RC components, SpORC, SpCdc18, and SpCdt1, with each other and with ars1 origin DNA. We show that SpORC binds DNA in at least two steps. The first step likely involves electrostatic interactions between the AT-hook motifs of SpOrc4 and AT tracts in ars1 DNA and results in the formation of a salt-sensitive complex. In the second step, the salt-sensitive complex is slowly converted to a salt-stable complex that involves additional interactions between SpORC and DNA. Binding of SpORC to ars1 DNA is facilitated by negative supercoiling and is accompanied by changes in DNA topology, suggesting that SpORC-DNA complexes contain underwound or negatively writhed DNA. Purified human origin recognition complex (ORC) induces similar topological changes in origin DNA, indicating that this property of ORC is conserved in eukaryotic evolution and plays an important role in ORC function. We also show that SpCdc18 and SpCdt1 form a binary complex that has greater affinity for DNA than either protein alone. In addition, both proteins contribute significantly to the stability of the initial SpORC-DNA complex and enhance the SpORC-dependent topology changes in origin DNA. Thus, the formation of stable protein-DNA complexes at S. pombe origins of replication involves binary interactions among all three proteins, as well as interactions of both SpORC and SpCdt1-SpCdc18 with origin DNA. These findings demonstrate that SpORC is not the sole determinant of origin recognition.
Peer assessment and evaluation in team‐based learning

This chapter discusses the merits of peer assessment and evaluation; the instructional guidelines, issues, and considerations for their use in the TBL classroom, and a brief description of peer assessment methods and information on how to access forms.
Matrix optimizations for quantum communications

In the simplest problems of quantum communication, Alice transmits one of two quantum states, with equal probabilities, to Bob's receiver, modeled by a positive-operator-valued measure (POVM); one seeks the POVM that is optimal according to one or another criterion. We discuss four such criteria, the first three of which lead to distinctive types of POVM. By introducing a reciprocal basis for the state vectors, we shorten the derivations of known results for the two most popular criteria. A new optimization problem defined by a third criterion, intermediate between the first two, is formulated and solved. Then we turn to a fourth criterion, that of minimizing Bob's Renyi entropy for an arbitrary order α. Depending on the value of α and the separation of Alice's states, the POVM that minimizes Bob's entropy can be any of the preceding three types.
Circular and branched circular concatenates as possible intermediates in bacteriophage T4 DNA replication

Abstract Escherichia coli cultures were infected with bacteriophage T4. [3H]thymidine was added at the time of infection to label newly-synthesized phage DNA. The infected cells were lysed and the phage chromosomes spread out on Millipore membranes for autoradiographic visualization. Circular forms varying in circumference from one to 21 times the length of a single mature phage chromosome were observed. Linear branches were often appended to these circles, and circles with one, two and four branches were observed. In some cases these branches were much longer than the circumference of the circle to which they were connected. Linear stretches of DNA several-fold longer than the mature phage chromosome were also common and these frequently had one or more branches. The various forms observed are discussed with respect to the rolling circle mechanism of DNA replication.
Timing Recovery in Conjunction With Maximum Likelihood Sequence Detection in the Presence of Intersymbol Interference

A decision-directed timing recovery scheme is discussed that maintains and updates a separate phase estimate path for each survivor data path in the maximum-likelihood (ML) sequence detection of intersymbol interference (ISI) channels. For each survivor path, the phase estimate is updated recursively using symbol-decisions implied in the path. Unlike in the existing per-survivor timing recovery approach, there exists a single global timing loop that operates on a single stream of delayed phase estimate samples released from the merged survivor path or an up-to-date best survivor path. Loop analysis, tracking behavior simulation and BER simulation validate the proposed approach.
Investigation of Diesel Nanoparticle Nucleation Mechanisms

Most of the nanoparticle number emissions from diesel engines are found in the nucleation mode (D p < ∼ 30nm). These nanoparticles are mainly formed by nucleation as diesel engine exhaust gas cools and dilutes in the atmosphere. Diesel nanoparticles have raised concerns because of their suspected human health effects. There are two main theories describing diesel nanoparticle nucleation: homogeneous nucleation, most likely binary of sulfuric acid and water, and ion-induced nucleation. In this study we assess the likelihood of the ionic mechanism. Previous studies have shown that diesel nucleation mode particles carry little or no electrical charge (Jung and Kittelson 2005). This could be due to the fact that those particles were never charged, or it could be due to the fact that they were neutralized quickly during dilution and sampling. In the first part of this study, we estimated the extent of neutralization of charged nuclei during the dilution process and found it too slow compared to the residence t...
Dietary (n-3) Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Modulate Murine Th1/Th2 Balance toward the Th2 Pole by Suppression of Th1 Development

We showed that dietary long-chain (n-3) PUFAs present in fish oil (FO) affect CD4(+) T cell proliferation and cytokine production in C57BL/6 mice. To test the hypothesis that the anti-inflammatory effect of dietary (n-3) PUFAs could be due to the indirect suppression of T helper (Th)1 cells by cross-regulation of enhanced Th2 activation, mice were fed a wash-out control diet [5% corn oil (CO), (n-6) PUFA] for 1 wk, followed by the control diet or a fish oil diet [1% CO + 4% FO, (n-3) PUFA] for 2 wk. Splenic CD4+ T cells were cultured under both neutral and Th2 polarizing conditions for 2 d. Cells were reactivated and analyzed for interleukin-4 and interferon-gamma by intracellular cytokine staining. Dietary fish oil significantly increased the percentage of Th2 polarized cells and suppressed Th1 cell frequency under neutral conditions. However, under Th2 polarizing conditions, although the suppression of Th1 cells was maintained in FO-fed mice, no effect was observed in Th2 cells. Dietary fish oil increased the Th2/Th1 ratio in the presence of homologous mouse serum under both neutral (P = 0.0009) and Th2 polarizing conditions (P = 0.0185). The FO diet did not significantly affect proliferation under Th2 polarizing conditions. Thus, the anti-inflammatory effects of FO may be explained in part by a shift in the Th1/Th2 balance, due to the direct suppression of Th1 development, and not by enhancement of the propensity of CD4+ T cells to be polarized toward a Th2 phenotype, at least in vitro.
Role of the Ventral Nerve Cord and Terminal Abdominal Ganglion in the Regulation of Sex Pheromone Production in the Tobacco Budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

We sought to clarify the role of the nervous system, and its relationship to hormonal regulation, in controlling sex-pheromone biosynthesis in the female tobacco budworm moth, Heliothis virescens (F.). Isolation of the terminal abdominal ganglion (TAG) from the rest of the ventral nerve cord (VNC), or transection of the terminal nerves that extend from the TAG to the periphery, resulted in severe reduction in the production of sex pheromone that normally occurs during the scotophase. The amount of pheromone extracted from the sex-pheromone glands of these surgically manipulated moths, however, was greater than that extracted from glands of normal females during the photophase, a period when pheromone levels are low or undetectable. Injection of an extract of female TAGs into virgin females stimulated production of sex pheromone. Fractionation of extracts of the TAG and of the brain/subesophageal ganglion (Brain-SEG) complex by solid-phase extraction, ion exchange, and reverse-phase liquid chromatography revealed that the TAG contains pheromonotropic peptides with retention characteristics very similar to those of the Brain-SEG. Immunochemical studies showed that the TAG-derived pheromonotropic peptides have some degree of homology, at their C-termini, to the pheromone-biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide of the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Hez-PBAN). Discrepancies between chromatographic properties of Hez-PBAN and the TAG pheromonotropic peptides, however, indicated that the peptides from H. virescens are not identical to Hez-PBAN. Immunocytochemical studies revealed that axons of PBAN-immunoreactive neurons in the SEG project through the VNC and terminate in the neuropil of the TAG. Because the immunoreactivity was not found in nerves or neurohemal organs of the TAG, it is likely that the pheromonotropic peptides in the TAG function within the TAG rather than as neurohormones or peripheral neurotransmitters. It is not yet clear whether these PBAN-like peptides are involved in control of the pheromone gland. Nevertheless, our findings suggest that in H. virescens , optimal production of sex pheromone depends on both neural and hormonal regulation.
Cyclotron harmonic wave propagation and instabilities: I. Perpendicular propagation

Parts I and II of this paper present a comprehensive picture of longitudinal wave propagation in a warm homogeneous magnetoplasma. Part I discusses computed dispersion characteristics for propagation perpendicular to the static magnetic field. For a ring electron velocity distribution it is found that mode coupling and absolute instability can occur. Similar effects are predicted for a spherical shell distribution. The Maxwellian distribution gives rise to stable propagation of undamped waves, and attenuating standing waves. A mixture of ring and Maxwellian distributions can give absolute instability with stronger growth and lower instability thresholds than for the ring distribution alone. Propagation oblique to the static magnetic field will be dealt with in Part II.
PITT at TREC 2013 Contextual Suggestion Track

This paper reports the IRIS Lab@Pitt’s participation to 2013 TREC Contextual Suggestion track, which focuses on technology and issues related to location-based recommender systems (LBRSs). Besides the data provided by the track, our recommendation algorithms also retrieve information from Yelp for creating candidate, example and user profiles. Our algorithms uses linear regression model to combine multiple attributes of candidate profiles into the calculation, and performed 5-fold cross validation for training and testing on 2012 track data. The two runs we submitted this year both obtained reasonable good performance comparing with the median results of all runs.
Multiple Paternity in Urban Norway Rats: Extended Ranging for Mates

Norway rats are an abundant synanthropic species in urban settings and serve as reservoirs for many pathogens. Attempts to control their populations have met with little success. Recent genetic studies suggest that local populations are structured and few individuals move significant distances, but there is substantial gene flow. To understand these observations and their implications on control strategies, we genotyped 722 rats from 20 alleys in Baltimore to establish paternity for 180 embryos. Up to 88 males may have contributed to the litters. All litters were sired by ≥2 males, with an average of 4.9 (range 2-7) males. For dams and sires with known locations, most matings (71.7%; n = 46) occurred among animals from different alleys. The average distance between sires and dams was 114 meters (range 8-352 meters). In 10/17 (58.8%) litters, the majority of the identified sires were captured in different alleys than the females. Sires were significantly less related to females than were the males captured in the females' alleys. Although rats may generally restrict their movements, either receptive females and/or breeding males engage in mate-seeking behaviors that extend beyond movement patterns at other times. This geographically extends the sizes of local populations and buffers them from the impacts of control strategies that focus on local infestations.
Suppression of Dendrite Formation via Pulse Charging in Rechargeable Lithium Metal Batteries

We introduce a coarse-grained simulation model for the reductive deposition of lithium cations in secondary lithium metal batteries. The model accounts for the heterogeneous and nonequilibrium nature of the electrodeposition dynamics, and it enables simulation of the long timescales and lengthscales associated with metal dendrite formation. We investigate the effects of applied overpotential and material properties on early-stage dendrite formation, as well as the molecular mechanisms that govern this process. The model confirms that dendrite formation propensity increases with the applied electrode overpotential, and it demonstrates that application of the electrode overpotential in time-dependent pulses leads to dramatic suppression of dendrite formation while reducing the accumulated electrode on-time by as much as 96%. Moreover, the model predicts that time dependence of the applied electrode overpotential can lead to positive, negative, or zero correlation between cation diffusivity in the solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) and dendrite formation propensity. Analysis of the simulation trajectories reveals that dendrite formation emerges from a competition between the timescales for cation diffusion and reduction at the anode/SEI interface, with lower applied overpotentials and shorter electrode pulse durations shifting this competition in favor of lower dendrite formation propensity. This work provides a molecular basis for understanding and designing pulsing waveforms that mitigate dendrite formation while minimally affecting battery charging times.
Effect of experimental manipulation of vegetation density on nest-site selection in Sooty Terns

Etude de la selection du site de nidification chez la sterne fuligineuse (Sterna fuscata). Deux colonies sont utilisees pour ces experiences sur une periode de deux annees. Suite au defrichage, la premiere annee, de six sites, le choix de nidification est observe dans ces sites. La deuxieme annee, d'autres sites sont defriches alors que ceux de l'annee precedente sont laisses intacts. Les caracteristiques des sites choisis sont decrites principalement par la hauteur totale de la vegetation et la hauteur de la canopee. La pression de predation subie par cette espece est evaluee sur une zone de repartition plus importante
Variability and variation of L2 grammar: A cross-sectional analysis of German learners’ performance on two tasks

Research on second language (L2) grammar in task-based language learning has yielded inconsistent results regarding the effects of task-complexity, prompting calls for more nuanced analyses of L2 development and task performance. The present cross-sectional study contributes to this discussion by comparing the performance of 245 learners of German at two universities in the USA on two types of assessment tasks using multidimensional analyses of grammatical accuracy, fluency and complexity. Results show that: (1) grammatical accuracy in learner performance did not improve linearly across two years of instruction in either task condition; (2) participants tended to perform more accurately in the integrative task than on discrete-point items; (3) second-year learners wrote more fluently than first-year learners; and (4) fourth-semester learners wrote more complex sentences than other groups. The results yield important research, pedagogical and curricular insights.
TETHERED SATELLITE CONSTELLATIONS IN AURORAL OBSERVATION MISSIONS

There are several configurations of constellations that have been proposed for the 1 -D, 2-D and 3-D auroral observation missions. The orbital maintenance for the 2-D and 3-D configurations is more difficult than for the 1-D along track formation flying constellations. In this paper, the tethered constellation is suggested to solve the problems in 2-D and 3-D auroral observation missions. Obviously, the distance between the adjacent satellites can be maintained by reeling in or out the connecting tether. That means the control energy comes from the electricity produced by the solar panel instead of the propellant fuel. Therefore, these configurations might be suitable for long lifetime missions. As the first step of this research, the implementation of these configurations is preliminarily discussed. Then the mathematical model for the 2-D configuration is established, and linearized. The control mechanism is also described here.
Teaching crucial skills: An electrocardiogram teaching module for medical students.

Abstract Background Medical student performance in electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation at our institution could be improved. Varied resources exist to teach students this essential skill. Methods We created an ECG teaching module (ECGTM) of 75 cases representing 15 diagnoses to improve medical students' performance and confidence in ECG interpretation. Students underwent pre- and post-clerkship testing to assess ECG interpretation skills and confidence and also end-of-clinical-year testing in ECG and laboratory interpretation. Performance was compared for the years before and during ECGTM availability. Results Eighty-four percent of students (total n = 101) reported using the ECGTM; 98% of those who used it reported it was useful. Students' performance and confidence were higher on the post-test. Students with access to the ECGTM (n = 101) performed significantly better than students from the previous year (n = 90) on the end-of-year ECG test. Conclusions The continuous availability of an ECGTM was associated with improved confidence and ability in ECG interpretation. The ECGTM may be another available tool to help students as they learn to read ECGs.
Adsorption of betaine amphoteric surfactants on sandstone surface under reservoir conditions of high temperature and high salinity

UV spectrophotometry was used to determine adsorption of betaine zwitterionic surfactant on three types of sandstone surface. Adsorption isotherms with betaine zwitterionic surfactant under Shengli reservoir were studied,and enthalpies of adsorption were calculated. Adsorption of betaine zwitterionic surfactant on the surface of quartz sand,net sand and oil sand was studied in terms of kinetics and thermodynamics. Adsorption of betaine zwitterionic surfactant obeyed the Langmuir equation with adsorption amount:quartz sand net sand oil sand. Enthalpy change at 60~70℃ was less than enthalpy change at 70~80℃,becoming smaller with increasing temperature. The kinetic results showed that change of adsorption capacity with time could be described by the Elovich equation.
Molecular biological monitoring of phyrethoid resistance in Culex pipiens pallens

Objective To establish a method that could monitor phyrethoid-resistance of Culex pipiens pallens in early stage. Methods PCR method was applied to detect the sodium channel gene of Culex pipiens pallens with special primers. Results Only type SS was tested in susceptible strain of Culex pipiens pallens.Type SS,RS and RR were tested in resistant strain. Conclusion PCR can be applied to distinguish susceptible and resistant phyrethroid Culex pipiens pallens within short time.It is valuable in rapid detection of phyrethroid resistance of mosquitoes.
Forestalling fracture in osteoporosis.

When osteoporosis is imminent, simple clinical measures—risk reduction and preventive steps such as calcium supplementation and exercise—are in order. Estrogen replacement offers excellent protection in menopausal women. When disease is apparent, bone densitometry can confirm the diagnosis and therapy can be chosen from a widening palette that includes calcitonin and the bisphosphonates.
Climate Change and Environmental Justice: A Conversation with Dr. Robert Bullard

Robert D. Bullard is the Dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. He is often described as the father of environmental justice. Professor Bullard received his Ph.D. from Iowa State University. He is the author of seventeen books that address sustainable development, environmental racism, urban land use, industrial facility siting, community reinvestment, housing, transportation, climate justice, emergency response, smart growth, and regional equity. In this interview, Dr. Bullard talks about some of the key climate change-related challenges for vulnerable communities and actions needed to address them.
Hopkinson Techniques for Dynamic Triaxial Compression Tests

A modified Hopkinson technique is developed to simultaneously load a sample in both the axial and radial directions. This is accomplished by using a composite incident-bar and a composite transmission-bar system. The incident-bar system consists of a large-diameter bar, followed by a small-diameter bar that fits inside a tube whose outside diameter is equal to that of the large bar. The transmission-bar system consists of a tube and a bar that fits inside the tube. The sample is placed inside a Teflon sleeve, and the Teflon sleeve is placed inside an aluminum sleeve. The Teflon sleeve is loaded during the test by the stress pulse traveling in the incident tube, producing a radial stress on the sample. The stress pulse traveling in the incident bar loads the sample that is sandwiched between the small-diameter incident and transmission bars. The radial stress is calculated from the hoop strain measured by a strain gauge placed on the outer surface of the aluminum sleeve. Mortar samples have been tested under a range of confining stresses and strain rates, and some of the results of these experiments are presented.
Cavity nesting birds along an urban-wildland gradient: is human facilitation structuring the bird community?

Urbanization brings dramatic and sudden changes to ecological conditions affecting natural communities. Cavity-nesting birds, both primary and secondary (hereafter PCN and SCN, respectively), may be limited in this novel environment because of reduced abundance of nesting sites (e.g. snags and cavities) and competition for cavities with non-native species. But humans can also directly and indirectly provide nest sites (e.g., nest boxes, crevices on houses), especially for SCN species, potentially partially compensating for negative effects. We investigated whether and how PCNs and humans facilitated the cavity-nesting bird community along a gradient of urbanization. To do so, we estimated the abundance of cavity-nesting species between 1998 and 2010 at 135, 1-km2 sites that differed in the degree of urbanization (0–100 % forest cover). Also, we found 367 nests on a subset of 31 sites. PCNs (n = 67 nests) nested mostly on snags (98.5 %), while native SCNs (n = 141) used both natural (71.63 %) and anthropogenic (28.37 %) cavities. Non-native SCNs (n = 159 nests) used mostly anthropogenic cavities (98.11 %). PCN abundance facilitated native SCN abundance on sites with more than 12 % forest cover at 1-km2 scale, but not at less forested sites. There, native SCNs nested primarily (59 %) in anthropogenic cavities. Human facilitation allowed native SCNs to successfully use and reproduce where snags were scarce, changing the composition and structure of the cavity-nesting bird community within the most urbanized sites. Flexible nest site selection and human facilitation provide new opportunities for native cavity-nesting birds in a rapidly changing world.
The Human Xist Gene Promoter Prevents Silencing of an Integrated Reporter Gene.

Epigenetic silencing and position dependent expression are long-standing problems which continue to limit the development of gene replacement therapy. As a strategy to overcome this problem we have tested the ability of the human XIST (X inactivation-specific transcript) gene promoter to overcome epigenetic silencing. The XIST gene is one of a relatively small number of genes which are expressed from the inactive X chromosome. The product of this gene is an untranslated structural RNA which coats the X chromosome destined for inactivation prior to H3 Lys 9 hypoacetylation, H3 Lys 9 methylation, CpG island methylation and the subsequent silencing of most of the genes on the chromosome. Continued expression of the XIST gene in this highly repressive environment is required to maintain the chromosome in an inactive state. The region of the proximal promoter of the XIST gene on the inactive X chromosome has been shown to retain an active chromatin structure. Based on these findings we hypothesized that the XIST gene promoter would be able to resist the epigenetic changes which lead to transgene silencing. To test this idea, we subcloned a minimal XIST promoter upstream of an enhanced GFP reporter gene in a pUC-based plasmid which also contained a neomycin resistance gene. The same plasmid, with a CMV promoter, served as a control vector. The plasmids were electroporated into mouse erythroleukemia (MEL) cells and then grown in media containing G418. The MEL cell line was chosen because genes transferred into these cells are frequently silenced and because it is often used as a first screen for vectors with potential for use in therapeutic gene transfer to erythroid cells. Individual colonies were selected and G418 removed. After expansion of the clones, flow cytometry was used to determine the percentage of cells in each clonal population which were expressing GFP as determined by comparison to the untransduced MEL cell line. Silencing typically involves a gradual decrease in the proportion of cells expressing the integrated transgene. Statistical analyses of results were performed using the t-test. 16 XIST and 13 CMV clones were available for analysis at the start of the experiment (time 0). 11/13 CMV clones and 12/16 XIST clones initially expressed GFP. Of the clones which were expressing GFP, the average percentages of positive cells were higher for those with the XIST promoter (63% vs. 41%, p= 0.015). Expression was reanalyzed after 6 weeks of culture in the absence of G418 selection. At this time point, the average percentage of GFP expressing cells was much higher for the XIST clones (57% vs. 19%, p=0.00008) and when analyzed for silencing, XIST clones were expressing at an average of 90% of their time 0 levels vs. 46% for the CMV clones (p=.0008). These results indicate that the XIST promoter is resistant to silencing in our model system and is a candidate for further development and mechanistic studies.
Foxn1 and the Rise and Fall of the Thymic Microenvironment.

Abstract Abstract SCI-50 The postnatal thymus is the primary source of T cells in vertebrates, and many if not all stages of thymocyte development require interactions with thymic epithelial cells (TECs). There is abundant and growing evidence that the cellular and compartmental organization of the thymus is crucial for optimal organ function. Changes in the organization and stromal composition of the thymus as a result of genetic changes or during aging-associated involution can negatively impact both T cell production and function. The TEC-specific transcription factor Foxn1 is a critical regulator of these processes. I will present data from our Foxn1 allelic series showing that Foxn1 regulates TEC proliferation and differentiation at both fetal and adult stages, and that Foxn1-dependent TEC differentiation is required to assemble the multiple cell types that make up the complex structure of the functional thymus. Thus, Foxn1 is a central regulator throughout the life cycle of the thymus, and orchestrates both fetal organ formation and maintenance of the postnatal thymus. In vivo analysis of thymic function and stromal phenotypes is made difficult by the cellular complexity of the thymic microenvironment. I will also present data from a new quantitative, theoretical approach we are using to generate a “geographical map” of the cellular organization of the thymus. This approach will allow us to determine the spatial relationships of identifiable cell types, allowing us to generate new hypotheses about functional parameters of tissue organization at the cellular level. Thus, these results will provide a novel approach to generating quantitative and predictive models of the spatial and functional architecture of the thymic microenvironment. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Bispectral analysis for measuring energy-orientation tradeoffs in the control of linear systems

Abstract Many characterizations of linear system controllability revolve around the eigenvalue spectrum of the controllability gramian, which is a function of the network dynamics. The gramian spectrum describes the minimum energies associated with inducing movement along orthogonal directions in R n . Here, we derive an enhanced interpretation of the spectral properties of the gramian in non-minimum energy regimes. Indeed, in a non-minimum energetic regime, an ‘excess’ of energy is available to the system for at least ( n − 1 ) orthogonal state transfers. We show that the utility of this excess energy can be quantified in terms of input orientation, or, simply, the angle between two competing inputs. Based on this notion, we derive the gramian bispectrum, which describes the relationship between energy and orientation among pairs of orthogonal state transfers. The bispectrum reflects a fundamental tradeoff between the energetic and orientation costs in the control of a linear system. We show how this bispectral analysis can provide control characterizations that are not apparent from inspection of the gramian spectrum alone.
Class-Sourcing Exams: Student-Generated Exam Questions (Abstract Only)

Coming up with quality, representative, fair exam questions can be difficult. This lightning talk explores one faculty member's eureka moment to have students generate their own exam questions. This approach was tried in a 300-level cross-listed Computer Science/Information Technology course entitled "Programming Graphical User Interfaces." Students were asked to generate at least one question in each of a variety of categories (multiple choice, true/false, short-answer, and coding questions). Five points of the exam (out of 100) was assigned to the students based on their submitted questions. Students were told that if they had a reasonable distribution of quality questions across all course topics, the test would pull entirely from their exam questions. Students used a Google Form to submit questions and to rate how "good" they thought their questions were. The student-submitted questions yielded a 22-page comprehensive study guide, and, at least in this first instance, a solid, representative, and fair exam.
Antibiotic-associated haemorrhagic colitis: not always Clostridium difficile.

Antibiotic-associated colitis is a gastrointestinal complication of antibiotic use commonly seen in hospitalised patients, with Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) colitis being the most common type. We present a case of haemorrhagic colitis secondary to Klebsiella oxytoca following self-initiated amoxicillin–clavulanic acid use. An 85-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and mucobloody diarrhoea. History was notable for an ongoing 5-day course of amoxicillin–clavulanic acid use. The CT scan of her abdomen revealed extensive diffuse thickening of the ascending and transverse colon. Stool culture grew K. oxytoca, an established cause of haemorrhagic colitis. She declined colonoscopy but recovered with withdrawal of all antibiotics and conservative treatment. We should be vigilant to haemorrhagic colitis following antibiotic use which is not always C. difficile related.
Turning the Lights Out: Tenure in the 21st Century: The Questions of Tenure

(2004). Turning the Lights Out: Tenure in the 21st Century: The Questions of Tenure. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 75, No. 2, pp. 228-233.
Implied threat or part of the scenery: Americans’ perceptions of open carry

AbstractExisting empirical studies of American perceptions of open gun carrying are limited to polls that often omit key background characteristics of respondents. The present study examined Americ...
The Texas Plant Collections of Mary Sophie Young

Abstract: Mary S. Young (1872–1919) was one of the first botanists at the University of Texas. Her specimens from different parts of Texas greatly expanded the herbarium collections of the university and her exchanges with other botanists in the United States further increased the herbarium's holdings. Information on her specimens and collection notebooks along with maps as to where she collected are provided.
Surgical management of spontaneous cerebrospinal fistulas and encephaloceles of the temporal bone

Objectives/hypothesis To describe the presentation, surgical findings, and outcomes in patients with spontaneous temporal bone cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas and encephaloceles. Study design Retrospective chart review. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients treated for a spontaneous temporal bone CSF fistula and/or encephalocele over a 10-year period was performed. Data recorded included demographic information, presenting signs and symptoms, radiographic and laboratory studies, surgical approach, materials used for repair, surgical complications, and successful closure of the CSF fistula. Results Fifty patients were identified. Five patients underwent bilateral procedures, for a total of 55 surgical repairs. Thirty-seven of the patients were female, with a mean age of 57.2 years. Seventy percent of patients were obese, with a mean body mass index of 35.0 kg/m2 . The most common presentation was tympanostomy tube otorrhea (68%). Seven patients (14%) presented with meningitis. The middle fossa craniotomy approach was used in 87.3% of cases. Hydroxyapatite bone cement was used in 82.4% of cases. There were four surgical complications: seizure, mastoid infection, tympanic membrane retraction, and a delayed subdural hematoma. There were five persistent or recurrent CSF fistulas that underwent successful revision surgery. Conclusions Spontaneous CSF fistulas are most common in obese females and should be suspected with a chronic middle ear effusion, persistent otorrhea after tympanostomy tube placement, or in patients with a history of meningitis. The middle fossa craniotomy approach with the use of hydroxyapatite bone cement has a high success rate with a low incidence of postoperative complications. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 128:2170-2177, 2018.
Regulation of SMRT and N-CoR corepressor function.

This review will describe how the functions of transcriptional corepressors are regulated in cells. I will focus primarily on the SMRT (Silencing Mediator of Retinoic acid and Thyroid hormone receptors) and N-CoR (Nuclear hormone receptor Co-Repressor) complexes that mediate repression by the nuclear hormone receptors (Chen and Evans 1995; Horlein et al. 1995; Sande and Privalsky 1996). Given that these same corepressors also participate in transcriptional repression by a variety of other transcriptional factors, including PLZF, BCL-6, Myo D, CBF-1/RBP-Jk, and ETO, this review will also touch on aspects of transcriptional regulation by non-receptor transcription factors (Dhordain et al. 1997; Hong et al. 1997; Gelmetti et al. 1998; Grignani et al. 1998; Guidez et al. 1998; He et al. 1998; Kao et al. 1998; Lin et al. 1998; Lutterbach et al. 1998; Wong and Privalsky 1998a; Bailey et al. 1999).
The Motor Theory of Voluntary Thinking

The theory proposed in this chapter—the motor theory of voluntary thinking (MTVT)—is not exactly new; its basic elements can be found in the motor theories of Bain (1888), Maudsley (1889), Ribot (1889), Pillsbury (1908), and Washburn (1916) to name just a few. Many of the ideas expressed below were commonplace at the beginning of this century, and the interested reader is encouraged to explore the original sources referenced within this chapter, which frequently contain detailed, anecdotal descriptions and lengthy logical arguments in support of these ideas. To maintain the clarity of my exposition, I will quote only a few examples from the early literature; it is not my intention to present a history of the theoretical formulations concerning the relation between the motor system and attention or thought (a brief history can be found in Smith, 1969). Rather, my purpose in writing the present chapter is to present some of these old ideas in the context of a cohesive theory that is as clear, plausible, and useful as possible.