cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo simulation-based supply chain disruption management for wargames

In this paper, we integrate supply chain risk management with a government-terrorist game conducted in war zones (such as Afghanistan and Iraq). The equilibrium outcomes of wargames depend on the government's resources delivered through military supply chains, which are subject to disruptions such as natural disasters and terrorism. We study the government's optimal pre-disruption preparation strategies, including inventory protection and capacity backup protection. Considering the uncertainties (e.g., the outage length of a disruption and the level of resources available to the terrorist), we conduct Monte Carlo simulation experiments to numerically investigate the benefits using our disruption preparation strategies compared with other strategies.
Statistical properties of elastograms

Accurate and precise displacement estimates are the key to obtaining high-quality elastograms. In elastographic imaging, echo-signals acquired before and after tissue compression are cross-correlated and the location of the cross-correlation maximum is used for determining the local tissue displacement and deformation. A stochastic strain model under static compression is discussed, and an inverse coordinate transformation relating the post-compression coordinate to the pre-compressed coordinate is introduced. Analytic formulas for the cross-correlation are provided and used to analyse stochastic strain-induced effects. Displacement causes decorrelation of the pre- and post-compression signals and consequently results in a nonstationary cross-correlation function. Adjusting experimental and signal processing variables, such as stretching the post-compression echo-signal and/or shaping the ultrasonic pulse are shown to significantly increase the accuracy of the displacement estimates.
Using routing zones to support route maintenance in ad hoc networks

Previous work in ad hoc network routing protocol development has demonstrated how global route discovery can be performed more efficiently by leveraging the known topology of each node's local surrounding area (routing zone). In this paper, we demonstrate how routing zones can also be applied to the maintenance of these discovered routes. In particular, knowledge of routing zone connectivity can be used to automatically bypass link failures and provide "shortcuts" across sub-optimal segments of the route. These mechanisms contribute to a reduction in network load and end-to-end delay, while improving the stability of active connections.
Analytical Model for GNSS Receiver Implementation Losses

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers suffer signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) losses due to bandlimiting, quantization, and sampling. This paper presents an analytical model for GNSS receiver losses applicable to a wide variety of hardware configurations. The model addresses digitization of the received signal by a uniform quantizer with an arbitrary (even or odd) integer number of output levels. The model provides SNR loss values for GNSS signals in the presence of both additive white Gaussian noise and interference, provided that the interference can be accurately modeled as a non-white, Gaussian wide sense stationary process.
Angular navigation on short baselines using phase delay interferometry

Results are presented for two recent short baseline experiments with baseline lengths f 6 and 253 km, showing delay residuals of 10 ps or less for angularly close sources. On the 6-km baseline, a fiber-optic link was used to distribute a common frequency reference, enabling coherent operation of the two stations. The observed delay residuals correspond to a differential angular accuracy of about 10 nrad on the 253-km baseline. Future plans are discussed, including the development of a realtime correlation capability on a 22-km baseline at Goldstone, CA. >
Circuit partitioning under capacity and I/O constraints

This paper proposes an effective method for solving multi-way circuit partitioning problems under capacity (size) and I/O pin count constraints. The objective is the total net cuts among partitions. We first linearize the quadratic objective function into a linear function, then we assign circuit components sequentially according to this linear function while avoiding capacity or I/O violations. The resulting assignment (partitioning) is used to compute another linear cost function and the sequential assignment is repeated. This process can be iterated for a fix number of times to get a good final solution. Experimental results for several benchmark circuits are also given to demonstrate its effectiveness. >
Optimization by parameter-perturbation correlation

Steepest descent optimization by parameter- perturbation correlation using fast analog computer
Science and fundamentalism

There has been much talk about fundamentalism of late. To most people, the word conjures up images of Islamic fundamentalism in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the USA, the ongoing war in Iraq, or the suicide bombings in the Middle East, London, Madrid and elsewhere. However, beyond what seems to be a ‘clash of civilizations’, there is another, home‐made strain of fundamentalism, right at the heart of Western democratic societies, that is affecting science and its relationship to society in a way that may have dire long‐term consequences. The Oxford Dictionary of the Social Sciences defines fundamentalism as “a movement that asserts the primacy of religious values in social and political life and calls for a return to a ‘fundamental’ or pure form of religion” (Calhoun, 2002). Of course, religious fundamentalism has always had a history of antagonism with science and—even before the birth of modern science during the Enlightenment—with philosophy, humanity's age‐old proven method to exercise critical and rational thinking to solve problems and pursue knowledge. In its broadest sense, however, fundamentalism is a form of ideological intransigence, which is not limited to religion, but includes political or social positions as well—for example, some extreme positions taken by ‘environmentalists’ or animal‐rights activists. In the USA, the modern version of this old conflict between science and religious fundamentalism is epitomized by the infamous Scopes trial. In 1925, John Scopes, a high‐school science teacher in Dayton (TN, USA), was charged with illegally teaching Charles Darwin's theory of evolution (Larson, 1997; Pigliucci, 2002). This battle is still being fought; for example, in Dover (PA, USA) at the time of writing, a court is deciding the legitimacy of teaching ‘intelligent design’—a form of creationism—alongside the theory of evolution in public schools. These relentless attacks by religious fundamentalists on one …
Remanent States And Magnetization Reversal For Nanopatterned Co Elements Using Lorentz Microscopy And Off-Axis Electron Holography

In this study we have used a combination of Lorentz microscopy and off-axis electron holography to study closely spaced deep submicron lithographically patterned Co nanostructures. Lorentz microscopy was used to establish typical domain structures within the magnetic elements, and to study domain wall motion over the range of external fields required for magnetization reversal. Electron holography provided detailed quantitative information about the magnetic microstructure of the elements and their domain configurations.
A new location algorithm for mitigating NLOS propagation errors in microcell environment

An efficient algorithm used to detect and mitigate NLOS propagation error is proposed in this paper. The method reorganizes NLOS receivers by selecting weights matrix, and then refreshes their measurements to mitigate the effects of NLOS propagation. Comparing with CRLB and from the results of simulation, we can find that this algorithm is simple and has high estimation accuracy.
White-collar and organized crimes: Questions of seriousness and policy

The line between organized crime and white-collar crime is often vague, compounding the separate social problems represented by these two types of criminality. This blurring is complicated further by the general assumption that organized criminals pose a more serious threat, thus requiring a stronger sanction than white-collar criminals. The controversy surrounding certain recent crime-control statutes centers around different assessments of the seriousness of both types of criminality. Prior studies of crime seriousness have focused primarily on crimes in general, with some attention to white-collar crime in contrast to ordinary crime. To date, however, no one has examined the differences in perceptions of seriousness between white-collar and organized crime. This paper investigates how occupation and attitudes toward the seriousness of white-collar and organized crime influence attitudes toward policy distinctions between the two, as well as toward the usefulness of various definitions of organized crime.
Optimizing simulated fertilizer additions using a genetic algorithm with a nutrient uptake model

Abstract Intensive management of pine plantations in the southeastern coastal plain typically involves weed and pest control, and the addition of fertilizer to meet the high nutrient demand of rapidly growing pines. In this study we coupled a mechanistic nutrient uptake model (SSAND, soil supply and nutrient demand) with a genetic algorithm (GA) in order to estimate the minimum addition of phosphorus necessary to meet the initial four-year demand. Optimal P additions were estimated using two pine root length density inputs scenarios, a mycorrhizal scenario, and a grass competition scenario. The low root length scenario required 32.5–35.0 kg P ha −1 (depending on the fitness criteria) to best match the four-year loblolly pine P demand. With higher root length density, only 14.5 kg P ha −1 was required to meet demand. Adding a large fungal length density of mycorrhizae changed the simulated P uptake kinetics so that two separate fertilization amendments were optimal, although the total P added was similar to the higher root scenario. GA fitness functions were adjusted to eliminate SSAND uptake underestimates smaller than loblolly P demand, at the cost of an additional 9 kg ha −1 (higher root scenario) or 1–2 kg ha −1 (mycorrhizal scenario). Optimal GA estimates for P addition with grass competition were 1.5–3 kg ha −1 higher, with a sharp fitness peak associated with decline of grass in the first growing season.
Fabrication technology for thin film silicon hybrid solar cells and modules

The fabrication process technology for thin film silicon hybrid solar cells and their performance are reviewed. We developed a new light trapping scheme for multi-junction cells and modules, where transparent inter-layer is inserted between amorphous Si and thin film crystalline Si. An initial aperture efficiency of 13.4% has been achieved for a 910×455mm2 size module with this inter-layer, and this HYBRID PLUS module is in production with size of 1200×1000mm2. The improvement of the performance for the HYBRID module in outdoor conditions will be also discussed from the viewpoint of the device design of the component cells. We also developed new infra-red absorbing layer to utilize long wavelength light for photovoltaic conversion.
Online latent variable detection in sensor networks

Sensor networks attract increasing interest, for a broad range of applications. Given a sensor network, one key issue becomes how to utilize it efficiently and effectively. In particular, how can we detect the underlying correlations (latent variables) among many co-evolving sensor measurements? Can we do it incrementally? We present a system that can (1) collect the measurements from the real wireless sensors; (2) process them in real-time; and (3) determine the correlations (latent variables) among the sensor streams on the fly.
Interface properties between SrTiO3 thin films and electrodes

SrTiO3 (STO) thin films were grown by pulsed laser deposition on single crystal STO substrates with a SrRuO3 buffer layer, which also serves as a bottom electrode. Measurements of the low frequency dielectric properties were performed in a parallel plate capacitor configuration for a range of temperatures using different top electrode materials. The contribution to the interfacial potential from Schottky barriers was investigated. In comparison to STO single crystals, thin films have continued dielectric non-linearity above T ∼ 70 K. This complicates conventional Schottky barrier height measurements using C-V curves because both Schottky barriers and dielectric non-linearity result in a decrease in dielectric constant under applied electric fields. However, by using I-V data, difficulties related to field dependence of the dielectric constant may be removed. Barrier height measurements for both metal and oxide electrodes were performed for T > 70 K. Calculated barrier heights from a modified Schottky equation were very low for an oxide electrode, and an order of magnitude higher for a normal metal electrode.
Nuclear ErbB Receptors: Pathways and Functions

Accumulating evidence suggests a new mode of ErbB receptor signaling in which intact or fragmented ErbB receptors traffic from the cell surface to the nucleus following the addition of a cognate ligand. In the nucleus, ErbB receptors have a role, probably indirect, in modulating gene expression. Following the addition of growth factor, ErbB1 is sorted from the cell surface to the endoplasmic reticulum where it interacts with the Sec61 translocon and is retrotranslocated from the endoplasmic reticulum to cytoplasm. This is a precursor step for subsequent nuclear localization of the receptor and the induction of cyclin D by EGF. In the case of ErbB4, the receptor is processed by two membrane-localized proteases to produce a soluble cytoplasmic domain fragment that translocates to the nucleus. Nuclear ErbB1 and ErbB4 have been detected in the tissue of cancer patients and may portend a poorer prognosis. Less understood are mechanisms that provoke nuclear localization of ErbB2 and ErbB3, which have been described in cell culture systems.
Tensions in equity- and reform-oriented learning in teachers' collaborative conversations

Abstract This paper explores how teachers' collaborative conversations afford and constrain their learning opportunities, through the close analysis of an interaction between equity-oriented mathematics teachers who were working together. The analysis reveals that although the group seemed like an ideal professional learning community in many ways, the teachers were frequently caught in tensions between restrictive and inclusive discourses about mathematical competence. The existence of these tensions presented opportunities for the teachers to learn, but teachers' framings of their own collaborative work stifled these opportunities. This paper contributes to understanding the challenges of equity- and reform-oriented learning in teachers' professional communities.
In Vivo Quantitative Microcomputed Tomographic Analysis of Vasculature and Organs in a Normal and Diseased Mouse Model

Non-bone in vivo micro-CT imaging has many potential applications for preclinical evaluation. Specifically, the in vivo quantification of changes in the vascular network and organ morphology in small animals, associated with the emergence and progression of diseases like bone fracture, inflammation and cancer, would be critical to the development and evaluation of new therapies for the same. However, there are few published papers describing the in vivo vascular imaging in small animals, due to technical challenges, such as low image quality and low vessel contrast in surrounding tissues. These studies have primarily focused on lung, cardiovascular and brain imaging. In vivo vascular imaging of mouse hind limbs has not been reported. We have developed an in vivo CT imaging technique to visualize and quantify vasculature and organ structure in disease models, with the goal of improved quality images. With 1-2 minutes scanning by a high speed in vivo micro-CT scanner (Quantum CT), and injection of a highly efficient contrast agent (Exitron nano 12000), vasculature and organ structure were semi-automatically segmented and quantified via image analysis software (Analyze). Vessels of the head and hind limbs, and organs like the heart, liver, kidneys and spleen were visualized and segmented from density maps. In a mouse model of bone metastasis, neoangiogenesis was observed, and associated changes to vessel morphology were computed, along with associated enlargement of the spleen. The in vivo CT image quality, voxel size down to 20 μm, is sufficient to visualize and quantify mouse vascular morphology. With this technique, in vivo vascular monitoring becomes feasible for the preclinical evaluation of small animal disease models.
Silence and (In)visibility in Men’s Accounts of Coping with Stressful Life Events

The present study investigates the importance of emotional disclosure and vulnerability in the production of hegemonic masculinities. Of particular interest is the role that silence and invisibility play in how men talk about recent stressful life events. One-on-one interviews with men who experienced a stressful life event in the past year illustrate how men often talk about these events in simultaneously visible and invisible ways. We use the term “cloudy visibility” to describe this engagement, identified both in terms of what men articulate in relation to their past stressful experiences and how they articulate these experiences within the present moment of the interview. The conversational consequences of these linguistic devices are analyzed to illustrate how men obscure their inner emotional lives, thus reproducing hegemonic masculine ideals of staying strong and stoic in the face of adversity, while they also seek to make aspects of their inner lives seen and heard to an interviewer.
On the Nature of the Color Patterns in Heteroptera with Data on the Effects Produced by Temperature and Humidity.

Recently there has appeared in the 19th Report of the Minnesota State Entomologist, my account of the life history and biology of Perillus bioculatus , a species of stink-bug that proves to be an excellent starting point for a study on the nature of color in Hemiptera. To give a proper setting for the present paper I would like to review briefly my work with this insect, or that part having a bearing on the nature of color in Heteroptera.
Covalent Nitrides for Maskless Laser Writing of Microscopic Metal Lines

Selected covalent metal nitrides with limited thermal stability, such as Sn3N4, Cu3 N, and Ni3N, were prepared in a glow discharge system by reactive sputtering in a nitrogen plasma. These compounds were characterized by chemical analysis and their thermal behavior established by temperature-programmed thermal decomposition. These materials decompose into the elements with the rate reaching a maximum at 615, 465, and 405 °C for Sn, Cu, and Ni respectively. The feasibility of using these coatings to generate metal lines by maskJess laser writing was explored. Conductingmetal lines, a few micron in width, could be generated with each of these nitrides. The resistivities of the metal lines were within an order of magnitude of those of the bulk metals for Cu and Ni and somewhat more for Sn.
Composition and structure of the GaN{0001¯}-(1×1) surface

The composition and structure of the n-type GaN{0001\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}}-(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) surface of samples grown on sapphire by organometallic vapor-phase epitaxy (OMVPE) has been determined through the use of time-of-flight scattering and recoiling spectrometry (TOF-SARS), three-dimensional classical ion trajectory simulations, low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), and thermal decomposition mass spectrometry (MS). Elastic recoil detection was used to determine the bulk hydrogen concentration. TOF-SARS spectra of scattered and recoiled ions plus fast neutrals were collected as a function of crystal azimuthal rotation angle \ensuremath{\delta} and beam incident angle \ensuremath{\alpha} using 4 keV ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{+}$ or ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$ primary ions in order to determine the surface termination layer, presence and location of impurities, and possible reconstruction or relaxation. LEED, TOF-SARS, and MS were monitored as a function sample temperature up to the point of decomposition. The totality of these data leads to the conclusions that the (1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) surface is neither reconstructed nor relaxed, that it is terminated in a N layer, that Ga comprises the second layer, that there are two domains rotated by 60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} from each other, and that there are steps on the surface. Hydrogen atoms are bound to the outerlayer N atoms and protrude outward from the surface with a coverage of \ensuremath{\sim}3/4 monolayer, facilitating autocompensation of the (1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) structure. The bulk hydrogen concentration is \ensuremath{\sim}4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{19}$ atoms/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$. Evolution of gases commences at \ensuremath{\sim}850 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C with the observed evolution of ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{NH}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$. These results are discussed in terms of reconstruction phenomena, autocompensation, film/substrate polarity matching, and the role of hydrogen in stabilizing the growth of GaN. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
PREPARTURIENT HYPOCALCEMIA IN FOUR CATS

Preparturient hypocalcemia was identified in 4 cats in a specific pathogen-free colony between 1995 and 1996. All cats had an acute onset of clinical signs, 3 to 17 days prior to parturition. Signs of depression, weakness, tachypnea, and mild muscle tremors were the most common clinical signs, following by vomiting and anorexia. Additional abnormalities included hypothermia, third eyelid prolapse, dehydration, pallor, lethargy, flaccid paralysis, and hyperexcitability. Hematologic abnormalities included leukocytosis with neutrophilia and lymphopenia. Hypocalcemia was documented in each queen. Common serum biochemical abnormalities included high aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase activities. All cats responded to IV or SC administration of 10% calcium gluconate. Queens were then given calcium orally prior to and following parturition. The queens did not have additional complications for the duration of the gestational or lactational periods.
57 The Structure of Silica-Alumina Cracking Catalysts

The ratios of silicon to aluminum at the maximum acidity which develops in mixtures of aluminum hydroxide and dimethylsilanediol, methylsilanetriol, and orthosilicic acid, indicate specific compounds of silicon and aluminum. On the basis of the observed ratios, a cyclic structure containing five silicons and one aluminum is suggested for silicaalumina composites formed in the relatively unstrained conditions existing in a dilute aqueous solution. Calcination results in the elimination of water by condensation of silicon hydroxyls to form a double-layer structure having active sites along its edge. The active sites are represented as three coordinated aluminas spaced in a double chain at distances of separation of approximately 5 A. Although a Bronsted acid may form on hydration of an active site, the Lewis acid represented as , is considered to be the active component of the catalyst. The exchange with the catalyst of isotopic oxygen from H2O18, and the exchange of D2O with hydrocarbons may be accounted for by the movement of H2O, acting as a cocatalyst, along the chains of active sites.
Heidegger’s Prognostic: Originary thinking at the end of philosophy of education

AbstractThis article is one in a series of attempts to clear discursive space for speculative thinking in education. The impulse to move toward another form of ‘philosophy of education’ is inspired by ongoing conversation with Heidegger, whose later work, in particular, indicated the possibility of a poetic thinking that could express the state of wonder from whence learning arises. Philosophers of education may be interested in the organized manner in which learning is organized at the level of culture, politics, and society. Speculative thinking in education, however, makes a horizontal transcendence, into an imagined future beyond the apparent present. In what follows, I will explore what I am calling Heidegger’s prognostic in order to make further articulation of the project of originary thinking. A brief recollection of this project will precede the presentation of Heidegger’s prognostic. After that presentation, I will attempt to show how the future predicated by Heidegger’s prognostication may be s...
Isotonic hawkes processes

Hawkes processes are powerful tools for modeling the mutual-excitation phenomena commonly observed in event data from a variety of domains, such as social networks, quantitative finance and healthcare records. The intensity function of a Hawkes process is typically assumed to be linear in the sum of triggering kernels, rendering it inadequate to capture nonlinear effects present in real-world data. To address this shortcoming, we propose an Isotonic-Hawkes process whose intensity function is modulated by an additional nonlinear link function. We also developed a novel iterative algorithm which learns both the nonlinear link function and other parameters provably. We showed that Isotonic-Hawkes processes can fit a variety of nonlinear patterns which cannot be captured by conventional Hawkes processes, and achieve superior empirical performance in real world applications.
Functionalized Polymer-Supported Pyridine Ligands for Palladium-Catalyzed C(sp3)–H Arylation

The use of ligands to tune the reactivity and selectivity of transition-metal catalysts for C(sp3)–H bond activation is a current central challenge. One of us previously developed an uncommon example of a homogeneous catalyst that performs controlled C(sp3)–H arylation using pyridine derivatives as ligands, along with Pd [Science, 2014, 343, 1216–1220]. In this work, we report a functionalizable and tunable polymer support used in the immobilization of pyridine derivatives that yields a soluble, polymeric ligand platform facilitating C(sp3)–H activation reactions with good yields, selectivities differing from the homogeneous catalyst, and recovery of Pd. Unlike the homogeneous system, the supported catalysts in Pd-catalyzed C–H monoarylation reactions respond sensitively to the steric hindrance of the coupling partners.
Surface Engineering for Adhesively Bonded Metal-Composite Joints

Recently, many nations along with private shipbuilders have begun developing large maritime vessels using composite materials structurally. Concurrently, the US Navy has a need for research on bonded metal-composite joints. For these reasons, a literature review was conducted to establish a fundamental knowledge base of adhesive bonding and failure theories along with surface cleaning and engineering processes that would be valuable for metal-composite joint designs. It is believed that by understanding bonding and failure fundamentals, optimal surface characteristics can be targeted. Furthermore, by knowing the available cleaning and surface engineering processes, in conjunction with understanding their resulting surface topographies and compositions, creative and novel joints can be designed. This report provides the results of the literature review performed, which serves as a platform for future research aimed at optimizing bonded joints for use in naval applications.
Can we do something in early life to reduce the risk of obesity

Obesity usually results from a combination of several modifiable and non-modifiable contributing factors, such as genetics, race, and socioeconomic status. Other factors, including birth by cesarean section, perinatal antibiotics usage, and promotion of exclusive breastfeeding for six months, could be potentially prevented or modulated. However, one of the factors can be easily implemented through reduction of protein content in infant formulas for non-breastfed infants. High protein (HP) in infant formula is one of the causes of rapid weight gain, predisposing the neonates to later obesity. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of HP formula on weight gain and resulting risks of later obesity. The samples (i.e., non-breastfed infants) were randomly divided into two groups of HP formula (2.9 and 4.4 g protein/100 kcal before and after five months of age, respectively) and LP formula (1.77 and 2.2 g protein/100 kcal before and after five months of age, respectively) in this study. At the age of two, weight-for-length z-score of the infants in the HP formula group was calculated at 0.20 (95%CI: 0.06, 0.34), which was higher compared to the LP group. Meanwhile, the latter group had results similar to the findings of the control group (breastfed). Body length of the infants was not affected by the extent of protein intake. A six-year follow-up of the subjects indicated a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) (0.51) in the LP formula group (95% CI: 0.13, 0.90; P=0.009). In addition, a 2.43 fold risk of later obesity (95% CI: 1.12, 5.27; P=0.024) was reported in the LP group, which was lower compared to the HP formula group. Given the role of HP formula as one of the contributing factors in the development of metabolic syndrome and obesity risks in infants, it is recommended that lower protein content formulas be used in non-breastfed neonates to prevent later obesity and other complications.
Terminology and Resources for Disaster Orthopedics

This last chapter of this book serves to augment the available resources that have already been presented in previous chapters. These resources include a brief section describing the most common terminology in disaster medicine, a list of various types of institutions providing information and training in this area, research articles investigating disaster medicine, and a list of training programs for medical personnel and axillary staff.
Thermal Resistance of Listeria monocytogenes in Dairy Products.

The thermal resistance of Listeria monocytogenes strain Scott A that had been associated with a recent milkborne outbreak of listeriosis was determined in whole and skim milk, heavy cream, and ice cream mix. L. monocytogenes suspended at concentrations of approximately 1 × 105 cells/ml was heated at temperatures ranging from 52.2 to 79.4°C at various contact times. The D71.7°C values computed for milk samples ranged from 0.9 to 2.7 s. The D7.94°C value in ice cream mix was 0.5 s. The zD value for fluid products ranged from 5.8 to 7.1°C; the zF value for ice cream mix was 7.0°C. The L. monocytogenes suspensions would not survive a proper pasteurization process given to raw dairy products.
Oocyte Developmental Competence: Insights from Cross-Species Differential Gene Expression and Human Oocyte-Specific Functional Gene Networks.

Abstract Understanding oocyte developmental competence remains a key challenge for reproductive biology and systems sciences. The transcriptome of oocytes in eutherians is highly complex and is associated with the success of embryo development. Due to sample limitations from humans, animal models are used for investigation of the oocyte transcriptome. Nonetheless, little is known about the diversity of the oocyte transcriptome across eutherians. In this report, comprehensive investigation of 7 public data sets in 4 species, human, macaque, mice, and cattle, shows that 16,572 genes are expressed in oocytes. Approximately 26% of the genes were expressed in all four species. There were 1390, 489, and 187 genes specifically expressed in human, mice, and cattle oocytes, respectively. Coexpression clustering of the genes specifically expressed in human oocytes revealed functional enrichment (FDR <0.05) of Gene Ontology (GO) terms important for oocyte physiology (i.e., “cellular response to metal ion,” “negative...
Measuring Student Learning in Introductory Block-Based Programming: Examining Misconceptions of Loops, Variables, and Boolean Logic

Programming in block-based environments is a key element of introductory computer science (CS) curricula in K-12 settings. Past research conducted in the context of text-based programming points to several challenges related to novice learners' understanding of foundational programming constructs such as variables, loops, and expressions. This research aims to develop assessment items for measuring student understanding in introductory CS classrooms in middle school using a principled approach for assessment design. This paper describes the design of assessments items that were piloted with 100 6th, 7th, 8th graders who had completed an introductory programming course using Scratch. The results and follow-up cognitive thinkalouds indicate that students are generally unfamiliar with the use of variables, and harbor misconceptions about them. They also have trouble with other aspects of introductory programming such as how loops work, and how the Boolean operators work. These findings point to the need for pedagogy that combines popular constructionist activities with those that target conceptual learning, along with better professional development to support teachers' conceptual learning of these foundational constructs.
Measuring Infusion of Service-Learning on Student Program Development and Implementation Competencies

This study piloted a service-learning assessment suite to measure students’ perceived self-efficacy on program development and implementation competencies (Service-Learning Self-Efficacy on Program Development and Implementation [SL-SEPDI]), Service-Learning Belief Inventory (SLBI), and an Overall Service-Learning Self-Efficacy on Program Development and Implementation (OVSL-SEPDI) scales. MPH students in a required course participated in the study during 2011-2015 (N = 87). Baseline survey was used to assess the reliabilities of the 12-item SL-SEPDI and the nine-item SLBI scales, and posttest survey assessed the 10-item OVSL-SEPDI scale. Confirmatory factor analysis showed good model fit index and all items loaded significantly on both the SL-SEPDI (χ2/df = 1.34; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = .067; Tucker–Lewis index [TLI] = .92; comparative fit index [CFI] = .94; incremental fit index [IFI] = .94; goodness-of-fit index [GFI] = .86) and SLBI (χ2/df = 1.28; RMSEA = .061; TLI = .97; CFI...
Parents' Perspective on Trainees Performing Invasive Procedures: A Qualitative Evaluation.

Objectives When obtaining informed permission from parents for invasive procedures, trainees and supervisors often do not disclose information about the trainee's level of experience. The objectives of this study were 3-fold: (1) to assess parents' understanding of both academic medical training and the role of the trainee and the supervisor, (2) to explore parents' preferences about transparency related to a trainee's experience, and (3) to examine parents' willingness to allow trainees to perform invasive procedures. Methods This qualitative study involved 23 one-on-one interviews with parents of infants younger than 30 days who had undergone a lumbar puncture. In line with grounded theory, researchers independently coded transcripts and then collectively refined codes and created themes. Data collection and analysis continued until thematic saturation was achieved. In addition, to triangulate the findings, a focus group was conducted with Yale School of Medicine's Community Bioethics Forum. Results Our analysis revealed 4 primary themes: (1) the invasive nature of a lumbar puncture and the vulnerability of the newborn creates fear in parents, which may be mitigated by improved communication; (2) parents have varying degrees of awareness of the medical training system; (3) most parents expect transparency about provider experience level and trust that a qualified provider will be performing the procedure; and (4) parents prefer an experienced provider to perform a procedure, but supervisor presence may be a qualifying factor for inexperienced providers. Conclusions Physicians must find a way to improve transparency when caring for pediatric patients while still developing critical procedural skills.
The Fishes of Pennsylvania, by Jay R. Stauffer, Jr., Robert W. Criswell, and Douglas P. Fischer. Cichlid Press, El Paso, Texas. 2016. 556 pages. US$49.50.

The last major treatment of the fishes of Pennsylvania was the 1983 publication Fishes of Pennsylvania and the Northeastern United States by Edwin L. Cooper. This current volume is a welcome advanc...
Estimating Gestational Age With Sonography: Regression‐Derived Formula Versus the Fetal Biometric Average

Objectives To compare the accuracy of a new regression-derived formula developed from the National Fetal Growth Studies data to the common alternative method that uses the average of the gestational ages (GAs) calculated for each fetal biometric measurement (biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length). Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study identified nonanomalous singleton pregnancies that had a crown-rump length plus at least 1 additional sonographic examination with complete fetal biometric measurements. With the use of the crown-rump length to establish the referent estimated date of delivery, each method's (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development regression versus Hadlock average [Radiology 1984; 152:497–501]), error at every examination was computed. Error, defined as the difference between the crown-rump length–derived GA and each method's predicted GA (weeks), was compared in 3 GA intervals: 1 (14 weeks–20 weeks 6 days), 2 (21 weeks–28 weeks 6 days), and 3 (≥29 weeks). In addition, the proportion of each method's examinations that had errors outside prespecified (±) day ranges was computed by using odds ratios. Results A total of 16,904 sonograms were identified. The overall and prespecified GA range subset mean errors were significantly smaller for the regression compared to the average (P < .01), and the regression had significantly lower odds of observing examinations outside the specified range of error in GA intervals 2 (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.31) and 3 (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–1.32) than the average method. Conclusions In a contemporary unselected population of women dated by a crown-rump length–derived GA, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development regression formula produced fewer estimates outside a prespecified margin of error than the commonly used Hadlock average; the differences were most pronounced for GA estimates at 29 weeks and later.
PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF INFERIOR VENA CAVA SIZE BY ULTRASOUND IN PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE

Ultrasound of the inferior vena cava (IVC) Is frequently used as a noninvasive method to assess volume status in patients with heart failure (HF). We conducted a systematic review of the value of IVC size by ultrasound in predicting hospital admission and mortality in patients with HF. We searched
Gene Editing and Gene-Based Therapeutics for Cardiomyopathies

With an increasing understanding of genetic defects leading to cardiomyopathy, focus is shifting to correcting these underlying genetic defects. One approach involves treating mutant RNA through antisense oligonucleotides; the first drug has received regulatory approval to treat specific mutations associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Gene editing is being evaluated in the preclinical setting. For inherited cardiomyopathies, genetic correction strategies require tight specificity for the mutant allele. Gene-editing methods are being tested to create deletions that may be useful to restore protein expression by through the bypass of mutations that restore protein production. Site-specific gene editing, which is required to correct many point mutations, is a less efficient process than inducing deletions.
Discrimination against RNA Backbones by a ssDNA Binding Protein.

Summary Pot1 is the shelterin component responsible for the protection of the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) overhang at telomeres in nearly all eukaryotic organisms. The C-terminal domain of the DNA-binding domain, Pot1pC, exhibits non-specific ssDNA recognition, achieved through thermodynamically equivalent alternative binding conformations. Given this flexibility, it is unclear how specificity for ssDNA over RNA, an activity required for biological function, is achieved. Examination of the ribose-position specificity of Pot1pC shows that ssDNA specificity is additive but not uniformly distributed across the ligand. High-resolution structures of several Pot1pC complexes with RNA-DNA chimeric ligands reveal Pot1pC discriminates against RNA by utilizing non-compensatory binding modes that feature significant rearrangement of the binding interface. These alternative conformations, accessed through both ligand and protein flexibility, recover much, but not all, of the binding energy, leading to the observed reduction in affinities. These findings suggest that intermolecular interfaces are remarkably sophisticated in their tuning of specificity toward flexible ligands.
Monetary Recoveries for State Crime Victims

Crime victim recoveries are typically available in American states through three separate, but related, avenues: a criminal proceeding (with or without a formal charge); a related civil claim (including a pre-suit settlement); and, a related administrative or special court proceeding. Multiple avenues can be pursued simultaneously. These avenues often, but not always, have constitutional as well as statutory foundations.Unfortunately state crime victims often go without recovery. Barriers to recovery include intrastate and interstate confusion over terms like restitution and victim. More can be done for victims, especially during criminal case sentencing. Unlike federal district courts, state criminal courts typically have general jurisdictional authority allowing broader opportunities for crime victim recoveries at the close of criminal cases. Better crime victim recovery procedures are especially warranted where there are explicit state constitutional law interests.
Quasistatic Treatment of Spatial Phenomena in Reactor Dynamics

(1966). Quasistatic Treatment of Spatial Phenomena in Reactor Dynamics. Nuclear Science and Engineering: Vol. 26, No. 4, pp. 563-565.
Abstract A089: Challenging the free hormone hypothesis for vitamin D in the prostate has implications for the prostate cancer disparity in African American men

African American (AA) men are disproportionately at risk for both prostate cancer (PCa) and vitamin D (vitD) deficiency compared to European American (EA) men. Based on the numerous chemopreventative properties of vitD and its status with PCa aggressiveness and mortality, vitD deficiency has been hypothesized as a biologic contributor to the PCa disparity in AA men. We recently reported that despite having deficient levels of vitD in the serum, AAs have higher levels of vitD in their prostate tissue compared to EAs. This suggests a mechanism of active vitD transport across the membrane and challenges the longstanding free hormone hypothesis, which asserts that the activity of a hormone is due to the bioavailable fraction and its passive diffusion across the membrane. The majority of VitD circulates bound to D binding protein (DBP) and is sequestered in the serum, rendering it unavailable for passive diffusion. A mechanism of active DBP-vitD endocytosis has been well characterized in the kidney by the extracellular receptor megalin. We hypothesized that megalin is functional in prostate epithelium and facilitates adequate prostatic vitD levels in AAs with vitD deficiency. Here, we report megalin protein expression in prostate tissue, LNCaP, and primary human prostate cells. Megalin function was further assessed in primary human-derived organoids treated with 25D in the presence or absence of DBP. Surprisingly, vitD import and metabolism occurred faster in +DBP conditions and suggests that DBP-vitD active transport is more efficient than passive diffusion of vitD alone. VDR activation was diminished in a dose-responsive manner by addition of a megalin antagonist. Additionally, megalin protein levels in PCa were significantly lower compared to benign (p Citation Format: Zachary Richards, Larisa Nonn. Challenging the free hormone hypothesis for vitamin D in the prostate has implications for the prostate cancer disparity in African American men [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Prostate Cancer: Advances in Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research; 2017 Dec 2-5; Orlando, Florida. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(16 Suppl):Abstract nr A089.
Interactive learning through social media for large size classes in the clothing and textile curriculum

This study develops an interactive learning curriculum for large size courses in the apparel design and merchandising discipline as well as evaluates outcomes of student engagement and learning. In...
Malleable folding of coiled-coils regulates kinesin-3 dimerization.

Microtubules (MTs) form polarized intracellular fibers inside eukaryotic cells that organize the cytoplasm, form tracks for long-range vesicle transport, and generate forces to align and segregate chromosomes during cell division. The discovery of conventional kinesin (termed kinesin-1) over three decades ago revealed a vast superfamily dedicated to transporting a variety of intracellular cargos or generating forces in a variety of cellular functions (1). Kinesins are now organized into 14 subfamilies which share class-conserved motor domains that promote directional motility or MT dynamic polymerization/depolymerization by adenosine 3,5 triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis-driven cyclical binding and release from the MT lattice (2, 3). The majority of kinesin subfamilies oligomerize into dimers or tetramers via coiled-coil folding of an α-helical region named the neck coil (NC), which lies in close proximity to the motor domain (4, 5). The NC dimerizes motor domains and couples their conformational changes driven by ATP hydrolysis via a connecting element termed the neck linkers (NLs) (6). Kinesins utilize these elements to couple dual-motor domains to undertake alternating steps in a persistent hand-over-hand walking mechanism along MTs (7). In the kinesin-1 subfamily, cargo-binding domains located at the opposite end of the polypeptide directly inhibit the motor domains to prevent wasteful motility and ATP hydrolysis in the absence of cargo (8). Although the majority of kinesins are oligomeric, the diverse kinesin-3 subfamily represents the clear exception by being monomeric (9). The kinesin-3 subfamily includes Caenorhabditis elegans UNC-104 and its mammalian homologs KIF1A/B/C, KIF13A/B, KIF16A/B, and KIF26A/B (5). Native KIF1A and recombinant UNC-104 can be purified as globular compact monomers (9, 10). The kinesin-3 subfamily shares a conserved and specialized motor domain that includes a lysine-rich insert in loop 12 (K-loop), located near its MT binding interface. The kinesin-3 subfamily also shares a conserved α-helical NC with poor propensity … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: jawdat{at}ucdavis.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Marsh processes and their response to climate change and sea-level rise.

In addition to their being vital components of mid- to high-latitude coastal ecosystems, salt marshes contain 0.1% of global sequestered terrestrial carbon. Their sustainability is now threatened b...
Update in Pulmonary Medicine: Evidence Published in 2016

This update highlights important studies in the field of pulmonary medicine published in 2016 that have the potential to alter patient care. Topics covered include the treatment of asthma, chronic ...
A rare landmark of cecal intubation.

Invaginated appendices are a rare finding and a result of the appendix pulling itself into the cecum and can be caused by anatomical and pathological mechanisms. We present a case of an invaginated Appendix found during a routine colonoscopy.