cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 Phosphorylates Disabled 1 Independently of Reelin Signaling

Two major signaling pathways that control neuronal positioning during brain development have been uncovered as a result of genetic and biochemical studies on neurological mouse mutants. Mice deficient in Reelin, Disabled 1 (Dab1), or both the very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) and the apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2) exhibit identical neuroanatomic defects in laminar structures throughout the brain. These proteins function as components of the Reelin signaling pathway. Reelin is a secreted glycoprotein that binds to VLDLR and ApoER2, inducing tyrosine phosphorylation of Dab1, an intracellular adapter protein. Neuronal migration is also regulated by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) and its activating subunits p35 and p39. Mice deficient in Cdk5, p35, or both p35 and p39 exhibit lamination defects that are similar but not identical to those observed in mice with a defect in the Reelin signaling pathway. Cdk5 phosphorylates proteins that maintain cytoskeletal structures and promote cell motility. To explore the possibility that Cdk5 influences the Reelin pathway, we sought to determine whether Dab1 is a substrate for Cdk5. Here we show that Cdk5 phosphorylates Dab1 on serine 491 in vitro and in vivo, independently of Reelin signaling. We also show that ectopic neurons in Cdk5-deficient mice exhibit reduced levels of Reelin signaling during later stages of cortical development, although Cdk5 is not required for Reelin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Dab1. Although the functional significance of Dab1 serine phosphorylation is unclear, our results suggest that there is biochemical cross-talk between two signaling pathways that control cell positioning.
Spill-Over Effects in Online Discussions? Assessing the Effectiveness of Student Preceptors

Studies on active learning in college classrooms evince that student-student interaction in discussion settings is beneficial to learning as it promotes cognitive engagement, student satisfaction, and positive learning outcomes including higher-order learning and critical thinking skills. While these findings apply primarily to the face-to-face classroom, recent research indicates that these positive outcomes can also be effectively recreated in the online environment. In this study, we offer a preliminary look at the efficacy of a conditioning intervention: The role of student preceptors in promoting student interaction and elevating discussion quality. Using data from 23 discussion groups in a large (279 students) online course, we measure qualitative indicators of discussion activity under two quasi-experimental conditions: preceptor-as-student and preceptor-as-GTA. In the control condition, no student preceptor was present. We find that high-quality postings made by a student preceptor indeed triggers higher-quality postings by other students, especially those that post in temporal proximity to the preceptor.
Energy levels of light nuclei A = 11-12

Compilation of energy levels of A = 11 and 12 nuclei, with emphasis on material leading to information about the structure of the A = 11 and 12 systems.
Synthesis and electrochemical properties of oxo-bridged manganese dimers incorporating alkali and alkaline earth cations

Abstract The dimer [( 1 )Mn III ] 2 (μ-O) ( 3 ) was synthesized by oxygenation of the mononuclear Mn(II) complex in CH 3 CN. The ligand used was 3,3′-17-crown-6-SAL-3-CH 3 -OPHEN ( 1 ). Dimer 3 reacted with KPF 6 and Ba(SO 3 CF 3 ) 2 in DMF forming 3 ·2KPF 6 and 3 ·2Ba(SO 3 CF 3 ) 2 and these were isolated and characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical means. All of the dimers participated in a reversible two-electron transfer process that produced the corresponding Mn II ,Mn II (μ-oxo) dimer. Inclusion of cations into the crown ether portions of the dimer caused that formal reduction potential of 3 to shift to more positive values: E o ( 3 )= −120 mV, CH 2 Cl 2 ; E o ( 3 ·2KPF 6 )= 0 mV, CH 3 CN; E o ( 3 ·2Ba(SO 3 CF 3 ) 2 )= 180 mV, CH 3 CN all versus SSCE. Results of UV-Vis experiments suggested that the shift in formal reduction potential was caused primarily by an electrostatic effect and not a perturbation of the d orbitals on the Mn(III) centers.
SSD1 is integral to host defense peptide resistance in Candida albicans.

The colonization of human tissues is an essential first step in the pathogenesis of invasive candidiasis. This paradigm is based on multiple lines of evidence as follows: (i) colonization precedes and is an independent risk factor for disseminated candidiasis (16, 21, 28, 37), (ii) colonization burden correlates with the risk of invasive disease (6, 8, 22), and (iii) measures that reduce colonization burden reduce the subsequent risk of fungemia (18, 29). Innate immunity plays a crucial role in controlling candidal colonization and preventing invasive candidiasis. Thus, understanding the relationship among candidal pathogenicity, molecular immunobiology, and host defense is directly relevant to addressing the unacceptably high rates of morbidity and mortality presently associated with candidal infection (1, 12, 23, 27). In immunocompetent individuals, molecular mechanisms of innate immunity are believed to mediate first-line host defense against invasive candidiasis. High-level cellular inflammatory responses are usually invoked only if these defenses fail to control colonization by Candida albicans. Principal among innate immune defenses are antimicrobial peptides elaborated in skin or upon mucosal surfaces. For example, human β-defensins (e.g., human β-defensin-1 [hβD-1] or hβD-2) are considered integral to innate defense of the integument (3). Likewise, histatins are important molecular effectors of constitutive immunity against Candida in the oral setting (6). Little is known about the molecular mechanisms that govern C. albicans resistance to antimicrobial peptide-induced growth inhibition or lethality (41). Prior studies have examined the relationship between resistance to thrombin-induced platelet microbicidal protein-1 (tPMP-1) and C. albicans virulence in the rabbit model of infective endocarditis (42). These investigations demonstrated that the peptide-resistant strain C. albicans 36082R proliferated in cardiac vegetations and spleen to densities logarithmically higher than those seen for the orthogenic and peptide-susceptible counterpart, 36082S. Moreover, subsequent studies revealed that fluconazole was significantly less efficacious in reducing tissue burden due to strain 36082R than in reducing that due to strain 36082S (42). Differences in fungal growth rates, levels of adherence to vascular endothelium, levels of clearance from the bloodstream, and susceptibilities to fluconazole were ruled out as potential confounders of the above results. Thus, relative resistance to antimicrobial peptides appears to play a significant role in C. albicans pathogenesis and the efficacy of antifungal therapy. The current studies were undertaken to examine the genetic basis of antimicrobial peptide resistance in this opportunistic human pathogen.
Craniofacial and neck anomalies.

Craniofacial disorders are central to the diagnosis of genetic syndromes and malformations. Not infrequently, a geneticist may diagnose a syndrome just by observing the newborn’s facial features. The precise role, however, of the craniofacial survey within the standard prenatal sonographic examination remains unclear. Although the validity of the craniofacial examination in a high-risk population was first reported in 1986 by Pilu et al;2 a detection rate of only 50% for isolated craniofacial anomalies was reported 11 years later by Hafner et a1,9 who studied 5407 low-risk pregnancies. Nevertheless, rapid developments in modern sonographic technology and molecular testing have brought us to a point where we can now make definitive prenatal diagnoses of syndromes associated with craniofacial anomalies. It is imperative to remember that for some lethal disorders, craniofacial anomalies may be the primary presenting feature. Consequently, prenatal detection of such anomalies has great impact on the parental decision-making process. Likewise, nonlethal abnormalities of this region may result in airway obstruction and require lifesaving interventions at birth. The embryologic origin of the head and neck is extremely complex, encoded by several locally and systemically expressed genes. The interruption of crucial migration processes results in myriad isolated anomalies, syndromes, sequences, and associations of various causes, thereby necessitating an organized approach. This article addresses the sonographic assessment of the head and neck by developmental fields, specifically the cranium, midface, lip and palate, mandible, and neck regions. The recognition of craniofacial and neck anomalies is a key aspect in elevating the second-trimester evaluation from a routine scan to a superior anatomic survey. It is especially important to look for minor anomalies, because these may indicate the presence of a more generalized disorder (Table 1).
Examining Mathematics Teacher Educators' Emerging Practices in Online Environments.

Teacher professional development and course work using asynchronous online environments seems promising, yet little is known about how mathematics teacher educators (MTEs) develop practices for such spaces. Research has shown that views of learning impact design of online learning spaces, enabling and constraining particular student action. More remains to be examined about the steps being taken to make sense of MTEs’ practices to support learning. In this paper, facets of MTEs' struggle to design an asynchronous online environment and enact a practice aligned with a view of learning are explored.
Impulse-radiating antenna with an offset geometry

An offset impulse-radiating antenna (IRA) is numerically analyzed and compared with a typical centered IRA. In the typical centered IRA, the transverse electromagnetic (TEM) feed arms block the aperture because they are located at the center of the aperture. This blockage causes multiple reflections inside the antenna and, thus, ripples in the tail of the radiated waveform. In the offset IRA, the TEM feed arms are removed from the aperture, lowering the tail ripples caused by multiple reflections between the TEM feed arms and the reflector. The boresight gains and the impulse amplitudes are seen to be essentially the same for both IRAs. The monostatic radar cross section of the offset IRA is significantly lower than that of the centered IRA for the plane wave incident from the boresight direction because the wave incident to the offset IRA is diverted toward the focal point of the reflector, which is away from the boresight direction. The offset IRA has a shadow behind the reflector. This feature can be useful in bistatic radar applications because the antennas can be placed in the shadows of each other.
Concentration slip and its impact on heterogeneous combustion in a micro scale chemical reactor

The rarefied gas effect on concentration slip and on heterogeneous combustion in microscale chemical reactors was investigated. First, a concentration slip model to describe the rarefied gas effect on the species transport in microscale chemical reactors was derived from the approximate solution of the Boltzmann equation. Second, the model was verified using the direct Monte-Carlo method for the pure diffusion problems at different Knudsen numbers. The comparison showed that the present analytical model for the concentration slip boundary condition reasonably predicted the rarefied gas effect in the slip regime. Finally, the impact of the concentration slip on the coupling between the surface catalytic reactions and the homogeneous gas phase reactions in a microscale chemical reactor was examined using the one-step overall surface reaction model with a wide range of Knudsen and Damkohler numbers. It was shown that the rarefied gas effect significantly reduced the reaction rate of the surface catalytic oxidization for large Knudsen numbers. Furthermore, it was shown that the impact of slip effects on catalytic reactions strongly depends on the competition between the reaction rate and diffusion transport. It was found that the concentration slip causes a nonlinear reaction rate distribution at large Damkohler numbers. The results also showed that an accurate prediction of the rarefied gas effect on catalytic reactions in microscale reactors has to consider both the temperature slip and the concentration slip.
Electromagnetic source transformations and applications

The basic approach of transformation electromagnetics [1], in which coordinate transformations on electromagnetic fields can be physically realized with complex materials, has been applied to yield a wide range of electromagnetic devices that until now would have been almost inconceivable. Only recently has the transformation electromagnetics concept been extended to include sources. In [2] the authors analyze how electromagnetic currents and charges behave under coordinate transformations and demonstrate analytically how this can be used to design novel conformal antennas. This idea was further demonstrated in numerical simulations in [3]. The theory presented in [2], however, contains several errors, and we present the correct equations here.
Visually Induced Plasticity of Auditory Spatial Perception in Macaques

Abstract When experiencing spatially disparate visual and auditory stimuli, a common percept is that the sound originates from the location of the visual stimulus, an illusion known as the ventriloquism effect [1]. This illusion can persist for tens of minutes, a phenomenon termed the ventriloquism aftereffect [2–5]. The underlying neuronal mechanisms of this rapidly induced plasticity remain unclear; indeed, it remains untested whether similar multimodal interactions occur in other species. We therefore tested whether macaque monkeys experience the ventriloquism aftereffect similar to the way humans do. The ability of two monkeys to determine which side of the midline a sound was presented from was tested before and after a period of 20–60 min in which the monkeys experienced either spatially identical or spatially disparate auditory and visual stimuli. In agreement with human studies, the monkeys did experience a shift in their auditory spatial perception in the direction of the spatially disparate visual stimulus, and the aftereffect did not transfer across sounds that differed in frequency by two octaves. These results show that macaque monkeys experience the ventriloquism aftereffect similar to the way humans do in all tested respects, indicating that these multimodal interactions are a basic phenomenon of the central nervous system.
Catchment Analysis and Formative Settlement in the Valley of Mexico

Models are used in archeology to propose relationships that account for the type and variety of data found by the investigator. The usefulness of models depends on how accurately they portray relationships within the data. In a recent article, Steponaitis (1981) presents a model that attempts to establish relationships between resource flow, settlement size, and the political centralization of Formative societies in the Valley of Mexico. While the model is a creative inquiry into the development of sociopolitical hierarchies, it unfortunately misrepresents Formative settlement-subsistence systems in three ways:' (1) the 2-km catchment zone is perceived as the real limit for community resource exploitation, ignoring the importance of heterogeneous exploitive strategies and settlement configurations as aspects of Formative systems; (2) the model assumes that large communities could only exist by extracting tribute from smaller village settlements, whereas available data on agricultural productivity indicate that most large communities could have supported themselves with the resources available in their immediate vicinity; (3) the model produces unlikely estimates for the number of nonproducers in local and regional centers. Steponaitis introduces an interesting modification to traditional catchment analysis by calculating the catchment radii from the edge of the site rather than its center. While Finsten
Compilation and analysis of intein sequences

We have compiled a list of all the inteins (protein splicing elements) whose sequences have been published or were available from on-line sequence databases as of September 18, 1996. Analysis of the 36 available intein sequences refines the previously described intein motifs and reveals the presence of another intein motif, Block H. Furthermore, analysis of the new inteins reshapes our view of the conserved splice junction residues, since three inteins lack the intein penultimate His seen in prior examples. Comparison of intein sequences suggests that, in general, (i) inteins present in the same location within extein homologs from different organisms are very closely related to each other in paired sequence comparison or phylogenetic analysis and we suggest that they should be considered intein alleles; (ii) multiple inteins present in the same gene are no more similar to each other than to inteins present in different genes; (iii) phylogenetic analysis indicates that inteins are so divergent that trees with statistically significant branches cannot be generated except for intein alleles.
Was David Hume a Deflationist? : A Critique of Paganelli's Interpretation

Maria Paganelli (2007) argues against claims that David Hume (1985 [1752]) recommended inflation with his argument: «The good policy of the magistrate consists only in keeping [money], if possible, still encreasing; because by that means, he keeps alive a spirit of industry in the nation, and increases the stock of labour, in which consists all real power and riches» (288). In the process of rendering such worthwhile correction Hume's abhorrence of inflation is clearly evi dent in the essay, Of Money Paganelli goes overboard in arguing an equally wrong position, namely, that Hume recommended deflation as good monetary policy. Indeed, such a policy is inconsistent with Hume's recommendation of an increasing quantity of money in a growing economy because of the negative consequences of insufficient money supply, the logic of Hume's price specie-flow mechanism, and Hume's explicit advice to government in Of the Balance of Trade, to adopt a neutral policy of trusting money «safely to the course of human affairs, without fear or jealousy» (326). It turns out that Paganelli arrives at her incorrect interpretation of Hume's monetary analysis from having taken certain statements of Hume's out of their proper context. The proper policy preference to draw from Hume's arguments is that of price level stability, not a per sistently falling price level or deflation. The rest of my note elaborates.
Feasibility of Evolutionary Design for Multi-Access MAC Protocols

This paper explores the feasibility of evolving Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols using evolving finite state machines. Network protocols formulated as genotypes are evaluated through an evaluation framework and made to compete under the pressure of a desired performance fitness. Specifically, the evolution of two well-known protocols, Slotted-ALOHA and Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) is explored. Using a C based protocol fitness evaluator and a Java based evolution fabric, we show that a generalized state machine is able to evolve complex MAC behavior when time or channel sensing modalities are provided to the network nodes. We show that protocol synthesis takes place under a wide range of network parameters, loading conditions as well as limited/full evolutionary degrees of behavioral freedom. Performed adaptability experiments prove feasibility of the framework to adapt with runtime changes of single or multiple system parameters. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop an alternative design paradigm for protocols in heterogeneous network and traffic scenarios.
The Short-Term and Intermediate-Term Risk of Second Neoplasms After Diagnosis and Treatment of Unilateral Vestibular Schwannoma: Analysis of 9460 Cases

Purpose To determine the incidence of second intracranial neoplasms after the diagnosis and treatment of sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS). Methods and Materials Analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database including all patients identified with a diagnosis of VS and a second intracranial tumor. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine the incidence of second tumors while allowing for censoring at loss to follow-up or death. Multivariable associations between treatment modality and second tumor formation were explored using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Two illustrative cases are also presented. Results In all, 9460 patients with unilateral VS were identified between 2004 and 2012. Overall, 66 (0.7%) patients experienced a separate intracranial tumor, benign or malignant, after treatment of VS. Kaplan-Meier estimates for time to second neoplasm at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.3%, 0.7%, and 0.8%, respectively. Multivariable comparison between VS treatment modalities revealed that the risk of second tumor formation was similar between radiation and surgery (hazard ratio [HR] 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36-1.51; P =.93) but greater for tumors managed with observation alone compared with radiation (HR 2.48; 95% CI 1.31-4.71; P P =.08) during the study period. Conclusions The risk for the development of a second intracranial neoplasm, benign or malignant, at 5 years after treatment of unilateral VS is approximately 0.8%, whereas the risk of acquiring a separate malignancy is 0.1%, or approximately 1 per 1000 cases. The short-term and intermediate-term incidence of second neoplasm after radiation of VS is not greater than the incidence after microsurgery or observation.
Wetting and Drying Responses of Gas Diffusion Layers and Proton Exchange Membrane to Current Transients

This study examined the hydration state of the PEM and GDLs in four PEM fuel cells, with various combinations of SGL Carbon carbon paper GDLs with different PTFE loadings, in response to current step up and step down transients. The goal was to determine the effect of these GDLs and their PTFE loadings in the substrates and MPLs on the water dynamics and performance. The fuel cells used GoreTM MEAs and were operated at 80oC with stoich tracking gas flows at 50% inlet RHs. In situ HFR measurements were used for monitoring PEM hydration and in situ neutron imaging of the fuel cells was conducted at NIST with quantitative analysis to determine the liquid water content in the GDLs and channels. High PTFE loadings in the porous, open GDL substrates allow for greater water flux and lower water holding capacity, which facilitates cathode reaction water removal at high currents. In contrast, high PTFE loadings in the less porous, smaller pore size MPLs increase the water barrier attributes and seal in PEM water. Counter flow gas feed results in more even water distribution than co-flow feed. Counter flow feed with cathode air flowing against gravity increases cell hydration in dry operating conditions.
Earthquake-Related Injuries in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review

Background Children are a special population, particularly susceptible to injury. Registries for various injury types in the pediatric population are important, not only for epidemiological purposes but also for their implications on intervention programs. Although injury registries already exist, there is no uniform injury classification system for traumatic mass casualty events such as earthquakes. Objective To systematically review peer-reviewed literature on the patterns of earthquake-related injuries in the pediatric population. Methods On May 14, 2012, the authors performed a systematic review of literature from 1950 to 2012 indexed in Pubmed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Articles written in English, providing a quantitative description of pediatric injuries were included. Articles focusing on other types of disasters, geological, surgical, conceptual, psychological, indirect injuries, injury complications such as wound infections and acute kidney injury, case reports, reviews, and non-English articles were excluded. Results A total of 2037 articles were retrieved, of which only 10 contained quantitative earthquake-related pediatric injury data. All studies were retrospective, had different age categorization, and reported injuries heterogeneously. Only 2 studies reported patterns of injury for all pediatric patients, including patients admitted and discharged. Seven articles described injuries by anatomic location, 5 articles described injuries by type, and 2 articles described injuries using both systems. Conclusions Differences in age categorization of pediatric patients, and in the injury classification system make quantifying the burden of earthquake-related injuries in the pediatric population difficult. A uniform age categorization and injury classification system are paramount for drawing broader conclusions, enhancing disaster preparation for future disasters, and decreasing morbidity and mortality.
Studies of multiple allelomorphic series in the house-mouse: III. A spectrophotometric study of mouse melanin

The absorption spectra of melanins from the hair of mice of various colours and of known genotypes have been determined. They do not differ significantly. Hence the changes in coat colour seem to be due to quantitative variations in the pigment rather than to qualitative ones. This seems, moreover, to be the same pigment that is present in the hair of at least two varieties of horses. However, the possibility that scattering rather than true absorption is involved has not been entirely ruled out.
Monitoring Land-Cover Changes: A Machine-Learning Perspective

Monitoring land-cover changes is of prime importance for the effective planning and management of critical, natural and man-made resources. The growing availability of remote sensing data provides ample opportunities for monitoring land-cover changes on a global scale using machine-learning techniques. However, remote sensing data sets exhibit unique domain-specific properties that limit the usefulness of traditional machine-learning methods. This article presents a brief overview of these challenges from the perspective of machine learning and discusses some of the recent advances in machine learning that are relevant for addressing them. These approaches show promise for future research in the detection of land-cover change using machine-learning algorithms.
Immanence and Transcendence: Connections with Personality and Personal Life

Several years ago, I found that a group's being organized as an association or a social system had important consequences (Swanson, 1967, 1971). Societies in early modern Europe were likely to become Protestant if they were organized as associations. The more definite a society's organization as an association, the more likely it was to become Calvinist rather than Lutheran (or Anglican). Societies organized primarily as social systems were likely to remain Roman Catholic. I came to these findings by a familiar route, that is by drawing on sociology for an understanding of religious developments. But one can move in the opposite direction as well. The debates between the Reformers and their adversaries can be seen as analyses of the nature of life in an association or in a social system and thereby as extending our understanding of these two forms of social organization. The things we learn from that approach can improve our account of any historical event in which the distinction is important. The Reformation is but one such event. In this paper I present evidence from new studies that turn on the distinction between association and social system. Each study concerns relations between personality and social structure as suggested by the Reformation debates. In each case I describe some feature of these relations as conceived at the Reformation. Then I cast them in a more general form and look at samples of primitive societies and/or American families to see whether expected relations to association/social system do in fact appear.
Chapter 13 – Opportunities for Facilitators

Philosophical counseling has received the lion's share of the publicity thus far directed toward philosophical practice, group facilitation and organizational consulting each possess at least as much potential, if of a quieter kind, as dimensions of practice. This chapter details some of the dormant and nascent opportunities for facilitators. Socratic Dialogue is a multipurpose philosophical tool whose range of applications is far from exhausted in Germany and The Netherlands, where it has been successfully applied for decades, and whose potential in the US. has barely been tapped. It can be implemented not only at length in groups convened for that purpose, but also in abbreviated and more directed forms, within organizations themselves. While the hourglass shape of the dialogue remains structurally robust, its temporal axis is ideally elastic: both compressible and extensible. An obstructive participant can make things difficult for everyone, whereas eight or 10 insightful participants do not necessarily make things easy. The topic, if too emotional, can also debilitate a dialogue.
Fourier domain closed-form formulas for estimation of kinetic parameters in multi-compartment models

Dynamic emission computed tomographic imaging with compartment modeling can quantify in vivo physiologic processes, eliciting more information regarding underlying molecular disease processes than can be obtained from static imaging. However, estimation of kinetic rate parameters for multi-compartment models can be computationally demanding and problematic in the presence of high statistical noise. A number of techniques for kinetic parameter estimation have been studied and are in use today, generally offering a tradeoff between computation time, robustness of fit, and flexibility with differing sets of assumptions. This paper offers a new perspective to the compartment model fitting problem where Fourier linear system theory is applied to derive closed-form formulas for estimating kinetic parameters for one- and two-tissue compartment models. The proposed Fourier domain estimation method is computationally efficient, provides a unique solution, and offers very different noise response as compared to traditional non-linear chi-squared minimization techniques. The unique feature of the proposed Fourier domain method is that the DC (Direct Current) component in the data is treated as the most important information. Only low frequency components are used for kinetic parameter estimation, and high frequency components that tend to be corrupted by statistical noise are discarded. Computer simulations show that the proposed method is robust without specifying the initial condition.
Ethno-phytotherapeutic remedies used in meat, milk, and blood products by the Maasai people of Kenya

Abstract In traditional subsistence systems, the apparent safe ingestion of non-nutrient additives from food, beverages, condiments and herbs is founded on empirical knowledge accumulated over generations. Earlier studies have hinted that the Maasai people of south-western Kenyan might, intuitively or by knowledge added certain medicinal plant additives to their foods (meat, milk and blood). Previously, incidences of obesity, cholesteremia, type II diabetes and atherosclerosis were rare within the Maasai population. However, presently the diet of the Maasai population, in part, consists of cholesterol- or fat-rich meat, milk, and blood products eaten with starchy staples made from maize, rice, or wheat. The study unraveled a rich usage of indigenous medicinal plants with entries of thirty species in 27 genera of 22 plant families. Thus, indigenous plants used by the Maasai people in food preparations may contribute significant therapeutic roles in sustaining health.
Relationships Between Ultrasonic Noise and Macrostructure of Titanium Alloys

The complex microstructure of two-phase titanium alloys can produce considerable ultrasonic backscattering noise. The noise introduces problems in detecting small flaws, such as hard-alpha inclusions, by forming a background which can mask the flaw signals. Therefore better understanding of grain noise is required to quantify and increase the detectability of the small flaws. As an aid to understanding the grain noise, an independent scattering model was constructed and studied during last two years by Margetan and Thompson.1,2 In that model for the backscattered noise generated by a tone burst, the grain noise is described by following equation2 $${\text{N(t)}} = FOM \times M{\text{(t)}}$$ (1) where N(t) is the rms grain noise, FOM is a material characteristic parameter and M is a factor that depends on the detailed description of the experimental configuration as well as the ultrasonic attenuation. The argument, t, is the time delay at which the noise is observed and can be related to a spatial position within the material. Since the model gives an explicit functional form for M, it is possible to use Eq. (1) to infer the FOM from a measurement of N(t).1 Figure 1 presents the results of such a measurement in which the noise was observed, through each of three orthogonal sides of a set of four Ti-6246 specimens, whose history of heat treatment is summarized in Table 1.2 The FOM’s of each of specimens A1, A2 and B2 varied by an order of magnitude, depending on the side of the measurement. However, on specimen C1, which was annealed above the beta transus of 1775 °F, the noise was nearly isotropic. The purpose of this paper is to understand the origin of this anisotropy.
Assessment of Stalk Properties to Predict Juice Yield in Sorghum

Sweet sorghum is an outstanding feedstock choice for bioethanol production, but the gap between theoretical and commercial ethanol yields must be reduced to improve economic viability. Extractable juice yield is a primary limiting factor for higher ethanol yield, but current phenotyping techniques to measure juice yield in sorghum can be laborious. Therefore, alternative approaches to measuring juice yield during selection are needed. The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between stalk-related traits and juice yield and to assess the ability to predict juice yield using agronomic traits and stalk properties across and within a diverse set of sorghum ideotypes (photoinsensitive, photosensitive, biomass, grain, and sweet types). Stalk weight, stalk volume, stalk diameter, and plant height had significantly strong associations with juice yield, which were consistent across different sorghum ideotypes. The direct and indirect effects of multiple predictive traits on juice yield varied greatly with the distinct sorghum subsets. However, equation modeling demonstrated that juice yield is satisfactorily predicted by jointly assessing stalk weight and stalk moisture. Moreover, alternative prediction models involving distinct combinations of agronomic and stalk-related traits had similarly good prediction accuracy. Altogether, this suggests that several prediction models can be used to accelerate phenotyping for juice yield, which will improve the selection process. Overall, the results indicate that increasing sorghum juice yield via indirect selection is possible, but the choice of prediction model depends on the ideotypes and resources available in a breeding program.
The role of marijuana use disorder in predicting emergency department and inpatient encounters: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background Marijuana use disorder (MUD) is the most common illegal drug use disorder and its prevalence is increasing. It is associated with psychiatric and medical problems, but little is known about its impact on emergency department (ED) and inpatient utilization rates. Design In a retrospective cohort design, we used electronic health record (EHR) data to identify patients with MUD ( n = 2752) and demographically matched patients without MUD ( n = 2752) in 2010. Logistic regressions determined risk of ED and inpatient visits each year from 2010 to 2014 for MUD patients versus controls; mixed-effect growth models examined differences in utilization rates over 5-years. Patient characteristics predicting increased risk of utilization were examined among the MUD sample only. Key results Rates of ED (OR = 0.87, p p p p p ’ s p ’ s Conclusions MUD patients remain at high risk for ED and inpatient visits despite decreasing utilization rates over 5 years. Addressing MUD patients’ comorbid conditions in outpatient settings may help reduce inappropriate service use.
Second Sound Horizon

We study an analogy between black hole physics and the phase boundary between normal and superfluid liquid helium in a gravitational field or in the presence of a constant heat current. We investigate the propagation of second sound near the boundary between superfluid and normal fluid. The speed of second sound should approach zero as it propagates toward the phase boundary where the reflection and transmission of the second sound will become ambiguous. This is analogous to the propagation of light near a singular black hole. When the phase boundary moves it is analogous to a black hole horizon: a second sound horizon. The analogy may lead us to infer a thermal radiation noise of amplitude <50 pico Kelvin from the boundary between the super and normal fluid. This thermal noise may be dramatize by applying a constant heat current from the bottom. We find a scaling behavior T∼Q1/6 for the thermal radiation of the phase boundary as a function of heat current Q. A feasible experiment to measure this thermal noise is suggested.
Methane in aquifers used for public supply in the United States

Abstract In 2013 to 2015, 833 public supply wells in 15 Principal aquifers in the U.S. were sampled to identify which aquifers contained high methane concentrations (>1 mg/L) and determine the geologic, hydrologic, and geochemical conditions associated with high concentrations. This study represents the first national assessment of methane in aquifers used for public supply in the U.S. and, as such, advances the understanding of the occurrence and distribution of methane in groundwater nationally. Methane concentrations >1 and > 10 mg/L occurred in 6.7 and 1.1% of the samples, respectively. Most high concentrations occurred in aquifers in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain regions and upper Midwest. High methane concentrations were most commonly associated with Tertiary and younger aquifer sediments, old groundwater (>60 years), and concentrations of oxygen, nitrate-N, and sulfate
Blood Quality Diagnostic Device Detects Storage Differences Between Donors

In 2013, nearly 15 million units of banked blood were transfused in the United States of America alone. Blood shortages are expected to increase globally. Donated blood is not equal due to differences in quality and deterioration rate. There are no methods to detect time-dependent biochemical and biophysical changes of red blood cells (RBCs) or the deterioration rate of donated RBCs. Nine randomly selected RBC units collected by the San Diego Blood Bank were examined for interdonor variability over six weeks of storage. In vitro RBC quality was assessed weekly by conventional biochemical tests including free Hb, K+, ATP, P50, 2,3 DPG, lactate, and pH. Deformability was measured via cell filtration. Briefly, the RBC suspension (10% Hct), was forced through a 5.0- μ m pore membrane (106 mm2) at various flow rates. No interdonor variability in biochemical or mechanical parameters was observed at baseline. Interdonor variability in biochemical properties (free Hb, K+, ATP, P50, 2,3 DPG, lactate, and pH) was observed after 14 days of storage. However, significant differences from baseline in RBC mechanical properties (i.e., filterability) were observed as early as 7 days into storage at the lowest flow rates and after 28 days of storage at all flow rates. There was a net decrease in filterability over time for all donors, but the rate at which filterability decreased (i.e., deterioration rates) was different when comparing individual donors. Changes in all biochemical parameters were significant different between donors. These data suggest that filterability is more sensitive to changes in blood quality than conventional biochemical parameters.
Use of Observational Weather Data and Forecasts in Emergency Management: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

AbstractMany factors affect the extent to which forecasts inform emergency responses. In a survey based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), 207 U.S. emergency managers (EMs) were asked about 1) their past and intended future use of short-term weather forecasts and recorded weather data, 2) the perceived limitations and 3a) their attitude toward the usefulness of such weather information, 3b) their attitude toward their job and toward uncertainty, 4) perceived social norms, and 5) self-assessed numeracy. Work experience was found to be the best predictor of whether an emergency manager relied on recorded weather data and short-term weather forecasts in the past or intends to do so in the future. Among TPB variables, mainly social expectations and data attitude drive the reliance on recorded weather data and short-term forecasts. The EMs’ perception of the weather information’s limitations is related to their perceptions of what their social surroundings think. In sum, this article sheds light on when ...
Health Communication| Who Cares What Others Think? The Role of Latinas’ Acculturation in the Processing of HPV Vaccination Narrative Messages

This study investigated the role played by level of acculturation in the effect of narrative persuasion on health-related outcomes. A random sample of 186 Mexican American females watched either a narrative designed to increase human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake or an equivalent nonnarrative film. While message format failed to exert a direct effect on vaccination norms and behavioral intent, participants’ level of acculturation played an important role in the processing of the message. Specifically, when treating acculturation as a moderator, consistent effects emerged for less acculturated Latinas on various research outcomes, including descriptive and injunctive norms regarding HPV vaccine uptake. These findings extend the discussion on health communication through storytelling by calling attention to the importance of cultural factors in the framework of narrative persuasion.
Mother and Home Visitor Emotional Well-Being and Alignment on Goals for Home Visiting as Factors for Program Engagement

Objectives Family engagement in home visiting (HV), as indicated by length of enrollment, is a major challenge as most families do not stay enrolled for the intended duration prescribed by HV models. This study examined maternal and visitor emotional well-being as factors for maternal satisfaction with the program in addressing reasons for enrolling in HV and program engagement and the role of their working alliance with the visitor as a mediator of this. Methods Longitudinal data were collected from 148 mothers and 54 visitors in 21 HV programs. Mothers completed surveys shortly after enrolling and 6 months later to assess attributes of the working alliance with their visitor. Visitors completed a survey to assess work-related well-being. HV program data were used to measure engagement. Results Mothers enrolled for multiple, diverse reasons, most often to promote child development and parenting (96%). Mothers’ satisfaction with program efforts to address reasons for enrollment was highest for parenting (79%) and lowest for jobs and education (30%). Results of the mediational path model indicated that ratings of the visitor on goal alignment were positively associated with engagement. Maternal emotional availability and visitor work-related emotional exhaustion were negatively associated with engagement. Exploratory analyses suggested that ratings of the visitor on goal alignment were a stronger predictor of engagement for mothers with low emotional availability compared to other mothers. Conclusions for Practice Visitor alignment with mothers on goals and responsiveness to reasons for enrolling appear to be effective in promoting engagement. Individualizing services to reflect maternal goals and emotional capacity may be important strategies to address engagement challenges.
Serotonin Involvement in Plasticity of the Visual Cortex

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is widely distributed in the nervous system, and has been implicated in many aspects of behavioral and physiological regulation, including the control of blood pressure, body temperature, sleep, pain perception, sensory processing, anxiety, impulsivity, aggression, depression, sex and feeding behaviors, learning, and memory (Curzon, 1988; Wilkinson and Dourish, 1991; Lucki, 1992; Westenberg et al., 1996). A number of studies over the past decades provided evidence that serotonin also is involved in structural and functional remodeling of cortical circuits. Neurons in cortical areas that process sensory information such as vision, audition, and somatic sensation can modify their response properties following prolonged alterations in input activity, especially during early postnatal life. For instance, visual experience plays a pivotal role in shaping visual cortex structure and function during postnatal development. In addition, it has been also shown that nonvisual inputs to the visual cortex are important regulators for visual cortex plasticity (Gu, 2002, 2003). Neurotransmission of serotonin in the visual cortex is considered one of the nonvisual inputs that may serve as the neurochemical basis of attention, arousal, and motivation. In the following sections, serotonininduced neuronal responses in the visual cortex will be briefly described. The contribution of serotonin to ocular dominance plasticity in the visual cortex and possible underlying mechanisms will then be discussed.
The Velocities of the Neutral and Ionized Components of HII Regions

We investigate statistically the relative velocities of the ionized gas in HII regions and the neutral gas in the molecular clouds associated with them for 151 optical HII regions in our Galaxy. The velocity of the molecular cloud is determined from CO observations at 2.6 mm and the ionized component from Hα spectra. The mean velocity difference between the molecular cloud and the ionized gas is 1.4 ± 0.4 km s-1 with a dispersion of 4.6 km s-1. Both values are important for determining the mean flow velocity and they indicate that the bulk of the ionized gas in most HII regions flow away from the associated clouds at velocities of 5 – 10 km s-1. They also indicate that a significant fraction of all HII regions will be visible optically even if they are on the far side of a molecular cloud.