cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Canine Model for Microvascular Reconstruction of the Larynx

The experimental use of jejunal free grafts with microvascular anastomosis in the head and neck region has been reported in pharyngeal and esophageal reconstruction. Lack of a suitable animal model has limited basic research for cutaneous or myocutaneous microvascular techniques. This investigation upon appropriate graft sites in the canine was instituted. Following a vertical hemilaryngectomy, reconstruction of the laryngeal defect was accomplished by transferring 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters square of a free myocutaneous graft from the caudal ventral abdominal region. The skin surface of the graft was placed inward to reline the laryngeal lumen. The epigastric artery and vein attached to the free graft were anastomosed to the superior thyroid or laryngeal artery or vein. Four of the six animals survived the procedure. All animals which survived the surgery showed excellent preservation of the airway lumen, pseudocord formation, and viability of the graft.
Misalignment-tolerant surface-normal low-voltage modulator for optical interconnects

We present a surface-normal modulator architecture for optical interconnects that offers misalignment tolerance as well as high contrast ratio over a wide wavelength range for a small drive voltage. A contrast ratio greater than 3 dB was achieved for only 0.8-V drive across a 16-nm wavelength range from 1498 to 1514 nm. The misalignment tolerance between this device, and the input optical beam was measured to be 30 /spl mu/m.
Two-stage vector quantization-pyramidal lattice vector quantization and application to speech LSP coding

Motivated by two-stage vector quantization-(spherical) lattice vector quantization introduced by Pan and Fischer (1995), two-stage vector quantization-pyramidal lattice vector quantization (VQ-PLVQ) is proposed that has a lower computational requirement and a slightly superior encoding performance. The complexity of VQ-PLVQ is further reduced by introducing tree-structures into the first-stage VQ. It is found that the efficiency of tree-searching depends on source distributions. Tree-structured VQ-PLVQ provides a performance very close to VQ-PLVQ for sources with memory. Then, these two quantisation schemes are applied to encoding of speech line spectrum pair parameters. Tree-structured VQ-PLVQ is an attractive approach that achieves an outstanding performance for the spectral distortion of 1 dB as well as a significant reduction of the implementation complexity.
Large games and the law of large numbers

Abstract This paper introduces discrete large games where the set of players is a countable dense ‘grid’ with a finitely additive distribution. In these games any function from player names to mixed actions is a legitimate strategy profile. No extraneous continuity or measurability conditions are assumed. Randomness can be modeled explicitly and an exact law of large numbers holds. Equilibria enjoy a strong purification property: every realization of every mixed strategy equilibrium is a pure strategy equilibrium almost surely. Every continuum-player game has a discrete large game representation that preserves the original payoffs, strategy profiles and equilibria. It is argued that strategy profiles in continuum-player games have an ambiguous meaning because measurability requirements force the smoothing out of individual variations. These variations have clear strategic meaning in finite-player games and can be expressed in discrete large games, but not when the set of players is the continuum.
Potential Factors of Online Victimization of Youth: An Examination of Adolescent Online Behaviors Utilizing Routine Activity Theory

The purpose of this study was to investigate Internet usage in a sample of college undergraduates, as well as to consider their experiences with online victimization, through variables representing the three constructs of Routine Activity Theory. A survey was administered to 100-level courses at a mid-sized university in the northeast, which questioned respondents on their Internet behaviors and experiences with victimization during the high school senior and college freshman time period. The findings of the study indicated that participating in behaviors that increased exposure to motivated offenders and target suitability in turn increased the likelihood of the three types of victimization measured. Conversely, taking protective measures against victimization to improve capable guardianship did not decrease the likelihood of victimization. This research provides a significant contribution to the literature as there are few explanatory studies that attempt to identify causal reasoning for the victimizati...
Enhancement of dynein-mediated autophagosome trafficking and autophagy maturation by ROS in mouse coronary arterial myocytes

Dynein-mediated autophagosome (AP) trafficking was recently demonstrated to contribute to the formation of autophagolysosomes (APLs) and autophagic flux process in coronary arterial myocytes (CAMs). However, it remains unknown how the function of dynein as a motor protein for AP trafficking is regulated under physiological and pathological conditions. The present study tested whether the dynein-mediated autophagy maturation is regulated by a redox signalling associated with lysosomal Ca2+ release machinery. In primary cultures of CAMs, reactive oxygen species (ROS) including H2O2 and O2−. (generated by xanthine/xanthine oxidase) significantly increased dynein ATPase activity and AP movement, which were accompanied by increased lysosomal fusion with AP and APL formation. Inhibition of dynein activity by (erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine) (EHNA) or disruption of the dynein complex by dynamitin (DCTN2) overexpression blocked ROS-induced dynein activation, AP movement and APL formation, and resulted in an accumulation of AP along with a failed breakdown of AP. Antagonism of nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP)-mediated Ca2+ signalling with NED-19 and PPADS abolished ROS-enhanced lysosomal Ca2+ release and dynein activation in CAMs. In parallel, all these changes were also enhanced by overexpression of NADPH oxidase-1 (Nox1) gene in CAMs. Incubation with high glucose led to a marked O2−. production compared with normoglycaemic CAMs, while Nox1 inhibitor ML117 abrogated this effect. Moreover, ML117 and NED-19 and PPADS significantly suppressed dynein activity and APL formation caused by high glucose. Taken together, these data suggest that ROS function as important players to regulate dynein-dependent AP trafficking leading to efficient autophagic maturation in CAMs.
Hardness of approximating the minimum distance of a linear code

We show that the minimum distance d of a linear code is not approximable to within any constant factor in random polynomial time (RP), unless nondeterministic polynomial time (NP) equals RP. We also show that the minimum distance is not approximable to within an additive error that is linear in the block length n of the code. Under the stronger assumption that NP is not contained in random quasi-polynomial time (RQP), we show that the minimum distance is not approximable to within the factor 2/sup log1-/spl epsi//(n), for any /spl epsi/>0. Our results hold for codes over any finite field, including binary codes. In the process, we show that it is hard to find approximately nearest codewords even if the number of errors exceeds the unique decoding radius d/2 by only an arbitrarily small fraction /spl epsi/d. We also prove the hardness of the nearest codeword problem for asymptotically good codes, provided the number of errors exceeds (2/3)d. Our results for the minimum distance problem strengthen (though using stronger assumptions) a previous result of Vardy (1997) who showed that the minimum distance cannot be computed exactly in deterministic polynomial time (P), unless P = NP. Our results are obtained by adapting proofs of analogous results for integer lattices due to Ajtai (1998) and Micciancio (see SIAM J. Computing, vol.30, no.6, p.2008-2035, 2001). A critical component in the adaptation is our use of linear codes that perform better than random (linear) codes.
Matrix Metalloproteinase Content and Activity in Low-Platelet, Low-Leukocyte and High-Platelet, High-Leukocyte Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and the Biologic Response to PRP by Human Ligament Fibroblasts

Background:Recent work has shown the presence of catabolic cytokines in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), but little is known about endogenous catabolic proteases such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).Hypothesis/Purpose:To quantify MMP content in 2 commercially available PRP preparation systems: Arthrex Double Syringe System autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) and Biomet GPS (GPS). The hypothesis was that MMPs are actively secreted from PRP immediately after preparation.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:PRP was prepared using either ACP (low platelet, low leukocyte) or GPS (high platelet, high leukocyte). MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 concentrations were measured using multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for up to 6 days in 2 donors, and MMP activity was measured in 3 donors using kinetic activity kits able to detect the enzymatic cleavage of a fluorogenic peptide. Human ligament fibroblasts were cultured and exposed to both ACP and GPS from 1 donor each. MMP-2, -3, and -9 concentrations we...
Conceptual models for health education research and practice

Although conceptual models are frequently used to illustrate research questions under investigation, there is a paucity of articles about how to develop conceptual models or their importance to health education research and practice. A number of uses of the term model exist. Therefore, we describe a conceptual model developed to guide health education research or practice as a diagram of proposed causal linkages among a set of concepts believed to be related to a specific public health problem. Although informed by the multicausal models of public health, the conceptual models we describe differ from those models in that they do not incorporate all factors correlated with an endpoint of interest. Rather they show only the small part of the causal web selected for study. Conceptual models differ from theory in that they are not usually concerned with global classes of behavior but with specific types of behavior in specific contexts. They often are informed by more than one theory, as well as by empirical findings. Because of the usefulness of conceptual models in narrowing both research questions and the targets of intervention, we advocate the inclusion of the model development process in public health education research methods courses.
A Model for Forensic Dental Education in the Predoctoral Dental School Curriculum

Forensic odontologists play an important role locally and nationally in assisting in the identification of the victims of mass fatality incidents, whether natural or human-made. With the recent passage of legislation by Congress identifying dentists as a first-responder resource, knowledge of their expanding role in disaster response is particularly important. The purpose of this article is to describe the forensic dental course being taught at Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, as a model for providing a fundamental education in forensic dentistry and disaster preparedness at the predoctoral dental level. This model is designed to 1) provide students with a broad view of forensic odontology; 2) give them a functional knowledge of the tools and techniques of the modern forensic dentist; 3) provide basic knowledge of their potential role in disaster preparedness and response; and 4) encourage students to pursue further forensic education, become active in national forensic organizations, and get involved in disaster preparedness/response in their home communities following graduation. This article includes lecture topics, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises being used at Creighton to teach students the fundamentals of forensic odontology and disaster preparedness.
Effect of Alkyl Substituents on the Hydrogen Bonding and Molecular Structure of Benzophenylhydroxamic Acids Crystal structure of UO2 Complex of p-Isopropylbenzophenylhydroxamic Acid

The effect of alkyl substituents on the C-phenyl and/or the N-Phenyl ring of benzophenylhydroxamic acid on their molecular structure and hydrogen bonding has been investigated. The predominant configuration in CHCl3 is determined by steric and electronic effects. Substituents on the C-phenyl ring favor the cis configuration, while substituents in the N-phenyl ring favor a trans configuration. These can be rationalized on the basis of electronic effects. Bulky substituents in the C-phenyl ring give rise to a mixture of cis and trans forms due to steric factors. When substituents are present on the C-phenyl ring and N-phenyl ring the trans configuration is preferred. The crystal and molecular structures of complex of p-isopropylbenzophenylhydroxamic acid have been determined from a single crystal of this complex to elucidate the effect of complexation on the structure of this ligand which exists as a cistrans mixture. Complexation occurs exclusively from the cis configuration.
The Glt1 glutamate receptor mediates the establishment and perpetuation of chronic visceral pain in an animal model of stress-induced bladder hyperalgesia

Psychological stress exacerbates interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), a lower urinary tract pain disorder characterized by increased urinary frequency and bladder pain. Glutamate (Glu) is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter modulating nociceptive networks. Glt1, an astrocytic transporter responsible for Glu clearance, is critical in pain signaling termination. We sought to examine the role of Glt1 in stress-induced bladder hyperalgesia and urinary frequency. In a model of stress-induced bladder hyperalgesia with high construct validity to human IC/BPS, female Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were subjected to 10-day water avoidance stress (WAS). Referred hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia were assessed after WAS with von Frey filaments. After behavioral testing, we assessed Glt1 expression in the spinal cord by immunoblotting. We also examined the influence of dihydrokainate (DHK) and ceftriaxone (CTX), which downregulate and upregulate Glt1, respectively, on pain development. Rats exposed to WAS demonstrated increased voiding frequency, increased colonic motility, anxiety-like behaviors, and enhanced visceral hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia. This behavioral phenotype correlated with decreases in spinal Glt1 expression. Exogenous Glt1 downregulation by DHK resulted in hyperalgesia similar to that following WAS. Exogenous Glt1 upregulation via intraperitoneal CTX injection inhibited the development of and reversed preexisting pain and voiding dysfunction induced by WAS. Repeated psychological stress results in voiding dysfunction and hyperalgesia that correlate with altered central nervous system glutamate processing. Manipulation of Glu handling altered the allodynia developing after psychological stress, implicating Glu neurotransmission in the pathophysiology of bladder hyperalgesia in the WAS model of IC/BPS.
Measurement scheme and analysis for weak ground-state-hyperfine-transition moments through two-pathway coherent control

We report our detailed analysis of a tabletop system for the measurement of the weak-force-induced electric dipole moment of a ground-state hyperfine transition carried out in an atomic beam geometry. We describe an experimental configuration of conductors for application of orthogonal rf and static electric fields, with cavity enhancement of the rf field amplitude, that allows confinement of the rf field to a region in which the static fields are uniform and well characterized. We carry out detailed numerical simulations of the field modes and analyze the expected magnitude of statistical and systematic limits to the measurement of this transition amplitude in atomic cesium. The combination of an atomic beam with this configuration leads to strong suppression of magnetic dipole contributions to the atomic signal. The application of this technique to the measurement of extremely weak transition amplitudes in other atomic systems, especially alkali metals, seems very feasible.
Noninvasive Monitoring of the Mitochondrial Function in Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.

Mitochondria are a gatekeeper of cell survival and mitochondrial function can be used to monitor cell stress. Here we validate a pathway-specific reporter gene to noninvasively image the mitochondrial function of stem cells. We constructed a mitochondrial sensor with the firefly luciferase (Fluc) reporter gene driven by the NQO1 enzyme promoter. The sensor was introduced in stem cells and validated in vitro and in vivo, in a mouse model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR). The sensor activity showed an inverse relationship with mitochondrial function (R 2 = −0.975, p = 0.025) and showed specificity and sensitivity for mitochondrial dysfunction. In vivo, NQO1-Fluc activity was significantly higher in IR animals vs. controls, indicative of mitochondrial dysfunction, and was corroborated by ex vivo luminometry. Reporter gene imaging allows assessment of the biology of transplanted mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), providing important information that can be used to improve the phenotype and survival of transplanted stem cells.
From information finders to product designers

Dans la conduite d'un projet les bibliothecaires ont un role pivot, etant a la fois avocat des utilisateurs et architecte du nouveau produit: l'auteur presente une methodologie de conduite de projet par bibliothecaire en distinguant les differentes phases (definition, architecture, conception, implementation)
Spatial Redistribution of Niobium Additives Near Nickel Surfaces

The spatial redistribution of niobium atoms near the surface of pure nickel has been considered in the low niobium concentration limit. The calculation of free energy includes lattice relaxation around niobium atoms by using molecular dynamics (MD) incorporating atomistic potentials based on ab-initio quantum mechanical calculations and includes vibrational entropy phenomenologically within the local harmonic approximation.
Provenance and history of the Thirioux dodos

The exact provenance of the two associated dodo skeletons collected in the vicinity of Port Louis, Mauritius, around the turn of the 19th century is shrouded in mystery, as well as their collector,...
Geothermal energy assessment

This section considers the magnitude of the energy contained in the rocks and in the fluids within a geothermal reservoir. Unlike oil and gas reservoirs in which the energy resource is the fluid itself, geothermal fluid has little inherent value and is simply a carrier of the energy. The principal value of a geothermal reservoir to a developer lies in the thermal energy it contains — the fluid is useful only in bringing that energy to the surface.
CAVE MINERALS OF THE WORLD, 2nd Edition.By Carol Hill and Paolo Forti. National Speleological Society, Huntsville, AL, 463 p. ISBN number: 1-879961-07-5. $70.00.

Think about all of those spectacular displays of mineral crystals that grace the world’s mineral museums. A great many of the large, faceted crystals grew in some sort of cavity over long periods of time. Such mineral crystals are discovered in vugs, pockets and cavities exposed in mines and quarries. The conditions under which they were found are very different from the conditions under which they grew. The fluids from which they grew are long gone, a challenge for mineralogists to deduce from the surviving clues of trace elements, isotopes, and fluid inclusions. Now, consider a cave. It also is a cavity, maintaining conditions of constant temperature, water vapor pressure, and carbon dioxide pressure for long periods of time. This is also an environment where minerals can grow. But in the case of many caves, human observers can watch the growth process in progress. Some cave minerals appear as large faceted crystals. Some are nondescript crusts of little beauty but fascinating mineralogy. Most have formed from flowing, dripping, and seeping water and thus take on shapes dictated by the idiosyncrasies of the moving water. Such mineral deposits are known as speleothems: stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and a host of more intricate shapes. Hill and Forti illustrate speleothems with some spectacular color photographs. The authors have solicited contributions from cave photographers all over the world and without exception the …
Characterization of stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis by alpha 1-adrenergic agonists in adult rat hearts

The coupling of the pharmacologically defined alpha 1A- and alpha 1B-adrenoceptors to the hydrolysis of phospho[3H]inositides (PI) was investigated in ventricular myocytes freshly isolated from adult rat hearts. The alpha 1-adrenoceptor population in the heart was characterized by competitive binding experiments using [3H]prazosin and the alpha 1A-adrenoceptor-selective antagonist 5-methyl urapidil. It was heterogeneous with approximately 25% being pharmacologically of the alpha 1A-adrenoceptor subtype and 75% being of the alpha 1B-adrenoceptor subtype. Epinephrine, norepinephrine, or phenylephrine stimulated PI hydrolysis in the presence or absence of propranolol. The greatest stimulation (7-fold) was with epinephrine. The half-maximum effective concentrations for agonists were approximately 0.5-3.5 and 0.2 microM in the absence and presence of propranolol, respectively. The inhibition by 5-methyl urapidil of the stimulation of PI hydrolysis by a fixed concentration of epinephrine fitted a two-site competition curve. The distribution between high-affinity (25%) and low-affinity (75%) sites suggested that both the alpha 1A- and alpha 1B-adrenoceptors were coupled to PI hydrolysis in proportion to their relative abundance. Equally, the stimulation of PI hydrolysis by epinephrine in the presence of a fixed concentration of 5-methyl urapidil was biphasic. In addition, chloroethylclonidine, an irreversible inhibitor of the alpha 1B-adrenoceptor, inhibited the epinephrine stimulation of PI hydrolysis by 35%. We conclude that the pharmacologically defined alpha 1A- and alpha 1B-adrenoceptor subtypes are both coupled to PI hydrolysis in the ventricular myocyte.
It's in our interests not to be in conflict—of interest, that is

nature's truths are frequently difficult to discern, and they may run counter to preconceived notions. They may also be inconvenient, or even culturally offensive; think of the discovery that the earth revolves around the sun. Nevertheless, nature's truths are immutable, whereas society's
Lymphoid and Hematopoietic Tumors of the Breast

Hematopoietic tumors of the breast are very rare. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the most frequently encountered disease subtype and accounts for less than 1 % of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Primary lymphoma of the breast is less common than secondary breast involvement by disseminated lymphoma and constitutes approximately 0.5 % of all malignant breast lesions. The majority of both primary and secondary breast lymphomas correspond to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, followed by low-grade B-cell lymphomas, such as extranodal marginal zone lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, mantle cell lymphoma, peripheral T-cell lymphoma, and lymphoblastic lymphoma are very rare and typically present in patients with evidence of systemic disease. Burkitt lymphoma of the breast is significantly associated with African ethnicity, young age and pregnancy or lactation. Classical Hodgkin lymphoma of the breast virtually always represents either direct extension from axillary or mediastinal lymph nodes or is a manifestation of systemic disease. Primary breast lymphoma usually presents as a large painless breast mass, which is clinically and radiographically indistinguishable from breast carcinoma. The diagnostic yield of a core needle biopsy is approximately 50 % and is higher for high-grade lymphoma, compared to low-grade lymphoma. Immunophenotypic evaluation is mandatory in order to correctly diagnose and subtype lymphoma. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis demonstration of clonal immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor gene rearrangements have been successfully used to determine the lineage and clonality of lymphoma in challenging cases.
Does Violence in Adolescence Differentially Predict Offending Patterns in Early Adulthood

Previous research is mixed on whether the commission of a violent offense in adolescence is predictive of criminal career characteristics. In the current study, we addressed the following: (a) What factors predict the commission of serious violence in mid-adolescence? and (b) Does involvement in serious violence in mid-adolescence lead to more chronic and/or more heterogeneous patterns of offending in early adulthood? Data were obtained from the Pathways to Desistance Study, a longitudinal study of serious adolescent offenders in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Phoenix, Arizona. Prior arrests, violence exposure, and gang involvement distinguished adolescents who engaged in violence at baseline. A violent offense at baseline was not predictive of a higher frequency of rearrests but was associated with membership in the low offending trajectory. In conclusion, violent offending in adolescence might be a poor predictor of chronic and heterogeneous patterns of offending throughout the life course.
Mortality Following Cardiovascular and Bleeding Events Occurring Beyond 1 Year After Coronary Stenting: A Secondary Analysis of the Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT) Study.

Importance Early cardiovascular and bleeding events after coronary stenting are associated with high risk of morbidity and mortality. Objective To assess the prognosis of cardiovascular and bleeding events occurring beyond 1 year after coronary stenting. Design, Setting, and Participants This secondary analysis is derived from data from the Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT) Study, a multicenter trial involving 220 US and international clinical sites from 11 countries. The study dates were August 2009 to May 2014. Individuals who underwent coronary stenting and completed 12 months of thienopyridine plus aspirin therapy without ischemic or bleeding events remained on an aspirin regimen and were randomized to continued thienopyridine therapy vs placebo for 18 additional months. Individuals were then followed up for 3 additional months while receiving aspirin therapy alone. The analysis began in August 2015. Exposures Ischemic events (myocardial infarction not related to stent thrombosis, stent thrombosis, and ischemic stroke) and bleeding events (Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Arteries [GUSTO] classification moderate or severe bleeding). Main Outcomes and Measures Ischemic events (myocardial infarction not related to stent thrombosis, stent thrombosis, and ischemic stroke) and bleeding events (GUSTO classification moderate or severe bleeding). Death at 21 months after randomization (33 months after coronary stenting). Results In total, 25 682 individuals older than 18 years with an indication for coronary stenting were enrolled, and 11 648 (mean age, 61.3 years; 25.1% female) were randomized. After randomization, 478 individuals (4.1%) had 502 ischemic events (306 with myocardial infarction, 113 with stent thrombosis, and 83 with ischemic stroke), and 232 individuals (2.0%) had 235 bleeding events (155 with moderate and 80 with severe bleeding). Among individuals with ischemic events, 52 (10.9%) died. The annualized mortality rate after an ischemic event was 27.2 (95% CI, 20.3-35.7) per 100 person-years. The cumulative incidence of death after an ischemic event among the total randomized study population was 0.5% (0.3% with myocardial infarction, 0.1% with stent thrombosis, and 0.1% with ischemic stroke). Among individuals with bleeding events, 41 (17.7%) died. The annualized mortality rate after a bleeding event was 21.5 (95% CI, 15.4-29.1) per 100 person-years. The cumulative incidence of death after a bleeding event among the total randomized study population was 0.3% (0.1% with moderate and 0.2% with severe bleeding). Conclusions and Relevance In patients treated with dual antiplatelet therapy for at least 1 year after coronary stenting, ischemic events were more frequent than bleeding events, and both events were associated with high risk of mortality. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00977938
Sex-specific evolution during the diversification of live-bearing fishes

Natural selection is often assumed to drive parallel functional diversification of the sexes. But males and females exhibit fundamental differences in their biology, and it remains largely unknown how sex differences affect macroevolutionary patterns. On microevolutionary scales, we understand how natural and sexual selection interact to give rise to sex-specific evolution during phenotypic diversification and speciation. Here we show that ignoring sex-specific patterns of functional trait evolution misrepresents the macroevolutionary adaptive landscape and evolutionary rates for 112 species of live-bearing fishes (Poeciliidae). Males and females of the same species evolve in different adaptive landscapes. Major axes of female morphology were correlated with environmental variables but not reproductive investment, while male morphological variation was primarily associated with sexual selection. Despite the importance of both natural and sexual selection in shaping sex-specific phenotypic diversification, species diversification was overwhelmingly associated with ecological divergence. Hence, the inter-predictability of mechanisms of phenotypic and species diversification may be limited in many systems. These results underscore the importance of explicitly addressing sex-specific diversification in empirical and theoretical frameworks of evolutionary radiations to elucidate the roles of different sources of selection and constraint. It is unclear how sex differences affect macroevolutionary patterns. In live-bearing fishes, the environment influences female morphology, while male morphological variation is primarily associated with sexual selection.
RNA processing in parasitic organisms: trans-splicing and RNA editing

Publisher Summary The flow of genetic information from DNA to protein requires a mRNA intermediate. In all eukaryotes, mature mRNAs are not simple copies of the DNA sequence. Rather, mRNAs are transcribed by RNA polymerase as precursor molecules that must be processed prior to translation. mRNA processing is complex and includes 5′ end-maturation, 3′ end-maturation and removal of non-coding sequences via splicing. These fundamental steps of RNA processing are shared between parasitic organisms and their hosts. Remarkably, the analysis of parasite gene expression has revealed novel and unusual types of mRNA processing reactions. The two best understood examples of such reactions are trans-splicing and RNA editing. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a discussion of our current understanding of these two mRNA maturation pathways. . The chapter explains that mitochondrial function is drastically reduced in bloodstream parasites and many aspects of RNA metabolism are developmentally regulated. And because it is currently unknown whether partially edited mRNAs are translated, the potential also exists for the production of different protein isoforms during development.
Initiation of motion of quartz sand grains

Direct observation at a limited range of wind speeds of grain behaviour near the upwind edge of a sand deposit (by means of high-speed film) shows that disturbed grains usually, but not always, roll before taking off into reptation or saltation. Time-averaged description of the population of initial motions is deficient because of the importance of pronounced flurries of grain activity which occur at intervals. The flurries are clearly associated with flow features in the clean air wind because they occur too close to the leading edge to be impact generated.
Blind Source Separation-Based Motion Detector for Imaging Super-Paramagnetic Iron Oxide (SPIO) Particles in Magnetomotive Ultrasound Imaging

In magnetomotive ultrasound (MMUS) imaging, an oscillating external magnetic field displaces tissue loaded with super-paramagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles. The induced motion is on the nanometer scale, which makes its detection and its isolation from background motion challenging. Previously, a frequency and phase locking (FPL) algorithm was used to suppress background motion by subtracting magnetic field off ( ${B}$ -off) from on ( ${B}$ -on) data. Shortcomings to this approach include long tracking ensembles and the requirement for ${B}$ -off data. In this paper, a novel blind source separation-based FPL (BSS-FPL) algorithm is presented for detecting motion using a shorter ensemble length (EL) than FPL and without ${B}$ -off data. MMUS imaging of two phantoms containing an SPIO-laden cubical inclusion and one control phantom was performed using an open-air MMUS system. When background subtraction was used, contrast and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) were, respectively, 1.20±0.20 and 1.56±0.34 times higher in BSS-FPL as compared to FPL-derived images for EL ${B}$ -on data was used, contrast and CNR were 1.94 ± 0.21 and 1.56 ± 0.28 times higher, respectively, in BSS-FPL as compared to FPL-derived images for all ELs. Percent error in the estimated width and height was 39.30% ± 19.98% and 110.37% ± 6.5% for FPL and was 7.30% ± 7.6% and 16.21% ± 10.29% for BSS-FPL algorithm. This paper is an important step toward translating MMUS imaging to in vivo application, where long tracking ensembles would increase acquisition time and ${B}$ -off data may be misaligned with ${B}$ -on due to physiological motion.
Energy, Territory, and Conflict: Place-Based Research in the Caucasus

Do energy issues play a role in conflict? Oil-rich, post-Soviet Azerbaijan is enmeshed in a territorial conflict with its neighbor, Armenia. In order to understand the complexities of the conflict, and the role that energy issues play in the resolution of that conflict, it is useful to take a place-based, geographic approach to the situation. Developing place-specific expertise can lead to insights into international implications of local situations and be very useful in advising policy-makers, in educating students and the public, and in scholarly exchanges with academic colleagues.
Theories of Human Development that Enhance an Understanding of the College Transition Process.

Background/Context: Although theories of human development often play a central role in K‐12 pedagogical practices, evidence suggests that developmental theories have not been used extensively to understand the college transition process or to develop programs to sup port students during these transitions. Purpose/Objective/Research Question/Focus of the Study: The author reviews theories of identity development, racial identity development, and intrinsic motivation to (a) under stand how diverse developmental characteristics, stages/tasks, and cultural processes affect the college transition process and (b) identify strategies for preparing diverse students for, and supporting them during, their transitions to college. Research Design: Salient theories of human development, particularly from the fields of social and cross-cultural psychology, were identified and critically reviewed. Conclusions/Recommendations: The results indicate that in addition to providing students with adequate academic preparation and funding, college faculty and staff must also understand and support college student identity development (including ethnic identity development) and seek to foster intrinsic motivation among students.
Safe Distributed Lane Change Maneuvers for Multiple Autonomous Vehicles Using Buffered Input Cells

This paper introduces the Buffered Input Cell as a reciprocal collision avoidance method for multiple vehicles with high-order linear dynamics, extending recently proposed methods based on the Buffered Voronoi Cell [1] and generalized Voronoi diagrams [2]. We prove that if each vehicle's control input remains in its Buffered Input Cell at each time step, collisions will be avoided indefinitely. The method is fast, reactive, and only requires that each vehicle measures the relative position of neighboring vehicles. We incorporate this collision avoidance method as one layer of a complete lane change control stack for autonomous cars in a freeway driving scenario. The lane change control stack comprises a decision-making layer, a trajectory planning layer, a trajectory following feedback controller, and the Buffered Input Cell for collision avoidance. We show in simulations that collisions are avoided with multiple vehicles simultaneously changing lanes on a freeway. We also show in simulations that autonomous cars using the BIC method effectively avoid collisions with an aggressive human-driven car.
Efficient three-dimensional Laplace-Fourier domain acoustic wave simulations using discontinuous finite-difference meshes with embedded boundaries

Author(s): AlSalem, H; Petrov, P; Newman, G; Rector, J | Abstract: We develop embedded boundary and discontinuous mesh methods to handle arbirarily shaped topography and accurately simulate acoustic seismic wave propagation in Laplace-Fourier domain. The purpose of the embedded boundary method is to enhance accurate wave simulation near the surface and the discontinuous mesh method is used to achieve considerable savings in both computation time and memory savings relative to fixed mesh schemes.
Gene Expression Subtype Predicts Nodal Metastasis and Survival in Human Papillomavirus-Negative Head and Neck Cancer.

Objectives/hypothesis Gene expression analyses of head and neck cancer have revealed four molecular subtypes: basal (BA), mesenchymal (MS), atypical (AT), and classical (CL). We evaluate whether gene expression subtypes in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) can be used to predict nodal metastasis and prognosticate survival. Study design Retrospective cohort study and genomic analysis. Methods OCSCC and LSCC cases were identified from the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) head and neck cancer cohort. RNA-seq by expected maximization (RSEM) was used to quantify gene expression levels from TCGA RNA-seq data and to assign each case to one of four subtypes. Descriptive statistics were used to describe patient, disease, and treatment characteristics in each subtype. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to determine associations with survival. Results OCSCC cases were comprised primarily of the MS and BA subtypes, whereas LSCC was comprised primarily of CL and AT subtypes. In OCSCC, the MS subtype was significantly associated with higher risk of nodal metastasis. In a subset analysis of clinically T1-2N0M0 OCSCC, we demonstrate that the MS subtype was predictive of occult nodal metastasis (relative risk = 3.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-10.69). In LSCC, the CL subtype was associated with significantly worse overall survival (hazard ratio = 4.32, 95% CI: 1.77-10.54, P = .001). Conclusions Gene expression analysis reveals potential novel markers of nodal metastasis and survival in human papillomavirus-negative head and neck cancer. Future studies will continue to refine and validate these markers, with the goal of providing molecular risk assessments that guide therapy and improve patient outcomes. Level of evidence 2b Laryngoscope, 129:154-161, 2019.
Why Lynda Is My New Best Friend

I use Lynda.gmu.edu video material in three ways in my classes. First, Lynda is a resource to develop student skills that they are expected to bring with them when they come into the course or program, but unfortunately, they may not possess these, or they need significant improvement. In these cases the student uses the Lynda material on their own. Second, as a resource to improve studentsâ skills as either a supplement or a compliment to material presented in class. In these cases Lynda material addresses areas that are actively taught in class, but are provided another perspective. Third, students will use Lynda to go into other areas on their own. These may either connect the course material to another area that they want to explore, or to take the course material and go to a deeper level where they find additional value.
Why B-to-B CEOs Should Be More Social on Social Media

In the era of social media more is demanded of CEOs to project a charismatic and personable public face for the company. Aside from their executive duties, CEOs are now called upon to perform this ...
Beekeeping Management Practices Are Associated with Operation Size and Beekeepers’ Philosophy towards in-Hive Chemicals

Management by beekeepers is of utmost importance for the health and survival of honey bee colonies. Beekeeping management practices vary from low to high intervention regarding the use of chemicals, hive manipulations, and supplemental feeding of colonies. In this study, we use quantitative data from the Bee Informed Partnership’s national survey to investigate drivers of management practices among beekeepers in the United States. This is the first study to quantitatively examine these variables to objectively describe the management practices among different groups of beekeepers in the United States. We hypothesized that management practices and goals among beekeepers are different based on the beekeeper’s philosophy (as determined by their willingness to use chemicals to control pests and pathogens) and the size of the beekeeping operation. Using a multiple factor analysis, we determined that beekeepers use a continuum of management practices. However, we found that beekeepers’ willingness to use in-hive chemicals and the number of colonies in their operation are non-randomly associated with other aspects of beekeeping management practices. Specifically, the size of the beekeeping operation was associated with beekeepers’ choices of in-hive chemicals, while beekeepers’ philosophy was most strongly associated with choices of in-hive chemicals and beekeeping goals. Our results will facilitate the development of decision-making tools for beekeepers to choose management practices that are appropriate for the size of their operations and their beekeeping philosophy.
Design and Evaluation of Sensor Housing for Boundary Layer Profiling Using Multirotors

Traditional configurations for mounting Temperature-Humidity (TH) sensors on multirotor Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) often suffer from insufficient radiation shielding, exposure to mixed and turbulent air from propellers, and inconsistent aspiration while situated in the wake of the UAS. Descent profiles using traditional methods are unreliable (when compared to an ascent profile) due to the turbulent mixing of air by the UAS while descending into that flow field. Consequently, atmospheric boundary layer profiles that rely on such configurations are bias-prone and unreliable in certain flight patterns (such as descent). This article describes and evaluates a novel sensor housing designed to shield airborne sensors from artificial heat sources and artificial wet-bulbing while pulling air from outside the rotor wash influence. The housing is mounted above the propellers to exploit the rotor-induced pressure deficits that passively induce a high-speed laminar airflow to aspirate the sensor consistently. Our design is modular, accommodates a variety of other sensors, and would be compatible with a wide range of commercially available multirotors. Extensive flight tests conducted at altitudes up to 500 m Above Ground Level (AGL) show that the housing facilitates reliable measurements of the boundary layer phenomena and is invariant in orientation to the ambient wind, even at high vertical/horizontal speeds (up to 5 m/s) for the UAS. A low standard deviation of errors shows a good agreement between the ascent and descent profiles and proves our unique design is reliable for various UAS missions.
The roles of social media in 21st century populisms: US Presidential campaigns

espanolEn el discurso de los Estados Unidos, «populista» es un significante polemico y a menudo no entendido. Ademas, se ha creado un espectaculo muy parcial de la politica debido al estado actual de los medios masivos y a la introduccion de las redes sociales. A traves del analisis de literaturas sobre el populismo, los medios tradicionales y sociales y la campana presidencial de los Estados Unidos, se construye en este articulo una nueva interpretacion sobre la relacion entre estos tres temas en el siglo XXI. Las etapas analizadas incluyen la definicion del populismo y su posicion con respecto a la campana y a los medios; la presentacion de las redes sociales como herramientas politicas e informantes personalizados dinamicos; y analizar las elecciones presidenciales estadounidenses desde 2008. Por ello, argumento que debido a que las tendencias de las actividades en linea, por parte del ciudadano y del candidato, afectan a las habilidades de los usuarios de las redes sociales para informarse y participar en la politica, el proceso de elegir un nuevo presidente de los Estados Unidos se ha vuelto mas propenso a varias practicas populistas en este siglo que antes. EnglishIn the United States, “populist” is a controversial and often misunderstood signifier in common discourse. In addition, the current state of mass media and introduction of social networking tools has created a hyper-partisan spectacle of politics – especially during presidential campaign seasons. Through the review of literature on populism, traditional and social media, and presidential campaigning in the United States, this article constructs a new view on the relationship between these three topics in the 21st century. Important steps in this article’s process include defining populism and its place within campaigning and media; presenting social media as a political tool and a dynamic personalized informer; and analyzing the US presidential elections since 2008. Resultantly, because the trends of online activity, on the part of both the citizen and the candidate, impact social media users’ self-informing and political engagement, the process of selecting a new US president has become more susceptible to various populist practices in this century than before.
Parametric Analysis to Quantify Process Input Influence on the Printed Densities of Binder Jetted Alumina Ceramics

Abstract Binder jetting, a commercial additive manufacturing process that selectively deposits a liquid binder onto a powder bed, can become a viable method to additively manufacture ceramics. However, the effects of process parameters/inputs on printing outputs (e.g. part density and geometric resolution) have not been investigated and no methodical approach exists for the process development of new materials. In this work, a parametric study consisting of 18 experiments with unique process input combinations explores the influence of seven process inputs on the relative densities of as-printed (green) alumina (Al2O3) parts. Sensitivity analyses compare the influence of each input on green densities. Multivariable linear and Gaussian process regressions provide models for predicting green densities as a function of binder jetting process inputs. The parametric study reveals that two process inputs, namely recoat speed and oscillator speed, significantly influence green densities. The multivariable linear and Gaussian process regression models indicate that the green densities of alumina builds can be increased by decreasing the recoat speed and increasing the oscillator speed. The Gaussian process regression model further suggests that the green densities have nonlinear dependence on the rest of the process parameters. Separate prints were performed at process input combinations different than those of the parametric study to validate the green density models. The models produced can assist operators in selecting process inputs that will result in a desired green density, allowing for the control of porosity in printed parts with a high degree of accuracy. The methodology reported in this study can be leveraged for other powder systems and machines to predict and control the porosity of binder jetted parts for applications such as filters, bearings, electronics, and medical implants.