cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure–property relationships in non-epitaxial chalcogenide heterostructures: the role of interface density on charge exchange

A homologous series of quasi-2D ([PbSe]1+δ)m(TiSe2)m nanolayered heterostructures are prepared via self-assembly of designed precursors with 1 ≤ m ≤ 4 and their structures and properties investigated. All heterostructures have the same global composition but vary in their interface density. X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy studies show that the structures consist of rock salt structured PbSe layers alternating with TiSe2 layers, and that grain size increases with m. The compounds are all metallic with upturns in resistivity at low temperature suggesting electron localization, with room temperature resistivity of 1–3 10−5 Ω m, negative Hall coefficients and Seebeck coefficients between −50 and −100 μV K−1. A decrease in the mobile carrier concentration with temperature is observed for all m and the rate increases with increasing low-dimensionality. Decreasing the interface density also decreases the average carrier concentration while increasing the electron mobility. The Seebeck coefficients systematically increase in magnitude as m is increased, but the net effect to the power factor is small due to a compensating increase in resistivity. The observed transport behavior is not described by the simple rigid band models with charge transfer between constituents used previously. Charge exchange between constituents stabilizes the intergrowth, but also introduces mobile carriers and interfacial band bending that must play a role in the transport behavior of the heterostructures. As chemical potentials equilibrate in high m heterostructures there is a decrease in total coulombic stabilization as there are fewer interfaces, so m = 1 is likely to be most stable. This rationalizes why the structurally similar misfit layer compounds with m = 1 are often the only intergrowths that can be prepared. Charge transfer and band bending at interfaces should occur in other heterostructures with similar type II broken-gap band alignments and are important considerations regarding both their stability and transport properties.
WWLLN Data User Manual

The World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) provides continuous global lightning monitoring and detection. At LANL we collect and archive these data on a daily basis. This document describes the WWLLN data, how they are collected and archived, and how to use the data at LANL.
Using Multilevel Models to Explore Predictors of High School Students’ Nonresponse in Experience Sampling Method (ESM) Studies:

This study uses multilevel generalized linear models to examine predictors of high school students’ nonresponse when using the experience sampling method (ESM), a form of momentary data collection ...
Nonlinear Economic Model Predictive Control for Microgrid Dispatch

Abstract: This paper addresses dispatch of a microgrid system using nonlinear economic model predictive control. Constraints in the model predictive control formulation are used to ensure that microgrid units stay within their desired operational range (i.e. power output, storage level, and temperature) and that the net energy exchange with the macrogrid over each hour stays within some scheduled bounds. A dynamic, continuous-time microgrid model is developed and used to test this dispatch strategy over a 24-hour period. The proposed dispatch strategy is able to satisfy the bounds on energy exchange and desired temperature.
Abstract 244: Characterization Of Endogenous C-kit Positive Cells From Right Atrial Appendage Of Neonate And Adult Heart Patients

Background: Stem cell therapy provides novel regenerative strategy for congenital heart patients. We have previously identified two distinct subpopulations (c-kit+ cells and cardiosphere derived cells (hCDCs)) from right atrial appendage (RAA) of neonate and adult heart patients. We have characterized hCDCs from neonate and adult heart patients and found strong regenerative capacity in hCDC derived from neonatal hearts. The aim of this study is to characterize c-kit+ cells derived from neonate and adult heart patients. Methods: C-kit+ cells were isolated and expanded from RAA heart samples, ranging in weight from 20 mg to 300 mgs of tissues using the standard protocol. The atrial tissue was minced and suspended in Ham’s F12 medium containing collagenase NB 6. After digestion, cells were plated in c-kit growing media. C-kit+ cells were isolated using MACS column with >90% homogeneity. Cells were characterized using FACS and immunofluorescence techniques. Results: The characterization of c-kit+ cells showed that these cells were co-expressing nkx2.5, GATA4 and FLK1 and negative for CD45, Lin and tryptase. The growth potential of c-kit+ cells was determined by use of doubling times which was never greater than 36 hours, computed by use of linear regression of log2 value of cell number. We observed neonate derived c-kit+ cells have more (2x) proliferation capacity compared to adult derived c-kit+ cells. During subsequent passages, c-kit expression was lost more in adult derived c-kit+ cells when compared to neonate derived c-kit+ cells. Conclusion: Neonate derived c-kit+ cells retain their stemness and have more proliferative capacity compared to adult derived c-kit+ cells. Based on our previous study and present data we believe that neonate derived c-kit+ cells may have higher regenerative capacity compared to adult derived c-kit+ cells.
Non-scaphoid Carpal Bone Fractures

The scaphoid bone accounts for approximately 70% of all carpal bone fractures. The other 30% of these fractures are divided among the remaining seven carpal bones. Knowledge of these relatively rare carpus fractures is imperative to make correct diagnoses, address concomitant injuries, and develop appropriate treatment plans. Undiagnosed and untreated carpal fractures can lead to malunion, nonunion, avascular necrosis, and carpal instability with resulting sequelae of arthritis, neurovascular compression, tendon rupture, and loss of function [1, 2, 3, 4].
Management of an Early Detection Program: Supporting Helpful Features

Young children and families need access to a system that can efficiently identify delay and/or disability. However, challenges exist in many communities where early detection efforts are mismanaged. The goal of this article is to describe current challenges with the management of an effective screening program, and describes possible management solutions. We found that a process-based model often used in the field of business can offer a useful heuristic for health, education, and social service fields engaged in early detection of delay/disability in early childhood. In addition to offering a management model, we conclude with a sample case study providing illustrating family and professional collaboration in the early identification process.
“This Responsible Relative Racket”: The Persistence of Family Support Obligations in California

AbstractFamily support obligations (termed responsible relative laws) were employed by states to control escalating costs in public assistance programs in the post–World War II era. California’s pe...
Optimizing Non-Pharmacologic Management of Hypertriglyceridemia.

The cornerstone of initial management for hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is lifestyle modification. The combination of weight loss through caloric restriction, alteration in macronutrient composition and increased energy expenditure reduces TG levels by approximately 50%. The addition of cinnamon, cacao products and isocaloric substitution of 1 serving of nuts may contribute another 5–15% lowering of TG. This can be particularly beneficial in patients with HTG who are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Claisen isoxazole synthesis

Cyclization of β-keto esters with hydroxylamine to provide 3-hydroxy-isoxazoles (3-isoxazolols).
The Hyperreal Line

The aim of this article is to explain that the hyperreal line is, what it looks like, and what it is good for. Near the beginning of the article we shall draw pictures of the hyperreal line and sketch its construction as an ultrapower of the real line. In the middle part of the article, we shall survey mathematical results about the structure of the hyperreal line. Near the end, we shall discuss philosophical issues concerning the nature and significance of the hyperreal line.
The Impact of Implicit Intelligence Policy on Explicit University Admissions Policy

Opportunity is a key to what may be an otherwise locked door. What could be more democratic than to distribute that key to everyone? Yet when the keys are limited in number, universal distribution is not possible. Some seemingly logical means of deciding “who gets what” must be devised, a means that can withstand the scrutiny of an increasingly diverse polity. Enter selection policy, the mechanism of allocation. In higher education this mechanism is admissions policy.
Historical perspectives of lactogenic hormone (prolactin): a summary of my research at the University of Missouri.

In 1927 when I began my research at the University of Missouri, I became interested in the hormonal stimulation of the mammary gland. Early studies (Turner and Frank, 1930a, b) revealed that the daily injection of 20 rat units of the estrus-producing hormone, obtained from the urine of pregnant cows, for 30 days in castrated male rabbits and in female rabbits castrated before puberty caused growth of the duct system of the mammary glands to the same extent as seen during continued estrus in normal female rabbits. Injection of the hormone of the corpus luteum had no effect on the growth of the mammary gland when given alone, but when injected simultaneously with estrogen it induced lobule-alveolar development characteristic of pregnancy (Turner and Frank, 1931); however, lactation was not produced. The answer to this observation came in the report by Strieker and Grueter (1928) that the anterior pituitary (AP) was- involved. These researchers, working in Bouin’s laboratory in Strasbourg, observed that milk secretion occurred when AP extracts were injected into pseudopregnant rabbits (see also Strieker and Grueter, 1929).
Voiding Dysfunction After Non-urologic Pelvic Surgery

Urinary dysfunction is a common entity in patients undergoing radical pelvic surgery for non-urologic malignancies. These dysfunctions may manifest as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or signs such as urinary retention or leakage. Review of current literature is performed to describe the differing urinary dysfunctions that manifest after colorectal resection, hysterectomy, and sacrectomy. Conventional radical surgery for pelvic malignancies often will result in debilitating functional problems. As advances in surgical techniques and management options become more available, patients can have better functional outcomes, specifically in the lower urinary tract. Nerve-sparing techniques as well as vascular preservation are becoming more important to preserve function as patient survival is improving. Additionally, newer methods are being explored, such as nerve stimulation for those who are unable to empty adequately. This article also addresses different management options for specific voiding dysfunction that may result from pelvic surgery. Preventative strategies such as nerve preservation during surgery are an important concept to prevent urinary dysfunction. The goal to good functional outcomes includes maintaining reservoir compliance and capacity as well as allowing proper outlet for voiding. We discuss different modalities to help achieve a functional lower urinary tract for patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction after pelvic surgery.
Animal abuse registries: expanded interest in animal protection mimics other criminal justice policies, but should green criminologists hop on the band-wagon?

Over the past decade, a small movement endorsing the use of animal abuse registries (AARs) has emerged in the United States. Today, one state, 16 counties, and the City of New York have adopted AAR...
Malicious Corruption-Resilient Wide-Area Oscillation Monitoring using Online Robust PCA

Presence of malicious injection originating from cyber attacks in PMU measurements can potentially affect the operation and stability of power system. This paper presents a method for detecting malicious data injections in PMU measurements. The problem of detection of malicious injections is formulated as a compressed sensing problem and the corrupted signals are recovered using a robust PCA-based algorithm. Different patterns of malicious injection attacks on PMU data are considered and the effect of corruption and reconstruction using the algorithm is analyzed on a wide-area oscillation monitoring application. Data from a 16-machine, 5-area New England-New York system is used along with a recursive oscillation monitoring algorithm to test and validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach on correct detection and reconstruction of the PMU signals under both ambient and transient conditions.
Differences in incidence rates and early detection of cancer among non-Hispanic and Hispanic Whites in the United States.

OBJECTIVE : Our study compared cancer incidence rates and stage distribution between non-Hispanic Whites and Hispanic Whites in the United States between 1992 and 2009. DESIGN : A retrospective cohort study was conducted for the years 1992 through 2009. SETTING : Data represent 13 registries in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, which reflect 14% of the total US population. RESULTS : The incidence rates for most cancer sites were significantly higher in non-Hispanic Whites than in Hispanic Whites. Exceptions included cancers of the stomach and liver and, for females only, kidney and renal pelvis and cervix uteri. Overall, cancer incidence in non-Hispanic Whites was 40% greater in males and 34% greater in females as compared with Hispanic Whites. Cancer sites with higher incidence rates among non-Hispanic Whites than Hispanic Whites in 2009 compared with 1992 were melanoma, thyroid cancer, oral cavity and pharynx cancer, lymphoma, urinary bladder cancer, and all cancers combined for males and melanoma, thyroid cancer, cervical cancer, and lung and bronchus cancer for females. However, difference in rates narrowed between the ethnicities for colon and rectal cancer and corpus and uterus cancer. Non-Hispanic Whites tended to have a higher percentage of early staged cancer, with little evidence that disparity between the ethnic groups was narrowing in terms of early detection. However, two exceptions involved liver cancer and thyroid cancer in females. The disparity appeared to widen for lung cancer in males. CONCLUSION : Cancer incidence rates are generally lower in Hispanic Whites than non-Hispanic Whites. The difference in rates between groups has widened over the study period for many cancer sites, with a few exceptions. Poorer screening practices among Hispanic Whites have tended to persist. ( Ethn Dis. 2013;23[3]:349–355)
Reporting null results and advancing science.

Publication bias is a well-known issue among scientists and clinicians. Research waste is very much in focus among funders and the scientific community, and one of the factors contributing to this wastage is the nonpublication of negative data; that is, data that do not support the initial hypothesis. Through Neurology Null Hypothesis, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), Neurology , and AAN members are enhancing research culture and opportunities for researchers to reach scientists and clinicians with their findings. Together we can all promote a more balanced and complete publication culture.
Development of screening tools for the identification of small molecule inhibitors of HIF-1α/HIF-1β protein-protein interaction

1708 Transcription factors are attractive targets for development of novel therapeutics. Selective inhibitors of transcription factors might be obtained by inhibiting protein-protein interaction, a crucial step in dimerization. However, protein-protein interaction is generally considered a difficult target for development of therapeutics. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) activates the transcription of genes that are involved in crucial aspects of cancer biology, including angiogenesis, cell survival, and glucose metabolism. HIF-1 is a heterodimeric protein complex composed of two members of the basic helix-loop-helix Per-ARNT-Sim (bHLH-PAS) domain family, HIF-1α and HIF-1β (or ARNT). In contrast to the constitutively expressed HIF-1β subunit, HIF-1α is an oxygen labile protein, which is degraded through hydroxylation and ubiquitination in normoxia. However, HIF-1α becomes stabilized in response to hypoxia or iron chelators, dimerizes with HIF-1β and binds the hypoxia response element (HRE), thereby activating the expression of numerous hypoxia-response genes. In an attempt to develop screening tools for the identification of small molecule inhibitors of HIF-1α/β heterodimer formation, we have expressed several fragments of the N-terminal domain of HIF-1α and HIF-1β fused to the His or Flag tags, respectively. Several N-terminal fragments of HIF-1α and HIF-1β were expressed containing either the bHLH, PAS-A and PAS-B domains. An ELISA has been developed by immobilizing HIF-1β-Flag protein on anti-flag M2 monoclonal antibodies coated 96-well plates and by detecting binding of HIF-1α-His tag using anti-His-HRP conjugate. In addition, we have used the mammalian two-hybrid system to generate cell lines (293-PAS-A) expressing the luciferase reporter gene upon binding of the pasA domains of HIF-1α and HIF-1β. Expression of luciferase in 293-PAS-A cells was inhibited in a competitive fashion by co-transfection of a protein containing the N-terminal region of HIF-1α. The tools described above were utilized to screen several libraries available at NCI. No active compounds were identified by screening the NCI diversity set using proteins containing the bHLH domains. Several compounds were identified in a primary screen using proteins containing the PAS-A domains of HIF-1α/β and studies are ongoing to validate these active leads. Results of ongoing screening activities using the PAS-A domain of HIF-1α/β as target for the identification of small molecule inhibitors will be presented.
The Syncopated Energy Algorithm for Rendering Real-Time Tactile Interactions

In this paper, we present a novel vibrotactile rendering algorithm for producing real-time tactile interactions suitable for virtual reality applications. The algorithm uses an energy model to produce smooth tactile sensations by continuously recalculating the location of a phantom actuator that represents a virtual touch point. It also employs syncopations in its rendered amplitude to produce artificial perceptual anchors that make the rendered vibrotactile patterns more recognizable. We conducted two studies to compare this Syncopated Energy algorithm to a standard real-time Grid Region algorithm for rendering touch patterns at different vibration amplitudes and frequencies. We found that the Grid Region algorithm afforded better recognition, but that the Syncopated Energy algorithm was perceived to produce smoother patterns at higher amplitudes. Additionally, we found that higher amplitudes afforded better recognition while a moderate amplitude yielded more perceived continuity. We also found that a higher frequency resulted in better recognition for fine-grained tactile sensations and that frequency can affect perceived continuity.
Chlamydia trachomatis Oligopeptide Transporter Performs Dual Functions of Oligopeptide Transport and Peptidoglycan Recycling.

Peptidoglycan, the sugar-amino acid polymer that composes the bacterial cell wall, requires a significant expenditure of energy to synthesize and is highly immunogenic. To minimize the loss of an energetically expensive metabolite and avoid host detection, bacteria often recycle their peptidoglycan, transporting its components back into the cytoplasm, where they can be used for subsequent rounds of new synthesis. The peptidoglycan-recycling substrate binding protein (SBP) MppA, which is responsible for recycling peptidoglycan fragments in Escherichia coli, has not been annotated for most intracellular pathogens. One such pathogen, Chlamydia trachomatis, has a limited capacity to synthesize amino acids de novo and therefore must obtain oligopeptides from its host cell for growth. Bioinformatics analysis suggests that the putative C. trachomatis oligopeptide transporter OppABCDF (OppABCDF Ct ) encodes multiple SBPs (OppA1 Ct , OppA2 Ct , and OppA3 Ct ). Intracellular pathogens often encode multiple SBPs, while only one, OppA, is encoded in the E. coli opp operon. We hypothesized that the putative OppABCDF transporter of C. trachomatis functions in both oligopeptide transport and peptidoglycan recycling. We coexpressed the putative SBP genes (oppA1Ct , oppA2Ct , oppA3Ct ) along with oppBCDFCt in an E. coli mutant lacking the Opp transporter and determined that all three chlamydial OppA subunits supported oligopeptide transport. We also demonstrated the in vivo functionality of the chlamydial Opp transporter in C. trachomatis Importantly, we found that one chlamydial SBP, OppA3 Ct , possessed dual substrate recognition properties and is capable of transporting peptidoglycan fragments (tri-diaminopimelic acid) in E. coli and in C. trachomatis These findings suggest that Chlamydia evolved an oligopeptide transporter to facilitate the acquisition of oligopeptides for growth while simultaneously reducing the accumulation of immunostimulatory peptidoglycan fragments in the host cell cytosol. The latter property reflects bacterial pathoadaptation that dampens the host innate immune response to Chlamydia infection.
A Phylogenetic Analysis of Hepatitis C Virus Transmission, Relapse, and Reinfection Among People Who Inject Drugs Receiving Opioid Agonist Therapy.

BACKGROUND Understanding hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission among people who inject drugs (PWID) is essential for HCV elimination. We aimed to differentiate reinfections from treatment failures and to identify transmission linkages and associated factors in a cohort of PWID receiving opioid agonist therapy (OAT). METHODS We analyzed baseline and follow-up specimens from 150 PWID from 3 OAT clinics in the Bronx, New York. Next-generation sequencing data from the hypervariable region 1 of HCV were analyzed using Global Hepatitis Outbreak and Surveillance Technology. RESULTS There were 3 transmission linkages between study participants. Sustained virologic response (SVR) was not achieved in 9 participants: 7 had follow-up specimens with similar sequences to baseline, and 2 died. In 4 additional participants, SVR was achieved but the participants were viremic at later follow-up: 2 were reinfected with different strains, 1 had a late treatment failure, and 1 was transiently viremic 17 months after treatment. All transmission linkages were from the same OAT clinic and involved spousal or common-law partnerships. CONCLUSION This study highlights the use of next-generation sequencing as an important tool for identifying viral transmission and to help distinguish relapse and reinfection among PWID. Results reinforce the need for harm reduction interventions among couples and those who report ongoing risk factors after SVR.
Culturing and Manipulating Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) have the ability to self-renew due to their rapid proliferation and high telomerase activity while maintaining their pluripotency. Depending on the environment, mESC can differentiate into a broad range of cell types. These characteristics have established mESC as a tool for modeling human disease, genetic engineering, lineage specificity, stem cell-based therapies, and tissue regeneration. Here we describe a protocol for mESC expansion and differentiation.
Race-specific associations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone with cardiometabolic biomarkers among US white and black postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND Concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] tend to be lower in African Americans than in non-Hispanic whites, but whether adding information on parathyroid hormone (PTH) can help explain the higher cardiometabolic risk among African Americans is unknown. OBJECTIVES This study examined race (black/white)-specific independent and joint associations of 25(OH)D and PTH with cardiometabolic biomarkers including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA-B). METHODS Among 1500 white and 1300 black postmenopausal women without cardiovascular disease from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study, a weighted linear regression analysis and a novel penalized spline-based semiparametric model with contour plots, accounting for possible nonlinear relations and interactions simultaneously, were used to investigate the race-specific independent and joint associations of 25(OH)D and PTH with each biomarker. RESULTS Black women had lower concentrations of 25(OH)D and higher PTH, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, hs-CRP, and eGFR than white women (all P values < 0.0001). Lower 25(OH)D and higher PTH were each independently and jointly associated with higher HOMA-IR in both white and black women, whereas a similar joint relation with HOMA-B was observed in white women only. In contrast, PTH was nonlinearly associated with HOMA-B in black women and positively associated with hs-CRP in white women, independently of 25(OH)D. Whereas there was an inverse linear relation between PTH and eGFR in white women after accounting for 25(OH)D, PTH and 25(OH)D were jointly and nonlinearly associated with eGFR in black women. CONCLUSIONS We found that the joint association of 25(OH)D and PTH with β-cell function, systemic inflammation, and kidney function apparently differed between white and black women. Further studies are needed to determine whether differences in the vitamin D-PTH endocrine system contribute to racial disparities in cardiovascular health.
Multiple Permian-Triassic life crises on land and at sea

Abstract The largest mass extinction in the history of life was during the Late Permian, ca 252 Ma. New evidence from stable isotopic composition and Bk metrics of paleosols from the Late Permian to the Middle Triassic in the southern Karoo Basin of South Africa, reveal at least four atmospheric carbon dioxide spikes, coinciding with extinctions on land and at sea. The Karoo Basin was mainly arid throughout this interval, but the four life crises correlate with extreme greenhouse spikes of carbon dioxide and transient episodes of warmer and more humid climate, with respiratory distress for vertebrates and roots of wetland plants. These most extreme greenhouse crises in the history of life provide worst-case scenarios for modern global climate change.
Modeling potential air temperature reductions yielded by cool roofs and urban irrigation in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area

Abstract We evaluate two mitigation strategies for urban heat island (UHI) in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area (KCMA). Using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, we assess the potential benefits of reflective "cool" roofs and urban irrigation on air temperature in typical summer conditions between 2011 and 2015, and during six of the strongest historical heat waves from 2005 to 2016. Under the typical summer conditions, we simulate 2-m air temperature for 10 summer weeks, finding average daytime (07:00–19:00 local time) temperature reductions of 0.08 and 0.28 °C for cool roofs and urban irrigation, respectively. During the six heat-wave episodes, we find daytime temperature reductions of 0.02 and 0.26 °C for the two scenarios, similar to those under typical summer conditions. Our results suggest that urban irrigation can be more efficient than cool roofs in mitigating UHI in metropolitan regions where the majority of the land cover is comprised of areas with low urban (i.e., non-vegetated) fractions. Finally, we find the alteration of surface conditions due to enhanced roof albedos influences precipitation within the WRF simulation, in particular during the heat waves. Further research would be necessary to determine the robustness of this last finding.
“A good mother”: Impact of motherhood identity on women's substance use and engagement in treatment across the lifespan

Abstract Background Women are underrepresented in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Interpersonal and structural factors affect women's access to SUD treatment, but limited research evaluates how motherhood is a potential barrier and facilitator to engagement in SUD treatment. We focus on women from young to middle adulthood, and capture women's identities as mothers, caretakers, and grandmothers, outside of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Methods Study staff conducted twenty qualitative interviews with women in SUD treatment to assess experiences with SUD treatment, in which motherhood emerged as a key theme. Twelve women then participated in four focus groups centered on motherhood. The study audio-recorded and transcribed interviews, and two independent authors analyzed interviews, followed by group consensus. Results Most women identified their children and responsibilities as mothers and caretakers as important motivators to accessing SUD treatment. Motherhood was also a barrier to treatment, in that women feared losing child custody by disclosing substance use and few residential programs accommodate women with children. Multiple women expressed guilt about their substance use, sensing that it contributed to perceived abandonment or separation from their children. Reunification was important to SUD recovery. Conclusion Women with SUD who are mothers experience specific barriers to treatment engagement and recovery. Women need SUD treatment programs that address these interpersonal and structural factors across the lifespan.
Understanding the Link between Computer Science Instruction and Reading & Math Performance

Worldwide, national initiatives have led to many school districts implementing computing curricula at the primary level. At that age, students are learning the foundational skills of reading and math. It is important to understand how computing can influence the development of these skills. While some argue that learning computing sharpens problem-solving skills that are applicable to other subjects, evidence supporting this belief is thin. In a quasi-experimental study of fourth-grade (ages 9-10) students, we compared state reading and math test scores of students receiving computing instruction with students who did not. Our findings demonstrated that a more open-ended, less scaffolded form of computing instruction was linked to performance gains in math, but not in reading (F(2, 232)=11.08, pp2=.0625). When looking at students who face academic challenges that can impact reading and math, the same trend applied to students with economic disadvantages and students with limited English proficiency, but not for students with disabilities. These results suggest that moderately scaffolded computing instruction supports the development of skills applicable to math, a step towards better understanding the relationship between learning opportunities in computing and outcomes in other subjects.
Implementing Recursive Data Structures in ADA

As clearly evidenced by Grady Booch in his book Software Components with Ada (Booch, 1987), data structures are an important part of reusable software components. The need for some of these software components arises, because of limitations in programming language design. In particular, the lack of recursive data structures in many languages requires contortions on the part of programmers that hampers the creation, the reuse, the portability, and the reliability of software components. We describe a preprocessor that translates definitions of recursive data structures to Ada.
STRUCTURE FUNCTION DYNAMIC SUBGRID-SCALE MODEL

The velocity structure function is used as the functional expression for turbulence stress closure in a dynamic subgrid-scale algorithm. The new structure function dynamic model is applied to the large-eddy simulation of high-speed, axisymmetric, transitional boundary layer at a Mach number of 4.5. The subgrid scales are modeled dynamically, where the model coefficients are automatically tuned by using the spectral information of the smallest resolved scales and with the aid of a test filter. Comparisons with the fine-grid DNS results show that the new model has the potential to predict the details of the transitional flow field better than the known dynamic eddy-viscosity model.
Protein Semiconduction: An Alternative Explanation of Electrical Coupling

Cell communication, in the sense of electrical coupling and easy passage of substances from cell to cell, is still a fascinating mystery. Most cells of most organisms are electrically coupled, but we do not know either why or how. [In the special case of electrical synapses, we think we know why (Bennett, 1973a), but certainly we do not know how.] In some coupled cell systems we can watch exogenous substances (particularly fluorescent dyes such as Procion Yellow MX4R) flowing from one cell to the other, and thus it has been concluded that electrically coupled cells must have highly permeable membrane junctions (Loewenstein, 1973; Bennett, 1973a). Shortly after the initial experimental observations, a very elegant and fruitful working hypothesis was proposed (Loewenstein, 1966; Payton et al., 1969). The hypothesis postulated the existence of hydrophilic channels connecting the communicating cells, so that a cytoplasmic particle could travel from one cell to the other without leaving the intracellular environment. These transjunctional channels were supposed to be a short and convenient route for both small ions (thus explaining electrical coupling) and larger particles (explaining high junctional permeability), which could travel this way from one cell to the other and thus avoid a detour through the extracellular milieu.
Lipid Dynamics and Protein–Lipid Interactions in Integral Membrane Proteins: Insights from Solid‐State NMR

Integral membrane proteins are of great biomedical and biological interest but are challenging targets for structural biology. One of the challenges is the characterization of membrane protein interactions with a proper lipid bilayer that mimics their native environment. The membrane environment can directly affect the structure of integral membrane proteins and can also be crucial for optimal activity. Solid-state NMR is in a unique position to probe the protein–lipid interplay, by providing insight into both structure and dynamics of the protein as well as the lipids. Under native conditions, biological membranes are characterized by a dynamic and disordered ‘liquid crystalline’ structure. Solid-state NMR experiments are affected by dynamics, at times in negative ways, but the dynamics can also be leveraged to gain valuable information, including orientational constraints. This article discusses approaches to probe integral membrane protein interactions with lipids, and the role of lipid dynamics, through the use of static as well as magic-angle-spinning solid-state NMR. Keywords: solid-state NMR; membrane proteins; molecular dynamics; protein structure; order parameters; relaxation; oriented samples; magic-angle-spinning NMR
Using strategy objectives for network security analysis

The anticipation game framework is an extension of attack graphs based on game theory. It is used to anticipate and analyze intruder and administrator concurrent interactions with the network. Like attack-graph-based model checking, the goal of an anticipation game is to prove that a safety property holds. However, expressing intruder goal as a safety property is tedious and error prone on large networks because it assumes that the analyst has prior and complete knowledge of critical network services and knows what the attacker targets will be. In this paper we address this issue by introducing a new kind of goal called "strategy objectives". Strategy objectives mix logical constraints and numerical ones. In order to achieve these strategy objectives, we have extended the anticipation games framework with cost and reward. Additionally, this extension allows us to take into account the financial dimension of attacks during the analysis. We prove that finding the optimal strategy is decidable and only requires linear space. Finally we show that anticipation games with strategy objectives can be used in practice even on large networks by evaluating the performance of our prototype.
Abstract 16786: Influence of Locomotor Muscle Afferent Feedback Inhibition on Pulmonary Vascular Conductance During Submaximal Exercise in Heart Failure

Introduction: Afferent feedback from skeletal muscle contributes to changes in pulmonary vascular pressures in healthy humans. Hypothesis: We examined the effect of skeletal muscle afferent feedback inhibition on pulmonary vascular capacitance using a validated non-invasive gas exchange equivalent (GXCAP) during exercise in HF. Methods: In a randomized, controlled design, 9 HF (age 60±2 yrs; EF, 27±2%; NYHA class, 2±1) and 9 controls (CTL; age 63±2 yrs) completed 5 min of constant-load submaximal cycling (65% peak power) with lumbar intrathecal fentanyl (FNL; inhibiting cephalad projection of opioid receptor sensitive afferents) or sham. Heart rate (HR), partial pressure of end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2) and VO2 were measured at rest, during exercise, and recovery. Calculations include O2 pulse (VO2/HR) and GXCAP (O2 pulse x PETCO2). Cephalad migration of FNL was assessed by hypercapnic ventilatory response with no differences within or between groups. Results: At rest with sham, there was no difference in GXCAP ...
Programmed liquid crystal elastomers with tunable actuation strain

The ability to program the local mechanical response of liquid crystalline polymer networks has been shown to generate complex mechanical responses. A facile two-step method to synthesize these anisotropic materials to realize either reversible or irreversible shape change behavior is reported. The first reaction is the addition of a nematic diacrylate to a primary amine to build macromers within a liquid crystal alignment cell. Subsequently, these macromers are crosslinked to trap the order of the liquid crystal into a crosslinked film. In unaligned samples, mechanical reorientation of the nematic director is used to isothermally program shapes at room temperature that can be recovered on heating. Under a load, the mechanically aligned materials exhibit tensile actuation behavior comparable to human skeletal muscle in stroke and specific work capacity. We also report spatially aligned films that reversibly morph from flat to a complex 3D shape with tunable strain from 3% to 55%.
Therapeutic results obtained in vaginal mycoses after single-dose treatment with 500 mg clotrimazole vaginal tablets

A multicenter, double-blind study of 103 patients with clinically and mycologically documented vulvovaginal candidiasis compared single-dose treatment with a 500 mg clotrimazole vaginal tablet to 3-day treatment with two 100 mg clotrimazole vaginal tablets administered daily. Patients were examined 5 to 10 days (visit 2) and at least 27 days (visit 3) post treatment. At visit 2, mycologic and clinical examinations were negative in 43 of 48 efficacy-evaluable patients receiving clotrimazole, 500 mg (90%), versus 42 of 47 efficacy-evaluable patients receiving clotrimazole, 200 mg (89%). Similarly, at visit 3, 75% of patients receiving clotrimazole, 500 mg, had treatment success versus 72% receiving clotrimazole, 200 mg. There were no significant intergroup treatment differences, indicating that single-dose treatment with clotrimazole, 500 mg, is equipotent to the multidose regimen.
Soft-tissue reconstruction of an open tibial wound in the distal third of the leg: a new treatment algorithm.

Over the past 4 years, a total of 33 patients, each with an open tibial wound in the distal third of the leg, underwent a skin-grafted muscle flap reconstruction according to the new treatment algorithm developed by the author. When the size of the soft-tissue defect was less than 50 cm 2 , a pedicled medial hemisoleus muscle flap was used for the soft-tissue coverage (n = 20). If the soleus muscle was traumatized, a small free muscle flap (ie, gracilis) was then used (n = 3). When the size of the soft-tissue defect was greater than 50 cm 2 , a larger free muscle flap (ie, rectus abdominis or latissimus dorsi) was selected (n = 10). All patients were followed for up to 4 years. Three patients with a medial hemisoleus muscle flap developed insignificant distal flap necrosis and were treated subsequently with debridement and flap advancement. Five patients with a free muscle flap required an additional operation, and 2 patients had a subsequent debulking procedure of the flap for contour improvement of the leg. Reliable soft-tissue coverage with a well-healed tibial wound, evident fracture healing, and good contour of the leg were achieved in all 33 patients during follow-up. Following this new treatment algorithm, a selected option for an open tibial wound in the distal third of the leg can provide reliable soft-tissue coverage for different sizes of open tibial wounds and may offer a more cost-effective approach for managing such a complex clinical problem.
Critical race reflections: valuing the experiences of teachers of color in teacher education

While research has demonstrated that White teachers often must be taught about the pain of racism in order to not perpetuate it, this may not apply to racial minority teachers. Through personal experience, Teachers of Color are likely aware of the trauma that racism can cause students. Within teacher education, we must create research and teaching strategies that acknowledge racial minority teachers as insiders to the experiences of racism in school, and as valuable assets in the fight for educational justice. Using a critical race theory (CRT) framework, this article explores the reflections of Women of Color educators regarding their encounters and observations with race and racism in K‐12 schools. Qualitative interviews were conducted with twelve Asian‐American, Black and Latina women enrolled in a social justice teacher preparation program in Los Angeles. Their stories expose (1) the personal experiences with racism the women endured within their K‐12 education; (2) the parallel experiences with racis...
Genetic complexity of the human geranylgeranyltransferase I β-subunit gene: A multigene family of pseudogenes derived from mis-spliced transcripts

Abstract Geranylgeranyltransferase I controls the function of a variety of cellular proteins by attaching a geranylgeranyl group to the carboxy-terminus of proteins. The purified enzyme from rat brain is comprised of two polypeptides, a catalytic α -subunit (GGT α ) and a substrate-binding β -subunit (GGT β ). The present paper demonstrates the existence of a GGT β multigene family in humans by describing the presence and characterization of at least 13 pseudogenes related to this protein. Sequencing of numerous PCR-derived clones, obtained following amplification of human genomic DNA, revealed multiple, distinct but highly related sequences. All clones had a common deletion of 99-bp that conforms to the GT–AG rule of splicing in eukaryotes, and differed from the human GGT β cDNA sequence by multiple nucleotide substitutions. PCR amplification from mRNA, however, yielded only the sequence expected for the expressed GGT β protein. This apparent paradox was resolved by cloning and sequencing a complete GGT β -specific pseudogene. Multiple features of the cloned gene, in particular the absence of introns, presence of flanking direct repeats, and the lack of sequence similarity with the untranscribed region of the gene, indicate that this clone represents a processed pseudogene possibly resulting from a mis-spliced transcript. Multiple GGT β -specific pseudogenes appear to have resulted from more than one retroposition event. These results suggest a potential role for mis-splicing in the evolutionary diversity of pseudogenes.
Histologic Retrieval Analysis of a Porous Tantalum Metal Implant in an Infected Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

Porous tantalum (Zimmer, Inc, Warsaw, Ind) has the theoretical advantage of improved biologic fixation because of its high porosity, interconnected pore space, and modulus of elasticity. We present a case report documenting the retrieval and bone ingrowth analysis of a porous tantalum tibial component in an infected total knee arthroplasty. Results demonstrated a significantly larger amount of bone ingrowth present in the tibial posts (36.7%) when compared with the bone ingrowth into the tibial baseplate (4.9%) (P < .001). The data suggest that bone ingrowth seen in the plugs as well as baseplate was suggestive of viable bone tissue with healthy bone marrow, osteocytes, and lamella, resulting in a well-fixed tibial implant even at revision surgery for an infected total knee arthroplasty.
AB initio and semi‐empirical investigation of gas‐phase carbon acidity

Acidities of a representative range of carbon acids were calculated by various levels of ab initio theory and by the semi-empirical methods AM1 and PM3 in order to ascertain what level is necessary in order to obtain consistently reliable results. The semi-empirical methods give good agreement with experiment in about a third of the cases, but are significantly, and sometimes seriously, in error for the rest. The 3–21G ab initio method consistently underestimates acidities by a substantial amount. The best results were obtained at the MP2/6–31 + G*//6–31 + G* level. Higher level Moller–Plesset corrections worsened the agreement with experiment.
Allostatic Load and Frailty in the Women’s Health and Aging Studies

Background: Frailty involves decrements in many physiologic systems, is prevalent in older ages, and is characterized by increased vulnerability to disability and mortality. It is yet unclear how t...
Pulsed laser caliper for noncontact dimensional measurement

A new optical device for making caliperlike noncontact dimensional measurements on macroscopic objects is described. The device called a pulsed laser caliper, consists of a picosecond pulse laser, an ultrafast detector, various optical components, and a time-interval counter or high-speed sampling oscilloscope. Basically, a dimensional measurement is made by determining the time-of-flight difference between a reference laser pulse and another pulse which reflects off both sides of an object. Accuracy and limitations of the device are discussed briefly. Experimental results using a mode-locked argon laser and a sampling oscilloscope for pulse timing gave an accuracy of 0.075 cm in dimensional measurements of five gauge blocks with lengths from 1.9 to 10.2 cm.
Complement regulates TLR4-mediated inflammatory responses during intestinal ischemia reperfusion

Innate immune responses including TLR4 and complement activation are required for mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion (IR)-induced tissue damage. We examined the regulation of TLR4 and complement activation in a mouse model of intestinal IR. Intestinal IR-induced C3 deposition in a TLR4 dependent manner. In addition, in wild-type but not TLR4 deficient mice, IR significantly increased C3 and Factor B (FB) mRNA expression within the intestine. To further examine the role of TLR4 and complement, we administered the complement inhibitor, CR2-Crry, to target local complement activation in wild-type C57Bl/10, and TLR4 deficient B10/ScN mice. TLR4 deficient mice sustained less damage and inflammation after IR than wild-type mice, but administration of CR2-Crry did not further reduce tissue damage. In contrast, CR2-Crry treatment of wild-type mice was accompanied by a reduction in complement activation and in C3 and FB transcription in response to IR. CR2-Crry also significantly decreased intestinal IL-6 and IL-12p40 production in both the wild-type and TLR4 deficient mice. These data indicate that TLR4 regulates extrahepatic complement production while complement regulates TLR4-mediated cytokine production during intestinal IR.