cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple soil nutrient competition between plants, microbes, and mineral surfaces: model development, parameterization, and example applications in several tropical forests

Abstract. Soil is a complex system where biotic (e.g., plant roots, micro-organisms) and abiotic (e.g., mineral surfaces) consumers compete for resources necessary for life (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus). This competition is ecologically significant, since it regulates the dynamics of soil nutrients and controls aboveground plant productivity. Here we develop, calibrate and test a nutrient competition model that accounts for multiple soil nutrients interacting with multiple biotic and abiotic consumers. As applied here for tropical forests, the Nutrient COMpetition model (N-COM) includes three primary soil nutrients (NH4+, NO3− and POx; representing the sum of PO43−, HPO42− and H2PO4−) and five potential competitors (plant roots, decomposing microbes, nitrifiers, denitrifiers and mineral surfaces). The competition is formulated with a quasi-steady-state chemical equilibrium approximation to account for substrate (multiple substrates share one consumer) and consumer (multiple consumers compete for one substrate) effects. N-COM successfully reproduced observed soil heterotrophic respiration, N2O emissions, free phosphorus, sorbed phosphorus and NH4+ pools at a tropical forest site (Tapajos). The overall model uncertainty was moderately well constrained. Our sensitivity analysis revealed that soil nutrient competition was primarily regulated by consumer–substrate affinity rather than environmental factors such as soil temperature or soil moisture. Our results also imply that under strong nutrient limitation, relative competitiveness depends strongly on the competitor functional traits (affinity and nutrient carrier enzyme abundance). We then applied the N-COM model to analyze field nitrogen and phosphorus perturbation experiments in two tropical forest sites (in Hawaii and Puerto Rico) not used in model development or calibration. Under soil inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus elevated conditions, the model accurately replicated the experimentally observed competition among nutrient consumers. Although we used as many observations as we could obtain, more nutrient addition experiments in tropical systems would greatly benefit model testing and calibration. In summary, the N-COM model provides an ecologically consistent representation of nutrient competition appropriate for land BGC models integrated in Earth System Models.
Increasing Additive Noise Removal in Speech Processing Using Spectral Subtraction

In this research, we present a technique to increase noise removal from noisy speech signals using spectral subtraction. The noise removal algorithm includes storing the noisy speech data into Hanning time-widowed half-overlapped data buffers, computing the corresponding spectrums using the FFT, removing the noise from the noisy speech, and reconstructing the speech back into the time domain using the inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT). Performance of the algorithm was evaluated by calculating the speech to noise ratio (SNR). The improvement technique involved varying the lengths of the Hanning time windows, as well as the degrees of data buffers overlapping. Further improvement was sought by using frames averaging technique, which consists in averaging various spectrum frames before removing the noise. Results showed that using one-fourth overlapped data buffers with 256 points Hanning windows and no frames averaging lead to the best performance in removing noise from the noisy speech.
NUCLEAR CRYSTALLOIDS IN SIEVE ELEMENTS OF SPECIES OF ECHIUM (BORAGINACEAE)

Ultrastructural studies of differentiating phloem of the midvein in 15 species of Echium (Boraginaceae) have shown that in every species one or more crystalloids develop in sieve-element nuclei. These inclusions appear as soon as the cell begins to differentiate from a procambial derivative. Small at first, they enlarge later, particularly in length. The crystalloid may extend end-to-end in the correspondingly elongated nucleus. When the nucleus disintegrates in the maturing cell the crystalloid is released into the cell lumen where it remains intact or becomes fractured into large pieces. No dissociation into subunits was observed. The crystalloids are composed of tightly packed narrow rods (tubules) forming a two-dimensional lattice of squares in transections and a system of parallel striations in longitudinal sections. The similarities of these inclusions to the crystalline form of P-protein in Fabaceae raises the question of terminological delimitation of P-protein, a common component of angiospermous sieve-element protoplasts. The occurrence of nuclear crystalloids in another previously investigated genus in the Boraginaceae, Amsinckia , suggests that this inclusion should be explored in boraginaceous representatives for its possible value as a systematic character.
Time Course Study of the Chromosome-Type Breakage-Fusion-Bridge Cycle in Maize

The B chromosome of maize has been used in a study of dicentric chromosomes. TB-9Sb is a translocation between the B and chromosome 9. The B-9 of TB-9Sb carries 60% of the short arm of 9. For construction of dicentrics, a modified B-9 chromosome was used, B-9-Dp9. It consists of the B-9 chromosome plus a duplicated 9S region attached to the distal end. In meiosis, fold-back pairing and crossing over in the duplicated region gives a chromatid-type dicentric B-9 that subsequently initiates a chromatid-type breakage-fusion-bridge cycle. In the male, it forms a single bridge in anaphase II of meiosis and at the first pollen mitosis. However, the cycle is interrupted by nondisjunction of the B centromere at the second pollen mitosis, which sends the B-9 dicentric to one pole and converts it from a chromatid dicentric to a chromosome dicentric. As expected, the new dicentric undergoes the chromosome-type breakage-fusion-bridge cycle and produces double bridges. A large number of plants with chromosome dicentrics were produced in this way. The presence of double bridges in the root cells of plants with a chromosome dicentric was studied during the first 10 wk of development. It was found that the number of plants and cells showing double bridges declined steadily over the 10-wk period. Several lines of evidence indicate that there was no specific developmental time for dicentric loss. "Healing" of broken chromosomes produced by dicentric breakage accounted for much of the dicentric loss. Healing produced a wide range of derived B-9 chromosomes, some large and some small. A group of minichromosomes found in these experiments probably represents the small end of the scale for B-9 derivatives.
Educational, psychologic, and social aspects of short stature

Children with short stature may experience academic difficulties, psychologic impairment, and emotional stress related to an underlying medical condition or social stigmatization. Educational and psychosocial problems associated with short stature often can be alleviated with appropriate interventions. Parents, health-care practitioners, and teachers should be aware of the potential academic, psychologic, and social problems related to short stature and growth delay, so they can support the short child's normal development and intervene promptly if problems arise.
The redox‐regulated SoxR protein acts from a single DNA site as a repressor and an allosteric activator

The SoxR protein of Escherichia coli responds to redox signals by activating the transcription of soxS, which encodes another transcription activator that directly stimulates oxidative stress genes. We show here that transcription of the soxR gene, which is positioned head-to-head with soxS in the chromosome, initiates in the intergenic region and is itself repressed by SoxR protein in in vitro transcription experiments. Analysis of single-copy operon fusions to soxR, combined with the results of Northern blotting experiments, verified this regulation and the transcription start site in vivo. The structure of the overlapping promoters is such that the single SoxR-binding site is located in the -10/-35 spacer of the soxS promoter, but just downstream of the -10 element of the soxR promoter. Activated and non-activated SoxR bind this site equally well, exerting nearly constant repression of soxR; activated SoxR simultaneously stimulates the soxS promoter >/=30-fold. The functional soxR promoter depresses soxS transcription when SoxR is not activated and enhances soxS transcription when SoxR is activated, as shown by comparing the expression of soxS'::lacZ fusions with and without the soxR -35 element (induction ratio only approximately 7-fold). SoxR thus represents a highly polar, redox-regulated transcriptional switch that maximizes the change in expression of soxS.
[Ge9Ge9Ge9]6-: A Linear Trimer of 27 Germanium Atoms

The title anion was synthesized by oxidation of nido-Ge94- with Ph3P or Ph3As in ethylenediamine solution. It was structurally characterized in the compound (Rb-2,2,2-crypt)6[Ge9Ge9Ge9]·3en (2,2,2-crypt = 4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane) crystallized from the solution. The anion is a linear trimer of nine-atom clusters with the shape of tricapped trigonal prisms elongated along two of the three prismatic edges. Each pair of clusters is connected by two exo-bonds.
X-ray analysis of lake sedimentary patterns using nonlinear regularization filter

Laminated sediments from lakes are of great interest to paleoclimatologists interested in high resolution records of past climate change. Laminated sediments from Lake Malawi in East Africa are investigated by X-ray analysis. Due to the physical nature of sediments, X-ray images having penetrated through sediments are corrupted by signal dependent nonstationary noise, which affects the accuracy and precision of time-series and the spectral analysis of patterns. Therefore, a nonlinear pre-filtering algorithm is proposed to suppress the noise, so that more stable and reliable analysis can be obtained. The algorithm is based on the generalized weighted regularization.
Strategies for teaching nursing research online

Background: Nursing, like many disciplines in university settings, is experiencing increasing demand for online courses. Development and implementation of online courses with the quality of education nursing students experience in traditional classroom settings, is essential to maintaining integrity of the educational process. Nursing research has been offered in the online format in the RN-BSN programme for 2 years. This course has an average enrolment of 80 to 90 students each semester. Purpose: This article presents strategies used in teaching an RN-BSN nursing research course online. Conclusions: Feedback from faculty and students indicates that these strategies have been successful in facilitating this writing intensive course through distance learning.
Native speakers and native users: loss and gain

In this collection of new and previously published work – focusing largely on English – Alan Davies explores what it means to be a native speaker, and how highly proficient non-native speakers (nat...
Bench‐scale evaluation of advanced oxidation processes for treatment of a cyanide‐contaminated wastewater from an engine manufacturing facility

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are aggressive chemical oxidation techniques that are characterized by the formation of hydroxyl radicals. This treatability study evaluated the performance of the following AOPs for treating cyanide-contaminated wastewater from an engine manufacturing company: low-pressure ultraviolet (LPUV) light/ozone (O 3 ), medium-pressure UV (MPUV)/hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), MPUV/O 3 /H 2 O 2 , and peroxone (combination of O 3 and H 2 O 2 ). A bench-scale reactor was used to examine the relative effectiveness of each AOP for removal of both cyanide and total organic carbon (TOC) from the wastewater. Initial cyanide concentration of the water was 0.6 mg/L. The experiments were run for 1 h. The LPUV/O 3 process removed 18 and 60% of the initial cyanide and TOC in the wastewater, respectively. The changes in TOC observed with the evaluated peroxone schemes (5% O 3 /100 mg/L H 2 O 2 and 1% O 3 /100 mg/L H 2 O 2 ) were almost identical to those seen with the LPUV/O 3 system. The combination of medium-pressure UV and 500 mg/L H 2 O 2 peformed best among the AOPs in the study with respect to cyanide removal. Surprisingly low removal of TOC was observed, indicating a low potential for hydroxyl radicals to remove the organic fraction from this wastewater. A combination of all the results indicates that the main mechanisms of TOC and cyanide removal are volatilization and photolysis, respectively. The results of the treatability study were used in designing a water treatment system currently in operation at the engine manufacturing facility.
Shape optimization of a sheet swimming over a thin liquid layer

Motivated by the propulsion mechanisms adopted by gastropods, annelids and other invertebrates, we consider shape optimization of a flexible sheet that moves by propagating deformation waves along its body. The self-propelled sheet is separated from a rigid substrate by a thin layer of viscous Newtonian fluid. We use a lubrication approximation to model the dynamics and derive the relevant Euler-Lagrange equations to simultaneously optimize swimming speed, efficiency and fluid loss. We find that as the parameters controlling these quantities approach critical values, the optimal solutions become singular in a self-similar fashion and sometimes leave the realm of validity of the lubrication model. We explore these singular limits by computing higher order corrections to the zeroth order theory and find that wave profiles that develop cusp-like singularities are appropriately penalized, yielding non-singular optimal solutions. These corrections are themselves validated by comparison with finite element solutions of the full Stokes equations, and, to the extent possible, using recent rigorous a-priori error bounds.
ImageJS: Personalized, participated, pervasive, and reproducible image bioinformatics in the web browser.

Background: Image bioinformatics infrastructure typically relies on a combination of server-side high-performance computing and client desktop applications tailored for graphic rendering. On the server side, matrix manipulation environments are often used as the back-end where deployment of specialized analytical workflows takes place. However, neither the server-side nor the client-side desktop solution, by themselves or combined, is conducive to the emergence of open, collaborative, computational ecosystems for image analysis that are both self-sustained and user driven. Materials and Methods: ImageJS was developed as a browser-based webApp, untethered from a server-side backend, by making use of recent advances in the modern web browser such as a very efficient compiler, high-end graphical rendering capabilities, and I/O tailored for code migration. Results : Multiple versioned code hosting services were used to develop distinct ImageJS modules to illustrate its amenability to collaborative deployment without compromise of reproducibility or provenance. The illustrative examples include modules for image segmentation, feature extraction, and filtering. The deployment of image analysis by code migration is in sharp contrast with the more conventional, heavier, and less safe reliance on data transfer. Accordingly, code and data are loaded into the browser by exactly the same script tag loading mechanism, which offers a number of interesting applications that would be hard to attain with more conventional platforms, such as NIH's popular ImageJ application. Conclusions : The modern web browser was found to be advantageous for image bioinformatics in both the research and clinical environments. This conclusion reflects advantages in deployment scalability and analysis reproducibility, as well as the critical ability to deliver advanced computational statistical procedures machines where access to sensitive data is controlled, that is, without local download and installation.
The Influence of Principal Leadership on Classroom Instruction and Student Learning A Study of Mediated Pathways to Learning

Purpose: This study examines the influence of principal leadership in high schools on classroom instruction and student achievement through key organizational factors, including professional capaci...
Auditor Independence Revisited

Maintaining auditor independence is vital to the auditing profession. This article argues that the auditor�client relationship exhibits special traits that make maintaining auditor independence easier than in other accountant�client relationships. In particular, the auditor�client relationship satisfies a one-sided separability condition, as the auditor is not involved in the structuring of transactions (unlike other accountants). The limited nature of the auditor�s attestation role and the reach of regulators, especially in the course of regulatory investigations, boost the availability of such separable information in auditor�client relationships. The information, in turn, provides the client with incentives to admit to nonobedient behavior to the owner, thereby introducing sufficient distrust (independence) between the accountant and the client to begin with.
EMS-based Environmental Regimes as Club Goods: Examining Variations in Firm-level Adoption of ISO 14001 and EMAS in U.K., U.S. and Germany

This paper examines variations in firm-level adoption of environmental management systems (EMS) – ISO 14001 and the European Union's Eco-Audit and Management Scheme (EMAS) – in the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States. Drawing on insights from club theory, institutional theory, and stakeholder theory, it argues that despite the fact that these EMS are created by supranational organizations (one regional and one international), firms' perceptions of their costs and benefits are largely determined by domestic factors. In particular, these perceptions are shaped by how EMS are promoted and information about them is disseminated in each country (supply aspects) and how the constellation of stakeholders (suppliers, environmental groups, regulators, general public) support their introduction (demand aspects). The paper concludes that there are numerous ways governments and interested stakeholders can encourage companies to adopt voluntary environmental codes. The key is to find the right mix of incentives for specific national contexts.
Intrinsic Performance Variability in Aligned Array CNFETs

The I-V characteristic of carbon nanotube (CNT) transistors is dictated by the Schottky barrier (SB) at metal-nanotube interface. The SB is defined by the diameter of the CNT along with the source/drain metal and is presumed a device constant for single CNT transistors. Given the wide distribution of diameter of CVD-grown nanotubes, the presumption of single SB, however, is inappropriate for transistors with aligned array of CNTs. Indeed, array transistors with similar geometries and contact material can still exhibit considerable variation in threshold voltage (VT), on current (ION), and device resistance (Rd). We use measured diameter distribution within the framework of detailed numerical simulations to demonstrate that the diameter distribution of CNTs (in CNT FETs) plays a dominant role in defining the fluctuation of array transistors. Besides, it is argued that the large-scale integration of these devices within an IC would be feasible only if the distribution of diameter is considerably narrowed.
Importance of Marital Characteristics and Marital Satisfaction: A Comparison of Asian Indians in Arranged Marriages and Americans in Marriages of Choice

To date, little research has been published related to cross-cultural differences in such marital factors as love, intimacy, happiness, and satisfaction. The present study compares factors contributing to marital satisfaction and examines correlations between the importance of these factors and the level of satisfaction for three groups: Asian Indians in arranged marriages living in India (n = 229), Asian Indians in arranged marriages living in the United States (n = 185), and Americans in marriages of choice (n = 173). Results indicated significant differences between the three groups on both total importance and total satisfaction mean scores. Implications for multicultural marriage counseling are discussed and recommendations for further cross-cultural research are presented.
Identification and characterization of functional homologs of nitrogenase cofactor biosynthesis protein NifB from methanogens

Nitrogenase biosynthesis protein NifB catalyzes the radical S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM)-dependent insertion of carbide into the M cluster, the cofactor of the molybdenum nitrogenase from Azotobacter vinelandii. Here, we report the identification and characterization of two naturally "truncated" homologs of NifB from Methanosarcina acetivorans (NifB(Ma)) and Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum (NifB(Mt)), which contain a SAM-binding domain at the N terminus but lack a domain toward the C terminus that shares homology with NifX, an accessory protein in M cluster biosynthesis. NifB(Ma) and NifB(Mt) are monomeric proteins containing a SAM-binding [Fe4S4] cluster (designated the SAM cluster) and a [Fe4S4]-like cluster pair (designated the K cluster) that can be processed into an [Fe8S9] precursor to the M cluster (designated the L cluster). Further, the K clusters in NifB(Ma) and NifB(Mt) can be converted to L clusters upon addition of SAM, which corresponds to their ability to heterologously donate L clusters to the biosynthetic machinery of A. vinelandii for further maturation into the M clusters. Perhaps even more excitingly, NifB(Ma) and NifB(Mt) can catalyze the removal of methyl group from SAM and the abstraction of hydrogen from this methyl group by 5'-deoxyadenosyl radical that initiates the radical-based incorporation of methyl-derived carbide into the M cluster. The successful identification of NifB(Ma) and NifB(Mt) as functional homologs of NifB not only enabled classification of a new subset of radical SAM methyltransferases that specialize in complex metallocluster assembly, but also provided a new tool for further characterization of the distinctive, NifB-catalyzed methyl transfer and conversion to an iron-bound carbide.
Integrating Root Cause Analysis Methodologies

Many Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methodologies have specific applications and limitations and in some case for complex machinery investigations they can be combined and enhanced for better results. Typical methodologies that can be combined effectively are Kepner Tregoe, Causal Tree Analysis (Apollo), Fault Tree Analysis, Logic Tree Analysis, Barrier Analysis, and Human Performance Evaluation amongst others.
Juvenile Hormone Involvement in Pupal Diapause of the Flesh Fly Sarcophaga Crassipalpis: Regulation of Infradian Cycles of O2 Consumption

1.A cyclic pattern of juvenile hormone (JH) activity is retained during pupal diapause in the flesh fly, Sarcophaga crassipalpis . 2.Cycles of JH activity correlate with infradian cycles of O 2 consumption. JH activity progressively increases during a 4-day cycle and appears to trigger the onset of an M 02 peak. 3.During the first 2 days of an M O O2 cycle, pupae are insensitive to an application of JH analogue, but when JH analogue is applied during the last 2 days of the cycle, M 02 rises and the cyclic M 02 pattern is destroyed. When JH analogue is applied to third instar larvae, O 2 consumption is sustained at a steady, high rate throughout pupal diapause. 4.The M O O2 cycles persist in abdomen-ligated pupae but disappear following head ligation.
Experiments on the stability of cancrinite in the system Na2O-CaO-Al2O3-SiO2-CO2-H2O

The synthesis and upper thermal stability of cancrinite were investigated experimentally in the system Na 2 O - CaO - Al 2 O 3 - SiO 2 - CO 2 - H 2 O at 2 kbar and in the presence of a mixed H 2 O - CO 2 fluid. Cancrinite could only be formed under water-rich conditions in this system. The breakdown of cancrinite to nepheline + calcite occurred at decreasing temperatures with increasing X CO2 as expected for a dehydration reaction of the form cancrinite = nepheline + calcite + nH 2 O. Partial melting and the formation of melilite was observed at the highest temperatures and for the most H 2 O-rich fluid compositions. The molecular water content of the cancrinite formed at various T-X CO2 conditions was evaluated with a combined infrared (IR)-thermogravimetry (TG) technique. Results suggest (within analytical error) a decrease in the water content of cancrinite toward the breakdown reaction and an apparently constant water content along the breakdown curve. Thermodynamic analysis combining the compositional and phase-equilibrium data from this study was performed and yielded a value of Delta H 0 f = -14722+ or -147 kJ and S 0 = 981+ or -118 J/K at 298 K and 1 bar for synthetic cancrinite of the composition Na 6 Ca (sub 1.5) [Al 6 Si 6 O 24 ](CO 3 ) (sub 1.5) .1.1(+ or -0.4)H 2 O. This study demonstrates the important role that water plays in controlling the stability of cancrinite in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Leukemia of the Common Fowl

Leukemia appears to be of rather frequent occurrence in the domestic animals. The statistics of Nocard (1880-S2) comprised twenty-two cases in the dog, nine in the horse, six in the hog, five in the cow, and one in the cat. Since 1891 a number of new cases of leukemia in cattle, horses, dogs, and swine have been observed, and the disease has been shown to occur also, though less frequently, in the goat, sheep, and mouse. In the case of the rabbit and guineapig, the animals most frequently used in experimental work, there exist at present no observations of the occurrence of leukemia. The literature is likewise devoid of any statements concerning its occurrence in birds and fowls.
Isolation of mucosal disease virus by tissue cultures in mixture 199, Morgan, Morton and Parker.

SummaryA virus has been isolated from cattle which displays typical symptoms and pathology of bovine mucosal disease. Virus isolations and propagation were carried on using tissue cultures of trypsinized bovine kidney cells in Mixture 199 exclusively. Two calves which were negative for neutralizing antibodies for bovine mucosal disease were injected with tissue culture virus and developed hyperimmune serum from 15 to 25 days post-inoculation. Serology conducted with laboratory rabbits indicate similarity of viruses isolated from 4 separate herds of cattle in North Dakota.
Impact of the 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine on Pneumococcal Carriage Among American Indians.

Background:Community-wide impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) is conferred by reductions in vaccine-type nasopharyngeal carriage. We evaluated the impact of PCV13 on carriage of PCV13-specific types (1, 3, 5, 6A, 7F and 19A) and 6C among American Indians.Methods:A nasopharyngeal specimen
Urinary Microbiota Associated with Preterm Birth: Results from the Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning in Early Childhood (CANDLE) Study.

Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Genitourinary infection is implicated in the initiation of spontaneous PTB; however, examination of the urinary microbiota in relation to preterm delivery using next-generation sequencing technologies is lacking. In a case-control study nested within the Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning in Early Childhood (CANDLE) study, we examined associations between the urinary microbiota and PTB. A total of 49 cases (delivery < 37 weeks gestation) and 48 controls (delivery ≥ 37 weeks gestation) balanced on health insurance type were included in the present analysis. Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene V4 region was performed on urine samples collected during the second trimester. We observed no difference in taxa richness, evenness, or community composition between cases and controls or for gestational age modeled as a continuous variable. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) classified to Prevotella, Sutterella, L. iners, Blautia, Kocuria, Lachnospiraceae, and S.marcescens were enriched among cases (FDR corrected p≤ 0.05). A urinary microbiota clustering partition dominated by S. marcescens was also associated with PTB (OR = 3.97, 95% CI: 1.19–13.24). These data suggest a limited role for the urinary microbiota in PTB when measured during the second trimester by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The enrichment among cases in several organisms previously reported to be associated with genitourinary pathology requires confirmation in future studies to rule out the potential for false positive findings.
Indexical Scaffolds to Habit-Formation

This inquiry advances the claim that Indexes in Secondness constitute the earliest and firmest foundation for the establishment of habit, undergirded by habit-change and logical interpretants. Convincing evidence for the primacy of Index as an implicit source to determine regularities in lived experience and in objective logic is proffered. The case is made that Indexical regularities form directional templates early in development which prime the semiosis of more objective logic-based regularities (played out in revisions of logical interpretants). While a predisposition may preempt salience of indexical templates (gaze trajectories, motion and force toward objects), more complex indexical regularities (perspective-taking), and focus with the mind’s-eye on potentialities (virtual habit) constitute acquired, more consciousness-based habits. Ultimately, Peirce’s use of habit transcends conformity to compulsory participation in events—occasional non-conformity to a pattern is essential to what he means by “habituescence,” or, the conscious awareness of taking a habit (c. 1913: MS 930).
Anomalous Deposition of Co-Ni Alloys in Film and Nanowire Morphologies from Citrate Baths

Abstract Thin films and nanowires were deposited across the full range of Co-Ni solution compositions via templated electrodeposition in citrate baths. Spectroscopic analysis indicated a high degree of anomalous deposition across all alloy compositions, with no significant composition differences seen between films and nanowires. Electrochemical and microstructural analyses indicated notable differences between structures deposited in low- and high-Ni environments.
A dedicated scholarly research program in an adult and pediatric neurology residency program.

Objective: To describe and assess the effectiveness of a formal scholarly activity program for a highly integrated adult and pediatric neurology residency program. Methods: Starting in 2011, all graduating residents were required to complete at least one form of scholarly activity broadly defined to include peer-reviewed publications or presentations at scientific meetings of formally mentored projects. The scholarly activity program was administered by the associate residency training director and included an expanded journal club, guided mentorship, a required grand rounds platform presentation, and annual awards for the most scholarly and seminal research findings. We compared scholarly output and mentorship for residents graduating within a 5-year period following program initiation (2011–2015) and during the preceding 5-year preprogram baseline period (2005–2009). Results: Participation in scholarship increased from the preprogram baseline (24 of 53 graduating residents, 45.3%) to the postprogram period (47 of 57 graduating residents, 82.1%, p Conclusions: Our multifaceted program, designed to enhance resident and faculty engagement in scholarship, was associated with increased academic output and an expanded mentorship pool. The program was particularly effective at encouraging presentations at scientific meetings. Longitudinal analysis will determine whether such a program portfolio inspires an increase in academic careers involving neuroscience-oriented research.
A Boron Alkylidene-Alkene Cycloaddition Reaction: Application to the Synthesis of Aphanamal

We describe an unusual net [2+2] cycloaddition reaction between boron alkylidenes and unactivated alkenes. This reaction provides a new method for the construction of carbocyclic ring systems bearing versatile organoboronic esters. Aside from surveying the scope of this reaction, we provide details about the mechanistic underpinnings of this process, and examine its application to the synthesis of the natural product aphanamal.
Radiation Recall Dermatitis in Patients Treated with Sorafenib.

Introduction. Radiation recall dermatitis (RRD) is a phenomenon that occurs in previously irradiated areas shortly after administration of a chemotherapeutic agent. As the use of sorafenib expands, the incidence of radiation recall dermatitis induced by sorafenib will likely increase. Here, we report on a patient who developed RRD and describe his clinical characteristics along with a review of the literature. Case Presentation. Our patient was treated with palliative radiation therapy (RT) to a painful metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma lesion in the right forearm. He completed his radiation course with grade 1 dermatitis, which had resolved by the time he was started on sorafenib 400 mg twice daily 7 days afterwards. On the 21st day after RT, he presented with desquamation and erythema in the previously irradiated area of the right forearm, consistent with RRD. The sorafenib was discontinued and his symptoms subsequently resolved with conservative topical management. Conclusions. Although the pathophysiologic mechanism of sorafenib-related radiation recall dermatitis remains to be investigated, practitioners should be aware of its presence and management in order to improve clinical outcomes.
∃R-Completeness for Decision Versions of Multi-Player (Symmetric) Nash Equilibria

As a result of a series of important works [7--9, 15, 23], the complexity of two-player Nash equilibrium is by now well understood, even when equilibria with special properties are desired and when the game is symmetric. However, for multi-player games, when equilibria with special properties are desired, the only result known is due to Schaefer and Stefankovic [28]: that checking whether a three-player Nash Equilibrium (3-Nash) instance has an equilibrium in a ball of radius half in l∞-norm is ∃R-complete, where ∃R is the class of decision problems that can be reduced in polynomial time to Existential Theory of the Reals.Building on their work, we show that the following decision versions of 3-Nash are also ∃R-complete: checking whether (i) there are two or more equilibria, (ii) there exists an equilibrium in which each player gets at least h payoff, where h is a rational number, (iii) a given set of strategies are played with non-zero probability, and (iv) all the played strategies belong to a given set.Next, we give a reduction from 3-Nash to symmetric 3-Nash, hence resolving an open problem of Papadimitriou [25]. This yields ∃R-completeness for symmetric 3-Nash for the last two problems stated above as well as completeness for the class FIXPa, a variant of FIXP for strong approximation. All our results extend to k-Nash for any constant k ≥ 3.
Pituitary somatolactotropes evade an oncogenic response to Ras.

Abstract Distinct cell types have been shown to respond to activated Ras signaling in a cell-specific manner. In contrast to its pro-tumorigenic role in some human epithelial cancers, oncogenic Ras triggers differentiation of pheochromocytoma cells and medullary thyroid carcinoma cells. Furthermore, we have previously demonstrated that in pituitary somatolactotropes, activated Ras promotes differentiation and is not sufficient to drive tumorigenesis. These findings demonstrate that lactotrope cells have the ability to evade the tumorigenic fate that is often associated with persistent activation of Ras/ERK signaling, and suggest that there may be differential expression of inhibitory signaling molecules or negative cell cycle regulators that act as a brake to prevent the tumorigenic effects of sustained Ras signaling. Here we aim to gain further insight into the mechanisms that allow GH4T2 cells to evade an oncogenic response to Ras. We show that Ral, but likely not menin, plays a key role in directing Ras-mediated differentiation of somatolactotropes, which may allow these cells to escape the tumorigenic fate that is often associated with activated Ras signaling. We also show that dominant negative Ras expression results in reduced GH4T2 cell proliferation and transformation, but does not influence differentiation. Taken together, the data presented here begin to shed light on the mechanisms by which pituitary somatolactotropes evade an oncogenic response to persistently activated Ras signaling and suggest that the architecture of the Ras signaling cascade in some endocrine cell types may be distinct from that of cells that respond to Ras in an oncogenic manner.
Depressive and trauma symptoms in expectant, risk-exposed, mothers and fathers: Is mindfulness a buffer?

Abstract Background Perinatal depression is reported in 15–20% of women (Marcus, 2009), 8–16% of men (Paulson and Bazemore, 2010) and low-SES, diverse populations are particularly at risk (Sareen, 2011). Trauma symptoms are commonly comorbid with depression, especially when individuals are exposed to risk factors such as community violence and poverty (Kastello et al., 2015; WenzGross et al., 2016). Parental mental illness places infants at risk for negative outcomes (Junge et al., 2016). Evidence supports that dispositional mindfulness is linked to mental health in many populations, however, a gap lies in the understanding of the relationship between mindfulness, trauma and depression in risk-exposed, pregnant populations, especially with fathers. We hypothesize that dispositional mindfulness is negatively associated with lower depression and trauma symptoms in pregnancy, in mothers and fathers. Methods Dispositional mindfulness, depressive and trauma symptoms were examined in women and men, exposed to adversity who were expecting a baby (N = 102). Independent t-tests, and bivariate correlations examined the relationships between these variables. Hierarchical regression was utilized to understand how mindfulness and trauma symptoms may contribute to antenatal depression symptoms. Results Significant differences were observed with mindfulness and depressive symptoms, with no differences reported across gender. Mindfulness, depressive and trauma symptoms were associated in the expected directions. Total mindfulness, specifically being non-reactive to one's own thoughts and trauma symptoms predicted depressive symptoms. Limitations Limitations include small sample size, cross-sectional data and self-report measures. Conclusion Mindfulness and trauma symptoms were found to be significant predictors of depressive symptoms in parents-to-be. Those with lower mindfulness exhibited higher levels of depression. These findings may be helpful in disseminated mindfulness-based interventions aimed at treating antenatal depression in both expectant mothers and fathers who are exposed to adversity. Further research is necessary to understand the mechanisms of mindfulness in risk-exposed, expectant parents.
Partial Derivatives. Applications

A function f is a mapping which takes each element of the domain D into an element of the range S. We write f: D → S. If the domain D consists of ordered pairs of numbers, then we have a function on R e or a function of two variables. We employ the notation
Cercopithecids (Cercopithecidae, Primates)

New finds from Laetoli have allowed a more detailed assessment of the taxonomy and paleobiology of the fossil ­cercopithecids. Most of the specimens consist of isolated teeth, jaw fragments and postcranial bones from the Upper Laetolil Beds (∼3.5–3.8 Ma), but four specimens are known from the Upper Ndolanya Beds (∼2.66 Ma) and a proximal humerus has been recovered from the Lower Laetolil Beds (∼3.8–4.3 Ma). Four species are represented: Parapapio ado, Papionini gen. et sp. indet., cf. Rhinocolobus sp., and Cercopithecoides sp. Parapapio ado is the most common species. Based on dental size and proportions and facial morphology, Pp. ado can be distinguished from all other species of Parapapio. The postcranial specimens attributed to Pp. ado indicate that it was a slender and agile semi-terrestrial monkey. A few isolated teeth represent a second species of papionin, larger in dental size than Pp. ado. Due to the paucity of the material, the taxon is left unassigned at the genus and species level. A distal humerus attributed to this taxon indicates that it was large terrestrial cercopithecid. The most common species of colobine is referred to cf. Rhinocolobus sp., based on its overall similarities to Rhinocolobus turkanaensis. The material can be distinguished from all fossil colobine species previously recognized from Africa, but without more complete cranial specimens it is not possible to diagnose a new taxon. From the postcranial material it can be inferred that it was generally adapted for arboreal quadrupedalism. The somewhat smaller species of colobine represents a previously undescribed species of Cercopithecoides. The postcranial specimens attributed to this taxon indicate that it was fully arboreal. Analysis of the distribution of the Laetoli cercopithecids provides provisional evidence of spatial patterning and temporal trends. For example, the dentition of Parapapio exhibits a trend to increase in size during the course of the Upper Laetolil Beds. As at other late Miocene and early Pliocene localities older than 3.5 Ma, the Laetoli cercopithecid community is characterized by the absence of Theropithecus and the relatively large proportion of colobines. After 3.5 Ma Theropithecus becomes the dominant cercopithecid at all East African ­localities, and the proportion of colobines declines accordingly.
Pain, personal identity, and the deep further fact

Dans le cadre du debat reductionniste et non-reductionniste sur l'identite personnelle, l'A. s'interroge sur l'interet particulier que suscite la prevision de la souffrance dans l'avenir, qui determine un fait profond ulterieur pour l'individu.
Subseasonal atmospheric regimes and ocean background forcing of Pacific Arctic sea ice melt onset

One observed fingerprint of Pacific Arctic environmental change, induced by climate warming and amplified local feedbacks, is a shift toward earlier onset of sea ice melt. Shorter freeze periods impact the melt season energy balance with cascading effects on ecological productivity and human presence in the region. Through this study, a non-linear technique, self-organizing maps, is utilized to investigate the subseasonal role of regional pressure patterns and associated lower-tropospheric wind regimes on melt onset in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. Focus is directed on the frequency and duration (≥ 3 consecutive days) of offshore, onshore, and zonal/weak flow that tend to precede anomalous (late and early) and average times of melt. Background North Pacific climate forcing ascribed from the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) phase and Bering Strait oceanic heat flux measurements provide a surface thermal context to the composite wind fields. In early melt onset years, onshore (northerly) winds occur approximately 1–3 fewer days with offsetting increases in zonal and offshore flow in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. During these cases, the Beaufort High pattern tends to set-up more frequently around the southeastern Beaufort Sea region, yielding winds of a southerly and/or easterly nature that are enhanced by cyclone activity to the south or downstream. Chukchi Sea weather analyses, in particular, suggest that interacting, precursor mechanisms involving warm air advection off snow-free Arctic lands and from southerly latitudes coupled with a slightly positive PDO state and anomalous, poleward oceanic heat transfer condition the seasonal ice pack for increasingly early melt.
Management of Secondary Hemophagocytosis Lymphohistiocytosis with Severe Liver Dysfunction

Introduction: Hemophagocytosis Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a syndrome of inappropriate hyperimmune response. Presentation of Case: We present a case of secondary HLH associated with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and liver dysfunction. Conclusion: This case report focuses on the diagnostic dilemmas with HLH and an individualized treatment approach to the patient.
Synthesis and characterization of photocrosslinkable hydrogels from bovine skin gelatin

Hydrogels that mimic native tissues chemically and structurally have been increasingly sought for a wide variety of tissue engineering applications. Gelatin can be naturally derived from different sources and functionalized to fabricate hydrogels that exhibit high cytocompatibility and favorable biodegradable properties. The amino groups on the gelatin backbone can be substituted by adding varying proportions of methacrylic anhydride (MAA) to create biomimetic hydrogels which can be used as tissue engineering scaffolds. Gelatin from different sources yields hydrogels with distinctive physical, chemical, and biological properties. In this work, gelatin from bovine skin was used to fabricate hydrogels with varying degrees of crosslinking content using 1, 4, 7, and 10 mL MAA. The material properties of these hydrogels were characterized. The cytocompatibility of the gelatin-based hydrogels was studied using L6 rat myoblasts. The hydrogels from bovine skin gelatin exhibit mechanical properties that are conducive for applications which require substrates to propagate cell growth, migration, and proliferation rapidly. These hydrogels exhibit exceptional tunability behavior which makes them useful and applicable to culture different cell types.
Axisymmetric problem of the steady-state thermal stresses in elastic media with temperature dependent properties

Axisymmetric problem of the steady-state thermal stresses in elastic media which exhibit temperature dependent thermal and mechanical properties has been investigated using the perturbation technique. Basic field equations governing the axially symmetric thermoelastic problem are established, a general solution of the system being obtained by means of the thermoelastic potentials (the first of which represents that of Goodier). For definiteness, a half-infinite space acted upon by a continuous point source of heat located on the bounding plane is investigated in detail. A numerical example concerning the half-space is solved.
The Effect of Reduced Student Loan Borrowing on Academic Performance and Default: Evidence from a Loan Counseling Experiment

Abstract Student loan borrowing for higher education has emerged as a top policy concern. We conducted an experiment to evaluate the impact of an outreach campaign that prompted loan applicants at a large community college to make informed and active borrowing decisions. The intervention led students to reduce their unsubsidized loan borrowing by 7 percent. This resulted in worse academic performance, and increased the likelihood of loan default during the five years after the intervention occurred. Our results suggest policy makers and higher education leaders should carefully examine the potential unintended consequences of efforts to reduce student borrowing, particularly in light of growing evidence regarding the counter-intuitive positive relationship between reduced borrowing levels and worse student academic and financial outcomes.