cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Doping and alloying trends in new thermoelectric materials

New thermoelectric bulk materials such as CsBi4Te6 have shown superior properties to traditional materials, however, optimal performance requires continuing investigations of doping and alloying trends. A recently modified high throughput measurement system is presented for doping and alloying investigations in several new thermoelectric materials. The modification includes a four-probe configuration for more accurate measurements while maintaining a relatively short sample preparation time. The system is fully computer controlled and provides flexible contacts to accommodate various sample dimensions. Optimal compositions are then identified for further investigations in thermoelectric prototype modules. The most promising materials will be further characterized for electrical conductivity, thermoelectric power, thermal conductivity, and Hall effect measurements as a function of temperature.
Coherency between spike and LFP activity in M1 during hand movements

Local field potentials (LFP) represent the dendritic activity of a population of cells near the recording electrode. However, how LFP activity is related to single unit activity, and if it provides any additional information has not been well studied. Previously we have shown that temporal spectral modulation of LFP activity can be used to decode dexterous movements of the hand. Here, we analyze simultaneous spike and LFP recordings from M1 cortex in a rhesus monkey performing fine hand movements. Using multitaper spectral analysis, we found that both LFP and spiking activity show an increase in power in the ≪12 Hz and 70–200 Hz (high gamma) ranges, but, were significantly coherent only during the pre-movement time at low frequencies (≪12 Hz). Furthermore, using either LFP or spiking activity, we were able to decode amongst three different hand grasps with high accuracy (99% using 97 spikes and 70% using 8 LFP channels). However, while spikes were better in decoding movement types, LFPs performed much better (94% success) than spikes (77%) when differentiating between rest and movement. We also found that combining spike and LFP activity can improve decoding performance when fewer spikes are considered, as may be the case when single unit recordings degrade over time (71% using 40 spikes and 76% using 8 LFPs, vs 88% using 40 spikes + 8 LFPs). Thus, the relative stability of LFP activity can help augment single-unit activity for the chronic operation of a multimodal BMI.
Investigating the Impact of the Cielo Cray XE6 Architecture on Scientific Application Codes

Cielo, a Cray XE6, is the Department of Energy NNSA Advanced Simulation and Computing (ASC) campaign's newest capability machine. Rated at 1.37 PFLOPS, it consists of 8,944 dual-socket oct-core AMD Magny-Cours compute nodes, linked using Cray's Gemini interconnect. Its primary mission objective is to enable a suite of the ASC applications implemented using MPI to scale to tens of thousands of cores. Cielo is an evolutionary improvement to a successful architecture previously available to many of our codes, thus enabling a basis for understanding the capabilities of this new architecture. Using three codes strategically important to the ASC campaign, and supplemented with some micro-benchmarks that expose the fundamental capabilities of the XE6, we report on the performance characteristics and capabilities of Cielo.
How Switches Produce Electrical Noise

This tutorial paper describes the fundamental mechanism by which mechanical switches produce electrical "noise," and the parameters which determine the complex waveforms, frequency componets, and amplitudes produced. Understanding the fundamentals removes some of the mystery often associated with this ubiquitous source of noise and transients, and can assist in development of effective methods of preventing resultant malfunctions and damage in electronic equipment. The primary focus is upon switches operating low-current inductive loads on 120-V residential power lines, and shows peak amplitudes up to several kilovolts and frequencies up to several hundred megahertz produced on the supply line.
Huntington's disease: advocacy driving science.

My mother, Leonore, was diagnosed with Huntington's disease (HD) in 1968 at age 53. I was 23, my sister Alice 26, and our father, Milton Wexler, 60 years old. The same year, our father created the Hereditary Disease Foundation (HDF), dedicated to finding treatments and cures for HD. HD is an autosomal dominant, neurodegenerative disorder. Alice and I each have a 50% chance of inheriting and dying from the disorder. Over the past 43 years, we have been proud to change the face of science. Through Milton Wexler Interdisciplinary Workshops, judicious funding, and focusing on innovation and creativity, the HDF is an integral partner in key discoveries. The HDF recruited and supported >100 scientists worldwide who worked together as the Huntington's Disease Collaborative Research Group in a successful ten-year search for the HD gene. We found a DNA marker for the HD gene in 1983—the first marker to be found when the chromosomal location was unknown. We isolated the HD gene itself a decade later. These breakthr...
Endoscopic necrosectomy as primary treatment for infected peripancreatic fluid collections (with video)

Background The success of endoscopic intervention in the management of uncomplicated pancreatic pseudocysts has allowed endoscopists to be more aggressive in managing complicated pancreatic fluid collections. Surgery is considered the mainstay of therapy once pancreatic abscesses develop. As a second-line treatment, endoscopic drainage of pancreatic abscess has been performed in those who are not candidates for surgery. Objective Our purpose was to report our experience with single-session endoscopic necrosectomy and drainage as the primary mode of treatment of infected pancreatic necrosis or abscesses. Design This was a case series. Setting A single endoscopy unit based at a university medical center. Patients Six consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic necrosectomy as the primary treatment modality for pancreatic abscess or necrosis between May 2006 and February 2007. Main Outcome Measurements Resolution of the infected pancreatic fluid collection and avoidance of surgery. Results Successful single-session endoscopic necrosectomy was performed in all 6 patients with impressive and immediate symptom relief. None needed surgery or other endoscopic or percutaneous interventions. Patients were discharged from the hospital in a median of 8.5 days. Complete resolution of pancreatic lesions were noted in 5 of 6 patients (1 patient had a small residual cyst) in median follow-up of 3.5 months (range 3-11 months). Conclusions Endoscopic necrosectomy can be performed safely and efficiently for the primary treatment of pancreatic necrosis and abscess. Our data suggest that aggressive single-session necrosectomy can be adequate for the complete removal of infected and necrotic debris.
Characterization and modeling of graphene field-effect devices

The novel electronic properties of graphene, including a linear energy dispersion relation and purely two-dimensional structure, have led to intense research into possible applications of this material in nanoscale devices. In this paper, we review the unique electronic properties of graphene that give it the potential for high frequency electronic applications. We then present the latest results on the current-voltage characteristics of top-gated graphene FETs. These devices show unique characteristics related to the ambipolar nature of the graphene channel. In addition, the devices show very high saturation velocities, suggesting the possibility for superior high frequency performance. Our initial devices have transconductances as high as 150 muS/mum despite low on-off current ratios, making the devices very suitable for analog/RF applications.
BAF and FI-BAF: Efficient and Publicly Verifiable Cryptographic Schemes for Secure Logging in Resource-Constrained Systems

Audit logs are an integral part of modern computer systems due to their forensic value. Protecting audit logs on a physically unprotected machine in hostile environments is a challenging task, especially in the presence of active adversaries. It is critical for such a system to have forward security and append-only properties such that when an adversary compromises a logging machine, she cannot forge or selectively delete the log entries accumulated before the compromise. Existing public-key-based secure logging schemes are computationally costly. Existing symmetric secure logging schemes are not publicly verifiable and open to certain attacks.In this article, we develop a new forward-secure and aggregate signature scheme called Blind-Aggregate-Forward (BAF), which is suitable for secure logging in resource-constrained systems. BAF is the only cryptographic secure logging scheme that can produce publicly verifiable, forward-secure and aggregate signatures with low computation, key/signature storage, and signature communication overheads for the loggers, without requiring any online trusted third party support. A simple variant of BAF also allows a fine-grained verification of log entries without compromising the security or computational efficiency of BAF. We prove that our schemes are secure in Random Oracle Model (ROM). We also show that they are significantly more efficient than all the previous publicly verifiable cryptographic secure logging schemes.
Evaluation of non-pumped wells with slurry cutoff walls for containing and removing contaminated groundwater

A mass transport model simulated low-energy groundwater remediation alternatives, including linear arrays of non-pumped wells fitted with filter cartridges and non-pumped arrays augmented with slurry cutoff walls. The nearest component of each configuration was located 5 m from the leading tip of a contaminant plume, and arrays were oriented perpendicular to the regional hydraulic gradient. Results indicate that single arrays consisting only of non-pumped wells allow contaminants to pass between wells and potentially migrate offsite. A second backup array offset from the first array more effectively contains the contaminant plume. Alternatively, a short slurry cutoff wall used in place of wells at the center of an array, along with two backup wells on either side of the wall, also facilitates onsite containment. Such low-energy approaches may be an effective means for containing and removing some contaminant plumes encountered in practice.
Drosophila Lung Cancer Models Identify Trametinib plus Statin as Candidate Therapeutic

We have developed a Drosophila lung cancer model by targeting Ras1(G12V)--alone or in combination with PTEN knockdown--to the Drosophila tracheal system. This led to overproliferation of tracheal tissue, formation of tumor-like growths, and animal lethality. Screening a library of FDA-approved drugs identified several that improved overall animal survival. We explored two hits: the MEK inhibitor trametinib and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor fluvastatin. Oral administration of these drugs inhibited Ras and PI3K pathway activity, respectively; in addition, fluvastatin inhibited protein prenylation downstream of HMG-CoA reductase to promote survival. Combining drugs led to synergistic suppression of tumor formation and rescue lethality; similar synergy was observed in human A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. Notably, fluvastatin acted both within transformed cells and also to reduce whole-body trametinib toxicity in flies. Our work supports and provides further context for exploring the potential of combining statins with MAPK inhibitors such as trametinib to improve overall therapeutic index.
Specific inactivation of heterospecific transforming DNA by a factor derived from Streptococcus sanguis lysates.

A heat-sensitive factor obtained from lysates of competent Streptococcus sanguis cells reacts specifically with native DNA of heterospecific (S. pneumoniae or calf thymus) origin. In vitro it does not alter the double or single strand length of the DNA, nor does it affect uptake of the DNA by competent S. sanguis or S. pneumoniae cells in DNase I-resistant form. Following uptake, however, DNA previously exposed to the factor loses over 90% of its biological activity. Reaction of heterospecific DNA with the factor is cometitive, suggesting a competition for binding to the factor. Heating treated DNA prior to its reaction with recipient cells, apparently by irreversibly dissociating the factor, restores to the DNA its original potential transforming activity. Specific activity of the factor can be increased in cells grown under certain conditions; this increase is blocked by erythromycin.
Propagation of Electromagnetic Waves in Non-uniform Volume Bragg Gratings

Spectral properties of reflective Volume Bragg Gratings (VBG) are studied with rigorous coupled wave approach. Similarities and differences between volume and fiber gratings are discussed. Simulation technique for VBG is proposed and compared with experiment.
Teaching-Learning Based Optimization Algorithm with Crossover Operation

Since the teaching-learning based optimization( TLBO) algorithm was easily trapped into local optima in solving unconstrained numerical optimization problems,a teaching-learning based optimization algorithm w ith crossover operation w as proposed. The crossover operation of differential evolution w as incorporated into TLBO,this operation w as effectively integrating teaching and learning stage and it w as beneficial to enhance local search and balance exploitation and exploration. The numerical results show that the proposed algorithm is better than TLBO,ITLBO and other intelligent methods in terms of optimization precision,convergence speed and robustness,and the algorithm has good perspectives.
Research on the Power Consumption Characteristics for Air Cooled Condenser Fans

The performance characteristics of the steam turbine,air cooled condenser,and ACC fans should be comprehensively considered for the Air Cooled Condenser operation optimization.Based on the performance characteristics of the cold end parts such as air cooled condenser,exhaust piping between the LP turbine casing and ACC,and ACC fans,the relationship between the turbine exhaust pressure and ACC fans speed was set up and analyzed,thus fulfilling the precondition for ACC operation optimization.
A NON-PARAMETRIC EMPIRICAL BAYES APPROACH FOR ESTIMATING TRANSCRIPT ABUNDANCE IN UN-REPLICATED NEXT-GENERATION SEQUENCING DATA

Empirical Bayes approaches have been widely used to analyze data from high throughput sequencing devices. These approaches rely on borrowing information available for all the genes across samples to get better estimates of gene level expression. To date, transcript abundance in data from next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has been estimated using parametric approaches for analyzing count data, namely – gamma-Poisson model, negative binomial model, and over-dispersed logistic model. One serious limitation of these approaches is they cannot be applied in absence of replication. The high cost of NGS technologies imposes a serious restriction on the number of biological replicates that can be assessed. In this work, a simple non–parametric empirical Bayes modeling approach is suggested for the estimation of transcript abundances in un-replicated NGS data. The empirical Bayes analysis of NGS data follows naturally from the empirical Bayes analysis of microarray data by modifying the distributional assumption on the observations. The analysis is
Travel mode choice among same-sex couples

Abstract Same-sex partnered individuals are far more likely to use transit, walk, and cycle, and to a lesser extent, use carpools than are people in straight couples. As society becomes more tolerant, gay and lesbian populations are an increasingly visible social group, yet they have received scant attention by transportation scholars. This paper builds on this nascent literature by documenting and attempting to explain these dramatic differences by controlling for factors known to influence mode choice. We perform two separate analyses employing two distinct datasets. The first analysis examines journey-to-work data from the American Community Survey. The second analysis focuses in specifically on non-motorized (walking, biking) travel using use self-reported walk and bike frequency from the 2009 National Household Travel Survey. In both, we find that characteristics of the neighborhoods in which gays and lesbians live, as well characteristics of the individuals themselves, only explain part of the increased propensity to use “alternative” modes of transportation; a strong residual effect remains.
Retinoic acid exposure of the mouse on embryonic day 9 selectively spares derivatives of the frontonasal neural crest

Abstract Retinoic acid is known to perturb craniofacial development and can be used to understand processes controlling early embryonic development of the face. The effects of retinoic acid on mouse craniofacial development were studied by administration of a single dose (25-200 mg/ kg) of all-trans retinoic acid (RA) to timed pregnant C57BL6/J mice at gestational days (gd) 8.25, 9, or 10. RA exposure on gd 8.25 or gd 10 resulted in craniofacial defects in fetuses but gd 9 exposure revealed a differential effect of RA depending upon whether tissues were derived from branchial arch or frontonasal neural crest. Embryos exposed to RA at gd 9 showed a dose-dependent effect of RA on branchial arch derived tissues; first arch derivatives were most severely affected with the mandible and zygoma becoming severely dysplastic at the highest dose of RA (200 mg/kg). However, RA exposure on gd 9 completely spared frontonasal neural crest-derived tissues. Paired premaxillae nasal and frontal bones as well as the cartilaginous nasoethmoid region and nasal capsule containing the osseous vomer showed no statistical difference from those of control animals. These studies showed a temporal and differential sensitivity to RA and may suggest a developmental heterogeneity of the cephalic neural crest cells destined to participate in formation of craniofacial structures.
Preventing Preemption: Finding Space for States to Regulate Consumers’ Credit Reports

The Great Recession awoke state legislators to the power of individuals’ credit reports to hinder economic opportunities. Many legislators would like to assuage the effects of bad historical events on the futures of the citizens that they represent. Among the topics they can address are employers’ use of credit reports, the presence of criminal record information in credit reports, and the toxic effects of identity theft and medical debt on credit reports. However, the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act’s preemptive effects must be acknowledged and negotiated. This article evaluates potential state legislative efforts against the FCRA’s preemption provisions and current Supreme Court preemption doctrine to identify strategies for states that want to create effective legislation to protect their consumers’ credit reputations and expand their constituents’ opportunities going forward.
Word Reading Interventions for Students with Reading Difficulties and Disabilities

Many students with learning disabilities struggle to develop adequate word recognition and decoding skills. This chapter reviews findings from 21 summary documents related to word reading instruction and the effects of word reading interventions for students with reading difficulties and disabilities, with a focus on word reading interventions. These include meta-analyses, systematic syntheses of research, narrative reviews of literature, and government-sponsored guides for practitioners. Based on findings from these documents, the chapter provides an overview of current research related to the critical components of evidence-based word reading interventions. The chapter addresses both the prevention of word reading difficulties in young children and interventions for older students with word reading difficulties and disabilities.
Catalytic Reduction of Halogenated Organic Compounds with Electrogenerated Metal(I) Salen Complexes

Cobalt(I) salen, electrogenerated at a carbon cathode in dimethylformamide or acetonitrile containing a tetraalkylammonium salt, can be employed to effect the catalytic reductions of iodoethane and 3-chloro-2,4-pentanedione. To elucidate the mechanistic features of these processes, we have used cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential electrolysis, along with product identification and quantitation.
Permeability, Porosity, and Pore-Throat Size ? A Three-Dimensional Perspective

Two-dimensional plots of permeability and porosity data usually exhibit scatter and have patterns that are lithology dependent. However, if three-dimensional plots of permeability, porosity, and pore-throat size are made, the origin of scatter in the two-dimensional permeability-porosity plots becomes apparent - it is the absence of information provided by pore-throat size. The purpose of this short note is to provide a graphical reminder of the dual dependence of permeability upon porosity and pore-throat size.
Economy, Society and the State in Pre-Independence Nigeria and in Pre-Meiji Japan

What was the nature of the society, economy and the state in Nigeria before independence and in Japan before the Meiji Restoration? How similar and how different were the societies? Why did capitalism fail to emerge in both countries in these periods? Answers to these questions will help to debunk the often mentioned ‘Japanese exception’ theory that claims that Japan’s capitalist success was the result of its history — its feudal past — and also its escape from colonialism by Western powers. I argue in this chapter that, despite certain differences in social structures, pre-independence Nigeria and pre-Meiji Japan were basically similar in their levels of development as well as in their resistance to further development. Japan did not show signs of moving toward capitalist development. The opposite was the case: the Tokugawa regime persistently tried to arrest the drift toward change. Tokugawa aristocrats regarded commercial activities as filthy. They did not allow those engaged in commerce full participation in the social life of the country. Efforts to modernise began only after the Meiji Restoration, as will be discussed in the next chapter.
A Small-Molecule Inhibitor of Iron-Sulfur Cluster Assembly Uncovers a Link between Virulence Regulation and Metabolism in Staphylococcus aureus

Summary The rising problem of antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus necessitates the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for small-molecule intervention. A major obstacle of drug discovery is identifying the target of molecules selected from high-throughput phenotypic assays. Here, we show that the toxicity of a small molecule termed '882 is dependent on the constitutive activity of the S. aureus virulence regulator SaeRS, uncovering a link between virulence factor production and energy generation. A series of genetic, physiological, and biochemical analyses reveal that '882 inhibits iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster assembly most likely through inhibition of the Suf complex, which synthesizes Fe-S clusters. In support of this, '882 supplementation results in decreased activity of the Fe-S cluster-dependent enzyme aconitase. Further information regarding the effects of '882 has deepened our understanding of virulence regulation and demonstrates the potential for small-molecule modulation of Fe-S cluster assembly in S. aureus and other pathogens.
Research on improving the fault ride-through capability wind farm by utilizing STATCOM

With the continued growth of wind power installed capacity, as well as the continual emergence of large-capacity wind farm, the impact of wind power on the grid will not be ignored. Studying on the performance characteristics of wind turbine and analyzing the effects on grid and the generators are of great significance to ensure the grid-connected wind turbine safe and reliable operation. In this paper the dynamic model of the induction generator and doubly-fed induction generator of wind turbines are built in PSCAD. Additionally, the static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) model and a vector control method are prompted. The simulation of a single machine infinite bus system containing a wind farm is conducted, which includes two different kinds of wind turbines. By comparing the active power, reactive power, and the output voltage of two different kinds of wind turbines, the effect of STATCOM on fault ride-through capability of wind generators is analyzed when the grid voltage dropped. Simulation result shows that STATCOM has played a big role in maintaining the transient voltage stability of the power system and improves the fault ride-through capacity of wind farms.
Combined associations of sedentary behavior and cardiorespiratory fitness on cognitive function among older adults

Abstract Background Sedentary behavior, cardiorespiratory fitness, cognition and age are interrelated and associated with cardiovascular function. No study, however, has specifically evaluated the independent and combined associations of cardiorespiratory fitness and sedentary behavior on cognition, which was this study's purpose. Methods Data from the 1999–2002 NHANES were used ( N =2451; 60–85yrs). Sedentary behavior was assessed via self-report; cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed from a medical-related algorithm; and cognition function was assessed from the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Results Being in the bottom quartile for sedentary behavior (β=2.13; 95% CI: 0.49–3.77; P =0.01) and the top quartile for cardiorespiratory fitness (β=7.48; 95% CI: 5.4–9.5; P P =0.001) and 10.40 (β=10.4; 95% CI: 7.31–13.5; P Conclusion High cardiorespiratory fitness and low sedentary behavior were jointly associated with the highest cognitive function. This has important cardiovascular implications as a progression of neurocognitive impairment is associated with increasingly severe manifestations of cardiovascular disease.
Towards organisational activism in the UAE: A case study approach.

• The paper uses international case studies to discuss corporate PR activism and social influence.
Belatacept Combined With Transient Calcineurin Inhibitor Therapy Prevents Rejection and Promotes Improved Long-Term Renal Allograft Function

Belatacept, a T cell costimulation blocker, demonstrated superior renal function, lower cardiovascular risk, and improved graft and patient survival in renal transplant recipients. Despite the potential benefits, adoption of belatacept has been limited in part due to concerns regarding higher rates and grades of acute rejection in clinical trials. Since July 2011, we have utilized belatacept-based immunosuppression regimens in clinical practice. In this retrospective analysis of 745 patients undergoing renal transplantation at our center, we compared patients treated with belatacept (n = 535) with a historical cohort receiving a tacrolimus-based protocol (n = 205). Patient and graft survival were equivalent for all groups. An increased rate of acute rejection was observed in an initial cohort treated with a protocol similar to the low-intensity regimen from the BENEFIT trial versus the historical tacrolimus group (50.5% vs. 20.5%). The addition of a transient course of tacrolimus reduced rejection rates to acceptable levels (16%). Treatment with belatacept was associated with superior estimated GFR (belatacept 63.8 mL/min vs. tacrolimus 46.2 mL/min at 4 years, p < 0.0001). There were no differences in serious infections including rates of cytomegalovirus or BK viremia. We describe the development of a costimulatory blockade-based strategy that ultimately allows renal transplant recipients to achieve calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppression.
Influence of core joints in sandwich composites under in-plane static and fatigue loads

Abstract Most designers are unaware of the influence of core junction in lightweight sandwich structures under axial load. Quantifying this effect and its criticality on the life of the structure is still a challenging task. In this study, a novel testing methodology was used to characterize this effect. Scarf and butt core joints in foam core sandwich composites were subjected to axial static and fatigue loads (R = 0.1 and R = − 1). Under cyclic axial load, differential movement (through-the-thickness) between the foam and core joint was more significant than anticipated. Non-destructive evaluation techniques were used to locate the damage and assess the failure mechanisms. The root-cause-failure analysis showed that cracks were initiated in the facesheets for the butt-joint, and in the core for the scarf-joint samples, respectively. Consequently, at 80% residual strength, the butt-joint reduced the predicted fatigue life by 42% and 32% at low and high cycle fatigue, respectively. Residual tensile tests revealed the sizeable damage induced by the traditional butt-joint design. This research confirmed that despite the facesheets' primary in-plane load carrying mechanisms, core junction will substantially influence the axial fatigue life of the structure.
Oxygen Transport in Bioreactors for Engineered Vascular Tissues

Tissue engineered vascular grafts cultured in vitro are often done so under static conditions, which forces a diffusion-only mass transport regime for nutrient delivery and metabolite removal. Some bioreactor culture methods employ mechanical stimulation to improve material strength and stiffness; however, even with mechanical stimulation, engineered tissues are likely to operate in a diffusional transport regime for nutrient delivery and metabolite removal. In this study, we present an analysis of dissolved oxygen (DO) transport limitations that can arise in statically cultured vascular grafts and highlight bioreactor designs that improve transport, particularly by perfusion of medium through the interstitial space by transmural flow. A computational analysis is provided in conjunction with empirical data to support the models. Our goal was to investigate designs that would eliminate nutrient gradients that are evident using static culture methods in order to develop more uniform engineered vascular tissues, which could potentially improve mechanical strength and stiffness.
Effects of avpr1a length polymorphism on male social behavior and reproduction in semi‐natural populations of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster)

Intraspecific variation in sociosexual behavior has typically been investigated in the context of its relationship with environmental factors, but neurogenetic factors can also influence sociosexual behavior. In laboratory studies of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), length polymorphism of microsatellite DNA within the gene (avpr1a) encoding the vasopressin 1a receptor is correlated with variation in male sociosexual behavior. However, field studies of prairie voles have found the relationship between male avpr1a microsatellite allele length and sociosexual behavior to be more ambiguous, possibly because most males had alleles of intermediate length. We tested the hypothesis that avpr1a microsatellite allele length mediates male sociosexual behavior in field settings by releasing voles into field enclosures where every male possessed two avpr1a microsatellite alleles at least one standard error longer or shorter than the mean length in their population of origin. Voles from an Illinois and Kansas population were examined separately as social monogamy appears more prevalent in the Illinois population. Illinois males with long avpr1a microsatellite alleles had smaller home ranges and overlapped a greater proportion of the home range of the female that they overlapped the most. Kansas males showed the opposite pattern. Illinois, but not Kansas, males with long avpr1a microsatellite alleles sired offspring with more females and sired more litters. Our results support the hypothesis that genetic variation associated with the avpr1a gene plays a role in mediating male prairie vole sociosexual behavior in nature. However, the relationship between specific male behaviors and male avpr1a microsatellite allele length sometimes differed significantly between Kansas and Illinois voles, suggesting relationships between specific male sociosexual behaviors and polymorphism associated with the avpr1a locus are complex, possibly involving specific nucleotide sequences or other population‐specific genetic differences.
Mayan Historical Linguistics in a New Age

Mayan historical linguistic research has progressed at a healthy pace since the 1970s. The recent decipherment of ancient Maya hieroglyphic writing and the publication, in the last decade, of a large cohort of high quality linguistic descriptions of several Mayan languages, many of them written by native speakers of those languages, have opened a floodgate of new linguistic data that promises to revolutionize our understanding of the history of the language family. In particular, recent research has shown the Mayan region to have been a remarkably dynamic zone of language contact. Contact among Mayan languages has the potential to illuminate mechanisms and constraints on language contact between related languages. New data and attention to contact phenomena may also help clarify long-standing disagreements about the historical relationships among Mayan languages, particularly Wastek, Tojol-ab’al, and the language of the hieroglyphs, all of which have been an important impetus for historical linguistic research in the past decades.
Investigation of pavement raveling performance using smartphone

Abstract Raveling is one of the critical modes of failure in open graded asphalt mixtures. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Districts 4 and 6, located in southeastern Florida, have experienced a large amount of premature raveling with Open Graded Friction Course mixes (OGFC) compared to the other districts in Florida. To investigate the reason of raveling occurrence, the research team devised a data collection tool for smartphones and developed software to measure the raveling area and its location and severity in video images using smartphone GPS capability. The data used in this study were extracted from different FDOT database systems, such as the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and the Electronic Data Management System (EDMS), as well as from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Ten projects were surveyed by the research team, and numerical raveling statistics were developed and compared with qualitative raveling ratings provided by FDOT. Good correlation was found between the two methods. The comparison was used to establish thresholds of good performance. Such thresholds can be used to develop performance specifications or warranty benchmarks. The relative effects of mix design, construction, and environmental factors were also studied. A project level of analysis was conducted. Several hypotheses were evaluated to determine the cause of premature raveling. Data analysis results indicate significant correlations between raveling and ambient temperature, mix temperature, mix spread rate, and gradation. In light of this study, recommendations were made to enhance the longevity of the OGFC mixtures.
Aerial and terrestrial-based monitoring of channel erosion, headcutting, and sinuosity.

Headcuts are points of accelerated channel erosion that frequently have ecological consequences. A particularly large and dynamic headcut in southwest Wyoming has affected natural and anthropogenic resources for decades. To better understand and address this issue, we undertook a review of the headcut’s upstream retreat, followed by photogrammetric monitoring of the present condition for erosion monitoring. Aerial photography shows the Bitter Creek headcut retreated > 200 m upstream in 68 years (1948–2016) at ~ 1.4 m year−1. Following installation of a concrete slab structure in the mid-1970s, headcut retreat slowed to ~ 0.5 m year−1. Channel sinuosity downstream of the headcut is greater than upstream, which we attribute to the presence of the headcut, given that there are no major changes in valley geometry, geology, or soils through this reach. Both aerial and terrestrial-based image platforms were used to collect stereo imagery and create 3D photogrammetric models of the headcut in 2016. From these two models, we measured soil loss downstream of the headcut at ~ 126 m3 m−1 valley length. Since 1954, soil loss within the channel has been ~ 98 m3 year−1 or ~871 t ha−1 year−1since then. Models created from aerial- and terrestrial-based images differed in volumetric estimates by 2%, indicating that either method could be used for this type of monitoring. The ground-based imagery model showed more detail, especially on vertical and overhanging surfaces, while the aerial imagery model produced a more realistic orthomosaic and efficiently covered a larger area. Ground-based image acquisition took longer and was more costly per unit area, but is an efficient method for small project areas, or areas where aerial imagery cannot be safely or practically acquired. Historical imagery and photogrammetric modeling proved very useful in elucidating stream dynamics associated with this large, dynamic headcut.
Swimming from coast to coast: a novel fixed-gear swimming gait in fish

Bluegill sunfish use intermittent propulsion during volitional swimming. The function of this propulsive mode during routine swimming has not been well quantified. At low speeds, propulsive cycle frequencies and amplitudes were constant, and average speed and power output were controlled by modulating coasting duration. This fixed-gear gait may accommodate muscle level constraints on power production. At higher speeds bluegills switched to a mixed power-modulation strategy, increasing speed and power through increased propulsive cycle frequency and reduced coasting time.
Dynamics of the China-United Kingdom Commodity Trade: Is There an S-Curve Effect?

The S-curve phenomenon postulates that while past values of the trade balance and current exchange rates are negatively correlated, future values of the trade balance and current exchange rates are positively correlated. We investigated this pattern between China and the United Kingdom. When we use the bilateral trade flows between the two countries, we find no support for the S-curve. However, when we disaggregate the bilateral trade data by industry and construct the S-curve for 47 industries that trade between the two countries, we find support for the S-curve in 12 cases. These 12 industries, which conduct 30 percent of the trade (including the largest industry), could benefit from currency depreciation.
Recombinant Miltenberger I and II human blood group antigens: the role of glycosylation in cell surface expression and antigenicity of glycophorin A

Glycophorin A is a heavily glycosylated glycoprotein (1 N-linked and 15 O-linked oligosaccharides) and is highly expressed on the surface of human red blood cells. It is important in transfusion medicine because it carries several clinically relevant human blood group antigens. To study further the role of glycosylation in surface expression of this protein, four mutations were separately introduced into glycophorin A cDNA by site-directed mutagenesis. Each of these mutations blocks N- linked glycosylation at Asn26 of this glycoprotein by affecting the Asn- X-Ser/Thr acceptor sequence. Two of these mutations are identical to the amino acid polymorphisms found at position 28 in the Mi.I and Mi.II Miltenberger blood group antigens. The mutated recombinant glycoproteins were expressed in transfected wild-type and glycosylation- deficient Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. When expressed in wild- type CHO cells and analyzed on Western blots, each of the four mutants had a faster electrophoretic mobility than wild-type glycophorin A, corresponding to a difference of approximately 4 Kd. This change is consistent with the absence of the N-linked oligosaccharide at Asn26. Each of the four mutants was highly expressed on the surface of CHO cells, confirming that, in the presence of normal O-linked glycosylation, the N-linked oligosaccharide is not necessary for cell surface expression of this glycoprotein. To examine the role of O- linked glycosylation in this process, the Mi.I mutant cDNA was transfected into the IdlD glycosylation-deficient CHO cell line. When the transfected IdlD cells were cultured in the presence of N- acetylgalactosamine alone, only intermediate levels of cell surface expression were seen for Mi.I mutant glycophorin A containing truncated O-linked oligosaccharides. In contrast, when cultured in the presence of galactose alone, or in the absence of both galactose and N- acetylgalactosamine, Mi.I mutant glycophorin A lacking both N-linked and O-linked oligosaccharides was not expressed at the cell surface. This extends previous results (Remaley et al, J Biol Chem 266:24176, 1991) showing that, in the absence of O-linked glycosylation, some types of N-linked glycosylation can support cell surface expression of glycophorin A. The glycophorin A mutants were also used for serologic testing with defined human antisera. These studies showed that the recombinant Mi.I and Mi.II glycoproteins appropriately bound anti-Vw and anti-Hut, respectively. They also demonstrated that these antibodies recognized the amino acid polymorphisms encoded by Mi.I and Mi.II rather than cryptic peptide antigens uncovered by the lack of N- linked glycosylation.
The PLASMIC Score May Be Useful in the Early Diagnosis of Complement-Mediated Thrombotic Microangiopathy via Early Exclusion of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy is a rare form of thrombotic microangiopathy but has high rates of mortality and morbidity. Effective treatment exists with eculizumab for this condition, but administration of treatment is often delayed because of overlapping symptoms with other causes of thrombotic microangiopathy. We present a case of a 78-year-old male who was eventually diagnosed with complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy. We also discuss the use of the PLASMIC scoring model to assist in more rapid diagnosis and discernment between various thrombotic microangiopathies.
Blood pressure ranges via non-invasive and invasive monitoring techniques in premature neonates using high resolution physiologic data

Background There are limited evidence-based published blood pressure ranges for premature neonates. The aim of the study was to determine blood pressure ranges in a large cohort of premature neonates based on gestational and post-menstrual age. Methods Retrospective observational study of premature neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at our institution between January 2009 and October 2015. We stratified data by gestational and post-menstrual age groups as well as by method of blood pressure measurement (non-invasive vs. invasive). Results Over two billion blood pressure values in 1708 neonates were analyzed to generate heat maps and establish percentile-based reference ranges. The median gestational age of the cohort was 31 weeks (IQR 28-33 weeks). We found moderate correlation (r = 0.57) between simultaneously obtained non-invasive and invasive blood pressure measurements. Conclusions Our results can serve as a reference during the bedside assessment of the critically-ill neonate.
The Elastic Statute of Limitations on Claims for Refund: Why Old Claims May Still Be Open

After the IRS's loss in Weisbart v. U.S., recently revised Treasury Regulations indicate the IRS will reconsider all claims for refund previously disallowed on grounds similar to those in Weisbart, no matter how old. Therefore, the Anastasoff court did not apply the mailbox rule and essentially followed the IRS's position that the filing date for both aspects of the document (i.e., claim and delinquent return) was the date of receipt. In Weisbart, the payer obtained a four-month extension of time to file his 1991 tax return. tax return, which embedded a claim, eventually mailed on August 17, 1995, and received by the IRS four days after. The plain language of the IRS's commentary indicates that the IRS will reconsider all claims for refund previously disallowed on grounds similar to those in Weisbart - no matter how old they might be.
Penetrating Spinal Column Injuries (pSI): An Institutional Experience with 100 Consecutive Cases in an Urban Trauma Center.

Background Gunshot wound (GSW) injuries are among the leading causes of penetrating spinal column injury (pSI). Patients with pSI often have concurrent polytrauma that complicates management. Methods We retrospectively reviewed charts between January 2012 to June 2018 at an urban Level 1 trauma center and analyzed bracing and surgical indications, antibiotic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) use, and patient outcomes. Results We identified 100 patients with pSI with an average age of 27.2 (range, 15–58) years. Five patients had knife injuries and 95 suffered GSW. Polytrauma occurred in 90% of patients with an average of 3.39 bullets per patient (range, 1–23). Fourteen patients underwent either decompressive surgery (n = 8) or decompression and fusion (n = 6). Thirty-five patients were externally braced. A total of 43% of patients presented as American Spinal Injury Association-A compared with 26% who were intact. Although 14 patients received prophylactic antibiotics for retained bullets or durotomies, only 2 patients had postoperative wound infections and 4 had extraspinal infections from retained bullets. All inpatient mortalities (n = 5) were patients with cervical pSI. Thirteen patients with GSW obtained MRI scans without complications. Among our cohort, only 65 patients had follow-up with a median follow-up period of 1.25 (range, 1–60) months. Conclusions Management of pSI in urban trauma centers is complex, as these victims routinely have polytrauma that takes precedence. Indications for surgical intervention are narrow and secondary to surgery for polytrauma. External bracing may be overutilized. The efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics remains unclear. MRI can contribute valuable information but is limited by uncertainty regarding bullet compatibility. Lack of follow-up limits the study of this population.
The role of personality in having a ghost experience and the role of personality and experience in the development of ghost belief

Abstract The goal of this project was to understand who might have a ghost experience and how that experience might influence belief. We measured three types of ghost experience (personal, close other's, and story), ghost belief, and twenty-five personality dimensions to evaluate which personality variables predict belief in ghosts and whether experience mediates the personality belief relationship. We found that schizotypy, absorption, anomalous perception, transliminality, sensation seeking, openness, and private self-consciousness predicted all three types of experience. Variables that more strongly predicted experience generally affected belief in ghosts via an indirect pathway, suggesting a role for experience in creating belief for some types of personality. These results may be useful for developing belief interventions in that they identify who might have experience-based beliefs and thus might be influenced by experience-based interventions.
Inhibitory mechanisms control active expiration by limiting parafacial expiratory drive

Activity of parafacial neurons that control active expiration is heavily dependent on tonic and CO2/H+-dependent excitatory and inhibitory inputs from yet poorly defined sources. Contrary to the idea that CO2/H+ disinhibits parafacial expiratory neurons, the recent work of J. D. Silva et al. (Silva JD, Oliveira LM, Souza FC, Moreira TS, Takakura AC. J Neurophysiol 123: 1933-1943, 2020) suggests that GABAergic raphe neurons preferentially limit expiratory activity during high CO2. Here, I discuss these findings and propose a model where GABAergic raphe neurons function as CO2/H+-dependent breaks on expiratory drive.