cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance and cardiovascular measures in normal adults with extreme MSLT scores and subjective sleepiness levels.

Study Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of subjective and objective sleepiness across several nights. Extreme groups were chosen based upon both Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) findings and report of characteristic subjective sleepiness, and groups were compared across sleep, demographic, performance, and physiologic variables. Design and Setting: Subjects spent 3 baseline nights and the following days in the laboratory. Standard polysomnographic recordings were made on each night. On each day, subjects had an MSLT, performance testing, and metabolic and heart rate observation periods. Participants: Participants were 50 adult normal sleepers. Interventions: None. Measurement and Results: Those subjects with sleep latencies on the MSLT of more than 10 minutes following the adaptation night (Alert) were compared with 2 groups of subjects with sleep latencies on the MSLT of less than 7 minutes following the adaptation night. Subjects with MSLT 1 SD above the mean for the entire group—Sleepy-Sleepy) and those who did not report subjective sleepiness (subjective sleepiness < 1 SD above the mean for the entire group— Sleepy-Alert). The Alert group maintained longer sleep latencies than the other groups and had improved performance on vigilance compared to the Sleepy-Sleepy group on all days and on some days compared to the Sleepy-Alert group. Vigilance was improved in the Sleepy-Alert group compared with the Sleepy-Sleepy group on all days. The Alert group had higher heart rate and increased low/high spectral heart rate power compared to both sleepy groups, and the Sleepy-Alert group had higher heart rate and increased low/high spectral heart rate power compared to the Sleepy-Sleepy group at some points. Conclusions: It was concluded that normal adults with short MSLT latencies differ from those with longer latencies on both cardiac and performance variables. Also, those individuals with short latencies can be divided into subgroups claiming subjective sleepiness or denying sleepiness. Those denying sleepiness have improved vigilance performance and greater heart rate and low/high spectral heart rate power compared to those with subjective sleepiness. Both the MSLT group differences and the subjective group differences imply that ability to maintain wakefulness and performance in sedentary situations may be related to innate ability to maintain physiologic arousal.
Silicon Carbide BioMEMS

Silicon carbide (SiC) has emerged as an enabling material for biomedical microelectromechanical systems (BioMEMS) due to its unique combination of electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties combined with its compatibility with Si micromachining techniques. This chapter reviews the development of SiC as a key structural material in bioMEMS-based devices. The chapter includes a short introductory tutorial on MEMS-based micromachining techniques as background for the benefit of readers not familiar with MEMS fabrication in general and/or SiC MEMS in specific. Also included is a review of bio-relevant SiC nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) that, while still in its infancy, is proving to be among the best material for NEMS devices.
Incongruence and attitudes toward career counseling

Career distress has a negative effect on college retention rates (Sharkin, 2004), psychological well-being (Hartman & Fuqua, 1983) and future career choices (Turner & Berry, 2000). While career indecision and the related distress it causes can be reduced with appropriate sources of help, many students do not seek these services. Few studies have examined the factors that lead to avoidance of the use of career service on college campuses. Therefore, to address this omission in the literature, the current investigation explored the links between indices related to career/major distress (i.e., congruence/incongruence) and help-seeking attitudes among a sample of college undergraduates (N = 741). Results of regression analyses suggest that incongruence, as measured by Occupational Euclidean Distance, uniquely predicted 2.7% of the variance in attitudes towards seeking professional help. Furthermore, this link was moderated by one unique career-related factor (i.e., career decision-making self-efficacy) and by the interaction of gender and self-stigma associated with seeking counseling. Specifically, the addition of the interaction terms added an additional 1.7 percent to the variance of the regression model including all study variables. Implications for researchers and clinicians interested in understanding incongruence and enhancing career service utilization are discussed.
ZnO Interface Electrical Properties-Role of Oxygen Chemisorption

In the present studies single ZnO grain boundary or electrode interfaces are isolated and examined as a function of dopant, temperature, atmosphere, and potential. ZnO-Ag junctions were found to be rectifying but with marked sensitivity to ambient conditions (T, Po2) and applied bias. The I(V) characteristics were examined in relation to the predictions of Sze for a metal-semiconductor junction in which both interface states and the nature of the metal influence the barrier height. Reasonable surface state densities are obtained by application of the model to our data. Difficulties associated with the derivation of thick interfacial layers are discussed. The existence of volatile surface states is confirmed by examination of atmosphere and voltage induced transients in barrier height. Manganese and manganese/praseodymium doped grain boundaries are characterized by varistor-like behavior with 3–4 volt breakdown and nonlinearity factor of three. The apparent non-activated behavior of the leakage current was traced to a strong temperature dependent barrier height characterized by ∂ϕB/∂T = 1.5 × 10−3 eV/k, a result of absorbed oxygen at the boundary.
Sliding Mode Multivariable Extremum Seeking Control with Application to Wind Farm Power Optimization

In this paper, a sliding mode based Extremum Seeking (ES) control scheme is proposed to solve a class of multivariable optimization problems. This approach recasts the problem of multivariable ES control into a sequence of single variable ES control. Our approach is suitable for non-separable problems, differentiating itself from previous work in this area. We determine the stability and convergence conditions from the unidimensional case and derive a sufficient condition for the multivariable scheme to converge to the vicinity of the optimal points. We investigate the application of the proposed scheme to optimize energy production in wind farms. Simulations are provided to illustrate the theoretical results and demonstrate its potential use.
Circadian regulation in the retina: From molecules to network

The mammalian retina is the most unique tissue among those that display robust circadian/diurnal oscillations. The retina is not only a light sensing tissue that relays light information to the brain, it has its own circadian "system" independent from any influence from other circadian oscillators. While all retinal cells and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) possess circadian oscillators, these oscillators integrate by means of neural synapses, electrical coupling (gap junctions), and released neurochemicals (such as dopamine, melatonin, adenosine, and ATP), so the whole retina functions as an integrated circadian system. Dysregulation of retinal clocks not only causes retinal or ocular diseases, it also impacts the circadian rhythm of the whole body, as the light information transmitted from the retina entrains the brain clock that governs the body circadian rhythms. In this review, how circadian oscillations in various retinal cells are integrated, and how retinal diseases affect daily rhythms.
Association between Practice Participation in a Pediatric-focused Medical Home Learning Collaborative and Reduction of Preventable Emergency Department Visits by Publicly-insured Children in Massachusetts.

Introduction This study evaluates the impact of practice participation in a pediatric patient-centered medical home learning collaborative on preventable emergency department (ED) visits among children in MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid/Children's Health Insurance Program). Methods Claims and enrollment data were extracted for child MassHealth members (aged 3-18) comprising 2 groups: members enrolled in a group of 13 child-serving practices that participated in an intensive, 29-month long patient-centered medical home learning collaborative (intervention group), and members enrolled in a group of 12 comparison practices with roughly similar panel size, type, and geographic location (comparison group). Preventable ED visits were identified using a modified version of the New York University ED algorithm. Two analyses were then conducted: (1) a repeat cross-sectional analysis among children enrolled in intervention or comparison group practices during baseline (first half of 2011) and follow-up (second half of 2013) periods; and (2) a longitudinal analysis among a subset of children enrolled for the full study period (2011-2013). Both analyses tested whether the effect of the intervention differed for children with versus without chronic conditions (effect modification). Results Preventable ED visits declined from baseline to follow-up among children in both intervention and comparison practices. In the cross-sectional analysis, the decrease was the same in both practice groups, and for children with versus without chronic conditions. The longitudinal analysis shows a statistically significantly greater decrease among children with chronic conditions enrolled in the intervention practices (P = 0.02). Conclusion Children with chronic conditions might receive the greatest benefit from receiving care in a medical home setting.
Bait-and-Switch Supramolecular Strategy To Generate Noncationic RNA–Polymer Complexes for RNA Delivery

RNA interference (RNAi) requires the intracellular delivery of RNA molecules to initiate the neutralization of targeted mRNA molecules, inhibiting the expression or translation of the targeted gene. Current polymers and lipids that are used to deliver RNA molecules are generally required to be positively charged, to achieve complexation with RNA and the cellular internalization. However, positive surface charge has been implicated as the reason for toxicity in many of these systems. Herein, we report a novel strategy to generate noncationic RNA–polymer complexes for RNA delivery with low cytotoxicity. We use an in situ electrostatic complexation using a methylated pyridinium group, which is simultaneously removed during the RNA binding step. The resultant complexes demonstrate successful knockdown in preimplantation mammalian embryos, thus providing a new approach for nucleic acid delivery.
Chemical profiles reflect heterozygosity and seasonality in a tropical lekking passerine bird

Many lekking systems exhibit highly skewed male reproductive success, but traits preferred by females are not always evident. In the lance-tailed manakin, Chiroxiphia lanceolata, male reproductive success is correlated with age, experience and heterozygosity, but mechanisms by which females might detect these qualities are unknown. Avian chemical signals, such as volatile compounds present in preen oil secreted by the uropygial gland, have been shown to predict reproductive success, correlate with genetic diversity and indicate body condition and immune function in temperate passerines. Here we tested whether preen oil volatile compounds contain information about individual characteristics related to mate choice in male and female lance-tailed manakins, including social and breeding status, heterozygosity and age. In males, preen oil volatile profiles reflected heterozygosity but not social status or age. In females, we found a relationship between volatile profiles and age but not breeding status or heterozygosity. Volatile compounds covaried with sampling date in both sexes. The information reflected in manakin volatile profiles suggests that they have the potential to serve as mate assessment cues in this species.
Abstract LB-038: Development and characterization of cancer cell line exosomes as reference standards in cancer research

Exosomes are subcellular particles 50-200 nm in size released from cells through a fusion of multicellular bodies with the plasma membrane. Exosomes are currently being evaluated as potential diagnostic tools in a number of diseases, including cancer. Exosomes are stable carriers of cell-free cargo in the form of DNA, RNA, and protein, thereby making them an attractive candidate for early detection of cancer via liquid biopsy. Tumor-derived exosomes have been linked to stimulation of tumor cell growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and suppression of the immune system. However, isolating a consistent population of exosomes can be challenging and there is an unmet need for highly characterized exosomes for use as reference standards for research and diagnostic applications. We have developed a novel method employing tangential flow filtration for the isolation of large quantities of highly purified, ready to use exosomes from cell culture supernatant. Exosomes from a variety of cancer cell lines representing the most prevalent cancer types, including prostate (LNCaP), colorectal (HCT116), breast (MDA-MB-231, MCF-7), lung (A549), cervical (HeLa), and glioblastoma (U87-MG) were isolated and characterized in this study. We employed a stringent quality control approach in order to define and characterize these exosomes. Our method generated a high yield (>1×1010 exosomes/mL) and average protein equivalent of 2 mg/mL. Our data demonstrated expression of a number of different characteristic exosomal proteins including tetraspanin, which was confirmed through western blot and PCR. Isolated exosomes had a median size of 102 nm through nanoparticle tracking analysis. Western blot data revealed cell line specific protein marker expression of CD63, CD81, flotillin 1, Alix and TSG101 protein. We assessed the functionality of these purified exosomes through cellular uptake, migration assay, and anchorage independent growth assay in this study. We also evaluated exosomal RNA from these purified exosomes for the presence of common mutations associated with cancer through PCR. Here we report that exosomes isolated by our method not only had high exosome yield and quality, but also retained relevant functionality and thereby make ideal reference standards/controls in the field of cancer research and diagnostics development. Citation Format: Siddhartha Paul, Nanda Mahashetty, Joy Wells, Dezhong Yin, Fang Tian. Development and characterization of cancer cell line exosomes as reference standards in cancer research [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-038.
Prognosis of fatigue induced stiffness degradation in GFRPs using multi-modal NDE data

Abstract Prediction of expected life of a composite structure especially at the initial stages of degradation is challenging owing to inherent heterogeneity and lack of robust damage growth models. This paper focuses on prognostic study of matrix stiffness degradation in glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP) subjected to fatigue testing using data from multi-modal nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques, specifically the optical transmission and guided wave sensing. Combining information from multiple sensors exploits advantages of signal complementary and hence effectively improve damage growth modeling and prediction in composites. However, matrix stiffness inferred from two independent NDE techniques varies owing to differences in their sensitivity, measurement noise or model discrepancy, often leading to inconsistent and inaccurate reliability assessment. A joint likelihood updation technique is therefore proposed in existing particle filtering (PF) framework which enables dynamic optimization of Paris-Paris model parameters at every time step by discarding noisy or biased measurements. Comparison of stiffness prediction using multi-sensor data with prognosis results on single sensor or average measurement demonstrates the benefit of joint likelihood based prediction of residual stiffness. An additional advantage of the proposed approach towards reduction of particle count in existing particle filtering framework is discussed, thereby lowering prediction time and computation resources. Overall, multi-sensor NDE and prognosis methodology is discussed for reliable assessment of fatigue life in GFRP composites structures.
Contralateral Vasospasm in an Uncomplicated Elective Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Clipping.

Background Cerebral vasospasm following clipping of an unruptured aneurysm is a rare phenomenon. When it does occur, cerebral vasospasm usually occurs on the side ipsilateral to the surgical intervention. Case Description A 68-year-old man underwent right-sided pterional craniotomy for clipping of an unruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm and experienced contralateral vasospasm 5 days later. Conclusions We further discuss the pathophysiology underlying vasospasm after uncomplicated craniotomy and nonhemorrhagic aneurysm clipping.
Unintended Consequences of Big 4 Auditor Office-Level Industry Specialization

The Big 4 audit firms currently dominate the US audit market. We investigate whether the extent of a Big 4 local office’s dependence on industry specialist clients impacts audit effort/earnings quality for the office’s specialist as well as non-specialist clients. Our findings suggest that greater dependence on specialist clients is associated with higher audit effort/earnings quality for specialist clients but also with lower audit effort/earnings quality for the office’s non-specialist clients. Our results hold when we propensity-match specialist and non-specialist clients to control for client characteristics as a possible confounding explanation. Our study is important, because it: 1) contributes to prior research that is largely silent on whether cross-sectional variations in reputation for industry-expertise are associated with variations in audit quality (DeFond and Zhang, 2014); 2) suggests that, it would be appropriate for PCAOB inspectors to focus on non-specialist clients at audit offices with greater dependence on specialist clients as an area representing higher risk of lower audit effort/quality.
Marie Mancini Writing for Her Life

If Marie Mancini, niece of Louis XIV's chief minister Cardinal Mazarin, has come down through the ages, it has been because of her youthful love affair with the king and the scandal she caused late...
Biennial Analysis of Medication Guide Length and Estimated Readability for New Molecular Entity Drugs, 2011-2017.

A medication guide (MG) is a form of FDA-approved labeling that provides patients with information about certain prescribed drugs so that patients can use these drugs safely and effectively. Given ongoing efforts by FDA and industry to continuously improve MG content and format, we hypothesized that more recently approved MGs for new molecular entities (NMEs) would be shorter and more readable compared to NME MGs approved earlier. We analyzed 53 NME MGs that were either approved in 2011 (n = 16), 2013 (n = 9), 2015 (n = 12), or 2017 (n = 16) to determine whether MG page length, word count, and readability scores differed by year. Readability was estimated by Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Fry graph (FRY), and Gunning’s Fog Index (FOG) scores. Mean page length was significantly lower in 2017 than in 2011 and 2013 (ps < .0001). Mean FKGL scores reflected sentences and words found in 8th grade textbooks, but mean FOG and FRY scores were consistent with sentences and words found in 10th and 11th grade textbooks. Although more recent NME MGs were shorter than older NME MGs, additional research is warranted to determine whether shorter MGs lead to improved readability. Developers choosing to estimate MG readability with equations should consider using multiple readability formulas and weigh the strengths and weaknesses of this approach. Using validated tools to more comprehensively assess MG readability should also be considered.
RNA fragments and brain aging

Abstract Transfer RNA and ribosomal RNA are known for their traditional roles in translation. Here we reviewed evidence of their novel functionality as sources of short RNA fragments and the emerging role of these fragments as posttranscriptional regulators, including neuronal and aging processes. Such transfer RNA and ribosomal RNA fragments (tRFs and rRFs, respectively) have been shown to change in age-related manner in various model systems (fruit fly, nematode, mouse, rat), similar to the better-studied microRNAs. These fragments are found in Argonaute (Ago) complexes, strongly indicating their role in the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) pathway and posttranscriptional gene regulation. Remarkably, their loading in the RISC Ago components changes with age, suggesting age-related alterations in these processes. The biogenesis and mechanism of action of these fragments is still being elucidated, and some early promising results have been obtained in human cells. It appears that a number of their target genes encode proteins relevant in neuronal development and aging and such targets can be predicted using computational approaches. Given the recent advances of potential therapies in various indication areas based on small RNA molecules, we expect this line of research to generate potential novel drugs for aging/neurological applications.
Functional Analysis of Yeast Pheromone Receptors in ER Exit, Ligand-Induced Endocytosis and Oligomerization: A Dissertation

This study investigates endocytosis and ER export signals of the yeast !-factor receptor and the role that receptor oligomerization plays in these processes. The !-factor receptor contains signal sequences in the cytoplasmic C-terminal domain that are essential for ligand-mediated endocytosis. In an endocytosis complementation assay, I found that oligomeric complexes of the receptor undergo ligand-mediated endocytosis when the !-factor binding site and the endocytosis signal sequences are located in different receptors. Both in vitro and in vivo assays strongly suggested that ligand-induced conformational changes in one Ste2 subunit do not affect neighboring subunits. Therefore, the recognition of endocytosis signal sequence and the recognition of the ligand-induced conformational change are likely to be two independent events, where the signal sequence plays only a passive role in the ligand-induced endocytosis. Four amino acid substitutions (C59R, H94P, S141P and S145P) in TM domains I, II and III were identified that resulted in the accumulation of truncated receptors in the ER but did not block ER export of full-length receptors. The two DXE motifs in the C-terminal tail were required for export of the mutant receptors from the ER; however DXE was not essential for proper cell surface expression of wild-type receptors apparently because the receptors contain redundant ER export signals. An assay for oligomerization of receptors in the ER was developed based on the ability of truncated mutant receptors to exit the ER. The four substitutions (C59R, H94P, S141P and S145P) that caused DXE-dependent ER export failed to form homo-oligomers, suggesting that the DXE motifs and receptor
Intestinal Fucose as a Mediator of Host–Microbe Symbiosis

Fucose is an l-configuration sugar found abundantly in the mammalian gut. It has long been known to be induced there by the presence of bacteria, but only recently have some of the molecular mechanisms behind this process been uncovered. New work suggests that fucose can have a protective role in both gut-centered and systemic infection and inflammation. This review highlights recent studies showing that, in addition to acting as a food source for beneficial gut symbionts, host fucose can suppress the virulence of pathogens and pathobionts. The relevance of gut fucosylation to human diseases also is discussed.
COMMENTS ON MICHAEL SLOTE'S MORAL SENTIMENTALISM

I present two challenges to the theory of moral sentimentalism that Michael Slote defends in his book. The first challenge aims to show that there are cases in which we empathize with an agent and yet judge her actions to be morally wrong. If such cases are plausible, then we have good reason to doubt Slote's claim that moral judgments are an affective attitude of warmth or chill and, thus, are purely sentiments. The second challenge is more of a suggestion. At the end of my paper, I suggest that perhaps one important role that empathy plays in our moral phenomenology is to mitigate the scope of our moral judgments. If this is right, it tells not only against Slote's account but against moral sentimentalist approaches more broadly.
A review of the North American Society for Sport Management and its foundational core

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to explore the development of the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) and to map the foundation that specific individuals, historical works, and historians provided the founders of that organization and the field of sport management in general. The paper also aims to track the early beginnings of sport management and present sport as a viable area for business and management historians to conduct their research and discuss theory. Design/methodology/approach – Following the initial work started by deWilde et al., this study drew on a wide range of primary and secondary sources and took an antiquarian and reconstructionist approach. Specifically, time-specific sport-related/focused dissertations, research articles, and archives from NASSM, along with published books and archives, were used to work toward the purpose of the study. Findings – This paper illustrates that some of the critical founding members of sport management and NASSM drew upon the trainin...
Bypass surgery versus endovascular interventions in severe or critical limb ischemia

Objective Critical limb ischemia is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. We systematically reviewed the evidence to compare bypass surgery with endovascular revascularization in patients with critical limb ischemia. Methods We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and Scopus through October 2014 for comparative studies (randomized and nonrandomized). Predefined outcomes of interest were mortality, major amputation, patency, and wound healing. We pooled odds ratios (ORs) of the outcomes of interest using the random-effects model. Results Nine studies that enrolled 3071 subjects were included. There was no significant difference in mortality (OR, 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44-1.16) or amputation (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.87-1.65). Bypass surgery was associated with higher primary patency (OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.25-4.99) and assisted primary patency (OR, 3.39; 95% CI, 1.53-7.51). The quality of evidence was low for mortality and amputation outcomes and moderate for patency outcomes. Conclusions Low quality of evidence due to imprecision and heterogeneity suggests that bypass surgery and endovascular approaches may have similar effect on mortality and major amputations. However, better primary and primary assisted patency can be expected with surgery.
On the Move: How and Why Animals Travel in Groups

On the Move: How and Why Animals Travel in Groups. Sue Boinski and Paul A. Garber. eds. Chicago: Chicago University Press, 2000. 811 pp.
Use of optical pharmacokinetics systems (OPS) for non-invasive measurement of Phthalocyanine 4 (Pc 4) concentrations in mice bearing MDA-MB-231 xenografts

Objective: Pc 4, a phthalocyanine photosensitizer in Phase I photodynamic therapy (PDT) trials, requires laser activation near 672 nm. For effective PDT, photosensitizer must be present in the target tissues. OPS uses elastic scattering spectroscopy to measure Pc 4 optical absorption non-invasively, and that absorbance can be converted to concentration using Pc 4 standard curves in 1% Intralipid®. In this study, we used OPS to evaluate Pc 4 optical absorption with time in subcutaneous tumor (with or without laser activation) and in contralateral skin. Tumor response was also evaluated after Pc 4-PDT. Conclusions: Both Pc 4 and hemoglobin optical absorption could be monitored by OPS. The decrease of Pc 4 absorption after PDT and the appearance of d-hbg indicated that alterations occurred in the tumor following Pc 4-PDT. The increase in d-hbg suggests that oxygen was not replaced completely, possibly due to circulation damage in tumor.
Weak exciton-photon coupling of PbS nanocrystals in air-slot mode-gap Si photonic crystal nanocavities in the near-infrared

We demonstrate micro-photoluminescence measurements of PbS nanocrystals coupled to air-slot mode-gap photonic crystal nanocavities with Q∼15,000 and V eff ∼0.02 (λ/n air )3. The ultrahigh Q/V ratios are critical for applications in cavity QED, nonlinear optics and sensing.
Vrisha: using scaling properties of parallel programs for bug detection and localization

Detecting and isolating bugs that arise in parallel programs is a tedious and a challenging task. An especially subtle class of bugs are those that are scale-dependent: while small-scale test cases may not exhibit the bug, the bug arises in large-scale production runs, and can change the result or performance of an application. A popular approach to finding bugs is statistical bug detection, where abnormal behavior is detected through comparison with bug-free behavior. Unfortunately, for scale-dependent bugs, there may not be bug-free runs at large scales and therefore traditional statistical techniques are not viable. In this paper, we propose Vrisha, a statistical approach to detecting and localizing scale-dependent bugs. Vrisha detects bugs in large-scale programs by building models of behavior based on bug-free behavior at small scales. These models are constructed using kernel canonical correlation analysis (KCCA) and exploit scale-determined properties, whose values are predictably dependent on application scale. We use Vrisha to detect and diagnose two bugs caused by errors in popular MPI libraries and show that our techniques can be implemented with low overhead and low false-positive rates.
Effects of laccase on lignin depolymerization and enzymatic hydrolysis of ensiled corn stover

The aim of this study was to explore the synergies of laccase, a ligninolytic enzyme, with cellulose and hemicellulase amendments on ensiled corn stover. Molecular signals of lignin decomposition were observed by tetramethylammonium hydroxide thermochemolysis and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (TMAH-GC-MS) analysis. The significant findings suggest that ensilage might provide a platform for biological pretreatment. By partially hydrolyzing cellulose and hemicellulose into soluble sugars, ensilage facilitates laccase penetration into the lignocellulose complex to enhance lignin degradation. Downstream cellulose hydrolysis was improved 7% with increasing laccase loading rate. These results demonstrate the potential of enzymes, either directly amended or expressed by microbes during ensilage, to maximize utilization of corn stover for cellulosic biofuels and other downstream fermentations.
Scattering of electromagnetic waves from a randomly perturbed quasiperiodic surface

Electromagnetic-wave scattering by a quasi-periodic surface with random perturbations (as in the remote sensing of plowed fields) is investigated analytically, applying the Kirchhoff approximation and modeling the plowed fields by means of Gaussian random variation, sinusoidal variation, and Gaussian random variation about the spatial frequency. Coherent and incoherent bistatic scattering coefficients are derived in closed form by evaluating the physical-optics integral and shown to be proportional, in the geometric-optics limit, to the occurrence probability of slopes which reflect the incident wave specularly in the direction of the scattered wave. Backscattering cross sections are plotted as functions of incidence angle for a number of cases, demonstrating the strong effect of row direction.
Indicators of early research productivity among primary care fellows.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the impact of fellowship training in primary care on subsequent research productivity. Our goal was to identify characteristics of research fellows and their training associated with subsequent publications and research funding. DESIGN: Mail survey in 1998. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: 1988–1997 graduates of 25 National Research Service Award primary care research fellowships in the United States. OUTCOME MEASURES: 1) Publishing 1 or more papers per year since the beginning of fellowship, or 2) serving as principal investigator (PI) on a federal or non-federal grant. RESULTS: One hundred forty-six of two hundred fifteen program graduates (68%) completed the survey. The median age was 38 years, and 51% were male. Thirty-two percent had published 1 or more papers per year, and 44% were PIs. Male gender (odds ratio [OR], 3.6; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.4 to 9.2), self-reported allocation of 40% or more of fellowship time to research (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.8 to 11.2), and having an influential mentor during fellowship (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.5 to 17.2) were independently associated with publishing 1 or more papers per year. Fellows with funding as a PI were also more likely to have an influential mentor (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.3 to 7.2). CONCLUSION: Primary care fellows who had influential mentors were more productive in research early after fellowship. Awareness of the indicators of early research success can inform the policies of agencies that fund research training and the curricula of training programs themselves.
Effects of pasture management and off-stream water on temporal/spatial distribution of cattle and stream bank characteristics in cool-season grass pastures

A 2-yr grazing experiment was conducted to assess the effects of grazing management on cattle distribution and pasture and stream bank characteristics. Six 12.1-ha cool-season grass pastures in central Iowa were allotted to 1 of 3 treatments: continuous stocking with unrestricted stream access (CSU), continuous stocking with stream access restricted to 4.9-m-wide stabilized crossings (CSR), or rotational stocking with stream access restricted to a riparian paddock (RP). Pastures were stocked with 15 fall-calving Angus cows (Bos taurus L.) from mid-May to mid-October for 153 d in 2008 and 2009. A global positioning system (GPS) collar recording cow position every 10 min was placed on at least 1 cow per pasture for 2 wk of each month from May through September. Off-stream water was provided to cattle in CSU and CSR treatments during the second of the 2 wk when GPS collars were on the cattle. A black globe temperature relative humidity index (BGTHI) was measured at 10-min intervals to match the time of the GPS measurements. Each month of the grazing season, forage characteristics (sward height, forage mass, and CP, IVDMD, and P concentrations) and bare and fecal-covered ground were measured. Stream bank erosion susceptibility was visually scored in May, August, and October (pre-, mid-, and post-stocking). Cattle in RP and CSR treatments spent less time (P < 0.10) within the stream zone (0 to 3 m from stream center) in June and August and in the streamside zone (0 to 33 m from stream zone) in May through August and May through September, respectively, than cattle in CSU pastures. However, off-stream water had no effect on cattle distribution. Compared with the CSU treatment, the CSR treatment reduced the probability (P < 0.10) that cattle were within the riparian zone (0 to 36 m from stream center) at BGTHI of 50 to 100. Bare ground was greater (P < 0.10) in pastures with the CSU than CSR and RP treatments in the stream and streamside zones in September and October and in July and September. Streams in pastures with the CSU treatment had less stable banks (P < 0.10) mid- and post-stocking than RP or CSR treatments. Results show that time spent by cattle near pasture streams can be reduced by RP or CSR treatments, thereby decreasing risks of sediment and nutrient loading of pasture streams even during periods of increased BGTHI.
Constant-energy synchronous fluorescence for reduction of raman scatter interference

Abstract Constant-energy synchronous fluorimetry is described as a means of reducing solvent Raman scatter interference on the fluorescence spectrum of trace concentrations of organic molecules. This technique involves maintaining a constant energy difference between the excitation and emission wavelengths. Spectra are compared from conventional fluorimetry, conventional (constant-wavelength) synchronous fluorimetry, and constant-energy synchronous fluorimetry.
Land-use requirements and the per-capita solar footprint for photovoltaic generation in the United States

Abstract In this report, we estimate the state-by-state per-capita “solar electric footprint” for the United States, defined as the land area required to supply all end-use electricity from solar photovoltaics (PV). We find that the overall average solar electric footprint is about 181 m 2 per person in a base case scenario, with a state- and scenario-dependant range from about 50 to over 450 m 2 per person. Two key factors that influence the magnitude of the state-level solar electric footprint include how industrial energy is allocated (based on location of use vs. where goods are consumed) and the assumed distribution of PV configurations (flat rooftop vs. fixed tilt vs. tracking). We also compare the solar electric footprint to a number of other land uses. For example, we find that the base case solar electric footprint is equal to less than 2% of the land dedicated to cropland and grazing in the United States, and less than the current amount of land used for corn ethanol production.
Systematic scaling of target width: dynamics, planning, and feedback

The target width of a single target in a two-target reciprocal aiming task was scaled from small (ID = 5.85) to large (ID = 2.85) and large-to-small within individual trials with movement amplitude fixed. Scaling target width produced a transition in the end-effector's dynamics and based on a measure of movement harmonicity, the transition was sensitive to the initial conditions but not to the direction of target width scaling. Hysteresis emerged in a variety of kinematic measures suggesting that the interdependency of planning and feedback control processes was sensitive to initial conditions as well as the direction of target width scaling. Practice increased the efficiency of the reciprocal movements and produced changes in movement time and the measure of harmonic motion that revealed a tuning of the end-effector's dynamics to cyclical motion over as large of range of IDs as possible. The tuning occurred through the modulation of time spent accelerating and decelerating the end-effector for IDs outside the range of 3.85-4.26. The results are discussed with reference to a critical ID boundary that separates regions of parameter space wherein the end-effector's dynamics are more cyclical (limit-cycle) or discrete (fixed-point) in nature.
Developing competency testing tools for the incoming neurology residents.

Clinical skill evaluations exist for in-training and post-residency maintenance of certification but there are no established criteria for competency testing at the beginning of the residency program. Various programs have used different techniques to assess these skills, but most do not use any assessment methodology prior to their residents working in their inpatient/outpatient setting or starting in-house night calls. Several tools have been developed in various institutions to achieve procedural competency within the residency program. It is our plan to develop such an assessment tools prior to our residents assuming service responsibilities on the inpatient or outpatient clinical services. In order to streamline, a question based step wise approach is presented for the ease of understanding.
Spectrum analysis of seismic surface waves and its applications in seismic landmine detection

In geophysics, spectrum analysis of surface waves (SASW) refers to a noninvasive method for soil characterization. However, the term spectrum analysis can be used in a wider sense to mean a method for determining and identifying various modes of seismic surface waves and their properties such as velocity, polarization, etc. Surface waves travel along the free boundary of a medium and can be easily detected with a transducer placed on the free surface of the boundary. A new method based on vector processing of space-time data obtained from an array of triaxial sensors is proposed to produce high-resolution, multimodal spectra from surface waves. Then individual modes can be identified in the spectrum and reconstructed in the space-time domain; also, reflected waves can be separated easily from forward waves in the spectrum domain. This new SASW method can be used for detecting and locating landmines by analyzing the reflected waves for resonance. Processing examples are presented for numerically generated data, experimental data collected in a laboratory setting, and field data.
Dynamics and statistics in multifragment production

Abstract Complex fragment production in intermediate-energy heavy-ion reactions is described by coupling the dynamics of the collision stage with the subsequent statistical deexcitation stage. The simulations are compared to experimental data from the reaction 139La+27Al at 55 MeV/u. Many of the features observed in the inclusive charge distribution, as well as in the multifragment coincidence events are reproduced.
Cross-Cultural Measurement of Critical Quality of Life Concepts.

A semantic differential technique was used to assess the meaning of 10 quality of life (QOL) concepts across seven cultures. Each concept was rated on nine pairs of adjectives representing three dimensions (value, potency, or activity). Across the 7 countries all 10 of the QOL concepts received strong positive ratings on the value dimension, and lower positive ratings on the potency and activity dimensions. Japan, however, was an exception to the general pattern, with Japanese raters assigning negative ratings for value and activity and positive ratings for potency. The results are discussed in relation to the differences between individualistic and collective cultures.
Building theory about IT professionals: is a taxonomy or typology the answer?

A major barrier to our ability to integrate studies and build cumulative theory about IT jobs and IT workers is the lack of consistency in terminology and conceptualizations of the profession, the jobs within the profession and the salient characteristics of those jobs. The purpose of this research is to examine how two different approaches - an IT jobs taxonomy or IT jobs typology - could be used to provide a standard framework to address this issue. The paper includes illustrations of the problem and overviews of the two approaches.
Real-time measurement of dopamine release in rat brain.

Abstract Dopamine release at the submicromolar level has been observed in the striatum of an anesthetized rat on a millisecond time scale. Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry with Nafion-coated microelectrodes has been synchronized with electrical stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle, and synaptic overflow is observed following a burst of 15 impulses. The rapid appearance of dopamine following this stimulus indicates that the source of dopamine is very close(∼ 10 μm) to the electrode. The rapid disappearance fo released dopamine reflects the potency of cellular uptake for dopamine. Inhibition of dopamine uptake with nomifensine allows the measurement of dopamine overflow as a result of a single stimulus impulse or with low-frequency stimulations, both comparable to physiological dopaminergic impulse flow.
Operative Cytoreduction for Recurrent Glioblastoma

1. Devereaux PJ, Mrkobrada M, Sessler DI, Leslie K, Alonso-Coello P, Kurz A, Villar JC, Sigamani A, Biccard BM, Meyhoff CS, Parlow JL, Guyatt G, Robinson A, Garg AX, Rodseth RN, Botto F, Lurati Buse G, Xavier D, Chan MT, Tiboni M, Cook D, Kumar PA, Forget P, Malaga G, Fleischmann E, Amir M, Eikelboom J, Mizera R, Torres D, Wang CY, VanHelder T, Paniagua P, Berwanger O, Srinathan S, Graham M, Pasin L, Le Manach Y, Gao P, Pogue J, Whitlock R, Lamy A, Kearon C, Baigent C, Chow C, Pettit S, Chrolavicius S, Yusuf S; ; POISE-2 Investigators: Aspirin in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. N Engl J Med 370:1494-1503, 2014. 2. Guyatt GH, Akl EA, Crowther M, Gutterman DD, Schuunemann HJ: American College of Chest Physicians Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis Panel: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest 141 (Suppl):7S-47S, 2012.
Using Authentic Assessments to Better Facilitate Teaching and Learning: The Case for Student Portfolios

The debate over how to construct appropriate and meaningful assessments for students of all ages continues to polarize scholars and educators. Various forms of student assessments have been employed in modern classrooms in accordance with varying theoretical perspectives on what “meaningful learning” consists of. Authentic assessments have often been considered productive tools for increasing student engagement, learning, and confidence. One particular form of authentic assessment, student portfolios, can be seen as useful authentic assessments tools when used in certain capacities. This article outlines research on the use of authentic assessments by instructors in the classroom and specifically discusses the use of student portfolios to enhance student learning, creativity, and confidence. The merits of student portfolios as a learning tool are discussed and demonstrated through a specific example of classroom practice.
Chronic hypoxia increases staurosporine sensitivity of pulmonary artery smooth muscle to endothelin-1.

Endothelins (ET) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. We evaluated the contribution of protein kinase C (PKC) to the ET-1 response of isolated endothelium-denuded extralobar pulmonary artery (PA) from rats exposed to chronic hypoxia (10% O2–90% N2, 1 ATM, 14 days or 28 days) or air. Hypoxia increased hematocrit (Hct [% above air control]: at 14 days, by 28±2%; after 28 days to 33±2%) and the mass ratio of right ventricle over left ventricle plus septum (RV/LV+S [% above air control]: at 14 days, by 54±1%; after 28 days to 114±13%), an index of right ventricle hypertrophy. Hypoxic exposure for 14 days and 28 days decreased PA sensitivity to ET-1 (change in EC50: 14 days, four-fold; 28 days, two-fold vs. air controls) and transiently decreased the magnitude of maximum ET-1-induced contraction (Emax[% decrease from control]: 14 days, 53±6%; 28 days, 23±6%). Staurosporine, a PKCinhibitor, decreased ET-1 sensitivity of PA from 0, 14, and 28 days air-exposed rats by four- to nine-fold without affecting Emax. However, staurosporine markedly decreased hypoxic PA sensitivity to ET-1 (change in EC50: 14 days, 1700-fold; 28 days, 55-fold vs. hypoxic controls) and decreased Emax(% decrease from hypoxic control: 14 days, 38±6%; 28 days, 59±7%). In conclusion, hypoxic exposure time-dependently varies the responsiveness of PA smooth muscle to ET-1 and may modulate the contribution of PKCactivation.
Short Proof of a Conjecture by Dyson

Dyson made a mathematical conjecture in his work on the distribution of energy levels in complex systems. A proof is given, which is much shorter than two that have been published before.