cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multivariate assessment of soil quality indicators for crop rotation and tillage in Illinois

The long-term implementation of crop rotation and tillage influences the soil environment through inputs and disturbance of the soil, which in turn, impact soil quality (SQ). A vital component of developing sustainable agronomic practices is to evaluate their effect on SQ. The objective of this study is to address the first step in this process by identifying soil parameters that are sensitive to changes in the soil and indicative of soil functions. Soil samples were collected from two Illinois sites with cropping systems and tillage treatments in place for more than 16 years. Crop rotation and tillage were evaluated with separate principal component analyses (PCA) of 20 soil parameters. Six principal components accounted for 74% of variability among rotations. The soil parameters loaded within these components highlighted the strong influence on carbon and nitrogen cycling indicated by greater soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, microbial biomass, and aggregate stability under crop rotations with high C:N residues and biomass production. Other strongly loaded parameters, such as soil pH and nutrient contents, are likely related to the use of nitrogenous fertilizers in grass species. Rotations with only a single contrasting crop were able to be differentiated readily while the multi-species crop rotations were only marginally able to be separated. The PCA for tillage explained 73% of variability with six principal components; of those, three were able to separate no-till from conventional tillage. As with rotation, the choice of tillage practice can have a large influence on the cycling of carbon and nitrogen, as decomposition of residues and soil organic matter are accelerated by tillage. No-till was also associated with stratification of pH and other nutrients. Soil parameters relating to carbon and nitrogen cycling have the greatest potential as SQ indicators while other measures relating to nitrogen fertilization, such as shifts in soil pH and nutrient contents, can also prove useful in comparing SQ under crop rotation and tillage in Illinois.
Transforming dark photons into sustainable energy

To produce energy from dark photons γ−, colliding it with Higgs boson particle BR(H → γγ−) under extreme relativistic conditions (ERCs) has been proposed. The Higgs boson BR(H → γγ−) gets excited at extreme relativistic conditions and its quantum field has an extremely short-range weak force which can create electromagnetic field. Thus, it has been assumed that the induction of an electrically charged particle dark photon γ− (non-energy level photon), into these extreme relativistic conditions will create an energy level photon, here named the Hossain dark photon (HDP). To confirm this HDP formation via a dark photon quantum interaction with a Higgs boson particle BR(H → γγ−), a series of mathematical modeling tests using MATLAB software has been performed. Interestingly, these mathematical models revealed that the presence of extra relativistic conditions does transform the dark photon γ− into an HDP for \(N_{\text{eff}} = 4.08_{ - 0.68}^{ + 0.71}\) at a 95% confidence limit considering the parameters of \(c_{\text{eff}}^{2} = 0.312 \pm 0.026\) and \(c_{\text{vis}}^{2} = 0.29 _{ - 0.16}^{ + 0.21}\), respectively. Thereafter, the feasible HDP photon dynamics is also modeled using the atomic spectra contour maps of the Hamiltonian (\(H = \mathop \sum \nolimits \omega_{ci} a_{i}^{\dag } a_{i} + \sum\nolimits_{K} {\omega_{k } b_{k}^{\dag } b_{k} } + \sum\nolimits_{ik} {(V_{ik} a^{\dag } b_{k} + V_{ik}^{*} b_{k}^{\dag } a_{i} )}\)) which suggested that formation of HDP by a Higgs boson [BR(H → γγ−] particle reaction under extreme relativistic conditions does form high energy level particle to produce electricity.
The risk of second primary lung cancer: an unsolved dilemma

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States (1) and is a worldwide health problem. For patients who have been successfully treated for an initial primary lung cancer (IPLC), there remains a risk for the development of a second primary lung cancer (SPLC).
The Principles and Objectives of Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

The terms “cost-effectiveness” and to a lesser degree “cost-benefit” analysis have become familiar words in the technical and national press, the former usually in relation to defence projects—the latter in relation to social projects, such as transport, power generation and building. Indeed, at the time of the last General Election the political correspondent of a national newspaper wrote, “Mr. Heath and Mr. Callaghan, Chancellor of the Exchequer, vied with each other in stressing the importance of cost-effectiveness, which used to be known as getting value for money”. The apparently simple concept of “value for money” raises three important issues: (i) how is “value” of defence and social projects quantified? (ii) what is the “money” involved, i.e. what are all the relevant costs? and (iii) what are the information and decision processes that are used in attempting to obtain “value for money“?
High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Analysis of Hop Alpha- and Beta-Acids1

A high performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of α-acids (humulones) and β-acids (lupulones) in hops, hop pellets, and nonisomerized hop extracts is introduced. Rationale f...
Technological characteristics of pre- and post-rigor deboned beef mixtures from Holstein steers and quality attributes of cooked beef sausage.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effects of deboning time (pre- and post-rigor), processing steps (grinding - GB; salting - SB; batter formulation - BB), and storage time on the quality of raw beef mixtures and vacuum-packaged cooked sausage, produced using a commercial formulation with 0.25% phosphate. The pH was greater in pre-rigor GB and SB than in post-rigor GB and SB (P
Volcanic Eruptions over the Last 5,000 Years from High Elevation Tree-Ring Widths and Frost Rings

Some tree-ring records, due to their great age, the annual resolution of their dates, and their sensitivity to the climatic effects of large volcanic eruptions, are useful in understanding the magnitude and frequency of large globally-effective volcanic eruptions. Two primary factors are thought to have forced much of late Holocene variation in climate prior to industrialization: solar output and volcanic eruptions (Free and Robock 1999; Crowley 2000; Shindell et al. 2001). While there is some debate regarding which of these forcings has played the dominant role (Shindell et al. 2003), there is little doubt that volcanism affects climate. Large explosive eruptions inject great quantities of sulfur compounds into the stratosphere, which combine with water to produce sulfuric acid aerosol (Rampino and Self 1982). This injection changes the radiative balance by increasing absorption and reflection of incoming short wave radiation by stratospheric aerosols, and generally has a cooling effect on climate (Lacis et al. 1992; Minnis et al. 1993; McMormick et al. 1995). Volcanism has also been reported to cause winter warming in the extratropical Northern Hemisphere due to cold season shifts in the Arctic Oscillation (Robock and Mao 1992; Kelly et al. 1996). However, radiative forcing dominates the net surface temperature changes from very large eruptions and leads to significant cooling (Shindell et al. 2003). There is some evidence that volcanic eruptions have played a major role in forcing past global temperatures. Pulses of volcanic activity, for example, contributed substantially to the decadal-scale climate variability of the Little Ice Age (LIA) interval (AD 1400–1850) (Porter 1986; Mann et al. 1998; Crowley 2000). Yet the climatic impact of past eruptions varies spatially and appears to be partly dependent on eruption frequency, size, location, seasonal timing, sulfur content, and the state of the climate system at the time of the eruption.
THYROID STORM AS A PRESENTATION OF GRAVES DISEASE IN A PEDIATRIC PATIENT WITH DOWN SYNDROME

ABSTRACT Objective: Down syndrome (DS) is associated with multiple endocrinopathies; one of the most common is thyroid dysfunction. Hashimoto thyroiditis and Graves disease have a higher prevalence...
Validation of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool to assess vocal cord motion in an animal feasibility study.

Background: Post-thyroidectomy dysphonia can result from recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury. Confirmation of postoperative recurrent nerve function has prompted many surgeons to advocate laryngoscopic examination. Indirect and flexible laryngoscopy permit visualization of vocal cord motion, but not all thyroid surgeons are skilled in these techniques. Indirect laryngoscopy has a significant failure rate due to gag reflexes or anatomical obstruction. Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy, the current gold standard, allows reliable visualization of the cords, but perioperative examination is not always feasible for lack of equipment or training. Recent studies suggest vocal fold ultrasound as an alternative to flexible laryngoscopy. It offers the advantages of being non-invasive and painless without radiation exposure or sedation. Whereas ultrasound has been compared to laryngoscopy in the clinical setting, there remains a need for correlation of laryngeal ultrasound results with known neurophysiology in the normal and injured state. An animal model was proposed that reproduces neck surgery-associated recurrent nerve injury. The model allowed simultaneous recording of laryngeal endoscopy and transcutaneous high-resolution ultrasound during stimulation of intact and injured RLNs. Methods: One RLN was injured in each of 4 rats. Rats were kept anesthetized during the fiberoptic examination and laryngeal ultrasound procedures. Following surgery and subsequent imaging the rats were given a lethal anesthetic dose. Results of both imaging modalities were compared to the presence or absence of neuromuscular action potential following stimulation of the recurrent nerve. Results: The investigators observed a 100% correlation between endoscopic and ultrasonographic assessments. Conclusions: This study validated the clinical use of diagnostic ultrasound in vocal cord dysfunction in a rodent model.
Predictors of transfusion outcomes in pediatric complex cranial vault reconstruction: a multicentre observational study from the Pediatric Craniofacial Collaborative Group

Pediatric patients undergoing complex cranial vault reconstruction (CCVR) are at risk of significant perioperative blood loss requiring blood product transfusion. Minimizing allogeneic blood product transfusion is an important goal because of the associated risks and cost. The impact of patient and surgical variables on transfusion is unknown in this population. Our primary aim was to examine relationships between demographic and perioperative variables and blood product transfusion outcomes in CCVR. The multicentre Pediatric Surgery Perioperative Registry was checked for children undergoing CCVR between June 2012 and September 2016. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed examining patient, procedure, and blood conservation variables and their relationship to three outcomes: intraoperative red blood cell-containing product (RBC-CP) transfusion, total perioperative blood donor exposures, and transfusion-free hospitalization. The registry search returned data from 1,814 cases. Age and surgical duration were the only variables significantly associated with all three outcomes studied. Predictors of reduced RBC-CP transfusion included lower American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status and antifibrinolytic administration. Total cranial vault reconstruction, intraoperative vasoactive infusion, and presence of a tracheostomy predicted increased donor exposures. Increased body weight, higher preoperative hematocrit, and utilization of intraoperative cell saver and transfusion protocols were associated with transfusion-free hospitalization. Clinical factors associated with increased allogeneic blood product transfusion in pediatric CCVR include: age ≤ 24 months, ASA status ≥ III, preoperative anemia, prolonged surgical duration, lack of intraoperative antifibrinolytic use, lack of intraoperative cell saver use, and the lack of transfusion protocols.
Black Women as 'Domestic Workers' in Academia: Or on How We Became the Help

The fictional novel The Help by Kathryn Stockett (2009) brings to modern times a long standing issue among Black women—who can speak for the Black woman. Set in the South, this novel tells the story of how Black women were used in the modern Women's Movement—as it is a story of how Black women's voices were used for the liberation of the White protagonist. This novel can also be read as a story of the relationship between critical Black feminists and feminist studies in academia. Similarly to how the "help" rescued this White woman from the norms of middle-class life in the South, so too has critical Black feminist thought—specifically intersectionality—rescued some mainstream feminist research. Using articles published in mainstream political science journals, I explore how Black women are treated as research subjects and also how their knowledge production is used in the development of research. The analysis argues that Black women’s voices are being used by mainstream gender scholars in manner that is very similar to how Black women were used in the fictional story.
Optical turbulence with anisotropy at different scales and its effect on laser beam propagation along vertical paths

In this paper, we use a non-Kolmogorov power spectrum with an effective anisotropic parameter to include the effect of anisotropy at different scales. By using the spectrum, we theoretically analyze the effect of anisotropy on turbulence parameters such as long-term beam spread and scintillation for laser beams propagating along vertical paths. Although our results are valid only for the case of anisotropy along the direction of propagation, they are of interest for applications such as astronomy, vertical directed energy and vertical laser communications links.
Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty: Is It Still Relevant?

When balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) was first developed 30 years ago, it offered an alternative to conventional surgical aortic valve replacement in elderly and frail patients for whom there were no other effective options. Initial excitement at its dramatic hemodynamic and symptomatic benefits was tempered when it was established that the hemodynamic improvement was short lived with rapid restenosis, and patients had the same very poor outcome as those with untreated severe aortic stenosis.1–4 More recently, in the PARTNER study (Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valve), which defined the start of the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) era, most patients randomized to standard treatment underwent BAV. Again, there was an initial improvement in symptoms and survival compared with patients not undergoing BAV, but after 1 year, there was no difference between the groups.5 Despite these findings, BAV has staged a resurgence in recent years, as a standalone palliative therapy in patients unfit for surgery or as a bridge to definitive treatment with TAVR or conventional surgical aortic valve replacement. It is important that we understand why BAV use has increased, and whether this increase is justified. See Article by Alkhouli et al In this issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions , Alkhouli et al6 provide a timely update on the utilization and outcomes of BAV using data from the National Inpatient Sample, a database of US hospital discharges from hospitals from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization project. They analyze BAV use and outcomes over 10 years (2004–2013) which include the beginning of the TAVR era. The authors addressed 3 important …
Force calibration for an endovascular robotic system with proximal force measurement

Surgeons, while performing manual endovascular procedures with conventional surgical tools (catheters and guidewires), experience forces on the tool outside the patient's body that are proximal to the point of actuation. Currently, most of the robotic systems for endovascular procedures use active catheters to navigate vasculature and to measure the contact forces at the distal end (tool tip). These tools are more expensive than the conventional surgical tools used in endovascular procedures. To avoid dependence on specialized devices like active catheters, we have developed a novel endovascular robotic system (ERS) that uses conventional surgical tools. Our robot can indirectly measure proximal forces and provide haptic feedback to surgeons. This paper discusses the theory, methodology, and calibration of indirect proximal force measurement. This new calibration technique is presented as a nested optimization problem that is solved using bi-level optimization. The results of experimental validation of the new force calibration methodology are also discussed. The results show that unbiasing of the indirect force measurement by means of force calibration will allow the use of conventional tools in robotic endovascular procedures.
Sub-surface Serial Block Face Scanning Electron Microscopy

Serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) provides nanoscale 3D ultrastructure of tissue samples up to several hundred micrometers in size. In SBF-SEM, an ultramicrotome built into the SEM specimen stage successively removes thin sections from a plastic-embedded, heavy metal-stained specimen. After each cut, the freshly exposed block face is imaged at a low incident electron energy using the backscattered electron signal, which is sensitive to heavy atoms in the sample. Although the x-y resolution in the plane of the block face is approximately 5 nm, the resolution along the z-axis in SBF-SEM is limited by the minimum slice thickness of around 25 nm. We have explored the feasibility of improving the z-resolution in SBF-SEM by recording images at more than one primary beam energy, thus sampling different depths below the block surface. We used Monte Carlo simulations of SEM images from an epoxy block containing 5-nm diameter carbon spheres stained with 14% osmium positioned at different depths, as a model for small biological structures. A linear relationship was found between the depth of the spheres and the ratio of backscattered signals at primary beam energies of 1.4 keV and 6.8 keV, which allowed us to generate 3D tomograms with a depth resolution of around 5 nm. Experiments are in progress to test this technique using a Zeiss Sigma-VP SEM equipped with a Gatan 3View SBF system. Sub-surface SBF-SEM could potentially match focused ion beam (FIB) SEM in terms of z-resolution, but with the added advantage of providing higher throughput and larger tissue volumes. The research was supported by the intramural program of NIBIB.
Chapter 4 – Recursive Dynamics

This chapter focuses on the development of a computational platform for describing the dynamics of the human body modeled as segmented links, and on the derivation of the equations of motion for the human body. This requires masses, mass moment of inertias, velocities, and accelerations of various segments. The recursive Lagrangian approach is adopted for deriving the equations of motion. Forward recursive kinematics and backward recursive dynamics are used for this purpose. Sensitivity analysis of kinematics and dynamics variables is presented, which is subsequently used in the optimization process. The joint angle profiles are discretized using the B-spline basis functions. Several simple examples are used to illustrate analysis of dynamics. These include a 2-DOF arm, a trajectory planning problem, and an arm-lifting example with external load.
Backbone and sidechain resonance assignments and secondary structure of Scc4 from Chlamydia trachomatis.

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes the most common sexually transmitted bacterial diseases in the world. With a biphasic developmental cycle, the bacteria utilize a type III secretion system (T3SS) to invade host cells as infectious elemental bodies, which then differentiate into actively dividing reticulate bodies. The regulation of the developmental cycle and the T3SS are linked by the bi-functional protein, specific Chlamydia chaperone 4 (Scc4). Scc4 is a class I T3SS chaperone forming a heterodimer with specific Chlamydia chaperone 1 (Scc1) to chaperone the essential virulence effector, Chlamydia outer membrane protein N. Scc4 also functions as a transcription factor by binding to the RNA polymerase holoenzyme between the flap region of the β subunit and region 4 of σ66. In order to investigate the mechanism behind Scc4’s dual functions and target its protein-protein interactions as a route for drug development, the structure and dynamics of Scc4 are being pursued. In the course of this effort, we assigned 89.2% of the backbone and sidechain 1H, 15N, and 13C resonances of full-length Scc4. The assigned chemical shifts were used to predict the secondary structure and dynamic properties. The type and order of Scc4’s determined secondary structure are consistent with the X-ray crystal structures of other bacterial T3SS chaperones.
The Effects of Limited Visual Acuity and Context on the Appearance of Anolis Lizard Dewlaps

Male Anolis lizards display their colorful dewlaps in a variety of contexts, ranging from long-distance territorial displays to close-range agonistic and courtship displays. Anoles have eyes of high optical quality and a retina that contains tightly spaced, small-diameter photoreceptors. Highest visual acuity is associated with the center of the retina (=12.5 cycles o -1), whereas acuity is much lower in the periphery. Anoles possess a small eye that creates a small retinal image, which limits their maximum visual spatial acuity to approximately 1/10 that of humans. In animal visual systems spatial resolution falls rapidly with distance from the stimulus. In some species, dewlap color patterns are fairly complex and may transmit various kinds of information. To gain insight into the visual information that conspecifics can potentially extract from dewlap color patterns, we modified high-resolution digital photographs reflecting the limits imposed by the acuity of the Anolis eye. For central retinal vision, from a distance of 0.5 m or less, the finest levels of dewlap pattern spatial detail were visible. At greater distances, and/or for peripheral vision, much less detail could be resolved. When viewed from 1 m away with peripheral vision, only the average color of the large patches could be detected, and all pattern detail was lost. The potential information content of the dewlap patterns changes dramatically with the context in which it is viewed. We show that a clear knowledge of an animal's sensory limitations can lead to greatly improved hypotheses about signal function.
The potential role of reproductive interference in the decline of native green treefrogs following Cuban treefrog invasions

Reproductive interference is increasingly implicated in the decline of native taxa following alien species invasions. We examined reproductive interference in the context of acoustic modulation of hormone levels and declines in native green treefrogs (Hyla cinerea) following invasions of Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in the southeastern United States. The motivation for our study stemmed from similarities in spectro-temporal properties of Cuban treefrog courtship calls and green treefrog aggressive calls. The aggressive calls of green treefrogs stimulate glucocorticoid production in rival conspecific males, which suppresses androgen production and reproductive behavior. We thus hypothesized that native male green treefrogs exposed to advertisement calls of this invasive species exhibit increased levels of circulating glucocorticoids. We found that broadcast aggressive calls of green treefrogs stimulated glucocorticoid production in conspecific males but that Cuban treefrog vocalizations did not increase glucocorticoid levels in green treefrogs. In natural choruses, the density of calling male green treefrogs and the proportion of non-calling males were positively correlated with glucocorticoid levels and negatively correlated with androgens, whereas body size was positively correlated with androgens. After controlling for these variables, there was no evidence that hormone levels or behavior differed in choruses of green treefrogs in the presence and absence of Cuban treefrogs. Together, our results suggest that interactions among male green treefrogs modulate hormone levels but that the presence of Cuban treefrogs, calling or not, is not altering levels of glucocorticoids or androgens in breeding male green treefrogs.
Differences in Persistently Elevated Hemoglobin A1c for African American and White Patients and the Role of Provider-Level Variation.

African Americans with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have higher average A1c levels than White patients. However, few studies have examined racial disparities in diabetes management in primary care, partic...
Microscope tent for skull base surgery during COVID-19 pandemic

The SARS-CoV-2 virus and resulting COVID-19 pandemic have significantly impacted surgical procedures of the skull base.In particular, aerosol-generating procedures (AGP) confer a greater risk of surgeons contracting the disease1. AGPs includethe use of electrocautery, open suctioning, and drilling. Temporal bone drilling aerosolizes bone, blood, and mucosa. Thelining of the eustachian tube, middle ear, and mastoid air cells has been shown to harbor multiple respiratory viruses.Incidents of combined neurootology and neurosurgical procedures resulting in infections of surgeons and trainees havebeen reported. Intraoperative exposures may occur even when patients test negative for COVID-19 preoperatively, despiteproper personal protective equipment (PPE). We describe the use of a protective tent to reduce the number of aerosolizedparticles within the operating room. Using a standard c-arm drape ([ Fig. 1 ]), a sterile tent can be created between theoperating field and microscope. The drape is cut in the middle between the two arms. One side has a circumferential rubberband that goes around the patient and irrigation bag, where it is then secured with clamps. Suction tubing and drill wiresare passed beneath this with additional tenting support from a Leyla's retractor on the contralateral side ([ Fig. 2 ]).Surgeons may attach suctions to the integrated smoke evacuator of the Neptune 3 Waste Management System. Thesurgeon accesses the operative site by two small slits that accommodate the forearms, while still allowing access to themicroscope handles ([ Fig. 3 ]). The surgical technician can pass instruments by going beneath the drape, through smallslits, or by the creation of a flap that is closed and secured when the surgeon is actively working. During temporal bonedrilling it has been clear that the generation of smoke, fluids, and other particles is substantial ([ Fig. 4 ]). With consistentuse, we have found that both the surgeon and assistants quickly accommodate to the new set-up. In addition to proper PPE(eye protection and N95 surgical mask), a protective tent that limits the spread of particles during AGPs in skull basesurgery may help decrease transmission of COVID-19 to health care workers.
Neural network classifiers for images of genetic conditions with cutaneous manifestations

Summary Neural networks have shown strong potential in research and in healthcare. Mainly due to the need for large datasets, these applications have focused on common medical conditions, where more data are typically available. Leveraging publicly available data, we trained a neural network classifier on images of rare genetic conditions with skin findings. We used approximately 100 images per condition to classify 6 different genetic conditions. We analyzed both preprocessed images that were cropped to show only the skin lesions as well as more complex images showing features such as the entire body segment, the person, and/or the background. The classifier construction process included attribution methods to visualize which pixels were most important for computer-based classification. Our classifier was significantly more accurate than pediatricians or medical geneticists for both types of images and suggests steps for further research involving clinical scenarios and other applications.
IL-8 gene expression in cultures of human corneal epithelial cells and keratocytes.

PURPOSE To determine if human corneal keratocytes and epithelial cells synthesize and release IL-8 after stimulation with selected proinflammatory cytokines. METHODS Human corneal keratocytes and epithelial cells were isolated from human corneal buttons and grown independently in vitro. Epithelial cell cultures stained positive in immunofluorescent tests with antibody specific for keratin (AE1/AE3), whereas keratocyte cultures were unreactive. Both cell types reacted with anti-vimentin antibody. Cultures of the two cell types were treated with various concentrations of human recombinant interleukin-1 alpha or TNF-alpha. Culture supernatants were then assayed at timed intervals by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IL-8 content. Cytokine mRNA levels in cell lysates were monitored by Northern blot analysis. RESULTS Exposure of corneal keratocytes and epithelial cells to either interleukin-1 alpha or TNF-alpha stimulated IL-8 mRNA synthesis and IL-8 production in a dose-response fashion. It was also found that TNF-alpha stimulated the synthesis of comparable amounts of IL-8 in both cell types. However, when IL-8 synthesis between the two cell types was compared after interleukin-1 alpha stimulation it was found that keratocytes synthesized 33 times more IL-8 than did epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS The results establish that pro-inflammatory cytokines can induce IL-8 synthesis in both human corneal epithelial cells and human corneal keratocytes. They also suggest that interleukin-1 alpha may play a more active role in amplifying inflammatory responses in the stroma than in the epithelial layer of the cornea.
Teaching The Holocaust at a Distance: Reflections from the Field

As technology continues to improve and online learning programs continue to proliferate each year throughout the United States, it is necessary for teachers to establish a sound understanding of proper pedagogical techniques for a digital environment. This phenomenon has ushered in a new era of education thus bringing forth a myriad of new questions and issues that must be addressed. For instance, how should online instructors properly transfer and teach traditional core subjects in an online milieu? Social studies educators are faced with additional quandaries, such as, teaching democratic processes for effective citizenship and the teaching of controversial issues/topics like the Holocaust. Undeniably, controversial topics elicit strong emotions and come with a plethora of concerns that seem only possible to address in a face-to-face classroom. This current exploration draws upon the scholarship and experience of experts in the field of social studies education, distance learning, and Holocaust Studies to provide suggestions as to how teachers should approach controversial topics in a digital learning environment. An example lesson plan is also provided to showcase a successful integration of controversial issues into an online high school social studies classroom.
Learning by Doing

Part III focused on understanding system structure: how system variables, such as energy consumed and expended in the human system of energy and weight regulation, are related; how they influence one another; and how they are influenced by our external environment. Along the way, this discussion helped us clear up some of the public’s muddled thinking about human energy and weight regulation, such as the limitations of the energy balance equation. However, as I noted at the close of Chapter 13, understanding system structure is not enough. Effective control of any complex dynamic system, such as the human body, requires a second essential skill: the ability to predict the system’s behavior. The ability to infer system behavior is essential if we are to know how actions taken would influence the system, and thus is essential in devising appropriate interventions for change. So, in Part IV we shift our attention from understanding to predicting.
Youth-Led Organizations, the Arts, and the 411 Initiative for Change in Canada: Critical Pedagogy for the 21st Century

The purpose of this essay is to document a group of Canadian youth activists’ and artists’ perceptions and experiences with developing and sustaining an arts-based educational initiative that “undertakes public education and the promotion of civic participation of young people on social issues that frame their development within their communities.” Through the youth activists’ and artists’ narratives, we highlight the youths’ motivation to establish this organization, the methods they use to engage their audience in social commentary and activism, how they confront and overcome barriers in schools when implementing their pedagogical initiatives, and the challenges they face in keeping their project intellectually vibrant and culturally relevant to youth. Moreover, we argue that critical pedagogues must take seriously the cultural work proffered by youth-led social justice initiatives if critical pedagogy is to remain relevant in promoting equity and social justice in schools and in society.
Equality and Human Need

This paper has the twofold purpose of exploring how and whether it may be said that value arises from human need and, in particular, how the value of equality may arise from an alleged human need for recognition. It traces two opposite dispositions toward recognition, one seeing it as destructive of the minimum conditions for political life, the other viewing it as the principal agency through which men achieve their humanity. The concept of a basic human need is then exposed to the criticism of “social apperception,” which apparently renders meaningless the concept altogether. Nevertheless, two “faces” of recognition are explored – one affirming that common human nature in virtue of which all men are said to be equal, and the other, affirming the concrete specificity of each individual. The paper concludes by arguing that this second aspect of the drive for recognition, which is viewed by some as the primary political obligation, is actually not a legitimate aspiration of political life.
Nocturnal and early morning secretion of ACTH and cortisol in humans

It is well established that the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulates the synthesis and release of cortisol from the adrenal cortex, but the role of ACTH in the physiological regulation of basal cortisol secretion has received surprisingly little study. The authors studied the nocturnal and early morning secretory pulses of cortisol and ACTH in normal subjects. A pulse detection algorithm was developed. The relationship between ACTH and cortisol pulses in terms of temporal and proportional relationship is described. Pulse concomitance for ACTH with cortisol was 47% and for cortisol with ACTH pulses it was 60%. The first description of the relationship between concomitant ACTH and cortisol pulse magnitudes in humans is presented. A highly significant linear relationship between the magnitudes of ACTH and cortisol pulses is shown. Putative reasons for dissociated pulses and the potential implication of these findings are discussed.
An acrylic resin shell with guide extensions for accurate positioning of provisional restorations

Infante and Lee 8. Fill the putty matrix with autopolymerizing acrylic resin of the selected shade, (Jet Tooth Shade Acrylic; Lang Dental Manufacturing Co, Inc) and place over the prepared tooth of the cast. 9. Visually verify that the matrix is seated completely over the cast and place rubber bands around the matrix and the cast to maintain an adequate and stable spatial relation. 10. Place the cast along with the matrix and rubber bands in warm water inside a pressure pot (Acri-Dense VI Pneumatic Curing Unit; GC Lab Technologies, Inc, Alsip, Ill) at 0.14 MPa and allow the acrylic resin to polymerize according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 11. Retrieve the polymerized shell from the cast and trim the excess material with an acrylic resin cutting bur (Tungsten carbide cutter H79EF HP 040; Komet USA, LLC, Rock Hill, SC). Do not trim the extensions at this time (Fig. 2). 12. Create a vent hole 2.0 mm in diameter, on the midlingual area of the shell for the reline material to flow out and allow proper seating of the shell. 13. Prepare the tooth/teeth to receive the desired restoration. 14. Seat the provisional shell over the preparation and visually verify that the guide extensions are completely seated over the adjacent teeth. Adjust the intaglio if needed. 15. Apply a thin layer of petrolatum jelly (White Petroleum Jelly; Geritrex Corporation, Mount Vernon, NY) to the prepared tooth. 16. Reline the provisional shell with the same autopolymerizing resin material and guide its positioning over the prepared tooth by completely seating the guide wings over the adjacent teeth (Fig. 3). 17. Allow the relining material to polymerize while intermittently removing and reinserting and irrigating with water to cool. 18. Remove the provisional crown from the preparation. 19. Cut off the guide wings and finish and polish the provisional crown (Fig. 4). REFERENCES
Two transthyretin mutations (glu42gly, his90asn) in an Italian family with amyloidosis

A family with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) was previously found to have a substitution of asparagine for histidine at position 90 of transthyretin. Members with his90asn developed FAP. However, close examination of the transthyretin gene revealed that glu42gly is coinheri-ted with his90asn in this family. Since glu42gly has already been seen in Japanese FAP patients, and his90asn has been found in Portuguese and German individuals without FAP, we conclude that his90asn is a nonpathogenic variant.
The In Situ Ply Shear Strength Distributions in Graphite/Epoxy Laminated Composites

An experimental and analytical investigation was performed to study the in situ ply shear strength in fiber-reinforced laminated composites. The effects of ply orientation and laminate thickness on the ply shear strength in laminates were the major concerns of the study. T300/1034-C Graphite/Epoxy cross-ply laminates were selected for the tests, and a rail shear fixture was used for measuring ply shear strengths. A three-dimensional finite element program was also developed to analyze the interlaminar stress distributions in the specimens. The results of test data strongly indicate that the ply orientation and laminate thickness significantly influence the in-plane shear strengths of the laminates. This effect could be attributed to the inherent flaws introduced during manufacturing processes and to interlaminar stresses in laminates. As a consequence, ply shear strength should not be regarded as an intrinsic property of fiber-reinforced laminates. Due to the free edge effect, the results of shear strengt...
Noise spectral power and non-equilibrium dynamics of vortices in the mixed state of Bi2Sr2CaCu2Oy

Abstract A model is proposed to explain the observed noise spectral power generated by the moving vortex lattice in Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O y single crystals. The analysis is based on the observations that the noise generated is due to the vortex velocity rather than the thermodynamic phase of the material. The motion of vortices induces a gradual transition of the vortex lattice from the plastic flow to the uniform flow with increasing magnetic field. The influence of the disorder on the dynamics of vortices is such that a uniform distribution in the activation barrier width will exist. This distribution will affect the attempt frequency of the flux line hopping and consequently the spectral shape of the noise generated. The model provides physical basis to the fact that the observed 1/ f -noise power corresponds to the smaller velocity of the vortex lattice, while the deviation from the 1/ f -spectrum corresponds to the larger velocity region. The results of the simulation are compared to recent experimental measurements where good agreement has been achieved.
Tough questions facing women's colleges

The transition of women's colleges into coeducational institutions presents fundamental issues and sensitive dynamics.
A High Resolution Aftershock Catalog of the Magnitude 7.5 Craig, Alaska, Earthquake on 5 January 2013

Abstract The M w 7.5 Craig, Alaska, earthquake on 5 January 2013 was the second largest earthquake on the Queen Charlotte fault (QCF) in 40 yrs, representing the transform plate boundary between the Pacific and North American plates. Earthquake hazard along the QCF was known from historical earthquakes, but the absence of major earthquakes in the digitally instrumented era has limited studies of earthquakes. Here, we present an analysis of aftershocks of the Craig earthquake. We first use waveform cross correlation and double‐difference relative relocation to relocate the aftershock catalog of the Alaska Earthquake Center (AEC). Our relocated catalog reveals a complex fault structure activated in response to the mainshock and provides insight into the faulting mechanics of this graduated transpressive plate boundary. We then use network‐matched filtering (NMF) to detect additional aftershocks. Using 351 aftershocks located by the AEC in 2013 as template events, we identify 1785 aftershocks through May 2013. This is a greater than fivefold increase in aftershock detection rate compared with the standard single‐event network processing. Utilizing regional seismic stations and waveform modeling, we are able to characterize the faulting parameters for 12 aftershocks. Six aftershocks show focal mechanisms consistent with the mainshock faulting parameters, and six aftershocks show either thrust or strike‐slip mechanisms with nodal planes rotated ∼45° from the mainshock mechanism. The six aftershocks that are inconsistent with the QCF have P axes that are perpendicular to the plate boundary, suggesting that transpression remains at this location. We show that five of these large aftershock families were activated within a day of the mainshock, whereas seven families were delayed by multiple days before activating. We show evidence for migrating patterns of seismic quiescence and elevated seismicity, relative to the predicted Omori–Utsu decay, which is related to the largest aftershock in the sequence. Online Material: Aftershock catalog of the 5 January 2013 Craig, Alaska, earthquake.
Some general organizational factors that influence innovative behavior

The study describes two important organizational factors which influence innovative behavior. These are : 1) The extent of the organization's knowledge of the problem at the time that a new technological improvement is needed. 2) The extent of the organization's knowledge of the science or technology necessary to provide the needed innovation. Detailed data on new developments in digital computing equipment are presented to support the importance of these two types of knowledge mentioned.
“Weathering” and Age Patterns of Allostatic Load Scores Among Blacks and Whites in the United States

Objectives. We considered whether US Blacks experience early health deterioration, as measured across biological indicators of repeated exposure and adaptation to stressors.Methods. Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, we examined allostatic load scores for adults aged 18–64 years. We estimated probability of a high score by age, race, gender, and poverty status and Blacks’ odds of having a high score relative to Whites’ odds.Results. Blacks had higher scores than did Whites and had a greater probability of a high score at all ages, particularly at 35–64 years. Racial differences were not explained by poverty. Poor and nonpoor Black women had the highest and second highest probability of high allostatic load scores, respectively, and the highest excess scores compared with their male or White counterparts.Conclusions. We found evidence that racial inequalities in health exist across a range of biological systems among adults and are not explained by racial differences in poverty. T...
Human adipose microRNA-221 is upregulated in obesity and affects fat metabolism downstream of leptin and TNF-α

Aims/hypothesis MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short endogenous RNAs that regulate multiple biological processes including adipogenesis and fat metabolism. We sought to identify miRNAs that correlate with BMI and to elucidate their upstream regulation and downstream targets.
Antecedents of IS Strategic Alignment: A Nomological Network

Alignment of information systems (IS) strategy with business strategy is a top concern of both the chief information officer (CIO) and the top management team (TMT) of organizations. Even though researchers and key decision makers in organizations recognize the importance of IS strategic alignment, they often struggle to understand how this alignment is created. In this paper, we develop a nomological network in which shared understanding between the CIO and TMT about the role of IS in the organization (which represents the social dimension of IS strategic alignment) is posited to be a proximal antecedent of the intellectual dimension of IS strategic alignment. We further posit that shared language, shared domain knowledge manifest in the CIO's business knowledge and the TMT's strategic IS knowledge, systems of knowing (structural and social), and CIO-TMT experiential similarity are important determinants of this shared understanding. Data were collected from 243 matched CIO-TMT pairs. Results largely support the proposed nomological network. Specifically, shared understanding between the CIO and TMT is a significant antecedent of IS strategic alignment. Furthermore, shared language, shared domain knowledge, and structural systems of knowing influence the development of shared understanding between the CIO and the TMT. Contrary to expectations and to findings of prior research, social systems of knowing, representing informal social interactions between the CIO and TMT, and experiential similarity did not have a significant effect on shared understanding.
Navier-Stokes simulations of jet flows on a network of workstations

We study a Navier-Stokes application code on a network of workstations to investigate the computational, communication, and scalability characteristics. This code uses a high-order finite difference scheme to solve for the time-accurate flowfield of a jet using the compressible Navier-Stokes equations. The network of workstations that is used in this study is the Lewis Advanced Cluster Environment (LACE). LACE has 32 nodes connected through various networks—Ethernet, IBM's ALLNODE switch, FDDI, ATM, etc. Each node of LACE has an RS6000 processor as its CPU. On the LACE test bed, we study the communication characteristics of different networks and the overheads induced by the PVM message-passing library used for parallelizing the application. We demonstrate that clustering of workstations is effective and has the potential to be computationally competitive with supercomputers at a fraction of the cost. To illustrate this last point, we compare the performance of LACE with the Cray Y-MP.