cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observations on insect pollinators of Lycopersicon peruvianum and L. esculentum in relation to the production of F1 hybrid tomato seed.

Bombus griseocollis (DeGreer) was found to be the most common visitor to flowers of Lycopersicon peruvianum at Fort Collins (Larimer County) Colorado. Five other species of Bombus were less frequently observed on the flowers along with an occasional Apis mellifera L. No pollinating insects were observed visiting blossoms of L. esculentum during the entire flowering period. An efficient system to attract insect pollinators is apparently present in L. peruvianum but not in L. esculentum. We suggest that this system be transferred to L. esculentum genetically to make possible the production of inexpensive F1 hybrid tomato seed. A strategy for accomplishing this transfer is presented. Zusammenfassung Beobachtungen uber Insekten als Bestauber bei Lycopersicon peruvianum und L. esculentum in Beziehung zur Produktion von F1-Hybridentomatensamen Die Hummel, Bombus griseocollis (DeGreer) erwies sich als haufigste Besucherin der Bluten von L. peruvianum im Gebiet von Fort Collins (Larimer County) in Colorado. 5 andere Bombus-Arten zeigten geringere Frequenz, ebenso die Honigbiene, Apis mellifera L. Dagegen wurden wahrend der ganzen Blutezeit bei L. esculentum keine bestaubenden Insekten in den Bluten beobachtet. Augenscheinlich ist nur bei L. peruvianum, nicht aber bei L. esculentum ein wirksames Anlocksystem fur Bestauber entwickelt. Es wird angenommen, das dieses System von L. esculentum genetisch ubertragen wird, um die Produktion von F1-Habridentomatensamen zu ermoglichen. Eine Strategic zur Gewahrleistung dieser Ubertragung wird erortert. Resume A Fort Collins, en Colorado (conte Larimer), Bombus griseocollis (DeGreer) etait le plus commune visiteur aux fleurs de Lycopersicon peruvianum. On a note aussi la presence de cinq autres especes de Bombus et de temps en temp un Apis mellifera L. Dans tout le temps que L. esculentum etait en fleur n'acun visitation d'insect filieur a ete observe. Apparenment une competent systeme por attirer insectes filieurs est presente en L. peruvianum et absent de L. esculentum. Nous propose un transmettre genetique de cette systeme aux L. esculentum pour proudire un F1 hybride de tomate pepin. Un strategic pour faire cette transferer est propose.
The use of the differential steepest descent algorithm for adaptive template matching

The differential steepest descent algorithm is presented in a form useful for template matching of biomedical signals. A template pattern is adaptively weighted toward optimally matching an input pattern in the least squares sense. Parameters such as gain, DC bias, phase, and sampling interval weights are adjusted iteratively, according to the sum of squares error obtained by subtraction of template from input pattern, point by point. For biomedical pattern recognition, the template pattern may be obtained either from experimental data or from model equations. The technique is relevant to several types of real-time biomedical applications: (1) tracking of pattern parameters over time, (2) preprocessing, such as obtaining the best window and/or normalization of an input pattern before implementation of optimal features selection procedures, and (3) the least squares error at convergence to the optimal weight vector is itself useful information for pattern recognition. The technique is used to match a blood pressure pulse taken from dog data with three harmonics of a model blood pressure wave. Stability and convergence properties of the technique are shown, and suggestions are made for matching patterns that have undergone nonlinear transformations of shape. >
Action potential morphology heterogeneity in the atrium and its effect on atrial reentry: a two-dimensional and quasi-three-dimensional study

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is believed to be perpetuated by recirculating spiral waves. Atrial structures are often characterized with action potentials of varying morphologies; however, the role of the structure-dependent atrial electrophysiological heterogeneity in spiral wave behaviour is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of action potential morphology heterogeneity associated with the major atrial structures in spiral wave maintenance. The present study also focuses on how this effect is further modulated by the presence of the inherent periodicity in atrial structure. The goals of the study are achieved through the simulation of electrical behaviour in a two-dimensional atrial tissue model that incorporates the representation of action potentials in various structurally distinct regions in the right atrium. Periodic boundary conditions are then imposed to form a cylinder (quasi three-dimensional), thus allowing exploration of the additional effect of structure periodicity on spiral wave behaviour. Transmembrane potential maps and phase singularity traces are analysed to determine effects on spiral wave behaviour. Results demonstrate that the prolonged refractoriness of the crista terminalis (CT) affects the pattern of spiral wave reentry, while the variation in action potential morphology of the other structures does not. The CT anchors the spiral waves, preventing them from drifting away. Spiral wave dynamics is altered when the ends of the sheet are spliced together to form a cylinder. The main effect of the continuous surface is the generation of secondary spiral waves which influences the primary rotors. The interaction of the primary and secondary spiral waves decreased as cylinder diameter increased.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SEXUAL SIZE DIMORPHISM AND HABITAT USE IN GREATER ANTILLEAN ANOLIS LIZARDS

Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is the evolutionary result of selection operating differently on the body sizes of males and females. Anolis lizard species of the Greater Antilles have been classified into ecomorph classes, largely on the basis of their structural habitat (perch height and diameter). We show that the major ecomorph classes differ in degree of SSD. At least two SSD classes are supported: high SSD (trunk-crown, trunk-ground) and low SSD (trunk, crown-giant, grass-bush, twig). Differences cannot be attributed to an allometric increase of SSD with body size or to a phylogenetic effect. A third explanation, that selective pressures on male and/or female body size vary among habitat types, is examined by evaluating expectations from the major relevant kinds of selective pressures. Although no one kind of selective pressure produces expectations consistent with all of the information, competition with respect to structural habitat and sexual selection pressures are more likely possibilities than competition with respect to prey size or optimal feeding pressures. The existence of habitat-specific sexual dimorphism suggests that adaptation of Anolis species to their environment is more complex than previously appreciated.
Hydrodynamic modelling of coastal seas: the role of tidal dynamics in theMessina Strait, Western Mediterranean Sea

Abstract. This work explores the importance of considering tidal dynamics when modelling the general circulation in the Messina Strait, a narrow passage connecting the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian subbasins in the Western Mediterranean Sea. The tides and the induced water circulation in this Strait are among the most intense oceanographic processes in the Mediterranean Sea. The quantification of these effects can be particularly relevant for operational oceanographic systems aimed to provide short-term predictions of the main hydrodynamics in the Western Mediterranean subbasins. A numerical approach based on the use of a high-resolution hydrodynamic model was followed to reproduce the tides propagation and the wind-induced and thermohaline water circulation within the Strait and in surrounding areas. A set of numerical simulations was carried out to quantify the role of the Strait dynamics on the larger-scale water circulation. The obtained results confirmed the importance of a correct representation of the hydrodynamics in the Messina Strait even when focusing on predicting the water circulation in the external sea traits. In fact, model results show that tidal dynamics deeply impact the reproduction of the instantaneous and residual circulation pattern, waters thermohaline properties and transport dynamics both inside the Messina Strait and in the surrounding coastal and open waters.
Intellectual Fads in Political Science: The Cases of Political Socialization and Community Power Studies

ied specialties lacking in linkage to politics and public policy." Such is the state of the discipline which many observers hold to be true.1 The discipline's alleged disintegration and lack of touch with political reality is the concern of many practitioners. In answering the question, "What issues should concern us as political scientists over the next ten years?" Almond believed that among the priorities should be the problem of the unity of the discipline and the relationship among its parts (Almond 1990). As a fragmented discipline, political science has its special characteristics. One of these, which has not been adequately studied, yet which I believe is closely related to the fragmented characteristics of the discipline, is the rapid rise and fall of various methods, approaches, and fields of study-"intellectual fads."
AP Stylebook normalizes sports as a male space

This study examines gender representation in the sports section of the 2012 Associated Press Stylebook. A content analysis of entries finds that female-gendered references appear rarely, while men ...
Colchicine Reactions in Ventral Prostate of Castrated Male Rats Following Androgenic Treatment.

ConclusionMitotic activity in rat ventral prostate gland cells is studied to advantage 6 hours after colchicine administration. Testo-sterone propionate (0.1 mg daily) initiates cell division in castrate prostates 36 hours after injection; activity is maximal at 44 hours, subsides, and rises again. The action of colchicine is apparent only in dividing cells.
Evaluation of different parameters in the extraction of incurred pesticides and environmental contaminants in fish.

Sample processing is often ignored during analytical method development and validation, but accurate results for real samples depend on all aspects of the analytical process. Also, validation is often conducted using only spiked samples, but extraction yields may be lower in incurred samples. In this study, different variables in extraction for incurred pesticides and environmental contaminants in fish were investigated. Among 207 analytes screened using low-pressure gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, consisting of 150 pesticides, 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 14 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 6 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and 22 other flame retardants (FRs), 35 (16 pesticides, 9 PCBs, 5 PBDEs, and 5 PAHs) were identified for quantification in samples of salmon, croaker, and NIST Standard Reference Material 1947 (Lake Michigan Fish Tissue). Extraction efficiencies using different extraction devices (blending, vortexing, and vibrating) versus time, sample size, and sa...
Association of the Lewis blood-group phenotype with recurrent urinary tract infections in women

Blood-group antigens are found on the surface of urothelial cells and may affect bacterial adherence and thereby the susceptibility to urinary tract infection. We determined the ABO, P, and Lewis blood-group phenotypes in 49 white women with histories of recurrent urinary tract infections and compared them with those found in 49 healthy control women without recurrent urinary tract infections. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the distribution of the ABO or P phenotypes. The distribution of Lewis blood-group phenotypes among control women was similar to that in the general population: secretor phenotype (Le(a-b+)), 74 percent; nonsecretor phenotype (Le(a+b-)), 18 percent; and recessive phenotype (Le(a-b-)), 8 percent. The following distribution was noted among the women with recurrent urinary tract infections: secretor phenotype, 45 percent; nonsecretor phenotype, 29 percent; and recessive phenotype, 26 percent (P = 0.002). When the women with nonsecretor and recessive phenotypes were combined and considered collectively, the odds ratio (an estimate of relative risk of recurrent urinary tract infection) for those without the secretor phenotype was 3.4 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.5 to 7.9). We conclude that there is an increased frequency of the Lewis blood-group nonsecretor (Le(a+b-] and recessive (Le(a-b-] phenotypes among women with recurrent urinary tract infections.
Effects of Douglas-fir foliage age class on western spruce budworm oviposition choice and larval performance

The western spruce budworm ( Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman) prefers to feed on flushing buds and current-year needles of Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco). Budworm larvae will not typically consume older age classes of needles unless all current-year foliage is depleted. We tested the following null hypotheses: (1) budworm larvae can feed on foliage with a wide range of qualities (i.e., current 1-, 2-, or 3-year-old needles) without measurable effects on fitness; and (2) budworm adults do not show any oviposition preference linked to the age of the foliage they fed on as larvae. We used both laboratory and field experiments. There was strong evidence to support rejection of hypothesis 1. Budworm larvae had greater survival from the 4th instar to pupal stage when they fed on current-year foliage (43%-52% survival) versus older age classes of foliage (0-25% survival). Pupae from current-year foliage were also heavier than pupae from ≥ 1-year-old foliage. There was weak evidence to support rejecting hypothesis 2; budworm adults that fed had fed on current-year or 3-year-old foliage as larvae preferred to oviposit on current-year foliage. Similar conclusions were drawn from the laboratory and field experiments.
Imaging and simulation of Achilles tendon dynamics: Implications for walking performance in the elderly

The Achilles tendon (AT) is a complex structure, consisting of distinct fascicle bundles arising from each triceps surae muscle that may act as mechanically independent structures. Advances in tissue imaging are rapidly accelerating our understanding of the complexities of functional Achilles tendon behavior, with potentially important implications for musculoskeletal injury and performance. In this overview of our recent contributions to these efforts, we present the results of complementary experimental and computational approaches to investigate AT behavior during walking and its potential relevance to reduced triceps surae mechanical performance due to aging. Our experimental evidence reveals that older tendons exhibit smaller differences in tissue deformations than young adults between regions of the AT presumed to arise from the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. These observations are consistent with a reduced capacity for inter-fascicle sliding within the AT, which could have implications for the mechanical independence of the triceps surae muscles. More uniform AT deformations are also correlated with hallmark biomechanical features of elderly gait - namely, a loss of net ankle moment, power, and positive work during push-off. Simulating age-related reductions in the capacity for inter-fascicle sliding in the AT during walking predicts detriments in gastrocnemius muscle-tendon mechanical performance coupled with underlying shifts in fascicle kinematics during push-off. AT compliance, also suspected to vary due to age, systematically modulates those effects. By integrating in vivo imaging with computational modeling, we have gained theoretical insight into multi-scale biomechanical changes due to aging, hypotheses regarding their functional effects, and opportunities for experiments that validate or invalidate these assertions.
Epidemiological Characteristics and Genotype of Norovirus in Infants under 5 Years Old in Jilin Province in 2011

Objective To describe the epidemiological characteristics and genotype of norovirus(NV) infection in infants less than 5 years old in Jilin province.Methods375 fecal specimens of diarrhea patients in infants were collected in Changchun Children's Hospital. We detected NV by reverse transcription-polymeraes chain reactions(RT-PCR).ResultsFor NV cases, there was a peak of occurrence during the cold season, children under 2 years accounted for 94.1%of all cases. And main clinical symptoms were diarrhea,vomiting and fever. 13.6%of 357 specimens were positive for NV ribonucleic acid. All of them belonged to genogroup II(GⅡ)by RT-PCR. The sequence analysis showed that 5 strans belonged to genotype GⅡ-4,2 strans belonged to genotype GⅡ-3 and 1 strans belonged to genotype GⅡ-13.ConclusionNV is the one of the frequency of causing viral diarrhea in infants under 5 years in Jilin province. NV infection is clinically common in infants under 2 years old in hospital. Genotype GⅡ-4 was the predominant genotype.
Influences of endogenous and exogenous TGF-beta on elastin in rat lung fibroblasts and aortic smooth muscle cells

The factors that regulate elastin production during neonatal lung development have not been elucidated. Previous investigations suggested that transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) increases elastin production by neonatal rat lung fibroblasts (LF). We examined whether this effect of TGF-beta was unique to these cells or was evident in other neonatal cells, which constitutively produce elastin, or in cells from adults, whose constitutive elastin production is low. We have quantitated soluble elastin, elastin mRNA, and TGF-beta production in primary cultures of smooth muscle cells (SMC) and LF from neonatal and adult rats and have examined the alterations in soluble elastin and elastin mRNA that result from adding 100 pM exogenous TGF-beta 1 to these cultures. Unsupplemented cultures of LF and SMC obtained from neonatal rats exhibited higher steady-state levels of elastin mRNA and contained more soluble elastin in their culture medium than did cells from adult animals. When neonatal LF were supplemented with 100 pM TGF-beta 1, they showed a significant increase in the soluble elastin content of their culture medium and their steady-state elastin mRNA. Neither LF obtained from adults nor SMC obtained from neonatal or adult rats significantly increased their soluble elastin or steady-state elastin mRNA after the addition of exogenous TGF-beta. When neonatal LF were supplemented with an anti-TGF-beta neutralizing antibody, the soluble elastin content of the culture medium decreased significantly. These data suggest that the responsiveness of elastin expression to TGF-beta is limited to neonatal LF and that endogenous TGF-beta influences elastin production by neonatal LF.
Mobile Access Coordinated Wireless Sensor Networks—Design and Analysis

This paper introduces and analyzes a novel mobile access (MA) coordinated wireless sensor network (MC-WSN) architecture. In conventional sensor networks with mobile access points (SENMA), the MA points traverse the network to collect information directly from individual sensors. While simplifying the routing process, a major limitation with SENMA is that data transmission is limited by the physical speed of the MAs and their trajectory length, resulting in low throughput and large delay. In an effort to resolve this problem, we introduce the MC-WSN architecture, for which a major feature is that: through active network deployment and topology design, the number of hops from any sensor to the MA can be limited to a prespecified number. In this paper, first, we discuss the optimal topology design for MC-WSN such that the average number of hops between the source and its nearest sink is minimized. Second, we calculate the throughput of MC-WSN and illustrate the effect of the number of hops on the throughput. Third, we establish the queuing model for the cluster heads based on the Kleinrock independence assumption and Burke's theorem, and show that the traffic at each cluster head can be modeled as an independent M/M/1 queue. Finally, based on the queue modeling, we provide an in-depth analysis on network stability, delay, and energy efficiency. Our analysis is demonstrated through numerical results. It is shown that under stable system conditions, MC-WSN achieves a much higher throughput and considerably lower delay and energy consumption over SENMA.
Development of Thin-Ice Tem Grids to Control the Ice Thickness for Cryo-Electron Microscopy

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a powerful technique to determine structures of biological macromolecules and complexes embedded in a thin layer of vitreous ice. More than 400 protein structures have been determined to be better than 5-A resolutions in the EM databank. In cryo-EM, one limiting factor in image contrast is the ice thickness. Experiments have shown that by extensive efforts to optimize the vitrification process, the contrast of recorded cryo-EM images increased dramatically. Currently, the vitrification process is still a trial and error method, and there is very poor control of the ice thickness. In this study, a new type of TEM grid, termed as Thin-ice TEM grid, will be developed using nanofabrication processes. The thickness of the spacer layer on a Thin-ice TEM grid determines the thickness of the liquid layer, thus the thickness of the vitreous ice. This makes the vitrification process a well-controlled step, and guarantees the ice thickness to be the desired value. In addition, the sample volume is decreased by a factor of 100-10,000. The Thin-ice TEM grid not only eliminates the intensive labor and cryo-EM involvement, but also results in maximized contrast (i.e. signal-to-noise-ratio, SNR) of recorded cryo-EM images and higher resolution of the determined biological structure. This will increase the efficiency and success rate of cryo-EM in structural biology, speed up the understanding of biological functions at molecular level, and potentially facilitate the development of new therapeutic agents to treat diseases in broad areas.
Earthquakes and frack-waste: sounds of extraction-related disaster in Appalachian Ohio

This article critically listens to the sounds of energy extraction in Appalachian Ohio in the United States. It focuses on the sounds of extraction-made disaster from the nineteenth century to the ...
The natural history of recoverable vocal fold paralysis: Implications for kinetics of reinnervation

Objectives/Hypothesis Patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) are commonly told to wait 12 months for spontaneous recovery. This study aims to 1) determine the time to vocal recovery in UVFP, 2) use that data to develop a neurophysiologically plausible model for recovery, and 3) use the model to generate meaningful predictions for patient counseling. Study Design Case series with de novo mathematical modeling. Methods Patients with UVFP who could pinpoint a discrete onset of vocal improvement were identified. The time-to-recovery data were modeled by assuming an “early” recovery group with neuropraxia and a “late” recovery group with more severe nerve injury. For the late group, a two-stage model was developed to explain the time to recovery: regenerating axons must cross the site of injury in stage 1 (probabilistic), followed by unimpeded regrowth to the larynx in stage 2 (deterministic). Results Of 727 cases of UVFP over a 7-year period, 44 reported spontaneous recovery with a discrete onset of vocal improvement. A hybrid distribution incorporating the two stages (exponentially modified Gaussian) accurately modeled the time-to-recovery data (R2 = 0.918). The model predicts 86% of patients with recoverable UVFP will recover within 6 months, with 96% recovering within 9 months. Earlier vocal recovery is associated with recovery of vocal fold motion and younger age. Conclusions Waiting 12 months for spontaneous recovery is probably too conservative. Repair across the site of injury, and not regrowth to larynx, is likely the rate-determining step in reinnervation, consistent with other works on peripheral nerve regeneration. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 2017
Predictors of Arterial Stiffness in Law Enforcement Officers.

Background: Compare arterial stiffness among law enforcement officers (LEOs) versus general population normative values and identify predictors of arterial stiffness in LEOs. Methods: Seventy male LEOs (age: 24–54 years) completed body composition, blood pressures, physical activity level, and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) measurements. T-tests and regression analyses were utilized to compare LEO data to normative data and predict cfPWV, respectively. Results: Compared to similar age strata within the general population, cfPWV was lower among LEO’s under 30-years (mean difference = −0.6 m·s−1), but higher among LEOs 50–55-years (mean difference = 1.1 m·s−1). Utilizing regression, age, relative body fat, and diastolic blood pressure explained the greatest variance in LEO’s cfPWV (adj. R2 = 0.56, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This investigation demonstrated that arterial stiffness may progress more rapidly in LEOs and LEOs’ relative body fat and blood pressure may primarily affect arterial stiffness and risk of CVD.
Brain response to food brands correlates with increased intake from branded meals in children: an fMRI study

Food branding is ubiquitous, however, not all children are equally susceptible to its effects. The objectives of this study were to 1) determine whether food brands evoke differential response than non-food brands in brain areas related to motivation and inhibitory control using blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and 2) determine the association between brain response and energy intake at test-meals presented with or without brands. Twenty-eight 7–10 year-old children completed four visits as part of a within-subjects design where they consumed three multi-item test-meals presented with familiar food brands, novel food brand, and no brand. On the fourth visit an fMRI was performed where children passively viewed food brands, non-food brands and control images. A whole-brain analysis was conducted to compare BOLD response between conditions. Pearson’s correlations were calculated to determine the association between brain response and meal intake. Relative to non-food brands, food brand images were associated with increased activity in the right lingual gyrus. Relative to control, food and non-food brand images were associated with greater response in bilateral fusiform gyri and decreased response in the cuneus, precuneus, lingual gyrus, and supramarginal gyrus. Less activation in the bilateral fusiform gyrus to both food and non-food brands was associated with greater energy intake of the branded vs unbranded meal. These findings may help explain differences in the susceptibility to the intake-promoting effects of food advertising in children.
Colonic and small intestinal alkaline phosphatase. A histochemical and biochemical study.

Abstract Colonic and intestinal alkaline phosphatase were studied histoenzymatically and biochemically in normal mucosae from eight hemicolectomy specimens. Histochemically, the most intense reaction was found in the small intestine, followed by vascular endothelium and colonic epithelium, respectively. The reaction was stronger in frozen sections than in acetone-fixed specimens, weakest in formalin-fixed tissues, and best when cold fixatives and low melting point paraffin were used. In the small intestine, the reaction was most marked on the villus tips. In the colon, the crypt necks showed the strongest reaction although good staining of luminal epithelium was found with more prolonged incubation. The addition of phenylalanine to the substrate medium resulted in selective inhibition of epithelial staining, whereas levamisole selectively inhibited the vascular reaction. On cellulose acetate electrophoresis, colonic and intestinal alkaline phosphatase showed slightly different rates of migration suggesting the presence of different isoenzymes. Quantitative analysis indicated that the intestinal enzyme expressed in U/g wet tissue was 7.7 times the colonic enzyme in amount. It is concluded that despite its relatively low biochemical activity, alkaline phosphatase can be demonstrated histochemically in colonic epithelium if tissues are processed at low temperatures and if the appropriate fixatives and adequate times are used.
Commentary on the Special Issue on Social-Emotional Assessment to Guide Educational Practice

This commentary summarizes themes from the JADP special issue on social and emotional assessment and offers recommendations for effective use of assessment data to promote improved social and emotional learning experiences for students.
Reliability Characterization of Solid State Drives in a Scalable Production Datacenter

In recent years, NAND flash-based solid state drives (SSD) have been widely used in datacenters due to their better performance compared with the traditional hard disk drives. However, little is known about the reliability characteristics of SSDs in production systems. Existing works study the statistical distributions of SSD failures in the field. However, they do not go deep into SSD drives and investigate the unique error types and health dynamics that distinguish SSDs from hard disk drives. In this paper, we explore the SSD-specific SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) attributes to conduct an in-depth analysis of SSD reliability in a production environment. Data is collected from a scalable production system having several physical locations. Our dataset contains over a million records with more than twenty attributes. We leverage machine learning technologies, specifically data clustering and correlation analysis methods, to discover groups of SSDs which have different health status and relations among SSD-specific SMART attributes. Our results show that 1) Media wear affects the reliability of SSDs more than any other factors, and 2) SSDs transit from one health group to another which infers the reliability degradation of those drives. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that investigates SSD-specific SMART data to characterize SSD reliability in a production environment.
CONTROL OF eIF-2 PHOSPHORYLATION IN RABBIT RETICULOCYTE LYSATE

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the control eIF-2 phosphorylation in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. An increased phosphorylation state of the 38,000 dalton subunit (α) of eIF-2 is associated with translational inhibition resulting from hemin deficiency, double-stranded RNA, and oxidized glutathione. It has been suggested that eIF-2ot phosphorylation directly or indirectly inhibits initiator met t-RNAf binding by eIF-2 and studies have been made on eIF-2α kinase and the conditions that modulate its activity. The steady state level of eIF-2 phosphorylation is determined by a combination of kinase and phosphatase activities. Dephosphorylation of eIF-2α in reticulocyte lysate is extremely rapid and occurs at the same rate in both hemin-supplemented and hemin-depleted lysate. In contrast, the phosphorylation state of eIF-2s remains constant under all conditions studied. eIF-2α phosphatase activity can be modulated by the energy charge of the guanine nucleotide pool.
Adjustable Frequency Fluidic Oscillator with Supermode Frequency

This Paper introduces a feedback-type fluidic oscillator design with adjustable frequency at a constant flow rate. Details of the internal and external flowfields were revealed by numerical simulat...
The Broken Mirror

I make clear here that the objective of the book is to investigate—via the scrutiny, precision, and self-reflexivity in poems—the words “I” and “self ” as suggestive of eight territories of meaning, often in unrecognized conflict with one another and thereby contributing to failures of conversation. The chapter then lays out the different territories of usage that will concern the following chapters: the self as (1) semiotic construct, (2) volitional agent, (3) instinctual drive, (4) existential monad, (5) subjectivity, (6) ontological origin, (7) the soul, and (8) the transpersonal psyche. Numerous examples from poetry will be used throughout the book to illustrate the lyric nature of usage, insofar that each conception of the self finds its most adequate clarification and/or exemplification through metaphor.
New Clones on the Block.

Although immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has yielded striking clinical responses in subsets of cancer patients, the mechanism of action is still unclear. In a recent issue of Nature Medicine, Yost et al., 2019 report that the T cell clones that dominate the intra-tumoral T cell landscape after ICB are distinct from those prior to treatment, a phenomenon referred to by the authors as "clonal replacement."
Two-Dimensional Dispersion

The dispersion of a pollutant solution in a flow through a porous medium was investigated. A theoretical solution was obtained for the general, two-dimensional, convective-dispersion equation that describes the dispersion of a miscible, second fluid through a seepage flow. Application of the theoretical results requires knowledge of the basic seepage flow, the pollutant (second fluid) source concentration, and the longitudinal and lateral dispersion coefficients of the porous medium. A simplified theory and experiments were conducted to determine the coefficients. Their values found in the present study are in agreement with previously published results. Theoretical and experimental breakthrough curves for the general theory are presented and appropriate comparisons made. The unsteady growth of the dispersion front is shown, and the significant effects of both the longitudinal and lateral dispersion phenomena are clearly demonstrated.
The moderating effect of FKBP5 and 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms on the day-level association between drinking to cope motivation and negative affect.

Abstract Daily levels of drinking to cope (DTC) have been found to be related to negative outcomes such as increased negative affect, and these effects vary across person. We examined whether daily-level effects of DTC motivation were related to two genetic polymorphisms (rs1360780 in the FKBP5 gene and 5-HTTLPR in SLC6A4) thought to be associated with maladaptive drinking and stress-reactivity. We also examined whether these associations changed during the transition from college to post-college life. Participants (N = 839, 55% women) completed an Internet-based 30-day daily diary during college and again five years later in which they reported their previous night's drinking and drinking motivation, and their current day's negative affect. Saliva was collected at wave 1 to provide DNA for genotyping. The within-person association between nighttime DTC motivation and next-day anxiety and depression was stronger (more positive) for FKBP5 rs1360780 T-allele carriers, compared C/C-allele individuals. We also found that 5-HTTLPR L’/S’ subjects (but not S’/S’ homozygotes), compared to L’/L’ homozygotes, showed stronger positive associations between DTC and anxiety. Results for FKBP5 T-allele carriers are discussed in terms of past findings indicating that such individuals tend to demonstrate increased attention toward stressors, thus possibly intensifying the deleterious effects of DTC-motivated drinking.
The mathematical flexibility of college students: The role of cognitive and affective factors.

Background Traditional math instruction that emphasizes procedures and rote memorization is common in math classes, particularly within the United States. Students may be able to perform steps and recite information, but flexible thinking in math is also an important ability. Lay theories assume that extensive experience in math would lead to increased flexibility, but some research has posited a change-resistant account, which argues that experience with traditional instruction may make it difficult to think flexibly about even simple concepts. Aims The current study explored the mathematical flexibility of college students who completed their K-12 education in the United States, and investigated how affective and cognitive factors contributed to flexible thinking. Sample Participants were 128 undergraduate students at a competitive U.S. public university. Method Mathematical flexibility was measured through a novel task that asked participants to generate as many strategies as they could for a simple arithmetic problem. These strategies were coded to create scores of fluency (number of strategies) and flexibility (number of unique strategies). Results and conclusions On average, participants were only able to provide little more than three unique strategies beyond the primary strategy taught in K-12 classrooms. Measures of math anxiety, math identity, need for cognition, and working memory were all unrelated to flexibility. However, student perceptions of how many possible solutions exist were significantly related to flexibility. These results provide evidence for a change-resistance account and provide further evidence that math flexibility is a unique construct.
The Effects of Personalizing Colorectal Cancer Risk Communication on Risk Perceptions and Health Behavior Intentions: a Randomized Trial of Average-Risk Adults

Risk assessment tools may help individuals gauge cancer risk and motivate lifestyle and screening behavior changes. Despite the evermore common availability of such tools, little is known about their potential utility in average-risk population approaches to cancer prevention. We evaluated the effects of providing personalized (vs. generic) information concerning colorectal cancer (CRC) risk factors on average-risk individuals’ risk perceptions and intentions to engage in three risk-reducing behaviors: CRC screening, diet, and physical activity. Further, we explored whether the receipt of CRC-specific risk assessment feedback influenced individuals’ breast cancer risk perceptions and mammography intentions. Using an online survey, N = 419 survey respondents aged 50–75 with no personal or family history of CRC were randomized to receive an average estimate of CRC lifetime risk and risk factor information that was either personalized (treatment) or invariant/non-personalized (control). Respondent risk perceptions and behavioral intentions were ascertained before and after risk assessment administration. No differences were observed in risk perceptions or behavioral intentions by study arm. However, regardless of study arm, CRC screening intentions significantly increased after risk assessment feedback was provided. This occurred despite a significant reduction in risk perceptions. Results support the role simple cancer risk assessment information could play in promoting screening behaviors while improving the accuracy of cancer risk perceptions. Providing cancer risk assessment information may decrease individuals’ perceptions of cancer risk to more realistic levels while simultaneously facilitating screening intentions among an average-risk population, regardless of whether provided risk information is personalized.
Initial Clinical Experience of Cherenkov Imaging in External Beam Radiation Therapy Identifies Opportunities to Improve Treatment Delivery.

Purpose The value of Cherenkov imaging as an on-patient, real-time, treatment delivery verification system was examined in a 64-patient cohort during routine radiation treatments in a single-center study. Methods and Materials Cherenkov cameras were mounted in treatment rooms and used to image patients during their standard radiation therapy regimen for various sites, predominantly for whole breast and total skin electron therapy. For most patients, multiple fractions were imaged, with some involving bolus or scintillators on the skin. Measures of repeatability were calculated with a mean distance to conformity (MDC) for breast irradiation images. Results In breast treatments, Cherenkov images identified fractions when treatment delivery resulted in dose on the contralateral breast, the arm, or the chin and found nonideal bolus positioning. In sarcoma treatments, safe positioning of the contralateral leg was monitored. For all 199 imaged breast treatment fields, the interfraction MDC was within 7 mm compared with the first day of treatment (with only 7.5% of treatments exceeding 3 mm), and all but 1 fell within 7 mm relative to the treatment plan. The value of imaging dose through clear bolus or quantifying surface dose with scintillator dots was examined. Cherenkov imaging also was able to assess field match lines in cerebral-spinal and breast irradiation with nodes. Treatment imaging of other anatomic sites confirmed the value of surface dose imaging more broadly. Conclusions Daily radiation therapy can be imaged routinely via Cherenkov emissions. Both the real-time images and the posttreatment, cumulative images provide surrogate maps of surface dose delivery that can be used for incident discovery and/or continuous improvement in many delivery techniques. In this initial 64-patient cohort, we discovered 6 minor incidents using Cherenkov imaging; these otherwise would have gone undetected. In addition, imaging provides automated, quantitative metrics useful for determining the quality of radiation therapy delivery.
When Is My Care Team Rounding? A Simple Signage Intervention to Increase Awareness of Rounding Times.

Patient and caregiver awareness of multidisciplinary rounds (MDR) times, and their subsequent involvement in MDR, aids in decreasing adverse health outcomes, reducing average length of stay, and in...
Human factors and ergonomics methods for pharmacy research and clinical practice.

Abstract Background Human factors and ergonomics (HFE) is a scientific and practical human-centered discipline that studies and improves human performance in sociotechnical systems. HFE in pharmacy promotes the human-centered design of systems to support individuals and teams performing medication-related work. Objective To review select HFE methods well suited to address pharmacy challenges, with examples of their application in pharmacy. Methods We define the scope of HFE methods in pharmacy as applications to pharmacy settings, such as inpatient or community pharmacies, as well as medication-related phenomena such as medication safety, adherence, or deprescribing. We identify and present seven categories of HFE methods suited to widespread use for pharmacy research and clinical practice. Results Categories of HFE methods applicable to pharmacy include work system analysis; task analysis; workload assessment; medication safety and error analysis; user-centered and participatory design; usability evaluation; and physical ergonomics. HFE methods are used in three broad phases of human-centered design and evaluation: study; design; and evaluation. The most robust applications of HFE methods involve the combination of HFE methods across all three phases. Two cases illustrate such a comprehensive application of HFE: one case of medication package, label, and information design and a second case of human-centered design of a digital decision aid for medication safety. Conclusions Pharmacy, including the places where pharmacy professionals work and the multistep process of medication use across people and settings, can benefit from HFE. This is because pharmacy is a human-centered sociotechnical system with an existing tradition of studying and analyzing the present state, designing solutions to problems, and evaluating those solutions in laboratory or practice settings. We conclude by addressing common concerns about the implementation of HFE methods and urge the adoption of HFE methods in pharmacy.
Spontaneous resolution of Mycobacterium kansasii presenting as a spiculated lung mass.

Abstract A 68-year old woman with a long smoking history underwent lung cancer screening by low-dose computed tomography. This detected a 3.0 cm spiculated mass in the left upper lobe. Transbronchial biopsy revealed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation and cultures grew Mycobacterium kansasii. Given lack of symptoms and concerns over drug toxicity, the patient declined antimicrobial therapy and she was monitored radiographically. Serial CT scans at six and twenty-two months showed progressive resolution of the mass. We present the first report of Mycobacterium kansasii presenting as a solitary lung nodule that spontaneously resolved without treatment.
Cosolvency approach for assessing the solubility of drugs in poly(vinylpyrrolidone)

The log-linear cosolvency model was applied for estimating the solubility of four drugs: ritonavir, griseofulvin, itraconazole and ketoconazole in poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). Cosolvent mixtures consisted of PVP mixed in different proportions with N-ethylpyrrolidone, which served as the monomeric analogue of the repeating unit of the polymer. Solubility in the monomer-polymer mixtures was determined by HPLC. As the configuration of the solvating unit in the solvent mixture changed from entirely monomeric to increasingly polymeric, the solubility of the drugs decreased in a fashion that follows the log-linear cosolvency model. The linear relationship was used to obtain estimates for the solubility of the drugs in the different grades of PVP. The solubility of the drugs in PVP is low (from <1% to ∼15% w/w). Among the set of drug solutes, ritonavir exhibited the highest solubility in PVP (w/w). Mixing with the monomer is most favorable for griseofulvin among the four drugs. However, the detrimental effect of polymerization on its solubility is more pronounced than for ritonavir. The mixing of itraconazole with the monomer is more favorable than the mixing of ketoconazole. However, despite the molecular similarity between ketaconazole and itraconazole, the solubility of the latter is particularly affected by the polymeric configuration of the solvating unit, to the point of exhibiting differences in solubility resulting from the chain length of the grade of PVP used. The log-linear cosolvency model is a useful tool for estimating the solubility of the drugs in the polymer at room temperature, while providing quantitative information on the differences in mixing behavior of the four model compounds.
Febrile Seizures After 2010–2011 Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine

OBJECTIVES: In the Post-Licensure Rapid Immunization Safety Monitoring Program, we examined risk of febrile seizures (FS) after trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) during the 2010–2011 influenza season, adjusted for concomitant diphtheria tetanus acellular pertussis-containing vaccines (DTaP). Assuming children would receive both vaccines, we examined whether same-day TIV and PCV13 vaccination was associated with greater FS risk when compared with separate-day vaccination. METHODS: We used a self-controlled risk interval design, comparing the FS rate in a risk interval (0–1 days) versus control interval (14–20 days). Vaccinations were identified in claims and immunization registry data. FS were confirmed with medical records. RESULTS: No statistically significant TIV-FS associations were found in unadjusted or adjusted models (incidence rate ratio [IRR] adjusted for age, seasonality, and concomitant PCV13 and DTaP: 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78 to 2.39). Adjusted for age and seasonality, PCV13 was significantly associated with FS (IRR 1.74, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.86), but not when further adjusting for concomitant TIV and DTaP (IRR 1.61, 95% CI 0.91 to 2.82). Same-day TIV and PCV13 vaccination was not associated with excess risk of FS when compared with separate-day vaccination (1.08 fewer FS per 100 000 with same day administration, 95% CI −5.68 to 6.09). CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant increased risk of FS was found for 2010–2011 TIV or PCV13, when adjusting for concomitant vaccines. Same-day TIV and PCV13 vaccination was not associated with more FS compared with separate-day vaccination.