cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial and Temporal Segregation of Juvenile and Mature Garlic Mustard Plants (Alliaria petiolata) in a Central Pennsylvania Woodland

Abstract Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is an invasive, spring-germinating, obligately biennial plant. In a central Pennsylvania forest, two distinctive plant patch types exist simultaneously: patches with mixed juveniles and adults and patches that are exclusively juvenile. We experimentally tested two hypotheses to explain this peculiar distribution. The habitat limitation hypothesis proposes that garlic mustard, like other biennials, is limited to rarely available habitats and can only reach maturity in a subset of the patches where its seeds germinate. The intraspecific competition hypothesis proposes that juveniles only survive to maturity in patches lacking adults. We mapped the natural distribution of ten juvenile and ten mature patches and used transects to assess juvenile and adult density in 2 y. We found that patches cycled annually from juvenile to mixed, supporting the intraspecific competition hypothesis. We looked for biotic (interspecific competition) and abiotic (shading) factors tha...
Tracking concept change with incremental boosting by minimization of the evolving exponential loss

Methods involving ensembles of classifiers, such as bagging and boosting, are popular due to the strong theoretical guarantees for their performance and their superior results. Ensemble methods are typically designed by assuming the training data set is static and completely available at training time. As such, they are not suitable for online and incremental learning. In this paper we propose IBoost, an extension of AdaBoost for incremental learning via optimization of an exponential cost function which changes over time as the training data changes. The resulting algorithm is flexible and allows a user to customize it based on the computational constraints of the particular application. The new algorithm was evaluated on stream learning in presence of concept change. Experimental results showed that IBoost achieves better performance than the original AdaBoost trained from scratch each time the data set changes, and that it also outperforms previously proposed Online Coordinate Boost, Online Boost and its non-stationary modifications, Fast and Light Boosting, ADWIN Online Bagging and DWM algorithms.
Structural Characterizations of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ Twist Boundaries Using Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy

Structural Characterizations of Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8FATAL ERROR -- Missing abstract.plus;FATAL ERROR -- Missing abstract.dgr; Twist Boundaries Using Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy
Photochemistry of hematite photoanodes under zero applied bias

Abstract Surface photovoltage spectroscopy (SPS) was used to observe photochemical charge separation and oxidation reactions on Fe2O3 nanorod arrays under zero applied bias. Nanorod films were grown from FeCl3 under hydrothermal conditions followed by calcination at 550 °C. A negative photovoltage of up −130 mV is observed under 2.0–4.5 eV (0.1 mW cm−2) illumination, confirming 2.0 eV as the effective bandgap of the material, and electrons as majority carriers. SPS in the presence of air, nitrogen, water, oxygen, and under vacuum suggest that the photovoltage is associated with the oxidation of surface water and with reversible surface hole trapping on the 1 min time scale and de-trapping on the 1 h time scale. O2 promotes water oxidation by increasing the concentration of surface holes. Sacrificial donors KI, H2O2 or potassium hydroxide increase the voltage to −240 and −400 mV, due to improved hole transfer. Cobalt oxide and Co-Pi cocatalysts quench the voltage, which is tentatively attributed to the removal of surface states and enhanced e/h recombination. An energy diagram is used to relate the experimental photovoltage to the built-in potentials at the respective interfaces.
Growth rates and rRNA content of four marine bacteria in pure cultures and in the Delaware estuary

Interpretation of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) to 16S rRNA gene ratios (rRNA:rDNA) is based on a limited number of studies with rapidly growing copiotrophic bacteria. The most abundant bacteria in the ocean are oligotrophs, which probably grow more slowly than those bacteria whose rRNA:rDNA versus growth rate relationships are known. To examine whether rRNA:rDNA varies differently in oligotrophic marine bacteria than in copiotrophic bacteria, we used quantitative PCR and reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR to measure rRNA:rDNA in two marine copiotrophs and in two marine oligotrophs, including Candidatus Pelagibacter ubique HTCC1062, a coastal isolate of SAR11, the most abundant bacterial clade in the ocean. The rRNA:rDNA ratios for the two copiotrophs were similar to those expected on the basis of an analysis of previously studied copiotrophic bacteria, while the ratios for the two oligotrophs were substantially lower than predicted even given their slow growth rates. The rRNA:rDNA ratios determined along a transect in the Delaware estuary suggested that SAR11 bacteria grow at rates close to the growth rate in culture, while rates of the two copiotrophs were far below those observed in laboratory cultures. Our results have implications for interpreting rRNA:rDNA from natural communities, understanding growth strategies and comparing regulatory mechanisms in copiotrophs and oligotrophs.
The vitamin B12 content of human liver tissue and its nutritional significance; a comparison study of various age groups.

Range and average values are reported for the vitamin B12 content of liver tissue obtained at autopsy from 132 individuals. Th average value for all age groups was approximately 0.70 γ per Gm. of wet tissues. In cirrhosis the average value was 0.26 γ per Gm. It was concluded that there are no apparent differences in vitamin B12 stores in the various age groups. Also, the amount of vitamin stored is relatively large in terms of requirement and is probably sufficient to last for a period of several years.
Resolving fine spectral features in lattice vibrational modes using femtosecond coherent spectroscopy

We show resolution of fine spectral features within several Raman active vibrational modes in potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) crystal. Measurements are performed using a femtosecond time-domain coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy technique that is capable of delivering equivalent spectral resolution of 0.1 cm−1. The Raman spectra retrieved from our measurements show several spectral components corresponding to vibrations of different symmetry with distinctly different damping rates. In particular, linewidths for unassigned optical phonon mode triplet centered at around 820 cm−1 are found to be 7.5 ± 0.2 cm−1, 9.1 ± 0.3 cm−1, and 11.2 ± 0.3 cm−1. Results of our experiments will ultimately help to design an all-solid-state source for sub-optical-wavelength waveform generation that is based on stimulated Raman scattering.
Agile science: creating useful products for behavior change in the real world.

Evidence-based practice is important for behavioral interventions but there is debate on how best to support real-world behavior change. The purpose of this paper is to define products and a preliminary process for efficiently and adaptively creating and curating a knowledge base for behavior change for real-world implementation. We look to evidence-based practice suggestions and draw parallels to software development. We argue to target three products: (1) the smallest, meaningful, self-contained, and repurposable behavior change modules of an intervention; (2) “computational models” that define the interaction between modules, individuals, and context; and (3) “personalization” algorithms, which are decision rules for intervention adaptation. The “agile science” process includes a generation phase whereby contender operational definitions and constructs of the three products are created and assessed for feasibility and an evaluation phase, whereby effect size estimates/casual inferences are created. The process emphasizes early-and-often sharing. If correct, agile science could enable a more robust knowledge base for behavior change.
Improving Preservice Teachers’ Knowledge and Application of Functional Behavioral Assessments Using Multimedia

ABSTRACT: Functional behavioral assessment (FBA) is an empirically supported intervention associated with decreasing problem behavior and increasing appropriate behavior. To date, few studies have examined multimedia approaches to FBA training. This paper provides the outcomes of a randomized controlled trial across three university sites and evaluates whether preservice teachers can learn the core features of the FBA process through short multimedia vignettes compared to a traditional method (i.e., in-person lecture with PowerPoint). Based on our previous research, we hypothesized that the multimedia group (n = 97) would outperform the traditional method group (n = 102). Results indicated statistically significant differences in FBA knowledge favoring the students who participated in the multimedia condition, F(1, 198) = 9.61, p = .002, d = 0.45. Findings are discussed along with implications for practice and subsequent research.
An Analysis of Participation in Decision Making Among Project Engineers

In this study the nine most relevant job decisions for project engineers were named by the engineers themselves. Five hypotheses focused on the degree of participation in decision making by the pro...
Abstract LB-19: Interaction of GPR56 with TG2 regulates melanoma progression

GPR56 is a member of a newly described adhesion G protein-coupled receptor family. We previously reported that the expression of GPR56 significantly inhibited tumor progression of human melanoma cells, and its N-terminus binds to tissue transglutaminase (TG2), a major crosslinking enzyme in ECM. To investigate the contribution of TG2 to GPR56-regulated melanoma progression, we analyzed the tumor growth of the melanoma cell line, MC-1, in the presence or absence of TG2. Our data showed that ectopic GPR56 expression abolished the influence of TG2 on tumor growth, whereas knocking down GPR56 in tumor cells dramatically enhanced TG29s tumor promoting effect. Consistently, interrupting the interaction of constitutive GPR56 with TG2 by overexpression of a free GPR56-N fragment significantly increased tumor growth. However, removing TG2 almost completely blocked tumor formation from GPR56-knocking down cells but not from control or GPR56-overexpressing cells. Collectively, our data revealed a model in which GPR56 plays dual roles during melanoma progression: it antagonizes the tumor-promoting effects of TG2 but positively regulates the tumor initiation/maintenance of melanomas. To investigate further how GPR56 might antagonize the function of TG2 in melanoma progression, we examined the expression/deposition of ECM components in cells and in tumor. Our data demonstrated that GPR56 regulates the distribution of TG2 and its partners in tumor ECM in vivo. Taken together, we present evidence here that a novel adhesion receptor, GPR56, regulates melanoma progression by modulating TG2 in the tumor microenvironment. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-19. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-19
Ultra-Shallow Junction Formation Technology from the 130 to the 45 nm node

One of the main materials challenges of the 130 nm silicon technology node was the need to find a processing solution to the anomalous diffusion behavior of ion-implanted dopants known from three decades of research. Reduction of implantation energy no longer proved sufficient when trying to reduce source/drain extension junction depth, increase abruptness, and limit sheet resistance. Spike-annealing, a new process in which ion implanted silicon could be heated rapidly to temperatures required for dopant activation and then cooled down without dwelling at temperature, adequately addressed the scaling requirements of this node. The resulting junctions achieved high dopant concentration values very close to the surface while limiting junction depth. However, this increased the propensity for dopant migration to overlying layers associated with the source/drain spacer. Loss of device performance due to this and other phenomena became a strong motivating factor for further materials research in order to sustain progress through the 130 nm and 90 nm nodes. Complex interactions between various layers have been understood and the resulting developments in spacer materials have enabled high performance devices. The requirements of the 65 and 45 nm nodes stretch spike-annealing to its limit and newer Ultra-High Temperature anneals must be considered.
The Effect of Biochar Source on Cotton Seedling Growth and Development and Association with Conventional Fertilizers

Aims: Growth chamber experiments were performed in order to determine the influence that biochars originating from two separate sources (mixed-hardwoods and poultry litter) have on the growth and development of cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedlings used alone or in combination with conventional fertilizers. Study Design: The treatments consisted of a 3 by 3 full-factorial arrangement of biochar and fertilizer rates organized in a complete randomized design. Place and Duration of Study: The trials were conducted in the fall of 2010 and 2012 at the Altheimer Laboratory located at the University of Arkansas Research and Extension Station, Fayetteville, Arkansas (USA). Methodology: In both experiments, 54 1.5 liter pots were each filled with 1.8 kilograms of a Captina silt loam soil (Typic fragiudult). Both biochar types were added to pots at three equivalent rates: (1) no biochar (control); (2) 5,000 kg/ha; and (3) 10,000 kg/ha while
Dynamic electrocardiogram detection in 96 patients with diabetes (TypeB)

The 24-hour dynamic electrocardiogram was used to dectect 96 patients with diabetes (typeII), of which 42 patients (groupA) without cardiovascular complication, 54 patients (groupB) suffered with cardiovascular complication, both were compared with those of healthy control group. Results showed that patients in groupB had high incidence of ventricular and atrial arrhythmia ( P 0.01). The incidence of arrhythmia in GroupA increased little. The incidence of ventricular arrhythmia and transient atrial fibrillation in group B were 40.7% and 42.6%, respectively, according to Lown's classification≥3, both were obviously higher than those in group A, of which were 14.3% and 16.7% ( P 0.01), respectively. It could be concluded that the major factor of severe arrhymia in patients with diabetes II would be angiocardiopathy.
The meta-analysis of long term vaccine protective efficacy of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine

To evaluate long term(5 years follow-up or more) vaccine protective efficacy of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine(HBV-R), we have searched "China Biology Medicine disc(CBMd)", "China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)", "Wanfang(WF) Database", "National Center for Biotechnology Information(NCBI)", and "Cochrane Library" for random control trial(RCT) and prospective cohort study(PCS) of long term(at least 5 years) protective efficacy for HBV-R, and Rev Man 5.1 software was adopted to analyze the pooled accumulative incidences(AI) of breakthrough infection(BI) and chronic carriage(CC) by different following period,study design and various endemic regions. A total of 13 studies were included, of which 4 studies were RCT and 9studies were PCS. The AI of BI and CC were 0.01(95% CI(confidence interval): 0.00-0.01) and 0.00(95% CI:0.00-0.00), respectively. At last, we concluded that the protection provided by three doses of HBV-R persists for at least two decades in the great majority of immune competent individuals.
So who was Gerdy... and how did he get his own tubercle

Pierre Nicholas Gerdy is credited with the description of several anatomic structures, including Gerdy's tubercle. His life and scientific contributions are described.
Preserving cardiovascular benefits of hormone replacement therapy.

In the premenopausal period, the risk of heart disease is considerably lower in women than in men; however, in the postmenopausal period, when estrogen levels are considerably lower, women's risk of heart disease increases dramatically and approaches that of men. Numerous animal studies, using a variety of models, also confirm estrogen's cardioprotective effect. Although the results of numerous population-based, observational studies have demonstrated a lower risk of heart disease in women who receive estrogen replacement therapy, evidence from prospective, randomized clinical trials is scant. The Postmenopausal Estrogen/Progestin Intervention (PEPI) trial evaluated cardiovascular risk factors, not events, in a large, prospective, randomized trial and found that estrogen improved lipid profiles and other known risk factors. In addition, the PEPI trial compared several estrogen/progestogen treatment regimens, including both medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and micronized progesterone (MP), and found that combined hormone replacement therapy regimens including MP attenuated the beneficial effects of estrogen less than those containing MPA. In the Heart and Estrogen/ Progestin Replacement Study (HERS), however, which prospectively evaluated whether estrogen and MPA use reduced the number of nonfatal myocardial infarctions and cardiovascular events, no effect was seen. Although HERS was a null trial, the vast literature base showing a cardioprotective effect should not be discounted. Further research will be required before blanket recommendations on the cardioprotective effects of hormone therapy can be made.
Redefining Budd-Chiari syndrome: A systematic review

AIM: To re-examine whether hepatic vein thrombosis (HVT) (classical Budd-Chiari syndrome) and hepatic vena cava-Budd Chiari syndrome (HVC-BCS) are the same disorder. METHODS: A systematic review of observational studies conducted in adult subjects with primary BCS, hepatic vein outflow tract obstruction, membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC), obliterative hepatocavopathy, or HVT during the period of January 2000 until February 2015 was conducted using the following databases: Cochrane Library, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed and Scopus. RESULTS: Of 1299 articles identified, 26 were included in this study. Classical BCS is more common in women with a pure hepatic vein obstruction (49%-74%). HVC-BCS is more common in men with the obstruction often located in both the inferior vena cava and hepatic veins (14%-84%). Classical BCS presents with acute abdominal pain, ascites, and hepatomegaly. HVC-BCS presents with chronic abdominal pain and abdominal wall varices. Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are the most common etiology of classical BCS (16%-62%) with the JAK2V617-F mutation found in 26%-52%. In HVC-BCS, MPN are found in 4%-5%, and the JAK2V617-F mutation in 2%-5%. Classical BCS responds well to medical management alone and 1st line management of HVC-BCS involves percutaneous recanalization, with few managed with medical management alone. CONCLUSION: Systematic review of recent data suggests that classical BCS and HVC-BCS may be two clinically different disorders that involve the disruption of hepatic venous outflow.
Left-Sided Gallbladder: Uncommon Presentation and Laparoscopic Approach

Sinistroposition, or left-sided placement of the gallbladder, is a rare congenital anomaly with a prevalence of about 0.3%. These gallbladders, through multiple proposed developmental aberrations, are situated beneath segment III or IV (or both, as in this case) of the liver, and can lead to diagnostic difficulty. We present a case of atypical presentation of acute cholecystitis from a left-sided gallbladder and the modified laparoscopic technique used for its safe removal.
The New Mestizas

In this chapter, I address the subsequent deconstruction of heteropatriarchy by feminist thought and its cultural manifestos. Gloria Anzaldua’s Borderlands/La Frontera and Ana Castillo’s The Massacre of the Dreamers recreate new systems of self-representation during the 1980s and 1990s, and transform social activism through their feminist and queer vision of the new mestiza and the Xicanista approach. Chicana feminists, by proposing a disrupted wholeness or the total Self, produce the image of a rotating wheel of interconnecting opposites—a fractured identity always transforming, and a rejection of “tradition” as a static Mexican-Americanness. Chicana feminist thought connects images of wholeness to a healing, interconnecting sense of representation that allows them to transcend narrow understandings of self and culture.
Habitat associations in a recolonizing, low-density black bear population

American black bears are closely associated with forest habitat. They were nearly extirpated from the Central Interior Highlands, United States, in the early twentieth century, but have recolonized this part of the range since the 1960s. Due to lower population densities (as a result of recent recolonization), we hypothesized that bears in this region would show strong associations with forest habitat at both the home range and landscape scale. To test this, we analyzed hair snare and GPS telemetry data from five sampling grids with a combined spatial capture–recapture and resource selection function model to investigate individual space use within home ranges and landscape scale variation in density of black bears in the southern Missouri part of the Interior Highlands. We performed a linear discriminant analysis to identify habitat correlates of black bear density. We found that at the home range level, bears selected for more forested habitat and steeper slopes. Black bear density varied among sampling grids from 0.842 to 10.248 individuals/100 km2 which is at the low end of the spectrum of reported black bear densities. There were no clear habitat correlates for among-grid variation in density, but in the three higher-density grids, density declined with increasing forest cover and increasing distance from human settlements. This suggests that the bear populations benefited from more heterogeneous habitat and that rural settlements may represent food resources. Exploiting these anthropogenic resources could be facilitated by the fact that bears in our study were not hunted and were viewed as a novelty rather than a nuisance, which may lead to low perceived risk from anthropogenic sources. Our results highlight the need to interpret habitat associations of American black bears not only at local scales but also in the landscape context.
A Fuzzy-Trace Theory of Judgment and Decision-Making in Health Care: Explanation, Prediction, and Application

We discuss how an evidence-based theory of human behavior and decision-making—Fuzzy-Trace Theory (FTT)—can be used to better understand and improve public health and medicine. We present an overview of the theory, describing its core principles as well as illustrative evidence. Applications are discussed in the areas of risk perception, prevention, detection and diagnosis of disease, and decision-making regarding treatment. We then review findings from interventions designed to improve health judgments and medical decision-making by effectively communicating risks and benefits. The theory provides guidelines for development of such interventions because it predicts reactions to health messages and explains the causal mechanisms of judgment and decision-making. We also present recommendations for future research.
An MR compatible PET scanner based on RatCAP for small animal imaging at 9.4 T

Combining PET and MRI technology in order to obtain simultaneous functional information with anatomical precision in vivo is of tremendous interest in the field of molecular imaging. PET/MRI imaging provides perfect anatomical and temporal coregistration of PET and MR images, along with clear delineation of tissue boundaries. An MR compatible PET scanner based on Rat Conscious Animal PET (RatCAP) is developed for simultaneous acquisition of PET/MRI images of the rat brain in a 9.4 T microMRI scanner. The PET tomograph is housed in a segmented G10/copper case constructed with a copper coating thickness of 5 microns, to minimize the eddy currents and provide better RF shielding. Special RF coils were designed to fit inside the PET tomograph. A custom made G10 tube assembly was constructed for accurate positioning of the rat bed, RF coil and RatCAP. Simultaneous PET/MRI images of a rat striatum phantom were acquired in the 9.4 T microMRI with minimal interference between PET electronics and MRI. PET compatible RF quadrature coils are being constructed which are capable of providing rat brain images with improved SNR. The preliminary results show the feasibility of performing PET/fMRI studies of rat brain and exploring the possibility of acquiring simultaneous PET/MRI whole body mouse images in the 9.4 T.
A comparative study on electrical distribution systems for the U.S. coast guard's 270-ft medium endurance cutter

The U.S. Coast Guard's 270-ft Medium Endurance Cutter (WMEC) is a powerhouse of the Coast Guard fleet filling a critical role in defense of the homeland. While the U.S. Navy has conducted extensive research into the use of zonal DC electrical distribution systems (DCDS) for their ships, no project has analyzed the installation of DCDS on a Coast Guard cutter which has a significantly different load profile than Navy warships. In this paper, Simulink models of a zonal DCDS system for 270-ft WMEC is presented as well as the existing radial AC distribution system (ACDS) and tested with three typical WMEC operational transients. The result demonstrated than the DCDS showed greater transients, but it has much faster dynamic response owing to the introduction of power electronic converters.
Spatio-temporal evolution of harmonic disturbances on laminar, non-premixed flames: Measurements and analysis

Abstract This paper analyzes the dynamics of harmonically forced, non-premixed flames, both experimentally and computationally. Prior theory has made a number of predictions on how wrinkles on non-premixed flamelets are excited by flow disturbances, convect axially, and evolve in disturbance magnitude, including setting up interference patterns in wrinkle disturbance magnitude. The objective of this study was to obtain measurements from forced flames to determine if these features are present, and to compare the gain/phase of these wrinkles with predictions using the measured velocity field as inputs. High speed PIV data was taken on a coflowing methane–air diffusion flame, equipped with speakers for harmonic forcing, over a variety of flow velocities, forcing frequencies, and forcing amplitudes. These measured velocity fields were used as inputs to a Z -equation solver, and the resulting space-time dynamics of iso- Z surfaces were extracted from the Z field solutions. Both experimental and numerical results show that flame wrinkles propagate axially at the mean flow velocity, a result consistent with previous analytical findings. These wrinkles start with near zero magnitude at the fuel tube lip and grow with downstream distance, until peaking at some axial location. Further downstream, the wrinkle magnitude modulates, indicative of interference effects which have been previously predicted in analytical studies.
Constraints on the 12C( alpha, gamma )16O astrophysical S factor from the beta-delayed alpha emission of 16N.

The E1 astrophysical S factor for the $^{12}\mathrm{C}$(\ensuremath{\alpha},\ensuremath{\gamma}${)}^{16}$O reaction is studied using R-matrix theory. The constraints on this quantity from the \ensuremath{\alpha}-particle spectrum following $^{16}\mathrm{N}$ \ensuremath{\beta} decay are investigated with a set of pseudodata in an attempt to identify what additional information might be extracted from future measurements. The possibility of an experimental separation of the p- and f-wave \ensuremath{\alpha} particles is discussed. Additional precise measurements of the \ensuremath{\beta}-delayed \ensuremath{\alpha} particles at total center-of-mass energies near 1.0 MeV and the (\ensuremath{\alpha},\ensuremath{\gamma}) cross section at energies below and above previous measurements are particularly useful in constraining the S factor.
Strategic maneuvering in dispute mediation

ABSTRACTThe study examines transcripts from dispute mediation to explore mediators’ strategic maneuvering for keeping the disputants on task – that is, on negotiating plans about caring for their children. The article discusses mediators’ institutional practices to keep disputants on task and to constrain what becomes arguable. It analyzes strategic maneuvering at the levels of topical potential, audience demands, and presentational devices. The study also suggests that the concept of strategic maneuvering can be further developed by including identities as another type of interactional resources employed to shape argumentative activity. It focuses on how mediators use interactional resources to balance institutional goals (i.e. reaching an agreement) and interactional goals (i.e. sustaining participants’ face) and to shape an institutionally preferred interactivity.
Enhanced Plasmonic Detection with Dielectrophoretic Concentration

Performance of surface-based plasmonic sensors is often plagued by diffusion-limited transport, which complicates detection from low-concentration analytes. By harnessing gradient forces available from the sharp metallic edges, tips, or gaps that are often found in the plasmonic sensors, it is possible to combine a dielectrophoretic concentration approach to overcome mass transport limitations. A transparent electrode is combined with the plasmonic substrates that allow dielectrophoresis without interfering with the optical detection. Detection from pM-level protein solution is expedited by more than 1000 times as compared to the case of diffusion. Also, enhanced Raman spectroscopic detection is demonstrated using carbon nanotubes and biological particles. Finally, to improve the performance of dielectrophoresis, the gap between the electrodes is reduced to sub-10 nm and ultralow voltage trapping experiments are shown. The ultralow power electronic operation combined with plasmonic detection can enable high-density on-chip integration and portable biosensing .
Genome editing to 're-write' wrongs.

The NIH has launched the Somatic Cell Genome Editing (SCGE) programme to accelerate the development of safer and more effective genome-editing therapeutics. The NIH has launched the Somatic Cell Genome Editing (SCGE) programme to accelerate the development of safer and more effective genome-editing therapeutics.
Robust parameter selection for compartmental models of neurons using evolutionary algorithms

Many modeling efforts have met skepticism among experimental neuroscientists largely because of a perception that system parameters are selected arbitrarily. In particular, a lack of high resolution data describing the spatial distribution of voltage-gated and/or calcium-dependent channels has rendered compartmental models suspect of representing singular solutions. On the other hand, a robust manifold of solutions may exist in nature and account for the behavioral repertoire of the biological system. We demonstrate the use of Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) for the robust fitting of nonlinear channel distributions to experimental observations using the model and kinetics of Traub et al (1991). These results represent a successful method for optimizing parameters in high dimensional (> 100) nonlinear systems.
Spin-Orbit and Spin-Spin Interactions in {lambda}N and NN Scattering

Nonvanishing values of the spin-polarization experimental observables clearly derive from the different spin-dependent interactions, i.e., spin-orbit, spin-spin, and spin-tensor. The explict dependence of selected observables on these interactions is discussed for scattering with the spin structure 1/2+1/2\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1/2+1/2.
Thermal Conductivity of S.E. New Mexico Rocksalt and Anhydrite

The thermal conductivity of several rocksalt materials has been determined. Some of the materials were core samples from well AEC 8, Carlsbad, New Mexico. These samples ranged from nearly pure halite (NaCl) to nearly pure anhydrite (CaSO4). Core sample crystallite size ranged from about 3 centimeters to essentially packed salt sand (≃0.5mm). The samples exhibited thermal conductivities from ≃1.5 to 7.5 W/mK which depended upon purity and grain size.
Legitimation in action: an examination of community courts and procedural justice

We are at a critical moment in criminal justice reform as public distrust grows and threatens the legitimacy of the justice system. This is especially true for poor communities of color who have lo...
Altered detrusor contractility and voiding patterns in mice lacking the mechanosensitive TREK-1 channel

Previously published results from our laboratory identified a mechano-gated two-pore domain potassium channel, TREK-1, as a main mechanosensor in the smooth muscle of the human urinary bladder. One of the limitations of in vitro experiments on isolated human detrusor included inability to evaluate in vivo effects of TREK-1 on voiding function, as the channel is also expressed in the nervous system, and may modulate micturition via neural pathways. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to assess the role of TREK-1 channel in bladder function and voiding patterns in vivo by using TREK-1 knockout (KO) mice. Adult C57BL/6 J wild-type (WT, N = 32) and TREK-1 KO (N = 33) mice were used in this study. The overall phenotype and bladder function were evaluated by gene and protein expression of TREK-1 channel, in vitro contractile experiments using detrusor strips in response to stretch and pharmacological stimuli, and cystometry in unanesthetized animals. TREK-1 KO animals had an elevated basal muscle tone and enhanced spontaneous activity in the detrusor without detectable changes in bladder morphology/histology. Stretch applied to isolated detrusor strips increased the amplitude of spontaneous contractions by 109% in the TREK-1 KO group in contrast to a 61% increase in WT mice (p ≤ 0.05 to respective baseline for each group). The detrusor strips from TREK-1 KO mice also generated more contractile force in response to electric field stimulation and high potassium concentration in comparison to WT group (p ≤ 0.05 for both tests). However, cystometric recordings from TREK-1 KO mice revealed a significant increase in the duration of the intermicturition interval, enhanced bladder capacity and increased number of non-voiding contractions in comparison to WT mice. Our results provide evidence that global down-regulation of TREK-1 channels has dual effects on detrusor contractility and micturition patterns in vivo. The observed differences are likely due to expression of TREK-1 channel not only in detrusor myocytes but also in afferent and efferent neural pathways involved in regulation of micturition which may underly the “mixed” voiding phenotype in TREK-1 KO mice.
Prevalence of targetable mutations in black patients with lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

e13105Background: Although poorer outcomes of lung cancer in Blacks compared to other racial groups has been strongly linked to socio-economic factors, it is important to investigate whether lower ...
Role of Loop Diuretic Challenge in Stage 3 Acute Kidney Injury.

Abstract Objective To assess whether loop diuretic challenge predicts the need for dialysis among critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) stage 3. Patients and Methods Adult patients admitted to intensive care units between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2016, were screened. Acute kidney injury stage 3 was identified by an electronic surveillance tool, and patients who received loop diuretics in a dosage of at least 1mg/kg intravenous bolus furosemide equivalent were included. Urine output following loop diuretic challenge was modeled as a restricted cubic spline. We then compared the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for urine outputs at 2 hours and 6 hours after loop diuretic challenge to predict the need for dialysis within the next 24 hours. Results Of 687 patients included in the study, those who received dialysis were younger and had higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores on the day of loop diuretic challenge. Urine outputs at 2 hours and 6 hours were lower in patients who needed dialysis, but urine output by 6 hours was better in predicting dialysis initiation within 24 hours (area under the curve, 0.71 vs 0.67; P=.02). The sensitivity and specificity of 6-hour urine output cutoff of 600 mL or less to predict dialysis was 80.9% and 50.5%, respectively, and that for 300 mL or less was 64.2% and 68.2%, respectively. Conclusion Among patients with stage 3 AKI, 6-hour urine output after the loop diuretic challenge had a modest discriminant capacity to identify dialysis initiation within the next 24 hours.
Transforming the Earth’s Life-Sustaining Atmosphere

More than two decades ago astronauts bound for the Moon looked back at our planet, seeing it suspended there all alone, swinging through the chill of outer space. For the first time we saw our home as a glistening blue and turquoise ball, light and round and shimmering like a bubble, flecked with delicate white clouds (Figs. 9.1 and 9.2). This perspective created a world-wide awareness of the Earth as a unique and vulnerable place, a tiny, fragile oasis in space.
High strength and high ductility in a novel Fe40.2Ni11.3Mn30Al7.5Cr11 multiphase high entropy alloy

Abstract In the present study, a novel Fe40.2Ni11.3Mn30Al7.5Cr11 high entropy alloy displaying an excellent combination of high strength and high ductility has been developed. The b.c.c.+B2/f.c.c. dendritic-interdendritic microstructure was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy, and the alloy’s mechanical properties were examined using Vickers hardness measurements and room-temperature tensile tests. The phase stability of Fe40.2Ni11.3Mn30Al7.5Cr11 was investigated by annealing the alloy between 1173 K–1273 K, and the presence of both Ni-rich, b.c.c. needle-shaped precipitates and Cr-rich, σ phase particles was observed for the 1173 K annealed specimen. The σ phase precipitates contributed to the rapid age-hardening effect in the material annealed at 1173 K. A further increase in ageing temperature to 1223 K and 1273 K led to the dissolution of the σ phase and a reduction in the volume fraction of the b.c.c./B2 dendrites, which led to a consequent drop in room-temperature yield strength from the as-cast value of ∼593 MPa–∼486 MPa and ∼228 MPa for the specimens annealed at 1223 K and 1273 K, respectively. An accompanying increase in ductility was observed from ∼22% for the as-cast alloy to ∼27% and ∼40% after annealing the material at 1223 K and 1273 K, respectively. Post-deformation transmission electron micrographs revealed that the f.c.c interdendrites accommodated plastic strain via wavy slip and moreover, deformed before the b.c.c. dendritic regions, which were reinforced by B2 particles and acted as obstacles to moving dislocations. The discovery of a multi-phase HEA that contains 11% Cr and good mechanical properties has relevant high-temperature structural applications especially in cases that require suitable corrosion resistance.
A Metabolic Pathway for Activation of Dietary Glucosinolates by a Human Gut Symbiont

Summary Consumption of glucosinolates, pro-drug-like metabolites abundant in Brassica vegetables, has been associated with decreased risk of certain cancers. Gut microbiota have the ability to metabolize glucosinolates, generating chemopreventive isothiocyanates. Here, we identify a genetic and biochemical basis for activation of glucosinolates to isothiocyanates by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, a prominent gut commensal species. Using a genome-wide transposon insertion screen, we identified an operon required for glucosinolate metabolism in B. thetaiotaomicron. Expression of BT2159-BT2156 in a non-metabolizing relative, Bacteroides fragilis, resulted in gain of glucosinolate metabolism. We show that isothiocyanate formation requires the action of BT2158 and either BT2156 or BT2157 in vitro. Monocolonization of mice with mutant BtΔ2157 showed reduced isothiocyanate production in the gastrointestinal tract. These data provide insight into the mechanisms by which a common gut bacterium processes an important dietary nutrient.
Comparison between temporal and spatial direct numerical simulations for bypass transition flows

Temporally developing direct numerical simulations (T-DNS) are performed for free-stream turbulence induced bypass transition flow over a flat-plate under zero-pressure gradient, and results are va...
Is a Rational Politics of Disaster Possible? Making Useful Decisions for Others in an Experimental Disaster Game

Disaster responses are political. But can citizens make useful disaster decisions? Potential obstacles are that such decisions are complex, involve public goods, and often affect other people. Theories of political decision-making disagree on whether these problems can be overcome. We used experimental economic games that simulate disaster to test whether people are willing and able to prevent disasters for others. Groups of players face a complex task in which options that might help vary in their riskiness. Importantly, although all options are reasonable, which option is most useful depends on the experimental condition. We find that players will pay to help, can identify which option is most useful across experimental conditions, and will pay to learn how best to help. Thus, players were able to make useful and costly decisions to prevent others from experiencing disaster. This suggests that, in at least some situations, citizens may be able to make good disaster decisions.
CIED - rapid composability of rack scale resources using Capability Inference Engine across Datacenters

There are multiple steps involved in transitioning a server from the factory to being fully provisioned for an intended workload. These steps include finding the optimal slot for the hardware and to compose the required resources on the hardware for the intended workload. There are many different factors that influence the placement of server hardware in the datacenter, such as physical limitations to connect to a network be it Ethernet or storage networks, power requirements, temperature/cooling considerations, and physical space, etc. In addition to this, there may be custom requirements driven by workload policies (such as security, data privacy, power redundancy, etc.). Once the server has been placed in the right slot it needs to be configured with the appropriate resources for the intended workload. CIED will provide a ranked list of locations for server placement based on the intended workload, connectivity and physical requirements of the server. Once the server is placed in the suggested slot, the solution automatically discovers the server and composes the required resources (compute, storage and networks) for running the appropriate workload. CIED reduces the overall time taken to move hardware from factory to production and also maximizes the server hardware utilization while minimizing downtime by physically placing the resources optimally. From the case study that was undertaken, the time taken to transition a server from factory to being fully provisioned was proportional to the number of devices in the datacenter. With CIED this time is constant irrespective of the complexity or the number of devices in a datacenter.
Perceived work exposures and expressed intervention needs among Michigan nail salon workers.

Nail salon workers are an underserved population exposed to various occupational hazards. Comprised primarily of women and immigrants, these workers face challenges that further increase their workplace exposures and adverse health outcomes. Though previous studies have noted nail salon workers’ exposures, these studies have yet to explore the workers’ insights on intervention needs. This study among Michigan nail salon workers addresses this gap. This qualitative study was informed by the phenomenology methodological framework anchored within critical social theory. Participants were recruited from nail salons in Southeast Michigan to partake in focus groups. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis. Three focus groups were conducted with 13 participants. Three major categories emerged. The first category, workers’ perceived work-related stressors, included six themes: lack of standardized policies, regulations, education/training; disconnect between education/training and real-world practice; inadequate knowledge on exposures and safety protocols; unsafe nail products; customer pressure; and immigrant-related pressures. The second category, health issues perceived to be directly related to workplace exposures, included two themes: symptoms experienced due to contact with nail products and symptoms due to poor ergonomics. The third category, participants’ perceived intervention needs, included four themes: continuing education; updates with new products; communication with key stakeholders; and partnership building and resource access. To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study among U.S. nail salon workers focused in Midwest. In addition to the noted individual and organizational-level interventions, policy level implications are discussed given discrepancies in training and practices across states.
Resilience plans in the US: an evaluation

Resilience is a framework that drives cities’ responses to climate change, evidenced by the increasing number of resilience plans that cities have adopted. Resilience plans can offer insights on ho...
Avoiding Independent Agency Armageddon

In Free Enterprise Fund v. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated Congress’ use of two layers of tenure protection to shield Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) members from the President’s removal. The SEC could appoint and remove PCAOB members. An implied tenure-protection provision protected the SEC from the President’s at-will removal. And a statutory tenure-protection provision protected PCAOB members from the SEC’s at-will removal. The Court held that these “tiered” tenure protections unconstitutionally impinged upon the President’s removal power because they prevented the President from holding the SEC responsible for PCAOB’s actions in the same manner as he could hold the SEC accountable for its other responsibilities. Four Justices dissented. They argued that the majority’s decision, if applied consistently, would disrupt the independent administrative state by invalidating tiered protections for several independent boards, 1500 ALJs, 210,000 military officers, and numerous civil servants. This article proposes that, contrary to the dissent’s position, courts can preserve agency independence and the President’s removal power without disturbing Free Enterprise Fund or the Court’s prior, inconsistent removal-power jurisprudence. The courts should distinguish the various tiered tenure-protection provisions, which fall into weak, intermediate, and strong-protection prototypes. Certain prototype combinations permit the President to have federal officers implement his policy choices. When the President can do so, he retains sufficient removal power, and thus certain prototype combinations are constitutional. Indeed, under my proposed analysis, the tiered-tenure protections for most agencies and officials are permissible. Distinguishing tenure-protection provisions (instead of just counting them) permits courts to provide some coherence to, without disturbing, the Supreme Court's otherwise inconsistent removal-power decisions.