cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microbial Diversity and Host-Specific Sequences of Canada Goose Feces

Methods to assess the impact of goose fecal contamination are needed as the result of the increasing number of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) near North American inland waters. However, there is little information on goose fecal microbial communities, and such data are important for the development of host-specific source-tracking methods. To address this issue, 16S rRNA gene clone libraries for Canada goose fecal samples from Ontario, Canada, and Ohio were analyzed. Analyses of fecal clones from Ontario (447) and Ohio (302) showed that goose fecal communities are dominated by the classes "Clostridia" (represented by 33.7% of clones) and "Bacilli" (38.1% of clones) and the phylum "Bacteroidetes" (10.1% of clones). Sequences not previously found in other avian fecal communities were used to develop host-specific assays. Fecal DNA extracts from sewage plants (10 samples) and different species of birds (11 samples) and mammals (18 samples) were used to test for host specificity. Of all the assays tested, one assay showed specificity for Canada goose fecal DNA. The PCR assay was positive for Canada goose fecal DNA extracts collected from three locations in North America (Ohio, Oregon, and Ontario, Canada). Additionally, of 48 DNA extracts from Lake Ontario waters presumed to be impacted by waterfowl feces, 19 tested positive by the assay, although 10 were positive only after a nested PCR approach was used. Due to the level of host specificity and the presence of signals in environmental waters, the assay is proposed as a part of the toolbox to detect Canada goose contamination in waterfowl-contaminated waters.
Schlafen, a New Family of Growth Regulatory Genes that Affect Thymocyte Development

Abstract The Schlafen ( Slfn ) family of genes are differentially regulated during thymocyte maturation and are preferentially expressed in the lymphoid tissues. Ectopic expression of the prototype member Slfn1 early in the T lineage profoundly alters cell growth and development. In these mice, the DP thymocytes fail to complete maturation, and, depending on the transgene dosage, the number of thymocytes is reduced to 1%–30% of normal. Furthermore, expression of the Schlafen family members in fibroblasts and thymoma cells either retards or ablates cell growth. The conceptual protein sequences deduced for each of the family members have no similarity to characterized proteins and must therefore participate in a heretofore unknown regulatory mechanism guiding both cell growth and T cell development.
Before Hegemony: Generalized Trust and the Creation and Design of International Security Organizations

Rationalist accounts of international cooperation maintain that states create international institutions to solve problems of distrust. They rest on a particular notion of trust, a strategic variety in which states trust based on information about others' interests. I seek to overturn this conventional wisdom. Drawing on social psychology, I point to the importance of generalized trust, an ideological belief about the trustworthiness of others in general. Generalized trust precedes institution-building and serves as a form of anarchical social capital, facilitating diffuse reciprocity and allowing state leaders to commit to multilateralism even in cases that rationalists deem inhospitable to cooperation and without the institutional protections that rationalists expect. In case studies of U.S. policy on the creation of the League of Nations and the United Nations, I demonstrate that generalized trust is necessary for explaining the origins of American multilateralism and the design of these organizations.
Compartmentation of Nrf-2 redox control: regulation of cytoplasmic activation by glutathione and DNA binding by thioredoxin-1.

Nrf-2 is a redox-sensitive transcription factor that is activated by an oxidative signal in the cytoplasm but has a critical cysteine that must be reduced to bind to DNA in the nucleus. The glutathione (GSH) and thioredoxin (TRX) systems have overlapping functions in thiol/disulfide redox control in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus, and it is unclear whether these are redundant or have unique functions in control of Nrf-2-dependent signaling. To test whether GSH and Trx-1 have distinct functions in Nrf-2 signaling, we selectively modified GSH by metabolic manipulation and selectivelymodifiedTrx-1expressionbytransienttransfection.Cytoplasmic activation of Nrf-2 was measured by its nuclear translocation and nuclear activity of Nrf-2 was measured by expression of a luciferase reporter construct containing an ARE4 from glutamate cysteine ligase. Results showed that tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), a transcriptional activator that functions through Nrf-2/ ARE, promoted Nrf-2 nuclear translocation by a type I (thiylation) redoxswitchwhichwasregulatedbyGSHnotbyTrx-1.Incontrast, the ARE reporter was principally controlled by nuclear-targeted Trx-1 and not by GSH. The data show that the GSH and TRX systems have unique, compartmented functions in the control of transcriptional regulation by Nrf-2/ARE.
Preoperative Portal Vein Embolization: An Approach to Improve the Safety of Major Hepatic Resection

Surgery has therefore become a mainstay in the treatment of both primary and metastatic liver lesions. Unfortunately, despite these advances, extended resections yielding small volume liver remnants continue to pose risks resulting from decreased functional liver capacity, both in patients with underlying hepatic disease and in those with otherwise-healthy livers. 3,4 Preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) has thereby emerged as a significant adjunct to major hepatic resection (more than 3 Couinaud segments), allowing for an increased volume of the future liver remnant (FLR) and resultant improved outcomes in patients with small anticipated residual liver volume. 5-10 Embolization of the portal branches in the liver to be resected results in diversion of portal bloodflow to the nonembolized segments. This rerouted portal blood, rich in hepatotropic substances, stimulates hypertrophy of the liver parenchyma. 11 PVE thus increases the mass of FLR before surgery, and in the proper patient setting, may permit safe, potentially curative resection in patients who would otherwise not be surgical candidates because of their risk of postoperative liver failure.12 The benefits of preoperative PVE are not limited to increased size of the liver remnant; however, the greater number of hepatocytes does allow improved synthetic function and avert cholestasis. Embolization of the portal vein before hepatic resection also diminishes the otherwise-abrupt increase in portal venous pressure after resection that can lead to hepatocellular injury. In addition, PVE dissociates any damage caused by increased portal pressures from the direct trauma inflicted upon the FLR during resection. 13
ALLOPURINOL INDUCED MENINGITIS

A 60-year-old white man presented with a temperature of 103.8F (39.9C), shaking chills, nausea, headache, neck stiffness and severe back pain. History was significant for recurrent uric acid stones initially treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in March 1999 and then with laser lithotripsy in July. After the latter procedure, the patient was discharged home on levofloxacin and began preventative treatment with acetazolamide and allopurinol. He was readmitted to the hospital the day of discharge with a temperature of 104.0F (40.0C), presumably due to a partially treated urinary tract infection. The patient had taken the initial 300 mg. allopurinol orally only a few hours earlier. Broadspectrum antibiotics were given, and the allopurinol and acetazolamide were discontinued. An extensive fever evaluation was negative. The patient recovered from this acute episode and was doing well at scheduled followup in August. At that time he was restarted on allopurinol and acetazolamide. Soon after taking 300 mg. allopurinol orally, the patient returned to the hospital and was diagnosed with a drug reaction (versus possible urosepsis). During hospitalization, the patient became confused and agitated. Neurology was consulted to evaluate the altered mental status, persistent headache and neck pain. Infectious disease and internal medicine services were also consulted. White blood count was 9,500/mm. (normal 4,300 to 10,800) with 85% neutrophils (normal 45% to 74%). Urine and blood cultures were negative. Chest radiograph and computerized tomography of the head, abdomen and pelvis were normal. Electroencephalogram showed a slow occipital rhythm and diffuse slowing of background activity, which indicated a diffuse disturbance in brain function. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed protein 149 mg./dl. (normal 25 to 50), glucose 62 mg./dl. (normal 40 to 70), 33 red blood cells/ml. (normal 0 to 5) and 74 white blood cells/ml. (normal less than 5) with 53% neutrophils (normal 0%), 29% lymphocytes (normal 60% to 70%), 6% monocytes (normal 30% to 50%), 1% eosinophils (normal 0% to 7%) and 11% basophils (normal 0% to 2%). Cerebrospinal fluid venereal disease research laboratory and cryptococcal screen was nonreactive with no acidfast bacilli present. Cerebrospinal fluid culture and antigens for group B streptococci, group B Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Escherichia coli were negative. Test results were consistent with an aseptic meningitis syndrome caused by allopurinol drug reaction. The patient was asymptomatic and afebrile after allopurinol was discontinued, and was discharged home in good condition.
Death: Elvis Has Just Left the Building

The mantra of “sex, drugs, and rock and roll” and the high profile deaths of a number of rock stars leads to the question of whether, in fact, rock stars are more likely to die young. A group of researchers in the U.K. found that indeed between 2 and 25 years from their initial rise to fame, rock stars tend to experience two to three times the risk of mortality expected in a similar group of non-rock stars matched by sex, age, and ethnicity. They note that a disproportionate number of the deaths are drug- or alcohol-related [13]. Though not covered in the study, when you add suicides and accidents, especially in planes and helicopters, it appears as though being a rock star is a risky business.
INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT OF SEISMIC DAMAGE IN STRUCTURES

Abstract: A new approach is explored for assessing the safety condition of civil engineering structures following strong-motion earthquakes that utilizes artificial intelligence to collectively consider several factors in the assessment process. Following this approach, various types of information related to the damage condition of the structure are input into a neural network computer program that has been trained to generate safety assessments. The network acts on the input information according to weighting factors established from data on past seismic events to generate a condition assessment. This study focused on utilizing various quantitative damage indices in formulating a safety assessment. Development of a neural network for this purpose was accomplished using response data from structural systems tested in the laboratory. The neural network generated more reliable assessments than could be obtained using any single indicator or from a linear regression model that utilized all indicators. The network was used successfully to assess the condition of a real structure damaged in an earthquake. A network of this kind may be useful in automatic and immediate condition assessment following a seismic event and as an aid to an expert in determining such assessments.
Thinking While Talking Adults Fail Nonverbal False-Belief Reasoning

This experiment tested the ability of 81 adult subjects to make a decision on a simple nonverbal false-belief reasoning task while concurrently either shadowing prerecorded spoken dialogue or tapping along with a rhythmic shadowing track. Our results showed that the verbal task, but not tapping, significantly disrupted false-belief reasoning, suggesting that language plays a key role in working theory of mind in adults, even when the false-belief reasoning is nonverbal.
Advances in Nutrition and Management of Calves and Heifers

Abstract Strides have been significant in the knowledge of calf and heifer rearing during the last 25 yr. Much information has been gathered on digestive enzymes, development of the digestive system, and metabolism. Investigations have clarified further the role of colostrum in immunity and nutrition of the young calf. Several sources of nutrients have been tested for their suitability in formulation of acceptable milk replacers and calf starters. Once-a-day feeding of milk, colostrum, or milk replacer and early weaning are practical management procedures. Labor and cost efficient methods of feeding and caring for young calves have developed. Extensive work on rearing rates and methods of rearing was published during these 25 yr. Successful schemes have evolved for feeding heifers to freshen at an optimal age and to occupy a respectful position in the milking line. Developments in housing have been phenomenal – from the calf hutch to environmentally controlled nurseries for calves. Heifer housing has ranged from relatively simple, but labor-efficient housing, to complete confinement systems. Herd health programs have developed to minimize many disease problems that can be particularly disastrous in large herds. Contract rearing of herd replacements has become a more frequently chosen option in this period. Budgets for rearing calves from birth to freshening have appeared in recommendations for raising heifers.
"My secret life": the emergence of one gay man's authentic identity.

This qualitative study explores the life history of Bruce, a gay man, from the perspective of homophobia. Homophobia is the fear and hatred expressed toward gay men, lesbians, and bisexual women or men as well as persons suspected of being gay, lesbian, and bisexual. Homophobia may become internalized, creating a form of self-hatred derived from the negative stereotypes associated with homosexuality. Bruce's life was shaped by the homophobia of others and his own self-hatred, leading to isolation and a lack of a projected authentic identity. This article focuses on the affective meanings related to significant events in Bruce's life history and how they contributed to transformation in his life from victimic to agentic themes. It is important for occupational therapy practitioners to recognize the influence that homophobia and internalized homophobia have on therapeutic interventions.
A Stress-Dependent Hysteresis Model for Ferromagnetic Transducer Materials

This paper focuses on the development of a model which characterizes the nonlinear and hysteretic stress-dependence inherent to magnetic transducer materials operating in high drive regimes. The model builds upon a previous ferromagnetic characterization framework based on energy analysis at the lattice level in combination with stochastic homogenization techniques. Aspects of the stress-dependent magnetomechanical model are illustrated through comparison with experimental steel data.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Educational Needs Assessment for Design/Build Project Delivery

With the rapid increase in the utilization of design/build project delivery, there arises a need for continuing education of the professionals in this industry. This paper describes research conduc...
Self-training algorithms for ultrawideband radar target detection

An ultra-wideband (UWB) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) simulation technique that employs physical and statistical models is developed and presented. This joint physics/statistics based technique generates images that have many of the "blob-like" and "spiky" clutter characteristics of UWB radar data in forested regions while avoiding the intensive computations required for the implementation of low-frequency numerical electromagnetic simulation techniques. Approaches towards developing "self-training" algorithms for UWB radar target detection are investigated using the results of this simulation process. These adaptive approaches employ some form of modified singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm where small blocks of data in the neighborhood of a sliding test window are processed in real-time in an effort to estimate localized clutter characteristics. These real-time local clutter models are then used to cancel clutter in the sliding test window. Comparative results from three SVD-based approaches to adaptive and "self-trained" target detection algorithms are reported. These approaches are denoted as "Energy-Normalized SVD", "Condition-Statistic SVD", and "Terrain-Filtered SVD". The results indicate that the "Terrain-Filtered SVD" approach, where a pre-filter is applied in an effort to eliminate severe clutter discretes that adversely effect performance, appears promising for the purposes of developing "self-training" algorithms for applications that may require localized "on-the-fly" training due to a lack of accurate off-line training data.
Development of Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase as an Efficient Selection Marker for Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation of Maize

In this article, we report the isolation of plant protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) genes and the isolation of herbicide-tolerant mutants. Subsequently, an Arabidopsis double mutant (Y426M + S305L) was used to develop a selectable marker system for Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of maize (Zea mays) and to obtain multiple events tolerant to the PPO family of herbicides. Maize transformants were produced via butafenacil selection using a flexible light regime to increase selection pressure. Butafenacil selection per se did not change transgene copy number distribution relative to other selectable marker systems, but the most tolerant events identified in the greenhouse were more likely to contain multiple copies of the introduced mutant PPO gene. To date, more than 2,500 independent transgenic maize events have been produced using butafenacil selection. The high frequency of A. tumefaciens-mediated transformation via PPO selection enabled us to obtain single-copy transgenic maize lines tolerant to field levels of butafenacil.
Reflexion and stability of waves in stably stratified fluids with shear flow: a numerical study

A numerical examination has been made of the reflectivity of critical levels with low Richardson number to internal gravity waves propagating in stratified fluids with shear. At sufficiently low positive Richardson numbers the reflected wave may actually be stronger than the incident.The normal mode instabilities of three simple models have also been computed. The results are presented in three dimensions: Richardson number, horizontal wave scale and real wave frequency.
Formulation and realization of a multicompartmental model for O2-CO2 coupled transport in the microcirculation.

A multicompartmental model for gas transport in the microcirculation (M.C.M) is a lumped form of the corresponding distributed models. This idea can be understood by the sketch shown in Fig.l. The microcirculation consists of a series of arteriole beds, capillary beds, venule beds and the surrounding tissue, with an oxygen partial pressure distribution and a carbon dioxide partial pressure distribution in both the radial and longitudinal directions. Distributed models, based on either the modified Krogh cylinder or a nonKroghian geometry, usually simulate the radial and axial distributions in one vessel segment or within a local region of the microcirculation. If every vessel group is lumped into a compartment with a unique oxygen partial pressure and a unique carbon dioxide partial pressure, and the tissue is also lumped into one compartment (or more compartments, cf. Ye and Silverton, 1994), then a multicompartmental model is constructed. The model’s block diagram in Fig.1 shows that axial convection of both blood flow and gas occurs along the sequential vessel compartments, and that simultaneous gas diffusions take place between the tissue compartment and every vessel compartment. Thus the global relationship of gas transport and blood supply is quite clear for a M.C.M. It is also easier for a M.C.M to be linked to a global multielement-lumped model for the whole cardiovascular system. Moreover, a compartmental model is described by algebraic equations (for steady-state) or by ordinary differential equations (for time-varying state), whereas a distributed model is described by ordinary differential equations (for one-dimension distributed, steady state) or by partial differential equations (otherwise).
Silicon Mesostructures for Phospholipid Based Bioelectric Device and Deterministic Neuromodulation

Silicon is a widely used material in biomedical research because it is biocompatible and biodegradable, and it exhibits a spectrum of important electrical, optical, thermal and mechanical properties. However, the fundamental forms of silicon building blocks for biophysical and biomedical applications are few, and to date, researchers have focused primarily on crystalline and rigid structures. Natural biomaterials have remarkable diversity in structure and function and may guide the design of new silicon forms for subcellular interfaces and biophysical modulation. Nevertheless, reproducing heterogeneous features in silicon is difficult to achieve due to limited chemical or engineering processes. Here we introduce a multiscale, injectable, and ultra-soft silicon-based biomaterial with ‘brick-and-mortar’ mesostructures. It has an amorphous atomic structure, an ordered nanowire-based framework, and random micron-scale voids, exhibiting a high surface area and pore volume. Atom probe tomography (APT) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping reveal an ordered and size-dependent oxygen distribution. The amorphous silicon-based mesostructures show reduced Young's moduli in air and in a buffered phosphate saline solution (2-3 orders of magnitude smaller than that of single crystalline silicon). Additionally, because the soft mesostructures exhibit a controllable photothermal effect in saline, we were able to design a remotely controlled bioelectric device by interfacing silicon particles with painted phospholipid bilayers, where the photothermal effect quickly changes the membrane capacitance, producing currents which are proportional to the time derivative of the temperature. By adding these silicon particles to dorsal root ganglion neurons we could reliably generate action potentials upon illumination with short pulses of 523 nm light. These results show that the mesostructured silicon particles permit non-genetic, fast, low power and sub-cellular optical control of electrophysiological activity. Supported by NIH: GM030376; AFOSR: FA9550-14-1-0175, FA9550-15-1-0285.
Characterization of high temperature polymer blends for specific applications: fuel cells and aerospace applications

Abstract: This chapter examines the use of high temperature polymers as membranes, fuel cells and solar cells. Also, it considers the application of such materials for aerospace developments. The methods for characterization and testing of specific high temperature polymer blends for each of these applications are reviewed.
In-Vitro Studies of Aging

Cellular senescence in vitro, defined as a decrease in proliferative vigor with increasing passage of normal diploid cells in culture, has been confirmed with many cell types from many different organisms. Cell life span in culture is inversely related to donor age and is reduced for cells derived from individuals with premature aging disorders. Additionally, as cells age in culture they become progressively unable to respond to mitogens. The finite life span of normal diploid cells is almost certainly under genetic control, but may be modified by factors such as viral infection or exposure to specific exogenous growth factors. Although cellular senescence is probably not the cause of organismic aging, alterations in function that accompany it may offer insight into the general problem of organismic aging.
Automatic Detection of Periods of Eating Using Wrist Motion Tracking

More than one third of adults in the United Statesare now classified as obese. Self monitoring of energy intakehas been shown to have a positive impact on weight loss, butexisting tools for logging eating activities are tedious to use andprone to bias which leads to noncompliance and underestimation. In this paper we describe preliminary results from our ongoingdata collection from 500 free living participants, in an effort toimprove our previous algorithm that detects periods of eating. We see a 75% accuracy in our data collected to date.
Potential of Mosquito Fern ( Azolla caroliniana Willd.) Plants as a Biofilter for Cadmium Removal from Wastewater

The aquatic vascular plant Mosquito Fern (Azolla Caroliania Willd.) was investigated asa potential biological filter for removal of Cd from wastewater. Mosquito Fern plants were grown in and harvested weekly from 0.10 M Hoagland nutrient solutions containing 0.01, 0.04, and 1.03 µg Cd mL-1 or 0.50 M Hoagland nutrient solutions containing 0.02, 1.0, and 9.14 µg Cd mL-1. Dry weights of plants significantly increased when exposed to all three Cd concentrations in 0.10 M Hoagland solution through week three then decreased thereafter. However in plants exposed to Cd treatments in 0.50 M Hoagland solution, dry weights increased only through week one and decreased thereafter. Tissue Cd concentrations in plants grown in 0.10 M Hoagland solution increased during the first two weeks followed by decreases in week 3 and 4. However, tissue Cd increased through week 3 in plants grown in 0.50 M Hoagland solutions. Tissue P in plants grown in 0.10 M Hoagland solution increased over time, and plants exposed to the lowest concentration of Cd showed tissue P greater than controls. Tissue P in both control and treated plants in 0.50 M Hoagland solution increased over time with exception of the medium level (1 µg Cd mL-1). Overall, our results suggest that Mosquito Fern would be useful for absorbing Cd from nutrient-rich water when the solution concentration, were as low as 0.01 and as high as 9.14 µg Cd mL-1. However, the harvest regime would haue to be every one or two weeks to sustain plant vigor and realize maximum uptake of Cd from solution.
Cut-off grade optimisation to maximise the net present value using whittle 4X

Cut-off grade optimisation is necessary for operational decision making in the many different circumstances affecting mine operations. The cut-off grades are supposed to reflect particular circumstances of specific mines in order to achieve the maximum economic return over the life of the mine. The relationship between cut-off grade and NPV provides a means by which cut-off grades are optimised. Using Lane's approach, the economics involved in each stage are identified independently and integrated to provide an optimum cut-off grade. A block model from a hypothetical gold mine is used to illustrate how Whittle 4X applies Lane's approach to generate an optimal cut-off grade policy for the mine. The cut-off grade in this project slightly changes along the mine life. Higher grade ore is mined in the early years (years 2 and 4) while the lower grade ore is mined later.
Why There Are No “Potential” Conflicts of Interest

During the Institute of Medicine’s 2013 workshop on conflict of interest (COI) and medical innovation, a presentation from PhRMA, the pharmaceutical industry association, delineated 5 types of potential conflict in medical research and the likelihood of each resulting in a true conflict.1 Even though these sorts of distinctions between potential or perceived COI on one hand and true or actual COI on the other have become commonplace,2,3 they are misguided. Not only is the notion of a potential COI conceptually confused, labeling certain COI as merely “potential” or “perceived” diminishes their seriousness and obscures the ethical rationale for trying to limit COI in medical practice and research.
Intentional Transparency: How to Develop One Service Catalog for All IT Services

UNC Charlotte recently embarked on a journey to develop a Unified Service Catalog representing the IT services provided by over 50 IT service providers from across campus. The goal was to increase transparency internally and externally, enabling the institution to identify redundant services.Using the ECAR Service Catalog as a starting point, the team developed a common vocabulary and framework to identify and categorize services; defined a methodology for data collection, designed the user interface, conducted usability studies and developed a roadmap to maintain the service catalog for years to come. The vision and strategic mandate, the general strategy and methodology as well as lessons learned will be discussed so that this process can be adopted by other institutions.
Thermal conductivity of metal powders for powder bed additive manufacturing

Abstract The thermal conductivities of five metal powders for powder bed additive manufacturing (Inconel 718, 17-4 stainless steel, Inconel 625, Ti-6Al-4V, and 316L stainless steel) were measured using the transient hot wire method. These measurements were conducted with three infiltrating gases (argon, nitrogen, and helium) within a temperature range of 295–470 K and a gas pressure range of 1.4–101 kPa. The measurements of thermal conductivity indicate that the pressure and the composition of the gas have a significant influence on the effective thermal conductivity of the powder, but that the metal powder properties and temperature do not. Our measurements improve the accuracy upon which laser parameters can be optimized in order to improve thermal control of powder beds in selective laser melting processes, especially in overhanging and cellular geometries where heat dissipation by the powder is critical.
Deglacial floods in the Beaufort Sea preceded Younger Dryas cooling

A period of cooling about 13,000 years ago interrupted about 2,000 years of deglacial warming. Known as the Younger Dryas (YD), the event is thought to have resulted from a slowdown of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation in response to a sudden flood of Laurentide Ice Sheet meltwater that reached the Nordic Seas. Oxygen isotope evidence for a local source of meltwater to the open western North Atlantic from the Gulf of St Lawrence has been lacking. Here we report that the eastern Beaufort Sea contains the long-sought signal of 18O-depleted water. Beginning at ~12.94 ± 0.15 thousand years ago, oxygen isotopes in the planktonic foraminifera from two sediment cores as well as sediment and seismic data indicate a flood of meltwater, ice and sediment to the Arctic via the Mackenzie River that lasted about 700 years. The minimum in the oxygen isotope ratios lasted ~130 years. We suggest that the floodwater travelled north along the Canadian Archipelago and then through the Fram Strait to the Nordic Seas, where freshening and freezing near sites of deep-water formation would have suppressed convection and caused the YD cooling by reducing the meridional overturning.
Static Problems in Isotropic Circular Plates and in Plates of Other Shapes

Although rectangular plates considered in Chap. 2 are often found in applications, other shapes of plates are also encountered in various branches of engineering. Examples of circular plates include bulkheads in submersible vehicles and in aerospace applications and end closures of pressure vessels. If circular bulkheads are reinforced by ring and radial stringers, the sections of these bulkheads between stringers represent sector plates. Triangular plates are found in isogrid structures. Elliptical plates may serve as covers for hatches in decks.
Clinical and research applications of magnetic resonance imaging in the study of CADASIL.

Abstract Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an inherited small vessel disease that leads to early cerebrovascular events and functional disability. It is the most common single-gene disorder leading to stroke. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a central component of the diagnosis and monitoring of CADASIL. Here we provide a descriptive review of the literature on three important aspects pertaining to the use of MRI in CADASIL. First, we review past research exploring MRI markers for this disease. Secondly, we describe results from studies investigating associations between neuroimaging abnormalities and neuropathology in CADASIL. Finally, we discuss previous findings relating MRI markers to clinical symptoms. This review thus provides a summary of the current state of knowledge regarding the use of MRI in CADASIL as well as suggestions for future research.
The Uncertainty of High Expectations: How Principals Influence Relational Trust and Teacher Turnover in No Excuses Charter Schools

Teacher turnover continues to be a chronic problem for low-income schools and is especially high in urban charter schools. New evidence shows that teachers’ perceptions of school leadership and tru...
Make Peace with Me: The Josianic Origins of Isaiah 24–27:

Isaiah 24–27 has been an enduring mystery for scholars of the book. Contrary to theories that it is the latest part of the book, it is not apocalyptic; its imagery of divine feasting and conquering...
Investigating target-site resistance mechanism to the PPO-inhibiting herbicide fomesafen in waterhemp and interspecific hybridization of Amaranthus species using next generation sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) J. D. Sauer) is one of the most pernicious weeds in cropping systems of the USA due to its evolved resistance against several herbicide sites‐of‐action, including protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitors (PPO‐R). Currently, the only source of PPO‐R documented in waterhemp is ΔG210 of PPX2. Gene flow may not only lead to a transfer of herbicide‐resistant alleles, but also produce a hybrid genotype more competitively fit than one or both parents. However, investigating gene flow of Amaranthus species has been of interest in the past two decades with limited evidence. RESULTS: Here, a high‐throughput MiSeq amplicon sequencing method was used to investigate alterations of the PPX2 gene in 146 PPO‐R waterhemp populations across five Midwest states of the USA. Five R128 codons of PPX2, novel to waterhemp, were found including AGG (R), GGA (G), GGG (G), AAA (K) and ATA (I). R128G, R128I, and R128K were found in 11, 3, and 2 populations, respectively. R128G and R128I, but not R128K, conferred fomesafen resistance in a bacterial system. Sequence alignment of the R128 region of PPX2 identified a tumble pigweed (Amaranthus albus)‐type and Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri)‐type PPX2 allele to be present and widespread in the surveyed waterhemp populations, thus providing strong evidence of gene flow between Amaranthus species. CONCLUSION: Using a next‐generation sequencing method, we identified two PPO target‐site mutations R128G/I novel to waterhemp and provided evidence of gene flow of Amaranthus species in a large group of screened waterhemp populations from five Midwest states of the USA. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The Nuclear Export Receptors TbMex67 and TbMtr2 Are Required for Ribosome Biogenesis in Trypanosoma brucei.

ABSTRACT Ribosomal maturation is a complex and highly conserved biological process involving migration of a continuously changing RNP across multiple cellular compartments. A critical point in this process is the translocation of individual ribosomal subunits (60S and 40S) from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and a number of export factors participate in this process. In this study, we characterize the functional role of the auxiliary export receptors TbMex67 and TbMtr2 in ribosome biogenesis in the parasite Trypanosoma brucei. We demonstrate that depletion of each of these proteins dramatically impacts the steady-state levels of other proteins involved in ribosome biogenesis, including the trypanosome-specific factors P34 and P37. In addition, we observe that the loss of TbMex67 or TbMtr2 leads to aberrant ribosome formation, rRNA processing, and polysome formation. Although the TbMex67-TbMtr2 heterodimer is structurally distinct from Mex67-Mtr2 complexes previously studied, our data show that they retain a conserved function in ribosome biogenesis. IMPORTANCE The nuclear export of ribosomal subunits (60S and 40S) depends in part on the activity of the essential auxiliary export receptors TbMtr2 and TbMex67. When these proteins are individually depleted from the medically and agriculturally significant parasite Trypanosoma brucei, distinct alterations in the processing of the rRNAs of the large subunit (60S) are observed as well as aberrations in the assembly of functional ribosomes (polysomes). We also established that TbMex67 and TbMtr2 interact directly or indirectly with the protein components of the 5S RNP, including the trypanosome-specific P34/P37. The critical role that TbMex67 and TbMtr2 play in this essential biological process together with their parasite-specific interactions may provide new therapeutic targets against this important parasite.
An Elbow Exoskeleton for Upper Limb Rehabilitation With Series Elastic Actuator and Cable-Driven Differential

Movement impairments resulting from neurologic injuries, such as stroke, can be treated with robotic exoskeletons that assist with movement retraining. Exoskeleton designs benefit from low impedance and accurate torque control. We designed a two-degrees-of-freedom tethered exoskeleton that can provide independent torque control on elbow flexion/extension and forearm supination/pronation. Two identical series elastic actuators (SEAs) are used to actuate the exoskeleton. The two SEAs are coupled through a novel cable-driven differential. The exoskeleton is compact and lightweight, with a mass of 0.9 kg. Applied rms torque errors were less than 0.19 Nm. Benchtop tests demonstrated a torque rise time of approximately 0.1 s, a torque control bandwidth of 3.7 Hz, and an impedance of less than 0.03 Nm/° at 1 Hz. The controller can simulate a stable maximum wall stiffness of 0.45 Nm/°. The overall performance is adequate for robotic therapy applications and the novelty of the design is discussed.
A Failsafe for Voters? Cast and Rejected Provisional Ballots in North Carolina:

Provisional ballots constitute a failsafe for voters who have their registration or voter identification questioned by poll workers. Scholars have yet to examine who is more likely to cast a provis...
Technical aspects of Nephron-Sparing Surgery (NSS) in children with bilateral centrally located renal tumors

Abstract Bilateral Nephron-Sparing Surgery (NSS) is the gold standard as surgical treatment for children suffering from bilateral renal tumors. Whereas this approach is easy to achieve in peripheral tumors, it represents a relevant challenge in lesions that are centrally located. Involvement of the collecting system, localization deep within the renal parenchyma, and proximity to the central renal vessels are often difficult to deal with. A relevant number of patients thus receive unilateral total nephrectomy or undergo incomplete resections. However, surgery can often be performed successfully through experienced surgeons in centers of excellence, even though conditions for resection appear dismal on preoperative imaging. In this article, the authors describe technical aspects of Nephron-Sparing Surgery in complex conditions of bilateral pediatric renal tumors.
Mimicking Tax Strategies: Evidence from IPOs

We examine whether incumbent firms react to significant IPOs in the same industry by adjusting their tax policy to align with the tax outcomes of the IPO firm. We find that incumbent firms adjust their effective tax rate in response to the difference between it and the effective tax rate of the IPO. Our results are strongest when incumbent firms have greater incentive and ability to mimic the IPO firm’s effective tax rate. We also document that the response of incumbent firms to an IPO is more pronounced for GAAP effective tax rates in some subsets of firms. We contribute to an IPO literature that focuses almost exclusively on the IPO firm itself by showing that an IPO firm can affect the tax policies of incumbent firms within its industry, and to the literature examining the effect of peers on firms’ tax policy.
Health care workers and medical errors: the need for a multipronged experimental approach.

Citation:Baddam S. Health care workers and medical errors: the need for a multipronged experimental approach. J Clin Sleep Med. 2020;16(6):841–842.
Bacterial lyso-form lipoproteins are synthesized via an intramolecular acyl chain migration

All bacterial lipoproteins share a variably acylated N-terminal cysteine residue. Gram-negative bacterial lipoproteins are triacylated with a thioether-linked diacylglycerol moiety and an N-acyl chain. The latter is transferred from a membrane phospholipid donor to the α-amino terminus by the enzyme lipoprotein N-acyltransferase (Lnt), using an active-site cysteine thioester covalent intermediate. Many Gram-positive Firmicutes also have N-acylated lipoproteins, but the enzymes catalyzing N-acylation remain uncharacterized. The integral membrane protein Lit (lipoprotein intramolecular transacylase) from the opportunistic nosocomial pathogen Enterococcus faecalis synthesizes a specific lysoform lipoprotein (N-acyl S-monoacylglycerol) chemotype by an unknown mechanism that helps this bacterium evade immune recognition by the Toll-like receptor 2 family complex. Here, we used a deuterium-labeled lipoprotein substrate with reconstituted Lit to investigate intramolecular acyl chain transfer. We observed that Lit transfers the sn-2 ester-linked lipid from the diacylglycerol moiety to the α-amino terminus without forming a covalent thioester intermediate. Utilizing Mut-Seq to analyze an alanine scan library of Lit alleles, we identified two stretches of functionally important amino acid residues containing two conserved histidines. Topology maps based on reporter fusion assays and cysteine accessibility placed both histidines in the extracellular half of the cytoplasmic membrane. We propose a general acid base–promoted catalytic mechanism, invoking direct nucleophilic attack by the substrate α-amino group on the sn-2 ester to form a cyclic tetrahedral intermediate that then collapses to produce lyso-lipoprotein. Lit is a unique example of an intramolecular transacylase differentiated from that catalyzed by Lnt, and provides insight into the heterogeneity of bacterial lipoprotein biosynthetic systems.
A longitudinal study of the moderating effects of romantic relationships on the associations between alcohol use and trauma in college students

Background and aims College students report high levels of alcohol use, which can be exacerbated by interpersonal trauma exposure (IPT). Romantic relationships may represent salient contexts for moderating associations between IPT and alcohol use. We examined whether relationship status, partner alcohol use and relationship satisfaction moderated associations between IPT and alcohol use, and whether these associations varied in a sex-specific manner. Design University-wide longitudinal survey of college students. Setting Large, urban public university in mid-Atlantic United States. Participants We used two subsets of participants (n = 5673 and 3195) from the Spit for Science project, a longitudinal study of college students. Participants completed baseline assessments during the autumn of their freshman year and were invited to complete follow-up assessments every spring thereafter. Participants were included in the present study if they completed surveys at baseline and at least one follow-up assessment (meanfollow-ups = 1.70, range = 1-4). Measurements Predictors included precollege and college-onset IPT, relationship status, partner alcohol use, relationship satisfaction and sex. Alcohol consumption was the primary outcome of interest. Pre-college IPT was measured at baseline and all other measures were assessed at each follow-up. Findings Individuals with pre-college IPT consumed more alcohol than those without IPT, but this was mitigated for those in relationships (β = -0.15, P = 0.046, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.29, 0.00). Individuals with college-onset IPT consumed more alcohol than those without IPT, and this was more pronounced for those with higher partner alcohol use (β = -0.18, P = 0.001, 95% CI = -0.29, -0.07). Relationship satisfaction was not a significant moderator of the associations between IPT and alcohol use (Ps > 0.05 and 95% CIs include 0). Conclusions Involvement in relationships, but not relationship satisfaction, appears to reduce the effects of interpersonal trauma exposure (IPT) on alcohol use among US college students, while high partner alcohol use appears to exacerbate it. The moderating effects of relationship characteristics depend on the developmental timing of IPT.
Impact of Prototheca Mastitis on Bulk Tank Somatic Cell Count and Standard Plate Count

Prototheca spp are achlorophyllic algae that are ubiquitous in soil and aqueous habitats.1,6 Prototheca zopfii, mainly, and P wickerhamii have been reported as etiologic agents of intramammary infections (IMI) in cows.1,2,4,7,8 Prototheca generally behaves as an environmental mastitis pathogen, but it can be spread from cow to cow during milking.4,8 This is a preliminary report about the impact of Prototheca mastitis on prepasteurized milk quality in two northern New York State dairy herds.
Coherent neural oscillations inform early stroke motor recovery.

Neural oscillations may contain important information pertaining to stroke rehabilitation. This study examined the predictive performance of electroencephalography‐derived neural oscillations following stroke using a data‐driven approach. Individuals with stroke admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility completed a resting‐state electroencephalography recording and structural neuroimaging around the time of admission and motor testing at admission and discharge. Using a lasso regression model with cross‐validation, we determined the extent of motor recovery (admission to discharge change in Functional Independence Measurement motor subscale score) prediction from electroencephalography, baseline motor status, and corticospinal tract injury. In 27 participants, coherence in a 1–30 Hz band between leads overlying ipsilesional primary motor cortex and 16 leads over bilateral hemispheres predicted 61.8% of the variance in motor recovery. High beta (20–30 Hz) and alpha (8–12 Hz) frequencies contributed most to the model demonstrating both positive and negative associations with motor recovery, including high beta leads in supplementary motor areas and ipsilesional ventral premotor and parietal regions and alpha leads overlying contralesional temporal–parietal and ipsilesional parietal regions. Electroencephalography power, baseline motor status, and corticospinal tract injury did not significantly predict motor recovery during hospitalization (R 2 = 0–6.2%). Findings underscore the relevance of oscillatory synchronization in early stroke rehabilitation while highlighting contributions from beta and alpha frequency bands and frontal, parietal, and temporal–parietal regions overlooked by traditional hypothesis‐driven prediction models.