cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A multispecies tree ring reconstruction of Potomac River streamflow (950–2001)

[1] Mean May–September Potomac River streamflow was reconstructed from 950–2001 using a network of tree ring chronologies (n = 27) representing multiple species. We chose a nested principal components reconstruction method to maximize use of available chronologies backward in time. Explained variance during the period of calibration ranged from 20% to 53% depending on the number and species of chronologies available in each 25 year time step. The model was verified by two goodness of fit tests, the coefficient of efficiency (CE) and the reduction of error statistic (RE). The RE and CE never fell below zero, suggesting the model had explanatory power over the entire period of reconstruction. Beta weights indicated a loss of explained variance during the 1550–1700 period that we hypothesize was caused by the reduction in total number of predictor chronologies and loss of important predictor species. Thus, the reconstruction is strongest from 1700–2001. Frequency, intensity, and duration of drought and pluvial events were examined to aid water resource managers. We found that the instrumental period did not represent adequately the full range of annual to multidecadal variability present in the reconstruction. Our reconstruction of mean May–September Potomac River streamflow was a significant improvement over the Cook and Jacoby (1983) reconstruction because it expanded the seasonal window, lengthened the record by 780 years, and better replicated the mean and variance of the instrumental record. By capitalizing on variable phenologies and tree growth responses to climate, multispecies reconstructions may provide significantly more information about past hydroclimate, especially in regions with low aridity and high tree species diversity.
Distribution Patterns of Insects in Tropical Habitats

As discussed in Chapters 1 and 2 various authors (e.g., MacArthur(15,16)) have considered the joint effects of within- and between-habitat diversity being the major determinants of observed pattems of high species richness in the tropics. This approach implies that much of the adaptation within species occurs as a result of evolutionary responses to pattems of local environmental heterogeneity, and such pattems of resource distributions and biotic interactions among organisms are very diverse in some regions of the tropics. Such an approach complements considerations of broad-ranging adaptive responses such as observed pattems of geographical variation in phenotypic characters and gene frequencies within a species. It is well known that studies of geographic variation within single species and for closely related species resulted in the formulation of the concept of speciation by allopatry or geographical differentiation. But in this chapter, we are concemed with adaptation in local environments rather than over a broad geographical range.
The Measurement of NOx in the Non-Urban Troposphere

The measurements of NOx that have been made in the non-urban troposphere are reviewed. The NOx levels in the clean remote troposphere are very low: 0.01 ppbv at the surface in the Mid-Pacific, but increasing with altitude to approximately 0.2 ppbv in the upper troposphere. The upper tropospheric NOx levels are maintained by lightning, stratospheric injection, high flying aircraft and convective transport of surface pollution. Surface NOx mixing ratios over large regions of the industrial Northern Hemisphere exceed 1 ppbv. At the surface in more isolated continental areas the NOx mixing ratio will be intermediate between those found in industrial regions and remote maritime locations. The NOx mixing ratio in the clean troposphere may be strongly influenced by other reactive nitrogen oxides such as PAN. PAN and PAN-like compounds may be the dominate reactive nitrogen oxide species in many regions of the troposphere. This complicates the estimation of the tropospheric NOx distribution and presents substantial difficulties in the measurement of tropospheric NOx levels.
Fracture Threshold Measurements of Hydrogen Precharged Stainless Steel Weld Fusion Zones and Heat Affected Zones

Austenitic stainless steels are used in hydrogen environments because of their generally accepted resistance to hydrogen embrittlement; however, hydrogen-assisted cracking can occur depending on the microstructures or composition of the stainless steel. One area that has not been well researched is welds and in particular heat affected zones. The goal of this work was to measure the subcritical cracking susceptibility of hydrogen precharged gas tungsten arc (GTA) welds in forged stainless steels (21Cr-6Ni-9Mn and 304L). Welds were fabricated using 308L filler metal to form 21-6-9/308L and 304L/308L weld rings, and subsequently three-point bend specimens were extracted from the fusion zone and heat affected zone and precharged in high-pressure hydrogen gas. Crack growth resistance curves were measured in air for the hydrogen precharged fusion zones and heat affected zones under rising-displacement loading, revealing significant susceptibility to subcritical cracking. Fracture thresholds of 304L/308L welds were lower than 21-6-9/308L welds which was attributed to higher ferrite fractions in 304L/308L since this phase governed the crack path. Fracture thresholds for the heat affected zone were greater than the fusion zone in 21-6-9/308L which is likely due to negligible ferrite in the heat affected zone. Modifications to the weld joint geometry through use of a single-J design were implemented to allow consistent testing of the heat affected zones by propagating the crack parallel to the fusion zone boundary. Despite low hydrogen diffusivity in the austenitic stainless steels, effects of displacement rates were observed and a critical rate was defined to yield lower-bound fracture thresholds.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Directed self-assembly of diblock copolymers in multi-VIA configurations: effect of chemopatterned substrates on defectivity

Directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers has gained much attention for its potential as a low-cost, high-throughput patterning tool to supplement existing lithographic techniques, and in particular for its ability to easily pattern vertical interconnect accesses (VIAs).1 Single-hole shrink has been extensively explored, but the continued push towards higher-resolution patterns requires more efficient, less space-consuming approaches. The lithographic resolution limits the minimum distance between two features, and the single-hole templates take up valuable real estate on the wafer.2 To accommodate denser features and relax the resolution requirements of the lithographic techniques, it is prudent to move to multi-VIA configurations in which two or more features are assembled in a single guiding template (such as a peanut,3 or a rounded rectangle4). This allows considerably denser feature patterning, but comes at the cost of more plentiful and complicated defect modes than those found in single-hole shrink features. Most systems contain persistent horizontal structures (eg. rings, U-defects, or bars as shown in Figure 1) that prove detrimental to the etch process and yield undesirable configurations. Largely unexplored is the tandem use of chemoepitaxy and graphoepitaxy to suppress defect modes in multi- VIA templates. Specifically, chemically selective patterning of the substrate beneath a template could act synergistically with the template's lateral guidance to lower defectivity. In this study, we use three-dimensional self-consistent field theory (SCFT) simulations to investigate the equilibrium and metastable defective configurations of di-block copolymer DSA systems in the presence of chemically selective or neutral template sidewalls and preferentially attractive striped substrates. We identify chemo-patterning schemes that maximize defect energies, including sidewall interaction strength and chemical preference. In addition, we discuss chemo-patterning schemes that backfire, creating even more complicated and persistent defect modes such as horizontal half-cylinders on the system substrate.
Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous Cocaine Across the Menstrual Cycle in Rhesus Monkeys

Several studies in rodents suggest that there are sex differences in response to cocaine that are related to fluctuations in the ovarian hormones of females. Female rhesus monkeys have menstrual cycles that are remarkably similar to human menstrual cycles in both duration and hormonal variations. Therefore, data obtained in monkeys should be an ideal model for assessing the effects of cocaine across the menstrual cycle in humans. The present study assessed the acute effects of intravenous cocaine (0, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 mg/kg) in five female rhesus monkeys during four phases of the menstrual cycle: menses, midfollicular, periovulatory, and midluteal. To reduce the effects of stress that can occur from sedation, all animals were trained to enter primate chairs so that repeated blood samples could be obtained in awake animals. Hormone levels for estradiol and progesterone were measured each session before cocaine administration. Cocaine and cocaine metabolite plasma levels were measured at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 min after cocaine administration. Similarly, levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured before, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 min after cocaine administration. Within 5 min of cocaine administration, cocaine plasma levels peaked and dose-dependent behavioral changes (ie increased motor activity, mydriasis, and refusal of treats) were observed. These effects typically resolved in 15–30 min. There were few differences in the pharmacokinetic profile of cocaine across the menstrual cycle. However, the cocaine metabolites, BZE and EME, did vary across the menstrual cycle, with both being increased in the luteal phase, particularly following the highest dose of cocaine. In addition, unlike previous studies, cocaine did not produce consistent increases in LH levels. Rather, the change in LH levels depended on menstrual cycle phase and cocaine dose. In summary, there is little evidence that the pharmacokinetics of cocaine vary as a function of menstrual cycle phase.
Enriching Satkinsk magnesites in heavy suspensions

By enriching Satkinsk magnesites in heavy suspensions it is possible to increase the magnesite grade I and II yields, and to reduce the loss at the mines. The yield of magnesite powders suitable for producing refractories is increased by about 50%. All the enrichment products except the slurries are useable. The tailings (dolomite) can be used as gravel for building.
A High Sensitive Alcohol Sensor Based on Fiber Bragg Grating Written in Photonic Crystal Fiber

We report a new sensor design to measure the concentration of alcohol using Fiber Bragg Grating written on a Photonic Crystal Fiber whose sensitivity is 2.03 times more than sensitive of PCS based sensor.
A new Microsporum and its occurrence in soil and on Animals.

When plates of moistened soil are baited with sterilized strands of lair, according to a method developed by Vanbreuseghem (21), a large variety of keratinophilic fungi is obtained. Two of the commonest isolates recovered have proven to be the dermatophytes Microsporum gypseum and Keratinomyces ajelloi (1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 11-14, 22). Among the other keratinophilic fungi found by this investigator, one is considered to merit recognition as a new species of Microsporum. It was first recovered in 1953 from a soil sample collected in a Saginaw, Michigan, barn. On the hair-bait it grew luxuriantly, covering the hair with whitish mycelium (FIG. 1). The fungus perforated the hair filaments (FIG. 2) and sporulated heavily. At this time it was noted that its macrocoridia, although similar to those of M. gypseum, had thicker cell walls. Pure cultures of this mold were obtained readily with the use of cycloheximide agar (10). The isolate grew rapidly on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Within a week with incubation at 25? C a mature colony had been formed. The colony had a yellowish central powdery area and a peripheral white downy zone. Through the downy area the purplish-red pigment that developed on the reverse of the colony was visible (FIGS. 3-4). Microconidia as well as numerous macroconidia were produced. The multicellular macroconidia were elliptical and ranged from 45 to 75 f in length and were 12-15 / wide. Their echinulate cell walls were 2 to 5 t in thickness (FIGS. 5-6). Pleomorphic changes occurred within three to four weeks.
The Myoblast C2C12 Transfected with Mutant Valosin-Containing Protein Exhibits Delayed Stress Granule Resolution on Oxidative Stress

Valosin-containing protein (VCP) mutations cause inclusion body myopathy with Paget disease and frontotemporal dementia. However, the mechanisms by which mutant VCP triggers degeneration remain unknown. Here, we investigated the role of VCP in cellular stress and found that the oxidative stressor arsenite and heat shock—activated stress responses evident by T-intracellular antigen-1–positive granules in C2C12 myoblasts. Granules also contained phosphorylated transactive response DNA-binding protein 43, ubiquitin, microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B light chains 3, and lysosome-associated membrane protein 2. Mutant VCP produced more T-intracellular antigen-1–positive granules than wild-type in the postarsenite exposure period. Similar results were observed for other granule components, indicating that mutant VCP delayed clearance of stress granules. Furthermore, stress granule resolution was impaired on differentiated C2C12 cells expressing mutant VCP. To address whether mutant VCP triggers dysregulation of the stress granule pathway in vivo , we analyzed skeletal muscle of aged VCP R155H -knockin mice. We found significant increments in oxidated proteins but observed the stress granule markers RasGAP SH3-binding protein and phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α unchanged. The mixed results indicate that mutant VCP together with aging lead to higher oxidative stress in skeletal muscle but were insufficient to disrupt the stress granule pathway. Our findings support that deficiencies in recovery from stressors may result in attenuated tolerance to stress that could trigger muscle degeneration.
A Meta-analysis of ying-rich herbal preparations in treatment of precocious puberty girls

AIM To make the comparison of ying-rich herbal preparation( Rehmanniae Radix,Anemarrhenae Rhizoma,Phellodendri chinensis Cortex) versus western medicines( megestrol or GnRH-a) in treatment of girls with precocious puberty. METHODS Data of domestic and foreign girls with precocious puberty randomized casecontrol study literature were carried out Meta-analysis. RESULTS A total of 654 cases were selected in this research. Total efficiency of ying-rich herbal preparation was superior to megestrol acetate alone in four studies,there was statistically significant difference( OR = 2. 1,95% Cl = 1. 17 ~ 3. 78,P = 0. 01). Two comparative studies referred to gonadotropin-releasing hormone( GnRH-a) showed there was not statistical significance in the two groups( OR = 0. 89,95% Cl = 0. 31 ~ 2. 60,P = 0. 84). Bone age / age difference ratio of ying-rich herbal preparation vs GnRH-a showed no statistical significance( P = 0. 46). Three studies of ying-rich herbal preparation vs megestrol showed the former was better than the latter,there was statistical significant difference( P = 0. 0002). Ovarian development of two groups with comparison of GnRH-a or megestrol showed no significant difference( P = 0. 21vs. P = 0. 43),but the combined treatment group had significant clinic effect( P = 0. 01vs. 0. 04). CONCLUSION Ying-rich herbal preparation is better than single dose of megestrol acetate. What's more,the combination of two kinds of medicines may achieve better clinical efficacy than single one.
The basic science and clinical applications of osteochondral allografts

Indications for the use of osteochondral allografts for orthopaedic surgical applications are increasing with improved surgical techniques and advancing experience. Modern tissue banks have developed harvesting, processing, and storage methods that ensure an adequate, safe supply of grafts. Continued research is necessary to find a technique that maximizes chondrocyte viability and metabolism both during storage and implantation. The majority of published data on the use of osteochondral allografts has focused on the management of osteochondral defects about the knee. Successful outcomes following these procedures have led to increased interest in their application to pathology affecting other joints including the shoulder and ankle. The current paper aims to review the basic science and clinical applications of osteochondral allografts.
Tiөénai Ta Φainómena

The first part of this paper tries to account for an apparent discrepancy between Aristotle’s preaching and his practice on a point of method. The second part reinforces the first by suggesting a common source for many of the problems and methods found in the Physics,
Linking Heterogeneous Data in the Semantic Web Using Scalable and Domain-Independent Candidate Selection

Due to the decentralized nature of the Semantic Web, the same real-world entity may be described in various data sources with different ontologies and assigned syntactically distinct identifiers. In order to facilitate data utilization and consumption in the Semantic Web, without compromising the freedom of people to publish their data, one critical problem is to appropriately interlink such heterogeneous data. This interlinking process is sometimes referred to as Entity Matching , i.e., finding which identifiers refer to the same real-world entity. In this paper, we propose two candidate selection algorithms to improve the scalability of entity matching systems. First of all, we propose HistSim that utilizes the matching histories of the instances to prune instance pairs that are not sufficiently similar to the same pool of other instances. A sigmoid function based thresholding method is proposed to automatically adjust the threshold for such commonality on-the-fly. Furthermore, we propose DisNGram that selects candidate instance pairs by computing a character-level similarity metric on discriminating literal values that are chosen using domain-independent unsupervised learning. Instances are indexed on the chosen predicates’ literal values to enable efficient look-up for similar instances. Finally, in order to be able to handle heterogeneous datasets with a large number of predicates, a mechanism for automatically determining predicate comparability is proposed. We evaluate our two candidate selection algorithms against six state-of-the-art systems on three Semantic Web datasets, and demonstrate that our proposed algorithms frequently outperform state-of-the-art systems on F1-score and runtime.
Hypertext Software for Modeling Neurons

A user interface in part determines the effectiveness of simulation software. A hypertext based tool for developing mathematical models of single neurons has been developed which provides a mixture of text with point-and-click interactive graphical simulations of voltage-clamp and current-clamp protocols.
A Positive Psychology Theoretical Model to Coach Veterans Through Successful Transitions

A conceptual model was constructed on the basis of an extensive literature review examining positive psychology topics as related to human resource development.The ProblemResearch primarily focused...
Comparison of stool versus rectal swab samples and storage conditions on bacterial community profiles

Sample collection for gut microbiota analysis from in-patients can be challenging. Collection method and storage conditions are potential sources of variability. In this study, we compared the bacterial microbiota from stool stored under different conditions, as well as stool and swab samples, to assess differences due to sample storage conditions and collection method. Using bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, we compared the microbiota profiles of stool samples stored and collected under various conditions. Stool samples (2 liquid, 1 formed) from three different patients at two hospitals were each evaluated under the following conditions: immediately frozen at -80°C, stored at 4°C for 12-48 hours before freezing at -80°C and stored at -20°C with 1-2 thaw cycles before storage at -80°C. Additionally, 8 stool and 30 rectal swab samples were collected from 8 in-patients at one hospital. Microbiota differences were assessed using the Yue and Clayton dissimilarity index (θYC distance) and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). Regardless of the storage conditions, the bacterial communities of aliquots from the same stool samples were very similar based on θYC distances (median intra-sample θYC distance: 0.035, IQR: 0.015-0.061) compared to aliquots from different stool samples (median inter-sample θYC distance: 0.93, IQR: 0.85-0.97) (Wilcoxon test p-value: <0.0001). For the stool and rectal swab comparison, samples from different patients, regardless of sample collection method, were significantly different (AMOVA p-values: <0.001-0.029) compared to no significant difference between all stool and swab samples (AMOVA p-value: 0.976). The θYC dissimilarity index between swab and stool samples was significantly lower within individuals (median 0.17, IQR: 0.10-0.27) than between individuals (median 0.93, IQR: 0.85-0.97) (Wilcoxon test p-value: <0.0001), indicating minimal differences between stool and swab samples collected from the same individual over the sampling period. For gastrointestinal microbiota studies based on bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, interim stool sample storage at 4 °C or -20 °C, rather than immediate storage at -80 °C, does not significantly alter results. Additionally, stool and rectal swab microbiotas from the same subject were highly similar, indicating that these sampling methods could be used interchangeably to assess the community structure of the distal GI tract.
SHAPE analysis of the htrA RNA thermometer from Salmonella enterica

RNA thermometers regulate expression of some genes involved in virulence of pathogenic bacteria such as Yersinia, Neisseria, and Salmonella They often function through temperature-dependent conformational changes that alter accessibility of the ribosome-binding site. The 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of the htrA mRNA from Salmonella enterica contains a very short RNA thermometer. We have systematically characterized the structure and dynamics of this thermometer at single-nucleotide resolution using SHAPE (selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension) assays. Our results confirm that the htrA thermometer adopts the predicted hairpin conformation at low temperatures, with conformational change occurring over a physiological temperature regime. Detailed SHAPE melting curves for individual nucleotides suggest that the thermometer unfolds in a cooperative fashion, with nucleotides from both upper and lower portions of the stem gaining flexibility at a common transition temperature. Intriguingly, analysis of an extended htrA 5' UTR sequence revealed not only the presence of the RNA thermometer, but also an additional, stable upstream structure. We generated and analyzed point mutants of the htrA thermometer, revealing elements that modulate its stability, allowing the hairpin to melt under the slightly elevated temperatures experienced during the infection of a warm-blooded host. This work sheds light on structure-function relationships in htrA and related thermometers, and it also illustrates the utility of SHAPE assays for detailed study of RNA thermometer systems.
Pan Africanism: Discussions on Strategy for Liberation, Marriage, and Surveillance

This chapter considers Kenyatta in Britain during World War II; surveillance and the strategies for liberation by radical Pan Africanists in London and how these affected Kenyatta; moving from a preference for armed revolt to mass nationalism under the leadership of radical nationalists, and why; Pan Africanism and radical Pan Africanists.; the British Labour Party and changes in its post-war colonial policy; Kenyatta’s decision to return to Kenya after more than fifteen years in the UK; reaction by white settlers and the colonial government.
Measuring Cohesion and Self-Disclosure in Psychotherapy Groups for Patients with Advanced Cancer: An Analysis of the Psychometric Properties of the Group Therapy Experience Scale.

Objective: Understanding that the group process informs group interventions. However, there is little systematic research on group process variables in psychotherapy groups for patients with cancer...
IMPACT OF NEW DEBT OFFERINGS ON EXISTING CORPORATE BONDHOLDERS

Corporate bondholders may be concerned about the value of their bonds when the firm issues more bonds. Using bond data from the Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE) from 2005 to 2017, we study the impact of new bond issues and relative maturity on the price of existing bonds. We find negative and significant average abnormal returns for existing bonds over a three‐day event window. Consistent with the adverse consequences of relative maturity of the new issuance, existing bond market returns are more strongly negative when the newly issued bonds mature before existing bonds. A funded debt covenant attenuates the negative return.
IDEA: Instant Detection of Eating Action using Wrist-Worn Sensors in Absence of User-Specific Model

Eating activity monitoring using wearable sensors can potentially enable interventions based on eating speed for critical healthcare problems such as obesity or diabetes. We propose a novel methodology, IDEA that performs accurate eating action identification and provides feedback on eating speed. IDEA uses a single wristband with IMU sensors and functions without any manual intervention from the user. The F1 score for eating action identification was 0.92.
An Approach to Optimize Police Patrol Activities Based on the Spatial Pattern of Crime Hotspots

Criminal activities are a major risk factor for the well-being of society in many countries. Police patrol service is a critical instrument to combat the criminal activities with violent aspects. The police resource allocation for street patrolling is one of the most important tactical management activities, and it is important to continuously improve the patrolling strategies. Previous research mainly focuses on determining the important scores of locations based on hotspots analysis or identifying important routes based on the topology of road networks. There are several limitations in the current patrol planning studies. First, the patterns in the distribution of hotspots were rarely considered in the patrol planning. Second, some existing patrol optimization algorithms can lead to a predictable patroller. Third, the overall performance of multiple patrol activities is often not optimized. Finally, more efficient algorithms are needed for a real-time solution that serves large jurisdictions. To deal with these limitations, this chapter aims to integrate a spatial pattern identification approach with an efficient route optimization algorithm to produce randomized optimal patrol routes. A case study is provided to illustrate our approach, which shows that the proposed approach can improve the overall effectiveness of multiple unpredictable patrol activities and it is efficient enough to be used as a real-time solution.
ISOLATION OF PLASMA MEMBRANE FROM ADRENAL CHROMAFFIN CELLS

ABSTRACT Labelling of bovine adrenal chromaffin cell plasma membrane (PM) with 125 I-wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) or 125 I-diazobenzenesulfanilic acid (DABS) prior to cell disruption facilitates the identification of PM on sucrose density gradients. We have isolated an enriched PM fraction by differential and density gradient centrifugation and have characterized this fraction by marker enzyme assays and polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis in SDS. Our data support results of previous workers who used marker enzymes alone to characterize PM purity.
The Origin of Visible Language

Archaeological data from the ancient Middle East shows a unique, uninterrupted sequence of communication/data storage devices starting ca. 12,000 B.C. This evidence suggests that, in that part of the world, data processing evolved in three main stages, each corresponding to major socioeconomic changes: notched bones (keeping track of lunar notations?) were used by hunting and gathering societies; tokens, recording quantities of goods, followed the domestication of plants and animals; finally, writing coincided with state formation. Each device dealt with data in greater abstraction.
Supplemental dietary chromium does not influence ACTH, cortisol, or immune responses in young calves inoculated with bovine herpesvirus-1.

Twelve Holstein bull calves (6 to 8 wk of age) were used to determine the influence of supplemental dietary Cr on ACTH, cortisol, and immune responses of calves experimentally inoculated with bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1). Calves supplemented with Cr received 3 mg Cr/d (Chromium, n = 6) of a high-Cr-yeast product. Following 53 d of treatment, all calves were fitted with jugular catheters, and blood samples were collected every 4 h into tubes containing EDTA. Twenty-four hours later, all calves were inoculated intranasally with BHV-1 (1 x 10 7 plaque-forming units in each naris). Serial blood collection continued at 4-h intervals for 6 d. Plasma was harvested, immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at -20°C. Individual rectal temperatures and urine samples were collected at the same time each day. Rectal temperatures were elevated (P <.05) on d 2, 3, 4, and 5 but were not affected by Cr treatment. Treatment with Cr did not affect secretion of ACTH, cortisol, or plasma tumor necrosis factor-α, although clear circadian variation in ACTH and cortisol occurred. No differences were detected in the concentrations of trace minerals excreted daily in the urine, lymphocyte proliferative response to mitogen stimulation, and neutrophil bactericidal function. The acute phase proteins, ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen, also were not affected by treatment or viral challenge. These data suggest that Cr supplementation using high-Cr yeast (3 mg/d) did not alter stress responses of calves experimentally inoculated with BHV-1.
Acquisition of formulaic sequences in a study abroad context

Abstract Research (e.g., Wood, 2010a) suggests that study abroad (SA) and the use of formulaic language (FL), or sequences of words that tend to go together, aid L2 oral fluency. Nonetheless, there is conflicting evidence regarding whether quantity of L2 use abroad is a predictor of language outcomes. This article examines the acquisition of FL by US L2 learners of Spanish (n = 11) who studied abroad in Spain. The study measures the temporal fluency variables and the formula/run ratio of narrative retell tasks pre- and post-SA by L2 learners and native Spanish speakers. The findings indicate that regardless of program type and length, learners produce more FL post-SA, but they are still far from target-like usage. Moreover, participants’ mean length of run is directly related to the formula/run ratio. Lastly, an analysis of language use shows no direct relationship between L2 use abroad and oral fluency outcomes.
Abstract 170: Metabolomics Profiling and Risk of Small Vessel Ischemic Stroke

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) accounts for 25-30% of strokes and is a leading cause of cognitive decline and disability. Identification of blood-based biomarkers for SVD may aid in the early ...
Wavefront Propagation in Random Granular Media

A very brief account is given of a stochastic method developed for analysis of transient waves propagating in one-dimensional random granular-type media. The method is suited to study transient dynamic response of nonlinear microstructures with material randomess, of high signal-to-noise ratio, being present in constitutive moduli and grain lengths. It generalizes the classical solution techniques, based on the theory of characteristics, by taking advantage of the Markov property of the forward propagating disturbances.
Pedestrian Safety and Driver Yielding Near Public Transit Stops

Pedestrian crashes are a pronounced threat to public safety. Numerous factors have been linked to their recent increase, such as higher pedestrian and vehicle volume, proximity to bus stops, as wel...
Finding sexual health aids after cancer: are cancer centers supporting survivors’ needs?

Sexual dysfunction is one of the most prevalent and distressing treatment-related side effects for both male and female cancer survivors. Survivorship care guidelines recommend therapeutic sexual aids to help improve sexual problems. However, little is known about the availability of sexual aids and resources at cancer centers. Twenty-five comprehensive cancer centers affiliated with both the National Cancer Institute and the National Comprehensive Care Network were surveyed using the “mystery shopper” method to determine whether various types of sexual aids were available at the centers. Staffs from cancer center staff retail stores and patient boutiques were queried in separate telephone calls regarding the availability of these aids for and women. Of the 25 centers contacted, 23 (92%) responded about aids for men, and 22 (88%) responded about aids for women. Eighty-seven percent of the centers reported having no sexual aids available for men, and 72% of centers reported having no aids available for women. The most common advice given to mystery shoppers was a suggestion to use the internet. Only one center had numerous aids/resources for both men and women. The large majority of cancer centers reported having no sexual aids or other sexual health resources available for men or women. Results underscore the widespread lack of resources to promote sexual health rehabilitation at major cancer centers, both for male and female survivors.
Assessing the Stability of Tweet Corpora for Hurricane Events Over Time: A Mixed Methods Approach

When natural disasters occur, various organizations and agencies turn to social media to understand who needs help and how they have been affected. The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to evaluate whether hurricane-related tweets have some consistency over time, and second, whether Twitter-derived content is thematically similar to other private social media data. Through a unique method of using Twitter data gathered from six different hurricanes, alongside private data collected from qualitative interviews conducted in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, we hypothesize that there is some level of stability across hurricane-related tweet content over time that could be used for better real-time processing of social media data during natural disasters. We use latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) to derive topics, and, using Hellinger distance as a metric, find that there is a detectable connection among hurricane topics. By uncovering some persistent thematic areas and topics in disaster-related tweets, we hope these findings can help first responders and government agencies discover urgent content in tweets more quickly and reduce the amount of human intervention needed.
Quantized coordinate rings of the unipotent radicals of the standard Borel subgroups in SLn+1

Abstract In this paper we find noncommutative analogues of the coordinate rings of the unipotent radicals of the standard Borel subgroups in SL n + 1 . Two subalgebras of the quantized coordinate ring of the standard Borel in SL n + 1 are defined, both of which can be considered quantizations of the unipotent radical. Presentations are given for these algebras and they are proven to be isomorphic. It is the shown that these algebras also arise as coinvariants of a natural comodule algebra action using the Hopf Algebra structure of O q ( SL n + 1 ) . Finally, using a dual paring, it is shown that these algebras are isomorphic U q ± ( sl n + 1 ) .
Completeness of operative reports for rectal cancer surgery.

Abstract Introduction Synoptic operative reporting has been shown to improve completeness and consistency in surgical documentation. We sought to determine whether operative reports contain the key elements recommended by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer. Methods Rectal cancer operative reports from June–December 2018 were submitted from ten hospitals in Michigan. These reports were analyzed to identify key elements in the synoptic operative template and assessed for completeness. Results In total, 110 operative reports were reviewed. Thirty-one (28%) reports contained all 24 elements; all of these reports used a synoptic template. Overall, 62 (56%) reports used a synoptic template and 48 (44%) did not. Using a synoptic template significantly improved documentation, as these reports contained 92% of required elements, compared to 39% for narrative reports (p Conclusions/Discussion Narrative operative reports inconsistently document rectal cancer resection. This study provides evidence that synoptic reporting will improve quality of documentation for rectal cancer surgery.
Estimation of Backscatter Coefficients Using an In Situ Calibration Source

The objective of this article is to demonstrate the feasibility of estimating the backscatter coefficient (BSC) using an in situ calibration source. Traditional methods of estimating the BSC in vivo using a reference phantom technique do not account for transmission losses due to intervening layers between the ultrasonic source and the tissue region to be interrogated, leading to increases in bias and variance of BSC-based estimates. To account for transmission losses, an in situ calibration approach is proposed. The in situ calibration technique employs a titanium sphere that is well-characterized ultrasonically, biocompatible, and embedded inside the sample. A set of experiments was conducted to evaluate the embedded titanium spheres as in situ calibration targets for BSC estimation. The first experiment quantified the backscattered signal strength from titanium spheres of three sizes: 0.5, 1, and 2 mm in diameter. The second set of experiments assessed the repeatability of BSC estimates from the titanium spheres and compared these BSCs to theory. The third set of experiments quantified the ability of the titanium bead to provide an in situ reference spectrum in the presence of a lossy layer on top of the sample. The final set of experiments quantified the ability of the bead to provide a calibration spectrum over multiple depths in the sample. All experiments were conducted using an L9-4/38 linear array connected to a SonixOne system. The strongest signal was observed from the 2-mm titanium bead with the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 11.6 dB with respect to the background speckle. Using an analysis bandwidth of 2.5–5.5 MHz, the mean differences between the experimentally derived BSCs and BSCs derived from the Faran theory were 0.54 and 0.76 dB using the array and a single-element transducer, respectively. The BSCs estimated using the in situ calibration approach without the layer and with the layer and using the reference phantom approach with the layer were compared to the reference phantom approach without the layer present. The mean differences in BSCs were 0.15, 0.73, and −9.69 dB, respectively. The mean differences of the BSCs calculated from data blocks located at depths that were either 30 pulse lengths above or below the actual bead depth compared to the BSC calculated at bead depth were −1.55 and −1.48 dB, respectively. The results indicate that an in situ calibration target can account for overlaying tissue losses, thereby improving the robustness of BSC-based estimates.
A Mouse Model for Skeletal Structure and Function Changes Caused by Radiation Therapy and Estrogen Deficiency.

Radiation therapy and estrogen deficiency can damage healthy bone and lead to an increased fracture risk. The goal of this study is to develop a mouse model for radiation therapy using a fractionated biologically equivalent dose for cervical cancer treatment in both pre- and postmenopausal women. Thirty-two female C57BL/6 mice 13 weeks of age were divided into four groups: Sham + non-irradiated (SHAM + NR), Sham + irradiated (SHAM + IRR), ovariectomy + non-irradiated (OVX + NR) and ovariectomy + irradiated (OVX + IRR). The irradiated mice received a 6 Gy dose of X-rays to the hindlimbs at Day 2, Day 4 and Day 7 (18 Gy total). Tissues were collected at Day 35. DEXA, microCT analysis and FEA were used to quantify structural and functional changes at the proximal tibia, midshaft femur, proximal femur and L1 vertebra. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decline in proximal tibia trabecular BV/TV from (1) IRR compared to NR mice within Sham (− 46%) and OVX (− 41%); (2) OVX versus Sham within NR mice (− 36%) and IRR mice (− 30%). With homogenous material properties applied to the proximal tibia mesh using FEA, there was (1) an increase in whole bone (trabecular + cortical) structural stiffness from IRR compared to NR mice within Sham (+ 10%) and OVX (+ 15%); (2) a decrease in stiffness from OVX versus Sham within NR mice (− 18%) and IRR mice (− 14%). Fractionated irradiation and ovariectomy both had a negative effect on skeletal microarchitecture. Ovariectomy had a systemic effect, while skeletal radiation damage was largely specific to trabecular bone within the X-ray field.
Metabolic pathways mediate pathogenesis and offer targets for treatment in rheumatic diseases.

Purpose of review The cause of autoimmune diseases remains incompletely understood. Here, we highlight recent advances in the role of proinflammatory metabolic pathways in autoimmune disease, including treatment with antioxidants and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors. Recent findings Recent studies show that mTOR pathway activation, glucose utilization, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and antioxidant defenses play critical roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, immune thrombocytopenia, Sjogren's syndrome, large vessel vasculitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. mTOR activity leads to Th1 and Th17 cell proliferation, Treg depletion, plasma cell differentiation, macrophage dysfunction, and increased antibody and immune complex production, ultimately resulting in tissue inflammation. mTOR also affects the function of connective tissue cells, including fibroblast-like synoviocytes, endothelial cells, and podocytes. mTOR inhibition via rapamycin and N-acetylcysteine, and blockade of glucose utilization show clinical efficacy in both mouse models and clinical trials, such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Summary The mTOR pathway is a central regulator of growth and survival signals, integrating environmental cues to control cell proliferation and differentiation. Activation of mTOR underlies inflammatory lineage specification, and mTOR blockade-based therapies show promising efficacy in several autoimmune diseases.
Response of ocular surface epithelium to corneal wounding in retinol-deficient rabbits

The purpose of this study was to explore the nature and time course of the functional effects of early retinol deficiency on the ocular surface epithelium. To this end, the conjunctival epithelial healing rate, mitotic rate, and goblet cell frequency were determined following experimental ocular surface epithelial wounding in 15 rabbits sustained on a retinol-deficient diet and in 12 pair-fed controls. The animals were sacrificed at 2, 7, and 14 days after wound closure. The mean serum retinol level (+/- SEM) prior to wounding was 6.0 +/- 0.9 microgram/dl for the group fed the deficient diet. The mean serum and liver retinol levels for this group following defect closure were 4.0 +/- 0.5 micrograms/dl and 0 micrograms/g, respectively. These values are all significantly less than the analogous respective control values of 83.2 +/- 2.4 micrograms/dl, 77.6 +/- 2.3 micrograms/dl and 35.1 +/- 3.0 micrograms/g (P less than 0.001 for each pair, student t-test). In the retinol-deficient animals, the unwounded eyes had an abnormally high rate of conjunctival epithelial cell mitosis, the earliest ocular surface cellular abnormality detected. Hypermitosis of the unwounded corneal epithelium was also noted, though somewhat later than in the conjunctiva. Epithelial wound healing was delayed considerably in the retinol-deficient group, with only 33% of eyes in this group healed within the same time period as the controls (P less than 0.05, Chi-square). Normal numbers of goblet cells were noted in the conjunctiva of retinol-deficient animals, despite at least 5, and up to 8 weeks of profoundly depleted retinol stores.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Replacing the Persecution Condition for Refugeehood

In order to be eligible for refugee status under the 1951 Refugee Convention, an individual must have a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. A major problem with this condition for refugee status is that it leaves significant protection gaps, for it is generally agreed that individuals fleeing indiscriminate violence or generalized harm do not satisfy this requirement. In this paper, I evaluate existing arguments both defending and critiquing the persecution condition, and then outline my own account of the criteria that should replace it. I argue that my view is preferable to alternatives suggested in the literature because it satisfies three key desiderata: 1) it eliminates protection gaps; 2) it is feasible to implement in a world like ours; and 3) it preserves the importantly political nature of the institution of refugeehood.
A probabilistic approach for calibration time reduction in hybrid EEG-fTCD brain-computer interfaces.

Generally, brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) require calibration before usage to ensure efficient performance. Therefore, each BCI user has to attend a certain number of calibration sessions to be able to use the system. However, such calibration requirements may be difficult to fulfill especially for patients with disabilities. In this paper, we introduce a probabilistic transfer learning approach to reduce the calibration requirements of our EEG–fTCD hybrid BCI designed using motor imagery (MI) and flickering mental rotation (MR)/word generation (WG) paradigms. The proposed approach identifies the top similar datasets from previous BCI users to a small training dataset collected from a current BCI user and uses these datasets to augment the training data of the current BCI user. To achieve such an aim, EEG and fTCD feature vectors of each trial were projected into scalar scores using support vector machines. EEG and fTCD class conditional distributions were learnt separately using the scores of each class. Bhattacharyya distance was used to identify similarities between class conditional distributions obtained using training trials of the current BCI user and those obtained using trials of previous users. Experimental results showed that the performance obtained using the proposed transfer learning approach outperforms the performance obtained without transfer learning for both MI and flickering MR/WG paradigms. In particular, it was found that the calibration requirements can be reduced by at least 60.43% for the MI paradigm, while at most a reduction of 17.31% can be achieved for the MR/WG paradigm. Data collected using the MI paradigm show better generalization across subjects.