cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Chaperone in the HSP70 Family Controls Production of Extracellular Fibrils in Myxococcus xanthus

Three independent Tn5-lac insertions in the S1 locus of Myxococcus xanthus inactivate the sglK gene, which is nonessential for growth but required for social motility and multicellular development. The sequence of sglK reveals that it encodes a homologue of the chaperone HSP70 (DnaK). The sglK gene is cotranscribed with the upstream grpS gene, which encodes a GrpE homologue. Unlike sglK, grpS is not required for social motility or development. Wild-type M. xanthus is encased in extracellular polysaccharide filaments associated with the multimeric fibrillin protein. Mutations in sglK inhibit cell cohesion, the binding of Congo red, and the synthesis or secretion of fibrillin, indicating that sglK mutants do not make fibrils. The fibR gene, located immediately upstream of the grpS-sglK operon, encodes a product which is predicted to have a sequence similar to those of the repressors of alginate biosynthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas putida. Inactivation of fibR leads to the overproduction of fibrillin, suggesting that M. xanthus fibril production and Pseudomonas alginate production are regulated in analogous ways. M. xanthus and Pseudomonas exopolysaccharides may play similar roles in a mechanism of social motility conserved in these gram-negative bacteria.
Sperm antigens and their use in the development of an immunocontraceptive.

PROBLEM: Overpopulation is a global problem of significant magnitude, with grave implications for the future. World population is predicted to reach 10 billion people by the year 2050, an increase of more than 75% over the current population. Development of new contraceptives is necessary, since current forms of birth control are unavailable to many individuals due to sociological, financial, or educational limitations. METHODS: In an effort to identify new contraceptive alternatives, sperm-specific antigens are under investigation as the basis for immunological regulation of fertility through contraceptive immunization. Anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) inhibit sperm function in vitro, induce infertility in experimental models, and have been implicated in some cases of clinical infertility. Furthermore, the development of ASA in vasectomized men does not lead to physiological complications despite the persistence of these antibodies for years; thus, ASA induced by immunization of men and women may be similarly harmless. Immunization has several conceptual advantages as a method of fertility regulation: Employment of non-pharmacologically active agents, convenience of administration, low cost, and the potential for relatively long-lasting yet reversible effects. RESULTS: Various approaches have been taken to identify candidate sperm antigens for immunocontraceptive development. Studies that utilized monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal antisera generated against sperm preparations have identified such promising candidates as PH-20, fertilin, SP-17, and SP-10. In an animal model, 100% contraceptive effects were induced following PH-20 immunization and the effects were reversible. More recently, ASA from the sera of infertile patients were employed to identify several candidates as expressed by testis cDNA libraries. Perhaps the most extensively characterized and effective immunogen candidate identified thus far is lactate dehydrogenase-C 4 (LDH-C 4 ). Active immunization with LDH-C 4 suppressed fertility in a variety of mammalian species, including primates, and the reversibility of these effects was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: The successful results obtained thus far support the feasibility of an effective immunocontraceptive and indicate the importance for continued investigation of additional sperm antigens as contraceptive immunogen candidates.
How Implicit Beliefs Influence Trust Recovery

After a trust violation, some people are quick to forgive, whereas others never trust again. In this report, we identify a key characteristic that moderates trust recovery: implicit beliefs of moral character. Individuals who believe that moral character can change over time (incremental beliefs) are more likely to trust their counterpart following an apology and trustworthy behavior than are individuals who believe that moral character cannot change (entity beliefs). We demonstrate that a simple but powerful message can induce either entity or incremental beliefs about moral character.
A comparative study of 3D and axisymmetric magnetizer assemblies used in magnetic flux leakage inspection of pipelines

Axisymmetric numerical codes are often used in modeling non-destructive testing phenomena, to approximate geometries and defects which are not truly axisymmetric in nature. This is especially true in cases where large computational resources are needed to model the exact geometry. However, there has been no study to confirm the nature and extent of errors introduced by an axisymmetric approximation. The gas pipeline industry makes use of bath axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric magnetizers for the magnetic flux leakage inspection of pipelines. The authors utilize this platform to perform a comparative analysis of axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric magnetizers from a design perspective and also study the differences in respective electromagnetic behavior.
Developments in the prevention of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease.

Summary The transfusion of blood products can result in a variety of consequences, including transfer of pathogens and the induction of immune responses, such as the almost invariably fatal transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD). Exposure of blood products to c-irradiation is currently the standard of care for the prevention of TA-GVHD. Regulatory, technical and clinical challenges associated with the use of c-irradiators are driving efforts to develop alternatives. Initially, pathogen reduction methods were developed to reduce the risk of microbial transmission by blood components. Through modifications of nucleic acids, these technologies interfere with the replication of both pathogens and leucocytes. These methods have been found to be as effective as c-irradiation in preventing T lymphocyte proliferation and TA-GVHD responses. Additional benefits of pathogen reduction protocols potentially include inhibition of antigen presentation, cytokine production and activation of lymphocytes.
The Impact of Scaffolding and Student Achievement Levels in a Problem-Based Learning Environment.

This study examined how scaffolds and student achievement levels influence inquiry and performance in a problem-based learning environment. The scaffolds were embedded within a hypermedia program that placed students at the center of a problem in which they were trying to become the youngest person to fly around the world in a balloon. One-hundred and eleven seventh grade students enrolled in a science and technology course worked in collaborative groups for a duration of 3 weeks to complete a project that included designing a balloon and a travel plan. Student groups used one of three problem-based, hypermedia programs: (1) a no scaffolding condition that did not provide access to scaffolds, (2) a scaffolding optional condition that provided access to scaffolds, but gave students the choice of whether or not to use them, and (3) a scaffolding required condition required students to complete all available scaffolds. Results revealed that students in the scaffolding optional and scaffolding required conditions performed significantly better than students in the no scaffolding condition on one of the two components of the group project. Results also showed that student achievement levels were significantly related to individual posttest scores; higher- achieving students scored better on the posttest than lower-achieving students. In addition, analyses of group notebooks confirmed qualitative differences between stu- dents in the various conditions. Specifically, those in the scaffolding required condition produced more highly organized project notebooks containing a higher percentage of entries directly relevant to the problem. These findings suggest that scaffolds may enhance inquiry and performance, especially when students are required to access and use them.
Time-domain characterization of coupled microstrip lines

A time-domain scheme for the measurement of coupling characteristics of microstrip lines is presented. The method uses the correlation between Maxwellian and physical parameters of the telegrapher's equations to define the normal modes of the system and to evaluate the propagation characteristics. Self and mutual coefficients are obtained for various levels of coupling and for different aspect ratios. >
Library instruction and information literacy 2014

Purpose – This paper aims to provide an introductory overview and selected annotated bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy across all library types. Design/methodology/approach – It introduces and annotates English-language periodical articles, monographs, dissertations and other materials on library instruction and information literacy published in 2014. Findings – It provides information about each source, discusses the characteristics of current scholarship and highlights sources that contain unique or significant scholarly contributions. Originality/value – The information may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.
Active vibration control of an elastic beam by means of shape memory alloy (SMA) layers

The mathematical model of a flexible beam covered with shape memory alloy (SMA) layers is presented. The SMA layers are used as actuators that are capable of changing the elastic modulus and recovery stress, thus changing the natural frequency of and adjusting the excitation to the vibrating beam. A linear control law is determined based on optimal regulator theory. The control results are discussed.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
ParkAnalyzer: Characterizing the movement patterns of visitors VAST 2015 Mini-Challenge 1

The 2015 VAST challenge features movement tracking (Mini- Challenge 1 (MC1)) and communication information (Mini- Challenge 2 (MC2)) datasets of all visitors in an amusement park over a three-day weekend. The data includes around 25 million individual movement records, along with 4 million communication records. Analyzing and exploring such large-scale datasets require intelligent data mining methods that characterize the overall trends and anomalies, as well as interactive visual interfaces to support investigation at different spatiotemporal granularities. The objective of MC1 was to characterize the behavior of different groups of visitors, compare different activity patterns over the three days, and discover anomalies or unusual behavior patterns that relate to the crime that occurred during the weekend. We utilized both movement data provided in MC1 and communication data provided in MC2 to answer the questions asked in MC1.
Carolina Blues: President Obama and the 2012 Campaign in North Carolina

Illinois Senator Barack Obama, candidate for the U.S. presidency won the 2008 election and the state of North Carolina; a notably southern state with its own pernicious racial history. NC had hesitantly given Senator Obama its electoral blessings with a slim 14,177 margin of victory over Arizona Senator John McCain. Obama earned 2.14 million (49.7%) voters to McCain‘s 2.12 million (49.38%) in 2008. Senator Barack Obama had achieved a stunning accomplishment in a state that has been but an electoral dream for most modern Democratic presidential candidates. His achievement came as the result of forming a coalition of African Americans, women, youth, and white independent voters.Four year later, President Obama narrowly lost to Republican candidate Mitt Romney in the state of North Carolina. Pundits and political analysts often point to President Obama‘s electoral successes nationally as the result of several key factors that substantiated his 2008 and 2012 campaigns as models of efficiency and effectiveness: 1) the most technologically driven campaign in political history; 2) campaign funding that exceeded even the wildest imagination of political professionals; and 3) favorable demographics with the expanding number of racial minorities and Unaffiliated (not associated with political parties) voters. What led to President Obama‘s failure to achieve what candidate Obama managed to do in North Carolina? President Obama lost what many saw as an increasingly blue state which prompted dreams of North Carolina advancing toward a new era of progressive politics.
The Role of PI3K Signaling Pathway in Intestinal Tumorigenesis

The phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) are a family of signaling enzymes that regulate multiple key cellular functions including cell cycle progression, growth, migration, apoptosis, and vesicular trafficking. Components of this pathway are necessary for normal growth and development, but due to both genetic and metabolic changes, this pathway can become dysregulated as early as the fetal period. Continued alterations of the PI3K pathway can frequently lead to activation of cancer development and metastasis. As more information is discovered about the components of this pathway and their signaling mechanisms we have opportunities to exploit multiple sites of the cascade, and develop targeted inhibitors against these small molecules. A thorough understanding of this pathway and its signaling mechanisms is paramount to the development of new and improved treatments for intestinal cancers.
We All Want to Protect the Homeland, Right? Assessing the Partnership Model in Critical Infrastruction Protection Policy

The issue of critical infrastructure protection has presented the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with a tremendous coordination task. Critical infrastructure has been defined in such a broad manner to include many assets and sectors under federal and non-federal governmental jurisdiction. As such, DHS has created a new policy 'regime' the primary goals of which can only be achieved by the effective coordination of numerous federal, state, and local government agencies. This research seeks to understand the factors that lead to effective coordination of critical infrastructure policy. The research uses an in-depth analysis of government reports regarding the success and failure of critical infrastructure protection policy. I examine Government Accountability Office reports that detail the implementation of critical infrastructure policy across the 18 critical sectors and key asset areas designated by DHS. The goals of the research are to 1) assess the current landscape of critical infrastructure protection, 2) assist future decision-making about critical infrastructure implementation and 3) develop a set of empirically testable hypotheses for future research.
Managing self-pollinated germplasm collections to maximize utilization

The primary mission of germplasm collections is to preserve genetic diversity, but germplasm is preserved so that it can be used. Historically, the standard practice is that all germplasm accessions should be maintained as collected, so that even self-pollinated accessions are maintained as heterogeneous seed lots. In theory, this seems like an ideal strategy for preserving genetic diversity, but in practice, it is simply not workable. Heterogeneous accessions are in constant risk of change and loss. It is possible to mitigate the risk factors, but they can only be lessened and not eliminated. Maintaining pure-lined accessions for self-pollinated species not only eliminates the problems associated with genetic drift and natural selection, but also enhances the accuracy of the evaluations and fosters effective germplasm utilization. Neither the current potential to characterize entire germplasm collections with tens of thousands of DNA markers nor the future potential of whole genome sequencing to completely characterize the diversity of all accessions in collections can be fully realized for self-pollinated species unless accessions are homogeneous and homozygous. In this manuscript, the case is made for pure-lining self-pollinated germplasm accessions using the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection, which has maintained pure-lined accessions for over 50 years, as an example. There is also an analysis of the extensive seed distribution from this collection to indicate the value of a diverse collection of genotypes.
Baler Twine Test Against Mice and Cricket Damage

Seven brands of commercial baler twine used for tying bales of hay or straw were tested for resistance to damage by mice, Peromyscus spp. and Microtus spp.; crickets, Gryllus spp., and rot. All 7 brands were cut by laboratory mice, house mice, and field mice in the laboratory tests, whereas in field tests only 3 brands were cut. Neither rot nor field crickets damaged the test twines.
Adrenalectomy in Experimental Hypertension from Kaolin

SummaryThree out of 4 dogs made hypertensive by intracisternal injections of kaolin showed a persistent elevation of arterial blood pressure following bilateral adrenalectomy, as long as they were adequately maintained by the use of salt and of a non-pressor-extract of the adrenal cortex. The fall in blood pressure of the fourth animal was attributed to the spontaneous remission of the experimental hypertension.
Insights in ROP.

Background and purpose Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a complex disease. We have established much of the pathophysiology of this disease including the critical roles of retinal metabolic demand and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The purpose of this paper is to provide some background material and specifically highlight issues that are new, controversial, or underappreciated. Methods ROP is subdivided into classification, incidence, screening, treatment, and co-morbidities. A brief background is given for each followed by highlighting specific problems attendant with current practices. Results Disease classification is accurate, reliable, and extremely useful, and can be consistently applied. However, disease behavior can occasionally confound the classification system, such as Zone III ROP with previous Zone II disease as well as the temporal wedge seen in posterior ROP. Incidences of various ROP states are well known and consistent, but the true incidence of Zone I disease and plus disease are currently debatable. Screening guidelines are currently consensus products and, as such, may contain inaccuracies and have a lack of transparency to their recommendations. Treatment of ROP now involves intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents, primarily bevacizumab based on economic factors. However, it may not be the best agent when systemic safety is considered. The co-morbidities of retinal schisis and its impact on disease staging, and the poor prognosis associated with vitreous hemorrhage are notable. Conclusions ROP has yielded up many of its secrets and clinician management continues to improve. However, our knowledge continues to evolve and more refinements are necessary.
Women in Political Science: Some Preliminary Observations

A systematic study of the role of women academics in political science waits to be done. Evidence compiled from documentary sources, the results of a recent questionnaire sent to political science department chairmen, and statistics provided by biographical information in the 1968 Directory of the APSA suggest a certain patterning in the educational and academic life. But the gross statistics also raise questions which deserve further research.
Computer simulation model of electromagnetic noise conduction in converter station

High level electromagnetic noise is produced in HVDC converter station,which could cause harmful interference with carrier systems in the frequency range of 30 to 500 kHz.Based on the noise measurement results of Gaozhao HVDC system,a simulation model has been established to evaluate the electromagnetic noise,which accords with the converter station function parameters and the primary equipment's high frequency parameter.Comparison between calculation and measurement values for Zhaoqing converter station is given to illustrate the validity of the model.
Modernizing Federal Economic Statistics

Abstract Official statistical data on the structure, evolution and performance of the U.S. economy are produced by a variety federal, state and local agencies. Much of the methodology, policy frameworks and infrastructure for U.S. economic measurement have been in place for decades. There are growing concerns that the economy is evolving more rapidly than are the economic statistics we use to monitor it. We discuss both the challenges and opportunities to modernizing federal economic statistics. We describe an incremental approach that federal statistics agencies can follow to build a 21st century economic measurement system.
EVALUATION OF THREE-AND FOUR-CENTER INTEGRALS NEEDED IN QUANTUM MECHANICS

A new method is proposed in this paper for the evaluation of the following three important kinds of three-center and four-center integrals needed in molecular quantum mechanics: (1) (2) (3) Obviously, integral (2) is a special case of integral (3), so we need only to evaluate the first and the third. The following equations have been obtained for the evaluation of the above-mentioned two kinds of integrals (4) (5) where (6) (7) (8) (9) R_0 in equation (4) is the distance of point a apart from the origin located in bc line, while that in equation (5) is the distance between the two chosen origins separately located in ab and cd lines. θ_0 is the angle made byand, and θ_(10), θ_(20) and θ_(12) are respectively the angles made by and,and,and, The fourth term of equation (5) is, in general, negligible except in the case of R_0, which is less than two Bohr units. We propose two methods for the evaluation of and : the first one is to choose the origin at the end-point of the bond and evaluate the integral strictly inside and outside the sphere of radius, while the second one is to choose the origin at the mid-point of the bond and evaluate its value inside and outside the ellipsoid passing through the end-point of. The calculation involved in the second method is quite simple and, of course, a small error is introduced in changing the region of integration from the sphere to the ellipsoid, but it is quite negligible in comparison with the result of our first method. Equation (4) is exact in all cases, while equation (5) is exact in many cases but also involves certain errors in some other cases. From our actual calculations, we draw the conclusion that equation (5) is almost exact in the evaluation of integrals L_(aa, bc) and L_(ab, cd) and that certain error is involved in the evaluation of integral L_(ab, bc), but the error introduced does not exceed ten per cent.
Calculation analysis of shearing load on partial linked linking parts of combination beam

Aimed at the combined suspension beam designed in the retrofit of hanging frame system of certain typed airplane,the shearing load of linking parts was computed and analyzed by the use of sectional integrated deformation method.A suitable calculation model was established firstly,and the procedure and train of thought for carrying out analysis by utilizing the sectional integrated deformation method,and then to carrying out solution of the shearing load on linking parts of combined suspension beam respectively by using sectional integrated deformation method,Elasticity theory method and finite element method.Finally,to carrying out comparisons among the obtained results of computation.It was verified that the sectional integrated deformation method is effective in the linking design of combination beam,and can be applied to the linking design and strength analysis of other various kinds of combination beam.
Synthesis of Silicon Nanoparticles in Nonthermal Capacitively-Coupled Flowing Plasmas: Processes and Transport

Control of the size and material properties of silicon nanoparticles plays a critical role in optimizing applications using those nanoparticles, such as photovoltaics and biomedical devices. While synthesis of silicon nanoparticles in low temperature plasmas has many attractive features, the basic mechanisms leading to formation of nanoparticles in these plasmas are poorly understood. A two-dimensional numerical model for synthesis of silicon nanoparticles (<5 nm in diameter) in radio frequency (RF) discharges was developed and used to investigate mechanisms for particle growth for Ar/He/SiH4 gas mixtures. Algorithms for the kinetics of nanoparticle formation were self-consistently embedded into a plasma hydrodynamics simulation to account for nucleation, growth, charging, and transport of nanoparticles. We found that with RF excitation in narrow tubes at pressures of a few Torr, the electric field does not fully confine charged nanoparticles in the axial direction, which then results in a finite residence time of particles in the plasma. We found that because of the high neutral nanoparticle density, coagulation plays a significant role in growth. The model predicts the possibility of synthesizing crystalline silicon nanoparticles under these conditions. Trends in the growth of nanoparticles as a function of power are discussed.
Ectopic production of human chorionic gonadotropin by poorly differentiated transitional cell tumors of the urinary tract.

AbstractWe performed a 5-year histopathological review of 41 consecutive cases of transitional cell carcinoma. Of these cases 8 were positive for human chorionic gonadotropin immunoperoxidase tissue staining. All tumors were grade III and stages ranged from A to D. Three patients presented with gynecomastia as the clinical manifestation of elevated serum levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin. These findings document the association of this phenomenon with lesions of an aggressive nature. As with the loss of cell surface antigens, the appearance of human chorionic gonadotropin within the tumor cells may be further evidence of dedifferentiation. Human chorionic gonadotropin production may be a potential marker to gauge tumor response to chemotherapy and, perhaps, a predictor of future aggressiveness and over-all progression.
MI6 and Romania, 1940–1945

The blanket of secrecy that covered MI6’s activities during the Second World War has been partially removed with the publication of Keith Jeffrey’s (2010) admirable history of the organization, yet in respect of Romania little has entered the public domain in Britain about the work of the MI6 network. It was active throughout the war in gathering and passing on information to the British authorities about Axis military operations in the area between the Rivers Dniester and Bug in southern Ukraine that was administered by Romania between 1941 and the early part of 1944. The restoration to history, therefore, of Alexander Eck and his network is overdue.1
Intercellular and intracellular signaling systems of the rice pathogenic bacterium Burkholderia glumae

B glumae is the major causal agent of bacterial panicle blight, an emerging rice disease threatening stable rice production worldwide. The phytotoxin, toxoflavin, has been known to be an important virulence factor of this pathogen. However, the virulence mechanism of this pathogen has not been studied much, except that the quorum-sensing mediated by the LuxI and LuxR homologs, TofI and TofR, was elucidated as a central signaling/regulatory component for the expression of major virulence factors including toxoflavin. Our molecular genetic and genomic studies of B. glumae revealed novel signaling components involved in bacterial virulence. Genetic dissection of the tofI/tofR locus through a series of marker-less gene deletions led to the discovery of the quorum-sensing modulator tofM from an intergenic region between tofI and tofR. The two-component system comprised of the sensor histidine kinase PidS and the response regulator PidR was found to be essential for the functional type III section system and the intact production of toxoflavin. TepR, a LuxO homolog, was identified as a novel negative regulator of toxoflavin production. LuxO proteins belong to sigma 54-dependent response regulators and are known to act as signaling components for the quorum-sensing systems of Vibrio spp. In addition, a recent RNA-sequencing analysis implied the involvement of the DSF-type quorum-sensing and the cyclic di-GMP signaling in the virulence of B. glumae. Taken together, the pathogenic behaviors of B. glumae are likely governed by a complex network of intercellular and intracellular signaling pathways. Jong Hyun Ham, J Bacteriol Parasitol 2013, 4:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2155-9597.S1.002
Staged Fowler-Stephens and Single-stage Laparoscopic Orchiopexy for Intra-abdominal Testes: Is There a Difference? A Single Institution Experience.

Objective To compare single-stage laparoscopic orchiopexy (SSLO) and staged Fowler-Stephens (SFS) procedures in the management of intra-abdominal undescended testes, and to analyze postoperative atrophy and malpositioning as end points. Materials and Methods A retrospective chart review identified laparoscopic orchiopexy patients with intra-abdominal testes between November 2006 and November 2014. Of 167 patients who had laparoscopic orchiopexy, 73 (85 testes) were identified as having laparoscopic orchiopexy. Baseline characteristics, as well as testicular scrotal position and size at follow-up, were recorded. Regression analysis was performed to compare outcomes between patients who underwent SFS and SSLO. Results Of the 85 laparoscopic orchiopexies, 35 underwent SFS and 50 had SSLO. Patient demographics were comparable in both groups. The median age at surgery was 12 months (5-151 months), and the average follow-up was 17.3 months. On follow-up, there were 0 recorded cases of SFS patients with abnormally positioned testes postoperatively, whereas there were 10 (20.0%) SSLO patients who had abnormally positioned testes (odds ratio: 0.05, 95% confidence interval: 0.01-0.44). Differences in atrophy rates were not significant. Conclusion These results suggest that there may be no difference between the 2 approaches in terms of postoperative atrophy. However, the SFS appears to be more successful in securing a favorable scrotal position. Atrophy does not seem to be associated with other patient factors. Prospective, randomized studies are indicated to further explore outcome differences between the 2 approaches.
Punk Rock Wisdom: An Emancipative Psychological Social Capital Approach to Community Well-Being

This chapter steers readers through multiple trajectories of social capital research. It leverages and honors past research on traditional, alternative, sociological, and psychological forms of social capital. Punk rock music is used as a guide to better understand each trajectory and to construct a new framework of emancipative psychological social capital. The new framework of emancipative psychological social capital is crafted by drawing upon three strands of knowledge: (1) philosophy and theory; (2) empirical findings; and (3) punk rock lyrics and narratives. This framework can serve as a tool for assessors, evaluators, policy-makers, practitioners, and researchers when investigating new avenues and better psychological understandings of social capital in their pursuit of conceptualizing community well-being. Particular attention is paid to the importance of context throughout this chapter in understanding social capital’s role in community well-being. Finally, future directions regarding social capital as a concept in community well-being work are presented and discussed.
Supplemental Control with Diamides for Heliothines1 in Bt Cotton

Abstract. Supplemental control with diamides for bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), in Bt cotton is becoming more frequent, but there is little information on net returns to growers. The value of spraying Bt cotton with commercially available diamides was evaluated at seven locations in the Mississippi Delta cropping region in 2014 and 2015. Plots of Bollgard II®, Widestrike 3®, and non-Bt cotton varieties planted at each location were divided into five subplots. Treatments randomly assigned to subplots of each cotton cultivar were: 1) lowest labeled rate of chlorantraniliprole applied at threshold, 2) lowest labeled rate of flubendiamide applied at threshold, 3) lowest labeled rate of λ-cyhalothrin + chlorantraniliprole applied at threshold, 4) sprayed check, which was the maximum labeled rate of chlorantraniliprole applied on a 3-week schedule and initiated before first bloom to minimize damage from heliothines, and 5) nontreated check. Each plot was monitored weekly for larval abundance and plant dama...
Energy coupling efficiency and melt pool dynamics associated with the laser melting of metal powder layers

Micro-calorimetry and high speed imaging are used to characterize energy coupling mechanisms in laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing. Material-dependent keyhole formation onset and melt pool dynamics are investigated as a function of laser parameters.
Heritability: the link between development and the microevolution of molar tooth form

The developmental gene expression, morphogenesis, and population variation in mammalian molar teeth has become increasingly well understood, providing a model system for synthesizing evolution and ...
Medical Decision Making by Patients in the Locked-in Syndrome

The locked-in syndrome (LIS) is a state of profound paralysis with preserved awareness of self and environment who typically results from a brain stem stroke. Although patients in LIS have great difficulty communicating, their consciousness, cognition, and language usually remain intact. Medical decision-making by LIS patients is compromised, not by cognitive impairment, but by severe communication impairment. Former systems of communication that permitted LIS patients to make only “yes” or “no” responses to questions was sufficient to validate their consent for simple medical decisions but not for consequential medical decisions such as whether to refuse further life-sustaining therapy. Emerging technologies including computer-tracking assistance of retained partial motor function and brain-computer interfaces promise to improve the communication ability of LIS patients and, when better developed, will allow them to fully exercise their right to actively participate in consequential medical decisions about their own medical care. Although so-called “covert cognition” patients clinically diagnosed as vegetative state that are shown to be aware by functional neuroimaging maybe metaphorically considered locked-in, it is nosologically more coherent not to categorize them formally as LIS.
A novel integrative healing services approach for neurosurgery inpatients: Preliminary experiences and cost calculations.

Abstract Background Neurosurgery inpatients are oftentimes critically ill, and face significant stress, post-operative pain, and/or emotional distress. As a result, the use of non-pharmacologic, alternative therapies as adjuncts in surgical care may benefit this patient population. Hospital economics related to integrative services may also provide additional incentive to providing alternative therapies. This study characterizes and evaluates how Integrative Healing Services (IHS) affects patient pain levels and length of stay. We also performed a literature review to examine national trends in inpatient integrative healing. Methods An IHS team (e.g. acupuncture, healing touch, music therapy, pet therapy, and counseling) was incorporated into the treatment regimen of neurosurgery inpatients (with >4 days of stay) with chronic or intractable pain, stress or depression, and/or patients intolerant to or who failed physical or occupational therapy. Results 34 charts were retrospectively reviewed, with 17 patients receiving IHS (11 cranial and 6 spine cases), and 17 age and gender matched controls receiving routine care (11 cranial and 6 spine patients). Overall, 71% (12/17) of patients had a reduction in pain medication consumption, with 55% (6/11) of cranial and 100% (6/6) of spine patients reporting a reduction compared to baseline. The average pre-treatment pain-scale score was 5.5 out of 10 across all patients, while the average post-treatment pain-scale score was 3 out of 10 (p Conclusions IHS intervention may be an effective option for treating pain and decreasing hospital length of stay. National trends support the use of integrative healing and will likely continue to increase as further studies are performed.
Due Process Implications Related to State Notice and Economic Nexus Laws

Justice Kennedy’s concurring opinion in Direct Marketing Association v. Brohl marked a rare occasion: a Supreme Court Justice urged states to promulgate laws that violate the Commerce Clause. The hope that Justice Kennedy shares with the states is that the Supreme Court will ultimately have an opportunity to recraft the Commerce Clause analysis in relation to sales and use tax collection. Given the chance, Justice Kennedy would do away with Quill Corp. v. North Dakota’s physical presence standard and replace it, in all likelihood, with some sort of measurement based on an out-of-state vendor’s economic presence in the state. As the issue plays out in coming years, the Commerce Clause will take center stage. In all of this though, the Due Process Clause should not be ignored. This Article considers due process implications related to state economic nexus laws that were promulgated in response to Justice Kennedy’s concurring opinion. It identifies due process vulnerabilities among these laws and offers a recommendation on how the states might accommodate both the Commerce Clause (assuming a reversion from physical presence) and the Due Process Clause. To complement this discussion, a due process analysis is offered with respect to state notice-and-reporting statutes. The Tenth Circuit recently upheld Colorado’s notice-and-reporting law as a lawful exercise of state power under the Commerce Clause. Other states have followed Colorado’s model and enacted their own versions. This Article tests these laws for due process vulnerability and identifies Louisiana’s version as a model for other states.
Vessel occlusion and secretory activities of vessel contact cells in resistant or susceptible cotton plants infected with Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum

An ultrastructural and histochemical examination of secondarily infected and adjacent, uninfected vessels and associated contact cells was conducted in resistant and susceptible cotton plants following inoculation with Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum. Contact cells showed an increase in cytoplasmic content and activity. These contact cells produced lipoidal substances and other compounds that were apparently secreted into vessels through pits. The secretion products coated vessel walls and accumulated in vessel lumens in a variety of forms, from amorphous aggregates to vesicular structures with different sizes and shapes. The fungus in secondarily infected vessels was embedded in or coated by these secretion products. Accumulations of secretion products completely blocked the vessel lumens. The accumulation of the secretion products in vessel lumens and the development of the wall coating were more intensive in resistant cv Seabrook Sea Island than in susceptible Rowden. This more intensive secretory activity of contact cells in resistant plants resulted in the formation of barriers that may contribute to chemical inhibition and physical restriction of the fungus within vessels and prevention of its spread.
Cloning and assembly of PCR products using modified primers and DNA repair enzymes

We present a method for the creation of ligatable 3′overhangs by the incorporation of a modified base, uracil, at a specific position in the PCR primer and subsequent treatment with the DNA-modifyi...
Effect of Driving Simulation Parameters Related to Ego-Motion on Speed Perception

The overall effectiveness of driving simulation as a research tool is linked to how accurately modern technology can model reality. The objective of this project was to conduct a driving simulator experiment to examine the perceptual and behavioral effects of various parameters of the simulation deemed relevant from theories of ego motion. Twenty drivers completed speed production tasks (absolute production, fixed-increase production, and ratio production) while driving through a rural road scenario that was experienced under varied conditions of motion, field of view, and optic flow. The study concluded that field of view (FOV) and optic flow simulation parameters were significant to the perception of absolute speed, with high levels of each resulting in more accurate perception of speed and speed change (acceleration/deceleration). The results of this study will allow researchers to consider the relative importance of simulation parameters in designing future behavioral research pertaining to speed perception using driving simulators.
Abstract B71: New directions in gynecologic cancer research utilizing Text Information Extraction System (TIES) Cancer Research Network

Gynecologic cancers pose significant morbidity and mortality burden for US women. Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in the US, while ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest. Since research funding for some of the gynecologic malignancies has been limited, novel research on the existing datasets needs to be harnessed to improve the health of the women affected by these conditions. We aim to evaluate if Text Information Extraction System (TIES) Cancer Research Network, a federated network that facilitates data and biospecimen sharing among member institutions, has capabilities for conducting research in the area of gynecologic cancers. TIES system provides effective tools for searching deidentified structured and unstructured data for gynecologic cancers with capabilities to explore pathology and radiology records. We used TIES system to identify records of patients with ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. We used temporal search features to identify patients who developed ovarian tumors after being diagnosed with endometrial tumors. We examined records for completeness of information on diagnosis, age, and procedure year. We found that TIES system has 13,762 records for endometrial cancer, 7,692 records for ovarian cancer, and 10,826 records for cervical cancer for Pittsburgh site. 306 records have been identified for patients who had both ovarian and endometrial malignancies. Nearly 100% of the records had information on age of the patient, year of the procedure, and exact diagnosis. TIES is a promising tool for conducting research in the area of gynecologic malignancies, especially for rare diseases such as concurrent endometrial and ovarian cancers. Existing data repositories like TIES need to be further explored for novel research questions in the area of gynecologic cancer. Citation Format: Faina Y. Linkov, Melissa Schwenk, Michael Davis, Robert Edwards, Michael Becich. New directions in gynecologic cancer research utilizing Text Information Extraction System (TIES) Cancer Research Network. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Conference: Addressing Critical Questions in Ovarian Cancer Research and Treatment; Oct 1-4, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2018;24(15_Suppl):Abstract nr B71.
Secrecy Analysis of Massive MIMO Systems with MRT Precoding Using Normalization Methods

In this paper, the secrecy sum-rate performance of single cell downlink massive multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems is investigated in the presence of an eavesdropper and jammers by adopting the maximum ratio transmission (MRT) precoding technique. Vector and matrix normalization are considered to derive an approximate closed-form expression for ergodic achievable secrecy sum-rate (SSR) for both low and high signal to noise ratio regime. It is observed that the secrecy sum-rate achieved using matrix normalization is always better than vector normalization for MRT. The analytical findings are validated using numerical simulation.
New Means of Creation

In the past, musical creation relied on a special set of performative and theoretical skills. Today, software adds a new dimension to the ways in which music can be created. Software can provide musicians and even nonmusicians with easier access to music making. It can offer a friendly workspace, one that requires no lifelong expertise to use. In this way, many more individuals are able to create meaningful music without musical knowledge or instrumental skills. Technology is gradually turning musical creativity into a globally accessible act of self-expression. This new accessibility may open the door to a universal art, where traditional training becomes obsolete and the concept of a specialist outdated. Anyone, anywhere, at any time can use software to become a composer, performer, or artist. However, much as when the invention of cheap cameras brought photography to the public, true artistry may lie beyond software’s grasp. For this reason, it is important that we understand the mechanisms by which such technology produces music. In this chapter, we examine a few of the many ways in which music can be produced in a digital environment.
Effect of Proton Radiation on Ultrawide Bandgap AlN Schottky Barrier Diodes

Lateral Pd/n-AlN Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) were fabricated and subjected to 3-MeV proton irradiation at various fluences. Electrical and material characterization analysis was performed before and after each radiation fluence to quantify the change in device characteristics. It was found that the SBDs performed reliably up to a proton irradiation fluence of $5 \times 10^{13}~\text{cm}^{-2}$ , with little or no change in the key device performance, such as current, turn-on voltage, ideality factor, breakdown voltage, and so on. The electrical characteristics of the SBDs were well-predicted using a standard thermionic emission theory. The performance of the SBDs shows a significant degradation after a high-fluence irritation of $5 \times 10^{15}~\text{cm}^{-2}$ , where the current of the SBDs dropped two orders in magnitude. Material and surface characterizations, including atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction, indicated a consistent degradation in the AlN bulk crystal quality and a drastic increase in surface roughness. These results provide valuable information on the radiation properties of AlN electronics and can serve as important references for the future development of high-performance AlN devices for extreme environment applications.
Role of Histone Modifications in Chronic Pain Development

Abstract This chapter focuses on the role of histone modifications in chronic pain development. It starts by introducing epigenetic processes, particularly histone modifications, and then chronic pain, especially nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. It then reviews recent studies on the role of histone modifications in regulating gene expression in chronic pain, including G9a-mediated H3K9me2, EZH2-mediated H3K27me3, and HDAC-mediated histone acetylation. Lastly, it discusses the possible involvement of histone variant turnover in chronic pain development and the potential interaction/overlap of G9a, HDAC, and REST in pain-related gene regulation. Current challenges and prospects for future studies on the epigenetic basis of chronic pain are also discussed.