cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tributary debris fans and the late Holocene alluvial chronology of the Colorado River, eastern Grand Canyon, Arizona

Bouldery debris fans and sandy alluvial terraces of the Colorado River developed contemporaneously during the late Holocene at the mouths of nine major tributaries in eastern Grand Canyon. The age of the debris fans and alluvial terraces contributes to understanding river hydraulics and to the history of human activity along the river, which has been concentrated on these surfaces for at least two to three millennia. Poorly sorted, coarse-grained debris-flow deposits of several ages are interbedded with, overlie, or are overlapped by three terrace-forming alluviums. The alluvial deposits are of three age groups: the striped alluvium, deposited from before 770 b.c. to about a.d. 300; the alluvium of Pueblo II age deposited from about a.d. 700 to December 1900; and the alluvium of the upper mesquite terrace, deposited from about a.d. 1400 to 1880. Two elements define the geomorphology of a typical debris fan: the large, inactive surface of the fan and a smaller, entrenched, active debris-flow channel and fan that is about one-sixth the area of the inactive fan. The inactive fan is segmented into at least three surfaces with distinctive weathering characteristics. These surfaces are conformable with underlying debris-flow deposits that date from before 770 b.c. to around a.d. 660, a.d. 660 to before a.d. 1200, and from a.d. 1200 to slightly before 1890, respectively, based on late-19th-century photographs, radiocarbon and archaeologic dating of the three stratigraphically related alluviums, and radiocarbon dating of fine-grained debris-flow deposits. These debris flows aggraded the fans in at least three stages beginning about 2.8 ka, if not earlier in the late Holocene. Several main-stem floods eroded the margin of the segmented fans, reducing fan symmetry. The entrenched, active debris-flow channels contain deposits <100 yr old, which form debris fans at the mouth of the channel adjacent to the river. Early and middle Holocene debris-flow and alluvial deposits have not been recognized, as they were evidently not preserved adjacent to the river or are buried by younger deposits.
Underwater shear-stress sensor

This paper reports the development of a micromachined, vacuum-cavity insulated, thermal shear-stress sensor for underwater applications. We focus on two major challenges for underwater shear-stress sensors: the waterproof coating and pressure sensitivity. It is found that thin-film CVD Parylene is a good waterproof material and sensors coated with 2 /spl mu/m Parylene N can survive in water for at least one month at 55/spl deg/C. It is also found that reducing the size and increasing the thickness of the sensor diaphragm are effective in minimizing the pressure sensitivity.
Use of controlled atmospheres and heat treatment to maintain quality of intact and minimally processed green onions

To maintain high quality and to extend the shelf life of intact and minimally processed (removal of roots and compressed stem) green onions (Allium cepaA. fistulosum), the potential benefits of controlled atmospheres (CA) and heat treatment were evaluated. Atmospheres of 0.1‐0.2% O2 or 0.1‐0.2% O2 containing 7.5‐9% CO2 were the CA conditions that best maintained the visual appearance and prolonged shelf life to more than 2 weeks at 5°C in both intact and cut onions. No CA treatment completely controlled extension, growth or ‘telescoping’ of the inner white leaf bases of the minimally processed onions at 5°C. Heat treatment (55°C water for 2 min) of the white leaf bases effectively controlled ‘telescoping’ of cut onions stored at 5°C. Total soluble sugars generally decreased in intact and minimally processed green onions, but were maintained in heat-treated cut onions. Heat treatment did not affect thiosulfinate concentrations during 14 days at 5°C, except for treated cut onions not stored under CA. © 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Orientation of late Precambrian sutures in the Arabian-Nubian shield

Recent tectonic models have resulted in conflicting descriptions of how the late Precambrian sutures of the Arabian-Nubian shield extend into northeast Africa. The Hamisana shear zone in northeastern Sudan is critical to this discussion because it truncates and disrupts two sutures, the Allaqi-Heiani and the Onib-Sol Hamed. Analysis of field structural data, Thematic Mapper imagery, and Rb-Sr and U-Pb geochronology suggests that the Allaqi-Heiani suture is the western extension of the Onib-Sol Hamed suture and that both make up the exposed parts of a far-traveled, polydeformed ophiolitic nappe complex. Subsequent deformation localized in the Hamisana shear zone disrupted this nappe and displaced the suture between 660 and 550 Ma during regional deformation associated with the Najd fault system. These results indicate that at least one suture extends westward into the interior of northern Africa.
Long-term outcomes of renal tumor radio frequency ablation stratified by tumor diameter: size matters.

Purpose: Renal tumor size influences the efficacy of radio frequency ablation but identification of confident size cutoffs has been limited by small numbers and short followup. We evaluated tumor size related outcomes after radio frequency ablation for patients with adequate (greater than 3 years) followup.Materials and Methods: We identified 159 tumors treated with radio frequency ablation as primary treatment. Disease-free survival was defined as the time from definitive treatment to local recurrence, detection of metastasis or the most recent imaging showing no evidence of disease. Patients were evaluated with contrast enhancing imaging preoperatively, and at 6 weeks, 6 months and at least annually thereafter.Results: Median tumor size was 2.4 cm (range 0.9 to 5.4) with a median followup of 54 months (range 1.5 to 120). Renal cell carcinoma was confirmed in 72% of the 150 tumors that had pre-ablation biopsy (94%). The 3 and 5-year disease-free survival was comparable at 92% and 91% overall, and was dep...
The Value of an Adolescent Dysplasia Clinic

Patients with cervical dysplasia on Pap smear were referred from a division of adolescent medicine to a newly established adolescent dysplasia clinic. Ages ranged from 13 to 22 with a mean of 17.7 years; 79% were black and 21% were white. Of the abnormal Pap smears, 43% were obtained during routine visits and the remainder, prompted by genital symptoms. Compliance with the initial referral to the adolescent dysplasia clinic was facilitated by the location of the specialty clinic in the same setting as the general pediatrics adolescent clinic. Of the first 30 patients evaluated by colposcopy, all ultimately returned for treatment. Noncompliance was 20–23%, as measured by failure to keep an initially scheduled appointment for colposcopy, or a subsequent appointment for cryotherapy, or topical treatment of associated vulvar and vaginal condyloma. Sexually active adolescents require frequent Pap smears and colposcopy as indicated. A dysplasia service within a division of adolescent medicine can provide the milieu for optimal management.
Cohabitation of juvenile females with mature males promotes sexual cannibalism in fishing spiders

Precopulatory sexual cannibalism, or female predation of a potential mate before mating, illustrates an extreme intersexual conflict. Unlike sexual cannibalism occurring after mating, precopulatory sexual cannibalism cannot be construed as a male strategy. Thus, research on the adaptive significance of this phenomenon has focused on female benefits. In the present study, I test the idea that precopulatory sexual cannibalism represents an adaptive female trade-off between the material costs and benefits of mating with a male (forgoing food, securing sperm) and preying on a male (forgoing sperm, securing food). I pay particular attention to the rarely tested prediction that precopulatory sexual cannibalism by virgin females should increase as each female’s expectation of future mating opportunities increases. I use the phenomenon of cohabitation between adult males and juvenile females nearing sexual maturity as a means to manipulate female expectation of future mate availability. Results indicate that feeding on a male has significant positive effects on several measures of female fecundity. However, the likelihood of precopulatory attacks was not explained by a female’s recent feeding history. Finally, as predicted, juvenile female cohabitation with mature males (expectation of future mating opportunities) heightens the prevalence of precopulatory attacks by virgin females, suggesting that juvenile experience can alter a female’s propensity for sexual cannibalism. This is the first study to suggest that juvenile experience can alter a female’s propensity for sexual cannibalism. This finding emphasizes the point that studies of sexual selection and mating systems need to consider the effects of juvenile experience on adult behavior. Key words: adaptive foraging, fishing spiders, juvenile experience, male-female cohabitation, precopulatory sexual cannibalism. [Behav Ecol]
Cytoplasmic-Nuclear Trafficking of G1/S Cell Cycle Molecules and Adult Human β-Cell Replication: A Revised Model of Human β-Cell G1/S Control

Harnessing control of human β-cell proliferation has proven frustratingly difficult. Most G1/S control molecules, generally presumed to be nuclear proteins in the human β-cell, are in fact constrained to the cytoplasm. Here, we asked whether G1/S molecules might traffic into and out of the cytoplasmic compartment in association with activation of cell cycle progression. Cdk6 and cyclin D3 were used to drive human β-cell proliferation and promptly translocated into the nucleus in association with proliferation. In contrast, the cell cycle inhibitors p15, p18, and p19 did not alter their location, remaining cytoplasmic. Conversely, p16, p21, and p27 increased their nuclear frequency. In contrast once again, p57 decreased its nuclear frequency. Whereas proliferating β-cells contained nuclear cyclin D3 and cdk6, proliferation generally did not occur in β-cells that contained nuclear cell cycle inhibitors, except p21. Dynamic cytoplasmic-nuclear trafficking of cdk6 was confirmed using green fluorescent protein–tagged cdk6 and live cell imaging. Thus, we provide novel working models describing the control of cell cycle progression in the human β-cell. In addition to known obstacles to β-cell proliferation, cytoplasmic-to-nuclear trafficking of G1/S molecules may represent an obstacle as well as a therapeutic opportunity for human β-cell expansion.
PHOTOSYNTHETIC CONTRIBUTION OF FLOWERS AND SEEDS TO REPRODUCTIVE EFFORT OF AN ANNUAL COLONIZER

Summary The energetic cost for a plant to produce reproductive structures is termed reproductive effort and is most frequently expressed as the ratio of reproductive biomass to total plant biomass. This expression may lead to an incorrect analysis of reproductive effort unless an account is taken of (a) the cost of producing male flowers or male flower parts, and (b) the photosynthetic contribution (reproductive assimilation) of reproductive structures to propagule production. An analysis was made of the carbon budget for reproduction in Ambrosia trifida L., based on measurements of CO2 flux, and the elaboration of seed by excised immature pollinated inflorescences in the absence of carbohydrate from the main stem. Reproductive assimilation accounted for 41 and 57 % respectively of the carbohydrate required to produce male and female inflorescences on intact plants. Individual flowers retain their ability to elaborate seed even after being removed from the parent plant at the time of pollination.
Nonlinear evolution of f ( R ) cosmologies. III. Halo statistics

The statistical properties of dark matter halos, the building blocks of cosmological observables associated with structure in the Universe, offer many opportunities to test models for cosmic acceleration, especially those that seek to modify gravitational forces. We study the abundance, bias, and profiles of halos in cosmological simulations for one such model: the modified action f(R) theory. The effects of f(R) modified gravity can be separated into a large- and small-field limit. In the large-field limit, which is accessible to current observations, enhanced gravitational forces raise the abundance of rare massive halos and decrease their bias but leave their (lensing) mass profiles largely unchanged. This regime is well described by scaling relations based on a modification of spherical collapse calculations. In the small-field limit, the enhancement of the gravitational force is suppressed inside halos and the effects on halo properties are substantially reduced for the most massive halos. Nonetheless, the scaling relations still retain limited applicability for the purpose of establishing conservative upper limits on the modification to gravity.
A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Videodisc and Traditional Algebra Instruction for College-age Students with Learning Disabilities

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a videodisc program, mastering equations, roots and exponents (system impact, inc., 1989) with a traditional text-based program. this study was conducted as part of a transition program during the summer before these students first entered college. the control group (n = 13) received instruction from a typical intermediate-level college algebra text, whereas the treatment group (n = 13) received instruction from the mastering equations, roots and exponents videodisc program. data analysis indicated that the treatment group receiving videodisc instruction significantly outperformed the control group on two posttest measures of algebra skill. the videodisc-instructed group also earned significantly higher grades in their first algebra class in the fall semester following the treatment phase of the study. the authors attributed the effectiveness of the videodisc instruction to the proven elements of effective instruction embedded in the program's ...
Calibration Functions for Estimating Soil Moisture from GPR Dielectric Constant Measurements

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is widely used for assessment of soil moisture variability in field soils. Because GPR does not measure soil water content directly, it is common practice to use calibration functions that describe its relationship with the soil dielectric properties and textural parameters. However, the large variety of models complicates the selection of the appropriate function. In this article an overview is presented of the different functions available, including volumetric models, empirical functions, effective medium theories, and frequency-specific functions. Using detailed information presented in summary tables, the choice for which calibration function to use can be guided by the soil variables available to the user, the frequency of the GPR equipment, and the desired level of detail of the output. This article can thus serve as a guide for GPR practitioners to obtain soil moisture values and to estimate soil dielectric properties.
Jacobi’s Identity and Two K3-Surfaces

In this paper, we will investigate the modularity of certain K3-surfaces which are studied by Beukers and Stienstra in their paper [2]. For the investigation, we show that the Fourier coefficients of two certain modular forms predict the number of F p -rational points on two K3-surfaces. Our argument only employs Jacobi’s identity, character sums, and facts about binary quadratic forms.
Inductive sensing technique for low power implantable hydrogel-based biochemcial sensors

This paper presents the feasibility study and investigation of an inductive sensing technique with respect to the swelling of hydrogel samples for implantable biochemical sensing applications. A prototype sensing system is implemented based on an ultra-low power tunnel diode oscillator employing a 3 mm-diameter, 10-turn sensing coil positioned at 100 μm away from a 5 mm × 5 mm metallic sensing plate adhered to a hydrogel slab surface. The oscillator achieves a nominal frequency of approximately 28 MHz with a sensitivity of 15 KHz per um of hydrogel displacement while dissipating a DC power of 40 μW. Further characterization with hydrogel samples immersed in DI water demonstrates that the sensing system can detect 29 μm swelling of the hydrogel along vertical direction.
Global Leadership for Optimal Security Operations

Leadership makes the achieving of goals possible. Great leadership achieves those goals with higher proficiency. Clearly, many organizations today think in global terms. Implications abroad can have impacts on even small local organizations. This chapter discusses what is known about leadership – its critical importance but also possible defects. It next discusses the importance of care for security and other personnel. Finally, this chapter sketches issues that are uppermost in the responsibilities of senior security managers and executives.
Report of a tick, Ornithodoros rossi (Acarina: Argasidae), from the spotted bat, Euderma maculatum (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae).

The Spotted Bat, Euderma maculatum , is a rare species inhabiting parts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species was described by Allen in 1891 (Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. 3 : 195–98), and until 1958 only 16 specimens were known in collections (Handley, 1959, Proc. U.S. Nation. Mus. 110 : 95–246). Most elements of its natural history remain obscure.
Deformation of shell-shaped cellular aggregates: Application to gastrulation

An equation derived in a previous paper is integrated, and applied to the theory of invagination of a gastrula. Comparison with experimental data is made.
Abstract 228: PAK1 kinase promotes cell motility through CRK serine phosphorylation in non-small cell lung cancer cells

The role of c-Crk (CRK) in promoting metastasis is well described but the role of CRK phosphorylation and the corresponding signaling events are not well explained. We have noticed that CRK serine 41 phosphorylation is inversely correlated with p120-catenin and E-cadherin expressions in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Therefore, we investigated the role of CRK serine 41 phosphorylation in the down-regulation of p120-catenin and cell motility in NSCLC cells. We prepared A549 cell lines stably expressing phosphomimetic and phosphodeficient CRK serine 41 constructs. A549 cells expressing phosphomimetic CRK seine 41 demonstrated a more aggressive behavior in would healing assay and on the contrary, expression of phosphodeficient CRK serine 41 in A549 cells reduced cell motility. A549 cells expressing phosphomimetic CRK serine 41 had lower p120-catenin mRNA and promoter activity and vice versa. In addition, we provide evidence that PAK1 mediates CRK serine 41 phosphorylation. RNAi mediated silencing of PAK1 increased p120-catenin level and also decreased cell motility in A549 and H157 cells. These effects were abrogated in A549 cells expressing phosphomimetic CRK serine 41. In summary, our data provide evidence for the role of PAK1 in promotion of cell motility and down regulation of p120-catenin through CRK serine 41 phosphorylation in NSCLC cells. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 228. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-228
The learning analytics readiness instrument

Little is known about the processes institutions use when discerning their readiness to implement learning analytics. This study aims to address this gap in the literature by using survey data from the beta version of the Learning Analytics Readiness Instrument (LARI) [1]. Twenty-four institutions were surveyed and 560 respondents participated. Five distinct factors were identified from a factor analysis of the results: Culture; Data Management Expertise; Data Analysis Expertise; Communication and Policy Application; and, Training. Data were analyzed using both the role of those completing the survey and the Carnegie classification of the institutions as lenses. Generally, information technology professionals and institutions classified as Research Universities--Very High research activity had significantly different scores on the identified factors. Working within a framework of organizational learning, this paper details the concept of readiness as a reflective process, as well as how the implementation and application of analytics should be done so with ethical considerations in mind. Limitations of the study, as well as next steps for research in this area, are also discussed.
Nest-site selection by Western Screech-Owls in the Sonoran Desert, Arizona

selection by Western Screech~Owls (hereafter, screech-owls) in the Sonoran Desert ofArizona using a multi-scaled approach. At the scale of the nesting area, we assessed whether features of cavities, trees, and surrounding vegetation were related to nest~site selection. At the scale of the nest tree, we examined Whether owls selectively choose cavities from those available. OUr study took place on the Barry M. Gold~ water Air Force Range (BMGR) in southwest­ ern Arizona. The BMGR occupies approxi­ mately 10,900 km2 ofunpopulated land, one of the largest and best~preserved
Insect sting allergy

Hymenoptera venom is a well recognized cause of allergic reactions. These allergic reactions are common and may at times be life threatening. Precautions such as avoidance and the possession (and use) of epinephrine can decrease the incidence and severity of such reactions. Venom immunotherapy is the treatment of choice in those patients who have had systemic allergic reactions and are shown to be vespid allergic by skin testing.
Management of Late Complications of the Kock Pouch Form of Urinary Diversion

AbstractUrinary diversion via the continent ileal reservoir has been performed at our institution since 1982. During a 3-year period 250 patients have sought this procedure as an alternative to other forms of cutaneous urinary diversion. We analyzed our data in terms of late complications resulting directly from the operation or from this form of urinary diversion. In this context 77 of the 245 patients who survived the operation have suffered 1 or more late complications, requiring 85 reoperations. The late complications mainly have involved problems with continence or ease of catheterization and they were detected within 6 months. We report our experience and describe the technical aspects of treatment.
The efficacy of several new handwashing agents for removing non-transient bacterial flora from hands.

Forty subjects participated in a study of four handwashing agents evaluated for their efficacy in removing non-transient bacteria: 70% isopropanol, 0.05% stabilized iodine, 4% chlorhexidine gluconate, and 1% para-chloro-meta-xylenol. Each subject performed a non-medicated handwash to remove transient flora. Afterwards, three consecutive experimental handwashes were performed using a 10-second contact time, and a fourth handwash employed a 1-minute contact time. Quantitative post-handwash cultures were obtained using the sterile bag technique incorporating an effective agent neutralizer. Significant mean log10 reductions were documented for chlorhexidine gluconate, but only after the third (P = .05) and fourth (p = .004) handwash; however, the total log10 reduction was less than 1.0 for any single agent. Subsequently, three evaporative handwash agents, including 70% isopropanol, 0.5% chlorhexidine in 70% isopropanol, and a 60% isopropanol formulation containing evaporative retardants, were tested in 14 subjects. Contact time was prolonged to the point of evaporation prior to culturing. Four consecutive post-handwash cultures were obtained after performing a baseline pre-handwash culture. When compared with the other two evaporative agents, the 60% isopropanol formulation demonstrated significant mean log10 reductions for each handwash (p less than or equal to .03), with a total log10 reduction of 2.9 over all four handwashes (p = .0001). The brief contact time incorporated in our handwashing technique reflects clinical usage patterns. The marked bacterial reduction demonstrated by the 60% isopropanol formulation warrants further study.
Controlled Drug Release from Polymers

Unlike conventional routes of drug administration, controlled-release systems that use implanted, inserted, or surface-applied noninflammatory polymeric vehicles can deliver a steady quantity of drug to a target area over long periods of time. This is now true for drugs of both high and low molecular weight. Some of the devices are described, and existing as well as potential clinical applications are discussed.
Secondary Amenorrhea in the Adolescent

The cessation of menstrual function in the adolescent is a problem of intense emotional and sociologic as well as potential physical importance to the patient. The physical and endocrine abnormalities which can result in secondary amenorrhea are numerous, and the decision to undertake a lengthy, costly diagnostic work-up is a difficult one. This problem is approached in the context of the dynamic physiologic alterations which are underway. Evaluation and therapy are considered with respect to these changes and to the relative frequency of occurrence of the many possible causes.
Emerging opportunities in the two-dimensional chalcogenide systems and architecture

Abstract Inspired by the triumphs - and motivated by the need to overcome the limitations - of graphene, the science and engineering community is rapidly exploring the landscape of other potential two-dimensional materials, particularly in their single - or few layer form. Dominating this landscape are the layered chalcogenides; diverse in chemistry, structure and properties, there are well over 100 primary members of this materials family. Driven by quantum confinement, single layers (or few, in some cases) of these materials exhibit electronic, optical, and transport properties that diverge dramatically from their bulk counterparts. The field has evolved considerably since the time when single or few layer flakes were “synthesized” by the scotch-tape mechanical cleavage method. New and more sophisticated methods for controlled synthesis (or thinning), deposition and chemical exfoliation have been developed that can “dial” the number of layers with large areal coverage on diverse substrates. Further, the 2D chalcogenide layers are being used as “substrates” onto which other dimensionally confined structures are being integrated in the spirit of nanoscale composites. Some composite structures exhibit synergy of multiple functionalities of the individual components, while in other cases they represent quantum coupling or unusual behavior that is contrary to nominal synergy or the proportional contribution of individual components. Last but not the least, there remain many structural and chemical combinations that are yet to be explored with deeply intriguing properties or phenomena that are waiting to be revealed. Thus, it is timely to review the status of the field; particularly in the context of synthesis, geometric architecturing and characterization of 2D layered systems. Herein we review the evolving architecture of two-dimensional chalcogenide materials. We outline classes of specific materials and the evolution of their properties as they transition from nominally three to two-dimensionality, and especially in their single (or few) layer form. A variety of vapor-phase synthetic methods for the direct growth of large area single layers and the typical techniques for their characterization are presented. Lastly, we examine the potential of these materials as the fundamental building blocks of two-dimensional heterostructures and multi-dimensional nanocomposites. However, we also emphasize the need for fundamental experimental and theoretical undertaking to probe the classical problems like basic characterization and the dynamics of nucleation and growth in these 2D systems for realizing complex architecturing and resultant technologically useful phenomena and properties.
Report of the LITA/ALCTS Authority Control Interest Group Meeting. American Library Association Annual Conference. Orlando, June 2016

The LITA /ALCTS Authority Control Interest Group (ACIG) met at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando and convened four presentations (five speakers) to discuss current issues related to authority co...
Review of Vikings: Life and Legend Exhibition, the British Museum, 6 March–22 June 2014

The Vicious Vikings book for children, of Horrible Histories fame, has a lot to answer for. In the late first millennium, “Vikings are coming!” must have struck fear into the hearts of people acros...
Amoebozoans Are Secretly but Ancestrally Sexual: Evidence for Sex Genes and Potential Novel Crossover Pathways in Diverse Groups of Amoebae

Sex is beneficial in eukaryotes as it can increase genetic diversity, reshuffle their genomes, and purge deleterious mutations. Yet, its evolution remains a mystery. The eukaryotic clade supergroup Amoebozoa encompasses diverse lineages of polymorphic amoeboid forms, including both free-living and parasitic lineages. The group is generally believed to be asexual, though recent studies show that some of its members are implicated in cryptic forms of sexual cycles. In this study, we conduct a comprehensive inventory and analysis of genes involved in meiosis and related processes, in order to investigate the evolutionary history of sex in the clade. We analyzed genomic and transcriptomic data of 39 amoebozoans representing all major subclades of Amoebozoa. Our results show that Amoebozoa possess most of the genes exclusive to meiosis but lack genes encoding synaptonemal complex (SC). The absence of SC genes is discussed in the context of earlier studies that reported ultrastructural evidence of SC in some amoebae. We also find interclade and intrageneric variation in sex gene distribution, indicating diversity in sexual pathways in the group. Particularly, members of Mycetozoa engage in a novel sexual pathway independent of the universally conserved meiosis initiator gene, SPO11. Our findings strongly suggest that not only do amoebozoans possess sex genes in their genomes, but also, based on the transcriptome evidence, the present sex genes are functional. We conclude that Amoebozoa is ancestrally sexual, contrary to the long held belief that most of its members are asexual. Thus, asexuality in Amoebozoa, if confirmed to be present, is a derived-trait that appeared later in their evolution.
Use of Telehealth in Pediatric Palliative Care.

Abstract Objectives: Pediatric subspecialty care, including multidisciplinary palliative care, tends to be located in urban academic centers or children's hospitals. Telehealth provides the opportunity to care for patients who would otherwise not be able to access services. We present cases wherein telehealth was used to provide counseling services to patients who would not have been able to receive this service. Methods: We discuss cases of telehealth use for patient and family counseling in the setting of palliative care and bereavement follow-up. Patients who live a great distance from the hospital with limited access to services were followed by a hospital-based pediatric palliative care team. Patients and families gave feedback after use of telehealth for counseling services. Results: Counseling through telehealth by our hospital-based palliative care social worker was successful for all parties involved: patient, family, and social worker. Conclusions: Telehealth helps relieve disparity in access to...
Leading for Instructional Improvement in the Context of Accountability: Central Office Leadership:

This case was written to help prepare central office leaders who are expected to design systems and lead toward instructional improvement in the context of both educational accountability and implementation of standards with increased rigor. The intent of this case study is to encourage educators to examine the complex and multiple challenges of policy design and implementation when policy goals are far from current practice. Educators studying this case should examine the costs and benefits of bridging and buffering across organizational levels and how to best craft coherence between goals, needs, and resources at the central office and school levels.
Atomistic simulation of initial stages of iron corrosion in pure water using reactive molecular dynamics

Abstract Reactive Force Field Molecular Dynamics (ReaxFF-MD) was used to study the initial stages of iron corrosion in pure water. The simulations were performed on iron under various applied external electric fields and temperatures. Oxide film formation was accompanied by iron dissolution in water, indicating active corrosion and supporting the expected thermodynamic behavior of iron in pure water. Oxide film thickness and iron dissolution increased with increasing applied external electric field. Corrosion rates increased slightly with increasing temperature within the temperature range of this investigation (300–350 K). Critical stages of the iron corrosion process during the simulations were identified as dissociation of water to OH− and H+, adsorption of OH− on the iron surface, penetration of oxygen into iron to form iron oxides, and dissolution of iron into solution. Comparisons of the simulated charge distributions and pair distribution functions to those of reference oxides showed the formed oxide compositions were not pure phases, but rather a mixture of oxides.
15 – Haematopoietic stem cells for gene therapy

This chapter discusses the use of haematopoietic stem cells for gene therapy. Treatment of genetic disease in the haematopoietic system by gene therapy is theoretically possible if the error in blood cell formation or function results from defective activity of a single gene. If a normal counterpart of the defective gene has been cloned, it may be introduced into hematopoietic stem cells from the affected patient, then returned in an autologous bone marrow transplant. Gene therapy via hematopoietic stem cells may ultimately be used to treat sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, congenital immune deficiencies, lysosomal storage disorders, and Fanconi's anemia. Possible future targets for gene therapy are leukemia and acquired immune deficiency syndrome, although the treatment will be more complex than a simple gene replacement. This chapter discusses the murine models for gene therapy. It explains concepts related to large animal models of gene therapy. It also describes human cells in vitro , stromal support, and xenograft systems. An overview of clinical studies using gene marking is also presented in this chapter.
Making Contact: VAP Targeting by Intracellular Pathogens.

In naive cells, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the ER-resident VAP proteins are common components of sites of membrane contacts that mediate the non-vesicular transfer of lipids between organelles. There is increasing recognition that the hijacking of VAP by intracellular pathogens is a novel mechanism of host-pathogen interaction. Here, we summarize our recent findings showing that the Chlamydia inclusion membrane protein IncV tethers the ER to the inclusion membrane by binding to VAP via the molecular mimicry of two eukaryotic FFAT motifs. We extend the discussion to other microorganisms that have evolved similar mechanisms.
A Study of Fluctuation Effects on Resistive Transition to Superconductivity in Thin Indium Films

The enhanced conductivity σ of a thin superconducting film of thickness d ≪ ξ (T), the temperature-dependent coherence length, above its transition temperature T (but not too close to it) may be written as $$\sigma ={{\sigma }_{AL}}+{{\sigma }_{M}}$$ (1) where the contribution σ′AL comes from the formation of short-lived Cooper pairs above T c and was first considered theoretically by Aslamazov and Larkin.1 They showed that $${{\sigma }_{AL}}/{{\sigma }_{N}}={{\tau }_{o}}/\tau $$ (2) where τo = 1.52 s 10−5R□, R□ =1/δNd,τ=(T−T c )/T c , and δNis the normal-state conductivity. The second contribution σm’ was found by Maki2 and comes from the interaction of normal electrons with Cooper pairs. This term was found to be divergent for thin films.3 In order to remove this divergence, Thompson3 introduced a low-momentum cutoff q c=ξ−1δ1/2,where $$\sigma =\left( {{T}_{co}}-{{T}_{c}} \right)/{{T}_{C}}$$ (3) is the relative shift of T c from some original value T c0 due to a pair-breaking interaction. Thompson’s procedure leads to the following expression for σ′M: $${{\sigma }_{MT}}/{{\sigma }_{N}}=\left[ 2{{\tau }_{o}}/\left(\tau -\delta \right)\right]In\left(\tau /\delta \right)$$ (4) with the constraint that (σMT/δN)≪δ,;δ≲0.1. The total excess conductivity normalized to δ Nis given by $$\frac{\sigma }{{{\sigma }_{N}}}=\frac{\tau o}{\tau }+\frac{2{{\tau }_{o}}}{\tau -\delta }In\frac{\tau }{\delta }$$ (5) When τ≪then σ′MT beomes negligible and σ is given by only the AL term; however, far from the transition Eq. (5) leads to a larger transition width than predicted by the AL theory. This has indeed been observed in aluminum, tin, and lead films’; however, the AL width was found in the case of amorphous bismuth, lead, and gallium films.5
Communicable disease and immigration fears.

Physicians must balance competing ethical concerns when undocumented immigrants need health care for a communicable disease. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Normal Radiologic Anatomy and Anatomical Variants of the Chest Relevant to Thoracic Surgery

Preoperative planning requires the careful review of imaging obtained to define anatomy and determine the optimal approach. Normal anatomy and anatomical variants can be challenging and in select cases may simulate pathology. Understanding the radiologic anatomy of the chest is essential to perform safe and successful surgery. This section focuses on the critical anatomic structures seen on imaging that every thoracic surgeon should recognize.
On the Linearity of BST Thin Film Bulk Acoustic Resonators

Preliminary measurement results on the linearity of intrinsically switchable BST thin film bulk acoustic resonators (FBARs) are presented. Ferroelectric BST possesses electricfield-piezoelectricity, or electrostriction, which is employed to design intrinsically switchable BST FBARs. The linearity of these switchable resonators is an important factor for designing intrinsically switchable filters. The linearity of a single resonator is compared with two cascaded doubled size BST resonators. Third-order intercept point (IP 3 ) measurement is performed, demonstrating the input IP 3 improvement from 39 dBm to 43 dBm.
Exploiting Capabilities to Explore Performance Frontier: Product-market Fusion in Machine Tools

We explore the role of firm capabilities during product-market fusion and answer the question, “During exploration of the performance frontier of the fused product-market, which firms are more like...
Zero-Bias GaAsSb/InP Photodiode with 40 GHz Bandwidth

We demonstrate a back-illuminated modified uni-traveling carrier (MUTC) photodiode with 40 GHz bandwidth at zero bias. The photodiode has a responsivity of 0.2 A/W without anti-reflection (AR) coating and delivers −2.8 dBm RF output power.
Single process CVD growth of hBN/Graphene heterostructures on copper thin films

In this study, we have successfully grown hBN/graphene heterostructures on copper thin films using chemical vapor deposition in a single process. The first and most surprising result is that graphene grows underneath hBN and adjacent to the Cu film even though it is deposited second. This was determined from cross-sectional TEM analysis and XPS depth profiling, which chemically identified the relative positions of hBN and graphene. The effect of various growth conditions on graphene/hBN heterostructures was also studied. It was found that a pressure of 200 torr and a hydrogen flow rate of 200 sccm (∼1 H2/N2) yielded the highest quality of graphene, with full surface coverage occurring after a growth time of 120 min. The resulting graphene films were found to be approximately 6–8 layers thick. The grain size of the nanocrystalline graphene was found to be 15–50 nm varying based on growth conditions.
Hybridization and rapid differentiation after secondary contact between the native green anole (Anolis carolinensis) and the introduced green anole (Anolis porcatus).

In allopatric species, reproductive isolation evolves through the accumulation of genetic incompatibilities. The degree of divergence required for complete reproductive isolation is highly variable across taxa, which makes the outcome of secondary contact between allopatric species unpredictable. Since before the Pliocene, two species of Anolis lizards, Anolis carolinensis and Anolis porcatus, have been allopatric, yet this period of independent evolution has not led to substantial species-specific morphological differentiation, and therefore, they might not be reproductively isolated. In this study, we determined the genetic consequences of localized, secondary contact between the native green anole, A. carolinensis, and the introduced Cuban green anole, A. porcatus, in South Miami. Using 18 microsatellite markers, we found that the South Miami population formed a genetic cluster distinct from both parental species. Mitochondrial DNA revealed maternal A. porcatus ancestry for 35% of the individuals sampled from this population, indicating a high degree of cytonuclear discordance. Thus, hybridization with A. porcatus, not just population structure within A. carolinensis, may be responsible for the genetic distinctiveness of this population. Using tree-based maximum-likelihood analysis, we found support for a more recent, secondary introduction of A. porcatus to Florida. Evidence that ~33% of the nuclear DNA resulted from a secondary introduction supports the hybrid origin of the green anole population in South Miami. We used multiple lines of evidence and multiple genetic markers to reconstruct otherwise cryptic patterns of species introduction and hybridization. Genetic evidence for a lack of reproductive isolation, as well as morphological similarities between the two species, supports revising the taxonomy of A. carolinensis to include A. porcatus from western Cuba. Future studies should target the current geographic extent of introgression originating from the past injection of genetic material from Cuban green anoles and determine the consequences for the evolutionary trajectory of green anole populations in southern Florida.
Integrity in Interprofessional Relationships

The concept of integrity is of particular importance to health professionals because it lays bare moral tensions inherent in health care which are not immediately obvious in the usual debates involving such concepts as justice, rights, utility, or the quality of life. These concepts are applied most often in an effort to discern the duties and moral obligations owed to others by health professionals. The strain and conflict which these duties cause health care workers, however, has largely gone unconsidered. Integrity, on the other hand, directs attention to the moral agency of the health professional.
19 – Personality Disorders

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on specific personality disorders. Many theorists assert that personality dimensions such as extraversion sit at the top of a hierarchy composed of behaviors, constructs, and traits, and that each dimension is a continuum, with problematic behaviors occurring when an individual falls too far at either end of the continuum. From a behavior analytic perspective, the concepts of traits and personality are not as useful as identifying the contextual factors maintaining an individual's behavior. A functional analytic account makes use of the principles of learning to explain how particular behavior patterns become pervasive, inflexible, and long standing. Behaviors are pervasive if they occur across a variety of contexts. This suggests that the contexts in which the behaviors occur contain similar discriminative stimuli (SDs), or that many SDs exist for a given maladaptive behavior. Frequent assessment serves to structure, evaluate, and improve an intervention. The goal of an assessment is to understand the interaction between the client and his/her environment and to illuminate the contextual variables that are influencing the target behavior. From a radical behavioral perspective, private events such as thoughts, feelings, bodily states, and behavioral urges are also considered as behavior and, thus, may be targeted and functionally analyzed in the same way as overt behavior.
The Human Resource Management Parameter Experimentation Tool

Human resource management (HRM) draws on the field of organizational theory (OT) to identify, quantify, and manage people-based phenomena that impact organizational operations and outcomes. OT research has long used computational methods and agent-based modeling to understand complex adaptive systems. Agent-based modeling methodologies within HRM, however, are still rare. Within the HRM and management science literature, Herzberg’s et al. (1959) Two-Factor Theory (TFT) is a framework that has been tested and used for decades. Its ability to capture the interaction between a work force’s motivation and their environment’s hygiene lends itself well to agent-based modeling as a method of study. Here, we present the development of the Human Resources Management-Parameter Experimentation Tool (HRM-PET) as the first explicit ABM instantiation of TFT, filling the gap between the study of HRM and computational OT tools like agent-based modeling.
Engineered protein switches for exogenous control of gene expression

There is an ongoing need in the synthetic biology community for novel ways to regulate gene expression. Protein switches, which sense biological inputs and respond with functional outputs, represent one way to meet this need. Despite the fact that there is already a large pool of transcription factors and signaling proteins available, the pool of existing switches lacks the substrate specificities and activities required for certain applications. Therefore, a large number of techniques have been applied to engineer switches with novel properties. Here we discuss some of these techniques by broadly organizing them into three approaches. We show how novel switches can be created through mutagenesis, domain swapping, or domain insertion. We then briefly discuss their use as biosensors and in complex genetic circuits.