cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metal-modified niobium carbides as low-cost and impurity-resistant electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution in acidic and alkaline electrolytes

Abstract Low-cost and impurity-resistant electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are desired to replace expensive bulk Pt in membrane electrolysis cells. Monolayer (ML) Pt, Pd, and Ag on niobium carbide (NbC) thin films were synthesized for electrochemical testing as HER catalyst candidates. Density Functional Theory calculations predicted that ML Pt on NbC binds hydrogen similarly to bulk Pt, suggesting good HER activity. These results were confirmed through electrochemical measurements in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes. The Pt/NbC catalyst also maintained its activity in the presence of common impurity ions found in tap water. This makes ML Pt/NbC a promising replacement for Pt in water electrolysis cell cathodes. Future work on high surface area powders should be performed to further assess its suitability as a catalyst for membrane electrolyzers.
A substance toxic to guinea pigs in the blood of infants with “intestinal intoxication.”

Cases of so-called “intestinal intoxication” can be divided into two groups. In the first group there is a history of preceding nutritional disturbance with diarrhea of days or weeks duration. The onset of toxic symptoms is often gradual. The infants are greatly wasted and the tissues show signs of water loss. The blood concentration may be slightly increased but is often normal. The mental state is best described as somnolent. Pronounced nervous symptoms are absent.In the second group the onset is usually sudden and preceding nutritional disturbances are slight or may not occur at all. Wasting is slight. Diarrhea is usually not severe and in many cases does not occur. One of the striking features of this group is the presence of pronounced nervous symptoms. Convulsions are common and the patient is in deep coma with marked involuntary movements and muscular twitchings. The blood of these infants is much concentrated. The clinical picture, the complete anuria and the high non-protein nitrogen of the blood...
Control of Tn7 transposition

Our isolate of Tn7 (named Tn7S) contains an IS1 insertion, and this IS1 can be converted into Tn9. In vitro and in vivo deletions of Tn7S and Tn7S:: Tn9 define regions of the transposon required for antibiotic resistance and transposition. Complementation of deletion mutants by cloned Tn7 fragments indicates the existence of two regions, denoted tnp7A and tnp7B, required for all transposition events. Another region, denoted tnp7C, is required for transposition from the chromosome to RP1 but not for transposition from a small IncP-1 replicon to the chromosome. The presence of Tn7S terminal sequences in an RP1 replicon reduces the transposition of a second Tn7S derivative from the chromosome by about one order of magnitude. The measured frequency of Tn7S transpositions from a small IncP-1 replicon to the chromosome depends on the particular incompatibility system used to eliminate that replicon. Genetic and physical data indicate that high frequencies of Tn7S transposition to the chromosome (≧40%) are triggered by the IncP-1 incompatibility reaction, thus suggesting the existence of a Tn7 mechanism for sensing the state of the carrier replicon.
In vitro porphyrin synthesis by iron deficient erythrocytes.

Conclusions1. The suboptimal support of porphyrin synthesis in vitro, found with iron deficient erythrocytes is not correctable by addition of inorganic ferrous ions in vitro. 2. Administration of iron to iron deficient individuals restored the porphyrin synthetic capability of their erythrocytes.
Exploring Links Between Education and Sustainable Development Goals Through the Lens of UN Flagship Reports

Based on an exhaustive content analysis of 37 global reports, this paper examines how well links between education and other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are represented in flagship publications of the United Nations system. Taken together, the reports identify links between education and all the SDGs, with the notable exception of SDG 14 on oceans. However, some goal areas have received much more attention than others. While some causal links are identified and highlighted as important, relevant constraints are sometimes not extensively discussed, and few concrete policy options to act on these links are provided. Going forward, it would be important to assess whether the messages contained in UN flagship reports adequately reflect the state of scientific knowledge and the lessons learnt from development programs that focus on education in relation to specific SDGs. The systematic analysis provided here can offer a basis for an integrated analysis of policy priorities for education as a whole. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
CT Diagnosis of The Cystic Lesions in Abdomen in Children

Objective To study CT diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the cystic lesions in abdomen in children. Methods 16 cases of the cystic lesions in abdomen were confirmed by surgery and histopathology.To analyze CT features of every lesions. Results 3 cases of the cystic lesions in abdominal cavity include 2 cases of the giant cystic lesions of the omentum majus,1 mesenteric cystis.13cases of retroperitoneal cystis lesions include 7 choledochoceles,2 inflammatory cyst,1 cystic teratoma, 3 giant hydronephrosis. Conclusion CT diagnosis of the cystic lesions in abdomen in children is ease when lesions are minor. CT differential diagnosis is difficult when cystic lesions in abdomen are the giant.
Genotype × Environment Interaction in Smoking Behaviors: A Systematic Review

Introduction There has been rapid growth in research exploring gene-environment interaction (G×E) contributing to smoking behaviors. Yet, no systematic review exists to date. Methods This article aims to review evidence on the contribution of G×E to the risk of smoking. Through a search of electronic databases (ie, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Elsevier) up until May 2014, 16 studies of G×E focused on smoking behaviors were identified. These studies were compared in terms of: research design and sample studied, measure of smoking behavior and environments used, genes explored, and G×E in relation to these factors. Results Thirteen of 16 studies (81.2%) found at least one significant G×E association. Wide variation in analytic methods was found across studies, especially with respect to the phenotypes of interest, environmental measures used, and tests conducted to estimate G×E. Heterogeneity across studies made it difficult to compare findings and evaluate the strength of evidence for G×E. Conclusions G×E research on smoking contains studies that are methodologically different, making it difficult to assess the current state of the evidence. To decrease heterogeneity, we offer recommendations related to: (1) choice of measurement for environmental variables, (2) testing and reporting of main and interaction effects, (3) treatment of covariates, (4) reporting gene-environment correlation, and (5) conducting sensitivity analyses and checking for scaling artifacts. Continued study is needed to identify mechanisms by which genes and environmental factors combine to influence smoking behaviors. Implications No comprehensive review of G×E studies of smoking behavior has previously been published. The present article seeks to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive review of: how G×E has been defined, how twin and molecular genetic methodologies have been used to test for G×E, and which genes and environmental factors are associated with smoking behaviors. Variations in methodological approaches make it difficult to interpret and summarize findings, so recommendations for future research are provided as a means to more easily compare and replicate findings across studies.
Vav Proteins in Cancer

The Vav family of proto-oncogenes, Vav1–3, represent a subgroup within the Dbl family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEF), which are regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation and mediate the activation of Rho/Rac GTP-binding proteins downstream of numerous cell surface receptors that either have intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity or associate with nonreceptor tyrosine kinases (e.g., members of the Src family). Additionally, these Vav GEFs possess additional protein:protein interaction domains that allow them to participate in several other signaling pathways upon recruitment and activation at the plasma membrane. Recent work on Vav GEFs has demonstrated their contribution to multiple human malignancies through regulation of cell motility, survival, angiogenesis, and proliferation. In general, these effects arise from ectopic expression (Vav1), upregulation (Vav1 and Vav3), or continuous activation of Vav proteins by deregulated receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases (all three isoforms). This chapter will address the physiological functions of Vav proteins, their mechanism of regulation, and their emerging roles as regulators of human tumorigenesis.
What We Are Talking About When We Talk About Social Media: A Framework for Study

Social media continues to grow as a focus of social, organizational, and scholarly interest, yet there is little agreement as to what constitutes social media and how it can be effectively analyzed. We review various definitions of social media and note that much of the confusion regarding social media comes from conflation between social media types, platforms, and activities. To facilitate investigations of social media, we debunk common social media myths and review the relationship between social media and several prominent sociological concerns. We conclude by reflecting on directions for future research on social media.
Stolen Buddhas and Sovereignty Claims

Supported by international legal initiatives, a number of Asian countries are calling for the return of revered Buddhist icons, many of which had been removed from their homelands during times of colonial rule or war. Identified as national cultural properties, repatriated icons often find new homes in state art museums, but this has caused problems because modern museums assign secular status to artworks. Furthermore, religious communities have changed over time and extend across borders. As the prominent cases of Buddhist icon repatriation explored in this chapter demonstrate, many issues arising with restitution are a direct result of the overriding importance attached to sovereignty in international relations today.
A Pendulum Swung too Far

Today's students might be faced with a very different set of challenges from those of the 1990s in the not-too-distant future. What should they do when most of the low hanging fruit has been pretty much picked over? In the particular case of Machine Translation, the revival of statistical approaches (e.g., Brown et al. (1993)) started out with finite-state methods for pragmatic reasons, but gradually over time, researchers have become more and more receptive to the use of syntax to capture long-distance dependences, especially when there isn't very much parallel corpora, and for language pairs with very different word orders (e.g., translating between a subject-verb-object (SVO) language like English and a verb final language like Japanese). Going forward, we should expect Machine Translation research to make more and more use of richer and richer linguistic representations. So too, there will soon be a day when stress will become important for speech recognition. Since it isn't possible for textbooks in computational linguistics to cover all of these topics, we should work with colleagues in other departments to make sure that students receive an education that is broad enough to prepare them for all possible futures, or at least all probable futures.
LOCAL PUBLIC DEBT MANAGEMENT: LESSONS FROM GREECE IN INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE

This paper discusses the potential dangers of adversarial debt management in China between central and local authorities. It draws lessons from Germany’s recent mishandling of the Greek debt crisis to illustrate nuances and stresses the wisdom of cooperation and mutual support in restoring balance to local Chinese finance. Inclusive economic theory provides additional insight.
Validation of a pan -orthopox real-time PCR assay for the detection and quantification of viral genomes from nonhuman primate blood

In 1980, smallpox disease was eradicated from nature and Variola virus, the etiological agent of smallpox, was confined to two laboratories, one located in Russia (Moscow) later moved to VECTOR (Novosibirsk, Siberia) and one in the United States (CDC Atlanta). Vaccinations among the general public ceased shortly after the successful eradication campaign, resulting in an increasingly immunologically susceptible population. Because of the possibility of intentional reintroduction of Variola virus and the emergence of other pathogenic poxviruses, there is a great need for the development of medical countermeasures to treat poxvirus disease. It is highly likely that the U.S. FDA “animal rule” will be necessary for regulatory approval of these interventions. Therefore, relevant animal models and the associated supporting assays will require development to stand up to regulatory scrutiny. An optimized real time PCR assay for the detection of orthopoxviruses has been developed by researchers at the United States Army Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). To support animal studies that will be used to support approval of medical countermeasures by the U.S. FDA, the assay was designed to quantitate poxvirus genomic DNA in a nonhuman primate (cynomolgus macaque) blood matrix as a measurement of viremia. This manuscript describes the validation of the process, including DNA extraction from whole blood anticoagulated with EDTA, for obtaining and quantitating monkeypox genomes by evaluating precision, accuracy, the standard curve, specificity, robustness and stability of the assay and/or components of the assay. The assay had a lower limit of quantitation of 50 genome copies/5 uL sample, upper limit of quantitation of 5 × 107 GC/5uL sample and a limit of detection of 2.5 genome copies /5uL sample. The assay was specific for orthopoxvirus. Matrix effects were detected and suggest the presence of PCR inhibitor(s) that was co-extracted with the target DNA. The assay has been validated for the purpose of quantitating monkeypox viral load in blood from cynomolgus macaques. This assay has and will continue to support submissions to the FDA for approval of antiviral therapeutics for smallpox.
Homogenizing an urban habitat mosaic: arthropod diversity declines in New York City parks after Super Storm Sandy

The frequency and intensity of hurricanes are increasing globally, and anthropogenic modifications in cities have created systems that may be particularly vulnerable to their negative effects. Organisms living in cities are exposed to variable levels of chronic environmental stress. However, whether chronic stress ameliorates or exacerbates the negative effects of hurricanes remains an open question. Here, we consider two hypotheses about the simultaneous consequences of acute disturbances from hurricanes and chronic stress from urbanization for the structure of urban arthropod communities. The tipping point hypothesis posits that organisms living in high stress habitats are less resilient than those in low stress habitats because they are living near the limits of their environmental tolerances; while the disturbance tolerance hypothesis posits that high stress habitats host organisms pre-adapted for coping with disturbance, making them more resilient to the effects of storms. We used a before-after-control-impact design in the street medians and city parks of Manhattan (New York City, New York, USA) to compare arthropod communities before and after Super Storm Sandy in sites that were flooded and unflooded during the storm. Our evidence supported the disturbance tolerance hypothesis. Significant compositional differences between street medians and city parks before the storm disappeared after the storm; similarly, unflooded city parks had significantly different arthropod composition while flooded sites were indistinguishable. These differences were driven by reduced occurrences and abundances of arthropods in city parks. Finally, those arthropod groups that were most tolerant to urban stress were also the most tolerant to flooding. Our results suggest that the species that survive in high stress environments are likely to be the ones that thrive in response to acute disturbance. As storms become increasingly common and extreme, this juxtaposition in responses to storm-associated disturbance may lead to diversity loss in cities, potentially leading entire urban landscapes to mirror the reduced diversity of street medians.
Variation in the phylogenetic diversity of wild bees at produce farms and prairies

Abstract Declines in pollinators, particularly wild bees, along with rising demands for their services has intensified efforts to examine bee communities in different types of habitats. In this study we use a phylogenetic approach to compare and contrast bee communities associated with six small produce farms, eight large prairies, and five naturally small hill prairies in Iowa. We compare the mean phylogenetic distance (MPD) and the mean nearest taxon distance (MNTD) of bees in each community to expected mean MPD and MNTD values generated from 1000 random permutations of a tree composed of 144 species found across all sites. Standardized effect size scores for MPD using presence-absence data showed significant clustering of bee communities at five of six farms and two of the five hill prairies. Clustering at the farms and hill prairies was due primarily to the significantly lower number of species in the Andrenidae (0–5 species per site), especially species of Andrena, as well as significantly greater number of species in the Halictidae (9–22 species/site), particularly Lasioglossum (Dialictus). Lack of Andrenidae spp. may be related to a lack of appropriate floral resources, indicating that enriched prairie plantings for pollinators at farms could enhance the abundance of Andrena species and hence pollinator services at these sites. The higher richness of the ground-nesting Lasioglossum likely results from soil disturbance regimes at produce farms and the naturally shallow, rocky soil with exposed surface at hill prairies, respectively. Analyses of MNTD using either abundance weighted or presence-absence data and analyses of MPD using abundance data did not indicate consistent differences between the three site types, but do point to important differences between sites in phylogenetic composition of bee communities. Our results show that phylogenetic analyses of wild bee community diversity may be a useful tool for measuring how bee communities differ in composition as a result of natural variation and human-related changes in landscapes.
The secrecy capacity region of fading erasure Z interference channel with no CSIT

We characterize the secrecy capacity region of a Layered Erasure 2-user Z interference channel (LEZIC) with arbitrary distribution for the numbers of layers that gets erased on any particular link. It is assumed that the instantaneous channel state information (CSI), i.e., the number of surviving layers on any particular link is available only at the receivers. We prove the capacity result in two steps; In the first step, we show that a polygon with one vertex at origin and two sides coinciding with the rate axes contains the secrecy capacity region of the LEZIC. Characterization of this polygon involves defining an intermediate enhanced channel. In the second step, we prove that all the non-zero vertexes of the aforementioned polygon can be achieved by point-to-point coding by the non-interfering transmitter and decoding its message at the interfered receiver by treating interference as erasure. The interfering transmitter on the other hand, sends Bernoulli i.i.d. bits only at layers that have a better chance of reaching the desired receiver than the interfered receiver.
Practical aspects of innovation in the textile industry

Abstract: The process of taking an innovative apparel or textile concept and turning it into a successful product is challenging and multi-faceted. Innovation is the process of developing a product offering that more effectively satisfies the unfulfilled needs of the target market better than the competition. Furthermore, any emerging technologies must meet industry standards for safety and performance. Social networking and mass customization are effective tools to create a buzz about new products and allow consumers to provide feedback to the apparel firms on the emerging consumer trends and acceptance of their product offering. The intellectual property developed during the innovation process must be protected from competition and imitators.
Fungal Infections Of The External Ear

Fungal infections of the external auditory canal can pose a great clinical challenge both in diagnosis and in therapy. Most infections present in patients who have undergone previous medical treatment of the external canal, which has changed the pH and normal canal flora, or in those who have diminished capacity for resisting infections. Diagnosis is made by clinical inspection and selective cultures. Therapy consists of complete cleaning followed by use of topical antimycotic agents. Systemic therapy is rarely required.
Pounds, Police, and Patriots: How Colonial Reactions to British Quartering Transformed from 1756-1774

Of all the legislation which edged the thirteen colonies towards independence, none are as misrepresented as the Quartering Acts of 1765 and 1774. From an early age, generations of American students are still taught that through the Quartering Acts, Britain forced colonials to take red-coated troops under their roofs, feed them, and care for them. This was not the case.1 In fact, the Quartering Act of 1765 was actually the first time England ever explicitly banned quartering in private homes.2
Point-of-care endoscopic optical coherence tomography detects changes in mucosal thickness in ARDS due to smoke inhalation and burns.

Abstract Background The prevalence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in mechanically ventilated burn patients is 33%, with mortality varying from 11–46% depending on ARDS severity. Despite the new Berlin definition for ARDS, prompt bedside diagnosis is lacking. We developed and tested a bedside technique of fiberoptic-bronchoscopy-based optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurement of airway mucosal thickness (MT) for diagnosis of ARDS following smoke inhalation injury (SII) and burns. Methods 16 female Yorkshire pigs received SII and 40% thermal burns. OCT MT and PaO2-to-FiO2 ratio (PFR) measurements were taken at baseline, after injury, and at 24, 48, and 72 h after injury. Results Injury led to thickening of MT which was sustained in animals that developed ARDS. Significant correlations were found between MT, PFR, peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), and total infused fluid volume. Conclusions OCT is a useful tool to quantify MT changes in the airway following SII and burns. OCT may be effective as a diagnostic tool in the early stages of SII-induced ARDS and should be tested in humans.
Three Ones and Aristotle’s Metaphysics

Aristotle’s Metaphysics defends a number of theses about oneness [to hen]. For interpreting the Metaphysics’ positive henology, two such theses are especially important: (1) to hen and being [to on] are equally general and so intimately connected that there can be no science of the former which isn’t also a science of the latter, and (2) to hen is the foundation [archē] of number qua number. Aristotle decisively commits himself to both (1) and (2). The central goal of this article is to improve our understanding of what the Metaphysics’ endorsement of their conjunction amounts to. To this end we explore three manners of being one which enter into Aristotle’s Metaphysics: I call them unity, uniqueness, and unit-hood. On the view the article defends, it’s unity (and not uniqueness) that’s at issue in Aristotle’s endorsement of (1) and unit-hood (and not uniqueness) that’s at issue in his endorsement of (2). The Metaphysics’ positive henology as whole, I suggest, is best interpreted by positing a theory-internal distinction between unity, uniqueness, and unit-hood.
Substitutions in the β subunits of sickle-cell hemoglobin improve oxidative stability and increase the delay time of sickle-cell fiber formation

After reacting with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), sickle-cell hemoglobin (HbS, βE6V) remains longer in a highly oxidizing ferryl form (HbFe4+=O) and induces irreversible oxidation of "hot-spot" amino acids, including βCys-93. To control the damaging ferryl heme, here we constructed three HbS variants. The first contained a redox-active Tyr in β subunits (F41Y), a substitution present in Hb Mequon; the second contained the Asp (K82D) found in the β cleft of Hb Providence; and the third had both of these β substitutions. Both the single Tyr-41 and Asp-82 constructs lowered the oxygen affinity of HbS but had little or no effects on autoxidation or heme loss kinetics. In the presence of H2O2, both rHbS βF41Y and βF41Y/K82D enhanced ferryl Hb reduction by providing a pathway for electrons to reduce the heme via the Tyr-41 side chain. MS analysis of βCys-93 revealed moderate inhibition of thiol oxidation in the HbS single F41Y variant and dramatic 3- to 8-fold inhibition of cysteic acid formation in rHbS βK82D and βF41Y/K82D, respectively. Under hypoxia, βK82D and βF41Y/K82D HbS substitutions increased the delay time by ∼250 and 600 s before the onset of polymerization compared with the rHbS control and rHbS βF41Y, respectively. Moreover, at 60 °C, rHbS βK82D exhibited superior structural stability. Asp-82 also enhanced the function of Tyr as a redox-active amino acid in the rHbS βF41Y/K82D variant. We conclude that the βK82D and βF41Y substitutions add significant resistance to oxidative stress and anti-sickling properties to HbS and therefore could be potential genome-editing targets.
Toward an Internet of Battlefield Things: A Resilience Perspective

The Internet of Battlefield Things (IoBT) might be one of the most expensive cyber-physical systems of the next decade, yet much research remains to develop its fundamental enablers. A challenge that distinguishes the IoBT from its civilian counterparts is resilience to a much larger spectrum of threats.
Diversification of the downy mildew resistance gene pool by introgression of a new gene, Pl 35 , from wild Helianthus argophyllus into oilseed and confection sunflowers ( Helianthus annuus L.)

We have mapped a new downy mildew resistance gene, Pl35, derived from wild Helianthus argophyllus to sunflower linkage group 1. New germplasms incorporating the Pl35 gene were developed for both oilseed and confection sunflower Sunflower downy mildew (DM), caused by the oomycete pathogen Plasmopara halstedii, is an economically important and widespread sunflower disease worldwide. Non-race-specific resistance is not available in sunflower, and breeding for DM resistance relies on race-specific resistance to control this disease. The discovery of the novel DM resistance genes is a long-term task due to the highly virulent and aggressive nature of the P. halstedii pathogen, which reduces the effectiveness of resistance genes. The objectives of this study were to: (1) transfer DM resistance from a wild sunflower species Helianthus argophyllus (PI 494576) into cultivated sunflowers; (2) map the resistance gene; and (3) develop diagnostic single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for efficient targeting of the gene in breeding programs. The H. argophyllus accession PI 494576 previously identified with resistance to the most virulent P. halstedii race 777 was crossed with oilseed and confection sunflower in 2012. Molecular mapping using the BC2F2 and BC2F3 populations derived from the cross CONFSCLB1/PI 494576 located a new resistance gene Pl35 on linkage group 1 of the sunflower genome. The new gene Pl35 was successfully transferred from PI 494576 into cultivated sunflowers. SNP markers flanking Pl35 were surveyed in a validation panel of 548 diversified sunflower lines collected globally. Eleven SNP markers were found to be diagnostic for Pl35 SNP alleles, with four co-segregating with Pl35. The developed oilseed and confection germplasms with diagnostic SNP markers for Pl35 will be very useful resources for breeding of DM resistance in sunflower.
Distinct Chemotaxis Protein Paralogs Assemble into Chemoreceptor Signaling Arrays To Coordinate Signaling Output

Most chemotactic motile bacteria possess multiple chemotaxis signaling systems, the functions of which are not well characterized. Chemotaxis signaling is initiated by chemoreceptors that assemble as large arrays, together with chemotaxis coupling proteins (CheW) and histidine kinase proteins (CheA), which form a baseplate with the cytoplasmic tips of receptors. These cell pole-localized arrays mediate sensing, signaling, and signal amplification during chemotaxis responses. Membrane-bound chemoreceptors with different cytoplasmic domain lengths segregate into distinct arrays. Here, we show that a bacterium, Azospirillum brasilense, which utilizes two chemotaxis signaling systems controlling distinct motility parameters, coordinates its chemotactic responses through the production of two separate membrane-bound chemoreceptor arrays by mixing paralogs within chemotaxis baseplates. The polar localization of chemoreceptors of different length classes is maintained in strains that had baseplate signaling proteins from either chemotaxis system but was lost when both systems were deleted. Chemotaxis proteins (CheA and CheW) from each of the chemotaxis signaling systems (Che1 and Che4) could physically interact with one another, and chemoreceptors from both classes present in A. brasilense could interact with Che1 and Che4 proteins. The assembly of paralogs from distinct chemotaxis pathways into baseplates provides a straightforward mechanism for coordinating signaling from distinct pathways, which we predict is not unique to this system given the propensity of chemotaxis systems for horizontal gene transfer.IMPORTANCE The assembly of chemotaxis receptors and signaling proteins into polar arrays is universal in motile chemotactic bacteria. Comparative genome analyses indicate that most motile bacteria possess multiple chemotaxis signaling systems, and experimental evidence suggests that signaling from distinct chemotaxis systems is integrated. Here, we identify one such mechanism. We show that paralogs from two chemotaxis systems assemble together into chemoreceptor arrays, forming baseplates comprised of proteins from both chemotaxis systems. These mixed arrays provide a straightforward mechanism for signal integration and coordinated response output from distinct chemotaxis systems. Given that most chemotactic bacteria encode multiple chemotaxis systems and the propensity for these systems to be laterally transferred, this mechanism may be common to ensure chemotaxis signal integration occurs.
The Blood–Brain Barrier: A Restricted Gateway to the Brain

The chapter provides an overview and introduction to the major restricted pathways that molecules, solutes, and drug therapies gain access to the brain—the blood–brain barrier (BBB). We describe the major components that form the BBB and briefly mention the important role of each element for normal brain function and pathophysiology.
Metadata Learning of Non-Visual Features: Co-Occurrence Overlap Function for Rectangular Regions and Ground Truth Data

To incorporate object locations in a multi-target detection model, we assume that a close duplicate cannot be learned by the model efficiently. So, we use a region-based approach which uses more object location compared to the ground truth locations to localize the targets. The proposed model is able to learn a similarity metric with respect to the ground truth locations which is robust (low false positives) enough for varying images conditions, small aerial target sizes and using few training samples. We report preliminary results on how transfer learning of meta-data a effects small aerial target localization accuracies. Quality ranking from Intersection-over-Union (IOU) in region segmentation models on the aerial ground truth data using pre-trained models from ImageNet, AlexNet, and CIFAR-10 and initialization with three aerial datasets such as the satellite imagery XView2.
Identity Meaning Discrepancies and Psychological Distress: A Partial Test of Incorporating Identity Theory and Self-definitions into the Stress Process Model

Scholars have argued for integrating symbolic interactionism into the stress process model. Focusing on meanings associated with normative and counter-normative identities, we offer a partial test of one such integration developed by McLeod (2012). Based on a combination of McLeod’s integration of the stress process model and symbolic interactionism, discrepancy theory, and literature on identity-relevant events, we hypothesize that discrepancies in the meanings attached to parent and work identities by self and others in general (the Generalized Other) are more stressful for people with children and people who work, compared to the childless and unemployed. Additionally, as the self-evaluation of meanings attached to an identity shifts from higher than perceived evaluation of the generalized other to lower than perceived evaluation of the generalized other, stress increases for people holding normative identities. Using a web-based survey administered between October 1 and October 12, 2012, we collected data on parenting and work identities and analyzed the antecedents and consequences of identity-discrepant meanings using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results show that discrepant meanings for an identity, self-meanings compared to meanings others in general apply to that identity, operate differently depending on whether the identity is a normative or counter-normative one. Additionally, discrepancies in meaning are significant predictors of identity-specific self-esteem, mastery, and psychological health, but mainly for the normative identities of parent and employed. Discrepancies in meanings have little relationship to these outcomes for the counter-normative identities of being childless or unemployed. As expected from both identity theory and the stress process model, increased social connections, identity-specific self-esteem, and mastery are related to better psychological well-being, but, again, mainly for those with normative identities. We discuss implications for McLeod’s integration of identity theory and the stress process model.
Modeling One-Dimensional Nonreactive Solute Transport in Open Channel Flows Under Uncertain Flow and Solute Loading Conditions

AbstractThe study of solute transport processes in open channel flows is important for water quality management and environment protection. Solute transported in open channel flows is usually uncer...
Pharmacist-driven education for solid organ transplant recipients in the COVID-19 era.

In the COVID-19 era, it remains of utmost importance for solid organ transplant (SOT) patients and caregivers continue to receive excellent education following transplantation. As a leader in SOT, we recognized the need to enhance patient engagement by implementing a comprehensive pharmacist-driven medication knowledge program encompassing didactics, visual tools and virtual learning. These initiatives have proven to be particularly beneficial in ensuring optimal patient outcomes following orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) during the COVID-19 era.
Academic Librarians and Student Affairs Professionals: An Ethical Collaboration for Higher Education

Librarians’ ethical directives point toward a collaborative effort in providing support for students outside the classroom. Academic librarians often focus on collaborative relationships with teaching faculty at institutions of higher education, but they should also form partnerships with other higher education professionals. Currently, few such partnerships have been reported in the literature. Staff who work in student affairs, including academic advising, career counseling, and other academic support offices would benefit greatly from librarians’ expertise. Specific suggestions for building such collaborations are given, and proposals about future research and possible collaborations are offered.
Use of complementary therapies for chronic pain management in patients with reported Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or hypermobility spectrum disorders

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and related Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) are debilitating connective tissue disorders that feature a prominent pain component for which there are limited therapeutic options for pain management. Consequently, many patients try various non-prescribed treatments, including complementary and alternative therapies that have not been well studied in the EDS/HSD patient population. We surveyed over 500 individuals through the EDS Society who reported having been diagnosed with EDS or HSD to ascertain what complementary and alternative therapies were used and their reported effectiveness in alleviating pain and improving quality of life. Specifically, we focused on the use of traditional Chinese therapies, herbal medications, and marijuana. The most commonly reported therapies, used by 70-92% of participants, were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, opioids, and physical therapy. Therapies rated by participants as most efficacious were opioids, physical therapy, and marijuana with 10-24% of those using these therapies rating them as extremely helpful. Patient-initiated complementary therapy use in EDS/HSD patients is widespread at 56%. Complementary therapies were largely utilized by EDS/HSD patients with higher reported pain levels. Providers caring for EDS/HSD patients should be aware of these data showing broad usage of predominantly non-prescribed therapies and be prepared to consider such usage in working collaboratively with these patients to develop comprehensive treatment plans to manage their chronic pain complications.
Overcoming Structural Challenges Related to Identification and Curricula for Gifted Students in High-Poverty Rural Schools

The achievement and opportunity gaps between low-income students and their more economically advantaged peers present serious challenges for gifted education. Further, for rural students these excellence gaps may be even more pronounced, and the recognition of giftedness and subsequent program options are thus limited. The need to re-orient educators to think in terms of definition of giftedness, identification based on opportunity to learn, and provision of curricular interventions form the core of this chapter. Drawing on early work on curriculum for gifted students across populations and the lessons learned in working in rural schools (Callahan et al., Am Educ Res J 52:137–167, 2015) and ongoing work in a five-year project focusing on promoting gifted education in rural schools, we present a definition of giftedness based on specific academic ability, an identification process derived from the conception of place in the consideration of talent, steps in identification that incorporate the conception of opportunity to learn, and an outline of curricular interventions that also incorporate place-based pedagogy as a core element in selection of content.
Size and temperature effects on dielectric breakdown of ferroelectric films

The paper introduces a model of dielectric breakdown strength. The model integrated thermal breakdown and defect models, representing the relationship between the electric field of ferroelectric films and dimensional parameters and operating temperature. This model is verified with experimental results of the lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) films of various film thickness (d = 0.8–3 μm), electrode area (A = 0.0020–25 mm2) tested under a range of operating temperature (T = 300–400 K) with satisfying fitting results. Also learned is a relationship that the recoverable electric energy density is directly proportional to the square of breakdown electric field. This relationship is found viable in predicting the electric energy density in terms of variables of d, A, and T for the PLZT films.
Black Faculty Facilitating Difficult Dialogues in the College Classroom: A Cross-Disciplinary Response to Racism and Racial Violence

This article examines how three Black tenure-track faculty from different academic disciplines prioritized and facilitated discussions on racism and racial violence with graduate students. Drawing on the process of facilitating difficult dialogues and racial battle fatigue as theoretical framing, we utilized case study methodology to illuminate the challenges that Black faculty face when engaging in these conversations. Our analysis yielded four themes: (a) deliberate and intentional preparation; (b) connecting current events on racism and racial violence to classroom lessons; (c) classroom management and decision making when dissonance occurs; and (d) reliance on trusted peers.
High winding ratio, high frequency, ultracompact step-up transformers with laminated metallic magnetic cores

Abstract The development and characterization of step-up transformers with high winding ratios and laminated metallic magnetic cores for MHz-range step-up transformers used in DC-DC power converters is presented. The use of metallic magnetic cores with higher saturation flux density than traditional ferrites offers the possibility of reducing the physical size of the transformers. Core eddy currents are suppressed by forming the magnetic cores in a sequential electrodeposition process through toroidal lithographic molds, followed by self-assembly. This approach results in relatively thick magnetic cores (in the hundreds of microns range), comprised of many individual laminations with micron-scale thicknesses. Transformers were formed by manual winding of primary and secondary coils on these cores. The resultant transformers, with typical dimensions in the cubic millimeter range, exhibited primary and secondary inductances in the microhenry and hundreds of microhenry ranges, respectively. Typical transformer coupling coefficients were in the range 0.85–0.95. The transformers exhibited expected voltage step-up ratios as high as 10:1 at typical operation frequencies of 1–2 MHz. These ultracompact devices exhibit up to seven times higher inductance per unit volume and five times higher inductance per weight than typical commercial coupled inductors, and show promise for use in space-constrained electronic systems.
The Effects of Grain Growth on the Intergranular Porosity Distributions in Hot-Pressed and Swelled UO2

“Bubbles”, “cavities”, “voids”, and “pores”, all represent similar discontinuities in solids, and for modelling purposes are usually assumed to be of constant size and spacing and located on grain faces normal to the applied stress. In actuality, bubbles exhibit both size and spacing distributions and may occupy grain faces, edges and corners. These distributions give rise to various interactions and transport paths which cause coarsening by diffusion and coalescence that are strongly affected by grain growth. This microstructural evolution can, in turn, influence phenomena like gas release and stress rupture.
A study of smart growth initiatives using GIS: the case of Austin, Texas

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Smart Growth Initiatives of the city of Austin, Texas using GIS and spatial analysis technologies. The preliminary results show some evidence of the usefulness of the initiatives.
Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithm Approaches to Auto-Design of Fuzzy Systems

This paper presents Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm approaches to fuzzy system design, which aims to shorten development time and increase system performance. An approach that uses neural network to represent multi-dimensional nonlinear membership functions and an approach to tune membership function parameters are given. A genetic algorithm approach that integrates and automates three fuzzy system design stages is also proposed.
Emerging applications of high temperature superconductors in electric power

As the 20th century draws near its end, electricity is now found to pervade virtually all human societies and cultures. That modern civilization could not exist without electricity has become self-evident. In 1911, at the very dawn of the commercialization of electricity, a discovery occurred which has since held great promise for the advancement of this technology. This discovery was superconductivity—the ability of certain materials, under appropriate conditions, to transmit electric power losslessly. In the spring of 1986 a new class of materials, copper oxide perovskites, were shown to exhibit superconductivity at substantially higher temperatures than any previously known. In this paper we discuss the renewed promise held out for electric power technology by these recent revolutionary discoveries. Central to the realization of this promise is the development of a practical wire technology, especially to address the need for cable and magnet wire operable at and above liquid nitrogen in fields greater than 1 T and critical currents above 106 A/cm2. We will focus on a new approach, oriented thick films of YBa2Cu3O7−y deposited on flexible nickel alloy tape substrates, with potential to satisfy this need.
Reversible Conformational Changes in a Leucine-binding Protein from Escherichia coli

Abstract A leucine-binding protein, earlier characterized and implicated in branched chain amino acid transport, undergoes large reversible conformational changes in the presence of urea or guanidine. These changes appear to represent loss of organized structure, as estimated by loss of binding activity, reactivity with iodine, and optical rotatory dispersion. Upon removal of the denaturing agent by dialysis, full binding activity is restored. In addition, the electrophoretic and antigenic properties of the urea-treated and dialyzed protein are indistinguishable from those of the native protein. The binding of the amino acid does not result in detectable changes in the conformation of the protein, as judged by studies involving the Stokes radius, sedimentation rate, fluorescence, binding of fluorescent probes, and optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism.
A Computerized Variable Amplitude Fatigue Crack Growth Rate Test Control System

The objective of this paper is to present a low cost control system for servohydraulic load frames to perform variable amplitude fatigue crack growth rate testing. The system consists of a relatively low cost personal computer equipped with two combination 12 bit A/D-D/A cards. A four channel simultaneous A/D card is used for reading load and CMOD from the specimen while a second card provides real-time function generation of the command signal. Depending on the loads and specimen size, variable amplitude loading can be applied at high speeds of up to 100 Hz, thereby minimizing the time required for threshold type testing. This system can be connected easily to existing hydraulic equipment and will provide variable amplitude capability that is both low in cost and flexible enough to perform specialized testing. The system is capable of automatically shedding loads under both constant R-ratio and constant K m a x conditions, and could be adapted easily to other specialized types of testing. Both crack length and ΔK are calculated continuously using the compliance of the specimen. In addition, crack closure analysis is performed from the compliance data to calculate ΔK e f f . The results of tests performed on high strength-low alloy structural steel used for highway bridge construction are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the system.