cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Addressing the Requirements of High‐Sensitivity Single‐Molecule Imaging of Low‐Copy‐Number Proteins in Bacteria

Single-molecule fluorescence super-resolution imaging and tracking provide nanometer-scale information about subcellular protein positions and dynamics. These single-molecule imaging experiments can be very powerful, but they are best suited to high-copy number proteins where many measurements can be made sequentially in each cell. We describe artifacts associated with the challenge of imaging a protein expressed in only a few copies per cell. We image live Bacillus subtilis in a fluorescence microscope, and demonstrate that under standard single-molecule imaging conditions, unlabeled B. subtilis cells display punctate red fluorescent spots indistinguishable from the few PAmCherry fluorescent protein single molecules under investigation. All Bacillus species investigated were strongly affected by this artifact, whereas we did not find a significant number of these background sources in two other species we investigated, Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli. With single-molecule resolution, we characterize the number, spatial distribution, and intensities of these impurity spots.
Clinical ethnography of lacunar stroke: implications for acute care.

ABSTRACT:A longitudinal, clinical ethnography formed the basis of this study. Thirteen stroke survivors, all with lacunar infarcts of the internal capsule of the brain, participated. Survivors were interviewed within 72 hours of the infarct and during acute and rehabilitation phases of recovery. Eac
Parathyroid Carcinoma with Intracranial Metastasis at Diagnosis in a Patient with Uncontrolled Hypercalcemia

Parathyroid carcinoma is an uncommon malignancy and a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. Although this tumor is capable of metastasis, metastatic disease is very uncommon intracranially, with only seven cases reported in the literature. When intracranial metastases occur, they typically present months to years following the diagnosis of the primary tumor with hypercalcemia refractory to medical conservative treatment. Aggressive surgical resection of all metastases is necessary for control of the disease. We report a case of metastatic parathyroid carcinoma with two intracranial metastatic foci (in the left frontal lobe and left cerebellar hemisphere) identified at the time of the primary tumor diagnosis in a patient who presented with symptomatic hypercalcemia.
Smartpen Applications for Meeting the Needs of Students With Learning Disabilities in Inclusive Classrooms

As the number of students with disabilities educated in general education classroom settings increases, there is a greater need for appropriate accommodations, modifications and supports to help th...
Modeling of Online Social Network Policies Using an Attribute-Based Access Control Framework

People often share sensitive personal information through online social networks OSNs to keep ini¾źtouch with their friends and families. Such sensitive information if leaked inadvertently to malicious third parties may have disastrous consequences on the lives of individuals. Access control policies need to be specified, analyzed, enforced, and managed in a simple manner for the regular OSN users. We demonstrate how this can be done. We first propose a simple model that captures the typical OSN features and show how to represent it using an Entity-Relationship Diagram. The numerous features of an OSN interact with each other in subtle ways --- this makes it easy for the naive user to make misconfiguration errors. Towards this end, we illustrate how our OSN model can be formalized in Alloy and its constraints adequately captured. Alloy has an embedded SAT solver which makes it amenable to analysis. We illustrate how potential misconfigurations caused by the user can be automatically detected by the SAT-solver. Finally, we show how OSN policies can be enforced, managed, and changed through Policy Machine which is an attribute-based access control framework.
The Dimensionality of Supervisor Evaluations of Job Performance

This paper presents empirical evidence about the dimensions of supervisor evaluations of employee job performance. Factor analytic results supported the conclusion that supervisors were able to distinguish between two dimensions of job performance. While bivariate correlational analysis indicated that these two dimensions of job performance were similarly related to other measures, a multivariate regression analysis suggests that they are distinguishable constructs.
Tactless scientists: Ignoring touch in the study of joint attention

AbstractSince the 1970s, researchers have focused on visual joint attention as a way to observe and operationalize joint attention (JA). I will argue that this methodological choice has neglected other modalities and as a consequence might be missing important elements in the account of the development of JA and the evolutionary history of JA. I argue that by including other modes of interaction, such as touch, we open the possibility of finding that non-human primates and younger human infants engage in basic forms of JA. Moreover, I argue that touch, as a proximal mode of perception, is the ontogenetic precursor of social communication.
Internal flow measurements of drop impacting a solid surface

Understanding the fundamental physical process involved in drop impacts is important for a variety of engineering and scientific applications. Despite exhaustive research efforts on the dynamics of drop morphology upon impact, very few studies investigate the fluid dynamics induced within a drop upon impact. This study employs planar particle image velocimetry (PIV) with fluorescent particles to quantify the internal flow field of a drop impact on a solid surface. The image distortion caused by the curved liquid–air interface at the drop boundary is corrected using a ray-tracing algorithm. PIV analysis using the corrected images has yielded interesting insights into the flow initiated within a drop upon impact. Depending on the pre-impact conditions, characterized by impact number, different vortex modes are observed in the recoil phase of the drop impact. Further, the strength of these vortices and the kinetic energy of the internal flow field have been quantified. Our studies show a consistent negative power law correlation between vortex strength, internal kinetic energy and the impact number.
An Extended Abstract: To Trust, or Not to Trust—That Is the Question: A Cross-Cultural Study of the Drivers and Moderators of Online Review Trustworthiness

Research suggests that 85 % of consumers refer to online consumer reviews (OCRs) to guide purchasing decisions (Anderson 2013), and OCRs play a pivotal role in firms’ online sales and profits (Floyd et al. 2014). We define OCRs as positive or negative comments posted on the Internet by consumers regarding goods or services sold online. Despite growing adoption, OCRs are often criticized for their credibility since review information typically is not subject to verification (Johnson and Kaye 2002); and some firms strategically manipulate OCRs (Fahey and Weinberg 2003). To distinguish truthful reviews from deceptive ones, consumers commonly use peripheral cues to assess the credibility of online information (Petty and Cacioppo 1986). Therefore, it is important for firms to understand how these cues influence trust.
Developing Oral Language Skills in Middle School English Learners

ABSTRACTOral language development can help English learners develop academic proficiency with the English language. In this investigation, at one middle school, teachers focused on improving oral language skills. Using a formative experiment process, the teachers developed an intervention to accomplish their pedagogical goal and then tracked data to see if their program worked. They made changes in response to student data and adjusted the intervention until the results were more positive.
ST6Gal-I sialyltransferase promotes tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-mediated cancer cell survival via sialylation of the TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) death receptor.

Activation of the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) death receptor by TNF induces either cell survival or cell death. However, the mechanisms mediating these distinct outcomes remain poorly understood. In this study, we report that the ST6Gal-I sialyltransferase, an enzyme up-regulated in numerous cancers, sialylates TNFR1 and thereby protects tumor cells from TNF-induced apoptosis. Using pancreatic and ovarian cancer cells with ST6Gal-I knockdown or overexpression, we determined that α2-6 sialylation of TNFR1 had no effect on early TNF-induced signaling events, including the rapid activation of NF-κB, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and Akt (occurring within 15 min). However, upon extended TNF treatment (6–24 h), cells with high ST6Gal-I levels exhibited resistance to TNF-induced apoptosis, as indicated by morphological evidence of cell death and decreased activation of caspases 8 and 3. Correspondingly, at these later time points, high ST6Gal-I expressers displayed sustained activation of the survival molecules Akt and NF-κB. Additionally, extended TNF treatment resulted in the selective enrichment of clonal variants with high ST6Gal-I expression, further substantiating a role for ST6Gal-I in cell survival. Given that TNFR1 internalization is known to be essential for apoptosis induction, whereas survival signaling is initiated by TNFR1 at the plasma membrane, we examined TNFR1 localization. The α2-6 sialylation of TNFR1 was found to inhibit TNF-induced TNFR1 internalization. Thus, by restraining TNFR1 at the cell surface via sialylation, ST6Gal-I acts as a functional switch to divert signaling toward survival. These collective findings point to a novel glycosylation-dependent mechanism that regulates the cellular response to TNF and may promote cancer cell survival within TNF-rich tumor microenvironments.
Understanding vulnerabilities in ReRAM devices for trust in semiconductor designs

This paper discusses attack vulnerabilities in Resistive Random Access Memory (ReRAM) devices that can be potentially triggered by Trojan circuits. Systematic experiments were performed on Ru/MgO/Ti/W based ReRAM devices in 1R and 1T1R configurations. Our observations indicate that vulnerabilities in ReRAM include destabilization of filament due to current overshoot, local heating, introduction of parasitic capacitances, and glitches in the source voltages. These studies are critical to design more robust ReRAM devices that are immune to hardware attacks.
Case 1: Vomiting and Ventricular Arrhythmia in a 2-year-old Girl

1. Benjamin H. Gern, MD* 2. Amit Mehta, MD* 3. Amy N. McCammond, MD* 4. Kathryn W. Holmes, MD, MPH* 5. Judith A. Guzman-Cottrill, DO* 1. *Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR A 2-year-old girl presents to an urgent care clinic with a 1-day history of nonbloody, nonbilious vomiting, intolerance of oral intake, and decreased urine output. There is no present history of fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough, trauma, or travel. Two weeks before presentation, she recovered from a febrile illness. In urgent care, she is treated with two 20-mL/kg normal saline boluses and intravenous ondansetron and is admitted to the general ward for monitoring and intravenous fluid rehydration. On hospital admission she is afebrile, and vital signs include a heart rate of 106 beat/min and elevated blood pressure of 121/69 mm Hg. She is sleeping but awakens appropriately with examination. The rest of her physical examination findings are normal. Her complete blood cell count shows a white blood cell count of 18,800/μL (× 109/L), with 85.1% neutrophils; a hemoglobin level of 10.5 g/dL (105 g/L); and a platelet count of 451×103/μL (451×109/L). A comprehensive metabolic panel is notable for an aspartate aminotransferase level of 104 U/L (1.74 μkat/L) (reference range, 5–43 U/L [0.08–0.72 μkat/L]) but is otherwise normal (including normal electrolyte levels). Four hours later, the patient is found pulseless and apneic. There …
Fixation and Laser Capture Microdissection of Plant Tissue for RNA Extraction and RNASeq Library Preparation

In order to study the transcriptome of individual plant cells at specific points in time, we developed protocols for fixation, embedding, and sectioning of plant tissue followed by laser capture microdissection (LCM) and processing for RNA recovery. LCM allows the isolation of individual cell types from heterogeneous tissue sections and is particularly suited to plant processing because it does not require the breakdown of cell walls. This approach allows accurate separation of a small volume of cells that can be used to study gene expression profiles in different tissues or cell layers. The technique does not require separation of cells by enzymatic digestion of any kind, does not require cell-specific reporter genes, and allows storage of fixed and embedded tissue for months before capture. The methods for fixation, embedding, sectioning, and capture of plant cells that we describe yield high-quality RNA suitable for making libraries for RNASeq. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Occlusion of the Ascenda Catheter in a Patient with Pump Twiddler's Sydrome: A Case Report

Introduction Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is an effective way to manage spasticity in numerous conditions, including multiple sclerosis, stroke, and cerebral palsy. While pump failure is a common complication of ITB, improvements in device design have led to reduction of complications. In particular, the Ascenda catheter from Medtronic, Inc. was designed to resist kinking and associated complications; indeed, no incidences of catheter twisting or occlusion have been reported in literature prior to this case. Case report We report a case of a 32-year old gentleman who presented to the clinic with symptoms of baclofen withdrawal 19 months after he had a programmable pump implanted for spasticity. During the diagnostic evaluation it was discovered that the patients pump had flipped in his abdominal pocket. He was taken to surgery to reorient the pump, during which time it was noted the catheter was tightly coiled on itself occluding flow. The twisted catheter was excised and replaced with a new segment.His symptoms subsequently resolved. Conclusions Although catheter occlusions have subsided since the approval of the Ascenda catheter, pump twiddler's syndrome remains a risk factor for this complication. This is the first report describing this syndrome in a patient with the Ascenda catheter.
Superconductivity in germanium clathrate Ba 8 Ga 16 Ge 30

We report type-II superconductivity in the germanium clathrate compound, ${\mathrm{Ba}}_{8}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{16}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{30}$ with critical temperature, ${T}_{c}=7.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2\mathrm{K}$ as determined by magnetic susceptibility measurements. Barium atoms occupy cage voids provided by a covalent ${\mathrm{sp}}^{3}$ hybridized network of gallium and germanium. Magnetic susceptibility and transport measurements were used to characterize the transition.
The Influence of Vision on Auditory Communication in Primates

All primate vocal signals are produced through the coordinated movements of the lungs, larynx (vocal folds), and the supralaryngeal vocal tract (Fitch & Hauser, 1995; Ghazanfar & Rendall, 2008). As a result, humans and other primates share a remarkable number of similarities in their vocal signaling, ranging from production mechanisms and signal structure to the inextricable link between vision and audition. In human speech, the signal—across all languages and contexts—is amplitude modulated, consisting of a rhythm that ranges from 2 to 7 Hz (Drullman, 1995; Greenberg et al., 2003; Chandrasekaran et al., 2009), roughly matching the timescale for syllable production. Such temporal modulation in similar frequency ranges also seems to be a common feature of several nonhuman primate vocalizations. For example, common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) twitter calls are modulated in the 5–9 Hz range (Wang et al., 1995); squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) vocalizations in the 6–10 Hz range (Godey et al., 2005); and finally cotton top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus), macaques (Macaca spp.), and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) all seem to have vocalizations modulated in the 3–8 Hz range (Cohen et al., 2007).
Endogenous Inhibitors of Tissue Proteinases

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in inhibitors which are present in the same cell or tissue as the proteinases which they inhibit. This juxtaposition raises the possibility that the inhibitors may play a role in regulating the activity of tissue proteinases. Accordingly, determining the subcellular localization of the enzyme and of its inhibitor becomes an important step in the study of these systems. In some cases the proteinase is lysosomal, while its inhibitor is in the cytosol fraction. Nonetheless, there are occasions when these two components may well get together. Measurements of the levels of proteinases and their inhibitors during various normal and pathological processes may provide clues as to the roles of both components. Aside from their putative regulatory role, these inhibitors are believed to help protect tissues against inappropriate proteolysis. During phagocytosis, inflammation, and cell death, proteinases are released and probably contribute to the tissue destruction which is observed in pathological conditions such as emphysema, muscular dystrophy and arthritis. The endogenous inhibitors probably represent one of the body’s defenses against this proteolysis.
Treatment Paradigms in HPV-Associated SCCHN

The primary risk factor for development of HPV-related (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is oral HPV infection, most frequently by HPV type 16. The most clinically relevant features of HPV+ disease is the significantly increased incidence worldwide, improved response to chemotherapy and radiation and overall prognosis, as well as distinct patterns of failure in comparison to their HPVnegative brethren. As a result, the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual 8th edition has introduced significant changes from the seventh edition, recognizing the prognostic power of newly validated pathologic features of some primary tumors and of cervical lymph node metastases and differentiating high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV)-associated oropharyngeal cancer from OPSCC with other causes. In addition, considerable thought has been directed toward reevaluating historic treatment paradigms. Recent efforts pursue treatment deintensification to reduce long-term toxicities in this relatively younger patient cohort. This also includes minimally invasive surgery techniques and the substitution or elimination of standard cytotoxic chemotherapy with biologic agents and immunotherapies. Overall, HPV-related cancers are now recognized as a distinct entity. This has resulted in a reexamination of the core principles of head and neck cancer treatment developed decades ago, with the goals of obtaining high cure rates simultaneously with meanigful reductions in long-term toxicity and improved quality of life.
Relationship dynamics and divorcing mothers’ adjustment: Moderating role of marital violence, negative life events, and social support:

Longitudinal associations between postseparation relationship stressors (coparenting conflict and harassment) and health outcomes (depressive, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], and physical hea...
Janus Segregation at the Carbon Nanotube–Catalyst Interface

The contact between a carbon nanotube (CNT) edge and a catalyst is a curvilinear interface of fundamental and practical importance. Here, the first-principles evidence shows that on a rigid/solid catalyst the faceted CNT edge is significantly lower in energy compared to the minimal-length circle, with the interface energy difference decreasing on more compliant surfaces. This universal trend, found for typical monometallic (Ni, Co), bimetallic (Co7W6), and metal carbide (WC) catalysts, results in a peculiar edge segregation into one-dimensional Janus (armchair-zigzag) interface. Its lowered energy greatly enhances the nucleation probability of chiral tubes, dramatically affecting their growth kinetics. This offers a richer basis for understanding, modeling, and control of catalytic CNT synthesis.
Asymptotic Hypothesis Test

Asymptotic methods for testing statistical hypotheses under the general framework of Quadratic Form tests (QF test) are developed in this chapter. These include methods to derive the asymptotic null and local alternative distributions of any QF test. Several commonly used test statistics are shown to be special cases of QF tests, including Wilks’s likelihood ratio test, Wald’s test, Rao’s score test, Neyman’s \(C(\alpha )\) test, the Lagrangian multiplier test, as well as tests based on estimating equations. The concept of asymptotically efficient QF tests and Pitman’s efficiency are also introduced.
Laboratory Emulator Using Connected Scaled Cars to Study Traffic Waves

Traffic density has become one of the substantial problems in urban areas. Saturated roads increase the likelihood of vehicular collisions, mostly since the distance between the cars is decreased significantly. The emerging technology of communication between cars is suggested as an enabling technology to optimize traffic flow control. One solution to improve traffic flow on dense roads is to share kinematic properties among near cars. This could enable drivers or an automated system to get better decisions with respect to following the preceding cars. Control algorithms for cars driving in heavy traffic that considers the velocities, acceleration and spacing of the neighboring vehicles ahead, could eliminate traffic waves and reduce tail to head collisions. The purpose of this work is to design and construct a lab testbed based on scaled electric cars, which are remotely controlled by a PC, and to implement driving algorithms for these cars assuming the kinematic properties of the adjacent cars are known.
Reflections of a Textbook Author

In this essay, I reflect on textbook writing after three decades of participating in the activity. I address the following questions: What perspective should textbooks take? What is the best approach to teaching microeconomics? What is the best approach to teaching macroeconomics? How does the content of the introductory course evolve? How much material should textbooks include? Are textbooks too expensive? How is digital technology changing the market for textbooks? Who should become a textbook author?
An Experimental Test of the Effects of Hurricane News about Human Behavior on Climate-Related Attitudes

The year 2017 was an historic season for hurricanes devastating the United States. Related news coverage brought people close to the impacts of these natural disasters through evocative stories of ...
Evaluation of Biofilm Production by Escherichia coli Isolated From Clinical Cases of Canine Pyometra.

Many Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains produce biofilm that confers antimicrobial resistance. However, studies of biofilm production by E. coli from canine pyometra are lacking. Objectives were to elucidate the role of biofilm production by E. coli in pyometra by: (1) assessing the ability of E. coli to produce biofilm in vitro, and (2) confirming biofilm in situ. Endometrial biopsies were obtained from bitches with pyometra and preserved for microscopic analysis (n = 25). An endometrial swab was submitted for aerobic culture. Samples with confirmed E. coli were evaluated further for biofilm production in vitro and in vivo. Seventy percent of cases (16/23) resulted in pure growth of 1 or 2 E. coli strains, totaling 20 isolates. Fifteen isolates (15/20, 75%) had higher optical densities then negative controls (P < .05). On histopathology, all tissues exhibited endometrial inflammation and mucus was located within endometrial glands and occasionally overlying epithelium on 14 slides (14/16, 88%). Bacteria was noted in 50% of slides (8/16). During FISH acellular debris within the uterine lumen consistent with biofilm was noted on 94% of samples (15/16) and E coli was positively identified on all samples (15/15). Areas suggestive of the presence of biofilm were observed on all samples on scanning electron microscopy; but, bacteria consistent with E. coli were only visualized in 9 samples (9/16, 56%). In conclusion, we demonstrated that relevant strains of E. coli produce biofilm in vitro and in vivo, which may be considered in the development of new pyometra treatments aimed at disrupting these E. coli biofilm.
Government reputational effects of COVID-19 public health actions: A job opportunity evaluation conjoint experiment

The tradeoff between short-term economic and public health has been very salient in debates surrounding U.S. government responses to COVID-19. But highly salient choices by very visible executive branch leaders, like state COVID-19 public health actions, have implications beyond current economic performance. We argue that by shaping perceptions of state governments, or state “reputations”, these responses may affect how individuals evaluate economic opportunities in different states. To examine this possibility, we conducted a conjoint experiment presenting subjects with different pairs of job opportunities varying many attributes of the location, job and the state governor’s response to COVID-19. We find that individuals evaluate job opportunities more favorably when a state governor has more aggressively mandated social distancing measures. These effects are largest for individuals concerned about COVID-19 and Democrats, but even Republicans prefer jobs in states where the governor took some meaningful action compared to making a purely symbolic statement. Our findings indicate that governors and their advisors should consider how their COVID-19 responses shape state reputations, which ultimately have consequences for economic performance beyond the immediate crisis.
Transition Core Analysis for HEU to LEU Fuel Conversion at the University of Missouri Research Reactor

A new type of low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel based on an alloy of uranium and molybdenum is expected to allow the conversion of U.S. domestic high-performance research and test reactors requiring ...
On conjectures of Koike and Somos for modular identities for the Rogers–Ramanujan functions

In this paper, we prove modular identities conjectured by Koike and Somos for the Rogers–Ramanujan functions. Our methods focus on approaches that Ramanujan could have employed, including the theor...
Scaling of the maximum-entropy turbulence energy spectra

Abstract The log-normal type of turbulence energy spectral function, derived from the maximum entropy principle, is shown to be parameterizable in terms of root turbulence variables including the Reynolds number. The spectral function is first compared with a number of experimental data sets, showing a very close agreement across the entire energy and length (wavenumber) scales. The peak wavenumber (m) and the width parameter ( C 2 ) prescribe the spectral location and broadening, respectively, when the Reynolds number increases, where C 2 has ∼ 1/Re m dependence. The energy scale is adjusted with a multiplicative factor. In this perspective, the inertial scaling from k−3 to k−5/3 when the flow transitions from two- to three-dimensions is explained as the increase in spectral width since the range of scales varies as Re 1∕2 and Re3/4 for two and three-dimensional turbulence, respectively. Energy spectra at various locations in channel flows are also reproduced using the same function, indicating applicability wherever local equilibrium is achieved. Therefore, based on a small number of scaling parameters the full energy spectra can be prescribed using the maximum-entropy formalism.
Spatial-temporal dynamics of maize and soybean planted area, harvested area, gross primary production, and grain production in the Contiguous United States during 2008-2018

Abstract The United States of America ranked first in maize export and second in soybean export in the world. Accurate and timely data and information on maize and soybean production in the Contiguous United States (CONUS) are important for food security at the regional and global scales. In this study, we firstly compare the maize and soybean planted area from cropland data layer (CDL) with NASS area statistics over the CONUS during 2008-2018, and evaluate the interannual changes of planted and harvested area based on the two datasets. Secondly, we investigate the relationship between grain production and gross primary production (GPP) simulated by Vegetation Photosynthesis Model (VPM) at national and county scales. Finally, we evaluate the linear regression models between grain production and cumulated GPPVPM over time at 8-day resolution. We found strong spatial-temporal consistency between CDL and NASS datasets in maize and soybean planted areas. Maize and soybean planted areas increased by mid-2010s, largely driven by markets and international trade. Severe summer drought in 2012 had little impact on soybean planted and harvested area and maize planted area, but substantially reduced maize harvested area. and grain production. Annual county-level GPPVPM had strong linear relationship with NASS grain production for maize and soybean. The Harvest Index, defined as the ratio between grain production and GPPVPM (HIGPP_VPM), ranged from 0.25 (2012) to 0.36 for maize and from 0.13 to 0.15 for soybean. The linear regression models between grain production and cumulated GPPVPM (GPPVPM_CUM) over time at 8-day resolution showed that by the end of July, GPPVPM_CUM accounted for ~90% of variance in maize and soybean grain production, which was approximately two months before farmers started to harvest. This study clearly shows that VPM and GPPVPM data are useful for monitoring and in-season forecasting of maize and soybean grain production in the CONUS.
Electricity demand and carbon emission in power generation under high penetration of electric vehicles. A European Union perspective

Abstract The European Union has set targets to reduce the greenhouse gases emissions in total energy consumption as a part of the securing the clean energy initiative and the efforts of carbon emissions reductions of 90%, compared to the 1990 ones, until 2050. The transport sector is particularly exacerbating the above problems. Focusing on their fight, European authorities have invested and continue to invest in electric propulsion. In the European Union, electric mobility has grown tremendously in the last decade. Specifically, more and more automobile industries are turning their interest in electric technology to replace conventional cars which they use internal combustion engine. This study tries to evaluate the impact of the electric vehicle penetration in the electricity demand and related emissions inside the EU, in three steps. First, the penetration of electric vehicles into the Union is evaluated through literature review, then the impact in electricity demand due to the electric vehicles penetration is estimated and finally the emission of carbon dioxide gases allocated to these changes in the electricity demand are calculated based on official data published by EuroStat. The results were calculated using the most common prognostic tools in order to identify the expected trends, and showed that the future electrification in transportation will support the efforts on reducing the carbon emissions but not that fast as it was expected as the electricity generation in EU is still based in fossil fuels at significant percentage.
Trust in Classroom-as-Organization Simulations: Parallel Experiences of Participants and Facilitators:

Background.As classroom-as-organization (CAO) simulations unfold within corporate or higher education classrooms, novice facilitators and their participants experience uncertainty in the absence of...
Anatomy and Development of the Pectoral Fin Vascular Network in the Zebrafish

ABSTRACT The pectoral fins of teleost fish are analogous structures to human forelimbs, and the developmental mechanisms directing their initial growth and patterning are conserved between fish and tetrapods. The forelimb vasculature is critical for limb function, and it appears to play important roles during development by promoting development of other limb structures, but the steps leading to its formation are poorly understood. In this study, we use high-resolution imaging to document the stepwise assembly of the zebrafish pectoral fin vasculature. We show that fin vascular network formation is a stereotyped, choreographed process that begins with the growth of an initial vascular loop around the pectoral fin. This loop connects to the dorsal aorta to initiate pectoral vascular circulation. Pectoral fin vascular development continues with concurrent formation of three elaborate vascular plexuses, one in the distal fin that develops into the fin ray vasculature and two near the base of the fin in association with the developing fin musculature. Our findings detail a complex yet highly choreographed series of steps involved in the development of a complete, functional organ-specific vascular network. SUMMARY STATEMENT The stereotyped assembly of the pectoral fin vasculature is documented from first migratory sprout into the limb bud, to the adult-like form of the four week old larva.
Additive manufacturing and mechanical properties of the dense and crack free Zr-modified aluminum alloy 6061 fabricated by the laser-powder bed fusion

Abstract For additive manufacturing such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), commercial aluminum alloy (AA) 6061 is typically considered unsuitable due to formation of solidification cracking and/or excessive porosity. In this study, to improve buildability/printability of AA6061, 1 wt% of Zr was alloyed to produce Zr-modified AA6061 by LPBF. Powders of unmodified and Zr-modified AA6061 were produced by gas atomization, and utilized as a feed-stock for the LPBF to fabricate specimens for microstructural examination and mechanical testing. The as-built unmodified AA6061 exhibited poor printability due to formation of cracks and porosity in the microstructure regardless of LPBF parameters. However, the Zr-modified AA6061 exhibited near full density, with substantial reduction in porosities without any solidification crack for a certain LPBF processing window. The improved printability of Zr-modified AA6061 was attributed to a significant grain refinement, which would reduce the solidification cracking susceptibility by hampering the epitaxial growth of long columnar cracks, as observed in unmodified AA6061. Yield strength, tensile strength and strain-at-failure for the as-built Zr-modified AA6061 were determined to be 210 MPa, 268 MPa, and 26.5%, respectively. These are superior to the tensile properties of AA6061 in O-annealed condition or in as-cast condition. After T6 heat treatment, yield strength, tensile strength and strain-at-failure of Zr-modified AA6061 were determined to be 300 MPa, 327 MPa, and 14%, which were again superior to the tensile properties of wrought AA6061 in T6 heat treated condition. Effects of Zr addition on the buildability/printability improvement and mechanical properties of AA6061 were corroborated by a variety of electron microscopic characterization.
Dynamics in supramolecular nanomaterials

Self-assembly of amphiphilic small molecules in water leads to nanostructures with customizable structure–property relationships arising from their tunable chemistries. Characterization of these assemblies is generally limited to their static structures – e.g. their geometries and dimensions – but the implementation of tools that provide a deeper understanding of molecular motions has recently emerged. Here, we summarize recent reports showcasing dynamics characterization tools and their application to small molecule assemblies, and we go on to highlight supramolecular systems whose properties are substantially affected by their conformational, exchange, and water dynamics. This review illustrates the importance of considering dynamics in rational amphiphile design.
An Experimental Analysis of Perch Diameter and Substrate Preferences of Anolis Lizards from Natural Forest and Urban Habitats

Determining whether organisms have preferences for certain aspects of the habitat is important for understanding the process of habitat selection. Anolis lizards (anoles) have evolved to occupy distinct parts of the arboreal environment. Depending on the population or species, anoles perch on different aspects of the structural habitat varying in diameter, height, and type of substrate. We used laboratory and mesocosm trials to assess whether 2 species of Anolis lizards have preferences for the diameter and type of substrate they use for perching. Results reveal A. cristatellus and A. sagrei both prefer larger diameter perches. Lizards from natural forests and urban populations showed no difference in perch-diameter preference. In contrast, A. sagrei from an urban site overwhelmingly preferred to perch on wood substrates over polyvinyl chloride and metal ones. The larger diameter and wood substrates preferred by anoles in our trials should confer increased locomotor performance for these species based on previous studies. Rapid environmental change caused by humans can decouple the relationship between habitat preferences and fitness, so it is essential to test for changing preferences in organisms that experience urbanization and other forms of global change.
How Teacher Leaders Influence Instruction

This study focuses on the impacts of programs designed to develop and support teacher leaders to improve instruction in their schools. Using surveys of teachers in 45 schools in four districts and ...
Disparities in the nationwide distribution of epilepsy centers.

Background Prior studies in the field of epilepsy surgical disparities have examined barriers in undergoing epilepsy surgical resections in disadvantaged populations involving trust in health providers, education level, social support, and fear of treatment. Few studies have analyzed the geographical locations of specialized epilepsy centers and their role in nationwide epilepsy surgical access and disparities. Objective To better visualize the locations of epilepsy level IV centers in the United States with respect to epilepsy prevalence and socioeconomic disadvantage. Methods We created heat maps of the United States to visualize geographical locations of level IV epilepsy centers with respect to the 2015 state-wide epilepsy prevalence and 2017 county-wide Area Deprivation Index (ADI) scores, a composite measure of socioeconomic disadvantage. Univariate logistic regression was used to test for associations between the presence or absence of epilepsy centers and socioeconomic disadvantage. Results We found eight states within the United States without any level IV epilepsy centers. In states with level IV centers, centers were clustered in populated and metropolitan regions. Disadvantaged counties (with increased ADI scores) were less likely to have level IV centers compared to counties that were less disadvantaged (lower ADI scores) (p Conclusion Further work is required to remedy the decreased access to specialized epilepsy care due to geographical disparities, and to better understand its contribution to overall disparities affecting epilepsy surgery referrals.
Reporting on the Potlatch: Franz Boas and the Popular Press

The German-born Franz Boas, known as the father of American Anthropology, fought the law banning the potlatch alongside his students. In letters throughout his life, Boas condemned Canada’s persecution of indigenous people and practices. Boas hosted multiple potlatches himself. He defended and collaborated with indigenous people who were persecuted for hosting potlatches, including Dan Cranmer and George Hunt. Alongside anthropologists like James Teit, he petitioned against the potlatch ban. And he corresponded with Indian Agents, missionaries, and officials in Ottawa in hopes of persuading the Canadian government to amend the Indian Law prohibiting potlatches. Boas listened to indigenous activists, sympathized deeply with them, and shared in their desire to preserve traditional culture. Despite all of this, Boas scholarly work depicted the potlatch as a megalomaniacal destruction of property. In his diaries and letters, Boas voiced appreciation for the communal, theatrical, comedic, funereal and judicial aspects of the potlatch. But in scholarly work, Boas obfuscated the depths of the potlatch. There he depicted the potlatch as a usurious, status-seeking institution, with little to no communal value. He interpreted the “symbolic economy which employs material items as a metaphor for spiritual wealth” of the Kwakiutl through a capitalist lens, contradicting a central theoretical tenet of his ethnographic practice, to try to interpret cultures as the cultural participants do themselves. Perhaps Boas planned to revise his interpretation of the potlatch. He left unfinished a synthesis of Kwakiutl ethnography, and his letters before his death indicate a deepening appreciation of the depths of Kwakiutl traditional life. How did Franz Boas come to hold such contradictory views on the potlatch? This essay compares how Boas reported on the potlatch to coverage of the popular press in British Columbia. On the westernmost frontier, local newspapers were a main source of information and entertainment. Local newspapers present a plethora of potlatches as well. A cultural biography of Franz Boas places the man in his times and his ideas in the current of the age. Boas sensationalized the potlatch, as did the press; he reduced the potlatch to narrow economic terms, as did the press. By comparing the similarities and differences between popular reporting on the potlatch, and diary entries and letters of Franz Boas during his first ethnographic trip to British Columbia, this essay critiques and puts in context popular perceptions of the potlatch, and situates Boas within a spectrum of white people, often anonymous journalists, who reported on the potlatch.
Portal venous gas in the pediatric age group. Review of the literature and report of twelve new cases.

Thirty-one reported instances of portal venous gas are reviewed, and 12 newcases are added. The presence of portal venous gas is usually associated with sepsis, gastroenteritis, and abdominal distention in the first few weeks of life. The roentgenographic findings are typical and diagnostic. Ths pathogenesis is not completely understood, although in most situations underlying gastrointestinal mucosal destruction is found. Since the condition in reported cases has been almost uniformly fatal, a vigorous medical and surgical therapeutic approach is suggested.
Remarks on digital deformation

The paper [5] defines a notion of digital deformation and claims to prove that if (X, p) is k-deformable into (A, p), then these two pointed images have isomorphic fundamental groups. We present a simple counterexample to this claim.
Deterministic characterization of a class of randomly switched systems and realization by pole sequences

An equivalence between the average behavior of a class of sequentially switched systems, defined herein, and the class of smooth time varying linear systems is obtained. The key in this is the notion of the nested pole sequence, a new definition for 'pole' in time varying systems. Realizations for the time variant systems are obtained directly from this nested pole sequence. A condition for the absence of a finite escape time is obtained, and various questions relating to the modeling and identification of these systems are reported. By the equivalence, these properties are also inherited by the switched systems.
Enfleshing the Erotic

AbstractAn embodied theological ethic of human sexuality must engage two specific tasks: (1) articulate a theological explanation of the body that can frame critical reflection on the right ordering of relationships at the macro, social-relational level and (2) celebrate the erotic as an essential, creative contour of human sexual experience at the micro, interpersonal level. This essay is divided into two sections. In the first section, I explore the significance of the body in theological and ethical reflection in an attempt to distill an embodied theological ethic of human sexuality that can level a critique against the sinful social realities of heterosexism and sexism. In the second part, I develop the ethic further so as to carry moral weight within sexual practices. I celebrate the erotic as the creative dimension of human sexuality that encompasses desire and pleasure. I reflect on desire and pleasure individually in light of embodied experience and ground each within an ethic of mutuality to ensu...
The impact of diabetes mellitus on outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery: a nested case-control study.

Background Given the immune impairment associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), its impact on chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a potentially relevant concern; however, it has not been well-studied. A single retrospective study reported worse postoperative quality of life outcomes in DM patients with CRS. Our study evaluated the effect of comorbid DM on outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) using a prospective study design. Methods Using a multicentered, prospective cohort of patients (n = 437) undergoing ESS for recalcitrant CRS, a nested case-control comparison was performed between 20 adult DM patients (cases) and 20 non-DM patients (controls), matched 1:1 for age and Lund-Mackay computed tomography (CT) scores. Outcome measures included 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), and Brief Smell Identification Test (BSIT). Results Mean follow-up was similar between cases (mean ± standard deviation: 12.6 ± 6.0 months) and controls (12.9 ± 5.9 months; p = 0.862). All preoperative scores were statistically equivalent between DM and non-DM cohorts. Both cohorts showed significant post-ESS improvement in SNOT-22 (p = 0.001) and RSDI scores (p < 0.001), and no significant change in PHQ-2 or BSIT scores. The magnitude of score changes was statistically equivalent between the 2 cohorts for all outcome measures with no differences in postoperative score changes between insulin-dependent DM patients and those managed by oral hypoglycemics or dietary restriction (p ≥ 0.444). Conclusion DM patients with CRS experience similar degrees of symptomatic benefit from ESS compared to controls. Insulin dependence does not appear to adversely affect surgical outcome but a larger cohort would better assess the effect of DM type and control on surgical outcomes in CRS.