cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hematologic features of iron deficiency anemia in llamas

Iron deficiency anemia was identified and characterized in three 14 to 29-month-old male llamas (llama Nos. 1-3) from separate herds in Colorado. The identification of iron deficiency anemia was based on hypoferremia (serum iron = 20-60 micrograms/dl), erythrocytic features, and hematologic response to iron therapy. The anemia was moderate and nonregenerative and characterized by erythrocyte hypochromia, microcytosis (mean cell volume = 15-18 fl), and decreased mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (36.0-41.0 g/dl). Morphologic features unique to llamas with iron deficiency anemia included irregular distribution of hypochromia within erythrocytes and increased folded cells and dacryocytes. The cause of iron deficiency was not determined. The llamas were treated with various doses and schedules of parenteral iron dextran. Two of the llamas were monitored for up to 14 months after the start of iron therapy and experienced increases in hematocrit and mean cell volume values. In one llama, progressive replacement of microcytic cells with normal cells was visualized on sequential erythrocyte volume distribution histograms following iron therapy.
Evaluation of commonly used antimicrobial interventions for fresh beef inoculated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli serotypes O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145, and O157:H7.

Although numerous antimicrobial interventions targeting Escherichia coli O157:H7 have been developed and implemented to decontaminate meat and meat products during the harvesting process, the information on efficacy of these interventions against the so-called Big Six non-O157 Shiga toxin–producing E. coli (STEC) strains is limited. Prerigor beef flanks (160) were inoculated to determine if antimicrobial interventions currently used by the meat industry have a similar effect in reducing non-O157 STEC serogroups O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145 compared with E. coli O157:H7. A high (104 CFU/cm2) or a low (101 CFU/cm2) inoculation of two cocktail mixtures was applied to surfaces of fresh beef. Cocktail mixture 1 was composed of O26, O103, O111, O145, and O157, while cocktail mixture 2 was composed of O45, O121, and O157. The inoculated fresh beef flanks were subjected to spray treatments by the following four antimicrobial compounds: acidified sodium chlorite, peroxyacetic acid, lactic acid, and hot wat...
The T-Box Transcription Factor SEA-1 Is an Autosomal Element of the X:A Signal that Determines C. elegans Sex

Sex is determined in C. elegans by a chromosome-counting mechanism that tallies X chromosome dose relative to the sets of autosomes, the X:A ratio. A group of genes on X called X signal elements (XSEs) communicates X chromosome number by repressing the activity of the master sex-determination switch gene xol-1 in a dose-dependent manner. xol-1 is repressed by transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms and is inactive in XX animals (hermaphrodite) but active in XO animals (male). Prior to our work, the nature of the autosomal signal and its target(s) were unknown. Here we show the signal includes discrete, trans-acting autosomal signal elements (ASEs) that counter XSEs to coordinately control both sex determination and dosage compensation. sea-1, the first autosomal signal element, encodes a T-box transcription factor that opposes XSEs by activating transcription of xol-1. Hence, xol-1 integrates both X and autosomal signals to determine sexual fate.
Light Scattering by Polymer Networks

Non-crystalline polymer networks, whether swollen or not, may exhibit interchain structuring effects due to incompatibility of various parts of the chains (e.g., backbone-side chain or blocks along a copolymer chain). Also, the network-formation process may lead to inhomogeneously crosslinked networks, possibly resulting in micro-phase separation. The complete polarized light scattering envelope provides structural information on the basis of the Rayleigh-Debye approximation in terms of either correlation functions or specific models for the structure. Small angle data can be utilized in conjunction with Gaussian correlation functions to obtain the scattered intensity at zero angle. This quantity yields the extent of polarizability fluctuations — sometimes relatable to fluctuations in crosslink density — as well as the mean anisotropy per volume element — sometimes relatable to regions of mesomorphic order. Wide angle data may reveal the existence of a more specific structure than that implied by Gaussian correlation functions. A comparison of the experimental data with calculated scattering patterns for specific models of the structure then becomes useful. Recent studies on various networks (poly saccharides, gelatin, poly vinylalcohol, hydrophilic poly methacrylates and poly urethanes) will be used to illustrate the above concepts.
Epigenesis and the evolution of social systems

The remaining problems of biology, which include the nature of the molecular regulation of development, the relation between micro- and macroevolution, the mind/body association, and the linkage between genetic and cultural evolution, all appear to be most readily soluble by attention to the epigenesis of individual organisms. Societies offer special advantages in the analysis of epigenesis. The constituent parts, consisting of the whole member organisms, can be observed more directly than cells and organelles. In the case of social insects, the components can be separated and reassembled as "pseudomutant" colonies, which can then be compared with the normal forms of the very same colonies studied on alternate days. Using this technique, for example, I have analyzed the optimization of some aspects of the division of labor in leaf-cutting ants and identified net energetic yield as the apparent aspect of foraging that has been maximized in the division of labor. A comparable approach can be applied in the study of human genetic and cultural evolution. The choices made by individuals during socialization, which in many categories of cognition and behavior display innate bias, can be translated with appropriate techniques into statistical descriptions of cultural diversity. Natural selection acting on behavior within particular cultures alters the frequencies of the genes underlying the developmental processes of cognition and behavior. The result is postulated to be a "co-evolutionary circuit" that links genetic and cultural evolution in an inseverable manner.
Bio-inspired synthesis of α-Ni(OH)2 nanobristles on various substrates and their applications

It is still a challenging task to develop simple methods for facile synthesis of α-Ni(OH)2 nanostructures on substrates under mild conditions without using expensive instruments. Here, α-Ni(OH)2 nanobristles were synthesized on various substrates under mild conditions via a bio-inspired method using a simple Nafion diaphragm-assisted system. By growing the unique networks of α-Ni(OH)2 nanobristles on a piece of glass, a double-rough surface, with structures at both the nanoscale and microscale, was achieved, showing interesting roughness-induced superhydrophobicity in air (water contact angle 156°) and superoleophobicity in water (oil contact angle 161°). Additionally, α-Ni(OH)2 nanobristles could be formed directly on Ni foam and used as integrated and binder-free electrodes for application in supercapacitors. The unique structure with a large exposed surface enables the electrodes to demonstrate an impressive capacity of 2090 F g−1 at a current of 2 A g−1. The α-Ni(OH)2 supercapacitor exhibits a relatively good long cycling performance, attributed to its network like structure and good stability. The method and ideas outlined in the paper, based on diaphragm-assisted systems, could be employed, in principle, for the synthesis of other functional materials or precursors under mild conditions.
Endothelium-derived relaxing factor in regulation of basal cardiopulmonary and renal function

The endothelium has emerged as an important modulator of vascular tone by producing both vasodilating and vasoconstricting substances. In vitro studies have demonstrated that endothelial cells produce endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), which promotes vasodilation via the stimulation of intracellular guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP). However, the role of EDRF in the basal regulation of cardiopulmonary and renal function is not well defined. The present study was therefore designed to assess the function of EDRF by studying two groups of normal anesthetized dogs, of which one received a competitive inhibitor to EDRF generation, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA; 50 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 iv), and the other received a vehicle. The L-NMMA infusion produced no significant increase in mean arterial pressure but marked increases in systemic, pulmonary, and renal vascular resistances compared with the vehicle group. Although renal blood flow decreased with L-NMMA, no changes were observed in glomerular filtration rate or sodium excretion. Associated with the cardiopulmonary and renal responses with L-NMMA was a modest increase in plasma endothelin (7.9 +/- 1.3 to 10.2 +/- 1.8 pg/ml, P less than 0.05), an endothelium-derived vasoconstrictor. No alteration was observed in plasma or urinary cGMP with EDRF inhibition. These cardiopulmonary and renal responses with L-NMMA may be attributed not only to EDRF inhibition but to an imbalance between endothelium-derived relaxing and contracting factors.
From chance to purpose

(1981). From chance to purpose. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Vol. 37, No. 6, pp. 4-6.
Examination of Transmetalation Pathways and Effects in Aqueous Suzuki Coupling Using Biomimetic Pd Nanocatalysts

Carbon–carbon (C–C) coupling reactions are ubiquitously used for the generation of advanced chemical species; however, this reactivity remains inefficient and energy intensive. Transitioning such systems toward more sustainable and green conditions would be ideal where Pd nanoparticles represent unique catalysts to achieve this goal. In this contribution, we demonstrate the use of peptide-capped Pd nanoparticles as catalysts for driving Suzuki C–C coupling, focusing specifically on the effects of the transmetalation step in controlling the reactivity. These materials achieved C–C bond formation in water at room temperature using low Pd loadings. Coupling across a variety of mono- and disubstituted substrates was studied, where the reactivity was dependent upon the halogen moiety. Furthermore, studies of the reaction conditions revealed a strong sensitivity to the base identity, suggesting that competing transmetalation pathways and reaction equilibrium effects lead to variations in Suzuki coupling yields....
Effects of variations in electron thermal velocity on the whistler anisotropy instability: Particle-in-cell simulations

This paper investigates how the physics of the whistler anisotropy instability (WAI) is affected by variations in the electron thermal velocity vte, referred to here in terms of the ratio vte=vte/c, where c is the speed of light. The WAI is driven by the electron condition RT>1, where RT=Te⊥/Te∥ is the temperature anisotropy ratio and ⊥/∥ signify directions perpendicular/parallel to the background magnetic field B0. While a typical value of vte in the solar wind is ∼0.005, electromagnetic (EM) particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations often use a value near 0.1 in order to maximize the computational time step. In this study, a two-dimensional (2D) Darwin particle-in-cell (DPIC) code, MDPIC2, is used. The time step in the DPIC model is not affected by the choice of vte, making DPIC suited for this study. A series of simulations are carried out under the condition that the electron βe is held fixed, while vte is varied over the range 0.1≥vte≥0.025. The results show that, with βe held fixed, the linear dispers...
SEISMIC FACIES ANALYSIS OF DAMOGUAIHE FORMATION IN THE SOUTH OF WUERXUN DEPRESSION

Wuerxun depression is the main oil exploration objective in Hailar basin.Based on the sequence stratigraphy,this paper deals in detail with the seismic facies in Wunan area,where the distribution of drill holes is concentrated and the characteristics of seismic reflection are clear.In combination with the characteristics of seismic reflection events of configuration on the time section,the authors made an integrated interpretation of the interval structure,continuity,oscillation amplitude and other seismic facies for the seismic data from Wunan area of Wuerxun depression.Seven kinds of main seismic types with indicative significance are summed up.According to the characteristics of the seismic facies and in combination with structural background and drilling information,this paper describes the distribution of depositional system and points out that the sharp sandstone surface seems to be the favorable reservoir.
My Opinion on Reformation of Teaching Material Construction

The purpose reforming teaching material construction of college is to compile and publish the high-grade teaching material,in order to ensure the talent quality and improve the quality of education of college.The quality of teaching material is incarnated in four main headings:teaching level,science level,ideological level and writing level.The quality of teaching material has a direct effect on the quality of teaching,and the quality of teaching also affects the quality of learning of students directly.So the quality of teaching material will have an effect on the quality of talents.It is obvious that only high quality and high level teaching material could bring up the talents who have high quality and high level,from which we can see the importance of reformation of teaching material construction.
Ménière’s Disease: A CHEER Database Study of Local and Regional Patient Encounter and Procedure Patterns

Objective(1) Integrate practice-based patient encounters using the Dartmouth Atlas Medicare database to understand practice treatments for Meniere’s disease (MD). (2) Describe differences in the pr...
Direct Measurement of Trace Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Diesel Fuel with 1H and 13C NMR Spectroscopy: Effect of PAH Content on Fuel Lubricity

Surface-active trace compounds present in diesel fuels protect pumps and injectors against premature wear through boundary lubrication. Due to the vast number of hydrocarbon compounds found in petroleum distillate fuels, it is difficult to measure the concentration of trace lubricity-enhancing compounds in neat diesel fuel samples. We report herein the direct measurement of trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in diesel fuels through 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and relate the presence of PAH with fuel lubricity measured with a high-frequency reciprocating rig. Carboxylic acids and nitrogen heterocyclic PAH were not detected in the diesel fuels tested. The data provide further evidence that surface-active PAH compounds improve the lubricity of diesel fuels.
The effects of prenatal H1N1 infection at E16 on FMRP, glutamate, GABA, and reelin signaling systems in developing murine cerebellum.

Prenatal viral infection has been identified as a potential risk factor for the development of neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. Additionally, dysfunction in gamma-aminobutyric acid, Reelin, and fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP)–metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 signaling systems has also been demonstrated in these two disorders. In the current report, we have characterized the developmental profiles of selected markers for these systems in cerebella of mice born to pregnant mice infected with human influenza (H1N1) virus on embryonic day 16 or sham-infected controls using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting techniques and evaluated the presence of abnormalities in the above-mentioned markers during brain development. The cerebellum was selected in light of emerging evidence that it plays roles in learning, memory, and emotional processing—all of which are disrupted in autism and schizophrenia. We identified unique patterns of gene and protein expression at birth (postnatal day 0 [P0]), childhood (P14), adolescence (P35), and young adulthood (P56) in both exposed and control mouse progeny. We also identified significant differences in protein expression for FMRP, very-low-density lipoprotein receptor, and glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 and 67 kDa proteins at specific postnatal time points in cerebella of the offspring of exposed mice. Our results provide evidence of disrupted FMRP, glutamatergic, and Reelin signaling in the exposed mouse offspring that explains the multiple brain abnormalities observed in this animal model. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Balkans as a Linguistic Area

The Balkan languages were the first referent of the term ‘sprachbund’ (‘linguistic league,’ ‘convergence area,’ linguistic area'), a concept defined to classify languages according to systemic similarities resulting from language contact (convergence, diffusion), as opposed to the linguistic family, in which resemblances can be traced to a common ancestor. This article surveys the history of the field of Balkan linguistics and the principal features taken as exemplary of the Balkan sprachbund in Albanian, Greek, Balkan Slavic (Bulgarian, Macedonian, and the southeastern dialects of Serbian), Balkan Romance (Romanian, Aromanian, Megleno-Romanian), Balkan Romani, and Balkan Turkish. Also mentioned are Dalmatian, Gagauz, Istro-Romanian, Judeo-Greek, and Judezmo.
Axial diffusion in gas blanketed vapor condensers

In einer Modell rechnung wird die Hohe der Mischzone zwischen Gas und Dampf in einem Kondensator bestimmt. Die mitgeteilte Gleichung ist algebraisch einfach und enthalt den dimensionslosen Ausdruck zi *, der auch zahlreiche verwandte Probleme charakterisieren sollte: $$z_i^* = z_i \sqrt {\frac{{4U\Delta T_0 \tilde RT_0 }}{{pD_0 R\tilde h_{fg} }}} .$$ Mitgeteilte Daten bestatigen das mathematische Modell.
Selling a New Old Idea: Virginia Business Ventures

Elizabeth Franks, CEO of Virginia Business Ventures Inc. (VBV), has a week until her July 2010 board meeting. VBV just completed a six-month marketing and advertising campaign for a new product line and strategic rebranding, and early responses from the board indicated mixed feelings.Franks knows that the board is looking to her for keen analysis and a way forward. What should she recommend? Excerpt UVA-ENT-0193 Rev. Apr. 29, 2019 Selling a New Old Idea: Virginia Business Ventures Introduction Elizabeth Franks, CEO of Virginia Business Ventures Inc. (VBV), looked at the blinking cursor on her computer screen and then back at the clock. She had a week until her July 2010 board meeting—an important one. The company had just completed a six-month marketing and advertising campaign for a new product line and strategic rebranding, and early responses from the board had indicated mixed feelings: some members seemed happy with the results, while others indicated concerns regarding the effort's effectiveness. She knew that the board members were looking to her for analysis of their efforts to date. One year into her job as CEO, she also knew they would be paying particular attention to her marketing and advertising plans. She had to present a strong recommendation about how to allocate marketing dollars and specific steps for the next campaign. Franks also knew she needed to get the meeting materials, including her recommendations, sent off to the board by the end of the day. . . .
Antiretroviral Therapy: Brain Penetration

The central nervous system (CNS) can act as a compartment in which HIV can replicate independently from plasma. HIV infection of the brain and the ongoing immune response leads to neurocognitive impairment. Therefore, besides optimally suppressing HIV viral load in the plasma, it is essential to reach adequate concentrations of antiretrovirals (ARVs) in the CNS to prevent and improve neurocognitive impairments. ARVs have limitations in their ability to enter the brain due the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and different efficient efflux mechanisms. Moreover, ARVs exposed to the CNS show variability and distinctiveness of their characteristics including molecular weight, lipophilicity, protein binding, and on their capacity as substrates for efflux transporters.
Anaerobic Oxidation of Ethane, Propane, and Butane by Marine Microbes: A Mini Review

The deep ocean and its sediments are a continuous source of non-methane short-chain alkanes (SCAs) including ethane, propane, and butane. Their high global warming potential, and contribution to local carbon and sulfur budgets has drawn significant scientific attention. Importantly, microbes can use gaseous alkanes and oxidize them to CO2, thus acting as effective biofilters. A relative decrease of these gases with a concomitant 13C enrichment of propane and n-butane in interstitial waters vs. the source suggests microbial anaerobic oxidation. The reported uncoupling of sulfate-reduction (SR) from anaerobic methane oxidation supports their microbial consumption. To date, strain BuS5 isolated from the sediments of Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California, is the only pure culture that can anaerobically degrade propane and n-butane. This organism belongs to a metabolically diverse cluster within the Deltaproteobacteria called Desulfosarcina/Desulfococcus. Other phylotypes involved in gaseous alkane degradation were identified based on stable-isotope labeling and fluorescence in-situ hybridization. A novel syntrophic association of the archaeal genus, Candidatus Syntrophoarchaeum, and a thermophilic SR bacterium, HotSeep-1 was recently discovered from the Guaymas basin, Gulf of California that can anaerobically oxidize n-butane. Strikingly, metagenomic data and the draft genomes of ca. Syntrophoarchaeum suggest that this organism uses a novel mechanism for n-butane oxidation, distinct from the well-established fumarate addition mechanism. These recent findings indicate that a lot remains to be understood about our understanding of anaerobic SCA degradation. This mini-review summarizes our current understanding of microbial anaerobic SCA degradation, and provides an outlook for future research.
Molecular biology at the cutting edge: A review on CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing for undergraduates

Disrupting a gene to determine its effect on an organism's phenotype is an indispensable tool in molecular biology. Such techniques are critical for understanding how a gene product contributes to the development and cellular identity of organisms. The explosion of genomic sequencing technologies combined with recent advances in genome-editing techniques has elevated the possibilities of genetic manipulations in numerous organisms in which these experiments were previously not readily accessible or possible. Introducing the next generation of molecular biologists to these emerging techniques is key in the modern biology classroom. This comprehensive review introduces undergraduates to CRISPR/Cas9 editing and its uses in genetic studies. The goals of this review are to explain how CRISPR functions as a prokaryotic immune system, describe how researchers generate mutations with CRISPR/Cas9, highlight how Cas9 has been adapted for new functions, and discuss ethical considerations of genome editing. Additionally, anticipatory guides and questions for discussion are posed throughout the review to encourage active exploration of these topics in the classroom. Finally, the supplement includes a study guide and practical suggestions to incorporate CRISPR/Cas9 experiments into lab courses at the undergraduate level. © 2018 The Authors Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(2):195-205, 2018.
Perception of Apparel Sustainability Based upon Cultural Differences among Design Students

Designers need to understand the breadth of strategies for developing more sustainable solutions (Shedroff, 2009). Design students’ concepts of sustainability are different depending on their cultural contexts and approaches to sustainability issues that universities have taken that vary across cultures. In this research, we examine how American and Korean design students perceive the importance of sustainability regarding their apparel as a user and professional and how they strategize sustainable practices. This cross-cultural comparison of American and Korean students perceptions of sustainability can provide valuable insight regarding how cultural factors shape and influence a group’s sustainable behavior and can help the instructor who wants to educate students as broadly as possible.
Olfactory Reference Syndrome with Suicidal Attempt Treated with Pimozide and Fluvoxamine

The core symptomatology of the Olfactory Reference Syndrome (ORS) is characterized by a preoccupation with the belief that one emits an offensive odor, albeit not perceived by others. The present case is that of a 75-year-old African American woman, with an unclear past psychiatric history, who was brought into our Emergency Room after a suicide attempt. The patient reported a three-year history of a “rotten” smell from her vagina. She adamantly believes that she smells despite being told otherwise by people. The patient reported a trial of several feminine products to get rid of this smell and multiple visits to specialists but her symptoms persisted. Her symptoms involved a significant depressed mood and deterioration in her social functioning, interpersonal relationships, and self-care. She was constantly in the shower and had stopped leaving her apartment due to worries that people might smell her vagina. The culmination of her distress was the suicidal attempt, for which she was brought to the hospital. She was admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit and started on Pimozide and Fluvoxamine. The patient made remarkable progress within a few days on admission and in the course of her hospitalization. Follow-up in our outpatient clinic shows that the patient remains completely asymptomatic with significant progress in her social functioning.
Diagnostic Ultrasound in the Differentiation between Obstructive Jaundice and Non-Obstructive Jaundice

Although the great Rokitansky described the pathological findings in obstructive jaundice in 1846 in his Handbook of General Pathological Anatomy, the practical usefulness of this knowledge was not apparent until the 1890’s . At that time, surgical techniques were being developed which could relieve obstructive jaundice. The diagnostic dilemma that arose then between obstructive and non-obstructive jaundice continues to the present day. Based on recent literature and our own experience, we feel that diagnostic ultrasound is an exceptionally useful tool in making the distinction between obstructive and non-obstructive jaundice. The changes in anatomy that accompany obstructive jaundice (potentially demonstrable by ultrasound), include dilatation of intrahepatic bile ducts, gallbladder and the common bile duct. We are aware of no data in the available literature that would tell us what duration or degree of obstruction is necessary to cause intra-hepatic bile duct, gallbladder or cornmon bile duct dilatation that is clearly more than occurs in any physiological state. Basic physiology studies tell us that the secretion of bile is an energy requiring process which can procede against a back pressure up to 20 to 23 mm Hg.
The Psychiatric Expert Witness

From 1866 to 1872 Isaac Ray and Charles Doe, Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court, engaged in correspondence in which they planned the substance and strategy for revision of the traditional McNaughten rule of criminal insanity.1 This is the first reported example of a psychiatrist working behind the scenes to impact upon a legal decision, and resulted in the historically significant “New Hampshire rule” as set forth in the Pike 2 and Jones 3 decisions. Dr. Ray and Justice Doe had agreed that there could be no satisfactory legal rule of criminal responsibility of the mentally abnormal offender. Rather, the issue was one of two facts to be decided by the jury: Did the defendant suffer from a mental disease or defect at the time of offense, and was the crime a result or product of the mental abnormality? This was the forerunner and model for the 1954 Durham decision in the District of Columbia.4
Epithelial Packing: Even the Best of Friends Must Part.

Summary Textbooks commonly describe epithelia as tissues composed of regular arrays of prism-shaped cells. A recent study combining mathematical modeling with quantitative imaging has uncovered the scutoid, a new shape that is necessary for epithelial cells to pack into curved tissues.
The trophic ecology of a desert river fish assemblage: influence of season and hydrologic variability

Foodweb analyses can provide insight as to how species persist in naturally dynamic environments and how these communities may respond to anthropogenic alteration. In the remaining undammed rivers of the arid southwestern United States, it is thought that plasticity in feeding behavior allows native fishes to thrive in the context of natural fluctuations in temperature, sediment, and resource availability associated with extreme swings in season and hydrology. There have been few evaluations of this hypothesis, in part owing to the rarity of rivers that retain their natural environmental dynamics and complement of native species. We investigated the feeding ecology of the fish assemblage of one such river, the Little Colorado River, Arizona, focusing on four native species: bluehead sucker (Catostomus discobolus), flannelmouth sucker (Catostomus latipinnis), speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus), and endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha). Over two years, we sampled fish diets in July, September, January, March, and June, encompassing turbid and clear‐water conditions across seasons. We quantified food resource contributions to fish diets in fish‐centered food webs, comparing diversity of trophic linkages and linkage‐strength distribution across time. We used ordination analyses to investigate differences in diets among species and changes in diet composition across seasons and conducted seasonal comparisons of gut fullness. We observed a high diversity of dietary items (as absolute numbers and consumer–resource ratios) within a fish assemblage that was apparently resistant to extreme and recurrent environmental variability. Fish diet diversity was ~2× that of the nearby dammed Colorado River's tailwater, and over 50% of fish‐resource linkages were weak (<1% of species’ diet). Native fishes consumed a mix of terrestrial and aquatic resources. Notably, the water column‐feeding humpback chub consumed the largest percentage of terrestrially derived food items and appeared to capitalize on food resources made available by a summer flash flood, consuming twice as much during this flood than during other seasons (based on gut fullness, corrected by estimates of food quality). Other fishes exhibited similar dietary variation. Such opportunist/generalist strategies, coupled with diverse food resources, may be important to the persistence of these and other native fishes in dynamic environments.
Outside Insight: Navigating a World Drowning in Data

Outside Insight, written by Meltwater founder Jorn Lyseggen, helps business executives and others in key business roles make informed decisions using online data that is available to anyone. Lyseggen calls this information the “digital bread crumbs” that every business and individual leaves behind as they move across the web. He finds these bread crumbs in everything, including social media job postings, social media buzz, media coverage, and company websites.
A constitutive model for clays and plastic silts in plane-strain earthquake engineering applications

Abstract A plasticity model for representing clays and plastic silts, as opposed to purely nonplastic silts or sand, in geotechnical earthquake engineering applications is presented. The PM4Silt model builds on the framework of the stress-ratio controlled, critical state based, bounding surface plasticity PM4Sand model, and is coded as a user defined material for use with the program FLAC. The model was developed to provide reasonable approximations of monotonic undrained shear strength, cyclic undrained shear strength, and shear modulus reduction and hysteretic damping responses. The model does not include a cap, and therefore is not suited for simulating consolidation or reconsolidation settlements (i.e., volumetric strains) or strength evolution with consolidation stress or seismic loading history. The primary input parameters are the undrained shear strength ratio (or undrained shear strength), the shear modulus coefficient, and the contraction rate parameter. All secondary input parameters are assigned default values based on a default calibration, but may be adjusted when calibrating against advanced laboratory test data or performing sensitivity studies. The calibration process is described and illustrated by calibrations for three different normally consolidated, fine-grained soils with plasticity indices ranging from 4 to 20. The model is shown to provide reasonable approximations of behaviors important to many earthquake-engineering applications and to be relatively easy to calibrate.
Juvenile rank acquisition is associated with fitness independent of adult rank.

Social rank is a significant determinant of fitness in a variety of species. The importance of social rank suggests that the process by which juveniles come to establish their position in the socia...
Data-driven surrogates for high dimensional models using Gaussian process regression on the Grassmann manifold

Abstract This paper introduces a surrogate modeling scheme based on Grassmannian manifold learning to be used for cost-efficient predictions of high-dimensional stochastic systems. The method exploits subspace-structured features of each solution by projecting it onto a Grassmann manifold. This point-wise linear dimensionality reduction harnesses the structural information to assess the similarity between solutions at different points in the input parameter space. The method utilizes a solution clustering approach in order to identify regions of the parameter space over which solutions are sufficiently similarly such that they can be interpolated on the Grassmannian. In this clustering, the reduced-order solutions are partitioned into disjoint clusters on the Grassmann manifold using the eigen-structure of properly defined Grassmannian kernels and, the Karcher mean of each cluster is estimated. Then, the points in each cluster are projected onto the tangent space with origin at the corresponding Karcher mean using the exponential mapping. For each cluster, a Gaussian process regression model is trained that maps the input parameters of the system to the reduced solution points of the corresponding cluster projected onto the tangent space. Using this Gaussian process model, the full-field solution can be efficiently predicted at any new point in the parameter space. In certain cases, the solution clusters will span disjoint regions of the parameter space. In such cases, for each of the solution clusters we utilize a second, density-based spatial clustering to group their corresponding input parameter points in the Euclidean space. The proposed method is applied to two numerical examples. The first is a nonlinear stochastic ordinary differential equation with uncertain initial conditions where the surrogate is used to predict the time history solution. The second involves modeling of plastic deformation in a model amorphous solid using the Shear Transformation Zone theory of plasticity, where the proposed surrogate is used to predict the full strain field of a material specimen under large shear strains.
Microwave cavity searches for low-frequency axion dark matter

For low-mass (frequency $\ensuremath{\ll}\mathrm{GHz}$) axions, dark matter detection experiments searching for an axion-photon-photon coupling generally have suppressed sensitivity, if they use a static background magnetic field. This geometric suppression can be alleviated by using a high-frequency oscillating background field. Here, we present a high-level sketch of such an experiment, using superconducting cavities at $\ensuremath{\sim}\mathrm{GHz}$ frequencies. We discuss the physical limits on signal power arising from cavity properties, and point out cavity geometries that could circumvent some of these limitations. We also consider how backgrounds, including vibrational noise and drive signal leakage, might impact sensitivity. While practical microwave field strengths are significantly below attainable static magnetic fields, the lack of geometric suppression, and higher quality factors, may allow superconducting cavity experiments to be competitive in some regimes.
On the Constitutionality of Commissioner Tobin’s Biomass Energy Policy

On January 30, 2018, Arizona Corporation Commissioner Andy Tobin published his Arizona’s Energy Modernization Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan identified a problem. “Wildfires, made worse by unhealthy forests, threaten lives, property, watersheds, wildlife, businesses, and grid reliability.” To mitigate the risk of wildfire, the Plan proposed a policy requiring electric utilities of a certain size to generate power derived from excess biomass cleared from overgrown forests. This paper analyzes the Plan's costs, benefits and its legal foundations.
"The ultimate risk:" How clinicians assess the value and meaning of genetic data in cardiology.

In modern medicine, health risks are often managed through the collection of health data and subsequent intervention. One of the goals of clinical genetics, for example, is to identify genetic pred...
DNA Punch Cards: Encoding Data on Native DNA Sequences via Topological Modifications

Synthetic DNA-based data storage systems have received significant attention due to the promise of ultrahigh storage density. However, all proposed systems suffer from high cost, read-write latency and error-rates that render them impractical. One means to avoid synthesizing DNA is to use readily available native DNA. As native DNA content is fixed, one may adopt an alternative recording strategy that modifies the DNA topology to encode desired information. Here, we report the first macromolecular storage paradigm in which data is written in the form of nicks (punches) at predetermined positions on the sugar-phosphate backbone of native dsDNA. The platform accommodates parallel nicking on multiple orthogonal genomic DNA fragments, paired nicking and disassociation for creating toehold regions that enable single-bit random access and strand displacement. As a proof of concept, we used the multiple-turnover programmable restriction enzyme Pyrococcus furiosus Argonaute to punch files into the PCR products of Escherichia coli genomic DNA. The encoded data is reliably reconstructed through simple read alignment.
STARsolo: accurate, fast and versatile mapping/quantification of single-cell and single-nucleus RNA-seq data

Abstract We present STARsolo, a comprehensive turnkey solution for quantifying gene expression in single-cell/nucleus RNA-seq data, built into RNA-seq aligner STAR. Using simulated data that closely resembles realistic scRNA-seq, we demonstrate that STARsolo is highly accurate and significantly outperforms pseudoalignment-to-transcriptome tools. STARsolo can replicate the results of, but is considerably faster than CellRanger, currently the most widely used tool for pre-processing scRNA-seq data. In addition to uniquely mapped reads, STARsolo takes account of multi-gene reads, necessary to detect certain classes of biologically important genes. It has a flexible cell barcode processing scheme, compatible with many established scRNA-seq protocols, and extendable to emerging technologies. STARsolo can quantify transcriptomic features beyond gene expression, which we illustrate by analyzing cell-type-specific alternative splicing in the Tabula Muris project.
Addressing bias in faculty retention

The field of ecology in the United States is not fully harnessing the diverse perspectives of the American population. Two major limitations to advancing diversity and inclusion include insufficient awareness of biased attitudes and the lack of large-scale faculty engagement in diversity and inclusion programs. Academic institutions must recognize and value individuals that participate in diversity and inclusion programs. Valuing this work will motivate all ecologists to accept the responsibility for these efforts and not simply assume that the few minorities in their field can do this work.
Tumor Shrinkage With Combination of Alectinib and Trastuzumab in a Patient With ALK-Rearranged Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Harboring HER2-Amplification as an Acquired Resistance Mechanism to ALK Inhibitor Therapy.

Clinical Practice Points • HER2 amplification is an acquired resistance mechanism in ALK-rearranged non–small cell lung cancer. • FISH analysis revealed a minor subclone of HER2-amplified cells before becoming the dominant resistance mechanism. • Combination of HER2 and ALK therapies may be an effective treatment approach for ALK-rearranged NSCLC with acquired HER2 amplification.
National and State Level Opioid-Restricting Legislation in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review.

Abstract Background The opioid epidemic is a health crisis in the United States. Within orthopedic surgery, opioid misuse and incautious prescription remains a concern. In the last several years, there has been a growing interest and public effort toward reducing opioid use in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in response to the opioid epidemic in the United States. We aim to review opioid-limiting practices, policies, and legislations that are implemented at the state level and nationally that are relevant to TJA, as well as evaluate studies that measure the efficacy of these policies in the management of patients undergoing TJA. Methods Two independent reviewers conducted a systematic review of national and state level opioid-limiting policies implemented in the United States and their effects on opioid prescription, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (PRISMA). Results We identified 3 national bills and 9 policies set forth by national organizations that imposed limits on opioid prescription. Opioid-reducing legislation was also identified in 24 states, with the majority specifying a 7-day limit on initial opioid prescription for acute pain management. Six research studies evaluating the impact of opioid-restricting policies on postoperative opioid prescription for TJA patients were found. Three studies assessed legislation at the state level while the others were institution-based guidelines. Overall, these studies demonstrated a significant decrease in mean morphine milligram equivalents of initial opioid prescription after implementing the policies. Conclusion Recent opioid-restricting legislation is effective in decreasing postoperative opioid prescriptions following TJA.
Driver-Vehicle Interaction: The Effects of Physical Exercise and Takeover Request Modality on Automated Vehicle Takeover Performance between Younger and Older Drivers

Semi-autonomous vehicles still require manual takeover intervention. For older drivers, age-related declines may make takeover transitions difficult, but the current literature on takeover and aging is mixed. Non-chronological age factors, such as engagement in physical exercise, which has been shown to mitigate perceptual and cognitive declines, may be contributing to these conflicting results. The goal of this pilot study was to examine whether age, physical exercise, and takeover request alert modality influence post-takeover performance. Sixteen younger and older adults were divided into exercise and non-exercise groups, and completed takeover tasks with seven different types of takeover requests. Overall, older adults in the physical exercise group had shorter decision-making times and lower maximum resulting jerk, compared to seniors in the non-exercise group. Takeover request type did not influence takeover performance. Findings may contribute to theories on aging and inform the development of next-generation automated vehicle systems.
Patterns of undertreatment among patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML): considerations for patients eligible for non-intensive chemotherapy (NIC)

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a life-threatening malignancy that is more prevalent in the elderly. Because the patient population is heterogenous and advanced in age, choosing the optimal therapy can be challenging. There is strong evidence supporting antileukemic therapy, including standard intensive induction chemotherapy (IC) and non-intensive chemotherapy (NIC), for older patients with AML, and guidelines recommend treatment selection based on a patient’s individual and disease characteristics as opposed to age alone. Nonetheless, historic evidence indicates that a high proportion of patients who may be candidates for NIC receive no active antileukemic treatment (NAAT), instead receiving only best supportive care (BSC). We conducted a focused literature review to assess current real-world patterns of undertreatment in AML. From a total of 25 identified studies reporting the proportion of patients with AML receiving NAAT, the proportion of patients treated with NAAT varied widely, ranging from 10 to 61.4% in the US and 24.1 to 35% in Europe. Characteristics associated with receipt of NAAT included clinical factors such as age, poor performance status, comorbidities, and uncontrolled concomitant conditions, as well as sociodemographic factors such as female sex, unmarried status, and lower income. Survival was diminished among patients receiving NAAT, with reported median overall survival values ranging from 1.2 to 4.8 months compared to 5 to 14.4 months with NIC. These findings suggest a proportion of patients who are candidates for NIC receive NAAT, potentially forfeiting the survival benefit of active antileukemic treatment.
A Comparative Study of the Jewish and the United States Constitutional Law of Capital Punishment

This essay contrasts the Jewish system of capital punishment with the United States judicial experience. It examines the why and how of capital punishment's sparing employment in the Jewish law and oftentimes judicially encouraged use in the United States.
Testing models of bee foraging behavior through the analysis of pollen loads and floral density data

The composition of social bees’ corbicular pollen loads contains information about both the bees’ foraging behavior and the surrounding floral landscape. There have been, however, few attempts to integrate pollen composition and floral landscape to test hypotheses about foraging behavior. Here, we present an individual-based model that generates the species composition of pollen loads given a foraging model and a spatial distribution of floral resources. We apply this model to an existing dataset of inflorescence counts and bumble bee pollen loads sampled at different field sites in California. For two out of three sites, a foraging model consisting in correlated random walks with constant preferences for each plant species provides a plausible fit for the observed distribution of pollen load content. Pollen load compositions at the third site could be explained by an extension of the model, where different preferences apply to the choice of an initial foraging patch and subsequent foraging steps. Since this model describes the expected level of pollen load differentiation due solely to the spatial clustering of conspecific plants, it provides a null hypothesis against which more complex descriptions of behavior (e.g. flower constancy) can be tested.