cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of Territory and Home Range Size in Birds

At some time during the annual cycle, most vertebrates restrict their activities to a definite area which may be termed the home range. If all or part of the home range is defended against other individuals of the same species, the guarded area is called a territory, according to current usage. Territoriality is an important mechanism which reduces intraspecific competition; it is especially pronounced in nest-building animals (birds, certain fish, insects, etc.) which have complicated behavior patterns requiring highly co6rdinated actions during reproductive periods. Establishment of territories and home ranges produces characteristic intrapopulation distribution patterns which have important bearing on the choice of census methods (See Odum, 1953, Chap. 6). Examination of the voluminous literature on territorialism in birds reveals that many qualitative details have been worked out. The "kinds" of territory, such as are listed in the comprehensive review by Nice (1941), have been classified, and the means of establishment and defense of the territory area have been described for many species. On the other hand, many quantitative aspects of territorialism have been scarcely considered. For example, the effect of various populations and habitat factors on the size and configuration of the defended or occupied areas is virtually unknown. A relation between territory size and food supply is often postulated, but we know of no case where the available food supply and the size of territory have both been accurately measured. It is true that numerous estimates made of territory size have been published, but it is evident that many are but crude approximations, often based on less than a dozen spot observations. Very little confidence can be placed in the comparison of measurements made by different investigators because of the great variation in procedures used and in the intensiveness of the observation. It is becoming quite evident that quantitative comparisons of territoriality cannot proceed until sound, consistent methods of measurement are developed. In this paper the problem of measurements of territory and home range size is critically examined, and a method for standardizing measurements is proposed. The method is illustrated by data obtained in a study of territoriality of seven southeastern species. These data are also used to test certain concepts developed by mammalogists in their parallel studies of home range.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME MAJOR TYPES OF HARBORS

The operational requirements for an ideal harbor are (Chao Hwa et al. 1945, Stewart 1945): a. Provision for shelter from the waves of the open sea and a limited fetch* b. Provision for shelter from strong winds from all directions. c. Depth enough for a large vessel to maneuver over an extensive area. d. Good holding ground for anchoring. e. A deep draft entrance from the sea. f. A minimum of annual expense for dredging. g. Moderate or small tidal range, h. Moderate tidal currents. i. Sufficient circulation to remove contaminants. j. A low fouling rate and relative freedom from marine borers. k. Freedom from seiches and surges. 1. Freedom from tidal bores. m. Freedom from ice. n. Freedom from fog. The reasons for these requirements are clear enough so that no further explanation seems to be necessary. Most of these operational requirements can readily be translated into physical phenomena provided by land, i.e., by configuration of the coast or topography.
Gene therapy, CMT1X, and the inherited neuropathies

In PNAS, Kagiava et al. (1) report their rescue of the X-linked form of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT1X) in mice, through the use of a single intrathecal injection with a lentiviral vector. The vector expresses the gap junction beta 1 ( GJB1 ) gene and its encoded protein connexin32 (Cx32), expressed from a myelin-specific promoter from the myelin protein zero (MPZ) gene. The mice are Cx32-null animals (2), and therefore lack Cx32. Injecting the vector into the subarachnoid space permitted the virus access to the endoneurium of multiple spinal nerves because the dura mater surrounding the spinal cord directly merges with epineurial connective tissue layers from the proximal end of peripheral nerves. Therefore, there is continuity between the subarachnoid space and endoneurial space. The MPZ promoter is only expressed by myelinating Schwann cells, providing tissue specificity to the study. Lentiviruses are incorporated into target cell genomes, where they can provide prolonged expression of the transduced gene. Taken together, these features certainly contribute to the encouraging results reported by Kagiava et al. (1). Specifically, the authors demonstrated robust expression of the vector in Schwann cells with improvement of the neuropathy at all levels in the mice and with little evidence of toxicity or inflammation. Using a similar vector expressing the reporter EGFP, they demonstrated transduction of over 50% of all Schwann cells in sciatic nerve and similar levels in other sites, including the femoral nerve, dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and ventral roots. Transduced Schwann cells were detected as far away as the trigeminal nerve. Moreover, expression rates increased significantly between 2 and 16 wk postinjection. Results with the GJB1 vector were just as impressive. Cx32 was correctly targeted to noncompact areas of myelin, such as paranodes and Schmidt–Lanterman incisures. Treated mice improved by behavioral and physiological … [↵][1]1Email: michael-shy{at}uiowa.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
The Practice of Communicative Language Teaching in College English Teaching

Communicative language teaching is a teaching method,taking the cultivation ofstudents' communicative competence as its ultimate aim and concentrating on communicative activities.Pursuing communicative language teaching accords with the new College English Teaching Requirements.The article discusses how to carry out communicative language teaching effectively on present conditions,in three aspects,namely,the basic principles and the practice of communicative language teaching,and some suggestions about communicative language teaching.
Molecular epidemiological analysis of ECHO19 virus isolated from Yunnan province of China

Objective To explore the VP1gene characteristics and molecular epidemiology of echovirus 19(E19)isolated from acute flaccid paralysis(AFP)cases and healthy children from Yunnan province of China from 1997to 2013. Methods RT-PCR was done to amplify the VP1gene from isolated non-polio enteroviruses(NPEVs),PCR products were sent to Sangon Biotech Co.Ltd.(Shanghai,China)for sequencing by fluorescent labeled Sanger method.The sequences were edited by Sequencher 4.0software,and the virus serotypes were determined according to Obester′s method.E19sequences and molecular epidemiologic features were analyzed and compared with that downloaded from the GenBank.The phylogenetic tree was constructed by using 1 000bootstrap values for statistical analysis. Results Altogether there were 26E19virus strains were isolated from 3 750 AFP cases and healthy children in Yunnan province of China from 1997to 2013.Phylogenetic analysis with other 28strains in GenBank showed that these 54E19strains were grouped into 6genotypes.E19viruses isolated from different sources(AFP or healthy children)and different times were mainly clustered into genotypes 2,4and 5with multiple geographical and time characteristics. Conclusions Continuous molecular surveillance for enteroviruses from AFP cases and healthy children by sequencing is a very important tool for conducting molecular epidemiological study and identifying the disease transmission pathways in Yunnan province of China.
Determination of pyrethroid insecticide metabolites in human urine by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

[Objective] To develop a quantitative method for determination of pyrethroid insecticide metabolites(3-PBA,Cis-Cl2C and Trans-Cl2CA) in human urine by liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry.[Methods] After acidification and liquid-liquid extraction,the urine samples were analyzed by C18 separation,MS detector and internal standard quantification.[Results] A good liner relationship was obtained and the correlation coefficient were greater than 0.998.Interday/Intraday relative standard deviation.(RSD) and recoveries determined by analysing fortified manual synthesis urine were less than 10.0% and 90.0-110.0% respectively.Limits of detection were 0.20 μg/L.[Conclusion] As it is easy,convenient and low cost,the method can meet biomonitoring requirements for general or special populations.
A Quasi-Switched-Capacitor Resonant Converter

A quasi-switched-capacitor (QSC) resonant converter is proposed for isolated dc/dc conversion in offline power supply application. Similar to the Φ2 resonant converter, the proposed converter is operated most efficiently at fixed switching frequency and duty ratio, and it features trapezoidal voltage waveforms on all switches. Full soft switching combining ZCS, ZVS on and off is achieved within a wide load range, and, therefore, the switching loss is minimized. In addition, compared to half/full-bridge converters (e.g., the LLC resonant converter and the dual-active-bridge converter), the proposed converter reduces the voltage stress on primary-side switches to 2/3 of the input voltage, and, thus, enables more choices of low-voltage devices, which are more efficient because of better figure of merit. Furthermore, the proposed converter reduces the transformer turns ratio by 2/3, and, thus, enables less number of turns of the winding, lower winding loss, and lower transformer leakage inductance, making it suitable for high-frequency operation. A 90-W 88-V/19-V 700-kHz prototype is built with 100-V eGaN FETs. The transformer design and PCB layout are presented to minimize the transformer leakage inductance and stray inductance. The prototype achieved a power density of 172 W/in3, and a flat efficiency curve with a peak value of 96%.
ERCC1, a potentially useful marker of cancer susceptibility related to DNA repair deficiency

B86 DNA repair defects have been historically associated with cancer prone conditions. Xeroderma pigmentosum and similar diseases demonstrate the impact that DNA repair deficiency can have on the human host. There exists the possibility that more subtle defects in DNA repair capability may be associated with a grossly normal human phenotype, but associated with predisposition to developing cancer in multiple different organs. Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is responsible for the repair of DNA damage induced by ultraviolet light, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). We have reviewed published data spanning over the last ten years to develop an overview of the possible relationship between selected defects in NER, and cancer susceptibility. Understanding this relationship may lead to more effective targeting of cancer prevention strategies. Collectively, the published data shows that persons with subtle defects in genes involved in NER are at increased risk for the following cancers: lung (NSCLC), head and neck, basal cell ca of the skin, gliomas of the brain, breast, ovarian, colorectal, endometrial, bladder, renal cell, ALL and AML. Most but not all of these tumors have a well-established epidemiologic relationship with smoking (exposure to PAHs). Subtle defects in NER are suggested in each of these malignancies by the demonstration of relevant polymorphisms of genes that are important in the NER pathway. Eight of the twelve cancers listed above are associated with abnormalities seen in the gene ERCC1. These cancers are: NSCLC, head and neck, gliomas, breast, ovarian, colorectal, bladder and ALL. This review forms the foundation for ongoing work to assess the potential role of ERCC1, and other NER genes, as molecular tools in developing genomic strategies for cancer prevention and control.
Anomaly Detection in Electrical Substation Circuits via Unsupervised Machine Learning

Cyber-physical systems (CPS), such as smart grids, include cyber assets for monitoring, control, and communication in order to maintain safe and efficient operation of a physical process. We propose that CPS intrusion detection systems (CPS IDS) should seek not just to detect attacks in the host audit logs and network traffic (cyber plane), but should consider how attacks are reflected in measurements from diverse devices at multiple locations (physical plane). In electric grids, voltage and current laws induce physical constraints that can be leveraged in distributed agreement algorithms to detect anomalous conditions. This can be done by explicitly coding the physical constraints into a hybrid CPS IDS, making the detector specific to a particular CPS. We present an alternative approach, along with preliminary results, using machine learning to characterize normal, fault, and attack states in a smart distribution substation CPS, using this as a component of a CPS IDS.
Dissolved Organic Matter

Abstract Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems and is often the predominant form of organic C, N, and P. It originates within aquatic ecosystems, arises from groundwater sources, and is imported from the surrounding terrestrial landscape. The quantity and composition of what is available can affect the rate at which ecosystem processes progress. Understanding the role that DOM composition and abundance plays in regulating ecosystem function and structure remains a key question in stream ecology. Thus, understanding the natural and anthropogenic processes affecting its abundance and composition is an important challenge for ecologists and biogeochemists. Investigations into such questions may be approached using the techniques described in this chapter.
Predictors of well-being in the lives of student service members and veterans.

Objective: The current study examined predictors of well-being, including quality of life and academic engagement, in a sample of student service members and veteran college students. Methods: Eigh...
When Water Plays an Active Role in Electronic Structure: Insights from First-Principles Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Biological Systems

In biological processes, the charge distribution is modified moving electrons and positive holes, mostly protons and metal ions, within hydrated macromolecular assemblies. These events are crucial to transfer the energy of chemical bonds into electric currents and ionic gradients, representing, respectively, energy flow and storage in cells. The modeling of the forces behind these processes is challenging, involving different space and time scales, ranging, at least, from confined electrons to macromolecules in the liquid water environment. Thanks to theoretical advances in first-principles computer simulations and to high performance computers, movements of electrons and transferable cations can be combined into robust and detailed dynamical models. This is also of great help in understanding the role of metal cofactors in important biological processes, like photosynthesis and oxidative stress. This chapter summarizes, through simple examples, statistical applications of density-functional theory, one of the most promising modeling techniques available for this level of description. Particular emphasis is devoted to bridge coarse grained models (built at whatever empirical level) with a refined description of the “reactive” portion of the system involving water molecules.
Is there a field-theoretic explanation for precursor biopolymers?

A Hu-Barkana-Gruzinov cold dark matter scalar field φ may enter a weak isospin invariant derivative interaction that causes the flow of right-handed electrons to align parallel to ( � ∇φ). Hence, in the outer regions of galaxies where ( � ∇φ) is large, as in galactic halos, the derivative interaction may induce a chirality-imbued quantum chemistry. Such a chirality-imbued chemistry would in turn be conducive to the formation of abundant precursor biopolymers on interstellar dust grains, comets and meteors in galactic halo regions, with subsequent delivery to planets in the inner galactic regions where φ and ( � ∇φ) are concomitantly near zero and left-right symmetric terrestrial quantum chemistry prevails.
Combining Algorithm Based Data Flow Testing Approach for XACML

XACML is a standardise access control policy language. Numerous implementations of XACML's evaluation engine are available. Policy writers create rules that control access to defined resources in an application. In order to increase confidence in the policies, formal verification and testing is usually carried out to show that the policy satisfies certain test cases. This paper describes a testing strategy utilizing a data flow approach. Path testing metric is used to evaluate the coverage of a policy, using data flow analysis. The test inputs are randomly generated, and the algorithm calculates the coverage of paths through the policy. We believe this method will highlight the path coverage of the policy which serves yet another useful metric in evaluating the fault-detection capability of the policy under test.
Whole genome sequence and phenotypic characterization of a Cbm+ serotype e strain of Streptococcus mutans.

We report the whole genome sequence of the serotype e Cbm+ strain LAR01 of Streptococcus mutans, a dental pathogen frequently associated with extra-oral infections. The LAR01 genome is a single circular chromosome of 2.1 Mb with a GC content of 36.96%. The genome contains 15 phosphotransferase system gene clusters, seven cell wall-anchored (LPxTG) proteins, all genes required for the development of natural competence and genes coding for mutacins VI and K8. Interestingly, the cbm gene is genetically linked to a putative type VII secretion system that has been found in Mycobacteria and few other Gram-positive bacteria. When compared with the UA159 type strain, phenotypic characterization of LAR01 revealed increased biofilm formation in the presence of either glucose or sucrose but similar abilities to withstand acid and oxidative stresses. LAR01 was unable to inhibit the growth of Strpetococcus gordonii, which is consistent with the genomic data that indicate absence of mutacins that can kill mitis streptococci. On the other hand, LAR01 effectively inhibited growth of other S. mutans strains, suggesting that it may be specialized to outcompete strains from its own species. In vitro and in vivo studies using mutational and heterologous expression approaches revealed that Cbm is a virulence factor of S. mutans by mediating binding to extracellular matrix proteins and intracellular invasion. Collectively, the whole genome sequence analysis and phenotypic characterization of LAR01 provides new insights on the virulence properties of S. mutans and grants further opportunities to understand the genomic fluidity of this important human pathogen.
High Sensitive Breath Sensor Based on Nanostructured K 2 W 7 O 22 for Detection of Type 1 Diabetes

Acetone existing in human breath is an effective biomarker of diabetes, which can be used for the early diagnosis and daily monitoring the health status of diabetes (in particular, type 1 diabetes). Comparing to other conventional methods for diabetes diagnosis and monitoring based on analyzing blood glucose level, breath analysis of acetone is a method with merits, such as non-invasive, accurate, convenient, and inexpensive. A novel nanostructured K2W7O22 was recently developed and tested on its feasibility for acetone detection. The results show that K2W7O22 can effectively detect a trace amount of acetone at room temperature. The lowest detection limit ~2.0 ppm with a fast response time of 12 s is achieved. Further improvement of sensing performance with detection limit down to 25 ppb of acetone can be achieved through optimizing the material properties of K2W7O22 and modifying the design of device circuit to realize weak signal detection. The excellent acetone response is studied due to the unique properties of K2W7O22, ferroelectric and semiconducting, which result in the effective interaction and strong charge transfer between acetone and K2W7O22. This paper can improve the understanding of the new material and its sensing mechanism and thus give ideas for further increasing the sensitivity for acetone detection, eventually resulting in an advanced material capable of analyzing acetone in exhaled breath for disease diagnosis and monitoring purpose.
The Value of Sphincter Electromyography in Urodynamics

AbstractMultichannel urodynamic evaluation combined with sphincter electromyography was done on 102 patients. Normal and abnormal activity was defined. When detrusor hyperreflexia occurred in patients with obstruction, idiopathic detrusor hyperreflexia and upper motor neuron disease there was a reflex relaxation of the pelvic floor in 52 per cent of the cases.Electromyographic evidence of dyssynergia was associated with other evidence of sphincter obstruction in 50 per cent of the patients who voided by detrusor contraction and in 9 per cent of the patients who voided by Valsalva’s maneuver. A diagnosis of dyssynergia should not be made from the electromyographic evidence alone, especially if the patient strains to void.
Western European Studies: Gender and History

Under the impetus of new modes of historical research and the women's movements in America and Western Europe, gender and history have been conceptualized together so as to transform understandings of how events, social structures, and fundamental elements of social existence such as language, politics, and notions of identity are formulated in particular historical moments. Gender and history have been deployed as part of the larger post-structuralist and postmodern questioning of notions of objectivity in social science. Analysis of gender as the relational systems of power in which both men and women operate and to which both men and women contribute in history has revealed how submerged and seemingly disparate elements of society such as language, work, and identity are actually intimately intertwined. By focusing on gender as a relational category which is culturally produced, historians have been able to recuperate women's experience, historicize masculinity and femininity, and raise probing questions about traditional narratives and periodizations. Gender and history have been utilized to reshape knowledge of the past in ways which have effected contemporary political and social practices in a number of domains.
Self-Organized Heat Transport Near the Superfluid Transition in ^4He

Heat transport through a column of superfluid ^4He has been observed experimentally to self-organize, resulting in a thermal gradient that exactly matches the gradient in the superfluid transition temperature across the column, leaving the entire sample at a constant distance from the superfluid critical point. We describe a new experiment that is designed to accomplish three objectives: 1) search for the upper critical heat flux above which self-organized heat transport can no longer occur, 2) measure the heat capacity of the self-organized heat transport state, and 3) test recent theoretical predictions of the microscopic mechanism that is responsible for this self-organization.
Terahertz Spectroscopy with Asynchronous Optical Sampling Using a Compact Bidirectional Mode-locked Fiber Laser

We present a high-speed and broadband time-domain terahertz spectroscopy system based on a single bidirectionally mode-locked fiber laser. This fiber ring laser generates two optical pulse trains having slightly different repetition rates and a slowly varying repetition rate difference in free running mode, eliminating the need for servo locking electronics. Using plasmonics-enhanced photoconductive antennas for terahertz emission and detection, the system generates sufficient output photocurrent on the detector for self-triggering. Acquired spectral data show agreement with the HITRAN water absorption line data up to 1.5 THz. The use of a single compact fiber laser system with simple data acquisition demonstrates the feasibility of a portable time-domain terahertz spectroscopy system with significant reduction in size, weight, and power consumption.
Der Kitsch avant la lettre

Setzt sich eine Arbeit das Ziel, historische Vorlaufer zu rekonstruieren, so stellt sich automatisch die Frage, bis wohin zuruckgehend dies geschehen soll. Bei der Suche nach den fruhesten Kitsch-Vorlaufern wurden von Seiten der Forschung bisher vorwiegend Werke des 18. und 19. Jahrhunderts diskutiert. Eine Ausnahme hiervon ist Susan Sontags Ansatz, in Miguel de Cervantes Saavedras Don Quixote-Roman, der 1605 und 1615 in zwei Teilen veroffentlicht wurde, vor allem einen Angriff auf den literarischen Kitsch der ritterlichen Romanzen und somit eines der fruhesten Beispiele fur reflexiv applizierten Kitsch zu sehen.
Proof Without Words: Independent Sets in Grid graphs and Tilings of Aztec Diamonds

Summary. A visual proof that the number of independent sets in the grid graph P2n □ P2n equals the number of tilings of the Aztec diamond An with rectangles where at least one of the dimensions is one.
Interfacial behavior of water-in-salt electrolytes at porous electrodes and its effect on supercapacitor performance

Abstract Though Water-in-salt (WIS) electrolytes offer a wide potential window for energy storage device operation in aqueous conditions that can deliver high energy density, their high viscosity and low ionic conductivity certainly limits the rate performance of the devices. Herein, we present electrical double layer behavior and nature of transportation of WIS ions at different porous electrode interfaces using in situ Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The in situ Raman analysis shows that, in activated carbon electrodes (pore size > 30 nm), the WIS electrolyte ions diffuse into the pore network and charge/discharge potential dictates the ion dynamics at the interface. Whereas, these ions undergo adsorption phenomena on graphene electrodes (pore size
Towards safer bicyclist responses to the presence of a truck near an urban loading zone: Analysis of bicyclist perceived level of comfort

Abstract Introduction While sophisticated plans have been adopted nationally and globally to increase bicycling’s share of daily commutes, safety concerns have negatively impacted targeted bicycling growth. To investigate people’s preferences for bicycling in dense urban areas, it is important to recognize how bicycling perceived level of comfort (PLOC) is constructed and how it could relate to safe versus risky behavior while interacting with motorized modes of transportation. Method: To examine these issues, we analyzed results from an online survey with 342 participants. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to systematically investigate the construct of bicycling PLOC and simultaneously analyze bicyclists’ responses to the presence of a truck in the adjacent lane near an urban loading zone. Results: SEM estimation results indicated that participants who said that they engaged in more frequent distracted bicycling reported lower PLOC. On the other hand, those who felt that road users were more lawful and predictable, and who had more bicycling experience, reported higher levels of PLOC. Participants who bicycled for commuting purposes, who made shorter trips, who bicycled more frequently, and who had more exposure to downtown bicycling also reported higher levels of PLOC. Finally, findings showed that higher PLOC was significantly associated with the choice of a safe, rather than a risky response to the presence of a truck, suggesting that a way to improve bicyclist safety would be to build an environment that could increase bicyclists’ PLOC.
Worship in the Fourth Gospel: A Cultural Interpretation of John 14—17—Part II:

Typical readers interpret John 14—17 as a Farewell Address, and for good reason. But that hardly exhausts its contents, for the form of a farewell address simply misses all that Jesus has to say ab...
Salivary Bioscience in Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry

The development of biomarkers of psychiatric disease has been among the highest priorities in mental health research over the past century. The ideal biomarkers in this context would serve one of several purposes, such as (1) distinguish individuals with and without psychiatric disease, (2) provide evidence that treatments mitigate not only the behavioral symptoms of disorders but also the biological underpinnings, and (3) elucidate future risk for development of a disorder. To date, salivary markers have been used in each of these contexts. In this chapter, we summarize the history of the use of salivary biomarkers in research aimed at identifying, characterizing, and treating psychiatric disorders, such as mood and anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Finally, this chapter reviews the strengths and limitations of the knowledge gained to date and introduces how salivary bioscience can contribute to the next generation of research on the course, causes, and treatment for psychiatric disorders.
Synthesis and crystal structure of (2S,4aR,8aR)-6-oxo-2,4a,6,8a-tetra-hydro-pyrano[3,2-b]pyran-2-carboxamide.

The pyran­opyran amide (2S,4aR,8aR)-6-oxo-2,4a,6,8a-tetra­hydro­pyrano[3,2-b]pyran-2-carboxamide, C9H9NO4, 3, was prepared by a chemoselective hydration of the corresponding nitrile, 2, using a heterogeneous catalytic method based on copper(II) supported on mol­ecular sieves, in the presence of acetaldoxime. Compound 3 belongs to a new class of pyran­opyrans that possess anti­bacterial and phytotoxic activity. Crystallographic analysis of 3 shows a bent structure for the cis-fused bicyclic pyran­opyran, similar to nitrile 2. Evidence of an intra­molecular hydrogen bond involving the amide group and ring oxygen was not observed; however, two separate inter­molecular hydrogen-bonding inter­actions were observed between the amide hydrogen atoms and adjacent carbonyl oxygen atoms along the b- and a-axis directions. The latter inter­action may also be supported by an inter­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bond. The lattice is filled out by close-packed layers of this hydrogen-bonded network along the c-axis direction, related from one to the next by a 21 screw axis.
Effects of a read aloud intervention on first grade student vocabulary, listening comprehension, and language proficiency

We examine the effects of a read aloud replication intervention designed to improve the vocabulary, comprehension, and expository and narrative language outcomes of first grade students. Thirty-nine first-grade classrooms from 12 schools were randomly assigned to a treatment (n = 19) or comparison condition (n = 20). Teachers in the treatment condition implemented a 19-week set of read aloud lessons during whole-class read aloud time. Read alouds included the systematic use of narrative and expository texts, before-, during-, and after-reading components, the use of teacher-facilitated text-based discourse, and explicit comprehension instruction. Results indicated main effects of treatment on vocabulary knowledge. Exploratory findings indicated a significant interaction effect of treatment and recommended features of read aloud instruction on all outcomes. Specifically, students of teachers in the treatment condition who were rated higher on adhering to recommended features of read aloud instruction had better outcomes on vocabulary, comprehension, and language outcomes on expository and narrative text than treatment teachers who closely followed intervention materials without dynamically adjusting to student responses. We discuss these findings in the context of other read aloud studies, including a previous study that used the same intervention in a different setting and with a less diverse sample of students.
Epitaxial Metals for Interconnects Beyond Cu: Resistivity, Reliability

As the critical dimensions of interconnects are scaled towards and then below the mean free path of Cu (39 nm at room temperature), the resistivity is found to increase. The increase in resistivity, termed the resistivity size-effect, results in resistance increases beyond Ohm’s law of dimensional scaling and leads to large power consumption and limits improvements in computing performance.The resistivity size-effect in Cu is the result of electron scattering at grain boundaries and surfaces. Thus, for interconnects beyond Cu, epitaxial single crystal metals, absent of grain boundaries, have been investigated. Electrochemical deposition of epitaxial Co on an epitaxial Ru seed layer has provided proof-of-principle demonstration of room temperature deposition for potential implementation in BEOL technology. An electron transport model based on a tight-binding (TB) approach has been used to compute the conductivity of Ru lines. The TB based approach allows conductivity of structures comprising large ensembles of atoms (105-106) to be computed.
Viral suppression during COVID-19 among people with HIV experiencing homelessness in a low-barrier clinic-based program

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) threatens to further worsen HIV outcomes among people experiencing homelessness. We conducted an interrupted time-series analysis of care engagement and viral suppression among unhoused individuals in the 'POP-UP' low-barrier, high-intensity HIV primary care program during COVID-19. Among 85 patients, care engagement and viral suppression did not decrease in the 5 months following implementation of San Francisco's 'shelter-in-place' ordinance. Low-barrier, in-person HIV care for homeless individuals may be important for maintaining HIV outcomes during COVID-19.
Process intensification of CO2 capture by low-aqueous solvent

Abstract Low-energy solvent-based CO2 absorption processes have drawn attention as a next-generation post-combustion CO2 capture technology to reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuel– or biomass-fired power generation and industrial flue gas streams. A low-aqueous (or water-lean) solvent process may substantially reduce the thermal energy consumption for solvent regeneration. Low-aqueous solvent–based processes are thermally sensitive, requiring a delicate temperature control within the absorber because of the fast exothermic amine-CO2 reaction and low heat capacity organic diluent. This reaction may result in heat accumulation in a packed absorption column and undesirable CO2 desorption occurring as the solvent moves through the column, reducing the solvent’s CO2 capture efficiency if its temperature is not controlled. Using a 3D printed intensified packing device, enhanced heat and mass transfer were demonstrated in an amine-CO2 scrubbing process using low-aqueous solvent. The multifunctional intensified device facilitates contact of the reactive solvent and gas phases in a single stage and heat removal by a cooling fluid flowing through channels in the interior of the corrugated plates of the device. These functionalities led to effective thermal management along the column via intrastage cooling and significant improvement in CO2 uptake under a wide range of operating conditions. Intrastage cooling effectively reduced the solvent average temperature along the column by ~10 °C and, as a result, the solvent’s capture efficiency improved by up to 25%.
Abstract 4104: Obesity and colon cancer: Does time of exposure matter

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Purposes: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer in many epidemiology studies, while calorie restriction (CR) has shown protective effects on colon tumorigenesis in animal studies. This preclinical study was designed to investigate the long-term impacts of early exposure to high fat diet or CR diet on colon tumorigenesis. Methods: 50 three-week-old female C57/B6J mice were assigned into five groups: 1) control; 2) HF-control; 3) control-HF; 4) HF and 5) CR-control. Mice were initially placed on a control diet (10% kcal from fat), HF diet (45% kcal from fat), or 30% CR diet and fed ad libitum for nine weeks from the time of weaning and followed by a seven-week control diet. Azoxymethane was injected once a week for five weeks at a dose of 10 mg/kg beginning at 13 weeks of age. At 18 week-old, mice were placed on either a control diet or a HF diet. Mice were euthanized at 46 week-old and colons were collected to assess tumorigenesis. Results: After nine weeks of diet intervention, the percentage of body fat was higher in the mice on the HF diet (31.9%) and lower in those on the CR diet (18.4%), compared to mice on the control diet (20.0%, p=0.08). Mice on a CR diet in early life had lower body weights at the endpoint, compared to those on the control diet (p=0.03). Analysis of colon histopathology is ongoing as well as evaluation of apoptosis and proliferation. Conclusions: Early life exposure to calorie restriction has long-term impacts on body weight. Early life exposure to high fat diet may increase the risk of colon tumorigenesis. This model is currently being used to investigate the effects of early alterations in energy balance on colon cancer development and underlying molecular mechanisms. Citation Format: Jinyu Xu, Jennifer Thomas-Ahner, Samantha DeMarsh, Steven K. Clinton, Susan E. Olivo-Marston. Obesity and colon cancer: Does time of exposure matter. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4104. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4104
Evaluation of crack-arrest toughness through dynamic fracture analysis of large vessel tests

ABSTRACT Elastodynamic fracture analysis results are summarized for an experiment that relates to nuclear reactor pressure vessel integrity assessments under pressurized-thermal-shock (PTS) conditions. The experiment (PTSE-2) represents the second in a series of large PTS experiments at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and was designed to examine crack propagation and arrest in a material that exhibits low tearing resistance. Dynamic fracture analysis techniques are employed to interpret two cleavage crack run-arrest events observed in the test. Results from these analyses are compared with measured data and with results from a quasi-static analysis method.
Design of Cylindrical Concrete Water Tanks

A comprehensive procedure is presented for design of cylindrical concrete water tanks based on the theory of beams on elastic foundations. Temperature stresses are given careful consideration including variation of temperature through the tank wall. Analysis shows that there is considerable variation of temperature stresses over the tank. Hydrostatic and earthquake forces are also covered. Wind stresses that relate to tanks with varying height to diameter ratios are analyzed and design procedures are given. Charts are provided to facilitate solutions by desk calculator; these cover temperature stresses and varying types of end restraints to tank walls. Sample design calculations for a storage tank on spread footing are included.
Protein families and RNA recognition

This minireview series examines the structural principles underlying the biological function of RNA-binding proteins. The structural work of the last decade has elucidated the structures of essentially all the major RNA-binding protein families; it has also demonstrated how RNA recognition takes place. The ribosome structures have further integrated this knowledge into principles for the assembly of complex ribonucleoproteins. Structural and biochemical work has revealed unexpectedly that several RNA-binding proteins bind to other proteins in addition to RNA or instead of RNA. This tremendous increase in the structural knowledge has expanded not only our understanding of the RNA recognition principle, but has also provided new insight into the biological function of these proteins and has helped to design better experiments to understand their biological roles.
Genetic and Germ Plasm Stocks Worth Conserving

The relative costs and benefits of genetic stock collections and germ plasm collections are discussed. The status of national and international collections is compared with the needs of plant breeders and geneticists
Effects of dopamine on renal function in patients with cirrhosis.

The effects of dopamine on renal function were studied in 10 patients with cirrhosis and various degrees of impairment of renal function. Dopamine caused a consistent increase in effective renal plasma flow but little change in glomerular filtration rate or sodium and water excretion. The hemodynamic change is attributed to a direct effect on the renal vasculature, resulting in reduction in both preglomerular and postglomerular resistance. Unlike other drugs, dopamine partially corrects the renal hemodynamic disturbance in cirrhosis, although its role as a therapeutic agent is limited.
Processing of adenovirus 2-induced proteins

Analysis of (35)S-methionine-labeled extracts of adenovirus 2-infected KB cells revealed 22 virus-induced polypeptide components. Most proteins of the virion were easily detected in extracts of whole cells labeled for short periods between 15 and 30 h after infection; however, several virion components were conspicuously absent. Radioactivity appeared in two of these virion components during a chase in nonradioactive medium, and this appearance was paralleled by a decrease in the radioactivity associated with two nonvirion adenovirus-induced proteins, results which imply precursor-product relationships for these components. Comparison of one of the chasable adenovirus-induced components (designated P-VII; mass of 20,000 daltons) and the major core protein (VII; mass of 18,500 daltons) of the virion showed that they have four common methionine-containing tryptic peptides; P-VII has an additional methionine residue which is not found in the major core protein. We propose that at least two of the adenovirus 2 virion components are derived by the cleavage of higher molecular weight precursor polypeptides.
Localization of auditory evoked potentials related to selective intermodal attention

A long-standing question in attention research is the extent to which selection involves gates in the sensory stream and the extent to which they involve added secondary processes. Intermodal attention paradigms are useful for examining this issue since different modalities involve readily distinguished cortical regions. Evoked potential studies have identified an attention-related frontal negativity labeled the Nd in auditory attention studies. It has been suggested that it arises from modulation of the auditory cortex (compatible with gating mechanisms) or of the frontal cortex (compatible with secondary processes such as short-term memory buffers). Efforts to localize the Nd have been impaired by the finding that the Nd comprises multiple components. Some novel procedures utilizing principal components analysis, in conjunction with high-density 64-channel recordings, were used to address this issue. Results suggest that the major source of the early Nd (the portion of most interest) resides in the frontal cortex, supporting the secondary process view for this particular mechanism.
Effect of nanoparticle surface charge at the plasma membrane and beyond

Herein, we demonstrate that the surface charge of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) plays a critical role in modulating membrane potential of different malignant and nonmalignant cell types and subsequent downstream intracellular events. The findings presented here describe a novel mechanism for cell-nanoparticle interactions and AuNP uptake: modulation of membrane potential and its effect on intracellular events. These studies will help understand the biology of cell-nanoparticle interactions and facilitate the engineering of nanoparticles for specific intracellular targets.
Induction of base damage in dna solutions by ultrasonic cavitation

Ultrasound can damage macromolecules by the mechanical (shearing) and sonochemical (free radical generating) action of ultrasonic cavitation. Attributing macromolecular damage to either direct mechanical stress or to indirect mechanisms involving free radicals or other sonochemicals is a challenging problem. DNA damage induced by ultrasound was evaluated by measuring the formation of purine and pyrimidine products using combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with selected ion monitoring. Samples of DNA were prepared in 10 mmol dm-3 phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) and saturated with a mixture of argon:oxygen (3:1). Continuous 2.17 MHz ultrasound exposures at 0.82 mPa spatial peak negative pressure amplitude were performed in a 60 rpm rotating tube exposure system. Hydrogen peroxide yields were measured after each exposure to quantify the cavitation activity and ranged up to 350 mumol dm-3 for 1-h exposures. Purine and pyrimidine products identified were those typically observed following exposure of DNA to hydroxyl radical-generating systems, such as ionizing radiation, hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase, or hydrogen peroxide in the presence of transition metal ions. The yields of these products were directly correlated with cavitation activity as measured by residual hydrogen peroxide concentrations. The yields of DNA products increased in the following order: thymine glycol approximately cytosine glycol > 8-oxoAde > FAPyAde approximately 5-HMU approximately 5,6-diOHCyt > FAPyGua. Unexpectedly, 8-oxoguanine did not exhibit a dose-dependent increase above background levels, and this observation is inconsistent with processes involving metal ion-dependent formation of hydroxyl radicals from hydrogen peroxide. In addition, the product yields were far too large to result from the residual hydrogen peroxide. Thus, ultrasonic cavitation appears to have a mode of action distinct from either ionizing radiation or formation of hydroxyl radicals via Fenton-like reaction with transition metals.
Semiquantitative software SPECT analysis in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage-related vasospasm.

Background Cerebral vasospasm is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Patients are often monitored using transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) techniques. Historically SPECT has been evaluated qualitatively, though quantitative analysis software is now used to evaluate other cerebral pathologies. Objective Our aim was to evaluate the utility of semiquantitative SPECT using Hermes brain registration and analysis software (BRASS) relative to TCD ultrasound and qualitative SPECT interpretation within a cohort of patients, all with cerebral vasospasm as measured by digital subtraction angiography. Methods Retrospective analysis of 32 nonconsecutive patients, admitted for aneurysmal SAH examining perfusion deficits in terms of anterior, middle, and posterior vascular distributions using both TCD ultrasonography and brain perfusion SPECT studies. Results McNemar analysis of accuracy between modalities showed a better overall performance trend for qualitative SPECT versus BRASS SPECT (Fisher exact = 0.99) and a statistically significant better performance of qualitative SPECT versus TCD in measuring anterior cerebral artery vasospasm (Fisher exact = 0.035). BRASS SPECT, however, performed better than qualitative SPECT in diagnosing posterior circulation vasospasm (Fisher exact = 0.180 vs. 0.358) and had greater specificity in determining anterior circulation vasospasm (71 vs. 57%). Conclusion BRASS SPECT is a useful method for evaluating cerebral perfusion and needs further optimization, particularly as it pertains to establishing semiquantitative cerebral perfusion parameters. It can serve as an adjunct to traditional SPECT evaluation of SAH particularly in determining subtle changes in the perfusion of the anterior and posterior arterial distributions.