cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A expansão da Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus nos Estados Unidos

The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God is a Brazilian-based pentecostal denomination whose centralized institutional structure facilitates its global expansion. This aspect of the organization, in the context of religious transnationalism, means that the growth of the denomination beyond Brazil depends to a greater degree on the church as a transnational agent than on the forces of transnational migration. In the United States, the Universal Church stands out as a Brazilian church that has successfully translated its services, rituals and discourse for a varied hispanic population. Based on the analysis of census and spatially referenced data, this article discusses the Universal Church's strategy of church implantation in the US. The analysis indicates a strong tendency to locate churches in urban areas with large hispanic populations and in locations with high concentrations of hispanics. Mapping the expansion of the Universal Church, the article demonstrates a highly significant relation between church locations and the spatial distribution of hispanics. Keywords: Universal Church of Kingdom of God, religious transnationalism, spatially referenced data
Speaker verification based on combining speaker individuality parameter selection and decision

We propose a new framework to incorporate speaker individuality parameters, such as pitch, vocal tract length and speaking rate, into designing speaker recognition systems. Based on our preliminary observations, a single pitch parameter may be more powerful than a vector of cepstral features for discriminating some speakers. Previous efforts have focused on concatenating these speaker parameters to existing MFCC based feature vectors. In this study a procedure is proposed to compare the effectiveness of the available set of parameters. The chosen parameter is then used to perform speaker verification. We test the proposed framework on the TIMIT database. Based on an intuitive parameter selection procedure to choose between a single pitch and the conventional 39-dim MFCC vector in a separate validation set, we found that parameter selection errors was reduced from 70, when only the MFCC parameter vector was used, to 25, when both parameter sets were made available in the selection process. For those 79 speakers whose corresponding pitch-based system was preferred for speaker verification, the average equal error rate was reduced from 23.1% to 18.4%. This strategy can be extended to incorporating other speaker individuality parameters
Designing and parameterizing a workflow for optimization: A case study in biomedical imaging

This paper describes our experience to date employing the systematic mapping and optimization of large- scale scientific application workflows to current and future parallel platforms. The overall goal of the project is to integrate a set of system layers - application program, compiler, run-time environment, knowledge representation, optimization framework, and workflow manager - and through a systematic strategy for workflow mapping, our approach will exploit the vast machine resources available in such parallel platforms to dramatically increase the productivity of application programmers. In this paper, we describe the representation of a biomedical imaging application as a workflow, our early experiences in integrating the set of tools brought together for this project, and implications for future applications.
Culturally Responsive Instruction for English Language Learners With Learning Disabilities

This case study describes the culturally responsive instruction of one special education teacher with Latino English language learners (ELLs) with learning disabilities in an urban elementary school setting. This study was situated in a social constructivist research based framework. In investigating this instruction with ELLs, this study focused on how one teacher's knowledge of culturally responsive pedagogy affected her special education instruction. Findings resulted in three major themes that were aligned with the current literature in this area: Cultural Aspects of Teaching Reading, Culturally Relevant Skills-Based Instruction, and Collaborative Agency Time. The results indicated that the success of special education with ELLs at the elementary education level might be dependent on how well the special education teacher integrates culturally responsive instruction with ELLs' cultural and linguistic needs.
Changing epidemiology of neonatal septic arthritis.

Purpose. To study the changing epidemiological pattern of micro-organisms as an aetiology of septic arthritis, and to correlate the pattern with the outcome of neonatal septic arthritis, in terms of joint function and morphology. Methods. 15 consecutive cases of neonatal septic arthritis of hip admitted between 1999 and 2002 were studied. Diagnosis of septic arthritis was made on the basis of Morrey’s criteria. All patients were treated by arthrotomy after aspiration of purulent fluid from the joint. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 2.4 years. Clinical and radiological examinations were performed at follow-up. Results. The mean age of the 15 patients was 20.35 days. 13 (87%) patients had primary septic arthritis, while only 2 (13%) had associated osteomyelitis. Culture reports revealed that the spectrum consisted of 33% gram-negative organisms, 7% fungal, and only 20% gram-positive organisms—Staphylococcus aureus in 3 patients, Klebsiella in 2 patients, one each of Proteus, Candida, Escherichia coli, and Enterobactor. Six patients were pus-cell positive with negative culture. No organism was found in 6 (40%) cases. Investigations showed leukocytosis, raised C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in all 15 patients. 12 patients had normal clinical and radiological parameters at follow-up. Three patients had delayed surgical drainage of more than 72 hours due to late presentation, and showed various radiological sequelae with terminal restriction of joint movements. Conclusion. There are more cases of primary septic arthritis than secondary septic arthritis. Clinicians should be alert of the aetiology shift to gram-negative organisms, in addition to fungal and gram-positive ones. Arthrotomy to drain pus from the joint should not be delayed. Better long-term results can be achieved by early surgical drainage and immediate antibiotic coverage.
Probing structurally altered and aggregated states of therapeutically relevant proteins using GroEL coupled to bio‐layer interferometry

The ability of a GroEL-based bio-layer interferometry (BLI) assay to detect structurally altered and/or aggregated species of pharmaceutically relevant proteins is demonstrated. Assay development included optimizing biotinylated-GroEL immobilization to streptavidin biosensors, combined with biophysical and activity measurements showing native and biotinylated GroEL are both stable and active. First, acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1) was incubated under conditions known to promote (40°C) and inhibit (heparin addition) molten globule formation. Heat exposed (40°C) FGF-1 exhibited binding to GroEL-biosensors, which was significantly diminished in the presence of heparin. Second, a polyclonal human IgG solution containing 6-8% non-native dimer showed an increase in higher molecular weight aggregates upon heating by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The poly IgG solution displayed binding to GroEL-biosensors initially with progressively increased binding upon heating. Enriched preparations of the IgG dimers or monomers showed significant binding to GroEL-biosensors. Finally, a thermally treated IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) solution also demonstrated increased GroEL-biosensor binding, but with different kinetics. The bound complexes could be partially to fully dissociated after ATP addition (i.e., specific GroEL binding) depending on the protein, environmental stress, and the assay's experimental conditions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of GroEL-mAb complexes, released from the biosensor, also confirmed interaction of bound complexes at the GroEL binding site with heat-stressed mAb. Results indicate that the GroEL-biosensor-BLI method can detect conformationally altered and/or early aggregation states of proteins, and may potentially be useful as a rapid, stability-indicating biosensor assay for monitoring the structural integrity and physical stability of therapeutic protein candidates.
Beam in gap measurements at the SNS front-end

The pulsed beam in the SNS accelerator has a fine time structure which consists of 695 ns long mini-pulses separated by 250 ns gaps in order to minimize transient beam losses in the accumulator ring which could arise during the ring extraction kicker rise time. This time structure is provided by a two stage Front End chopping system which must reduce the beam current in the gap to a level of 10/sup -4/ of the nominal current in order to satisfy requirements on the ring extraction losses. A Beam-in-Gap measuring system based on H/sup -/ stripping using Nd-YAG laser was developed and tested during the SNS Front-End commissioning period. This paper describes the Beam-in-Gap measurement system design and measured performance.
Genome-scale modelling of microbial metabolism with temporal and spatial resolution

Most natural microbial systems have evolved to function in environments with temporal and spatial variations. A major limitation to understanding such complex systems is the lack of mathematical modelling frameworks that connect the genomes of individual species and temporal and spatial variations in the environment to system behaviour. The goal of this review is to introduce the emerging field of spatiotemporal metabolic modelling based on genome-scale reconstructions of microbial metabolism. The extension of flux balance analysis (FBA) to account for both temporal and spatial variations in the environment is termed spatiotemporal FBA (SFBA). Following a brief overview of FBA and its established dynamic extension, the SFBA problem is introduced and recent progress is described. Three case studies are reviewed to illustrate the current state-of-the-art and possible future research directions are outlined. The author posits that SFBA is the next frontier for microbial metabolic modelling and a rapid increase in methods development and system applications is anticipated.
Binary insecticidal crystal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis, strain PS149B1: effects of individual protein components and mixtures in laboratory bioassays.

A family of novel binary insecticidal crystal proteins, with activity against western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, was identified from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner. A binary insecticidal crystal protein (bICP) from B. thuringiensis strain PS149B1 is composed of a 14-kDa protein (Cry34Ab1) and a 44-kDa protein (Cry35Ab1). These proteins have been co-expressed in transgenic maize plants, Zea mays L., and effectively control western corn rootworm larvae under field conditions. Laboratory experiments were conducted to better understand the contribution of each component protein to the in vivo activity of the bICP. The 14-kDa protein is active alone against southern corn rootworm, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber, and was synergized by the 44-kDa protein. In mixtures, the concentration of the 14-kDa protein had a greater impact on efficacy than the 44-kDa component. Although both proteins are clearly required for maximal insecticidal activity, laboratory results did not support the formation of a stable, fixed-ratio complex of the two component proteins.
Religion, Race/Ethnicity, and Norms of Intergenerational Assistance among Older Adults

Using data on adults ages 55 and over from the second wave of the National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH-2), this study models the main and interactive effects of religious involvement and race/ethnicity on four items of attitudes towards intergenerational assistance. Results indicate that African Americans and Hispanics tend to express stronger support for intergenerational assistance than non-Hispanic Whites. Conservative Protestants, Mormons, and Catholics are more likely than others to believe that adult children should offer co-residence to their aging parents. In addition, theological conservatism is positively associated with support for each type of intergenerational aid, and the net effect of theological conservatism is stronger for African Americans than for non-Hispanic Whites. However, religious attendance is statistically unrelated to norms of intergenerational assistance. It is concluded that religious factors are important in shaping norms of intergenerational support, particularly within minority communities.
Direct Buried Transformer Thermal Evaluation

The thermal characteristics of buried heat sources (transformers) are analyzed and evaluated. Important parameters of the soil environment are discussed. The theoretical analysis is correlated with field test data in a variety of environments. Loadability characteristics of direct-buried transformers are presented along with an analysis of ways and means of increasing loadability.
Scientific Surveys Based on Incomplete Sampling Frames and High Rates of Nonresponse

Traditional methods of survey research that rely on Neyman’s probability-based sampling paradigm are grounded in a number of fundamental assumptions that are becoming exceedingly difficult to attain in today’s survey research environment. On the one hand, common methods of sampling are subject to coverage issues that may not be fully ameliorated through post-survey weighting adjustments. On the other, response rates continue to deteriorate for all surveys, even when resource-intensive refusal conversion strategies are employed. Add in the growing need for cost containments and it is no wonder why alternative sampling methods are gaining popularity. The authors will review a number of practices that are currently used for developing inferences from samples that do not fully adhere to the statistical machinery that is currently available for probability-based sample surveys. Moreover, a robust weighting methodology will be introduced that can reduce the inherent biases associated with non-probability samples, as well as probability-based sample surveys that suffer from incomplete frames and high rates of nonresponse. The efficacy of the proposed methodology is assessed in light of comparisons of survey estimates to external benchmarks, relying on parallel surveys that were conducted in two states using both probability-based and non-probability samples.
Role of learning potential in cognitive remediation: Construct and predictive validity

Abstract Background The construct, convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity of Learning Potential (LP) was evaluated in a trial of cognitive remediation for adults with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. LP utilizes a dynamic assessment approach to prospectively estimate an individual's learning capacity if provided the opportunity for specific related learning. Methods LP was assessed in 75 participants at study entry, of whom 41 completed an eight-week cognitive remediation (CR) intervention, and 22 received treatment-as-usual (TAU). LP was assessed in a “test-train-test” verbal learning paradigm. Incremental predictive validity was assessed as the degree to which LP predicted memory skill acquisition above and beyond prediction by static verbal learning ability. Results Examination of construct validity confirmed that LP scores reflected use of trained semantic clustering strategy. LP scores correlated with executive functioning and education history, but not other demographics or symptom severity. Following the eight-week active phase, TAU evidenced little substantial change in skill acquisition outcomes, which related to static baseline verbal learning ability but not LP. For the CR group, LP significantly predicted skill acquisition in domains of verbal and visuospatial memory, but not auditory working memory. Furthermore, LP predicted skill acquisition incrementally beyond relevant background characteristics, symptoms, and neurocognitive abilities. Conclusions Results suggest that LP assessment can significantly improve prediction of specific skill acquisition with cognitive training, particularly for the domain assessed, and thereby may prove useful in individualization of treatment.
Bringing the Invisible to Light: Art as Places for Advocacy

The river scene above is close to my heart. Not just because I painted it, but because it represents one of my favorite childhood memories. The first thing my dad, brother, and I would do when we got to our favorite river was to kicknet for crayfish, especially hellgrammites (larval dobsonflies) to fish with. Those positive experiences helped me to pursue river advocacy in my high-school science classroom, specifically stream testing. Later, I was able to take several graduate level courses in stream ecology. I did a lot of kicknetting in them too. So I have a lot of responses to many of the ideas discussed in Tina Pagan’s chapter. In this response, however, the following ideas will be discussed: (1) my ambivalence in terms of the calls for educational reform, (2) the value of stream testing/river advocacy in public school classrooms, and (3) river advocacy, specifically in terms of the visual arts as a way of knowing.
Effect of pH and of Urea on Nitrofurantoin Activity

Summary and conclusions1. The apparent antibacterial activity of nitrofurantoin (pKa 7.2) against E. coli, S. aureus, and Pr. vulgaris is increased as the pH of the medium is lowered. 2. P. aeruginosa becomes susceptible to nitrofurantoin in the presence of 1% or more urea and in an acidic medium (pH 6). 3. Incorporation of 2% NH4Cl as a urinary acidifier in the diet of rats did not have a major effect on the nitrofurantoin concentrations attained in the urine or on the total amount of nitrofurantoin excreted. 4. The ingestion of a high protein diet by albino rats to increase urea excretion did not adversely affect the urinary concentration nor the total amount of nitrofurantoin excreted. S. Albino rats receiving 0.1% nitrofurantoin (about 10 × calculated human dose) and 2% NH4Cl in the diet for a 2-week period showed no evidence of crystalluria or kidney pathology.
Cognition Predicts Quality of Life Among Patients With End-Stage Liver Disease

Background Impaired cognitive functioning and poor quality of life (QoL) are both common among patients with end-stage liver disease; however, it is unclear how these are related. Objective This study examines how specific cognitive domains predict QoL among liver transplant candidates by replicating Stewart and colleagues' (2010) 3-factor model of cognitive functioning, and determining how variability in these cognitive domains predicts mental health and physical QoL. Methods The sample included 246 patients with end-stage liver disease who were candidates for liver transplant at a large, Midwestern health care center. Measures, including the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, Trail Making Test, Shipley Institute of Living Scale, Short-Form Health Survey-36 Version 2, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, comprised latent variables representing global intellectual functioning, psychomotor speed, and learning and memory functioning. Results Confirmatory factor analysis results indicate that the 3-factor solution model comprised of global intellectual functioning, psychomotor speed, and learning and memory functioning fit the data well. Addition of physical and mental health QoL latent factors resulted in a structural model also with good fit. Results related physical QoL to global intellectual functioning, and mental health QoL to global intellectual functioning and psychomotor functioning. Conclusions Findings elucidate a relationship between cognition and QoL and support the use of routine neuropsychological screening with end-stage liver disease patients, specifically examining the cognitive domains of global intellectual, psychomotor, and learning and memory functioning. Subsequently, screening results may inform implementation of targeted interventions to improve QoL.
Effect of the ETB receptor agonist, IRL-1620, on paclitaxel plasma pharmacokinetics of breast tumor rats

Endothelin (ET)-B receptors are expressed in human breast carcinoma. We previously demonstrated that intravenous administration of the ET(B) receptor agonist, IRL-1620, to tumor-bearing rats, increased blood perfusion and enhanced delivery of paclitaxel to breast tumor tissue. The present study was conducted to determine whether IRL-1620 alters the pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel. Breast tumor-bearing rats were given 0.3 ml/kg saline or 3 nmol/kg IRL-1620 by intravenous (iv) administration. Fifteen minutes after saline or IRL-1620, 40 microCi/rat 3H-Paclitaxel was administered iv and serial plasma samples were collected until 24 hrs. 3H-Paclitaxel radioactivity in the plasma samples was measured by liquid scintillation counting. Data were fit to a three-compartment model and pharmacokinetic parameters were generated using WinNonlin software. IRL-1620 did not produce any change in the plasma paclitaxel pharmacokinetics of tumor-bearing rats. The AUC(0-infinity) (9.43 +/- 3.18 microg-hr/ml), clearance (0.69 +/- 0.17 l/hr/kg), volume of distribution (10.31 +/- 4.54 l/kg), and half-life (1.0 +/- 0.32 hrs) of paclitaxel were similar between rats treated with saline or IRL-1620. In conclusion, the ET(B) receptor agonist, IRL-1620, does not alter paclitaxel plasma pharmacokinetics and, therefore, could be used to augment the delivery of paclitaxel to the tumor tissue.
Fluorescent Nanoconjugate Derivatives with Enhanced Photostability for Single Molecule Imaging

Fluorescence-based imaging techniques critically rely on bright and photostable probes for precise detection of biological molecules. Recently, a new class of multichromophoric probes based on fluorescent dendrimer nanoconjugates (FDNs) was developed for single molecule fluorescence microscopy (SMFM). FDNs are generated by covalent conjugation of multiple fluorescent dyes onto macromolecular polymeric scaffolds and show marked increases in brightness and long-term photostability relative to their single organic dye constituents. Multichromophoric probes, however, are generally known to suffer from transient fluorescence emission intensities and long excursions into dark states. To overcome these issues, photostabilizers can be added to bulk solution, though some small molecule additives may exhibit poor aqueous solubility or biological toxicity. In this work, we develop enhanced FDN derivatives by covalently linking a redox-active photostabilizer (Trolox) directly onto FDN molecular scaffolds. In one appr...
Chorionepithelioma: A study of thirteen cases

Abstract We believe that early diagnosis of chorionepithelioma can be made only by constantly keeping the diagnosis in mind. Of what significance is the biologic test in diagnosis? Any patient showing a positive biologic test for the luteinizing hormone four weeks after delivery of a full-term pregnancy or following an abortion, or, in whom the test remains positive for six weeks or longer following the passage of a mole presents strong evidence of an existing chorionepithelioma. While we have come to rely upon the reaction of the Aschheim-Zondek test, this test, plus clinical judgment, the evaluation of a complete history and microscopic appearance of the curettings should be used collectively rather than any one single criterion diagnosing the disease. Particularly significant is clinical judgment in evaluating the patient whose Aschheim-Zondek reaction becomes positive due to subsequent pregnancy. What is the treatment of chorionepithelioma and what is the best way to treat this disease? On the basis of our report and of previous reports, we feel, at the present time, that these patients, if operable, are best treated surgically by the performance of a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Of what value is irradiation in the treatment of chorionepithelioma? We feel that, if diagnosis is made early enough to treat adequately these patients, surgery is the one treatment which will uniformly give satisfactory results. However, in the presence of metastases, the disease is best treated, and then probably only palliatively, by irradiation of the primary site and of the metastatic area, rather than by removal of the primary lesion in the hope that secondary metastases will disappear. The indications for surgery in this group should be limited to patients where continued and potentially fatal hemorrhage is present, as described by Wilson. Frequent subsequent checks on operated patients' urine for gonadotropic substance should be carried out at monthly intervals during the first postoperative year, and once every two months during the second year. Where circumstances permit, it would be desirable to check these patients clinically and biologically at least twice yearly throughout life. Routine roentgenographic examination of the chest and neurologic examination are indicated prior to operation in all patients suspected of having chorionepithelioma.
Hierarchical management of demand response events with on/off loads

A suboptimal hierarchical approach for the management of demand response events (DRE) is proposed. We introduce a DRE model that explicitly accounts for on/off loads and leverages the inherent storage capacity of thermal loads provided by their inertia. Our approach can compute in a tractable time a feasible suboptimal solution to the DRE management problem, while user privacy is preserved. We present an MPC implementation of our approach and show the performance of our strategy in different DRE simulation scenarios.
Young adults with severe intellectual disability: Culture, parent, and sibling impact

ABSTRACTBackground Having a child with intellectual disability impacts all family members, with both parents and siblings having to adjust. Negative impact on the typically developing sibling, specifically, has been shown to vary based on caregiving responsibilities and mothers’ stress level.Method This study gathered information from 238 Latina and Anglo mothers of young adults with intellectual disability to explore sibling negative impact related to maternal stress, positive feelings about parenting, sibling diagnostic category, and cultural group.Results Mothers experiencing more stress reported higher levels of sibling impact; mothers with more positive feelings about parenting reported lower levels of negative impact, with Latina mothers reporting higher levels of stress and positive feelings about parenting. Anglo mothers, however, were less likely to designate a sibling as a future caregiver.Conclusions These findings suggest culture and diagnostic classification should be given more attention rel...
Fabrication of Pillar-structured thermal neutron detectors

Pillar detector is an innovative solid state device structure that leverages advanced semiconductor fabrication technology to produce a device for thermal neutron detection. State-of-the-art thermal neutron detectors have shortcomings in achieving simultaneously high efficiency, low operating voltage while maintaining adequate fieldability performance. By using a 3-dimensional silicon PIN diode pillar array filled with isotopic boron 10, (10B) a high efficiency device is theoretically possible. The fabricated pillar structures reported in this work are composed of 2 mum diameter silicon pillars with a 4 mum pitch and pillar heights of 6 and 12 mum. The pillar detector with a 12 mum height achieved a thermal neutron detection efficiency of 7.3% at 2 V.
Service address routing: a network architecture for tightly coupled distributed computing systems

A novel interconnection network architecture is proposed for integrating tightly coupled distributed systems. It allows the implementation of service address routing (SAR): network communications between components are based on the "name" of requested services. It is a client server communications model, and includes the traditional physical addressing schemes. This enhanced network architecture registers the capabilities of the components attached to its ports and directs service requests to appropriate server nodes. The network can perform resource allocation by placing services in nodes that can support them. Load distribution can be achieved by binding requests to adequate servers with enough free resources. Furthermore, SAR effects a simple, yet efficient and transparent resource discovery mechanism by means of a distributed content addressable search at each network port. When migration of services is allowed SAR permits the network to realize more resource management functions, such as load balancing, normally ascribed to higher level SSI distributed operating systems.
Breathing material: Cassils and Xandra Ibarra in Los Angeles 2 April 2016, The Broad, Los Angeles

Xandra Ibarra’s Nude Laughing and Cassils’ The Powers that Be, the two live performances staged on April 2nd as part of the Broad Museum in Los Angeles’s The Tip of Her Tongue feminist performance-...
Examining the Influence of Positionality in Evaluating Collaborative Progress in Natural Resource Management: Reflections of an Academic and a Practitioner

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we present a reflexive examination of how and why we, an academic and a practitioner, arrive at different evaluations of collaborative progress in natural resource management. We situate this examination in our long-standing involvement in designing, adaptively managing, and participating in the Uncompahgre Plateau collaborative forest restoration project in western Colorado, USA. Drawing on the concept of “positionality” in qualitative social science research, we disclose our respective motivations, assumptions, roles, and power relative to the collaborative process. The differences in evaluating collaborative progress stem from our respective professional positionality. For the academic, the guiding interest was to test theory and promote success for his applied research institute; for the practitioner, the motivation was to build trust to allow her field staff the flexibility to implement management actions and demonstrate effectiveness as an agency line officer. These epistemolo...
A proposed method for electronic feedback compensation of damping in ferromagnetic resonance

Abstract We propose an experimental technique for extending feedback compensation of dissipative radiation used in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to encompass ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). This method uses a balanced microwave power detector whose output is phase shifted π / 2 , amplified, and fed back to drive precession. Using classical control theory, we predict an electronically controllable narrowing of field swept FMR line-widths. This technique is predicted to compensate other sources of spin dissipation in addition to radiative loss.
Development and validation of an instrument to assess student attitudes toward science across grades 5 through 10

The aim of the present study is to enable future studies into students’ attitudes toward science, and related constructs, by developing and validating an instrument suitable for cross-sectional designs. Following a thorough review of the literature it was determined that many extant instruments included design aspects that appeared to be limited in some way. The BRAINS (Behaviors, Related Attitudes, and Intentions toward Science) Survey was designed to address core criticisms that have been leveled against many existing instruments. BRAINS was rooted in a theoretical framework drawn from the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior (TRAPB). Initial development involved review by an expert panel, adaptation for online delivery and a pilot on this platform. To establish the psychometric validity of the 59-item instrument it was administered to a representative, random sample of 1,291 Illinois students in grades 5 through 10. Confirmatory factor analysis and subsequent refinement yielded a 30-item instrument with five factors and a good statistical fit including a RMSEA of 0.04 and a CFI of 0.95. The five factors, or constructs, of the final instrument model reflect the underlying TRAPB framework: attitudes toward science, behavioral beliefs about science, intentions to engage in science, normative beliefs, and control beliefs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 55: 172–205, 2018
Kras mutation is a marker of worse oncologic outcomes after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of colorectal liver metastases.

// Waleed Shady 1 , Elena N. Petre 1 , Efsevia Vakiani 2 , Etay Ziv 1 , Mithat Gonen 3 , Karen T. Brown 1 , Nancy E. Kemeny 4 , Stephen B. Solomon 1 , David B. Solit 4 and Constantinos T. Sofocleous 1 1 Section of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA 2 Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA 3 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA 4 Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA Correspondence to: Constantinos T. Sofocleous, email: sofoclec@mskcc.org Keywords: percutaneous radiofrequency ablation, colorectal liver metastases, Kras mutation, oncologic outcomes Received: December 14, 2016 Accepted: April 19, 2017 Published: August 02, 2017 ABSTRACT Background: Kras mutation has been associated with shorter overall survival and time to disease recurrence after resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM). This study evaluated the prognostic value of Kras mutation in patients with CLM treated by percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods: This is an IRB waived retrospective analysis of the impact of KRAS mutation status on oncologic outcomes after CLM RFA. The endpoints were overall survival (OS), local tumor progression (LTP) rates, and incidence of new liver, lung, and peritoneal metastases. Survival times were calculated using Kaplan-Meier methodology from the time of RFA. Results: The study enrolled 97 patients. Kras exon 2 mutation was detected in 39% (38/97) of patients. On univariate analysis, Kras mutation (P=0.016) (HR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1 – 2.9) was a significant predictor of OS and retained significance on multivariate analysis. Kras mutation was a significant predictor of new liver metastases (P=0.037) (SHR: 2.0; CI: 1.0-3.7) and peritoneal metastases (P=0.015) (sHR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.2-7.2) on multivariate analysis. Kras mutation was a significant predictor of LTP after RFA of CLM ablated with margins of 1-5 mm (P=0.018) (SHR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.2-7.7) with an LTP rate of 80% (12/15) versus 41% (11/27) for wild type. Conclusion: Kras mutation is a significant predictor of overall survival, new liver, and peritoneal metastases after RFA of CLM. A minimal radiographic ablation margin ≥ 6 mm is essential for local tumor control especially for mutant CLM.
Struktur der Kristalle

Man mochte erwarten, das Kristalle, die nur aus einer Art von Bausteinen aufgebaut sind, die einfachste Struktur haben. Das ist aber bei weitem nicht der Fall, denn der Aufbau der Elemente ist auf wenigstens 5 Gittertypen und zwar das hexagonale, kubische, orthogonale, rhombische und tetragonale System verteilt. Allerdings etwa 75% entfallen auf das hexagonale und kubische System (Abb. 9–11). Vor allem ist die dichteste Kugelpackung sehr haufig vertreten, in der sich jedes Atom mit einer moglichst grosen Anzahl von Nachbarn umgibt, und dadurch die hochste Koordinationszahl 12 hat. Diese Struktur ist durch rein geometrische Verhaltnisse gegeben. Sie entspricht der Anordnung von starren Kugeln. Aber merkwurdigerweise sind es zwei Typen der dichtesten Kugelpackung: die hexagonale und die kubisch flachenzentrierte. Beide Gitter unterscheiden sich nur dadurch, das im kubischen Gitter (α in Abb. 12) die Atome in den A- und C-Ebenen, die senkrecht zur Raumdiagonale liegen, zentrisch-symmetrisch und in dem hexagonalen (β) spiegelsymmetrisch sind.
Credibility or Credulity? Examining Political Organization-Public Relationships in an Election of Interloping Candidates

ABSTRACTThis national online survey (N = 493) examined the political organization-public relationship (POPR) that voters perceived with their own political party and their opposing political party, as well as voters’ assessment of the credibility of candidates running for president during the primary season of the 2016 election. Results indicated that although credibility assessment of one’s own party’s candidate was much as expected, POPR with the Democratic Party was generally stronger than that with the Republican Party. Data showed no evidence that a poor POPR with one’s own party would drive voters to support interloper candidates. We conclude by reflecting on the importance of POPR with the opposing party and what weak relationships may mean for parties in the long term.
Voltage-Gating Mechanisms of Connexin Channels

Channels formed by the connexin family of proteins display multiple forms of voltage dependence that have different sensitivities and time courses. Intercellular (junctional) channels are sensitive to two orientations of applied voltage: inside-out or transmembrane voltage (Vi-o or Vm), and transjunctional voltage (Vj). At least two voltage-gating mechanisms operate in both intercellular channels and in unapposed hemichannels. The Vj or fast-gating mechanism is sensitive to Vj. The loop or slow-gating mechanism is also sensitive to Vj and may also be sensitive to Vi–o/Vm and to channel closure by chemical agents. Both types of voltage-gating are intrinsic to hemichannels; in an intercellular channel, each apposed hemichannel contains separate gating structures arranged in series. The molecular determinants and the mechanism of polarity determination of Vj/fast-gating have been studied extensively for homomeric Cx26 and Cx32 hemichannels. These studies have shown that difference in gating polarity of Cx26 and Cx32 hemichannels results from a difference in the charge of the second amino acid residue. The voltage polarity to which Cx32 hemichannels close can be reversed by negative charge substitutions up to the tenth but not the eleventh residue. This has led to a structural model in which the first ten amino acid residues of the amino-terminal domain form the entry of the channel pore by virtue of a turn initiated by the flexibility of a glycine residue at the twelveth position. This model is supported by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-derived structures of a peptide of the amino-terminal domain of Cx26 and permeation studies demonstrating that charged residues in the amino-terminal domain are determinants of unitary conductance and contribute to the rectification of current through the open channel. Initially, it was proposed that the inward movement of the charges in the amino-terminal domain initiates Vj/fast-gating. This view was complicated by the discovery of homomeric channels that display bipolar Vj/fast-gating, leading to the possibility that the voltage sensor functions as a center-open toggle switch. The subsequent conformational changes that result in channel closure to a substate may involve the actions of a proline kink in the second transmembrane domain, an interaction between the cytoplasmic loop and carboxyl-terminal domain, or could result from the movement of the amino-terminal domain as a gating particle. Less is known about the molecular determinants and mechanisms of loop/slow-gating. The process is mechanistically distinct from Vj/fast-gating, in at least its initiation. The two processes may share structural elements, although it is unlikely that the conformational changes with gating will be identical.
Bertrand Russell in His Nineties: Aging and the Problem of Biography

Bertrand Russell, one of the twentieth century's leading philosophers, lived to be ninety-eight, spending his last decade as a vigorous and often unpopular political activist. His generally sympathetic biographers tend to view this last decade through the prism of “senility,” but the only justification for this judgment would appear to be the objective fact of Russell's age. Almost identical behaviors from his younger years are never attributed to mental shortcomings. The treatment of Russell suggests that biographers are susceptible to powerful, distorting, and fictive predispositions as they “shape” their subjects' later years.
Peritoneal Dialysis is Feasible as a Bridge to Combined Liver-Kidney Transplant:

Patients with combined liver and kidney failure may remain on dialysis for years while awaiting simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (SLKT). The role of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in patients with advanced liver and kidney failure awaiting SLKT remains to be defined. We present our single-institution experience with PD in cirrhotics, 3 of whom went on to receive successful SLKT. Patients initiated in our PD program between 2006 and 2016 who had both liver and kidney failure were identified. Medical and dialysis records were reviewed retrospectively. Outcomes included mortality, transplantation status, hospitalizations, need for large-volume paracentesis (LVP), peritonitis rates, PD treatment longevity, and albumin level. Twelve patients with combined liver and kidney failure were treated in our PD program. No patients died and 3 patients received SLKT. Four patients remain listed for transplantation. There was no need for LVP after initiating dialysis. The rate of peritonitis was 0.2 events per patient per year, most commonly due to coagulase-negative Staphylococcus Our data illustrate that PD is a viable bridging therapy for patients with liver and kidney failure who await SLKT.
With or Without Spirit: Implications for Scholarship and Leadership

This is the first paper in the symposium Faith in Management Scholarship and Practice. In this role it lays out how a set of naturalistic and materialistic assumptions can be limiting for scholarsh...
A Young Man With Hemoptysis and Cavitary Lung Lesions.

Case Presentation A man in his 20s presented with 2 months of mild fatigue and intermittent hemoptysis of less than a tablespoon per episode. He was previously healthy and was on no medications. He denied fevers, night sweats, weight loss, wheezing, dyspnea, musculoskeletal symptoms, and rashes. He had emigrated from a South American country to the United States 3 years earlier. He worked as a groundskeeper but had no exposures to animals, mold, or dusts. He reported rare prior cigarette smoking with no history of alcohol or drug use. He was unsure whether he had received the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine.
The effect of physical activity interventions on youth with autism spectrum disorder: A meta-analysis.

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the effect of physical activity interventions on youth diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Standard meta-analytical procedures determining inclusion criteria, literature searches in electronic databases, coding procedures, and statistical methods were used to identify and synthesize articles retained for analysis. Hedge's g (1988) was utilized to interpret effect sizes and quantify research findings. Moderator and outcome variables were assessed using coding procedures. A total of 29 studies with 30 independent samples (N = 1009) were utilized in this analysis. Results from meta-analyses indicated an overall moderate effect (g = 0.62). Several outcomes indicated moderate-to-large effects (g ≥ 0.5); specifically, moderate to large positive effects were revealed for participants exposed to interventions targeting the development of manipulative skills, locomotor skills, skill-related fitness, social functioning, and muscular strength and endurance. Moderator analyses were conducted to explain variance between groups; environment was the only subgrouping variable (intervention characteristics) to produce a significant difference (QB = 5.67, P < 0.05) between moderators. While no significant differences were found between other moderators, several trends were apparent within groups in which experimental groups outperformed control groups. Autism Res 2018, 11: 818-833. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY Results of the meta-analysis-a method for synthesizing research-showed physical activity interventions to have a moderate or large effect on a variety of outcomes, including for the development of manipulative skills, locomotor skills, skill-related fitness, social functioning, and muscular strength and endurance. The authors conclude that physical activity's standing as an evidence-based strategy for youth with ASD is reinforced.
Patient Navigation to Improve Cancer Screening in Underserved Populations: Reported Experiences, Opportunities, and Challenges.

Abstract Our goal is to define patient navigation for an imaging audience, present a focused selection of published experiences with navigation programs for breast and colorectal cancer screening, and expose principal barriers to the success of such programs. Despite numerous advances in the early detection of cancers, many patients still present with advanced disease. A disproportionate number are low-income minority patients who experience worse health outcomes than their white or more financially stable counterparts. Patient navigation, which aims to assist the medically underserved by overcoming specific barriers to care, may represent one solution to narrowing disparities. Related research suggests that in general, patient navigation programs that have addressed breast or colorectal cancer screening have been successful in improving screening rates and timeliness of follow-up care. However, although beneficial, navigation is expensive and may present an unmanageable financial burden for many health care centers. To overcome this challenge, navigation efforts will likely need to target those patients that are most likely to benefit. Further research to identify such patients will be critically important for improving the sustainability of navigation programs, and, in turn, for realizing the benefits of such programs in reducing cancer disparities.
Effects of 5-bromodeoxyuridine on rat embryo cell cultures.

Maxillary and mandibular tooth germs from 16-day old Wistar/Furth rat embryos were enzymically separated into epithelium and mesenchyme. The two germ layers were grownin-vitro separately as cell monolayers, and treated with 10 μg/ml of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) for 24 h. The epithelioid cell monolayers adapted poorly toin-vitro conditions. The mesenchymal cells proliferated regardless of BrdU treatment. Typical C-type virus particles were released from mesenchymal cell cultures as early as 2 days following BrdU removal. Approximately 85% of thymine sequences were initially replaced by bromouracil, and decreased to less than 20% 10 days later. Whole-cell RNA synthesis gradually diminished following BrdU treatment, unlike the production of poly (A)-containing early transcription products. These findings suggest highly specific interactions between the analog and macromolecular biosynthesis.
A Hybrid Transport-Diffusion Algorithm for Monte Carlo Radiation-Transport Simulations on Adaptive-Refinement Meshes in XY Geometry

Discrete Diffusion Monte Carlo (DDMC) is a technique for increasing the efficiency of Monte Carlo simulations in diffusive media. If standard Monte Carlo is employed in such a regime, particle hist...
Body Temperature Elevation Per Se Induces the Late Phase Syndrome

In conscious guinea pigs, the rise in core temperature (Tc) induced by intraperitoneal heating was followed by a decrease to below its initial level when the heating was ended. The magnitude and duration of this decrease depended on the extent and duration of the hyperthermia. When a substantial Tc decrease occurred, it was preceded by the reversal of the hyperthermia-associated ear skin vasodilation to a vasoconstriction, despite high values of Tc and continued heating. “Hyperthermia-induced hypothermia” was accompanied by sleep-like behavior, enhanced lability of Tc, and decreased responsiveness of ear skin vasomotion to changes in Tc. These features resemble the “late phase syndrome”, i.e., the thermoregulatory changes characteristic of the late phase of fever.