cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integration of Natural Language in Developing the Inference Mechanism Provides Powerful Benefits for Engineering Applications

This article discusses reasons for using a human model and natural language processing in developing the inference mechanism of expert systems. It brings out the importance for developing this technology with engineering applications. A particular focus is on evolving this systems architecture with attention to specific computer programming design features.
Modulation of K-Cl cotransport in volume-clamped low-K sheep erythrocytes by pH, magnesium, and ATP

Cellular pH, ionized Mg (Mgi2+), and MgATP concentration of red blood cells, concomitantly with cell volume, change transiently during circulation. The action of these three effectors on Cl-dependent K efflux was examined in low-K sheep red blood cells with constant cell volume. Activation of K-Cl efflux by Mgi2+ extraction required ATP, suggesting that phosphorylation of a putative component occurred before Mgi2+ extraction. Conversely, Mg and ATP were synergistic inhibitors of K-Cl cotransport, since maximal inhibition was observed only in cells containing both ATP and > 300 microM Mgi2+. Both findings suggest dual roles for Mg and ATP. At 300-600 microM Mgi2+, lowering the pH from approximately 7.4 to approximately 6.5 stimulated K-Cl efflux only in fed cells, suggesting that protons oppose or release the inhibition by Mgi2+ and ATP. A direct effect of both protons and Mgi2+ on the cotransporter is suggested by their inhibition of K-Cl efflux in ATP-depleted cells. These findings are discussed in light of the current phosphorylation/dephosphorylation hypothesis.
Evaluating predicted diurnal and semidiurnal tidal variations in polar motion with GPS-based observations

We evaluate models for the predicted diurnal and semidiurnal tidal variations in polar motion using observations based upon the Global Positioning System (GPS). The GPS-based observations are composed of 10 year continuous time series of polar motion estimates with 15 min temporal resolution. Predicted effects account for the contributions from ocean tide angular momentum and libration. We consider two models for the predicted ocean tide effects, both of which have their heritage with the so-called TPXO hydrodynamic models of the ocean tide heights and currents that assimilate satellite altimetry, for example, Egbert et al. (1994) and Egbert and Erofeeva (2002). When considering libration effects we use the model from Mathews and Bretagnon (2003). Of the models considered in this study, the best consistency with the GPS-based observations is achieved with predictions from the most recent (version 8) TPXO-based model for ocean tide effects together with the model for libration effects. This combination demonstrates closure of the budget between predicted and GPS-based observations at the level of less than 10, 2, and 5 µas in prograde diurnal, prograde semidiurnal, and retrograde semidiurnal tidal variations in polar motion, respectively. The observations also demonstrate inconsistency between the older TPXO-based model for ocean tide effects and the libration model, both of which are currently recommended by the International Earth Rotation Service.
Development of a Mycoplasma Mastitis Control Program in Louisiana1

Abstract This report describes the development and implementation of a statewide mycoplasma mastitis control program for Louisiana. Mycoplasma mastitis is a unique form of mastitis caused by several species of the genus Mycoplasma. The highly contagious nature of these infections coupled with difficulties in diagnosis and therapy often contributes to catastrophic herd outbreaks resulting in severe economic loss. Mycoplasma mastitis was first detected in Louisiana in September 2002. As a result of this initial outbreak and because of the potential for serious economic loss associated with this type of mastitis, all dairy farms in the state were screened for mycoplasma mastitis. This screening identified an additional 12 dairy farms (2.8%) as having Mycoplasma species in bulk tank milk. The statewide survey prompted a rapid and unique response from several diverse groups within the state to address the problem. As a result of these meetings, a program was designed with input from all groups involved to combat this threat. Monthly bulk milk analysis revealed Mycoplasma species in at least 1 bulk tank for 12 of the 20 mo tested. Twenty-four bulk milk samples were positive for mycoplasma over the course of the monthly portion of the program. In 2006 the program shifted to a quarterly samplingof bulk tanks. Results from 545 bulk tanks cultured revealed 3 bulk tanks positive for Mycoplasma species (0.05%) during 2006. The implementation of an education, monitoring, and control program combining monthly bulk tank culture with restrictions on sale of cattle from confirmed positive herds has reduced the incidence of this type of mastitis in Louisiana and heightened awareness and adoption of control measures.
Molecular Dynamics Modeling of PPTA Crystals in Aramid Fibers

Author(s): Mercer, Brian Scott | Advisor(s): Papadopoulos, Panayiotis | Abstract: In this work, molecular dynamics modeling is used to study the mechanical properties of PPTA crystallites, which are the fundamental microstructural building blocks of polymer aramid fibers such as Kevlar. Particular focus is given to constant strain rate axial loading simulations of PPTA crystallites, which is motivated by the rate-dependent mechanical properties observed in some experiments with aramid fibers. In order to accommodate the covalent bond rupture that occurs in loading a crystallite to failure, the reactive bond order force field ReaxFF is employed to conduct the simulations. Two major topics are addressed: The first is the general behavior of PPTA crystallites under strain rate loading. Constant strain rate loading simulations of crystalline PPTA reveal that the crystal failure strain increases with increasing strain rate, while the modulus is not affected by the strain rate. Increasing temperature lowers both the modulus and the failure strain. The simulations also identify the C--N bond connecting the aromatic rings as weakest primary bond along the backbone of the PPTA chain. The effect of chain-end defects on PPTA micromechanics is explored, and it is found that the presence of a chain-end defect transfers load to the adjacent chains in the hydrogen-bonded sheet in which the defect resides, but does not influence the behavior of any other chains in the crystal. Chain-end defects are found to lower the strength of the crystal when clustered together, inducing bond failure via stress concentrations arising from the load transfer to bonds in adjacent chains near the defect site. The second topic addressed is the nature of primary and secondary bond failure in crystalline PPTA. Failure of both types of bonds is found to be stochastic in nature and driven by thermal fluctuations of the bonds within the crystal. A model is proposed which uses reliability theory to model bonds under constant strain rate loading as components with time-dependent failure rate functions. The model is shown to work well for predicting the onset of primary backbone bond failure, as well as the onset of secondary bond failure via chain slippage for the case of isolated non-interacting chain-end defects.
Flood loss models for residential buildings, based on the 2013 Colorado floods

Flooding is the most costly natural hazard event worldwide and can severely impact communities, both through economic losses and social disruption. To predict and reduce the flood risk facing a community, a reliable model is needed to estimate the cost of repairing flood-damaged buildings. In this paper, we describe the development and assessment of two models for predicting direct economic losses for single-family residential buildings, based on the experience of the 2013 Boulder, Colorado riverine floods. The first model is based on regression analyses on empirical data from over 3000 residential building damage inspections conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This model enables a probabilistic assessment of loss (in terms of FEMA grants paid to homeowners for post-flood repairs) as a function of key building and flood hazard parameters, considering uncertainties in structural properties, building contents, and damage characteristics at a given flood depth. The second model is an assembly-based prediction of loss considering unit prices for damaged building components to predict mean repair costs borne by the homeowner, which is based on typical Boulder construction practices and local construction and material costs. Comparison of the two proposed models illustrates benefits that arise from each of the two approaches, while also serving to validate both models. These models can be used as predictive tools in the future, in Boulder and other US communities, due to adaptability of the model for other context, and similarities in home characteristics across the country. The assembly-based model quantifies the difference between the FEMA grants and true losses, providing a quantification of out-of-pocket homeowner expenses.
Competency-Based Education and Its Effect on Nursing Education: A Literature Review

Abstract An emerging trend in nursing education is competency-based education (CBE), which offers degree advancement at a significant time and cost savings. This educational trend may promote the attainment of the bachelor's degree in nursing science because it also allows students to progress at their own pace and has been well received by nursing students. Many associate degree graduates begin their career after graduation working full time and find returning to school difficult because of time and financial constraints. The push for nursing graduates from associate degree programs to continue their education continues to increase. The attainment of the bachelor's degree in nursing science is often needed for both personal attainment and career advancement. Critics of CBE state that this model of education does not allow authentic learning and is incompatible with liberal education. In addition, CBE offers significant challenges to both educators and college administrators. The purpose of this article is to explore this educational trend on nursing education through the perspectives of the student, faculty, and administration.
Ivermectin: a complimentary weapon against the spread of malaria?

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Ivermectin has transformed the treatment of parasitic diseases and led to incommensurable benefits to humans and animals. Ivermectin is effective in treating several neglected infectious diseases and recently it has been shown to reduce malaria parasite transmission.Areas covered: Malaria control strategies could benefit from the addition of ivermectin to interrupt the transmission cycle if it is a long lasting formulation or repeatedly administered. In turn, this will help also to control neglected infectious diseases where the elimination goal has been slower to achieve. Despite the relevance of using ivermectin for integrated and sustained disease control, there are still essential questions that remain to be addressed about safety and practicality. The efficacy in various malaria ecologies and the interaction between control tools, either drugs or insecticides, are also important to assess.Expert commentary: Overlapping distribution of several infectious diseases reveals the bene...
A fluid action with galilean electromagnetism

This article represents a study of energy transport in electrolytic bubbly flows. The work models the electrodynamics of linear isotropic materials using galilean electromagnetism which is reformulated in a modern geometric language. The paper expresses an action functional of galilean fluid electrodynamics and derives an energy flux based on Hamilton's principle. The article further provides an introduction to contemporary galilean relativity.
Outcome of Upfront Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma in African American Versus Non Non-African American Patients.

Introduction: Blacks in the United States are twice as likely to suffer from multiple myeloma as whites. Among African Americans, myeloma is one of the top 10 leading causes of cancer death. Although Multiple Myeloma seems to be more aggressive in African Americans, it is not known if they have worse outcome after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in comparison to Non African American. Method: We performed a retrospective analysis of 86 consecutive patients with Multiple Myeloma who underwent autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation between July 1991 and November 2004. Thirty two Patients were African American (37.21%) and fifty four patients were Non-African American (62.79%.). Conditioning regimen was Melphalan-200 in 57 patients and Melphalan140/TBI in 29 patients. No significant statistical differences were observed between African Americans and non African Americans prior to the transplant regarding gender, regimen used, immunoglobulin subtype, cytogenetics, stage, or disease status on univariate analysis. Results: There was no significant statistical difference in overall survival or event free survival between African American and non African American. However African American were observed to relapse significantly earlier than non African- American (p=0.0274). Despite the early relapse in African American, survival after relapse was longer for African American compared to non African American (p=0.060), however this result was only marginally significant. Conclusion: In this single institution experience, there was no difference in the OS or DFS after upfront autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for Multiple Myeloma in African American and non- African American patients. Although time to progression was significantly shorter in African American versus non African American, surprisingly this was not associated with shorter survival. Despite that these results are limited by the sample size; they are intriguing and need further testing in larger group of patients.
Dynamic structured illumination microscopy: Focused imaging and optical sectioning for moving objects

Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) is a valuable tool for three-dimensional microscopy and has numerous applications in bioscience. Its success has been limited to static objects, though, as three sequential image acquisitions are required per final processed, focused image. To overcome this problem we have developed a multicolored grid which when used in tandem with a color camera is capable of performing SIM with just a single exposure. Images and movies demonstrating optical sectioning of three-dimensional objects are presented, and results of applying color SIM for wide-field focused imaging are compared to those of SIM. From computer modeling and analytical calculations a theoretical estimate of the maximum observable object velocity in both the lateral and axial directions is available, implying that the new method will be capable of imaging a variety of live objects. Sample images of the technique applied to lens paper and a pigeon feather are included to show both advantages and disadvantages of CSIM.
Rapid Real-Time Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing with Electrical Sensing on Plastic Microchips with Printed Electrodes

Rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing is important for efficient and timely therapeutic decision making. Due to globally spread bacterial resistance, the efficacy of antibiotics is increasingly being impeded. Conventional antibiotic tests rely on bacterial culture, which is time-consuming and can lead to potentially inappropriate antibiotic prescription and up-front broad range of antibiotic use. There is an urgent need to develop point-of-care platform technologies to rapidly detect pathogens, identify the right antibiotics, and monitor mutations to help adjust therapy. Here, we report a biosensor for rapid (<90 min), real time, and label-free bacteria isolation from whole blood and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Target bacteria are captured on flexible plastic-based microchips with printed electrodes using antibodies (30 min), and its electrical response is monitored in the presence and absence of antibiotics over an hour of incubation time. We evaluated the microchip with Escherichia coli and ...
Theory of magnetoresistance of organic molecular tunnel junctions with nonmagnetic electrodes

Large room-temperature magnetoresistance observed for devices composed of self-assembled monolayers of different oligophenylene thiols sandwiched between gold contacts has recently been reported [Z. Xie, S. Shi, F. Liu, D. L. Smith, P. P. Ruden, and C. D. Frisbie, ACS Nano 10, 8571 (2016)10.1021/acsnano.6b03853]. The transport mechanism through the organic molecules was determined to be nonresonant tunneling. To explain this kind of magnetoresistance, we develop an analytical model based on the interaction of the tunneling charge carrier with an unpaired charge carrier populating a contact-molecule interface state. The Coulomb interaction between carriers causes the transmission coefficients to depend on their relative spin orientation. Singlet and triplet pairing of the tunneling and the interface carriers thus correspond to separate conduction channels with different transmission probabilities. Spin relaxation enabling transitions between the different channels, and therefore tending to maximize the tunneling current for a given applied bias, can be suppressed by relatively small magnetic fields, leading to large magnetoresistance. Our model elucidates how the Coulomb interaction gives rise to transmission probabilities that depend on spin and how an applied magnetic field can inhibit transitions between different spin configurations.
The Evolution of Spina Bifida Treatment Through a Biomedical Ethics Lens.

Spina bifida is a neurodevelopmental disorder that results in a broad range of disability. Over the last few decades, there have been significant advances in diagnosis and treatment of this condition, which have raised concerns regarding how clinicians prognosticate the extent of disability, determine quality of life, and use that information to make treatment recommendations. From the selective treatment of neonates in the 1970s, to the advent of maternal–fetal surgery today, the issues that have been raised surrounding spina bifida intervention invoke principles of medical bioethics such as beneficence and nonmaleficence, while also highlighting how quality of life judgments may drive care decisions. Such changes in treatment norms are also illustrative of how disability is viewed both within the medical community and by society at large. An examination of the changes in spina bifida treatment provides a model through which to understand how ethically complex decisions regarding care for children with disabilities has evolved, and the challenges faced when medical information is combined with value-based judgments to guide medical decision making.
Etiology, evaluation, and management of xerostomia

Xerostomia is defined as the complaint of oral dryness. It is a condition that primarily affects older adults and can have a significant negative effect on one's quality of life. Patients with xerostomia often do not have objective signs of hyposalivation. The underlying etiology of xerostomia includes a variety of systemic diseases and local factors. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive review of the differential diagnosis, evaluation, and management of xerostomia. Prompt diagnosis and management can alleviate the clinical manifestations of this debilitating condition.
Improving the Learning Experiences of First-Year Computer Science Students with Empathetic IDEs

Computer science has the highest dropout rate among undergraduate STEM degree programs. This is especially concerning, given that computer science-related jobs are projected to grow 12% in the next six years. One contributing factor is that media representations of computer science can lead underrepresented groups to perceive themselves as unfit for the discipline, and ultimately to drop out. To address this concern, I propose an empathetic IDE model that uses affective computing technologies to promote empathy among computer science students. A quasi-experimental research design will be used to evaluate the model's effectiveness in fostering a supportive community between instructors and students. By leveraging emotional learning process data as a form of constant feedback to both instructors and students, this research can gain new insights into how to improve learning environments for computer science students with or without affective computing technologies.
After the Solidarity and Consensus Debates: Habermas, Rorty and Fraser as Pragmatist Sources for Activist Dialogical Art

This paper poses a relationship between pragmatist understandings of intersubjective communication and long-term “dialogical art” practices promoting social change. Art historian Grant Kester contends that two dialogical art projects by Suzanne Lacy and Austrian Art collective WochenKlausur reflect Habermas’ theory of communicative action through which the “better argument” is universally validated. Kester simultaneously acknowledges such projects inculcate non-competitive modes of intersubjective exchange that appear contrary to Habermas. I look at the “philosophical narrative” debates between Richard Rorty and Habermas to suggest that Rorty’s eschewal of Habermasian rationalization in favor of affective modes of contingent solidarity, taken with Nancy Fraser’s understanding of enmeshed public/private discourse in the context of feminist counterpublics, draws out the political-ethical orientation of activist dialogical art practices.
Charged Particle Optics Theory: An Introduction

Contents Preface Introduction: The Optical Nature of a Charged Particle Beam Geometrical Optics Relativistic Classical Mechanics Hamilton's Principle of Least Action The Hamiltonian Function and Energy Conservation Mechanical Analog of Fermat's Principle Exact Trajectory Equation for a Single Particle Conservation Laws The Lagrange Invariant Liouville's Theorem and Brightness Conservation General Curvilinear Axis Equation of Motion in Terms of Transverse Coordinates and Slopes Natural Units Axial Symmetry Exact Equations of Motion for Axially Symmetric Fields Paraxial Approximation, Gaussian Optics Series Solution for the General Ray Equation Space Charge The Primary Geometrical Aberrations Spherical Aberration Field Aberrations Chromatic Aberration Intensity Point Spread Function Stochastic Coulomb Scattering Monte Carlo Simulation Analytical Approximation by Markov's Method of Random Flights Hamilton-Jacobi Theory Canonical Transformations Applications of Hamilton-Jacobi Theory Hamilton-Jacobi Theory and Geometrical Optics Wave Optics Quantum Mechanical Description of Particle Motion The Postulates of Quantum Mechanics Particle Motion in a Field-Free Space Wave Packet Propagation and the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle The Quantum Mechanical Analog of Fermat's Principle for Matter Waves Particle Motion in a General Electromagnetic Potential Path Integral Approach for the Time-Dependent Wave Function Series Solution for a Particle in a General Electromagnetic Potential Quantum Interference Effects in Electromagnetic Potentials The Klein-Gordon Equation and the Covariant Wave Function Physical Interpretation of the Wave Function and Its Practical Application Diffraction The Fresnel-Kirchhoff Relation The Fresnel and Fraunhofer Approximations Amplitude in the Gaussian Image Plane Amplitude in the Diffraction Plane Optical Transformation for a General Imaging System with Coherent Illumination Optical Transformation for a General Imaging System with Incoherent Illumination The Wave Front Aberration Function Relationship between Diffraction and the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle Particle Scattering Classical Particle Kinematics Scattering Cross Section and Classical Scattering Integral Expression of Schrodinger's Equation Green's Function Solution for Elastic Scattering Perturbation Theory Perturbation Solution for Elastic Scattering Inelastic Scattering of a Particle by a Target Atom Slowing of a Charged Particle in a Dielectric Medium Small Angle Plural Scattering of Fast Electrons Electron Emission from Solids The Image Force The Incident Current Density Thermionic Emission Field Emission Emission with Elevated Temperature and Field Space Charge Limited Emission Appendix A: The Fourier Transform Appendix B: Linear Second-Order Differential Equation Bibliography Index
Simple zinc complex to model substrate binding to zinc enzymes

Abstract To model substrate binding to zinc containing enzymes, Zn(Tp∗)Cl (Tp∗ = tris(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)borate) was investigated as an inexpensive and easily prepared target. Both acetyl hydroxamic acid and acetic acid, common zinc binding moieties, were found to bind zinc in our model system and the resulting complexes were fully characterized. The hydroxamate complex was found to be both thermodynamically and kinetically favored in comparison to the acetate complex, in keeping with previous models, demonstrating the utility of this system in enzymatic mimicry.
Opioid use and stigma: The role of gender, language and precipitating events.

Abstract The stigma of drug addiction is associated with negative perceptions and can be a barrier to treatment. With the rise in opioid overdose deaths, understanding stigmatizing attitudes towards individuals who use opioids is a crucial matter. There is a lack of opioid use research on stigma and, therefore, we aimed to discern stigmatizing attitudes towards people with opioid addiction. A randomized, between-subjects case vignette study ( n = 2605) was conducted with a nation-wide online survey. Participants rated a hypothetical individual addicted to opioids on different dimensions of stigma after seeing one version of a vignette that varied by three conditions: 1) a male versus a female, 2) an individual labeled as being a “drug addict” versus having an “opioid use disorder” and 3) an individual whose use started by taking prescription opioids from a friend versus receiving a prescription from a doctor. Our results indicated that there were higher stigmatizing attitudes overall towards a male, an individual labeled as a “drug addict” and an individual who took prescription opioids from a friend. Interaction effects also showed that a female labeled with an “opioid use disorder” and male labeled as a “drug addict” were rated with higher stigma. The findings from our study are the first to show that information about gender, precipitating events and language matter when assessing stigma and opioid use and may affect the delivery of patient care.
Simulation-Based Design Optimization by Sequential Multi-criterion Adaptive Sampling and Dynamic Radial Basis Functions

The paper presents a global method for simulation-based design optimization (SBDO) which combines a dynamic radial basis function (DRBF) surrogate model with a sequential multi-criterion adaptive sampling (MCAS) technique. Starting from an initial training set, groups of new samples are sequentially selected aiming at both the improvement of the surrogate model global accuracy and the reduction of the objective function. The objective prediction and the associated uncertainty provided by the DRBF model are used by a multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm to identify Pareto-optimal solutions. These are used by the MCAS technique, which selects new samples by down-sampling the Pareto front, allowing for a parallel infill of an arbitrary number of points at each iteration. The method is applied to a set of 28 unconstrained global optimization test problems and a six-variable SBDO of the DTMB 5415 hull-form in calm water, based on potential flow simulations. Results show the effectiveness of the method in reducing the computational cost of the SBDO, providing the background for further developments and application to more complex ship hydrodynamic problems.
7.6 – Regulation of Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

This chapter begins with discussing how the regulation of renal blood flow (RBF) or glomerular filtration rate (GFR) contributes to the regulation of fluid balance. It introduces tubuloglomerular feedback, in which increased Na in the distal nephron (macula densa) causes constriction of the afferent arteriole of the same nephron. It introduces glomerulotubular balance, in which increased GFR causes and increased reabsorption of nutrients, so that the fraction reabsorbed in the proximal tubule is constant. Overall fluid balance is described. The origin of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and its stimuli for secretion, plasma hyperosmolarity, and stretch of the great veins and atria are described. The mechanism of action of ADH on distal tubule and collecting duct cells is shown. The feedback loops involved in ADH secretion and fluid balance are drawn. The role of the kidney in electrolyte balance is also discussed, covering the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone (RAA) system. The stimuli for renin secretion and the consequences of renin’s liberation of angiotensin I are discussed. The function of angiotensin converting enzyme is explained. The effects of angiotensin II and aldosterone are described, and feedback loops in the RAA system are shown.
An Empirical Study of the Minnesota Quality Award Evaluation Process

[This abstract is based on the authors' abstract and summary.] A study of the Minnesota Quality Award evaluation process focuses on the impact of two factors (examiner experience and the scoring process) on the evaluation of the application. Although ..
72 : EGR2 is critical for peripheral Naïve T cell differentiation and the T-cell mediated response to influenza

EGR1 and EGR2 are closely related members of an early growth response family of transcription factors, with EGR1 generally considered to be a positive regulator and EGR2 a negative regulator of T cell activation, promoting T cell anergy while decreasing autoimmunity. Here, we have studied the roles of these factors during influenza infection and unexpectedly found that EGR2, but not EGR1, is required for peripheral naive T cell differentiation and T cell-mediated immune responses. Deletion of either the Egr1 or Egr2 gene delayed TCR-induced proliferation of peripheral naive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, with Egr2 -deficient T cells having lower proliferation and cytokine expression than Egr1 -deficient T cells, with lower IFN- γ , IL-4, IL-9, and IL-17A expression under Th1, Th2, Th9, and Th17 conditions, respectively. Moreover, Egr2 was necessary for T cellmediated immune responses to influenza infection, with delayed virus clearance, greater weight loss, and more severe pathologic changes in Egr2 conditional KO (CKO) mice than in WT or Egr1 KO mice. The Egr2 CKO mice also had defective CD4+ T cell immune responses, with dysregulated cytokine expression and augmented infiltration of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells that had a memory precursor phenotype and decreased cytolytic activity. Collectively, these results unexpectedly reveal that EGR2 is an essential transcriptional regulator for the differentiation of naive T cells and a critical positive regulator of the normal T cell-mediated immune response to influenza infection.
Learning About and Improving Teacher Preparation for Teaching Mathematics from an International Perspective

This chapter highlights what readers can expect to learn from reading this book, which goes beyond a direct reporting of the TEDS-M results. Four important contributions are summarized first, including the significance of learning from the first-ever large-scale international study on teacher preparation programs and teacher learning outcomes, as well as theoretical contributions and policy implications made possible by contributors of this volume. Three aspects are then discussed as possible extensions of the study to help us move further forward in learning from and improving the preparation and professional development of teachers from an international perspective.
Enabling an enterprise model repository

Abstract Due to the confusion of model contents and use, the reuse of existing enterprise models is limited. The inability for various aspects of an enterprise to be aware of its existing models, further exacerbates this problem. This paper presents an approach to integrating models and then proposes a methodology that will significantly aid in the comparison and evaluation of various enterprise models. This will lead to an enterprise-wide enterprise model repository. Two sample enterprise models are represented using the methodology. A direct benefit is the potential for increased model reuse.
Electron-beam induced in situ growth of self-supported metal nanoparticles in ion-containing polydopamine

Abstract Polydopamine (PDA) is a biopolymer inspired by the mussel chemistry. Due to its capability to bind various metal-ions, PDA has been explored in several potential applications including absorbents for heavy metal contaminants and templates for nanoparticle growth. In this study, metal-ion-containing PDA was prepared by introducing Cu, Ni, and Co cations during synthesis. We discovered that nanoparticles (NPs) formed under intense electron beam irradiation. For Cu-containing PDA, both equiaxed NPs and rod-like nanocrystals were observed. In contrast, Ni and Co NPs were mainly equiaxed with smaller diameters. The formation of metal NPs is likely a result of electron beam induced reduction. We also demonstrated that electron beam could induce growth of Cu NPs on the surface of PDA-coated SiO2 particles. This result suggested that PDA coating could be used as a platform to grow metal NPs on ceramics and potentially other substrates.
Melanoma in Situ

Melanoma in situ, defined as melanoma entirely restricted to the epidermis and its accompanying epithelial adnexal structures, is increasing in incidence. Detection and treatment of MIS is important, due to the risk of occult invasion or progression to invasive melanoma. There is a lack of high-quality evidence regarding the optimal treatments for MIS. The majority of MIS in the United States are treated with surgical modalities including conventional wide local excision, staged excision, and Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). Conventional wide local excision effectively treats most well-defined primary melanomas on the trunk and extremities, but the technique has greater than a 10% risk of positive margins and local recurrence for MIS on the head, neck, hands, feet, and pretibial leg. Staged excision with microscopic margin evaluation via formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections and MMS achieve local clearance rates of > 98% for in situ and invasive melanomas arising in chronically sun-damaged skin. Anatomic location and history of previous treatment identify melanomas that may benefit from staged excision or MMS to detect subclinical spread of tumor prior to reconstruction.
Rape Mythology and Victim Blaming as a Social Construct

Rape myths play a pivotal role in the social construction of rape. Rape myths exonerate rapists, legitimize sexual aggression, and consequently, foster sexual aggression. Contemporary rape myths include: men cannot be raped, there must be physical resistance for it to be rape, and rape victims are partly responsible for their rape because they engaged in risky behaviors (e.g., they dressed provocatively, got drunk, or signaled a desire for sex). Rape myths help to create a victim who is blamed for the event and lead to secondary victimization when victims disclose the rape. Myths can be held at the individual level, at an institutional level, and at a cultural level. These myths can prevent victims from recognizing that they were raped and prevent assailants from understanding that they raped. They create a justice gap in which police, lawyers, and juries impose their beliefs concerning real rape on rape survivors. And, rape myths can create cultures in which rape is acceptable when it is perpetrated against legitimate targets. These rape myths are especially likely in some male-dominated peer groups (e.g., fraternities, athletic groups, or the military). Recognizing rape mythology helps people to understand the true nature of many rapes and is essential in the fight against rape.
High-Risk Chief Complaints I: Chest Pain—The Big Three (an Update)

Nontraumatic chest pain is a frequent concern of emergency department patients, with causes that range from benign to immediately life threatening. Identifying those patients who require immediate/urgent intervention remains challenging and is a high-risk area for emergency medicine physicians where incorrect or delayed diagnosis may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. This article focuses on the 3 most prevalent diagnoses associated with adverse outcomes in patients presenting with nontraumatic chest pain, acute coronary syndrome, thoracic aortic dissection, and pulmonary embolism. Important aspects of clinical evaluation, diagnostic testing, treatment, and disposition and other less common causes of lethal chest pain are also discussed.
A Novel Aortic Regurgitation Model from Cusp Prolapse with Hemodynamic Validation Using an Ex Vivo Left Heart Simulator.

Although ex vivo simulation is a valuable tool for surgical optimization, a disease model that mimics human aortic regurgitation (AR) from cusp prolapse is needed to accurately examine valve biomechanics. To simulate AR, four porcine aortic valves were explanted, and the commissure between the two largest leaflets was detached and re-implanted 5 mm lower to induce cusp prolapse. Four additional valves were tested in their native state as controls. All valves were tested in a heart simulator while hemodynamics, high-speed videography, and echocardiography data were collected. Our AR model successfully reproduced cusp prolapse with significant increase in regurgitant volume compared with that of the controls (23.2 ± 8.9 versus 2.8 ± 1.6 ml, p = 0.017). Hemodynamics data confirmed the simulation of physiologic disease conditions. Echocardiography and color flow mapping demonstrated the presence of mild to moderate eccentric regurgitation in our AR model. This novel AR model has enormous potential in the evaluation of valve biomechanics and surgical repair techniques.
Structure of Cytochrome P450 2C9*2 in Complex with Losartan: Insights into the Effect of Genetic Polymorphism.

The human CYP2C9 plays a crucial role in the metabolic clearance of a wide range of clinical therapeutics. The *2 allele is a prevalent genetic variation in CYP2C9 that is found in various populations. A marked reduction of catalytic activity toward many important drug substrates has been demonstrated by CYP2C9*2, which represents an amino acid variation at position 144 from arginine to cysteine. The crystal structure of CYP2C9*2 in complex with an antihypertensive drug losartan was solved using X-ray crystallography at 3.1-A resolution. The Arg144Cys variation in the *2 complex disrupts the hydrogen-bonding interactions that were observed between the side chain of arginine and neighboring residues in the losartan complex of CYP2C9 and the wild-type (WT) ligand-free structure. The conformation of several secondary structural elements is affected, thereby altering the binding and orientation of drug and important amino acid side chains in the distal active site cavity. The new structure revealed distinct interactions of losartan in the compact active site of CYP2C9*2 and differed in occupancy at the other binding sites previously identified in the WT-losartan complex. Furthermore, the binding studies in solution using losartan illustrated lower activity of the CYP2C9*2 compared with the WT. Together, the findings yield valuable insights into the decreased hydroxylation activity of losartan in patients carrying CYP2C9*2 allele and provide a useful framework to investigate the effect of a single-nucleotide polymorphism that leads to altered metabolism of diverse drug substrates. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The *2 allele of the human drug-metabolizing enzyme CYP2C9 is found in different populations and results in significantly reduced activity toward various drug substrates. How the CYP2C9*2 variant induces altered drug metabolism is poorly understood given that the Arg144Cys variation is located far away from the active site. This work yield insight into the effect of distal variation using multitude of techniques that include X-ray crystallography, isothermal titration calorimetry, enzymatic characterization, and computational studies.
It’s All About Stakeholders: Corporate Moral Responsibilities, Stakeholder Capitalism, and Hypocrisy Perceptions

Industries are embracing stakeholder capitalism (SC) as their corporate moral responsibilities (CMR). However, corporations, in spite of their CMR promises, do not always act as promised, and contradict their commitments with immoral actions, potentially generating hypocrisy perceptions among various stakeholders. Thus, this research investigates how such CMR inconsistencies might be perceived as corporate hypocrisy (PCH) by stakeholders, how SC issues might impact such relationships, and how such PCH might be variably evoked in different types of stakeholders. An online experimental survey was designed to collect data from 503 US stakeholders using Qualtrics. Results indicated CMR inconsistency to significantly affect PCH. Further, stakeholders moderated the relation between inconsistency and PCH. Finally, SC issues had a direct effect on PCH, with PCH being highest for issues related to workers. The study underscores the importance of CMR in stakeholders’ perceptions, highlighting the consequences for corporations that may consider SC as a discretionary obligation.
Sexually dimorphic neuroimmune response to chronic opioid treatment and withdrawal

Abstract Opioid use disorder is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Increasing pre-clinical and clinical evidence demonstrates sex differences in opioid use and dependence. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to these effects, including neuroinflammation, are still obscure. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of oxycodone exposure and withdrawal on sex- and region-specific neuroimmune response. Real-time PCR and multiplex cytokine array analysis demonstrated elevated neuroinflammation with increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and aberrant oligodendroglial response in reward neurocircuitry, following withdrawal from chronic oxycodone treatment. Chronic oxycodone and withdrawal treated male mice had lower mRNA expression of TMEM119 along with elevated protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and growth factors (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-7, IL-9, IL-12, IL-15, IL17, M-CSF, VEGF) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) as compared to their female counterparts. In contrast, reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-9, IL-12, CCL11) was observed in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of oxycodone and withdrawal-treated males as compared to female mice. No treatment specific effects were observed on the mRNA expression of putative microglial activation markers (Iba1, CD68), but an overall sex specific decrease in the mRNA expression of Iba1 and CD68 was found in the PFC and NAc of male mice as compared to females. Moreover, a sex and region-specific increase in the mRNA levels of oligodendrocyte lineage markers (NG2, Sox10) was also observed in oxycodone and withdrawal treated animals. These findings may open a new avenue for the development of sex-specific precision therapeutics for opioid dependence by targeting region-specific neuroimmune signaling.
A passport for a new era of learning

Over the last several years, there has been a surge of readily available curricular resources for global health (GH) educators that theoretically has enabled them to overcome the barrier of needing to create new content for their programs. Despite this increase in available resources, integrating GH education into the already busy schedule of residency is a common challenge to the growing number of GH track directors. In this perspectives piece, GH educators from multiple institutions will share a novel model for packaging, administering, and monitoring GH educational curricula. This model transposes traditional GH learning objectives into self-paced, longitudinal maps of opportunities suitable for the time-intensive demands of residency, with flexibility for individual learning preferences and built-in tracking mechanisms.
Up for Grabs? Sexual Objectification as a Mediator Between Women’s Alcohol Use and Sexual Victimization

Sexual objectification, the tendency to reduce women to their bodies, body parts, or sexual functions for use by others, has been theorized to set the stage for more severe acts of violence but has been largely absent from the existing sexual victimization literature. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of sexual objectification in mediating the well-established link between women's alcohol use and sexual victimization. A large sample of undergraduate women ( N = 673) reported their alcohol use (frequency and quantity), experiences of sexual objectification (body evaluation and unwanted explicit sexual advances), and sexual victimization. Results indicated positive bivariate correlations among all study variables. Path analyses showed that mild forms of sexual objectification (body evaluation) mediated the link between the frequency of alcohol use and more extreme forms of sexual objectification (unwanted advances). Furthermore, the combined effect of sexual objectification (body evaluation and unwanted advances) mediated the link between alcohol use (frequency and quantity) and sexual victimization. The current findings are among the first to evaluate sexual objectification as a mechanism in the link between alcohol use and sexual victimization. Results suggest that efforts to prevent alcohol-related sexual violence may benefit from addressing sexual objectification.
A practical platform for integrated optics with nitrides and oxides

Recent advances in alternative nanophotonic materials, specifically CMOS-compatible materials, have propelled a unique class of integrated optical devices to achieve high performance including low-loss plasmonic waveguides, ultra-compact electro-absorption modulators, and THz speed all-optical switches.
Towards a computational theory of genome rearrangements

Analysis of genome rearrangements in molecular biology started in the late 1930's, when Dobzhansky and Sturtevant published a milestone paper presenting a rearrangement scenario with 17 inversions for the species of Drosophila. However, until recently there were no computer science results allowing a biologist to analyze genome rearrangements. The paper describes combinatorial problems motivated by genome rearrangements, surveys recently developed algorithms for genomic sequence comparison and presents applications of these algorithms to analyze rearrangements in herpes viruses, plant organelles, and mammalian chromosomes.