cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors that Influence the Perception of Feedback Delivered by a Pedagogical Agent

Three experiments were conducted to assess the relative importance of speech parameters and facial expressions in the delivery of feedback by a pedagogical agent. In Experiment 1, we manipulated linguistic form (i.e., positive, negative, or neutral terms), rate, pitch, pause, and emphasis. In Experiment 2, we manipulated eye size, mouth curve, brow height, and brow curve. In a third study, both speech parameters and facial expressions were manipulated. In all three experiments, the participants were asked to indicate how positive or negative the agent's feedback seemed to be. Across the studies, the variables collectively accounted for a significant amount of the variance. More specifically, the linguistic expressions and mouth curve emerged as significant predictors of the participants' ratings. This suggests that these two features should be implemented by developers wishing to provide appropriate feedback in their pedagogical agents.
Random-deadline missing probability analysis for wireless communications in industrial environments

The flexibility of wireless networks, and the need for more data to be transferred in modern industries have motivated the industrial wireless communications. Strict industrial requirements including the time-sensitive delivery of data have led to developing appropriate wireless technologies to satisfy these requirements. Various industrial wireless protocols employ Time division multiple access (TDMA) because of preventing data collision between various transmissions and the easiness of employment. In this work, we study the scheduling problem of multiple wireless data flows for industrial applications. The data flows have random strict deadlines following a given probability distribution. In modern industries, these flows may be sensing data routed from a sensor to the controller or control commands directed from the controller to an actuator. A randomized frame-based scheduling scheme is analyzed where each time slot in the frame is assigned to a data flow randomly. We derive a method to calculate the average number of packets missing their deadlines per frame that can be used for flow admission control or optimization of the scheduling algorithm. Finally, we study the effects of various system parameters on the ratio of the average number of packets missing their deadlines to the average total number of packets generated.
Neurobiological effects of a probiotic-supplemented diet in chronically stressed male Long-Evans rats: Evidence of enhanced resilience

Probiotics that regulate the microbiome-gut-brain axis and provide mental health benefits to the host are referred to as psychobiotics. Preclinical studies have demonstrated psychobiotic effects on early life stress-induced anxiety- and depression-related behavior in rodents; however, the specific mechanisms remain ill-defined. In the current study, we investigated the effects of probiotic supplementation on neurobiological responses to chronic stress in adult male Long-Evans rats. Twenty-four rats were randomly assigned to probiotic (PB) or vehicle control (VEH) groups, then to either chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) or no-stress control (CON) conditions within each group (n = 6/subgroup). We hypothesized that PB supplementation would reduce markers of anxiety and enhance emotional resilience, especially in the CUS animals. In the cognitive uncertainty task, a nonsignificant trend was observed indicating that the PB-supplemented animals spent more time oriented toward the food reward than VEH animals. In the open-field task, CUS-PB animals spent more time in the center of the arena than CUS-VEH animals, an effect not observed between the two CON groups. In the swim task, the PB animals, regardless of stress assignment, exhibited increased floating, suggesting a conserved response in a challenging context. Focusing on the endocrine measures, higher dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-to-corticosterone fecal metabolite ratios, a correlate of emotional resilience, were observed in PB animals. Further, PB animals exhibited reduced microglia immunoreactivity in the basolateral amygdala, possibly indicating a neuroprotective effect of PB supplements in this rodent model. These results provide evidence that PB supplementation interacts with stress exposure to influence adaptive responses associated with endocrine, neural, and behavioral indices of anxiety.
BRAF: Novel Therapies for an Emerging Target

Driver mutations in the BRAF oncogene occur in 2–4% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Approximately half of these BRAF mutations are characterized by a glutamic acid substitution for valine at position 600 within the BRAF kinase domain (V600E or class I). The remaining non-V600E mutations are a heterogeneous group that can be further subdivided into mutations that activate BRAF kinase activity (class II) and mutations that remain dependent on upstream signaling through Ras-GTPase (class III). In normal cells, the BRAF kinase functions as an intermediary within the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Activating mutations in the BRAF oncogene lead to downstream signaling through the MAPK/ERK pathway, resulting in an increased risk of malignant transformation in preclinical models. Based on these findings, as well as the need for more effective treatment options for patients with BRAF-mutated NSCLC, there has been a significant interest in developing targeted therapies to inhibit the MAPK/ERK pathway. In a series of phase 2 clinical trials enrolling patients with metastatic BRAF V600E-mutated NSCLC, Planchard et al. established a role for combined BRAF and MEK tyrosine kinase inhibition (TKI) with dabrafenib and trametinib, respectively. While this represents an important new treatment strategy, a number of questions still remain including how best to sequence targeted therapy with other available treatment options and how to effectively overcome acquired resistance to TKI therapy.
Proxy War in Iraq

Iraq has seen an efflorescence of both terrorist groups, like Al-Qaeda in Iraq and the Islamic State, and progovernment militia forces, like the Popular Mobilization Forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga. The US and Iran compete for influence by providing training, financing, and direct military support to progovernment militia forces. Yet neither outside actor has been able to assert hegemony over these Iraqi forces. Iraqi actors may accept outside support, but they also fiercely guard their independence and autonomy.
The Influence of Colorants, Flavorants and Product Identity on Perceptions of Naturalness.

Natural foods are important to consumers, yet frustrating to producers due to the lack of a formal definition of “natural”. Previous work has studied how consumers define naturalness and how they rate the naturalness of various products, but there is a gap in knowledge relating to how color and flavor additives impact perceptions. The objective of this study was to understand how colorants and flavorants on ingredient statements affect perceptions of naturalness. An online survey was launched in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia to determine how consumers perceive products with ingredient statements containing different combinations of artificial and natural colors and flavors when shown with and without the product identity. Results showed that consumers look at the whole product primarily to make decisions about naturalness, but also consider other factors. Products derived from plants and products with natural colors and flavors were perceived to be the most natural. Artificial flavors may be more acceptable than artificial colors due to negative health perceptions and labeling rules associated with colors. Additionally, factors like ingredient familiarity and processing likely influence consumers when making decisions about product naturalness. Males, Millennials, and educated participants have higher naturalness scores than other participants in their respective demographics.
Genetic identification and characterization for strains of human and swine hepatitis E virus in Yangzhou City

Objective To investigate the genetic characteristics of hepatitis E virus in Yangzhou City. Methods The pig liver and the serum samples of patients with positive anti-HEV IgM were collected and detected for HEV RNA by using real-time PCR. The HEV RNA ORF2 PCR products were obtained by nested RT-PCR and sequenced for polygenetic analysis. The nucleotide identity between sequences was calculated and sequence alignments were made to generate distance matrix and phylogenetic trees using DNAStar MegAlign. Results Six HEV strains were isolated,genotype IV RNA was noted,and their HEV ORF2 sequences were amplified. Within these six isolates,the nucleotide identity of HEV ORF2genes ranged from 89. 9 %-99. 3%. The nucleotide identity between these 6 isolates and the genotype-IV and other genotype reference strains from GenBank were 85. 8%-94. 6% and 79. 1%-89. 2% respectively. Polygenetic analysis revealed that these six isolates scattered in three sublineage. The sequence distance from the 6 isolates to genotype Ⅱ and Ⅲ was longer than that from the 6 isolates to genotype Ⅰ. Conclusions The HEV isolates from human and swine in Yangzhou share a high homology of nucleotide. Swine can be taken as a principal reservoir of hepatitis E virus that infects humans.
Preferred Teacher Applicant Characteristics among School Leaders in Twelve Kentucky Rural and Suburban School Districts

ABSTRACTWe surveyed principals and assistant principals in 12 suburban and rural school districts in Kentucky in order to identify the underlying dimensions of the Preferred Teacher Applicant Chara...
Election Festivals and Voter Turnout: An Overview of Recent Research

This memo summarizes results from four randomized experiments conducted between 2016 and 2018 that evaluate the effectiveness of election festivals — also referred to by organizers as “celebrations” or “parties”— including festivals held in early voting centers in advance of Election Day. The results suggest that festivals are an effective and cost-effective means for raising voter turnout, especially in the context of early voting sites and presidential elections. We also find evidence that festivals can have “downstream” effects on turnout in subsequent elections; sites that hosted festivals in 2016 saw higher turnout in the 2018 midterm election.
E-056 Current applications of oct in neurointerventional angiography: a retrospective cross-sectional observational analysis

Introduction Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a novel intraluminal imaging modality that uses optical backscattering to produce cross-sectional images of tissue. The technique has already proven useful in the coronary vasculature for evaluation of plaques, stent-vessel interactions, dissections and intimal healing. However, there is limited data regarding the current applications of OCT in cerebrovascular imaging. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) between 2009–2015. Patients with an ICD-9-CM procedure code indicating use of OCT (38.25) and an ICD-9-CM diagnosis code indicating either presence of an intracranial aneurysm/SAH (437.3 or 430), carotid/vertebrobasilar/intracranial atherosclerosis with or without associated cerebral infarction (433.xx or 434.xx), or carotid/vertebrobasilar arterial dissection (443.21 or 443.24) were included. Primary diagnosis codes, primary procedure codes, hospital region, hospital teaching status, rate of iatrogenic neurologic injury, and time to use of OCT were evaluated in an effort to identify current inpatient OCT practices in neurointerventional angiography. Results 7 patients in the NIS were identified as having undergone OCT for a cerebrovascular pathology between the years of 2009–2015. Average age was 71.3 years. 2 patients were female and only 28% were elective admissions. 4 patients were discharged home, 2 would be discharged to a long-term care facility and 1 patient would require home health care. The two most common primary diagnoses were carotid artery occlusion/stenosis with or without mention of cerebral infarction (433.11 and 433.10, respectively). The two most common primary procedures were diagnostic cerebral angiography and carotid endarterectomy (88.41 and 38.12, respectively). Median LOS was 3 days. The only hospital regions represented were the Northeast and the South and those in the South were solely performed at urban non-teaching hospitals while those in the Northeast were only at urban teaching hospitals. Interestingly, OCT was performed on the same day as all primary procedures except for one patient who underwent OCT two days prior to undergoing elective carotid endarterectomy. Interestingly, this was also the only patient who experienced iatrogenic cerebral infarction/hemorrhage during the admission. Conclusions Although OCT has proven to be an effective adjunct imaging modality in the coronary vasculature, few neurointerventionalists have adopted it since it received FDA-approval in 2010. Moreover, it appears that those who have begun to use it have only applied it to atherosclerotic disease despite the fact that several animal and cadaveric studies have proven it effective in identifying both aneurysm neck morphology and endothelialization post-embolization. The utility and efficacy of OCT in various cerebrovascular pathologies warrant further investigations. Disclosures E. Luther: None. R. Starke: None.
Vignettes From a Lifetime of Studying Performance

In this commentary, summarized from a recent interview, the author shares insights and memories from a career devoted to drama and performance studies. He enthusiastically recounts events, initiatives, and collaborations that have helped sustain his lifelong passion for performance.
Hand in Glove: Open Innovation and the Dynamic Capabilities Framework

Open innovation involves some of the most strategic functions of the enterprise, and yet relatively little has been written about how it fits into a larger strategic management framework. This article fills that gap by relating open innovation to the dynamic capabilities framework and begins by briefly summarizing the two perspectives. It then reviews the modest theoretical and empirical literature that looks at open innovation from a capabilities perspective. It identifies where open innovation fits into the dynamic capabilities framework and explores how treating open innovation as a separate construct can enrich a dynamic capabilities approach to the management of the enterprise. A case study of China's Haier then provides an example of these principles in practice.
Ablation of atrial fibrillation using the fourth-generation cryoballoon Arctic Front Advance PRO

The cryoballoon (CB) is a popular ablation technology used for pulmonary vein isolation. The fourth-generation CB, Arctic Front Advance PRO features a 40% shorter distal tip but retains the internal design from its second-generation predecessor. The Arctic Front Advance PRO and the second-generation CB demonstrated similar thermodynamic characteristics in a computational model. Several observational and retrospective studies established the acute safety and efficacy of the Arctic Front Advance PRO. Real-time electrical isolation was observed in 75-85% of pulmonary veins targeted with the Arctic Front Advance PRO resulting in shorter fluoroscopy and procedure times.
Development of a Photosynthesis Model with an Emphasis on Ecological Applications. IV. Wholephot - Whole Leaf Photosynthesis in Response to Four Independent Variables

A physiologically based steady-state model of whole leaf photosynthesis (WHOLEPHOT) is detailed which describes the functional dependence of net photosynthesis in C 3 leaves on [CO2], [O2], incident radiant flux (PhAR), and leaf temperature. The model simulates among other phenomena a) observed [CO2], [O2], and temperature effects on the initial slope of light response curves, b) a C 3 type temperature response curve of net photosynthesis, c) a shift of the optimum temperature of net photosynthesis to higher temperatures with increasing light intensity, and d) observed temperature and [O2] effects on the CO2 compensation point. Model parameters are derived from published response data of several C 3 species. Simulations also demonstrate that parameter changes based on literature data result in acclimation-like changes in net photosynthesis response with respect to light intensity and temperature. The advantages of this model are that the number of parameters is minimized in order to focus on environmental effects and that all parameters can be determined from measured net photosynthesis responses.
What Does the APP Family Do in the Brain

Summary Amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) is overshadowed by its degradation product, the Alzheimer protein Aβ. Lee et al. now find a role for the APP family in neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and memory in adulthood, despite the lack of requirement for neuronal survival.
The MAPS model of self-regulation: Integrating metacognition, agency, and possible selves.

Self-regulation, a social-cognitive process at the intersection of metacognition, motivation, and behavior, encompasses how people conceptualize, strive for, and accomplish their goals. Self-regulation is critical for behavioral change regardless of the context. Research indicates that self-regulation is learned. Integral to successful self-regulation of behavior are: (a) an articulated concept of one’s possible selves, (b) metacognitive knowledge and effective strategies, and (c) a sense of one’s own agency. We present the theoretical linkages, research evidence, and applied utility for these three components in promoting self-regulation of behavior, specifically in the domain of learning. We propose the MAPS model to account for the pathways of influence that lead to behavioral change. This model illustrates the dynamic and feed-forward processes that derive from the interactions among possible selves, metacognition, and agency to provide the context for developing self-regulated and effective learning that promotes student success, the transfer of knowledge, and the foundation for life-long learning.
Intraoperative parathyroid hormone measurement facilitates outpatient thyroidectomy in children.

Abstract Introduction We hypothesize that intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) measurement after a total thyroidectomy predicts children at risk for hypoparathyroidism and allow for outpatient procedure. Methods Between 2015 and 2019, we reviewed all patients under the age of 21 undergoing a thyroidectomy (total or lobectomy). Based on the ioPTH concentration, the patients were treated by the following protocol: a) PTH ≥20 pg/mL: no treatment; b) PTH = 10–19 pg/mL: 1000 mg calcium orally TID; c) PTH = 5–9 pg/mL: calcitriol 250 μg orally BID plus 1000 mg calcium orally TID; or d) PTH Results Fifty-two patients were included with a median age of 16 (range 6–21 years). Thirty-two patients (62%) had normal PTH (≥10 pg/mL) while 20 (38%) had low PTH levels ( Conclusions Thyroid surgery in children can be performed as an outpatient procedure. The ioPTH measurements and a protocol to treat patients with low PTH assists in safe discharge.
Lung Ultrasound-Guided Emergency Department Management of Acute Heart Failure (BLUSHED-AHF): A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.

Abstract Objectives The goal of this study was to determine whether a 6-hour lung ultrasound (LUS)-guided strategy-of-care improves pulmonary congestion over usual management in the emergency department (ED) setting. A secondary goal was to explore whether early targeted intervention leads to improved outcomes. Background Targeting pulmonary congestion in acute heart failure remains a key goal of care. LUS B-lines are a semi-quantitative assessment of pulmonary congestion. Whether B-lines decrease in patients with acute heart failure by targeting therapy is not well known. Methods A multicenter, single-blind, ED-based, pilot trial randomized 130 patients to receive a 6-hour LUS-guided treatment strategy versus structured usual care. Patients were followed up throughout hospitalization and 90 days’ postdischarge. B-lines ≤15 at 6 h was the primary outcome, and days alive and out of hospital (DAOOH) at 30 days was the main exploratory outcome. Results No significant difference in the proportion of patients with B-lines ≤15 at 6 hours (25.0% LUS vs 27.5% usual care; P = 0.83) or the number of B-lines at 6 hours (35.4 ± 26.8 LUS vs 34.3 ± 26.2 usual care; P = 0.82) was observed between groups. There were also no differences in DAOOH (21.3 ± 6.6 LUS vs 21.3 ± 7.1 usual care; P = 0.99). However, a significantly greater reduction in the number of B-lines was observed in LUS-guided patients compared with those receiving usual structured care during the first 48 hours (P = 0.04). Conclusions In this pilot trial, ED use of LUS to target pulmonary congestion conferred no benefit compared with usual care in reducing the number of B-lines at 6 hours or in 30 days DAOOH. However, LUS-guided patients had faster resolution of congestion during the initial 48 hours. (B-lines Lung Ultrasound–Guided ED Management of Acute Heart Failure Pilot Trial; NCT03136198 )
The Type 2 Diabetes Factor Methylglyoxal Mediates Axon Initial Segment Shortening and Alters Neuronal Function at the Cellular and Network Levels.

Abstract Recent evidence suggests that alteration of axon initial segment (AIS) geometry (i.e., length or location along the axon) contributes to CNS dysfunction in neurological diseases. For example, AIS length is shorter in the prefrontal cortex of type 2 diabetic mice with cognitive impairment. To determine the key type 2 diabetes-related factor that produces AIS shortening we modified levels of insulin, glucose, or the reactive glucose metabolite methylglyoxal in cultures of dissociated cortices from male and female mice and quantified AIS geometry using immunofluorescent imaging of the AIS proteins AnkyrinG and βIV spectrin. Neither insulin nor glucose modification altered AIS length. Exposure to 100 but not 1 or 10 μm methylglyoxal for 24 h resulted in accumulation of the methylglyoxal-derived advanced glycation end-product hydroimidazolone and produced reversible AIS shortening without cell death. Methylglyoxal-evoked AIS shortening occurred in both excitatory and putative inhibitory neuron populations and in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX). In single-cell recordings resting membrane potential was depolarized at 0.5–3 h and returned to normal at 24 h. In multielectrode array (MEA) recordings methylglyoxal produced an immediate ∼300% increase in spiking and bursting rates that returned to normal within 2 min, followed by a ∼20% reduction of network activity at 0.5–3 h and restoration of activity to baseline levels at 24 h. AIS length was unchanged at 0.5–3 h despite the presence of depolarization and network activity reduction. Nevertheless, these results suggest that methylglyoxal could be a key mediator of AIS shortening and disruptor of neuronal function during type 2 diabetes.
Dysregulated TNFα promotes cytokine proteome profile increases and bilateral orofacial hypersensitivity

Abstract Background Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is increased in patients with headache, neuropathic pain, periodontal and temporomandibular disease. This study and others have utilized TNF receptor 1/2 (TNFR1/2) knockout (KO) animals to investigate the effect of TNFα dysregulation in generation and maintenance of chronic neuropathic pain. The present study determined the impact of TNFα dysregulation in a trigeminal inflammatory compression (TIC) nerve injury model comparing wild-type (WT) and TNFR1/2 KO mice. Methods Chromic gut suture was inserted adjacent to the infraorbital nerve to induce the TIC model mechanical hypersensitivity. Cytokine proteome profiles demonstrated serology, and morphology explored microglial activation in trigeminal nucleus 10 weeks post. Results TIC injury induced ipsilateral whisker pad mechanical allodynia persisting throughout the 10-week study in both TNFR1/2 KO and WT mice. Delayed mechanical allodynia developed on the contralateral whisker pad in TNFR1/2 KO mice but not in WT mice. Proteomic profiling 10 weeks after chronic TIC injury revealed TNFα, interleukin-1alpha (IL-1α), interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin-23 (IL-23), macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β), and granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were increased more than 2-fold in TNFR1/2 KO mice compared to WT mice with TIC. Bilateral microglial activation in spinal trigeminal nucleus was detected only in TNFR1/2 KO mice. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor and microglial inhibitor minocycline reduced hypersensitivity. Conclusions The results suggest the dysregulated serum cytokine proteome profile and bilateral spinal trigeminal nucleus microglial activation are contributory to the bilateral mechanical hypersensitization in this chronic trigeminal neuropathic pain model in the mice with TNFα dysregulation. Data support involvement of both neurogenic and humoral influences in chronic neuropathic pain.
Word Order, Agreement and Pronominalization in Standard and Palestinian Arabic

The two related issues of word order, and subject-verb agreement have occupied center stage in the study of Arabic syntax since the time of Sibawayhi in the eighth century. This book is a contribution to both of these areas. It is grounded within the generative grammar framework in one of its most recent versions, namely Minimalism, as expounded in Chomsky (1995). In this volume, a detailed description is given of word order options in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Palestinian Arabic (PA). It is shown that, perhaps surprisingly, the two varieties allow almost the same range of word orders. The important question of whether Arabic has a VP is addressed: the author argues extensively that Arabic has a VP category. The evidence derives from examining superiority effects, ECP effects, binding, variable interpretations, etc. Also discussed is the content of [Spec, TP] in VSO sentences. It is argued that the position is occupied by an expletive pronoun. The author defends the Expletive Hypothesis which states that in VSO sentences the expletive may take part in checking some features of the verb. A typology of the expletive pronoun in Modern Standard Arabic, Palestinian Arabic, Lebanese Arabic, and Moroccan Arabic is provided. A particularly interesting problem involving pronominal co-reference is the following: if the subject is the antecedent of a pronominal clitic, word order is free; if a pronominal is cliticized onto the subject, then the antecedent must precede. An account that derives these restrictions without recourse to linear order is proposed.
Investigation of a new analytical method for treating kinked cracks in a plate

A new analytical method for treating kinked and branched cracks is investigated to understand its subtleties and their effects on accuracy and efficiency. Based on a weighted superposition approach, this method uses analytical functions built from opening displacement profiles to determine full stress and displacement fields in a linearly elastic two-dimensional infinite plate containing interacting kinked and branched cracks under far field loading. In addition, results include stress intensity factors at tip and kink locations. Rapid convergence is achieved for few degrees of freedom yielding crack face tractions consistent with those prescribed. Moreover, this method involves no numerical integration, eliminating unnecessary computational errors. The features of this method are demonstrated by the solution of a V-shaped crack. The method yields stress intensity factor results that are in agreement with a particular case found in a well-known handbook.
Host–pathogen interactions in malaria: cross-kingdom signaling and mitochondrial regulation

Malaria parasite-host interactions are complex and have confounded available drugs and the development of vaccines. Further, we now appreciate that interventions for malaria elimination and eradication must include therapeutics with intrinsic transmission blocking activity to treat the patient and prevent disease spread. Studies over the past 15 years have revealed significant conservation in the response to infection in mosquito and human hosts. More recently, we have recognized that conserved cell signaling cascades in mosquitoes and humans dictate infection outcome through the regulation of mitochondrial function and biogenesis, which feed back to host immunity, basic intermediary metabolism, and stress responses. These responses - reflected clearly in the primeval insect host - provide fertile ground for innovative strategies for both treatment and transmission blocking.
Regulation of Rat Liver Glycogen Synthetase RELATIONSHIP OF THE HORMONAL ACTIVATION AND THE TIME-DEPENDENT IN VITRO ACTIVATION

Abstract The activation of glycogen synthetase by insulin proceeds via the transformation of the less active D form to the active I form, with essentially no change in total activity. Although the enhancement of glycogen deposition has also been attributed to glucocorticoid activation of glycogen synthetase, insulin-induced activation is counteracted by hydrocortisone in diabetic and starved rats. The time-dependent activation of glycogen synthetase in crude liver extracts, which has been used as a model for activation of the enzyme by various agents, has now been demonstrated with more purified preparations. With the purified system the characteristics of the in vitro activation have been compared to the in vivo hormonally induced activation. In contrast to the in vivo case, the total activity of glycogen synthetase increased during activation in vitro in addition to the increase in the I activity. The effect of various cellular metabolites on the in vitro activation kinetics is profoundly altered by EDTA. Certain properties of the synthetase system, such as the ratio of D to I form, the Km for UDP-glucose, and the in vitro activation, are temperature-dependent.
Sharing of Grant Funds between Academic Institutions and ­Community Partners in Community-Based Participatory Research

Objectives To determine how grant funds are shared between academic institutions and community partners in community-based participatory research (CBPR). Methods Review of all 62 investigator-initiated R01 CBPR grants funded by the National Institutes of Health from January 2005 to August 2012. Using prespecified criteria, two reviewers independently categorized each budget item as being for an academic institution or a community partner. A third reviewer helped resolve any discrepancies. Results Among 49 evaluable grants, 68% of all grant funds were for academic institutions and 30% were for community partners. For 2% of funds, it was unclear whether they were for academic institutions or for community partners. Community partners’ share of funds was highest in the categories of other direct costs (62%) and other personnel (48%) and lowest in the categories of equipment (1%) and indirect costs (7%). Conclusions A majority of CBPR grant funds are allocated to academic institutions. In order to enhance the share that community partners receive, funders may wish to specify a minimum proportion of grant funds that should be allocated to community partners in CBPR projects.
A Practical Coaching Model for Critical Thinking Skill and Leadership Development (C/CTSLD)

Critical thinking skills are a core competency needed by today’s leaders. However, a deficiency in critical thinkingskills in the workplace has been well documented, and research has shown dire consequences for the individual andthe organization. This paper espouses a practical coaching model for improving critical thinking skills andfacilitating leadership development. Using a solution-focused approach with the six critical thinking skills asidentified by the APA Delphi Research Report, its iterative nature fosters the formation of “habits of mind”. Usingcoaching (questioning) techniques on the first four skills, qualitative (interview) data was gathered from new entrantsinto the workforce. Improvements in their critical thinking skills were measured using quantitative data (pre, mid andpost) gathered from the California Critical Thinking Skills Test. Results showed improvements in critical thinkingskills for almost all participants (future leaders). These findings support the value and use of coaching and criticalthinking skill development in management/leadership development programs, or any program focused on personaland/or professional development. Future research warrants the use of an extended coaching schedule (for individualand group participation) and the inclusion of the last two skills. In addition, the use of a larger research sample andfollow-up testing/evaluation for a year to validate the formation of “habits of mind” is needed.
Early detection of acute coronary syndromes and risk stratification by multimarker analysis

Cardiac troponin is the standard biomarker for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and risk stratification for short-term adverse cardiac events (death, AMI or need for revascularization). Unfortunately, the concentration of troponin in blood is normal in AMI patients who present early after the onset of symptoms. As such, there is active research being conducted in finding early markers of AMI and risk stratification. Despite years of testing dozens of candidates, no single test has had the necessary clinical sensitivity and specificity for this indication. Therefore, many researchers have advocated multimarker testing. There are two approaches that have been taken for discovering new markers. The proteomic approach involves focusing on the differences in the biochemical signatures between the tissues or biological fluids of normal compared with diseased individuals. Specific biochemical targets are not preselected. The pathophysiologic approach involves combining biomarkers that indicate ...
Enhancing the efficiency of multiparty interaction through computer mediation

Abstract People use various techniques to reduce the complexity of realtime multiparty conversational interaction. These techniques—formal meetings, for example—generally restrict the format of the interaction in an attempt to reduce the amount of control information which must be processed by each conversant. This allows the conversants to concentrate more on domain specific information but severely reduces the efficiency of interaction. Previous approaches to the design of computer-mediated interaction (CMI) systems have largely attempted to automate such mechanisms. This paper examines the current state of research in the area of CMI systems and suggests a new direction for research in this area based on the utilisation of control information to increase communicative efficiency. To demonstrate the practical application of these ideas, an initial design for a CMI system which uses the concept of virtual conversants is presented. The CMI system assumes the burden of processing control information and presents to each conversant: • • a two party interaction model for control information • • a multiparty interaction model for domain information.
Professional Entry and the Adviser Relationship: Socialization, Commitment, and Productivity

A longitudinal design was used to examine socialization of professional newcomers (n = 134) at entry into professional doctoral training and at the end of 1 year of training. Anticipatory and encounter experiences are related to commitment and research productivity within the program and for a 5-year period following. As hypothesized, a supportive adviser relationship was strongly and positively related to socialization outcomes and moderate socialization processes. Contrary to hypotheses, however, more supportive adviser relationships appear to offset other socialization processes or to be associated with negative outcomes from socialization.
Nucleotide sequence of the goat embryonic α globin gene (ζ) and linkage and evolutionary analysis of the complete α globin cluster

Abstract In previous studies we identified and sequenced clones containing two adult α globin genes of the goat. Additional studies have revealed the presence of an embryonic α globin gene termed ζ. Sequence analysis of the gene shows that it is the largest mammalian or avian globin gene cloned to date. Its unusual size is mainly due to a 14 base-pair tandem repeat sequence in its first intron. A similar sequence is also found in the first intron of the human ζ gene. The goat ζ coding sequence differs greatly from that of the adult α, particularly at amino acid position 38, where it codes for the amino acid replacement of Gln for Thr. This change may confer a higher intrinsic O2 affinity on the ζ globin protein, ensuring a sufficient O2 supply for the developing goat embryo. The cloning and sequencing of this gene completes the α globin locus of the goat, composed of three genes in the following order 5′-ζ-Iα-IIα-3′. Evolutionary comparisons of the goat α locus with other amphibian, avian and mammalian loci reveal several interesting features. Statistical analysis confirms the hypothesis that the embryonic α gene is much older (400 million years) than the embryonic β gene (200 million years), and that it is descended from a primordial gene, whose present-day counterpart is the Xenopus larval α globin gene. Our results also suggest that after the divergence of the avian line, the αA gene converted the αD gene during the evolution of the pre-mammalian line. The αD globin gene remains unconverted in the avian line, potentially because of insertion/deletion sequences that may prevent any gene conversion event. The divergence rates of specific globin genes have been analyzed and found to form an essentially straight line, in agreement with the neutralist view of evolution.
Development of supported iron oxide catalyst for destruction of PCDD/F.

Studies on the development of supported iron oxide catalysts for PCDD/F decomposition using 2-monochlorophenol as a surrogate test compound are presented. Iron oxide catalysts supported on titania were prepared by two methods: impregnation and the sol−gel method. The latter preparation method resulted in better dispersion of iron oxide on the surface and the formation of γ-Fe2O3. This is in contrast to the impregnated samples where α-Fe2O3 crystallites were formed. Formation of γ-Fe2O3 resulted in improved reducibility of the active phase that favorably affected the catalytic oxidation properties of the catalyst, i.e., the light-off curves for the sol−gel samples were shifted toward lower temperature. Addition of calcium oxide to iron oxide catalyst further improved the performance of the system through stabilization and increase in the concentration of γ-Fe2O3 in the sol−gel prepared samples. Addition of calcium oxide has a dual effect on the performance of the catalyst. First, it creates oxygen vacanci...
Optimal initial conditions for full-order observers

Full-order observers have n integrators (or n delayors in the discrete-time case) that must be assigned ‘initial-condition values’ prior to the beginning of operation. However, the issue of how best to choose (design) those initial-condition values has apparently been completely ignored in control engineering textbooks. As a consequence, observer initial conditions in industrial applications are usually set to zero, by default. In this paper it is shown that there exists a welldefined, easily computed, physically realizable optimum choice for observer initial-condition values. When these optimum initial conditions are used, rather than ‘zero’ initial conditions, a significant improvement in the observer's ‘start-up error transients’ may result. A numerical example is worked out to illustrate this performance improvement.
Molecular Biology of Learning: Modulation of Transmitter Release.

Until recently, it has been impossible to approach learning with the techniques of cell biology. During the past several years, elementary forms of learning have been analyzed in higher invertebrates. Their nervous systems allow the experimental study of behavioral, neurophysiological, morphological, biochemical, and genetic components of the functional (plastic) changes underlying learning. In this review, we focus primarily on short-term sensitization of the gill and siphon reflex in the marine mollusk, Aplysia californica. Analyses of this form of learning provide direct evidence that protein phosphorylation dependent on cyclic adenosine monophosphate can modulate synaptic action. These studies also suggest how the molecular mechanisms for this short-term form of synaptic plasticity can be extended to explain both long-term memory and classical conditioning.
Preoviposition drinking by Culex restuans (Diptera: Culicidae)

In the field 92.9% of female Culex restuansdrank from the oviposition site before beginning to oviposit. Individuals that drank did so an average of 6.4 times, spending an average of 114.5 s in this behavior. Individuals prevented from drinking by sealing their proboscises either failed to lay or laid abnormal egg rafts. Drinking does not appear to be related to evaluation of the ovisite. Instead, it may be necessary for emptying the entire clutch of eggs from the ovarioles and may also assist in the construction of a normal egg raft.
Nanotechnology Outreach by an Anthropologist

My background in cultural anthropology has brought me to a situation where I work with an interdisciplinary research team studying societal interactions with nanotechnology. Our work benefits from the distinctive disciplinary backgrounds of its members, but it is seldom necessary to credit a particular idea or project to one traditional discipline or another. We borrow freely from each other's backgrounds, and this kind of synergy contributes greatly to the success of our work. Much of what I do, for example, is not specific to anthropology. In fact I sometimes find that people who read my articles on nanotechnology are surprised to find that I am an anthropologist.
Gene Locus Specificity of the Glucose Effect in the Thiamine Pathway of the Angiosperm, Arabidopsis

All mutants at 3 loci in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh., a higher plant, that are associated with the synthesis or coupling of the thiazole moiety of thiamine are susceptible to reversible glucose inhibition. In contrast, several different alleles involved in the synthesis of the pyrimidine moiety of the vitamin are insensitive to glucose. Glucose and maltose are equally effective inhibitors while fructose, lactose, ribose, and xylose are toxic. This toxicity is not released by added thiamine.
Competitive analysis of industry history to enhance planning

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the usefulness of applying competitive analysis tools to an industry's competitive history. Future strategic planning can benefit from analyzing the competitive past.Design/methodology/approach – Case summary of industry history with application of competitive analysis tool.Findings – Competitive success of firms in an industry is influenced by consistency with the awareness, motivation, and capability framework.Research limitations/implications – Demonstrating that firms can improve their strategic planning and competitive assessment by analyzing their industry's history using competitive analysis tools.Practical implications – Managers can see how to apply competitive analysis tools to their industry's past, current, and future situations.Originality/value – This is the first application of the AMC framework to a historical analysis of the US automobile market. This demonstrates that competitive analysis tools can be applied to historical situations ...
CRT-810 Contemporary Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty who were Initially Excluded from Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

The utilization of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) as a bridge therapy to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in addition to its well established use in palliative therapy for patients not eligible for TAVR has become widespread in recent years. We sought to understand the contemporary
SU-E-J-09: Feasibility Study of Volumetric Imaging in Cyberknife Room Using Scanning Beam X-Ray Sources

Purpose: Image guidance system such as the one used in Cyberknife or Brainlab ExacTrac, utilizes two x‐ray sources underground, which generates a pair of 2D orthogonal images for target localization. This work investigates the feasibility of bringing 3D or 4D imaging into such environment. Methods: The x‐ray sources in a Cyberknife room are replaced with scanning x‐ray tubes, in which an electron beam is electromagnetically scanned across a 25cm × 25cm transmission target located behind a collimator. The collimator restricts the emerging x‐ray photons to those directed towards the detector. The system is simulated to generate a series of orthogonal 2D projections, and a fully 3D reconstruction algorithm is developed using the total variation (TV) technique. Parameters such as the source‐to‐axis distance, the source‐to‐detector distance, the electron beam scanning pitch, and the detector resolution are varied to study their impacts on the image quality.Results: As the electron beam scanning across the transmission target, a moving x‐ray source is formulated. With as few as 25 paired projections, a 3D image can be reconstructed. It is found that the image quality increases to a certain degree when finer scanning pitch is used. The image quality also increases as the distance between the x‐ray source and the isocenter decreases, significantly, however the field of view (FOV) is reduced. The maximum FOV is about 16 cm under current setup. Using high detector resolution can also improve the image quality Conclusions: With scanning beam technology, it is possible to obtain volumetric images for fixed x‐ray imagingsystems (i.e. without gantry moving). The image quality is comparable to the current on‐board cone‐beam CT used in the treatment room, however the FOV is limited and the image reconstruction time is relatively long.
A Search for New Species in Io's Extended Atmosphere

Abstract A sensitive search for potential atomic neutrals in Io's extended atmosphere and torus was made using the 2.1-m telescope at McDonald Observatory. Although no new atomic species were detected, our observation put stricter upper limits on many neutral species, thereby providing important insights into understanding Io's surface composition, its volcanic processes, and its atmosphere. The upper limits from our observations are factors of 20 to 50 lower than the upper limits established in 1975 (Trafton, 1976,Astrophys. J.,456,384–392). These tighter upper limits for the abundance of metal species strongly constrain the oft-proposed sputtering of cosmic-abundance silicates as one of the dominant atmospheric source mechanisms, by implying the depletion of metal species relative to sodium on the surface of Io.
What is western about western regional science

After defining regional science as social science with a sense of place, I examine alternative speculations about the meaning of a western sense of place, concluding that it is about a relationship with a unique landscape, one characterized by extremes in climate and geology, great distances between places, and a colorful past of commodity extraction. But visions of this relationship with the landscape are in conflict. I then search for the “western” in western regional science by examining the residential location of members of the Western Regional Science Association (WRSA), and the place names (or lack thereof) in titles of conference papers, and conclude that the most western aspect of western regional science is the field trip or landscape tourism nature of the annual meeting. The paper ends with an appeal to expand the western sense of place in the WRSA.