cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tveskov's Straw Man: A Response to “Social Identity and Culture Change on the Southern Northwest Coast”

Some anthropologists, however, suggest that indigenous people are often inventing tradition and identity in a politically expedient and historically spurious way, sometimes even by reading or misreading anthropological texts. Brian Haley and Larry Wilcoxon, for example, suggest that the identities and traditions of the contemporary Chumash of southern California are best described as a “tale” of “ethnogenesis.” [p. 431]
On the reported occurrence of an ecdysone-like steroid in the freshwater snail, Biomphalaria glabrata (Pulmonata; Basommatophora), intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni.

Attempts to repeat the isolation of an ecdysone-like steroid from Biomphalaria glabrata revealed that some of the manipulations described by Muftic (1969) were physically impossible to repeat. With modified procedures no ecdysone-like steroid was found. The original publication gives scant attention to certain experimental details. Some sections of the text bear very close resemblance to earlier publications by different authors. The amount of substance claimed to have been isolated, and the long survival period claimed for Schistosoma mansoni larvae in vitro, are claims which, amongst others, seem highly unlikely a priori. All attempts to contact Muftic have proved to be futile. It is suggested that the paper is, at least in part, erroneous and that any future reference to it should clearly indicate its suspected invalidity.Despite these results, it is considered likely that future investigations will demonstrate physiological roles for steroids in snails.I wish to acknowledge the stimulating communications of Drs E. L. Hansen, M. Voge, R. E. Thorson, C. S. Richards, J. N. Kaplanis, G. Nace, R. Monroe, and of E. Chernin, who first brought this matter to my attention. Theanalytical steroid work could not have been done nor interpreted without the considerable time and effort willingly given by Drs F. Kohen and R. Counsell of the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy. My snail populations were supplemented with snails from the tanks of Mrs B. Caveny. Technical help was given by E. Perisho, G. Lindsay and P. LoVerde. Financial support was kindly provided by Dr J. B. Burch. This investigation was supported in part by the United States-Japan Cooperative Medical Science Program administered by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, grant N.I.A.I.D. AI-7364, and in part by NSF grant GB-29315. Improvements were made to the first draft of the manuscript after it was critically read by Drs E. L. Hansen, F. Kohen, M. Voge, E. Chernin, R. E. Thorson and J. N. Kaplanis.
Effect of rotation on the stability of a doubly diffusive fluid layer

The stability of a rotating doubly diffusive fluid is considered. It is shown that (1) a non-rotating layer can be destabilized by rotation, (2) a rotating layer can be destabilized by the addition of a bottom-heavy solute gradient, and (3) under some conditions, three thermal Rayleigh numbers are required to specify linear stability criteria. Numerical results are presented on the basis of which the explanation by Acheson (1979) of the second of these three anomalies can be assessed, and Acheson's explanation is adapted to the two other anomalies.
Oversampled encoding without delta-sigma modulation: a novel alternative based on nonlinear control

We describe a new oversampled encoding scheme that explicitly minimizes quantization error through the use of a nonlinear controller. The approach is theoretically stable, suitable for mixed-signal integrated circuit implementation and effectively suppresses spurious tones. Theory and simulation results are presented.
Gastrostomy tube placement in infants and children: is there a preferred technique?

Abstract Purpose Advances in percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and laparoscopic (LAP) techniques, including LAP-assisted PEG, offer alternatives to the standard open gastrostomy technique. This study compares the outcomes of the PEG and LAP techniques. Methods All gastrostomy tube placements were reviewed at our institution from January 2004 to October 2008. Demographic, procedural, and outcome data were collected. Univariate and logistic regression statistical analysis was performed with SPSS (SPSS, Chicago, IL), and P ≤ .05 considered significant. Results Of 238 gastrostomy tubes placed, 134 were PEG (56.3%) and 104 were LAP (43.7%). Most tubes were inserted for failure to thrive (74.4%) and feeding difficulties (52.1%). Patient weight and age were increased and operative time decreased for PEG compared with other methods. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy patients also had a statistically higher number of postoperative complications, requiring a return trip to the operating room ( P = .02). Conclusion Minimally invasive PEG and LAP techniques have supplanted the open technique for most patients. Operative time for PEG placement is shorter than other methods, and patients chosen for the PEG method of placement are older and of greater weight. However, there were significant and more serious postoperative complications requiring a second operation in the PEG group when compared with the LAP group.
Aboveground sink strength in forests controls the allocation of carbon below ground and its (CO 2 )-induced enhancement

The partitioning among carbon (C) pools of the extra C captured under elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) determines the enhancement in C sequestration, yet no clear partitioning rules exist. Here, we used first principles and published data from four free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiments on forest tree species to conceptualize the total allocation of C to below ground (TBCA) under current [CO2] and to predict the likely effect of elevated [CO2]. We show that at a FACE site where leaf area index (L) of Pinus taeda L. was altered through nitrogen fertilization, ice-storm damage, and droughts, changes in L, reflecting the aboveground sink for net primary productivity, were accompanied by opposite changes in TBCA. A similar pattern emerged when data were combined from the four FACE experiments, using leaf area duration (LD) to account for differences in growing-season length. Moreover, elevated [CO2]-induced enhancement of TBCA in the combined data decreased from ≈50% (700 g C m−2 y−1) at the lowest LD to ≈30% (200 g C m−2 y−1) at the highest LD. The consistency of the trend in TBCA with L and its response to [CO2] across the sites provides a norm for predictions of ecosystem C cycling, and is particularly useful for models that use L to estimate components of the terrestrial C balance.
Thoracic endografting is a viable option for the octogenarian.

Background The objective of our study is to determine the feasibility of thoracic aortic endografting in octogenarians. Methods Between 2000 and 2006 a total of 504 consecutive patients from two high-volume institutions underwent thoracic endoluminal graft repair for various thoracic aortic pathologies. The following devices were used: Gore TAG (W.L. Gore, Flagstaff, AZ); Talent (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN); and Zenith (Cook, Inc, Bloomington, IN). One hundred one (101 of 504; 20%) patients were octogenarians; 60 males (1.5:1, M:F) with a mean age of 83.7 years. Indications for intervention included the following: atherosclerotic aneurysms, 75 (75 of 101, 74%); acute and chronic dissections, 11(11 of 101, 11%); penetrating aortic ulcers, 9 (9 of 101, 9%); contained ruptures, 5 (5 of 101, 5%); and 1 transection (1 of 101, 1%). Mean length of follow-up was 3.4 ± 2.1 years. Results No intraoperative deaths were noted. Thirty-day mortality was 10% (10 of 101 patients) with an overall late mortality of 26.7% (27 of 101 patients). Mean hospital stay was 6.3 days. A total of 12 neurologic events were noticed: 2 paraplegia (2 of 101, 2%); 4 paraparesis (4 of 101, 4%), 3 with full recovery; and 6 (6 of 101, 6%) cerebrovascular accidents with full recovery in half. A total of 15 endoleaks (15 of 101, 15%) were seen and, in 11, interventions were required. Conclusions Our data suggest that technical success is high and age-specific outcomes in this group of patients are favorable. Further studies are warranted.
From gap gazing to promising cases: Moving toward equity in urban education reform*

A case analysis of the Miami-Dade Urban Systemic Initiative is presented in this article, citing this initiative as one of the sites with the greatest promise for affecting equity issues. Using a grounded-theory methodological approach, a general framework for systemic reform was developed as a tool to examine the particulars of systemic reform initiatives and their potential to impact the teaching and learning of science and mathematics in diverse school contexts. It was found that to better understand the effectiveness of systemic reform initiatives requires answering two basic questions: What is the (pedagogical and ideological) systemic conceptual clarity guiding the reform efforts? And, what is the operational approach? Once answers to these questions are found, it becomes easier to explore how key officials are implementing or not implementing other aspects of systemic reform. The article also explains why less attention should be given to student outcomes (based on standardized tests) as the main indicator of success in systemic reform. Instead, it is proposed that insights gained from studying the particulars of promising initiatives can help others stimulate systemic reform in their own contexts, especially in urban contexts, which usually have few resources and a large population of students who are traditionally underserved. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 38: 1115–1129, 2001
2.3.1 The U.S. Department of Defense Technology Transition: A Critical Assessment

Technology transition and implementation is a major challenge for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The DoD utilizes the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to measure technological maturity of projects for transition to the acquisition phase. However, the TRL is just a technology maturity metric and does not consider other factors, such as the project's costs benefits and risks rewards, that the acquisition community needs to consider in implementing a project; and this has led to delayed acquisition of projects with high TRL. Rapid technology transition requires additional metrics to supplement TRLs. The focus of this paper was on a critical review of methodologies developed for DoD's technology transition process. The literature review examined major empirical studies that have evaluated DoD's technology transition outcomes to identify main bottlenecks and shortcomings. We conclude that DoD's technology transition and acquisition needs improvement in measure of effectiveness.
SPATIAL ECOLOGY OF COYOTES ALONG A SUBURBAN-TO-RURAL GRADIENT

Abstract Coyotes (Canis latrans) are now ubiquitous throughout most of the eastern United States; however, little information exists on how they are able to exploit and thrive in fragmented landscapes. We investigated home ranges, movements, and scale-dependent resource selection of coyotes along a gradient (suburban/exurban/rural) of anthropogenic disturbance. Home-range sizes varied along a suburban-to-rural gradient and were inversely correlated to urbanization (R2 = 0.79, P < 0.001). Habitat composition and coyote use of 95% (home range) and 50% (core area) contours were nonrandom. Coyotes used corridor habitat extensively and avoided urban and crop-field habitats. Forested habitat was used extensively for diurnal cover. Rural coyotes traveled greater distances at faster rates than did suburban/exurban coyotes. Diel activity patterns were similar along the gradient, suggesting that coyotes responded similarly to differing levels and types of human activity. Coyotes appeared to assess habitat quality a...
Neuroelectric processes in individuals at risk for alcoholism

The literature dealing with electrophysiologic research in alcoholics and individuals at risk for alcoholism is reviewed. Event-related potential (ERP) differences between family history positive (FHP) and family history negative (FHN) males have been reported both prior to the ingestion of alcohol and following alcohol challenge doses. At present, the most robust of these electrophysiological findings is the lower P3 amplitude of the ERP, which has now been replicated in several laboratories. This perhaps provides a phenotypic marker, distinguishing those at risk for alcoholism.
The Schrödinger density and the Talbot effect

We study the fractal properties of the time-dependent probability density function for the free quantum particle in a box, i.e. the squared magnitude of the solution of the Cauchy initial value problem for the Schrodinger equation with zero potential, and the periodic initial data. √ δ -families of initial functions are considered whose squared magnitudes approximate the periodic Dirac δ-function. The focus is on the set of rectilinear domains where the density has a special character, in particular, remains bounded, or even has low average values (“the valleys of shadows”). An essential part of the paper is dedicated to a review of some earlier results concerning the fractal properties of Vinogradov’s extensions, which incorporate the solutions of a wide class of Schrodinger type equations. Relations are discussed with the optical diffraction phenomena discovered in 1836 by W. H. F. Talbot, the British inventor of photography. In the modern Physics literature, self-similarity in the wave diffracted by periodic gratings, is known as fractional and fractal revivals, and quantum carpets (M. Berry, W. Schleich, and many others). Self-similarity has been well-known, and extensively utilized in Analytic Number Theory, since the creation of the circle method of Hardy–Littlewood–Ramanujan, and Vinogradov’s method of estimation and asymptotic formulas for H. Weyl’s exponential sums. According to these methods, on the major arcs, the complete rational exponential sums are the scaling factors, while the appropriate oscillatory integrals constitute the pattern of the arising arithmetical carpets.
Analysis on pharmacists intervention use of antibacterial in outpatient department

Objective: To discuss the new methods of pharmacists participating in outpatient department to intervene use of antibiotics and to promote rational use of antibiotics.Methods: 500 cases use of antibiotics medical prescriptions in outpatient department were collected and studied comparatively before(from July to December 2007) and after carry out intervention measures(from July to December 2009).Results: Some major problems were improved significantly after inter-vention.Conclusion: The method of pharmacists intervention use of antibacterial in outpatient department is effective and feasible,which plays a key role in promoting rational use of antibacterial and medical quality.
Efficacy of alternative multivariate best linear unbiased prediction models for genetic evaluation of swine.

A comparison of the accuracy of alternative BLUP evaluations of swine performance data is reported. A simulated data set of performance for days to market, backfat, number born alive, number weaned, and litter weight in six herds was used for the evaluation. The data structure was derived by using the performance records of six herds sampled from the American Yorkshire Club's STAGES (Swine Testing and Genetic Evaluation System) database. For growth traits, 10,360 pig records from 129 sires and 897 dams were recorded. For maternal traits, records on 2,598 litters of 1,209 sows from 147 sires and 585 dams were included. The actual observed performance of each record was removed and replaced with simulated performance. These simulated data were analyzed by within- and across-herd BLUP models using STAGES and Animal Model (AM) procedures. Results indicate that the alternative BLUP procedures produced similar estimates. Correlations between STAGES and AM EPD ranged from .84 to .95. Correlations between STAGES EPD and true genetic value (G) ranged from .41 to .74, and correlations between AM EPD and G ranged from .40 to .74. On average, AM EPD had a .04 larger correlation with G than did STAGES EPD, although the difference in the correlations was not significant (P greater than .05). Trends in EPD for sires, dams, and pigs or sows were the same. Likewise, standard errors of prediction for AM EPD averaged 4% smaller than those for STAGES EPD. Computationally, the AM procedures used 15 to 20 times as much processing time as did STAGES procedures.
Reconciliation, Extension, and Implications

Anthropologists have concluded only recently that relatively complex hunting and gathering societies are relevant to questions about social evolution. To date, few archaeological studies have examined the actual evolutionary histories of markedly complex hunting and gathering societies. This book attempts to improve this record by exploring the development of complex hunter-gatherers on Kodiak.
A reactivity-based probe of the intracellular labile ferrous iron pool

Improved methods for studying intracellular reactive Fe(II) are of significant interest for studies of iron metabolism and disease-relevant changes in iron homeostasis. Here we describe a highly selective reactivity-based probe in which a Fenton-type reaction with intracellular labile Fe(II) leads to unmasking of the aminonucleoside puromycin. Puromycin leaves a permanent and dose-dependent mark on treated cells that can be detected with high sensitivity and precision using a high-content, plate-based immunofluorescence assay. Using this new probe and screening approach, we detected alteration of cellular labile Fe(II) in response extracellular iron conditioning, overexpression of iron storage and/or export proteins, and post-translational regulation of iron export. We also used this new tool to demonstrate that labile Fe(II) pools are larger in cancer cells than in nontumorigenic cells.
Autoimmune Blistering Diseases in Children

The acquired autoimmune bullous diseases are rare in children, but early recognition and prompt treatment are important. A high index of suspicion is necessary to diagnose these conditions that frequently mimic more common childhood diseases. Because there is clinical and histological overlap between these groups of diseases, direct immunofluorescence and/or indirect immunofluorescence are necessary for diagnostic confirmation. The quality of published data regarding the treatment of autoimmune bullous diseases in children is poor, as there are no controlled or comparative trials. This makes it difficult to draw conclusions regarding the best treatment algorithms. Nevertheless, numerous case reports and small, mostly retrospective, case series do suggest treatment options. The goal of treatment is to suppress disease activity and control symptoms with therapies that minimize the potential for serious short and long term adverse effects. Since children may be especially vulnerable to certain medication side effects (e.g., growth retardation from corticosteroids), this makes choosing the best treatment even more important. This chapter will review the most common autoimmune bullous diseases occurring in children: chronic bullous disease of childhood, dermatitis herpetiformis, bullous pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, and pemphigus.
A multilingual ontology for Tamil Literary works

Ontology plays a vital role in teaching and learning. In the last decade most of the learning sites were trying to adopt semantic web techniques to develop the learning materials. It is easy to visualize the concepts that are developed in ontology in an effective manner. In this article a multilingual ontology is developed to teach Tamil literary, Thirukkural by espousing the features of ontology. It is one of the famous Tamil literary in the world and has been translated into more than 80 languages. Three ontologies are developed for Thirukkural in Tamil, English and Hindi languages and they are merged into a single ontology. The relationships between the classes are established by mapping the ontologies.
Substernal Colonic Interposition After Previous Coronary Artery Bypass Graft in a Patient With a Patent Left Internal Thoracic Artery Graft: A Surgical Challenge.

Esophageal reconstruction by a substernal route with a colonic conduit after previous esophagectomy and end-cervical esophagostomy in the presence of a patent left internal thoracic artery graft to the left anterior descending coronary artery is a technically challenging procedure. In this case report, we describe a safe approach to this difficult problem. With proper planning and careful dissection, substernal esophageal reconstruction after previous sternotomy in patients with a patent left internal thoracic artery graft is feasible and can be safely performed.
Alumina, Al 2 O 3 , layers as effective p-stops for silicon radiation detectors

Inter-strip shortening due to electron accumulation is a problem for any segmented p-type and double-sided n-type detectors. The standard approach for inter-strip or interpixel isolation is an implanted and annealed p-type layer, called p-stop. We show that alumina layer can be used as effective p-stops due to a negative surface charge at the silicon-alumina interface. We used ALD (atomic layer deposition) and e-beam evaporated alumina layers as inter-strip dielectrics for n-on-n strips. We fabricated a double sided strip detector (DSSD) on n-type silicon with alumina as a p-stop and tested the DSSD under gamma-ray irradiation. We compare ALD alumina layers with standard silicon oxide for isolating n-on-n strips. Equivalents to “p-stop” and “p-spray” were fabricated and evaluated with respect to their leakage currents. Finite element simulations support our experimental findings.
Coarsening With Low Pèclet Number Convective Transport Due to Sedimentation

Coarsening occurs in virtually all multiphase materials. Simulations of coarsening that employ a solution to the multiparticle diffusion problem provide accurate predictions of the coarsening process at low volume fractions of coarsening phase. However, during coarsening in systems where the matrix is a liquid, it is possible for the particles to sediment due to a density difference between the solid and liquid. We have modified a treatment of multiparticle diffusion to include the effects of slowly moving particles on the coarsening process, specifically the limit of very low Peclet number where the diffusion still controls the ripening process. The model shows an excellent agreement with coarsening experiments in which the particles experience low Peclet number convection introduced by sedimentation.
PaO2 /FIO2 Is Not a Guesstimation.

To the Editor: I read with great interest and with some concern the paper by Cao et al[1][1] that compared volume-controlled and pressure-limited noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in subjects with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure. The authors reported on PaO2/FIO2 rather than PaO2 as part of
Additionality and Its Measurement

This chapter discusses the concept additionality and its measurement. The Export–Import Bank Act does not specify explicit standards for determining which exports should be supported, nor does it indicate the extent of the support that should be extended, therefore, the Bank has relied on the analysis and judgment of its loan officers, its engineering and economics staffs, and its board in a case-by-case approach to its financing decisions. To obtain a measure of the degree to which that financing has resulted in the U. S. exports that would not have been made in the absence of that financing, the U. S. Treasury and the policy analysis staff of the Bank have used the concept of additionality. Additionality was defined by the Treasury as the probability that Eximbank programs have in fact fostered the U. S. exports by overcoming capital market imperfections and by meeting the competition of foreign official export credit agencies. The first additionality study on FY1976 credits was conducted by the Treasury and was followed by a second Treasury study of FY1978 credits done in cooperation with the Bank. Two similar studies of FY1980 and FY1981 direct credits were conducted by the Bank. The chapter presents a review and critique of the three most recent studies.
Genome U-Plot: a whole genome visualization

Motivation The ability to produce and analyze whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from samples with structural variations (SV) generated the need to visualize such abnormalities in simplified plots. Conventional two-dimensional representations of WGS data frequently use either circular or linear layouts. There are several diverse advantages regarding both these representations, but their major disadvantage is that they do not use the two-dimensional space very efficiently. We propose a layout, termed the Genome U-Plot, which spreads the chromosomes on a two-dimensional surface and essentially quadruples the spatial resolution. We present the Genome U-Plot for producing clear and intuitive graphs that allows researchers to generate novel insights and hypotheses by visualizing SVs such as deletions, amplifications, and chromoanagenesis events. The main features of the Genome U-Plot are its layered layout, its high spatial resolution and its improved aesthetic qualities. We compare conventional visualization schemas with the Genome U-Plot using visualization metrics such as number of line crossings and crossing angle resolution measures. Based on our metrics, we improve the readability of the resulting graph by at least 2-fold, making apparent important features and making it easy to identify important genomic changes. Results A whole genome visualization tool with high spatial resolution and improved aesthetic qualities. Availability and implementation An implementation and documentation of the Genome U-Plot is publicly available at https://github.com/gaitat/GenomeUPlot. Contact vasmatzis.george@mayo.edu. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Assessing N w -hydroxy- l -arginine applicability as a novel ethnic specific estrogen-negative breast cancer marker

In our prior study we identified N w-hydroxy-l-arginine (NOHA) as a simple, yet sensitive indicator for estrogen negative (ER−) breast cancer early-prognosis, but not estrogen positive (ER+), and to offer ethnic selectivity for ER− detection. However, the ability of NOHA to assess ER− breast tumor based on disease progression, and tumor severity needs further delineation. Also, the overall NOHA storage stability needs to be validated. To assess the NOHA predictive capability based on disease progression, ER−/ER+ 3D-spheroids (from breast tumor cell lines of human origin) were cultured for 10 weeks. We found only ER− 3D-spheroid cultured for 10 weeks to show a gradual reduction in NOHA (both in culture medium and 3D-spheroid lysates) that correlated with a progressive increase in cellular NOS2 expression and NOS2 activity (measured as total nitrites). We additionally identified the NOHA-NOS2 correlation to be ethnically selective between ER− African American versus ER− Caucasian groups. Interestingly, such NOHA reduction was observed earlier in ER− culture medium (viz., after week 1) than from ER− 3D-spheroids lysates (viz., at the end of 3 weeks). When categorized based on 3D-spheroid grade, we found a ≥ 68% NOHA reduction in ER− spheroids that were ≤ 3 weeks old, that was categorized as “low-grade” (based on tumor size ≤ 250 µm, and with cellular characteristics identical to healthy cells). A substantial reduction in NOHA of ≥ 87% occurred with ER− 3D-spheroids grown for 6 weeks, which were categorized as “intermediate-grade” (with tumor size of ≥ 400 µm, and with less characteristic similarity to control spheroids). These in vitro findings thus suggest a distinct correlation between NOHA reduction and ER− tumor grade. Such distinctive correlation between NOHA and ER− tumor grade was additionally observed in de-identified clinical samples where a onefold higher reduction in NOHA occurred in grade-2 than with grade-1 de-identified patient plasma (when compared with control), and such correlation offered ethnic selectivity between ER− African American and ER− Caucasian groups. Of additional interest, when NOHA overall storage stability was assessed by incubating patient plasma and culture medium spiked with 75 pg/ml NOHA at multiple incubation temperatures and time-points, we found NOHA to maintain its stability for up to 6 weeks in culture medium and for 7 days in plasma at 4 °C and below. These results thus provide the first evidence of NOHA as a stable indicator to monitor ER− disease progression and tumor severity in ethnically distinctive populations.
Predicting risk of adverse outcomes in knee replacement surgery with reconstructability analysis

Reconstructability Analysis (RA) is a data mining method that searches for relations in data, especially non-linear and higher order relations. This study shows that RA can provide useful predictions of complications in knee replacement surgery.
Topology of Lie Groups and Homogeneous Manifolds

We start by remarking that we can reduce the study of the topology of homogeneous manifolds to the case where the manifold is connected. Indeed, if a homogeneous manifold is not connected, all connected components are homeomorphic to one another, for if two points x 1 and x 2 lie in distinct components, the action of a group element taking x 1 to x 2 establishes a homeomorphism between the two components.
Some Aspects of the Metallogeny of Continental Rifting Events

Continental rifting events involve tectonomagmatic activation of continental areas. Although the intensity of magmatism associated with these events is in general significantly less than that associated with plate convergence, sites of continental rifting provide favorable environments for the formation of a variety of types of metal deposits.
Performative Embodiment as Learning Catalyst: Exploring the Use of Drama/Theatre Practices in an Arts Integration Course for Non-Majors

Arguments have been made about the need for more active and creative teaching and learning in higher education (Tepper S, and Lindemann D, Chang Mag High Learn 46:20–23, 2014); yet higher education often uses transmission focused forms of education like lectures and tests. Recent research on embodiment in sociology, philosophy and cognitive sciences suggests conceptual linkages between embodied ways of knowing, lived experiences and creativity. This exploratory, cross-case study uses thematic analysis to consider the use of performative embodiment as a creative teaching and learning approach in an arts integration course for undergraduate students. Through a process-tracing analysis of key course assignments, grading notes, and post-course interviews, I construct and compare three separate “cases” of students’ experience of learning in the course over time. Findings suggest that using performative embodiment in an arts integration course may provide a dialogic, multimodal way for students to increase their sense of belonging in the classroom, to explore the value of the arts in education, to understand the importance of the body in learning, and to understand themselves as learners in education and professional contexts.
Dust in and around galaxies: dust in cluster environments and its impact on gas cooling

Simulating the dust content of galaxies and their surrounding gas is challenging due to the wide range of physical processes affecting the dust evolution. Here we present cosmological hydrodynamical simulations of a cluster of galaxies, $M_\text{200,crit}=6 \times 10^{14}\,{\rm M_\odot}$, including a novel dust model for the moving mesh code {\sc Arepo}. This model includes dust production, growth, supernova-shock-driven destruction, ion-collision-driven thermal sputtering, and high temperature dust cooling through far infrared re-radiation of collisionally deposited electron energies. Adopting a rather low thermal sputtering rate, we find, consistent with observations, a present-day overall dust-to-gas ratio of $\sim 2\times 10^{-5}$, a total dust mass of $\sim 2\times 10^9\,{\rm M_\odot}$, and a dust mass fraction of $\sim 3\times 10^{-6}$. The typical thermal sputtering timescales within $\sim 100\,{\rm kpc}$ are around $\sim 10\,{\rm Myr}$, and increase towards the outer parts of the cluster to $\sim 10^3\,{\rm Myr}$ at a cluster-centric distance of $1\,{\rm Mpc}$. The condensation of gas phase metals into dust grains reduces high temperature metal-line cooling, but also leads to additional dust infrared cooling. The additional infrared cooling changes the overall cooling rate in the outer parts of the cluster, beyond $\sim 1\,{\rm Mpc}$, by factors of a few. This results in noticeable changes of the entropy, temperature, and density profiles of cluster gas once dust formation is included. The emitted dust infrared emission due to dust cooling is consistent with observational constraints.
Rescaling cohesive element properties for mesh independent fracture simulations

Abstract In finite element simulations of fracture, cohesive elements introduce artificial compliance into the model leading to changes in properties such as the effective stiffness, effective speed of sound, and crack propagation speed. In this paper, the relation between effective material properties and cohesive element properties is determined analytically. Based on this, a simple method for rescaling the cohesive element thickness is proposed to reduce the effect of artificial compliance and to obtain mesh independent results. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated with four example problems: uniaxial stretching, beam bending, bar impact, and Kalthoff plate impact.
YshB Promotes Intracellular Replication and Is Required for Salmonella Virulence.

ABSTRACT Salmonella virulence requires the initial invasion of host cells, followed by modulation of the intracellular environment for survival and replication. In an effort to characterize the role of small RNAs in Salmonella pathogenesis, we inadvertently identified a 5-kDa protein named YshB that is involved in the intracellular survival of Salmonella. We show here that yshB expression is upregulated upon entry into macrophages. When yshB expression is upregulated before bacterial entry, invasion efficiency is inhibited. Lack of YshB resulted in reduced bacterial survival within the macrophages and led to reduced virulence in a mouse model of infection. IMPORTANCESalmonella gastroenteritis is one of the most common causes of foodborne disease, possibly affecting millions of people globally each year. Here we characterize the role of a novel small protein, YshB, in mediating Salmonella intracellular survival. This elucidation adds to the body of knowledge regarding how this bacterium achieves intracellular survival.
Drosophila seminal sex peptide associates with rival as well as own sperm, providing SP function in polyandrous females

When fruit flies and other animals reproduce, a compatible male and a female mate, allowing sperm from the male to swim to and fuse with the female’s egg cells. The males also produce proteins known as seminal proteins that travel with the sperm. These proteins increase the likelihood of sperm meeting an egg and induce changes in the female that increase the number, or quality, of offspring produced. Some seminal proteins help a male to compete against its rivals by decreasing their chances to fertilize eggs. However, since many of the changes seminal proteins induce in females are long-lasting, it is possible that a subsequent male may actually benefit indirectly from the effects of a prior male’s seminal proteins. It remains unclear whether the seminal proteins of one male are also able to directly interact with and help the sperm of another male. Male fruit flies make a seminal protein known as sex peptide. Normally, a sex peptide binds to the sperm it accompanies into the female, increasing the female’s fertility and preventing her from mating again with a different male. To test whether the sex peptide from one male can bind to and help a rival male’s sperm, Misra and Wolfner mated female fruit flies with different combinations of males that did, or did not, produce the sex peptide. The experiments found that female flies that only mated with mutant males lacking the sex peptide produced fewer offspring than if they had mated with a ‘normal’ male. However, in females that mated with a mutant male followed by another male who provided the sex peptide, the second male’s sex peptide was able to bind to the mutant male’s sperm (as well as to his own). This in turn allowed the mutant male’s sperm to be efficiently used to sire offspring, at levels comparable to a normal male providing the sex peptide. These findings demonstrate that the ways individual male fruit flies interact during reproduction are more complex than just simple rivalry. Since humans and other animals also produce seminal proteins comparable to those of fruit flies, this work may aid future advances in human fertility treatments and strategies to control the fertility of livestock and pests, including mosquitoes that transmit diseases.
Positional Installation of Intranasal Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Objectives:First-line treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis includes topical corticosteroids aimed at decreasing inflammation of sinonasal mucosa. No guidelines exist regarding the effect of head pos...
SGB: Stochastic Gradient Bound Method for Optimizing Partition Functions.

This paper addresses the problem of optimizing partition functions in a stochastic learning setting. We propose a stochastic variant of the bound majorization algorithm that relies on upper-bounding the partition function with a quadratic surrogate. The update of the proposed method, that we refer to as Stochastic Partition Function Bound (SPFB), resembles scaled stochastic gradient descent where the scaling factor relies on a second order term that is however different from the Hessian. Similarly to quasi-Newton schemes, this term is constructed using the stochastic approximation of the value of the function and its gradient. We prove sub-linear convergence rate of the proposed method and show the construction of its low-rank variant (LSPFB). Experiments on logistic regression demonstrate that the proposed schemes significantly outperform SGD. We also discuss how to use quadratic partition function bound for efficient training of deep learning models and in non-convex optimization.
G55(P) Antiphospholipid syndrome should be considered as a possible causative factor in stroke in children with down’s syndrome

Method A three year old girl with Down’s syndrome presented to her local DGH with a dense right sided hemiparesis and impaired speech. MRI brain showed an acute left MCA territory stroke with possible multiple events and vascular imaging (MRA) was suggestive of carotid dissection. The time of onset of her symptoms was unclear as she had been unwell with gastroenteritis the previous few days; therefore she was not a suitable candidate for thrombolysis. Investigations done as part of the RCPCH stroke guideline identified positive antibodies to beta2-glycoprotein and cardiolipin raising the possibility of antiphospholipid syndrome. She was initiated on low molecular weight heparin, repeat anticardiolipin and beta2-glycoprotein at three months remained elevated therefore confirming the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome. Result It is well recognized that patients with Down’s syndrome are predisposed to autoimmune conditions, however the association with antiphospholipid syndrome is lesser well known and documented. There are four previous cases reported in literature, but only two children aged 6 years and 11 months at the time of the thrombotic event. This case report highlights the importance of thinking laterally and considering dual pathology as a possibility in particular when a clear history is not available regarding onset of symptoms. Despite initial investigations clearly providing an aetiology for the stoke i.e. carotid artery dissection in our case, it was imperative to not cease at this point in the diagnostic process. Antiphospholipid syndrome is a lifelong condition requiring long term anticoagulation treatment in order to prevent the debilitating impact of recurrent thromboembolic events such as stroke, DVT and recurrent miscarriages later in life. Therefore, early recognition of this condition in Down’s syndrome patients who present with stroke may have the potential to prevent life-long disability.
Constant pressure mode of operation in the second dimension of two-dimensional liquid chromatography: A proof of concept

The use of two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) continues to grow as the advantages over 1D-LC become increasingly clear in specific application areas, and the number of experienced 2D-LC users increases. As with any technique, however, there is always room for innovation that could improve the performance of 2D-LC. In recent years the technical aspects and potential benefits of a volume-based mode of operation were studied in detail for 1D-LC. The salient features of this approach that are immediately interesting for use in 2D-LC are two-fold. First, the ability to maintain a nominally constant pressure in the second dimension by dynamically adjusting the flow rate to compensate for changes in the viscosity of the fluid in the 2D flow path provides a means to more fully utilize the pressure capability of the pumping system, and accelerates separations in the second dimension (2D). Second, constant pressure operation minimizes physical stress on the system components and the 2D column. In this paper we discuss the aspects of volume-based operation of LC that are particularly relevant to 2D-LC systems. The proof-of-concept experiments illustrate the viability of the constant pressure mode of operation for the second dimension of 2D-LC. In the described separations the throughput improvement is on the order of 10%; this gain will be strongly application-dependent, and may be as large as several tens percent in some cases. Future work will involve a detailed investigation of the impact of the constant pressure mode on robustness of 2D separations.
Business Cycles Fluctuations in Latin America before and after the Upsurge of China

In this paper I use a factor structural vector autoregression to estimate if the cycles of Latin America are now more influenced by global conditions. I study this question as the region has proven to be resilient in terms of economic growth after the global financial crisis in spite of being more integrated with the world economy. In particular, I try to assess if the resilience of the region relates to a greater integration to the Chinese economy while being less in line with the cycles of the United States. In my estimations I decompose the variance of the error term of a factor structural VAR of the four largest Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico) with its three largest trade partners (the United States, the European Union and China). At the same time, I contrast two periods, the fifteen years before and after China joined the World Trade Organization. My results indicate that the cycles of most Latin American countries are now more heavily driven by global shocks, and at the same time these nations tend to see a reduction in their variance during 2002-17 relative to 1987-2001. This behavior takes place at the same time that China increases its role in the global economy while reduces the magnitude and propagation of its domestic shocks.
Anisotropic Effective Thermal Conductivity of Particle Beds Under Uniaxial Compression

The effective thermal conductivity (ETC) of particle beds has been shown to be anisotropic under uniaxial compression. The objective of this study is to validate the assumption that vertical and horizontal effective thermal conductivities of particle beds under uniaxial (vertical) compression can be correlated to compressive stresses in each direction. The horizontal compressive pressure, which is perpendicular to the applied compressive pressure, can be calculated with the use of the at-rest pressure coefficient and subsequently used in a modified macro-contact thermal resistance model to predict the horizontal ETC. The vertical ETC is obtained using the same model by substituting the vertical compressive pressure into the macro-contact thermal resistance. The modified model prediction is shown to match well with experimental data of both vertical and horizontal ETCs of particle beds under uniaxial compression in air and vacuum.
Individual Differences in Secret Keeping

″I don′t even know if I have the capacity for normal emotions or not because I haven′t cried for a long time. You just stifle them for so long that maybe you lose them, partially at least. I don′t know.″ (Jeffrey Dahmer on his confessions, http://serial-killers.virtualave.net/dahmer5.htm. Retrieved 5/10/00.)
Measuring Mast Cell Mediator Release

Mediators released from activated mast cells are responsible for the allergic inflammatory reactions associated with disease states such as anaphylaxis and atopy. These mediators are released as a consequence of immediate degranulation and phospholipid metabolism, upon mast cell activation, followed by delayed cytokine gene expression. Thus, techniques that monitor indices of these events in mast cell culture systems, in association with biochemical analysis of parameters of cell signaling, are critical to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating mast cell-mediated disease. Furthermore, these systems can be adapted for high throughput screens to identify potential inhibitors of mast cell activation which may provide potential leads for novel therapies for these diseases. In this unit, we describe approaches which can be readily used or adapted for a variety of rodent and human mast cell culture systems for the determination of degranulation, phospholipid-derived inflammatory mediator production, and cytokine generation.
Chapter 40 – Management of Bladder Neck Contracture in the Prostate Cancer Survivor

Bladder neck contracture is an infrequent but challenging occurrence following prostate surgery. While uncomplicated cases can be managed with favorable outcomes, identifying an appropriate intervention for advanced instances can prove elusive. As a result, options available to the urologist for treating this disease range from minimally invasive outpatient procedures to major open surgery. Here, the numerous therapeutic modalities for treating bladder neck contracture are reviewed.
An Automated Method for Landmark Identification and Finite-Element Modeling of the Lumbar Spine

Goal: The purpose of this study was to develop a method for the automated creation of finite-element models of the lumbar spine. Methods: Custom scripts were written to extract bone landmarks of lumbar vertebrae and assemble L1–L5 finite-element models. End-plate borders, ligament attachment points, and facet surfaces were identified. Landmarks were identified to maintain mesh correspondence between meshes for later use in statistical shape modeling. Results: 90 lumbar vertebrae were processed creating 18 subject-specific finite-element models. Finite-element model surfaces and ligament attachment points were reproduced within 1e-5 mm of the bone surface, including the critical contact surfaces of the facets. Element quality exceeded specifications in 97% of elements for the 18 models created. Conclusion: The current method is capable of producing subject-specific finite-element models of the lumbar spine with good accuracy, quality, and robustness. Significance: The automated methods developed represent advancement in the state of the art of subject-specific lumbar spine modeling to a scale not possible with prior manual and semiautomated methods.