cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural dissociation of number from letter recognition and its relationship to parietal numerical processing

The visual recognition of letters dissociates from the recognition of numbers at both the behavioral and neural level. In this article, using fMRI, we investigate whether the visual recognition of numbers dissociates from letters, thereby establishing a double dissociation. In Experiment 1, participants viewed strings of consonants and Arabic numerals. We found that letters activated the left midfusiform and inferior temporal gyri more than numbers, replicating previous studies, whereas numbers activated a right lateral occipital area more than letters at the group level. Because the distinction between letters and numbers is culturally defined and relatively arbitrary, this double dissociation provides some of the strongest evidence to date that a neural dissociation can emerge as a result of experience. We then investigated a potential source of the observed neural dissociation. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that lateralization of visual number recognition depends on lateralization of higher-order numerical processing. In Experiment 2, the same participants performed addition, subtraction, and counting on arrays of nonsymbolic stimuli varying in numerosity, which produced neural activity in and around the intraparietal sulcus, a region associated with higher-order numerical processing. We found that individual differences in the lateralization of number activity in visual cortex could be explained by individual differences in the lateralization of numerical processing in parietal cortex, suggesting a functional relationship between the two regions. Together, these results demonstrate a neural double dissociation between letter and number recognition and suggest that higher-level numerical processing in parietal cortex may influence the neural organization of number processing in visual cortex.
Three autocrine feedback loops determine HIF1α expression in chronic hypoxia

Hypoxia occurs in cancer, prolonged exercise, and long-term ischemia with durations of several hours or more, and the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1) pathway response to these conditions differs from responses to transient hypoxia. We used computational modeling, validated by experiments, to gain a quantitative, temporal understanding of the mechanisms driving HIF1 response. To test the hypothesis that HIF1 alpha protein levels during chronic hypoxia are tightly regulated by a series of molecular feedbacks, we took into account protein synthesis and product inhibition, and analyzed HIF1 system changes in response to hypoxic exposures beyond 3 to 4 h. We show how three autocrine feedback loops together regulate HIF 1 alpha hydroxylation in different microenvironments. Results demonstrate that prolyl hydroxylase, succinate and HIF1 alpha feedback determine intracellular HIF1 alpha levels over the course of hours to days. The model provides quantitative insight critical for characterizing molecular mechanisms underlying a cell's response to long-term hypoxia.
Morphological and physiological responses of the invasive weed Isatis tinctoria to contrasting light, soil-nitrogen and water.

Summary We evaluated the morphological and physiological responses to contrasting above- and below-ground resources for the invasive weed, Isatis tinctoria L. (dyer’s woad). Plants were grown under low and high levels of light [shade (50% of ambient) and full sun], soil water (50 and 100 mL day )1 ), and soil nitrogen (N) (0 and 20 mg N kg )1 soil) in 8 L pots in 63 day glasshouse experiments conducted during winter and spring. Soil-N enrichment did not increase any of the growth variables (shoot and root dry mass, shoot:root ratio, leaf area, and specific leaf area) or physiological variables (stomatal conductance and 13 C discrimination) in either experiment. The absence of plasticity in response to changes in soil-N supply suggests that I. tinctoria may survive and persist in nutrient-poor conditions by having low-N requirements, low-N productivity, or both. In contrast, plants compensated for shaded conditions by altering leaf area, specific leaf area, and shoot:root ratio to improve light capture. We discuss the potential mechanisms whereby response to these variable resources may be associated with a series of adaptations that favour the ability to tolerate and colonize harsh, nutrient-poor conditions, as well as invade shaded and undisturbed sites.
Functional Literacy Education for Jail Inmates: An Examination of the Hillsborough County Jail Education Program:

Offenders incarcerated in jails in Hillsborough County, Florida, had the opportunity to participate in an education program using computer-assisted instruction for basic literacy education and GED preparation. Although literacy levels were low with a tested mean of sixth grade prior to entering the program, participants made statistically significant gains in knowledge during 6 weeks of instruction. Overall, participants gained 2.40 grades during this period. Significance tests based on gender, race, and age were conducted with males, Blacks, and juveniles showing significantly higher gains in knowledge within these groups. However, when a logistic regression model was created using low/high gains as the dependent variable, only age remained significant indicating an interaction effect with gender and race. Participants in the program showed high levels of satisfaction with the program, and 90% had plans to continue their education upon release from incarceration. Based on the research conducted thus far,...
Variational principles for linear anisotropic composites

Abstract Variational principles and variational bounds are obtained for the effective material constants ( e.g. , elastic moduli and electrical conductivity) of linear anisotropic composites with periodic structure.
Hybrid Photonic True-Time Delay Modules for Quasi-Continuous Steering of 2-D Phased-Array Antennas

Hybrid photonic true-time delay modules for phased-array antennas are designed and demonstrated. Continuously tunable true-time delay network based on highly dispersive photonic bandgap fiber (up to 2135 ps/nm/km at 1570 nm), combined with a programmable true-time delay network utilizing optical waveguide delay line and optical switches, provides the antenna with quasi-continuous steering ability. Far-field patterns are simulated and measured to confirm the squint-free beam steering.
Comparison of suspension-based and slider-based microactuators for track following performance

Recent increases in the hard disk drive track density have placed stringent requirements on the control of the head position relative to the track center during reading and writing, which is also referred to as track following. In industry and academia several different microactuators have been proposed and used to increase the track following capacity of hard disk drives. This work compares suspension-based and slider-based microactuators for track following performance. In particular, a large stroke linear MEMS actuator, a suspension-based PZT actuator and a collocated PZT transducer actuator are compared. Dynamic models of the microactuators have been derived based on data presented in the literature. An open-loop disturbance spectrum is generated for a suspension-based microactuated suspension on a high performance test spinstand. Open-loop disturbance spectra for the slider-based linear MEMS microactuator and collocated transducer PZT microactuator are developed using the open-loop disturbance spectrum of the suspension based microactuator in conjunction with the dynamic model of each microactuator. Closed-loop track following controllers are designed for each case and closed-loop projections are carried out. Pros and cons of each microactuator are discussed from disturbance spectrum and controller design points of view.
A stitching technique for expanding large 3-D multi-layer antenna arrays in Ku-band using small array units

This paper presents an approach, where via technology is used to expand an antenna array by "stitching" two unit arrays. This method becomes useful as the processing capability becomes limited by the size of the antenna array. Using the bonding process of liquid crystal polymer (LCP), a 3D multi-layer 4times8 patch antenna array has been created and measured at 14 GHz. The results are compared to a single layer structure without vias. The measurement shows SI 1 of -19.1 dB at 13.9 GHz for the multilayer design with a via.
User-controlled mapping of significant literatures.

We apply a version of our web-based literature-mapping system to PNAS for 1971-2002, as indexed by the National Library of Medicine and the Institute for Scientific Information. Given a single input term from a user, a medical subject heading, a cocited author, or a cocited journal, pnaslink rapidly displays views in which that term and the other 24 terms that most frequently co-occur with it in a bibliographic database are interrelated in ways suggesting fruitful combinations for document retrieval. The interrelationships are produced by two algorithms, pathfinder networks and Kohonen-style self-organizing maps. pnaslink displays are themselves interactive interfaces that can retrieve documents from digital libraries (e.g., PNAS Online). This style of visualizing knowledge domains is called “localized” because it does not attempt to map the indexing of literatures in full but concentrates on the top terms in an “associative thesaurus” reflecting user interests. It also permits swift remappings, as the user recognizes terms worth pursuing. pnaslink is illustrated with maps drawn from the literature of population genetics. Some comparative and evaluative comments are added, one from a domain expert indicating that the face validity of the system may be tempered by insufficient specificity in the indexing terms being mapped.
Structure and Processivity of Two Forms of Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA Polymerase δ

Yeast DNA polymerase delta (Poldelta) consists of three subunits encoded by the POL3, POL31, and POL32 genes. Each of these genes was cloned under control of the galactose-inducible GAL1-10 promoter and overexpressed in various combinations. Overexpression of all three genes resulted in a 30-fold overproduction of Poldelta, which was identical in enzymatic properties to Poldelta isolated from a wild-type yeast strain. Whereas overproduction of POL3 together with POL32 did not lead to an identifiable Pol3p.Pol32p complex, a chromatographically distinct and novel complex was identified upon overproduction of POL3 and POL31. This two-subunit complex, designated Poldelta*, is structurally and functionally analogous to mammalian Poldelta. The properties of Poldelta* and Poldelta were compared. A gel filtration analysis showed that Poldelta* is a heterodimer (Pol3p.Pol31p) and Poldelta a dimer of a heterotrimer, (Pol3p.Pol31p.Pol32p)2. In the absence of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Poldelta* showed a processivity of 2-3 on poly(dA). oligo(dT) compared with 5-10 for Poldelta. In the presence of PCNA, both enzymes were fully processive on this template. DNA replication by Poldelta* on a natural DNA template was dependent on PCNA and on replication factor C. However, Poldelta*-mediated DNA synthesis proceeded inefficiently and was characterized by frequent pause sites. Reconstitution of Poldelta was achieved upon addition of Pol32p to Poldelta*.
Regulation of intracytoplasmic pH and "apparent" intracellular pH in alveolar macrophages.

An approach for determining the permeability of cell and subcell membranes to H+/HCO-3 has been applied to alveolar macrophages. The approach uses analysis of substrate ratios which are compartment specific and involved in pH-dependent reactions. By determining the changes in substrate pair ratios produced by pertubations of CO2, the effects of intracellular acidosis and alkalosis can be determined. By measuring substrate pair ratios at a constant PCO2 and variable H+/HCO-3 it is possible to determine the permeability of the macrophage plasma membrane to these ions qualitatively. Measurements of intracellular lactate/pyruvate ratios showed that the alveolar macrophage plasma membrane is permeable to H+/HCO-3. Previous studies have shown that alveolar macrophages are freely permeable to Cl-. pHi was determined from measurements of pHe and Cl-i/Cl-e following changes of external PCO2 at a constant HCO-3 concentration and following changes in pHe produced by changes of external HCO-3 concentration at a const...
CORRIGENDUM AND ADDENDUM: MODELING WEAKLY NONLINEAR ACOUSTIC WAVE PROPAGATION

This article presents errors, corrections, and additions to the research outlined in the following citation: Christov, I., Christov, C. I., & Jordan, P. M. (2007). Modeling weakly nonlinear acoustic wave propagation. The Quarterly Journal of Mechanics and Applied Mathematics, 60(4), 473-495.
Identification of adverse events in ground transport emergency medical services.

The purpose of this study was to develop a method to define and rate the severity of adverse events (AEs) in emergency medical services (EMS) safety research. They used a modified Delphi technique to develop a consensus definition of an AE. The consensus definition was as follows: “An adverse event in EMS is a harmful or potentially harmful event occurring during the continuum of EMS care that is potentially preventable and thus independent of the progression of the patient’s condition.” Physicians reviewed 250 charts from 3 EMS agencies for AEs. The authors examined physician agreement using κ, Fleiss’s κ, and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Overall physician agreement on presence of an AE per chart was fair (κ = 0.24; 95% CI = 0.19, 0.29). These findings should serve as a basis for refining and implementing an AE evaluation instrument.
A Bipartite Nuclear Localization Signal Is Required for p53 Nuclear Import Regulated by a Carboxyl-terminal Domain

Abnormal p53 cellular localization has been considered to be one of the mechanisms that could inactivate p53 function. To understand the regulation of p53 cellular trafficking, we have previously identified two p53 domains involved in its localization. A basic domain, Lys(305)-Arg(306), is required for p53 nuclear import, and a carboxyl-terminal domain, namely the cytoplasmic sequestration domain (CSD) from residues 326-355, could block the nuclear import of Lys(305) or Arg(306) mutated p53. To characterize further the function of these two domains, we demonstrate in this report that the previously described major nuclear localization signal works together with Lys(305)-Arg(306) to form a bipartite and functional nuclear localization sequence (NLS) for p53 nuclear import. The CSD could block the binding of p53 to the NLS receptor, importin alpha, and reduce the efficiency of p53 nuclear import in MCF-7, H1299, and Saos-2 cells. The blocking effect of the CSD is not due to the enhancement of nuclear export or oligomerization of the p53. These results indicate that the CSD can regulate p53 nuclear import by controlling access of the NLS to importin alpha binding.
Fine-tuning Tumor Immunity with Integrin Trans-regulation.

Inefficient T-cell homing to tissues limits adoptive T-cell immunotherapy of solid tumors. αLβ2 and α4β1 integrins mediate trafficking of T cells into tissues via engagement of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, respectively. Inhibiting protein kinase A (PKA)–mediated phosphorylation of α4 integrin in cells results in an increase in αLβ2-mediated migration on mixed ICAM-1–VCAM-1 substrates in vitro, a phenomenon termed “integrin trans-regulation.” Here, we created an α4(S988A)-bearing mouse, which precludes PKA-mediated α4 phosphorylation, to examine the effect of integrin trans-regulation in vivo. The α4(S988A) mouse exhibited a dramatic and selective increase in migration of lymphocytes, but not myeloid cells, to sites of inflammation. Importantly, we found that the α4(S988A) mice exhibited a marked increase in T-cell entry into and reduced growth of B16 melanomas, consistent with antitumor roles of infiltrating T cells and progrowth functions of tumor-associated macrophages. Thus, increased α4 trans-regulation of αLβ2 integrin function biases leukocyte emigration toward lymphocytes relative to myeloid cells and enhances tumor immunity. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(6); 661–7. ©2015 AACR.
A simple model for interconnect design of planar solid oxide fuel cells

Two geometries of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are currently under development, tubular and planar. Both types of cells are configured in a stack using an interconnect, which electrically connects the anode of one cell to the cathode of the adjacent cell, while also physically isolating fuel from oxidant. Proper design of the interconnect in conjunction with single-cells is critical to minimizing the overall stack resistance. This work quantitatively examines the dependence of total SOFC stack resistance as a function of interconnect contact spacing, interconnect contact area, cathode thickness, electrolyte thickness, anode thickness, and transport properties associated with each region and at interfaces (charge transfer resistance). Both one-dimensional (channels) and two-dimensional (dimples) symmetries of interconnect geometry are analyzed for planar cells. Analytical expressions are derived for the area-specific resistance (ASR) of a repeat unit consisting of a cell and interconnect, for both geometries, as a function of cell parameters, interconnect contact area and interconnect contact spacing. It is found that the one-dimensional interconnect symmetry leads to lower values of stack-repeat unit area-specific resistance (ASR) than the two-dimensional symmetry. Thus, based on the analysis presented here the one-dimensional interconnect geometry is preferred over the two-dimensional one.
Simple and reproducible linear measurements to determine ventricular enlargement in adults

Background: Recent studies have suggested that Evan's Index (EI) is not accurate and instead endorse volumetric measurements. Our aim was to evaluate the reproducibility of linear measurements and their correlation to ventricular volume.
An approach to certificate path discovery in mobile Ad Hoc networks

Public key certificates prove validity and authenticity of their ownership and possibly other properties. Certificate path discovery is the critical process for public key verification in hierarchical public key infrastructure (PKI) diagrams. This process is conventionally done in centralized public key management system such as central CA or directory. However, in an infrastructure-less environment, such as a mobile ad hoc network, no such central service is present due to network dynamics. That brings the challenges for public key verification. Some researchers have been exploring public key management in ad hoc networks, but none of their studies are based on the hierarchical public key trust model. In this paper, we present a scheme to represent each CA certificate with a coded certificate path label and design an algorithm to speed up the process of certificate path discovery without the presence of central PKI service. Furthermore, we propose an on-demand protocol to collect the certificates in networks on the fly. In the final we present the performance evaluation for the implementation of our proposed ideas in ns-2.
Taxonomy for Justifying Legal Intervention In An Imperfect World: What To Do When Parties Have Not Achieved Bargains Or Have Drafted Incomplete Contracts

This paper addresses the fundamental methodological issue of when courts should intervene in incomplete contracts by interpreting them, filling in gaps and imposing liability on parties who have not yet reached a bargain. It addresses whether such intervention poses a threat to the parties' freedom from contract, the subject of the Wisconsin Symposium on Freedom from Contract. It uses an instrumental approach to determine the circumstances in which courts can outperform parties in improving welfare by intervention. It assesses the two dominant strands of scholarship for addressing the legal intervention question. One strand emphasizes the costs of parties achieving complete contracts and justified legal intervention as a means to reduce such transaction costs. The other strand of scholarship, represented by the new formalists, emphasizes the difficulty of supplying terms that depend on unverifiable or unobservable information. While both strands of the literature contain valid insights, this paper suggests that neither strand of scholarship provides an analysis of how intervention would advance or hinder the parties' welfare when certain factors such as uncertainty, sunk costs and opportunism are taken into account. Therefore, they cannot assess whether intervention in the form of a precontractual liability rule, with its apparent reduction in freedom from contract, advances welfare or not. This paper develops a taxonomy for legal intervention that focuses on the structural barriers that interfere with the parties' ability to solve a key problem in contracting: the tendency of parties to behave opportunistically. To date, the full implications of this behavioral uncertainty have not been sufficiently incorporated into models assessing legal intervention nor into models demarcating the appropriate boundaries realm for freedom from contract. This paper suggests that legal intervention may be called for when sunk costs and uncertainty about the likelihood of opportunistic behavior are present and the parties' costs of dealing with the recurring problem on their own are most costly than judicial intervention. It specifically explores the taxonomy of legal intervention in the specific context of precontractual liability and the implied limits on revocation in Drennan and unilateral contracts.
YouTubing Africa : old patterns and new possibilities : brave new digital world

While any number of online video sites are making an impact around the world, perhaps none is more influential than YouTube, home to three billion videos and counting. From diaspora Rwandans in the United Democratic Forces FDU-Inkingi lashing out at the regime back home to comedian Khaya Dlanga's humorous take on life in South Africa, the King Kong of video file-sharing has enabled a plethora of users to reach across borders and potentially garner a worldwide audience.
Advanced Treatment Monitoring for Olympic-Level Athletes Using Unsupervised Modeling Techniques

Context: Analysis of injury and illness data collected at large international competitions provides the US Olympic Committee and the national governing bodies for each sport with information to best prepare for future competitions. Research in which authors have evaluated medical contacts to provide the expected level of medical care and sports medicine services at international competitions is limited. Objective: To analyze the medical-contact data for athletes, staff, and coaches who participated in the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, using unsupervised modeling techniques to identify underlying treatment patterns. Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Setting: Pan American Games. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 618 US athletes (337 males, 281 females) participated in the 2011 Pan American Games. Main Outcome Measure(s): Medical data were recorded from the injury-evaluation and injury-treatment forms used by clinicians assigned to the central US Olympic Committee Sport...
Characteristics of the home health practice setting that attract and retain physical therapists: results of a survey and implications for home health.

An electronic survey of the home health (HH) section members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) found that physical therapists (PTs) are attracted to HH for flexible work hours, the ability to work one on one with a patient, the functional setting, and salary, in that order. They co
International Education Committee: New Strategic Plan for 2006–2009

The International Education Committee (IEC), formerly the International Microbiological Education Committee (IMEC), held a strategic planning retreat from 26–27 August 2006 at ASM Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Participants traveled from across the United States and abroad to develop a new strategic plan for 2006–2009 that reflects the current educational and training needs of the international microbiological community. Newly appointed IEC Chair Linda Kenney led the retreat with the participation of 16 IEC members, board liaisons, committee chairs, officers, and ASM staff. The diverse background of attendees, representing seven countries including South Africa, India, Mexico, Argentina, Panama, China, and Nigeria, ensure the international microbiological community is effectively and appropriately served.
Alpha-Mannosidase Deficiency in Persian Cats: A Model of Human Alpha-Mannosidosis

A family of cats deficient in lysosomal α-mannosidase activity was studied. Analysis of the family pedigree indicated an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. All affected kittens had frontal bossing, facial coarsening and dysostosis multiplex. They had retarded growth and developed progressive ataxia, tremor, corneal and lenticular opacities, and hepatomegaly. Thin layer chromatography and high pressure liquid chromatography of urine revealed partially degraded N glycoprotein-derived oligosaccharides. Activity of acidic α-mannosidase from plasma and leukocytes of affected kittens was less than 2% of normal, while the enzyme activity of heterozygotes was less than 50%. In blood smears, 90% of circulating lymphocytes were vacuolated. Ultrastructural studies of circulating white blood cells revealed vacuoles containing storage material in various cell types. Affected animals died or were killed at an early age due to the severity of the disease. Most cell types in visceral, neural and skeletal organs were affected. These cells were enlarged, vacuolated and contained fine granular material or appeared empty. The course of this disease in cats and the morphological and biochemical changes, are similar to those seen in the infantile phenotype of human α-mannosidosis.
Immunotransplantation for Hematologic Malignancies Using Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation.

Background: Allogeneic (allo-) transplantation offers a therapeutic option for patients diagnosed with hematological malignancies such as multiple myeloma (MM), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), low-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Although this approach has shown graft-versus-leukemia effect and potentially being curative, high rate toxicity and treatment-related mortality (TRM) have limited its use other than in the context of clinical trials. The goal of this study was to decrease toxicity of allo- hematopoeitic cell transplantation (HCT) as treatment for patients who had chemosensitive hematological malignancies while allowing the benefit of “graft-versus-tumor” effect by using a non-myeloablative HCT (NM-HCT) approach. Methods: Patients included were newly diagnosed or previously treated MM patients of any stage, NHL patients who failed of ≥ 2 chemotherapies regimens (CHOP and at least one salvage treatment), CLL refractory to standard chemotherapy, and MDS with high-risk cytogenetics. Conditioning regimen consisted of fludarabine at 30 mg/m2/day on days −5, −4, −3 and melphalan at 80 mg/m2 x 2 on days −2 and −1. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis included cyclosporine 3 mg/kg intravenous on day −2 and methotrexate at 10 mg/m2 intravenously on days 3, 6, and 11. Results: A total of 17 patients were assessable: 11 MM patients (7 IgG, 1 IgA, 2 light chain restriction, 1 non-secretory MM), 3 NHL patients (1 FL, 1 MCL, 1 LGL-NK cell), 2 CLL, and 1 MDS (with trisomy 8, 5q−) with a median age of 50.4 years old (range, 34 to 60 years). Three patients received more than two regimens prior to NM-HCT. The initial responses to therapy prior to NM-HCT were: 5 CR, 2 nCR, and 10 PR. All patients received identical 6/6 HLA sibling donor stem cells. All patients but one attained CR (94%) after NM-HCT. The median time for ANC engraftment was 15.4 days (range, 10–36 days). Eight patients developed acute GVHD grade I–III (5 skin, 3 gastrointestinal); all of them responded well to methylprednisolone treatment. Nine patients developed chronic GVHD (grade I–II). The 100-day mortality rate was 5.9% (1 patient died at day + 96 without evidence of MM). Post-transplant, all patients have reported a Karnofsky’s scale performance status between 80%–100%. Three patients (all MM) relapsed after 4, 6, and 32 months post-transplantation. Only one patient received auto-HCT, but continues to have progressive disease, and is on thalidomide/dexamethasone. Only 3 patients had relapsed at 5−, 6−, and 25 months (all MM patients). After a median follow-up of 42.5 months (range, 1–78 months), median survival has not been reached. Conclusions: NM-HCT is a feasible treatment option with manageable toxicity profile. TRM was less than those reported for myeloablative HCT, and results suggest a graft-versus-tumor effect on these types of hematological malignancies using a NM-HCT approach based on CR rate observed as well as median time to progression. These encouraging results warrant further investigation.
Redefining Scholarship: The Boyer Model

The Boyer classification provides a good method for documenting the scholarly activity of academic physicians. His types of scholarship include the scholarship of discovery, the scholarship of integration, the scholarship of application, and the scholarship of teaching.
School transportation mode, by distance between home and school, United States, ConsumerStyles 2012

Abstract Introduction Motor-vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children in the United States, and almost one-fourth of all trips by school-aged children are trips to and from school. This study sought to determine how children (5–18 years) travel to and from school and, among those living ≤ 1 mile of school, to explore the role of school bus service eligibility on school travel mode. Methods We used national 2012 survey data to determine prevalence of usual school travel mode, stratified by distance from school. For those living ≤ 1 mile of school, multivariable regression was conducted to assess the association between bus service eligibility and walking or bicycling. Results Almost half (46.6%) of all children rode in passenger vehicles (PV) to school and 41.8% did so for the trip home. Results were similar among those living ≤ 1 mile (48.1%, PV to school; 41.3%, PV to home). Among those living ≤ 1 mile, 21.9% and 28.4% of children walked or bicycled to and from school, respectively. Ineligibility for school bus service was strongly associated with walking or bicycling to school [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR: 5.36; p Conclusions Regardless of distance from school, passenger vehicles were a common mode of travel. For children who live close to school, the role that school bus service eligibility plays in walking or bicycling deserves further consideration. Practical applications Given the large proportion of children who use passenger vehicles for school travel, effective interventions can be adopted to increase proper child restraint and seat belt use and reduce crash risks among teen drivers. Better understanding of conditions under which bus service is offered to children who live close to school could inform efforts to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety for school travel.
Females are the brighter sex: Differences in external fluorescence across sexes and life stages of a crab spider

Fluorescence is increasingly recognized to be widespread in nature. In particular, some arachnids fluoresce externally, and in spiders the hemolymph fluoresces. In this study, we examined the external fluorescence and the fluorophores of different sexes and life stages of the crab spider Misumena vatia (Clerk 1757), a sit-and-wait predator that feeds on insects as they visit flowers. We designed novel instrumentation to measure external fluorescence in whole specimens. We found that although males and females possess internal fluorophores with similar properties, the external expression of fluorescence varies across sexes and life stages. Spiders fluoresce brightly as immatures. Females maintain their brightness to adulthood, whereas males become increasingly dim as they mature. We suggest that external fluorescence likely contributes to visual signaling in these animals, and that it differs between the sexes as a result of differences in foraging ecology and behavior.
Abstract 543: ADAR1-mediated RNA Editing, a Novel Mechanism Controlling Phenotypic Modulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Vascular smooth muscle (SMC) phenotypic modulation, the transition from a contractile to a proliferative phenotype accompanied by neointima formation following vascular injury, plays a critical role in the development and progression of several proliferative cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, restenosis after angioplasty or bypass, diabetic vascular complications, and transplantation arteriopathy. A hallmark feature of the phenotypic modulation is the down-regulation of SMC contractile genes. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), a well-known stimulator of SMC phenotypic modulation, down-regulates SMC gene expression via posttranscriptional regulation of the related genes. The post-transcriptional mechanisms involved in SMC phenotypic gene expression, however, remain largely unknown. We found that the down-regulation of SMC contractile genes is caused by abnormal RNA editing of their precursor mRNAs (pre-mRNAs). This abnormal pre-mRNA editing is facilitated by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR), which converts adenosines to inosines (A→I editing). PDGF-BB induces ADAR1 while down-regulating the expression of SMC myosin heavy chain (SMMHC) and calponin (CNN). Knockdown of ADAR1 by shRNA restores PDGF-BB-blocked SMMHC and CNN expression, demonstrating that ADAR1 plays an essential role in SMC phenotype modulation. In vivo animal studies show that SMMHC and CNN pre-mRNA is accumulated while their mature mRNA is decreased in balloon-injured rat carotid arteries. Moreover, ADAR1 is highly induced in media layer SMCs initially, and neointima SMCs subsequently following the injury. Of importance, knockdown of ADAR1 dramatically inhibits injury-induced neointima formation, demonstrating a critical role of ADAR1 in vascular remodeling in vivo . Taken together, our study unraveled a novel molecular mechanism, i.e., pre-mRNA editing, governing SMC phenotypic modulation.
The small matter of the Afrikaans diminutive

The Afrikaans diminutive suffix surfaces as one of four allomorphs determined by complex prosodic and segmental interactions including stem augmentation, stem modification in form of diphthongization, and notably bidirectional place assimilation and segmental deletion. This paper presents an analysis in Harmonic Serialism (Prince & Smolensky 1993/2004, McCarthy 2000) that derives the surface allomorphs from an underlying representation /- ʲ ki/. The analysis departs from Wissing’s (1971) rule-based treatment in rejecting phonologically-conditioned allomorphs in favor of a single underlying form which is subject to phonological derivation and in treating diphthongization as the realization of underlying palatal features following Bye (2013).
A bioarchaeological and biocultural investigation of Chinese footbinding at the Xuecun archaeological site, Henan Province, China

From 2005-2006 the Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Henan Province, excavated the Xuecun cemetery as part of a salvage archaeology project associated with the South to North Water Diversion Project. This gave a unique opportunity to examine burials from the Ming-Qing Dynasties (1360-1911). Burials from this period are seldom excavated as the Chinese, do not want to disturb their direct ancestors. This is one of the first studies to examine the paleopathological consequences for footbinding in China. A total of 202 individuals were analyzed for evidence of bound feet: including the loss of musculature in the legs, alterations to muscle attachments, changes in the morphology of the tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges, and signs of infection and trauma. Length and width measurements of tarsals, metatarsal, and phalanges were taken from all females with observable bones. T-test results confirmed a significant difference in tarsal and metatarsal length/width. The incidence of footbinding also increased through time from no evidence in the Han Dynasty, Tang Dynasty, Song Dynasty, and Jin Dynasty, to a dramatic increase in the late Ming Dynasty to Qing Dynasty.
Why Your Encrypted Database Is Not Secure

Encrypted databases, a popular approach to protecting data from compromised database management systems (DBMS's), use abstract threat models that capture neither realistic databases, nor realistic attack scenarios. In particular, the "snapshot attacker" model used to support the security claims for many encrypted databases does not reflect the information about past queries available in any snapshot attack on an actual DBMS.We demonstrate how this gap between theory and reality causes encrypted databases to fail to achieve their "provable security" guarantees.
Vertebrate diversity benefiting from carrion provided by pumas and other subordinate, apex felids

Abstract Carrion promotes biodiversity and ecosystem stability, and large carnivores provide this resource throughout the year. In particular, apex felids subordinate to other carnivores contribute more carrion to ecological communities than other predators. We measured vertebrate scavenger diversity at puma (Puma concolor) kills in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and utilized a model-comparison approach to determine what variables influenced scavenger diversity (Shannon's H) at carcasses. We documented the highest vertebrate scavenger diversity of any study to date (39 birds and mammals). Scavengers represented 10.9% of local birds and 28.3% of local mammals, emphasizing the diversity of food-web vectors supported by pumas, and the positive contributions of pumas and potentially other subordinate, apex felids to ecological stability. Scavenger diversity at carcasses was most influenced by the length of time the carcass was sampled, and the biological variables, temperature and prey weight. Nevertheless, diversity was relatively consistent across carcasses. We also identified six additional stalk-and-ambush carnivores weighing > 20 kg, that feed on prey larger than themselves, and are subordinate to other predators. Together with pumas, these seven felids may provide distinctive ecological functions through their disproportionate production of carrion and subsequent contributions to biodiversity. We urge conservation managers to increase support for these species, as a means of prioritizing resources to best ensure the persistence of carrion in natural systems.
Modeling rare diseases with induced pluripotent stem cell technology

Rare diseases, in totality, affect a significant proportion of the population and represent an unmet medical need facing the scientific community. However, the treatment of individuals affected by rare diseases is hampered by poorly understood mechanisms preventing the development of viable therapeutics. The discovery and application of cellular reprogramming to create novel induced pluripotent stem cell models of rare diseases has revolutionized the rare disease community. Through developmental and functional analysis of differentiated cell types, these stem cell models carrying patient-specific mutations have become an invaluable tool for rare disease research. In this review article, we discuss the reprogramming of samples from individuals affected with rare diseases to induced pluripotent stem cells, current and future applications for this technology, and how integration of genome editing to rare disease research will help to improve our understanding of disease pathogenesis and lead to patient therapies.
Using the Faultine Model to Analyze Conflict in Family Businesses

Family businesses constitute a large percentage of all North American business firms. Consequently, researchers have studied factors presumed to affect the sustained success of family businesses. Among these factors, conflict has been identified as a factor of great concern and a number of studies have attempted to identify the causes of conflict in family businesses and to propose strategies for managing such conflict. After reviewing such studies, I transfer the Faultline Model from the organizational behavior field in an effort to provide a more sophisticated analysis of conflict in family businesses. After summarizing the faultline model, I apply the model to three family business scenarios, identify the level of conflict likely to ensue in each scenario, and identify strategies based on the faultline model for resolving conflicts in such scenarios.
Optical Diagnostics for In-Situ Measurements in Pulverized Coal Combustion Environments

Recent progress in understanding pulverized coal combustion is attributable, in part, to the use of new optical diagnostics for in-situ measurements of gas temperature, concentrations of major and trace gas species, particle size distribution, and gas and particle velocity fields. There is great potential for more widespread application of these techniques in the future, particularly in laboratory bench-scale studies. In addition, advanced methods which are now undergoing laboratory development and validation hold promise for in-situ measurement of the composition of both entrained particulates and deposits on material surfaces exposed to coal combustion environments. This paper emphasizes the features of optical diagnostics that have the greatest potential for near-term application to detect the properties of gaseous or particulate species in small-scale pulverized coal (PC) combustion experiments. These experiments contain many of the hostile features of practical combustors (e.g. high temperatures, high particulate loadings, flow turbulence and windows) that limit optical path lengths and signal-to-noise. Extensive references to the earlier literature are included in recent reviews [1,2].
Risk factors for readmission in patients discharged with outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy: a retrospective cohort study

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is a practical and effective way of delivering antimicrobial therapy, but may be associated with significant risk for hospital readmission. This study aimed to elucidate risk factors related to 30-day readmissions in patients who were discharged with OPAT at Mount Sinai Beth Israel (MSBI). This IRB approved retrospective cohort study included patients who were at least 18 years or older, admitted to MSBI from August 2015 to March 2016, and discharged to receive OPAT. Patients with intravenous antibiotics prescribed for chronic suppression or planned readmission within 30 days were excluded. The main outcome was readmission to the hospital within 30 days from previous hospital discharge. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of 30-day readmission. There were a total of 200 patients included in the analysis; the median age was 60 years, 65.5% were male, and the median Charlson score was 2. A total of 155 (78%) patients received a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC); the remainder was discharged with a midline. The most common medications prescribed for OPAT included cephalosporins (41%), vancomycin (31%), carbapenems (23%), and penicillins (16%). A total of 42 patients (21%) were readmitted within 30 days after previous discharge. Discharge to a skilled nursing facility or subacute rehabilitation center was found to be an independent predictor of readmission on logistic regression analyses (p < 0.05). Readmissions are common in patients discharged with OPAT. Recognizing predictors of readmission may help determine strategies to optimize care.
Abstractions for Fault-Tolerant Global Computing

Abstract Global computing (WAN programming, Internet programming) distinguishes itself from local computing (LAN computing) by among other things the fact that it exposes the network to the application, rather than seeking to hide it with network transparency as in LAN programming. Global computing languages seek to provide useful abstractions for building applications in such environments. This paper introduces the pik-calculus, a calculus for asynchronous distributed programming that incorporates abstractions for building fault-tolerant global applications. The calculus incorporates notions of atomic failure and failure dependencies, from which various forms of distributed transactions and optimistic computation may be built. The pik-calculus extends the asynchronous pi-calculus with a notion of logs and “safe” operations for modifying those logs.
After 'the turn of the screw' / life's a Peach Cronica

Hace unos dias, I watched 'The Turn of the Screw'. Esa famosa version I'd fetishized for years. Decadas, actually. Years ago mi estudiante Sasha Farina (creo recordar que she was a CMC science student, enrolled in my Latin American poetry seminar) fisgo en el internido y teorizo que it had actually been a TV special. Me acuerdo que that didn't sound right to me, and I let it drift back down hacia el ether del olvido. Pero despues de trabajar todo el santo dia en Operasie Restorasie (as Wim baptised my writing process para Our Ubuntu, Montenegro) me senti bien burnt out and in the invisible linksy way of things de repente on a whim hice Google el film - for the millionth time. Esta vez, instead of the myriad other versions que siempre he descartado al tiro al ver el cast o el ano ('The Innocents' con la Deborah Kerr es bien spooky, pero way too early; la 1999 version con la sublime Jodhi May tambien es buena, pero too late), bingo, this could be it, me dije.
Investigation into Photoinduced Auto-Oxidation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Resulting in Brown Carbon Production

Brown carbon (BrC) is a collection of oxidized atmospheric aromatic compounds detected worldwide with broad functionality. This multifunctional nature allows BrC to be water-soluble and bioavailable and demonstrate light absorption at multiple wavelengths. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are major primary products of combustion emissions and have long been known to oxidize in the environment as components of secondary organic aerosols. In this study, we have exposed aqueous PAH suspensions to simulated sunlight to investigate oxidized PAH as BrC precursors. Illuminated samples of naphthalene and anthracene demonstrated growth of several new products with absorptions and oxidation consistent with humic-like substances (HULIS). Reactions of aqueous naphthalene, anthracene, and their oxidized derivatives were found to produce chromatographic and spectroscopic evidence of HULIS formation when exposed to sunlight. The association of oxyradicals with HULIS has implications on human health via lung tissue damage; and its absorption character may add to radiative forcing processes in the atmosphere. The overall product characterizations from naphthalene and anthracene indicate reaction mechanism pathways that use oxidized alcohol and quinone as intermediate species.