cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Online collaborative learning activities: The perspectives of minority graduate students

This exploratory study examined the perspectives of minority graduate students toward online collaborative learning activities. The participants were twenty graduate minority students (15 African Americans, five Hispanics, and five international students from Africa) in online graduate programs in instructional technology education in in the Northeastern United States. A qualitative study was conducted semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews along with observations, Data revealed that the perspectives of minority graduate students toward online collaborative learning activities could be categorized into six themes, including “(a) facilitates knowledge building and construction, (b) preference to work in small-group over whole-group activities, (c) opportunities to share and lead discussion in cross-cultural online environment (d) collaborative activities meets learning and communication styles, and (e) challenges of dealing with cultural differences, (f) lack of multicultural inclusion in the curriculum/course content. The study documents factors that facilitate cross-cultural collaborative learning activities that helped minority students to succeed in online environment.
Arrows in Biology: Lack of Clarity and Consistency Points to Confusion for Learners.

Biology education relies heavily on visual representations, many of which contain arrow symbols. Many different styles of arrows are used, with no correlation to their underlying meaning. This crea...
Effect of Site‐Neutral Payment Policy on Long‐Term Acute Care Hospital Use

Objective To assess the projected effect of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services new site‐neutral payment policy, which aims to decrease unnecessary long‐term acute care hospital (LTACH) admissions by reducing reimbursements for less‐ill individuals by 2020. Design Observational. Setting National 5% Medicare data (2011–12). Measurements We examined the proportion of site‐neutral LTACH admissions. Regional LTACH market supply was defined as LTACH beds per 100,000 residents, categorized according to tertile. We conducted a hospital‐level analysis to compare the projected effect of site‐neutral payment on “propensity score” matched high‐ and low‐LTACH‐use hospitals. Results Forty‐one percent of LTACH admissions would be subjected to site‐neutral payment. The proportion of site‐neutral admissions was large, varied considerably according to LTACH (median 40%, interquartile range 22–60%), and was only modestly greater with greater market supply (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.23, p<.001; coefficient of determination=0.10). The site‐neutral payment policy would affect 47% of admissions from the highest‐supply regions, versus 30% from the lowest‐supply regions (p<.001); and 43% from high‐use hospitals versus 36% from propensity score‐matched low‐use hospitals (p<.001). Conclusion A considerable proportion of LTACH admissions will be subjected to lower site‐neutral payments. Although the policy will disproportionately affect high‐use regions and hospitals, it will also affect nearly one‐third of the current LTACH population from low‐use hospitals and regions. As such, the site‐neutral payment policy may limit LTACH access in existing LTAC‐scarce markets, with potential adverse implications for recovery of hospitalized older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2104–2111, 2018.
Deciphering and engineering chromodomain-methyllysine peptide recognition

Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) play critical roles in regulating protein functions and mediating protein-protein interactions. An important PTM is lysine methylation that orchestrates chromatin modifications and regulates functions of non-histone proteins. Methyllysine peptides are bound by modular domains, of which chromodomains are representative. Here, we conducted the first large-scale study of chromodomains in the human proteome interacting with both histone and non-histone methyllysine peptides. We observed significant degenerate binding between chromodomains and histone peptides, i.e., different histone sites can be recognized by the same set of chromodomains, and different chromodomains can share similar binding profiles to individual histone sites. Such degenerate binding is not dictated by amino acid sequence or PTM motif but rather rooted in the physiochemical properties defined by the PTMs on the histone peptides. This molecular mechanism is confirmed by the accurate prediction of the binding specificity using a computational model that captures the structural and energetic patterns of the domain-peptide interaction. To further illustrate the power and accuracy of our model, we used it to effectively engineer an exceptionally strong H3K9me3-binding chromodomain and to label H3K9me3 in live cells. This study presents a systematic approach to deciphering domain-peptide recognition and reveals a general principle by which histone modifications are interpreted by reader proteins, leading to dynamic regulation of gene expression and other biological processes.
C2 Laminar Screw Fixation

C2 laminar screws provide a safe and biomechanically sound method of fixation avoiding the C2 pedicle. This chapter reviews the indications, surgical planning, technique, and complications involved in the placement of C2 laminar screws. A fine-cut computed tomography (CT) scan is mandatory for three-dimensional assessment of bony anatomy preoperatively. The C2 lamina must be large enough to accommodate unilateral or bilateral screws. Congenital abnormalities such as formation or segmentation defects must be defined preoperatively. Unique complications include ventral breach into the spinal canal, instrumentation failure, and screw prominence. Two complex cases with use of C2 laminar screws are illustrated in detail. When C2 pars or pedicle screw placement is compromised or high risk, C2 laminar screws provide a safe and robust fixation option.
The need for more inclusive measures of sexuality within social work research: addressing the erasure of sexual and gender minority populations

Despite the growing amount of research among the sexual and gender minority population, there remains little to be seen little in the direction of competencies within helping professions mandating ...
Seeing the light: Improving the usability of fluorescence-guided surgery by adding an optimized secondary light source

Abstract Background Tumors that take up and metabolize 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-AlA) emit bright pink fluorescence when illuminated with blue light, aiding surgeons in identifying the margin of resection. The adoption of this method is hindered by the blue light illumination, which is too dim to safely operate under, and therefore, necessitates switching back and forth from white-light mode. This paper examines the addition of an optimized secondary illuminant adapter (SIA) to improve usability of blue-light mode without degrading tumor contrast. Methods We used color science methods to evaluate the color of the secondary illuminant and its impact on color rendering index (CRI) as well as the tumor-to-background color contrast (TBCC). A secondary illuminant adapter was built to provide 475-600 nm light the intensity of which can be controlled by the surgeon and was evaluated in two patients. Results Secondary illuminant color had opposing effects on color rendering index (CRI) and tumor to background color contrast (TBCC); providing surgeon control of intensity allows this trade-off to be balanced in real-time. Experience in two cases suggests additional visibility adds value. Conclusion The addition of a secondary illuminant may mitigate surgeon complaints that the operative field is too dark under the blue light illumination required for 5-ALA fluorescence guidance by providing improved CRI without completely sacrificing TBCC.
Social Media Presence Correlated with Improved Online Review Scores for Spine Surgeons.

Background In the next decade, health care reimbursement will be more aligned to patient clinical outcomes. These outcomes are influenced by the patient’s perceived opinion of his or her care. An evaluation into the role of surgeon demographics, social media (SM) accessibility, and office wait times was conducted to identify correlations with these among 3 online review platforms. Methods A total of 206 (148 orthopedic, 58 neurosurgery trained) spine surgeons were included. Spine surgeon ratings and demographics data from 3 physician rating websites ( Healthgrades.com [HG], Vitals.com , Google.com [G]) were collected in November 2019. Using the first 10 search results from G we then identified if the surgeons had publicly accessible Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (IG) accounts. Results The mean age of the cohort was 54.3 years (±9.40 years), and 28.2% had one form of publicly accessible SM. Having any SM was significantly correlated with higher scores on HG and G. An IG account was associated with significantly higher scores on all 3 platforms, and having a Facebook account correlated with significantly higher scores on HG in multivariate analysis. An office wait time between 16 and 30 minutes and >30 minutes was associated with worse scores on all 3 platforms (all P Conclusions A shorter office wait time and an academic setting practice are associated with higher patient satisfaction scores on all 3 physician review websites. Accessible SM accounts are also associated with higher ratings on physician review websites, particularly IG.
10.13 – Planetary Atmospheres

The essentials of planetary atmospheres of the solar system are concisely reviewed, including their thermodynamics, radiation, chemistry, and dynamics. First, the diversity of atmospheric composition and basic physical properties is described, including the vertical structure. The composition, in turn, affects the climate through energy transfer and the greenhouse effect. So next, the radiative transfer of energy is discussed, including absorption and emission by atmospheric gases. A brief overview of photochemistry provides an appreciation of the composition and vertical distribution of atmospheric constituents. Basic principles of atmospheric motion are then discussed. Finally, some outstanding questions are noted.
Low CD45 mean fluorescence intensity predicts poor Post-Thaw CD34 cell viability

Background & Aim Background Reduced CD34 cell viability following cryopreservation is associated with suboptimal engraftment in stem cell transplantation. Collection of extra hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) can compensate for the potential loss, but subjects patients to unnecessary procedures, and drives up healthcare costs. Aim The goal of this study was to identify variables available on the day of HPC collection that help predict the likelihood of a significant post-thaw drop in viable CD34 cells (vCD34). A prediction model was generated to recommend appropriate extra-day collections. Methods, Results & Conclusion Methods We collected data on 235 consecutive autologous HPC apheresis collections in a single pediatric hospital and analyzed variables that are patient-related, product-related, and technical in nature (Table 1). Both continuous and discrete variables were analyzed and used to construct a prediction model with a false negative rate (missing a call to predict a significant drop in vCD34%) of zero. Results In 5.5% of apheresis products, post-thaw vCD34% decreased by >50%, 15% had 25-50% drop, 29% showed 50%) post-thaw vCD34% decrease included a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma and a low mononuclear cell (MNC) percentage. A simple algorithm combining these three factors correctly identified 9 out of 11 (81%) unnecessary repeat collections, and did not miss any patients for whom a recollection was necessary. Retrospective analysis suggests that using this algorithm, 33% of repeat collections could be avoided. Conclusion Low CD45 nMFI of CD34+ cells is a novel marker of poor post-thaw CD34 cell recovery. A predictive model that combines CD45 nMFI, Hodgkin lymphoma disease status, and MNC percentage has shown good power for predicting unnecessary repeat collections in our patient population. Our predictive model of post-thaw CD34 cell recovery, implemented as a clinical support tool, could help spare unnecessary procedures in a significant percentage of patients. Prospective validation of the algorithm is ongoing, and data will be presented at the meeting.
In situ detection of SARS-CoV-2 in lungs and airways of patients with COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 has led to a global public health crisis. In elderly individuals and those with comorbidities, COVID-19 is associated with high mortality, frequently caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome. We examine in situ expression of SARS-CoV-2 in airways and lung obtained at autopsy of individuals with confirmed COVID-19 infection. Seven autopsy cases (male, N = 5; female, N = 2) with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and a median age of 66 years (range, 50–77 years) were evaluated using a rabbit polyclonal antibody against SARS Nucleocapsid protein in correlation with clinical parameters. The median time from symptom onset to death was 9 days (range, 6–31 days), from hospitalization 7 days (range, 1–21 days), from positive RT-PCR 7 days (range, 0–18 days), and from intensive care unit admission defining onset of respiratory failure 3 days (range, 1–18 days). Chest imaging identified diffuse airspace disease in all patients corresponding to acute and (N = 5) or organizing (N = 2) diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) on histologic examination. Among five patients with acute-phase DAD (≤7 days from onset of respiratory failure), SARS-CoV-2 was detected in pulmonary pneumocytes and ciliated airway cells (N = 5), and in upper airway epithelium (N = 2). In two patients with organizing DAD (>14 days from onset of respiratory failure), no virus was detected in lungs or airways. No endothelial cell infection was observed. The findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection of epithelial cells in lungs and airways of patients with COVID-19 who developed respiratory failure can be detected during the acute phase of lung injury and is absent in the organizing phase.
Res Function and Glucose Homeostasis

As well known to members of the RE Societies, the name for the collection of wandering and sessile mononuclear phagocytic cells which we so dearly love to study was coined by the German pathologist Ludwig Aschoff as the “reticuloendothelial system”. Less well known, however, is that Aschoff in his original studies was so impressed by the metabolic functions of the phagocytic cells that he suggested an alternate term for the phagocyte collection — namely, the “histiocytic metabolic apparatus) (1). The studies to be presented herein deal with a novel, metabolic role for the macrophage apparatus — namely, a proposed regulatory function in glucose homeostasis which pivots around RES influences on insulin dynamics and the resultant functional insulinemic state.
The DSM-5 Clinical and Public Health Committee (CPHC): operations, mechanics, controversies and recommendations.

Background For DSM – 5, the American Psychiatric Association Board of Trustees established a robust vetting and review process that included two review committees that did not exist in the development of prior DSMs, the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) and the Clinical and Public Health Committee (CPHC). The CPHC was created as a body that could independently review the clinical and public health merits of various proposals that would fall outside of the strictly defined scientific process. Methods This article describes the principles and issues which led to the creation of the CPHC, the composition and vetting of the committee, and the processes developed by the committee – including the use of external reviewers. Results Outcomes of some of the more involved CPHC deliberations, specifically, decisions concerning elements of diagnoses for major depressive disorder, autism spectrum disorder, catatonia, and substance use disorders, are described. The Committee's extensive reviews and its recommendations regarding Personality Disorders are also discussed. Conclusions On the basis of our experiences, the CPHC membership unanimously believes that external review processes to evaluate and respond to Work Group proposals is essential for future DSM efforts. The Committee also recommends that separate SRC and CPHC committees be appointed to assess proposals for scientific merit and for clinical and public health utility and impact.
Investigating the effect of surface modification on the dispersion process of polymer nanocomposites

Achieving controlled nanoparticle dispersion through melt processing has been challenging as processing-structure rules for polymer nanocomposites are still not well-defined. This work focuses on d...
Sequential Conia-ene-type cyclization and Negishi coupling by cooperative functions of B(C6F5)3, ZnI2, Pd(PPh3)4 and an amine

We disclose a method for sequential Conia-ene-type cyclization/Negishi coupling for the union of alkynyl ketones and aryl iodides. This process is promoted through cooperative actions of Lewis acidic B(C6F5)3, ZnI2, Pd-based complex, and a Bronsted basic amine. The three Lewis acid catalysts with potential overlapping functions play their independent roles as activators of carbonyl group, alkyne moiety, and alkenyl zinc intermediate, respectively. A variety of 1,2,3-substituted cyclopentenes can be synthesized with high efficiency.
Targeted Chromatinization and Repression of HIV-1 Provirus Transcription with Repurposed CRISPR/Cas9.

The major barrier to HIV-1 cure is the persistence of latent provirus, which is not eradicated by antiretroviral therapy. The “shock and kill” approach entails stimulating viral production with latency-reversing agents followed by the killing of cells actively producing the virus by immune clearance. However, this approach does not induce all intact proviruses, leaving a residual reservoir. CRISPR/Cas9 has been utilized to excise integrated Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) DNA from infected cells in an RNA-guided, sequence-specific manner. Here, we seek to epigenetically silence the proviral DNA by introducing nuclease-deficient disabled Cas9 (dCas9) coupled with a transcriptional repressor domain derived from Kruppel-associated box (KRAB). We show that specific guide RNAs (gRNAs) and dCas9-KRAB repress HIV-1 transcription and reactivation of latent HIV-1 provirus. This repression is correlated with chromatin changes, including decreased H3 histone acetylation and increased histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation, histone marks that are associated with transcriptional repression. dCas9-KRAB-mediated inhibition of HIV-1 transcription suggests that CRISPR can be engineered as a tool for block-and-lock strategies.
Real Big Data: How We Know Who We Know in Youth Work

As the generation and use of big data becomes more prevalent in youth work, young people grow up in a world that “knows” more about their lives than ever before. Beyond school attendance and grades...
Chapter 12 – Functions of Random Variables

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the functions of random variables. The concept of a random variable is discussed to represent experiments or trials on which the outcome is expressed as a number. A random variable X assigns to each possible outcome ω a number t = X(ω) corresponding to the number observed upon performing the trial. The chapter reviews the distribution and mapping for a function of a single random variable. The class of Borel functions includes most of the functions likely to occur in practice. Independence of functions of random variables is discussed.
On the eigenvector bias of Fourier feature networks: From regression to solving multi-scale PDEs with physics-informed neural networks

Abstract Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) are demonstrating remarkable promise in integrating physical models with gappy and noisy observational data , but they still struggle in cases where the target functions to be approximated exhibit high-frequency or multi-scale features. In this work we investigate this limitation through the lens of Neural Tangent Kernel (NTK) theory and elucidate how PINNs are biased towards learning functions along the dominant eigen-directions of their limiting NTK. Using this observation, we construct novel architectures that employ spatio-temporal and multi-scale random Fourier features , and justify how such coordinate embedding layers can lead to robust and accurate PINN models . Numerical examples are presented for several challenging cases where conventional PINN models fail, including wave propagation and reaction–diffusion dynamics, illustrating how the proposed methods can be used to effectively tackle both forward and inverse problems involving partial differential equations with multi-scale behavior. All code an data accompanying this manuscript will be made publicly available at https://github.com/PredictiveIntelligenceLab/MultiscalePINNs .
Effects of Age and Self-Performance on Memory for Who did What.

OBJECTIVES This research tested whether performing an action themselves leads young and older adults to false memory for having seen that action performed by another person. It also tested whether observing another person perform an action leads to false memory for self-performance of that action. METHOD Healthy young and older adults viewed videos involving actors performing different actions. After viewing some of the actions, participants were instructed to perform those same actions themselves. Participants were tested one week later on their memory for the actions of the actors in the videos and for their own actions. RESULTS Older adults were more likely to believe that the actor in a test item had performed the same action previously when they had performed that same action themselves, both when the actor had indeed performed that action and when the actor had not. This effect of self-performance on memory for other people's actions was significantly smaller in young adults. Young adults performed better than older adults at remembering which actors had performed which actions in the videos, although participants had greater difficulty remembering who did what for actions that they had also performed themselves. The two groups were equally likely to falsely remember having performed an action that had only appeared in the videos, but young adults were better able than older adults to correctly identify the actions that they had in fact performed. DISCUSSION Older adults have greater difficulty than young adults at distinguishing self-performed actions from actions performed by other people.
Recent Advances in Sensitivity Analysis for Nonlinear Structural Mechanics Problems

Recent developments in the sensitivity analysis for nonlinear structural mechanics and dynamics problems are reviewed. The activities are grouped into two general categories, namely, computational strategies and facilities for evaluating the sensitivity coefficients, and new applications. Brief description is given of the activities pertaining to the first category. More detailed discussion is presented for two recent applications: a) hierarchical sensitivity coefficients of the various response quantities of sandwich panels with composite face sheets with respect to the different laminate, layer and micromechanical characteristics of the face sheets and core; and b) sensitivity analysis of the large strain response of viscoplastic solids subjected to dynamic loading. Sample numerical results are presented and some of the future directions for research on sensitivity analysis of large-scale nonlinear structures are outlined.
An In-Depth Comparison of Keyword Specific Thresholding and Sum-to-One Score Normalization

The quality of a spoken term detection (STD) system critically depends on the choice of a “thresholding” function, which is used to determine whether to output a candidate detection or not based on its score. In the context of the IARPA Babel program and the NIST OpenKWS evaluation series, the penalty for missing an occurrence depends on the frequency of the keyword, so it is desirable either to apply different thresholds to different keywords, or to normalize the scores before applying a global threshold. This paper compares two widely used thresholding algorithms: keyword specific thresholding (KST) and sum-to-one score normalization (STO), analyzes the difference in their performance in detail, and recommends the use of the “estimated KST” algorithm
Structure Spaces of Maximal l-Ideals of Lattice-Ordered Rings

Let R and S be two unital l-reduced l-semisimple latticeordered rings with 1 > 0. It is shown that if there exists an l-group isomorphism between the underlying lattice-ordered groups of R and S which preserves the identity element 1, then the structure spaces of maximal l-ideals of R and S endowed with the hull-kernel topology are homeomorphic.
Biosynthesis of 2-methylalkanes in the crickets Nemobius fasciatus and Gryllus pennsylvanicus.

The biosynthesis of 2-methylalkanes was studied in the crickets Nemobiusfasciatus and Grylluspennsylvanicus. Labelled acetate, valine, and isobutyric acid were incorporated into the cuticular hydrocarbon of N.fasciatus at levels of 6.0 ± 1, 6.5 ± 2, and 1.5 ± 0.7 percent respectively. The hydrocarbons of this insect are 20 percent 2-methylalkanes, primarily of even numbered carbon chain lengths, and 80% n-alkanes. Of the label incorporated into the hydrocarbon fraction, 28 ± 2 percent of sodium [1-14C] acetate, 98 ± 1 percent of L-[G-3H] valine, and 75 ± 10 percent of [1-14C] isobutyric acid were incorporated into the 2-methylalkanes. This suggests that valine is converted to isobutyric acid and is incorporated into the even numbered carbon chain length 2-methylalkanes during the initial stages of chain elongation. Similar data obtained in G.pennsylvanicus suggests that leucine is converted to isovaleric acid which is then incorporated into the odd numbered carbon chain length 2-methylalkanes.
Analytic Philosophy And Language

The manner in which analytic philosophers have approached language reflects a particular epistemological agenda.1 Analytic philosophy is committed to a modern naturalist2 epistemology. Such an epistemology has a recurrent problem: to explain how, if knowledge is to be understood as the internal grasping of a wholly objective external structure (form), it is possible for a subject to abstract within experience the form of an object. The reason why this is a problem is that all modern attempts so far to explain the abstraction process as itself a natural (mechanistic) process have failed. Moreover, many attempts to explain the process seem to raise the specter of a subject (or human culture) that structures experience to such an extent that knowledge can no longer be understood as the internal mirroring of a wholly objective external form. In short, there are two things that modern naturalist epistemology has difficulty accomplishing: (a) presenting knowledge as itself a wholly natural process (thereby making its epistemology consistent and coherent with its metaphysics) 3 and (b) avoiding appeal to a subject of any kind.4
If we measure a number, we get an interval. What if we measure a function or an operator?

Assume that we measure a physical quantityx with a measuring device whose accuracy isδ (i.e., whose producers guarantee that the difference\(x--\bar x\) between the actual valuex and the measured value\(\bar x\) does not exceedδ). If the result of this measurement is\(\bar x\), then possible values ofx form an interval\([\bar x - \delta ,\bar x + \delta ]\).
Canadian Consensus Meeting on cyclosporine monitoring: report of the consensus panel.

The Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch I the Government of Canada, requested of the transplant nd clinical chemistry professional groups that a consensus leeting be held, to develop a “state-of-the-art” consensus aper on cyclosporune (CsA) monitoring. The often confusg scientific literature on CsA monitoring, created largely s a result of the use of different nonspecific and specific iethods for measurement of CsA, the use of different ample matrices in which the drug is measured, and the aried criteria used for defining renal toxicity or rejection ad led to this request. In response, the Canadian Society of linical Chemists in conjunction with the Canadian Translant Society planned and organized the Canadian Consenus Meeting, which was held at Minaki, Ontario, May 11 rough 13, 1990. Twenty-one scientists representing the linical, methodological, and pharmacological aspects of sA presented to 72 attendees the latest research data on iechanisnis of the immunosuppressive and nephrotoxic ctivity of CsA; immunosuppressive and nephrotoxic activies of the major human metabolites of CsA; distribution of sA between blood plasma, blood cells, and tissues; specific iethods for measuring CsA; the impact on clinical outcome I adjusting CsA dosage on the basis of results of monitorig the parent drug concentration in whole blood; CsA harmacokinetics; and methods for detecting rejection. izsed on a detailed consideration of all data pertinent to se therapeutic drug monitoring of CsA, a set of recommenations was developed, as requested by the Canadian Iealth Protection Branch, by a consensus panel consisting I the nine individuals who co-authored this paper. At the nclusion of the meeting these recommendations and the tionale for them were presented for critical review to all ho attended the meeting. During the conference there was considerable debate gardung the following: (a) the appropriateness of one mple matrix over another (whole blood, plasma, serum,
Immunological aspects of retinoids in humans. II. Retinoic acid enhances induction of hemolytic plaque-forming cells.

Abstract The effects of retinoic acid (RA) on the induction of antibody-producing cells from human tonsillar lymphocytes sensitized to sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) have been evaluated. Our results indicated that 10−5 to 10−7M RA caused up to a three-fold increase in the number of plaqueforming cells (PFC) and a qualitative increase in the size of the plaques during the induction of PFC in 5- to 7-day cultures. Enchancement also occurred when tonsil cells were preincubated with RA for 24 hr and then washed, or when RA was added any time in the first 4 days after initiation of the culture. When T- and B-cell fractions were pretreated with RA for 24 hr, washed, and recombined with SRBC, RA-induced augmentation of PFC occurred only in conjunction with RA treatment of the B-cell fraction. Pretreatment of the T-cell fraction had no effect on PFC induction or on the RA-enhanced response when the B-cell fraction was simultaneously treated with RA. Other experiments suggested that RA did not modulate PFC induction by influencing regulatory functions of adherent accessory cells. Our study demonstrates that RA can enhance human antibody responses and shows that this effect is not caused by increased activity of T cells or adherent accessory cells, but is instead the result of a direct effect of RA on B-cell populations.
Regional and global myocardial deformation of the fetal right ventricle in hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Objective Quantification of fetal right ventricular (RV) function by 2D-echocardiography is challenging. Velocity vector imaging (VVI) is an angle independent speckle tracking technique that assesses regional myocardial mechanics. Alteration in the deformation of the fetal RV in hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the regional mechanics of the fetal RV in HLHS. Methods We retrospectively analyzed HLHS fetuses imaged at our center. Velocity, strain and strain rate were obtained using VVI. Global and regional parameters of RV deformation were compared between HLHS fetuses and gestational age matched controls. Results A total of 30 HLHS fetuses and 30 gestational age matched controls were analyzed. The mean gestational age was 30.5 ±3.5 weeks. Global myocardial strain was significantly decreased in HLHS RVs compared to controls (−1.9% vs. -4.1%, p = 0.003). The volume of the hypoplastic left ventricle did not affect RV deformation in HLHS. Conclusions Compared to controls, the RV in HLHS fetuses has decreased systolic strain. Prenatal abnormalities in RV myocardial deformation may be responsible for inefficient cardiac performance and output. RV myocardial performance in HLHS can be measured prenatally and may be predictive of post-natal RV dysfunction. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Path-integral derivation of the nonrelativistic scale anomaly

In this paper we calculate the scale anomaly for a quantum field theoretic 2D-nonrelativistic Bose gas with contact interactions using Fujikawa's method, both in vacuum and in many-body systems. The use of path integrals for these problems is novel and motivated by a recently developed path-integral framework for addressing questions about scaling in these systems. A natural class of regulators is found that produces the correct value of the anomaly traditionally calculated via other methods, e.g., diagrammatically via the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ function.
Calcium-dependent activation of phospholipase C by mechanical distension in renin-expressing As4.1 cells.

One of the major physiological regulators for the production and release of renin from the kidney is blood pressure. The juxtaglomerular (JG) cells, located primarily at the afferent arterioles lea...
Scalable Relativistic High-Resolution Shock-Capturing for Heterogeneous Computing

A shift is underway in high performance computing (HPC) towards heterogeneous parallel architectures that emphasize medium and fine grain thread parallelism. Many scientific computing algorithms, including simple finite-differencing methods, have already been mapped to heterogeneous architectures with order-of-magnitude gains in performance as a result. Recent case studies examining high-resolution shock-capturing (HRSC) algorithms suggest that these finite-volume methods are good candidates for emerging heterogeneous architectures. HRSC methods form a key scientific kernel for compressible inviscid solvers that appear in astrophysics and engineering applications and tend to require enormous memory and computing resources. This work presents a case study of an HRSC method executed on a heterogeneous parallel architecture utilizing hundreds of GPU enabled nodes with remote direct memory access to the GPUs for a non-trivial shock application using the relativistic magnetohydrodynamics model.
Synaptic transmission: Spillover in the spotlight

Fast neurotransmission in the brain is typically mediated by local actions of transmitters at ionotropic receptors within synaptic contacts. Recent studies now reveal that, in addition to point-to-point signaling, amino-acid transmitters mediate diffuse signaling at extrasynaptic metabotropic receptors.
In vivo absorbance spectra and the ecophysiology of reef macroalgae

In vivo absorbance spectra were obtained for 12 species of tropical macroalgae. Absorbance of UV irradiance was greater than absorbance of photosynthetically active radiation in most algal taxa. UV irradiance may be pre-emptively captured by UV absorbing compounds as indicated by the significant relationship between in vivo and extract absorbance characteristics. In vivo and extract absorbance characteristics indicated that concentrations of UV absorbing compounds were highest among rhodophytes. Additionally, a marked consistency was observed in the visible spectral region, 400 to 750 nm, for in vivo absorbance and fourth derivative maxima for species within specific taxonomic divisions. For Gracilaria salicornia, pigment and photosynthetic performance acclimation paralleled the sun to shade irradiance gradient established by its mat-like morphology. Regression relationships of in vivo absorbance for phycoerythrin and carotenoid-specific maxima with I k , I c , and P max were significant and may have utility in modeling algal photosynthetic parameters.
The development and dynamics of the root apical meristem.

During the past ten years our concepts of the root apex and how it functions have expanded considerably. Through the use of several unique root tissue systems investigators have characterized the populations of cells which comprise the apex and have refined our views of the ways in which these populations interact to regulate aspects of root development. The aim of this paper is to present a summary of current thoughts on root development with emphasis on the activities of the cells comprising the root apex. HISTORICALLY, our understanding of root meristem activity may be divided roughly into two periods, pre- and post-1950. In the 100-yr penod preceding 1950, root apices were intensively studied by a number of anatomists, many of whom had a special interest in the regulation of root growth and development (Clowes, 1961 a). From these investigations it was shown
Multi-Layered Optical Storage with Nonlinear Read/Write

A new concept of three-dimensional (3D) optical storage is proposed based on a multi-layered thin-film structure and a nonlinear optical (NLO) read/write process. Theoretical analysis of the device indicates that a 20-fold increase in total volume density can be expected without any compensating primary spherical aberration, owing to the lateral superresolution and the multi-layer structure in the vertical direction.
Global Research on Women’s Entrepreneurship: An Overview of Available Data Sources & Limitations

Empirical relationships that exist between gender and entrepreneurship still pose many unanswered questions. We provide a launch point for further research on women’s entrepreneurship. Through extensive research on available global databases, we: 1) highlight the continued importance of empirical research in this domain, 2) establish a base point of past research on issues related to women’s entrepreneurship, 3) provide an overview of available country-level data sources for researchers to utilize, and 4) discuss the limitations of multilevel, global research that currently exist in entrepreneurship and propose future directions.
Marketing the North in John Byrne's ‘The Border Itself’

… any border, and the Irish Border in particular, is always a reminder of how arbitrary the definition of a political community can be when it tries to express itself in territorial terms. (Seamu...
Unsteady-state temperature distribution in a convecting fin of constant area

A solution for the unsteady-state temperature distribution in a fin of constant area dissipating heat only by convection to an environment of constant temperature, is obtained. The partial differential equation is separated into an ordinary differential equation with position as the independent variable, and a partial differential equation with position and time as the independent variables. The problem is solved for either a step function in temperature or a step function in heat flow rate, for zero time, at one boundary while the other boundary is insulated. The initial condition is taken as an arbitrary constant. The unspecified boundary values (temperature or heat flow rate) are presented for both cases by utilizing dimensionless plots. Experimental verification is presented for the case of constant heat flow rate boundary condition.
Comparison of molecular weights of single-stranded viral RNAs by two empirical methods.

Abstract The molecular weights of four well-characterized single-stranded viral RNAs (turnip yellow mosaic virus-RNA, bacteriophage MS2-RNA, and cucumber mosaic virus-RNA components B and A) were obtained by sedimentation velocity ultracentrifugation after reaction with formaldehyde. The logarithms of their molecular weights were linearly related to the electrophoretic migration distances of the non-formylated RNAs in 2.4% polyacrylamide gels. This relationship was used to estimate the molecular weights of the RNAs from tobacco ringspot virus, southern bean mosaic virus, carnation mottle virus, tobacco necrosis virus, and brome mosaic virus by electrophoresis, and to compare them with the values obtained by means of formylation and sedimentation velocity analysis.
New concepts in the mechanism of ammonia-induced astrocyte swelling

It is generally accepted that astrocyte swelling forms the major anatomic substrate of the edema associated with acute liver failure (ALF) and that ammonia represents a major etiological factor in its causation. The mechanisms leading to such swelling, however, remain elusive. Recent studies have invoked the role of oxidative stress in the mechanism of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), as well as in the brain edema related to ALF. This article summarizes the evidence for oxidative stress as a major pathogenetic factor in HE/ALF and discusses mechanisms that are triggered by oxidative stress, including the induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) and activation of signaling kinases. We propose that a cascade of events initiated by ammonia-induced oxidative stress results in cell volume dysregulation leading to cell swelling/brain edema. Blockade of this cascade may provide novel therapies for the brain edema associated with ALF.
Entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth

Abstract The linkages among entrepreneurship, creativity, innovation and economic growth are only vaguely understood presently. This paper is an attempt to improve that understanding. The first step in establishing the linkages requires the formulation of knowledge about the psychological make-up of entrepreneurs. These questions are pertinent: What motivates humans to become entrepreneurs? Are entrepreneurs “rational economic men”? How important are monetary rewards to entrepreneurial creativity ? The second step requires information about how the human brain functions. The brain is bi-hemispheric and both sides of the brain play an important role in human decision-making. Nevertheless, we have a cultural bias in favor of the functions performed by the brain's left side. The third step requires an understanding of the process of creation and innovation. Several stages in this process have been identified. The stages of preparation, incubation, and illumination involve the brain's right hemisphere while the verification stage involves the left hemisphere. The final step integrates the first three. We assume that entrepreneurship is an essential determinant of economic growth, that the entrepreneurial function involves creation and innovation, and that entrepreneurship can be taught. This article is intended to provoke thinking and research incorporating new insights from several disciplines. These insights appear to bear more on entrepreneurship than is generally acknowledged.
Excited state investigation of a new Ru(II) complex for dual reactivity with low energy light

The new complex [Ru(tpy)(Me2dppn)(py)]2+ efficiently photodissociates py in CH3CN with Φ500 = 0.053(1) induced by steric bulk from methyl substituents and produces 1O2 with ΦΔ = 0.69(9) from its long-lived 3ππ* excited state. The unique excited state processes that result in dual reactivity were investigated using ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy.
Review of The Road Not Taken: A History of Radical Social Work in the United States by Michael Reisch and Janice Andrews

(2004). Review of The Road Not Taken: A History of Radical Social Work in the United States by Michael Reisch and Janice Andrews. The Oral History Review: Vol. 31, No. 1, pp. 91-93.
Sensitivity Study of Turbulent Flow Simulations Over a Rotating Disk

With increasing demand for renewable energy, there is a need for accurate and reliable simulations of a flow around a wind turbine. To be of use as an engineering design and planning tool, such simulations should be conducted in a timely manner. This can be achieved if a flow is modeled with Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes turbulence models. To reduce uncertainties associated with numerical simulations from the simulation results, one has to ensure the convergence of results with respect to various simulation parameters. In this paper, the effect of the size of computational domain, boundary proximity, grid stretching, and initial grid wall spacing is analyzed. Simulations are conducted with several turbulence models using structured meshes. Due to the complex geometry of wind turbines, a flow over an infinite rotating disk is considered in the current paper as a first step. Such flow represents a rotating wind turbine with an infinite number of blades.
Spectral line parameters for the X2II-X2II (1,0) bands of OH and ClO for atmospheric applications

Abstract Individual spectral line parameters, including line positions, energy levels, and intensities, have been generated for the X2II-X2II(1, 0) bands of OH and 35ClO and 37ClO for a temperature of 296 K. At this temperature the OH band intensity is 42.9 cm-1/atm-cm or 1.73 x 10-18 cm/molecule. For ClO, the band intensity for both isotopes in natural abundance is 11.8 cm-1/atm-cm or 4.76 x 10-19 cm/molecule. Tables of line parameters for both molecules are available from the authors.
Delineating the Chemical Composition of the Salinity Source for Saline Ground Waters: An Example from East-Central Concordia Parish, Louisiana

In the absence of significant water-rock interaction, the chemical composition of a saline brine polluting a ground-water aquifer can be delineated from conservative-mixing relations. An example is the Mississippi River Alluvium Aquifer, within Angelina Plantation in east-central Concordia Parish, Louisiana, which has high ground-water salinities, of unknown origin. Chloride concentrations are linearly correlated with concentrations of major cations and with bromide and iodide. These relationships are consistent with mixing of fresh water with a saline source of either a single brine or multiple brines of similar composition and with a lack of significant water-rock interactions in the ground water during and after mixing. The saline source has the following predicted mass ratios for a brine containing 80,000 ppm CI: Na/CI, 0.58; Br/CI, 0.0013; I/CI, 0.00028; Sr/CI, 0.0026; K/CI, 0.0035; CaCI, 0.035; and Mg/CI, 0.0080. The predicted 87Sr/86Sr ratio is 0.70805. The mass ratios fall within the range of Tertiary oil-field brines in the Louisiana Gulf Coast. The major reservoir for hydrocarbon production in the area is the Wilcox Formation; however, the “predicted” source brine is unlikely to be a “pure” Wilcox brine from Concordia Parish. Ratios of 87Sr/86 Sr are usually lower and bromide, iodide, and calcium concentrations are always lower in the Wilcox brines than predicted in the saline source.