cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Secure and robust cloud computing for high-throughput forensic microsatellite sequence analysis and databasing

Next-generation Sequencing (NGS) is a rapidly evolving technology with demonstrated benefits for forensic genetic applications, and the strategies to analyze and manage the massive NGS datasets are currently in development. Here, the computing, data storage, connectivity, and security resources of the Cloud were evaluated as a model for forensic laboratory systems that produce NGS data. A complete front-to-end Cloud system was developed to upload, process, and interpret raw NGS data using a web browser dashboard. The system was extensible, demonstrating analysis capabilities of autosomal and Y-STRs from a variety of NGS instrumentation (Illumina MiniSeq and MiSeq, and Oxford Nanopore MinION). NGS data for STRs were concordant with standard reference materials previously characterized with capillary electrophoresis and Sanger sequencing. The computing power of the Cloud was implemented with on-demand auto-scaling to allow multiple file analysis in tandem. The system was designed to store resulting data in a relational database, amenable to downstream sample interpretations and databasing applications following the most recent guidelines in nomenclature for sequenced alleles. Lastly, a multi-layered Cloud security architecture was tested and showed that industry standards for securing data and computing resources were readily applied to the NGS system without disadvantageous effects for bioinformatic analysis, connectivity or data storage/retrieval. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of using Cloud-based systems for secured NGS data analysis, storage, databasing, and multi-user distributed connectivity.
Small Angle Neutron Scattering Studies of R67 Dihydrofolate Reductase, a Tetrameric Protein with Intrinsically Disordered N-Termini.

R67 dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is a homotetramer with a single active site pore and no sequence or structural homology with chromosomal DHFRs. The R67 enzyme provides resistance to trimethoprim, an active site-directed inhibitor of Escherichia coli DHFR. Sixteen to twenty N-terminal amino acids are intrinsically disordered in the R67 dimer crystal structure. Chymotrypsin cleavage of 16 N-terminal residues results in an active enzyme with a decreased stability. The space sampled by the disordered N-termini of R67 DHFR was investigated using small angle neutron scattering. From a combined analysis using molecular dynamics and the program SASSIE (http://www.smallangles.net/sassie/SASSIE_HOME.html), the apoenzyme displays a radius of gyration (Rg) of 21.46 ± 0.50 A. Addition of glycine betaine, an osmolyte, does not result in folding of the termini as the Rg increases slightly to 22.78 ± 0.87 A. SASSIE fits of the latter SANS data indicate that the disordered N-termini sample larger regions of space and r...
Confirmation of intersubunit connectivity and topology of designed protein complexes by native MS.

Computational protein design provides the tools to expand the diversity of protein complexes beyond those found in nature. Understanding the rules that drive proteins to interact with each other enables the design of protein–protein interactions to generate specific protein assemblies. In this work, we designed protein–protein interfaces between dimers and trimers to generate dodecameric protein assemblies with dihedral point group symmetry. We subsequently analyzed the designed protein complexes by native MS. We show that the use of ion mobility MS in combination with surface-induced dissociation (SID) allows for the rapid determination of the stoichiometry and topology of designed complexes. The information collected along with the speed of data acquisition and processing make SID ion mobility MS well-suited to determine key structural features of designed protein complexes, thereby circumventing the requirement for more time- and sample-consuming structural biology approaches.
Why China is important in advancing the field of primatology.

Over the past few decades, field studies conducted by Chinese primatologists have contributed significant new theoretical and empirical insights into the behavior, ecology, biology, genetics, and conservation of lorises, macaques, langurs, snub-nosed monkeys, and gibbons. With the recent establishment and inaugural meeting of the China Primatological Society in 2017, China has emerged as a leading nation in primate research. Several research teams have conducted long-term studies despite the difficult challenges of habituating and observing wild primates inhabiting mountainous temperate forests, and the fact that some 80% of China’s 25–27 primate species are considered vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered and are distributed in small isolated subpopulations. In going forward, it is recommended that primatologists in China increase their focus on seasonal differences in the social, ecological, physiological, and nutritional challenges primates face in exploiting high altitude and cold temperate forests. In addition, provisioning as a habitation tool should be minimized or eliminated, as it is difficult to control for its effects on group dynamics, patterns of habitat utilization, and feeding ecology. Finally in the next decade, Chinese primatologists should consider expanding the taxonomic diversity of species studied by conducting research in other parts of Asia, Africa, and the Neotropics.
Arrows are the Verbs of Diagrams

Arrows are a key ingredient of schematic pictorial communication. This paper investigates the interpretation of arrows through linguistic, crowdsourcing and machine-learning methodology. Our work establishes a novel analogy between arrows and verbs: we advocate representing arrows in terms of qualitatively different structural and semantic frames, and resolving frames to specific interpretations using shallow world knowledge.
An Expert Model Selection Approach to Determine the “Best” Pattern Structure in Factor Analysis Models

This paper introduces and develops an expert data-analytic model selection approach based on Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) and asymptotically Consistent Akaike’s Information Criterion (CAIC), to choose the number of factors, m, and to determine the “best” factor pattern structure among all possible patterns under the orthogonal factor model using Mallows’ Cp Criterion.
Helping Students to Develop Independence

Helping students gradually to develop greater independence in their clinical practice is a challenge which has many different aspects. To practice independently means that one is able to function in nursing situations as they exist today. How can the teacher help the student to acquire the skills and abilities which will be expected of her as a practitioner in current nursing situations? How can the teacher encourage thoroughness and pride in work well done, without allowing the emphasis upon completion of each detail to interfere with instruction about larger issues and concepts? What approach is practical and realistic enough in its orientation to enable students to survive professionally under the hectic conditions so prevalent in nursing today, yet has sufficient vision and idealism to encourage students to work toward changes in the way nursing care is given?
Commit signatures for centralized version control systems

Version Control Systems (VCS-es) play a major role in the software development life cycle, yet historically their security has been relatively underdeveloped compared to their importance. Recent history has shown that source code repositories represent appealing attack targets. Attacks that violate the integrity of repository data can impact negatively millions of users. Some VCS-es, such as Git, employ commit signatures as a mechanism to provide developers with cryptographic protections for the code they contribute to a repository. However, an entire class of other VCS-es, including the well-known Apache Subversion (SVN), lacks such protections.
Patients' knowledge about pharmacists, technicians, and physicians.

PURPOSE Including pharmacists within care teams can lead to positive health benefits, yet pharmacists remain underused. Misperceptions about pharmacists' duties and expertise compared to physicians' may contribute. This study sought to determine how well patients know the differences between pharmacists, technicians, and physicians regarding their duties and levels of education about medications. It also investigated how patients' perceptions affect their likelihood to initiate interactions with pharmacists, as well as reasons why they choose not to speak with pharmacists. METHODS An online survey of 477 U.S. adults was administered via Amazon's Mechanical Turk. Participants' knowledge of pharmacists', pharmacy technicians', and medical doctors' education and expertise were measured. Logistic regression determined whether patients' attitudes toward pharmacists predicted patient-pharmacist interactions. Participants' reasons for choosing to not talk to pharmacists about their medications were assessed via an open-ended response. RESULTS Patients generally know the duties pharmacists can perform compared to duties of technicians, but they incorrectly believe that physicians have more years of drug education than do pharmacists. Patients who have more positive attitudes toward pharmacists versus doctors are more likely to initiate interactions with pharmacists. Not seeing a need to interact, believing their doctors told them everything, or their ability to find information elsewhere (e.g., the Internet) were the 3 most cited reasons for not interacting with a pharmacist. CONCLUSION Reaching across disciplinary lines to colleagues in health communication may assist the pharmacy profession in finding ways to increase patients' knowledge and perceptions about the important role pharmacists can play, thereby increasing the likelihood of patients wanting to interact with pharmacists.
Academic entitlement: its relationship with academic behaviors and attitudes

The current study examined the relationship of academic entitlement with student attitudes (e.g., locus of control, motivation) and academic behavior. Participants were 272 (96 men, 176 women) undergraduate students enrolled in general psychology and recruited from a psychology research pool. In groups, participants individually completed a lengthy survey, which included an academic entitlement scale, a locus of control scale, an academic motivation scale, and items related to academic behaviors and attitudes. Academic entitlement was correlated with a more external locus of control and lower academic motivation. Significant correlations also emerged between academic entitlement and perceptions of factors that might help and hinder academic performance. For example, regarding factors perceived as helping academic performance, academic entitlement was positively correlated with endorsing luck as a helpful factor, but negatively correlated with endorsing class attendance as a helpful factor. Regarding factors perceived as hindering academic performance, academic entitlement was positively correlated with external factors such as bad luck and perceiving there to be too much work in the course. Results are discussed in terms of the need to consider academic entitlement as an academic risk factor.
Lipids in the Bone Marrow: An Evolving Perspective.

Because of heavy energy demands to maintain bone homeostasis, the skeletal system is closely tied to whole-body metabolism via neuronal and hormonal mediators. Glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids are the chief fuel sources for bone resident cells during its remodeling. Lipids, which can be mobilized from intracellular depots in the bone marrow, can be a potent source of fatty acids. Thus, while it has been suggested that adipocytes in the bone marrow act as "filler" and are detrimental to skeletal homeostasis, we propose that marrow lipids are, in fact, essential for proper bone functioning. As such, we examine the prevailing evidence regarding the storage, use, and export of lipids within the skeletal niche, including from both in vitro and in vivo model systems. We also highlight the numerous challenges that remain to fully appreciate the relationship of lipid turnover to skeletal homeostasis.
Changes in Clinical Course Before and After Do-Not-Resuscitate Order Placement in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Setting.

Background: The relationship between clinical course and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status has not been well studied in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) setting. Objective: To describe the relationship between DNR order placement and clinical course. Design: Single center retrospective cohort study. Setting/Subjects: Patients, ages 0-18 years, who have died in the PICU from 2008 to 2016. Measurements: Retrospective chart review of DNR status, patient characteristics, and clinical course. We compared length of stay and number of consults/procedures/imaging studies done on patients with early DNR (>48 hours before death), late DNR (within 48 hours of death), and no DNR order placement. Results: One-hundred and sixty-one children were included. Nearly half (48%) were male with median (interquartile range) age of 3 years (0-12). One-third (58) had an underlying oncologic diagnosis. Eighteen percent (29/161) were classified as early DNR, 33% (53/161) as late DNR, and 49% (79/161) as no DNR. We found no differences in patient characteristics or risk of mortality at admission among the groups. The early DNR group showed decreased number of invasive procedures (0.68), imaging studies (1), and consults (0.21) per day when compared with the late (2, 1.53, 0.50) and no DNR groups (2.09, 1.73, 0.43). Conclusion: Our results suggest that early DNR placement in the PICU is associated with a change in clinical course centered around less invasive care. Earlier DNR placement can potentially trigger a shift in care goals that could improve the quality of life for patients and mitigate emotional and physical toll on patients and their families during the highly stressful end-of-life time period.
Neutral sterols in honey bee (Apis mellifera) feces

Nutrition is important in honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colony decline. While the honey bee is incapable of converting dietary plant sterols to cholesterol, the sterol 24-methylenecholesterol has b...
Postcolonial Approach to Curriculum Design

Higher education continuously perpetuates systems of domination through the (re)production of Western knowledge systems that inherently marginalize and “other” Indigenous people and knowledges. Through a postcolonial approach to competency-based curriculum (re)design, we propose a framework that centers the knowledges and voices of marginalized people as a way to dismantle oppressive systems in higher education. In this chapter, we define colonialism; discuss higher education’s role in perpetuating colonialism; define and discuss competency-based curriculum design; define and discuss higher education’s role in postcolonialism and curriculum design; and discuss our framework for competency-based curriculum (re)design. Stage One is characterized by “denaturalization” which is guided by a “thick inclusion” of traditionally marginalized knowledges (Stein in Comparative Education Review 61:S25–S50, 2017). Stage Two creates spaces of (un)learning and (un)knowing and is contextually based on traditionally marginalized knowledges. Through this framework, we seek to decolonize higher education and support traditionally marginalized individuals.
Prognostic Significance of Subungual Anatomic Site in Acral Lentiginous Melanoma.

Context.— Acral lentiginous melanoma is a rare and aggressive type of cutaneous melanoma that arises on the acral skin and the nail unit. The prognostic significance of subungual anatomic site in acral lentiginous melanoma is not established. Objective.— To assess the impact of subungual anatomic site on overall survival and disease-specific survival in acral lentiginous melanoma. Design.— Retrospective cohort analysis. Clinicopathologic characteristics of 627 primary acral lentiginous melanomas (45 [7%] subungual and 582 [93%] nonsubungual) were summarized, and the impact of these characteristics on overall survival and disease-specific survival was determined using univariate and multivariable analyses. Results.— No significant differences in clinicopathologic features were identified between the subungual and nonsubungual acral lentiginous melanomas. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rates were 81%, 40%, and 28%, respectively, for subungual acral lentiginous melanoma and 94%, 59%, and 38%, respectively, for nonsubungual acral lentiginous melanoma (P = .04); risk of death was significantly higher for subungual tumors (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.59 [1.02-2.50]; P = .04). The 1-, 5-, and 10-year disease-specific survival rates were 94%, 56%, and 48%, respectively, for subungual acral lentiginous melanoma versus 96%, 69%, and 55%, respectively, for nonsubungual acral lentiginous melanoma (P = .18). By multivariable analysis, independent poor prognostic factors included older age and ulceration for overall survival and greater Breslow thickness and sentinel lymph node positivity for overall survival and disease-specific survival. Subungual anatomic site was not an independent prognostic factor for overall or disease-specific survival. Conclusions.— Subungual anatomic site is not an independent prognostic factor for acral lentiginous melanoma.
Learning together through coteaching coaching: A model of support for coteaching pairs in clinical practice

Abstract This qualitative study explores coteaching as a model for the teacher education clinical experience, examining how coteaching coaching serves as a support to enhance pair (pre- and in-service teacher) understanding of coteaching. Through the analysis of coteaching observations, coaching session discourse, and interviews with coteaching pairs, the authors posit that coteaching coaching provides a space for both teachers to be positioned as learners and engage in critical analysis of coteaching. For this positioning and engagement in coteaching to occur, coaching sessions should occur frequently with the coach adopting a stance that balances critical feedback and collaborative inquiry.
CharminG: A Scalable GPU-resident Runtime System

Host-driven execution of applications on modern GPU-accelerated systems suffer from frequent host-device synchronizations, data movement and limited flexibility in scheduling user tasks. We present CharminG, a runtime system designed to run entirely on the GPU without any interaction with the host. CharminG takes inspiration from the Charm++ parallel programming system and implements processor virtualization and message-driven execution on the GPU. We evaluate the composability and preliminary performance of CharminG with a proxy application that performs the Jacobi iterative method in a two-dimensional grid, using the Lassen supercomputer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
CMOS-Compatible Circular Polarizers for Color Image Sensors

We present aluminum-based circular polarizers for visible light. Three separate designs of a single film thickness can cover the spectrum from 400 – 700 nm. Theoretical efficiencies are above 80% and extinction ratios are above 100.
Qualitative-Quantitative Analyses of Dutch and Afrikaans Grammar and Lexicon

Sharing certain assumptions but differing in theory and practice, both Columbia School linguistics (CS) and Cognitive Grammar (CG) have increasingly supported their analyses with quantitative evidence. Citation of individual sentences, in isolation or in context, has been supplemented with counts of linguistic forms in texts, informant questionnaires, and perception tests. The present volume, continuing a dialogue between CS and CG, offers six such qualitative-quantitative studies, one on Afrikaans and five on Dutch. Topics include (a) demonstratives, (b) pragmatic particles and imperatives, (c) a puzzling “dismissive” idiom, (d) progressive aspect, and (e) indirect objects. While CS is better suited for analyzing relatively closed systems (e.g. tense, pronouns), CG provides more insight into the vagaries of the amorphous lexicon. The author also offers personal remarks on “linguistics as a path” and discusses how in one case a wrong prediction reflects his dual role as both linguist and student of Dutch as a foreign language.
Thoughts on Winning the 2014 Eckert-Mauchly Award

In this column, Trevor Mudge, winner of the 2014 Eckert-Mauchly Award, reflects on his career thus far.
Optimizing the SINR operating point of spatial networks

This paper addresses the following question, which is of interest in the design and deployment of a multiuser decentralized network. Given a total system bandwidth of W Hz and a fixed data rate constraint of R bps for each transmission, how many frequency slots N of size W/N should the band be partitioned into to maximize the number of simultaneous transmissions in the network? In an interference-limited ad-hoc network, dividing the available spectrum results in two competing effects: on the positive side, it reduces the number of users on each band and therefore decreases the interference level which leads to an increased SINR, while on the negative side the SINR requirement for each transmission is increased because the same information rate must be achieved over a smaller bandwidth. Exploring this tradeoff between bandwidth and SINR and determining the optimum value of N in terms of the system parameters is the focus of the paper. Using stochastic geometry, we analytically derive the optimal SINR threshold (which directly corresponds to the optimal spectral efficiency) on this tradeoff curve and show that it is a function of only the path loss exponent. Furthermore, the optimal SINR point lies between the low-SINR (power-limited) and high-SINR (bandwidth-limited) regimes. In order to operate at this optimal point, the number of frequency bands (i.e., the reuse factor) should be increased until the threshold SINR, which is an increasing function of the reuse factor, is equal to the optimal value.
Change-of-bases abstractions for non-linear hybrid systems

Abstract We present abstraction techniques that transform a given non-linear dynamical system into a linear system, or more generally, an algebraic system described by polynomials of bounded degree, so that invariant properties of the resulting abstraction can be used to infer invariants for the original system. The abstraction techniques rely on a change-of-bases transformation that associates each state variable of the abstract system with a function involving the state variables of the original system. We present conditions under which a given change-of-bases transformation for a non-linear system can define an abstraction. Furthermore, the techniques developed here apply to continuous systems defined by Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs), discrete systems defined by transition systems and hybrid systems that combine continuous as well as discrete subsystems. The techniques presented here allow us to discover, given a non-linear system, if a change-of-bases transformation involving degree-bounded polynomials yielding an algebraic abstraction exists. If so, our technique yields the resulting abstract system, as well. Our techniques enable the use of analysis techniques for linear systems to infer invariants for non-linear systems. We present preliminary evidence of the practical feasibility of our ideas using a prototype implementation.
Spike synchronization in a small-world network

In this paper we examine the effects of small-world network organization on spike synchronization dynamics in networks of Izhikevich spiking units. We interpolate network organizations from regular ring lattices, through the small-world region, to random networks, and measure global spike synchronization dynamics. We examine how average path length and clustering effect the dynamics of global and neighborhood clique spike organization and propagation. We show that the emergence of global synchronization undergoes a phase transition in the small-world region, between the clustering and path length phase transitions that are known to exist. We add additional realistic constraints on the dynamics by introducing propagation delays of spiking signals proportional to wiring length. The addition of delays interferes with the ability of random networks to sustain global synchronization, in relation to the breakdown of clustering in the networks. The addition of delays further enhances the finding that small-world organization is beneficial for balancing neighborhood synchronized waves of organization with global synchronization dynamics.
A top-down approach to high-consequence fault analysis for software systems

Summary form only given, as follows. Even if software code is fault-free, hardware failures can alter values in memory, possibly where the code itself is stored, causing a computer system to reach an unacceptable state. Microprocessor systems are used to perform many safety and security functions where a design goal is to eliminate single-point failures such as these. One design approach is to use multiple processors, compare the outputs, and assume a failure has occurred if the outputs don't agree. In systems where the design is constrained to a single processor, however, analytical methods are needed to identify potential single-point failures at the bit level so that an effective fault-tolerant strategy can be employed. This paper describes a top-down methodology, based upon fault tree analysis, that has been used to identify potential high-consequence faults in microprocessor-based systems. The key to making the fault tree analysis tractable is to effectively incorporate appropriate design features such as software path control and checksums so that complicated branches of the fault tree can be terminated early. The analysis uses simplified software flow diagrams depicting relevant code elements. Pertinent sections of machine language are then examined to identify suspect hardware. A comparison of this methodology with approaches based upon failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) is made. The methodology is demonstrated through a simple example. Use of fault trees to show that software code is free of safety or security faults is also demonstrated.
The role of dermatopathology in conjunction with teledermatology in resource-limited settings: lessons from the African Teledermatology Project.

Background Access to dermatology and dermatopathology services is scarce in sub-Saharan Africa. Teledermatology provides consultations for healthcare providers in resource-limited settings where specialty medical services are difficult to obtain, and the African Teledermatology Project has helped to bridge the gap in dermatological care in Africa. This program also allows for biopsy specimens to be sent to the USA for processing in cases where the clinical diagnosis is difficult and definitive diagnosis has implications for patient management. This study characterizes conditions diagnosed through clinicopathological correlation in conjunction with photos and tissue submitted to the African Teledermatology Project. Materials and methods Retrospective case review of tissue specimens submitted over three years. Results Fifty-five biopsy specimens met inclusion criteria and represent cases of malignancy (35%), infection (7%), suspected infection (15%), lichenoid tissue reaction (5%), dermatitis (15%), and other various conditions (18%). Three biopsy specimens were non-diagnostic (5%). Clinicopathological concordance between submitting clinician and biopsy results occurred in 32 out of 55 cases (58%). Clinical and pathological diagnoses differed in 21 out of 55 cases (38%). Kaposi sarcoma (KS) represents the clinical diagnosis most often suspected in the evaluated biopsy specimens (42%) and was correctly recognized clinically in 13 out of 23 cases (57%). Conclusion Clinical images may not provide sufficient information to definitively diagnose certain infectious and malignant dermatological conditions submitted through telemedicine consultation. Microscopic examination of skin biopsy specimens is an important adjunct for accurate diagnosis of disease and determination of appropriate treatment strategies.
Alcohol intoxication effects on visual perception: An fMRI study

We examined the effects of two doses of alcohol (EtOH) on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activation during a visual perception task. The Motor-Free Visual Perception Test-Revised (MVPT-R) provides measures of overall visual perceptual processing ability. It incorporates different cognitive elements including visual discrimination, spatial relationships, and mental rotation. We used the MVPT-R to study brain activation patterns in healthy controls (1) sober, and (2) at two doses of alcohol intoxication with event-related fMRI. The fMRI data were analyzed using a general linear model approach based upon a model of the time course and a hemodynamic response estimate. Additionally, a correlation analysis was performed to examine dose-dependent amplitude changes. With regard to alcohol-free task-related brain activation, we replicate our previous finding in which SPM group analysis revealed robust activation in visual and visual association areas, frontal eye field (FEF)/dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and the supplemental motor area (SMA). Consistent with a previous study of EtOH and visual stimulation, EtOH resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in activation amplitude over much of the visual perception network and in a decrease in the maximum contrast-to-noise ratio (in the lingual gyrus). Despite only modest behavior changes (in the expected direction), significant dose-dependent activation increases were observed in insula, DLPFC, and precentral regions, whereas dose-dependent activation decreases were observed in anterior and posterior cingulate, precuneus, and middle frontal areas. Some areas (FEF/DLPFC/SMA) became more diffusely activated (i.e., increased in spatial extent) at the higher dose. Alcohol, thus, appears to have both global and local effects upon the neural correlates of the MVPT-R task, some of which are dose dependent.
Towards high-speed imaging of infrared photons with bio-inspired nanoarchitectures

Inspired by thermal expansion and refractive index changes in the nanostructures of iridescent Morpho butterfly scales, scientists demonstrate upconverted mid-wave infrared detection with a temperature sensitivity of 18–62 mK and a heat-sink-free response speed of 35–40 Hz.
Effects of extraneous stimuli on social cue perception in schizophrenia

Competing hypotheses that explain the effects of emotionally arousing, extraneous auditory stimuli on the social cue perception of schizophrenic patients were examined in this study: (1) extraneous arousing stimuli enhance patients' cue perception; (2) extraneous stimuli distract patients, and cue perception is diminished. Twenty-five patients with DSM-III-R diagnoses of schizophrenia completed a cue-perception task in which half of the videotaped vignettes included in the task were presented with simultaneous extraneous stimuli and half were not. Item difficulty and consistency across extraneous stimuli conditions were matched on standardization and cross-validation samples. Results showed that schizophrenic subjects were significantly more sensitive to cues when exposed to extraneous stimuli, thereby supporting the first hypothesis. This effect was also observed in a subgroup of schizophrenic subjects who demonstrated a distraction decrement on another test of short-term recall. The presence of extraneous stimuli interacted with perception of abstract cues; that is, schizophrenic subjects were particularly better at perceiving abstract cues when extraneous stimuli were presented simultaneously. Future research needs to determine characteristics of extraneous stimuli that enhance cue perception.
Development and characterization of microsatellite DNA primers for ferruginous pygmy‐owls (Glaucidium brasilianum)

Ten polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for the ferruginous pygmy owl (Glaucidium brasilianum). Observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.07–0.85 and 0.1–0.88, respectively. Allele numbers ranged from five to 16 per locus.
Client violence toward children and youth services social workers

Abstract Client violence toward social workers is a serious issue for the profession, social service agencies, and those with whom we work. Although the demands and stresses faced by those who work in children and youth services have been well documented, few studies have explored the safety risks encountered by these practitioners. The present study describes social workers' experiences of client violence, using data from a survey of randomly selected National Association of Social Workers members from two states. Children and youth services social workers were compared with practitioners from other fields and were found to be significantly more likely to have experienced either a threat, property damage, or an attempted or actual attack, with fully three-quarters reporting at least one incident. In the children and youth services respondents' depictions, client gender (male) and age (younger) appear to be risk factors for violence. The data suggest that client violence exacts a high cost from individual social workers, including negative emotional reactions, changes in feelings about work, and changes in how practice is conducted. Respondent comments are provided for illustration. Recommendations are made for agency and individual actions to enhance safety.
A scoring system for the prognosis and treatment of malignant bowel obstruction.

Background Malignant bowel obstruction is a common result of end-stage abdominal cancer that is a treatment dilemma for many physicians. Little has been reported predicting outcomes or determining the role of surgical intervention. We sought to review our experience with surgical and nonsurgical management of malignant bowel obstruction to identify predictors of 30-day mortality and of who would most likely benefit from surgical intervention. Methods A chart review of 523 patients treated between 2000 and 2007 with malignant bowel obstruction were evaluated for factors present at admission to determine return to oral intake, 30-day mortality, and overall survival. Propensity score matching was used to homogenize patients treated with and without surgery to identify those who would benefit most from operative intervention. Results Radiographic evidence of large bowel obstruction was predictive of return to oral intake. Hypoalbuminemia and radiographic evidence of ascites or carcinomatosis were all predictive of increased 30-day mortality and overall survival. A nomogram of 5 identified risk factors correlated with increased 30-day mortality independent of therapy. Patients with large bowel or partial small bowel obstruction benefited most from surgery. A second nomogram was created from 4 identified risk factors that revealed which patients with complete small bowel obstruction might benefit from surgery. Conclusion Two nomograms were created that may guide decisions in the care of patients with malignant bowel obstruction. These nomograms are able to predict 30-day mortality and who may benefit from surgery for small bowel obstruction.
Central modulatory effects of tachykinin peptides on airway tone.

Abstract Previous studies suggest that structures within 1 mm of the ventral surface of the medulla (VMS) are involved in the regulation of airway resistance. Furthermore, neurons containing tachykinin peptides have been observed near the surface of the VMS. In the present work, we examined the effects of mammalian tachykinins, substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA), applied locally to the intermediate area of the VMS of cats on tracheal tone and phrenic nerve activity. Since neutral endopeptidase (enkephalinase) has been shown to degrade tachykinin peptides in other tissues, we also investigated the effect of the neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitors (thiorphan and phosphoramidon) on airway tone and phrenic nerve responses to tachykinins when the animals were ventilated with 100% O 2 and during hyperoxic hypercapnia and isocapnic hypoxia. Experiments were performed in chloraloseanesthetized cats hyperventilated to phrenic neural apnea or so that the end tidal CO 2 was just above the apneic threshold. Trachealis smooth muscle tension was assessed by measuring changes in pressure in a balloon placed in a bypassed segment of trachea (P tseg ). Application to the VMS of SP (10 −5 -10 −3 M) significantly increased tracheal muscle tension. Similar effects were found with applications of NKA. In addition, thiorphan and phosphoramidon potentiated the effects of tachykinins and the responses to hypercapnia and hypoxia of tracheal tone and phrenic nerve activity. Pretreatment with atropine (1 mg/kg) blocked tracheal but not phrenic responses to tachykinins. These suggest that (1) tachykinins acting on structures located on the VMS can increase cholinergic outflow to the airways and augment respiratory motor output, and (2) NEP may be one important modulator of tachykinin-induced effects.
Exploring the Strategic Value of Interdisciplinary Collaboration: COINs in the Creation of Business

Abstract This paper presents insights from a business collaborative venture between three graduate students at The Savannah College of Art and Design. The concept for a collaborative business venture, which is called TRI-O Consulting, was created to enable the team to gain experience in developing collaborative innovation networks. Furthermore, the paper brings to light the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in business model development by offering an approach capable of integrating the perspectives of Design Management, the Business Model Generation Canvas (Osterwalder & Pigneur, 2010) and the concept of Collaborative Innovation Networks (Gloor, 2006). The paper explores the contributions of these disciplines, documents insights from collaborative practice, and proposes a framework for developing interdisciplinary collaborative ventures.
Broadcast Updates with Local Look-up Search (BULLS): a new peer-to-peer protocol

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks based on Gnutella locate files by flooding the network with query messages (a flooding query search). In this paper, a new P2P search paradigm is presented. The network is flooded with the list of shared files and corresponding updates instead of by queries. Novel P2P applications such as power management and ethical file sharing are now possible with this new method. A new protocol named Broadcast Updates with Local Look-up Search (BULLS) enables new applications and reduces overhead traffic by enabling a local look-up of queries (i.e., queries are not broadcast). Nodes periodically broadcast changes in their list of files shared and build a table containing the list of shared files by each node. BULLS and Gnutella are represented using finite state machines (FSM). Flow models are developed to determine the overhead traffic in messages per second. For a representative P2P network scenario, BULLS can reduce Gnutella's overhead traffic by 19%.
Cofactor transfer from cystathionase to aspartate aminotransferase

Abstract The interaction of cystathionase with the apoprotein of the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase induces, concomitant with inhibition of cystathionase activity, an increase in aminotransferase activity. This result, together with light scattering studies, bears out the notion of cofactor transfer and clearly establishes the transfer as occurring from cystathionase to the catalytic site of aspartate aminotransferase.
Effect of Water and Physical State on Near- and Mid-Infrared Partial Least Squares Calibrations for Multi-Component Carbohydrate Mixtures:

The objective was to determine the effects of water and physical state on near- and mid-infrared calibrations for carbohydrate mixtures. Seventy-five mixtures of cellulose, starch, pectin, locust gum, glucose and xylitol were scanned in the near- and mid-infrared in three physical states (wet, simple mixtures of dry constituents and mixtures dried together). These final samples (mixtures dried together) were prepared by drying wet mixtures/solutions while under constant stirring to prevent separation of the insoluble polymers by settling, which occurs during normal oven drying. Final drying of the resulting solid mass was carried out in a vacuum oven at 60°C. The dried mass was then ground and scanned in the spectrometer. All dry samples were ground to a flour-like consistency using a A-10 Tekmar Analytical Mill to avoid effects due to gross differences in particle size. The wet samples were produced by adding sufficient water to result in samples of a putty like consistency. Spectra were taken on a Digil...
MAO-A and -B inhibitors selectivity alter Xenopus mucus-induced behaviors of snakes

Skin mucus of the frog Xenopus laevis, contacted orally by snakes, induces dyskinetic oral movements and climbing behavior that promote escape. The mucus contains peptides and indoleamines known to produce drug-induced movement disorders in other species. We hypothesized that inhibition of monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) by N-methyl-N-propargyl-3-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-propylamine [clorgyline (CLG)] and MAO-B by R(-)-N,a-Dimethyl-N-2-propynyl-benzeneethanam ine [L-deprenyl (LDL)] would selectively modify mucus-induced behaviors by elevating norepinephrine and serotonin (with CLG), phenylethylamine (with LDL), or dopamine (with both drugs). In Experiment 1 (EXP1), adult snakes received mucus and/or 20 μg/g (IP) of both drugs. In EXP2, juveniles received mucus and/or 5, 10, and 20 μg CLG or LDL. CLG given alone had no effect on tongue flicking, activity, and climbing (EXP1,2). LDL alone decreased tongue flicking in EXP2 and increased climbing (EXP1,2). Given with mucus, both drugs further lowered the tongue flicking rates attenuated by mucus (EXP1,2); only LDL potentiated mucus-induced climbing. Yawning was the only mucus-induced dyskinesia attenuated (20 μg CLG, adults; 20 μg LDL, juveniles). We suggest that dopamine and/or phenylethylamine, the substrates for MAO-B, may promote mucus-induced climbing and tongue flicking but may have some protective role against mucus-induced yawning in water snakes.
Adrenomedullin gene delivery inhibits neointima formation in rat artery after balloon angioplasty.

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a potent vasodilator expressed in tissues relevant to cardiovascular function. AM peptide has been shown to inhibit the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro. However, the effect of AM on blood vessels after vascular injury in vivo has not been elucidated. In order to explore the potential roles of AM in vascular biology, we evaluated the effect of AM by local gene delivery on neointima formation in balloon-injured rat artery. Adenovirus carrying the human AM cDNA under the control of cytomegalovirus promoter/enhancer (Ad.CMV-hAM) was generated by homologous recombination. After delivery of Ad.CMV-hAM into rat left carotid artery, we identified the expression of human AM mRNA in the left carotid artery, but not in the right carotid artery, heart or kidney by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by Southern blot analysis. Following local AM gene delivery, we observed a 51% reduction in intima/media ratio at the injured site as compared with that of control rats injected with the luciferase gene (n=7, P<0.01). AM gene transfer resulted in regeneration of endothelium as compared to the control. AM gene delivery significantly increased cGMP levels in balloon-injured arteries. These results indicate that AM contributes to reduction of neointima formation by promotion of re-endothelialization and inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation via cGMP-dependent signaling pathway.
Iris damage by inadvertent cannula injection

Iris damage occurred in 2 patients due to the inadvertent forceful injection of a cannula. Despite luer lock syringes, the J-shaped cannula was injected during cortical removal in one eye and during hydration of the incision at the end of the procedure in the second eye. Iris damage should be added to the growing list of injuries that can result from cannula-related complications.
Urinary Incontinence — An Unusual Indication for Early Vaginoplasty in Late Presenting Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Abstract Background Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive condition leading to deficient cortisol with an incidence of 1/16,000. Patients with CAH typically present early with ambiguous genitalia or as an emergency with adrenal crisis. Case We report an atypical late presentation of a 4-year-old girl with pubertal-like symptoms and urinary incontinence, due to a persistent urogenital sinus (UGS). An early vaginoplasty was successfully performed allowing the patient to achieve continence. Conclusion Literature describing the symptoms of CAH with UGS is scarce. The case is unusual in demonstrating pubertal-like symptoms and urinary incontinence due to the late presentation of a persistent UGS, highlighting the need for an open mind in assessment of children with urinary incontinence. Timing of surgery is controversial, and cases need to be considered on an individual basis.
Reclamation of Whey Protein with Carboxymethylcellulose

Abstract Molecular complex formation between anionic hydrocolloids and proteins was used to recover proteins from whey with carboxymethylcellulose. A predetermined amount of the hydrocolloid was mixed with acidifled whey and the resulting complex removed by centrifugation. More than 90% of the protein was recovered in an acidic fraction (Fraction I) at pH 3.2. Following removal of this complex, additional protein was precipitated in an alkaline fraction (Fraction II) at pH 7.5 to 8.0. After dehydration, Fraction I contained about 60% protein and 30% carboxymethylcellulose. Fraction II was composed predominantly of calcium phosphate, containing only about 15% protein and 4% of the cellulose. Electrophoresis showed that most of the whey proteins were in Fraction I whereas Fraction II contained proteose peptones. Fraction I was soluble in water by adjusting the pH to 7 to 7.5 whereas Fraction II was soluble at pH 5.5 and below.
Convergence of behaviour change models for AIDS risk reduction in sub-Saharan Africa

There is increasing programme focus on the impact of HIV and AIDS and the advances in biomedical research that are taking central stage even in sub-Saharan Africa. Perhaps out of frustration, communication and behaviour change efforts are receiving lesser attention. But as long as heterosexual intercourse remains the predominant means of transmission of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, there is the inherent danger of more people getting infected thus mopping up the gains from other approaches. This paper therefore argues for evidence based behaviour change interventions in sub-Saharan Africa, revisits the behaviour change theories and their relevance to the African situation. It proposes an integration of models based on the convergence of three existing theories of social learning, diffusion of innovation and social networks and the author's understanding of some African culture. The beauty of the model is based on the fact that 'social norms are best understood and influenced at the level of social networks'; existing chains of communication and the naturalness of exchange of information. A case is made for application of the 'model' to precipitate sexual behaviour change and HIV reduction in sub-Saharan Africa.