cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Communication Audit: A Framework for Teaching Management Communication:

This article describes a communication audit project used in a graduate-level management communication course. We review some of the literature con cerning communication audits, explain why and how...
Genetic modification of the heart: chaperones and the cytoskeleton

In the past decade, genetic modification has been extensively employed to define (patho)physiological roles of chaperones and the cytoskeleton in the heart, promoting dramatic advances in this field. Both loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches have been used productively. alphaB-Crystallin (CryAB) is the most abundant small heat shock protein (HSP) in the heart. A missense mutation (R120G) in CryAB that is linked to human desmin-related myopathy (DRM), has proved in transgenic (TG) mice to be causative, likely through compromising the function of both CryAB and desmin filaments and inducing aberrant protein aggregation. For the molecular chaperones, the consensus gained is that up-regulation of each of the HSPs in the heart is protective against insults such as ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. CryAB modulates protein aggregation of abnormal desmin. With respect to the cytoskeleton, disruption of the non-sarcomeric actin linkage at the intercalated discs via overexpressing the VASP-EHV1 domain is sufficient to cause dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Up-regulation of microtubule-associated protein 4 (MAP4) results in microtubule densification. Myocyte contractile malfunction characteristic of pressure overload hypertrophy is recapitulated by cardiac-restricted overexpression of MAP4. In contrast, overexpression of desmin filaments by itself is not detrimental to the heart. Although loss-of-function studies have been more limited, ablation of the desmin gene causes mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis, resulting in cardiomyopathy in mice. From function studies, abnormal desmin aggregation and disruption of the desmin networks resulting from expression of either mutant desmin or mutant CryAB have been shown to remodel the heart and compromise cardiac function, suggesting their synergistic roles in disease pathogenesis.
600 nm flash pumped dye laser for fragile telangiectasia of the elderly

Since 1984, a continuum of controlled studies have been done on the use of the fragile, superficial telangiectasia of the elderly, which were utilized as a model for some of the basic studies of the effects of lasers on the cardiovascular system. We report the use of the 600 nm flash pumped dye laser for the fragile telangiectasia of the elderly in our classification of the Class 2 group. In some vessels studied, the special Teflon-insulated, intravenous electric needle of Kobayashi-Yamada was used. For the bluish vessels, the 600 nm flash pumped dye laser penetrated deeper into the vessel than the 585 nm, but multiple and repeated treatments were needed for clinical effect. Preliminary studies have also shown some initial response in port wine marks and facial telangiectasia. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Behavior in two-phase aqueous polymer systems of L5178Y mouse leukemic cells: II. The lag and exponential phases of growth☆☆☆

Abstract The behavior of lag and exponential growth phase L5178Y mouse leukemic cells under normal and prolonged lag phase conditions with respect to partition in aqueous dextran — polyethylene glycol polymer systems has been studied. ‘Backculture’ of early stationary cells into fresh growth medium is accompanied by a decrease in partition ratio from 0.52 to 0.11. The partition ratio remains depressed for a time considerably longer than the duration of lag phase but rises rapidly and returns to its former value as the cells reach late exponential/early stationary phase. If lag phase is prolonged, the time for which the partition ratio remains depressed is also prolonged. In the exponential phase following a prolonged lag phase, the partition ratio rises at a rate slower than during a normal exponential phase and does not reach the same magnitude for the same position in the cycle. Net negative surface charge as measured by particle microelectrophoresis does not change appreciably throughout the growth cycle. The results suggest that the sequence of events at the cell surface on a populational basis which contribute to the partitioning behavior is possibly predetermined or programmed at the time of transfer into fresh medium. The results further substantiate the technique of aqueous polymer partitioning as being the most sensitive method available for monitoring subtle changes in plasma membrane properties during the cell growth cycle.
Chalkbrood Susceptibility Among Alfalfa Leafcutting Bee (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) Larvae Reared at Different Temperatures

The effect of laboratory rearing temperature was related to chalkbrood susceptibility among larvae of the alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata (F.). Bees were reared at several temperature regimes. Mortality was inversely correlated with warmer rearing temperatures. LC 50 estimates (spores per larva) for the 6 temperature treatments ranged from 34 at constant 23°C to 8,511 at constant 37°C. Slopes of probit regression lines ranged from 0.77 to 1.29. Larvae died more quickly with increasing dose for all temperature treatments except for constant 37°C. Proportionally more cadavers sporulated with increasing dose for all treatments, but this proportion was lower on average for the warmer temperature treatments. Cadaver weight decreased with increasing dose, but was higher for bees reared at higher temperatures. Rearing temperature did not affect weight of adult females. Adult males reared at constant 37°C were significantly smaller than those reared at other temperatures. Spores of Ascosphaera aggregata Skou were tested for germinability in vitro using each of the temperature regimes. Fungus spores germinated equally well at all of the temperature regimes tested, but germination was slower at cooler temperatures.
Middle cardiac nerve section alters ventilatory response to PaCO2 in the cockerel.

Abstract To determine whether afferents in the middle cardiac nerves (MCN) contributied to extrapulmonary Paco2 mg/kg), and cannulated the cutaneous ulmar vein, and the carotid and brachial arteries. The thorax was opened and each lung unidirectionally ventilated from separate gas delivery systems. A ligature, which temporarily occluded blood flow, was placed around the right pulmonary artery. Both cardiac sympathetic nerves were cut, as well as the left vagus just above the level of the recurrent branch. We exposed the non-perfused right lung to 105 Torr Pco2 to silence intrapulmonary cemoreceptors (IPC). We measured blood pressure, heart rate and ventilatory movements while the denervated left lung was used to fix Paco2 at sevel levels ranging from 7–140 Torr. As arterial Pco2 increased, ventilatory amplitude increased from 0.3 mm to 3.6 mm, while frequency decreased from 140 to 24 per min. After cutting the MCN, ventilatory movements were less responsive to Paco2 changes. Ventilatory amplitude was 3.0 mm at the lowest Paco2 and increased to 4.0 at the highest Paco2. We conclude that: 1) when IPC discharge is low, afferents in the MCN inhibit ventilatory movements during hypocapnia, and 2) these afferens may contribute to systemic CO2 sensitivity.
RNA Secondary Structure Prediction in the Presence of Single-Stranded Binding Proteins

Secondary structure prediction of RNA molecules is a problem in Bioinformatics with several well established solutions. However, while the approaches to RNA secondary structure prediction are successful in describing RNA molecules in vitro, RNA molecules in vivo often assume their secondary structure while interacting with many other consitutents of the cell. One of those constitutents that have the ability to significantly alter RNA secondary structure formation are proteins which bind single-stranded nucleic acids, such as the nucleocapsid protein in HIV or the RecA DNA repair protein in bacteria. We extend established secondary structure prediction methods to explicitly include the effect of such interactions. Using our model we are able to predict the probability of proteins binding at any position in the nucleic acid sequence as well as the impact of the protein on nucleic acid base pairing and on the end-to-end distance distribution of the nucleic acid.
Two-Flux and Green's Function Method for Transient Radiative Transfer in a Semi-Transparent Layer

A method using a Green's function is developed for computing transient temperatures in a semitransparent layer by using the two-flux method coupled with the transient energy equation. Each boundary of the layer is exposed to a hot or cold radiative environment, and is heated or cooled by convection. The layer refractive index is larger than one, and the effect of internal reflections is included with the boundaries assumed diffuse. The analysis accounts for internal emission, absorption, heat conduction, and isotropic scattering. Spectrally dependent radiative properties are included, and transient results are given to illustrate two-band spectral behavior with optically thin and thick bands. Transient results using the present Green's function method are verified for a gray layer by comparison with a finite difference solution of the exact radiative transfer equations; excellent agreement is obtained. The present method requires only moderate computing times and incorporates isotropic scattering without additional complexity. Typical temperature distributions are given to illustrate application of the method by examining the effect of strong radiative heating on one side of a layer with convective cooling on the other side, and the interaction of strong convective heating with radiative cooling from the layer interior.
Environmental and maternal influences on embryonic pigmentation in a turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Incubation temperature is known to affect pigmentation in turtles and alligators, but the influence of other incubation parameters on pigmentation has not been reported previously. We examined the pigmentation of hatchling red-eared slider turtles, Trachemys scripta elegans, incubated under various temperatures and gaseous conditions in the course of three prior studies. Reduced levels of oxygen during embryogenesis did not affect pigmentation, although such levels had produced small significant changes in developmental time. Elevated levels of carbon dioxide during development had a greater influence on pigmentation than did incubation temperature without producing as great a lengthening of incubation time. Hence, the changes in pigmentation produced by temperature and carbon dioxide could not be simply a function of their effects on developmental time. The carbon dioxide and temperature produced parallel changes in plastral pattern. In contrast, carbon dioxide had marked effects on skin pigmentation that were not paralleled by those of temperature. In addition, there were some significant differences among clutches in the effects of incubation temperature and carbon dioxide on pigmentation. Some of the differences in pigmentation among incubation treatments for this species are similar in magnitude to those occurring naturally among related turtle species. The ability to alter various developmental sequences differentially by changes in incubation conditions will facilitate both developmental and comparative evolutionary studies.
Normal State Properties of High-Temperature Superconductors and the Marginal Fermi Liquid

The experimentally observed normal state thermodynamic and transport properties of cuprate superconductors are universally quite unusual and so far unexplained. Some of these will be reviewed and the challenges for an overall theoretical picture will be discussed. It will be described how, in some cases, the Marginal Fermi Liquid hypothesis may be applied.
Image enhancement in longwave holography by electronic differentiation

Abstract In scanned longwave holography the hologram data is available in the form of an electronic signal which lends itself to convenient processing. In this paper the effects of electronic differentiation of the hologram data in Fresnel holograms are studied. We present both theoretical and experimental results which indicate that this processing technique emphasizes the detail and edges of the object.
Liquid sucrose bingeing in rats depends on the access schedule, concentration and delivery system

Previous studies have reported binge-type consumption of solid vegetable shortening in non-food deprived rats maintained on schedules of limited shortening access. The current study determined if limited access would promote binge-type consumption of sucrose solutions. Adult male rats (6 groups, n = 10 each) were provided with one of three different sucrose concentrations (3.2%, 10%, 32% w/v) for 2 h either everyday (Daily) or Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (Intermittent). A 'binge' during the 2-h access periods was operationally defined as Intermittent intakes significantly greater than Daily intakes. Sucrose initially was provided in a 100 ml glass tube equipped with a stainless-steel drinking spout. Under these conditions, there were no differences in sucrose intake between Daily and Intermittent groups at any of the concentrations. In contrast, when sucrose was provided in a modified 60 ml plastic syringe with the same drinking spout, intakes of the Intermittent groups consuming 3.2% and 10% sucrose were greater than those of the respective Daily groups, indicating that binge-type consumption of sucrose occurred. These results demonstrate that brief, intermittent access to low and moderate concentrations of sucrose can promote binge-type behavior, and the characteristics of the drinking apparatus can affect sucrose intake.
Coexistence in the intertidal: interactions between the non-indigenous New Zealand mud snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum and the native estuarine isopod Gnorimosphaeroma insulare

Nonindigenous species (NIS) that achieve high densities in their recipient communities are expected to have negative effects on native competitors. However, recent reviews have shown that competitors, unlike predators and parasites, have rarely been documented to cause extinctions. There is a need for better understanding of competitive interactions between nonindigenous species and native competitors across systems where NIS reach high densities. In this paper we examine competitive interactions between the exotic, invasive New Zealand mud snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum and native estuarine invertebrates. P. antipodarum is often described as a freshwater snail but can occur in brackish water as well; it has been established in the Columbia River Estuary for over ten years. We addressed competition in this estuarine system using three approaches: field surveys of the benthic invertebrate community, stable isotope analysis of overlap in resource use by common invertebrates, and a laboratory competition experiment that tested the strength of competition between P. antipodarum and the isopod, Gnorimosphaeroma insulare, which overlap in resource use. We found no evidence of negative competitive impacts of P. antipodarum on native benthic invertebrates in this estuarine system. Densities of P. antipodarum and common native epibenthic invertebrates are positively correlated in the intertidal, likely due to shared habitat preferences. The competition experiment showed that the effect of interspecific competition from P. antipodarum on the foraging and survival of G. insulare was significantly less than the effect of intraspecific competition between isopods. The presence of the isopod G. insulare reduced foraging in P. antipodarum, but this change did not result in reduced survival and growth of snails. Hence, interspecific competition is weak despite high densities achieved by the invading species. Finally, we discuss several possible explanations for the observation that P. antipodarum does not have an obvious negative competitive impact on native benthic invertebrates.
Cytochemical Reactions in Cells from Leukemic Cats

Summary Cytochemical staining for leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP), nonspecific esterase (NSE), nonspecific esterase with fluoride inhibition (NSE-F), periodic acid Schiff (PAS) reactivity, and peroxidase (PO) was valuable in identification of the neoplastic cell type in 10 leukemic cats. Staining both blood and bone marrow smears was often necessary for making the correct diagnosis. Cytochemical staining resulted in changing the morphologic diagnosis of leukemia in two of the 10 cats. Also, increased LAP activity, probably a marker for myelocytic leukemia in the cat, was observed in bone marrow cells from three nonleukemic, FeLV-positivecats.
The Cholesterol Emboli Syndrome in Atherosclerosis

Cholesterol emboli syndrome is a relatively rare, but potentially devastating, manifestation of atherosclerotic disease. Cholesterol emboli syndrome is characterized by waves of arterio-arterial embolization of cholesterol crystals and atheroma debris from atherosclerotic plaques in the aorta or its large branches to small or medium caliber arteries (100–200 μm in diameter) that frequently occur after invasive arterial procedures. End-organ damage is due to mechanical occlusion and inflammatory response in the destination arteries. Clinical manifestations may include renal failure, blue toe syndrome, global neurologic deficits and a variety of gastrointestinal, ocular and constitutional signs and symptoms. There is no specific therapy for cholesterol emboli syndrome. Supportive measures include modifications of risk factors, use of statins and antiplatelet agents, avoidance of anticoagulation and thrombolytic agents, and utilization of surgical and endovascular techniques to exclude sources of cholesterol emboli.
New polyisobutylene-based model elastomeric ionomers. VIII: Thermal mechanical analysis

A series of well-characterized telechelic polyisobutylene-based sulfonated metal-neutralized ionomers have been studied using thermal-mechanical analysis (TMA). These ionomers serve as models in the sense that the ionic groups are located exclusively at the chain ends and hence the ionomeric character is well defined. The chemical parameters varied are (i) molecular weight, (ii) molecular architecture (linear or triarm products), (iii) addition of excess neutralizing agent, and (iv) type of cation. The effect of the above parameters on the glass transition temperature and the softening temperature (after the rubbery plateau region) is presented. It is observed that the glass transition temperature is only slightly affected by the above parameters due to the very low ionic content in these ionomers (< 2 mol %). In the case of the triarm ionomer with excess neutralizing agent, the softening temperature following the rubbery plateau is much higher than that of the linear difunctional species. Linear monofunctional species do not show a rubbery plateau behavior and readily flow above their Tg in the absence or presence of excess neutralizing agent. The excess salt is most likely located at the ionic sites rather than being uniformly distributed throughout the matrix. Zinc-neutralized ionomers were found to have the lowest softening temperatures as compared to the corresponding calcium and potassium-neutralized ionomers. The covalent character of zinc is believed to be primarily responsible for this behavior. Thermal stability of these metalneutralized ionomers is not significantly different from the sulfonated hydrocarbon precursor polymer. However, the unneutralized acid precursor polymers start to discolor at relatively lower temperatures, thereby suggesting poorer thermal stability.
Determination of carbon nanofiber morphology in vinyl ester nanocomposites

Key aspects of nanofiber morphology in vapor-grown carbon nanofiber (VGCNF)/vinyl ester nanocomposites were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. Three-parameter Weibul...
Effect of Resveratrol on Growth of 4T1 Breast Cancer Cells in Vitro and in Vivo

In vitro, resveratrol inhibited growth of 4T1 breast cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In vivo, however, resveratrol had no effect on time to tumor take, tumor growth, or metastasis when administered intraperitoneally daily (1, 3, or 5 mg/kg) for 23 days starting at the time of tumor inoculation. Resveratrol had no effect on body weight, organ histology, or estrous cycling of the tumor-bearing mice. Resveratrol, therefore, is a potent inhibitor of 4T1 breast cancer cells in vitro; is nontoxic to mice at 1-5 mg/kg; and has no growth-inhibitory effect on 4T1 breast cancer in vivo.
Maderismo or Mixtec Empire? Class and Ethnicity in the Mexican Revolution, Costa Chica of Oaxaca, 1911*

On 18 May 1911, the indigenous Mixtec peasants of Pinotepa Nacional, Oaxaca, rose up against the local cacique and ranchers who had dispossessed them of their ancient communal lands. Thus began not only the lone agrarian rebellion in the state of Oaxaca but also the only attempt to revive a pre-Columbian indigenous empire during the Mexican Revolution. The study of this remarkable episode situates Oaxaca, a state previously thought to be peripheral to this major social upheaval, within the main currents of revolutionary activity. As in the case of other revolutionary movements, the arrival of Maderista revolutionaries from a neighboring state, in this case Guerrero, triggered the peasant mobilization in Pinotepa Nacional, unleashing social tensions in the area. Although an overwhelmingly rural state in 1910, the Revolution in Oaxaca has generally been characterized by the absence of agrarian protest. Recent studies have found the precursor and Maderista movements in Oaxaca to be predominantly middle class, either urban or rural, seeking social mobility, wider political participation, and greater local autonomy. Nevertheless, the study of the events of May 1911 on the Oaxacan coast reveals a struggle that pitted an agrarian, indigenous movement against a middle class, rancher-style revolution.
What Are They Learning? Pre- and Post-Assessment Surveys for LIBR 1100, Introduction to Library Research

Articles reporting the experiences of librarians in assessing what students are learning in information literacy classes are as of yet not as well represented in the professional literature as they should be. This is especially the case for library skills courses that are for-credit. Librarians who have experience assessing student learning should share what they have learned with colleagues who, in turn, need to know what methods are working and how the assessment process can be used to improve teaching and learning. This article reports on the experience gained by librarians at Texas Tech University Libraries while developing and implementing pre- and post-assessment surveys that were administered in eleven sections of a library research course taught in the fall of 2008.
Chlamydomonas and Arabidopsis. A Dynamic Duo

A translational biology perspective on Chlamydomonas and Arabidopsis might be expected to focus on those genes, cellular components, or biological processes found first in Chlamydomonas and subsequently studied in Arabidopsis. There are indeed many such examples. There are also examples that flow from Arabidopsis to Chlamydomonas in terms of initial discovery and subsequent study. However, the differences can also be illuminating. In this brief essay, we make a case for the pairing of Chlamydomonas and Arabidopsis as model organisms that bracket a major subset of photosynthetic eukaryotes, the green plants (Mishler, 2000). By analogy with the yeast-mouse dyad, this green pair has tremendous potential as we enter an era of renewed interest in comparative biology.
Germline Mutations in Oncogene-Induced Senescence Pathways Are Associated With Multiple Sessile Serrated Adenomas

Background & Aims Little is known about the genetic factors that contribute to the development of sessile serrated adenomas (SSAs). SSAs contain somatic mutations in BRAF or KRAS early in development. However, evidence from humans and mouse models indicates that these mutations result in oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) of intestinal crypt cells. Progression to serrated neoplasia requires cells to escape OIS via inactivation of tumor suppressor pathways. We investigated whether subjects with multiple SSAs carry germline loss-of-function mutations (nonsense and splice site) in genes that regulate OIS: the p16-Rb and ATM-ATR DNA damage response pathways. Methods Through a bioinformatic analysis of the literature, we identified a set of genes that function at the main nodes of the p16-Rb and ATM-ATR DNA damage response pathways. We performed whole-exome sequencing of 20 unrelated subjects with multiple SSAs; most had features of serrated polyposis. We compared sequences with those from 4300 subjects matched for ethnicity (controls). We also used an integrative genomics approach to identify additional genes involved in senescence mechanisms. Results We identified mutations in genes that regulate senescence ( ATM , PIF1 , TELO2 , XAF1 , and RBL1 ) in 5 of 20 subjects with multiple SSAs (odds ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.9–8.9; P = .04). In 2 subjects, we found nonsense mutations in RNF43 , indicating that it is also associated with multiple serrated polyps (odds ratio, 460; 95% confidence interval, 23.1–16,384; P = 6.8 × 10 −5 ). In knockdown experiments with pancreatic duct cells exposed to UV light, RNF43 appeared to function as a regulator of ATM-ATR DNA damage response. Conclusions We associated germline loss-of-function variants in genes that regulate senescence pathways with the development of multiple SSAs. We identified RNF43 as a regulator of the DNA damage response and associated nonsense variants in this gene with a high risk of developing SSAs.
A distance measure approximating the mean square metric

The method of least squares is perhaps the oldest estimation procedure. The justification of choosing this metric is often based on heuristics and has been found to work successfully in many situations. It renders the subsequent problem solving in a mathematically tractable format. This is one of the somewhat stronger reasons for the method attracting diverse applications. However, computation for this estimation is often unnecessarily intensive and the accuracy we are forced to accept, are frequently more than we need. The paper presents a distance measure, which, while keeping the effect of the basic properties of mean square computation somewhat intact, is computationally much simpler and conveniently hardware realizable with faster speed and in general, requiring less real estate on a VLSI chip. In this type of square error measure, we use an appropriate estimate which is a function of position i of mismatch and an m bit difference starting from bit position i of the two numbers. The paper shows how this function is arrived at. The measure proposed, should lead to a hardware implementation ranging from a simple sequential process to a faster highly parallel hardware realization. >
Ontogeny of Cardiac and Ventilatory Function in the Crayfish Procambarus clarkii

SYNOPSIS. Ontog eny of cardiac and ventilatory function was investigated in the direct developing crayfish Procambarus clarkii to determine basic developmental patterns and to evaluate diffusional and convective gas exchange. Animals were exposed to water ranging in Po2 from 150 to less than 10 mmHg. Ontogeny of cardiac function follows a pattern unlike that observed in other developing organisms. Heart rate (fH) decreases from the mid-point of embryonic development until hatching, and the decrease in fH is accompanied by a concomitant loss in cardiac and ventilatory sensitivity to hypoxia. During larval development however, fH increases until a juvenile stage is reached. Heart rate then decreases again as the animal increases in mass. Cardiac and ventilatory responses to hypoxia are restored by the third larval instar. Ventilatory function is initiated within hours of hatching. Scaphognathite movement (fsc), which is initially uncoordinated, does not result in appreciable movement of water, but functional pumping is achieved within hours of hatching. Animals do not exhibit an adult-like response to hypoxic exposure until at least the third larval instar. The ontogeny of both cardiac and ventilatory function indicates that the direct developing crayfish is not physiologically mature until an early juvenile stage. The drop in embryonic JFH and loss of hypoxic sensitivity late in development may indicate that oxygen requirements of embryos exceed the capacity of egg membranes capacity (surface area) to supply oxygen by diffusion.
Modulated differential scanning calorimetry in the glass transition region

Temperature-modulated calorimetry (TMC) allows the experimental evaluation of the kinetic parameters of the glass transition from quasi-isothermal experiments. In this paper, model calculations based on experimental data are presented for the total and reversing apparent heat capacities on heating and cooling through the glass transition region as a function of heating rate and modulation frequency for the modulated differential scanning calorimeter (MDSC). Amorphous poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is used as the example polymer and a simple first-order kinetics is fitted to the data. The total heat flow carries the hysteresis information (enthalpy relaxation, thermal history) and indications of changes in modulation frequency due to the glass transition. The reversing heat flow permits the assessment of the first and higher harmonics of the apparent heat capacities. The computations are carried out by numerical integrations with up to 5000 steps. Comparisons of the calculations with experiments are possible. As one moves further from equilibrium, i.e. the liquid state, cooperative kinetics must be used to match model and experiment.
Trust Me, I Am Your News Channel Media Credibility Across News Platforms in the United States and South Korea

This article compares how millennial generation members perceive the credibility of the news they consume from television (TV) channels, radio stations, newspapers, websites, and mobile devices suc...
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Assessment of Risk from Drinking Water

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an ubiquitous environmental bacterium. It can be recovered, often in high numbers, in common food, especially vegetables. Moreover, it can be recovered in low numbers in d...
A thermal performance measurement method for blind through silicon vias (TSVs) in a 300mm wafer

This paper demonstrates an effective TSV test-key and the coupled measurement method to determine TSVs' (through-silicon vias) thermal integrity before wafer thinning by using a thermal measuring technique. The test-key comprises two linear metallic traces with the same shape which are deposited on a silicon wafer: one coupled with a line of embedded blind vias, the other coupled without any via. By measuring the thermal resistance difference (ΔR) between both traces and comparing it with a calculated “low bar” of ΔR, one can easily diagnose the TSVs and determine there are seams/voids or not. To verify the method, the TSV test-keys in a 300mm silicon wafer with 750μm thick are fabricated. The measured results show the test-key can produce a ΔR that is large enough to measure and are in good agreement with the simulation results. In this study, we also provide some techniques to shorten the measurement time as well as the guidelines to help users designing their test-key.
Do Country-of-Origin Characteristics Help Explain Variation in Health Among Black Immigrants in the United States?†

Objective Black immigrants in the United States migrate from a diverse set of countries, including countries in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe, and Africa. This study evaluates whether disparate conditions in black immigrants’ birth countries help explain variation in their postmigration health. Methods Using data on black immigrants from the 2001 to 2012 waves of the March Current Population Survey (CPS) along with country data from the 2009 Human Development Report of the United Nations Development Programme, this study examines whether social, economic, and health conditions in black immigrants’ birth countries have an independent effect on their postmigration health. Results Results show that health is more favorable among black immigrants who migrate from countries with a relatively high combined gross enrollment ratio for primary, secondary, and tertiary education; low levels of income inequality; and high life expectancies at birth. After controlling for country conditions, relative to non-African immigrants, African immigrants report the best health. Conclusion Future studies on the health of immigrants should incorporate characteristics of immigrants’ birth countries. This information could provide valuable insights into the roles of selective migration and birth-country conditions in explaining variation in immigrants’ postmigration health.
A simulation evaluation of the maximum approximate composite marginal likelihood (MACML) estimator for mixed multinomial probit models

Abstract This paper evaluates the ability of the maximum approximate composite marginal likelihood (MACML) estimation approach to recover parameters from finite samples in mixed cross-sectional and panel multinomial probit models. Comparisons with the maximum simulated likelihood (MSL) estimation approach are also undertaken. The results indicate that the MACML approach recovers parameters much more accurately than the MSL approach in all model structures and covariance specifications. The MACML inference approach also estimates the parameters efficiently, with the asymptotic standard errors being, in general, only a small proportion of the true values. As importantly, the MACML inference approach takes only a very small fraction of the time needed for MSL estimation. In particular, the results suggest that, for the case of five random coefficients, the MACML approach is about 50 times faster than the MSL for the cross-sectional random coefficients case, about 15 times faster than the MSL for the panel inter-individual random coefficients case, and about 350 times or more faster than the MSL for the panel intra- and inter-individual random coefficients case. As the number of alternatives in the unordered-response model increases, one can expect even higher computational efficiency factors for the MACML over the MSL approach. Further, as should be evident in the panel intra- and inter-individual random coefficients case, the MSL is all but practically infeasible when the mixing structure leads to an explosion in the dimensionality of integration in the likelihood function, but these situations are handled with ease in the MACML approach. It is hoped that the MACML procedure will spawn empirical research into rich model specifications within the context of unordered multinomial choice modeling, including autoregressive random coefficients, dynamics in coefficients, space–time effects, and spatial/social interactions.
VERTEBRATE SPROUTY GENES ARE INDUCED BY FGF SIGNALING AND CAN CAUSE CHONDRODYSPLASIA WHEN OVEREXPRESSED

The Drosophila sprouty gene encodes an antagonist of FGF and EGF signaling whose expression is induced by the signaling pathways that it inhibits. Here we describe a family of vertebrate Sprouty homologs and demonstrate that the regulatory relationship with FGF pathways has been conserved. In both mouse and chick embryos, Sprouty genes are expressed in intimate association with FGF signaling centers. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments demonstrate that FGF signaling induces Sprouty gene expression in various tissues. Sprouty overexpression obtained by infecting the prospective wing territory of the chick embryo with a retrovirus containing a mouse Sprouty gene causes a reduction in limb bud outgrowth and other effects consistent with reduced FGF signaling from the apical ectodermal ridge. At later stages of development in the infected limbs there was a dramatic reduction in skeletal element length due to an inhibition of chondrocyte differentiation. The results provide evidence that vertebrate Sprouty proteins function as FGF-induced feedback inhibitors, and suggest a possible role for Sprouty genes in the pathogenesis of specific human chondrodysplasias caused by activating mutations in Fgfr3.
Playing is believing: The role of beliefs in multi-agent learning

We propose a new classification for multi-agent learning algorithms, with each league of players characterized by both their possible strategies and possible beliefs. Using this classification, we review the optimality of existing algorithms, including the case of interleague play. We propose an incremental improvement to the existing algorithms that seems to achieve average payoffs that are at least the Nash equilibrium payoffs in the long-run against fair opponents.
Making a Stink about the "Ideal" Classroom: Theorizing and Storying Conflict in Early Childhood Education.

In this article, I draw on the ethnographic study of a Universal Pre-Kindergarten class to theorize the functional appeal of conflict that permeates young children’s interactions. From a conflict t...
A time‐domain approach for wideband modeling of electronic packages

This article presents a technique for wideband modeling and characterization of electronic packages. The modeling approach presented is based on time-domain reflectometry techniques (TDRs). The time-domain approach is capable of directly identifying the various contributions (reflections) from different discontinuities of the structure with a relatively high spatial resolution. Consequently, this makes it possible to isolate the effect of different discontinuities over the bandwidth of the package. This technique has been successfully applied to several packages, two of which are demonstrated in this article. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2005.
Grundlagen der Polyedertheorie

Unser Ziel ist es, die Geometrie von linearen Optimierungsaufgaben vollstandig zu verstehen und daraus fur die algebraische und arithmetische Losung die richtigen Konsequenzen zu ziehen. Dementsprechend beschaftigen wir uns zunachst mit einer wichtigen Eigenschaft des Zulassigkeitsbereichs von linearen Optimierungsproblemen, der Konvexitat.
On causality and dynamic stability of perfectly matched layers for FDTD simulations

We investigate the spectral properties of the Cartesian, cylindrical, and spherical perfect matched layer (PML) absorbing boundary conditions. In the case of the anisotropic-medium PML formulation, we analyze the analytical properties of the constitutive PML tensors on the complex /spl omega/-plane. In the case of the complex-space PML formulation (complex coordinate stretching formulation), we analyze the analytical properties of field solutions directly. We determine the conditions under which the PMLs satisfy (or do not satisfy) causality requirements in the sense of the real-axis Fourier inversion contour. In the case of the noncausal PML, we point out the implications on the dynamic stability of time-domain equations and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations. The conclusions have impact both on the design of PMLs for practical FDTD simulations and on the use of PML's as a physical basis for engineered artificial absorbers on nonplanar (concave or convex) surfaces. Numerical results illustrate the discussion.
Lessons from psychiatry and psychiatric education for medical learners and teachers

Medical learners, teachers, and institutions face significant challenges in health care delivery and in training the next generation of clinicians. We propose that psychiatry offers lessons which may help improve how we take care of patients and how we teach others to care for patients. Our objective is to discuss what learners and teachers can learn from psychiatry, organized around (1) how we make decisions, (2) how we learn, and (3) how we reflect on our practice. Information from clinical care, education, neuroscience and other aspects of life (e.g. business, creativity, and research) help us on these processes. We make 'good' decisions in concert with patients and learners, by listening to their experiences, asking questions and exploring subjective and objective information. Our learning has a neurobiological basis, and is effectively furthered by personalization, reinforcement, acquisition of critical thinking skills, and assessment of our limitations and errors. Our ability to reflect is determined by attitude, skill, tolerating ambiguity or dissonance, and planning for the unexpected. These processes - in addition to knowledge and other skills - will help physicians be successful in practice, learning and teaching, research and leadership.
Centile Curves for Bone Densitometry Measurements in Healthy Males and Females Ages 5–22 Yr

Abstract Normative pediatric bone measurement data are necessary for defining osteopenia in children and for identifying factors associated with normal bone growth. The LMS statistical method is used to produce centile curves plotting a growth characteristic as a function of age. The purpose of this study was to provide centile curves of bone measurements using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) and dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 231 (107 male) healthy individuals ages 5–22 yr using the LMS method. pQCT (Norland XCT 2000; Norland, Ft. Atkinson, WI) was used to image a single slice at the 20% distal tibia. Periosteal circumference, endosteal circumference, and cortical density measurements were used to obtain centile curves. Whole-body DXA (Hologic QDR 4500; Hologic, Bedford, MA) was obtained and scans were analyzed using adult whole-body software for total body bone mineral content (BMC) and total body bone area. pQCT measurements showed prepubertal expansion of the tibia that plateaued in females at age 14 and continued in males until age 18. Tibia cortical density increased during the age of puberty more gradually in females than in males. DXA measurement curves showed that total body BMC and total body bone area plateaued in females at approximately age 15, whereas male curves of the same measurements showed a continued increase.
Color Image Discriminant Models and Algorithms for Face Recognition

This paper presents a basic color image discriminant (CID) model and its general version for color image recognition. The CID models seek to unify the color image representation and recognition tasks into one framework. The proposed models, therefore, involve two sets of variables: a set of color component combination coefficients for color image representation and one or multiple projection basis vectors for color image discrimination. An iterative basic CID algorithm and its general version are designed to find the optimal solution of the proposed models. The general CID (GCID) algorithm is further extended to generate three color components (such as the three color components of the RGB color images) for further improvement of the recognition performance. Experiments using the face recognition grand challenge (FRGC) database and the biometric experimentation environment (BEE) system show the effectiveness of the proposed models and algorithms. In particular, for the most challenging FRGC version 2 Experiment 4, which contains 12 776 training images, 16 028 controlled target images, and 8014 uncontrolled query images, the proposed method achieves the face verification rate (ROC III) of 78.26% at the false accept rate (FAR) of 0.1%.
A novel educational tool for teaching diagnostic reasoning and laboratory data interpretation to veterinary (and medical) students

The Diagnostic Pathfinder was designed to help students learn diagnostic problem solving by supporting them in explaining relationships among history and physical examination findings, data abnormalities, and the underlying mechanisms of disease. The Pathfinder has been used to teach diagnostic problem solving to veterinary students since 2001 and is currently in use at 10 colleges of veterinary medicine. This article describes how the Pathfinder works and summarizes results from studies exploring the effect of Pathfinder use on learning and satisfaction. Pathfinder characteristics are described in terms of their influence on cognitive load, and strategies are provided for effective implementation.
Approaches to reduce urinary tract injury during management of placenta accreta, increta, and percreta: a systematic review

Objective. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to answer the following question: are there enhancements to standard peripartum hysterectomy technique that minimize unintentional urinary tract (UT) injury in pregnancies complicated by invasive placental attachment (INPLAT)?Methods. A PubMed search of English language articles on INPLAT published by June 2010 was conducted. Data regarding the following parameters was required for inclusion in the quantitative analysis of the review’s objective: (1) type of INPLAT, (2) details pertaining to medical and surgical management of INPLAT, and (3) complications, if any, associated with management. An attempt was made to identify approaches that may lower the risk of unintentional UT injury.Results. Most cases (285 of 292) were managed by hysterectomy. There were 83 (29%) cases of unintentional UT injury. Antenatal diagnosis of INPLAT lowered the rate of UT injury (39% vs. 63%; P = 0.04). Information regarding surgical technique or medical management...
Are collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis distinct syndromes

The term microscopic colitis has largely evolved to be an umbrella term which includes the histopathological entities of lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis. The purpose of
Reanalysis suggests that genomic islands of speciation are due to reduced diversity, not reduced gene flow

The metaphor of ‘genomic islands of speciation’ was first used to describe heterogeneous differentiation among loci between the genomes of closely related species. The biological model proposed to explain these differences was that the regions showing high levels of differentiation were resistant to gene flow between species, while the remainder of the genome was being homogenized by gene flow and consequently showed lower levels of differentiation. However, the conditions under which such differentiation can occur at multiple unlinked loci are restrictive; additionally, essentially, all previous analyses have been carried out using relative measures of divergence, which can be misleading when regions with different levels of recombination are compared. Here, we test the model of differential gene flow by asking whether absolute divergence is also higher in the previously identified ‘islands’. Using five species pairs for which full sequence data are available, we find that absolute measures of divergence are not higher in genomic islands. Instead, in all cases examined, we find reduced diversity in these regions, a consequence of which is that relative measures of divergence are abnormally high. These data therefore do not support a model of differential gene flow among loci, although islands of relative divergence may represent loci involved in local adaptation. Simulations using the program IMa2 further suggest that inferences of any gene flow may be incorrect in many comparisons. We instead present an alternative explanation for heterogeneous patterns of differentiation, one in which postspeciation selection generates patterns consistent with multiple aspects of the data.