cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting self-reported depression after the onset of multiple sclerosis using genetic and non-genetic factors.

Background:Persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) are disproportionately burdened by depression compared to the general population. While several factors associated with depression and depression s...
Immune-modulatory alginate protects mesenchymal stem cells for sustained delivery of reparative factors to ischemic myocardium

Paracrine factors secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been previously shown to improve cardiac function following acute myocardial infarction (MI). However, cell therapy activates the innate immune response, leading to the rapid elimination of transplanted cells and only short-term therapeutic delivery. Herein, we describe a new strategy to deliver sustained paracrine-mediated MSC therapy to ischemic myocardium. Using an immune evasive, small molecule modified alginate, we encapsulated rat MSC cells in a core-shell hydrogel capsule and implanted them in the pericardial sac of post-MI rats. Encapsulated cells allowed diffusion of reparative paracrine factors at levels similar to non-encapsulated cells in vitro. Encapsulation enabled sustained cell survival with localization over the heart for 2 weeks. The effect of the experimental group on ventricular function and fibrosis was compared with blank (cell free) capsules and unencapsulated MSCs injected into infarcted myocardium. MSC capsules improved post-MI ventricular function ∼2.5× greater than MSC injection. After 4 weeks, post-MI fibrosis was reduced ∼2/3 with MSC capsules, but unchanged with MSC injection. MSC encapsulation with alginate core-shell capsules sustains cell survival and potentiates efficacy of therapy.
Exploring determinants of recalled in-task affective valence during recreational exercise.

Abstract Exercise-related affective responses, particularly in-task, have been implicated as influencing behavioral maintenance. An extensive body of literature, primarily using aerobic modes in laboratory settings, has identified a relatively consistent inverse relationship between intensity and affect. This relationship is purported to be partially accounted for by the saliency of interoceptive sensations (i.e., respiratory and heart rates, muscular effort), such that increased saliency elicits decreased affect. In naturalistic settings, exercise is volitional, individuals have comparatively more autonomy over exercise components (i.e., volume, duration, exercise intensity), and less is known regarding contributing factors of affective responses. Recalled affect may be perceived as a less invasive, more logistically feasible construct to measure in such settings. Thus, the purpose of the current study is to explore the basis of recalled affective valence following an acute bout of volitional exercise. Upon leaving the designated exercise area of a university recreation center, respondents (N = 236, 23y±10, 176cm±9.5, 76.9kg±16.2, 31.8% identified women, 68.2% identified men) were asked to complete a pen-and-paper survey regarding the bout they had just completed. Recalled affective valence was rated via 100 mm Visual Analog Scale, and respondents were asked to provide written explanation for the basis of recalled affective valence scores. Recalled affective valence scores were non-normally distributed (Mdn=81; IQR=30.5). Qualitative results indicate that interpretation of exertion and salient interoceptive sensations were mixed, resulting in both pleasant and unpleasant affective responses. Pre-exercise readiness factors (i.e., energy levels, substrate intake, and physical components) also contribute to recalled affective valence and could potentially explain variance in the interpretation of interoceptive sensations. Further research should expand on these findings through a more in-depth interview process and measuring factors of readiness before exercise.
Lost on the Frontline, and Lost in the Data: COVID-19 Deaths Among Filipinx Healthcare Workers in the United States (preprint)

Background: Filipinx Americans working in healthcare in the U.S. are particularly at risk for COVID-19 death, but lack of consistent data on healthcare worker deaths and lack of mortality data disaggregated by Asian subgroup hamper further research into this topic. This cross-sectional study aims to examine how the overrepresentation of Filipinxs in healthcare contributes to COVID-19 mortality among Asian American populations. Methods: To overcome the lack of COVID-19 mortality data among Filipinxs and Filipinx healthcare workers, we merged data from several sources: Kanlungan website (the only known public-facing source of systematically collected mortality data on Filipinx healthcare workers), National Center for Health Statistics, and 2014-2018 American Community Survey. We examined county-level associations using t-tests, scatterplots, and linear regression. Findings: Higher percentage of Filipinxs among Asian Americans was correlated with a higher percentage of COVID-19 decedents who are Asian Americans. Moreover, the percentage of Filipinx in healthcare remained a strong predictor of COVID-19 deaths among Asian Americans even after adjusting for age, poverty, and population density. Interpretation: Our study shows that the overrepresentation of Filipinxs in healthcare contributes to COVID-19 mortality disparities among Asian Americans. Such findings support a targeted approach to address factors that exacerbate the threat of COVID-19 death among frontline workers in all healthcare settings, especially in U.S. counties with high percentages of healthcare workers at increased risk. Funding: N.A. Ponce’s work was partially supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant #76329: Advancing the disaggregation of ethnic/racial data through technical assistance, training, and case-making. Declaration of Interests: All authors have no conflicts of interest.
Cavernous Malformations of the Optic Nerve and Optic Pathway: A Case Series and Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background Although rare, cavernous malformations (CMs) of the optic nerve and anterior optic pathway (optic pathway cavernous malformations [OPCMs]) can occur, as described in several single case reports in the literature. Objective To describe the technical aspects of microsurgical management of CMs of the optic pathway on the basis of an extensive single-center experience and review of the literature. Methods A systematic literature review was performed to augment an earlier review, using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. In addition, an institutional database was searched for all patients undergoing surgical resection of OPCMs. Patient information, surgical technique, and clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed. Results Since the previous report, 14 CMs were resected at this institution or by the senior author at another institution. In addition, 34 cases were identified in the literature since the systematic review in 2015, including some earlier cases that were not discussed in the previous report. Most OPCMs were resected via pterional, orbital-pterional, and orbitozygomatic craniotomies. Visual outcomes were similar to those in earlier reports, with 70% of patients reporting stable to normal vision postoperatively. Conclusion OPCMs can occur throughout the anterior visual pathway and may cause significant symptoms. Surgery is feasible and should be considered for OPCMs presenting to a surface of the nerve. Favorable results can be obtained with resection, although optimal results are obtained with patients who present with milder symptoms without longstanding damage to the optic apparatus.
John Dewey's pragmatist alternative to the belief-acceptance dichotomy

Defenders of value-free science appeal to cognitive attitudes as part of a wedge strategy, to mark a distinction between science proper and the uses of science for decision-making, policy, etc. Distinctions between attitudes like belief and acceptance have played an important role in defending the value-free ideal. In this paper, I will explore John Dewey's pragmatist philosophy of science as an alternative to the philosophical framework the wedge strategy rests on. Dewey does draw significant and useful distinctions between different sorts of cognitive attitudes taken by inquirers, but none can be used to support the wedge strategy.
Physiologically Modeled Pulse Dynamics to Improve Function in In Vitro-Endothelialized Small-Diameter Vascular Grafts

The lack of a functional endothelium on small-diameter vascular grafts leads to intimal hyperplasia and thrombotic occlusion. Shear stress conditioning through controlled hydrodynamics within in vitro perfusion bioreactors has shown promise as a mechanism to drive endothelial cell (EC) phenotype from an activated, pro-inflammatory wound state toward a quiescent functional state that inhibits responses that lead to occlusive failure. As part of an overall design strategy to engineer functional vascular grafts, we present a novel two-phase shear conditioning approach to improve graft endothelialization. Axial rotation was first used to seed uniform EC monolayers onto the lumenal surface of decellularized scaffolds derived from the human umbilical vein. Using computer-controlled perfusion circuits, a flow-ramping paradigm was applied to adapt endothelia to arterial levels of fluid shear stress and pressure without graft denudation. The effects of constant pulse frequencies (CF) on EC quiescence were then compared with pulse frequencies modeled from temporal fluctuations in blood flow observed in vivo, termed physiologically modeled pulse dynamics (PMPD). Constructs exposed to PMPD for 72 h expressed a more functional transcriptional profile, lower metabolic activity (39.8% ± 8.4% vs. 62.5% ± 11.5% reduction, p = 0.012), and higher nitric oxide production (80.42 ± 23.93 vs. 48.75 ± 6.93 nmol/10(5) cells, p = 0.028) than those exposed to CF. By manipulating in vitro flow conditions to mimic natural physiology, endothelialized vascular grafts can be stimulated to express a nonactivated phenotype that would better inhibit peripheral cell adhesion and smooth muscle cell hyperplasia, conditions that typically lead to occlusive failure. Development of robust, functional endothelia on vascular grafts by modulation of environmental conditions within perfusion bioreactors may ultimately improve clinical outcomes in vascular bypass grafting.
Empowering Science Teachers as Researchers and Inquirers

(2001). Empowering Science Teachers as Researchers and Inquirers. Journal of Science Teacher Education: Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 107-122.
Dynamics of Phytoplankton Patches on Nantucket Shoals: An Experiment involving Aircraft, Ships and Buoys

The concept of using aircraft as research vessels in biological oceanography is relatively new. With recent advances in airborne remote sensor technology, it is clear that aircraft have a role distinct from, yet complementary to, that of ships, buoys, and satellites. One distinction lies in the technology itself. Measurement capabilities of airborne remote sensors generally fall between those of ships and satellites.
Ainsworth, Mary D. Salter (1913–1999)

Mary Ainsworth received a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. (1939) from the University of Toronto. She was appointed Assistant Professor at University of Toronto (1946), Professor at Johns Hopkins University (1963), Commonwealth Professor at University of Virginia (1975), and was an Emeritus Professor after 1984. Ainsworth devoted a lifetime of research to the study of infant-mother relationships. She introduced a 20-minute, controlled laboratory technique called the “strange situation,” which provides a widely used measure of child-mother attachment.
Action at the assemblin dimer interface.

A recent study of cytomegalovirus assemblin proteinase suggests that dimer-induced stabilization of the oxyanion hole may activate the enzyme.
Direct Fluorometric Determination of Urea in Urine

In this quantitative fluorometric method, diacetylmonoxime is used for the determination of the urea. The products of the reaction of urea with diacetylmonoxime in acid solution exhibit two fluorescence maxima, at 410 and 525 nm. The intensity of the 525 nm maximum is linear over a wide range of urea concentration and the reaction is shown to be practically specific for urinary urea.
Non‐Propositional Attitudes

Intentionality, or the power of minds to be about, to represent, or to stand for things, remains central in the philosophy of mind. But the study of intentionality in the analytic tradition has been dominated by discussions of propositional attitudes such as belief, desire, and visual perception. There are, however, intentional states that aren't obviously propositional attitudes. For example, Indiana Jones fears snakes, Antony loves Cleopatra, and Jane hates the monster under her bed. The present paper explores such mental states in an introductory but opinionated way.
Neoliberal agricultural policy versus agrarian justice: Farm workers and land redistribution in South Africa's Western Cape Province

ABSTRACT South Africa revised its land redistribution policy at the start of the Thabo Mbeki Administration in 2000, moving away from a model aimed at poverty alleviation, towards one promoting a class of small black commercial farmers. The broad goal of this article is to explore the competing agendas of neoliberal agricultural policy and agrarian justice in the Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development (LRAD) Programme in South Africa's Western Cape Province. In order to address this goal, the study examines three inter-related phenomena in the Western Cape Province: 1) the dynamics of commercial farming; 2) the background and knowledge of black and coloured farm workers regarding agricultural landscapes and their management; and 3) the pace and quality of land redistribution efforts. The findings are based on fieldwork in the Western Cape Province during the June 2005 to January 2006 period. Case studies suggest that the current model of market oriented land redistribution is highly problematic ...
Agentic and Communal Goals in Early Adulthood: Associations with Narcissism, Empathy, and Perceptions of Self and Others

This study examined social goals of interpersonal agency (status, power) and communion (affiliation, closeness) in association with narcissism, empathy, and generalized perceptions of self and others in two studies of undergraduates. In Study 1 (N = 504) as well as Study 2 (N = 225), narcissism was positively and empathy negatively associated with agentic goals, whereas self-esteem, empathy, and generalized perception of others were positively related to communal goals. Longitudinal analysis in Study 2 indicated that narcissism predicted increases in agentic goals, whereas a positive perception of others was associated with increases in communal goals. The findings are discussed in light of theoretical and practical implications for the study of social goals, interpersonal agency and communion, and the development of social motivation.
A singular boundary value problem for nonlinear differential equations of fractional order

We are concerned with the nonlinear differential equation of fractional order $$\mathcal{D}^{\alpha}_{0+}u(t)=f(t,u(t),u'(t)),\quad \mbox{a.\,e.}\ t\in (0,1),$$ where $\mathcal{D}^{\alpha}_{0+}$ is the Riemann-Liouville fractional order derivative, subject to the boundary conditions $$u(0)=u(1)=0.$$ We obtain the existence of at least one solution using the Leray-Schauder Continuation Principle.
Side-Channels in Electric Power Synchrophasor Network Data Traffic

The deployment of synchrophasor devices such as Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) in an electric power grid enhances real-time monitoring, analysis and control of grid operations. PMU information is sensitive, and any missing or incorrect PMU data could lead to grid failure and/or damage. Therefore, it is important to use encrypted communication channels to avoid any cyber attack. However, encrypted communication channels are vulnerable to side-channel attacks. In this study, side-channel attacks using packet sizes and/or inter-packet timing delays differentiate the stream of packets from any given PMU within an encrypted tunnel. This is investigated under different experimental settings. Also, virtual private network vulnerabilities due to side-channel analysis are discussed.
Regulation of glutamine synthetase and glutaminase activities in cultured skeletal muscle cells

Glutamine is synthesized in skeletal muscle, released to the circulation, and transported to other tissues, where it may provide important substrate for gluconeogenesis, ammoniagenesis, and energy-yielding pathways. With the ultimate goal of delineating the factors that control glutamine production and release by skeletal muscle, we have studied the regulation of two key enzymes, glutamine synthetase and glutaminase, in the L6 line of rat skeletal muscle cells grown in monolayer culture. The cultured myotubes were found to have glutamine synthetase and phosphate-dependent glutaminase activities. Glutamine synthetase activity was increased following incubation (1) in glutamine-free medium (threefold); (2) in medium containing high glutamic acid concentrations (fourfold); and (3) in medium supplemented with dexamethasone (threefold). In each case the increase in glutamine synthetase activity required several hours to reach a maximum and was prevented by cycloheximide, suggesting that the change occurred through increased enzyme biosynthesis. No substances tested were found to affect glutaminase activity. We conclude that glutamine synthetase in cultured skeletal muscle is responsive to substrate, product, and hormonal regulation.
Correct Integration of Model Substrates by Ty1 Integrase

The retrovirus-like mobile genetic element of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Ty1, transposes to new genomic locations via the element-encoded integrase (IN). Here we report that purified recombinant IN catalyzed correct integration of a linear DNA into a supercoiled target plasmid. Ty1 virus-like particles (VLPs) integrated donor DNA more efficiently than IN. VLP and IN-mediated insertions occurred at random sites in the target. Mg2+ was preferred over Mn2+ for correct integration, and neither cation enhanced nonspecific nuclease activity of IN. Products consistent with correct integration events were also obtained by Southern analysis. Recombinant IN and VLPs utilized many, but not all, linear donor fragments containing non-Ty1 ends, including a U3 mutation which has been shown to be defective for transposition in vivo. Together, our results suggest that IN is sufficient for Ty1 integration in vitro and IN interacts with exogenous donors less stringently than with endogenous elements.
Prospects for developing attractive inertial fusion concepts

The authors discuss the role of inertial fusion in relationship to defense activities as well as in relation to energy alternatives. Other general advantages to inertial fusion besides maintaining the system more cheaply and easily, are discussed such as certain designs and the use of very short wavelength with a very modest laser intensity. A discussion on the direct illumination approach is offered. The progress made in high-gain target physics and the potential for development of solid-state lasers as a potential multimegajoule driver and a potential high-rep-rate fusion driver are discussed. Designs for reaction chambers are examined, as is the heavy-ion fusion program. Light-ion accelerators are also discussed.
Hope, coping, and social support in combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder.

Dispositional hope, coping, and perceived social support were assessed among Vietnam combat veterans upon admission to and discharge from inpatient treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Veterans reported lower dispositional hope than any previously described sample, and hope did not increase at discharge from treatment. At admission, higher hope was correlated with greater perceived social support coming from family (this relationship persisted when controlling for depression and PTSD symptoms). At discharge, higher hope was associated with greater perceived social support coming from family and friends and the use of adaptive coping strategies. Results indicate that hope confers a beneficial effect once veterans undergo treatment for combat-related PTSD, a finding that suggests that hope may be “gone but not lost” for these individuals.
Colony founding and initial nest design of honey bees, Apis mellifera L

Abstract Thirty-two colonies of bees with varying populations were established in 1·2-m3 boxes for 24 days. At the end of this time, the bees were killed, and the comb structure, design, and placement were examined to obtain information about the initiation of bee nests. The analysis of variance of three dimensions of the comb (height, width, and length) showed no statistical differences when all thirty-two colonies were considered as a group. Comb built by queenless bees differed from any described in the literature. We think it is comb characteristically built by queenless bees that is neither worker nor drone in size but intermediate. The occurrence of multiple clusters building comb with and without queen in the same box is recorded but unexplained at present. An explanation is offered for the curl appearing in the lower edges of straight combs.
Microbiological sampling with a piggy-back device during routine Nansen bottle casts

Abstract Each Nansen bottle is fitted with a collar that holds a sterile bulb which is collapsed and plugged. The plug is loosely connected to the hydrographic wire with a chain and hook. As the free end of the tripped Nansen bottle falls, the plug is jerked out of the bulb neck and the bulb fills with the water sample. This reliable device eliminates the extra handling and problems associated with a separate sampler.
Equilibrated Atomic Models of Outward-Facing P-glycoprotein and Effect of ATP Binding on Structural Dynamics

P-glycoprotein (Pgp) is an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter that alternates between inward- and outward-facing conformations to capture and force substrates out of cells like a peristaltic pump. The high degree of similarity in outward-facing structures across evolution of ABC transporters allowed construction of a high-confidence outward-facing Pgp atomic model based on crystal structures of outward-facing Sav1866 and inward-facing Pgp. The model adhered to previous experimentally determined secondary- and tertiary- configurations during all-atom molecular dynamics simulations in the presence or absence of MgATP. Three long lasting (>100 ns) meta-stable states were apparent in the presence of MgATP revealing new insights into alternating access. The two ATP-binding pockets are highly asymmetric resulting in differential control of overall structural dynamics and allosteric regulation of the drug-binding pocket. Equilibrated Pgp has a considerably different electrostatic profile compared to Sav1866 that implicates significant kinetic and thermodynamic differences in transport mechanisms.
Another bipolar deep-sea anemone: new species of Iosactis (Actiniaria, Endomyaria) from Antarctica

A new species of deep-sea burrowing sea anemone is described and illustrated from Antarctica. Iosactis antarctica sp. nov. is characterised by easily deciduous tentacles with sphincters in the base, smooth column, endodermal marginal sphincter, same mesenteries proximally and distally, 24 perfect mesenteries regularly arranged, diffuse retractor musculature and basilar muscles well developed. Iosactis antarctica sp. nov. is the second species of the deep-sea abyssal genus Iosactis; it differs from I. vagabunda in internal anatomy, cnidae and geographic distribution. The description of I. antarctica sp. nov. provides the opportunity to revaluate the morphology of the proximal end of this genus.
EXPRESSION, RECONSTITUTION AND MUTATION OF RECOMBINANT STREPTOMYCES COELICOLOR NISOD

Nickel-dependent superoxide dismutases (NiSODs) represent a novel solution to controlling the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species derived from superoxide in biology. The expression of recombinant Streptomyces coelicolor NiSOD and its in vitro processing and reconstitution to yield fully active enzyme is reported. The results of studies of NiSODs involving mutations in two putative nickel binding ligands are also reported. These studies show that mutation of M28, a strictly conserved residue and one of only three S-donor ligands in the enzyme, has no measurable effect on the spectroscopic or catalytic properties of the enzyme. In contrast, mutation of the strictly conserved N-terminal H residue has dramatic effects on both the spectroscopic and catalytic properties. These results provide insights into structural and mechanistic aspects of the novel nickel-containing reactive site.
Visual selection mediated by location: feature-based selection of noncontiguous locations.

Experiments using two different methods and three types of stimuli tested whether stimuli at nonadjacent locations could be selected simultaneously. In one set of experiments, subjects attended to red digits presented in multiple frames with green digits. Accuracy was no better when red digits appeared successively than when pairs of red digits occurred simultaneously, implying allocation of attention to the two locations simultaneously. Different tasks involving oriented grating stimuli produced the same result. The final experiment demonstrated split attention with an array of spatial probes. When the probe at one of two target locations was correctly reported, the probe at the other target location was more often reported correctly than were any of the probes at distractor locations, including those between the targets. Together, these experiments provide strong converging evidence that when two targets are easily discriminated from distractors by a basic property, spatial attention can be split across both locations.
Sensitivities and optimal design of hexagonal array fiber composites with respect to interphase properties

Abstract The focus of this paper is the calculation of sensitivities of stresses at an interphase between a fiber and matrix, in a hexagonal cell of a fiber-reinforced composite, with respect to interphase stiffnesses and the use of these sensitivities to carry out optimal design of the interphase stiffnesses. The interphase is modeled here as a spring layer. Sensitivities are of interest in the design of composites since interphase properties can substantially affect the mechanical and thermal behavior of a composite. The sensitivity calculations are carried out here by using the direct differentiation approach (DDA) of the corresponding boundary element method (BEM) formulation of the problem. Optimization calculations are carried out by coupling the standard and sensitivity analyses to an optimizer. The optimizer chosen here uses sequential quadratic programming to obtain the desired optimal values of interphase stiffnesses that minimize the possibility of failure of a composite under prescribed loading. Numerical results for sensitivities and optimization, for some illustrative examples, are presented in this paper.
Massively-parallel sequencing of genes on a single chromosome: a comparison of solution hybrid selection and flow sorting

Targeted capture, combined with massively-parallel sequencing, is a powerful technique that allows investigation of specific portions of the genome for less cost than whole genome sequencing. Several methods have been developed, and improvements have resulted in commercial products targeting the human or mouse exonic regions (the exome). In some cases it is desirable to custom-target other regions of the genome, either to reduce the amount of sequence that is targeted or to capture regions that are not targeted by commercial kits. It is important to understand the advantages, limitations, and complexity of a given capture method before embarking on a targeted sequencing experiment. We compared two custom targeted capture methods suitable for single chromosome analysis: Solution Hybrid Selection (SHS) and Flow Sorting (FS) of single chromosomes. Both methods can capture targeted material and result in high percentages of genotype identifications across these regions: 59-92% for SHS and 70-79% for FS. FS is amenable to current structural variation detection methods, and variants were detected. Structural variation was also assessed for SHS samples with paired end sequencing, resulting in variant identification. While both methods can effectively target genomic regions for genotype determination, several considerations make each method appropriate in different circumstances. SHS is well suited for experiments targeting smaller regions in a larger number of samples. FS is well suited when regions of interest cover large regions of a single chromosome. Although whole genome sequencing is becoming less expensive, the sequencing, data storage, and analysis costs make targeted sequencing using SHS or FS a compelling option.
Accuracy and bond strength of combination agar/alginate hydrocolloid impression materials.

Abstract The accuracy and bond strength of several combinations of agar and alginate hydrocolloid impression materials were assessed. In general, there was little difference in accuracy among agar hydrocolloids. Of the alginate hydrocolloids, products J and GA produced the most accurate casts in combination with any of the agar hydrocolloids. For all product combinations, however, distortion of the diameter of the improved stone die was evident. The buccal-lingual diameter was 0.32% larger, whereas the mesial-distal diameter was only 0.06% larger. Regarding bond strength, alginate hydrocolloids P, CA, and VA in combination with agar hydrocolloids DB and DG produced the best results of all combinations tested. Thus, considering both bond strength and accuracy, product CA in combination with either DB or DG produced the best overall results.
Development and cross-species/genera transferability of microsatellite markers discovered using 454 genome sequencing in chokecherry ( Prunus virginiana L.)

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana L.) (2n = 4x = 32) is a unique Prunus species for both genetics and disease-resistance research due to its tetraploid nature and X-disease resistance. However, no genetic and genomic information on chokecherry is available. A partial chokecherry genome was sequenced using Roche 454 sequencing technology. A total of 145,094 reads covering 4.8 Mbp of the chokecherry genome were generated and 15,113 contigs were assembled, of which 11,675 contigs were larger than 100 bp in size. A total of 481 SSR loci were identified from 234 (out of 11,675) contigs and 246 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer pairs were designed. Of 246 primers, 212 (86.2 %) effectively produced amplification from the genomic DNA of chokecherry. All 212 amplifiable chokecherry primers were used to amplify genomic DNA from 11 other rosaceous species (sour cherry, sweet cherry, black cherry, peach, apricot, plum, apple, crabapple, pear, juneberry, and raspberry). Thus, chokecherry SSR primers can be transferable across Prunus species and other rosaceous species. An average of 63.2 and 58.7 % of amplifiable chokecherry primers amplified DNA from cherry and other Prunus species, respectively, while 47.2 % of amplifiable chokecherry primers amplified DNA from other rosaceous species. Using random genome sequence data generated from next-generation sequencing technology to identify microsatellite loci appears to be rapid and cost-efficient, particularly for species with no sequence information available. Sequence information and confirmed transferability of the identified chokecherry SSRs among species will be valuable for genetic research in Prunus and other rosaceous species. Key message A total of 246 SSR primers were identified from chokecherry genome sequences. Of which, 212 were confirmed amplifiable both in chokecherry and other 11 other rosaceous species.
Self-assembly of colloidal crystals

Recently, there has been much progress in the self-assembly of colloidal crystals. Major advances include the growth of colloidal crystals on lithographically templated substrates, the synthesis of ordered macroporous materials starting with crystalline emulsions, the investigation of the role of entropy in hard sphere colloids in space and on earth, and the use of electrohydrodynamic forces to create ordered structures.
Optimizing outcomes with antimicrobial therapy through pharmacodynamic profiling.

In patients with infection, improving the probability of positive treatment outcomes depends on optimizing the interactions between the host, pathogen, and drug. In this setting, optimal regimens must be utilized which not only maximize effectiveness in a specific patient, but also minimize the development of microbial resistance. The probability of achieving a specifically targeted antimicrobial exposure can be assessed using Monte Carlo simulation, a technique which integrates an agent's in vitro potency distribution (i.e., minimum inhibitory concentrations [MICs]) with the pharmacokinetic profile. The targeted pharmacodynamic parameters assessed by this technique include the ratio of peak concentration (C(max)) to MIC (C(max) : MIC); the ratio of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) to MIC (AUC : MIC), and the time the drug concentration exceeds the MIC (T > MIC). Some antimicrobials, e.g., the aminoglycosides, are most effective/bactericidal when they have a high C(max) : MIC ratio; others, e.g., the fluoroquinolones, are more effective when the AUC : MIC ratio is high. In both of these scenarios, organism eradication is concentration-dependent, and the therapeutic goal is to maximize drug exposure. Like the fluoroquinolones, the efficacy of telithromycin, a newly developed ketolide, is most related to the AUC : MIC ratio. Outcome for other agents, such as the beta-lactams, is best predicted by the T > MIC; in this case, organism eradication is time-dependent, and the therapeutic goal is to optimize the duration of antimicrobial exposure. This article discusses how the use of currently available antimicrobials can be optimized through an appreciation of pharmacodynamic profiling.
Overexpression of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Improves Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation in Arteries Infused with Helper-Dependent Adenovirus

Abstract Adenoviral vectors (Ad) are useful tools for in vivo gene transfer into endothelial cells. However, endothelium-dependent vasodilation is impaired after Ad infusion, and this impairment is not prevented by use of advanced-generation “helper-dependent” (HD) Ad that lack all viral genes. We hypothesized that endothelium-dependent vasodilation could be improved in Ad-infused arteries by overexpression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). We tested this hypothesis in hyperlipidemic, atherosclerosis-prone rabbits because HDAd will likely be used for treating and preventing atherosclerosis. Moreover, the consequences of eNOS overexpression might differ in normal and atherosclerosis-prone arteries and could include atherogenic effects, as reported in transgenic mice. We cloned rabbit eNOS and constructed an HDAd that expresses it. HDAdeNOS increased NO production by cultured endothelial cells and increased arterial eNOS mRNA in vivo by ∼10-fold. Compared to arteries infused with a control HDAd, ...
Biomedical Model Fitting and Error Analysis

This Teaching Resource introduces students to curve fitting and error analysis; it is the second of two lectures on developing mathematical models of biomedical systems. The first focused on identifying, extracting, and converting required constants—such as kinetic rate constants—from experimental literature. To understand how such constants are determined from experimental data, this lecture introduces the principles and practice of fitting a mathematical model to a series of measurements. We emphasize using nonlinear models for fitting nonlinear data, avoiding problems associated with linearization schemes that can distort and misrepresent the data. To help ensure proper interpretation of model parameters estimated by inverse modeling, we describe a rigorous six-step process: (i) selecting an appropriate mathematical model; (ii) defining a “figure-of-merit” function that quantifies the error between the model and data; (iii) adjusting model parameters to get a “best fit” to the data; (iv) examining the “goodness of fit” to the data; (v) determining whether a much better fit is possible; and (vi) evaluating the accuracy of the best-fit parameter values. Implementation of the computational methods is based on MATLAB, with example programs provided that can be modified for particular applications. The problem set allows students to use these programs to develop practical experience with the inverse-modeling process in the context of determining the rates of cell proliferation and death for B lymphocytes using data from BrdU-labeling experiments.
Methods to label monoclonal antibodies for use in tumor imaging.

The use of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies as a diagnostic tool in nuclear medicine has grown rapidly over the past several years. Early studies utilized antibodies labeled with radionuclides of iodine (i.e. 125I and 131I) although these radionuclides are not ideal for use in tumor imaging. Recent advances and the development of new chemical methods has made it possible to label antibodies with other radionuclides (i.e. 77Br, 111In and 99mTc). The advantages and disadvantages associated with all of the different radionuclides and labeling methods will be discussed.
“Can you overlap here?”: A question for an interdisciplinary team

Interdisciplinary teams sometimes view overlapping roles as problematic. In this article, a 1‐min, 7‐s segment of team conversation in which “overlap” is discussed is subjected to a microanalysis. The analysis includes an expansion of the meaning of the text (cf. Labov & Fanshel, 1977) and reveals participants’ territoriality in the face of an ideology of interdisciplinary collaboration. The larger ethnographic study of which this is a part, as well as interviews with participants in the conversation, supports the interpretation of the text that is presented.
Disclosure Quality and Earnings Management

This study examines the relationship between disclosure quality and earnings management. Corporate disclosure and earnings management are both subject to managers' discretion; therefore, managers are likely to consider their interaction when exercising managerial discretion. This study employs a simultaneous equations model to test the hypothesis that disclosure quality and earnings management are negatively related. It uses ratings published by the Association for Investment Management and Research to measure corporate disclosure, and discretionary accruals from the modified Jones model to measure earnings management. Consistent with theoretical predictions, the empirical analysis indicates that there is a statistically significant negative relationship between corporate disclosure and earnings management. Firms that disclose less tend to engage more in earnings management and vice versa. This result holds even after controlling for the effects of potentially confounding variables, and for all three components of corporate disclosure: annual disclosure, quarterly disclosure, and investor relations disclosure. By documenting a consistent negative relationship between corporate disclosure and earnings management, the study provides evidence on how management uses the flexibility afforded it under current minimum disclosure requirements to exercise discretion in reporting earnings. This has implications for the interpretation of and information conveyed by reported accounting earnings. It also provides support for the SEC's approach to attenuating earnings management by requiring more informative corporate disclosure.
Schedule of n jobs on two identical machines to minimize weighted mean flow time

Abstract In this note we consider the problem of scheduling n jobs on two identical processors to minimize weighted flow time (WMFT). Similarities between this problem and weighted earliness and tardiness (WET) on a single machine [6] is discussed. Based on results on recent developments on WET problem, we give a dynamic programming algorithm for the WMFT problem on two identical processors.
Cultural Issues in Disclosures of Child Sexual Abuse

Cultural norms affect the likelihood that child sexual abuse will be discovered by an adult or disclosed by a child. Cultural norms also affect whether abused children's families will report child sexual abuse to authorities. This article explores the ways ethnic and religious culture affect child sexual abuse disclosure and reporting, both in the United States and internationally. Guidelines for culturally sensitive child abuse interviewing are provided to facilitate disclosures of abuse from culturally diverse children in formal settings.
Transient radiative transfer in participating media with pulse-laser irradiation—an approximate Galerkin solution

An assessment is made of the Galerkin technique as an effective method of solution for transient radiative transfer problems in participating media. A one-dimensional absorbing and isotropically scattering plane-parallel gray medium irradiated with a short-pulse laser on one of its boundaries is considered for the application of the method. The medium is non-emitting and the boundaries are non-reflecting and non-refracting. In the integral formulation of the problem for the source function, the time-wise variation of the radiation intensity at any point and in any direction in the medium is assumed to be the same as the time-wise variation of the average intensity at the same point as an approximation for the application of the method. The transient transmittance and reflectance of the medium are evaluated for various values of the optical thickness, scattering albedo and pulse duration. The results are in agreement with those available in the literature. It is demonstrated that the method is relatively simple to implement and yields accurate results.
Adding an economic dimension to risk assessment: Discussion

Risk assessment is the process by which we estimate the magnitude of health risks from a specified exposure scenario. The results of the risk assessment typically become one of the inputs for risk management decisions, where we decide which regulation to promulgate if we are the government or whether to use genetically engineered microorganisms if we are farmers. Risk management usually takes explicit account of economic measures including, for example, the costs of alternative regulatory options, the yields of alternative pest control methods, and the costs per unit of benefit measured either in dollars or in physical units. Economists need to use the results of the risk assessment for the estimation of cost per unit of benefit. What has happened, as has been so well illustrated in today's papers, is that, as economists have tried to use the results of the risk assessment, they have identified problems in the risk assessment methodology that make the results difficult to incorporate into the economic analysis. The problems that economists have identified include, but are not limited to, the following. First, risk assessment methods were designed to generate worst case health risk estimates by assuming worst case exposure and dose response relationships. Such method choices are appropriate for setting safety standards when costs are not considered. However, if costs are to be considered and cost per unit of benefit estimated, average estimates of costs and benefits and their probability distributions should be generated.
Pancreatic Serous Cystadenocarcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background Serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are benign lesions with little chance for malignant degeneration. We report a case of malignant serous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas and review the literature.
The free-fare transit experiments

Abstract This paper summarizes and evaluates the results of experiments which consisted of the elimination of bus fares in off-peak in the cities of Trenton, New Jersey and Denver, Colorado. Because the data in Denver had significant weaknesses, the specific figures cited herein are for Trenton (more accurately, Mercer County, New Jersey); the results of the two experiments were essentially identical, however, so the conclusions drawn are made in a more general context. The evaluation found that the net ridership increase during the demonstration was on the order of 15% (about 45% during the off-peak periods). This included the combined effects of an increase in trip frequency by prior users and an increase in the number of off-peak bus riders. Most new bus trips were diverted from other modes; very few were newly generated. The observed effects on the operator were minimal, with the exception of the associated revenue loss. The effects on bus drivers included schedule adherence problems because of increased passenger boardings and problems with on-board security because of increased rowdyism among younger passengers. The findings indicate that the fare-free (off-peak) transit experiments did not significantly achieve most pre-conceived goals. The amount of regional auto travel was essentially unaffected; the mobility of people who were transportation disadvantaged was only slightly increased; the program did not noticeably affect the area's commercial, employment, etc. activities. On the other hand, the program did generate an immediate and sustained ridership increase, much of which was apparently retained when fares were reinstated despite a large interim fare hike. This is an indication that free-fare may be useful as a promotion technique, whereby short-term, selective fare elimination can be used to increase transit ridership.
Ambulatory test result follow-up represents a serious problem and solutions are needed

Commentary on: Callen JL, Westbrook JI, Georgiou A, et al. Failure to follow-up test results for ambulatory patients: a systematic review. J Gen Intern Med 2012; 27: 1334– 48.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3] This systematic review assessed the extent and impact of failure of a test result follow-up in ambulatory care. The study, which measured how often diagnostic tests were not followed up and the impact on ambulatory care patients, was a well-conducted systematic review. Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Inspec and the Cochrane Database were systematically searched for articles from 1995 to November 2010. Included studies were those which quantified failure to follow-up for laboratory and radiology tests for patients in ambulatory settings. Excluded were studies reporting physicians’ or patients’ perceived rates of failure, time from placement of test order to treatment, studies that combined inpatient and outpatient results, and studies on individual patients. Four reviewers independently reviewed all articles for inclusion and discrepancies were resolved by discussion. A formal meta-analysis was … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJournal%2Bof%2Bgeneral%2Binternal%2Bmedicine%2B%253A%2B%2Bofficial%2Bjournal%2Bof%2Bthe%2BSociety%2Bfor%2BResearch%2Band%2BEducation%2Bin%2BPrimary%2BCare%2BInternal%2BMedicine%26rft.stitle%253DJ%2BGen%2BIntern%2BMed%26rft.aulast%253DCallen%26rft.auinit1%253DJ.%2BL.%26rft.volume%253D27%26rft.issue%253D10%26rft.spage%253D1334%26rft.epage%253D1348%26rft.atitle%253DFailure%2Bto%2Bfollow-up%2Btest%2Bresults%2Bfor%2Bambulatory%2Bpatients%253A%2Ba%2Bsystematic%2Breview.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1007%252Fs11606-011-1949-5%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F22183961%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1007/s11606-011-1949-5&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=22183961&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F18%2F5%2F197.atom