cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An ethnomethodological perspective on how middle school students addressed a water quality problem

Science educators increasingly call for students to address authentic scientific problems in science class. One form of authentic science problem—socioscientific issue—requires that students engage in complex reasoning by considering both scientific and social implications of problems. Computer-based scaffolding can support this process by giving students structure but also helping them focus on important problem elements. In this multiple case study from the ethnomethodological framework, we investigated how 7th-grade students from five small groups worked together to evaluate the credibility of evidence, make sense of data and evidence, and address a problem related to water quality in their local river. Data sources included video of students engaging in the unit, prompted interviews, database information, log data, and documents collected from computers. Results indicated that overall, the experimental small groups demonstrated more sophisticated epistemic beliefs and a more effective approach to solving the problem than the control small groups.
The Protosemantic of Basic Claims

By ‘protosemantics’, I mean the study of vehicles of representation in extension, as elements of the natural order. Viewing vehicles of representation as themselves empirical structures, one can say something about their extensional relationships both to one another and to other elements of the natural order which, unlike vehicles of representation, do not also admit of pure normative characterizations. And one can provide an ontological parsing or assay of the representing structures themselves. These enterprises collectively constitute what I call ‘protosemantics’. Examples should make things clearer.
A Cloud-Assisted Application over Apache Spark for Investigating Epigenetic Markers on DNA Genome Sequences

As an important epigenetic marker in identifying biological elements and processes in mammalian genomes, CpG islands (CGI) play significant roles in DNA methylation, gene regulation, epigenetic inheritance, gene mutation, chromosome inactivation and nuclesome retention. Investigating the CpG islands and their structures is a rigorous task because of unknown structures and the exponential number of possible patterns. In this paper, we design and implement an ad hoc application by combining the merits of Apache Spark platform and Spark programming paradigm with the particular properties of DNA genome sequences for CpG island investigation. A novel CpG box model and a Markov model are developed primarily for redefining and investigating the CpG island. Meanwhile, these models can easily fit to Spark-based cloud platforms that can greatly accelerate the analytic procedure. Two types of evaluations are successfully performed: one is accuracy-related and another is computing performance test. This paper is meant to describe this particular application on assisting the processing and the genomic analysis in epigenetic studies.
WHAT TESTS USEFULLY PREDICT KEEPING QUALITY OF PERISHABLE FOODS

The keeping quality of milk and salad samples is shown to be generally unrelated to standard microbiological and chemical tests. Relatively little of the observed variation in flavor score, assigned to milk samples upon receipt from retail outlets, could be accounted for by microbiological and chemical tests made at the same time. The flavor score given to milks immediately after pasteurization seems to be most useful to predict keeping quality, i.e., the number of days required to attain an unsatisfactory flavor score.
Comparison of height and weight after 12 vs. 18 Gy cranial radiation therapy in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients.

Abstract Purpose To compare the effect of 12 versus 18 Gy cranial radiation therapy (RT) on height and weight indices among pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Methods and materials Records of children with ALL who were 2 to 14 years old at the time of RT and were treated at a single institution between 2000 and 2011 were reviewed. Patients' height, weight, and body mass index were converted into z-scores using the Centers for Disease Control growth charts to normalize the values to number of standard deviations from the mean. These values were measured at the pre-RT clinic visit and subsequent yearly intervals. The z-scores of the growth indices were fitted into a generalizing estimating equations model and analyzed by various clinical factors. Results A total of 48 patients met the study criteria, including 32 boys and 16 girls. The median age at the time of RT was 7 years (range, 2-14 years). Patients were separated into 2 dose groups: 12 Gy (n = 30) and 18 Gy (n = 18). Median follow-up was 4.9 years (range, 3.0-11.8 years) and 6.0 years (range, 3.1-10.5 years) and the median pre-RT height z-scores were −0.55 (range, −2.2 to 1.4) and −0.85 (range, −3.1 to 0.8) for the 2 groups, respectively (P = .65). Patients who received 18 Gy had a significant difference in change in height compared with those who received 12 Gy, who were able to maintain normal growth during the first 3 years of follow-up. This did not appear to be sex-specific, and there was no difference in change in weight or body mass index. Conclusions Compared with 18 Gy, patients with ALL who received 12 Gy of cranial RT had less height impairment in the first 3 years post-RT, but further prospective studies are needed.
Simultaneous excitatory and inhibitory dynamics in a graphene excitable laser

We demonstrate experimentally for the first time the simultaneous excitatory and inhibitory dynamics in a graphene excitable laser. This technology potentially opens novel spike processing functionality for future neuromorphic photonic systems.
Media and Families: Looking Ahead

ABSTRACTDigital natives and digital immigrants live and grow together navigating a world of media devices and inventing new media practices. As such, it is increasingly important to know about the role of media in the lives of families. Although much is known about the impact of media on children as individuals, far less attention has been given to the impact of media on the family as a whole. A great deal of the research on the family and media focuses on parent-child interactions, relationships, and media practices. While parenting is a key element in family life, other members of the family contribute to family practices and interactions, particularly siblings. This article proposes future directions for research about media and families, turning attention to expanding parenting research beyond media mediation, employment of more observational and ethnographic studies of families and media, and exploring media uses with siblings which continues to be an area of limited focus within the field. Moreover,...
A SWIFT Method for Handing Off Obstetrical Patients on the Labor Floor.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to improve patient handoffs on the labor floor. METHODS A prospective cohort study of obstetrics residents at Montefiore Medical Center was performed between 2012 and 2014. Labor-floor handoffs were recorded before and after didactic sessions as well as after installation of whiteboards formatted with the mnemonic SWIFT (Subject, Why?, Issues, Fetus, Tasks). Handoff transcripts were evaluated by obstetricians blinded to timing and speaker identity. An intraclass correlation coefficient accounted for evaluator differences. Data analysis was by ordinal logistic regression, the generalized estimating equations method (correlated data), and Bonferroni adjustment (multiple comparisons). RESULTS Forty-five handoffs were evaluated (15 each predidactics, postdidactics, and postwhiteboard revision). Higher completeness scores over time were noted for admission reason, labor concerns, and task list (not statistically significant). Comprehensive score increases prelecture to postwhiteboard were seen in handoff clarity (2.81 versus 2.91) and overall quality (2.77 versus 2.81) (not statistically significant). A subanalysis of four residents who gave multiple handoffs over different periods revealed few significant changes over time. Greater interevaluator consistency was noted with more objective elements. CONCLUSIONS The mnemonic SWIFT, with formalized curricula for obstetrical resident training focusing on new learners and increased faculty involvement and reinforcement, may result in improvement of handoffs on the labor floor.
Where We Have Been and Where We Are Going: A Content Analysis of Articles Published in the Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy From 2005 to 2015.

Objective The objective of this study was to examine the type and content of Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy (JWHPT) publications over the last decade. Study Design Content and bibliometric analysis of published literature. Background Component sections, such as the Section on Women's Health (SoWH) of the American Physical Therapy Association provide content expertise to areas of specialty physical therapist practice, thereby supporting the dissemination of evidence for physical therapists to use. Closely aligned with the mission of the SoWH, JWHPT provides evidence reflecting this practice area. The purpose of our analysis was to examine publications within JWHPT to determine how closely JWHPT is meeting the mission and focus of section members. Methods and Measures We used established bibliographic methodology to code and review manuscripts published online between 2005 and 2015 in JWHPT using established domains (article type, participant type, research design, study purpose, and area of focus). Total publications and proportion of publications based on domain were described. Impact by citation and author was examined using bibliometric software. Results Eighteen percent of the items published in JWHPT were original research papers submitted for the first time. Of those papers, the primary study design was cross-sectional experimental research, most commonly studying interventions. The primary practice area reported was management of incontinence. Conclusions We suggest that a continued need to increase efforts for the submission and publication of a greater proportion of randomized controlled trials and metric articles.
Data-Driven Progressive and Iterative Learning Control

Abstract This paper addresses the error convergence rate of data-driven iterative learning control (ILC) for single-input-single-output (SISO) systems. Since the error convergence rate depends on the learning filter, which ideally should invert the plant dynamics, the challenge lies in creating the ILC learning filters that approximate the plant inverse without having the plant model. Zero-phase or time-reversal filtering ILC is applied to track smoothened impulse, where the learning filter is progressively updated while trajectory learning proceeds. The approach drastically accelerates the error convergence rate of the time-reversal based ILC. The progression of the ILC learning filter brings an additional degree of freedom for the learning filter design with proven stability properties. Simulation results for tracking a chirp reference on a linear motor positioning system demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.
The Role of Antibiotics in Oculoplastic Surgery

The use of antibiotics in the treatment of active periocular infections and in the prevention of postoperative infections has gained special interest in the oculoplastic community. The emergence of drug-resistant organisms has changed antibiotic selection in the treatment of periocular infection and also placed an emphasis on antibiotic stewardship. Infections of the eyelids, orbit, and lacrimal system arise from different etiologies and, thus, different organisms. The prophylactic use of antibiotics during surgery of the orbit, eyelids, or lacrimal system should be based on evidence-based studies. The purpose of this chapter is to review the current treatment of periocular infections and the evidence for the use of prophylactic antibiotics before, during, and after oculoplastic surgery.
Problem Identification in Social Intervention Research

Society faces complex and ever-growing social problems that call for appropriate and effective social interventions. Although it is not in the hands of social scientists to “save the world,” social responsibility has long been a part of the value system of psychology (Lewin, 1948; Miller, 1969), its relevant organizations (e.g., Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues), and its subdisciplines (e.g., the Division of Community Research and Action).
A temperature hypothesis of hypothalamus-driven obesity.

Obesity is a metabolic state in which excess fat is accumulated in peripheral tissues, including the white adipose tissue, muscle, and liver. Sustained obesity has profound consequences on one’s life, which can span from superficial psychological symptoms to serious co-morbidities that may dramatically diminish both the quality and length of life. Obesity and related metabolic disorders account for the largest financial burden on the health care system. Together, these issues make it imperative that obesity be cured or prevented. Despite the increasing wealth of knowledge on the etiology of obesity (see below), there is no successful medical strategy that is available for the vast majority of patients. We suggest that brain temperature control may be a crucial component in obesity development and that shortcutting the brain metabolic centers by hypothalamic temperature alterations in a non-invasive remote manner will provide a revolutionary approach to the treatment of obesity.
Big Science—Small Science

As we saw in Chapter 9, nuclear physics started its life in Montreal nearly a century ago as a form of what is termed bench science in which scientific ingenuity, a modest budget, access to supplies and a good instrument shop are the primary requirements for pursuing research. In the meantime it has revealed a vast subatomic world of fundamental particles of matter, along with knowledge that has contributed both to a deeper understanding of the structure of the atom and to technology. Unfortunately the scale of equipment needed to pursue the frontier opened by this research has grown essentially geometrically with each passing decade and has reached a stage at which each further advance requires facilities involving budgets which must be reviewed at the highest levels of the governments involved in supporting the research.
Patterns and predictors of chronic opioid use in older adults: A retrospective cohort study.

Background Given the controversy around the effectiveness of opioid treatment for chronic pain and the lack of detailed guidance for prescribing opioids in older adults, the objectives of this study were to estimate the trajectories and predictors of opioid use in older adults. Methods Data were extracted from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (2005-2017). Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify the patterns of opioid use (any or strong) among participants age 65+. We used multivariable logistic regression with backward selection to evaluate demographics and comorbidities as potential predictors of trajectory membership. Results Among 13,059 participants, four trajectories were identified for the use of both any opioids and strong opioids (minimal-users, incident chronic-users, discontinuing-users, and prevalent chronic-users). For any opioids, female sex (adjusted odds ratio = 1.23; 95% confidence interval = 1.03-1.46), black vs. white (1.47; 1.18-1.82), year of education (0.96; 0.94-0.99), type of residence (independent group vs. private: 1.77; 1.38-2.26, care facility vs. private: 1.89; 1.20-2.97), hypertension (1.44; 1.20-1.72), cardiovascular disease (1.30; 1.09-1.55), urinary incontinence (1.45; 1.19-1.78), dementia (0.73; 0.57-0.92), number of medications (1 to 4 vs. none: 0.48; 0.36-0.64, 5 or more vs. none: 0.67; 0.50-0.88), and antidepressant agent (1.38; 1.14-1.67) were associated with incident chronic-use vs. non-use. For strong opioids, female sex (1.27; 1.04-1.56), type of residence (independent group vs. private: 1.90; 1.43-2.53, care facility vs. private: 2.37; 1.44-3.90), current smoking (1.68; 1.09-2.60), hypertension (1.49; 1.21-1.83), urinary incontinence (1.45; 1.14-1.84), dementia (0.73; 0.55-0.97), number of medications (1 to 4 vs. none: 0.46; 0.32-0.65, 5 or more vs. none: 0.59; 0.42-0.83), and antidepressant agent (1.55; 1.24-1.93) were associated with incident chronic-use vs. non-use. Conclusion Given that chronic opioid use was more prevalent in participants who were more vulnerable (i.e., older age, with multiple comorbidities, and polypharmacy), further studies should evaluate the safety and efficacy of using opioids in this population.
Indirect Effects of Food Insecurity on Body Mass Index Through Feeding Style and Dietary Quality Among Low-Income Hispanic Preschoolers.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate whether food insecurity affects child body mass index (BMI) through parental feeding demandingness and/or responsiveness and dietary quality 18 months later among low-income Hispanic preschoolers. Design Secondary analysis of data at baseline and 18 months afterward. Setting Houston, TX. Participants Hispanic parent–preschooler dyads (n = 137). Variables Food insecurity (6-item Household Food Security Survey), child BMI (BMI z-score), child dietary quality (Healthy Eating Index), and parental feeding demandingness and responsiveness (Caregiver's Feeding Style Questionnaire). Analysis Ordinary least-squares regression models and 95% bootstrapped confidence intervals (CIs) to estimate effects. Results Controlling for baseline child BMI, maternal acculturation, and maternal BMI, total indirect effects of food insecurity on child BMI through feeding demandingness, responsiveness, and subsequent child dietary quality were estimated to be 0.001 (95% bias-controlled bootstrap CI, –0.01 to 0.01). Confidence intervals for all indirect pathways straddled 0. As food insecurity worsened, child dietary quality 18 months after baseline improved (c = 1.06; 95% CI, 0.41–1.71). Conclusions and Implications Food insecurity had no influence on child BMI through feeding demandingness/responsiveness and/or child dietary quality. Additional research is needed to examine why food insecurity had a protective effect on dietary quality 18 months later. This finding suggests the adoption of coping mechanisms.
Electronic Properties of Ga2O3 Polymorphs

Ga2O3 is an ultra-wide-band-gap semiconductor especially promising for power electronic applications. One advantage of this material is its ability to exist in different phases, which may add flexibility to device design, namely through polarization engineering of two-dimensional electron gases. Although much is known about monoclinic β-Ga2O3, much less is known about many basic electronic properties of other phases. In this work, four of the most common phases of Ga2O3 (α, β, κ, and ) are investigated with first-principles calculations based on hybrid density functional theory. The structural and electronic properties of each phase are compared, and band offsets between the phases and other common wide-band-gap semiconductors are determined. All four phases of Ga2O3 are found to exhibit self-trapping holes, large Mg acceptor ionization energies, deep oxygen vacancy donor levels, and low-lying valence-band maxima. In addition, all phases have large valence-band offsets but small or modest conduction-band offsets with GaN, SiC, and Si. With AlN and diamond, all Ga2O3 phases have large conduction-band and valence-band offsets.
p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) phosphorylates myosin phosphatase and thereby controls edge dynamics during cell migration.

Cell migration is essential to embryonic development, wound healing, and cancer cell dissemination. Cells move via leading-edge protrusion, substrate adhesion, and retraction of the cell's rear. The molecular mechanisms by which extracellular cues signal to the actomyosin cytoskeleton to control these motility mechanics are poorly understood. The growth factor-responsive and oncogenically activated protein extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) promotes motility by signaling in actin polymerization-mediated edge protrusion. Using a combination of immunoblotting, co-immunoprecipitation, and myosin-binding experiments and cell migration assays, we show here that ERK also signals to the contractile machinery through its substrate, p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK). We probed the signaling and migration dynamics of multiple mammalian cell lines and found that RSK phosphorylates myosin phosphatase–targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1) at Ser-507, which promotes an interaction of Rho kinase (ROCK) with MYPT1 and inhibits myosin targeting. We find that by inhibiting the myosin phosphatase, ERK and RSK promote myosin II–mediated tension for lamella expansion and optimal edge dynamics for cell migration. These findings suggest that ERK activity can coordinately amplify both protrusive and contractile forces for optimal cell motility.
Patient perceptions in quality of care: report from university veterans clinic.

The Heroes Clinic is a unique dental clinic housed at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine that offers military veterans dental care at no or minimal cost. The aim of this study is to collect patient feedback on their perception of the quality of care they receive at the Heroes clinic. A cross-sectional study design was used to gather patient feedback on empathy and quality of care using Service Quality Measures (SERVQUAL) and Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire (DSQ) frameworks. Mean scores were calculated to determine the average of positive or negative responses. Fisher’s exact test was conducted to test any significant differences between the patients’ perception of quality of care they receive at the Heroes clinic (outcome variable) and the SERVQUAL and DSQ independent variables. One hundred and seventy-seven veterans responded to the survey with a response rate of 35%. Over 50% of patients were between the ages of 20–35 years and 63% were students. The mean scores demonstrated high levels of all variables. Bivariate analysis for SERVQUAL data determined that veterans agreed to conditions demonstrated by four scales of empathy and all scales of responsiveness (p < 0.05). DSQ bivariate analysis revealed that veterans agreed to conditions demonstrated by four scales of quality of care, two scales of pain management, one scale of accessibility, and also general satisfaction pertaining to the received dental care (p < 0.05). Heroes clinic has provided quality dental care to veterans as attested by the patients.
Emergency Department Clinicians' Attitudes Toward Opioid Use Disorder and Emergency Department-initiated Buprenorphine Treatment: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Introduction Emergency department (ED) visits related to opioid use disorder (OUD) have increased nearly twofold over the last decade. Treatment with buprenorphine has been demonstrated to decrease opioid-related overdose deaths. In this study, we aimed to better understand ED clinicians' attitudes toward the initiation of buprenorphine treatment in the ED. Methods We performed a mixed-methods study consisting of a survey of 174 ED clinicians (attending physicians, residents, and physician assistants) and semi-structured interviews with 17 attending emergency physicians at a tertiary-care academic hospital. Results A total of 93 ED clinicians (53% of those contacted) completed the survey. While 80% of respondents agreed that buprenorphine should be administered in the ED for patients requesting treatment, only 44% felt that they were prepared to discuss medication for addiction treatment. Compared to clinicians with fewer than five years of practice, those with greater experience were less likely to approve of ED-initiated buprenorphine. In our qualitative analysis, physicians had differing perspectives on the role that the ED should play in treating OUD. Most physicians felt that a buprenorphine-based intervention in the ED would be feasible with institutional support, including training opportunities, protocol support within the electronic health record, counseling and support staff, and a robust referral system for outpatient follow-up. Conclusion ED clinicians' perception of buprenorphine varied by years of practice and training level. Most ED clinicians did not feel prepared to initiate buprenorphine in the ED. Qualitative interviews identified several addressable barriers to ED-initiated buprenorphine.
Evidence that several high-frequency human blood group antigens reside on phosphatidylinositol-linked erythrocyte membrane proteins

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired disorder associated with absence of expression of phosphatidylinositol (PI)-linked membrane proteins from circulating hematopoietic cells of multiple lineages. Recent work demonstrated that decay accelerating factor, one such PI-linked protein, bears the Cromer-related blood group antigens. This study demonstrated that other high incidence antigens, including Cartwright (Yta/Ytb), Holley-Gregory (Hy/Gya), John Milton Hagen (JMH), and Dombrock (Doa/Dob), are absent from the complement-sensitive (PNH III) erythrocytes of patients with PNH. The relatively normal, complement-insensitive erythrocytes from the same patients express these antigens normally. Therefore, these antigens most likely reside on PI-linked proteins absent from PNH III, but not PNH I, erythrocytes.
Poverty and Economic Pressure, Financial Assistance, and Children’s Behavioral Health in Kinship Care:

About half of kinship families live in poverty, and one third of them receive financial assistance such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and foster care payments. This study select...
Phase II study of eribulin and pembrolizumab in patients (pts) with metastatic soft tissue sarcomas (STS): Report of LMS cohort.

11559Background: Responses to single agent PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in STS remain limited with occasional responses in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas (UPS), liposarcomas (LPS), and other sarcom...
Digital Borders, Location Recognition, and Experience Attribution Within a Digital Geography

During an online session, a user may visit a number of websites, often following hyperlinks from one website to the next or using a search results page to find and visit pages of interest. In doing so, the user can lose track of which sites were visited and which were helpful in meeting the intended objective. Consequently, sites that may have provided value to the user may not receive expected positive effects such as loyalty and intention to return. It is thus crucial to understand if and how an individual website is perceived by users within the context of multi-website online sessions—particularly in predicting desired website interaction outcomes, such as loyalty, trust, brand image, and revisit intentions. To address this problem, we conceptualize the Web as a geography traversed by users who cross digital borders as they move from one website location to another. We introduce the concept of border strength, or the degree to which digital media artifacts mark a transition to a website, and propose a positive effect of border strength on users’ recognition of their locations. We then consider users’ attribution of credit for assistance in successfully completing an online task to those websites and their owners that actually supported the task. We explain that this attribution is a function of border strength and location recognition. We test these hypotheses using experimental data, which show that, indeed, some websites go unrecognized. Importantly, we show that stronger borders increase users’ recognition of having visited a website and users’ credit attribution for their experience to the site.
Molecular mechanisms of sex differences in epilepsy and seizure susceptibility in chemical, genetic and acquired epileptogenesis

This article provides a succinct overview of sex differences in epilepsy and putative molecular mechanisms underlying sex differences in seizure susceptibility in chemical, genetic, and acquired epileptogenesis. The susceptibility to excitability episodes and occurrence of epileptic seizures are generally higher in men than women. The precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear, but differences in regional morphology and neural circuits in men and women may explain differential vulnerability to seizures and epileptogenic cascades. Changes in seizure sensitivity can be attributed to steroid hormones, including fluctuations in neurosteroids as well as neuroplasticity in their receptor signaling systems. Other potential neurobiological bases for sex differences in epilepsies include differences in brain development, neurogenesis, neuronal chloride homeostasis, and neurotrophic and glial responses. In catamenial epilepsy, a gender-specific neuroendocrine condition, epileptic seizures are most often clustered around a specific menstrual period in adult women. A deeper understanding of the molecular and neural network basis of sex differences in seizures and response to antiepileptic drugs is highly warranted for designing effective, sex-specific therapies for epilepsy, epileptogenesis, and seizure disorders.
Human Resource Perspectives on Workplace Bullying in Higher Education: Understanding Vulnerable Employees' Experiences

This analytical volume uses qualitative data, quantitative data, and direct employee experiences to aid understanding of why workplace bullying occurs in universities throughout the US. To address higher education workplace bullying, this text offers data-driven interventions for human resource staff and departments to effectively tackle this destructive phenomenon. Drawing on Hollis’ first-hand research which is supported by findings from a 2019 Human Resources data collection, this text identifies populations which are most vulnerable to discrimination within academia. The data shows how human resource departments, executive leadership, and faculty might proactively intervene to prevent workplace bullying. Divided into two parts, the book offers empirical analysis of structural interventions for human resource efforts to combat workplace bullying in higher education. Second, the book puts forth solutions based on empirical findings for organizations and human resources to combat workplace aggression and civility which hurts higher education. Further, the author examines the specific effect of workplace harassment and cyberbullying on women of color, junior faculty, women, and the LGBTQ community. This text will benefit researchers, doctoral students, and conducting higher education research. Additionally, the book focusses on structural issues which interfere with multicultural education more broadly. Those interested in Human Resource Management, the sociology of education, and gender and sexuality studies and will also enjoy this volume.
Other omics approaches to the study of rare diseases

Abstract Omics sciences represent a very exciting and fast-paced research field, whereby technological advancements, biological discovery, and clinical application are intertwined. Omics had its epiphany with the Human Genome Project and the discovery that only a very small percentage of the genome was composed of protein-coding genes. This revelation led scientists to hypothesize about a higher order of organization within the genome, which did not necessarily follow the classic rules of genetic code regulation (epigenome). In the same decade, proteomics emerged to complement genomics by focusing on studying the final product of genes: proteins. Proteomics revealed additional information on the status of protein isoforms, posttranslational modifications, as well as protein localization. Finally, metabolomics, the youngest of the omics approaches discussed in this chapter, was born with the aim to biochemically dissect genotype–phenotype and genotype–environment connections. This chapter will briefly describe the technological progress for each of the omics mentioned above; key examples of their applications in clinical and basic research are discussed to highlight the significance of these approaches in the study of rare diseases and to inspire future systems-level studies in this field.
Recovery of dopamine transporters with methamphetamine detoxification is not linked to changes in dopamine release

Methamphetamine's widepread abuse and concerns that it might increase Parkinson's disease led us to assess if the reported loss of dopamine transporters (DAT) in methamphetamine abusers (MA) reflected damage to dopamine neurons. Using PET with [(11)C]cocaine to measure DAT, and with [(11)C]raclopride to measure dopamine release (assessed as changes in specific binding of [(11)C]raclopride between placebo and methylphenidate), which was used as a marker of dopamine neuronal function, we show that MA (n=16), tested during early detoxification, had lower DAT (20-30%) but overall normal DA release in striatum (except for a small decrease in left putamen), when compared to controls (n=15). In controls, DAT were positively correlated with DA release (higher DAT associated with larger DA increases), consistent with DAT serving as markers of DA terminals. In contrast, MA showed a trend for a negative correlation (p=0.07) (higher DAT associated with lower DA increases), consistent with reduced DA re-uptake following DAT downregulation. MA who remained abstinent nine-months later (n=9) showed significant increases in DAT (20%) but methylphenidate-induced dopamine increases did not change. In contrast, in controls, DAT did not change when retested 9 months later but methylphenidate-induced dopamine increases in ventral striatum were reduced (p=0.05). Baseline D2/D3 receptors in caudate were lower in MA than in controls and did not change with detoxification, nor did they change in the controls upon retest. The loss of DAT in the MA, which was not associated with a concomitant reduction in dopamine release as would have been expected if DAT loss reflected DA terminal degneration; as well as the recovery of DAT after protracted detoxification, which was not associated with increased dopamine release as would have been expected if DAT increases reflected terminal regeneration, indicate that the loss of DAT in these MA does not reflect degeneration of dopamine terminals.
Unique synteny and alternate splicing of the chitin synthases in closely related heliothine moths

Chitin is an extracellular biopolymer that contributes to the cuticular structural matrix in arthropods. As a consequence of its rigid structure, the chitinous cuticle must be shed and replaced to accommodate growth. Two chitin synthase genes that encode for chitin synthase A (ChSA), which produces cuticular exoskeleton, and chitin synthase B (ChSB), which produces peritrophic membrane, were characterized in the genomes of two heliothine moths: the corn earworm/cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). In both moths, the two genes were arranged in tandem with the same orientation on the same strand with ChSB located 5' of ChSA. Sequence comparisons showed that the coding sequences were highly conserved with homologues from other species but that the tandem juxtaposed genomic arrangement of the two genes was unique in these insects. The mechanism that has led to this arrangement is unclear but is most likely a recent recombinational event. Transcript mapping of HzChSB and HzChSA in H. zea demonstrated that both transcripts were differentially spliced in various tissues and larval stages. The identification of the HzChSB-E12b alternate spliced transcript is the first report of alternate splicing for the ChSB group. The importance of this splice form is not clear because the protein produced would lack any enzymatic activity but retain the membrane insertion motifs. As for other insects, these genes provide an important target for potential control through RNAi but also provide a subject for broad scale genomic recombinational events.
The Common Mathematical Structure of Disparate Sociological Questions

The chief attraction of mathematics is its beauty. It is customary, nonetheless, to catalog the usefulness of mathematics. Accordingly, this paper shows how aspects of three quite different sociological problems—assortative mating and the rise of gender inequality, the sense of justice, and economic and political upheavals and societal transformations—have an identical underlying mathematical structure. Thus, progress in understanding the three sets of phenomena is linked; any new result obtained for one problem will shed light on the other two.
PATTERNS OF INCREASING UTERINE ACTIVITY IN LATE PREGNANCY AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF UTERINE RESPONSIVENESS TO OXYTOCIN.

Abstract 1.1. The development of spontaneous uterine activity and oxytocin response patterns was studied by the performance of 641 intranasal oxytocin tests on 348 women in late pregnancy. 2.2. Spontaneous uterine activity increases progressively during the last 6 weeks of pregnancy, reaching its maximum in the week before labor. 3.3. Response to oxytocin follows a pattern parallel to that of spontaneous uterine activity, also reaching its maximum in the final week before the onset of spontaneous labor. 4.4. The variability of the demonstrated responses from one individual to another was so great that it throws doubt upon the ability of any oxytocin sensitivity test which has yet been devised to predict accurately the onset of spontaneous labor in the individual patient.
Large antenna experiments aboard the space shuttle: Application of nonuniform sampling techniques

It is very likely that antennas in the range of 20 meters or larger will be an integral part of future satellite communication and scientific spacecraft payloads. For example, Fig. 1 depicts the conceptual evolution of the Land Mobile Satellite System which is anticipated to evolve from utilizing approximately 6–9 meter reflectors to 55 meter reflectors in the era spanning the late 1980′s to early 2000. In order to commercially use these large, low sidelobe and multiple-beam antennas, a high level of confidence must be established as to their performance in the 0-g and space environment. Certain ground (1-g) testing can be performed to validate the workability of different segments of such large structures; however, it will be a formidable task to characterize the performance of the entire structure on the ground. For this reason, a conceptual study has been initiated with the intention to describe an experiment aboard the Space Shuttle to demonstrate the reliability deployment of the antenna structure, to measure thermal and dynamic structural characteristics, and to verify performance specification under all expected conditions. In particular, special consideration is being given to the RF far-field pattern measurements which should provide the ultimate characterization for the antenna performance (Fig. 2).
Infrared laser surgery of the cornea: studies with a Raman-shifted neodymium: YAG laser at 2.80 and 2.92 μm

Abstract Tissue absorption lengths for infrared radiation at 2.8 to 3.1 μm are very short due to strong absorption by water. Corneal ablation using pulsed lasers at these wavelengths can potentially produce incisions similar in quality to cuts produced by excimer lasers at 193 nm. The authors have used 8-ns pulses at 2.80 and 2.92 ,μm, generated by a Raman-shifted neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser, to make slit-like incisions in bovine and human corneas. At 2.8 μm, etch depth per pulse increases sigmoidally from 0.15 μm at 390 mJ/cm 2 to 3.8 μm at 2200 mJ/cm 2 . No ablation occurs at fluences below 250 mJ/cm 2 . Light and transmission electron microscopy show smooth-walled incisions bordered by a thermally damaged region that varies in width from 1.5 μm at 600 mJ/cm 2 to 10 μm at 2200 mJ/cm 2 . The small amount of tissue damage produced at low fluences suggests that infrared ablation may be useful in keratorefractive surgery.
Computer Analysis of Structures: Matrix Structural Analysis Structured Programming

1. Mathematical Models of Elements. 2. Preparation for Matrix Displacement Method. 3. Matrix Displacement Method: Plane Structures. 4. Matrix Displacement Method: Special Topics. 5. Matrix Displacement Method: Space Structures. 6. Solution of System Equations. 7. Program Development. Appendices: Element Actions and Responses. Slope-Deflection Method. Coordinate Transformations. Principles and Concepts of Analytical Mechanics. Imposition of Constraints on System Model.
Ca2+ release from inositol trisphosphate-sensitive stores is not modulated by intraluminal [Ca2+].

Abstract In a recent model developed to explain the apparent "quantal" nature of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3)-induced Ca2+ release from specific intracellular stores, it was proposed that Ca2+ release from the stores may itself be modulated by intraluminal levels of Ca2+, possibly via an action at a binding site on the Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor/Ca2+ channel complex. Essential predictions of this model include a specific effect of intraluminal Ca2+ levels on the sensitivity of Ins(1,4,5)P3-induced Ca2+ release and a non-exponential decay of passive Ca2+ loss from the store following inhibition of the Ca2+ pump on the store. However, in measurements of Ins(1,4,5)P3-induced Ca2+ release and passive Ca2+ loss in permeabilized preparations of a model exocrine cell under conditions of thapsigargin-induced store depletion, we found that neither of these predicted behaviors could be demonstrated.
Structure and concentrating ability of the mammalian kidney: correlations with habitat

Mammals with relatively long loops of Henle for their body size tend to have greater than average urinary concentrating ability, but the relationship between urine osmolality (Uosm) and absolute length of the loop of Henle (generally estimated as medullary thickness) is neither proportional nor direct. Uosm is independent of the thickness of the outer medulla (corresponding to the length of the medullary thick ascending limb), which scales similarly with body mass in animals from mesic, arid, and freshwater environments. After adjustment for the effect of body size, there is a significant relationship between the thickness of the inner medulla (corresponding to length of the thin ascending limb) and concentrating ability, but only in species from mesic environments; for these, the thickness of the inner medulla accounts for only 16% of the interspecific variability in Uosm. In marine mammals, both the cortex and medulla are surprisingly thin, yet these animals produce very concentrated urine for their size. A functional dependence of urinary concentrating ability on the length of the loop of Henle is a central tenet of countercurrent multiplier theory, but the correlation of maximum urine concentration with loop length is weak at best and largely reflects the influence of the thin ascending limb.
Pictures of the Substructure of Liquid-Ordered Domains

The coexistence of immiscible liquid bilayer domains is thought by many researchers to be a key property of animal cell plasma membranes (1), and possibly a wider range of membrane types. The study reported in this issue of Biophysical Journal by Sodt et al. (2) provides a detailed picture of these coexisting domains in three different ternary mixtures, including a rather good mimic for the animal cell plasma membrane outer leaflet. As these authors speculate, the details of domain structure might have predictive value for partitioning of membrane proteins between different types of domains.
p53 Strikes mTORC1 by Employing Sestrins

The guardian of the genome (p53) elicits cell-cycle checkpoints in response to genotoxic stress. p53 also induces a metabolic checkpoint by inhibiting the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Recent results by Budanov and Karin, (2008) reveal that p53 exerts its effect on mTORC1 through sestrin1 and sestrin2.
Isolation and Structural-Analysis of the 5′ Flanking Region of the Gene Encoding the Human Glucagon Receptor

Abstract The gene encoding the human glucagon receptor, including several kb of upstream sequence, was isolated from a bacteriophage λ FIX II library constructed from human placental DNA. We report here the novel sequence of the 5′ flanking region of the gene, the identification of a previously unreported intron of 5 kb, and the identification of the transcription start point of the glucagon receptor-specific transcript, which estimates the length of the first exon to be 300 bp.
Relationship of systolic/diastolic ratios from umbilical velocimetry to fetal heart rate.

We assessed the relationship between systolic/diastolic ratios as determined by umbilical velocimetry to fetal heart rate. Umbilical velocimetry was performed with continuous-wave Doppler ultrasound and systolic/diastolic ratios and fetal heart rate for the corresponding cardiac cycles were calculated in four groups of patients; Group 1 consisted of 30 patients undergoing antepartum fetal testing; systolic/diastolic ratios were found to be significantly lower (mean ± SD, 2.0 ± 0.15) during an evoked fetal heart rate acceleration with an artificial larynx than either before (2.4 ± 0.14) or after the acceleration (2.35 ± 0.10, p p p p 3.0 in any group and all patients delivered fetuses appropriate for gestational age. These findings suggest an inverse relationship between systolicidiastolic ratio and fetal heart rate. Additionally, an alteration in fetal heart rate within the range studied does not itself produce abnormal ratios. Therefore normalization of the systolic/diastolic ratio for heart rate may be considered in clinical studies for statistical analysis and comparison but may have little practical or clinical relevance when the ratios are abnormal.
America on Record: A History of Recorded Sound

With Thomas Edison's invention of the phonograph, the beautiful music that was the preserve of the wealthy became a mass-produced consumer good, cheap enough to be available to all. In 1877 Edison dreamed that one day there would be a talking machine in every home. America on Record: A History of Recorded Sound, first published in 2006, provides a history of sound recording from the first thin sheet of tinfoil that was manipulated into retaining sound to the home recordings of rappers in the 1980s and the high-tech studios of the 1990s. This book examines the important technical developments of acoustic, electric, and digital sound reproduction while outlining the cultural impact of recorded music and movies. This second edition updates the story, describing the digital revolution of sound recording with the rise of computers, Napster, DVD, MP3, and iPod.
Fracture strength of ultrananocrystalline diamond thin films—identification of Weibull parameters

The fracture strength of ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) has been investigated using tensile testing of freestanding submicron films. Specifically, the fracture strength of UNCD membranes, grown by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD), was measured using the membrane deflection experiment developed by Espinosa and co-workers. The data show that fracture strength follows a Weibull distribution. Furthermore, we show that the Weibull parameters are highly dependent on the seeding process used in the growth of the films. When seeding was performed with microsized diamond particles, using mechanical polishing, the stress resulting in a probability of failure of 63% was found to be 1.74 GPa, and the Weibull modulus was 5.74. By contrast, when seeding was performed with nanosized diamond particles, using ultrasonic agitation, the stress resulting in a probability of failure of 63%, increased to 4.13 GPa, and the Weibull modulus was 10.76. The tests also provided the elastic modulus of UNCD, whi...
The risks and benefits of farmed fish.

In recent years, a number of concerns have been raised about the safety of seafood. At the same time, published studies have extolled the benefits of eating fish. In this article we will attempt to describe the nutritional benefits of eating fish and compare these to the risks from mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Our discussion will be directed at farmed fish which are often at the center of the controversies. This article is intended to be a brief overview and not a comprehensive review.