cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sextant prostate biopsies predict side and sextant site of extracapsular extension of prostate cancer.

Purpose: We examined the ability of sextant prostate biopsies in combination with other preoperative data to predict side and sextant site of prostate cancer extracapsular extension in a large cohort of patients.Materials and Methods: We examined 223 contemporary cases of prostate cancer managed by radical prostatectomy. Using logistic regression analysis, we determined whether patient age, Gleason score, clinical stage, prostate specific antigen, number of positive sextants, biopsy location or percent of biopsy cores positive for cancer in a sextant site, side and overall gland was predictive of location of pathological extracapsular extension into periprostatic tissue.Results: Of 41 of the 223 (18%) patients with nonorgan confined disease extracapsular extension was localized to 45 sextant sites in 36 (apex 8, mid 22, base 15) while only side of extension was known in 5. In a multivariate analysis the best predictors of the risk of extracapsular extension on a side were average percent biopsy cores posi...
Effect of temperature on optical density of rabbit blood in dye dilution studies.

The optical density of rabbit blood increased on cooling. This increase was additive to the deflection produced by indocyanine green at all concentrations measured. If calibration curves were not corrected for any increasy in optical density produced by cooling the blood, an error (minimum 11%) was introduced in the estimation of cardiac output. The effect of temperature was investigated with three different densitometers. Its wave-length dependence did not follow the absorption spectrum of oxyhemoglobin.
Pharmacokinetics of ticarcillin and clavulanic acid given in combination to adult horses by intravenous and intramuscular routes.

The pharmacokinetics of ticarcillin and clavulanic acid following administration by the intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) routes were investigated in six normal adult horses. Following i.v. administration, the ticarcillin disposition data conformed to a two-compartment model with an elimination half-life of 1.0 h. The disposition of clavulanic acid was described by a one-compartment model with an elimination half-life of 0.40 h. Following i.m. administration, the half-lives of both drugs were prolonged (ticarcillin 1.8 h, clavulanic acid 1.2 h). The bioavailability of ticarcillin was 84.4% and clavulanic acid 94.3%.
RF2a, a bZIP transcriptional activator of the phloem‐specific rice tungro bacilliform virus promoter, functions in vascular development

Rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV) replicates only in phloem cells in infected rice plants and its promoter drives strong phloem-specific reporter gene expression in transgenic rice plants. We isolated a cDNA encoding a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) protein, RF2a, which binds to the Box II cis element that is important for expression from the promoter. RF2a, which stimulates Box II-dependent transcription in a homologous in vitro transcription system, accumulates in nuclei of phloem and certain other cell types in shoots, but is found at only very low levels in roots. Transgenic antisense plants in which RF2a accumulation was suppressed had normal roots but stunted, twisted leaves with small, disorganized vascular bundles, an enlarged sclerenchyma and large air spaces. We propose that the RTBV promoter exploits a host transcription factor that is critical for leaf tissue differentiation and vascular development for its expression.
Investigating causal relations between labour productivity and JIT in SMEs

The inventory-productivity relationship has been described in many studies but never examined statistically. This paper uses historical data for 33 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from various manufacturing industries in the USA. In this exploratory analysis, a model is developed and tested to determine the correlation between labour productivity and Just in Time (JIT) minimising inventory. We approach this model in two different ways. The results of the first approach indicate that a higher inventory or Work in Process (WIP) inventory, each tested separately, has a positive effect on labour productivity, which was not expected. A higher WIP/sales ratio, however, has a negative effect on labour productivity, as expected. The results of the modified model demonstrate that a higher capital investment per employee and a higher WIP/sales ratio have a negative impact on labour productivity.
The 1.8 A structure of carbonmonoxy-beta 4 hemoglobin. Analysis of a homotetramer with the R quaternary structure of liganded alpha 2 beta 2 hemoglobin.

The beta-chains isolated from the human hemoglobin alpha 2 beta 2 heterotetramer self-assemble to form a beta 4 homotetramer. We report the structure of the carbonmonoxy-beta 4 (CO beta 4) tetramer refined at a resolution of 1.8 A. Compared to the three known quaternary structures of human hemoglobin, the T state, the R state and the R2 state, the quaternary structure of CO beta 4 most closely resembles the R state. While the degree of structural similarity between CO beta 4 and the R state of liganded alpha 2 beta 2 is quite high, differences between the alpha and beta-chain sequences result in interesting alternative packing arrangements at the subunit interfaces of CO beta 4. In particular, Arg40 beta and Asp99 beta interact across the CO beta 4 equivalent of the alpha 1 beta 2 interface to form two symmetry-related salt bridges that have no counterpart in either liganded or deoxyhemoglobin. Because these salt bridges are near a 2-fold symmetry axis, steric constraints prevent their simultaneous formation, and electron density images of Arg40 beta and Asp99 beta show equally populated dual conformations for the side-chains of both residues. Relative to the liganded alpha 2 beta 2 tetramer, the Arg40 beta...Asp99 beta salt bridges introduce ionic interactions that should strengthen the CO beta 4 tetramer. The CO beta 4 equivalent of the alpha 1 alpha 2 and beta 1 beta 2 interfaces strengthens the tetramer relative to the liganded alpha 2 beta 2 tetramer by tethering both ends of the central cavity. (The entrance to the central cavity is altered so that the N termini move closer together and the C termini further apart, forming an anion binding pocket that is absent in liganded alpha 2 beta 2 hemoglobin.) In contrast, analysis of the CO beta 4 counterpart of the alpha 1 beta 1 interface indicates that this interface is weakened in the CO beta 4 tetramer. These differences in interface stability provide a structural explanation for the published observation that the alpha 2 beta 2 tetramer assembles via a stable alpha 1 beta 1 dimer intermediate, whereas assembly of the CO beta 4 tetramer is characterized more accurately by a monomer-tetramer equilibrium.
Ancestral ties, civic structure and health in the United States

This study links three streams of literature to explore the relationship between countylevel European ancestry, civic structure and health outcomes. Research has shown that areas with high civic structure have better health outcomes compared to those areas low in civic structure. Studies also point out that some communities with higher population densities of certain ancestries have more civic structure than others. Researchers have also found some evidence that ethnic density is related to better mental or physical health. These mechanisms are tested on structural measures, such as county-level civic structure and ancestry (not race or ethnicity) to determine if they are associated with self-reported good health, obesity and diabetes diagnoses. Data was extracted from several publically available sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), the University of Wisconsin’s County Health Rankings, Rupasingha and Goetz (2008) index, and the Economic Research Services’ Environmental Food Atlas. The data were compared across two different periods in time; early and late 2000s. This study finds that counties high in civic structure have higher self-reported good health, but it does not consistently show lower obesity and diabetes diagnoses. Further, civic structure added very little or in some cases no explained variance to the models. Norwegian and German ancestries were associated with higher civic structure, but they were not consistently related to better health outcomes. Ethnic density is associated with better health outcomes, but the results are not consistent. Further work should investigate the cultural activities of ancestries, such as food, holidays or celebrations and its potentially related health implications.
Transfer of myelogenous leukemia induced by gastric instillation of methylcholanthrene in Wistar rats.

A third case of myelogenous leukemia that followed the gastric instillation of methylcholanthrene in Wistar rats is herein recorded. These 3 cases represent the first instances of myelogenous leukemia produced in rats by carcinogens that answer all the criteria for a true myelogenous leukemia; namely, positive peripheral blood picture, bone marrow, tissue infiltration and transferability. A high percentage of transfer of the myelogenous leukemia was obtained with peripheral blood given intraperitoneally to very young animals of our random bred colony. Successful transfer was also accomplished to very young rats of the Long Evans and Sherman strains. While none of the three animals in which myelogenous leukemia was induced showed any green coloration, all transfers developed as chloroleukemia. Animals with leukemia will be made available to investigators.
The toxicity of creosote-treated wood to Pacific herring embryos and characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons near creosoted pilings in Juneau, Alaska

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from creosote exposure in the laboratory resulted in deleterious effects in developing Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) embryos, and potentially toxic concentrations of PAHs were measured using passive water samplers at 1 of 3 harbor field sites in Juneau, Alaska, USA. Aqueous total PAH concentrations of 4.6 μg/L and 8.4 μg/L from creosote exposure resulted in skeletal defects and ineffective swimming in hatched larvae in the laboratory (10% effective concentrations) and were the most sensitive parameters measured. Hatch rates also suffered from creosote exposure in a dose-dependent manner: at exposures between 5 μg/L and 50 μg/L total PAH, 50% of the population failed to hatch. Comparisons between laboratory and field deployed passive samplers suggested that for at least 1 harbor in Juneau, concentrations sufficient to induce teratogenic effects were found directly on creosoted pilings, within 10 cm of them, and sometimes at a distance of 10 m. Total PAH concentrations generally decreased with distance from creosoted pilings. Creosote pilings contribute to the PAH load within a marina and can rise to PAH concentrations that are harmful to fish embryos, but at a scale that is localized in the environment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1261-1269. © 2016 SETAC.
New small quantum dots for neuroscience (Presentation Video)

In "New Small Quantum Dots for Neuroscience," Paul Selvin (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) notes how the details of synapsis activity in the brain involves chemical receptors that facilitate the creation of the electrical connection between two nerves. In order to understand the details of this neuroscience phenomenon you need to be able to "see" what is happening at the scale of these receptors, which is around 10 nanometers. This is smaller than the diffraction limit of normal microscopy and it takes place on a 3 dimensional structure. Selvin describes the development of small quantum dots (on the order of 6-9 microns) that are surface-sensitized to interact with the receptors. This allows the application of photo-activated localized microscopy (PALM), a superresolution microscopy that can be scanned through focus to develop a 3D map on a scale that is the same size as the emitter, which in this case are the small quantum dots. The quantum dots are stable in time and provide access to the receptors which allows the imaging of the interactions taking place at the synoptic level.
‘Let them see a different path’: social attitudes towards sport, education and development in Sāmoa

Drawing on ethnographic data collected over 12 months of field research, this paper contributes to the growing body of literature on sport for development (SFD) by giving voice to alternative constructions of the educative potential of SFD. It does this by exploring the social attitudes of youth, educators, community leaders and government officials in the Pacific island nation of Sāmoa towards sport, education and development. Imagining sport to be like ‘school outside’, my Samoan interlocutors construct sport as an educative platform that prepares young ‘academically unfit’ men to engage an increasingly global political economy in ways classroom education cannot. Viewing international sport as a form of ‘development education’, my interlocutors perceive the educative value of SFD as being rooted in the potential for sport to help move underperforming boys into transnational flows of remittances to the family. In this way, Samoans perceive sport as enabling ‘at risk’ youth to serve their families, to lea...
Diurnal Nectar-Feeding of Aedes cantator and A. sollicitans (Diptera: Culicidae)

A 50-m2 salt marsh study plot was used from 0800 to 2000 h to observe diurnal associations of Aedes cantator (Coquillett) and Aedes sollicitans (Walker) with Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L. (ox-eye daisy), Achillea millefolium L. (yarrow), and Hieracium pratense Tausch (king-devil hawkweed) and to determine periods of most active biting intensity on humans. Both sexes of each species were more frequently collected from flowers of plants in peak bloom and at high relative densities. Diurnal shifts in the selection of host plants were not apparent. Of the total 1711 mosquitoes captured from blooming plants, significantly more individuals (66%) were observed probing floral and non-floral structures between 1600 and 2000 h. Periods of peak association with nectar sources and times of maximum blood-seeking activity were synchronous for each species. Anthrone tests detected fructose and sucrose in resting and blood-seeking mosquitoes throughout diurnal hours, but in each behavioral group, significantly more A. cantator and A. sollicitans females (65–89%) contained these sugars at 2000–2100 h. Percentages of nectar-positive males (≥55%)consistently exceeded those of females for both species between 0800 and 1700 h; no differences could be found between sexes during 1700–2100 h. Relatively high frequencies of nectar-positive males and females suggest repeated daily associations of these salt marsh mosquitoes with sugar sources.
Inhibition of voltage-sensitive sodium channels in neuroblastoma cells by antiarrhythmic drugs.

The antiarrhythmic drugs lidocaine, quinidine, procainamide, and diphenylhydantoin block neurotoxin-activated sodium channels in neuroblastoma cells. At concentrations which effectively block sodium channels, these drugs have no effect on binding of [3H]saxitoxin to its receptor site on sodium channels. Similarly, effective concentrations of lidocaine, quinidine, and diphenylhydantoin have no effect on specific binding of 125I-labeled scorpion toxin to sodium channels. These results show that antiarrhythmic drugs do not occupy neurotoxin receptor site 1, the tetrodotoxin/saxitoxin receptor site, or neurotoxin receptor site 3, the scorpion toxin/sea anemone toxin receptor site, in inhibiting sodium channels. The antiarrhythmic drugs are competitive inhibitors of activation of sodium channels by the full agonist batrachotoxin, but are mixed inhibitors affecting both K0.5 and Vmax for activation by the partial agonist veratridine. These results are consistent with the conclusion that the antiarrhythmic drugs are allosteric competitive inhibitors of sodium channel activation by batrachotoxin and veratridine. It is likely that antiarrhythmic drugs act at site(s) distinct from neurotoxin receptor Site 2 and alter veratridine and bactrachotoxin action indirectly.
A systematic review of spinal research conducted using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

Abstract Background Context Over the course of the last decade, interest in the use of large data repositories for clinical research in orthopedic and spine surgery has grown substantially. Detractors maintain that the clinical relevance of research conducted using large registries is limited, and that the academic influence of such studies is minimal. Such contentions have not been empirically evaluated. Purpose This study sought to perform a systematic review of spinal research conducted using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). Study Design This is a systematic review. Outcome Measures Impact factor (IF) of the journal of publication and number of citations of published articles conducted using the NSQIP. Methods Orthopedic and spine-specific NSQIP articles published from January 1, 2007 to July 31, 2015, were identified through a query of PubMed or Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. Articles were classified by journal of publication, year of publication, study topic, study purpose, and method of statistical analysis. Spine surgical publications were compared with other orthopedic research conducted using the NSQIP. The primary dependent variables for the purposes of statistical testing were IF of the journal in which the article was published and the number of citations for each publication. Negative binomial regression was used to evaluate the characteristics of papers associated with increased IF and number of citations. Results Of the 1,525 articles identified in the initial search, 114 studies were considered eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. The average IF for the journals publishing orthopedic NSQIP articles was 2.75 (standard deviation [SD] 1.22, range 0–5.28), whereas it was 2.52 (SD 0.81, range 1.38–5.28) for spinal research. The average number of citations per article was 6.08 (SD 10.9, range 0–69) and 6.4 (SD 12.0, range 0–69) for spine-specific studies. Following negative binomial regression, only IF (regression coefficients [RC] 0.31; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.08, 0.55) and the year of publication (RC −1.29; 9% CI −1.64, −0.95) were found to have a statistically significant association with number of citations. Among spine-specific research articles, only the year of publication was found to influence the number of citations (RC −1.29; 95% CI −1.94, −0.64). Conclusions Our findings indicate that the academic impact of orthopedic and spine surgical research conducted using NSQIP is highly variable, with most publications found to have relatively low impact. As our evaluation of study characteristics associated with high-impact publications and increased citations were unable to uncover factors that are likely translatable, we suggest following research design guidelines that highlight best practices when using large datasets for orthopedic research.
Crack initiation of line pipe steels in near-neutral pH environments

Publisher Summary This chapter proposes a simple mechanism for near-neutral pH cracking of line pipe steels that does not require the complicating factors of additional environmental components that have been collected in the field. The mechanism development was focused initially on the field reports that FeCO3 is present at nearly all field failure sites underneath disbonded coating. One of the key features of the proposed mechanism shows how hydrogen can be generated on the surface of line pipe steel from bicarbonate without changing the bulk pH of the solution. It also shows how dissolved oxygen contributes to an increase in hydrogen generation. The presence of other cations probably allows the solution pH to be lowered toward pH 6.4 similarly to the same process as adding CO2 to bicarbonate. The crack morphologies generated in the laboratory were consistent with those found in the field, which has not been consistently the case with previous investigators. In addition, near-neutral pH cracking apparently occurs under some very specific environmental conditions because it is not widely reported.
PARylation of the forkhead-associated domain protein DAWDLE regulates plant immunity

Protein poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) primarily catalyzed by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) plays a crucial role in controlling various cellular responses. However, PARylation targets and their functions remain largely elusive. Here, we deployed an Arabidopsis protein microarray coupled with in vitro PARylation assays to globally identify PARylation targets in plants. Consistent with the essential role of PARylation in plant immunity, the forkhead-associated (FHA) domain protein DAWDLE (DDL), one of PARP2 targets, positively regulates plant defense to both adapted and non-adapted pathogens. Arabidopsis PARP2 interacts with and PARylates DDL, which was enhanced upon treatment of bacterial flagellin. Mass spectrometry and mutagenesis analysis identified multiple PARylation sites of DDL by PARP2. Genetic complementation assays indicate that DDL PARylation is required for its function in plant immunity. In contrast, DDL PARylation appears to be dispensable for its previously reported function in plant development partially mediated by the regulation of microRNA biogenesis. Our study uncovers many previously unknown PARylation targets and points to the distinct functions of DDL in plant immunity and development mediated by protein PARylation and small RNA biogenesis, respectively.
Generation of multistate release–recapture models using a graphic user interface (GUI)

Multistate release–recapture models are used to study the movements and survival of animals when multiple migration pathways exist. Model complexity increases exponentially as the number of possible migration pathways increases. Program Branch was developed as freeware to allow users to construct multistate release–recapture models based on a schematic of the study design built with a graphic user interface (GUI). The GUI can be used not only to develop the underlying statistical likelihood models but to direct the estimation of summary performance parameters. Program Branch is illustrated using the spawning behavior of shortnose suckers (Chasmistes brevirostris) in northern California, juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) outmigration through the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta of California, and adult steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) migration in the Columbia/Snake River Basin in the Pacific Northwest. This software, available online at http://www.cbr.washington.edu/analysis/apps/branch , makes the analysis of complex multistate models easier and allows investigators to review study designs to ensure important model parameters are estimable.
The role of family history of depression and the menopausal transition in the development of major depression in midlife women: Study of women's health across the nation mental health study (SWAN MHS).

Background This study evaluated whether family history of depression predicts major depression in midlife women above and beyond static risk factors (such as personal history of depression prior to midlife) and risks that may change dynamically across midlife (such as menopausal, psychosocial, and health profiles). Methods Participants were 303 African American and Caucasian women (42–52 years at baseline) recruited into the Study of Women's Health across the Nation (SWAN) Mental Health Study (MHS) in Pittsburgh. Major depression was assessed annually with Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM-IV. Family mental health history was collected at the ninth or tenth annual follow-up. Random effects logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between family history of depression and midlife depression, controlling for baseline sociodemographic characteristics and time-varying risk factors. Results Family history of depression was associated with midlife depression after adjusting for participant's history of major depression prior to midlife, trait anxiety and baseline age, and time-varying menopausal status, body mass index, very upsetting life events, and chronic difficulties (OR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.17–4.29, P = .02). Higher odds of major depression were found when women were late perimenopausal or postmenopausal relative to when they were premenopausal or early perimenopausal (OR = 3.01, 95% CI = 1.76–5.15, P < .0001). However, menopausal status was only associated with major depression among women without a family history. Conclusions Family history of depression predicts major depression in midlife women independent of the menopausal transition and other time-varying covariates. Notably, the menopausal transition was associated with increased risk only among women without a family history of depression.
Investigating Black Skimmer Chick Diets Using Citizen Science and Digital Photography

Abstract Rynchops niger (Black Skimmer) is a colonial seabird that forages on small planktivorous fish that are caught while gliding just above the surface. Previous studies have found that baitfish abundance can affect skimmer productivity, so the purpose of this research was to determine the species and size of fish fed to chicks in Southwest Florida. During the 2015 and 2016 nesting seasons, we posted requests for photographs of Black Skimmer adults feeding chicks to several Facebook sites where photographers were posting images taken in Southwest Florida. We invited volunteers who were knowledgeable about fish to identify prey species. We received 256 photographs of which 211 could be included in our study. Black Skimmers fed chicks 22 different species of fish, including 9 that had not been previously recorded. The fish species did not differ by year, age of chick, or location; however, smaller chicks were fed significantly more small fish. Our research demonstrated that citizen science conducted thr...
Opioid Prescription and Patient Use After Gynecologic Procedures: A Survey of Patients and Providers.

Abstract Study Objective To describe opioid distribution and patient use after gynecologic procedures. Design Survey study (Canadian Task Force classification III). Setting An urban academic tertiary care hospital. Subjects Ninety-six gynecologists in the Boston area, and 147 patients who underwent a benign hysterectomy between January 2015 and April 2016. Interventions Survey study of physicians and patients composed of 2 parts: (1) a physician survey on opioid prescribing practices after gynecologic procedures and (2) a patient survey on opioid consumption after hysterectomy. Physicians were contacted via e-mail to participate in an online survey. Eligible patients were contacted via telephone and asked to participate in a telephone survey. Measurements and Main Results Fifty-one physicians responded to an online survey and prescribed a mean of 27.1 tablets (range, 5–30) of oxycodone (5 mg) or hydromorphone (2 mg) after abdominal hysterectomy (AH), a mean of 22.6 tablets (range, 5–30) after laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH), and a mean of 16.8 tablets (range 5–30) after vaginal hysterectomy (VH). Physicians prescribed more opioids for AH compared with LH, with a mean difference of 4.5 tablets (standard deviation, 4.7; p Conclusions With respect to the physician survey, we conclude there is a wide range of opioid prescription practices and patient opioid consumption after gynecologic surgery. The patient survey revealed that physicians prescribe fewer opioid tablets after a minimally invasive approach to hysterectomy versus open hysterectomy. However, most patients use less than half of prescribed opioids, and a fraction did not use any opioids at all.
Exploratory responder analyses of greatest depth of response (DepOR) and survival in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) treated with a targeted therapy or immunotherapy.

2590Background: RECIST criteria as a binary output may not fully capture the clinical benefit of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in mNSCLC. We sought to determine the association between the maximum reduction in tumor target lesions from baseline (DepOR) with overall survival (OS) for two drugs, an ALK inhibitor (ALKi) and a PD-1 inhibitor (PD-1i), which represent the targeted and immune therapy drug classes. Methods: Data from two randomized trials were pooled for each drug for exploratory analyses. Data from patients with any tumor shrinkage were grouped into 4 quartiles based on the greatest percent shrinkage in tumor target lesions from baseline and compared to data from patients with no tumor shrinkage. A retrospective exploratory responder analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the DepOR quartiles and OS for each drug using hazard ratios (HR, Cox proportional hazards model) Results: The exploratory responder analysis suggested that patients with the highest percentages of tumo...
Microwave Fixation for the Study of Acetylcholine Metabolism

Two major sets of requirements must be met to measure accurately the steady state concentrations of high turnover components of the central nervous system: 1) An assay must be available that has suitable sensitivity, specificity and reliability for use on this heterogenous chemical system and 2) a method must be used for the rapid and precise inactivation of synthetic and degradative enzymes related to the components to be studied and the in vivo relationships of these enzymes should be known to interpret the analytical results properly.
Nmr Studies of Cobalt-Thoria-Zsm-5 Catalysts

Abstract Co-ZSM-5 and Co-ThO 2 -ZSM-5 are promising bifunctional zeolite catalysts used for the conversion of synthesis gas to gasoline range hydrocarbons. Previous catalytic tests have shown that small amounts of the promoter thoria (0.4 wt%) significantly increase the liquid hydrocarbon yields. Zero-field nuclear magnetic resonance studies were undertaken to ascertain the effect of thoria upon the magnetic and structural nature of these catalysts. In Co-ZSM-5, NMR lines corresponding to fcc and hcp phases were found. When the promoter thoria was added, there was a systematic absence of the hcp line before use as catalyst. The change in catalytic behavior can be related to the changes in crystallite species and crystallite size.
Experiences supervising undergraduate research projects

From senior thesis research to summer research experiences, many opportunities abound for undergraduate students to undertake research. These experiences provide students with the opportunity to learn about the research process, gain technical experience, improve their critical thinking skills, and potentially serve as a co-author on a publication. Each panelist will share some lessons learned from previous experiences with undergraduate research projects.
Cognitive flexibility theory and its implications for designing CBI

In this chapter, I argue that cognitive flexibility theory implemented in hypertext provides an effective model for designing and developing computer-based instruction to support advanced knowledge acquisition which is required by professionals to solve real-world problems. It is first necessary to distinguish between introductory knowledge, advanced knowledge, and expertise. I will then focus on problems in designing instruction to support advanced knowledge acquisition from computer-based environments. A solution to these problems is the construction of hypertext environments designed using cognitive flexibility theory. After describing the basic attributes and principles of cognitive flexibility theory and hypertext, I briefly describe how they have been implemented in two instructional environments to support advanced knowledge acquisition. I evaluate these two hypertext environments using the principles of flexibility theory as criteria and finally describe some preliminary empirical support of this combination of instructional theory and technology.
Scientific note: cavity-nesting Osmia bruneri bees (Megachilidae) can use fruit pulp for nest construction

The cavity-nesting solitary bee Osmia bruneri (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) normally partitions and plugs its nest tunnel with masticated leaf pulp. In 2018, many females of a captive population were observed collecting pulp from drupelets of both unripe and ripe red raspberries (Rubus idaeus) despite available foliage from this plant as well as five weedy forbs. Females capped 122 nests with raspberry pulp, the material that they used for their nests’ cell partitions as well. Such red nest plugs were never produced by the preceding ten captive generations of this bee (about 3000 nests), even when caged with raspberries. Raspberry fruit pulp proved to be of intermediate preference for nest construction among alternative foliar choices offered to nesting females.
Learning in a High-Stress Clinical Environment: Stressors Associated with Medical Students’ Clerkship Training on Labor and Delivery

AbstractPhenomenon: Obstetrics and gynecology can be a high-stress clinical environment for medical students due to the specialty’s fast-paced and unpredictable nature. Little is known about learni...
Learning mechanisms in cue reweighting.

Abstract Feedback has been shown to be effective in shifting attention across perceptual cues to a phonological contrast in speech perception (Francis, Baldwin & Nusbaum, 2000). However, the learning mechanisms behind this process remain obscure. We compare the predictions of supervised error-driven learning (Rescorla & Wagner, 1972) and reinforcement learning (Sutton & Barto, 1998) using computational simulations. Supervised learning predicts downweighting of an informative cue when the learner receives evidence that it is no longer informative. In contrast, reinforcement learning suggests that a reduction in cue weight requires positive evidence for the informativeness of an alternative cue. Experimental evidence supports the latter prediction, implicating reinforcement learning as the mechanism behind the effect of feedback on cue weighting in speech perception. Native English listeners were exposed to either bimodal or unimodal VOT distributions spanning the unaspirated/aspirated boundary (bear/pear). VOT is the primary cue to initial stop voicing in English. However, lexical feedback in training indicated that VOT was no longer predictive of voicing. Reduction in the weight of VOT was observed only when participants could use an alternative cue, F0, to predict voicing. Frequency distributions had no effect on learning. Overall, the results suggest that attention shifting in learning the phonetic cues to phonological categories is accomplished using simple reinforcement learning principles that also guide the choice of actions in other domains.
Variability in context effects on rate adaptation within individuals

Rate adaptation is a crucial aspect of speech perception. Listeners can rapidly adapt to a wide variety of speech rates. Recent evidence has indicated that these effects can emerge even over the course of single sentences: studies of what are often termed “distal context effects” have shown that the rate context at the beginning of a sentence can affect the perception of words at the end of a sentence. These effects have been found across contrasts and languages. Yet the consistency of these effects within individuals has almost never been probed. Here, we report a series of experiments that examined whether distal context effects are consistent within individual talkers. We find surprisingly low test/retest reliability in distal context effects. Namely, the strength of the effects within individuals in one session or in one set of items had almost no bearing on the strength in a second session or second set of items. This was true even when the item set was highly constrained, to mitigate item effects in the stimuli. This suggests that a more nuanced understanding of individual variation in context rate effects is necessary.
The same and not the same: Ore geology, mineralogy and geochemistry of Rodinia assembly versus other supercontinents

Abstract It has been long observed that the amalgamation of supercontinents, including Rodinia, is coeval with peaks of U Pb ages of global detrital zircons. However, our new compilation of global geochemical, mineralogical, and ore geologic records shows that the assembly of Rodinia stands out from others, in terms of whole-rock trace element geochemistry, as well as records of mineralogy and ore deposits. During the assembly of Rodinia, Nb, Y, and Zr concentrations were enriched in igneous rocks, with prolific formation of zircon and minerals bearing Th, Nb or Y, and REE-bearing ore deposits. At the same time, many types of ore deposits are relatively poorly represented in Rodinin terranes, including deposits of orogenic gold, porphyry copper, and volcanic hosted massive sulfide deposits, with a corresponding paucity of many minerals (e.g., minerals bearing Au, Sb, Ni) associated with these deposits. We interpret these records as indicating the prevalence of ‘non-arc’ magmatism and a relative lack of subduction-related arc magma preserved in the surviving pieces of the Rodinia supercontinent, distinct from other episodes of supercontinent assembly. We further attribute the prevalence of ‘non-arc’ magmatism to enhanced asthenosphere–lithosphere interactions in the Mesoproterozoic, and speculate that the lack of ‘arc-collisional’ magma may be related to enhanced erosion of Rodinia orogenic belts.
Structural and Spectral Properties of Aqueous Hydrogen Fluoride Studied Using ab Initio Molecular Dynamics

Aqueous solutions of deuterated hydrofluoric acid (DF) have been studied at three concentrations using ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD). At low concentration, DF was found to form a strongly bound complex, dynamically fluctuating between F−D···D2O and F-···D3O+ structures. The coordination number of molecular DF is as low as 2. The fluctuation behavior was observed also at higher concentrations, although in that case 40% of the DFs can be considered as dissociated into F- ions rather than being a part of F-···D3O+ complexes. No FDF- ions formed spontaenously at ambient temperature. One such complex was built, and it was stable for the whole simulation time (6 ps). The increasing acidity as a function of concentration is suggested to derive partly from the increasing stabilization of F- when its surroundings become more ionic. The F- ion can be also stabilized by HF molecule, which results in a bifluoride ion. The high DF concentration also lowers all coordination numbers and compresses the first solvat...
Sensitivity Reduction and Robustness

In Chapters Two to Five we devote our attentions primarily to issues regarding parameter-sensitivity analysis. In spite of different uncertainties which may exist in a dynamical system, we expect that our controller will ultimately maintain qualitatively and/or quantitatively the overall system operation as desired. Or it will maintain this operation within a prespecified class of such operations which this is really the key issue in any robustness methodology. Therefore we must incorporate in control synthesis algorithm any information regarding possible discrepancies in system “output”, in order to generate new controllers that can stand against the consequences of some possible uncertainties. This incorporation is by no means a simple task, and before we let our expectations exceed our means, we examine some of our earlier assumptions and review the class of problems which currently can be analyzed.
Incubating Grassroots Nonprofits: A service-learning approach to organizational capacity building with communities of immigrant and refugee background

This paper explains the development of a community-university partnership responding to community-identified needs and toward the goal of creating a nonprofit incubator in Salt Lake City. Our research draws on several years of partnership work with communities of immigrant and refugee experiences. As immigrant and refugee groups settle in new communities, they seek to serve the members of their community. Often they form a group to meet specialized community needs. Increasingly these groups are organized as nonprofits. Emerging micro-nonprofit organizations from these populations often struggle to find the connections to the community that brings sustainability. At the same time, community organizers tell us that they need something to support organizational development that is not currently available in the community. They are seeking something beyond training and less costly than one-on-one consulting. In response to these requests, we utilized a service-learning course to pilot the development of the non-profit incubator. Drawing on community development, service-learning and nonprofit management literature this case study highlights the lessons learned from nonprofit incubator development in one community.
Initial biopsy and early re-resection practices in the treatment of glioblastoma among AANS/CNS tumor section surgeons

Surgical management strategies for glioblastoma (GBM) may differ among neurosurgeons with initial biopsy of suspected tumors and the need for early re-resection of tumors within 30 days of initial surgery. This study was initiated by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Tumor Section’s interest in understanding the rates at which pre- and post-resection procedures, specifically biopsies prior to definitive resection and early re-resections, are performed by U.S. neurosurgeons in the management of GBM. A ten-question survey was distributed to members of the AANS/CNS Tumor Section. The survey response rate among AANS/CNS Tumor Section surgeons was approximately 16%. Results showed that a majority of respondents performed surgery on 11–25 GBM cases annually. Of those cases, most neurosurgeons claimed that biopsies are rarely performed prior to tumor resection, but in the < 10% of cases for which biopsies are done, common reasons are to confirm radiological findings or improve the treatment plan. Likewise, re-resections are rare, but in the < 5 cases most neurosurgeons performed annually, common reasons included incomplete initial resections, referrals for greater resection, or unspecified reasons. Further studies are needed to confirm the results of this study, which shows low rates of stereotactic and open biopsy and early re-resection procedures performed among neurosurgeons. These rates may help form guidelines in the treatment of GBM and encourage the use of surgical adjuncts that increase the extent of resection of these tumors, thereby reducing rates of early recurrence.
Design optimization of building geometry and fenestration for daylighting and energy performance

Abstract With the increasing demand for sustainable design and green buildings, building performance is having a greater influence on design decisions. Design decisions on building envelop, especially on building geometry, window and skylight size and placement are essential in the early design stage. This research proposes a building performance optimization process that can help designers simultaneously evaluate the daylighting and energy performance of numerous design options and generate optimized design. The proposed method utilizes parametric design, building simulation modeling, and genetic algorithms. A case study of a small office building is conducted to test and verify the effectiveness of the optimization process. The geometry of the case study building is optimized in three different climates, Miami, Atlanta, and Chicago. After the optimization, the daylighting performance metric UDI is increased by 38.7%, 31.6%, and 28.8%, and the energy performance metric EUI is decreased by 20.2%, 18.5%, and 17.9% compared to average performance values. Sensitivity analysis is performed to analyze the relationship between design variables and performance metrics. The skylight width and length are the most important variables for all locations, while the influence of the other variables varies greatly.
A Tunable Bandstop Filter Based on Source Follower

A tunable bandstop filter based on source follower is presented. The filter is designed using a source follower architecture with partial positive feedback and feed-forward paths using 0.18µm CMOS technology. The filter consumes about 1.4 mW from a 1.8V power supply, and it is designed to have 1.5GHz center frequency with 360 MHz bandwidth and 80 dB attenuation. The filter achieves 10 dBm IIP3 for two tones at 1.495GHz and 1.505 GHz.
In vitro Effects of CD8+ Regulatory T Cells on Human B Cell Subpopulations.

Author(s): Gupta, Sudhir; Agrawal, Sudhanshu | Abstract: BACKGROUND:CD8+ regulatory T cells (CD8+ Tregs) are relatively recently described T cell subsets that have been shown to regulate various T cell responses and appear to play a role in autoimmunity. However, their effects on B cells have not been explored. OBJECTIVES:In this investigation we examine the effect of CD8+ Tregs on various subsets of peripheral B cells include naive B cells, transitional B cells, marginal zone B cells, IgM memory B cells, class switched memory B cells, and plasmablasts, and on the expression of B cell-activating factor receptor (BAFF-R). METHODS:CD8+ T cells were first purified and then activated with anti-CD3/CD28 beads to generate CD8+ Tregs. Purified CD19+ B cells were cultured alone or with sorted CD8+ Tregs (CD8+CD183+CCR7+CD45RA-) and activated with anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody and CpG. B cell subsets and the expression of BAFF-R on naive and memory B cells were analyzed using various monoclonal antibodies and corresponding control isotypes. Ten thousand cells were acquired and analyzed by FACSCalibur using the FlowJo software. RESULTS:CD8+ Tregs selectively and significantly suppressed plasmablasts without any significant effect on other B cell subsets or on the expression of BAFF-R. CONCLUSION:CD8+ Tregs may play a role in autoimmunity by regulating antibody production via suppression of plasmablasts.
EXPECTATIONS IN NUMERICAL GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM MODELS

The assumptions of myopia and of perfect foresight define polar cases concerning the availability of information about the future. In this paper we have developed a consistent general equilibrium model in which the amount of information available can be varied systematically within these extremes. We also report and interpret the results of simulations of various tax policies under different specifications as to the amount of foresight which consumers have. One of our main findings is that the social value of additional foresight can be negative: more foresight can lead to lower welfare. This occurs under policies like a consumption tax which lead to capital deepening and a declining price of capital over time. To the extent that consumers have more foresight, they become better able to anticipate these declines in capital prices and they lower their estimation of the rate of return to capital. Consequently, they save less and, given the existence of taxes on capital and the discrepancy between the social and private return to capital, the reduction in saving leads to lower welfare. We suggest that the welfare impact of additional foresight is fundamentally connected to the discrepancy between the social value of the last dollar of saving and consumption in a second-best world. We test this hypothesis by performing simulations in a counterfactual world in which the marginal values of saving and consumption are closer to equality. Results from these simulations support our hypothesis, as the welfare effects of changes in foresight are significantly smaller. The level of foresight attributed to consumers can affect significantly the welfare gain or loss afforded by alternative tax policies, although policy changes which produce welfare gains under the assumption of myopic behavior also show gains under perfect foresight. We find that the welfare gain from adopting a consumption tax is reduced from 5 to 10 percent when we move from myopia to a great deal of foresight.