cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Associations between Prosocial and Problem Behavior from Early to Late Adolescence

Though recent research has highlighted prosocial behavior as negatively associated with problem behavior during adolescence, we know little about how these variables might be associated longitudinally, whether there are bidirectional effects, and whether there might be different patterns of co-occurrence of behaviors for different individuals. Thus, the current study examined relations between prosocial and problem behaviors in three different ways in an attempt to better understand these associations. Participants included 500 adolescents recruited from a Northwestern state in the USA who took part in the study every year from age 12 to 18 (50% female, 67% European American). Growth curve analyses suggested that change in prosocial behavior was negatively associated with change in aggression and delinquency over time. A longitudinal panel model suggested that prosocial behavior and aggression were negatively associated bidirectionally, and that prosocial behavior was negatively associated with delinquency over time. Finally, mixture modeling conducted at ages 12, 15, and 18 revealed heterogeneity in the ways in which prosocial and problem behaviors co-occur. The discussion focuses on the complexity of interrelations between prosocial behavior and problem behavior across adolescence.
An open-label, non-randomized study of the pharmacokinetics of the nutritional supplement nicotinamide riboside (NR) and its effects on blood NAD+ levels in healthy volunteers.

Objectives The co-primary objectives of this study were to determine the human pharmacokinetics (PK) of oral NR and the effect of NR on whole blood nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels. Background Though mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in the development and progression of heart failure, no mitochondria-targeted therapies have been translated into clinical practice. Recent murine studies have reported associations between imbalances in the NADH/NAD+ ratio with mitochondrial dysfunction in multiple tissues, including myocardium. Moreover, an NAD+ precursor, nicotinamide mononucleotide, improved cardiac function, while another NAD+ precursor, nicotinamide riboside (NR), improved mitochondrial function in muscle, liver and brown adipose. Thus, PK studies of NR in humans is critical for future clinical trials. Methods In this non-randomized, open-label PK study of 8 healthy volunteers, 250 mg NR was orally administered on Days 1 and 2, then uptitrated to peak dose of 1000 mg twice daily on Days 7 and 8. On the morning of Day 9, subjects completed a 24-hour PK study after receiving 1000 mg NR at t = 0. Whole-blood levels of NR, clinical blood chemistry, and NAD+ levels were analyzed. Results Oral NR was well tolerated with no adverse events. Significant increases comparing baseline to mean concentrations at steady state (Cave,ss) were observed for both NR (p = 0.03) and NAD+ (p = 0.001); the latter increased by 100%. Absolute changes from baseline to Day 9 in NR and NAD+ levels correlated highly (R2 = 0.72, p = 0.008). Conclusions Because NR increases circulating NAD+ in humans, NR may have potential as a therapy in patients with mitochondrial dysfunction due to genetic and/or acquired diseases.
Shaping the vision for service‐learning in language education

Language education has mobilized community-based service-learning's (CBSL) experiential paradigm in the United States and in international settings over the past 20 years, with the goal of enhancing the linguistic and communicative competence of language learners and advancing the intercultural competence that is necessary for global citizens to engage with a diverse world. This integration of language learning with local and online community projects has become an area of innovation that critically and reflectively engages diverse language speakers through collaboration. In this article, we take a holistic and critical approach to advance a language education agenda that emphasizes reflective capacity and translingual and transcultural competence, ultimately to build relationships. We begin by contextualizing this progression within the traditions of communal activity and activism for language rights. Since language use is increasingly intertwined with and shaped by migration and immigration, as well as the availability of technology, we also highlight new possibilities for community engagement through language. We discuss these implementations of CBSL, their convergences with ACTFL initiatives for prioritizing language education, and future directions for research.
Optimum Monetary Policy during Monetary Union Enlargement

When the theory of optimum currency areas was first introduced, it was considered as a theoretical analysis of fixed and flexible exchange rate regimes. With the formation of the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the introduction of the euro as its single currency in 1999, the discussion of optimum currency areas and the idea of a single monetary authority governing the monetary policy for all members of the currency union shifted from being a theoretical question to being a practical concern that had immediate policy implications.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: Fractionated Radiation Therapy Perspective

The introduction of intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery in 1951 is widely attributed to Lars Leksell [1]. As initially developed, the method delivered a single dose of radiation to a target lesion, which was localized using the principles of stereotaxy. Current treatment strategies in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) are an extension of these principles applied to extracranial sites. Techniques that allow precise targeting and treatment are used to deliver one or usually more large fractions of radiation to extracranial sites. SBRT incorporates two specific innovations: a variety of systems (ultrasound, computed tomography, beacons) that allow adequate visualization of targets, primarily to ensure accurate repositioning for repeat fractions, often referred to as image-guided radiotherapy, or IGRT; and systems that eliminate, minimize, or compensate for tumor motion, the latter often referred to as 4D radiotherapy. These critical advances facilitate single-fraction treatment or hypofractionation, with increased daily doses and decreased overall treatment times, and avoid the projected concomitant increase in toxicity by minimizing the volumes irradiated. SBRT is attractive because it allows the delivery of an ablative dose of radiation to tumor sites, with the potential to improve local tumor control. SBRT also shortens the length of the treatment course, making therapy more convenient for the patient and potentially further improving tumor control by overcoming accelerated repopulation. In this context, we will examine the benefits and disadvantages of SBRT relative to conventionally fractionated radiotherapy.
Four-Loop Sigma-Model Beta-Functions Versus α’ 3 Corrections to Superstring Effective Actions

We present results on higher-order calculations for the N=1 supersym- metric σ-model in two dimensions.The condition of vanishing four-loop s-function,interpreted as the classical equations of motion of the associated string theory,can be derived from an effective action.It represents the generalization to an arbitrary Riemannian manifold of the corresponding low-energy action obtained from the four-graviton scattering amplitude for type II superstring.Thus the a-model approach indeed describes the tree- level dynamics of the superstring.
Mixed conductivity and oxygen surface exchange kinetics of lanthanum-praseodymium doped cerium dioxide

Abstract The effects of lanthanum doping on the transport properties and oxygen exchange kinetics of Lax(Ce0.9Pr0.1)1−xO2−δ (x = 0, 0.1 and 0.2) have been investigated by electrical conductivity on bulk samples and optical relaxation on thin films respectively. Lanthanum substitution was observed to increase the magnitude of ionic conductivity to values comparable to that of single substituted LaxCe1−xO2−δ, with a maximum for a La content of x = 0.1, reaching σ = 9.5 × 10−3 S·cm−1 at 600 °C and a decrease in activation energy from ≈1 eV for Ce0.9Pr0.1O2−δ down to ≈0.75 eV for the lanthanum substituted compositions. At the same time, a significant electronic contribution to the total conductivity, estimated to be on the order of 10%, supports significant mixed ionic-electronic conductivity. Substitution with lanthanum increases the absolute values of the oxygen surface exchange coefficient from kchem = 6 × 10−7 cm·s−1 for Ce0.9Pr0.1O2−δ to kchem = 1 × 10−6 cm·s−1 for La0.2(Ce0.9Pr0.1)0.8O2−δ at 550 °C. Moreover, one observes significant increases in activation energy from 0.7 eV for Ce0.9Pr0.1O2−δ to ≈1 eV for La substituted compositions, suggesting a change in the rate-limiting step. Possible sources for the change in the rate-limiting step are suggested. The composition with the highest La content of x = 0.2, although not exhibiting the highest ionic conductivity, shows the highest surface exchange rates, is suggested to result from enhanced segregation of catalytically active lanthanum to the surface.
Collaborative Physician-Pharmacist Managed Multiple Myeloma Clinic Decreases Polypharmacy, Improves Guideline Adherence, and Prevents Treatment Delays

Abstract Multiple myeloma is a complex disease requiring adherence to treatment and supportive care guidelines, patient education, medication management, and timely delivery of anti-myeloma drugs to achieve optimal patient care. Clinical pharmacists play an important role in the management of cancer patients and could potentially assist in several aspects of care. We hypothesized that a multidisciplinary collaborative physician-pharmacist multiple myeloma (MM) clinic would reduce polypharmacy, improve adherence to MM guidelines as well as reduce delays in receiving oral anti-myeloma therapy. Under the collaborative model, an oncology pharmacist provided consultation on all patients in a specialist myeloma clinic. This included reviewing medications, providing medications lists. ensuring physician adherence to supportive care guidelines, managing treatment-related side effects and navigating issues involving access to oral specialty medications. Outcome measures were compared to those of patients being treated by the same physician during the previous year, where ad-hoc pharmacist consultation was available (traditional clinic). The collaborative clinic led to significant improvements in adherence to supportive medications such as bisphosphonates (96% vs. 68%, p=0.0002), calcium and vitamin D (100% vs. 41%, p We also observed improved medication management in patients treated in the collaborative clinic. These patients took fewer medications on average (9 vs. 7, p=0.045). Although the median number of myeloma-related medications (medications related to treatment or supportive care for MM) was higher (2 vs. 4, p Here we show that incorporating another sub-specialized individual such as a clinical pharmacist into the care of multiple myeloma patients resulted in increased adherence to core supportive care measures and a reduction in delays in acquiring oral IMiDs. Importantly, although we illustrate a high incidence of polypharmacy among patients in both clinics, consultation by a pharmacist led to a significant reduction in the number of non-myeloma-related medications. The collaborative model may be of benefit in the management of other complex malignant diseases and further studies in other cancer clinics are warranted. Impact on long term clinical outcomes will also highlight the potential benefits of this collaborative model of patient care. Disclosures Patel: Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria.
Evolution of rotavirus C in humans and several domestic animal species

Rotavirus C (RVC) causes enteric disease in multiple species, including humans, swine, bovines, and canines. To date, the evolutionary relationships of RVC populations circulating in different host species are poorly understood, owing to the low availability of genetic sequence data. To address this gap, we sequenced 45 RVC complete genomes from swine samples collected in the United States and Mexico. A phylogenetic analysis of each genome segment indicates that RVC populations have been evolving independently in human, swine, canine, and bovine hosts for at least the last century, with inter-species transmission events occurring deep in the phylogenetic tree, and none in the last 100 years. Bovine and canine RVC populations clustered together nine of the 11 gene segments, indicating a shared common ancestor centuries ago. The evolutionary relationships of RVC in humans and swine were more complex, due to the extensive genetic diversity and multiple RVC clades identified in pigs, which were not structured geographically. Topological differences between trees inferred for different genome segments occurred frequently, including at nodes deep in the tree, indicating that RVC's evolutionary history includes multiple reassortment events that occurred a long time ago. Overall, we find that RVC is evolving within host-defined lineages, but the evolutionary history of RVC is more complex than previously recognized due to the high genetic diversity of RVC in swine, with a common ancestor dating back centuries. Pigs may act as a reservoir host for RVC, and a source of the lineages identified in other species, including humans, but additional sequencing is needed to understand the full diversity of this understudied pathogen across multiple host species.
Fourier-domain mode-locked laser combined with a master-oscillator power amplifier architecture

Originally introduced in 2005 for high-speed optical coherence tomography, the rapidly wavelength-swept Fourier-domain mode-locked (FDML) laser still, to this day, enables highest imaging speeds through a very high-speed spectral tuning capability. The FDML laser achieves a tuning bandwidth of over 1/10th of its center wavelength and can sweep this entire bandwidth in less than a microsecond. Interestingly, even though it covers a very broad spectral range, instantaneously it has a narrow spectral linewidth that puts it in a unique space compared to other high-speed broadband laser sources, e.g., mode-locked lasers or supercontinuum sources. Although it has been applied for nonlinear Raman spectroscopy and imaging, a current drawback of this continuous wave laser is the relatively low instantaneous power of 10-100 mW. Here, we report the combination of an FDML laser with a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) architecture to increase the instantaneous power of the FDML for nonlinear optical interactions. The output of an FDML laser around 1060 nm is modulated to short pulses by using an electro-optic amplitude modulator and subsequently amplified using ytterbium-doped fiber amplifiers (YDFAs). This generates a spectral rainbow of 65 picosecond pulses, where each pulse has a distinct, monochromatic wavelength. The instantaneous power can be adjusted by the YDFAs to reach nonlinear optical excitation regimes. This wavelength-swept FDML-MOPA laser will have a vast range of applications in, e.g., nonlinear optics, spectroscopy, imaging, and sensing.
The Premodern Sensibility of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in a Metamodern Age: What On Death and Dying Means Now

I first read On Death and Dying almost 40 years ago as a college senior, when I was still struggling to adjust to my mother’s death from preleukemia. The book was already a classic. Kubler-Ross’s v...
A graduating medical school class evaluates their educational experience.

OBJECTIVE To determine how graduating medical students perceive instructional settings, materials, and teachers as to importance or influence upon their education and how they would change curriculum and allocate educational resources based on their experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred thirty-nine graduating medical students at the University of Wisconsin, Madison were offered five dollars to complete and return the survey. Students were asked to rate the importance or influence (1 = most important or influential, 5 = least important or influential) of more than forty educational settings, materials, teachers, and which aspects of the curriculum should be emphasized or preserved when educational resources become more limited. Open-ended responses were also allowed. Ratings were analyzed determining a mean and standard deviation. One way analysis of variance was used to determine whether there were differences among groups. When statistically significant differences existed, the Tukey HSD test was used to compare subsets of the group. In the only group with a dissimilar number of responders, T tests were used for comparison. RESULTS Sixty-four of 139 (46%) surveys were correctly completed and returned. Students rated the most important and influential parts of their education as experiences in years 3 and 4 of medical school. The most highly rated group of teachers were resident physicians (mean rating = 1.64, F (df = 343) = 12.55, p < .0001) during years 3 and 4 of medical school, followed by full time clinical faculty in years 3 and 4 (mean = 1.78), full time basic science faculty in years 1 and 2 (mean = 1.98), community physicians in years 3 and 4 (mean = 2.15), and teaching assistants in years 1 and 2 (mean = 2.75). Students rated the preservation of teaching efforts in years 1 and 2 (mean = 3.06), developing objective structured clinical examinations (mean = 3.21), and administering "board type" end of course examinations (mean = 3.42), as the lowest priority items for receiving educational resources. Coordination of the basic science and clinical years of medical school (mean = 2.03), problem based learning (mean = 2.08) and preserving teaching effort of years 3 and 4 clinical faculty (mean = 2.09) were the highest priorities for receiving resources. Open-ended comments indicated years 1 and 2 should be condensed and coordinated with years 3 and 4, making learning more clinically oriented. CONCLUSIONS Students at the end of their medical school education at the University of Wisconsin rate the clinical portions of their training as most important to their medical education and residents as their most important teachers. When asked how best to change medical education, their most common responses were to 1) make years 1 and 2 more clinically oriented, both by including patient care earlier and more often during those years, 2) take the repetitiveness out of the years 1 and 2 curriculum and 3) prepare students for years 3 and 4 with transitional classes.
Flexible Intimacies in Three Moves: A Genre Analysis of the Scholarly Book Preface

Scholarly prefaces, preceding the main content of scholarly books, provide a platform for authors to introduce their books. While the genre of the scholarly book preface is stabilized by its recurrent nature, it is simultaneously extremely flexible and less constrained than many other academic genres. Drawing on rhetorical genre studies, this paper examines the stabilities and flexibilities of form and substance in nine scholarly prefaces and the effect that varying the range of target audience has on the flexibilities of the preface genre. Ultimately, this paper concludes that scholarly prefaces not only have conventionalized rules and established moves to establish connections with the readers, but also exhibit notable flexibility of form and substance as a function of situation. Specifically, as the target audience expands, preface authors adjust levels of intimacy to achieve various subsidiary purposes.
Domains and dimensions of community participation following traumatic brain injury

To examine patterns of community participation, as well as the relationship among community participation outcomes and time since injury, impairments, environmental factors, and enfranchisement in ...
Staff Perceptions and Implementation Fidelity of an Autism Spectrum Disorder Care Pathway on a Child/Adolescent General Psychiatric Inpatient Service

While youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are psychiatrically hospitalized at high rates, general psychiatric settings are not designed to meet their unique needs. Previous evaluations of an ASD-Care Pathway (ASD-CP) on a general psychiatric unit revealed sustained reductions in crisis interventions (intramuscular medication use, holds/restraints; Cervantes et al. in J Autism Dev Disord 49(8):3173–3180, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04029-6 , 2019; Kuriakose et al. in J Autism Dev Disord 48(12):4082–4089, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3666-y , 2018). The current study investigated staff perceptions of the ASD-CP (N = 30), and examined rates of ASD-CP implementation fidelity in relation to patient outcomes (N = 28). Staff identified visual communication aids and reward strategies as most helpful. The number of days of reward identification early in the inpatient stay was associated with fewer crisis interventions later in a patient’s stay.
Impact of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on Arrhythmia Recurrence Following Atrial Fibrillation Ablation.

Abstract Objectives This study sought to investigate the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and arrhythmia recurrence following atrial fibrillation ablation; and to examine the impact of NAFLD stage on outcomes. Background Metabolic derangements, including obesity and diabetes, are associated with incident and recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF), in addition to the development of NAFLD. Methods This was a retrospective study of 267 consecutive patients undergoing AF ablation, 89 of whom were diagnosed with NAFLD prior to ablation and matched in a 2:1 manner based on age, sex, body mass index, ejection fraction, and AF type with 178 patients without NAFLD. Patients were monitored for arrhythmia recurrence during a mean follow-up of 29 months. Results Recurrent arrhythmia was observed in 50 (56%) patients with NAFLD compared with 37 (21%) without NAFLD. Epicardial fat volume was measured on computed tomography and was significantly higher among those with NAFLD (248 ± 125 ml vs. 223 ± 97 ml; p = 0.01). On multivariable models adjusting for sleep apnea, body mass index, heart failure, AF type, and left atrial size, NAFLD was independently associated with increased rates of arrhythmia recurrence (hazard ratio: 3.010; 95% confidence interval: 1.980 to 4.680; p Conclusions NAFLD is associated with significantly increased arrhythmia recurrence rates following AF ablation. Identification and reversal, where possible, may result in improved arrhythmia-free survival.
Reflection of Electromagnetic Waves from a Moving Ionization Front

The Doppler shift and reflection coefficients are calculated for reflection of an EM wave from a moving ionization front in a stationary gas. It is suggested that this process can be used to upshift microwaves to submillimeter waves.
The CysLT 2 R receptor mediates leukotriene C 4-driven acute and chronic itch

Acute and chronic itch are burdensome manifestations of skin pathologies including allergic skin diseases and atopic dermatitis, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs), comprising LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4, are produced by immune cells during type 2 inflammation. Here, we uncover a role for LTC4 and its signaling through the CysLT receptor 2 (CysLT2R) in itch. Cysltr2 transcript is highly expressed in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons linked to itch in mice. We also detected CYSLTR2 in a broad population of human DRG neurons. Injection of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) or its nonhydrolyzable form NMLTC4, but neither LTD4 nor LTE4, induced dose-dependent itch but not pain behaviors in mice. LTC4-mediated itch differed in bout duration and kinetics from pruritogens histamine, compound 48/80, and chloroquine. NMLTC4-induced itch was abrogated in mice deficient for Cysltr2 or when deficiency was restricted to radioresistant cells. Itch was unaffected in mice deficient for Cysltr1, Trpv1, or mast cells (WSh mice). CysLT2R played a role in itch in the MC903 mouse model of chronic itch and dermatitis, but not in models of dry skin or compound 48/80- or Alternaria-induced itch. In MC903-treated mice, CysLT levels increased in skin over time, and Cysltr2−/− mice showed decreased itch in the chronic phase of inflammation. Collectively, our study reveals that LTC4 acts through CysLT2R as its physiological receptor to induce itch, and CysLT2R contributes to itch in a model of dermatitis. Therefore, targeting CysLT signaling may be a promising approach to treat inflammatory itch.
Amplicon residues in research laboratories masquerade as COVID-19 in surveillance tests

Asymptomatic surveillance testing together with COVID-19-related research can lead to positive SARS-CoV-2 tests resulting not from true infections, but non-infectious, non-hazardous by-products of research (amplicons). Amplicons can be widespread and persistent in lab environments and can be difficult to distinguish for true infections. We discuss prevention and mitigation strategies.
Intentional spiritual care for sick children: A beacon for decreasing stress and nurturing spirituality

Every family who enters a hospital is on a personal journey. The awareness of that particular journey allows us to make more intentional and purposeful choices about how health and medical professi...
Distributed Economic Model Predictive Control of an Electric Power System Using ALADIN

This paper presents a Distributed Economic Model Predictive control (DEMPC) for the electric power distribution system using the augmented lagrangian alternating direction inexact newton (ALADIN) algorithm. Specifically, this DEMPC solves the Alternating Current Optimal Power Flow (ACOPF) problem over a receding time horizon. The ACOPF problem has been at the heart of many electric power transmission system market operations for decades. Generally, it is a non-linear, non-convex large-scale optimization problem that determines the optimal operation of electric generation, transmission and distribution networks to meet demand while respecting physical system constraints. However, the ACOPF in its traditional form has several limitations when it is applied to emerging electric power distribution system markets that include large amounts of variable renewable energy resources which demand significant ramping capabilities. More specifically, such distribution systems require optimization algorithms that better address the inherent dynamic characteristics of the grid and scale to address the explosion of actively controlled devices at the grid’s edge.
Insulin Secretion Predicts the Response to Antidiabetic Therapy in Patients With New-onset Diabetes

CONTEXT The results of the present study demonstrate that beta cell function in newly diagnosed T2DM patients is the key predictor of response to glucose lowering medications and provides a practical tool (C-Pep120 /C-Pep0) to guide the choice of glucose lowering agent. OBJECTIVE This work aims to identify predictors for individualization of antidiabetic therapy in patients with new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS A total of 261 drug-naive participants in the Efficacy and Durability of Initial Combination Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes (EDICT) study, with new-onset diabetes, were randomly assigned in a single-center study to receive 1) metformin followed by glipizide and then insulin glargine on failure to achieve glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) less than 6.5%, or 2) initial triple therapy with metformin/pioglitazone/exenatide. Each patient received a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) prior to start of therapy. Factors that predicted response to therapy were identified using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve method. RESULTS Thirty-nine patients started and maintained the treatment goal (HbA1c < 6.5%) on metformin only, and did not require intensification of antihyperglycemic therapy; 54 patients required addition of glipizide to metformin; and 47 patients required insulin addition to metformin plus glipizide for glucose control. The plasma C-peptide concentration (C-Pep)120/C-Pep0 ratio during the OGTT was the strongest predictor of response to therapy. Patients with a ratio less than 1.78 were more likely to require insulin for glucose control, whereas patients with a ratio greater than 2.65 were more likely to achieve glucose control with metformin monotherapy. In patients started on initial triple therapy, the HbA1c decreased independently of the C-Pep120/C-Pep0 ratio. CONCLUSION The increase in C-Pep above fasting following glucose load predicts the response to antihyperglycemic therapy in patients with new-onset diabetes. C-Pep120/C-Pep0 provides a useful tool for the individualization of antihyperglycemic therapy in patients with new-onset T2DM.
SLFN11 is widely expressed in pediatric sarcoma and induces variable sensitization to replicative stress caused by DNA damaging agents

Pediatric sarcomas represent a heterogeneous group of malignancies that exhibit variable response to DNA damaging chemotherapy. Schlafen family member 11 protein (SLFN11) increases sensitivity to replicative stress and has been implicated as a potential biomarker to predict sensitivity to DNA damaging agents (DDA). SLFN11 expression was quantified in 220 children with solid tumors using immunohistochemistry. Sensitivity to the PARP inhibitor talazoparib (TAL) and the topoisomerase I inhibitor irinotecan (IRN) was assessed in sarcoma cell lines, including SLFN11 knock-out and over-expression models, and a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft model (PDOX). SLFN11 was expressed in 69% of pediatric sarcoma sampled, including 90% and 100% of Ewing sarcoma (ES) and desmoplastic small round cell tumors, respectively, although the magnitude of expression varied widely. In sarcoma cell lines, protein expression strongly correlated with response to TAL and IRN, with SLFN11 knockout resulting in significant loss of sensitivity in vitro and in vivo. Surprisingly, retrospective analysis of children with sarcoma found no association between SLFN11 levels and favorable outcome. Subsequently, high SLFN11 expression was confirmed in a PDOX model derived from a recurrent ES patient who failed to respond to treatment with TAL + IRN. Selective inhibition of BCL-xL increased sensitivity to TAL + IRN in SLFN11-positive resistant tumor cells. Although SLFN11 appears to drive sensitivity to replicative stress in pediatric sarcomas, its potential to act as a biomarker may be limited to certain tumor backgrounds or contexts. Impaired apoptotic response may be one mechanism of resistance to DDA-induced replicative stress.
Flipped classroom pedagogy in an online learning environment: A self-regulated introduction to information literacy threshold concepts

Abstract Online curriculums increase self-regulatory learning behaviors among students and facilitate knowledge transfer essential for deep learning to take place. Additionally, threshold concepts are best taught using a format that is designed for repeated point-of-need access by students. Pairing flipped classroom pedagogy, in which students engage with content independently prior to a synchronous class, with online learning objects intentionally designed to promote self-regulatory learning behaviors helps to build a strong foundation of information literacy. This paper discusses the decision of one library to move its information literacy curriculum to a fully online format in order to more effectively teach information literacy threshold concepts to students at all levels of college. The online curriculum was designed using both synchronous and asynchronous models of instruction and built upon the library's online learning pilot project with first year Communication Studies students. A high-level analysis of effective online pedagogy is offered in conjunction with a detailed look at the online course and content development process, librarians' training requirements, and the communication strategies used to inform campus stakeholders of the curricular change.
Modeling human learning as context dependent knowledge utility optimization

Humans have the ability to flexibly adjust their information processing strategy according to situational characteristics. However, such ability has been largely overlooked in computational modeling research in high-order human cognition, particularly in learning. The present work introduces frameworks of cognitive models of human learning that take contextual factors into account. The framework assumes that human learning processes are not strictly error minimization, but optimization of knowledge. A simulation study was conducted and showed that the present framework successfully replicated observed psychological phenomena.
Learning Elements of Representations for Redescribing Robot Experiences

This paper presents our first efforts toward learning simple logical representations from robot sensory data and thus toward a solution for the perceptual grounding problem [2]. The elements of representations learned by our method are states that correspond to stages during the robot's experiences, and atomic propositions that describe the states. The states are found by an incremental hidden Markov model induction algorithm; the atomic propositions are immediate generalizations of the probability distributions that characterize the states. The state induction algorithm is guided by the minimum description length criterion: the time series of the robot's sensor values for several experiences are redescribed in terms of states and atomic propositions and the model that yields the shortest description (of both model and time series) is selected.
Commutation rules for matrices related to particles of higher spins

The method of derivation of the commutaion rules for spins 3/2 and 2 sketched above is obviously applicable to the case of general spin although the labour of writing down the rules would be very great as we go to higher and higher spins. It is to be noted that the commutation relations (26) and (34) involve the arbitrary constantk introduced in (9), and the relations have to be modified by replacingβ μ by\(\sqrt k \) β μ in both (26) and (34). As a consequence, in (26), the left-hand side is multiplied byk 2, and all the terms on the right-hand side involving β 's byk. Similarly, in (34), the left-hand side is multiplied byk 2, and the terms involving S on the right-hand side byk, the remaining terms being unaffected.
DNA topoisomerases: Current Opinion in Structural Biology 1991, 1:99–103

Abstract Dramatic advances in the DNA topoisomerase field are highlighted by the cloning of new DNA topoisomerase genes involved in DNA recombination and segregation of replicated DNAs, a demonstration of camptothecin-promoted colon tumor regression in nude mice, and the construction of a GAL4-RNA polymerase fusion protein to study localized DNA supercoiling.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea

This chapter outlines the surgical management of children who experience symptoms of airway obstruction after undergoing pharyngeal flap surgery or sphincter pharyngoplasty for the correction of velopharyngeal insufficiency. It also describes the management of children with hyponasality following these corrective surgical interventions.
Halophiles, Industrial Applications

Halophilic (salt-loving) microorganisms have evolved physiological and genetic characteristics for success in their harsh saline environments. These characteristics include internal compatible solutes, efficient ion pumps, UV absorbing pigments, and acidic proteins, which help them to resist osmotic stress and the denaturing effects of salts, as well as the accompanying intense solar radiation. Many of the same characteristics which help them to counteract the deleterious effects of their environment also constitute valuable resources for biotechnology and nanotechnology. Although currently established applications of halophiles are limited primarily to compatible solutes in the cosmetic industry, and β-carotene and hydrolases in the nutritional and food industries, many other novel applications are under development. They include specialized applications for films of bacteriorhodopsin from halophiles for a variety of optical nanodevices, including high-capacity computer storage, and for stable enzymes from halophiles for use as industrial catalysts, some capable of functioning in organic solvents. Metabolic activities of halophiles are also being tapped for a variety of environmental applications, such as bioremediation of pollutants in saline wastewaters. Some subcellular components, such as polyhydroxyalkanoate granules, gas vesicles, and phospholipid vesicles, and bioactive compounds like halocins are being developed for medical applications. Applications of halophilic microorganisms are varied and represent significant commercial opportunities in the chemical, environmental, biofuel, medical, and educational industries. Keywords: halophiles; enzymes; bioremediation; Archaea; medicine; bacteriorhodopsin; protease; biodegradation; gas; vesicle; biofuel
Constraint-based local search for the automatic generation of architectural tests

This paper considers the automatic generation of architectural tests (ATGP), a fundamental problem in processor validation. ATGPs are complex conditional constraint satisfaction problems which typically feature both hard and soft constraints and very large domains (e.g., all memory addresses). Moreover, the goal is to generate a large number of diverse solutions under tight runtime constraints. To improve solution diversity, this paper proposes a novel approach to ATGPs by modeling them as MaxDiversekSet problems and solving them with constraint-based local search over conditional variables. The paper presents the semantics and implementation of conditional variables in this context and demonstrates the computational benefits of the approach.
On the benefits of specialized settings for deaf and hard of hearing students in computing

Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students face barriers to communication and comprehension in typical education settings. The current study found that DHH computing students enrolled at institutions that specialize in DHH accessibility have greater access to mentorship, stronger self-efficacy in their computing ability, and a greater sense of belonging in the computing community compared to DHH students enrolled at non-specialized institutions. These findings suggest that DHH students are likely to thrive in computing programs within institutions that identify as DHH accessible.
Computer-based training and cognitive improvement after adult-onset malaria: A case report

Malaria infection is known to cause cognitive impairments in children and adults. To date, very little research has investigated the efficacy of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation after cerebral malaria, particularly in adults. The aim of this study was to examine whether computer-based cognitive training can be employed to rehabilitate memory and attentional deficits after cerebral malaria, particularly in adults. The current study examines the case of a 20-year-old female who acquired malaria on trip to Ghana. One year after her infection she still exhibited below-average performance on a number of neuropsychological assessments. A computer-based cognitive training program was undertaken for 14 weeks. At the end of training, performance improved on the majority of assessments and was within the normal range for all assessments. The participant also displayed greater improvements from pre-test to post-test than a normal control participant who did not complete cognitive training. The findings extend prior research on cerebral malaria and suggest possible rehabilitation methods for adults who experience cognitive impairments following malaria infection.
Pulsatile release of parathyroid hormone from an implantable delivery system

Intermittent (pulsatile) administration of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is known to improve bone micro-architecture, mineral density and strength. Therefore, daily injection of PTH has been clinically used for the treatment of osteoporosis. However, this regimen of administration is not convenient and is not a favorable choice of patients. In this study, an implantable delivery system has been developed to achieve pulsatile release of PTH. A well-defined cylindrical device was first fabricated with a biodegradable polymer, poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA), using a reverse solid-free form fabrication technique. Three-component polyanhydrides composed of sebacic acid, 1,3-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy) propane and poly(ethylene glycol) were synthesized and used as isolation layers. The polyanhydride isolation layers and PTH-loaded alginate layers were then stacked alternately within the delivery device. The gap between the stacked PTH-releasing core and the device frame was filled with PLLA to seal. Multi-pulse PTH release was achieved using the implantable device. The lag time between two adjacent pulses were modulated by the composition and the film thickness of the polyanhydride. The released PTH was demonstrated to be biologically active using an in vitro assay. Timed sequential release of multiple drugs has also been demonstrated. The implantable device holds promise for both systemic and local therapies.
The silence of the God who speaks

Prefa tory Comment : Though I have written a number of essays over the past fifteen years on various issues in philosophy of religion, this is the first time I have written and presented a paper to the public on "the problem of evil." The reason is that a son of ours was killed in a mountain climbing accident in 1983. As my response to that calamity, I wrote a little book called Lament f o r a Son. The book was not a book about the problem of evil; it was, instead, a cry of grief. For a decade and more after my son's death, the prospect of objectifying the problem of evil putting it "out there" so as to be able to talk about it was too difficult. This, then, is my first attempt to interact with the Western tradition of reflection on the relation of God to evil. Yet parts of it bear a s t rongly personal dimension; it 's not all objective. It could not be otherwise. N.W.
Angiotensin II receptor localization in the canine CNS.

Abstract Specific binding of [125I]angiotensin II ([125I]Ang II) to sections of dog brain was determined by in vitro receptor autoradiography. Highly discrete, dark images representing specific binding of [125I]Ang II were observed in areas corresponding to the nucleus of the solitary tract, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, area postrema, ventrolateral medulla, pineal, subfornical organ, nucleus medianus, septum, organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis and the anterior pituitary. The specific binding was frequently present either as a narrow band or tiny spot within a small portion of the nuclei to which the binding corresponded. The location of these Ang II recognition sites in regions associated with regulation of autonomic and neuroendocrine function provides further evidence for a role of this peptide within the central nervous system.
Strong Internal and External Luminescence as Solar Cells Approach the Shockley–Queisser Limit

Absorbed sunlight in a solar cell produces electrons and holes. However, at the open-circuit condition, the carriers have no place to go. They build up in density, and ideally, they emit external luminescence that exactly balances the incoming sunlight. Any additional nonradiative recombination impairs the carrier density buildup, limiting the open-circuit voltage. At open circuit, efficient external luminescence is an indicator of low internal optical losses. Thus, efficient external luminescence is, counterintuitively, a necessity for approaching the Shockley–Queisser (SQ) efficiency limit. A great solar cell also needs to be a great light-emitting diode. Owing to the narrow escape cone for light, efficient external emission requires repeated attempts and demands an internal luminescence efficiency 90%.
Laser Surface Melting Of Stainless Steel For Corrosion Protection

A scanning laser beam was used to melt and normalize the surface layer of sensitized 304 stainless steel. Subsequent Strauss tests indicated a complete resistance to intergranular corrosion. Mechanical testing at strains less than 15% also showed laser surface melting to indefinitely extend specimen life in a stress corrosion environment. At strains greater than 15%, the laser-scanned protective layer was breached by cracks. A maximum critical laser-scanning velocity compatible with normalization of the surface layer is calculated. Similarly, a minimum critical laser-scanning velocity required to avoid resensitization is determined. The stress distribution in a 304 stainless-steel specimen with a laser-melted and self-quenched surface layer is estimated and shown to be compatible with the observed appearance of martensite in the melted surface layer.
Prevalence and mortality associated with cytomegalovirus infection in nonimmunosuppressed patients in the intensive care unit

Introduction:Cytomegalovirus is the most common viral opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. However, recent studies have demonstrated active cytomegalovirus infection in nonimmunosuppressed intensive care unit patients.Objective:To define the frequency and mortality rate associated
Time-based collision risk models for air traffic management systems

A finite supply of airspace and limited opportunities for expansion of physical infrastructure has led aviation authorities worldwide to commit substantial resources toward the development of new initiatives to accommodate rising demand in the global airspace system. The European Union is developing the Single European Sky , while a parallel program in the USA, the Next Generation Air Traffic Management System, or NextGen , is introducing systems and procedures that promise safer operations, increased efficiency, and environmental sustainability. This paper serves to present two enabling steps toward achievement of those objectives. The first is the establishment of a metric to express the time-based performance of aircraft operating in trajectory-based operations environments. The second is a pair of stochastic models that provide a method by which the collision risk between these aircraft may be determined. Application is then demonstrated for the purpose of illustrating how future capacity requirements may be managed while maintaining an adequate margin of safety. The paper concludes by providing insight into the nature of required time performance that will be necessary to support forecasted levels of air traffic.