cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Drought tolerance in the alpine dandelion, Taraxacum ceratophorum (Asteraceae), its exotic congener T. officinale, and interspecific hybrids under natural and experimental conditions.

We compared water relations and adaptations to drought stress in native and invasive exotic dandelions, Taraxacum ceratophorum and T. officinale . Photosynthesis (A), transpiration (E), and water use efficiency (WUE; carbon gained/water lost) were measured for the two species under extreme drought in the alpine tundra of Colorado, USA. We also subjected both species and F1 hybrids to a dry-down experiment to determine how relative physiological performance varied with water availability. Photosynthesis and transpiration in the field were low and did not differ between Taraxacum congeners; however, native T. ceratophorum had higher WUE than T. officinale . After 6 days of greenhouse drought, photosynthesis and transpiration were reduced in T. officinalecompared to T. ceratophorum. Taraxacum ceratophorummaintained high WUE under control and drought treatments. Conversely, WUE in T. officinale was highly plastic between watered (low WUE) and dry-down (high WUE) treatments. Hybrids did not exhibit heterosis; instead, they were similar to T. officinalein A and E and intermediate to the parental species in WUE. Overall, results suggest that native dandelions are more drought tolerant than invasive congeners or their hybrids, but have less plasticity in WUE. Arid habitats and occasional drought in mesic sites may provide native dandelions with refugia from negative interactions with invasives.
Race, ethnicity, and higher education policy: The use of critical quantitative research

Cross-sectional frameworks, or between-group approaches, in quantitative research in higher education have limitations that hinder what we know about the intersection of race and educational opportunities and outcomes.
Evidence for a three-way trade-off between nitrogen and phosphorus competitive abilities and cell size in phytoplankton

Trade-offs among functional traits are essential for explaining community structure and species coexistence. While two-way trade-offs have been investigated in many systems, higher-dimensional trade-offs remain largely hypothetical. Here we demonstrate a three-way trade-off between cell size and competitive abilities for nitrogen and phosphorus in marine and freshwater phytoplankton. At a given cell size, competitive abilities for N and P are negatively correlated, but as cell size increases, competitive ability decreases for both nutrients. The relative importance of the two trade-off axes appears to be environment dependent, suggesting different selective pressures: freshwater phytoplankton separate more along the N vs. P competition axis, and marine phytoplankton separate more along the nutrient competition vs. cell size axis. Our results demonstrate the multidimensional nature of key trade-offs among traits and suggest that such trade-offs may drive species interactions and structure ecological communities.
Change Management in Quality Improvement: The Softer Skills

Quality improvement work in healthcare requires an understanding of not only the methodology and science of improvement but also a mastery of the concepts of change management. These “softer skills” include leadership, team building, culture, context, and patient and family engagement. Capable leaders and teams facilitate improvement by fostering a culture of improvement. By engaging patients and families, interventions and innovations can be appropriately tailored to suit individual contexts. Without the incorporation of these change management concepts, successful, sustainable quality improvement cannot be achieved.
Modeling and Computer Simulation of Reactive Processing

A large number of polymer products involve polymerization in fabricating the final shape. Examples include compression, transfer and injection molding of rubbers; compression and injection molding of unsaturated polyester resins; reaction injection molding of polyurethanes and nylons; autoclave curing of epoxy/graphite prepregs; and encapsulation of electronic parts using epoxy or polyimide resins. A common feature in processing these materials is that polymerization (or a portion of polymerization) and processing take place at the same time. Accordingly, the term ‘reactive processing’ has been used by many researchers to describe these processes.
On the efficacy of smartphone security

We survey and assess undergraduate student use of smartphone security practices in 2014.We compare our results to 2011 results of the same survey instrument.Students are complacent in following appropriate security practices.Students must be made more aware of security issues and should be taught the precautions that they can take to protect their information and thwart nefarious activities Welfare effects depend on ex-ante or ex-post assumptions about quality information.Instituting training and awareness education may help curtail the complacent behavior. Perhaps no prior technology has more expediently and more ubiquitously usurped the landscape than mobile technology. Smartphones are used for social interactions, financial transactions, to increase employee productivity, and in academic pursuits. Smartphones have established omnipresence on college campuses, where students are using them for all aspects of their daily life. With such significant usage, concerns for the security of data and personal information become paramount. This study employs a survey instrument to assess undergraduate student use of smartphone security practices in 2014, and compares this behavior to results from the same survey instrument when administered in 2011. Results indicate a worrisome trend, for while more students have smartphones and a higher percentage use them for financial purposes, risky behavior continues and, in several cases, has worsened. When good security practices are not followed, their efficacy is diminished and users are left more vulnerable than ever.
A Review of “The Routledge Handbook of Insurgency and Counterinsurgency”

One of the great quandaries facing the editor of any handbook is the problem of what to leave out. After all, a handbook is intended to be a reasonably comprehensive reference work. Yet when a subj...
24-hour rhythms in pineal 5-hydroxytryptamine and hydroxyindole-o-methyl transferase activity in the macaque.

SummaryPineal 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and hydroxyindole-O-methyl transferase (HIOMT) activity were measured in adult rhesus macaques killed at 6 times during daily periods with a standard photoperiod (6:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Pineal 5-HT increased during the daily light period to a peak of 83.8 ng/mg (Se = 8.4) just before the daily period of darkness, at which time it fell to about one-fourth of its peak level. HIOMT activity was greatest at night and was significantly lower during the daily light period. Comparisons of these rhythms in the macaque with those of rat and pigeon suggest the desirability of studies of pineal darkness-dependent responses and activities in primates.
Numerical Study of Large Aspect-Ratio Synthetic Jets

Three-dimensional numerical simulations are performed to study the formation and evolution of large aspect-ratio synthetic jets. A rectangular synthetic jet of aspect-ratio (AR) 8.0 issuing into quiescent air at jet Reynolds number of 300 and Stokes numbers of 6.84 and a jet of infinite aspect ratio with jet Reynolds number 200 and Stokes number varying between 12 and 24, interacting with an external laminar boundary layer are examined in detail. For the quiescent jet, the results indicate the formation of vortex train which undergoes axis switching and consequently a complex topological evolution. Simulations for an infinite aspect-ratio jet interacting with a flat-plate boundary layer indicate that actuation frequencies much lower than the Tollmein-Schlichting frequencies are effective in triggering instabilities in the boundary layer which bring significant streamwise momentum in to the boundary layer thereby making the boundary layer more resistant to separation. Examination of the vorticity flux for jet in crossflow also indicates that this quantity varies linearly with the Strouhal number.
‘It's more flexible': persistence of women engineers in the academy

ABSTRACTThe under-representation of women in engineering is an issue of concern for policy-makers. While much of the existing literature has focussed on understanding reasons for women's under-representation in engineering and related technical fields, there is a paucity of research that examines why women who are already in engineering persist. This study aims to answer the question, why do women engineers in academe persist in a discipline that is generally perceived to be inhospitable to women. Three main challenges, namely gender discrimination, lack of institutional and disciplinary support, and the rigid nature of the workplace, emerged as key impediments to women engineers in the private sector. In contrast, women engineers in the academy identified the flexibility offered by academic environments, the presence of personal support networks, and a passion for teaching and students as critical factors that influenced their decision to remain in academia.
Thermal and Density Structure of Polar Plumes

Normal incidence multilayer coated EUV/XUV optical systems provide a powerful technique for the study of the structure of the solar corona. Such systems permit the imaging of the full solar disk and corona with high angular resolution in narrow wavelength bands that are dominated by a single line or a line multiplet excited over a well defined range of temperatures. We have photometrically analysed, and derived temperature and density information from, images of polar plumes obtained with a multilayer Cassegrain telescope operating in the wavelength interval λ = 171 to 175 A, which is dominated by FeIX and FeX emission. This observation was obtained in October 1987, and is the first high resolution observation of an astronomical object obtained with normal incidence multilayer optics techniques. We find that photometric data taken from this observation, applied to a simple, semi-empirical model of supersonic solar wind flow, are consistent with the idea that polar plumes are a source of the solar wind. However, we are not able to uniquely trace high speed streams to polar plumes. The temperatures that we observed are typically ∼ 1 500 000 K for both the plumes and the interplume regions, with the plume temperatures slightly higher than those of the surrounding atmosphere. Typical electron densities of the plume and interplume regions, respectively, are 5 × 109 cm−3 and 1 × 108 cm−3 at the limb of the Sun.
National Ignition Facility Laser System Performance

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser is the culmination of more than 40 years of work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory dedicated to the delivery of laser systems capable of driving e...
Tetanus antitoxin levels measured by a passive hemagglutination technique in children receiving tetanus immunization

Levels of tetanus antibody were measured in samples of serum collected from 225 children attending the immunization clinic. A passive haemagglutination technique using human group O red cells sensitized with tetanus toxoid, and chromic chloride as a coupling agent, was employed. In children less than 2 yr of age, tetanus toxoid was administered in the form of triple antigen; 3 doses were given by subcutaneous injection at intervals of 4 wk with a fourth dose 6-12 mth after the third. Unimmunized children older than 2 yr were given 3 doses of diptheria-tetanus prophylactic (CDT), at intervals of 6 wk and 6-12 mth respectively. CDT was also administered as a booster dose at the age of 5 yr. The children were divided into groups according to the number of doses of toxoid received. None of the unimmunized children showed detectable antibody. Antibody was demonstrated in one-half of the children tested after one dose of vaccine, usually in low titre. After the second dose, 90% showed antibody and after the third dose all children. The mean titre of tetanus antitoxin increased with the number of doses of tetanus toxoid which had been administered.
Intracutaneous anthrax infection in wild rodents.

Received for publication May 1, 1957. This work was supported by U. S. Army Chemical Corps contract, No. DA-18-064-CML2639, with the University of Utah. was obtained from Dr. George C. Wright, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland. Upon arrival the suspension was diluted 1:100 in buffered saline (pH 7.0; 0.1M phosphate buffer) and stored at 4 C. From this stock suspension the "challenge" dilutions were prepared in 0.85% sodium chloride. Challenge injections.?Each species was divided into five groups of eight animals each, except where an inadequate number of animals necessitated the use of fewer groups and/or fewer animals per group. The spore suspension was injected intracutaneously into a region on the abdomen from which the fur had been plucked just prior to inoculation. In each instance a tuberculin syringe with a 27 gauge needle was used to administer the inoculum. The animals of
Laparoscopic Management of Colonic Diverticular Disease and its Complications: an Analysis

Dense inflammatory reactions, loss of tissue planes and sepsis make surgical treatment of diverticulitis complex and difficult. Experience with laparoscopic management of this disease is scanty in our country. This study aims to assess the pattern of presentation, the site of involvement and complications of diverticulitis coli. This study also aims to audit the results of laparoscopic approach for complicated colonic diverticulitis. A retrospective analysis of all patients who had laparoscopic management of complicated diverticulitis patients from August 2007 to October 2014 was done from the database. The site of involvement, extent and presence or absence of complications of diverticular disease was noted. The surgical approach, intraoperative parameters and short-term outcome measures were analysed. There were 38 (8.8 %) patients with diverticular disease out of 427 patients who had laparoscopic colorectal surgery in the study period with a median age of 59 years. Out of 38 patients, 50 % had comorbid conditions. Internal fistulae were seen in 9 (23.6 %) patients, 6 with colovesical and 3 with colovaginal fistulae. Elective laparoscopic colectomy with primary anastomosis was done in 34 (89 %) cases of which, and 10 (26 %) patients had abscess on presentation requiring drainage. Four patients required emergency laparoscopic surgery of which primary resection and anastomosis was done in 3 (7.8 %), and Hartmann's operation was done in 1 (2.6 %) patient. Two patients required stoma. The morbidity was seen in 15 % cases, and the mean hospital stay was 9.54 days. Laparoscopic approach for diverticular disease and its complication is feasible and safe. Careful selection of patients, judicious use of diverting stoma and appropriate selection of the procedure help to achieve good results even in those with septic complications and fistulising disease.
An analysis of robust cost functions for CNN in computer-aided diagnosis

Deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have proven to be powerful and flexible tools that advance the state-of-the-art in many fields, e.g. speech recognition, computer vision and medical imaging. Usually deep CNN models employ the logistic (soft-max) loss function in the training process of classification tasks. Recent evidence on a computer vision benchmark data-set indicates that the hinge (SVM) loss might give smaller misclassification errors on the test set compared to the logistic loss (i.e. offer better generality). In this paper, we study and compare four different loss functions for deep CNNs in the context of computer-aided abdominal and mediastinal lymph node detection and diagnosis (CAD) using CT images. Besides the logistic loss, we compare three other CNN losses that have not been previously studied for CAD problems. The experiments confirm that the logistic loss performs the worst among the four losses, and an additional 3% increase in detection rate at 3 false positives/volume can be ob...
Epidemiological Analysis of Public Health Emergencies in Schools of Shenyang City during 2004—2008

[Objective]To understand the epidemic characteristics of public health emergencies occurred in schools of Shenyang during 2004—2008,and provide scientific evidence for effectively dealing with public health emergencies.[Methods]Descriptive epidemiological method was adopted to analyze the data of public health emergencies occurred in schools reported by Shenyang information management system for public health emergencies during 2004—2008.[Results]Totally 54 incidents of public health emergencies were reported happened in school from 2004—2008 in Shenyang,with 5512 cases,1 death case,including 51 outbreaks of infectious diseases,accounting for 94.44%,3 incidents of food poisoning,accounting for 5.56%.[Conclusion]public health emergencies are more easy to take place in schools and childcare institutions. Therefore,it is necessary to strengthen the joint prevention and control mechanism between health and education department,to take effective preventive and control measures and strategy to control the public health emergencies.
Hygiene monitoring on drinking water in Shijingshan District of Beijing City in 2010

[Objective] To monitor and evaluate the hygienic status of drinking water in Shijingshan District of Beijing City,to explore the main factors affecting the safety of drinking,and provide scientific evidence for further strengthening hygiene management of drinking water.[Methods] The samples of source water,tap water and secondary water supply were collected,detected and evaluated in Shijingshan District of Beijing City in 2010 according to the national standards.[Results] A total of 218 water samples were detected,191(88.1%)were qualified.The qualified rate of source water,tap water,and secondary water supply was 38.9%,88.3%,97.5% respectively.The unqualified items included total hardness,turbidity,iron,zinc and residual chlorine.Additionally,some indicators between wet and dry season were significantly different.[Conclusion] The total qualified rate of drinking water in Shijingshan District of Beijing City is relatively high,but the qualified rate of source water is low.Water treatment process should be improved to improve the quality of drinking water.
Detection of Trans Fatty Acids in Food with Silver Ion Solid Phase Extraction-Gas Chromatography

[Objective] To evaluate the quantitative and qualitative detection of trans fatty acids(TFA) in processed foods with silver ion solid phase extraction-gas chromatography(Ag+-SPE/GC).[Methods] The fatty acid methyl esters derived from beef ham,soybean flour and chocolate wafer were priorily separated by silver ion solid phase extraction column,and then tested with gas chromatography according to Determination of trans fatty acids in foods-Gas chromatography(GB/T 22110-2008).[Results] The recoveries of TFA methyl ester isomer in food ranged from 71.0% to 90.5% with the relative standard deviation(RSD) less than 13%.The average recoveries of TFA methyl ester standard ranged from 84.1% to 98.7% with the RSD less than 5.6%.The lowest detection limit was 10 mg/100 g fat.TFA content in beef ham,soybean flour and chocolate wafer were 37.26 mg/100 g,24.64 mg/100 g and 162.85 mg/100 g,respectively.These three types of food were high in t C18∶1,second in t C18∶2,low in t C18∶3,and no for t C16∶1.[Conclusion] The Ag+-SPE/GC method,with high sensitivity and good separation and repeatability,capable to avoid the interference of cis-and saturated fatty acids,is suitable to detect TFA content in milk,meat,chocolate and their products.
Hepatorenal syndrome in hospitalized patients with chronic liver disease: results from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2002–2012

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is one of the leading causes of hospitalizations in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). We conducted a retrospective national database study to determine the epidemiology of HRS in hospitalized patients with CLD. Data from a Nationwide Inpatient Sample were extracted from 2002 to 2012 using ICD-9-CM codes related to CLD and HRS. The following outcomes were examined: in-hospital mortality, total charges, length of stay (LOS), patient demographics, procedures, complications, and comorbidities. Statistical analysis including regression was performed to examine factors associated with HRS. During 2002–2012, hospital discharges related to CLD increased from 407,246 to 836,475 with an increase of 37.9% for HRS as a complication in this population. Patients with CLD and HRS had worse outcomes compared with patients with CLD without HRS. This was manifested as a higher mortality rate (32.0% vs 10.3%), increased LOS (median 7 vs 5 days), and increased hospital costs (median $16,000 vs $11,000). Logistic regression demonstrated that HIV/AIDS (adjusted OR 2.9, 95% CI 2.2 to 3.9), pneumonia (aOR 2.8, 95% CI 2.3 to 3.2), and esophageal variceal bleeding (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.7 to 2.0) were associated with higher mortality in patients with HRS. Conversely, liver transplantation (aOR 0.1, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.1), transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (aOR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.6), and hospitalization in the Midwest region of the USA (aOR 0.7, 95% CI 0.6 to 0.7) were associated with reduced mortality. The incidence of HRS in hospitalized patients with CLD increased during 2002–2012. HRS is associated with significant mortality and morbidity in these patients.
DEVELOPMENT OF A FLEXIBLE SERPENTINE ROBOT FOR DISASTER SURVEILLANCE OPERATIONS

This paper presents the development of a snake robot with vision system. This can be used for disaster aid and lessen the danger that the rescuers may encounter. The design of the snake robot considers the use of its own body segments for motion using rectilinear motion rather than using wheels. The use of segments enables the snake to move on flat and uneven terrain. Servo motors will be used for the movement of each joint and it will be powered by a lithium-polymer battery. Accelerometers and gyroscopes will serve as the input and orientation sensors, a head-mounted camera will be used to detect its location and where it is moving. An Arduino Pro Mini will be used for the controller and will be configured to receive commands from an XBee wireless transmission transceiver from the base computer. A graphical user interface in a base computer will serve as the interface of the robot’s operator and the robot. Its main movement will be based on a biological snake’s rectilinear motion which is embedded in the robot’s control system.
Smoking Cessation and Changes in Body Mass Index: Findings From the First Randomized Cessation Trial in a Low-Income Country Setting.

Background In high-income countries, quitting cigarette smoking is associated with weight gain, which can reduce motivation to abstain. Whether smoking cessation is associated with weight gain in a low-income country context has never been investigated. We aimed to determine the post-cessation changes in body mass index (BMI) and its predictors among smokers who received a smoking cessation intervention in a low-income country setting. Methods We performed post hoc analyses of data from 269 smokers who participated in a two-group, parallel-arm, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of combined nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and behavioral counseling in primary care clinics in Aleppo, Syria. We used generalized estimating equation modeling to identify predictors of changes in BMI at 6 weeks and 6- and 12-month follow-ups after quit date. Results The mean pre-cessation BMI of the sample was 27.9kg/m2 (SD = 5.2). Over 12 months of follow-up, BMI of smoking abstainers averaged 1.8 BMI units (approximately 4.8kg) greater than non-abstainers (p = .012). Throughout the study, greater BMI was associated with being female (p = .048), reporting smoking to control weight (p < .001) and having previously failed to quit due to weight gain (p = .036). Conclusion Similar to findings from high-income countries, smoking cessation in Syria is associated with weight gain, particularly among women and those who have weight concerns prior to quitting. This group of smokers may benefit from tailored cessation interventions with integrated body weight management elements that take into consideration the prevailing local and cultural influences on diet and levels of physical activity. Implications This study provides the first evidence regarding post-cessation changes in BMI among smokers who attempt to quit in a low-income country setting. Our findings advance knowledge regarding post-cessation weight gain and offers insight for researchers and clinicians to identify smokers at higher risk of post-cessation weight gain. This information will help in delivering interventions that take into account the prevailing cultural influence on diet and physical activity and will ultimately help in designing future tailored cessation programs in Syria and other low-income countries with similar cultural background and level of development.
Mechanical and Structural Characterization of Semicrystalline Polyethylene under Tensile Deformation by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

We have studied tensile deformations of semicrystalline polyethylene (PE) with molecular dynamics simulations at two different strain rates and temperatures. Compared to earlier studies, the modele...
Pluripotent Stem Cells for Kidney Diseases

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major worldwide public health problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The limitations of existing therapeutic options for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) emphasize the need for innovative approaches to the treatment of CKD, such as stem cell-based regenerative strategies aimed at restoring or replacing lost kidney function. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), represent an ideal starting substrate to generate functional kidney cells and tissues. Within the last few years, significant advances have been made in the effort to direct the differentiation of hPSCs into cells of the kidney lineage. Current methods are now capable of efficiently differentiating hPSCs into nephron progenitor cell populations that can give rise to multi-segmented nephron structures within kidney organoids in two- and three-dimensional culture. hPSC-derived kidney cells can now be used for a number of translational applications, including drug nephrotoxicity testing, in vitro kidney disease modeling, and tissue bioengineering. While further studies still need to be done to validate the functionality of these kidney cells and tissues, these recent advances highlight the rapid progress of the field of kidney regenerative medicine and provide hope for novel therapies for patients with kidney disease.
Comments on Robert Howse, Leo Strauss: Man of Peace

ABSTRACTRobert Howse's book does a good and welcome job of showing a Leo Strauss who is far from the bloodstained “neoconservative” caricature that is so commonly presented. He rightly emphasizes Strauss's concern for decency and the keeping of peace where possible. Especially telling is his account of Strauss's view of Thucydides's alleged “realism.” He does a good job of showing how Strauss, like Thucydides, balances the claims of necessity with the substantive and practically important claims of justice. However, Howse pushes Strauss a little too far when it comes to his faith in permanently peaceful large federations and goes to excess in distancing himself from Strauss's neoconservative followers, at one point even falling into mischaracterization in doing so. If the purpose of this distancing was to make Strauss more acceptable to leftist critics, it is doubtful that this will succeed; if the purpose was less strategic and more personal, it seems an excessive response.
STAT3-mediated SMAD3 activation underlies Oncostatin M-induced Senescence

Cytokines in the developing tumor microenvironment (TME) can drive transformation and subsequent progression toward metastasis. Elevated levels of the Interleukin-6 (IL-6) family cytokine Oncostatin M (OSM) in the breast TME correlate with aggressive, metastatic cancers, increased tumor recurrence, and poor patient prognosis. Paradoxically, OSM engages a tumor-suppressive, Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3)-dependent senescence response in normal and non-transformed human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC). Here, we identify a novel link between OSM-activated STAT3 signaling and the Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway that engages senescence in HMEC. Inhibition of functional TGF-β/SMAD signaling by expressing a dominant-negative TGF-β receptor, treating with a TGF-β receptor inhibitor, or suppressing SMAD3 expression using a SMAD3-shRNA prevented OSM-induced senescence. OSM promoted a protein complex involving activated-STAT3 and SMAD3, induced the nuclear localization of SMAD3, and enhanced SMAD3-mediated transcription responsible for senescence. In contrast, expression of MYC (c-MYC) from a constitutive promoter abrogated senescence and strikingly, cooperated with OSM to promote a transformed phenotype, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and invasiveness. Our findings suggest that a novel STAT3/SMAD3-signaling axis is required for OSM-mediated senescence that is coopted during the transformation process to confer aggressive cancer cell properties. Understanding how developing cancer cells bypass OSM/STAT3/SMAD3-mediated senescence may help identify novel targets for future "pro-senescence" therapies aiming to reengage this hidden tumor-suppressive response.
Revival of the Phase-Amplitude Description of a Quantum-Mechanical Wave Function

The phase–amplitude description of a wave function is formulated by means of a new linear differential-integral equation, which is valid in the region of turning points. A numerical example for a Coulomb potential is presented.
Democratizing the Real-Time PCR

Featured Article: Wittwer CT, Herrmann MG, Moss AA, Rasmussen RP. Continuous fluorescence monitoring of rapid cycle DNA amplification. Biotechniques 1997;22:130–1, 134–8.3 After the development of the PCR in the second half of the1980s and demonstration of real-time analysis in 1992 (1), it was not clear how the technology would unfold. On the one hand, dissemination of PCR was limited by strong patents, high license fees, and royalties. On the other hand, PCR was so simple that anyone could modify it and build instruments. PCR became an experimenter's playground and many novel methods and creative tools appeared from universities, clinical laboratories, and small companies. We developed rapid-cycle PCR in 1990 (2) and formed a small company as a University of Utah spin-off, “Idaho Technology.” The company was bootstrapped by a family business that made replacement parts for potato harvesters and manufactured a niche product that performed 30 PCR …
Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian Heritage Speakers in Four Major U.S. Metropolitan Areas: Resources for the Attainment of Full Professional Linguistic Proficiency

The present study analyzes heritage learners of Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian (BCS) from four major U.S. metropolitan areas. The focus is on the prospects of their attaining full professional language proficiency. Several major factors in language maintenance and the possibility of attaining full professional proficiency in the language are identified. The design and testing of a syllabus for heritage language speakers is provided and discussed. The author concludes with a call for the creation of a BCS heritage language centre as a durable solution for providing heritage language learners a path toward full professional proficiency.
Il Modello del Continuum Stress-Crisi-Trauma di Burgess e Roberts

Dato che l’obiettivo primario di un trattamento medico e psichiatrico e quello di non provocare danni, tutti i professionisti della salute mentale e i loro clienti potranno trarre beneficio dall’impiego del modello a sette fasi basato sul Continuum Stress-Crisi-Trauma di Burgess e Roberts. Determinando il livello e la categoria cui il paziente in crisi fa parte, i clinici saranno in una posizione ottimale per determinare il miglior trattamento possibile per quel paziente. Le sette fasi e il trattamento appropriato per ogni paziente sono mostrati nella Tabella 6.1.
Using Service-Oriented Architectures for Socio-Cultural Analysis

An emergent domain that raises some unique engineering challenges is that of software architectures to convert large bodies of unstructured data to human-usable knowledge, such as in the domain of socio-cultural information analysis. We report on an architecture based on Service-Oriented Architectures that we are applying in this domain. We list the requirements that such an architecture must support, describe our architecture for addressing them, and outline what we believe are the important engineering and research issues that must still be overcome.
Voices From the Field: Implementing and Scaling-Up Universal Design for Learning in Teacher Preparation Programs

There is increasing pressure on universities in the United States to meet the needs of diverse learners. This fact increases the urgency for implementation and scaling up of Universal Design for Le...
Breaking the mold: An examination of board discretion in female CEO appointments

Abstract We propose and test a theory of board discretion in the context of the board's selection of a female CEO. We propose that boards also have discretion, an area that has typically focused exclusively on managers, and examine the conditions under which boards, facing high levels of uncertainty, have the latitude to make nontraditional choices, particularly when a negative equity market reaction to such a selection is likely. In the context of the nontraditional choice of a female CEO successor, we observe that the strong financial health of the firm and boardroom and situation-specific experience grant the board the discretion to select a female CEO. We test our model using all Standard & Poors (S&P) 1500 firms that experienced a CEO succession between 2000 and 2013. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Employee self-leadership: Enhancing the effectiveness of nonprofits

Nonprofits often have a top-down, control oriented leadership focus, neglecting the potential of developing leadership capabilities at all levels of the organization. We expand on current nonprofit management literature by positing a comple-mentary leadership approach that focuses on employee self-leadership at all levels of the establishment, thereby enhancing personal and organizational effectiveness.
Structure and mutagenesis reveal essential capsid protein interactions for KSHV replication.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancer that commonly affects patients with AIDS and which is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. The KSHV capsid is highly pressurized by its double-stranded DNA genome, as are the capsids of the eight other human herpesviruses. Capsid assembly and genome packaging of herpesviruses are prone to interruption and can therefore be targeted for the structure-guided development of antiviral agents. However, herpesvirus capsids-comprising nearly 3,000 proteins and over 1,300 A in diameter-present a formidable challenge to atomic structure determination and functional mapping of molecular interactions. Here we report a 4.2 A resolution structure of the KSHV capsid, determined by electron-counting cryo-electron microscopy, and its atomic model, which contains 46 unique conformers of the major capsid protein (MCP), the smallest capsid protein (SCP) and the triplex proteins Tri1 and Tri2. Our structure and mutagenesis results reveal a groove in the upper domain of the MCP that contains hydrophobic residues that interact with the SCP, which in turn crosslinks with neighbouring MCPs in the same hexon to stabilize the capsid. Multiple levels of MCP-MCP interaction-including six sets of stacked hairpins lining the hexon channel, disulfide bonds across channel and buttress domains in neighbouring MCPs, and an interaction network forged by the N-lasso domain and secured by the dimerization domain-define a robust capsid that is resistant to the pressure exerted by the enclosed genome. The triplexes, each composed of two Tri2 molecules and a Tri1 molecule, anchor to the capsid floor via a Tri1 N-anchor to plug holes in the MCP network and rivet the capsid floor. These essential roles of the MCP N-lasso and Tri1 N-anchor are verified by serial-truncation mutageneses. Our proof-of-concept demonstration of the use of polypeptides that mimic the smallest capsid protein to inhibit KSHV lytic replication highlights the potential for exploiting the interaction hotspots revealed in our atomic structure to develop antiviral agents.
Networks and Innovation: Accounting for Structural and Institutional Sources of Recombination in Brokerage Triads

Research linking interorganizational networks to innovation has focused on spanning structural boundaries as a means of knowledge recombination. Increasingly, firms also partner across institutiona...
Theory in Action: A Community Social Service Agency:

Life model, interactionist concepts of social work prove to be effective when translated directly into action in a community social service agency
A bifurcation theorem for Darwinian matrix models

Matrix models are widely used to describe the discrete time dynamics of structured populations (i.e., biological populations in which individuals are classified into discrete categories such as age, size, etc.). A fundamental biological question concerns population extinction and persistence, i.e., the stability or instability of the extinction state versus the existence of stable positive equilibria. A fundamental bifurcation theorem provides one general answer to this question, using the inherent population growth rate r as a bifurcation parameter, by asserting the existence a continuum of positive equilibria that bifurcates from the extinction state at r = I. Moreover, stability of the bifurcating non-extinction equilibria is determined by the direction of bifurcation (at least near the bifurcation point). Evolutionary game theoretic methods generalize structured population dynamic models so as to include the dynamics of (mean) phenotypic traits subject to natural selection. The resulting Darwinian matrix model describes both the structured population dynamics and the evolutionary trait dynamics and the way in which they interplay. Here we generalize the fundamental bifurcation theorem for structured population dynamics to Darwinian matrix models. We give two applications.
Creating Pathways to Personal Resilience Through Classroom Simulations

Background. College or university classroom simulations have the potential to create valuable educational outcomes that are difficult to achieve by other means. Personal resilience is one outcome t...
An initial approach for using chromaticity to develop hyperspectral signals for satellite multispectral ocean-color imagery

Herein we present an initial approach for assessing water color, specifically chromaticity, and determining if an accurate correlation can be made within chromaticity space between the water color and a hyperspectral synthetic data set. The water color assessed in this paper consist of remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) distributions from the Suomi-National Polarorbiting Partnership (SNPP) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), and the hyperspectral synthetic data set consists of Rrs distributions of natural marine waters. Where strong correlations exist, the hyperspectral Rrs reference data can be blended into the SNPP VIIRS Rrs data, thus creating a hyperspectral SNPP VIIRS spectra. Where applicable, the newly constructed VIIRS hyperspectral signature is compared to in situ data taken during a 2018 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Calibration/Validation cruise. Given the proliferation of small, low-cost airborne platforms equipped with color imaging cameras, there exists tremendous potential to use and hyperspectrally enhance these data streams for ocean monitoring and scientific research. However, techniques for extracting traditional ocean radiant spectra from RGB data fields are new to oceanographic disciplines.
Lessons from the Megachurch: Understanding Journalism’s Turn to Membership

A number of journalism stakeholders have begun advocating for news organizations to adopt membership models as a means to solving the industry’s audience trust and revenue problems. This small but ...
Tracking the carbons supplying gluconeogenesis

As the burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) grows in the 21st century, the need to understand glucose metabolism heightens. Increased gluconeogenesis is a major contributor to the hyperglycemia seen in T2DM. Isotope tracer experiments in humans and animals over several decades have offered insights into gluconeogenesis under euglycemic and diabetic conditions. This review focuses on the current understanding of carbon flux in gluconeogenesis, including substrate contribution of various gluconeogenic precursors to glucose production. Alterations of gluconeogenic metabolites and fluxes in T2DM are discussed. We also highlight ongoing knowledge gaps in the literature that require further investigation. A comprehensive analysis of gluconeogenesis may enable a better understanding of T2DM pathophysiology and identification of novel targets for treating hyperglycemia.
Effect of Tension Crack Formation on Active Earth Pressure Encountered in Unsaturated Retaining Wall Backfills

AbstractDespite the potentially significant influence of tension cracks on earth pressures, almost all of the existing methods either do not account for cracks or treat them in a simplistic manner ...
Suppression of hepatitis B virus through therapeutic activation of RIG-I and IRF3 signaling in hepatocytes

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) mediates persistent infection, chronic hepatitis, and liver disease. HBV covalently closed circular (ccc)DNA is central to viral persistence such that its elimination is considered the cornerstone for HBV cure. Inefficient detection by pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) in the infected hepatocyte facilitates HBV persistence via avoidance of innate immune activation and interferon regulatory factor (IRF)3 induction of antiviral gene expression. We evaluated a small molecule compound, F7, and 5'-triphosphate-poly-U/UC pathogen-associated-molecular-pattern (PAMP) RNA agonists of RIG-I, a PRR that signals innate immunity, for ability to suppress cccDNA. F7 and poly-U/UC PAMP treatment of HBV-infected cells induced RIG-I signaling of IRF3 activation to induce antiviral genes for suppression of cccDNA formation and accelerated decay of established cccDNA, and were additive to the actions of entecavir. Our study shows that activation of the RIG-I pathway and IRF3 to induce innate immune actions offers therapeutic benefit toward elimination of cccDNA.
Credit Programs for the Poor and Reproductive Behavior in Low-Income Countries are the Reported Causal Relationships the Result of Heterogeneity Bias?

Group-based lending programs for the poor have drawn much attention recently. As many of these programs target women, an important research question is whether program participation significantly changes reproductive behavior and whether the gender of the participant matters. Using survey data from 87 Bangladeshi villages, this paper estimates the impact of female and male participation in group-based credit programs on reproductive behavior while paying close attention to issues of self-selection and endogeneity. We find no evidence that female participation in group-based credit programs increases contraceptive use or reduces fertility. Male participation reduces fertility and may slightly increase contraceptive use.
Digital Health Applications in Heart Failure: a Critical Appraisal of Literature.

Despite advancements in the diagnostic and therapeutic armamentarium, heart failure (HF) remains a major public health concern in the USA and worldwide. Digital health applications hold promise to bridge this gap and improve HF care. This review will provide the reader with a concise overview of the current digital health applications in HF, the main challenges to its use, and discuss the future of digital health for promoting care for HF patients. Emerging evidence continues to support the potential role of digital health across the continuum of HF disease process including primary prevention, early detection, disease management, and reducing associated morbidity. There is also increasing emphasis on the need to pursue rigorous investigations to validate these promising claims, with some successful stories that have changed clinical practices. Digital health technologies have emerged as potentially useful tools to complement HF care in both research and clinical realms. As digital technologies continue to play an increasing role in transforming healthcare delivery, creating the framework for its effective use would be necessary to ensure that digital health applications consistently improve outcomes and enhance care for HF patients.
Conceptualizing stigma in contexts of pregnancy and opioid misuse: A qualitative study with women and healthcare providers in Ohio.

Abstract Background Women with histories of opioid misuse face drug-related stigma, which can be amplified during pregnancy. While women are often blamed for their drug use and urged to change, the social contexts that create and reinforce stigma are largely unchallenged. Drawing on a multidimensional model of stigma, we examine how stigma manifested across women’s pregnancy journeys to shape access and quality of care. Methods We triangulate in-depth interviews with 28 women with histories of opioid misuse who were pregnant or recently gave birth and 18 healthcare providers in Ohio. Thematic analysis examined how stigma operates across contexts of care. Results Providers represented physicians, nurses, social workers, counselors, and healthcare administrators. Among 28 women, average age was 30 (range: 22–41) and 79 % were White. Most women used prenatal medication-assisted treatment (MAT), including Suboxone (n = 19) or methadone (n = 8), and 15 were pregnant. Evidence of stigma emerged across healthcare contexts. Structural stigma encoded barriers to care in insurance practices and punitive drug treatment, while enacted stigma manifested as mistreatment and judgment from providers. Unpredictability of an infant diagnosis of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), even when women were “doing everything right” by using MAT, perpetuated anticipated stigma from fear of loss of custody and internalized stigma among women who felt guilty about the diagnosis. Providers recognized the harmful effects of these stigmas and many actively addressed it. Conclusions We recommend harm reduction approaches to address the multiplicity of stigmas that women navigate in opioid misuse and pregnancy to improve healthcare experiences.