cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The prognostic significance of CXCL1 hypersecretion by human colorectal cancer epithelia and myofibroblasts

Clinical therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) remains limited, especially when the tumor harbors a KRAS mutation. This study aimed to identify prognostic biomarkers in CRC that are accessible for therapeutic inhibition. Conditioned media from human CRC epithelial cells and myofibroblasts were screened by cytokine arrays for tumorigenic factors. The protein and mRNA expressions of these factors were determined by immunohistochemistry and gene microarrays in human CRC tissues. Prognostic biomarkers were determined by correlation of mRNA expression to overall survival in stage IV CRC patients. Inhibition of CXCL1 was performed with specific neutralizing antibody and lentiviral shRNAs. Malignant growth was assessed by soft agar growth assays and xenograft tumor growth in immunocompromised mice. CXCL1 was highly secreted by KRAS mutant human CRC cells and myofibroblasts in a complementary adaptive response to serum deprivation. Elevated CXCL1 level promoted anchorage-independent growth of murine fibroblasts and human CRC cells. Inhibition of CXCL1 by neutralizing antibody and specific shRNAs decreased CRC tumor growth. Highly elevated CXCL1 expression significantly correlated with decreased overall survival in stage IV CRC patients (hazard ratio 0.28; 95% CI 0.11–0.72). High CXCL1 expression is a poor prognostic biomarker in metastatic CRC. CXCL1 inhibition suppressed tumorigenic growth of KRAS mutant CRC cells.
On robust empirical Bayes analysis of means and variances from stratified samples

Ghosh and Lahiri (1987a,b) considered simultaneous estimation of several strata means and variances where each stratum contains a finite number of elements, under the assumption that the posterior expectation of any stratum mean is a linear function of the sample observations - the so called“posterior linearity” property. In this paper we extend their result by retaining the “posterior linearity“ property of each stratum mean but allowing the superpopulation model whose mean as well as the variance-covariance structure changes from stratum to stratum. The performance of the proposed empirical Bayes estimators are found to be satisfactory both in terms of “asymptotic optimality” (Robbins (1955)) and “relative savings loss” (Efron and Morris (1973)).
Energy Output from a Single Outer Hair Cell.

Electromotility of outer hair cells (OHCs) has been extensively studied with in vitro experiments because of its physiological significance to the cochlear amplifier, which provides the exquisite sensitivity and frequency selectivity of the mammalian ear. However, these studies have been performed largely under load-free conditions or with static load, while these cells function in vivo in a dynamic environment, receiving electrical energy to enhance mechanical oscillation in the inner ear. This gap leaves uncertainties in addressing a key issue, how much mechanical energy an OHC provides. This study is an attempt of bridging the gap by introducing a simple one-dimensional model for electromotility of OHC in a dynamic environment. This model incorporates a feedback loop involving the receptor potential and the mechanical load on OHC, and leads to an analytical expression for the membrane capacitance, which explicitly describes the dependence on the elastic load, viscous drag, and the mass. The derived equation of motion was examined in a mass-less model system with realistic parameter values for OHC. It was found that viscous drag is more effective than elastic load in enhancing the receptor potential that drives the cell. For this reason, it is expected that OHCs are more effective in counteracting viscous drag than providing elastic energy to the system.
Performance quantification of extensive green roof substrate blend : expanded shale and biochar

Urban stormwater management practices often involve the redirection of runoff to local waterbodies. As such, the quality of runoff directly affects the condition of these receiving waters. Green roofs offer many benefits to the urban environment including attractive aesthetics, thermal insulation for buildings and stormwater runoff reduction. Unfortunately, in order to promote the spread of vegetation, fertilization is often practiced that can lead to elevated nutrient concentrations in runoff and, ultimately, nearby streams, rivers and bays. Different amounts of biochar, pyrolyzed biomass, were added to model green roof trays to test for the ability of this charcoal-like substance to prevent nitrate and phosphate leaching. Analysis of leachate from natural and simulated rain events showed statistically significant differences of average nitrate concentrations for two out of four rain events, though none for phosphate. Samples from the natural rain event exhibited a clear inverse relationship between nitrate concentration and biochar quantity. The second simulated rain event, however, produced nitrate concentrations that rose and subsequently fell as biochar quantity increased. Further research is needed on the method by which biochar attracts anions though different experimental designs and equipment may more conclusively reveal that biochar can play a role in green roofs as a soil amendment. More noteworthy, though, may be the consistently high nutrient concentrations in leachate originating from the fertilized model trays. The fertilizer application rate of 5 g N/m2 may not be suitable for the substrate and vegetation used in this study but nonetheless it is strongly recommended that controlled-release fertilizer types are used.
Stress Ultrasound Evaluation of Medial Elbow Instability in a Cadaveric Model

Background:An injury of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is potentially career threatening for elite overhead-throwing athletes. Stress ultrasonography (SUS) allows for a rapid, cost-effective, and noninvasive evaluation of the UCL and elbow joint both at rest and with applied stress.Purpose/Hypothesis:To determine the amount of cadaveric elbow valgus gapping with sequential sectioning of medial elbow structures as measured by SUS. It was hypothesized that the greatest increase in ulnohumeral joint gapping would be noted with release of the anterior bundle of the UCL.Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:Twelve cadaveric elbows were divided into 2 groups and dissected in reverse sequences under the direct supervision of an experienced orthopaedic surgeon. Baseline ultrasound and SUS with applied valgus loads were performed by an experienced radiologist. A valgus load was applied at each sectioning interval using a standardized device. Ulnohumeral joint gapping in millimeters was measured by...
Income of the Elderly Population

This article reviews the latest available data on the older population's income and how it has changed over time, as well as how the elderly's reliance on these sources varies across income levels. The median income level of the elderly population was $13,561 in 2000, up from $12,519 in 1992 (in 2000 dollars). Social Security remained the largest source of their income, accounting for 41.3 percent, on average. Pension and retirement plan income represented 19.1 percent, income from assets 17.8 percent, and earnings 19.7 percent.
Evaluation and optimization of the alkaline water electrolysis ohmic polarization: Exergy study

Abstract A model is created in order to investigate the effect of different material parameters on the ohmic overpotential of the alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production, which influences the exergy efficiency of the water electrolysis. In this research, it was demonstrated that the electrode material parameters and electrolyte conditions of the water electrolysis components such as electrode and membrane resistivity, distance between the electrodes, oxygen and hydrogen bubbles that covers the electrode surface, electrolyte concentration, electrolyte ionic conductivity, and temperature have various effects on the ohmic overpotential, which consequently affect the exergy efficiency of the alkaline water electrolysis. The results of our model has illustrated that the highest exergy loss is due to hydrogen bubbles followed by the electrolyte ionic resistance and oxygen bubbles resistance, respectively. The model has also provided a strong direction for how to optimize the exergy efficiency by reducing the ohmic overpotential, which is affected by various material parameters and operating conditions.
Gravitational Collapse and Fragmentation in Molecular Clouds with Adaptive Mesh Refinement Hydrodynamics

We describe a powerful methodology for numerical solution of 3-D self-gravitational hydrodynamics problems with extremely high resolution. This code utilizes the technique of local adaptive mesh refinement (AMR), employing multiple grids at multiple levels of resolution. These grids are automatically and dynamically added and removed as necessary to maintain adequate resolution. This technology allows for the solution of problems in a manner that is both more efficient and more versatile than other fixed and variable resolution methods. The application of this technique to simulate the collapse and fragmentation of a molecular cloud, a key step in star formation, is discussed. Such simulations involve many orders of magnitude of variation in length scale as fragments form. In this paper we briefly describe the methodology and present an illustrative application for nonisothermal cloud collapse. We describe the numerical Jeans condition, a criterion for stability of self-gravitational hydrodynamics problems. We show the first well-resolved nonisothermal evolutionary sequence that leads to the formation of a binary system consisting of protostellar cores surrounded by distinct protostellar disks. The scale of the disks, of order 100 AU, is consistent with observations of gaseous disks surrounding single T-Tauri stars and debris disks surrounding systems such as β Pictoris.
Pattern of chemotherapy use at end-of-life (EOL) in patients with solid tumors (ST).

93 Background: Quality performance measures for cancer care, including use of chemotherapy in the last two-weeks of life, will be required for reporting. In this study, we evaluated the pattern and frequency of chemotherapy use for ST patients in the last two-weeks of life, and whether such treatment included standard or investigational drugs. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 5,607 adult cancer patients (≥18 years) who received their care at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and died between December 01, 2010 through May 31, 2012. Data on patients’ demographics, and chemotherapy agents dispensed (excluded: hormones) were obtained from the institution’s administrative databases. Type of treatment (research versus standard) was obtained from our chemotherapy dispensed database. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to determine the association between categorical variables.All statistically significant levels were determined with p values < 0.05. Results: Only 3.9% ...
An Analysis on Surveillance Data of AIDS/HIV National Sentinel among Drug Users in 2010-2011,Guiyang

Objective: To obtain the message of present status and changing trend of demography,behavior,and HIV infection among local drug users,so as to provide basis for relevant behavioral interventions.Methods: Information of demography,serology,ethology,and HIV prevention and treatment among local drug users were collected according to the national AIDS sentinel surveillance plan.Results: There were increases in female drug user proportion,and in cohabitant proportion in 2011;HIV-positive rate was 1.5% in 2010,and was 1.0% in 2011.Conclusions: During 2010 to 2011,data shows that Guiyang belongs to low risk HIV infection area.The increases of women drug user propotion,and sexual behavior proportion during forced rehabiliation indicate that we should strengthen education of health and safe sexual behavior to women.
Assessment of penetrant and vehicle mixture properties on transdermal permeability using a mixed effect pharmacokinetic model of ex vivo porcine skin.

The accurate prediction of the rate and extent of transdermal absorption from topical exposure to chemical mixtures would be beneficial in risk assessment and drug delivery applications. The isolated perfused porcine skin flap (IPPSF) has been used as an ex vivo model for assessing transdermal absorption from topical exposures. A mixed effect, pharmacokinetic tissue model was used to model finite dose, transdermal, absorption data from IPPSF experiments for 12 penetrants dosed in up to 10 different vehicles. The model was able to identify permeability constant, while accounting for between and within unit variability, across the entire data set. This approach provides a platform for exploring the relationship between covariates (chemical descriptors and functions thereof) and the model parameters. Successive models were employed that reduced the overall variability in the parameter estimate by modeling the parameters as functions of the covariates. Log kp was initially modeled as a function of LogP and MW of the pure penetrant (adjusted r2 = 0.48). The addition of mixture factors to account for the different dosing vehicles further improved the relationship: to r2 = 0.56 with Connolly molecular area (CMA) and r2 = 0.78 with the further addition of total polar surface area difference (TPSAd). The pharmacokinetic model and quantitative structure property relationship (QSPR) developed for the IPPSF may be relevant to clinical transdermal formulation development. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple forms of cytochrome P-450: catalytic differences exhibited by two homogeneous forms of rabbit cytochrome P-450.

Two highly purified forms of hepatic cytochrome P-450 were isolated from rabbits treated with the inducers phenobarbital and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Both forms were shown to be metabolically active when reconstituted with lipid and homogeneous NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase. Form 2, obtained from rabbits treated with phenobarbital, and form 4, purified from rabbits treated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, hydroxylated biphenyl at comparable rates (Vmax) 4.2 and 3.4 mol min-1 mol-1 cytochrome P-450, respectively, although with dissimilar apparent Km values, 31 µM and 9.6 µM, respectively. Form 4 was 60 times more active than form 2 in the deethylation of 7-ethoxyresorufin. Moreover, form 4 was five orders of magnitude more sensitive in the biphenyl reaction to the inhibitory effects of the differential inhibitor α-naphthoflavone than was form 2. Densitometric scans of sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoretograms revealed that microsomes from rabbits treated with phenobarbital exhibit a relative predominance of form 2. In similar fashion, microsomes from 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-treated animals show a dominance of form 4. The metabolic activities of the induced microsomes reflect the influence of the major form of cytochrome P-450. Similar trends are seen in the activities of phenobarbital-induced microsomes and reconstituted form 2 just as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced microsomes and reconstituted form 4 share like metabolic properties. Thus, the distinct catalytic capacities of multiple forms of cytochrome P-450 represent significant determinants of xenobiotic metabolism by the cytochrome P-450 system.
Pharmacological Induction of Cholinergic Hypofunction as a Tool for Evaluating Cholinergic Therapies

The cholinergic deficiency hypothesis as a cause of dementia and cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is still widely accepted, even though other neurotransmitters besides acetylcholine are also affected in AD. In fact, major current focus on therapies has emphasized reversal or attenuation of the cholinergic deficiency (as is evident from the contents of this book). Nevertheless, the only FDA approved drug currently on the market in the United States is the cholinesterase inhibitor, tacrine, although it induces only a modest curative effect. Availability of an animal in which a long-term cholinergic hypofunction has been pharmacologically induced would therefore be extremely useful as a tool for evaluating new cholinergic therapies. Such an animal model would also allow one to study the consequences of long-term cholinergic hypofunction on the vulnerability of associated physiological parameters.
Gale-Stewart Games

Gale-Stewart games illustrate the applications of \(\Pi_1^0\)-classes. In a Gale-Stewart game there are two players who alternately choose elements \(a_i \in \left\{0.1\right\}\).
The Hippocampus, Memory, and Consciousness

The study of patients with anterograde amnesia resulting from damage to the hippocampus and adjacent structures of the MTL has contributed enormously to our understanding of the organization of memory, of its relation to other aspects of cognition and behavior, and of its neural bases. Perhaps the most important principle to derive from the study of anterograde amnesia is that it is inaccurate to depict memory as a unitary domain of cognition, in the way that one might characterize vision or language. Indeed, a hallmark of a “pure” case of anterograde amnesia is the inability to encode (or learn) new information, despite relatively intact abilities to retrieve premorbid memories, to remember a small amount of information, such as a phone number, for tens of seconds or even longer, and to demonstrate the improvements that accompany repeated performance of routine behaviors or repeated exposure to stimuli. Also spared in anterograde amnesia is every other major domain of cognition–sensory perception, language comprehension and production, motor control, intelligence, and so on. Because this condition produces so circumscribed a deficit of cognition, it provides an interesting case with which to examine the relation of consciousness to memory versus other domains of cognition. The analysis in this chapter will begin with a review of the neurological exam and its implications, followed by the anatomical and physiological profile of the amnesic brain, followed by considerations of cognitive effects of damage to the MTL. It will end with a consideration of phenomenology.
What's Happening with Retirement Saving and Retirement Incomes? Better Data Tell a Better Story

Both households and policymakers are concerned about retirement security, amidst widespread perceptions that households are not saving adequately for retirement. But many of the commonly-cited data understate retirement plan availability and participation as well as the income that retirees derive from IRA and 401(k) plans. Moreover, many observers contrast these unduly pessimistic data with a prior "Golden Age" of traditional pensions, when data show that most U.S. workers never participated in such plans and onerous vesting requirements prevented many from receiving substantial benefits. A perception that most Americans are falling far short of their retirement saving goals may cause policymakers to overlook targeted polices to assist the smaller number of households who truly are at risk of an inadequate income in retirement.
Automating a Design Reuse Facility with Critical Parameters

We propose an interface design process compatible with scenario-based design methods, but specifically intended to facilitate three primary goals: design knowledge reuse, comparison of design products, and long-term research growth within HCI. This effort describes a computer-aided design tool suite, LINK-UP, which supports the design process for specific genre of systems that cross many domains-notification systems. We describe the vision for LINK-UP, contrasting underlying concepts with typical task-based modelling approaches. To achieve its stated goals, the design process is organised and guided by critical parameters, presenting several challenges that we reflect on through the results of a design simulation study. The possibilities envisioned through this approach have important implications for the integration of reusable design knowledge, HCI processes, and design support tools.
Internet-delivered obesity treatment improves symptoms of and risk for depression.

Objective In-person lifestyle interventions for obesity treatment yield significant improvements in depression. These improvements may be attributed to the excellent weight losses produced by in-person interventions. In contrast, Internet programs yield more modest weight losses, and their effect on depression is unknown. This study is the first to examine whether Internet-delivered obesity treatment impacts depressive symptoms. Methods Participants (N = 136) were randomized to either a community campaign plus Internet behavioral weight loss (IBWL) or community campaign alone (Control). IBWL did not include online social support components. A measure of depressive symptoms was administered, and weight was objectively assessed. Results Of the total sample, 24% met the clinical cutoff for elevated depression risk at baseline. IBWL participants lost more weight during treatment (P = 0.005) and experienced significantly greater improvements in depressive symptoms (P = 0.02). Among participants who met the clinical cutoff for elevated risk for depression at baseline, those assigned to IBWL had greater improvements in depressive symptoms during treatment compared to Control (P = 0.033). Consequently, at post-treatment, a smaller percentage of IBWL participants were at elevated risk for depression. Conclusions This study is the first to show that Internet-delivered obesity treatment improves depression risk and depressive symptoms in individuals with overweight or obesity.
Profiling Cellular Substrates of Lysine Acetyltransferases GCN5 and p300 with Orthogonal Labeling and Click Chemistry

p300 and GCN5 are two representative lysine acetyltransferases (KATs) in mammalian cells. It was recently reported that they possess multiple acyltransferase activities including acetylation, propionylation, and butyrylation of the e-amino group of lysine residues of histones and non-histone protein substrates. Although thousands of acetylated substrates and acetylation sites have been identified by mass spectrometry-based proteomic screening, our knowledge about the causative connections between individual KAT members and their corresponding sub-acylomes remain very limited. Herein, we applied 3-azidopropionyl CoA (3AZ-CoA) as a bioorthogonal surrogate of acetyl-, propionyl- and butyryl-CoA for KAT substrate identification. We successfully attached the azide as a chemical warhead to cellular substrates of wild-type p300 and engineered GCN5. The substrates were subsequently labeled with biotin tag through the copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). Following protein enrichment on streptavidin...
Stocker Beef Production on Low-Water-Input Systems in Response to Legume Inclusion: II. Water Footprint

Information on the water footprint of pasture-based beef production is useful for optimizing the allocation of groundwater to crop and livestock production. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of including legumes on three water footprints of grass-based, beef stocker grazing systems with respect to observed and total (observed plus predicted from hay production) liveweight gain (LWG). Water inputs for the calculations included total or effective rainfall, total or corrected drip irrigation, and water directly consumed by the steers. When including rainfall in the calculation, water footprints were 16.2 to 40.5 vs. 1.7 to 8.6 m³ kg⁻¹ LWG when including groundwater only. Inclusion of legumes into the system reduced each water footprint with respect to observed LWG in all years (P ≤ 0.01). When total LWG was considered, the water footprint was lower in the grass-legume system if rainfall (total or effective) was included (P < 0.01) but greater if the evaluation was restricted to irrigation and drinking water as inputs (P < 0.01). Overall, including legumes reduced the water footprint of beef LWG, largely because of greater rates of gain from the greater quality forages. Quantifying water use in the stocker phase adds a missing component in evaluating limited resources in the beef production life cycle. Managing legumes in mixture with warm-season grasses and as a protein bank can increase the efficiency of beef grazing systems, resulting in an overall lower water footprint for animal weight gain.
Defining Metabolic and Nonmetabolic Regulation of Histone Acetylation by NSAID Chemotypes.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are well-known for their effects on inflammatory gene expression. Although NSAIDs are known to impact multiple cellular signaling mechanisms, a recent finding is that the NSAID salicylate can disrupt histone acetylation, in part through direct inhibition of the lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) p300/CBP. While salicylate is a relatively weak KAT inhibitor, its CoA-linked metabolite is more potent; however, the ability of NSAID metabolites to inhibit KAT enzymes biochemically and in cells remains relatively unexplored. Here we define the role of metabolic and nonmetabolic mechanisms in inhibition of KAT activity by NSAID chemotypes. First, we screen a small panel of NSAIDs for biochemical inhibition of the prototypical KAT p300, leading to the finding that many carboxylate-containing NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, are able to function as weak inhibitors. Assessing the inhibition of p300 by ibuprofen-CoA, a known NSAID metabolite, reveals that linkage of ibuprofen to...
Stereoselective Dynamic Cyclization of Allylic Azides: Synthesis of Tetralins, Chromanes, and Tetrahydroquinolines.

This report describes the stereoselective synthesis of 3-azido-tetralins, -chromanes, and -tetrahydroquinolines via a tandem allylic azide rearrangement/Friedel–Crafts alkylation. Exposure of allylic azides with a pendant trichloroacetimidate to catalytic quantities of AgSbF6 proved optimal for this transformation. This cascade successfully differentiates the equilibrating azide isomers, providing products in excellent yield and selectivity (>25 examples, up to 94% yield and >25:1 dr). In many cases, the reactive isomer is only a trace fraction of the equilibrium mixture, keenly illustrating the dynamic nature of these systems. We demonstrate the utility of this process via a synthesis of hasubanan.
Multiple Kernel Learning Using Sparse Representation

This paper introduces a kernel machine for multiclass discrimination where the scoring function for each class is constructed using a linear combination over a predefined diverse library of kernel functions. The scoring function is built using an expanded set of the kernel library hence increasing the number of degrees of freedom to analyze the information content of each data sample. To choose the smallest set of kernels that best match desirable first-order moment properties of the class-conditional distribution a regularized linear least-squares problem is solved. The proposed multi-kernel machine is then demonstrated and benchmarked against similar techniques which rely on the use of a single kernel using a satellite imagery dataset for the purposes of discriminating among several vegetation and soil types.
State observers in the design of eigenstructures for enhanced sensitivity

Abstract The problem of closed-loop enhanced sensitivity design is as follows: Given a linear time invariant system, find a (realizable) feedback gain such that: (1) the closed-loop is stable in the reference and the potentially damaged states, and (2) the eigenstructure includes a subset of poles, with desirable derivatives, that lie in a part of the plane where identification is feasible. This paper shows that pole derivatives with respect to system parameters for a controller/observer system, contrary to the assumption often made, depend on both the controller and the observer gains, i.e. the separation principle holds for placing the poles but does not extend to the pole derivatives. Closed-form expressions for the derivatives with due consideration to both gains are presented. Examination shows that the sum of these derivatives is independent of both gains, is constant along the nonlinear paths traced by the poles as damage increases and, provided the damage affects only the stiffness, is nearly zero.
Effects of climate change on hydrology and water resources in the Blue Mountains, Oregon, USA

Abstract In the semi-arid environment of the Blue Mountains, Oregon (USA), water is a critical resource for both ecosystems and human uses and will be affected by climate change in both the near- and long-term. Warmer temperatures will reduce snowpack and snow-dominated watersheds will transition to mixed rain and snow, while mixed rain and snow dominated watersheds will shift towards rain dominated. This will result in high flows occurring more commonly in late autumn and winter rather than spring, and lower low flows in summer, phenomena that may already be occurring in the Pacific Northwest. Higher peak flows are expected to increase the frequency and magnitude of flooding, which may increase erosion and scouring of the streambed and concurrent risks to roads, culverts, and bridges. Mapping of projected peak flow changes near roads gives an opportunity to mitigate these potential risks. Diminished snowpack and low summer flows are expected to cause a reduction in water supply for aquatic ecosystems, agriculture, municipal consumption, and livestock grazing, although this effect will not be as prominent in areas with substantial amounts of groundwater. Advanced planning could help reduce conflict among water users. Responding pro-actively to climate risks by improving current management practices, like road design and water management as highlighted here, may be among the most efficient and effective methods for adaptation.
Testing for Trends in High-Dimensional Time Series

The article considers statistical inference for trends of high-dimensional time series. Based on a modified L2 distance between parametric and nonparametric trend estimators, we propose a de-diagon...
Explicit Vocabulary Instruction in Kindergarten: Case Studies of Students With and Without Language Disorders

Research demonstrates that children can make more significant gains through explicit instruction of vocabulary than implicit instruction (Blachowicz and Fisher in Teaching vocabulary in all classrooms, Allyn & Bacon, Boston, MA, 2010; Dalton and Grisham in Read Teach 64(5):306–317, 2011). Effective explicit instruction often includes high quality conversations with teachers and peers (Towson et al. in J Early Interv 38(4):230–246, 2016; Wasik in Read Teach 63(8):621–633, 2010). Data for this study were collected from a larger study designed to explore students’ use of vocabulary words following explicit instruction with the words during an interactive read-aloud. A deeper microanalysis of student discussion, scaffolded by adults, was conducted. The transcribed student discussions, recorded during peer talk, were analyzed using NVivo 10 (QSR International in NVivo (version 10). NVivo qualitative data analysis software, QSR International, Doncaster, VIC, 2012) software. These case studies describe the vocabulary development of two children with diagnosed speech and language disorders and one child without a speech and language impairment.
Nationalism and gender in the representation of non-Japanese characters’ speech in contemporary Japanese novels

This study demonstrates that two types of language ideologies (linguistic nationalism and feminine language normativity) influence how Japanese contemporary novels represent non-Japanese characters’ speech. It investigates the role of gender and observes that novelists only infrequently assign highly gendered utterance-final forms to non-Japanese characters when they speak in Japanese. This tendency is more salient among the representations of male non-Japanese characters. Masculine expressions seem to belong to a set of linguistic resources that are considered available only to the Japanese. This exclusivism, i.e., linguistic nationalism, might explain the lack of highly masculine forms among non-Japanese characters in novels. As for the relatively frequent assignment of gendered language for female characters, the normativity of feminine language makes it part of the basic language of all female speakers including non-Japanese individuals. In addition, feminine expressions are not as strongly associated with authenticity as masculine expressions.
Pavlovian extinction of fear with the original conditional stimulus, a generalization stimulus, or multiple generalization stimuli.

Abstract Exposure therapy for anxiety disorders is derived from Pavlovian extinction learning. With the aim of optimizing exposure therapy, the present study evaluated the effects of multiple extinction stimuli on inhibitory learning. In a differential fear conditioning procedure, participants were randomized to one of three extinction conditions: Extinction_CS+ received nine presentations of the original conditional stimulus (CS+); Extinction_Singular received nine presentations of a generalization stimulus (GS; stimulus similar to the CS+); and Extinction_Variety received one presentation each of nine GSs. One week later, participants returned for extinction test to the CS+, CS-, a GS from Extinction_Variety (Variable_GS), the GS from Extinction_Singular (Single_GS), and a novel GS (Novel_GS). Results showed that Extinction_CS+ exhibited less fear of the CS+ than Extinction_Singular (two dependent measures) and Extinction_Variety (three dependent measures). Additionally, Extinction_Singular had more fear of the Variable_GS than Extinction_Variety (two dependent measures) and Extinction_CS+ (one dependent measure). The results suggest that conducting extinction to the CS+ lessens conditional fear of the CS + more than extinction with GSs. Additionally, extinction with a variety of GSs lessens fear of those GSs more than repeated extinction with one GS. Results are discussed with relevance to exposure therapy for anxiety disorders.
Hearing Aids as a Treatment for Tinnitus Patients with Slight to Mild Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

Persons with clinically significant tinnitus also may have mild sensorineural hearing loss (MSNHL). The purpose of this study was to describe patients with tinnitus and MSNHL and factors predicting hearing-aid uptake (HAU). We conducted a retrospective chart review with regression modeling of patients presenting to a specialty tinnitus clinic over a 2.5-year period. Stepwise logistic regression on data from patient charts was conducted. Of 133 patients seen, two-thirds had MSNHL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 58.9–75.0; mean age = 53.4 years; standard deviation = 14.5); approximately 50% had severe-to-catastrophic tinnitus. Logistic regression indicated that four-frequency pure-tone average (FFPTA; left) (β = 0.3899, χ 2 = 10.96, degrees of freedom [DF] = 1, p = 0.0009) and age (β = 0.1273, χ 2 = 4.86, DF = 1, p = 0.0274) were positively associated with HAU; tinnitus severity was inversely related (β = − 1.0533, χ 2 = 4.24, DF = 1, p = 0.0395). Adjusting for key variables, odds of receiving hearing aids was 1.14 (95% CI: 1.01–1.27) times higher with every year increase in age, 1.48 (95% CI: 1.17–1.86) times higher per one point increase in FFPTA (left), and 0.35 (95% CI: 0.13–0.95) times less per one point increase in tinnitus severity score. Reasons why HAU was not high for this special sample of young adults with severe tinnitus and MSNHL are discussed; hearing aid treatment requires extensive counseling and follow-up for this population.
Cellular localization of an HIV-1 antigen in subacute AIDS encephalitis using an improved double-labeling immunohistochemical method

Among 102 brains obtained from patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), 34 cases with subacute AIDS encephalitis were characterized by immunohistochemistry using an antibody that binds to a human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein, gp41. This glycoprotein was detected in mononucleated and/or multinucleated cells in 90% of adult and 50% of pediatric brains with subacute AIDS encephalitis. In addition, many gp41-positive cells with bipolar or multipolar processes were found in 10 cases, and these cells occurred most frequently in the basal ganglia and internal capsule. The phenotype of the gp41-positive cells was determined using an improved double-labeling immunohistochemical technique that employed beta-galactosidase and peroxidase conjugated reagents. Cell-type specific markers for double-labeling included: Ricinus communis agglutinin-1 (RCA-1) for macrophages and microglia; Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 for endothelium; anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) for astrocytes; anti-amyloid precursor protein for neurons; and anti-leukocyte common antigen for leukocytes. Results of double-immunostaining revealed that gp41-positive cells of all morphologic types, including cells with bipolar or multipolar processes, were double-labeled with RCA-1, but not with markers for astrocytes, neurons, or endothelia. These findings support the contention that HIV-1 infection of the CNS is predominantly restricted to cells of the macrophage/microglia lineage.
Etiologies of sexual maturation: a model system based on the sexually maturing rat.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the etiologies of sexual maturation based on the studies performed in postulated models in rats and children. The chapter outlines the changes in blood in luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) during maturation in rats and other animal models. It also reviews influence of age in the postcastration rise of LH and FSH, feedback sensitivity to gonadal steroids, the response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and gonadal response to LH and FSH. The chapter further presents the investigation of gonadal responsiveness to gonadotropins in the immature female rat and the results of administering various doses of LH to 21-day-old immature animals beginning 5 days after hypophysectomy. These studies conclude that sexual maturation in male rats, and probably in pigs and cattle, is predominantly due to maturation at the gonadal level as a result of FSH induction of LH receptors resulting in increasing gonadal steroid secretion. However, two additional factors are also important in the case of human beings: (a) a central nervous system (CNS)-pituitary inhibitory effect on LH and FSH secretion prior to puberty, and (b) a sleep-induced peripubertal increase in LH and possibly FSH secretion.
Historical soil drainage mediates the response of soil greenhouse gas emissions to intense precipitation events

Precipitation events are increasing in intensity in the Midwestern US due to climate change. This is resulting in flooding of poorly-drained upland soils, which can feed back on climate change by altering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The objective of this study was to determine if soil drainage history affects the response of soil GHG emissions to rain events. To do this, we measured N2O and CO2 fluxes from poorly-drained (PD) and well-drained (WD) soils in an agricultural field in Urbana, Illinois before and after large rain events. We also performed a lab experiment to separate effects of soil drainage history from contemporary effects of ponding. Finally, we utilized stable isotope techniques to measure gross N2O dynamics and to determine the contributions of nitrifiers and denitrifiers to net N2O fluxes. We found that ponding of WD soils led to pulses of net N2O efflux caused by stimulation of gross N2O production by denitrifiers. In contrast, PD soils had high net N2O effluxes only between large rain events, and gross N2O production was inhibited following ponding. Soil CO2 efflux was greater from PD soils under lab conditions, but autotrophic respiration obscured this trend in the field. Soil GHG emissions were a result of different contemporary ponding status as well as historical soil drainage, suggesting that historical soil redox regimes regulate soil GHG dynamics in response to precipitation. These soil drainage legacy effects are likely important in predicting soil GHG feedback effects on climate change.
Ultrasound-triggered antibiotic release from PEEK clips to prevent spinal fusion infection: Initial evaluations.

Abstract Despite aggressive peri-operative antibiotic treatments, up to 10% of patients undergoing instrumented spinal surgery develop an infection. Like most implant-associated infections, spinal infections persist through colonization and biofilm formation on spinal instrumentation, which can include metal screws and rods for fixation and an intervertebral cage commonly comprised of polyether ether ketone (PEEK). We have designed a PEEK antibiotic reservoir that would clip to the metal fixation rod and that would achieve slow antibiotic release over several days, followed by a bolus release of antibiotics triggered by ultrasound (US) rupture of a reservoir membrane. We have found using human physiological fluid (synovial fluid), that higher levels (100–500 μg) of vancomycin are required to achieve a marked reduction in adherent bacteria vs. that seen in the common bacterial medium, trypticase soy broth. To achieve these levels of release, we applied a polylactic acid coating to a porous PEEK puck, which exhibited both slow and US-triggered release. This design was further refined to a one-hole or two-hole cylindrical PEEK reservoir that can clip onto a spinal rod for clinical use. Short-term release of high levels of antibiotic (340 ± 168 μg), followed by US-triggered release was measured (7420 ± 2992 μg at 48 h). These levels are sufficient to prevent adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus to implant materials. This study demonstrates the feasibility of an US-mediated antibiotic delivery device, which could be a potent weapon against spinal surgical site infection. Statement of Significance Spinal surgical sites are prone to bacterial colonization, due to presence of instrumentation, long surgical times, and the surgical creation of a dead space (≥5 cm3) that is filled with wound exudate. Accordingly, it is critical that new approaches are developed to prevent bacterial colonization of spinal implants, especially as neither bulk release systems nor controlled release systems are available for the spine. This new device uses non-invasive ultrasound (US) to trigger bulk release of supra-therapeutic doses of antibiotics from materials commonly used in existing surgical implants. Thus, our new delivery system satisfies this critical need to eradicate surviving bacteria, prevent resistance, and markedly lower spinal infection rates.
Locke on testimony

There is good reason to regard John Locke’s treatment of testimony as perhaps the most important of the early modern period. It is sophisticated, well developed, pioneering, and seems to have given...
Examining gender differences in reintegrative shaming theory: the role of shame acknowledgment

Reintegrative shaming theory operates on the assumption that shaming from important others is gendered: women are more likely than men to conform and desist from offending. This study examines the validity of this assumption using measures of parent shame, peer shame, and shame acknowledgment to determine the impact of shame on offending and conformity. Using waves six and seven of the National Youth Survey Family Study data, zero-inflated negative binomial modeling is employed to examine the impact of reintegrative shaming on female and male offending and non-offending behavior among a probability sample of adults (N = 1227). Parent shaming is not a significant predictor of offending, but peer shaming is influential. The relationship between gender and conformity was mediated by shame acknowledgement. Although the reintegrative shaming process is not as influential as the theory had predicted, the importance of shame for explaining prevalence in women is demonstrated.
Governing a Global Commons: Sharks in the High Seas

The purpose of this Article is to address the problem of shark population depletion in the high seas due to finning at an international level. This Article first offers an introduction to the problem of shark finning, distilling the fundamental issues the international community must address. Second, the Article explains the mechanics, strengths, and weaknesses of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Third, the Article provides several recommendations, first advocating for remedying the parts of the UNCLOS regime that are failing and against a general reliance on the CITES regime for shark protection. It then considers what a shark conservation treaty should look like, if one were adopted, and the need for a Global Fishery Management Organization (GFMO). And, finally, the Article advocates for increased and strategically focused diplomatic efforts with China to promote the full adoption and implementation of existing and potentially new international fishery laws pertaining to sharks.
SOCIOLINGUISTIC COMPETENCE AND INTERPRETING VARIABLE STRUCTURES IN A SECOND LANGUAGE: A STUDY OF THE COPULA CONTRAST IN NATIVE AND SECOND-LANGUAGE SPANISH

Learners must develop the ability to vary language according to linguistic and situational factors to produce context-appropriate utterances. Likewise, interpreting the additional meaning conveyed through language variation is essential for successful communication. Nevertheless, research on the interpretation of the variable copulas in Spanish is scarce and we do not know how individual lexical items and patterns of co-occurrence of adjectives with particular copulas influence interpretation. Addressing this void, we compare interpretation of the copulas by native speakers and highly advanced, advanced, and intermediate learners. Participants completed an interpretation task containing the copulas paired with one of nine adjectives, categorized as typically co-occurring with ser, estar, or both copulas. The current study contributes to the body of work on communicative competence and advanced L2 proficiency by exploring the development of interpretative abilities of English-speaking learners of Spanish and the extent to which interpretation differs across adjective classes and individual adjectives.
Zero-valent Au, Cu, and Sn intercalation into GeS nanoribbons: tailoring ultrafast photoconductive response

Germanium sulfide (GeS) is a 2D semiconductor with high carrier mobility and a moderate band gap (~1.5 eV for multilayer crystals), which holds promise for high-speed optoelectronics and energy conversion. Here, we use time resolved THz spectroscopy to investigate how intercalation of Au, Cu, and Sn impacts the photoexcited carrier dynamics and transient photoconductivity of GeS nanoribbons. We find that zero-valent metals affect the photoexcited carrier lifetime and mobility in different ways. Intercalation of GeS with Cu reduces the lifetime of carriers from ~ 120 ps to 60 ps, while Au and Sn intercalation do not. At the same time, intercalation with Cu, Sn and Au significantly enhances the scattering time of photoexcited carriers (~120 fs vs ~65 fs without intercalation), highlighting the potential of zero-valent metal intercalation as a tool for engineering the optoelectronic properties of GeS nanostructures for application in high-speed electronic devices.