cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Depletion of centromeric MCAK leads to chromosome congression and segregation defects due to improper kinetochore attachments.

The complex behavior of chromosomes during mitosis is accomplished by precise binding and highly regulated polymerization dynamics of kinetochore microtubules. Previous studies have implicated Kin Is, unique kinesins that depolymerize microtubules, in regulating chromosome positioning. We have characterized the immunofluorescence localization of centromere-bound MCAK and found that MCAK localized to inner kinetochores during prophase but was predominantly centromeric by metaphase. Interestingly, MCAK accumulated at leading kinetochores during congression but not during segregation. We tested the consequences of MCAK disruption by injecting a centromere dominant-negative protein into prophase cells. Depletion of centromeric MCAK led to reduced centromere stretch, delayed chromosome congression, alignment defects, and severe missegregation of chromosomes. Rates of chromosome movement were unchanged, suggesting that the primary role of MCAK is not to move chromosomes. Furthermore, we found that disruption of MCAK leads to multiple kinetochore–microtubule attachment defects, including merotelic, syntelic, and combined merotelic-syntelic attachments. These findings reveal an essential role for Kin Is in prevention and/or correction of improper kinetochore–microtubule attachments.
A model for signal representation at the output of the cochlea based on minimum phase signals

The authors propose a model for signal representation at the output of the cochlea based on minimum phase (MP) signals. A minimum phase signal has the property that its phase and the logarithm of its envelope are related by Hilbert transformation. Hence by retaining either the phase or the envelope the entire signal can be represented to within a scale factor. First the authors show how to convert a given signal into one that is minimum phase by suitably adding a sinewave at the band-edge of the signal. Subsequently the authors show how to recover the original signal from the minimum phase signal's phase or envelope. With this procedure signals can be automatically scaled (automatic gain control) to lie within a given dynamic range; the authors conjecture that such a procedure may indeed be used by the cochlea to represent signals that vary in intensity over several orders of magnitude. >
Attachment style, empathy, and helping following a collective loss: Evidence from the September 11 terrorist attacks

This study examined the relationships between avoidant and ambivalent attachment dimensions, empathy, and helping behavior in the context of one of the most tragic examples of collective loss in the USA. US college students (314 total: 219 females, 95 males) completed questionnaires between 20 and 42 days after the September 11 terrorist attacks. Results from this correlational study confirm previous laboratory experiments finding that attachment style may be related to people's ability to experience empathy and engage in helping behavior. Following the terrorist attacks, those with lower scores on avoidant attachment (i.e., more secure individuals) reported greater empathy with the bereaved. No association was found between the anxious attachment dimension and empathy, most likely due to a curvilinear relationship. Empathy for the bereaved was significantly correlated with helping behavior. Although neither attachment dimension was directly associated with collective helping behavior, avoidant attachment was negatively and indirectly related to collective helping behavior via its relationship with empathy for the bereaved.
Computer Crime Investigations in the United States: Leveraging Knowledge from the Past to Address the Future

Many traditional crimes are now being aided or abetted through the use of computers and networks, and wrongdoing previously never imagined has surfaced because of the incredible capabilities of information systems. Computer crimes are requiring law enforcement departments in general and criminal investigators in particular to tailor an increasing amount of their efforts toward successfully identifying, apprehending, and assisting in the successful prosecution of perpetrators. In the following text, key research findings in the area of traditional American criminal investigations are summarized. Similarities and differences between traditional and computer crime investigations are then presented, and consequent implications are discussed. Pragmatic suggestions as to how American computer crime investigative task forces can most competently fulfill their intended objectives are given in conclusion via a hypothetical example of a specialized unit. It is hoped that past knowledge can be assimilated with current observations of computer-related criminality to inform and guide the science of police investigations in the future.
Comments on: “The significance of shearing displacements for the mechanical stimulation of cochlear hair cells” (J. Tonndorf)

The purpose of this Comment is to clarify a common misconception pertaining to von Bekesy’s data (1953) obtained with the vibrating electrode. Some of these data serve as an important foundation to Dr. Tonndorf’s scheme of cochlear function. We have demonstrated that the microphonic (CM) output of inner hair cells is significantly (30–40 dB) below that of the outer hair cells (e.g. Dallos, 1973). This means that the CM measured from a normal ear is completely dominated by the outputs of outer hair cells. As a consequence, all of von Bekesy’s studies utilizing the vibrating electrode reflect the output properties of outer hair cells. Specifically, those results imply that outer hair cells are excited in proportion to basilar membrane displacement, and that the apparent directional sensitivity shown in Dr. Tonndorf’s Fig. 2 (von Bekesy, 1960, p.707) reflects the changing excitation of outer hair cells depending on the locus of stimulus application. Thus there is no experimental evidence that would suggest that the inner hair cells are primarily sensitive to longitudinal shear.
Predictors of nutrition counseling behaviors and attitudes in US medical students

Background Nutrition counseling by physicians can improve patients' dietary behaviors and is affected by physicians' nutrition practices and attitudes, such as the perceived relevance of nutrition counseling. Objective The objective was to provide data on medical students' perceived relevance of nutrition counseling, reported frequency of nutrition counseling, and frequency of fruit and vegetable intakes. Design Students (n = 2316) at 16 US medical schools were surveyed and tracked at freshmen orientation, at the time of orientation to wards, and in their senior year. Results Freshmen students were more likely (72%) to find nutrition counseling highly relevant than were students at the time of ward orientation (61%) or during their senior year (46%; P for trend = 0.0003). Those intending to subspecialize had lower and declining perceptions of counseling relevance (P for trend = 0.0009), whereas the perceived relevance of counseling by primary care specialists remained high (P for trend = 0.5). Students were significantly more likely to find nutrition counseling highly relevant if they were female, consumed more fruit and vegetables, believed in primary prevention, had personal physicians who encouraged disease prevention, or intended to specialize in primary care. Only 19% of students believed that they had been extensively trained in nutrition counseling, and 17% of seniors reported that they frequently counseled their patients about nutrition. Students who consumed more fruit and vegetables, believed that they would be more credible if they ate a healthy diet, were not Asian or white, or intended to specialize in primary care counseled patients about nutrition more frequently. Medical students consumed an average of 3.0 fruit and vegetable servings/d, which declined over time. Conclusions The perceived relevance of nutrition counseling by US medical students declined throughout medical school, and students infrequently counseled their patients about nutrition. Interventions may be warranted to improve the professional nutritional practices of medical students.
Protecting the Discipline: Loosely Coupled Systems

The focus of this column is the idea of collaborative research as part of sweeping changes that the Institute of Medicine has recommended for the future of nursing. An overview of the recommendations will be presented followed by a cursory review of the concept of collaboration, and a discussion of a theoretical model. Barriers to interdisciplinary collaboration will also be entertained. Finally, loosely coupled systems will be proposed as a way to protect the profession of nursing.
Activation of G Protein-Coupled Receptor 43 in Adipocytes Leads to Inhibition of Lipolysis and Suppression of Plasma Free Fatty Acids

G protein-coupled receptor 43 (GPR43) has been identified as a receptor for short-chain fatty acids that include acetate and propionate. A potential involvement of GPR43 in immune and inflammatory response has been previously suggested because its expression is highly enriched in immune cells. GPR43 is also expressed in a number of other tissues including adipocytes; however, the functional consequences of GPR43 activation in these other tissues are not clear. In this report, we focus on the potential functions of GPR43 in adipocytes. We show that adipocytes treated with GPR43 natural ligands, acetate and propionate, exhibit a reduction in lipolytic activity. This inhibition of lipolysis is the result of GPR43 activation, because this effect is abolished in adipocytes isolated from GPR43 knockout animals. In a mouse in vivo model, we show that the activation of GPR43 by acetate results in the reduction in plasma free fatty acid levels without inducing the flushing side effect that has been observed by the activation of nicotinic acid receptor, GPR109A. These results suggest a potential role for GPR43 in regulating plasma lipid profiles and perhaps aspects of metabolic syndrome.
Preschoolers' Responses to Social Comparisons Involving Relative Failure

Prior work indicates that preschoolers (ages 4-5) maintain high self-appraisals and behavioral engagement after performing less well than their peers. This study tested the hypothesis that relative failure has more negative consequences for preschoolers when they interpret achievement differences as being tied to membership in social categories (e.g., when members of different categories have different achievement levels), as opposed to variations in individual effort. Preschoolers (N= 58) were randomly assigned to receive feedback that a same-gender, other-gender, or gender-unidentified peer performed better than they did on a novel task. Experiences of failure relative to other-gender peers resulted in impaired performance on a subsequent task trial, as well as lack of improvement in self-evaluations after children received more positive feedback. These findings have implications for the origins of social comparisons, category-based reasoning, and the development of gender stereotypes and achievement motivation.
Alterations in regional ventilation, perfusion, and shunt after smoke inhalation measured by PET

Regional changes in ventilation and perfusion occurring in the early hours after smoke inhalation injury were evaluated through the use of positron emission tomography. Five lambs were imaged before and 1, 2, and 4 h after receiving 100 breaths of cotton smoke. Utilizing a recently developed model of13N tracer kinetics (3), we evaluated changes in ventilation, perfusion, shunt, and regional gas content in nondependent, middle, and dependent lung zones. The data demonstrated a progressive development of regional shunt in dependent (dorsal) regions in which perfusion remained the highest throughout the study. These findings, together with decreasing regional ventilation and fractional gas content in the dependent regions, correlated with decreasing arterial PaO2 values over the course of the study. A negative correlation between regional shunt fraction and regional gas content in dependent and middle regions suggests that shunt was caused by progressive alveolar derecruitment or flooding.
Structural, compositional and trait differences between native- and non-native-dominated grassland patches

Summary Non-native species with growth forms that are different from the native flora may alter the physical structure of the area they invade, thereby changing the resources available to resident species. This in turn can select for species with traits suited for the new growing environment. We used adjacent uninvaded and invaded grassland patches to evaluate whether the shift in dominance from a native perennial bunchgrass, Nassella pulchra, to the early season, non-native annual grass, Bromus diandrus, affects the physical structure, available light, plant community composition and community-weighted trait means. Our field surveys revealed that the exotic grass B. diandrus alters both the vertical and horizontal structure creating more dense continuous vegetative growth and dead plant biomass than patches dominated by N. pulchra. These differences in physical structure are responsible for a threefold reduction in available light and likely contribute to the lower diversity, especially of native forbs in B. diandrus-dominated patches. Further, flowering time began earlier and seed size and plant height were higher in B. diandrus patches relative to N. pulchra patches. Our results suggest that species that are better suited (earlier phenology, larger seed size and taller) for low light availability are those that coexist with B. diandrus, and this is consistent with our hypothesis that change in physical structure with B. diandrus invasion is an important driver of community and trait composition. The traits of species able to coexist with invaders are rarely considered when assessing community change following invasion; however, this may be a powerful approach for predicting community change in environments with high anthropogenic pressures, such as disturbance and nutrient enrichment. It also provides a means for selecting species to introduce when trying to enhance native diversity in an otherwise invaded community.
A group randomized controlled trial integrating obesity prevention and control for postpartum adolescents in a home visiting program

Adolescence represents a critical period for the development of overweight that tracks into adulthood. This risk is significantly heightened for adolescents that become pregnant, many of whom experience postpartum weight retention. The aim of this study was to evaluate Balance Adolescent Lifestyle Activities and Nutrition Choices for Energy (BALANCE), a multicomponent obesity prevention intervention targeting postpartum adolescents participating in a national home visiting child development-parent education program. A group randomized, nested cohort design was used with 1325 adolescents, 694 intervention and 490 control, (mean age = 17.8 years, 52 % underrepresented minorities) located across 30 states. Participatory methods were used to integrate lifestyle behavior change strategies within standard parent education practice. Content targeted replacement of high-risk obesogenic patterns (e.g. sweetened drink and high fat snack consumption, sedentary activity) with positive behaviors (e.g. water intake, fruit and vegetables, increased walking). Parent educators delivered BALANCE through home visits, school based classroom-group meetings, and website activities. Control adolescents received standard child development information. Phase I included baseline to posttest (12 months); Phase II included baseline to follow-up (24 months). When compared to the control group, BALANCE adolescents who were ≥12 weeks postpartum were 89 % more likely (p = 0.02) to maintain a normal BMI or improve an overweight/obese BMI by 12 months; this change was not sustained at 24 months. When compared to the control group, BALANCE adolescents significantly improved fruit and vegetable intake (p = .03). In stratified analyses, water intake improved among younger BALANCE teens (p = .001) and overweight/obese BALANCE teens (p = .05) when compared to control counterparts. There were no significant differences between groups in sweetened drink and snack consumption or walking. Prevention of postpartum weight retention yields immediate health benefits for the adolescent mother and may prevent the early development or progression of maternal obesity, which contributes to the intergenerational transmission of obesity to her offspring. Implementing BALANCE through a national home visiting organization may hold promise for promoting positive lifestyle behaviors associated with interruption of the progression of maternal obesity. ClinicalTrails.gov NCT01617486 .
Crystal engineering of an nbo topology metal-organic framework for chemical fixation of CO2 under ambient conditions

Crystal engineering of the nbo metal-organic framework (MOF) platform MOF-505 with a custom-designed azamacrocycle ligand (1,4,7,10-tetrazazcyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetra-p-methylbenzoic acid) leads to a high density of well-oriented Lewis active sites within the cuboctahedral cage in MMCF-2, [Cu2(Cu-tactmb)(H2O)3(NO3)2]. This MOF demonstrates high catalytic activity for the chemical fixation of CO2 into cyclic carbonates at room temperature under 1 atm pressure.
Shear-induced resistance to neutrophil activation via the formyl peptide receptor

The ability of activated leukocytes to retract pseudopods in response to fluid shear stress may be a critical mechanism to downregulate inflammation and maintain stable circulation. By measuring earlier indicators of leukocyte activation such as L-selectin shedding and β2 integrin activation, which precede morphological changes, we have found that exposure to physiological levels of fluid shear stress makes neutrophils more resistant to activation via the formyl peptide receptor (FPR), a chemoattractant G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR). After exposure to uniform shear stress in a cone-and-plate viscometer, primary human neutrophils showed a significant reduction to both β2 integrin activation and L-selectin shedding in response to a 0.5 nM concentration of formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Neutrophil resistance to activation was shown via flow cytometry to be shear stress dose-dependent, with neutrophil resistance to increasing from 0.1–4.0 dyn/cm2. Overall, neutrophils acquired a fluid shear stress-induced resistance to activation via FPR. Control of this receptor activity may enhance leukocyte circulation in the bloodstream. This work may also serve as an example for other GPCR mechanosensing phenomena.
Hybrid diffusion and two-flux approximation for multilayered tissue light propagation modeling

Accurate and rapid estimation of fluence, reflectance, and absorbance in multilayered biological media has been essential in many biophotonics applications that aim to diagnose, cure, or model in vivo tissue. The radiative transfer equation (RTE) rigorously models light transfer in absorbing and scattering media. However, analytical solutions to the RTE are limited even in simple homogeneous or plane media. Monte Carlo simulation has been used extensively to solve the RTE. However, Monte Carlo simulation is computationally intensive and may not be practical for applications that demand real-time results. Instead, the diffusion approximation has been shown to provide accurate estimates of light transport in strongly scattering tissue. The diffusion approximation is a greatly simplified model and produces analytical solutions for the reflectance and absorbance in tissue. However, the diffusion approximation breaks down if tissue is strongly absorbing, which is common in the visible part of the spectrum or in applications that involve darkly pigmented skin and/or high local volumes of blood such as port-wine stain therapy or reconstructive flap monitoring. In these cases, a model of light transfer that can accommodate both strongly and weakly absorbing regimes is required. Here we present a model of light transfer through layered biological media that represents skin with two strongly scattering and one strongly absorbing layer.
Muscovite-bearing granites in the AFM liquidus projection

The AFM projection (A=AI2O3-K2O-Na2O-CaO, F = FeO, M = MgO) provides a conienient-way tdilustrate the liquidus reactions involving muscovite (Mus), an alu- minum silicate mineral (Als:AI2SiO5, andalusite, sil_ limanite or kyanite), biotite @io), cordi;rite (Cdt) and sili_ cate liquids (LiO saturated with quartz (etz), alkali feldspar (Ksp) and plagioclase @la). Building on the work of Thompson (1982), it is shown that the AFM liquidus field for Mus (Mus + Liq + Qtz + Ksp + pla) suppresses the liq- uidus fields for Als (Als + Liq + etz + Ksp + pla) and Cdt (Cdt+Liq+Qtz+Ksp+Pla). By analogy it is suggested that for H2O-undersaturated liquids, the liquidus fiad for Mus should also suppress a liquidus field for Gar (Gar + Liq + Qtz + Ksp + Pla). It foilows that at high pres- sures, all Qtz-Ksp-Pla-saturated AFM liquids conClude ideal fractional crystallization on the etz+Ksp+pla+ Mus + Bio = Liq reaction. This accounts for the observa- tion that most muscovite-bearing granites also have bio- tite, but no other AFM minerals. The appearance ofgar- net late during fractional crystallization is attributable ro the non-AFM component MnO. Spessartine-rich garner crystallizes when the liquid, biotite and muscovite become saturated with Mn2+.
A possible triggering mechanism for large Hawaiian earthquakes derived from analysis of the 26 June 1989 Kilauea south flank sequence

Abstract Examination of short-period seismic data from the M L = 6.1 Kilauea south flank earthquake and aftershock sequence indicates that the rupture process in large Hawaiian earthquakes is more complex than previously modeled. In contrast to the low-angle thrust solution determined for the mainshock from long-period teleseismic body waves by other workers, I find an intermediate- to high-angle reverse solution; I find, however, that focal mechanisms for coastal aftershocks of M L > 3.0 are similar to the teleseismic mechanism for the mainshock. A difference in focal mechanisms determined from short-period local-network seismic data and from long-period teleseismic data has been noted for other recent large Hawaiian earthquakes. Both the mapping of surface cracks and the focal mechanism derived from short-period seismic data for the M L = 6.6 1983 Kaoiki earthquake show strike-slip motion, whereas the centroid moment tensor solution shows low-angle thrusting. The focal mechanism calculated from short-period seismic data for the M L = 7.2 1975 Kalapana mainshock shows low-angle thrusting according to some workers, but intermediate- to high-angle reverse faulting according to others, whereas focal mechanisms calculated from long-period seismic data show low-angle thrusting. This result suggests that rupture initiation in large Hawaiian earthquakes, as represented by the short-period focal mechanisms, differs significantly from the overall rupture process, as represented by the teleseismic mechanisms. I propose that small earthquakes trigger the large-scale energy release at the bases of the volcanic edifices, the type of energy release often observed in large Hawaiian earthquakes. These triggering events may occur along rupture surfaces that differ from those along which the long-period moment release occurs and thus may represent release of a local stress concentration superposed upon the regional stress field.
Autonomous on-board Near Earth Object detection

Most large asteroid population discovery has been accomplished to date by Earth-based telescopes. It is speculated that most of the smaller Near Earth Objects (NEOs) that are less than 100 meters in diameter, whose impact can create substantial city-size damage, have not yet been discovered. Many asteroids cannot be detected with an Earth-based telescope given their size and/or their location with respect to the Sun. We are investigating the feasibility of deploying asteroid detection algorithms on-board a spacecraft, thereby minimizing the expense and need to downlink large collection of images. Having autonomous on-board image analysis algorithms enables the deployment of a spacecraft at approximately 0.7 AU heliocentric or Earth-Sun L1/L2 halo orbits, removing some of the challenges associated with detecting asteroids with Earth-based telescopes. We describe an image analysis algorithmic pipeline developed and targeted for on-board asteroid detection and show that its performance is consistent with deployment on flight-qualified hardware.
Institutionalizing Neoliberalism: 21st‐Century Capitalism, Market Sprawl, and Social Policy in the United States

Neoliberalism is a foundational expression of 21st-century capitalism. This article advances critiques of neoliberal influences on social welfare in the United States by detailing how core neoliberal principles such as individualism, freedom of choice, rationality, self-interest, utilization of market mechanisms, and non-intervention of the state have become institutionalized in contemporary social services as (i) welfare capitalism, (ii) privatization, (iii) contract service delivery, (iv) individual savings strategies, (v) voucher systems, (vi) consumer-directed spending, and (vii) labor market activation. The authors provide an overview of capitalism and classic economic liberalism as incubators of neoliberalism and describe each mechanism and propose a framework to visualize their interrelated structure. As indicators of market sprawl, these mechanisms express and perpetuate deep market involvement in the health and human service sector. It is argued that the neoliberal institutionalization of social services is antithetical to the goals of a modern welfare system, and instead creates punitive and restrictive programs and policies. Recommended actions include critique and empirical examination of how market mechanisms influence the social services sector, specifically regarding the intermediary role of government-funded private sector service provision.
Size-Resolved Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Emission Factors from On-Road Gasoline and Diesel Vehicles: Temperature Effect on the Nuclei-Mode

Motor vehicles are a major source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emissions in urban areas. Motor vehicle emission control strategies have included improvements in engine design, exhaust emission control, and fuel reformulation. Therefore, an updated assessment of the effects of the shifts in fuels and vehicle technologies on PAH vehicular emission factors (EFs) is needed. We have evaluated the effects of ambient temperature on the size-resolved EFs of nine US EPA Priority Pollutant PAH, down to 10 nm diameter, from on-road California gasoline light-duty vehicles with spark ignition (SI) and heavy-duty diesels with compression ignition (CI) in summer 2004 and winter 2005. During the winter, for the target PAH with the lowest subcooled equilibrium vapor pressure --benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[ghi]perylene, and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene-- the mass in the nucleation mode, defined here as particles with dp <32 nm, ranged between 14 and 38% for SI vehicles and 29 and 64% for CI vehicles. Our observations of the effect of temperature on the mass of PAH in the nucleation mode are similar to the observed effect of temperature on the number concentration of diesel exhaust particles in the nucleation mode in a previous report.
Bargaining Behavior in a Buyer-Seller Dyad

Sales negotiations require communication that can be explicit or tacit, in which the salesman and buyer interpret each other's behavior. Studies of this interaction process have shown that customers' and salesmen's values [9], expectations [15], and communication expertise [1] affect the relationship. For example, the more alike the salesman and his prospect (demographically, physically, etc.), the greater the likelihood of a sale [6, 7]. But actual similarity may not be as powerful a predictor of behavior as perceived similarity [2, 3, 8, 14]. One study suggests that "people talk to and are influenced by persons who are more or less like themselves" [6], so a salesman should be a more influential persuader if he is perceived as sharing characteristics with the buyer. Their common background would provide them with a stockpile of shared signs and symbols with which to communicate.
Functional Hypoglycemia and Peptic Ulcer

Functional hypoglycemia in peptic ulcer patients who have not had gastrectomy has generally gone unrecognized. It has been reported to occur in as many as two-thirds of all patients with peptic ulcer. As a working hypothesis of the cause of this reactive hypoglycemia, a sequence of gastric hyper-motility, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinism and hypoglycemia and gastric hypersecretion is suggested. Characteristic features observed in a group of 22 cases are presented and six illustrative cases are described.
Coaching Family Caregivers to Become Better Problem Solvers When Caring for Persons with Advanced Cancer

Family caregivers of persons with advanced cancer often take on responsibilities that present daunting and complex problems. Serious problems that go unresolved may be burdensome and result in negative outcomes for caregivers' psychological and physical health and affect the quality of care delivered to the care recipients with cancer, especially at the end of life. Formal problem-solving training approaches have been developed over the past several decades to assist individuals with managing problems faced in daily life. Several of these problem-solving principles and techniques were incorporated into ENABLE (Educate, Nurture, Advise, Before Life End), an "early" palliative care telehealth intervention for individuals diagnosed with advanced cancer and their family caregivers. A hypothetical case resembling the situations of actual caregiver participants in ENABLE that exemplifies the complex problems that caregivers face is presented, followed by presentation of an overview of ENABLE's problem-solving key principles, techniques, and steps in problem-solving support. Though more research is needed to formally test the use of problem-solving support in social work practice, social workers can easily incorporate these techniques into everyday practice.
Evaluation and Management of Voiding Disorders in Children

The author examines the non-neuropathic voiding disturbances of childhood in an attempt to develop a practical approach to their evaluation and management. Analysis of each child's presenting symptoms permits a classification into voiding pattern disturbances that are benign and those that are potentially harmful. Such an approach helps to define the indication for and scope of urologic investigation and aids in treatment selection.
Student Constructions of Fit: Narratives About Incongruence at a Faith-Based University

ABSTRACTDecades of student persistence and retention literature has brought to light factors of social, academic, and religious fit that influence a student's decision to remain at or depart from an institution. At Christian institutions, increasing student pluralism raises the likelihood that students will not fit religiously. This qualitative study of 21 first-time, full-time students contributes to the existing literature by exploring how students who already feel they do not fit for religious reasons work at constructing a sense of fit at a Christian research university. Many participants coped with religious discontinuity by redefining specifically Christian practices and teachings in terms that were personally palatable: as either general moral lessons that would help them to be a better person or as cultural insights that would benefit them social and professionally in the future. In many cases, university staff were instrumental. Finally, participants worked to construct an acceptable level of fit...
Prognostic factors associated with hepatitis C disease: a case-control study utilizing U.S. multiple-cause-of-death data.

OBJECTIVE Hepatitis C, an important cause of premature mortality, is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States. The severity of disease is strongly affected by a number of other medical conditions and health behaviors. We sought to estimate the association of several exposures with hepatitis C on death certificates. METHODS We enrolled 63,189 hepatitis C deaths as cases in a case-control study using multiple-cause-of-death data for the U.S. from 1999 to 2004. Three control groups were assembled from all remaining deaths with no mention of hepatitis C, including a random sample of all deaths, digestive disease deaths, and circulatory disease deaths. RESULTS Hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hemochromatosis, and alcohol use were all strongly associated with hepatitis C, even after controlling for confounding variables. The simultaneous presence of many of these exposures had a synergistic association with hepatitis C being listed as a cause of death. Hepatitis B, HIV, and alcohol use were recorded among 6.4%, 10.5%, and 18.2% of case deaths, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The strong association of alcohol use, HIV, and hepatitis B with hepatitis C, as well as the frequent occurrence of these conditions, indicates that targeted interventions for mitigating the potential effect of these exposures may present an efficient means of limiting progression of hepatitis C-related liver disease and reducing the population burden of hepatitis C mortality.
Vegetative response to water availability on the San Carlos Apache Reservation

Abstract On the San Carlos Apache Reservation in east-central Arizona, U.S.A., vegetation types such as ponderosa pine forests, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and grasslands have significant ecological, cultural, and economic value for the Tribe. This value extends beyond the tribal lands and across the Western United States. Vegetation across the Southwestern United States is susceptible to drought conditions and fluctuating water availability. Remotely sensed vegetation indices can be used to measure and monitor spatial and temporal vegetative response to fluctuating water availability conditions. We used the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-derived Modified Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index II (MSAVI2) to measure the condition of three dominant vegetation types (ponderosa pine forest, woodland, and grassland) in response to two fluctuating environmental variables: precipitation and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). The study period covered 2002 through 2014 and focused on a region within the San Carlos Apache Reservation. We determined that grassland and woodland had a similar moderate to strong, year-round, positive relationship with precipitation as well as with summer SPEI. This suggests that these vegetation types respond negatively to drought conditions and are more susceptible to initial precipitation deficits. Ponderosa pine forest had a comparatively weaker relationship with monthly precipitation and summer SPEI, indicating that it is more buffered against short-term drought conditions. This research highlights the response of multiple, dominant vegetation types to seasonal and inter-annual water availability. This research demonstrates that multi-temporal remote sensing imagery can be an effective tool for the large scale detection of vegetation response to adverse impacts from climate change and support potential management practices such as increased monitoring and management of drought-affected areas. Different vegetation types displayed various responses to water availability, further highlighting the need for individual management plans for forest and woodland, especially considering the projected drier conditions in the Southwest U.S. and other arid or semi-arid regions around the world.
Orientation-specific RAG activity in chromosomal loop domains contributes to Tcrd V(D)J recombination during T cell development

T cell antigen receptor δ (Tcrd) variable region exons are assembled by RAG-initiated V(D)J recombination events in developing γδ thymocytes. Here, we use linear amplification-mediated high-throughput genome-wide translocation sequencing (LAM-HTGTS) to map hundreds of thousands of RAG-initiated Tcrd D segment (Trdd1 and Trdd2) rearrangements in CD4(-)CD8(-) double-negative thymocyte progenitors differentiated in vitro from bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem cells. We find that Trdd2 joins directly to Trdv, Trdd1, and Trdj segments, whereas Trdd1 joining is ordered with joining to Trdd2, a prerequisite for further rearrangement. We also find frequent, previously unappreciated, Trdd1 and Trdd2 rearrangements that inactivate Tcrd, including sequential rearrangements from V(D)J recombination signal sequence fusions. Moreover, we find dozens of RAG off-target sequences that are generated via RAG tracking both upstream and downstream from the Trdd2 recombination center across the Tcrd loop domain that is bounded by the upstream INT1-2 and downstream TEA elements. Disruption of the upstream INT1-2 boundary of this loop domain allows spreading of RAG on- and off-target activity to the proximal Trdv domain and, correspondingly, shifts the Tcrd V(D)J recombination landscape by leading to predominant V(D)J joining to a proximal Trdv3 pseudogene that lies just upstream of the normal boundary.
Heart failure hospitalization in women with signs and symptoms of ischemia: A report from the women's ischemia syndrome evaluation study

Abstract Background Women with signs and symptoms of ischemia, no obstructive coronary artery disease, and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction enrolled in the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) sponsored Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) study have an unexpectedly high rate of subsequent heart failure (HF) hospitalization. We sought to verify and characterize the HF hospitalizations. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on 223 women with signs and symptoms of ischemia, undergoing coronary angiography for suspected coronary artery disease followed for 6±2.6years. Data were collected from a single site in the WISE study. Results At the time of study enrollment, the women were 57±11years of age, all had preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, and 81 (36%) had obstructive CAD (defined as >50% stenosis in at least one epicardial artery). Among the 223 patients, 25 (11%) reported HF hospitalizations, of which 14/25 (56%) had recurrent HF hospitalizations (>2 hospitalizations). Medical records were available in 13/25 (52%) women. Left ventricular ejection fraction was measured in all verified cases and was found to be preserved in 12/13 (92%). HF hospitalization was not related to obstructive CAD. Conclusion Among women with signs and symptoms of ischemia undergoing coronary angiography for suspected obstructive CAD, HF hospitalization at 6-year follow-up was predominantly characterized by a preserved ejection fraction and not associated with obstructive CAD.
MEMS resonant sensors for real-time thin film shear stress monitoring

This paper presents MEMS resonant stress sensors for real-time monitoring of induced shear stress during formation of a thin film on a micro-diaphragm. The device is comprised of a thin silicon membrane coupled to a thermal-piezoresistive resonator. Membrane deflection due to the stress resulting from deposition or growth of a thin film deforms the resonator, thus changing its resonance frequency. Such stress sensors can be used in different media without perturbing the resonator operation due to the isolation provided by the membrane. Response of the fabricated devices due to thermal stress induced in 400nm thick Ni and Al layers deposited on the membranes was measured demonstrating sensitivities as high as 1.7 Hz/Pa. Real-time characterization of the fabricated sensors was also performed demonstrating a sensitivity of ∼1000ppm/MPa while etching a 2μm SiO 2 layer underneath the membrane over the time. A finite element Simulation and a mathematical modeling were employed to calculate the stress in the center of the membrane resulting from different thicknesses of SiO 2 layer. The modeling suggests the experimental frequency shift of 7kHz corresponds to the stress of ∼7×106 N/m2 caused by formation of 2μm thick oxide layer underneath the membrane.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Zircon, Thorite and Huttonite

Zircon and thorite have been synthesized by heating admixed SiO/sub 2/ and ZrO/sub 2/ or ThO/sub 2/ gels in water over the range 150 deg C and 4.8 bars to 700 deg and 3100 bars. Material synthesized at l50 deg shows strong absorption in the infrared at 2.75 mu due to hydroxyl, and apparently contains (OH)/sub 4/ in substitution for (SiO/sub 4/). Zircon containing an undetermined but quite small amount of Th and of U in solid solution has been synthesized at 400 to 700 deg from charges containing; Zr: Th or U = 1: l; thorite of (U, Zr)O/ sub 2/ are also formed. Thorite containing an undetermined amount of U in solid solution was obtained similarly. Huttonite has been synthesized hydrothermally at 300 and 700 deg . It is found that metamict natural thorite and zircon recrystallize when heated in water, at temperatures considerably below those needed when heated dry in air, and the presence of (OH) was verified by infrared study in one such recrystallized sample. (auth) Oct. (ln Oerman)
Surface photovoltage studies of p-type AlGaN layers after reactive-ion etching

The surface photovoltage (SPV) technique was used to study the surface and electrical properties of Mg-doped, p-type AlxGa1−xN (0.06 < x < 0.17) layers. SPV measurements reveal significant deviation from previous SPV studies on p-GaN:Mg thin films and from the predictions of a thermionic model for the SPV behavior. In particular, the SPV of the p-AlGaN:Mg layers exhibited slower-than-expected transients under ultraviolet illumination and delayed restoration to the initial dark value. The slow transients and delayed restorations can be attributed to a defective surface region which interferes with normal thermionic processes. The top 45 nm of the p-AlGaN:Mg layer was etched using a reactive-ion etch which caused the SPV behavior to be substantially different. From this study, it can be concluded that a defective, near-surface region is inhibiting the change in positive surface charge by allowing tunneling or hopping conductivity of holes from the bulk to the surface, or by the trapping of electrons traveli...
Effects of Communication Lag in Long Duration Space Flight Missions: Potential Mitigation Strategies

As humanity aims to travel to Mars in the next two decades, it will be faced with numerous issues related to the coupling of humans and technology. Specifically, the communication lag of up to 40 minutes between long duration space flight (LDSF) crews and mission control back on earth will lead to unknown effects on teamwork and the multi-team system through the degraded quality of communication. This paper will review research on virtual teamwork and unmanned systems as it relates to communication, specifically with implications for extended communication delays and lag that may occur in LDSF missions.
Optimal exploitation of common property resources: a case of groundwater mining in the Ogallala Aquifer

Water shortage is one of the most serious long-range problems for the United States, as has been witnessed in recent years. With rising energy costs and declining water tables, it appears that the U.S. agricultural sector faces the problem of how to efficiently allocate limited groundwater resources intertemporally and spacially;At first, theoretical aspects of common property resources are discussed. A model of production using common property resources is built. It focuses on factors determining intertemporal exploitation patterns of common property resources and on a comparison of a social optimal and a free market model. The theoretical analysis implies that, first, the lower the discount rate the larger the change of the exploitation rate, second, the greater the stock externality the greater the change of the exploitation rate, third, the steeper the slope of the yield function, the larger the change of the exploitation path, and fourth, the better the resource grade the more the resource will be exploited;Based on the theoretical analysis, the dynamic model is applied in the Southern Ogallala Aquifer. The solutions provide optimal rates of water use, irrigation acreages, farm income, net present values of farm income, and the levels of water tables for each of the 144 resource situations for years 1985-2005 under five alternative scenarios, with respect to energy and crop prices and discount rates. Comparing the social optimal solution with the free market solution, economic losses and excessive depletions of water due to commonality are estimated. The social optimal solution has a higher net farm income than the free market solution, and more water is conserved under the social optimal solution. With the free market policy, the region will lose 70 million in net farm income and 2.9 feet of its water table under the base scenario. Losses, however, depend on energy levels, crop prices, and the discount rate. Three alternative policies for achieving social optimal allocation of resources are examined. They are the flexible taxation in which the tax rate changes every five years, the fixed taxation which is constant over periods, and the quota policy. Examining the benefits side only, the experimental results for the Ogallala Aquifer prove that the flexible taxation is the best policy.
'Live Beautiful, Live Well' ('Vivir Bonito, Vivir Bien') in Nicaragua: Environmental health citizenship in a post-neoliberal context.

ABSTRACTThe concepts Vivir Bien and Buen Vivir, often translated as ‘living well’ or ‘collective well-being,’ are central to contemporary social medicine reforms in Latin America. Owing to increasing social inequalities, notably in the public healthcare sector, Vivir Bien has regional significance as it redefines the neoliberal development goals from economic improvement to so-called post-neoliberal social goals of harmonious co-existence between society and the physical environment. To examine how this abstract concept is conceptualised, is incorporated into, and shapes state-sponsored public health strategies, I analyze the ‘Vivir Limpio, Vivir Sano, Vivir Bonito, Vivir Bien … !’ (‘Live Clean, Live Healthy, Live Beautiful, Live Well … !’) national campaign in Nicaragua that began in 2013. The campaign promotes normative socio-political ideals around environmental health citizenship, including the adoption of indigenous grammars and solidarity. However, analyses of dozens of interviews and 143 household ...
Bayesian cure-rate survival model with spatially structured censoring.

Abstract We propose a Bayesian spatial model for time-to-event data in which we allow the censoring mechanism to depend on covariates and have a spatial structure. The survival model incorporates a cure rate fraction and assumes that the time-to-event follows a Weibull distribution, with covariates such as race, stage, grade, marital status and age at diagnosis being linked to its scale parameter. With right censoring being a primary concern, we consider a joint logistic regression model for the death versus censoring indicator, allowing dependence on covariates and including a spatial structure via the use of random effects. We apply the models to examine prostate cancer data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry, which displays marked spatial variation.
A Partnership with Nature

Nature-Based Therapy seeks to improve essential components of human health and wellbeing by facilitating valuable opportunities to learn and engage with living, green, non-built nature. There is growing scientific evidence to support the multiple benefits of time spent in nature, urging a call for increased clinical and public health studies to better understand these relationships. Literature suggests that engaging people with nature in lasting and meaningful ways requires intentional activities that relate to everyday life, that bring family, friends and community members together. This paper will examine the foundations of building and implementing one such sustained, structured program at the University of Minnesota, called 30x30 Nature Heals.