cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From Bi-Level Sparse Clustering to Deep Clustering

Abstract Many clustering methods highly depend on extracted features. We propose a joint optimization framework in terms of both feature extraction and discriminative clustering. We utilize graph regularized sparse codes as the features, and formulate sparse coding as the constraint for clustering. Two cost functions are developed based on entropy-minimization and maximum-margin clustering principles, respectively. They are considered as the objectives to be minimized. Solving such a bi-level optimization mutually reinforces both sparse coding and clustering steps. Experiments on several benchmark datasets verify remarkable performance improvements led by the proposed joint optimization. While sparse coding-based clustering methods have shown to be successful, their bottlenecks in both efficiency and scalability limit the practical usage. In recent years, deep learning has been proved to be a highly effective, efficient and scalable feature learning tool. We propose to emulate the sparse coding-based clustering pipeline in the context of deep learning, leading to a carefully crafted deep model benefiting from both. A feed-forward network structure, named TAGnet, is constructed based on a graph-regularized sparse coding algorithm. It is then trained with task-specific loss functions from end to end. We discover that connecting deep learning to sparse coding benefits not only the model performance, but also its initialization and interpretation. Moreover, by introducing auxiliary clustering tasks to the intermediate feature hierarchy, we formulate DTAGnet and obtain a further performance boost. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed model gains remarkable margins over several state-of-the-art methods.
A(3)Tt(5) phases Sr(3)Sn(5), Ba(3)Pb(5), and La(3)Sn(5). Structure and bonding in a series of isotypic metallic compounds with increased electron count and their comparison with the nominal zintl phase La(3)In(5).

A series of compounds that contain square pyramidal Tt(5) polyanions of tin and lead has been obtained in alkaline-earth or rare-earth metal-tetrel systems by direct fusion of the elements at 570 degrees C (Sr(3)Sn(5)), 1000 degrees C (Ba(3)Pb(5)), or 1300 degrees C (La(3)Sn(5)) followed by slow cooling or annealing. The crystal structures for all three have been refined in the Pu(3)Pd(5) structure type (orthorhombic, Cmcm, Z = 4) with cell dimensions of a = 10.644(2), 11.154(7), and 10.352(5) A, b = 8.588(1), 9.049(7), and 8.290(6) A, and c = 10.895(2), 11.370(5), and 10.652(5) A for Sr(3)Sn(5), Ba(3)Pb(5), and La(3)Sn(5), respectively. Square pyramidal clusters of the tetrel elements are weakly interlinked into chains via two types of longer intercluster interactions that are mediated by bridging cations and substantially influenced by cation size and the free electron count. The new compounds are all metallic (rho(295) approximately 10 (Sr(3)Sn(5)) to approximately 25 (La(3)Sn(5)) muOmega.cm), in agreement with simple valence considerations that predict two and five extra electrons per formula unit, respectively, beyond that necessary for closed-shell nido-Tt(5)(4)(-) anions. Extended Huckel tight-binding calculations on the new compounds as well as on La(3)In(5) reveal that bonding in the regions below and around the Fermi energies are dominated by general cation-anion interactions, that is, lattice covalency. Closed-shell bonding features for the classical Sn(5)(4)(-), In(5)(9)(-), etc. ions are also obvious but subsidiary to the heteroatomic interactions with the cations. The intercluster contacts are relatively unimportant in bonding.
Students with Disabilities from Migrant Farmworker Families: Parent Perspectives.

Children of migrant farmworkers change schools frequently and must navigate through a maze of confusing and often inconsistent academic policies. Migrant students are often identified as English le...
Resources to Increase Genetics and Genomics Capacity of Oncology Nurses

Since the completion of the Human Genome Project (HGP) in 2003, the understanding of genetics and its influence on disease, particularly cancer, has increased dramatically. The initial focus after the completion of HGP was on identifying single-gene disorders, such as many hereditary cancer syndromes (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2, HNPCC). As research continues, the major impact that genetics and genomics have across the healthcare continuum is only beginning to become clear.
Axisymmetric instability of soft elastic tubes under axial load and surface tension

Abstract Elastic tubes can experience surface instabilities when compressed beyond a critical strain, referred to as Wilkes instability herein. Soft materials may undergo the Rayleigh–plateau instability which is driven by surface tension. However, the surface instability of soft elastic tubes can be impeded by the coexistence of axial compression and surface tension. In this paper, we adopted an analytical framework for predicting the surface instability of an incompressible tube accounting for both axial loading and surface tension. A general solution in a mixed cylindrical coordinate is derived for determining isochoric transformations based on energy variational method. A linear perturbation analysis was performed to find out the critical elasto-capillary number and axial stretch for the onset of the instability. Cylindrical tubes with different thickness, i.e., the ratio of outer to inner radii, are investigated. We find that thinner tubes are more likely to experience surface instability than thicker ones, as validated by finite element simulations. We conclude that a compressive strain could prevent the Rayleigh–plateau instability induced by surface tension, while stretching will favor it. Similarly, the surface tension behaves as a barrier to the formation of compression-induced Wilkes instability.
Synthesis of fracture radiographs with deep neural networks

We describe a machine learning system for converting diagrams of fractures into realistic X-ray images. We further present a method for iterative, human-guided refinement of the generated images and show that the resulting synthetic images can be used during training to increase the accuracy of deep classifiers on clinically meaningful subsets of fracture X-rays. A neural network was trained to reconstruct images from programmatically created line drawings of those images. The images were then further refined with an optimization-based technique. Ten physicians were recruited into a study to assess the realism of synthetic radiographs created by the neural network. They were presented with mixed sets of real and synthetic images and asked to identify which images were synthetic. Two classifiers were trained to detect humeral shaft fractures: one only on true fracture images, and one on both true and synthetic images. Physicians were 49.63% accurate in identifying whether images were synthetic or real. This is close to what would be expected by pure chance (i.e. random guessing). A classifier trained only on real images detected fractures with 67.21% sensitivity when no fracture fixation hardware was present. A classifier trained on both real images and synthetic images was 75.54% sensitive. Our method generates X-rays realistic enough to be indistinguishable from real X-rays. We also show that synthetic images generated using this method can be used to increase the accuracy of deep classifiers on clinically meaningful subsets of fracture X-rays.
Assessing Food Insecurity in Medical Students.

Background and objectives Food insecurity, defined as the lack of reliable access to sufficient quantities of affordable, nutritious food and present in 11.1% of the general population, has not been assessed in medical students. Food insecurity is related to adverse outcomes for both health and academics in undergraduate students. Assessing the presence of food insecurity in medical students, a population at high risk for burnout and depression, may allow for intervention in order to improve overall wellness in this population. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of food insecurity in a medical student population and identify potential reasons for any measured food insecurity. Methods We used a questionnaire that included the US Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-Item Short Form. The survey was emailed to all students enrolled at a Northeastern medical school (N=588) to assess food insecurity in the previous 3 months. The questionnaire included potential reasons for food insecurity. Results The survey response rate was 22.4%. Food insecurity was present in 11.8% of these respondents. The main reasons selected for food insecurity were not being able to get to the store (33.9%), followed by insufficient funds (30.4%). Conclusions Prevalence of food insecurity in medical students may be similar to the general population. While the results of this study represent only one medical school, we believe these results are similar at other medical schools. Interventions to reduce food insecurity in this population are necessary to improve overall student wellness.
The Impact of Early Colleges on Students’ Postsecondary Education Trajectories: Can Early Colleges Overcome the (Supposedly) Diversionary Role of Community Colleges?

Following a sample of students who participated in admissions lotteries at eight Early College High Schools (ECs) partnering with 2-year colleges, this study examined the college enrollment and degree completion of students who won admissions lotteries and enrolled in ECs in Grade 9 (i.e., EC students), and assessed the EC impact—in terms of complier average causal effects—on students’ postsecondary education trajectories for up to 6 years after expected high school graduation (i.e., Year 10). The study found that by the end of Year 10, more than half (55.7%) of EC students had enrolled in 4-year colleges and more than a third (34.1%) had completed a bachelor’s degree. Among the subset EC students who had completed an associate degree or certificate during high school, 57.5% had completed a bachelor’s degree by the end of Year 10. Using an instrumental variable approach, our analyses of complier average causal effects revealed that compliers in the treatment group were significantly more likely than their counterparts in the control group to have enrolled in college each year during the 6 years after expected high school graduation and were significantly more likely to have completed a bachelor’s degree each year between 3 and 6 years after expected high school graduation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that rather than diverting students from pursuing 4-year degrees, ECs partnering with 2-year colleges not only improved students’ chance to successfully complete bachelor’s degrees, but also allowed them to do so on a shorter timeline.
Abstract PO-046: Single-cell profiling of tumor evolution and complex immune infiltrate induced by ADT and PD-1 blockade in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer

Patients presenting with de novo metastatic, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), while initially responsive to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), invariably progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer. We and others have shown that ADT induces a complex immune infiltrate in localized prostate cancer, in both animal models and humans, leading to trials of combination ADT with immunotherapy, but the effect of ADT alone or in combination with checkpoint blockade have not been well-described in metastatic tumor sites. We are conducting a clinical trial (NCT03951831) to test the hypothesis that ADT-induced immune infiltrate can be further augmented with anti-PD-1 inhibition in men with mHSPC. Here, we present single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of paired metastatic tumor biopsies at baseline and on-treatment. In our phase 2, open-label, single-center trial, eligible patients with mHSPC are treated with phased administration of ADT, cemiplimab (anti-PD-1 inhibitor), and docetaxel. All patients undergo baseline metastatic tumor biopsies as well as on-treatment biopsies after either ADT alone or ADT in combination with cemiplimab. Biopsies are collected from bone, lymph node, and liver metastases, and are dissociated by gentleMACS protocol for sequencing using the 10X Chromium platform. Cells are first clustered at the transcriptional level by unsupervised Louvain algorithm with optimization of the resolution parameter by a novel silhouette-score subsampling technique. Cells are further sub-clustered following inference of protein activity by the VIPER algorithm. Cell types are assigned by singleR and tumor cells verified by inference of Copy Number Variations (InferCNV). Baselines are compared to their paired on-treatment sample. Differences in treatment-induced immune cell fold-change are compared for patients profiled following ADT only (n=3) and patients profiled following ADT in combination with checkpoint blockade (n=2). Furthermore, transcriptional and proteomic profiles of tumor cells persisting after treatment are compared to those present before treatment to identify consistent treatment-induced changes in tumor cell state. Preliminary results showed significant increase in the fold-change of CD8+ T cells in combination-treated samples relative to baseline (P Citation Format: Aleksandar Obradovic, Jessica Hawley, Xinzheng Guo, Matthew Chaimowitz, Matthew Dallos, Mark Stein, Andrea Califano, Charles Drake. Single-cell profiling of tumor evolution and complex immune infiltrate induced by ADT and PD-1 blockade in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Tumor Heterogeneity: From Single Cells to Clinical Impact; 2020 Sep 17-18. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(21 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-046.
Obesity Risk Assessment Tool for Low-Income Spanish Speaking Immigrant Parents with Young Children: Validity with BMI and Biomarkers of Obesity.

Children of Hispanic origin bear a high risk of obesity. Child weight gain trajectories are influenced by the family environment, including parent feeding practices. Excessive body fat can result in unhealthful metabolic and lipid profiles and increased risk of metabolic diseases. The objective was to estimate criterion validity of an obesity risk assessment tool targeting Spanish-speaking families of Mexican origin using anthropometric measures and blood values of their young children. A cross-sectional study design with five data collection sessions was conducted over an eight-week period and involved 206 parent/child dyads recruited at Head Start and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children in Northern California. Main outcome measures were criterion validity of Ninos Sanos, a pediatric obesity risk assessment tool, using anthropometric measures and blood biomarkers. Ninos Sanos scores were inversely related to child BMI-for-age percentiles (p = 0.02), waist-for-height ratios (p = 0.05) and inversely related to blood biomarkers for the metabolic index (p = 0.03) and lipid index (p = 0.05) and positively related to anti-inflammatory index (p = 0.047). Overall, children with higher Ninos Sanos scores had more healthful lipid, metabolic and inflammatory profiles, as well as lower BMI-for-age percentiles and waist-to height ratios, providing evidence for the criterion validity of the tool. Ninos Sanos can be used by child obesity researchers, by counselors and medical professionals during clinic visits as a screening tool and by educators as a tool to set goals for behavior change.
Oxytocin-MCH circuit regulates monosynaptic inputs to MCH neurons and modulates social recognition memory.

Abstract Oxytocin regulates social behaviors and has been linked to the etiology of autism and schizophrenia. Oxytocin and another hypothalamic neuropeptide, melanin concentrating hormone (MCH), share several physiological actions such as emotion, social behavior and recognition, maternal care, sexual behavior and stress, which suggests that these two systems may interact, however, how they would do it is not known. Here, we study the interactions between the oxytocin and MCH systems in behaviors related to autism and schizophrenia. Specifically, we examined the synaptic inputs of the oxytocin-to the MCH neurons. We selectively deleted oxytocin receptors (OXTR) from MCH neurons (OXTR-cKO mice) using a Cre/loxP recombinase-technology, and used rabies-mediated circuit mapping technique to reveal the changes in the direct monosynaptic inputs to MCH neurons. We examined the behavioral responses of OXTR-cKO mice. Deletion of OXTR from MCH neurons induced a significant decrease in the primary inputs received by MCH neurons from the paraventricular nucleus and the lateral hypothalamus, and from the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area. While OXTR-cKO mice exhibited similar social interactions as control mice, they displayed significantly impaired social recognition memory and increased stereotypic behavior. Our study identifies a selective role for the oxytocin-MCH pathway in social recognition memory and stereotyped behavior that are relevant to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism, and warrant further investigation of this circuit to uncover potential benefit of targeting the oxytocin-MCH circuit as a novel therapeutic target for treatment of social recognition deficits in these two disorders.
Acute and sub-chronic toxicity evaluation of a standardized green coffee bean extract (CGA-7™) in Wistar albino rats:

Objective:Despite having numerous physiological benefits, toxicological assessment of green coffee beans is sparce. Here, we document the oral acute and sub-chronic toxicity of a standardized decaf...
Chemotherapy education: current practices of oncology nurses counseling patients

Chemotherapy education provided by nurses to patients is a fundamental component of high-quality cancer care. The Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI ®) provides guidance on treatment-related aspects of chemotherapy education (diagnosis, goals, regimen, schedule, adverse events, follow-up), but recommendations on practical lifestyle issues lack evidence and standardization. An anonymous, voluntary, uncompensated survey was distributed in October 2019 to 12,995 oncology certified nurses who report working in adult outpatient clinic/infusion room settings. An electronic survey was designed to determine current practice in nurse-patient counseling related to lifestyle and behavior during chemotherapy treatment. Survey responses were obtained from 1243 oncology certified nurses (9.6%). Nurses reported that their education practice was influenced by their institution and coworkers (other nurses or oncologists). Most nurses (> 50%) reported counseling on all topics asked. Most frequently counseled topics included water intake, infection monitoring, alcohol consumption, exercise, and mucositis. Less frequently counseled topics included hair dye, laundry practices, and mask wearing (pre-pandemic). This study highlighted that chemotherapy nurses routinely counsel patients on important topics that lack evidence-based recommendations. In the absence of evidence, nurses rely on learned education practices, most commonly institutional guides or recommendations adopted from other nurses or oncologists. On important topics that lack evidence, expert panel review and development of consensus guidelines could standardize and improve the education process for both oncology nurses and patients.
Idiopathic Orbital Inflammation Presenting as Hemicrania Continua (P5.10-016)

Objective: To present a case of idiopathic orbital inflammation (IOI) to expand the differential diagnosis of hemicrania continua. Background: Hemicrania continua is an indomethacin-responsive primary headache disorder with unilateral headache with or without autonomic features that is a clinical diagnosis of exclusion. Design/Methods: A 64-year-old woman presented with episodes of headache and visual changes beginning two years prior with left temporal and retro-orbital constant, pulsating-like pain. Two months later, her headache worsened and she developed intermittent left ptosis with ipsilateral lacrimation and rhinorrhea. She was treated with indomethacin for possible hemicrania continua, with only partial improvement in pain. One year later, she developed decreased visual acuity with left eye inferonasal field loss and was found to have left parasellar meningeal enhancement. She was treated with indomethacin and had spontaneous return of vision after one week. Her symptoms recurred nine months later on the contralateral side with right eye vision loss to finger counting and diplopia on rightward gaze. Physical examination demonstrated a CN VI palsy and right afferent pupillary deficit. Results: Repeat MRI head showed right orbital apex enhancement and an otherwise extensive diagnostic evaluation for autoimmune, inflammatory and neoplastic causes was unrevealing. She was diagnosed with IOI causing a right orbital apex syndrome. She was treated with high-dose prednisone and had complete resolution of headache with restoration of vision, while continuing to be monitored vigilantly for secondary causes of orbital apex syndrome. Conclusions: Headache can be a presenting symptom of IOI and the presence of cranial nerve deficits as well as a partial indomethacin response should raise the question of an alternative diagnosis. The broad differential diagnosis for orbital apex syndrome includes carotid cavernous fistula, infection, malignancy, sarcoidosis, lymphoma, and IOI. Patients with IOI need to be monitored closely for other steroid responsive conditions that can mimic this syndrome. Disclosure: Dr. Duvall has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kissoon has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chen has nothing to disclose.
Filipino English and Taglish: Language switching from multiple perspectives

English competes with Tagalog and Taglish, a mixture of English and Tagalog, for the affections of Filipinos. To understand the competing ideologies that underlie this switching between languages, this book looks at the language situation from multiple perspectives. Part A reviews the social and political forces that have propelled English through its life cycle in the Philippines from the 1898 arrival of Admiral Dewey to the 1998 election of Joseph Estrada. Part B looks at the social support for English in Metro Manila and the provinces with a focus on English teachers and their personal and public use of English. Part C examines the language of television sport broadcasts, commercials, interviews, sitcoms, and movies, and the language of newspapers from various linguistic, sociolinguistic, and sociocultural perspectives. The results put into perspective the short-lived language revolution that took place at the turn of the twenty-first century.
Broad-spectrum non-nucleoside inhibitors of human herpesviruses

Herpesvirus infections cause considerable morbidity and mortality through lifelong recurrent cycles of lytic and latent infection in several tissues, including the human nervous system. Acyclovir (ACV) and its prodrug, the current antivirals of choice for herpes simplex virus (HSV) and, to some extent, varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections are nucleoside analogues that inhibit viral DNA replication. Rising viral resistance and the need for more effective second-line drugs have motivated searches for additional antiviral agents, particularly non-nucleoside based agents. We evaluated the antiviral activity of five compounds with predicted lysosomotropic activity using conventional and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neuronal (iPSC-neurons) cultures. Their potency and toxicity were compared with ACV and the lysosomotropic agents chloroquine and bafilomycin A1. Out of five compounds tested, micromolar concentrations of 30N12, 16F19, and 4F17 showed antiviral activity comparable to ACV (50μM) during lytic herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections, reduced viral DNA copy number, and reduced selected HSV-1 protein levels. These compounds also inhibited the reactivation of 'quiescent' HSV-1 infection established in iPSC-neurons, but did not inhibit viral entry into host cells. The same compounds had greater potency than ACV against lytic VZV infection; they also inhibited replication of human cytomegalovirus. The anti-herpetic effects of these non-nucleoside agents merit further evaluation in vivo.
Biosynthesis of Chitin in Spores and Growing Cells of Blastocladiella emersonii

The activity of chitin synthetase, the enzyme which catalyzes the synthesis of chitin from uridine diphosphate acetylglucosamine, has been studied in various stages of the life cycle of the aquatic fungus Blastocladiella emersonii. This organism contains a chitinous wall in the cellular form, which is missing from the spore. However, both the spores and the cells contain chitin synthetase activity and therefore the absence of a chitinous cell wall in the spore cannot be accounted for by the absence of the particular polysaccharide synthetase involved. Both the enzyme in the cells and that in the spores are activated by addition of acetylglucosamine, and it has been demonstrated that 14C-acetylglucosamine is incorporated into the product of the reaction. It is also apparent that diacetylchitobiose is an intermediate in synthesis of chitin and the data obtained suggest that the utilization of diacetylchitobiose is the rate-limiting step in the over-all reaction. Some other properties of the enzyme activities in spores and in cells have been investigated, and, although some small differences have been observed, it has not yet been possible to obtain evidence that one of them may be physiologically inactive. Thus, some other explanation for the absence of a chitinous cell wall in the spores must be sought.
The witness function method and provably recursive functions of peano arithmetic

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the witness function method and provably recursive functions of Peano arithmetic. The witness function method is used with great success to characterize some classes of the provably total functions of various fragments of bounded arithmetic. It is shown that the witness function method can be applied to the fragments I∑n of Peano arithmetic to characterize the functions that are provably recursive in these fragments. This characterization of provably recursive functions are performed by a variety of methods; including Gentzen's assignment of ordinals to proofs with the Godel Dialectica interpretation and by model-theoretic methods. They provide a simple, elegant, and purely proof-theoretic method of characterizing the provably total functions of I∑n, and secondly, they unify the proof methods used for fragments of Peano arithmetic and for bounded arithmetic. The witness function method is related to the classical proof-theoretic methods of Kleene's recursive realizability, Godel's Dialectica interpretation, and the Kreisel no-counterexample interpretation. The witness function method provides an advantage over the other methods in that it leads to a more direct and intuitive understanding of many formal systems.
Rapid prototyping of routing protocols with evolving tuples

Developing software for dynamic pervasive computing networks can be an intimidating prospect. While much research has focused on developing and describing algorithms and protocols for these environments, the process of deploying these technologies is far from mature or streamlined. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of pervasive computing platforms can make the deployment task unapproachable. In this paper, we describe the evolving tuples model and demonstrate how a simple protocol can be quickly and easily developed. Since the evolving tuples infrastructure serves as a unifying base across heterogeneous platforms, the resulting implementation inherently supports cross-platform deployment, a common scenario for pervasive computing.
Toward the application of argumentation to interactive learning systems

This paper explores the application of argumentation dialogues to an Interactive Learning System (ILS). The goal of an ILS is to provide an adaptive learning experience for a student within a particular domain, where the system adjusts dynamically as the student makes mistakes and learns from them. The system needs to be able to represent beliefs about the student's knowledge, and to update these beliefs as the student learns. The system also needs to have models of the domain and of an expert's actions within the domain, in order to compare and evaluate the student's actions. Finally, the system needs to provide appropriate feedback to the student, in such a way as to encourage learning. The work presented here describes a framework for such a system, built upon our earlier work on education dialogues.
Variability of the subtropical highs, African easterly jet and easterly wave intensities over North Africa and Arabian Peninsula in late summer

The North African climate is analysed for August during a 32-year period using the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) global data set to investigate the intensity variability at 600 mb of the subtropical highs, Africa easterly jet (AEJ) with two embedded local wind maxima, and African easterly waves over North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The variability of these synoptic weather systems is higher in East Africa. The most noticeable variability of intensity occurred with easterly waves. Maintenance of easterly waves from the Arabian Peninsula into East Africa is dependent on strong zonal gradients from the AEJ through shear vorticity. These zonal gradients were induced by the strengthening of the subtropical highs and the presence of a westerly jet in Central Africa and south of the Arabian Peninsula. During positive ENSO periods, these systems are generally weaker while in negative periods are stronger. The focus of this research is to investigate the role of the Arabian High and eastern local wind maximum (LWME) on complementing the Saharan High and western local wind maximum (LWMW). It is found that an intense local wind maximum in East Africa helps maintain the easterly waves and their westward propagation from the Arabian Peninsula.
International Distance Learning in Special Education: A Program Evaluation of a US-Ecuador Collaboration

The internationalization of distance learning in special education is at a pivotal point in expansion. Even with concerted efforts through traditional means to increase the supply of special educators, shortages persist; therefore, teacher preparation programs are turning to online education. This dissertation study was a formative program evaluation of a bilingual, two-course sequence within a web-based special education master's program offered at the University of North Texas (UNT), in Denton, Texas, and at the Universidad Casa Grande (UCG) in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The research design was based on the unfolding model of program evaluation, and it included mixed-methods of data collection. The model focused attention on (1) scientific evidence, (2) cost-benefit differential, (3) underlying values, and, (4) unintended consequences. Data came from archived documents as well as six semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and survey data from 23 student participants. The findings for the general-orientation course, Special Education Programs and Practices, revealed mixed results concerning multicultural awareness on the part of student participants. However, it seemed to have influenced their lesson design and made a difference in other areas. Some multicultural awareness concepts frequented the discussion board. The specialized course, Assistive Technology, which had more frequent communication between UNT and UCG on the discussion board, suggested larger increases in students' multicultural awareness. With respect to both courses, the stakeholders recommended that the structure be strengthened for non-bilingual instructors and students to be able to communicate more freely. Translation issues were a top priority in both courses. The study has implications for other international distance education programs.
The Impact of Cloning in Pharmaceutical Products and for Human Therapeutics

The rapid sequencing of entire genomes based in large measure on a DNA cloning procedure, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), has opened new frontiers in the discovery process for novel therapeuti...
Connectivity and Landscape Management

Connectivity provides habitat between protected areas to further conservation objectives. Connectivity may be total, such as when a corridor of natural forest connects two parks, or partial, such as when shade coffee provides connectivity for forest birds by leaving canopy trees intact even though the understory is devoted to growing coffee. In parallel to being total or partial, connectivity may be intensive or extensive. A narrow corridor between parks is intensive, whereas a broad landscape of conservation-friendly human land use (e.g., shade coffee) connecting multiple protected areas is extensive.
Optical supernovae and the hubble constant

Three ways to use optical supernovae to estimate the value of the Hubble constant are reviewed: (1) Type I supernovae as standard candles, (2) the Baade-Wesselink method applied to Type II and Type I supernovae, and (3) the 56Ni-radioactivity method for SNe I. It is likely that Ho ≈ 50 – 60 km s-1 Mpc 1. If “ordinary” Type I supernovae are completely-disrupting carbon-oxygen white dwarfs near the Chandrasekhar mass, the 56Ni-method provides a rigorous lower limit, Ho ≳40, and a firm upper limit, Ho ≲70 km s−1 Mpc−1.
Whole blood defensin mRNA expression is a predictive biomarker of docetaxel response in castration-resistant prostate cancer

This study tested the potential of circulating RNA-based signals as predictive biomarkers for docetaxel response in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). RNA was analyzed in blood from six CRPC patients by whole-transcriptome sequencing (total RNA-sequencing) before and after docetaxel treatment using the Illumina's HiSeq platform. Targeted RNA capture and sequencing was performed in an independent cohort of ten patients with CRPC matching the discovery cohort to confirm differential expression of the genes. Response to docetaxel was defined on the basis of prostate-specific antigen levels and imaging criteria. Two-way analysis of variance was used to compare differential gene expression in patients classified as responders versus nonresponders before and after docetaxel treatment. Thirty-four genes with two-fold differentially expressed transcripts in responders versus nonresponders were selected from total RNA-sequencing for further validation. Targeted RNA capture and sequencing showed that 13/34 genes were differentially expressed in responders. Alpha defensin genes DEFA1, DEFA1B, and DEFA3 exhibited significantly higher expression in responder patients compared with nonresponder patients before administration of chemotherapy (fold change >2.5). In addition, post-docetaxel treatment significantly increased transcript levels of these defensin genes in responders (fold change >2.8). Our results reveal that patients with higher defensin RNA transcripts in blood respond well to docetaxel therapy. We suggest that monitoring DEFA1, DEFA1B, and DEFA3 RNA transcripts in blood prior to treatment will be helpful to determine which patients are better candidates to receive docetaxel chemotherapy.
Nuclear Structure Information from the (p, t) Reaction, A=46 to A=70

The ($p, t$) reaction has been studied with 40-MeV protons for a sequence of isotopes from titanium to zinc. Angular distributions have been obtained for ground-state ($L=0$) and first-excited-state, or lowest $L=2$ group, transitions. The shapes of the angular distributions are nearly identical for a given angular-momentum transfer $L$. The reaction seems to proceed by the direct pickup of a neutron pair coupled to angular momentum $L$. Energy spectra of the outgoing tritons were obtained for some of the elements, showing that the predominant strength goes to the lowest $L=0$ (usually the ground state) and $L=2$ transitions. The general features of the ($p, t$) reaction are discussed, showing that the reaction is a powerful tool for studying the angular-momentum coupling of pairs and pair correlation effects. A sketch of the distorted-wave Born-approximation (DWBA) theory for two-nucleon transfer reactions is presented together with a discussion of the spectroscopic factors predicted by neutron seniority, pairing theory, the degenerate model, and exact shell-model calculations within a pure ${f}_{\frac{7}{2}}$ configuration. Since reliable DWBA calculations are not available, we have compared our integrated cross sections with spectroscopic factors predicted by the various models. The agreement is very good for the $L=0$ transitions in the ${f}_{\frac{7}{2}}$ shell. Appreciable configuration mixing is evident in the $2p\ensuremath{-}1{f}_{\frac{5}{2}}$ shell, where both the degenerate model and pairing theory are in qualitative agreement with the data, predicting however too rapid a rise with increasing neutron number for the nickel isotopes. The behavior of the lowest $L=2$ transitions in the $2p\ensuremath{-}1{f}_{\frac{5}{2}}$ shell indicates that the first 2+ states are not very pure in neutron seniority. Reliable DWBA calculations, including finite-range effects, are needed to remove uncertainties in the intepretation of the data.
Quantum optical interferometry via the mixing of coherent and photon-subtracted squeezed vacuum states of light

Hofmann and Ono [Phys. Rev. A76, 031806, (2007)] showed that the mixing of coherent light and single-mode squeezed light at a beam splitter gives good approximation results in a superposition of path-entangled photon number states (so-called N00N states), which can be used for phase-shift measurements by coincident detections at the output of an interferometer. They showed that N00N states for arbitrary photon number N could be produced by this procedure. Afek et al. [Science328, 879 (2010)] have implemented the Hofmann–Ono proposal in the laboratory. In this paper, we show that, for a given coherent state amplitude and a given squeezing parameter, the mixing of coherent states and photon-subtracted squeezed vacuum states at the first beam splitter of an interferometer leads to improved phase-shift measurement sensitivity when using the photon-number detection technique on one of the output beams of the device. We also show that the phase-shift measurements will also be super-resolved to a greater degree than is possible by mixing coherent and squeezed vacuum light of the same field parameters.
Robustness of automatic target recognition using noniterative neural network

When the M input training class patterns are represented by N-dimension analog vectors Um, m=1 to M, the output P-bit binary classification vectors Vm, M=1 to M, of a one-layered, feed-forward neural network (OLNN) can be represented geometrically by P dichotomizing hyper-planes going through the origin of the N-dimension Euclidean coordinate in the N-space. In general, all these P planes divide the N-space into 2P hyper-cones. Each cone contains one Um and each cone corresponds to one Vm. Learning of the OLNN is then equivalent to establishing these P planes geometrically in the N-space such that, after the learning, if a test pattern vector T, not necessarily equal to any class pattern Um, falls into the m-th cone (m=1 to 2P) established by these P planes, this T will also be recognized as Vm. The robustness of this recognition is seen now to be equivalent to the geometrically allowed variation range of Um in the m-th cone. This allowable range can be systematically adjusted for each cone during the learning process. This paper reports the optimum method of adjusting these variation ranges such that any unknown T containing environmental noise not included in the training can still be recognized with maximum accuracy.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mg[Al(OCH3)2(CH3)2]2·C4H8O2. A novel coordination compound of a metal alkoxide and a donor molecule

Abstract The crystal structure of Mg[Al(OCH 3 ) 2 (CH 3 ) 2 ] 2 ·C 4 H 8 O 2 has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Two molecules crystallize in an orthorhombic unit cell with dimensions a = 13.42±0.02, b = 10.74±0.02, c = 7.30± 0.02 A. The space groups is Pnnm . Full matrix least-squares refinement with magnesium and aluminum atoms anisotropic, resulted in a fianl R value of R 2 =12.1%. The complex is an infinite polymer of Mg[Al(OCH 3 ) 2 (CH 3 ) 2 ] 2 units held together by dioxane molecules. About the magnesium atom the point symmetry appears to be 2/ m , with the dioxane rings disordered about the two-fold axis. The metal atoms are bridged together by essentially sp 2 hybridized oxygen atoms, which are coplanar with the methoxy methyl groups and the metal atoms.
Diversity of Outcomes Among Adolescent Children of Mothers With Mental Illness

Children of parents with mental illness are an at-risk population according to research on psychiatric outcomes using White, middle-class samples of depressed parents and infants and preschool children.The current study expands this evidence byexploringwithin-group heterogeneity across psychosocial outcomes, in a racially diverse, low-income sample of adolescent children of mothers with mental illness (N = 166). Using measures of mental health, academics, behavior problems, and social relationships—and employing cluster analysis methodology—we identified five meaningful subgroups of these youth. Two of five identified clusters evidenced mental health symptoms (15%) or possible behavioral problems (27%).The largest cluster (30%) appeared quite socially and academically competent; another cluster (22%) presented as average in their functioning but adult-oriented. A final small cluster (4.8%) was distinguished by members' social isolation. Cluster membership related to maternal substance abuse history, fathe...
Incubation of acetylated low-density lipoprotein with cholesterol-rich dispersions enhances cholesterol uptake by macrophages

Abstract Incubation of J774 macrophages with mixtures of acetylated low-density lipoprotein (acLDL) and free cholesterol-rich phospholipid dispersions increases cellular cholesterol deposition 2–4-fold over that achieved with either acLDL or dispersions alone. Both free and esterified cholesterol accumulate in cells incubated with the mixture of acLDL and dispersions. A similar result is observed when acLDL is replaced by malondialdehyde-LDL. The enhanced deposition of cholesterol is not unique to J774 macrophages, as P388D, macrophages also accumulate more cholesterol when incubated with the mixture of acLDL and dispersions than either particle alone. A preincubation of the particles for at least 6 h prior to incubation with cells is required in order to observe maximal cholesterol delivery. Both dispersion free cholesterol and phospholipid accumulate in J774 cells, suggesting that a complex is formed between acLDL and dispersions which results in a cholestrol-rich acLDL/dispersion particle. Partial purification of the acLDL-dispersion complex revealed increases in the size distribution of the particles compared to acLDL and increases in free cholesterol and phospholipid contents. Cholesterol uptake from the mixture of acLDL and dispersions was saturable and the enhanced cellular uptake of both cholesterol and phospholipid from the complex could be abolished by inhibitors of the scavenger receptor pathway. In addition to the receptor-mediated uptake of cholesterol from the acLDL-dispersion complex, it was observed that approx. 30% of the total cholesterol uptake from the complex was via non-specific components, including surface transfer.
Interpretation of pH–Activity Profiles for Acid–Base Catalysis from Molecular Simulations

The measurement of reaction rate as a function of pH provides essential information about mechanism. These rates are sensitive to the pKa values of amino acids directly involved in catalysis that are often shifted by the enzyme active site environment. Experimentally observed pH–rate profiles are usually interpreted using simple kinetic models that allow estimation of “apparent pKa” values of presumed general acid and base catalysts. One of the underlying assumptions in these models is that the protonation states are uncorrelated. In this work, we introduce the use of constant pH molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent (CpHMD) with replica exchange in the pH-dimension (pH-REMD) as a tool to aid in the interpretation of pH–activity data of enzymes and to test the validity of different kinetic models. We apply the methods to RNase A, a prototype acid–base catalyst, to predict the macroscopic and microscopic pKa values, as well as the shape of the pH–rate profile. Results for apo and cCMP-bound RN...
Structure and reactivity of mixed alkali metal alkoxide/aryloxide catalysts.

The average solution aggregation state of the ester interchange catalyst 1, obtained by mixing 1 equiv of NaOt-Bu and 3 equiv of NaOC6H4-4-t-Bu, was determined to be 4.0 by vapor pressure osmometry (VPO) in THF. Low-temperature 1H NMR spectra of 1 indicated that the THF solution contained a mixture of tetrameric clusters. On the basis of symmetry arguments and the sensitivity of the different species to the alkoxide/aryloxide ratio, the compounds were determined to be mixed clusters with 0:4, 1:3, 2:2, and 3:1 mixtures of the NaOt-Bu and NaOC6H4-4-t-Bu components. On a per −Ot-Bu basis, each cluster has a similar absolute activity, though the aryloxide-rich catalysts are significantly longer-lived. Unlike 1, catalysts containing ortho-substituted aryloxides, 2, do not give a strictly statistical distribution of clusters, and the activities of these catalysts depend on steric and electronic factors, though the absolute rate differences are not large.
Single Grit Simulation of the Abrasive Machining of Wood

The wood-grit interaction between an idealized steel grit and both dry and saturated ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) is investigated for a range of grit rake angles. Regions of rubbing, ploughing and cutting are identified for machining both with the grain and cross grain by scanning electron microscope examination of the machined surfaces. Using data of the tangential force on the simulated grit the coefficient of friction for all test conditions was calculated and the effect of tool rake angle, grain direction and moisture content quantified. A model of the energy of deformation of wood fibers during rubbing and the initial stages of ploughing was postulated based upon the theoretical stress distribution in an elastic material beneath a moving indentor. This model was evaluated using the calculated friction coefficients and wood mechanical properties.
An improved murine femur fracture device for bone healing studies.

Murine models are commonly used to investigate bone healing and test new treatments before human trials. Our objective was to design an improved murine femur fracture device and determine optimal mass and velocity settings for maximal likelihood of transverse fracture. Fracture reproducibility was maximized using an adjustable kinetic energy level, a novel mouse positioning system and an electromagnet striker release assembly. Sixty wild-type mice of 8–12-week-old male and female with a weight of 26.476.1 g were subjected to an experimental postmortem fracture in the left and right femur (n ¼ 120) using variable kinetic energy inputs. A best-fit prediction equation for transverse fracture was developed using multivariate linear regression. Transverse fracture was shown to correlate most highly with kinetic energy with a maximum likelihood at mv 2 ¼ 292 where m is mass (g) and v is velocity (m/s). Model validation with a group of 134 anesthetized C57BL/6 mice resulted in a favorable transverse fracture rate of 85.8%. Simple modifications to existing fracture devices can improve accuracy and reproducibility. The results may assist researchers studying the effects of genetic modifications and novel treatments on boney healing in murine femur fracture models. Maintaining kinetic energy parameters within suggested ranges may also aid in ensuring accuracy and reproducibility. r 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.