cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection of the Fimbrial Gene F18 (F107) from Swine Enteritis Escherichia coli

Virulent Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains can be significant etiologic agents in neonatal and post- weaning diarrhea of pigs. The virulence of certain isolates is associated with their ability to adhere to and/or colonize the intestine and also through the production of enterotoxins. One method of virulence determination is via hybridization to adhesin and toxin DNA probes. The University of Missouri, Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory has been using the colony blot hybridization method along with conventional serotyping by agglutination for the past six years as an aide in the determination of colibacillosis. Our focus here was porcine diarrhea and the role of hemolytic E. coli. Hemolytic E. coli from neonatal pigs may be K88:LT:STb positive. Post- weaning age pigs yielding hemolytic, K88 negative E. coli have stimulated the search for additional adhesins. Therefore the finding of the F18 (F107) family of adhesins in E. coli recovered from pigs with edema disease or post-weaning diarrhea has been of interest and we have incorporated the F18 probe into our panel of ten E. coli virulence factors.
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of hexabenzobenzene, C24H12, an analogue of a graphene nanostructure

ABSTRACTWhile large scale fabrication of graphene nanoribbons remains a challenge, there exist materials which can be fabricated in quantities such as hexabenzobenzene,HBZB, (C24H12) and which have a two-dimensional (2D) carbon structure similar to graphene nanostructures. Using a 632 nm laser, no Raman spectra could be obtained from the solid material because of a strong luminescence produced by the laser. However, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy enabled the measurement of some of the Raman active modes. The G and D modes, which are characteristic fingerprints of a 2D graphene structure, were observed at 1331 and 1600 cm−1, respectively. Density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-31G* level was used to calculate the minimum energy structure and the Raman active vibrational frequencies of HBZB. The calculated minimum energy structure was 2D having D6h symmetry in agreement with the experimental structure in the liquid phase. The calculated frequencies were in good agreement with the measured values.
The forgotten electrolyte, when hypercalcaemia manifest as gait instability and altered mental status

An altered mental status presents a diagnostic challenge for many clinicians. Described here is a case of primary hyperparathyroidism not initially suspected until after a thorough neurological and infectious cause were excluded. A 60-year-old woman presented with altered mental status and gait instability. Her family noticed progressive gait instability and mood swings for the past 4 months. Initial imaging and laboratory values were unable to explain her symptoms. On transfer out of the intensive care unit, her corrected calcium was found to be 13.3 mg/dL with an elevated parathyroid hormone. Her hypercalcaemia was refractory to medical management. Ultrasound found a 2 cm nodule, which was surgically removed and found to be a parathyroid adenoma. Her calcium normalised and neurological deficits subsided. Hypercalcaemia can lead to a constellation of symptoms that include the classical ‘stones, bones, abdominal moans and psychic groans’ and electrolyte derangements should be considered in the differential of altered mental status.
White-light emission characteristics of terbium-doped crystals

We investigated terbium doped halide crystals. These materials were investigated by exposing them to blue and violet diode laser sources. Optical spectroscopy and lifetime measurements are performed for unambiguous assignment of spectral transitions and detect quenching phenomenon, if any. Terbium doped halide crystals revealed bright white light under low power diode laser excitation. Chromaticity diagrams are developed from spectral measurements. Color coordinates and color temperature are estimated. Our measurements indicate that terbium-doped fluorides are suitable for white-light generation under diode laser excitation.
Contractivity of Gamma Wick products

Abstract A sharp inequality about the L p -norms of the Wick product generated by a Gamma probability distribution whose mean is half of a positive integer is presented. In order to bound the Wick product, we first smoothen its factors by applying some second quantization operators of a positive and less than one constant times the identity operator.
Efficiency Analysis in Production

In the current microeconomic theory of production, characterizing efficiency, estimating it and analyzing its policy implications have posed new challenges for the economists. These challenges are at several levels: (1) a nonparametric class of approaches has been proposed against production functions or production frontiers which are usually specified in parametric forms e.g., Cobb-Douglas functions, (2) the econometric estimation of efficiency in nonparametric contexts raises new issues, (3) the distribution of input-output data may have significant impact on the measurement and estimation of efficiency in a nonparametric context, and (4) finally, the method of aggregation employed in generating efficiency measures at the industry level is more important in dynamic contexts than so far recognized. Our objective in this chapter is to present a broad overview of the recent developments in the nonparametric approach to measuring and estimating efficiency through production frontiers.
Significance of Aberrant Expression of MicroRNAs in Cancer Cells

Alterations in miRNA genes and other non-coding RNAs play a critical role in the pathophysiology of all human cancers: cancer initiation and progression can involve microRNAs (miRNAs) – small non-coding RNAs that can regulate gene expression. At present, the main mechanism of microRNoma (defined as the full complement of microRNAs present in a genome) alteration in cancer cells seems to be represented by aberrant gene expression, characterized by abnormal levels of expression for mature and/or precursor miRNA sequences in comparison with the corresponding normal tissues. MicroRNAs expression profiling has been exploited to identify miRNAs that are potentially involved in the pathogenesis of human cancers. MicroRNAs and other non-coding RNAs profiling achieved by various methods has allowed the identification of signatures associated with diagnosis, staging, progression, prognosis, and response to treatment of human tumors.
Tutorial for using SliceOmatic to calculate thigh area and composition from computed tomography images from older adults.

Objective Area of muscle, fat, and bone is often measured in thigh CT scans when tissue composition is a key outcome. SliceOmatic software is commonly referenced for such analysis but published methods may be insufficient for new users. Thus, a quick start guide to calculating thigh composition using SliceOmatic has been developed. Methods CT images of the thigh were collected from older (69 ± 4 yrs, N = 24) adults before and after 12-weeks of resistance training. SliceOmatic was used to segment images into seven density regions encompassing fat, muscle, and bone from -190 to +2000 Hounsfield Units [HU]. The relative contributions to thigh area and the effects of tissue density overlap for skin and marrow with muscle and fat were determined. Results The largest contributors to the thigh were normal fat (-190 to -30 HU, 29.1 ± 7.4%) and muscle (35 to 100 HU, 48.9 ± 8.2%) while the smallest were high density (101 to 150 HU, 0.79 ± 0.50%) and very high density muscle (151 to 200 HU, 0.07 ± 0.02%). Training significantly (P 0.05). Contributions to area were altered by ~1% or less and the results of training were not affected by accounting for skin and marrow. Conclusions When using SliceOmatic to calculate thigh composition, accounting for skin and marrow may not be necessary. We recommend defining muscle as -29 to +200 HU but that smaller ranges (e.g. low density muscle, 0 to 34 HU) can easily be examined for relationships with the health condition and intervention of interest. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02261961
Maladaptive aortic remodeling in hypertension associates with dysfunctional smooth muscle contractility

There are three primary findings. Marked mouse-to-mouse differences exist in large vessel hypertensive remodeling in an otherwise equivalent cohort of animals. The degree of maladaptation correlate...
WAGES, EMPLOYMENT AND GROWTH*

SUMMARY The paper presents a multisectoral growth model which is readily computable with non-linear production functions and is descriptive of economic conditions prevailing in over-populated countries. The purpose is to show the optimal allocation of resources over time in a labor surplus economy if the dominant social consideration is to increase the rate of employment as fast as possible. Given an institutionally stipulated minimum wage rate and certain other assumptions, the path that maximizes the rate of economic growth also approximates the path that minimizes the time needed to attein full employment as long as the rate of increase of the capital stock exceeds the rate of growth of the potential labor force. A rigorous proof of the proposition is presented with the help of the calculus of variations and the numerically computable solution of the growth model is derived from the conditions underlying the optimum at any moment of time. The model is an analogue of competitive markets under appropriate demand conditions. In addition, since it is computable, the model can be used by economic planners in countries where large scale unemploffment or under-employ-ment exists.
Tools for causality assessment in drug-induced liver disease.

Purpose of reviewThere are three liver-specific causality assessment tools currently available to guide clinical diagnosis of Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI): Roussel-Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM), Digestive-Disease-Week Japan 2004 scale (DDW-J), and Clinical Diagnostic Scale (CDS). The
Science at Sundance

An entrepreneur9s ambitious health care start-up ends in indictment. A teenager in Malawi saves his village with a brilliant feat of engineering. A community works around the clock to save a tiny porpoise inching ever closer to extinction. From a Holocaust survivor9s candid sex advice to a Cambridge Analytica insider9s shocking congressional testimony, the science and technology stories told at this year9s Sundance Film Festival were as riveting as they were timely. The festival, held in January and February in the snowy ski town of Park City, Utah, is now in its 34th year. The 2019 theme—"Risk Independence"—emphasized the organization9s commitment to provocative themes and experimental storytelling. "Art can9t spark conversation if it9s playing it safe," summarized the Sundance Institute9s executive director, Keri Putnam. Read on to see what our reviewers thought of 10 featured films sure to spark conversation in scientific circles.
Factors Associated With Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement in Patients With Cryptococcal Meningitis.

Objective Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is an important complication of cryptococcal meningitis (CM) and impacts morbidity and mortality. Factors associated with permanent ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement are poorly characterized. Method We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with CM at the University of Alabama at Birmingham from 1996 through 2015. Characteristics of patients at time of CM diagnosis who did and did not receive a VP shunt were compared with use of the 2-group chi-square test or Fisher exact test for categorical variables and the 2-group t test for continuous variables. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of shunt placement. Results Of 422 patients with cryptococcosis, 257 (60.9%) had CM. Mean age was 47.7 years, 71.6% were male, and 44.4% were African American. The most common underlying conditions were HIV (42.4%), solid organ transplantation (29.6%), and corticosteroid use (34.2%). Forty-four (17.1%) received a VP shunt a median of 17 days (range, 1-320 days) post-diagnosis. By multivariable analysis, baseline opening pressure >30 cm H2O (OR, 9.4; 95% CI, 3.0, 28.8; P < .0001), being a normal host (OR, 6.3; 95% CI, 1.5, 26.1; P = .011) and hydrocephalus (OR, 4.9, 95% CI, 1.3, 17.9); P = .017) were associated with increased odds of shunting (Table 2). In contrast, age (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.92, 0.99; P = .037) and male gender (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.06, 0.55; P = .023) were associated with decreased odds of shunting. Conclusions Identification of factors at time of CM diagnosis associated with need for permanent VP shunt placement may allow for earlier, more aggressive treatment and potentially improve outcomes associated with increased ICP from cryptococcal meningitis.
Multigenerational Sexual Abuse: A Cognitive Developmental Approach to Understanding Mothers in Treatment

This paper takes a cognitive developmental perspective in the qualitative analysis of 9 interviews of women who were sexually abused as children and whose children were also sexually abused. It discusses ways in which the development of cognitive self-understanding can by stymied by childhood sexual abuse and how this, in turn, can affect a woman's ability to parent her children and take full advantage of psychotherapy. It studies the recovery process that participants describe at various stages of a social cognitive developmental model of self-understanding. Finally, it promotes the use of a cognitive developmental perspective in clinical work and offers suggestions for counselors addressing issues of childhood sexual victimization.
Rebuilding and Renewing Viennese Jewish Identity After the Holocaust

Despite the devastation exacted upon them, their families, and their community, some Austrian Jews nonetheless returned to reestablish lives in postwar Vienna. They consciously and willingly chose to return to live among gentile Austrians, many of whom had at least sympathized with National Socialist ideals, while others had benefited from the robbery and expulsion of the Jewish community or even taken an active part in the genocide. Returnees confronted the reality of a city and a people still influenced by seven years of Nazi ideology and “racial” thought about Jews, as well as a nation striving to cast itself and its citizens as the first victims of the Nazis. As they navigated their city as individuals, as a community, and as members of society, they endeavored to rebuild a Viennese Jewish identity. This paper examines the re-forming and renewal of a postwar Viennese Jewish identity in the context of a then-developing Austrian national “victim myth.”
Effects of variations in Dwyer calcaneal osteotomy determined by three‐dimensional printed patient‐specific modeling

Dwyer (lateral calcaneal closing wedge) osteotomy is commonly used in surgical correction of heel varus deformity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of wedge size and angle of osteotomy on deformity correction using preoperative imaging analysis with three-dimensional (3D) printed modeling. Seven patients diagnosed with pes cavovarus deformity who underwent Dwyer calcaneal osteotomy were identified retrospectively. Preoperative computed tomogrphy scans were used to create 3D printed models of the foot. After18 variations of osteotomy and fixation performed for each foot, Harris heel and Saltzman images were obtained. The angle between the tibia-talus axis and calcaneal-tuber axis was measured and compared to pre-osteotomy state. Change in the calcaneal lengths was also analyzed. The average degree correction of deformity per mm of bone resected was 3.8 ± 0.2 degrees in the Harris Heel view and 2.7 ± 0.8 degrees in the Saltzman view. A significant increase in correction was obtained with 10 mm compared with 5 mm wide wedges (P < .001). The difference in correction was not statistically significant between 30 and 45 degree cuts or osteotomy distance from the posterior calcaneal tuberosity, but a 45 degree sagittal angle resulted in less calcaneal shortening compared to 30 degrees (P = .02). A clinically driven method using patient-specific 3D models for determining effects of calcaneal osteotomy variables in correcting hindfoot alignment was developed. In summary, the amount of wedge resected impacts hindfoot alignment more than location and sagittal angle of the cut. Calcaneal shortening depends on sagittal angle of the cut.
Dynamically Masked Audiograms With Machine Learning Audiometry.

OBJECTIVES When one ear of an individual can hear significantly better than the other ear, evaluating the worse ear with loud probe tones may require delivering masking noise to the better ear to prevent the probe tones from inadvertently being heard by the better ear. Current masking protocols are confusing, laborious, and time consuming. Adding a standardized masking protocol to an active machine learning audiogram procedure could potentially alleviate all of these drawbacks by dynamically adapting the masking as needed for each individual. The goal of this study is to determine the accuracy and efficiency of automated machine learning masking for obtaining true hearing thresholds. DESIGN Dynamically masked automated audiograms were collected for 29 participants between the ages of 21 and 83 (mean 43, SD 20) with a wide range of hearing abilities. Normal-hearing listeners were given unmasked and masked machine learning audiogram tests. Listeners with hearing loss were given a standard audiogram test by an audiologist, with masking stimuli added as clinically determined, followed by a masked machine learning audiogram test. The hearing thresholds estimated for each pair of techniques were compared at standard audiogram frequencies (i.e., 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 kHz). RESULTS Masked and unmasked machine learning audiogram threshold estimates matched each other well in normal-hearing listeners, with a mean absolute difference between threshold estimates of 3.4 dB. Masked machine learning audiogram thresholds also matched well the thresholds determined by a conventional masking procedure, with a mean absolute difference between threshold estimates for listeners with low asymmetry and high asymmetry between the ears, respectively, of 4.9 and 2.6 dB. Notably, out of 6200 masked machine learning audiogram tone deliveries for this study, no instances of tones detected by the nontest ear were documented. The machine learning methods were also generally faster than the manual methods, and for some listeners, substantially so. CONCLUSIONS Dynamically masked audiograms achieve accurate true threshold estimates and reduce test time compared with current clinical masking procedures. Dynamic masking is a compelling alternative to the methods currently used to evaluate individuals with highly asymmetric hearing, yet can also be used effectively and efficiently for anyone.
Remote sensing phenological monitoring framework to characterize corn and soybean physiological growing stages

Abstract The phenological dynamics of crops reflect the response and feedback of agricultural systems to climate and environmental constraints, and have significant controls on carbon and nutrient cycling across the globe. Remote monitoring of crop phenological dynamics in a consistent and systematic manner is vitally crucial for optimizing the farm management activities and evaluating the agricultural resilience to extreme weather conditions and future climate change. Yet our ability to retrieve crop growing stages with satellite time series is limited. The remotely sensed phenological transition dates may not be characteristic of crop physiological growing stages. The objective of this study is to develop a remote sensing phenological monitoring framework that can reconcile satellite-based phenological measures with ground-based crop growing observations, with corn and soybean in Illinois as a case study. The framework comprises three key components: time series phenological pre-processing, time series phenological modeling, and time series phenological characterization. As an exploratory prototype, the framework retrieved a total of 56 phenological transition dates that were subsequently evaluated with the district-level ground phenological observations. The results indicated that the devised framework can adequately retrieve a wide range of physiological growing stages for corn and soybean in Illinois, with R square greater than 0.6 and RMSE less than 1 week for most stages. The devised framework largely extends the limited satellite phenological measures to a range of phenological transition dates that are characteristic of essential crop growing stages. It paves the way for formulating standard crop phenological monitoring protocols via remote sensing. The wealth of retrieved phenological characteristics open up unique opportunities to enhance our understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying the crop growth in response to varying environmental stresses, and to make more adaptive farm management strategies towards sustained agricultural development.
Approximately Exact Line Search.

We propose approximately exact line search, which uses only function evaluations to select a step size within a constant fraction of the exact line search minimizer. We bound the number of iterations and function evaluations, showing linear convergence on smooth, strongly convex objectives with no dependence on the initial step size for three variations of gradient descent: using the true gradient, using an approximate gradient, and using a random search direction. We demonstrate experimental speedup on logistic regression for both gradient descent and minibatch stochastic gradient descent and on a benchmark set of derivative-free optimization objectives using quasi-Newton search directions.
Fear, Fellowship, and Finding a Voice: An Autobiographical Narrative of Being and Becoming in an Established Research Community

This autobiographical narrative inquiry re-stories three experiences from my work as a postdoctoral research fellow. In the re-visitation, I found echoings of fear, fellowship, and finding a voice shaping my shifting identity. These themes surface cyclically amidst the shared experiences and reveal my battle with early career Impostor Syndrome. This phenomenon is explored as the core of my narrative of liminality, and negotiation of space as a new member of an established community of researchers called Faculty Academy, with former professors as found mentors in new relationship dynamics.
"I don't think the problem's the student…I think it's us": Engaging faculty in curriculum innovation.

PURPOSE The need to innovate predoctoral dental education is well established; however, there are few recent reports to guide substantial curriculum transformation. The purpose of this study was to describe faculty perspectives on their vision of future graduates, curriculum needs, and potential barriers to a successful redesign. This information would be used to inform strategic planning for the predoctoral curriculum transformation. METHODS Eighty full-time faculty from the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry participated in 60-minute focus groups in March 2018. Focus group questions were developed to elicit perceptions about the current curriculum, what the dental graduate should know in 2040, and what is needed to engage faculty in curriculum change. Transcripts of the focus group sessions were analyzed by a third-party research group using qualitative thematic analysis to identify pertinent themes shared by participants. RESULTS Faculty identified that developing clinical skill that engages multiple specialties, student time to engage in advocacy activities, and opportunities to integrate biomedical, clinical, and behavioral sciences as critical features of the curriculum. They believed the 2040 graduate should be able to critically evaluate literature, exhibit strong leadership skills, and adapt to the changing healthcare environment. To better engage faculty in curriculum change, there needs to be dedicated time, sufficient resources, a clear plan, and greater collaboration across the school. CONCLUSION When embarking on curriculum transformation, engagement with faculty is a critical component of the change process. Focus groups can be used as a technique to better understand faculty perspectives about curricular needs and the overall vision.
Endfire Coupled-Mode Patch Antenna Array with Balanced Feeding

A two-endfire-element array with balanced feeding structure is proposed in this paper. The array contains two endfire coupled-mode patch antennas (CMPA) [1], which are fed by a T-shape parallel plate waveguide (PPWG) power divider. The PPWG feeding provides well-balanced input signal while maintaining low profile. It eliminates the undesired radiation of common-mode current, and thus addresses the major issue for the endfire CMPA. The performance of the single antenna fed by PPWG is analyzed and compared with the same antenna fed by microstrip line (MSL). The proposed array has measured bandwidth of 2.1% centered at 2.435 GHz. It offers 4.6 dBi peak gain at endfire and maximum front-to-back ratio of 23 dB. The proposed array radiates exact endfire patterns with vertical polarization while maintaining compact size and low profile.
Biden's Prosecutors

This essay is part of the University of Illinois Law Review's on-line symposium discussing President Joseph Biden's first 100 days in office. It looks at President Biden's picks to lead the Department of Justice and to serve as United States attorneys. The essay focuses on how President Biden's early selections are reflecting diversity, integrity, and experience. It recognizes the resistance some of President Biden's nominees are facing in the Senate confirmation process, particularly Vanita Gupta and Kristen Clarke — both women of color. And, it concludes with hope and expectations for the future of the federal criminal justice system under the leadership of recently confirmed U.S. attorney general, Merrick Garland.
Characterization and clinical implications of ankle impedance during walking in chronic stroke

Individuals post-stroke experience persisting gait deficits due to altered joint mechanics, known clinically as spasticity, hypertonia, and paresis. In engineering, these concepts are described as stiffness and damping, or collectively as joint mechanical impedance, when considered with limb inertia. Typical clinical assessments of these properties are obtained while the patient is at rest using qualitative measures, and the link between the assessments and functional outcomes and mobility is unclear. In this study we quantify ankle mechanical impedance dynamically during walking in individuals post-stroke and in age-speed matched control subjects, and examine the relationships between mechanical impedance and clinical measures of mobility and impairment. Perturbations were applied to the ankle joint during the stance phase of walking, and least-squares system identification techniques were used to estimate mechanical impedance. Stiffness of the paretic ankle was decreased during mid-stance when compared to the non-paretic side; a change independent of muscle activity. Inter-limb differences in ankle joint damping, but not joint stiffness or passive clinical assessments, strongly predicted walking speed and distance. This work provides the first insights into how stroke alters joint mechanical impedance during walking, as well as how these changes relate to existing outcome measures. Our results inform clinical care, suggesting a focus on correcting stance phase mechanics could potentially improve mobility of chronic stroke survivors.
Honeypots for Cybercrime Research

Honeypots are a type of cybersecurity tool designed with the general purpose of being attacked and compromised by cyberthreats. They became widely popularized throughout the 1990s by computer scientists due to their multi-functional capabilities. As a result, a wide variety of honeypots have been introduced to handle different cybersecurity tasks. Only recently have social scientists begun using them in cybercrime research to test criminological theories and shed light on deviant human behavior in cyberspace. However, arguments have been made for, and against, the utilization of honeypots in this line of research. In this chapter, what constitutes honeypot research in the context of both computer and social science is described. Finally, the chapter concludes itself with advice and suggestions for scholars interested in using honeypots in their own research endeavors.
Managing Cognitive Load in Introductory Programming Courses: A Cognitive Aware Scaffolding Tool

Research on techniques for teaching computer programming to novice learners has suggested that introducing programming concepts and theories is extremely difficult because the learners have to assimilate syntactical methods of the programming language as well as their interface to the programming world. Computer programming for the novice requires the understanding of a variety of different areas such as logic and mathematical concepts, syntax, the language interface, algorithms, flowcharts, and pseudocode associated with programming theory, which can overwhelm the learner and increase levels of stress and frustration cognitive load. The central theme of this research was to examine the effects of scaffolding tools on cognitive load levels as participants completed laboratory assignments within a Visual Basic for Applications programming course, and to compare final course grades in Phase I and Phase II of the research. Participants were asked to evaluate their cognitive load as they completed assignments throughout the course. Course grades were also collected because all students in Phase I of the research eventually received the scaffolding tool prior to the final exam. Phase I of this study showed that within the major groups of online and face-to-face learners, and the subgroups of treatment and control, some benefit as determined by the statistical means was obtained by the use of the scaffolding tool to reduce cognitive load and improve laboratory scores. In the second phase of this research the students did not receive the scaffolding tool. A comparison of Phase I and Phase II indicates that the Group with the Scaffolding Tool Phase I experienced lower levels of cognitive load and attained higher laboratory and course scores than did the Group without the Scaffolding Tool.
Critiquing media reports with flawed scientific findings: operation ARIES! a game with animated agents and natural language trialogues

Operation Aries! is a computer environment that helps students learn about scientific methods and inquiry The system has several components designed to optimize learning and motivation, such as game features, animated agents, natural language communication, trialogues among agents, an eBook, multimedia, and formative assessment The present focus is on a Case Study learning module that involves critiquing reports of scientific findings in news media that have flawed scientific methodology After the human student lists the methodological flaws of a Case Study in natural language, a teacher agent and a peer agent hold a trialogue with the student that evaluates each listed flaw and that uncovers additional flaws that that student missed.
Abnormal adaptations to stress and impaired cardiovascular function in mice lacking corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor-2

The actions of corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh), a mediator of endocrine1 and behavioural responses to stress2, and the related hormone urocortin3 (Ucn) are coordinated by two receptors, Crhr1 (encoded by Crhr) and Crhr2 (refs 4,5). These receptors may exhibit distinct functions due to unique tissue distribution6 and pharmacology4,5. Crhr-null mice have defined central functions for Crhr1 in anxiety and neuroendocrine stress responses7,8. Here we generate Crhr2−/− mice and show that Crhr2 supplies regulatory features to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) stress response. Although initiation of the stress response appears to be normal, Crhr2−/− mice show early termination of adrenocorticotropic hormone (Acth) release, suggesting that Crhr2 is involved in maintaining HPA drive. Crhr2 also appears to modify the recovery phase of the HPA response, as corticosterone levels remain elevated 90 minutes after stress in Crhr2−/− mice. In addition, stress-coping behaviours associated with dearousal are reduced in Crhr2–/– mice. We also demonstrate that Crhr2 is essential for sustained feeding suppression (hypophagia) induced by Ucn. Feeding is initially suppressed in Crhr2−/− mice following Ucn, but Crhr2−/− mice recover more rapidly and completely than do wild-type mice. In addition to central nervous system effects, we found that, in contrast to wild-type mice, Crhr2−/− mice fail to show the enhanced cardiac performance or reduced blood pressure associated with systemic Ucn, suggesting that Crhr2 mediates these peripheral haemodynamic effects. Moreover, Crhr2−/− mice have elevated basal blood pressure, demonstrating that Crhr2 participates in cardiovascular homeostasis. Our results identify specific responses in the brain and periphery that involve Crhr2.
Differential localization of NT-3 and TrpM5 in glomeruli of the olfactory bulb of mice

Olfactory sensory neurons that express transient receptor potential channel M5 (TrpM5) or neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) project to defined clusters of glomeruli situated ventrally in the main olfactory bulb. Using genetically labeled mice, we investigated whether expression of NT-3-driven βgal and TrpM5-driven GFP marked overlapping sets of glomeruli and whether expression of these markers was coordinated. Our results indicate that these markers largely characterize independent sets of olfactory sensory neuron axons and glomeruli. Further, in glomeruli in which both TrpM5-GFP and NT-3-βgal labeled axons occur, they are expressed independently. The nature of staining for these two markers also differs within glomeruli. Within each labeled TrpM5-positive glomerulus, the level of TrpM5-GFP expression was similar throughout the glomerular neuropil. In contrast, NT-3-driven βgal expression levels are heterogeneous even within heavily labeled glomeruli. In addition, a population of very small TrpM5-GFP positive glomeruli is apparent while no similar populations of NT-3-βgal glomeruli are evident. Taken together, these data suggest that TrpM5 and NT-3 characterize two largely independent receptor populations both conveying odorant information to the ventral olfactory bulb.
Dynamic Programming, Control, and Computation

The presentation in this article is in the formal manner of classical applied mathematics and probability in order to focus on the methods and their implementation. In the section titled “Dynamic Programming in Continuous-Time,” a fairly general model of stochastic dynamic programming in continuous-time is outlined. In the section titled “Computational Reducing Canonical Forms,” canonical forms, such as a linear dynamics and quadratic cost model in control, that lead to a large reduction in computational effort are given or discussed. In the section titled “Finite Difference PDE Computational Methods,” finite difference partial differential equation (PDE) methods are given that are suitable for solving nonlinear Bellman dynamic programming equations, approximately. Alternatively, Markov chain approximation probabilistic methods which systematically justify the stability and weak convergence of the approximating Markov chain are summarized in the section titled “Probabilistic Markov Chain Approximation.” In the last section, there is a brief summary and directions to some other approaches. Keywords: dynamic programming; finite differences; Markov chain approximation; curse of dimensionality
The Corrosion of Carbon Black Anodes in Alkaline Electrolyte III . The Effect of Graphitization on the Corrosion Resistance of Furnace Blacks

A selection of furnace black carbons of varying surface area and industry type were heat treated in purified helium at 2700°C and the corrosion resistance was measured under conditions of oxygen evolution in 30% at 55°C. The extent of graphitization was determined qualitatively by x‐ray diffraction and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Separate linear correlations of the corrosion rate per unit mass with the BET surface area were observed for furnace blacks and for graphitized furnace blacks, with the rate for the graphitized blacks being a factor of ca. 2.5 lower on a unit area basis. The correlations had a relatively high standard deviation, however, indicating that BET area was probably not the only physical property affecting the corrosion rate. TEM analysis of the carbons after extended corrosion indicated a strong preferential attack of the ungraphitized regions, i.e., much greater selectivity than the factor of 2.5 indicated by the BET correlation. A unifying correlation was observed for both the furnace blacks and their graphitized forms using the corrosion rate per unit mass and the iodine adsorption number. It was concluded that there are specific sites on the carbon surface (titrated by iodide) that serve as the initiators for dissolution of carbon atoms from the bulk of the material. One particular type of furnace black, SRF (N774), appears to be an especially good precursor for forming a highly graphitized and very corrosion resistant carbon black.
Society of Clinical Psychology

The Society of Clinical Psychology (SCP) was established as Division 12 of the American Psychological Association (APA) in 1948 and has been organized as a society since 1997. SCP grew in time to become the largest and most diverse APA division, with more than 6,900 members representing a broad range of primary interests, professional activities, theoretical orientations, and work settings. The society decreased in size to its present membership of 4,300 after two of its sections split off to become separate APA divisions in child and adolescent psychology (Division 53) and pediatric psychology (Division 54). Keywords: clinical psychology; psychological assessment; psychology organization; psychopathology; psychotherapy
Optimization by response surface methodology of processing conditions for the ionic liquid pretreatment of energy cane bagasse.

BACKGROUND Ionic liquids are generally considered to be green solvents, and can be potential substitutes for traditional flammable and volatile solvents due to such suitable properties as low volatility, high thermal stability, non-flammability, and good recyclability. This study aimed to optimize 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([EMIM][OAc]) pretreatment processing conditions by evaluating the effect of three pretreatment processing parameters (temperature, residence time and solids loading) on the enzymatic hydrolysis of [EMIM][OAc]-treated energy cane bagasse via response surface methodology (RSM). RESULTS The model fitted by RSM indicated that a higher glucose yield of [EMIM][OAc]-treated biomass could be obtained at higher pretreatment temperatures with shorter residence times within the design space. The optimal processing conditions were pretreatment of energy cane bagasse at 131.9°C for 28.1 min at 8.4% solids loading, resulting in a final glucose yield of 35.96 g glucose per 100 g of native biomass compared with the predicted value of 35.89. CONCLUSION The results suggest that this model can predict accurately the glucose yield within the specified design space. The model can also provide valuable insight to further industry application. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Highly efficient and thermally stable organic/polymeric electro-optic materials by dendritic approach

A series of dendron-modified nonlinear optical (NLO) chromophores and multiple chromophore-containing crosslinkable NLO dendrimers have been developed. The enhancement of poling efficiency (40%) in the dendritic NLO chromophore/polymer guest/host system was obtained due to the significant minimization of intermolecular electrostatic interactions among chromophores by the dendritic effect. Multiple NLO chromophore building blocks can be further placed into a dendrimer to construct precise molecular architecture with predetermined chemical composition. The site-isolation effect, through the encapsulation of NLO moieties by dendrons, can greatly enhance the performance of electro-optic (E-O) materials. A very large E-O coefficient (r33=60 pm/V at 1.55 micrometers ) and high temporal stability (85 degree(s)C for more than 1000 h) were achieved in a NLO dendrimer developed through the double-end functionalization of a 3D shape phenyl-tetracyanobutadienyl (Ph-TCBD)- containing NLO chromophore with thermally crosslinkable trifluorovinylether-containing dendrons.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Rapid regulation of steroidogenesis by mitochondrial protein import

Most mitochondrial proteins are synthesized on cytoplasmic ribosomes and imported into mitochondria. The imported proteins are directed to one of four submitochondrial compartments--the outer mitochondrial membrane, the inner mitochondrial membrane, the intramembraneous space, or the matrix--where the protein then functions. Here we show that the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), a mitochondrial protein required for stress responses, reproduction, and sexual differentiation of male fetuses, exerts its activity transiently at the outer mitochondrial membrane rather than at its final resting place in the matrix. We also show that its residence time at this outer membrane and its activity are regulated by its speed of mitochondrial import. This may be the first example of a mitochondrial protein exerting its biological activity in a compartment other than that to which it is finally targeted. This system enables steroidogenic cells to initiate and terminate massive levels of steroidogenesis within a few minutes, permitting the rapid regulation of serum steroid hormone concentrations.
MSTor version 2013: A new version of the computer code for the multi-structural torsional anharmonicity, now with a coupled torsional potential

We present an improved version of the MSTor program package, which calculates partition functions and thermodynamic functions of complex molecules involving multiple torsions; the method is based on either a coupled torsional potential or an uncoupled torsional potential. The program can also carry out calculations in the multiple-structure local harmonic approximation. The program package also includes seven utility codes that can be used as stand-alone programs to calculate reduced moment of inertia matrices by the method of Kilpatrick and Pitzer, to generate conformational structures, to calculate, either analytically or by Monte Carlo sampling, volumes for torsional subdomains defined by Voronoi tessellation of the conformational subspace, to generate template input files for the MSTor calculation and Voronoi calculation, and to calculate one-dimensional torsional partition functions using the torsional eigenvalue summation method.
Ca-Fe-Mg olivines: phase relations and a solution model

Reversed phase equilibrium experiments in the system (Ca, Mg, Fe)2SiO4 provide four tielines at P≪1 bar and 1 kbar and 800° C–1,100° C. These tielines have been used to model the solution properties of the olivine quadrilateral following the methods described by Davidson et al. (1981) for quadrilateral clinopyroxenes. The discrepancy between the calculated phase relations and the experimentally determined tielines is within the uncertainty of the experiments. The solution properties of quadrilateral olivines can be described by a non-convergent site-disorder model that allows for complete partitioning of Ca on the M2 site, highly disordered Fe-Mg cation distributions and limited miscibility between high-Ca and low-Ca olivines. The ternary data presented in this paper together with binary solution models for the joins Fo-Mo and Fa-Kst have been used to evaluate two solution parameters: $$\begin{gathered} F^0 \equiv 2(\mu _{{\rm M}o}^0 - \mu _{{\rm K}st}^0 ) + \mu _{Fa}^0 - \mu _{Fo}^0 = 12.660 (1.6) kJ, \hfill \\ \Delta G_*^0 \equiv \mu _{{\rm M}gFe}^0 + \mu _{FeMg}^0 - \mu _{Fo}^0 - \mu _{Fa}^0 = 7.030 (3.9) kJ. \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ .
A prosthetic device for air-tunnel speech rehabilitation.

Abstract The tracheal-esophageal prosthetic method offers advantages in speech rehabilitation for selected patients after laryngectomy. The success of the method depends upon construction of a suitable prosthesis.
Investigation of the use of Prandtl/Navier-Stokes Equation Procedures for Two-Dimensional Incompressible Flows

The technique of combining solutions of the Prandtl equations with solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations to compute incompressible flow around two‐dimensional bodies is investigated herein. Computational evidence is presented which shows that if the ‘‘obvious’’ coupling is used to combine the solutions, then the resulting solution is not accurate. An alternate coupling procedure is described which greatly improves the accuracy of the solutions obtained with the combined equation approach. An alternate coupling that can be used to create a more accurate vortex sheet/vortex blob method is then shown.
The incidence of giant cell arteritis in Olmsted County, Minnesota, over a 60-year period 1950–2009

Objective: To assess the incidence of giant cell arteritis (GCA) in the era from 2000 to 2009.Method: We extended the previously identified population-based cohort of Olmsted County, Minnesota residents who fulfilled 1990 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for GCA for earlier decades during 1950–1999.Results: In 2000–2009, 74 cases of GCA were identified (mean age 78.1 years; 80% women; 79% temporal artery biopsy positive; seven included based on radiological criteria). The incidence of GCA was 19.8 per 100 000 population.Conclusions: The GCA incidence rates have remained steady since 1970 and the age at incidence, which was progressively increasing, seems to have reached a plateau.
Tumor length as a prognostic factor in esophageal cancer management

To determine whether tumor length provides additional prognostic information beyond traditional TNM staging alone. A retrospective review was conducted of 356 patients with stage I–III esophageal cancer treated with curative intent at the University of Washington between 1995 and 2010. All patients had esophagoduodenoscopy prior to treatment. Multivariate Cox models were performed to evaluate the impact of tumor length on mortality as both a continuous and binary variable (≤3 and >3 cm), controlling for stage, histology, treatment, gender, and age. Among all patients, each increasing centimeter of tumor involvement was associated with a 13 % increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.13, p 3.0 cm were not associated with poorer survival compared with tumors ≤3.0 cm (HR = 1.16, p = 0.466). Among the stage I population, the adjusted relative risk of mortality for patients with tumors >3 cm is 2.63 with a trend towards significance (p = 0.089). No increased risk of mortality was observed among the stage II and III populations. The increased risk of mortality associated with longer tumors, with the effect largely influenced by the stage I patients, helps generate a hypothesis that tumor length may have greater prognostic significance in stage I patients than in stage II/III patients. Our findings suggest that it may be helpful to include tumor length in esophageal cancer staging guidelines.