cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epistatic and Combinatorial Effects of Pigmentary Gene Mutations in the Domestic Pigeon

Summary Understanding the molecular basis of phenotypic diversity is a critical challenge in biology, yet we know little about the mechanistic effects of different mutations and epistatic relationships among loci that contribute to complex traits. Pigmentation genetics offers a powerful model for identifying mutations underlying diversity and for determining how additional complexity emerges from interactions among loci. Centuries of artificial selection in domestic rock pigeons ( Columba livia ) have cultivated tremendous variation in plumage pigmentation through the combined effects of dozens of loci. The dominance and epistatic hierarchies of key loci governing this diversity are known through classical genetic studies [1–6], but their molecular identities and the mechanisms of their genetic interactions remain unknown. Here we identify protein-coding and cis -regulatory mutations in Tyrp1 , Sox10 , and Slc45a2 that underlie classical color phenotypes of pigeons and present a mechanistic explanation of their dominance and epistatic relationships. We also find unanticipated allelic heterogeneity at Tyrp1 and Sox10 , indicating that color variants evolved repeatedly though mutations in the same genes. These results demonstrate how a spectrum of coding and regulatory mutations in a small number of genes can interact to generate substantial phenotypic diversity in a classic Darwinian model of evolution [7].
Detection performance of two-sensor distributed systems for normal local ROCs

The global performance of two-sensor fusion and serial distributed detection networks are examined. The performance of the local sensors are characterized by normal receiver operating characteristics (ROCs). The networks are compared for different sensor energy distributions at different system energy levels.
Are Race to the Top and No Child Left Behind Having the Desired Effect? Assessing State Education Accountability Models and Teacher Dismissals

Federal education policies such as President Obama’s Race to the Top and George Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act have used federal funding to encourage states to adopt performance accountability models. Though these initiatives aim to have a positive long term impact on educational outcomes, it is unclear whether states have meaningfully invested in performance centered policy reforms. This research develops a quantitative model that measures varying levels of commitment to performance management among the 50 states by creating a policy index that assesses the strength of states’ teacher performance policies. The model assess whether NCLB, Race to the Top, teacher shortages, minority student performance, teacher experience, and organized labor union impact state policy strength. It then gauges policy effectiveness by examining whether states that implemented more challenging performance accountability policies were more likely to dismiss underperforming teachers.
An Overdose Antidote Goes Mainstream

Expanded access to the opioid overdose rescue drug naloxone has raised complex questions for policy makers.
Patent Reviews: 6,522,403; 6,570,657; 6,573,998; 6,580,503; 6,580,506; 6,580,510; 6,580,560; 6,580,567; 6,580,571; 6,580,849; 6,587,198; 6,590,669; 6,608,721; 6,621,580; 6,636,317

The patent number, date of issuance by the U.S. Patent Office, and classification are shown on the first line. The filing date is that of the first application (although some patents may derive from earlier applications with earlier claim dates). Any opinions expressed are those of the reviewers and do not reflect the opinions of the organizations with which they are associated, the Optical Society of America, or this journal. Printed copies of these patents may be ordered from the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, DC 20231: telephone (703) 557-3158, URL http://patents.uspto.gov. Inquiries about patents should be addressed to the Patents Office, not to this journal or to OSA.
HEROES AS KILLERS OR KILLERS AS HEROES

A viewer comes away from watching The Act of Killing (TAOK) with very mixed emotions and thoughts. My initial reaction was discomfort at having spent time with violent and dangerous thugs who one w...
Transformative Role of Epigenetics in Child Development Research: Commentary on the Special Section

Lester, Conradt, and Marsit (2016) have assembled a set of articles that bring to readers of Child Development the scope and impact of the exponentially growing research on epigenetics and child development. This commentary aims to place this work in a broader context of theory and research by (a) providing a conceptual framework for developmental scientists who may be only moderately familiar with this emergent field; (b) considering these contributions in relation to the current status of work, highlighting its transformative nature; (c) suggesting cautions to keep in mind, while simultaneously clarifying that these do not undermine important new insights; and (d) identifying the prospects for future work that builds on the progress reflected in this special section.
Breed effects and genetic parameter estimates for calving difficulty and birth weight in a multibreed population

Birth weight (BWT) and calving difficulty (CD) were recorded on 4,579 first-parity females from the Germplasm Evaluation Program at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC). Both traits were analyzed using a bivariate animal model with direct and maternal effects. Calving difficulty was transformed from the USMARC scores to corresponding -scores from the standard normal distribution based on the incidence rate of the USMARC scores. Breed fraction covariates were included to estimate breed differences. Heritability estimates (SE) for BWT direct, CD direct, BWT maternal, and CD maternal were 0.34 (0.10), 0.29 (0.10), 0.15 (0.08), and 0.13 (0.08), respectively. Calving difficulty direct breed effects deviated from Angus ranged from -0.13 to 0.77 and maternal breed effects deviated from Angus ranged from -0.27 to 0.36. Hereford-, Angus-, Gelbvieh-, and Brangus-sired calves would be the least likely to require assistance at birth, whereas Chiangus-, Charolais-, and Limousin-sired calves would be the most likely to require assistance at birth. Maternal breed effects for CD were least for Simmental and Charolais and greatest for Red Angus and Chiangus. Results showed that the diverse biological types of cattle have different effects on both BWT and CD. Furthermore, results provide a mechanism whereby beef cattle producers can compare EBV for CD direct and maternal arising from disjoined and breed-specific genetic evaluations.
Racismo estrutural, dissimulação do preconceito e pentecostalismo brasileiro

Este artigo procura mostrar como foi possivel, no decorrer dos anos, se pensar numa ideia de democracia racial brasileira . Partindo de um dialogo entre a Historia e as Ciencias Sociais, pretende mostrar como as possibilidades de se entender as misturas que ocorreram para a formacao do povo brasileiro fizeram surgir construcoes como raca, racialismo e racismo: Ha racismo no Brasil ou aprendemos ja a lidar com as diferencas colocadas por conta da cor da pele? As respostas - ou tentativas de respostas – a estas perguntas serao buscadas na articulacao de historiadores e cientistas sociais, que vem pensando a tematica ao longo dos anos. This paper aims to show how it was possible, over the years, to think an idea of Brazilian racial democracy. Starting from dialogue between History and Social Sciences, it aims to show how the possibilities to understand the mixtures that occurred in the formation of the Brazilian people have given rise to concepts like race, racialism and racism: Is there racism in Brazil or we learn to deal with the differences placed on account of skin color? The answers - and attempts to answer – to these questions will be sought in the thought of Historians and Social Scientists who have been thinking this subject over the years.
The effect of ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether-N,N'-tetraacetic acid and calcium on tyrosine hydroxylase activity.

It has been suggested that calcium plays a role in the regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase [tyrosine 3-monooxygenase; L-tyrosine,tetrahydropteridine oxygen oxidoreductase (3-hydroxylating); EC 1.14.16.21 activity. We have studied the effects of calcium and the calcium-chelating agent ethylene glycol bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N9-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) on tyrosine hydroxylase activity in vitro. The enzyme was assayed with both optimal and suboptimal concentrations of substrate and cofactor, and with both a chemical and an enzymatic system for maintaining the cofactor in the reduced state. We did not observe any significant stimulation by EGTA of tyrosine hydroxylase in crude extracts prepared from rat striatum, hypothalamus, or adrenal glands. In addition, there was no appreciable effect of calcium on tyrosine hydroxylase in crude striatal extracts. These results do not support the hypothesis that EGTA stimulates tyrosine hydroxylase in dopaminergic neurons.
Lights, Camera, but No Action? Tax and Economic Development Lessons From State Motion Picture Incentive Programs:

Despite mixed results, state government use of targeted economic development programs has escalated. This study evaluates the impact of motion picture incentive programs, an array of tax incentives employed by over 40 states to entice film and television productions out of California and New York, on labor and economic conditions from 1998 through 2013. Results suggest that sales and lodging tax waivers had no effect on any of four different economic indicators. Transferable tax credits had a small, sustained effect on motion picture employment levels but no effect on wages. Refundable tax credits had no employment effect and only a temporary wage effect. Neither credit affected gross state product or motion picture industry concentration. Incentive spending also had no influence. These findings demonstrate the heterogeneous impacts of different incentives offered under a single program and should inform future economic development policy design.
Molecular Determinants of N-Acetylglucosamine Recognition and Turnover by N-Acetyl-1-D-myo-inosityl-2-amino-2-deoxy-α-D-glucopyranoside Deacetylase (MshB).

Actinobacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis use the unique thiol mycothiol (MSH) as their primary reducing agent and in the detoxification of xenobiotics. N-Acetyl-1-d-myo-inosityl-2-amino-2-deoxy-α-d-glucopyranoside deacetylase (MshB) is the metal-dependent deacetylase that catalyzes the deacetylation of N-acetyl-1-d-myo-inosityl-2-amino-2-deoxy-α-d-glucopyranoside, the committed step in MSH biosynthesis. We previously used docking studies to identify specific side chains that may contribute as molecular determinants of MshB substrate specificity [Huang, X., and Hernick, M. (2014) Biopolymers 101, 406–417]. Herein, we probe the molecular basis of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) recognition and turnover by MshB using a combination of site-directed mutagenesis and kinetic studies (mutants examined, L19A, E47A, R68A, D95A, M98A, D146N, and F216A). Results from these studies indicate that MshB is unable to catalyze the turnover of GlcNAc upon loss of the Arg68 or Asp95 side chains, consistent with the proposal that these side chains make critical hydrogen bonding interactions with substrate. The activity of the D146N mutant is ∼10-fold higher than that of the D146A mutant, suggesting that the ability to accept a hydrogen bond at this position contributes to GlcNAc substrate specificity. Because there does not appear to be a direct contact between Asp146 and substrate, this effect is likely mediated via positioning of other catalytically important residues. Finally, we probed side chains located on mobile loops and in a hydrophobic cavity and identified two additional side chains (Met98 and Glu47) that contribute to GlcNAc recognition and turnover by MshB. Together, results from these studies confirm some of the molecular determinants of GlcNAc substrate specificity by MshB, which should aid the development of MshB inhibitors.
Assessing Urban Forest Structure, Ecosystem Services, and Economic Benefits on Vacant Land

An urban forest assessment is essential for developing a baseline from which to measure changes and trends. The most precise way to assess urban forests is to measure and record every tree on a site, but although this may work well for relatively small populations (e.g., street trees, small parks), it is prohibitively expensive for large tree populations. Thus, random sampling offers a cost-effective way to assess urban forest structure and the associated ecosystem services for large-scale assessments. The methodology applied to assess ecosystem services in this study can also be used to assess the ecosystem services provided by vacant land in other urban contexts and improve urban forest policies, planning, and the management of vacant land. The study’s findings support the inclusion of trees on vacant land and contribute to a new vision of vacant land as a valuable ecological resource by demonstrating how green infrastructure can be used to enhance ecosystem health and promote a better quality of life for city residents.
Sailing Away with Emerging Markets ETFs

Buoyed by favorable demographics and rising domestic consumption, emerging markets have long beckoned investors seeking long-term investment opportunities. But more recently, three fundamental shifts have simultaneously hit emerging market equities: the Federal Reserve’s tapering of its bond-buying program, disappointing corporate earnings, and concerns over the economic slowdown in China, a country that accounts for around one-third of emerging markets’ gross domestic product (GDP) and about 10% of global GDP. Faced with these daunting challenges, investors have responded with a massive pullback from these developing economies, first in 2013 and again, more recently, throughout August 2015. The scale and frequency of the selling pressure have been substantial enough to make them the subject of many alarming stories filled with warnings of potentially magnified risks and severe liquidity problems for those who remain invested in them. Some startling media headlines proclaim no less than the death of emerging markets.
Prevent Falling Patients From Falling Off the Radar: Resources for Building Your Falls Risk Protocol

The impact of falls on patients and the burden of consequences due to falls on health care are increasing. A number of national and international organizations recognize this issue and efforts to b...
Characterization of the surface and interfacial properties of the lamina splendens

Joint disease affects approximately 52.5 million patients in the United States alone, costing 80.8 billion USD in direct healthcare costs. The development of treatment programs for joint disease and trauma requires accurate assessment of articular cartilage degradation. The articular cartilage is the interfacial tissue between articulating surfaces, such as bones, and acts as low-friction interfaces. Damage to the lamina splendens, which is the articular cartilage’s topmost layer, is an early indicator of joint degradation caused by injury or disease. By gaining comprehensive knowledge on the lamina splendens, particularly its structure and interfacial properties, researchers could enhance the accuracy of human and animal biomechanical models, as well as develop appropriate biomimetic materials for replacing damaged articular cartilage, thereby leading to rational treatment programs for joint disease and injury. Previous studies that utilize light, electron, and force microscopy techniques have found that the lamina splendens is composed of collagen fibers oriented parallel to the cartilage surface and encased in a proteoglycan matrix. Such orientation maximizes wear resistance and proteoglycan retention while promoting the passage of nutrients and synovial fluid. Although the structure of the lamina splendens has been explored in the literature, the low-friction interface of this tissue remains only partially characterized. Various functional models are currently available for the interface, such as pure boundary lubrication, thin films exuded under pressure, and sheets of trapped proteins. Recent studies suggest that each of these lubrication models has certain advantages over one another. Further research is needed to fully model the interface of this tissue. In this review, we summarize the methods for characterizing the lamina splendens and the results of each method. This paper aims to serve as a resource for existing studies to date and a roadmap of the investigations needed to gain further insight into the lamina splendens and the progression of joint disease.
Analytical solutions to a network of standard linear solids

Various viscoelastic models, such as the standard linear solid, Maxwell model, and Kelvin–Voigt model, are frequently used to describe the behavior of biological materials from single cells to tissues. These models are expressed mathematically as simple differential equations, called constitutive equations, which relate the applied force (stress) to the resulting deformation (strain) of the material. Networks of these models, representing materials with heterogeneous mechanical properties, are described by systems of constitutive equations. We prove that the eigenvalues associated with such systems are all nonpositive real numbers, find bounds for them, and indicate how they can be estimated quickly and accurately. We then give formulas for the analytical solutions of the system of equations.
The ‘Piniana’ Question: Irish Fenians and the New Zealand Wars

In late 1871, Captain McDonnell embarked upon a trip through the upper Wanganui district on the North Island of New Zealand. In his trip diary, McDonnell noted two potentially exciting discoveries: first, the region held possible goldfields and, second, it included ‘two fine seams of coal’. McDonnell also recorded more unsettling news, however. Local Maori had informed him that several Europeans had already settled in the area and were living with the Maori king. Furthermore, these Europeans were ‘Irish men or Piniana’s (Fenians)’ and they had promised to provide the Maori king with 500 additional men, if needed.1 The news generated immediate local attention. Following McDonnell’s return to the Wanganui township, local newspapers published excerpts from his trip diary.2 Additionally, his brother, Thomas McDonnell, forwarded the same excerpts to the colony’s minister of defence.3
Incidental Angiosarcoma of the Pancreas: A Case Report of a Rare, Asymptomatic Tumor.

Abstract Background: Angiosarcoma of the pancreas is a very rare neoplasm accounting for 0.1% of pancreatic malignancies. This tumor is biologically very aggressive and frequently diagnosed at an unresectable stage. Case Presentation: Herein, we report a case of an incidentally discovered angiosarcoma that was removed with a robotic distal pancreatectomy and discuss the current literature on this rare disease. Conclusion: This is the fifth reported case of primary angiosarcoma of the pancreas and the first case to be identified incidentally. Unlike the other cases where survival was limited due to advanced disease, the patient presented here underwent surgical resection and remains disease free after 1 year of follow-up.
Families as Transformative Allies to Trans Youth of Color: Positioning Intersectionality as Analysis to Demarginalize Political Systems of Oppression

The sociopolitical context surrounding the 2016 United States presidential election and the subsequent entrenchment of a Trump presidential administration have engendered radical changes within the...
Texture evolution and microcracking mechanisms in as-extruded and cross-rolled conditions of a 14YWT nanostructured ferritic alloy

Abstract Cr-stabilized nanostructured ferritic alloys (NFAs), dispersion strengthened by an ultra-high density of nanooxides, are attractive candidates for many nuclear energy applications due to their high-temperature strength, in-service stability and remarkable irradiation tolerance. However, typical NFA deformation processing paths lead to crystallographic texturing, formation of brittle microstructures and low toughness orientations, making fabricating components very difficult. Here, we characterize the dislocation-mediated deformation mechanisms that lead to the brittle texture component. The as-extruded bar is less brittle than the cross-rolled plate, which contains a large population of pre-existing cleavage microcracks. More generally, deformed ODS/NFAs are most often textured and have anisotropic low toughness orientations, even absent microcracks. However, cross-rolling produces a very high volume fraction of a plate normal {001} -texture component, which constitutes the brittle cleavage system in iron. Microcracks propagate along {001} low angle deformation induced subgrain boundaries in directions after nucleating by the Cottrell mechanism.
Myocardial Oxygen Tension and Capillary Density in the Isolated Perfused Rat Heart During Pharmacological Intervention

Oxygen is essential for normal cardiac function and plays an important role in cardiac regulation. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) oximetry appears to have some significant advantages for measuring oxygen tension (pO2) in the beating heart. This study presents the serial measurement of myocardial pO2 by EPR oximetry in the isolated crystalloid perfused heart during treatment with different cardioactive drugs: dobutamine, metoprolol, verapamil, vasopressin, and Ne-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME). Baseline myocardial pO2 was 176±14 mmHg (mean±S.E.). Myocardial capillary density in the intact contracting heart was calculated to be 2300±100 mm−2, using local myocardial pO2 and a cylindrical model for oxygen diffusion in tissue. Each drug had characteristic effects on myocardial pO2, myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2), and capillary density. Metoprolol and verapamil increased myocardial pO2 by 51% and 18%, respectively, dobutamine decreased myocardial pO2 by 84% while vasopressin and L-NAME had no significant effect on myocardial pO2. Metoprolol and verapamil decreased MVO2 by 9% and 56%, respectively, while dobutamine increased MVO2 by 59%. A quantitative comparison of effects on the capillary bed based on changes in myocardial pO2 and MVO2 was made. Metoprolol and verapamil had opposite effects on the capillary bed. Verapamil decreased myocardial capillary density by 39%, while capillary density increased by 10% (n.s.) with metoprolol. Data following perfusion without drug is also presented. We conclude that: 1) The application of EPR oximetry with LiPc provides dynamic evaluation of local myocardial pO2 in the contracting heart. 2) Using a cylindrical model of oxygen delivery and diffusion in tissue, these data may be used to describe the changes of capillary density during pharmacological interventions.
NORADRENERGIC NEURONS: POST-STIMULATION INCREASE IN CATECHOLAMINE BIOSYNTHESIS

Abstract 1 In vivo electrical stimulation of the rat locus coeruleus leads to a post-stimulation increase in tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the cortex and hippocampus ipsilateral to the stimulation site. 2 Electrical field stimulation or potassium depolarization of rat hippocampal slices in vitro also leads to a post-stimulation increase in tyrosine hydroxylase activity which is not dependent upon transmitter release but has an absolute requirement for tissue Ca ++ . 3 In both in vivo and in vitro systems maximal enzyme activation develops over a 10-minute period and decays over a 10-minute period following termination of stimulation. 4 Tyrosine hydroxylase activation in vivo and in vitro is accompanied by a decrease in the apparent K m 's for tyrosine and pterin cofactor and an increase in the apparent K i for norepinephrine. These kinetic changes can be mimicked by addition of Ca ++ or cAMP to control enzyme. 5 The post-stimulation increase in tyrosine hydroxylase activity can be dissociated from transmitter release and can be attributed to kinetic alterations in this enzyme.
Data materialization: a hybrid process of crafting a teapot

Data materialization is a workflow developed to create 3D objects from data-informed designs. Building upon traditional metalwork and craft, and new technology's data visualization with generative art, this workflow expresses conceptually relevant data through 3D forms which are fabricated in traditional media. The process allows for the subtle application of data in visual art, allowing the aesthetic allure of the art object or installation to inspire intellectual intrigue. This paper describes the technical and creative process of Modern Dowry, a silver-plated 3D-print teapot on view at the Museum of the City of New York, June 2017--June 2018.
Current Understanding of Conventional and Novel Co-Expression Patterns of Mammalian Sarcomeric Myosin Heavy Chains and Light Chains

A central tenet of muscle physiology that has accrued from several decades of intense investigations is that myosin, and the vast set of isoforms that constitute its six subunits, is a major regulator of contractile properties of smooth, cardiac and skeletal muscle. Two frequent questions are (1) how many myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms and myosin light chain (MLC) isoforms are expressed in mammalian striated muscles and (2) which isoforms of MyHC and MLC are expressed, at the protein level, with each other - that is, what patterns of co-expression exist in single striated muscle fibers? The answer to the former question is straightforward: eleven MyHC isoforms and nine MLC isoforms, are expressed in a developmentally-regulated and muscle-specific manner. The answer to the latter question, on the other hand, is not clear-cut. The observed number of MyHC and MLC isoform combinations among single fibers is far less than the total number of potential permutations, indicating strict regulation of expression in individual muscle cells. This article provides a review of the current and still evolving understanding of the complexity of muscle fiber types defined on the basis of expression patterns of MyHC and MLC isoforms that constitute an intact functioning molecule.
An unusual case of idiopathic calcinosis of the eyelid.

ABSTRACTIdiopathic subepidermal calcinosis, also known as idiopathic calcinosis cutis, is a rare condition, which typically presents as a small, hard, subepithelial mass in the absence of systemic ...
Implementing an Inpatient Acupuncture Service for Pain and Symptom Management: Identifying Opportunities and Challenges

Objective: To explore an interprofessional group of health care providers' perspectives on the facilitators and barriers to implementation of an inpatient acupuncture service for pain and symptom management. Design: Qualitative. Setting: An urban, academic, tertiary care health system. Subjects: Key interprofessional health care providers, including physicians, nurses, and administrators. Methods/interventions: We used interviews and focus group with questions guided by the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework to explore three domains of implementation-evidence, context, and facilitation. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Thirty health professionals participated in 11 interviews and 1 focus group. We identified 12 codes or topics, grouped into 3 categories: (1) facilitators to implementation, (2) barriers to implementation, and (3) strategies to promote successful implementation. Health professionals' awareness of acupuncture was high, and the positive support was based on beliefs that acupuncture fills a biomedical gap in treatment and adds institutional value by enhancing the reputation of the health system. Many thought that to provide comprehensive care, acupuncture should be available to inpatients, but opinions varied on the appropriateness and timing of acupuncture in patients' disease or care trajectory. Concerns about inconsistencies in insurance coverage and resulting expenses patients may incur were noted. Strategies to overcome implementation challenges included ensuring buy-in, setting appropriate expectations of the benefits of acupuncture, and educating patients and providers. Conclusions: Our study finds clear support for acupuncture. These strong endorsements were the foundation of facilitating factors that can guide implementation of acupuncture in the inpatient setting. Although we also identified potential barriers to implementation that must be addressed, we also report a number of actionable steps to operationalize evidence-based acupuncture to patients who are inpatients.
Promoción ambiental para la disminución de riesgos ambientales de la ciénaga de Concordia Magdalena

espanolEl impacto ambiental en Colombia, consecuencia de la constante contaminacion, especialmente en los rios, se ha convertido en un foco atencional en el campo de la educacion, razon por la cual se realizo el presente proyecto que tiene como objetivo identificar los riesgos ambientales de la Cienaga de Concordia Magdalena. El estudio se llevo a cabo desde una mirada cualitativa, con un alcance descriptivo. Las tecnicas de recoleccion de informacion fueron la entrevista estructurada y la observacion. El escenario donde se llevo a cabo el estudio fue la Institucion Educativa de Basica y Media de Concordia, Se conto con la participacion de (40) estudiantes del grado decimo. Dentro de las conclusiones se puede decir que efectivamente es la cienaga uno de los principales depositos de desechos por parte de la comunidad Concordiana, razon que ha llevado a la afectacion directa de esta, logrando taponamientos y sequias EnglishThe environmental impact in Colombia, a consequence of constant contamination, especially in rivers, has become an attentional focus in the field of education, which is why the present project was carried out with the objective of identifying the environmental risks of the Cienaga de Concordia Magdalena. The study was carried out from a qualitative perspective, with a descriptive scope. The information gathering techniques were the structured interview and the observation. The scenario where the study was carried out was the Basic and Media Educational Institution of Concordia, with the participation of (40) tenth grade students. Among the conclusions it can be said that the cienaga is one of the main waste deposits on the part of the Concordia community, reason that has led to the direct affectation of this, achieving blockages and droughts.
The case for summer: Conceptualizing the Summer Divide in higher education:

Students’ summer experiences during college potentially influence their postsecondary outcomes and job placement. Little is known, however, about how college students spend their summers. Drawing f...
Stratigraphic complexity in fluvial fans: Lower Eocene Green River Formation, Uinta Basin, USA

Abstract In this study, measured outcrop sections and geolocated photomosaics are integrated with areal mapping of channel dimensions, degree of amalgamation, calculations of channel‐to‐floodplain ratios and sedimentary facies variability to study and quantify the channel and floodplain deposits in the Sunnyside Delta Interval of the Lower Eocene Green River Formation in the Uinta Basin, Utah. Vertically, sand content and bed thickness increases, due to an increase in the channel‐to‐floodplain ratio, channel size and the degree of channel amalgamation. Laterally, the channel‐to‐floodplain ratio, channel size, the degree of channel amalgamation and the sand content in channel facies decreases in the paleo‐downstream direction. Such vertical and lateral transitions identify the Sunnyside Delta Interval as a fluvial fan (or distributive fluvial system). However, the vertical and lateral transitions occur at multiple spatial scales, demonstrating considerable stratigraphic complexity as compared to the existing facies and architectural models suggested for fluvial megafans and distributive fluvial systems. The smallest‐scale transitions are identified as avulsion‐related packages that form the building blocks of the stratigraphy, whereas the intermediate‐ and largest‐scale transitions are suggested to be related to lobe and whole fan progradation respectively. This documented complexity indicates the significance of self‐organization in building fluvial fan stratigraphy, and demonstrates that changes in the degree of channel amalgamation or in channel‐to‐floodplain ratio are not linked to accommodation changes. On facies scale, an abundance of Froude supercritical‐flow and high‐deposition‐rate facies, in‐channel mud deposits, and in‐channel bioturbation and desiccation indicate deposition in rivers with highly variable discharge. Such discharge conditions suggest seasonally and inter‐annually variable precipitation conditions in the US Western Interior in the Early Eocene.
First‐ever HSV‐1 recurrence following superficial facial chemical peel after 30‐year latency following neonatal primary infection

Recurrence of orofacial herpes simplex infection is a well-known potential complication of chemical peeling procedures. Risk of reactivation is believed to correlate with depth of peel, leading to the recommendation that all patients with history of primary orofacial herpes simplex infection or recurrent herpes labialis receive prophylactic antivirals prior to and after undergoing medium and deep peels. The following is a case of herpes labialis following a very superficial peeling procedure in an otherwise healthy 30-year-old male after primary infection as a neonate with no history of herpes simplex recurrence in the intervening 30 years. This case highlights the importance of history-taking and consideration of prophylactic antivirals in peels of all depths in patients with any history of primary infection, regardless of length of disease free period.
Effects of Hypoxic Environment on Prenatal Brain Development: Recent Evidence Versus Earlier Dogma

The hypoxic environment of natural high altitude (HA) is both a challenge and a stress to man and to all living organisms. Survival, fitness and reproduction of the species in this environment depend on adaptive adjustments, which are not only species-specific but also age-specific within a given species, and system-specific within individual animals (Petropoulos and Timiras, 1973); that is to say, the rat responds differently from man, the developing animal from the mature and one body system from another (Petropoulos and Timiras, 1973). Studies from this and other laboratories have confirmed that exposure of rats to natural HA during critical periods of CNS organogenesis and development may alter both the structural and functional maturation of the CNS, and that the duration of exposure and the maturational stage of the CNS at the time of such exposure are significant determinants of the extent and severity of impairment (Heim, 1965; Heim and Timiras, 1964; Jilek et al., 1966; Petropoulos and Timiras, 1973; Petropoulos et al., 1969; Petropoulos et al., 1970; Petropoulos et al., 1972a; Timiras and Woolley, 1966).
A Usability and Workload Investigation: Using Video Games to Compare Two Virtual Reality Systems

Comparison of the effectiveness and user perception of different commercial Virtual Reality (VR) systems for similar locomotion tasks is lacking. This gap is filled in the present paper by comparing two VR systems: the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive. Three game scenarios of increasing elaboration served as the basis for comparative measures: objective performance and subjective questionnaires (i.e., usability and workload). The between-subjects differences showed the Rift had higher subjective ease of use; an ergonomic recommendation is thus given. The within-subjects differences showed scenario workload differences within both the Rift and Vive. A trend of nonsignificant change in workload between scenarios 1 and scenarios 2 suggests using scenario 1 as a tutorial; a significant change in workload between scenarios 2 and 3 might relate to a lack of competency, signal certainty, scaffolding, and boredom. A higher-workload scenario may be added after scenario 3 in future studies.
Nucleic acids as antigens.

Publisher Summary Not only can antibodies against DNA be found in various autoimmune diseases, but DNA, RNA, various oligonucleotides, and even mono-nucleosides can be immunogenic under suitable conditions or when complexed with carriers such as methylated bovine serum albumin. This chapter reviews the development of the antigenicity of nucleic acids from the beginning of exploratory studies when the single point in question was whether nucleic acid-specific antibodies could be induced in suitable hosts by any means. To obtain antibodies with which nucleic acids and their components could react specifically, it was necessary to find the appropriate carrier for these haptens. Two major types of approach proved successful are the use of chemically defined, artificial conjugates or complexes and the use of naturally occurring complexes such as ribosome. The antigenicity of nucleic acids has been decided in the affirmative, the problem becomes to establish the feasibility of preparing homogenous populations of antibodies with defined and desired specificity, to extend the utilization of such antibodies in studies on structure and function of nucleic acids, and to explore the usefulness of this system of antibody production to an understanding of general mechanisms of antibody synthesis. The chapter also discusses some implications of findings for the analysis of structure and function of nucleic acids and for understanding antibody synthesis.
A contemporary analysis of goiters undergoing surgery in the United States

Abstract Introduction We identified disparities and at-risk populations among patients with goiters undergoing thyroidectomy. Materials and methods The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was queried for patients with goiter who underwent thyroidectomy between 2009 and 2013. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with goiters undergoing thyroidectomy. Results The study consisted of 103,678 patients with thyroidectomy and a goiter diagnosis, which included: simple goiter (n = 7,692, 7.42%), nodular goiter (n = 73,524, 70.92%), thyrotoxicosis (n = 14,043, 13.54%), thyroiditis (n = 1,248, 1.20%), and thyroid cancer (n = 7,169, 6.92%). Factors associated with operation for simple goiter included age >65 years (AOR 1.43 [1.15–1.79]), black race (AOR 1.35 [1.14–1.58]), and being uninsured (AOR 2.13 [1.52–2.98]). Patients with cancerous goiters undergoing thyroidectomy were less likely to be Black (AOR 0.38 [0.31–0.48]) or uninsured (AOR 0.25 [0.07–0.89]). Discussion Understanding disparities within populations undergoing thyroidectomy for goiter may allow for targeted efforts to more effectively treat goiters nationwide.
Determining Roe and Metz model parameters for simulating multireader multicase confidence-of-disease rating data based on read-data or conjectured Obuchowski-Rockette parameter estimates

The most frequently used model for simulating MRMC data that emulate confidence-of-disease ratings from diagnostic imaging studies has been the Roe and Metz model, proposed in 1997. The RM model generates continuous confidence-of-diseases ratings based on an underlying equal-variance binormal model for each reader, with the separation between the normal and abnormal rating distributions varying across readers. A problem with the RM model is that the parameters are expressed in terms of the rating distributions, as opposed to the reader performance outcomes. Because MRMC analysis results are almost always expressed in terms of the reader performance outcomes, and not in terms of the rating data distributions, it has been difficult to assess how similar the simulated data are to MRMC data encountered in practice. To remedy this situation, recently Hillis (in 2018) derived formulas expressing parameters that describe the distribution of empirical AUC outcomes computed from RM simulated data as functions of the RM parameters. An examination of these values revealed several problems with the realism of the simulated data. This paper continues that work by providing the inverse mapping, i.e., by deriving an algorithm that expresses the RM parameters as functions of the AUC empirical distribution parameters. This result will enable the creation of a recalibrated RM model that more closely emulates real-data studies.
Compact, Low-Profile and Robust Textile Antennas With Improved Bandwidth for Easy Garment Integration

In this paper, a compact and low-profile proximity-fed textile-based antenna with robust performance and improved bandwidth is proposed for body-area network (BAN) applications. The employed proximity-fed antenna differs from traditional wearable antennas in the sense that it not only exhibits improved bandwidth but also a reduced footprint. The proposed antenna also possesses an extreme robustness when subject to structural deformation and human body loading effects. In addition, the impact of the uncertainty in the dielectric constant (a characteristic associated with most textile material systems) is investigated for the first time. Experimental results show that the proposed proximity-fed antenna outperforms wearable antennas that employ more conventional feeding methodologies. The antenna was fabricated using two different flexible textile-based material systems (i.e., one printed and one embroidered). The advantages and disadvantages of each fabrication approach are discussed. The proposed antenna is characterized in free-space and on a human body, yielding robust performance in both cases.
Prediction of temperature range for the onset of fuzz formation in helium-plasma-implanted tungsten

Abstract We describe model predictions of the temperature dependence for the formation of fuzz, a nanofiber-like surface feature, on helium-plasma-irradiated tungsten surfaces under conditions similar to those at the divertor of fusion reactors. Temperature influences the onset of fuzz formation through the strongly temperature-dependent pressure of subsurface helium bubbles formed by plasma implantation and surface diffusivity of tungsten, in addition to the thermal softening of the elastic moduli of tungsten. We explore the effects of helium concentration in the plasma-implanted tungsten and helium bubble size, report surface response diagrams predicted over a broad temperature range, and interpret the trends exhibited in such diagrams.
Preoperative Assessment before Orbital-Zygomaticomaxillary Surgery

The authors here discuss the preoperative assessment of orbital-zygomaticomaxillary fractures. The assessment is divided into two parts: the clinical examination and the radiographic examination. On each part, the authors will explain in detail what to look for during the preoperative assessment to help to formulate a surgical plan.
Moral Conviction, Emotion, and the Influence of Episodic versus Thematic Frames

Morally convicted attitudes—attitudes grounded in core beliefs about fundamental right and wrong—play an important role in political psychology, public opinion, and political behavior. Extant resea...
"There is no one to pick up the pieces": Sustainability of antibiotic stewardship programs in nursing homes.

Objective: To describe nursing home staff experiences and perceptions of the factors that impact the sustainability of an antibiotic stewardship program (ASP). Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, semistructured interviews with staff at 9 not-for-profit nursing homes with an established ASP were conducted and audio recorded. De-identified transcriptions of the interviews were coded using a sustainability framework and were analyzed to identify themes. Results: Interviews were conducted with 48 clinical and administrative staff to elicit their perceptions of the ASPs, and 7 themes were identified. ASPs were perceived to be resource intensive and “data driven,” requiring access to and interpretation of data that are not readily available at many nursing homes. Though motivated and committed, ASP champions felt that they could not single-handedly sustain the program. Attending to daily clinical needs (ie, “fires”) made it hard to progress beyond implementation and to reach step 2 of sustainability. Longstanding treatment habits by external prescribers and regulations were believed to impede ASP efforts. Partnerships with an external consultant with antibiotic stewardship expertise were considered important, as was the need for internal leadership support and collaboration across disciplinary boundaries. Participants felt that consistent and ongoing education on antibiotic stewardship at all staff levels was important. Conclusions: Although many interconnected factors impact the sustainability of an ASP, nursing homes may be able to sustain an ASP by focusing on 3 critical areas: (1) explicit support by nursing home leadership, (2) external partnerships with professionals with antibiotic stewardship expertise and internal interprofessional collaborations, and (3) consistent education and training for all staff.
Green's function as a defect state in a boundary value problem

A perspective of the Green's function in a boundary value problem as the only eigenstate in an auxiliary formulation is introduced. In this treatment, the Green's function can be perceived as a defect state in the presence of a $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function potential, the height of which depends on the Green's function itself. This approach is illustrated in one-dimensional and two-dimensional Helmholtz equation problems, with an emphasis on systems that are open and have a non-Hermitian potential. We then draw an analogy between the Green's function obtained this way and a chiral edge state circumventing a defect in a topological lattice, which shines light on the local minimum of the Green's function at the source position.
A close look at change: the role of an instructional-team community on an Instructor’s evolution during instructional reform

In transforming undergraduate STEM education, it is important to understand the personal and contextual factors that impact instructors’ reform efforts. In this study we explored an instructor’s drivers and motivators for change in perspectives and practice, with an emphasis on the impact of an internal community (her ‘instructional team’) comprised of a co-instructor, graduate teaching assistants, and several undergraduate learning assistants (LAs). Data were collected over two semesters through classroom observations, interviews, faculty learning community discussion recordings, and team email communications. We identified pedagogical discontentment as a primary initial trigger for the instructor’s engagement in instructional reform, guided by personal values and beliefs about student learning and the nature of her discipline. The instructional-team community, which was established during a period of instructional distress, provided 1) consistent support in instructional planning, implementation, assessment, and reflection processes, 2) unique access to different perspectives on the nuances of the teaching environment and student challenges, 3) increased space, time, and motivation for the instructor to more critically reflect on her teaching and engage in creative instructional design. This case illustrates the potential effects of instructional team-based communities on instructors as they work to improve their practice and reform their courses.