cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of active ricin and castor bean proteins in a ricin preparation, castor bean extract, and surface swabs from a public health investigation

In late February 2008, law enforcement officials in Las Vegas, Nevada, discovered in a hotel room, a copy of The Anarchist Cookbook, suspected castor beans and a "white powder" thought to be a preparation of ricin. Ricin is a deadly toxin from the seed of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis). The United States regulates the possession, use, and transfer of ricin and it is the only substance considered a warfare agent in both the Chemical and the Biological Weapons Conventions. Six samples obtained from the hotel room were analyzed by laboratories at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention using a panel of biological and mass spectrometric assays. The biological assays (real time-PCR, time resolved fluorescence and cytotoxicity) provided presumptive evidence of active ricin in each of the samples. This initial screen was followed by an in-depth analysis using a novel, state-of-the-art mass spectrometry-based ricin functional assay and high sensitivity tandem mass spectrometry for protein identification. Mass spectrometric analysis positively identified ricin and confirmed that in each of the samples it was enzymatically active. The tandem mass spectrometry analysis used here is the most selective method available to detect ricin toxin. In each sample, ricin was unequivocally identified along with other R. communis plant proteins, including the highly homologous protein RCA120. Although database searches using tandem mass spectra acquired from the samples indicated that additional controlled substances were not present in these samples, the mass spectrometric results did provide extensive detail about the sample contents. To the best of our knowledge following a review of the available literature, this report describes the most detailed analysis of a white powder for a public health or forensic investigation involving ricin.
Identifying Scattering Obstacles by the Construction of Nonscattering Waves

There are many methods for identifying the shape and location of scatterers from far field data. We take the view that the connections between algorithms are more illuminating than their differences, particularly with regard to the linear sampling method [D. Colton and A. Kirsch, Inverse Problems, 12 (1996), pp. 383–393], the point source method [R. Potthast, Point Sources and Multipoles in Inverse Scattering Theory, Chapman & Hall, London, UK, 2001], and the MUSIC algorithm [A. J. Devaney, IEEE Trans. Antennas and Propagation, 53 (2005), pp. 1600–1610]. Using the first two techniques we show that, for a scatterer with Dirichlet boundary conditions, there is a nontrivial incident field that does not generate a scattered field. This incident field, written as an expansion of eigenfunctions of the far field operator, is used in the MUSIC algorithm to image the shape and location of the obstacle as those points z where the incident field is orthogonal to the far field pattern due to a point source located at...
Design and Operation of a Monolithically Integrated Two-Stage Tunable All-Optical Wavelength Converter

We report on the design and testing of a novel two-stage wavelength-converter architecture, monolithically fabricated in indium phosphide. Two widely tunable integrated sampled-grating distributed Bragg reflector lasers are utilized on chip as probes in both converter stages. The architecture provides a first-stage tunable signal that is internal to the chip (lambdainternal), facilitating cascaded integration of wavelength-sensitive structures, or allowing wavelength conversion for cases where the input wavelength is equal to the output wavelength (lambdainput = lambdaoutput). Output wavelength tuning over 35 nm is shown, and error-free wavelength conversion for lambdainput = lambdaoutput is demonstrated for four wavelengths over a 20-nm range at 2.5 Gb/s. Dynamic range measurements show less than 2 dB of power penalty over a 15-dB variation in input power.
Confocal Micro-PL Mapping of Defects in CdTe Epilayers Grown on Si (211) Substrates with Different Annealing Cycles

We have applied confocal microphotoluminescence (μ-PL) microscopy to investigate the effects of extended defects in CdTe epilayers grown on (211) Si substrates with different numbers of annealing cycles N. Our results show that the PL dark spot density (PL-DSD) decreases while the spatially averaged PL intensity increases with increasing number of annealing cycles. This is consistent with the general trend that an increase in the number of annealing cycles leads to a reduction of the x-ray diffraction linewidth and etch pit density (EPD). However, direct comparison between the etch pits, imaged by scanning electron microscopy, and PL dark spots on the same sample area results in two important observations: (1) the PL-DSD is substantially higher than the EPD, and (2) not all etch pits appear as dark spots in PL maps. These findings suggest that PL mapping is a more sensitive technique for revealing the extended defects that are actually detrimental to photogenerated carriers, in addition to the apparent advantages of being noninvasive and more efficient.
Zagreb regimen, an abbreviated intramuscular schedule for rabies vaccination.

ABSTRACT The Zagreb regimen, an abbreviated intramuscular schedule for rabies vaccination, was developed by I. Vodopija and colleagues of the Zagreb Institute of Public Health in Croatia in the 1980s. It was recommended by WHO as one of the intramuscular (IM) schedules for rabies vaccination in 2010. We reviewed the literature on the immunogenicity, safety, economic burden, and compliance of the Zagreb 2-1-1 regimen. Compared to Essen, another IM schedule recommended by WHO, Zagreb has higher compliance, lower medical cost, and better immunogenicity at an early stage.
Photoinduced refractive-index changes in two-mode, elliptical-core fibers: sensing applications

Photoinduced refractive-index changes in two-mode, elliptical-core optical fibers are shown to affect the differential phase modulation between the LP(01) and the LP(11)(even) modes. This change in beat length is dependent on the amount of strain induced in the fiber while the grating is being formed. We present experimental results that agree with conventional coupled-mode theory and propose the use of such sensors for weighted and distributed applications.
A truncated T antigen expressed from an alternatively spliced BK virus early mRNA.

The early region of BK virus (BKV) is known to encode two well-characterized tumour (T) antigens, large T antigen (TAg) and small T antigen (tAg). In this study, we provide evidence of a third early BKV mRNA that codes for an additional early region product with an apparent molecular mass of 17–20 kDa. This truncated form of TAg (truncTAg) is expressed from an alternatively spliced mRNA that is derived from the excision of a second intron from the mRNA encoding TAg. The first 133 aa of truncTAg are identical to those of TAg but the additional splice results in translation from a different reading frame, adding three new amino acids before reaching a stop codon. TruncTAg is expressed in both BKV-transformed and lytically infected cells and it is found to be primarily localized to the nucleus. The function of BKV truncTAg is likely to be relevant to transformation, similar to the additional T antigens of simian virus 40, JC virus and mouse polyomavirus.
Boundary control for a general class of string models

We study the control of an undamped, nonlinear string model with actuator dynamics at the boundary. Specifically, we develop a boundary controller which asymptotically stabilizes the out-of-plane displacement. The performance of the controller is illustrated via dynamic simulation.
A Support Group for Absentee Middle School Students

For this practice improvement project, an interview guide was developed to identify chronically absent middle school students’ reasons for school absence. Of the 17 students interviewed, 82% (n = 14) identified illness as the reason for absence, although they rarely saw a health care provider. The students all shared dreams for the future; 50% involved further education, and 50% involved job training. A support group intervention was offered to the 17 students during spring term. Only three students were able to participate in a weekly group meeting for 5 weeks. Two of the three students were depressed and referred to their health care providers for evaluation. The topics presented to the group included being sick and options available, setting weekly attendance goals, identifying depressive symptoms and what they mean, and likes and dislikes about school. The support group occurred late in the school year, so its effect on attendance was not determined.
In Search of ENaC Sodium Sensors

The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), which constitutes the limiting conduit for transepithelial Na+ transport in several tissues, is inhibited by extracellular Na+. Extracellular Na+ likely inhibits ENaC allosterically by binding at low affinity sites in the large extracellular regions of ENaC subunits. These sites remain unidentified. Examination of a recent comparative model of the ENaC α subunit revealed an acidic cleft, analogous to the acidic region observed in the resolved structure of acid sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1). We hypothesized that this cleft may contain the putative low affinity Na+ effector sites. We mutated acidic residues within the defined region of the α subunit, and measured the effect of mutation on Na+ self-inhibition. We identified one site in the peripheral finger domain at which mutation reduced Na+ self-inhibition. Testing the analogous sites in the β and γ subunits produced a similar result. Inspection of our α ENaC model suggested that this site is near a poorly conserved loop emanating from a β-sheet from the central core of the structure. Scanning mutagenesis of the loop revealed marked effects on Na+ self-inhibition. Introducing cys to both the site on the finger domain and the nearby loop led to channels that were strongly stimulated by dithiothreitol. Our results suggest that conformational changes in the acidic cleft are associated with channel gating, making it a candidate for a Na+ sensor site on ENaC.
Effects of atrazine on fathead minnow in a short-term reproduction assay

Atrazine is the most extensively used herbicide in the United States. Part-per-million concentrations of atrazine have been reported in agricultural runoff. It is detectable in surface waters and precipitation throughout the year, and it has been found in groundwater sources of drinking water. Recent studies indicate that atrazine may be a potent endocrine-disrupting compound in frogs exposed to part-per-billion (μg/L) concentrations. For these reasons, the effects of atrazine (5 and 50 μg/L) on several endpoints related to reproductive fitness were examined in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) in a 21-d static exposure. Estradiol (0.5 μg/L) was included as a positive-control treatment. Endpoints examined in adult fish during and after the exposures included survival, egg production, number of spawns, eggs/spawn, relative gonad weight, gonad histology, number of nuptial tubercles, and plasma vitellogenin concentration. Eggs produced during the exposures were hatched and reared in control water. The percentages of embryos fertilized and hatched as well as larval survival were evaluated. Decreasing trends were observed in relative testis weight, testis maturity, and percentage embryo fertilization. These trends suggest that further investigation is warranted, but the differences in these and other endpoints were not statistically significant in the atrazine-exposed fish. Nearly all endpoints concerning fish exposed to estradiol were significantly different from atrazine-exposed fish and control fish. These results suggest that atrazine did not have strong estrogenic effects in adult fathead minnows and did not cause overt reproductive toxicity at environmentally relevant concentrations.
Role of Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in the Patterning of Epileptiform Activities In Vitro

Merlin, Lisa R. and Robert K. S. Wong. Role of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors in the patterning of epileptiform activities in vitro. J. Neurophysiol. 78: 539–544, 1997. In guinea pig hipp...
Determinants of physical activity and adherence to a 24-week home-based walking program in African American and Caucasian women.

The purposes of this study were to: (a) identify which determinants of physical activity among African American and Caucasian women predict adherence to a 24-week home-based walking program; and (b) explore differences between African American and Caucasian women. Participants were 153 working women who were sedentary at leisure. The program included an exercise prescription, instructions, and support. Background determinants included demographics, previous exercise experience, and social role influences. Intrapersonal determinants (self-efficacy, self-determinism) were measured at baseline and 24 weeks. Adherence was measured with heart rate monitors and logs. Adherence was significantly higher in Caucasians, those with less previous exercise experience, and those with higher self-efficacy. Findings suggest that adherence to a walking program is influenced by multiple factors including background and intrapersonal determinants of physical activity.
Comprehensive Approach to Verification and Validation of CFD Simulations—Part 1: Methodology and Procedures

We present a comprehensive approach to verification and validation methodology and procedures for CFD simulations from an already developed CFD code applied without requiring availability of the source code for specified objectives, geometry, conditions, and available benchmark information. Concepts, definitions, and equations derived for simulation errors and uncertainties provide the overall mathematical framework. Verification is defined as a process for assessing simulation numerical uncertainty and, when conditions permit, estimating the sign and magnitude of the numerical error itself and the uncertainty in that error estimate. The approach for estimating errors and uncertainties includes (1) the option of treating the numerical error as deterministic or stochastic, (2) the use of generalized Richardson extrapolation for J input parameters, and (3) the concept of correction factors based on analytical benchmarks, which provides a quantitative metric to determine proximity of the solutions to the asymptotic range, accounts for the effects of higher-order terms, and are used for defining and estimating errors and uncertainties
When Cymbals Become Symbols: Conflict Over Organizational Identity Within a Symphony Orchestra

In this qualitative field study, I explore how the construction of a cultural institution's identity is related to the construction of strategic capabilities and resources. I investigated the 1996 musicians' strike at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO), which revealed embedded and latent identity conflicts. The multifaceted and specialized identity of the ASO was reinforced by different professional groups in the organization: the ideologies of musicians and administrators emphasized institutional resource allocations consistent with the legitimating values of their professions, i.e., artistic excellence versus economic utility. These identity claims, made under organizational crisis, accounted for variations in the construction of core competencies. I propose a model that explicates how the construction of core capabilities lies at the intersection of identification and interpretive processes in organizations. Implications are discussed for defining firm capabilities in cultural institutions and for managing organizational forms characterized by competing claims over institutional identity, resources, and core capabilities.
HRT preserves increases in bone mineral density and reductions in body fat after a supervised exercise program

The aims of this study were to confirm our previous finding that hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) augments exercise-induced increases in bone mineral density (BMD) in older women and to determine ...
Mechanisms of Locomotory Speed Change: The Pteropod Solution

Abstract Three primary factors contribute to locomotory speed changes in the pteropod mollusk Clione limacina. (1) An increase in cycle frequency of locomotory appendages is associated with a baseline depolarization and enhancement of postinhibitory rebound in central pattern generator (CPG) interneurons, and a reorganization of the CPG through recruitment of additional interneurons. (2) An increase in the force of appendage movements is generated through enhancement of activity of active motoneurons, recruitment of additional motoneurons and peripheral modulation of swim musculature. (3) Changes in biomechanical aspects of appendage movements are presumably achieved, at least in part, through changes in the activity of motoneurons and swim muscle. All changes associated with non-startle swim acceleration are produced by a serotonergic arousal system that acts at all three levels of the swimming system: CPG interneurons, motoneurons and swim musculature.
Potassium channels

Potassium channels are integral membrane proteins that selectively transport K/sup +/ across the cell membrane. They are present in all mammalian cells and have a wide variety of roles in both excitable and nonexcitable cells. The phenotypic diversity required to accomplish their various roles is created by differences in conductance, the timecourse and mechanisms of different gating events, and the interaction of channels with a variety of accessory proteins. Through the integration of biophysical, molecular, structural, and theoretical studies, significant progress has been made toward understanding the structural basis of K/sup +/ channel function, and diseases associated with K/sup +/ channel dysfunction.
Application of Proportional-Integral-Derivative Control to a Supersonic Wind Tunnel

A sliding-block supersonic wind tunnel, installed t hirty years ago at GE Global Research, was a major workhorse for nearly a decade despite the inefficiencies of its original manual control system. Recently, a decision was made to up date its control system from an analog system to a modern proportional-integral-derivative system. The existing pressure control system of the wind tunnel is investigated to evalua te its reliability and hysteresis. The relationship between the output signal of the contr ol algorithm and the response of the throttling valve is examined. The theory of proport ional-integral-derivative control is presented and previous applications are discussed. A programmable logic controller is used to replace the original control system and utilizes EZAutomation software to implement proportional-integral-derivative control. Technique s of programming the feedback loop, TouchPLC hardware, and internal software are discussed. Methods of loop tuning are described and experimental results are presented.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Phenotype in Pediatric Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.

BACKGROUND Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that most often occurs in association with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We examined whether the activity or colonic distribution of IBD differed in pediatric patients with and without PSC. METHODS We compared colonic disease distribution, physician global assessment scores, Mayo endoscopic severity scores, IBD-related hospital admissions, and colonic resection surgery rate in a retrospective cohort of pediatric patients with IBD with and without PSC. RESULTS We identified 37 patients with PSC-IBD, and 137 non-PSC matched IBD controls. Pancolitis was seen in 89.7 versus 72.4% (P = 0.051) of patients with PSC-IBD and rectal sparing in 24.3 versus 21.6% (P = 0.721) of patients with IBD. Physician global assessment and Mayo scores at presentation and in follow-up were similar in PSC-IBD and IBD. Patients with PSC-IBD had 0.19 admissions per person-year compared with 0.25 in patients with IBD. The incidence rate ratio for admission was 0.75 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.51-1.08). The 5-year probability of colonic surgery was 16.4% (95% CI, 7.0-36.0) in patients with PSC-IBD and 24.7% (95% CI, 17.7-33.8) in patients with IBD (P = 0.271). In a multivariate model, male sex (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.2 [95% CI, 1.1-4.3]) and the presence of a non-PSC immune-mediated comorbidity {HR = 3.9 (95% CI, 1.5-10.4), but not PSC (HR = 0.5 [95% CI, 0.2-1.3])} or Crohn's disease (HR = 0.5 [95% CI, 0.1-1.5]), were risk factors for colonic surgery in pediatric IBD. CONCLUSIONS Patients with IBD and PSC were more likely to present with pancolitis, but had similar rates of rectal sparing. Patients with IBD showed similar disease activity across a wide range of measures, at presentation and in follow-up, regardless of the presence of PSC.
Control of a Network of Spiking Neurons

Abstract Systems consisting of a large number of coupled or decoupled oscillators with different natural oscillation frequencies have been a subject of scientific interest. In this article, we study the problem of simultaneous control of a network of spiking neurons characterized by different natural dynamics. The evolution of such neuron systems is described by phase-reduced models. We investigate controllability properties of such neuron systems for various phase models and present a robust computational method for optimal control of neurons based on pseudospectral approximations.
BI-24COLLAGEN PLAYS A ROLE IN GLIOBLASTOMA TUMOR INVASION AND PATIENT SURVIVAL.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant brain cancer. Collagen is minimally expressed in normal brain parenchyma; however, previous reports show upregulated collagen gene expression in GBM. We perform the first direct GBM collagen visualization, identify clinically relevant collagen signatures in focal and invasive GBMs and link them to differential patient survival. METHODS: Customized second harmonic generation (SHG) multiphoton workstation with excitation wavelength tuned to 890nm and a 445± 25nm bandpass emission filter was used to detect collagen in a clinically-annotated human GBM tissue microarray (TMA) for 111 patients. Human GBM cancer stem cell lines that form focal or invasive xenografts were implanted into mice brains. Symptomatic mice with verified xenografts were euthanized, brains excised, and stained with picrosirius red. Quantitative characterization of collagen fibers in xenografts and TMA images was performed with custom software. RESULTS: Collagen was directly visualized in GBMs with SHG and picrosirius red. In focal GBM xenografts, collagen was observed at tumor-brain boundaries, appearing to encapsulate the tumors. For invasive GBM xenografts, collagen was intercalated with tumor cells. Quantitative collagen analysis showed significant differences for mean angle between fibers for focal (60.3856 ± 2.2113) and invasive (70.2529 ± 1.6211) GBM xenografts. GBM TMA specimens were segregated into two collagen groups: fibrillar and immature. Patients with fibrillar GBM collagen had a statistically significantly better median survival (69.6 weeks) compared to immature GBM collagen patients (30.4 weeks). The mean angle between fibers was significantly different for GBMs with fibrillar (84.37 ± 7.298) versus immature (113.2 ± 11.60) collagen. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that collagen can be directly visualized in GBMs, and is different in focal vs. invasive tumors. Our data suggest collagen is a potential survival marker: patients with fibrillar collagen have improved survival. Therefore, we hypothesize that collagen may influence tumor cell invasion by acting as a barrier, and collagen disruption may promote tumor invasion.
Associations among somatotype, temperament and self-actualization

Based on a sample of 45 subjects, 28 men and 17 women, examination was made of the relationships among body type according to Sheldon's methodology, temperament as measured by Cortes and Gatti, and self-actualization as assessed by the Personal Orientation Inventory developed by Shostrom. No significant associations between somatotype and temperament but some significant results were found by examining the self-actualization scores and the body type/temperament match or mismatch. Significant findings were seen on the Spontaneity, Self-regard, Inner-directed, and Feeling Reactivity scales.
Several Problems in Analyzing Sine Signal's Spectrum by DFT

The cause of DFT-spectrum distortion and the effects of windowing signal in time domain and sampling DFT-spectrum in frequency domain on DFT-spectrum are analyzed. It is pointed out that the resolution of DFT-spectrum mainly depends on the length of signal or window, and when the length of window is given, it depends on the type of window. On the other hand, the number of DFT decides the degree of DFT-spectrum approximating to its DTFT-spectrum.
Collective Modeling of Human Social Behavior.

This paper presents my vision for collective behavior modeling: simultaneously modeling the behavior of all people within a group while taking into account the structure of their social ties. I believe that collective behavior modeling will provide new insights into the relationship between local individual behavior and global social structure while also improving the accuracy of predictions about human behavior. I summarize my work to date in the area, consider related work by others, and discuss the challenges and opportunities for future work.
Abstract PR04: Comprehensive analyses of tumor immunity with implications to cancer immunotherapies

Recent breakthrough in checkpoint blockade drugs achieved remarkable success in treating late stage tumors, although a substantial fraction of patients failed to respond. Despite growing efforts, the clinical and molecular prognostic predictors of immunotherapy response remain elusive. We developed a novel computational method to deconvolute six tumor-infiltrating immune cells from the molecular profiles of over 10,000 samples across 23 cancer types, and validated the estimates using simulations, orthogonal estimates, and pathology. Correlating the computationally-inferred immune infiltrates with patient clinical features, viral infection status, and cancer genetic alterations, we discovered associations not only extensively supported by previous studies, but also novel ones such as B cell infiltration with better outcome in glioblastoma. Analysis of cancer/testis antigen expression and CD8 T-cell abundance suggested that MAGEA3 is potentially effective in melanoma but not in NSCLC, and implicated CALR3 and SPAG5 as alternative cancer vaccine targets. We also observed PD-1 and CTLA4 expression to be associated with CD8 T-cell abundance in most cancers, supporting combined use of checkpoint blockade drugs. Finally, we found that melanomas expressing high levels of CTLA4 showed two distinct levels of CD8 T-cell infiltration, which may influence clinical responses to anti-CTLA4 agents. Taken together, our systematic analyses of tumor immunity have the potential to inform effective cancer vaccines and checkpoint blockade therapies. Citation Format: Bo Li. Comprehensive analyses of tumor immunity with implications to cancer immunotherapies. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr PR04.
The Epithelial Origin of a Malignant Mesodermal Mixed Tumor of the Bladder: Report of a Case with Long-Term Survival

AbstractMalignant mesodermal mixed tumors of the bladder are complex neoplasms consisting of elements of carcinoma and differentiated sarcoma. They are rare, aggressive and usually rapidly fatal. We report on a patient who remained free of disease 7 years after resection by partial cystectomy of a malignant mesodermal mixed tumor. Only 1 other long-term survivor has been reported. Our case is of particular interest because urothelial carcinoma in situ was found in the bladder epithelium on the surface and at the periphery of the invasive tumor, strongly suggesting an epithelial origin of this and similar tumors of other organs.
Lymphography and Percutaneous Lymph Node Biopsy in Clinically Localized Carcinoma of the Prostate

AbstractAccurate staging of prostatic carcinoma requires determination of the status of the regional draining lymph nodes. Pelvic lymphadenectomy is the definitive examination but has certain morbidity and even mortality. Lymphography is safe but may not be sufficiently accurate. A total of 41 patients with clinically localized disease and abnormal or suspicious lymphograms underwent percutaneous lymph node biopsy. Ten of 11 patients (91 per cent) with abnormal lymphograms and 14 of 30 (47 per cent) with suspicious lymphograms had positive cytology studies. Of the suspicious defects an unopacified void in a nodal chain most frequently was positive. Of 22 potentially curable patients with stages A and B1 disease 12 had metastatic disease.
Analyzing Operating Systems’ Behavior to Crafted Packets

Operating Systems are vulnerable to malicious packet injection because of their inherent design and implementation flaws. TCP/IP stacks in different operating systems are especially vulnerable to this. Using crafted packets, we can analyze how each operating system responds to malicious packet injection. The main goal of this study is to analyze behavior of different operating systems to specially crafted packets. In this experiment, we crafted four types of packets: TCP SYN packets with data, packets with IP options, overlapping fragments, and tiny fragments. We use “Scapy” [1], a powerful packet crafting tool using Python to craft packets with customized headers and payloads. Results indicated that Windows and Linux behaved differently to these packets. Windows showed more vulnerability when receiving data in SYN packets, while Linux responded to packet with IP options. Both systems also handled overlapping fragments differently.
The Berkeley Transactional Practice Project Competencies / Skills Survey (Presentation Slides)

This set of slides, presented by UC Berkeley Professor Eric Talley to the California State Bar Task Force on Admissions Regulation Reform, summarizes the findings of a survey of transaction-focused attorneys and faculty regarding necessary skills and competencies. The survey documents several areas that are highly valued by transaction-oriented attorneys, but which tend not to be the focus of many proposed competencies-based reforms that focus more exclusively on litigation oriented areas.
The Team-Based Approach to Undiagnosed and Rare Diseases

Patients with undiagnosed or rare diseases often remain without a diagnosis for many years. Many are misdiagnosed or treated symptomatically without having an identified underlying disease process. Health care providers in general practice and subspecialists are equipped to diagnose diseases commonly seen. Most practitioners are unlikely to be familiar with uncommon manifestations of a common disorder and have little or no experience with rare diseases. Multidisciplinary teams are effective in reviewing patients with undiagnosed and rare diseases and in developing a new diagnostic strategy for appropriate evaluation. A medical librarian and an access coordinating navigator are essential members of the team.
Are there differing strategies for social media use by winery size in California

Marketing through social media is touted for being a relatively inexpensive way for brands to engage with consumers and solidify a brand's image in the minds of consumers. While wineries of all sizes have increased usage of social media, the results of a survey of 260 California wineries suggest that smaller wineries have not taken advantage of social media strategies the way larger producers have. In spite of these findings, smaller wineries still indicate that social media is an important channel for driving sales and customer visits to their tasting rooms. This research provides unique insight into the marketing strategies being utilised by limited production and entrepreneurial wineries and provides practical recommendations for those wineries hoping to capitalise on social media marketing strategies.
Effect of Morphology on the Electrical Resistivity of Silver Nanostructure Films

The relatively high temperatures (>200 °C) required to sinter silver nanoparticle inks have limited the development of printed electronic devices on low-cost, heat-sensitive paper and plastic substrates. This article explores the change in morphology and resistivity that occurs upon heating thick films of silver nanowires (of two different lengths; Ag NWs), nanoparticles (Ag NPs), and microflakes (Ag MFs) at temperatures between 70 and 400 °C. After heating at 70 °C, films of long Ag NWs exhibited a resistivity of 1.8 × 10–5 Ω cm, 4000 times more conductive than films made from Ag NPs. This result indicates the resistivity of thick films of silver nanostructures is dominated by the contact resistance between particles before sintering. After sintering at 300 °C, the resistivity of short Ag NWs, long Ag NWs, and Ag NPs converge to a value of (2–3) × 10–5 Ω cm, while films of Ag MFs remain ∼10× less conductive (4.06 × 10–4 Ω cm). Thus, films of long Ag NW films heated at 70 °C are more conductive than Ag NP...
Prophylactic Bracing Has No Effect on Lower Extremity Alignment or Functional Performance.

Prophylactic ankle bracing is commonly used during physical activity. Understanding how bracing affects body mechanics is critically important when discussing both injury prevention and sport performance. The purpose is to determine if ankle bracing affects lower extremity mechanics during the Landing Error Scoring System test (LESS) and Sage Sway Index (SSI). Thirty physically active participants volunteered for this study. Participants completed the LESS and SSI in both a braced and unsupported conditions. Total errors were recorded for the LESS. Total errors and time (seconds) were recorded for the SSI. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was utilized to evaluate any differences between the brace conditions for each dependent variable. A priori alpha level was set at p
The Changing Landscape of Early Childhood Education: Implications for Policy and Practice

Early childhood education is changing rapidly due to the dynamic nature of positive and negative trends affecting the profession. In this article, the changing landscape of early childhood education is discussed and analyzed. Both the positive and negative forces contributing to the changing landscape are examined. The focus of this discussion includes changing demographics, changes in early childhood curriculum and instruction, increased focus on accountability, advances in research that inform early childhood education, influences affecting teacher preparation and professional development, and global trends affecting early education and care. We relate these trends to the need for holistic systems-thinking, integrated curricula, child-centered pedagogical standards, deeper commitment to social justice and a corresponding moral vision capable of inspiring educational policy, practice and research in the midst of a competitive global economy and the commodification of early childhood programs and curricula. By discussing practical examples and research findings to illustrate current positive and negative trends, this paper serves as a meaningful resource for all stakeholders. Taking recent dynamics into account, we provide a vision for evaluating change and analyzing major trends. Both implications and responses to the changes in the early childhood landscape are discussed.
Adoption of Powertrain Technologies in Automobiles—A System Dynamics Model of Technology Diffusion in the American Market

The American automobile industry is facing substantial environmental and energy challenges driving the pursuit of alternative powertrain technologies—“The intervening mechanism by which power is transmitted from an engine to a propeller or axle that it drives,” which nominally includes engine, transmission, drive shafts, differentials, and the final drive. Emerging alternative fuel vehicles are showing their potential to address these challenges. However, diffusion of new technologies has many complications. This paper uses system dynamics modeling to investigate the impacts of individual and organizational parameters. This model embeds two traditional modeling methods for technology adoption, the Bass diffusion model and multinomial logit regression method. Five types of powertrain systems and three major stakeholders are considered. Mathematical relationships among different variables are elaborated. The qualitative impacts of government feebate, manufacturer willingness, and consumer purchasing preferences on economic and environmental issues are addressed using scenario analysis.
Disparities in cervical cancer in African American women: What primary care physicians can do.

African American women are disproportionately affected by cervical cancer, with higher rates of incidence and mortality than white women. Most of the difference would disappear with equal treatment. As usual, primary care providers are on the front lines.
Chronic pain and opioid abuse: Factors associated with health-related quality of life.

Background and objectives While research on the separate relationships between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and chronic pain, and HRQOL and opioid abuse has been sparse, even less work has investigated the factors associated with HRQOL in individuals who have both chronic pain and meet criteria for opioid use disorder. The data presented in this analysis should allow a better understanding the factors important to quality of life among this dual-diagnosed population. Methods Individuals with dual diagnoses of chronic pain and opioid use disorder were recruited for clinical research studies at Columbia University Medical Center. Participants (n = 47) completed inventories to assess pain (Brief Pain Inventory), opioid (ab)use, and depression (Beck Depression Inventory). Variable from these and other inventories, along with demographic factors (age, race, sex, pain severity, depressive symptoms, duration of opioid use, route of opioid use, amount of opioid use) were entered into a regression analysis in order to identify the strongest predictors of SF-36 Health Survey score. Results In the bivariate analysis we found that demographic and drug use variables were rarely associated with HRQOL. Typically, ratings of pain severity and pain interference were the best predictors. In the multivariate analysis, we found that across the several HRQOL dimensions greater Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) ratings of pain "interference" and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores were consistently associated with lower HRQOL. Conclusions and scientific significance These data suggest that insufficient pain management and depression are significant variables contributing to lower quality of life among individuals with chronic pain and opioid use disorder. (Am J Addict 2017;26:815-821).
Distributions of PCB Congeners and Homologues in White Sucker and Coho Salmon from Lake Michigan

We tested the hypothesis of the proportion of higher chlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners increasing with increasing trophic level by comparing the respective PCB homologue distributions in an omnivore, white sucker ( Catostomus commersoni), and a top predator, coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch), from Lake Michigan. Adult females had the same congener and homologue proportions of total PCB concentration (ΣPCB) as adult males in both species. Hexachlorinated congeners comprised the largest proportion (32%) found in white sucker, followed by heptachlorinated (21%) and octochlorinated (18%) congeners. In contrast, pentachlorinated congeners comprised the largest proportion (33%) of ΣPCB found in coho salmon, followed by hexachlorinated (26%) and tetrachlorinated (24%) congeners. Coho salmon contained significantly higher proportions of tri-, tetra-, and pentachlorinated congeners, whereas white sucker contained significantly higher proportions of hexa- through decachlorinated congeners. Our results were opposite of the hypothesis of greater degree of PCB chlorination with increasing trophic level, and supported the contention that the PCB congener proportions in fish depends mainly on diet, and does not necessarily reflect the trophic level of the fish. Our results also supported the contention that diets do not vary between the sexes in most fish populations.
Socioeconomic Status and the Physical and Mental Health of Arab and Chaldean Americans in Michigan

Research that explains health of Arab and Chaldean Americans relative to the health of non-Arab White Americans is limited but steadily increasing. This study considers whether socioeconomic status moderates the relationship between race/ethnicity and physical and mental health. Data come from a state representative sample of Arab and Chaldean Americans—the 2013 Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Survey and the 2013 Michigan Arab/Chaldean Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (N = 12,837 adults with 536 Arab/Chaldean Americans). Structural equation models examine whether socioeconomic status, operationalized as educational attainment, moderates the relationship between Arab/Chaldean identity and health, and whether physical activity, access to healthcare, and depression mediate the relationship between educational attainment and health. Results indicate that while Arab/Chaldean Americans have poor health relative to non-Arab White Americans, these differences are largely explained by educational differences. Depression, access to healthcare, and physical activity mediate the relationship between socioeconomic status and health of Arab/Chaldean Americans.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Visual Perception Across Neural Maps and Pathways

The relationshipbetween geometryandbrainfunction presentsitself asa dualproblem: on the one hand, since the basis of geometry is in brain function,especially that of the visual system, one can ask what the brain function cantell us about the genesis of geometry as an abstract form of human mentalactivity. On the other hand, one can also ask to what extent geometry canhelp us understand brain function. Because the nervous system is interfacedto our environment by sensory and motor systems and because geometry hasbeen a useful language in understanding our environment, one might expectsome convergence of geometry and brain function at least at the peripherallevels of the nervous system. Historically, there has been a close relationshipbetween geometry and theories of vision starting as early as Euclid. Givenlight sources and an environment, one can easily calculate the correspondingimages on our retinae using basic physics and geometry. This is usually knownas the “forward problem” [41]. A straightforward approach would be then toconsider the function of the visual system as the computation of the inverseof the transformations leading to image formation. However, this “inverse op-tics” approach leads to ill-posed problems and necessitates the use of a prioriassumptions to reduce the number of possible solutions. The use of a prioriassumptions in turn makes the approach unsuitable for environments thatviolate the assumptions. Thus, the inverse optics formulation fails to capturethe robustness of human visual perception in complex environments. On theother hand, visual illusions, i.e. discrepanciesbetween the physicalstimuli andthe corresponding percepts, constitute examples of the limitations of the hu-man visual system. Nevertheless, these illusions do not aﬀect signiﬁcantly theoverall performance of the system, as most people operate succesfully in theenvironment without even noticing these illusions. The illusions are usuallydiscoveredbyscientists, artists,andphilosopherswhoscrutinize deeplythe re-
Transfer Functions: Calibrating Micropaleontological Data in Climatic Terms

Transfer functions are empirical equations for making quantitative estimates of past atmospheric and oceanic conditions from paleontologic data. They are calibrated on a set of geographically-distributed observations which record both the modern climate and the biotic response to climate as reflected in paleontological samples. The technique has been used on tree rings (27) and pollen as well as on planktonic microfossils (including foraminifera, coccoliths, radiolaria, and diatoms, (28)). Down-core applications in deep-sea Quaternary sediments yield time series reflecting local changes in seasonal temperatures and salinity. When applied to samples from a chronostratigraphic horizon, transfer functions yield synoptic charts of past climates. In this form paleontological data are readily interpretable by meteorologists and physical oceanographers, and can be entered as boundary conditions into numerical models of climate.
Universal germline BRCA testing of ovarian cancer patients and implications for treatment.

5539Background: BRCA testing is recommended by SGO and NCCN for all invasive, high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer (HGOC) pts. However, recent studies have reported genetic counseling (GC), and tes...
Chromosome dynamics in bacteria: triggering replication at opposite location and segregation in opposite direction

ABSTRACT The accurate onset of chromosome replication and segregation are fundamental for the survival of the cell. In bacteria, regulation of chromosome replication lies primarily at the initiation step. The bacterial replication initiator DnaA recognizes the origin of replication (ori) and opens this double stranded site allowing for the assembly of the DNA replication machinery. Following the onset of replication initiation, the partitioning protein ParA triggers the onset of chromosome segregation by direct interactions with ParB-bound to the centromere. The subcellular organization of ori and centromere are maintained after the completion of each cell cycle. It remains unclear what triggers the onset of these key chromosome regulators DnaA and ParA. One potential scenario is that the microenvironment of where the onset of replication and segregation take place hosts the regulators that trigger the activity of DnaA and ParA. In order to address this, we analyzed whether the activity of DnaA and ParA are restricted to only one site within the cell. In non-dividing cells of the alpha proteobacterium Caulobacter crescentus, ori and centromere are found near the stalked pole. To test DnaA’s ability to initiate replication away from the stalked pole, we engineered a strain where movement of ori was induced in the absence of chromosome replication. Our data show that DnaA can initiate replication of the chromosome independently of the subcellular localization of ori. Furthermore, we discovered that the partitioning protein ParA was functional and could segregate the replicated centromere in the opposite direction from the new pole toward the stalked pole. We showed that the organization of the ParA gradient can be completely reconstructed in the opposite orientation by rearranging the location of the centromere. Our data reveal the high flexibility of the machineries that trigger the onset of chromosome replication and segregation in bacteria. Our work also provides insights into the coordination between replication and segregation with the cellular organization of specific chromosomal loci.