cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ricin accumulation and degradation during castor seed development and late germination

Abstract The castor plant (Ricinus communis L.) is a euphorb, commonly grown for its high seed oil content. The seed also contains a deadly toxin known as ricin (RCA60) and the less toxic Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA120) in addition to potentially harmful allergens. Using Western blotting, an antibody screening technique, ricin content was evaluated in various plant parts with a ricin A-chain specific antibody. Seed, cotyledon, root, hypocotyl, and leaf tissues were tested. Western blot results indicated that ricin is only present in the seed. In order to determine when ricin accumulates in the seed, reproductive tissue samples were harvested during seed development and upon germination. Developing seed were collected from inflorescences in 4-day intervals beginning with the day of pollination (day 0) until the seed had fully matured (day 44). Ricin was absent from the developing seed throughout development until the 28th day post-pollination. Ricin content quickly increased as the seed matured and the capsule dehydrated. Mature seed were also germinated and collected at 2-day intervals once radicle emergence began, until the 12th day, when seedlings were fully expanded. From the sixth day forward, germinating seedlings were dissected into root, hypocotyl, and cotyledonary tissue. Western blot analysis indicated that after the 6th day, ricin is degraded below levels of detection. Ricin is only detectable in the seed tissue from day 0 (ungerminated seed) through the sixth day after radicle emergence and is not detected in any of the root, hypocotyl, or cotyledonary tissue. These data suggest that ricin is generated and stored in the seed for a specific purpose; most likely the protection of the seed from predation in its quiescent state.
Micromachined silicon accelerometers and gyroscopes

This paper presents research at The University of Michigan on micromachined capacitive silicon accelerometers and gyroscopes with their interface electronics to satisfy the requirements for inertial navigation applications. The accelerometer systems developed employ in-plane (lateral), out-of-plane (z-axis), and single-chip 3-axis sensors with the interface electronics. The interface electronics forms a second-order electromechanical sigma-delta modulator together with the sensor and the system can be operated in both open and closed-loop. These devices can achieve better than 2 /spl mu/g//spl radic/Hz resolution with a range of /spl plusmn/1.35 g. The single-crystal silicon ring gyroscope provides 132 mV/deg/sec sensitivity and 10 deg/hour resolution.
Information Sharing in an Agent Organized Network

Coalition formation in social networks consisting of a graph of interdependent agents allows many choices of which task to select and with whom to partner in the social network. Agents communicate with agents within n network links in their surrounding network. These agents are considered part of an agent's local neighborhood. Agents maintain a database of skills possessed by agents in their local neighborhood. We introduce agents who use the information gathered from their local neighborhood to modify their network links to discover effective network structures. Egalitarian agents seek equal distribution of connections among agents, resulting in a dense network structure. Inventory agents seek to connect to agents who possess a skill not found in their current local neighborhood.
Chlamydomonas ODA10 is a conserved axonemal protein that plays a unique role in outer dynein arm assembly

Assembly of outer dynein arms (ODAs) requires multiple steps and involves mul- tiple proteins in addition to dynein subunits. The Chlamydomonas ODA10, ODA5, and ODA8 loci genetically interact and are hypothesized to function as an axonemal accessory complex, but only ODA5p was previously characterized. We positionally cloned ODA10 and identified the gene by rescuing an oda10 mutant with a hemagglutinin-tagged cDNA. ODA10 sequence predicts a conserved coiled-coil protein homologous to mouse ccdc151. ODA10p is present in cytoplasm and flagella, remains axonemal after detergent treatment, and is extracted with 0.6 M NaCl. Both outer arm dynein and ODA10p rebound to the axonemes when desalted extracts are mixed with oda10-mutant axonemes. Sucrose gradient separation of these ex- tracts shows that ODA10p sediments near the top of the gradient, not with 23S outer dynein arm proteins. Unexpectedly, dynein and ODA10p fractions are able to bind individually to oda10 axonemes. ODA10p is present on oda8-mutant flagella at wild-type levels. However, ODA10p does not assemble into oda5 flagella and is absent from oda5 cytoplasm, suggest- ing a necessity of ODA5p for stability of ODA10p in vivo. The results suggest that ODA10p does not function as a part of a traditionally defined docking complex.
Exciton confinement effects in nonlinear optical spectroscopy of interacting quantum wires

Nonlinear light scattering and four-wave mixing from N interacting quantum wires are calculated using Green function techniques. Size confinement results in discrete single- and two-photon resonances. The nonlinear signal per wire increases with N for small N, and saturates at large N. Effects of interactions within wires and among wires on the nonlinear signal and the coherence size are analyzed. The shapes of single-photon resonances for small N (quasi 1D) and for large N (quasi 2D) are compared.
A Study of Heterodyne Amplification by the Electron Relay

The amplifying action of the regenerative oscillating electron relay is carefully studied. It is found, by separation of the various effects, that there exist three distinct types of amplification. The first, or equal heterodyne type, occurs when the local oscillating current is equal to the signaling current. The second, or optimum heterodyne type, occurs when the local oscillating current is increased to the critical value for maximum response. The third, or regenerative type, results from the amplifying action of the relay and its associated circuits. The roughly approximate numerical values of the three types are five-, twenty-, and fifty-fold, making a total amplification of five thousand times or more. The mechanism of these phenomena is considered in detail with especial reference to the limitations of each process.
Reference Evaluation: A Three-Step Approach—Surveys, Unobtrusive Observations, and Focus Groups

Traditional reference service, where the librarian gives the patron the right or wrong answer to a question, has slowly begun to change. With the emergence of electronic resources, digitalization, Web resources, and full text, many students need more of a consultation on where to get started than on which option is correct. Librarians at the University of Arizona Libraries strive to help students gain user sufficiency and information literacy. When on the reference desk, they tend to teach rather than do the work for the students. As the libraries are customer centered, it was decided to conduct an evaluation of its reference services. The evaluation involved using a combination of surveys, focus groups, and unobtrusive observation worksheets with a small sample of students. The results were very meaningful.
Deciding for Others: The Ethics of Surrogate Decision Making

Preface Introduction Part I. Theory: 1. Competence and incompetence 2. The primary ethical framework: patient-centered principles 3. Advance directives, personhood, and personal identity 4. Distributive justice and the incompetent Part II. Application: 5. Minors 6. The elderly 7. The mentally ill Looking forward Appendix 1: living trust and nomination of conservatorship Appendix 2: durable power of attorney for health care Notes Index.
Lung Ultrasonography to Diagnose Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn

Background This study explored the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for diagnosing transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). Methods Ultrasound was performed by one export. Patients were placed in a supine, lateral recumbent, or prone position. The probe was placed perpendicular or parallel to the ribs, and each region of the lung was scanned. The scan results were compared with conventional chest radiographic results. Results A total of 1,358 infants were included in this study. We identified 412 cases without pulmonary diseases, 228 TTN cases, 358 respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) cases, 85 meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) cases, 215 infectious pneumonia cases, and 60 other cases. The primary ultrasonic characteristic of TTN was pulmonary edema. “White lung” or a “compact B-line” were only observed in severe cases, whereas TTN primarily presented as pulmonary interstitial syndrome or “double lung point.” Furthermore, double lung point could appear during the recovery period of severe TTN or RDS, MAS, and pneumonia. Lung consolidation with air bronchograms was not observed in TTN patients. The results showed that white lung or a compact B-line exhibited a sensitivity of 33.8% and a specificity of 91.3% in diagnosing TTN, whereas double lung point exhibited a sensitivity of 45.6% and a specificity of 94.8% in diagnosing severe TTN. Conclusions Pulmonary edema, alveolar-interstitial syndrome, double lung point, white lung, and compact B-line are the primary ultrasound characteristics of TTN. Ultrasonic diagnosis of TTN based on these findings is accurate and reliable. TTN can be ruled out in the presence of lung consolidation with air bronchograms.
Preparing Decision Useful Financial Reports: A Challenge for Small Businesses*

Small business owners and managers want financial reports which are useful for their own decision-making purposes as well as for fairly presenting their business to others. Accountants and auditors consistently state that financial reports are the product of management. These statements being true, small business administrators should know what constitutes fair and useful financial presentation and how to achieve those characteristics.Accounting offers many alternatives for the treatment of financial events ( e.g., FIFO/UFO; Straight-line/ Declining Balance ). Alternatives are available in order to allow management most fairly and most usefully to present its financial reports. The characteristics which contribute to the decision usefulness of accounting information has been provided by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ( FASB ). and the FASB expects these characteristics to be considered in all financial statement preparations. However, the FASH has given no guidance for the consideration of the characteristics.This paper offers small business administrators a rational process for systematically choosing between accounting alternative methods. The procedure is easy to understand and simple to execute. It incorporates and utilizes the characteristics which the FASB states contribute to the decision usefulness of accounting information.
SOME MONTE CARLO AND ANALYTICAL RESULTS FOR RESONANCE CAPTURE IN LATTICES

Detailed Monte Carlo studies of the resonance capture in the lowest U/ sup 238/ resonances were made for uraniumwater lattices and a uranium-graphite lattice. Direct comparison with calculated values was considered a gocd test of the validity of the assumptions made in obtaining the theoretical estimates. Good agreement was obtained for the over-all capture in a single resonance and for the energy distribution of absorptions. Monte Carlo tests also showed that the asymptotic flux was fairly well reestablished between the two strongest U/sup 238/ resonances, and that the number of neutrons captured in this energy region was only slightly affected by Doppler broadening and interference between resonance and potential scattering. Finally the calculated resonance escape probability in a uranium-water lattice for 26 resolved resonances was compared with the Monte Carlo value. There was quite close agreement. (auth)
Controlling Malglycemia in Patients Undergoing Treatment for Cancer

Patients with or without preexisting diabetes undergoing treatment for cancer may be at risk for malglycemic events. Malglycemia, particularly hyperglycemia and diabetes in patients with cancer, may lead to adverse outcomes. Prevention, prompt recognition, and early intervention to regulate malglycemia can optimize the effects of cancer treatment, minimize the harmful consequences, and improve quality of life for patients with cancer. The development of evidence-based standards of care and protocols are needed to guide clinical practice when caring for patients with cancer.
Nonlinear/noncommutative non-Abelian monopoles

Using recently proposed non-linearly realized supersymmetry in non-Abelian gauge theory corrected to the order (alpha')^2, we derive the non-linear BPS equations in the background B-field for the U(2) monopoles and instantons. We show that these non-Abelian non-linear BPS equations coincide with the non-commutative anti-self-dual equations via the Seiberg-Witten map.
The UNCITRAL Model Secured Transactions Law: A Shariʿah Perspective

This chapter considers select provisions of the current draft of the UNCITRAL Model Law for Secured Transactions from the perspective of Islamic Shariʿah. The current draft of the Model Law focuses on systems that do not apply the Shariʿah. This chapter was prepared as an element of the efforts of UNCITRAL Working Group VI (Security Interests) to expand the scope of the Model Law. This is a particularly important endeavor in light of the global growth of Islamic finance and the current state of development of legal regimes for secured transactions in many of the jurisdictions in which Islamic finance is practiced. The objective is to provide a comparative vantage on the types of adjustments that must be considered in adapting the Model Law to jurisdictions in which Shariʿah principles are applicable. December 15, 2015 revision.
Ion-mediated charge transport in ionomeric electrolytes

Ionomers, or single-ion conductors, serve as a model system to study ion transport in polymeric systems. Conductivity is a system property that depends on the net charge transport in the system. The mechanism through which ions are transported can dramatically change the contribution of an ion's self-motion (i.e. diffusion coefficient) to the conductivity of the system. For example, positive and negative ions diffusing as a pair have no net contribution to conductivity. In a coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation of sodium-neutralized poly(PEO-co-sulfoisophthalate), we show that ion transport is mediated through consecutive coordination with ion pairs and higher order clusters due to the high density of ions. This transport mechanism is highly efficient and shows evidence of cation relaying. We show that larger ion aggregates can serve as ion-conducting paths for positive charges, and demonstrate how a highly ordered ion aggregate network can improve conductivity by enhancing correlated ion transport.
Influence of selected synergists on the action of five insecticides on larval western spruce budworm: absence of synergism and in vitro oxidation of Zectran.

Forty compounds were screened for synergism with from 1 to 5 insecticides on Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman, Zectran® (4-dimethylamino-3,5-xylyl methyl-carbamate), pyrethrins, and SD-9077 (4-methoxy-3,5-xylyl methylcarbamate) were not synergizd by any of the commonly known synergists, and Zectran was not synergized by numerous other compounds including amine oxidase inhibitors. Carbaryl was synergized by 4 of 22 compounds, and Landrin® (3,4,5-trimethy]phenyl methyl-carbamate 75%; 2,3,5-trimethylphcnyl methylcarbamate, 18%) was synergized by 7 of 23 tested. Two propynyl ether synergists tested with carbaryl were highly effective. The failure of the methylenedioxyphenyl compounds to synergize pyrethrins, Zectran, and SD-9077 and lack of in vitro oxidation of Zectran indicate that these insccticides are not influenced by the mixed-function oxidase system. Because of large losses of fluid after poisoning it may be that an important mode of action of these insecticides is “diuretic” on this insect.
Modeling Linear and Cyclic PKS Intermediates through Atom Replacement

The mechanistic details of many polyketide synthases (PKSs) remain elusive due to the instability of transient intermediates that are not accessible via conventional methods. Here we report an atom replacement strategy that enables the rapid preparation of polyketone surrogates by selective atom replacement, thereby providing key substrate mimetics for detailed mechanistic evaluations. Polyketone mimetics are positioned on the actinorhodin acyl carrier protein (actACP) to probe the underpinnings of substrate association upon nascent chain elongation and processivity. Protein NMR is used to visualize substrate interaction with the actACP, where a tetraketide substrate is shown not to bind within the protein, while heptaketide and octaketide substrates show strong association between helix II and IV. To examine the later cyclization stages, we extended this strategy to prepare stabilized cyclic intermediates and evaluate their binding by the actACP. Elongated monocyclic mimics show much longer residence time within actACP than shortened analogs. Taken together, these observations suggest ACP-substrate association occurs both before and after ketoreductase action upon the fully elongated polyketone, indicating a key role played by the ACP within PKS timing and processivity. These atom replacement mimetics offer new tools to study protein and substrate interactions and are applicable to a wide variety of PKSs.
Human Factors Engineering and Human–Computer Interaction: Supporting User Performance and Experience

Clinical informatics systems should be designed to support the performance and experience of its users, allowing them to perform their tasks effectively, efficiently, and with the highest possible satisfaction. The disciplines of human factors engineering and human–computer interaction offer a set of models, practices, and principles for improving the design and usability of interactive systems. In this chapter, we describe models such as the TURF usability framework for electronic health records systems, practices such as user-centered design and testing, and principles such as user interface design heuristics. We cite additional resources for information, education, and tools to enhance performance and user experience. Lastly, we discuss relevant emerging trends such as team-based care, personal informatics, mobile computing, and big data visualization for learning health systems.
Gemcitabine and carboplatin in the treatment of metastatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer

15102 Background: There is currently no standard therapy for patients with unresectable or metastatic biliary tract cancers. Gemcitabine has been shown to be active against these tumors with a 20–3...
Ergodicity of Truncated Stochastic Navier Stokes with Deterministic Forcing and Dispersion

Turbulence in idealized geophysical flows is a very rich and important topic. The anisotropic effects of explicit deterministic forcing, dispersive effects from rotation due to the \(\beta \)-plane and F-plane, and topography together with random forcing all combine to produce a remarkable number of realistic phenomena. These effects have been studied through careful numerical experiments in the truncated geophysical models. These important results include transitions between coherent jets and vortices, and direct and inverse turbulence cascades as parameters are varied, and it is a contemporary challenge to explain these diverse statistical predictions. Here we contribute to these issues by proving with full mathematical rigor that for any values of the deterministic forcing, the \(\beta \)- and F-plane effects and topography, with minimal stochastic forcing, there is geometric ergodicity for any finite Galerkin truncation. This means that there is a unique smooth invariant measure which attracts all statistical initial data at an exponential rate. In particular, this rigorous statistical theory guarantees that there are no bifurcations to multiple stable and unstable statistical steady states as geophysical parameters are varied in contrast to claims in the applied literature. The proof utilizes a new statistical Lyapunov function to account for enstrophy exchanges between the statistical mean and the variance fluctuations due to the deterministic forcing. It also requires careful proofs of hypoellipticity with geophysical effects and uses geometric control theory to establish reachability. To illustrate the necessity of these conditions, a two-dimensional example is developed which has the square of the Euclidean norm as the Lyapunov function and is hypoelliptic with nonzero noise forcing, yet fails to be reachable or ergodic.
Is Rituximab Needed With High Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplant When Patients With Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Have Been Exposed To It?

Introduction The value of Rituximab with High dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant (auto-HCT) has been evaluated in some retrospective studies. It is noted that the addition Rituximab to auto-HCT results in significant improvement in overall (OS) and disease free survival (DFS). However, it is unclear that the addition of Rituximab with auto-HCT would result in significant benefit in patients who have received prior Rituximab based therapy. Methods We retrospectively evaluated twenty seven consecutive patients who had B cell non-Hodgkin9s lymphoma (NHL) and underwent auto- HCT at Markey cancer center between January 2010 and December 2012. All patients received 375 mg/m 2 of Rituximab with chemotherapy. Rituximab was not administered with high dose chemotherapy (BEAM: BCNU, Etoposide, Cytarabine and Melphalan) prior to auto-HCT. All patients received GCSF starting day 5 after auto-HCT. Results There were 27 patients who underwent auto-HCT for NHL. Median age of the patients was 60 years (36-72 years). Nineteen patients were male and 8 patients were female. Fifteen patients were in complete remission (CR) and the rest were in partial remission (PR). Patients had: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL=11 patients): Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL=13 patients): follicular lymphoma (3 patients). Median CD 34 count of infused cells was 4.14 x 10 6 cell/kg (2.26- 9.45). Median time to neutrophil recovery was 11 days (9-14). Median lymphocyte count at day 30 after auto HCT was 1130 x 10 6 /l (320- 5180). After a median follow up of 7.9 months (3.0- 32.4) eight patients had relapsed. Five patients who had relapsed had refractory disease before auto-HCT. Non -Relapse mortality (NRM) is shown in figure 1. Median overall survival and disease free survival were not reached. Seventy percent patients had not relapsed. We did not find any factors associated with relapse. Conclusion We performed a retrospective study to evaluate the impact of Rituximab with high dose chemotherapy and in patients with NHL. Review of literature showed that median 2 year and 5 year OS was 80% and 69% in patients who received Rituximab with auto HCT. Median 2 year DFS was 67%. In our study 70% patients were relapse free at a median follow up of 8 months. We would need a longer follow up to determine the efficacy of Rituximab with auto- HCT in patients with NHL who had prior exposure to Rituximab. Disclosures: Off Label Use: The use of Thymoglobulin® for GVHD prevention. Hayslip: Sanofi: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding.
Kinetics of interaction of batrachotoxin and tetrodotoxin on rat diaphragm muscle.

The interaction between batrachotoxin (BTX) and tetrodotoxin (TTX) and local anesthetics (procaine and lidocaine) was examined on rat diaphragm muscle at 37°. At low concentrations TTX shifted the curve for BTX-induced membrane depolarization to the right, and at higher concentrations it depressed the maximal membrane depolarization induced by BTX. A plot of log (dose ratio - 1) vs. log TTX concentration gave a straight line with a slope of 1.31. The estimated dissociation constant KB of TTX was 30.2 nM. Both procaine and lidocaine inhibited BTX-induced membrane depolarization when applied either before or during exposure to BTX; a form of noncompetitive antagonism was disclosed. Although TTX reversed the depolarization induced by BTX, the persistent and irreversible action of BTX became apparent after TTX had been washed from the bath. When procaine and lidocaine were applied in a similar manner the repolarization of the muscle membrane was incomplete; upon washing in drug-free physiological solution, the membrane potential and frequency of spontaneous miniature end plate potentials returned toward control values. During the protective action of procaine and lidocaine, sodium activation associated with an action potential was only slightly reduced. The results suggest that TTX and BTX react with different sites along the same sodium channel, but that procaine and lidocaine probably interfere with the binding of BTX to its receptor site.
A Quality Improvement Curriculum for Pathology Residents

Introduction: The multidisciplinary nature of modern health care makes it susceptible to disruptions, waste and errors. These problems are potentially preventable by improving the systems, processes and environment of care, an approach described as quality improvement (QI). The need for resident education in QI is recognized by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), which requires competence in practice-based …
Hormone replacement therapy

For the large number of women who become menopausal each year, the decision of whether to use hormone replacement therapy is central. The author outlines treatment options, risks, and benefits of hormone therapy and examines likelihoods of outcomes. Based on the latest research, types of hormones available, prescription regimens, side effects, and alternatives to hormone therapy are discussed.
5xxx Aluminum Sensitization and Application of Laminated Composite Patch Repairs

Sensitization can occur in 5xxx aluminum alloy utilized in welded ship structures. Cumulative exposure of plating to elevated temperatures causes magnesium in the aluminum to migrate to the grain boundaries and develop a corrosion cell. As a result, the sensitized plate is susceptible to intergranular corrosion, which when exposed to salt water and stress leads to stress-corrosion cracking (SCC), typically at stress levels below nominal plate strength. SCC typically occurs at a level of sensitization that renders welded repairs impractical, requiring an alternative methodology. One alternative to traditional welded repair of marine structures is the application of a composite patch. Composite patch repairs have seen significant use by the aerospace community on thin aluminum aircraft skins to address stress related cracking while only limited use on thicker marine structures. Patches for marine structures have demonstrated their ability to mitigate crack growth, inhibit water ingress, and reinforce damaged or degraded structure for commercial and military vessels. The use of composite patches for repair of SCC onboard U.S. Navy ships began in December of 2010. Patch design and installation are supported by ASTM material testing, environmental conditioning, large center crack tension fracture mechanics specimens, and experience with a full scale plate ductile tearing test. Patch repairs patches are installed in-situ with vacuum consolidated hand laminations and have demonstrated the ability to increase static plate strength, fatigue life, large displacement capacity of the crack plate, and durability for in-service applications.
The Effect of Soldier Marching, Rucksack Load, and Heart Rate on Marksmanship.

Objective:The purpose was to determine if Soldier rucksack load, marching distance, and average heart rate (HR) during shooting affect the probability of hitting the target.Background:Infantry Soldiers routinely carry heavy rucksack loads and are expected to engage enemy targets should a threat arise.Method:Twelve male Soldiers performed two 11.8 km marches in forested terrain at 4.3 km/hour on separate days (randomized, counterbalanced design). The Rifleman load consisted of protective armor (26.1 kg); the Rucksack load included the Rifleman load plus a weighted rucksack (48.5 kg). Soldiers performed a live-fire shooting task (48 targets) prior to the march, in the middle of the march, and at the end of the march. HR was collected during the shooting task. Data were assessed with multilevel logistic regression controlling for the multiple observations on each subject and shooting target distance. Predicted probabilities for hitting the target were calculated.Results:There was a three-way interaction effe...
A Conceptual Framework for Applying the Anticipatory Theory of Complex Systems to Improve Safety and Quality in Healthcare

Effective anticipation is a fundamental characteristic of highly reliable organizations. In Rosen’s anticipatory theory of complex systems, all living systems and virtually all other complex systems require anticipatory models to maintain an organized state. This paper provides an overview of Rosen’s anticipatory theory of complex systems and presents a conceptual framework for applying this framework to improve safety and quality in healthcare. Organizational interventions based on this theory could include education of clinicians, patients, and families on how anticipatory complex systems function and improve safety in clinical environments, and systems interventions to promote optimal concordance between a team’s model of a clinical situation and the actual clinical situation. Enhanced general understandings of anticipatory complex systems and of their failure modes could help reduce communications failures that are a common cause of serious adverse events.
Hydrophobic Interactions in Purification and Utilization of Enzymes

The importance of the hydrophobic effect in biochemical systems has been widely recognized since Kauzmann (1) enunciated its role in determining the threedimensional structure of proteins. The strength of hydrophobic interactions is commensurate with that of hydrogen binding and ionic effects in a typical protein (2). Numerous authors have looked for a quantitative ranking for the hydrophobic character of amino acid side chains to estimate the hydrophobicity of proteins (3–6). One theory attributed the large entropy effect to changes in the hydrogen bonding structure of water in the vicinity of solute molecules(7–10); while another found the free energy of hydrocarbons in water to be proportional to the number of solvent molecules surrounding the solute and also to the solute surface area as determined from molecular models (11–14).
Auditory and Visual Working Memory Functioning in College Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and/or Learning Disabilities.

Objective We investigated the auditory and visual working memory functioning in college students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, and clinical controls. We examined the role attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder subtype status played in working memory functioning. The unique influence that both domains of working memory have on reading and math abilities was investigated. Method A sample of 268 individuals seeking postsecondary education comprise four groups of the present study: 110 had an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis only, 72 had a learning disability diagnosis only, 35 had comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and learning disability diagnoses, and 60 individuals without either of these disorders comprise a clinical control group. Participants underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, and licensed psychologists employed a multi-informant, multi-method approach in obtaining diagnoses. Results In the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder only group, there was no difference between auditory and visual working memory functioning, t(100) = -1.57, p = .12. In the learning disability group, however, auditory working memory functioning was significantly weaker compared with visual working memory, t(71) = -6.19, p < .001, d = -0.85. Within the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder only group, there were no auditory or visual working memory functioning differences between participants with either a predominantly inattentive type or a combined type diagnosis. Visual working memory did not incrementally contribute to the prediction of academic achievement skills. Conclusion Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder did not demonstrate significant working memory differences compared with clinical controls. Individuals with a learning disability demonstrated weaker auditory working memory than individuals in either the attention-deficit/hyperactivity or clinical control groups.
How Public Confidence in Higher Education Varies by Social Context

Some research suggests a crisis of public confidence in universities and colleges in the United States. But approaches to theorizing confidence in higher education do not examine how confidence var...
Reaction kinetics of Cu2-xS, ZnS, and SnS2 to form Cu2ZnSnS4 and Cu2SnS3 studied using differential scanning calorimetry

Differential scanning calorimetry experiments on mixed Cu2-xS, ZnS, and SnS2 precursors were conducted to better understand how Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) and Cu2SnS3 form. The onset temperatures of Cu2SnS3 reactions and CZTS suggest that the ZnS phase may mediate Cu2SnS3 formation at lower temperatures before a final CZTS phase forms. We also found no evidence of a stable Cu2ZnSn3S8 phase. The major diffraction peaks associated with Cu2ZnSnS4, and Cu2SnS3 (overlaps with ZnS, as well) began to grow around 380 °C, although the final reaction to form Cu2ZnSnS4 probably did not occur until higher temperatures were reached. An exothermic reaction was observed corresponding to formation of this phase. There was some variability in the onset temperature for reactions to form Cu2SnS3. At least 5 steps are involved in this reaction and several segments of the reaction had relatively reproducible energies.
Temporal logic control under incomplete or conflicting information

Temporal logic control methods have provided a viable path towards solving the single- and multi-robot path planning, control and coordination problems from high level formal requirements. In the existing frameworks, the prevalent assumption is that there is a single stakeholder with full or partial knowledge of the environment or the system. However, this assumption may not be valid in both off-line and on-line temporal logic control problems. That is, multiple stakeholders and inaccurate sources of information may produce a self-contradictory model of the world or the system. Classical control synthesis methods cannot handle non-consistent model environments even though such inconsistencies may not affect the control synthesis problem for a given formal requirement. In this work, we show how such problems can be circumvented by utilizing multi-valued temporal logics and system models.
A proficiency-based virtual reality endoscopy curriculum improves performance on the fundamentals of endoscopic surgery examination

The fundamentals of endoscopic surgery (FES) examination is a national test of knowledge and skill in flexible gastrointestinal endoscopy. The skill portion of the examination involves five tasks that assesses the following skills: scope navigation, loop reduction, mucosal inspection, retroflexion, and targeting. This project aimed to assess the efficacy of a proficiency-based virtual reality (VR) curriculum in preparing residents for the FES skills exam. Experienced (>100 career colonoscopies) and inexperienced endoscopists (<50 career colonoscopies) were recruited to participate. Six VR modules were identified as reflecting the skills tested in the exam. All participants were asked to perform each of the selected modules twice, and median performance was compared between the two groups. Inexperienced endoscopists were subsequently randomized in matched pairs into a repetition (10 repetitions of each task) or proficiency curriculum. After completion of the respective curriculum, FES scores and pass rates were compared to national data and historical institutional control data (endoscopy-rotation training alone). Five experienced endoscopists and twenty-three inexperienced endoscopists participated. Construct valid metrics were identified for six modules and proficiency benchmarks were set at the median performance of experienced endoscopists. FES scores of inexperienced endoscopists in the proficiency group had significantly higher FES scores (530 ± 86) versus historical control (386.7 ± 92.2, p = 0.0003) and higher pass rate (proficiency: 100%, historical control 61.5%, p = 0.01). Trainee engagement in a VR curriculum yields superior FES performance compared to an endoscopy rotation alone. Compared to the 2012–2016 national resident pass rate of 80, 100% of trainees in a proficiency-based curriculum passed the FES manual skills examination.
A prospective analysis evaluating tissue biopsy location and its clinical relevance in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) has a high propensity for recurrence. Studies suggest that eosinophilia influences disease severity and surgical outcomes, but the selection of sinonasal site for measuring eosinophilia has not been examined. The aim of this study was to investigate how region-specific tissue eosinophilia affects radiographic severity, comorbidity prevalence, and polyp recurrence risk following sinus surgery. Methods Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels in uncinate tissue (UT) and nasal polyp (NP) homogenates from 116 CRSwNP patients were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical history, radiographic severity, and time to polyp recurrence were obtained from electronic health records. The correlations between baseline Lund-Mackay scores and comorbidities were compared between UT and NP ECP levels. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis were then performed to assess whether UT or NP ECP better predicted recurrence. Censoring occurred at 4 years or at last follow-up if there was no endoscopic diagnosis of recurrent polyps. Results Lund-Mackay scores were significantly correlated with UT and NP ECP (r = 0.46 and 0.26 respectively, p < 0.05). UT but not NP ECP was significantly higher in patients with asthma (p < 0.01) and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) (p < 0.05). Polyp recurrence risk was only significantly higher for patients with eosinophilic UT tissue (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.84, p = 0.025). When measured in NP, eosinophilia did not predict recurrence. Conclusion Although ECP in NP was higher than in UT tissue, eosinophilia in UT tissue was a more clinically coherent biomarker of baseline radiographic severity, comorbid asthma and AERD, and prospective polyp recurrence risk than NP eosinophilia.
The space between us: technology as an interplanetary bridge

A brief commentary through review of the film, The Space Between Us, is presented. In this review, a discussion of themes presented via the relational development between the two main characters in...
Educational Methodologies: Implications for Student-Teacher Relations

This chapter discusses the implications of the first three chapters with respect to student-teacher relations. For this purpose, this chapter brings major aspects of the first three chapters to the forefront, and elaborates on their connections and implications for the way educational methodologies are applied.
Remote enzyme activation using gold coated magnetite as antennae for radio frequency fields

The emerging field of remote enzyme activation, or the ability to remotely turn thermophilic increase enzyme activity, could be a valuable tool for understanding cellular processes. Through exploitation of the temperature dependence of enzymatic processes and high thermal stability of thermophilic enzymes these experiments utilize nanoparticles as ‘antennae’ that convert radiofrequency (RF) radiation into local heat, increasing activity of the enzymes without increasing the temperature of the surrounding bulk solution. To investigate this possible tool, thermolysin, a metalloprotease was covalently conjugated to 4nm gold coated magnetite particles via peptide bond formation with the protecting ligand shell. RF stimulated protease activity at 17.76 MHz in a solenoid shaped antenna, utilizing both electric and magnetic field interactions was investigated. On average 40 percent higher protease activity was observed in the radio frequency fields then when bulk heating the sample to the same temperature. This is attributed to electrophoretic motion of the nanoparticle enzyme conjugates and local regions of heat generated by the relaxation of the magnetite cores with the oscillating field. Radio frequency local heating of nanoparticles conjugated to enzymes as demonstrated could be useful in the activation of specific enzymes in complex cellular environments.
Methods of Reconstitution of Ion Channels

The advent of single-channel technology has expanded the physiologist’s ability to understand gross cellular and organellar function at the molecular level. At the same time that we are increasingly employing these microscopic techniques to characterize the molecular aspects of ion channels, we are better able to define their macroscopic behavior. Although the goal of many of these studies is to identify a specific ion channel with a specific cellular or organellar function, there are numerous problems and limitations in confirming this identity. Frequently, for example, there may be several distinct channel types present in the same membrane. The identification of a function with a specific ion channel thus depends on the characterization of the activity at the cellular and at the molecular, single-channel level. Several broad approaches are routinely applied to study the molecular aspects of specific ion channels. Patch clamp methodology identifies the channels in native membranes and provides the biophysical fingerprint as well as key regulatory features.
Education appropriate for game programmers

The game industry is one of the faster growing sectors in the United States and the profession of game programmer is in high demand. The first step for one trying to breaking into the field of game programmer is to obtain the proper education and skillsets required by the game industry. However, there is a disparity between the skillsets that the game industry demands of game programmers versus what educational institutions provide. Educational institutions offering game development education must be in alignment with the skillset demands of the game industry. This includes educating students on the various game development roles and disciplines along with the proper knowledge and skillsets, which will aid students to determine the right career path and then aid in developing the right set of skills. Several issues currently exist that have led to the disparity between game programming education and the game programming profession, such as the lack of academia and industry collaboration, the lack of standards and accreditation, and the desire for academic institutions to attract students. One step toward to reaching this goal is with the educational institutions themselves. Educational institutions must provide a career-oriented education that is proactive and responsive to industry needs. This paper investigates (a) how game programming education differs from other game-related disciplines, (b) whether or not the currently available game education is serving the purpose to produce immediately employable game programmers, and (c) specifically which types of curriculum are appropriate for students seeking careers as game programmers.
Tricuspid annular plane of systolic excursion to prognosticate acute pulmonary symptomatic embolism (TAPSEPAPSE study).

Author(s): Lahham, Shadi; Fox, John C; Thompson, Maxwell; Nakornchai, Tanyaporn; Alruwaili, Badriah; Doman, Ghadeer; May Lee, Shannon; Shafi, Amal; Shniter, Inna; Valdes, Victoria; Zhang, Lishi | Abstract: IntroductionThe imaging standard for evaluation of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) includes a computed tomography pulmonary angiogram. Ultrasonography has shown promise in obtaining the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) measurements, which may be of clinical importance in patients with acute PE. The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic capability of TAPSE measurements for patients with suspicion for acute PE.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled patients who came to the emergency department with suspicion of acute PE. Each patient underwent a point-of-care sonogram where a TAPSE measurement was obtained, followed by computed tomography pulmonary angiogram. Based on the computed tomography pulmonary angiogram findings, patients were grouped into 3 categories: no acute PE, clinically insignificant acute PE, or clinically significant acute PE.ResultsWe enrolled 87 patients in this study. Twenty-three (26.4%) of these patients were diagnosed with PE. Of patients with PE, 15 (65%) were found to have a clinically significant acute PE. Analysis of mean TAPSE measurements between patients with clinically significant acute PE and those with insignificant or no PE was 15.2 mm and 22.7 mm, respectively (P ≤ .0001). Following receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, optimum TAPSE measurement to identify clinically significant acute PE is 18.2 mm. A cutoff TAPSE measurement of 15.2 mm shows a sensitivity of 53.3% (95% confidence interval, 26.7%-80%) and a specificity of 100% (95% confidence interval, 100%-100%) for the diagnosis of a clinically significant PE.ConclusionsOur data suggest that TAPSE measurements less than 15.2 mm have a high specificity for identifying clinically significant acute PE.
Calibration of a neutron time-of-flight detector with a rapid instrument response function for measurements of bulk fluid motion on OMEGA

A newly developed neutron time-of-flight (nTOF) diagnostic with a fast instrument response function has been fielded on the OMEGA laser in a highly collimated line of sight. By using a small plastic scintillator volume, the detector provides a narrow instrument response of 1.7 ns full width at half maximum while maintaining a large signal-to-noise ratio for neutron yields between 1010 and 1014. The OMEGA hardware timing system is used along with an optical fiducial to provide an absolute nTOF measurement to an accuracy of ∼56 ps. The fast instrument response enables the accurate measurement of the primary deuterium-tritium neutron peak shape, while the optical fiducial allows for an absolute neutron energy measurement. The new detector measures the neutron mean energy with an uncertainty of ∼7 keV, corresponding to a hot-spot velocity projection uncertainty of ∼12 km/s. Evidence of bulk fluid motion in cryogenic targets is presented with measurements of the neutron energy spectrum.A newly developed neutron time-of-flight (nTOF) diagnostic with a fast instrument response function has been fielded on the OMEGA laser in a highly collimated line of sight. By using a small plastic scintillator volume, the detector provides a narrow instrument response of 1.7 ns full width at half maximum while maintaining a large signal-to-noise ratio for neutron yields between 1010 and 1014. The OMEGA hardware timing system is used along with an optical fiducial to provide an absolute nTOF measurement to an accuracy of ∼56 ps. The fast instrument response enables the accurate measurement of the primary deuterium-tritium neutron peak shape, while the optical fiducial allows for an absolute neutron energy measurement. The new detector measures the neutron mean energy with an uncertainty of ∼7 keV, corresponding to a hot-spot velocity projection uncertainty of ∼12 km/s. Evidence of bulk fluid motion in ...