cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mesodermal cell interactions in the sea urchin embryo: properties of skeletogenic secondary mesenchyme cells.

An interaction between the two principal populations of mesodermal cells in the sea urchin embryo, primary and secondary mesenchyme cells (PMCs and SMCs, respectively), regulates SMC fates and the process of skeletogenesis. In the undisturbed embryo, skeletal elements are produced exclusively by PMCs. Certain SMCs also have the ability to express a skeletogenic phenotype; however, signals transmitted by the PMCs direct these cells into alternative developmental pathways. In this study, a combination of fluorescent cell-labeling methods, embryo microsurgery and cell-specific molecular markers have been used to study the lineage, numbers, normal fate(s) and developmental potential of the skeletogenic SMCs. Previous fate-mapping studies have shown that SMCs are derived from the veg2 layer of blastomeres of the 64-cell-stage embryo and from the small micromeres. By specifically labeling the small micromeres with 5-bromodeoxyuridine, we demonstrate that descendants of these cells do not participate in skeletogenesis in PMC-depleted larvae, even though they are the closest lineal relatives of PMCs. Skeletogenic SMCs are therefore derived exclusively from the veg2 blastomeres. Because the SMCs are a heterogeneous population of cells, we have sought to gain information concerning the normal fate(s) of skeletogenic SMCs by determining whether specific cell types are reduced or absent in PMC(−) larvae. Of the four known SMC derivatives: pigment cells, blastocoelar (basal) cells, muscle cells and coelomic pouch cells, only pigment cells show a major reduction (> 50%) in number following SMC skeletogenesis. We therefore propose that the PMC-derived signal regulates a developmental switch, directing SMCs to adopt a pigment cell phenotype instead of a default (skeletogenic) fate. Ablation of SMCs at the late gastrula stage does not result in the recruitment of any additional skeletogenic cells, demonstrating that, by this stage, the number of SMCs with skeletogenic potential is restricted to 60–70 cells. Previous studies showed that during their switch to a skeletogenic fate, SMCs alter their migratory behavior and cell surface properties. In this study, we demonstrate that during conversion, SMCs become insensitive to the PMC-derived signal, while at the same time they acquire PMC-specific signaling properties.
The Unique Envelope Gene of the Subgroup J Avian Leukosis Virus Derives from ev/J Proviruses, a Novel Family of Avian Endogenous Viruses

A new subgroup of avian leukosis virus (ALV), designated subgroup J, was identified recently. Viruses of this subgroup do not cross-interfere with viruses of the avian A, B, C, D, and E subgroups, are not neutralized by antisera raised against the other virus subgroups, and have a broader host range than the A to E subgroups. Sequence comparisons reveal that while the subgroup J envelope gene includes some regions that are related to those found in env genes of the A to E subgroups, the majority of the subgroup J gene is composed of sequences either that are more similar to those of a member (E51) of the ancient endogenous avian virus (EAV) family of proviruses or that appear unique to subgroup J viruses. These data led to the suggestion that the ALV-J env gene might have arisen by multiple recombination events between one or more endogenous and exogenous viruses. We initiated studies to investigate the origin of the subgroup J envelope gene and in particular to determine the identity of endogenous sequences that may have contributed to its generation. Here we report the identification of a novel family of avian endogenous viruses that include env coding sequences that are over 95% identical to both the gp85 and gp37 coding regions of subgroup J viruses. We call these viruses the ev/J family. We also report the isolation of ev/J-encoded cDNAs, indicating that at least some members of this family are expressed. These data support the hypothesis that the subgroup J envelope gene was acquired by recombination with expressed endogenous sequences and are consistent with acquisition of this gene by only one recombination event.
MEDULLOBLASTOMA: TIME-DOSE RELATIONSHIP BASED ON A 30-YEAR REVIEW

Abstract Purpose: Time–dose relationships have proven important in many cancer sites. This study evaluates the time factors involved in the successful postoperative radiotherapy of medulloblastoma, based on a 30-year experience in a single institution. Methods and Materials: Fifty-three patients with medulloblastoma received postoperative craniospinal radiotherapy with curative intent between 1963 and 1993. Seven patients (13%) underwent biopsy alone, 28 patients (53%) had subtotal excision, and 18 patients (34%) had gross total excision. Eleven patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. The mean posterior fossa dose was 53.1 Gy; most patients received 54.0 Gy (range, 34.3 to 69.6 Gy). For 41 patients receiving once-a-day therapy, the mean dose was 50.6 Gy (range, 34.3 to 56.0 Gy). For 12 patients receiving twice-a-day therapy, the mean dose was 61.8 Gy (range, 52.6 to 69.6 Gy). Minimum follow-up was 2 years, and median follow-up was 10.7 years. Survival, freedom from relapse, and disease control in the posterior fossa were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariate analysis was performed for prognostic factors. Variables related to radiotherapy were examined, including dose to the craniospinal axis, dose to the posterior fossa, fractionation (once-a-day vs. twice-a-day), use of adjuvant chemotherapy, risk group [high (≥T3b or ≥M1) or low (≤T3a and M0-MX)], interval between surgery and radiotherapy (excluding patients receiving chemotherapy before radiotherapy), and duration of radiotherapy. Results: At 5 and 10 years, overall survival rates were 68 and 64%, respectively, and freedom-from-relapse rates were 61 and 52%, respectively. Rates of disease control in the posterior fossa at 5 and 10 years were 79 and 68%, respectively. At 5 years, absolute survival rates after biopsy alone, subtotal excision, and gross total excision were 43, 67, and 78%, respectively ( p = 0.04), and posterior fossa control rates were 27, 89, and 83%, respectively ( p = 0.004). Duration of the treatment course was the only radiotherapy-related variable with a significant impact on freedom from relapse and posterior fossa control. For patients whose radiation treatment duration was ≤45 days, posterior fossa control was 89% at 5 years, compared with 68% for those treated for >45 days ( p = 0.01). Duration of treatment also affected freedom from relapse at 5 years: ≤45 days (76%) compared with >45 days (43%), p = 0.004. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that if adequate doses are used, then radiotherapy treatment duration will significantly affect the outcome in terms of control of disease in the posterior fossa and freedom from relapse. Fractions of at least 1.75 Gy given once a day, or a twice-a-day regimen should yield optimal local control results.
A Reinforcement Learning Mechanism Responsible for the Valuation of Free Choice

Humans exhibit a preference for options they have freely chosen over equally valued options they have not; however, the neural mechanism that drives this bias and its functional significance have yet to be identified. Here, we propose a model in which choice biases arise due to amplified positive reward prediction errors associated with free choice. Using a novel variant of a probabilistic learning task, we show that choice biases are selective to options that are predominantly associated with positive outcomes. A polymorphism in DARPP-32, a gene linked to dopaminergic striatal plasticity and individual differences in reinforcement learning, was found to predict the effect of choice as a function of value. We propose that these choice biases are the behavioral byproduct of a credit assignment mechanism responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of dopaminergic reinforcement learning signals broadcast to the striatum.
Effect of butorphanol administration on cardiovascular parameters in isoflurane-anesthetized horses – a retrospective clinical evaluation

Objective To determine cardiovascular responses to administration of butorphanol in isofluraneanesthetized horses.
Who's computing? Gender and race differences in young adults' decisions to pursue an information technology career

Over the past ten years, information technology (IT) has emerged as a vitalpart of the global economy. Although IT job growth will not be as rapid asthe booming growth of the computer industry during the previous decade,as the IT sector matures and routine work is increasingly outsourced over-seas, the computer industry still offers favorable job prospects and faces ademand for qualiﬁed professionals (U.S. Department of Labor, 2004). Astechnology becomes more sophisticated and complex, these computer-basedjob prospects are especially promising for individuals with more advancedlevels of training and expertise (U.S. Department of Labor, 2004).Despite these fruitful career opportunities available in the computerﬁeld, women and minorities in the United States are vastly underrepresented
A favorable risk-benefit analysis of high dose thyroid for treatment of bipolar disorders with regard to osteoporosis

High dose thyroid hormone has been in use since the 1930s for the treatment of affective disorders. Despite numerous papers showing benefit, the lack of negative trials and its inclusion in multiple treatment guidelines, high dose thyroid has yet to find wide spread use. The major objection to the use of high dose thyroid is the myth that it causes osteoporosis. This paper reviews the literature surrounding the use of high dose thyroid, both in endocrinology and in psychiatry. High dose thyroid does not appear to be a significant risk factor for osteoporosis while other widely employed psychiatric medications do pose a risk. Psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to do the risk-benefit analyses of high dose thyroid for the treatment of the bipolar I, bipolar II and bipolar NOS. Other specialties do not have the requisite knowledge of the risks of alterative medications or of the mortality and morbidity of the bipolar disorders to do a full risk benefit analysis.
An information technology emphasis in biomedical informatics education

Unprecedented growth in the interdisciplinary domain of biomedical informatics reflects the recent advancements in genomic sequence availability, high-content biotechnology screening systems, as well as the expectations of computational biology to command a leading role in drug discovery and disease characterization. These forces have moved much of life sciences research almost completely into the computational domain. Importantly, educational training in biomedical informatics has been limited to students enrolled in the life sciences curricula, yet much of the skills needed to succeed in biomedical informatics involve or augment training in information technology curricula. This manuscript describes the methods and rationale for training students enrolled in information technology curricula in the field of biomedical informatics, which augments the existing information technology curriculum and provides training on specific subjects in Biomedical Informatics not emphasized in bioinformatics courses offered in life science programs, and does not require prerequisite courses in the life sciences.
Abrogation of recurrent autoimmunity in the NOD mouse: A critical role for host interleukin 4.

Background We previously established a clinically relevant strategy to abrogate recurrent autoimmunity and enable long-term islet graft survival, involving antilymphocyte serum (ALS)-depletion of recipient T cells and intraportal administration of donor pancreatic lymph node cells (PLNCs) along with islet grafts. In this study, we investigated whether Th2 cytokines were required for the tolerizing ability of ALS/PLNC treatment in islet transplantation. Methods ALS-treated diabetic NOD recipient mice, and NOD recipient mice deficient in interleukin 4 (IL-4 -/- ) or 10 (IL-4/10 -/- ) were transplanted with NOR or NOD.scid islets intraportally along with donor PLNC. Blood glucose levels were monitored to access graft function, sections of graft-bearing livers were histologically examined, and ELISPOT assays were used to assess cytokine profile and frequency of islet-reactive CD4 T cells. Results We found that ALS/PLNC was not effective in prolonging islet graft survival in diabetic NOD hosts deficient in either IL-4 (NOD.IL-4 -/- ) or in IL-4 and IL-10 (NOD.IL4 -/- /10 -/- ) (mean survival time, 36 days), contrasting the long-term survival of islet grafts in wild-type NOD mice (mean survival time, > 80 days). In contrast, PLNC deficient in IL-4 promoted long-term graft survival in wild-type NOD hosts similar to that in wild-type PLNC. In wild-type NOD recipients of either wild-type PLNC or IL-4 -/- PLNC, the host autoantigen–specific CD4 T cells produced predominately IL-4 coincident with long-term graft survival, whereas, in NOD.IL-4 -/- recipients with rejected grafts, the autoreactive T cells produced interferon γ and low amounts of IL-4. Conclusions These data demonstrate that abrogation of recurrent autoimmunity requires host IL-4 and that manipulation of the autoreactive cytokine profile in long-term diabetes may be an effective strategy for islet transplant therapies.
Incidence of new onset metabolic acidosis following enteroplasty for myelomeningocele.

Purpose: Extant literature is mixed regarding risk of metabolic acidosis after enteroplasty for myelomeningocele. This study is the first known attempt to describe the pattern of developing metabolic acidosis in a group of children who underwent enteroplasty and served as their own controls. Multiple preoperative and postoperative laboratory measures for each child were obtained for comparison.Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study allowed participants to serve as their own controls for pre-intervention and post-intervention analysis. The setting was a tertiary, university affiliated, interdisciplinary spina bifida program. All patients followed in the spina bifida program who had undergone ileal or colonic enteroplasty were included for review (total 113). Strict exclusion criteria were preoperatively diagnosed renal insufficiency, preexisting metabolic acidosis consistent with renal tubular acidosis (pH less than 7.35, bicarbonate 20 mmol/l or less) and history of augmentation using gast...
Ratings of Instruction, Examination Performance, and Subsequent Enrollment in Psychology Courses.

The ratings-performance relation is replicated, and certain factors in rating scales show some relation to taking further work in psychology.
Legendre fluids: a unified framework for analytic reduced space modeling and rendering of participating media

In this paper, we present a unified framework for reduced space modeling and rendering of dynamic and non-homogenous participating media, like snow, smoke, dust and fog. The key idea is to represent the 3D spatial variation of the density, velocity and intensity fields of the media using the same analytic basis. In many situations, natural effects such as mist, outdoor smoke and dust are smooth (low frequency) phenomena, and can be compactly represented by a small number of coefficients of a Legendre polynomial basis. We derive analytic expressions for the derivative and integral operators in the Legendre coefficient space, as well as the triple product integrals of Legendre polynomials. These mathematical results allow us to solve both the Navier-Stokes equations for fluid flow and light transport equations for single scattering efficiently in the reduced Legendre space. Since our technique does not depend on volume grid resolution, we can achieve computational speedups as compared to spatial domain methods while having low memory and pre-computation requirements as compared to data-driven approaches. Also, analytic definition of derivatives and integral operators in the Legendre domain avoids the approximation errors inherent in spatial domain finite difference methods. We demonstrate many interesting visual effects resulting from particles immersed in fluids as well as volumetric scattering in non-homogenous and dynamic participating media, such as fog and mist.
An object oriented implementation of the Yeadon human inertia model

We present an open source software implementation of a popular mathematical method developed by M.R. Yeadon for calculating the body and segment inertia parameters of a human body. The software is written in a high level open source language and provides three interfaces for manipulating the data and the model: a Python API, a command-line user interface, and a graphical user interface. Thus the software can fit into various data processing pipelines and requires only simple geometrical measures as input.
Host Specificity in Ectomycorrhizal Communities: What Do the Exceptions Tell Us?

Classic ectomycorrhizal symbioses are mutualisms that involve the exchange of fixed carbon for mineral nutrients between plant roots and fungi. They are unique in the way they contain features of both intimate and diffuse symbioses. The degree of host specificity varies, particularly among the fungi. Here we examine two exceptional cases of specificity to see what they tell us about the advantages of specificity, how it is initiated, and the potential role that it plays in complex ecosystems. The first case involves non-photosynthetic epiparasitic plants, which contrary to virtually all other plants, exhibit high levels of specificity toward their fungal hosts. The second case involves suilloid fungi; this is the largest monophyletic group of ectomycorrhizal fungi that is essentially restricted to associations with a single plant family. In both cases, new symbioses are initiated by dormant propagules that are stimulated to germinate by chemical cues from the host. This reduces the cost of wasting propagules on non-hosts. The advantages of specificity remain unclear in both cases, but we argue that increased benefit to the specialist may result from specialized physiological adaptations. We reexamine the idea that specialist fungi may help their hosts compete in complex ecosystems by reducing facultative epiparasitism by other plants, and suggest an alternative hypothesis for the observed pattern.
Controlling Central Carbon Metabolism for Improved Pathway Yields in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Engineering control of metabolic pathways is important to improving product titers and yields. Traditional methods such as overexpressing pathway enzymes and deleting competing ones are restricted by the interdependence of metabolic reactions and the finite nature of cellular resources. Here, we developed a metabolite valve that controls glycolytic flux through central carbon metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In a Hexokinase 2 and Glucokinase 1 deleted strain (hxk2Δglk1Δ), glucose flux was diverted away from glycolysis and into a model pathway, gluconate, by controlling the transcription of Hexokinase 1 with the tetracycline transactivator protein (tTA). A maximum 10-fold decrease in hexokinase activity resulted in a 50-fold increase in gluconate yields, from 0.7% to 36% mol/mol of glucose. The reduction in glucose flux resulted in a significant decrease in ethanol byproduction that extended to semianaerobic conditions, as shown in the production of isobutanol. This proof-of-concept is one of the first demonstrations in S. cerevisiae of dynamic redirection of glucose from glycolysis and into a heterologous pathway.
Symposium on Minnesota Water Law

In this introduction for a symposium on water laws in Minnesota, Salzberg quotes the Greek philosopher Plato on the issue of water regulation. Salzberg goes on to discuss how water regulation was not only a concern 2,300 years ago but has continued to become a problem in contemporary America. The problems are quantitative and qualitative in nature focusing on overuse and contamination. Salzberg sets the stage for the symposium which seeks to clarify and define Minnesota water laws.
Helicobacter pylori infection is the primary cause of gastric cancer.

Abstract Helicobacter pylori causes gastric cancer in human and in experimental animals. The link between gastritis and H. pylori is causal. Differences in the incidence of gastric cancer in populations with similar high prevalence of H. pylori infection can be related to the differences in the age of acquisition of chronic atrophic gastritis, which in turn is related to an interaction between environmental factors, especially diet, and H. pylori infection. The low odds ratios reported in epidemiology studies evaluating the relation between gastric cancer and H. pylori infection reflect the high overall prevalence of H. pylori in the population and do not accurately reflect the strength of the association. It is time to stop doing serologic studies to confirm the association of gastric cancer with H. pylori and instead expend our efforts on eliminating the infection and investigating the mechanism(s) and interactions.
Computerized “graded” slot inserter for film-type insulation

The motor designer today often uses graded slot configurations for appliance drive motor stators. Multi-size and shape slots today are considered a standard design rather than an exception. Shorter magnet wire end turns and more efficient use of lamination iron often result in smaller motors and/or reduced wire and iron consumption.
Making Formal Methods More Relevant to Software Engineering Students via Automated Test Generation

The use of formal methods in software engineering has been advocated for a long time, by a lot of people. Unfortunately, advocates of formal methods remain a distinct minority among software engineering educators, as well as industrial practitioners. A number of reasons have been cited for the lack of acceptance of formal methods. Popular among these reasons is that formal methods lack relevance and utility to the everyday work of software engineers.This paper presents a tool intended to increase the practical value of formal methods for software engineering students. The tool, called "Spest'', generates unit testing code from a formal program specification. There have been other such tools developed in the past, but all have been difficult for us to use in our educational setting. With Spest, we hope to overcome some of the difficulties with a tool that is easy to use and which generates readable and extendible testing code. Initial results of using Spest in our classes are promising and we are planning continued development.
Government and Consumer Economic Wellbeing

Government can enhance consumer economic wellbeing through various approaches. One major approach is to regulate the market to rebalance powers between consumers and businesses. The focus of this chapter is government regulation related to consumer protection. In this chapter, regulation is first defined and categorized. Relevant regulation theories are then discussed. A theory of public policy setting is introduced and the role of American presidents in making consumer protection laws is discussed. After briefly introducing consumer laws, government regulations in the fields of consumer safety and finance are introduced. State level consumer protection laws in the USA are also introduced. Finally, government consumer protection measures are compared at the international level.
Sex steroids and cognition in nonhuman primates

R studies have greatly advanced our understanding of the effects of sex steroids on the brain and cognition. Yet, significant differences between rodent and human endocrinology and cognition limit the translational impact of rodent findings. Studies in nonhuman primates (NHP) are useful to determine whether the mechanisms identified in rodents apply to primates and to help refine therapies that are optimal for human health. This presentation will review the current state of knowledge about the effects of estrogens and androgens on the brain and cognition in NHP across the adult lifespan. The data presented suggest that estrogens benefit several aspects of cognitive function in aged females, without having significant effect in young adult females. There is still a paucity of studies examining the effects of androgens on cognition in male NHP. Data from our lab suggest that testosterone influences emotion more than it does cognition in young and older males. The implications of the NHP findings for human hormonal replacement therapy will be discussed.
Wisdom and Hard Times: The Ameliorating Effect of Wisdom on the Negative Association Between Adverse Life Events and Well-Being.

Author(s): Ardelt, Monika; Jeste, Dilip V | Abstract: ObjectivesOld age is characterized by many physical and social losses that adversely affect subjective well-being (SWB). Yet, past studies have shown that wisdom tends to be positively related to SWB in old age, particularly under adverse circumstances. We tested whether three-dimensional wisdom, measured as a combination of cognitive, reflective, and compassionate (affective) personality qualities, moderated the inverse association between adverse life events and well-being.MethodA sample of 994 adults aged 51-99 years (M = 77) from the Successful AGing Evaluation (SAGE) study and structural equation models with well-being as a latent variable were used to test the hypothesis.ResultsGreater wisdom, in particular the reflective wisdom dimension, was positively associated with SWB and buffered the inverse relation between the experience of adverse life events during the previous year and current well-being.DiscussionWisdom appears to strengthen older adults' ability to cope with aging-related losses and, therefore, is a valuable psychological resource in old age.
OSPREY Predicts Resistance Mutations Using Positive and Negative Computational Protein Design

Drug resistance in protein targets is an increasingly common phenomenon that reduces the efficacy of both existing and new antibiotics. However, knowledge of future resistance mutations during pre-clinical phases of drug development would enable the design of novel antibiotics that are robust against not only known resistant mutants, but also against those that have not yet been clinically observed. Computational structure-based protein design (CSPD) is a transformative field that enables the prediction of protein sequences with desired biochemical properties such as binding affinity and specificity to a target. The use of CSPD to predict previously unseen resistance mutations represents one of the frontiers of computational protein design. In a recent study (Reeve et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 112(3):749-754, 2015), we used our OSPREY (Open Source Protein REdesign for You) suite of CSPD algorithms to prospectively predict resistance mutations that arise in the active site of the dihydrofolate reductase enzyme from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (SaDHFR) in response to selective pressure from an experimental competitive inhibitor. We demonstrated that our top predicted candidates are indeed viable resistant mutants. Since that study, we have significantly enhanced the capabilities of OSPREY with not only improved modeling of backbone flexibility, but also efficient multi-state design, fast sparse approximations, partitioned continuous rotamers for more accurate energy bounds, and a computationally efficient representation of molecular-mechanics and quantum-mechanical energy functions. Here, using SaDHFR as an example, we present a protocol for resistance prediction using the latest version of OSPREY. Specifically, we show how to use a combination of positive and negative design to predict active site escape mutations that maintain the enzyme's catalytic function but selectively ablate binding of an inhibitor.
HOW TO MAKE A POLITY (IN THE CENTRAL MESA VERDE REGION)

The degree to which prehispanic societies in the northern upland Southwest were hierarchical or egalitarian is still debated and seems likely to have changed through time. This paper examines the plausibility of village-spanning polities in the northern Southwest by simulating the coevolution of hierarchy and warfare using extensions to the Village Ecodynamics Project's agent-based model. We additionally compile empirical data on the population size distribution of habitations and ritual spaces (kivas) and the social groups that used them in three large regions of the Pueblo Southwest and analyze these through time. All lines of evidence refute an “autonomous village” model during the Pueblo II period (A.D. 890–1145); rather, they support the existence of village-spanning polities during the Pueblo II and probably into the Pueblo III period (A.D. 1145–1285) in some areas. One or more polities connecting the northern Southwest, with tribute flowing to an apex in Chaco Canyon, appears plausible during Pueblo II for the areas we examine. During Pueblo III, more local organizations likely held sway until depopulation in the late thirteenth century.
This time it's different

The results of the recent US presidential election reveal that the traditional model of scientific authority is defunct, says Robert P Crease
Photocurrent enhancement via trapping of photogenerated electrons of titanium dioxide particles

The photocurrents derived from TiO/sub 2/ suspensions are enhanced when reducible species such as Cu/sup 2 +/ and Fe/sup 3 +/ are added to cells containing these suspensions. This process is proposed to occur via trapping of photogenerated electrons in the TiO/sub 2/ by these solution species, thereby reducing the extent of deleterious electron-hole recombination. The ability of platinum deposits on TiO/sub 2/ particles to participate in electron trapping and enhance photocurrent via formation of Pt-H species was demonstrated by electrochemical detection of adsorbed H on irradiated Pt/TiO/sub 2/. 10 figures.
Collaborative care for individuals with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia and co-occurring physical health conditions: A systematic review

ABSTRACTWhile rates of chronic physical health conditions are increasing for the general population, individuals with severe mental illness are at greater risk. Co-occurring mental and physical health conditions are associated with poor health care utilization, socioeconomic, and patient-reported health status outcomes. This study used systematic review procedures to investigate the effectiveness of collaborative care models for improving the health of adults with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia and co-occurring chronic physical health conditions. Six studies met inclusion criteria, and included outcomes related to quality of life, physical health, and mental health. Collective and study-level results are reported and discussed, including implications for social work practice and research.
Arguing About Arguing

Last month the North Dakota senate passed a bill that stated, among other things, the following: No teacher may be prohibited from helping students understand, analyze, critique, or review in an ob...
Application of Laser Doppler Systems to Vortex Measurement and Detection

A laser Doppler system for the measurement of atmospheric wind velocity and turbulence has been developed. This system utilizes the Doppler frequency shift undergone by a beam of radiation when scattered by particles suspended in the flows. From the measurement of this difference frequency between the scattered and the reference laser light and knowledge of the geometry of the system, the velocity is directly determined. A three-dimensional system has been developed for wind tunnel and jet type flow studies. Using this system, measurements of velocity have been made in wind tunnels and in jet flows with velocities in excess of Mach 2 and compared with theory and hot wire instrumentation. The agreement was good.
Exploring Learner Model Differences Between Students

Bayesian Knowledge Tracing (BKT) has been employed successfully in intelligent learning environments to individualize curriculum sequencing and help messages. Standard BKT employs four parameters, which are estimated separately for individual knowledge components, but not for individual students. Studies have shown that individualizing the parameter estimates for students based on existing data logs improves goodness of fit and leads to substantially different practice recommendations. This study investigates how well BKT parameters in a tutor lesson can be individualized ahead of time, based on learners’ prior activities, including reading text and completing prior tutor lessons. We find that directly applying best-fitting individualized parameter estimates from prior tutor lessons does not appreciably improve BKT goodness of fit for a later tutor lesson, but that individual differences in the later lesson can be effectively predicted from measures of learners’ behaviors in reading text and in completing the prior tutor lessons.
Redox Signaling in Diabetic Wound Healing Regulates Extracellular Matrix Deposition.

Abstract Significance: Impaired wound healing is a major complication of diabetes, and can lead to development of chronic foot ulcers in a significant number of patients. Despite the danger posed by poor healing, very few specific therapies exist, leaving patients at risk of hospitalization, amputation, and further decline in overall health. Recent Advances: Redox signaling is a key regulator of wound healing, especially through its influence on the extracellular matrix (ECM). Normal redox signaling is disrupted in diabetes leading to several pathological mechanisms that alter the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and scavenging. Importantly, pathological oxidative stress can alter ECM structure and function. Critical Issues: There is limited understanding of the specific role of altered redox signaling in the diabetic wound, although there is evidence that ROS are involved in the underlying pathology. Future Directions: Preclinical studies of antioxidant-based therapies for diabeti...
From a conditional marker to a discourse marker: The uses of dehua 的话 in natural Mandarin conversation

Abstract This paper investigates two interrelated uses of the utterance-final form dehua in Mandarin Chinese, its the conditional marker use and the discourse marker use. While the conditional function of dehua has been widely recognized, its newly emerging discourse functions have not yet received much attention. Thus, this study first provides a detailed characterization of the two uses from the structural and semantic–pragmatic perspectives. It argues that dehua differs from regular Mandarin conditional markers because it marks both realis and irrealis protases. This ability is the result of generalized conversational implicatures from conditional contexts. Second, this paper establishes a connection between the two uses of dehua , providing a synchronic account for its development from a conditional marker to a discourse marker. It argues that dehua is essentially a boundary marker, indicating the boundary of protases as a conditional marker and the boundary of various types of intonation units as a discourse marker. This final position is demonstrated to shape the discourse functions of dehua in crucial ways. By studying dehua in natural conversations, this paper sheds light on its development pathway from a conditional marker to a discourse marker in general. It also contributes to the understanding of the diversity of discourse markers as well as the ways in which form and functions interact.
Calibrate parallel machine tools by using interval type-2 fuzzy interpolation method

This paper is an extended research of our previous study, in which only type-1 fuzzy system was discussed, for a novel technique used in the pose error compensations for parallel machine tools calibration process based on an interval type-2 fuzzy error interpolation (IT2FEI) method. Robot calibrations can be classified into model-based and modeless methods. Either inverse or forward kinematic models need to be used in the traditional calibration methods to perform the identification and compensation of the pose errors for parallel machine tools. Instead of using a model, the proposed method presents a modeless technique combined with an interval type-2 fuzzy interpolation method to obtain the same or higher calibration accuracy when a small workspace is adopted. Simulated results show that not only the robot compensation accuracy can be improved but also the calibration process can be significantly simplified, and it is more suitable for practical applications.
Boundaries, Third Spaces and Public Libraries

This study relies on semi-structured interviews with twenty-four public library staff to understand how they navigate professional boundaries when providing information services to people experiencing homelessness. Analysis of the interviews indicated that public library staff perform work related to managing their professional roles and responsibilities, particularly in the context of the public library as a third, or transitional space. This boundary work refers to situations or activities in which actors construct, manage, and challenge professional boundaries, as originally described by Gieryn [13]. The results of the interviews show that public library staff perform boundary work as it relates to the public library as a third space, or transitional space, used by any number of community members and as I argue, particularly by those experiencing homelessness. In the case of public librarians’ provision of information services to people experiencing homelessness, the library acts a day shelter or transitional space, which has several implications for the public library and for the staff.
Identity and the Experience of Crisis

A sense of identity provides a person with wholeness, continuity, and purpose. When an event is seen as a threat to identity, a person is vulnerable to the experience of crisis. Perspectives on cri...
Systemic Contact Dermatitis

Systemic contact dermatitis (SCD) traditionally refers to a skin condition where an individual who is cutaneously sensitized to an allergen will subsequently react to that same allergen or a cross reacting allergen via a different route. It occurs to allergens including metals, medications, and foods. The exact pathophysiology underlying this disease remains unknown, although it appears to be mediated by type 4 hypersensitivity reactions and possibly type 3 hypersensitivity reactions. The p-I concept (pharmacologic interaction with immunoreceptors) hypothesized that drugs are able to bind directly to a T cell receptor without first being presented by MHC (major histocompatibility complex) molecules and without prior metabolism, which would help explain why SCD can be seen on first exposure to medications. Nomenclature remains a challenge as SCD can be subcategorized using terms such as ACDS (allergic contact dermatitis syndrome) and its four clinical stages, Baboon syndrome, and SDRIFE (symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema), which share many overlapping features. Food allergens may be responsible for uncontrolled or persistent symptoms in patients with contact dermatitis who do not respond to topical avoidance. With medications, symptoms may be induced by topical application versus systemic administration. Patch testing (PT) may be beneficial in diagnosing SCD caused by metals and many topical medications including corticosteroids, antimicrobials (ampicillin, bacitracin, erythromycin, neomycin, nystatin), NSAIDs (diclofenac, ibuprofen), anesthetics, and antihistamines (chlorphenamine, piperazine). Current treatment options include topical steroids and oral antihistamines for symptom relief and dietary avoidance to causative foods or metals.
Symptom burden in cancer survivors 1 year after diagnosis

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined risk for severe symptoms during early cancer survivorship. By using baseline data from the American Cancer Society's Study of Cancer Survivors-I, the authors examined cancer survivors with high symptom burden, identified risk factors associated with high symptom burden, and evaluated the impact of high symptom burden on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) 1 year postdiagnosis. METHODS: Participants were enrolled from 11 state cancer registries approximately 1 year after diagnosis and were surveyed by telephone or mail. The outcomes measures used were the Modified Rotterdam Symptom Checklist and the Profile of Mood States-37 (to assess symptom burden) and the Satisfaction with Life Domains Scale-Cancer (to assess HRQoL). RESULTS: Of 4903 survivors, 4512 (92%) reported symptoms related to their cancer and/or its treatment. Two-step clustering yielded 2 subgroups, 1 with low symptom burden (n = 3113) and 1 with high symptom burden (n = 1399). Variables that were associated with high symptom burden included lung cancer (odds ratio [OR], 2.27), metastatic cancer (OR, 2.05), the number of comorbid conditions (OR, 1.76), remaining on active chemotherapy (OR, 1.93), younger age (OR, 2.31), lacking insurance/being underinsured (OR, 1.57), having lower income (OR, 1.61), being unemployed (OR, 1.27), and being less educated (OR, 1.29). Depression, fatigue, and pain had the greatest impact on HRQoL in survivors with high symptom burden, who also had lower HRQoL (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: More than 1 in 4 cancer survivors had high symptom burden 1 year postdiagnosis, even after treatment termination. These results indicate a need for continued symptom monitoring and management in early post-treatment survivorship, especially for the underserved. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Assessing Substance-Related Disorders in Asian Americans

Asian-Americans are a heterogeneous and rapidly growing population. The availability of and research on culturally specific assessment measures is an important consideration when working with Asian-American individuals. This chapter reviews substance use assessment instruments available for use in Asian populations and their psychometric properties. Both substance- and alcohol-specific abuse and dependence assessment measures have been translated and researched in different Asian populations. Specifically, the Addiction Severity Index, Drug Abuse Screening Test, Severity of Dependence Scale, CRAFFT, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test, and CAGE questionnaire have been evaluated. Notably, much of the research on psychometric properties of alcohol and substance assessment measures in Asian populations has been conducted in their respective countries and on limited samples. Further research into additional Asian subgroups, languages, females, and adolescents is necessary.
Peripheral Biological Markers for Mood Disorders

The biogenic amine hypothesis of affective disorders is based primarily on the observation that antidepressant drugs may produce their therapeutic effects by interacting with the noradrenergic (NA) or the serotonergic (5HT) systems. For example, several antidepressants cause inhibition of the reuptake of nor- epinephrine (NE) or serotonin (5HT), thus increasing their levels in the synaptic cleft. Antidepressants could also decrease the metabolism of NE or 5HT by inhibiting enzymes, such as monoamine oxidase (MAO). However, direct evidence in support of the MAO hypothesis has been lacking. Initial studies to validate this hypothesis focused primarily on the determination of amines and their metabolites in the CSF, urine, and/or plasma. Further studies revealed that only are these abnormalities of biogenic amine levels and of their metabolites but that affective disorders may be associated with abnor- malities of several receptors and the receptor-linked signaling systems, such as abnormalities of α- and β-adrenergic receptors and abnormalities of signaling systems, namely, the phosphoinositide (PI) and the adenylyl cyclase (AC) signaling systems. Some more recent studies indicate abnormalities of several transcrip- tion factors, such as cyclic-AMP response element binding (CREB) and of their target genes, such as brain-derived neurotrophin factor (BDNF), in affective disorders. These studies are primarily based on either postmortem brain tissue obtained from deceased subjects or on the use of peripheral tissues, such as platelets or white cells obtained from patients. Because of the inaccessibility of the living human brain, these peripheral sources have been used both for studying the pathophysiology of mood disorders (MD) and for their possible use as diagnostic and prognostic markers. Although the use of peripheral tissues, such as platelets and lympho- cytes, as possible central markers seems questionable, several lines of evidence support their relationship to
Psycholinguistics: A troubled Marriage

We tend often to forget the prenuptial background of a troubled marriage. Such is certainly the case in the present instance. The ahistorical and aphilosophical orientation of American psychology makes for rather myopic landscapes.
The Laplace Operator on the Sierpiński Gasket

The Laplace operator on the Sierpinski gasket. The Laplace operator on Euclidean space and its analogue on graphs. Maximum principle for harmonic functions. Eigenfunctions of the Laplace operator on the Sierpinski gasket. Comparing the spectra of the Laplace operator on different approximations.
Widespread myofascial dysfunction and spinal sensitization in women with endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain

Introduction/Background Despite optimal surgical/hormonal treatment, some women with endometriosis continue to have chronic pelvic pain (endo-CPP). Comorbid non-pelvic pain, myofascial dysfunction, and sensitization have rarely been reported in this population. We systematically assessed the presence and distribution of pain, myofascial dysfunction, and spinal sensitization in women with endo-CPP. Material and method Women (18–50 years) with endo-CPP after optimized surgical/hormonal treatment were evaluated. Participants underwent gynecologic examination of pelvic floor muscles to identify tenderness/spasm. Neuromusculoskeletal examination included assessment of paraspinal tactile allodynia (Von Frey monofilament) and hyperalgesia (Wartenburg pinwheel). Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) were identified in 13 regions bilaterally. Pressure-pain thresholds (PPTs) were measured over interspinous ligaments and MTrPs. Results Twenty-eight women with endo-CPP for a median of 12 years (range 1–20) were evaluated. All had pelvic floor muscle spasm on gyn examination. All endorsed the pelvic floor as a major focus of pain, which was described as focal in 19/28. All women had widespread myofascial dysfunction with MTrPs in more than two-thirds of assessed regions. Low PPTs ( Conclusion Women with endo-CPP can have myofascial dysfunction beyond the pelvic focus of pain, demonstrated by widespread diffuse and regional allodynia, hyperalgesia, MTrPs, and lowered PPTs, likely reflecting central sensitization. Sensitization may be initiated and maintained by pelvic floor spasm and may account for pain persisting after resection of endometriosis lesions and despite continued use of hormonal treatment. These diffuse and focal myofascial and central nervous system manifestations warrant consideration in management of pain in this population.