cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physiological and environmental regulation of interannual variability in CO2 exchange on rangelands in the western United States

For most ecosystems, net ecosystem exchange of CO 2 (NEE) varies within and among years in response to environmental change. We analyzed measurements of CO 2 exchange from eight native rangeland ecosystems in the western United States (58 site-years of data) in order to determine the contributions of photosynthetic and respiratory (physiological) components of CO 2 exchange to environmentally caused variation in NEE. Rangelands included Great Plains grasslands, desert shrubland, desert grasslands, and sagebrush steppe. We predicted that (1) week-to-week change in NEE and among-year variation in the response of NEE to temperature, net radiation, and other environmental drivers would be better explained by change in maximum rates of ecosystem photosynthesis (A max ) than by change in apparent light-use efficiency (α) or ecosystem respiration at 10 °C (R 10 ) and (2) among-year variation in the responses of NEE, A max , and α to environmental drivers would be explained by changes in leaf area index (LAI). As predicted, NEE was better correlated with A max than α or R 10 for six of the eight rangelands. Week-to-week variation in NEE and physiological parameters correlated mainly with time-lagged indices of precipitation and water-related environmental variables, like potential evapotranspiration, for desert sites and with net radiation and temperature for Great Plains grasslands. For most rangelands, the response of NEE to a given change in temperature, net radiation, or evaporative demand differed among years because the response of photosynthetic parameters (A max , α) to environmental drivers differed among years. Differences in photosynthetic responses were not explained by variation in LAI alone. A better understanding of controls on canopy photosynthesis will be required to predict variation in NEE of rangeland ecosystems.
Real and complex polynomial stability and stability domain construction via network realizability theory

Network realzability theory provides the basis for a unified approach to the stability of a polynomial or a family of polynomials. In this paper conditions are given, in terms of certain decompositions of a given polynomial, that are necessary and sufficient for the given polynomial to be Hurwitz. These conditions facilitate the construction of stability domains for a family of polynomials through the use of linear inequalities. This approach provides a simple interpretation of recent results for polynomials with real coefficients and also leads to the formulation of corresponding results for the case of polynomials with complex coefficients.
Membrane hyperpolarization activates trout sperm without an increase in intracellular pH.

Summary Sperm from trout, like other sperm, are immotile in the seminal tract and initiate motility upon dilution into an appropriate fertilizing environment. Trout sperm motility is inhibited by high extracellular [K + ] and can be activated by dilution of extracellular [K + ]. Activation of trout sperm by the dilution of extracellular [K + ] suggests regulation by membrane potential. Using the membrane potential-sensitive fluorescent dye 3,3'-dipropylthiocarbocyanine iodide (diS-C3-(5)) we directly measured the K + contribution to the membrane potential. Manipulating the membrane potential with Cs + and the ionophore valinomycin can override K + regulation. We show that trout sperm can also be activated in the presence of inhibitory [K + ] by the addition of divalent cations. Activation by divalent cations is explained by the cations' ability to mask membrane surface potential and thus alter the potential sensed by membrane voltage sensors. Using the surface potential-sensitive dye, l-anilino-8-naphthosulfonate (ANS), we directly measure the divalent cations' ability to mask surface potential. We propose a model where membrane hyperpolarization is the trigger that initiates the cascade of events leading to trout sperm activation. An increase in intracellular pH has been suggested to be a conserved step in the activation of sperm motility. We show that increasing intracellular pH by procedures that activate sea urchin and mammalian sperm does not activate trout sperm. In contrast, there is a decrease in intracellular pH upon activation of trout sperm motility. Artificially decreasing intracellular pH is not sufficient for activation of motility in trout sperm in an inhibitory [K + ]. Thus, unlike some other sperm, changes in intracellular pH do not regulate trout sperm motility.
Hydrogeologic controls on summer stream temperatures in the McKenzie River basin, Oregon

Stream temperature is a complex function of energy inputs including solar radiation and latent and sensible heat transfer. In streams where groundwater inputs are significant, energy input through advection can also be an important control on stream temperature. For an individual stream reach, models of stream temperature can take advantage of direct measurement or estimation of these energy inputs for a given river channel environment. Understanding spatial patterns of stream temperature at a landscape scale requires predicting how this environment varies through space, and under different atmospheric conditions. At the landscape scale, air temperature is often used as a surrogate for the dominant controls on stream temperature. In this study we show that, in regions where groundwater inputs are key controls and the degree of groundwater input varies in space, air temperature alone is unlikely to explain within-landscape stream temperature patterns. We illustrate how a geologic template can offer insight into landscape-scale patterns of stream temperature and its predictability from air temperature relationships. We focus on variation in stream temperature within headwater streams within the McKenzie River basin in western Oregon. In this region, as in other areas of the Pacific Northwest, fish sensitivity to summer stream temperatures continues to be a pressing environmental issue. We show that, within the McKenzie, streams which are sourced from deeper groundwater reservoirs versus shallow subsurface flow systems have distinct summer temperature regimes. Groundwater streams are colder, less variable and less sensitive to air temperature variation. We use these results from the western Oregon Cascade hydroclimatic regime to illustrate a conceptual framework for developing regional-scale indicators of stream temperature variation that considers the underlying geologic controls on spatial variation, and the relative roles played by energy and water inputs. Copyright  2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement and simulation of joint motion induced via biarticular muscles during human walking

Gait impairments are often treated via targeted interventions performed on biarticular muscles such as the hamstrings, rectus femoris and gastrocnemius. Computational gait models suggest that biarticular muscle function can be nonintuitive, and at times inconsistent with assumptions that underlie current treatment strategies. However, the accuracy of gait model predictions has not yet been systematically established, which limits the influence of models on treatment. In this paper, we describe the use of electrical stimulation experiments to directly measure how biarticular muscles induce movement during walking. These measurements are compared to predictions made by forward dynamic simulations of gait. The results highlight the importance of carefully considering foot-floor contact and neuromusculoskeletal dynamics when using gait simulations to predict the influence of muscles on joint motion. © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer-review under responsibility of John McPhee and Jozsef Kovecses
A secure group key management scheme for hierarchical mobile ad hoc networks

In this paper, we present a secure group key management scheme for hierarchical mobile ad hoc networks. Our approach aims to improve both scalability and survivability of group key management for large-scale wireless ad hoc networks. To achieve our goal, we propose the following approaches: (1) a multi-level security model, which follows a modified Bell-La Padula security model that is suitable in a hierarchical mobile ad hoc networking environment, and (2) a decentralized group key management infrastructure to achieve such a multi-level security model. Our approaches reduce the key management overhead and improve resilience to any single point failure problem. In addition, we have developed a roaming protocol that is able to provide secure group communication involving group members from different groups without requiring new keys; an advantage of this protocol is that it is able to provide continuous group communication even when the group manager fails.
BACILLUS CALMETTE-GUERIN INDUCED PERITONITIS IN A PATIENT ON DIALYSIS

Intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is now a widely accepted treatment for patients with high grade Ta, T1 and carcinoma in situ bladder cancer. With the increased use of intravesical BCG different types of complications have been reported. We report a case of BCG induced peritonitis.
Human performance in lean production environment: Critical assessment and research framework

In the past two decades, emerging work production systems have pervaded a diverse number of U.S. manufacturing enterprises in an attempt to achieve quantum leaps in quality and productivity and to offer customers a variety of products with different options. Because the worker is at the heart of the application of lean production strategies, this article deals with human performance in a lean production environment. First, an overview of a lean production model is presented. Second, the evidence on human performance in a lean production environment is described and appraised. Third, a research framework is described to determine optimum human performance practices in a lean production setting. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 13: 317–330, 2003.
Fluid Flow in Fractured Rock: Theory and Application

The phenomena of fluid flow in fractured rock is dominated by the fact that is not all parts of the domain are in hydraulic communication. In theory, it is possible to determine connectivity and permeability from stochastic parameters that describe the fracture geometry. When this approach is applied to the field we find it very difficult to sufficiently determine the geometry which controls the flow. Simulated annealing, an inverse technique which focus on finding the pattern of conductors may provide a better way to characterize these systems.
The two-dimensional mixing region

The two-dimensional incompressible mixing layer was investigated by using constant-temperature, linearized hot wire anemometers. The measurements were divided into three categories: (1) the conventional average measurements; (2) time-average measurements in the turbulent and the non-turbulent zones; (3) ensemble average measurements conditioned to a specific location of the interface. The turbulent energy balance was constructed twice, once using the conventional results and again using the turbulent zone results. Some differences emerged between the two sets of results. It appears that the mixing region can be divided into two regions, one on the high velocity side which resembles the outer part of a wake and the other on the low velocity side which resembles a jet. The binding turbulent–non-turbulent interfaces seem to move independently of each other. There is a strong connexion between the instantaneous location of the interface and the axial velocity profile. Indeed the well known exponential mean velocity profile never actually exists at any given instant. In spite of the complexity of the flow the simple concepts of eddy viscosity and eddy diffusivity appear to be valid within the turbulent zone.
Why Do Unemployed Americans Blame Themselves While Israelis Blame the System

This article provides a new account of American job seekers’ individualized understandings of their labor-market difficulties, and more broadly, of how structural conditions shape subjective responses. Unemployed white-collar workers in the U.S. tend to interpret their labor market difficulties as reflecting flaws in themselves, while Israelis tend to perceive flaws in the hiring system. These different responses have profound individual and societal implications. Drawing on in-depth interviews with unemployed job seekers and participant observations at support groups in the U.S. and Israel, this article shows how different labor market institutions give rise to distinct job search games, which I call the chemistry game in the U.S. and the specs game in Israel. Challenging the broad cultural explanations of the unemployment experience in the existing literature, this article shows how subjective responses to unemployment are generated by the search experiences associated with institutionally rooted job search games.
A series of tetraazalene radical-bridged M2 (M = CrIII, MnII, FeII, CoII) complexes with strong magnetic exchange coupling

The ability of tetraazalene radical bridging ligands to mediate exceptionally strong magnetic exchange coupling across a range of transition metal complexes is demonstrated. The redox-active bridging ligand N,N',N'',N'''-tetra(2-methylphenyl)-2,5-diamino-1,4-diiminobenzoquinone (NMePhLH2) was metalated to give the series of dinuclear complexes [(TPyA)2M2(NMePhL2-)]2+ (TPyA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, M = MnII, FeII, CoII). Variable-temperature dc magnetic susceptibility data for these complexes reveal the presence of weak superexchange interactions between metal centers, and fits to the data provide coupling constants of J = -1.64(1) and -2.16(2) cm-1 for M = MnII and FeII, respectively. One-electron reduction of the complexes affords the reduced analogues [(TPyA)2M2(NMePhL3-˙)]+. Following a slightly different synthetic procedure, the related complex [(TPyA)2CrIII2(NMePhL3-˙)]3+ was obtained. X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, and Mossbauer spectroscopy indicate the presence of radical NMePhL3-˙ bridging ligands in these complexes. Variable-temperature dc magnetic susceptibility data of the radical-bridged species reveal the presence of strong magnetic interactions between metal centers and ligand radicals, with simulations to data providing exchange constants of J = -626(7), -157(7), -307(9), and -396(16) cm-1 for M = CrIII, MnII, FeII, and CoII, respectively. Moreover, the strength of magnetic exchange in the radical-bridged complexes increases linearly with decreasing M-L bond distance in the oxidized analogues. Finally, ac magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that [(TPyA)2Fe2(NMePhL3-˙)]+ behaves as a single-molecule magnet with a relaxation barrier of Ueff = 52(1) cm-1. These results highlight the ability of redox-active tetraazalene bridging ligands to enable dramatic enhancement of magnetic exchange coupling upon redox chemistry and provide a rare opportunity to examine metal-radical coupling trends across a transmetallic series of complexes.
Service robot anthropomorphism and interface design for emotion in human-robot interaction

There has been growing interest in both developing and implementing service robots for health care and home environments. In addition to a variety of functions supported by robotic technology, the interaction between a human and robot, including human emotional experiences, can affect perceived service quality and satisfaction. Based on a survey of existing service robot applications and associated interface requirements, we consider anthropomorphism as a critical characteristic of the robot interface. We propose a preliminary research framework to support identification of the exact relationship between robot interface features and user (emotional) responses in service contexts. Future experimental investigations based on the framework are to be conducted.
Single Institution Experience of Ipilimumab 3 mg/kg with Sargramostim (GM-CSF) in Metastatic Melanoma

Ipilimumab, 10 mg/kg with sargramostim (GM-CSF; GM), improved overall survival (OS) and safety of patients with advanced melanoma over ipilimumab in a randomized phase II trial. The FDA-approved dose of ipilimumab of 3 mg/kg has not been assessed with GM (IPI-GM). Consecutive patients treated with IPI-GM at a single institution were reviewed. Treatment included ipilimumab every 3 weeks × 4 and GM, 250-μg s.c. injection days 1 to 14 of each ipilimumab cycle. Efficacy, clinical characteristics, toxicities, and blinded radiology review of tumor burden were evaluated. Thirty-two patients were identified with 25 (78%) having immune-related response criteria (irRC) measurable disease and 41% with central nervous system metastases. A total of 88.6% of GM doses were administered. Response rate by irRC and disease control rate at 12 weeks were 20% and 44%, respectively (median follow-up 37 weeks). Immune-related adverse events (irAE) were observed in 10 (31.3%) patients, with 3 (9.4%) grade 3 events. Patients with grade 3 irAEs had prior autoimmunity, advanced age, and poor performance status. The median OS from first dose of ipilimumab was 41 weeks. Ipi-GM treatment is feasible and in this poor-risk advanced melanoma population, efficacy appeared similar but safety appeared improved relative to historical ipilimumab alone.
SALVAGE LOGGING AND REPLANTING REDUCE UNDERSTORY COVER AND RICHNESS COMPARED TO UNSALVAGED-UNPLANTED SITES AT MOUNT ST. HELENS, WASHINGTON

Abstract The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens killed trees in a broad 600-km2 swath north of the crater. Over most of the blast zone, dead trees were salvage logged and Abies procera was planted, except in areas within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. We compared salvage-replanted sites and unsalvaged sites in 1 area of the blast zone where the sites were adjacent by using twenty-five 200-m2 plots for each treatment. Salvaged-replanted plots had significantly lower herb and shrub cover, richness, diversity, litter depth, downed woody debris, nitrate, and phosphate. Salvaged-replanted sites also had significantly more stumps, bare area, and moss cover than unsalvaged plots. Soil organic matter and nonnative species cover did not differ. Nonnative species were not important components of any plots. Nitrate, total nitrogen, organic matter, and litter were correlated with the major patterns of species distribution in a canonical correspondence analysis of the salvaged-replanted plots. In the ...
Competitive heterogeneity, cohorts, and persistent advantage

Research summary: Juxtaposing competing theories of whether superior profits endure, this article investigates differences in the rates at which firms' profit advantages persist following a significant regulatory change in the rules governing industry competition. Such a change creates two cohorts of firms, Entrants that lack experience in the industry and Incumbents that competed in the industry before the regulatory shift. The findings show that both cohorts' profit advantages persist, but at different rates: Superior performing Incumbents sustain an advantage longer than superior performing Entrants. This result is counterintuitive since Entrants are not constrained by a legacy of competing under the prior regime. Overall, the findings indicate that stages of a firm's development and of an industry's evolution are critical to understanding how long superior profits persist. Managerial summary: State and federal institutions employ regulations in an attempt to address market failures and to create a stable set of market and nonmarket relationships among relevant actors. A byproduct of this stability is decreased competition, and in turn, reduced incentives for firms to develop efficient operations. One might expect then that deregulation would fundamentally disrupt incumbent firms' abilities to develop and sustain a profit advantage. We find the reverse: Over time, some firms in the Incumbent cohort develop persistent, albeit temporary, profit advantages despite an onslaught of Entrants. Thus, while deregulation shakes out inefficient firms, it may strengthen, rather than threaten the profit trajectories of incumbent firms over time. Advantages developed by superior performing Entrants also endure, but for a shorter duration relative to Incumbents. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Between-race differences in the effects of breast density information and information about new imaging technology on breast-health decision-making

Abstract Objectives Some US states have mandated that women be informed when they have dense breasts; however, little is known about how general knowledge about breast density (BD) affects related health decision-making. We examined the effects of BD information and imaging technology information on 138 African–American (AA) and European–American (EA) women's intentions to discuss breast cancer screening with their physicians. Methods Women were randomly assigned to receive BD information and/or imaging technology information via 2 by 2 factorial design, and completed planned behavior measures (e.g., attitudes, intentions) related to BC screening. Results Attitudes mediated the effects of BD information, and the mediation was stronger for AA women compared to EA women. Effects were more robust for BD information compared to imaging technology information. Results of moderator analyses revealed suppressor effects of injunctive norms that were moderated by imaging technology information. Conclusion Information about BD favorably influences women's intentions to engage in relevant breast health behaviors. Stronger attitude mediated-effects for AA women suggest greater scrutiny of BD information. Practice implications Since BD information may influence women's intentions to discuss BC screening, strategies to effectively present BD information to AA women should be investigated given the likelihood of their increased scrutiny of BD information.
Delineation of Polypharmacology across the Human Structural Kinome Using a Functional Site Interaction Fingerprint Approach

Targeted polypharmacology of kinases has emerged as a promising strategy to design efficient and safe therapeutics. Here, we perform a systematic study of kinase-ligand binding modes for the human structural kinome at scale (208 kinases, 1777 unique ligands, and their complexes) by integrating chemical genomics and structural genomics data and by introducing a functional site interaction fingerprint (Fs-IFP) method. New insights into kinase-ligand binding modes were obtained. We establish relationships between the features of binding modes, the ligands, and the binding pockets, respectively. We also drive the intrinsic binding specificity and which correlation with amino acid conservation. Third, we explore the landscape of the binding modes and highlight the regions of "selectivity pocket" and "selectivity entrance". Finally, we demonstrate that Fs-IFP similarity is directly correlated to the experimentally determined profile. These improve our understanding of kinase-ligand interactions and contribute to the design of novel polypharmacological therapies targeting kinases.
The allergy and immunology specialist: what is the role in the treatment of skin disease?

The practice of medicine transcends our neat borders of demarcation between the myriad of medical specialties and medical disciplines. There are no two specialties in which this clinical interface is more blurred than the clinical interface between allergy and dermatology. With a background in both dermatology and allergy, I address where the specialty of allergy/immunology is heading, as we navigate the coastal waters separating my two primary disciplines. I also discuss the tools traditionally used only in dermatology, which are now being used increasing by a vanguard of allergists to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic skin disease.
Synthesis, Structural and Optical Characterization of II-VI Semiconductors Included in Sodalite-Type Hosts

Solid-state chemistry has been used to control both the size and the interconnection distance of small II-VI semiconductor moeities incorporated in zeolitic hosts with the sodalite-type structure. Structural characterization was carried out using X-ray Rietveld powder methods, and optical properties of these materials were also measured. These novel materials show quantum superlattice effects as evidenced by blue shifts in their optical absorption spectra.
Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease.

Case Presentation: A 68-year-old woman with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and congestive heart failure presented to the emergency department with palpitations. On physical examination, her heart rate was 130 bpm and irregularly irregular, her blood pressure was 120/70 mm Hg, and she weighed 60 kg. The ECG demonstrated atrial fibrillation (AF) with a rapid ventricular rate. Laboratory evaluation was remarkable for a serum creatinine of 1.3 mg/dL. Her symptoms resolved with heart rate control. AF is the most common arrhythmia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with increased risk of stroke and thromboembolism. The risk of stroke increases as renal function declines. Conversely, patients with CKD, particularly those on hemodialysis, are at an increased risk of bleeding. Oral anticoagulation is the most effective form of thromboprophylaxis in patients with AF at increased risk of stroke. Concern for bleeding has resulted in the underuse of anticoagulation in these patients. Warfarin and novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been shown to be effective in preventing stroke in the general population of patients with AF. However, most randomized trials of antithrombotic therapy have excluded patients with severe renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance [eCrCl] <30 mL·min−1·1.73 m−2). Thus, whether antithrombotic therapy with warfarin and NOACs is safe and reduces stroke in patients with AF and CKD is unclear. The CHA2DS2-VASc score (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years [doubled], diabetes mellitus, prior stroke or transient ischemic attack or thromboembolism [doubled], vascular disease, age 65–74 years, sex category), as recommended in the current guidelines, should be used to determine stroke risk and indication for anticoagulation in patients with AF, including those with CKD. Periodic re-evaluation is recommended to assess stroke and bleeding risk. Aspirin monotherapy is not effective in stroke prevention in AF, including in patients …
Effect of Beta-Adrenergic Blockade on Plasma Volume in Human Subjects

Variations in the sympathetic tone are known to induce changes in plasma volume. Infusion of catecholamines decreases the plasma volume (1, 2). Some patients with pheochromocytoma show subnormal values of plasma volume (3). Increased sympathetic activity after hypoxia is associated with a reduction of plasma volume (4).During the course of an investigation on plasma volume in borderline hypertension (5) we encountered data related to the role of the sympathetic nervous system in the regulation of plasma volume. Plasma volume was measured before and after beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol. In order to better understand observed changes in plasma volume an attempt is made to separate the effect of beta blockade on cardiac output, peripheral resistance and central venous pressure from its other hemodynamic effects.Materials and Methods. Twenty-seven males from 18 to 26 years of age were studied. Fourteen subjects had borderline hypertension, i.e., at least one diastolic above and one below 90 out of ...
The second Hamiltonian structure for the periodic Toda lattice

In this paper we study the Poisson geometry of the second Hamiltonian structure for the periodic N Toda lattice, around a certain family of singularities. We show that their singular leaves are not isolated and that the regular codimension of the leaves at points of this kind is always equal to three. This result is based on a rather unexpected result about a certain Toeplitz matrix.
New technique for increasing the high-temperature durability of aluminium pistons

The temperatures and pressures in modern day diesel engines are climbing steadily. As a result and in order to have adequate reserves of strength aluminium pistons must feature improved high temperature thermo-mechanical durability. With its DuraBowl technology, the local post-treatment of highly loaded piston regions, Federal-Mogul has been able to increase piston service life by a factor of between four and eight.
Prediction, Reduction, and Emergence: An Introduction to Rémy Lestienne's Dialogues about Emergence

We human beings face two insults to our knowledge: our ignorance of the future, and our inability to know how things work. Science retorts to these two insults by two means: trying out predictive hypotheses about outcomes by experiment, and understanding the workings of the whole by breaking it down into parts: prediction and reduction. Lestienne recognizes these two insults as being the same insult, and the two retorts as the same retort. If the insult is uncertainty, the retort is determinism. But determinism looks very much like selective hindsight; we see only what confirms our post-facto theory of the result. Lestienne invites us to consider a different answer: wholes emerge from parts as future emerges from present. Lestienne’s three characters debate the coherence of the concept of emergence: does it complicate the concept of cause to the extent of depriving science of its usefulness? Can cause be top-down, from wholes to parts, as well as bottom-up, from parts to wholes? Can future possible wholes be “waiting” to be caused by the right chance combination of parts? Can there be more than one possible future?
On the Constitution of the case teaching method courses

constitutional case teaching teachers through research abroad judge the judgement in the case on the constitution and national experts on the Constitution Review examples of the Constitution to guide students to master the basic tenets of a teaching method.It consists of determining the scope of cases,the choice of cases and case processing has been elected three stages.Case Teaching foster among students and the constitutional concept of integrated professional ability,a student of the Constitution beliefs.
Space Elements in Ceramic Product Design

In contemporary ceramic product design,space as an abstract idea for a visual form gives a product a variety of assoiations from different angles.The real space where a product is physically present provides a precondition for its existence;the emergence of the virtual space allows a product to have its material function;the psychological space elevates a ceramic product to a higher level,that is,the dimension of spirit.Research on the space elements of a ceramic product can help a designer to acquire a better knowledge about its physical construction and multi-dimensional implications and consequently make more innovative designs possible.
Modeling Data from Collaborative Assessments: Learning in Digital Interactive Social Networks.

This article summarizes assessment of cognitive skills through collaborative tasks, using field test results from the Assessment and Teaching of 21st Century Skills (ATC21S) project. This project, sponsored by Cisco, Intel, and Microsoft, aims to help educators around the world enable students with the skills to succeed in future career and college goals. In this article, ATC21S collaborative assessments focus on the project's “ICT Literacy—Learning in digital networks” learning progression. The article includes a description of the development of the learning progression, as well as examples and the logic behind the instrument construction. Assessments took place in random pairs of students in a demonstration digital environment. Modeling of results employed unidimensional and multidimensional item response models, with and without random effects for groups. The results indicated that, based on this data set, the models that take group into consideration in both the unidimensional and the multidimensional analyses fit better. However, the group-level variances were substantially higher than the individual-level variances. This indicates that a total individual estimate of group plus individual is likely a more informative estimate than individual alone but also that the performances of the pairs dominated the performances of the individuals. Implications are discussed in the results and conclusions.
Reframing Retention Strategy: A Focus on Progress

The second “P” within a 4 Ps framework of student retention—progress—focuses on ensuring that students are making satisfactory academic progress, rather than just persisting, toward degree completion.
Cancer Immunotherapy Targets Based on Understanding the T Cell-Inflamed Versus Non-T Cell-Inflamed Tumor Microenvironment

Most cancers express tumor antigens that can be recognized by T cells of the host. The fact that cancers become clinically evident nonetheless implies that immune escape must occur. Two major subsets of human melanoma metastases have been identified based on gene expression profiling. One subgroup has a T cell-inflamed phenotype that includes expression of chemokines, T cell markers, and a type I IFN signature. In contrast, the other major subset lacks this phenotype and has been designated as non-T cell-inflamed. The mechanisms of immune escape are likely distinct in these two phenotypes, and therefore the optimal immunotherapeutic interventions necessary to promote clinical responses may be different. The T cell-inflamed tumor microenvironment subset shows the highest expression of negative regulatory factors, including PD-L1, IDO, FoxP3+ Tregs, and evidence for T cell-intrinsic anergy. Therapeutic strategies to overcome these inhibitory mechanisms are being pursued, and anti-PD-1 mAbs have been FDA approved. The presence of multiple inhibitory mechanisms in the same tumor microenvironment argues that combination therapies may be advantageous, several of which are in clinical testing. A new paradigm may be needed to promote de novo inflammation in cases of the non-T cell-infiltrated tumor microenvironment. Natural innate immune sensing of tumors appears to occur via the host STING pathway, type I IFN production, and cross-priming of T cells via CD8α+ DCs. New strategies are being developed to engage this pathway therapeutically, such as through STING agonists. The molecular mechanisms that mediate the presence or absence of the T cell-inflamed tumor microenvironment are being elucidated using parallel genomics platforms. The first oncogene pathway identified that mediates immune exclusion is the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, suggesting that new pharmacologic strategies to target this pathway should be developed to restore immune access to the tumor microenvironment.
Bispecific chimeric antigen receptors targeting the CD4 binding site and high-mannose Glycans of gp120 optimized for anti–human immunodeficiency virus potency and breadth with minimal immunogenicity

Abstract Background aims Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) offer great potential toward a functional cure of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. To achieve the necessary long-term virus suppression, we believe that CARs must be designed for optimal potency and anti-HIV specificity, and also for minimal probability of virus escape and CAR immunogenicity. CARs containing antibody-based motifs are problematic in the latter regard due to epitope mutation and anti-idiotypic immune responses against the variable regions. Methods We designed bispecific CARs, each containing a segment of human CD4 linked to the carbohydrate recognition domain of a human C-type lectin. These CARs target two independent regions on HIV-1 gp120 that presumably must be conserved on clinically significant virus variants (i.e., the primary receptor binding site and the dense oligomannose patch). Functionality and specificity of these bispecific CARs were analyzed in assays of CAR-T cell activation and spreading HIV-1 suppression. Results T cells expressing a CD4-dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin (DCSIGN) CAR displayed robust stimulation upon encounter with Env-expressing targets, but negligible activity against intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-2 and ICAM-3, the natural dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin ligands. Moreover, the presence of the lectin moiety prevented the CD4 from acting as an entry receptor on CCR5-expressing cells, including CD8+ T cells. However, in HIV suppression assays, the CD4-DCSIGN CAR and the related CD4-liver/lymph node-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin CAR displayed only minimally increased potency compared with the CD4 CAR against some HIV-1 isolates and reduced potency against others. By contrast, the CD4-langerin and CD4-mannose binding lectin (MBL) CARs uniformly displayed enhanced potency compared with the CD4 CAR against all the genetically diverse HIV-1 isolates examined. Further experimental data, coupled with known biological features, suggest particular advantages of the CD4-MBL CAR. Discussion These studies highlight features of bispecific CD4-lectin CARs that achieve potency enhancement by targeting two distinct highly conserved Env determinants while lacking immunogenicity-prone antibody-based motifs.
Metamorphic geothermal reservoir characterisation—A case study in the Jinlun geothermal area, Taitung, Taiwan

Abstract There are more than one hundred hot spring outcrops around the island of Taiwan, which implies that Taiwan is rich in geothermal resources; however, no commercial geothermal power plants have been established since 1993, the year of the abandonment of a 3 MW geothermal plant in Chingshui. Situated at the oblique collision zone between Eurasia and Philippine Sea plates, most of Taiwan’s hot springs are located in metamorphic terrain rather than volcanic areas. Previous study showed that geothermal resource is also rich in Jinlun area, whereas structural complexity and low permeability pose difficulties to geothermal exploitation. This paper aims to describe a geothermal conceptual model to facilitate the exploitation of the Jinlun geothermal field by integrating results from gravity, temperature surveys, surface geology, and information from recently conducted magnetotellurics survey and a new borehole. Results from the MT survey indicate a deep resistive structure down to 5 km depth. A zone of low resistivity ( 14 C dating data, sources of geothermal brine could be connate water or meteoric water that travelled for a long distance. The main reservoir could be located at the fractured regions instead of porous strata.
Nonredundant 3D Structure Datasets for RNA Knowledge Extraction and Benchmarking

The continual improvement of methods for RNA 3D structure modeling and prediction requires accurate and statistically meaningful data concerning RNA structure, both for extraction of knowledge and for benchmarking of structure predictions. The source of sufficiently accurate structural data for these purposes is atomic-resolution X-ray structures of RNA nucleotides, oligonucleotides, and biologically functional RNA molecules. All of our basic knowledge of bond lengths, angles, and stereochemistry in RNA nucleotides, as well as their interaction preferences, including all types of base-pairing, base-stacking, and base-backbone interactions, is ultimately extracted from X-ray structures. One key requirement for reference databases intended for knowledge extraction is the nonredundancy of the structures that are included in the analysis, to avoid bias in the deduced frequency parameters. Here, we address this issue and detail how we produce, on a largely automated and ongoing basis, nonredundant lists of atomic-resolution structures at different resolution thresholds for use in knowledge-driven RNA applications. The file collections are available for download at http://rna.bgsu.edu/nrlist. The primary lists that we provide only include X-ray structures, organized by resolution thresholds, but for completeness, we also provide separate lists that include structures solved by NMR or cryo-EM.
A Health Professions Pipeline for Underrepresented Students: Middle and High School Initiatives

The Department of Health Career Opportunity Programs at UConn Health has developed the Aetna Health Professions Partnership Initiative (Aetna HPPI), a formal education consortium offering a comprehensive program of educational enrichment and support activities for underrepresented and first-generation students. The purpose is to identify and develop a diverse applicant pool of students who will eventually enter a health professions career with a focus on medicine and dental medicine. Activities are conducted for students in middle school through college. The achievements of the middle and high school pipeline programs and their impact on producing a more diversified health professions workforce were examined. The students are recruited from the greater Hartford, CT area and come from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in healthcare, first-generation college families and modest family means. Program elements include a 30-week academic year Saturday Academy and a 6-week summer academic enrichment program aimed at preparing students for successful entrance into college, and a Parental Seminar Series for parents. Some of the activities include science, math, language arts, PSAT, SAT and ACT preparation, college tours, career counseling, mentoring by health professionals, and cultural experiences. Data analysis and tracking of the students in the academy have revealed some significant achievements. All seniors in the academy have graduated from high school. The SAT scores of the academy students have consistently stood above the average for the rest of the Hartford School District. In addition, the graduating seniors have a high rate of college matriculation.
Context, visibility, and control: Police work and the contested objectivity of bystander video:

This article examines how police officers understand and perceive the impact of bystander video on their work. Drawing from primarily qualitative data collected within two police departments in the...
12 Regulation of Protein Synthesis

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the regulation of initiation by the phosphorylation of eIF-2 α and the effects of this phosphorylation on the exchange of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) for guanosine diphosphate (GDP) that is essential for the recycling of eIF-2. The chapter also discusses the activation, activity, and characteristics of the eIF-2a kinases and the distribution and function of these kinases in nonerythroid cells. The initiation of protein synthesis in reticulocytes and their lysates is inhibited by heme-deficiency, double-stranded RNA or oxidized glutathione. The dephosphorylation of eIF-2 α accompanies the recovery of protein synthesis upon the addition of hemin to inhibited heme-deficient lysates. The dephosphorylation of the RF eIF-2( α P) complex and the release of functional RF are responsible for the restoration of protein synthesis by GTP. The eIF-2 α kinases activated in the absence of heme (HRI) or by the addition of dsRNA (dsI) are different molecular species. The activation of HRI both in vitro and in the lysate is accompanied by the phosphorylation of HRI. In vitro , HRI is activated through an autokinase mechanism and is most active in the multiply phosphorylated state. The restoration of protein synthesis in lysates inhibited by heme deficiency requires glucose-6-P and hemin. In contrast to HRI, the dsRNA-activated eIF-2 α kinase (dsI) is associated with the ribosomal complement. The dsRNA-induced phosphorylation pattern of lysates is similar to that observed in dsRNA-treated extracts of interferon-treated cells.
4.1 A Watt-Level Phase-Interleaved Multi-Subharmonic Switching Digital Power Amplifier Achieving 31.4% Average Drain Efficiency

Modern wireless communication systems often utilize spectrum-efficient modulation schemes for higher data throughput, given the finite bandwidth. This type of modulation schemes, such as Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), results in a high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) for the transmitted signal. Therefore, power amplifier efficiency in the power back-off (PBO) region has become an important design target. Meanwhile, obtaining high output power and high average efficiency still remains a key design challenge when developing an integrated CMOS PA. Recently, a subharmonic switching (SHS) digital PA architecture was reported in [1]. It toggles the PA cell at the subharmonic component of the carrier frequency (Fc) to achieve power back-off. The slower toggling rate reduces dynamic and conduction loss in the switching PA, resulting in better PBO efficiency. However, the SHS PA requires additional notch filtering of the subharmonic components in the matching network. Therefore, we propose a phase-interleaved architecture that combines three SHS PAs to increase output power (Watt-level) and inherently cancel the subharmonic components in the PBO mode, thereby alleviating the burden of the matching network. Moreover, multiple subharmonic components are utilized to create a greater number of efficiency peaks in the PBO region. This is referred to as a multi-SHS scheme. Lastly, a hybrid Class-G operation, in combination with the multi-SHS scheme, is used to further enhance average efficiency.
Seasonal and Interannual Variability in Flatfish Assemblages in a Southeastern USA Estuary

Although salt marsh tidal creeks are among the shallow coastal and estuarine habitats important to juvenile fish, little is known about the temporal patterns of their use by flatfish in the southeastern USA. We used a 12-year monitoring study to examine seasonal and interannual variation in juvenile flatfish occupation of a salt marsh tidal creek. Fishes were collected monthly with a 1-m beam trawl during the middle of ebbing tide near Savannah, GA. Flatfishes were the most consistently collected and numerous species obtained; we rarely obtained other fish in high number except for an occasional recruitment pulse of sciaenids. The six flatfish species collected were blackcheek tonguefish Symphurus plagiusa, bay whiff Citharichthys spilopterus, fringed flounder Etropus crossotus, summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus, southern flounder Paralichthys lethostigma, and ocellated flounder Ancylopsetta quadrocellata. Bay whiff was the only species consistently collected as new recruits (< 20 mm TL), accounting for 83% of all recruits obtained in the study. Flatfish were collected year-round, with bay whiff numerically dominating winter and spring assemblages and blackcheek tonguefish dominant in summer, leading to differences in seasonal assemblages. Flatfish assemblage composition did not exhibit a consistent trend across years but was related to temperature variation. For instance, flatfish assemblages collected in springs that followed unusually cold winters differed from those that followed mild winters, contributing to interannual variation in habitat use. Bay whiff growth was positively related to temperature, but was not related to the densities of conspecifics or total flatfish. Estuarine tidal creeks provide important settlement and nursery habitat for flatfish that partition habitat use temporally via seasonal and interannual variation, and these fishes can consistently dominate the composition of ichthyofaunal benthic recruits.