cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multimedia Shared Stories for Diverse Learners with Moderate Intellectual Disability

In recent years, there has been an increase in literature related to the development of literacy skills for students with intellectual disability (ID). By the same token, literature on ways to impr...
Recent Advances in the Genetics of IBD

The NOD2 gene’s role in Crohn’s disease has been verified in ancestry cohorts of European, but not Asian or African descent. Although homozygous or compound heterozygous carriage of NOD confers a 17-fold increased risk of Crohn’s disease, less than 10% develops CD, due to genetic penetrance. The class II MHC gene association that have been identified have been specifically for colitis (Crohn’s or ulcerative), rather than small bowel Crohn’s disease. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have resulted in the rapid identification of multiple previously unknown or unverified IBD-related alleles, with the promise of many future findings. The interleukin-23 receptor gene (IL-23R) has been identified as an IBD susceptibility gene for both Crohn’s and colitis, and may be involved in signaling between luminal bacteria and fungi. ATG16L and IRGM have been identified as important IBD genes involved in cell autography, important in cell-mediated inflammatory pathways. Until recently, there were very few GWAS-identified gene loci specific to ulcerative colitis, raising the possibility that environmental interactions play a more important role that in the predominantly genetic-based Crohn’s disease. However, now there is more overlap between the two major types of IBD.
State Equations for Electromechanical Systems

The state equations for an electromechanical system are formulated and linearized. Both the nonlinear and linear equations are solved numerically for the incremental motion and large motion cases. ...
Failure analysis of railroad concrete crossties in the center negative flexural mode using finite element method

Finite element models are developed for the railroad concrete crossties and are employed to analyze their center negative flexural responses to two center binding conditions: a center negative mome...
Pathophysiology and Treatment of Memory Dysfunction After Traumatic Brain Injury

Memory is fundamental to everyday life, and cognitive impairments resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI) have devastating effects on TBI survivors. A contributing component to memory impairments caused by TBI is alteration in the neural circuits associated with memory function. In this review, we aim to bring together experimental findings that characterize behavioral memory deficits and the underlying pathophysiology of memory-involved circuits after TBI. While there is little doubt that TBI causes memory and cognitive dysfunction, it is difficult to conclude which memory phase, i.e., encoding, maintenance, or retrieval, is specifically altered by TBI. This is most likely due to variation in behavioral protocols and experimental models. Additionally, we review a selection of experimental treatments that hold translational potential to mitigate memory dysfunction following injury.
Efficiency optimization design of DC-DC solid state transformer based on modular multilevel converters

In the recent decade, the solid-state transformer (SST) has been extensively investigated for the distribution systems. The basic idea of SST is to reduce the volume and weight of power transformer, as well as improve controllability and power quality of power systems. Among the existing SST topologies, modular multilevel converters (MMCs)-based SST is very promising due to its modularity and scalability, specifically for medium/high-voltage applications. Compared to the conventional full-bridge or half-bridge converters, MMC can generate controllable multilevel excitation ac voltage and potentially improve efficiency and controllability. In this paper, to minimize power losses, an optimization design strategy is proposed based on the optimum multilevel excitation voltage and optimum blocking voltage of semiconductor devices. The power losses are evaluated and compared based on semiconductor losses and core losses. The study results show that 1.2 kV and 1.7 kV Si IGBTs and 1.2 kV SiC MOSFET produce the minimum power losses under the selected multilevel excitation voltage. The study results also show the MMC-SST with the proposed optimization strategy has higher efficiency than the SST based on cascaded configuration.
Phenomenology, genetics, and CNS network abnormalities in laryngeal dystonia: A 30‐year experience

Objective Laryngeal dystonia (LD) is a functionally specific disorder of the afferent-efferent motor coordination system producing action-induced muscle contraction with a varied phenomenology. This report of long-term studies aims to review and better define the phenomenology and central nervous system abnormalities of this disorder and improve diagnosis and treatment. Methods Our studies categorized over 1,400 patients diagnosed with LD over the past 33 years, including demographic and medical history records and their phenomenological presentations. Patients were grouped on clinical phenotype (adductor or abductor) and genotype (sporadic and familial) and with DNA analysis and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate brain organization differences and characterize neural markers for genotype/phenotype categorization. A number of patients with alcohol-sensitive dystonia were also studied. Results A spectrum of LD phenomena evolved: adductor, abductor, mixed, singer's, dystonic tremor, and adductor respiratory dystonia. Patients were genetically screened for DYT (dystonia) 1, DYT4, DYT6, and DYT25 (GNAL)-and several were positive. The functional MRI studies showed distinct alterations within the sensorimotor network, and the LD patients with a family history had distinct cortical and cerebellar abnormalities. A linear discriminant analysis of fMRI findings showed a 71% accuracy in characterizing LD from normal and in characterizing adductor from abductor forms. Conclusion Continuous studies of LD patients over 30 years has led to an improved understanding of the phenomenological characteristics of this neurological disorder. Genetic and fMRI studies have better characterized the disorder and raise the possibility of making objective rather than subjective diagnoses, potentially leading to new therapeutic approaches. Laryngoscope, 128:S1-S9, 2018.
Chapter 6 – Normal Random Variables

We introduce continuous random variables, which are random variables that can take on any value in an interval. We show how their probabilities are determined from an associated curve known as a probability density function. A special type of continuous random variable, known as a normal random variable, is studied. The standard normal random variable is introduced, and a table is presented that enables us to compute the probabilities of that variable. We show how any normal random variable can be transformed to a standard one, enabling us to determine its probabilities. We present the additive property of normal random variables. The percentiles of normal random variables are studied.
Preinjury statin use and thromboembolic events in trauma: a 10-year retrospective evaluation

Abstract Background Traumatic injury is well known to increase the risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs), occurring in up to 58% of trauma patients. Statin medications have significant anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to reduce the risk of VTE. We hypothesized that trauma patients who received statin medication before injury would have a lower incidence of VTE after injury. Methods A 10-y retrospective review identified all patients admitted to our trauma service with an injury severity score >9 and an intensive care unit stay of >3 d. This population was categorized as either “statin recipient” (SR) or “statin naive,” with subsequent categorical division by occurrence of VTE. Our primary outcome measure was the occurrence of documented VTE in both statin naive and SR subjects. Results A total of 2519 trauma patients were included with 97 (3.8%) developing VTE. Pretrauma statin use in males remained as an independent predictor of VTE (odds ratio = 2.25, 95% confidence interval = 1.25-4.04, P Conclusions Pretrauma statin use does not appear to have a protective benefit of VTE prevention in trauma patients, as we have shown pretrauma SR male trauma patients to have a twofold increased incidence of VTE. However, when considering the 3 d longer median time to VTE onset found in SRs, we consider the protective benefit of statin use reported in the current literature as likely attributable to this observed delayed onset.
Decontaminating surfaces with atomized disinfectants generated by a novel thickness-mode lithium niobate device

We evaluated the ability of a novel lithium niobate (LN) thickness-mode device to atomize disinfectants and reduce microbial burden on model surface materials. A small-scale plastic model housed the LN thickness-mode device and circular coupon surface materials including polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, stainless steel, borosilicate glass, and natural rubber. Coupon surfaces were coated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii), atomized with disinfectant solutions of varying viscosity (including 10% bleach, 70% ethanol (EtOH), or 25% triethylene glycol (TEG)) using the LN thickness-mode device, and assessed for surviving bacteria. The LN thickness-mode device effectively atomized disinfectants ranging from low viscosity 10% bleach solution or 70% EtOH to highly viscous 25% TEG. Coupons harboring MDR bacteria and atomized with 10% bleach solution or 70% EtOH were effectively decontaminated with ~ 100% bacterial elimination. Atomized 25% TEG effectively eliminated 100% of K. pneumoniae (CRE) from contaminated coupon surfaces but not MRSA. The enclosed small-scale plastic model established proof-of-principle that the LN thickness-mode device could atomize disinfectants of varying viscosities and decontaminate coupon surface materials harboring MDR organisms. Future studies evaluating scaled devices for patient rooms are warranted to determine their utility in hospital environmental decontamination.
Navigational Web-Interfaces from Formal Tropos Specification

This paper presents a method of building executable and interactive application interface prototypes from requirements. The specification of the requirements uses i* and Formal Tropos languages.
Characterization of the AmpC β-Lactamase from Burkholderia multivorans.

Burkholderia multivorans is a member of the Burkholderia cepacia complex, a group of >20 related species of nosocomial pathogens that commonly infect individuals suffering from cystic fibrosis. β-Lactam antibiotics are recommended as therapy for infections due to Bmultivorans, which possesses two β-lactamase genes, blapenA and blaAmpC PenA is a carbapenemase with a substrate profile similar to that of the Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC); in addition, expression of PenA is inducible by β-lactams in Bmultivorans Here, we characterize AmpC from Bmultivorans ATCC 17616. AmpC possesses only 38 to 46% protein identity with non-Burkholderia AmpC proteins (e.g., PDC-1 and CMY-2). Among 49 clinical isolates of Bmultivorans, we identified 27 different AmpC variants. Some variants possessed single amino acid substitutions within critical active-site motifs (Ω loop and R2 loop). Purified AmpC1 demonstrated minimal measurable catalytic activity toward β-lactams (i.e., nitrocefin and cephalothin). Moreover, avibactam was a poor inhibitor of AmpC1 (Kiapp > 600 μM), and acyl-enzyme complex formation with AmpC1 was slow, likely due to lack of productive interactions with active-site residues. Interestingly, immunoblotting using a polyclonal anti-AmpC antibody revealed that protein expression of AmpC1 was inducible in Bmultivorans ATCC 17616 after growth in subinhibitory concentrations of imipenem (1 μg/ml). AmpC is a unique inducible class C cephalosporinase that may play an ancillary role in Bmultivorans compared to PenA, which is the dominant β-lactamase in Bmultivorans ATCC 17616.
"The almighty dollar will buy you, you bet/ A superior class of coronet:" Biographical Sketches of NJ's Gilded Age "Dollar Princesses"

Season one of the acclaimed historical drama Downton Abbey was set in 1912, but a key element of the show’s storyline, known to all dedicated viewers, occurred years earlier, off screen, when a wealthy, young American heiress named Cora Levinson of Cincinnati married the British Robert Crawley, Viscount Downton, the future Earl of Grantham. As part of their marriage contract, Cora’s fortune would be tied to the Grantham family’s failing estate to prevent it from going bankrupt. In return, Cora would eventually earn the title of Countess of Grantham. While Downton Abbey’s Granthams are fictional, the idea of wealthy American heiresses marrying impoverished European noblemen is not. There were by some counts close to 500 of these marriages in the decades between the end of the Civil War and WWI, and several of the brides had ties to NJ. Who were these women? Can we know what motivated them? Did they find happiness? And how did their “loves lives” impact social norms, transatlantic relations, and the U.S. economy?
Sickness in the Body Politic: Christopher Bollas and The Deformation of Political Spaces and Subjects

This article discuses and emends Christopher Bollas’ notion of transformational objects with the aim of identifying the attributes and consequences of negative or deformational objects/processes in society. More particularly, an emended version of Bollas’ notion is used to identify a particular social-political pathology extant in the United States. In brief, I argue that these objects/processes: (1) undermine the civic respect or mutual-personal recognition that is necessary for positive public-political subjectivity, (2) heighten social-political distrust, which corrupts the polis’ space of appearances and civic cooperation, (3) foreclose openness to learning and social-political accountability, and (4) attenuate freedom because of a shared obsessive preoccupation with achieving and maintaining political dominance.
Light scattering methods for tissue diagnosis

Light scattering has become a common biomedical research tool, enabling diagnostic sensitivity to myriad tissue alterations associated with disease. Light–tissue interactions are particularly attractive for diagnostics due to the variety of contrast mechanisms that can be used, including spectral, angle-resolved, and Fourier-domain detection. Photonic diagnostic tools offer further benefits in that they are non-ionizing, non-invasive, and give real-time feedback. In this review, we summarize recent innovations in light-scattering technologies, with a focus on clinical achievements over the previous ten years.
"Age is Just a Number": How Celebrity-Driven Magazines Misrepresent Fertility at Advanced Reproductive Ages.

Abstract Background: Recognizing the pervasive impact of popular media on reproductive-aged women, we sought to characterize the depiction of age-related fertility decline in widely consumed media....
La planificación lingüística en la Universidad de Costa Rica: Política lingüística de lenguaje inclusivo de género, su ejecución y relación con propuestas de universidades hispanohablantes

En este articulo analizamos la politica y planificacion linguistica (PPL) de uso de lenguaje inclusivo de genero de la Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR), de su creacion al presente, relacionandola con propuestas que surgen en otras instituciones de educacion superior del mundo hispanohablante. Con una perspectiva glotopolitica, describimos la PPL (Cooper, 1997) y su instrumento (CIEM, 2004); exploramos la ejecucion de la PPL en documentos administrativos y noticias de la Rectoria; y contextualizamos la PPL de la UCR tras analizar las guias de uso no sexista del lenguaje de otras universidades hispanohablantes. Entre los principales resultados, tenemos que esta politica y su instrumento, asi como la manera en que buscan implementarse, no han sido claras, con consecuencias glotopoliticas como el posible rechazo de la comunidad universitaria; la implementacion de la politica es mayor en documentos administrativos; tambien, en los documentos de la Rectoria existen estrategias linguisticas que coinciden con propuestas de otras guias y no aparecen en CIEM (2004), lo cual puede ser un insumo para la UCR. Discutimos sobre la necesidad de encontrar mecanismos de implementacion relacionados con concientizar a la comunidad sobre la relacion de la politica linguistica con la realidad institucional y el sexismo en la academia en general (Canal UCR, 2017).
Smap Regularized Dual-Channel Algorithm for the Retrieval of Soil Moisture and Vegetation Optical Depth

The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission was designed to acquire and combine L-band radar and radiometer measurements for the estimation of soil moisture (SM) with an average ubRMSE of no more than 0.04 m3/m3 volumetric accuracy in the top 5 cm for vegetation with water content of less than 5 kg/m2.Currently, a single-channel algorithm that uses the V polarized brightness temperature (SCA-V) is used to retrieve SM satisfying the defined requirements. Even though other alternatives were tested, SCA-V proved to be the best option for the retrieval of SM. In this work, we show that by choosing suitable roughness parameters, the use of two polarizations (H and V), mixed dual-channel algorithm (MDCA), and an additional constraint, regularized DCA (RDCA), not only provides retrieved SM that satisfies the aforementioned requirement but also allows for the retrieval of vegetation optical depth (VOD).
Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from tilapia and utensils used in the commerciali- zation of tilapia in the street markets of a semi-arid Brazilian municipality.

Background The production and commercialization of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is fundamentally important to the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. In this region, one of the main forms of commercialization occurs in street markets (fairs). A high incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains was previously detected in different food-related environments in Brazil. However, limited data is available about the presence of MRSA in street markets commercializing tilapias. In this study, we identified Staphylococcus aureus from tilapia and utensils used in the commercialization of tilapia in the street markets of a semi-arid Brazilian municipality and characterized the virulence potential of the isolates by analyzing their b-lactam resistance, intercellular adhesion and enterotoxin genes. Methods The study used samples from the 5 main markets in the city. Phenotypic tests to determine antimicrobial resistance, exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, the potential for biofilm formation and cell surface hydrophobicity were conducted on S. aureus isolates. The presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (mecA and blaZ), potential biofilm production genes (icaA and icaD) and enterotoxin (se) genes was investigated. Results Coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS) were detected in samples from all markets in discordance with the legal limits in force. Twelve isolates were confirmed to be S. aureus. Ten isolates demonstrated multidrug resistance (MDR). All isolates were able to produce EPS and form biofilms. Eight isolates exhibited strong hydrophobicity and six a high potential for biofilm formation. Twelve isolates were positive for mecA, blaZ, icaD and sed. Conclusions Tilapia marketed in unsuitable conditions may be a vehicle for staphylococcal food poisoning and for the dissemination of MRSA to consumers. Additionally, the ability of the isolates to produce biofilms is an alert to the presence and persistence of these virulent microorganisms on utensils used for the commercial distribution of tilapia.
The Ethical Organization

Organizations are ethical in their own ways; there is no ethics of organizations as there is for individuals (Phillips & Margolis, 1999). Individuals develop morally in stages and sequentially, progressing from reasoning governed by fear of punishment to concern for others and concern for universal rights and humanity as a whole (Kohlberg, 1981). Within this progression there are three types of ethical standards namely self-interest, caring, and principle, which reflect three major categories of ethical theory, i.e., egoism, utilitarianism, and deontology (Fritzche & Becker, 1984; Williams, 1985). There is no comparable process of moral development for organizations. Several authors have suggested that there needs to be an ethics of organizations (Hartman, 1996; Phillips & Margolis, 1999).
Honoring the Treaty: School Leaders’ Embrace of Indigenous Concepts to Practice Culturally Sustaining Leadership in Aotearoa**Aotearoa is the Indigenous name for New Zealand.:

As a field, school leadership has maintained a colorblind stance, marginalizing practitioners’ awareness of culturally sustaining practice, and erasing the experiences of Indigenous and other minor...
Climate prediction via matrix completion

Recently, machine learning has been applied to the problem of predicting future climates, informed by the multimodel ensemble of physics-based climate models that inform the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Past work (Monteleoni et al., 2011, McQuade and Monteleoni, 2012) demonstrated the promise of online learning algorithms applied to this problem. Here we propose a novel approach, using sparse matrix completion.
Potential 'Savings' of Medicare: The Analysis of Medicare Advantage and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)

Medicare faces significant financial challenges because of rising health care costs. In response, Medicare reform efforts have been testing various payment and service delivery models, including accountable care organizations (ACOs), aiming to reduce expenditures while preserving or enhancing the coordination of quality care. The idea behind ACOs is to form an organizational network to coordinate all care for Medicare beneficiaries and in so doing, at least theoretically, improve quality of care and hopefully reduce medical costs. The purpose of this research is to apply Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to assess the potential savings of Medicare obtainable through optimally efficient implementation of ACOs and Medicare Advantage plans. DEA comparisons across plans achieve this purpose by identifying which Medicare plans operate relatively more efficiently and which are inefficient, and additionally, for inefficient plans, the DEA analysis generates target levels of “inputs” and “outputs” required to bring the plan into efficient operation. Knowing sources of inefficiency can also provide insights to Medicare reform, such as Medicare privatization and innovation models. Our results show that Medicare Advantage plans are more efficient in reducing health expenditures, but incur higher administrative costs. Health expenditure savings can also be achievable by promoting government-sponsored managed Medicare such as ACOs. Finally, compared to the profit efficiency of Medicaid managed care plans, Medicare Advantage should have the potential for more Medicare market penetration from the supply (insurer) side.
Spatio-Temporal Frequency Domain Analysis of PMU Data for Unsupervised Event Detection

We consider the unsupervised detection of power system events based on PMU measurements. We first present a convolutive dictionary model as a generative model for the short time Fourier transform (STFTs) of PMU data streams from multiple PMUs in the presence of a power system event. In the presence of an event, the STFTs from different PMUs display a common two-dimensional event signature at the event time—with its magnitude varying across PMUs, thus we develop a convolutive dictionary model to capture this unique spatiotemporal correlation. We leverage this convolutive dictionary model to formulate a binary hypothesis testing for event detection and implement a generalized likelihood ratio test to perform unsupervised event detection. The efficacy of the proposed detector is demonstrated using the experiments based on real life PMU data collected from a US Interconnection.
Update on Parasite Control in Small Ruminants 2006

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasites are the single most important health problem of sheep and goats. Traditionally, parasites have been controlled by frequent administration of anthelmintic drugs. However, the emergence of multiple-drug resistant parasites now threatens this paradigm of control and new approaches are required. Anthelmintics can no longer be thought of as an inexpensive management tool to be used as needed to maximize animal productivity. Instead anthelmintics must be thought of as extremely valuable and limited resources that should be used prudently. In response to this changing paradigm of anthelmintic use, new recommendations for parasite control have been proposed. The basis of this approach is to use the knowledge we have about the parasite, the animal, and the drugs to develop strategies that maximize the effectiveness of treatments while also decreasing the development of drug resistance. The term "Smart Drenching'' is often used to describe this approach to worm control. Due to the complexities ofinstituting such a program, successful implementation will only be possible with the help and active involvement of small ruminant veterinarians and other animal health professionals. Additionally, new innovative schemes using novel and sustainable approaches must be implemented. There are a number of new non-chemical technologies that will become increasingly important in GIN control programs both in the short and long term future. However, it is highly likely that any new technologies or developments in non-chemical GIN control methods will be less effective than chemical control has been (prior to emergence of drug resistant parasites). Therefore, as novel non-chemical control modalities become available and widely applied, anthelmintics will still be required for life-saving therapy when control fails. Unless veterinarians take an active and leading role in the education of small ruminant owners and help to implement these new approaches to parasite control, there may be no effective anthelmintics remaining when that time comes.
“You can tell a lot about a person by reading their bio”: lessons from inauthentic Twitter accounts’ activity in #Edchat"

There is an abundance of scholarship documenting educators’ uses of for-profit social media platforms for professional learning, but little is known about how inauthentic accounts affect those expe...
Ready Patient One: How to Turn an In-Person Critical Care Simulation Scenario Into an Online Serious Game.

Introduction Serious gaming has become popular in healthcare education as an engaging way to train learners. When coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) forced the cancellation of in-person simulation sessions, we designed a serious game to deliver content in an interactive format with no out-of-pocket expense. We describe the design process and game reception so that others may replicate it. Methods We designed an online game using Choose-Your-Own-Adventure (CYOA) and Escape Room concepts. Using online survey software, we presented an interactive story based on an existing simulation scenario and included interactive puzzles as roadblocks to scenario progression. Each puzzle represented a critical care concept, and many contained hyperlinks to prior basic science lecture material to reinforce learning. A post-game survey assessed students' experience. Results All (N=88) students enrolled in a scheduled simulation session participated in the game, and 75% (66/88) responded to a post-participation survey. All respondents (100%) were able to complete the game. The majority (57.6%) completed the game in 30 minutes to 1 hour. Most students strongly agreed or agreed that the game enhanced their understanding of critical care concepts (93.9-97.0%), and that they were interested in doing more CYOA games (90.9%). Conclusion The game was well-received, delivered critical care content, and challenged students to apply basic science principles to medical decision-making from the safety of their own homes. The game was self-guided, requiring minimal active facilitator involvement. We plan to expand the use of the game to other settings and explore its use in formative/summative assessment and remediation.
Toward the Legalization of Markets in Used Human Body Parts

The legalization of markets in human organs would save lives. Human lives matter. Therefore, weshould promote economic freedom and end the prohibition of commercial transactions in thissector of the economy.
Routines in school organizations: Creating stability and change

Purpose – This paper presents routinized action theory as a way to examine the regular, habitual activities that occur in school organizations. Using this theoretical lens, school routines were analyzed in order to understand organizational stability and change.Design/methodology/approach – Using case study methods, three discrete cases are presented, a K‐12 public school setting, a private international school, and a central office in an educational system. Cases were selected for their descriptive detail and illustrate different aspects of the theory.Findings – Routinized action theory posits that alterations in routines occur for different reasons: failure to produce desired outcome; producing new possibilities, and/or falling short of ideal targets. In these case studies, routines were altered by management to address problems, repair what did not work, and strive toward new targets. Management also shifted resources accordingly. While these actions can help the organization survive environmental chan...
Effects of Temperature on Two Psychrophilic Ecotypes of a Heterotrophic Nanoflagellate, Paraphysomonas imperforata.

Two different psychrophilic types of the heterotrophic nanoflagellate Paraphysomonas imperforata were isolated from Newfoundland coastal waters and the Arctic Ocean. When fed bacteria without food limitation, both isolates were able to grow at temperatures from -1.8 to 20°C, with maximum growth rates of 3.28 day-1 at 15°C and 2.28 day-1 at 12.3°C for the Newfoundland and the Arctic isolates, respectively. Ingestion rates increased with temperature from 14 to 62 bacteria flagellate-1 h-1 for the Newfoundland isolate and from 30 to 99 bacteria flagellate-1 h-1 for the Arctic isolate. While temperature did not affect cell yields (number of protozoa produced divided by number of bacteria consumed), it affected flagellate sizes. This differential effect of temperature on cell yield and cell size resulted in a changing gross growth efficiency (GGE) in terms of biovolume; colder temperatures favored higher GGEs. The comparison of Q10 values for growth rates and ingestion rates between the isolates shows that the Arctic isolate is better adapted to extremely cold temperature than the Newfoundland isolate. At seawater-freezing temperature (-1.8°C), the estimated maximum growth rates and maximum ingestion rates are 0.81 day-1 and 30 bacteria flagellate-1 h-1 for the Arctic isolate and 0.54 day-1 and 12 bacteria flagellate-1 h-1 for the Newfoundland isolate. Our findings about psychrophilic nanoflagellates fit the general characteristics of cold-water-dwelling organisms: reduced physiological rates and higher GGEs at lower temperatures. Because of the large and persistent differences between the isolates, we conclude that they are ecotypes adapted to specific environmental conditions.
Upstairs, Downstairs: Electronic vs. Open Outcry Exchanges

Computerized trading has made great inroads in equity and derivatives markets, especially in Europe and Asia, but open outcry markets remain dominant in the United States despite predictions of the imminent demise of floor trading. This article identifes three factors that influence the relative liquidity of computerized and open outcry markets: the sizes of upstairs and downstairs liquidity pools, the magnitude of the risk that upstairs traders face in being "picked off" when trading via limit order in an open outcry market, and the quality of information available to floor and upstairs traders. Although liquidity differences certainly influence the choice of trading technology, network effects and coordination costs may allow the less liquid trading method to prevail. In the presence of coordination costs, the existence of mechanisms for coordinating the trading choices of investors and hedgers, agency costs, and the organization and governance structures of exchanges also influence whether open outcry or computerized trading will dominate.
What Does ßSMB>0 Really Mean?

A positive SMB coefficient in a Fama-French regression is often interpreted as signaling a portfolio weighted toward small-cap stocks. We present a portfolio with known very large size, which has a positive SMB coefficient for all periods. We emphasize that this is associated with the co-existence of both “M” ― the market ― and “SMB” ― the mimicking portfolio for size ― in the Fama-French three-factor model. We explain why the model can attribute small size to large-cap stocks and portfolios. The results highlight how coefficients should be interpreted when a self-financing portfolio is used for portfolio attribution.
Quantification and comparison of toll-like receptor expression and responsiveness in primary and immortalized human female lower genital tract epithelia.

Problem To better understand innate immune responses to sexually-transmitted infection (STI) and the appropriateness of epithelial cell (EC) models of the vaginal and cervical mucosa, quantified toll-like receptor (TLR) expression from a population of women is needed. Method of study TLR gene expression was quantified in primary and immortalized endocervical, ectocervical, and vaginal EC from multiple donors. TLR bioactivity was evaluated by cytokine elaboration. Results TLR1–3 and 5–9 were expressed in each EC type with TLR2, 3, 5, 6 and CD14 expressed most abundantly. TLR4 was expressed by endocervical and vaginal EC. Agonist stimulation of TLR2, 3, 5 and 6 elicited cytokines. TLR4 and 7–9 were minimally expressed and were not consistently bioactive. Immortalized EC generally modeled primary cultures but elaborated significantly reduced cytokine levels. Conclusion TLR expression patterns were remarkably conserved across the study population and evaluated tissues indicating a predictable responsiveness to STI. The results support cautious use of immortalized cells for genital tract modeling.
Field Notes from Starting a Law School Clinic

The goal of this article is to provide guidance for clinicians starting new law school clinics through “field notes” of the author’s experience starting a new Economic Development Clinic. Using personal experience as a reference point by which to discuss the new clinician’s experience generally, the article first discusses the role of clinicians in the contemporary legal academy. Second, the article discusses how to find and choose clinic clients, which is arguably the most difficult part of starting a clinic. This section also offers a digression on framing community and economic development clinics, which the author argues also provides a valuable test case for contemplating client selection in all subject clinics. Third, the article addresses non-client serving components of new clinics, such as class structure, readings, writings, and the like. Fourth, the article addresses the client-serving component of new clinics, including a number of logistical issues in running a clinic that are often a surprise to new clinicians. This section also discusses grading clinics. Fifth, the article addresses publicizing a new clinic. Sixth, the article addresses student recruitment for new clinics. Seventh, the article concludes by discussing ways new clinicians can get to know the legal clinic professorial community.
Concurrent validity of neuropsychiatric subgroups on caregiver burden in Alzheimer disease patients.

Objective In a previously published study, the authors conceptualized neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer disease (AD) patients as distinct symptom profiles with differential outcomes. In the present study, our aim was to further examine the validation of the classification by considering its concurrent validity on caregiver burden. Method As described previously, neuropsychiatric symptoms, as assessed by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, in 122 patients with AD were categorized, using cluster analysis. The presence as well as the severity and frequency of symptoms were both used in the classification. After the classification, group differences in caregiver burden, as measured by Screen for Caregiver Burden, were tested using analysis of covariance. The effects of important covariates, such as functional impairment, comorbid medical conditions, parkinsonism, age, and cognitive functioning, were examined. Results Based on the presence of symptoms, subgroups differed in the level of caregiver distress in that caregivers of the "minimally symptomatic" and the "affective/apathetic" subgroups experienced less distress than the caregivers of the "highly symptomatic" subgroup. Based on the severity and frequency of symptoms, subgroups differed in such a way that caregivers of the "minimally symptomatic" and the "predominantly apathetic" subgroups endorsed less distress than the caregivers of the "affective" and the "highly symptomatic" subgroups. Conclusion Neuropsychiatric subgroups were able to differentially predict caregiver burden. The findings appear to lend further support to the validity of classifying neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD patients using cluster analysis.
The Sexual Stratification Hypothesis and Sexual Assault in Light of the Changing Conceptions of Race

Recent research examining race-based sentencing has reported anomalous results. It has been argued by Heck (1981) and Peterson and Hagan (1984) that these anomalies would not be perceived as such given a greater sensitivity to the “changing conceptions of race” in American society. This study performs a limited test of the sexual stratification hypothesis which asserts that various degrees of opprobrium are attached to sexual assaults depending on the racial composition of the offender/victim dyad. This hypothesis is tested with an additive and a race-specific model. The additive model fails to reveal any significant differences in severity of penalties based on either offender or victim race. The race-specific model reveals that significantly harsher penalties were imposed on blacks who sexually assaulted whites than were imposed on blacks who sexually assaulted blacks. The additive model suppresses this differential sentencing severity because blacks who assaulted blacks received the most lenient penalties, thus moving the black grand mean to one which was not significantly different from the white grand mean. Thus, both differential leniency and harshness are possible for blacks depending on the race of the victim.
Examiner error in curriculum-based measurement of oral reading

Although curriculum based measures of oral reading (CBM-R) have strong technical adequacy, there is still a reason to believe that student performance may be influenced by factors of the testing situation, such as errors examiners make in administering and scoring the test. This study examined the construct-irrelevant variance introduced by examiners using a cross-classified multilevel model. We sought to determine the extent of variance in student CBM-R scores attributable to examiners and, if present, the extent to which it was moderated by students' grade level and English learner (EL) status. Fit indices indicated that a cross-classified random effects model (CCREM) best fits the data with measures nested within students, students nested within schools, and examiners crossing schools. Intraclass correlations of the CCREM revealed that roughly 16% of the variance in student CBM-R scores was associated between examiners. The remaining variance was associated with the measurement level, 3.59%; between students, 75.23%; and between schools, 5.21%. Results were moderated by grade level but not by EL status. The discussion addresses the implications of this error for low-stakes and high-stakes decisions about students, teacher evaluation systems, and hypothesis testing in reading intervention research.
Malignant struma ovarii.

Struma ovarii is a rare tumor, characterized by the presence of thyroid tissue in an ovarian teratoma. In this article Yassa et al. describe a patient who presented to her gynecologist with a pelvic mass, which was found to be a malignant struma ovarii. The investigations and treatment options for this tumor are described. Background A 25-year-old woman presented to her gynecologist with pelvic pain. Pelvic ultrasonography showed a 9 cm left ovarian mass. The patient underwent left oophorectomy, omental biopsy, and lymph node sampling. The ovarian mass proved to be a struma ovarii with numerous microscopic foci of papillary thyroid carcinoma. The patient had no symptoms of hyperthyroidism, and her thyroid function and serum thyroglobulin levels were normal. Investigations Investigations included a pelvic ultrasound scan, histological examination of the ovarian mass and omental nodules, and lymph node sampling. Diagnosis Malignant struma ovarii. Management The patient was referred to an endocrinology clinic for further investigations. Serum levels of TSH, thyroglobulin and thyroglobulin antibodies were measured. In addition, the patient underwent thyroid ultrasonography, which showed a 1 cm nodule that proved benign on biopsy. She was treated with thyroxine to reduce TSH secretion. Follow-up pelvic ultrasonography 1 year later showed no evidence of recurrent disease, and her serum thyroglobulin levels remained normal.
Cell- and Isoform-specific Increases in Arginase Expression in Acute Silica-induced Pulmonary Inflammation

Arginase induction was reported in several inflammatory lung diseases, suggesting that this may be a common feature underlying the pathophysiology of such diseases. As little is known regarding arginase expression in silicosis, the induction and cellular localization of arginase were elucidated in lungs of Sprague-Dawley rats 24 h following exposure to varying doses of silica by intratracheal instillation. Arginase expression was evaluated by activity assay, quantification of arginase I and arginase II mRNA levels using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunohistochemistry. Analyses of cells and fluid obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) showed that markers of pulmonary inflammation, tissue damage, activation of alveolar macrophages (AM) and NO production were significantly increased by all silica doses. Arginase activity was increased also in AMs isolated from BAL fluid of silica-treated rats. Silica produced two- and three-fold increases in arginase activity of whole lung at doses of 1 and 5 mg/100 g body weight, respectively. Levels of arginase I mRNA, but not of arginase II mRNA, were similarly elevated. In control lungs, arginase I immunoreactivity was observed only in AMs sparsely dispersed throughout the lung; no inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immunoreactivity was detected. In silica-treated lungs, arginase I and iNOS were co-expressed in most AMs that were abundantly clustered at inflammatory foci. The rapid induction of arginase I expression in inflammatory lung cells, similar to induction of arginase in other inflammatory lung diseases, implicates elevated arginase activity as a factor in the development of lung damage following exposure to silica.
Conformational design optimization of transcription factor beacon DNA biosensors

Abstract Widespread application of promising DNA-based transcription factor protein (TF) biosensors is limited by our ability to control their binding properties. Because the binding properties of this class of biosensors are affected by how well the biosensor switches between binding and non-binding conformations, we investigated the effects of varying conformational stability on the ability of biosensors to detect the oncologically-relevant Myc/Max TF dimer complex. To do this, we employed a custom algorithm that designed and evaluated possible biosensors based on the Myc/Max TF recognition sequence, choosing algorithmic parameters that selected for biosensors with varied conformational stability due to changes in stem length. Biosensors with recognition stem lengths of 8 base pairs (bp), 12 bp, or 21 bp were selected and synthesized. Biosensor binding affinity changes and kinetic association rates were found to be significantly affected by changes in conformational stability (with binding affinity increasing with stem length, from 80 ± 20 nM to 440 ± 80 nM, and kinetic switching rate being tenfold impacted in the longer biosensors). These results show that increased stability can have significant inverse effects on overall biosensor performance, providing important implications for effective biosensor designs. We applied these design insights to generate a biosensor that tested and confirmed a predicted in vivo interaction between two TFs (ATF3 and Max), illustrating the potential for rationally-designed, TF-detecting biosensors as a routine analytical tool.