cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of a professional development institute on preservice teachers' perceptions of their intercultural knowledge and sensitivity

Abstract The growing demographic disparity between the teaching corps and the general student population necessitates new formats and strategies in the preparation of preservice teachers. The effects of several strategies to promote critical self‐reflection on preservice teachers' attitudes toward and knowledge about the diversity presented by their students are examined in this report. Some 18 preservice teachers (13 elementary and 5 secondary; 2 Latinos and 16 European Americans) completed a questionnaire before and immediately following an intensive four‐week institute on linguistically and culturally diverse learners. The questionnaire examined preservice teachers' perceptions regarding both their attitudes toward and knowledge about teaching students who presented ethnic, linguistic, and class differences. Significant differences in the pre‐ and post‐questionnaire responses were noted in interns confidence in their preparedness to incorporate a multicultural approach to instruction and also in their ...
Targeting Photoreceptors via Intravitreal Delivery Using Novel, Capsid-Mutated AAV Vectors

Development of viral vectors capable of transducing photoreceptors by less invasive methods than subretinal injection would provide a major advancement in retinal gene therapy. We sought to develop novel AAV vectors optimized for photoreceptor transduction following intravitreal delivery and to develop methodology for quantifying this transduction in vivo. Surface exposed tyrosine (Y) and threonine (T) residues on the capsids of AAV2, AAV5 and AAV8 were changed to phenylalanine (F) and valine (V), respectively. Transduction efficiencies of self-complimentary, capsid-mutant and unmodified AAV vectors containing the smCBA promoter and mCherry cDNA were initially scored in vitro using a cone photoreceptor cell line. Capsid mutants exhibiting the highest transduction efficiencies relative to unmodified vectors were then injected intravitreally into transgenic mice constitutively expressing a Rhodopsin-GFP fusion protein in rod photoreceptors (Rho-GFP mice). Photoreceptor transduction was quantified by fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) by counting cells positive for both GFP and mCherry. To explore the utility of the capsid mutants, standard, (non-self-complementary) AAV vectors containing the human rhodopsin kinase promoter (hGRK1) were made. Vectors were intravitreally injected in wildtype mice to assess whether efficient expression exclusive to photoreceptors was achievable. To restrict off-target expression in cells of the inner and middle retina, subsequent vectors incorporated multiple target sequences for miR181, an miRNA endogenously expressed in the inner and middle retina. Results showed that AAV2 containing four Y to F mutations combined with a single T to V mutation (quadY−F+T−V) transduced photoreceptors most efficiently. Robust photoreceptor expression was mediated by AAV2(quadY−F+T−V) −hGRK1−GFP. Observed off-target expression was reduced by incorporating target sequence for a miRNA highly expressed in inner/middle retina, miR181c. Thus we have identified a novel AAV vector capable of transducing photoreceptors following intravitreal delivery to mouse. Furthermore, we describe a robust methodology for quantifying photoreceptor transduction from intravitreally delivered AAV vectors.
Customer-Driven Sensor Management

Customer-driven sensor management advocates applying e-commerce concepts and advances to sensor management. In e-commerce, customer wants essentially drive the production process. Sensor management has traditionally followed a much less capitalistic process, producing information "goods" based on predefined system goals and priorities. We explore here some of the possibilities and advantages of incorporating a customer-driven market-based approach to sensor management.This article is part of a special issue on Self-Managing Systems.
Solution differentiability and continuation of Newton's method of variational inequality problems over polyhedral sets

In this paper, we derive some further differentiability properties of solutions to a parametric variational inequality problem defined over a polyhedral set. We discuss how these results can be used to establish the feasibility of continuation of Newton's method for solving the variational problem in question.
Photocatalytic degradation of a cyanuric acid, a recalcitrant species

Degradation of cyanuric acid in aqueous suspensions of Degussa P25 TiO2 has been achieved by the addition of fluoride ion at low pH. Consistent with the work of Minero and Pelizzetti [Langmuir 16 (2000) 2632, Langmuir 16 (2000) 8964], it is suggested that this is due to the formation of homogeneous phase hydroxyl radicals. Support for this hypothesis is brought from successful degradations using other hydroxyl-generating conditions and the successful degradation of 4-t-butylpyridine, another organic compound previously shown to be resistant to TiO2-mediated photocatalytic degradation.
Supported oral reading with low‐achieving second graders

Abstract In this case study, we describe how we helped one second‐grade teacher implement a small‐group, support‐reading strategy with her lowest‐achieving readers. Our description includes: (a) characteristics of the inner‐city classroom in which we worked; (b) explanation of how the instructional strategy was introduced and implemented over time; (c) evidence of the intervention's success; and (d) comments on the generalizability of the instructional strategy to other school‐based contexts.
The Central Amygdala as an Integrative Hub for Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorders

The central amygdala (CeA) plays a central role in physiologic and behavioral responses to fearful stimuli, stressful stimuli, and drug-related stimuli. The CeA receives dense inputs from cortical regions, is the major output region of the amygdala, is primarily GABAergic (inhibitory), and expresses high levels of prostress and antistress peptides. The CeA is also a constituent region of a conceptual macrostructure called the extended amygdala that is recruited during the transition to alcohol dependence. We discuss neurotransmission in the CeA as a potential integrative hub between anxiety disorders and alcohol use disorder, which are commonly co-occurring in humans. Imaging studies in humans and multidisciplinary work in animals collectively suggest that CeA structure and function are altered in individuals with anxiety disorders and alcohol use disorder, the end result of which may be disinhibition of downstream “effector” regions that regulate anxiety-related and alcohol-related behaviors.
Problems in the use of statistical average atom potentials for estimating average degree of ionization

Abstract Consequences of a simple integral definition of electron charge bound to an ion are examined for Thomas-Fermi (TF) and Debye-Huckel-Thomas-Fermi (DHTF) average atom statistical potentials used to describe high temperature high density plasmas. A self-consistent scheme for calculating average degree of ionization within the DHTF approach is described. With the simple integral definition of bound charge the DHTF model, unlike the TF model, exhibits the anomalous behavior that degree of ionization can decrease as temperature increases. It is shown that this results from inclusion in the integration of electron charge density too extended and too near continuum energies to be physically considered as bound.
Protein-ligand binding with a missing species.

Considerable experimental evidence has been produced recently that shows that in the binding of oxygen or carbon monoxide to certain tetrameric hemoglobins, the triply-ligated species is virtually non-existent. The binding polynomial representing this phenomenon for the general case is P(x) = 1 + β1x + … + βn−1xn−1 + βnxn, where βn−1 is nearly zero. The zeros, factorization and associated Hill plots of such binding polynomials with βn−1 = 0 are investigated for the general case, and are analyzed in detail for n = 3 and n = 4. These results are then compared with the results obtained from experimental data on a number of tetrameric hemoglobins for which β3 is small. One concludes that, apart from the slope of the high-saturation asymptote of the Hill plot, a small perturbation of β3 from zero produces small changes in other properties associated with the binding process, such as fractional saturation, maximum Hill slope, and zeros and factorization of the binding polynomial.
Growth and transformation of the mandibular joint in the rat. IV. The effects of thyroidectomy at birth

Abstract The influence of thyroidectomy at birth on the growth and transformation of the mandibular condyle was studied histologically. The cartilage of the condylar head remained wide for long periods, as in young animals. However, the histologic characteristics of this condyle were not those of youth; the chondrocytes were not arranged in orderly columns. A distortion of the head of the condyle occurred, and consisted especially in a disproportionately great breadth and marked flattening. The bone of the condylar head and neck was denser than in normal animals of corresponding ages. Later, by 105 days of age, the reduction in width of the cartilage and the dense bony tissue resulted in a histologic structure of the condylar head and neck which approached that of the control of the same age. Thus, at this time the mandibular condyle appeared slowly to be gaining the structure characteristic of the normal rat. The bone age in these animals, as determined by roentgenographic analysis of representative skeletal structures 4 was 18 days. The long bones which were examined histologically (tibia, metacarpal, and caudal vertebrae) showed a development which confirmed this age. In sharp contrast, however, at none of the ages studied did the structure of the mandibular condyle correspond to that of a normal animal as young as 18 days.
The impact of video tapes in educating grocery store shoppers about fat and cholesterol

Abstract As lifestyles become more complex, nutrition educators must explore alternative forms of delivery to reach and educate busy consumers. This impact study explored the ability of in-store videos to increase consumers' nutrition knowledge about dietary fat and cholesterol. A Solomon 4 group design was used to assess the impact of continuous replay videos that were placed in grocery stores in four communities. A random sample of households within these communities was administered the pretest. The treatment consisted of four video tapes that conveyed information about dietary fat and cholesterol. It was implemented for 3 months, followed by the post-test. Findings indicate that the in-store video tapes did increase nutrition knowledge for those consumers who viewed them while grocery shopping. In addition to their viewing the video tapes, the consumers' age, education level, and confidence in their nutrition knowledge were the factors most highly associated with the nutrition knowledge quiz scores on the post-test. Findings from this study suggest that nutrition educators should continue to explore innovative avenues of consumer education.
Tobacco use among youth and adults in Mainland China: the China Seven Cities Study.

Summary Objective The China Seven Cities Study (CSCS) monitors geographic and temporal trends in tobacco use among adolescents and adults in seven cities throughout Mainland China: Harbin, Shenyang, Wuhan, Chengdu, Kunming, Hangzhou, and Qingdao. This article presents the methodology and prevalence data from the baseline survey of the CSCS, conducted in 2002. Methods Stratified random samples of middle schools, high schools, and colleges were selected within each city. Students and their parents completed self-report surveys of their tobacco use. Data were obtained from 6138 middle school students, 5848 academic high school students, 2448 vocational high school students, 2556 college students, and 25 697 parents. Results Smoking prevalence varied across age groups, school types, genders, and cities. Past-month smoking prevalence was 9% among middle school students, 8% among academic high school students, 26% among vocational high school students, 21% among college students, and 40% among parents. Smoking prevalence was higher among males than among females, with larger gender disparities among adults than among youth. Smoking also varied across cities, with higher smoking prevalence in southwestern cities and lower prevalence in coastal cities. Intraclass correlations of students within schools are presented to inform statistical power estimates for further research in China. Conclusions These results provide a baseline for future longitudinal studies of smoking in these cities and identify demographic groups at risk for tobacco-related disease. Effective smoking prevention programmes for youth and smoking cessation programmes for adults are needed in China, especially in the lower-income southwestern cities and in vocational high schools throughout the country.
Gauged N = 8 supergravity in five dimensions☆

Abstract We construct gauged N = 8 supergravity theories in five dimensions. Instead of the twenty-seven vector fields of the ungauged theory, the gauged theories contain fifteen vector fields and twelve second-rank antisymmetric tensor fields satisfying self-dual field equations. The fifteen vector fields can be used to gauge any of the fifteen-dimensional semisimple subgroups of SL(6, R ), specially SO( p , 6− p ) for p = 0, 1, 2, 3. The gauged theories also have a physical global SU(1,1) symmetry which survives from the E 6(6) symmetry of the ungauged theory. This SU(1,1) for the SO(6) gauging is presumably related to that of the chiral N = 2 theory in ten dimensions. In our formalism we maintain a composite local USp(8) symmetry analogous to SU(8) in four dimensions.
Automated grading assistance for student programs

Some instructors have used various sofiware tools to assist in the task of evaluating student programming assignments. The ability to collect students’ work in a consistent form and test it automatically against a wide range of data can enhance students’ skills in program design, coding, analysis, and testing, and can free the instructor from much tedium, allowing more time for more rewarding activities.
Application of Capacitance Potential Devices

THERE has been evident need for some time for a general review of the factors influencing the application of capacitance potential devices. This need has been accentuated by the increasing use of bushing potential devices and the extension of the field of application made possible by the introduction of the coupling-capacitor potential device.
Trends in Voluntary Association Participation

Researchers have claimed that trends in voluntary association participation provide the starting point for examinations of social capital—a reflection of the quality of social ties at the individual or community level of analysis. This research addresses the link between participation in voluntary associations and social capital by examining trends in U.S. participation levels over a 21-year period. Using data from the General Social Survey (1974-1994), the findings demonstrate that, although aggregate voluntary association participation decreased between 1974 and 1984, participation increased in the later half of the time period. Further analyses disaggregating participation by the type of voluntary association demonstrate that participation in all but four types of association either increased or remained stable over the period. The article concludes with implications for future research exploring the relationship between voluntary association participation and social capital.
Ultrasonic phased arrays with variable geometric focusing for hyperthermia applications

An ultrasonic applicator, which utilizes both electronic and variable geometric focusing, for deep-localized hyperthermia is investigated. The applicator is based around a linear phased array that furnishes its electronic focusing capability. The output of the array radiates through a spherical liquid-lens that provides the applicator a variable geometric focusing capability as well. A lens of this type adds dynamic focusing to the elevation dimension of the linear phased array. By controlling the volume of liquid in the lens (and thus the radius of curvature of its membrane), dynamic control of the geometrical focus can be achieved. Comparisons of computer simulations and experimental measurements of the field intensity distribution of a small-scale prototype applicator are presented. Important design parameters, such as the choice of the liquid for the lens and the size and number of array elements, are examined. >
The prevalence and diagnostic/prognostic utility of sinus arrhythmia in the evaluation of congenital long QT syndrome

Background Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) affects 1 in 2,500 people and can cause syncope and sudden death. Sinus arrhythmia (SA) is nonpathologic baseline respiratory variation of the RR interval. Objective This study sought to determine the frequency of SA and its clinical significance among patients with LQTS. Methods We performed an institutional review board–approved retrospective review of all patients (N = 571) evaluated in our LQTS clinic from 7/2000 to 3/2008 diagnosed with LQTS (N = 281) or dismissed as otherwise normal (N = 290). Blinded to diagnosis, the first available electrocardiogram for each patient was examined to quantitate RR interval variability. Results Overall, 151 of 281 patients (54%) with LQTS (159 female patients, average age 21.8 ± 16.5 years, average QTc 466 ± 43 ms) had SA with an average RR variability of 13% ± 8% compared with 201 of 290 (69%) patients dismissed as normal (178 female patients, average age 21.7 ± 16 years, average QTc 424 ± 30 ms) who demonstrated SA with RR variability of 16% ± 10% ( P P P P = .055). Patients presenting with torsades de pointes or aborted cardiac arrest had lower RR variability (10% ± 7%, P Conclusion SA frequency and magnitude of RR variability was lower among patients with LQTS compared with those patients dismissed as otherwise normal. This attenuation in RR interval variability remained when patients on beta-blocker therapy were excluded. Although the presence/absence of sinus arrhythmia is of little diagnostic value due to cohort overlap, LQTS patients with negligible RR interval variation may be at higher risk.
Velocities of sprite tendrils

[1] The University of Alaska deployed a high speed (1000 fps) camera at the Wyoming Infrared Observatory to observe sprites over Midwest U.S. thunderstorms as part of the 1999 NASA Sprites Balloon Campaign. Here we report on the velocity of development of downward spatial structures known as tendrils in several sprite events recorded during a large thunderstorm over eastern Nebraska the night of 18 August 1999. Downward tendril development occurred at velocities that varied by more than two orders of magnitude, ranging from ∼105 to ≥3 × 107 m/s. The tendrils progressed through multiple velocity regimes, typically in the order fast-slow or slow-fast-slow. Examples are presented of multiple sets of temporally distinct tendrils that develop from the same sprite event and tendrils that have a horizontal component of expansion.
Bladder volume at onset of vesicoureteral reflux is an independent risk factor for breakthrough febrile urinary tract infection.

Purpose: Improved identification of children with vesicoureteral reflux at risk for recurrent febrile urinary tract infection may impact management decisions. We hypothesized that reflux occurring earlier during bladder filling increases the duration of exposure of the kidneys to bacteria, and, therefore, increases the risk of pyelonephritis.Materials and Methods: Children with vesicoureteral reflux and detailed voiding cystourethrogram data were identified. Bladder volume at onset of reflux was normalized for age. Demographics, reflux grade, laterality, presence/absence of bladder-bowel dysfunction and breakthrough febrile urinary tract infections were assessed. Median followup was 24 months (IQR 12 to 52).Results: A total of 208 girls and 47 boys were analyzed with a mean ± SD age at diagnosis of 3.1 ± 2.6 years. On univariate analysis history of febrile urinary tract infection (HR 2.17, 95% CI 1.33–2.85, p = 0.01), dilating vesicoureteral reflux (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.05–2.42, p = 0.03) and bladder-bowel dy...
Proving the Value of Library Collections Part II: An Interdisciplinary Study Using Citation Analysis

At the 2012 Charleston Conference, University of Kansas (KU) librarians presented the results of a citation analysis project conducted using faculty publications in the sciences. Library administrators were excited by the findings reported from this analysis and compelled the librarians to proceed with more citation analysis research by supporting them with student assistants who helped gather the initial data that were used in the study. During the subsequent year, KU librarians took the collection assessment project two steps further by gathering citation data from faculty publications in the humanities and social sciences to conduct an extensive citation analysis. Using a random sampling of faculty publications from three departments in the humanities: philosophy, art history, and English—and three departments in the social sciences—psychology, political science, and economics—the presenters conducted a citation analysis of the resources cited in faculty journal publications. The librarians used this new data to compare the two broad disciplinary areas with the sciences, but even more importantly, they collected data that would influence collection development decisions in the individual subject areas. The authors tested their assumptions, expecting to find that science faculty use more journals than books and humanities faculty use more books than journals, but in some cases, the results were unexpected.
Interspecific Competition and Speciation in Endoparasitoids

Ecological speciation occurs when inherent reproductive barriers to gene flow evolve between populations as a result of divergent natural selection. Frequency dependent effects associated with intraspecific resource competition are thought to be one important source of divergent selection facilitating ecological speciation. Interspecific competition may also play an important role in promoting population divergence. Although evidence for interspecific competition in nature is ubiquitous, there is currently little empirical data supporting its role in the speciation process. Here, we discuss two general models in which interspecific competition among species can promote ecological speciation among populations within a species. In both models, interspecific competition is the source of divergent selection driving adaption to different portions of the resource distribution, generating ecological reproductive isolation from other conspecific populations. We propose that the biology of endoparasitoids that attack phytophagous insects make model systems for studying the role of interspecific competition in ecological speciation. We describe details for one such system, the community of endoparasitic braconid wasps attacking Rhagoletis fruit flies, as a potential model for investigating competitive speciation. We conclude by hypothesizing that a model in which interspecific competition forces an inferior competitor to alternative fly hosts may be a common theme contributing to parasitoid diversification in the Rhagoletis-parasitoid system.
Survey Identifies Barriers to AE-C Recertification

The goal of the certification of asthma educators is to improve the quality and consistency of standardized asthma education, based on the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma (EPR-3). Certification also paves the way toward reimbursement for asthma education. The Wisconsin Asthma Coalition (WAC) was interested in the value of asthma educator certification and whether AE-C will seek recertification. The creation of the AE-C survey was led by the WAC education workgroup. The survey questions assessed intention to take the recertification exam, perceived value and utilization of AE-C at current place of employment, perceived benefits of AE-C, compensation received, and willingness to serve as a resource and mentor. The survey was posted on SurveyMonkey.com, and the link was e-mailed to 124 AE-Cs located in Wisconsin. The response rate was 56.6% (N = 60). Forty-two percent did not intend to retake the exam upon expiration. The 3 primary reasons for not retaking the exam included no longer wo...
Automatic classification of images with appendiceal orifice in colonoscopy videos.

Colonoscopy is an endoscopic technique that allows a physician to inspect the inside of the human colon. In current practice, videos captured from colonoscopic procedures are not routinely stored for either manual or automated post-procedure analysis. In this paper, we introduce new algorithms for automated detection of the presence of the shape of the opening of the appendix in a colonoscopy video frame. The appearance of the appendix in colonoscopy videos indicates traversal of the colon, which is an important measurement for evaluating the quality of colonoscopic procedures. The proposed techniques are valuable for (1) establishment of an effective content-based retrieval system to facilitate endoscopic research and education; and (2) assessment and improvement of the procedural skills of endoscopists, both in training and practice. I. INTRODUCTION OLORECTAL cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths behind lung cancer in the United States (1). As the name implies, colorectal cancers are malignant tumors that develop in the colon and rectum. The survival rate is higher if the cancer is found and treated early before metastasis to lymph nodes or other organs occurs. Colonoscopy is currently the preferred screening modality for prevention of colorectal cancer. During a colonoscopic procedure, a flexible endoscope (with a tiny video camera at the tip) is gradually advanced under direct vision via the anus and rectum into the most proximal part of the colon (signified by the appearance of the appendiceal orifice or the terminal ileum). Next, the endoscope is gradually withdrawn. The video camera generates a sequence of images (frames) of the internal mucosa of the colon. These images are displayed on a monitor for real-time manual analysis by the endoscopist. Biopsy and therapeutic operations such as polyp removal can be performed during the procedure.
A novel IQ imbalance compensation scheme for the reception of OFDM signals

Digital receivers still employ analog components in the demodulation process causing amplitude and phase imbalances between the I and Q branches. This article describes a novel digital compensation scheme for orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) receivers based on adaptive frequency domain filtering to remove the IQ imbalance effects.
Semantic bias, homograph comprehension, and event-related potentials in schizophrenia

Objectives: It is controversial whether a semantic processing bias for strong associates is present in schizophrenia, and unknown whether the language abnormalities observed in schizophrenia can be attributed to dysfunctions early or late in cognitive processing. Combined behavioral and event-related potential (ERP) data can indicate the nature and timing of such abnormalities. Methods: Sensibility judgements of dominant and subordinate homograph sentences were measured in 12 schizophrenia patients and 13 normal controls. ERPs were recorded to the disambiguating sentence-ending word. Results: All subjects showed greatest misinterpretation of subordinate homograph sentences, but schizophrenia patients particularly misinterpreted these sentence types. For control subjects, subordinate homograph sentences that were classified as nonsensical showed greater N400 than those classified as sensible. By contrast, the N400 of patients was large, regardless of the sensibility judgement ‐ patients’ brains initially responded to all subordinate sentences as if nonsensical. These data are consonant with a semantic bias. However, the patients’ N400 to dominant homograph sentence endings was also larger than that of controls, a finding not consonant with a semantic bias. Conclusions: The behavioral results indicate a selective comprehension abnormality in schizophrenia dependent on the content of verbal memory. The ERP results suggest a pervasive contextual memory failure. A semantic activation decay model is proposed to explain these results. q 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Synthesis of 14C and 3H labeled arabinosyl-5-azacytosine

Arabinosyl-[6-3H]5-azacytosine is prepared by catalytic exchange with tritium gas. The preparation of arabinosyl-[2,4-14C]5-azacytosine from barium [14C]carbonate via [U-14C]guanylurea and [2,4-14C]5-azacytosine is described.
White and Black Perceptions of Racial Values

1968 and 1970 have revealed gross distortions in the conceptions that many American whites have of the racial values of other whites (O'Gorman, 1975; O'Gorman with Garry, 1976-77). These false con- ceptions appeared in two related patterns of pluralistic ignorance: a pervasive tendency among whites throughout the country to overes- timate by far the support for strict racial segregation among whites in their communities; and, among whites outside the South, a less per- Abstract This paper examines the association between white and black racial values and the perceptions of white and black racial values. Data are presented that confirm recent findings regarding the distorted conceptions that whites have of other whites' racial preferences. The data also show that the relationship between values and perceptions accounts for patterned similarities and differences between white and black estimates of white support for segregation and their estimates of black support for desegregation. The findings support the hypothesis that individuals who are located in different parts of the social structure but who share the same values tend to perceive the social world in similar ways. Hubert J. O'Gorman is Professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology, Wesleyan University. The author gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by Wesleyan University Faculty Research Grants and the assistance of Andrew S. Cromarty, Carol C. Forman, Jane E. Goodman, and Irene Spinnler. The author also
Are MOOCs an appropriate pedagogy for training K-12 teachers computer science concepts?

Many K-12 teachers want to incorporate computer programming topics into their K-12 curricula but have no idea where to start. Few K-12 state learning standards include computer science standards and most university teacher preparation programs are lacking as well. Many universities and industry partners have offered face-to-face workshops and provided materials online to support the K-12 community in their endeavor to incorporate computing programming concepts into their curricula. Few groups have used Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) to train K-12 teacher's computer programming concepts. This paper briefly looks at the history of MOOCs, reasons for offering MOOCs to K-12 teachers, shares our experiences of teaching three Google-funded MOOC courses to K-12 teachers, incentives utilized to motivate the K-12 teachers, survey results of our K-12 communities reaction to our MOOC and our lessons learned working with a MOOC.
Cancer genomes and their implications for understanding and managing cancer

s1a Research over the past 25 years has shown that cancer is, in essence, a genetic disease. In the past three years, it has become possible to determine the sequence of nearly all the 21,000 prote...
Lys-430, site of irreversible inhibition of band 3 Cl- flux by eosin-5-maleimide, is not at the transport site

Although eosin-5-maleimide (EM) covalently labels band 3 and has been thought to react at the external-facing anion transport site, EM reversibly inhibits Cl- exchange at 0 degrees C in a noncompetitive fashion, indicating that under these conditions it does not bind to the transport site [Knauf, P.A., N.M. Strong, J. Penikas, R.B. Wheeler, Jr., and S.J. Liu. Am. J. Physiol. 264 (Cell Physiol. 33): C1144-C1154 1993]. To see whether or not the covalent labeling by EM takes place at the same noncompetitive site as the reversible binding, we examined the dependence of reaction rate on EM concentration. The reaction rate saturates with increasing EM concentration, indicating that reversible binding precedes covalent reaction and that EM therefore acts as an affinity label. A more complex model in which reversible binding prevents a bimolecular reaction at a different site cannot, however, be ruled out. Cl- gradients across the membrane affect EM reversible binding in a manner suggesting that EM binds preferentially to the Eo form of band 3, with the transport site unloaded and facing outward. Thus EM binds to and probably reacts covalently with a site that is different from the transport site, but whose conformation is affected by the orientation of the transport site. Lysine-430, the amino acid residue which is covalently labeled by EM (4), may be near the transport site but does not seem to be directly involved in the binding of transported substrates such as chloride. EM binding to one band 3 monomer decreases the reactivity of the adjacent monomer but does not decrease the affinity constant of the reversible binding step that precedes covalent reaction. Although a small fraction (approximately 1%) of band 3 monomers fail to react with EM, EM nearly completely inhibits transport in those monomers with which it reacts.
Journal summary from Editor in Chief

Two years are short but long enough for an infant to become a running around toddler. This is what I feel about the journal of AIMS Environmental Science. Thanks to the editorial board members, the contributing authors and the managing team. It is your efforts that have made the journal stand up as it is now, and a big milestone has been achieved for the journal. Since our first year in 2014, we have seen more than two-fold increased in submissions to our journal in 2015. We have also established a truly global reach among our authorships, a balance among the different types of publications (e.g., research articles vs. reviews), and the relatively high usage of the articles. Measured by downloads and on-line paper views, readership of our articles in 2015 increased rapidly. Skimming through all the publications, I am also impressed by the breadth and depth of research topics the journal has covered. All these attributes indicate that the journal is moving forward in a right direction towards a multi-disciplinary, barrier-free, and fast information dissemination platform. In 2016, we will continue to improve the manuscript submission and review process as well as the linkage to citation databases. Again, thank you all. Let’s keep the momentum to move the journal forward.
Carmichael numbers composed of primes from a Beatty sequence

Let α, β ∈ R be fixed with α > 1, and suppose that α is irrational and of finite type. We show that there are infinitely many Carmichael numbers composed solely of primes from the non-homogeneous Beatty sequence Bα,β = (bαn+ βc)n=1. We conjecture that the same result holds true when α is an irrational number of infinite type.
The third dimension in pediatric neurosurgery. A preliminary report.

Three-dimensional computerized imaging with current advanced software (Cemax) has resulted in superior visual ergonomics and rapid data acquisition utilizing standard computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging. Consequently, within 15–20 min of a standard CT scan, the information is available to be employed for operative planning, allowing this useful tool to be practical in emergency situations, such as trauma. The advanced lifelike imaging permits excellent preoperative planning due to correct demonstration of the surgical anatomy. We present three patients to illustrate the applications of this technology: one with a skull base tumor, another with a complex ethmoidal encephalocele, and a third with severe craniofacial trauma. We have found this technique to have a significant impact on the management of pediatric neurosurgery patients with complex pathology.
Nonlinear characterization of elasticity using quantitative optical coherence elastography

Optical coherence elastography (OCE) has been used to perform mechanical characterization on biological tissue at the microscopic scale. In this work, we used quantitative optical coherence elastography (qOCE), a novel technology we recently developed, to study the nonlinear elastic behavior of biological tissue. The qOCE system had a fiber-optic probe to exert a compressive force to deform tissue under the tip of the probe. Using the space-division multiplexed optical coherence tomography (OCT) signal detected by a spectral domain OCT engine, we were able to simultaneously quantify the probe deformation that was proportional to the force applied, and to quantify the tissue deformation. In other words, our qOCE system allowed us to establish the relationship between mechanical stimulus and tissue response to characterize the stiffness of biological tissue. Most biological tissues have nonlinear elastic behavior, and the apparent stress-strain relationship characterized by our qOCE system was nonlinear an extended range of strain, for a tissue-mimicking phantom as well as biological tissues. Our experimental results suggested that the quantification of force in OCE was critical for accurate characterization of tissue mechanical properties and the qOCE technique was capable of differentiating biological tissues based on the elasticity of tissue that is generally nonlinear.
Underdetermination and Evidence in the Developmental Plasticity Debate

I identify a controversial hypothesis in evolutionary biology called the plasticity-first hypothesis. I argue that the plasticity-first hypothesis is underdetermined and that the most popular means of studying the plasticity-first hypothesis are insufficient to confirm or disconfirm it. I offer a strategy for overcoming this problem. Researchers need to develop a richer middle range theory of plasticity-first evolution that allows them to identify distinctive empirical traces of the hypothesis. They can then use those traces to discriminate between rival explanations of evolutionary episodes. The best tools for developing such a middle range theory are experimental evolution and formal modeling.
Flavor Acceptability of Unfermented and Lactic-Fermented Soy Milks

Soy milks prepared from whole Harosoy soybeans by a hot grind process and milks prepared from soybean flour defatted by a Cornell University patented process were evaluated for flavor acceptability by a 27 member taste panel at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station using fresh homogenized cow's milk as standard. Hot grind soy milk was rated significantly different and distinctly inferior to cow's milk in flavor. Soy milk prepared from defatted flour (U.S. Patent No. 3,721,569) by aqueous extraction and addition of 2.5% refined soy oil and 2% sucrose was rated slightly inferior to fresh cow's milk in flavor. Soy milk from the defatted flour was also lactic fermented to prepare a yogurt-like product whose flavor acceptability was compared with fermented cow's milk. The fermented soy milks had a satisfactory gelatinous curd and an acceptable flavor; however, the taste panel preferred the higher acidity of the fermented cow's milk.
Text message reminders for improving patient appointment adherence in an office-based buprenorphine program: A feasibility study.

Background and Objectives Missed visits are common in office-based buprenorphine treatment (OBOT). The feasibility of text message (TM) appointment reminders among OBOT patients is unknown. Methods This 6-month prospective cohort study provided TM reminders to OBOT program patients (N = 93). A feasibility survey was completed following delivery of TM reminders and at 6 months. Results Respondents reported that the reminders should be provided to all OBOT patients (100%) and helped them to adhere to their scheduled appointment (97%). At 6 months, there were no reports of intrusion to their privacy or disruption of daily activities due to the TM reminders. Most participants reported that the TM reminders were helpful in adhering to scheduled appointments (95%), that the reminders should be offered to all clinic patients (95%), and favored receiving only TM reminders rather than telephone reminders (95%). Barriers to adhering to scheduled appointment times included transportation difficulties (34%), not being able to take time off from school or work (31%), long clinic wait-times (9%), being hospitalized or sick (8%), feeling sad or depressed (6%), and child care (6%). Conclusions This study demonstrated the acceptability and feasibility of TM appointment reminders in OBOT. Older age and longer duration in buprenorphine treatment did not diminish interest in receiving the TM intervention. Although OBOT patients expressed concern regarding the privacy of TM content sent from their providers, privacy issues were uncommon among this cohort. Scientific Significance Findings from this study highlighted patient barriers to adherence to scheduled appointments. These barriers included transportation difficulties (34%), not being able to take time off from school or work (31%), long clinic lines (9%), and other factors that may confound the effect of future TM appointment reminder interventions. Further research is also required to assess 1) the level of system changes required to integrate TM appointment reminder tools with already existing electronic medical records and appointment records software; 2) acceptability among clinicians and administrators; and 3) financial and resource constraints to healthcare systems. (Am J Addict 2017;26:581–586)
Central Roles of Mg2+ and MgATP2− in the Regulation of Protein Synthesis and Cell Proliferation: Significance for Neoplastic Transformation

Growth factors are polypeptides that combine with specific membrane receptors on animal cells to stimulate proliferation, but they also stimulate glucose transport, uridine phosphorylation, intermediary metabolism, protein synthesis, and other processes of the coordinate response. There are a variety of nonspecific surface action treatments which stimulate the same set of reactions as the growth factors do, of which protein synthesis is most directly related to the onset of DNA synthesis. Mg(2+) is required for a very wide range of cellular reactions, including all phosphoryl transfers, and its deprivation inhibits all components of the coordinate response that have so far been tested. Growth factors raise the level of free Mg(2+) closer to the optimum for the initiation of protein synthesis. The resulting increase in protein synthesis accelerates progression through G1 to the onset of DNA synthesis and mitosis. None of the other 3 major cellular cations are similarly involved in growth regulation, although internal pH may play an auxiliary role. Almost 10(5) externally bound divalent cations are displaced from membranes for every attached insulin molecule, implying a conformational membrane change that releases enough Mg(2+) from the internal surface of the plasma membrane to account for the increase in free cytosolic Mg(2+). It is proposed that mTOR, the central control point for protein synthesis of the PI 3-K kinase cascade stimulated by insulin, is regulated by MgATP(2-) which varies directly with cytosolic Mg(2+). Other elements of the coordinate response to growth factors such as the increased transport of glucose and phosphorylation of uridine are also dependent upon an increase of Mg(2+). Deprivation of Mg(2+) in neoplastically transformed cultures normalizes their appearance and growth behavior and raises their abnormally low Ca(2+) concentration. Tight packing of the transformed cells at very high saturation density confers the same normalizing effects, which are retained for a few days after subculture at low density. The results suggest that the activity of Mg(2+) within the cell is a central regulator of normal cell growth, and the loss of its membrane-mediated control can account for the neoplastic phenotype.
Efficient Checkpointing of Loop-Based Codes for Non-volatile Main Memory

Future main memory will likely include Non-Volatile Memory. Non-Volatile Main Memory (NVMM) provides an opportunity to rethink checkpointing strategies for providing failure safety to applications. While there are many checkpointing and logging schemes in literature, their use must be revisited as they incur high execution time overheads as well as a large number of additional writes to NVMM, which may significantly impact write endurance.In this paper, we propose a novel recompute-based failure safety approach, and demonstrate its applicability to loop-based code. Rather than keeping a fully consistent logging state, we only log enough state to enable recomputation. Upon a failure, our approach recovers to a consistent state by determining which parts of the computation were not completed and recomputing them. Effectively, our approach removes the need to keep checkpoints or logs, thus reducing execution time overheads and improving NVMM write endurance, at the expense of more complex recovery. We compare our new approach against logging and checkpointing on five scientific workloads, including tiled matrix multiplication, on a computer system model that was built on gem5 and supports Intel PMEM instruction extensions. For tiled matrix multiplication, our recompute approach incurs an execution time overhead of only 5%, in contrast to 8% overhead with logging and 207% overhead with checkpointing. Furthermore, recompute only adds 7% additional NVMM writes, compared to 111% with logging and 330% with checkpointing.
Microbial dormancy promotes microbial biomass and respiration across pulses of drying-wetting stress

Abstract Recent work suggests that metabolic activation and deactivation of microbes in soil strongly influences soil carbon (C) dynamics and climate feedbacks. However, few soil C models consider these transitions. We hypothesized that microbes’ capacity to enter and exit dormancy in response to unfavorable and favorable environmental conditions decreases the sensitivity of microbial biomass and cumulative respiration to environmental stress. To test this hypothesis, we collected data from a rewetting experiment and used it to design and parameterize dormancy in an existing microbe-based soil C model. Then we compared predictions of microbial biomass and soil heterotrophic respiration (RH) under simulated cycles of stressful (dryness) and favorable (wet pulses) conditions. Because the influence of moisture on microbial processes in soil generally depends on temperature, we collected data and tested predictions at different temperatures. When dormancy was not taken into account, simulated microbial biomass and cumulative microbial respiration over five years were lower and decreased faster under lengthening drying-wetting cycles. Differences due to dormancy increased with temperature and with the length of the dry periods between wetting events. We conclude that ignoring both the capacity of microbes to enter and exit dormancy in response to the environment and the consequences of these metabolic responses for soil C cycling results in predictions of unrealistically low RH under warming and drying-wetting cycles.