cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of educational technology in manufacturing engineering and technology education

Educational technology offers capabilities that may enhance undergraduate education in engineering and technical fields. This study surveyed manufacturing educators to determine what educational technologies are being used, the factors that affect the adoption of the technologies, and their perceived impact. Faculty members in manufacturing education have high relative intensity of concern and awareness for new educational technologies along with strong concerns about the time and resources related to the use of educational technology in manufacturing education. Expanded use of educational technology in the future may help create student interest in manufacturing and technical education. Increased incentives to support the use of educational technology tools can increase the productivity and reach of educational programs. The information collected establishes a baseline of current usage that can help identify opportunities for faculty expand the use of educational technologies that can help manufacturing education meet the challenges of the future.
Identification of the murine coronavirus MP1 cleavage site recognized by papain-like proteinase 2.

The replicase polyprotein of murine coronavirus is extensively processed by three proteinases, two papain-like proteinases (PLPs), termed PLP1 and PLP2, and a picornavirus 3C-like proteinase (3CLpro). Previously, we established a trans-cleavage assay and showed that PLP2 cleaves the replicase polyprotein between p210 and membrane protein 1 (MP1) (A. Kanjanahaluethai and S. C. Baker, J. Virol. 74:7911-7921, 2000). Here, we report the results of our studies identifying and characterizing this cleavage site. To determine the approximate position of the cleavage site, we expressed constructs that extended various distances upstream from the previously defined C-terminal end of MP1. We found that the construct extending from the putative PLP2 cleavage site at glycine 2840-alanine 2841 was most similar in size to the processed MP1 replicase product generated in a trans-cleavage assay. To determine which amino acids are critical for PLP2 recognition and processing, we generated 14 constructs with amino acid substitutions upstream and downstream of the putative cleavage site and assessed the effects of the mutations in the PLP2 trans-cleavage assay. We found that substitutions at phenylalanine 2835, glycine 2839, or glycine 2840 resulted in a reduction in cleavage of MP1. Finally, to unequivocally identify this cleavage site, we isolated radiolabeled MP1 protein and determined the position of [35S]methionine residues released by Edman degradation reaction. We found that the amino-terminal residue of MP1 corresponds to alanine 2841. Therefore, murine coronavirus PLP2 cleaves the replicase polyprotein between glycine 2840 and alanine 2841, and the critical determinants for PLP2 recognition and processing occupy the P6, P2, and P1 positions of the cleavage site. This study is the first report of the identification and characterization of a cleavage site recognized by murine coronavirus PLP2 activity.
THE ROLE OF EPIDURAL ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA IN POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOME

There is increasing evidence to support the hypothesis that epidural anesthesia and analgesia (EAA) can improve surgical outcome by reducing postoperative morbidity and hastening recovery. Likely benefits include decreased incidence of cardiac complications in high-risk patients; lower incidence of pulmonary complications, specifically pneumonia, atelectasis, and hypoxemia in patients at risk for pulmonary complications; lower incidence of vascular graft occlusion after lower extremity revascularization; lower incidence of DVT and pulmonary embolus; suppression of the neuroendocrine stress response; and earlier return of gastrointestinal function. Nonetheless, large multicenter prospective randomized studies are required to more definitively assess the impact of EAA on morbidity and mortality, ICU time, length of hospitalization, and cost of healthcare.
Characterization of particulate matter size distributions and indoor concentrations from kerosene and diesel lamps.

Over one-quarter of the worlds population relies on fuel-based light- ing. Kerosene lamps are often located in close proximity to users, potentially increasing the risk for respiratory illnesses and lung cancer. Particulate matter concentrations resulting from cook stoves have been extensively studied in the literature. However, characterization of particulate concentrations from fuel- based lighting has received minimal attention. This research demonstrates that vendors who use a single simple wick lamp in high-air-exchange market kiosks will likely be exposed to PM2.5 concentrations that are an order of magnitude greater than ambient health guidelines. Using a hurricane lamp will reduce exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by an order of magnitude compared to using a simple wick lamp. Vendors using a single hurricane or pressure lamp may not exceed health standards or guidelines for PM2.5 and PM10, but will be exposed to elevated 0.02-0.3 lm particle concentrations. Vendors who change from fuel-based lighting to electric lighting technology for enhanced illumination will likely gain the ancillary health benefit of reduced particulate matter exposure. Vendors exposed only to ambient and fuel-based lighting particulate matter would see over an 80% reduction in inhaled PM2.5 mass if they switched from a simple wick lamp to an electric lighting technology.
An examination of inclusion and exclusion criteria in the predoctoral internship selection process

A number of studies have examined factors that influence an individual being accepted into a predoctoral internship position such as practicum experience, the interview, the type of doctoral program attended, and letters of recommendation. Rodolfa et al. (1999), for example, detailed 36 inclusion and exclusion criteria used in the internship selection process. The current study revisits this research in order to identify changes in these criteria from the time of the original study. While a number of traditional factors remained influential to the selection process, such as the fit between applicant goals and site opportunities and supervised clinical experience, a greater emphasis on personality characteristics of the applicant was found in the current study. The top three inclusion criteria found in the present study were fit between applicant goals and site opportunities, the interview, and professional demeanor of applicant. Interview, fit, and letters of recommendation were the top exclusion criteria. The predoctoral internship is one of the most important endeav- ors in psychology graduate training programs. The internship offers the student education and training in the field of psychology, with the goal being to prepare the students to practice professional psychology. The internship is the last step for students before earning their doctoral degree and entering the world of profes- sional psychology and sets the stage for postdoctoral work and licensure. To enter into this final predoctoral stage, students must apply for and be hired by an internship site. The Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Center (APPIC) has governed the predoctoral internship applica- tion process for nearly 40 years. Each year, APPIC facilitates a national application process that works to match students with appropriate internship sites. This application process, a standard- ized, computer-based procedure, which was implemented during the 1998-1999 selection process, is referred to as "the Match." The Match provides an orderly service to both the students and the internship sites. This program works to aid applicants in obtaining internship positions of their choice, while also helping the intern- ship sites obtain applicants of their choice. Unfortunately, during the last decade, a disturbing trend has reached crisis proportions for many involved with the predoctoral internship process. Statistics have shown since 1999 an increasing gap between the number of internship positions available and the number of stu- dents applying for these positions (Baker, McCutcheon, & Keilin, 2007; Keilin, Baker, McCutcheon, & Peranson, 2007). APPIC records show that from 1999 to 2007, the number of internship applicants participating in the Match has risen from 2,923 to 3,430, an increase of over 500. During this same time period, the number of internship positions has increased from 2,631 to 2,884, an increase of only 253, which falls well short of the increased demand for these positions. The number of unmatched applicants
The Tejano History Curriculum Project: Creating a Space for Authoring Tejanas/os into the Social Studies Curriculum

Utilizing a figured worlds and critical historical inquiry framework, this qualitative study examined how the Tejano History Curriculum Project provided opportunities for prospective and practicing bilingual educators to challenge long-standing and problematic depictions of Tejana/o histories in Texas. This study examined how these teachers produced spaces for authoring new identities for inclusion in the social studies curriculum. The engagement of prospective teachers at Central University and practicing teachers of elementary students in activities and practices that centered on creating meaningful cultural artifacts is highlighted. These cultural artifacts drew on the lives and experiences of teachers and their students as Tejanas/os, centering their productions as valuable contributors to Texas history.
ESTIMATE OF LEGACY TRITIUM IN BUILDING 232-H TRITIUM FACILITY, SAVANNAH RIVER SITE

This report describes an estimate of how much tritium will be held up in those parts of the 232-H process that will remain in the building after deactivation The anticipated state of this tritium is also discussed. This information will be used to assess the radiological status of the deactivated facility.
Targeted trapping of mosquito vectors in the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland.

Most adult mosquito surveillance in Maryland is performed using dry ice-baited or unbaited Centers for Disease Control (CDC) miniature light traps suspended ≈1.5 m above the ground. However, standardized trapping methods may miss mosquito species involved in disease transmission cycles. During a 2-yr study, the effectiveness of the olfactory attractant 1-octen-3-ol alone and in combination with carbon dioxide was evaluated for collecting mosquito vector species. In addition, trap heights were examined to determine the optimal vertical placement to target various species. We evaluated the results during the second year by targeting selected species by using various habitat–height–bait combinations. Although Culex erraticus Dyar & Knab and Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say were not successfully targeted, Culex salinarius Coquillett, Aedes vexans Meigen, Anopheles bradleyi/crucians King, Coquillettidia perturbans Walker, Aedes sollicitans Walker, and Aedes taeniorhynchus Wiedemann were preferentially captured using targeted trapping schemes.
Online resources for gene discovery and biochemical research with aromatic and medicinal plants

The elucidation of pathways leading to the signature metabolites accumulated in aromatic and medicinal plants has traditionally been fairly slow in comparison to progress made with much simpler microbes, where gene clustering for natural product biosynthesis is very common. However, recent advances in next-generation sequencing and innovative new approaches to gene discovery have narrowed this gap, and the elucidation of even complex plant pathways has now become significantly faster. A wealth of sequence data has been generated with aromatic and medicinal plants, and it has become increasingly difficult for researchers to stay abreast of new developments. In this review article, I will summarize the functionality of currently available genomics databases and will comment on future needs to maximize their utility.
Structure of γ-tubulin small complex based on a cryo-EM map, chemical cross-links, and a remotely related structure.

Modeling protein complex structures based on distantly related homologues can be challenging due to poor sequence and structure conservation. Therefore, utilizing even low-resolution experimental data can significantly increase model precision and accuracy. Here, we present models of the two key functional states of the yeast γ-tubulin small complex (γTuSC): one for the low-activity "open" state and another for the higher-activity "closed" state. Both models were computed based on remotely related template structures and cryo-EM density maps at 6.9A and 8.0A resolution, respectively. For each state, extensive sampling of alignments and conformations was guided by the fit to the corresponding cryo-EM density map. The resulting good-scoring models formed a tightly clustered ensemble of conformations in most regions. We found significant structural differences between the two states, primarily in the γ-tubulin subunit regions where the microtubule binds. We also report a set of chemical cross-links that were found to be consistent with equilibrium between the open and closed states. The protocols developed here have been incorporated into our open-source Integrative Modeling Platform (IMP) software package (http://integrativemodeling.org), and can therefore be applied to many other systems.
Synthesis and Characterization of New, Chiral P−N Ligands and Their Use in Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation

Several new ferrocenylimines containing both planar and central chirality were prepared from (Sp)-2-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocenecarboxaldehyde and chiral primary amines. One of these compounds, (Sp,Sc)-3, induced particularly high conversions (92−99%) and enantioselectivities (91−94% ee) when applied as a P−N ligand in the asymmetric allylic alkylation (AAA). In addition, a precatalyst complex was formed from (Sp,Sc)-3 and di-μ-chlorobis[(η3-C3H5)palladium(II)] and isolated after anion exchange with NaBF4 to give [Pd(η3-C3H5)((Sp,Sc)-3)]BF4 (4). High conversions (99%) and enantioselectivities (90−93% ee) were also observed when the isolated precatalyst (4) was used in the AAA reaction. Crystal structures were obtained for all three ligands prepared for this study ((Sp,Sc)-1−3) and for the isolated precatalyst (4). These compounds were also investigated by CD spectroscopy.
Unequivocal determination of site-specific protein disulfide bond reduction potentials by top-down FTICR MS: characterization of the N- and C-terminal redox-active sites in human thioredoxin 1.

We report the reliable determination of equilibrium protein disulfide bond reduction potentials (E°′) by isotope-coded cysteine alkylation coupled with top-down Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR MS). This technique enables multiple redox-active sites to be characterized simultaneously and unambiguously without the need for proteolysis or site-directed mutagenesis. Our model system was E. coli thioredoxin, and we determined E°′ for its CGPC active-site disulfide as −280 mV in accord with literature values. E°′ for the homologous disulfide in human thioredoxin 1 (Trx1) was determined as −281 mV, a value considerably more negative than the previously reported −230 mV. We also observed S-glutathionylation of Trx1 and localized that redox modification to Cys72; E°′ for the intermolecular disulfide was determined as −186 mV. Intriguingly, that value corresponds to the intracellular glutathione/glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG) potential at the redox boundary between cellular diff...
Experimental and Computational Exploration of Ground and Excited State Properties of Highly Strained Ruthenium Terpyridine Complexes

Dissociative electron transfer reactions are prevalent in one-electron reduced aryl halides; however, calculations applied to charge-transfer excited states of metal complexes suggest that this rea...
Historical Studies of Emigration from the United States

In the teaching of American history it is common to point to the vast numbers of people who migrated to this country, particularly during the "new immigration" of 1880 and after, adding tremendous numbers to an already burgeoning population. Statements citing specific figures, such as these, are made: "from 1820 to June 30, 1910, 27,918,922 immi? grants were admitted to the United States;"1 or "in the ten-year period from 1880 to 1889, a record total of 4,640,000 European immigrants landed in the United States; in 1882 alone, almost 650,000 came in."2 Constant reference to total immigration in sheer numbers has resulted in almost complete acceptance of these and similar figures as the actual addition to the nation's population through immigration. This notion should be corrected for the terms "total immigration" and "net immigra? tion" simply are not interchangeable. However, the term "total immigra? tion" has been used so frequently to infer the true gain in population due to immigration that these figures have been widely accepted and become embedded in the literature. Writers have not called this "total"
Defining the Binding Region in Factor H to Develop a Therapeutic Factor H-Fc Fusion Protein against Non-Typeable Haemophilus influenzae

Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) cause a range of illnesses including otitis media, sinusitis, and exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, infections that contribute to the problem of antibiotic resistance and are themselves often intractable to standard antibiotic treatment regimens. We investigated a strategy to exploit binding of the complement inhibitor Factor H (FH) to NTHi as a functional target for an immunotherapeutic containing the NTHi binding domain of FH fused to the Fc domain of IgG1. Chimeric proteins containing the regions that most FH-binding bacteria use to engage human FH, domains 6 and 7 (FH6,7/Fc) and/or 18 through 20 (FH18-20/Fc), were evaluated for binding to NTHi. FH6,7/Fc bound strongly to each of seven NTHi clinical isolates tested and efficiently promoted complement-mediated killing by normal human serum. FH18-20/Fc bound weakly to three of the strains but did not promote complement dependent killing. Outer-membrane protein P5 has been implicated in FH binding by NTHi, and FH6,7/Fc binding was greatly diminished in five of seven P5 deficient isogenic mutant strains tested, implicating an alternative FH binding protein in some strains. Binding of FH18-20/Fc was decreased in the P5 mutant of one strain. A murine model was used to evaluate potential therapeutic application of FH6,7/Fc. FH6,7/Fc efficiently promoted binding of C3 to NTHi exposed to mouse serum, and intranasal delivery of FH6,7/Fc resulted in significantly enhanced clearance of NTHi from the lung. Moreover, a P5 deficient mutant was attenuated for survival in the lung model, suggesting that escape mutants lacking P5 would be less likely to replace strains susceptible to FH6,7/Fc. These results provide evidence for the potential utility of FH6,7/Fc as a therapeutic against NTHi lung infection. FH binding is a common property of many respiratory tract pathogens and FH/Fc chimeras may represent promising alternative or adjunctive therapeutics against such infections, which are often polymicrobial.
Revision of the Neotropical diving beetle genus Hydrodessus J. Balfour-Browne, 1953 (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae, Bidessini).

The Neotropical diving beetle genus Hydrodessus J. Balfour-Browne, 1953 (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Hydroporinae: Bidessini) is revised. Thirty species are recognized. The following new species are described: Hydrodessus bimaculatus sp. n. (Venezuela), Hydrodessus brevis sp. n. (Venezuela), Hydrodessus concolorans sp. n. (Venezuela), Hydrodessus continuus sp. n. (Venezuela), Hydrodessus disjunctus sp. n. (Suriname), Hydrodessus fasciatus sp. n. (Brazil), Hydrodessus imparilis sp. n. (Ecuador), Hydrodessus keithi sp. n. (Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador), Hydrodessus kurti sp. n. (Suriname), Hydrodessus kylei sp. n. (Suriname, Venezuela), Hydrodessus laetus sp. n. (Venezuela), Hydrodessus latotibialis sp. n. (Peru), Hydrodessus maculatus sp. n. (Guyana, Venezuela), Hydrodessus morsus sp. n. (Venezuela), Hydrodessus palus sp. n. (Venezuela), and Hydrodessus tenuatus sp. n. (Suriname). The following new synonyms are established: Hydrodessus fragrans Spangler, 1985 = Hydrodessus biguttatus (Guignot, 1957) syn. n. and Hydrodessus robinae Spangler, 1985 = Hydrodessus octospilus (Guignot, 1957), syn. n. One species is transferred from Hydrodessus to Amarodytes Regimbart, Amarodytes soekhnandanae (Makhan, 1994), comb. n. Habitus photographs (dorsal and lateral) and photos of the ventral surfaces are provided for most species. Line drawings of male and female genitalia and other diagnostic features are also provided along with distribution maps.
Application of humanistic service in hospital

Along with the change of medical model and the development of holistic nursing,there have been great changes in the responsibilities and connotation of nursing.The new nursing ideas such as humanistic service,personal service and comfort care have been applied in nursing.In the recent years,we practiced the communication between medical staff and patients and humanistic nursing,which improved the nurse-patient relationship and the quality of nursing,and played an important role in promoting patients' health and recovery.
Using wellbeing for public policy: Theory, measurement, and recommendations

Indicators of social progress are the primary drivers of public policy. If existing economic measures of prosperity are complemented with wellbeing metrics that better capture changes in individuals’ quality of life, decision makers will be better informed to assess and design policy. The science of wellbeing has yielded extensive knowledge and measurement instruments during more than three decades. We review the existing wellbeing literature and answer three questions: (1) What is wellbeing? (2) How do we measure wellbeing? And, importantly, distinguishing this review from previous ones, (3) How do we use wellbeing metrics to assess and design policy? We suggest that the science of wellbeing is empirically mature enough to complement economic assessments of national progress. We build on existing work to provide recommendations on metrics and new, specific policies for societal wellbeing.
ISR systems: Past, present, and future

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems have been in use for thousands of years. Technology and CONOPS have continually evolved and morphed to meet ever-changing information needs and adversaries. Funding sources, constraints and procurement philosophies have also evolved, requiring cost-effective innovation to field marketable products which maximize the effectiveness of the Tasking, Capture, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (TCPED) information chain. This paper describes the TCPED information chain and the evolution of ISR (past, present, and future).
CHAPTER 14 – Physiologic Actions of PTH and PTHrP: II. Renal Actions

This chapter focuses on current understanding of the mechanisms whereby parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related protein (PTHrP) control renal tubular epithelial function. Renal tubular responses to PTH deficiency, PTH or PTHrP excess, or defects in function of the type 1 PTH/PTHrP receptor (PTHR) lead to: alterations in blood calcium, phosphate, or 1,25 (OH) 2 D. These are the hallmarks of numerous clinical disorders, PTHrP is expressed in the glomeruli, distal tubules, and collecting ducts of fetal kidneys and in proximal convoluted tubules, distal convoluted tubules, and glomeruli of the adult kidney. It is unlikely that PTHrP is critical for normal renal development. The PTHR is widely expressed within the kidney among cells with dramatically different physiologic roles. The responses to PTHR activation observed in individual renal cells are a complex function of the number and location of expressed PTHRs on the cell surface; the cell-specific expression of effectors capable of coupling to the PTHR; the cell-specific repertoire of PTHR-regulated genes; enzymes, channels, and transporters; the local concentrations of PTH or PTHrP ligand; exposure to other agents that regulate PTHR function heterologously; and the pattern of recent exposure to PTHR ligands.
Invited Address II

Issues in using ATM cells for very high speed applications will be presented. Ensuring that the users benefit from ATM networks involves several other related disciplines. These will be reviewed. A common misunderstanding about future traffic pattern will be discussed. Issues that may affect the realization of current dream of a seamless world-wide high-speed ATM network will be indicated.
POTENTIAL PASTS: TAKING A HUMANISTIC APPROACH TO COMPUTER VISUALIZATION OF ANCIENT LANDSCAPES

Using advances in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and 3D technologies, scholars of the ancient world are digitally reconstructing entire historic landscapes. For multi-phased sites, the ability to isolate and interrogate complex layers of occupation offers exciting potential for the study of now-altered built and natural environments. While quantitative studies based on GIS data are common in the field of archaeology, this article argues that humanities-based approaches have equal importance. It is specifically the combination of spatial and temporal data that creates new access points from which to address the changing cultural meaning of place. Chronological reconstruction models allow scholars to resituate the human viewpoint into potential past environments, exploring aspects of experience that changed through time and space. Utilizing a visualization of the ancient Egyptian site of Saqqara, this work demonstrates how digital reconstructions of past landscapes address qualitative questions in innovative ways and are changing scholarship in archaeology
Redox flow as an instrument of gene regulation.

Publisher Summary Rhodobacter sphaeroides is a gram-negative facultative photoheterotroph with a branched electron transport chain (ETC), similar to the ETC of Paracoccus denitrificans . In the presence of oxygen, R. sphaeroides uses an ETC similar to the mitochondrial ETC as well as that of other proteobacteria. A number of genes involved in the redox control of gene expression in R. sphaeroides may possess homologs in higher eukaryotes, which suggests the existence of common evolutionary pathways able to affect the regulation of gene expression. This chapter describes methods and approaches used to study those elements involved in redox sensing in R. sphaeroides and describes how redox flow can serve as an instrument of gene expression. It investigates the many genetic approaches applicable to the study of R. sphaeroides , together with the extensive physiologic and biophysical studies of this organism, to explain the redox control of gene expression.
Gridless Line Spectrum Estimation and Low-Rank Toeplitz Matrix Compression Using Structured Samplers: A Regularization-Free Approach

This paper considers the problem of compressively sampling wide sense stationary random vectors with a low rank Toeplitz covariance matrix. Certain families of structured deterministic samplers are shown to efficiently compress a high-dimensional Toeplitz matrix of size $N\times N$ , producing a compressed sketch of size $O(\sqrt{r})\times O(\sqrt{r})$.The reconstruction problem can be cast as that of line spectrum estimation, whereby, in absence of noise, Toeplitz matrices of any size $N$ can be exactly recovered from compressive sketches of size $O(\sqrt{r})\times O(\sqrt{r})$, no matter how large $N$ is. In the presence of noise and finite data, the line spectrum estimation algorithm is combined with a novel denoising technique that only exploits a positive semidefinite (PSD) Toeplitz constraint to denoise the compressed sketch using a simple least-squares minimization framework. A major advantage of the algorithm is that it does not require any regularization parameter. It also enjoys lower computational complexity owing to its ability to predict the unobserved entries of the low-rank Toeplitz matrix. Explicit bounds on the reconstruction error are established and it is shown that the PSD constraint on the denoiser is sufficient to ensure stable reconstruction from a sketch of size $O(\sqrt{r})\times O(\sqrt{r})$. Extensive simulations demonstrate that the proposed algorithm provides better performance over random samplers and algorithms that use nuclear-norm-based regularizers.
Stress Effects and Compensation of Bias Drift in a MEMS Vibratory-Rate Gyroscope

Long-term gyroscope drift can be effectively removed by employing simultaneous on-chip stress and temperature compensation. Stress effects are significant and their inclusion augments the commonly applied temperature compensation. A silicon-on-insulator matched-mode z-axis vibratory-rate gyroscope, as a prototype testbed to study these effects, includes released silicon resistors connected in a Wheatstone bridge as on-chip stress sensors. The gyroscope is ovenized within 300 K ± 20 mK using an external heater and an on-chip temperature sensor to suppress the temperature effects. The gyroscope is in-house vacuum packaged and operated at matched closed-loop drive and sense modes. Stress compensation significantly suppresses long-term drift resulting in 9°/h/√Hz angle random walk and 1°/h bias instability at 10000 s (around 3 h) averaging time, which is seven times improvement over the uncompensated gyroscope output. The sensitivity of zero-rate offset to stress is -0.22°/day/Pa and -0.045°/day/Pa for the tests with and without externally applied stress, respectively.
Dopamine transients are sufficient and necessary for acquisition of model-based associations

Associative learning is driven by prediction errors. Dopamine transients correlate with these errors, which current interpretations limit to endowing cues with a scalar quantity reflecting the value of future rewards. We tested whether dopamine might act more broadly to support learning of an associative model of the environment. Using sensory preconditioning, we show that prediction errors underlying stimulus-stimulus learning can be blocked behaviorally and reinstated by optogenetically activating dopamine neurons. We further show that suppressing the firing of these neurons across the transition prevents normal stimulus-stimulus learning. These results establish that the acquisition of model-based information about transitions between nonrewarding events is also driven by prediction errors and that, contrary to existing canon, dopamine transients are both sufficient and necessary to support this type of learning. Our findings open new possibilities for how these biological signals might support associative learning in the mammalian brain in these and other contexts.
Public heritage at scale: Building tools for authoring mobile digital heritage and archaeology experiences

ABSTRACTIn recent years, mobile technology and augmented reality have provided heritage and archaeology with new public engagement avenues. Despite technical advances and noteworthy projects, there are still critical issues in both the development and application of mobile heritage experiences, including high cost of development and sustainability, lack of multivocality, and little information about the background scholarly process that led to presented conclusions. Here I present a critical discussion of mbira (mbira.matrix.msu.edu), a developing open source1 mobile heritage authoring platform at Michigan State University, designed specifically to address many of these issues. I discuss mbira’s architecture and authoring workflow, particularly features that support multivocality and long-term sustainability.
Further evidence concerning speech in Neandertal man

Seventeen measurements associated with the cranial base were compared for three groups: modem H. sapiens; Mesolithic H. sapiens; and two Neandertals, Skhiil V and the Rhodesian specimen. It was found that cranial base morphology was not substantially different in the Neandertals from modem and Mesolithic groups. The fact that cranial base morphology differs in any of the groups only negligibly precludes any reconstruction of Neandertal soft anatomy which deviates significantly from the more modern groups. There is no anatomic basis for suggesting an intermediate articulatory ability for the Rhodesian specimen.
Combination of PCR subtraction and cDNA microarray for differential gene expression profiling.

PCR subtraction hybridization has been used effectively to enrich and single out differentially expressed genes. However, identification of these genes by means of cloning and sequencing individual cDNAs is a tedious and lengthy process. In this report, an attempt has been made to combine the use of PCR select cDNA subtraction hybridization and cDNA microarrays to identify differentially expressed genes using a nonradioactive chemiluminescent detection method. mRNA from human prolactin (hPRL) or human prolactin antagonist (hPRL-G129R) treated and non-treated breast cancer cells was isolated, and cDNAs were synthesized and used for the PCR subtraction to enrich the differentially expressed genes in the treated cells. The PCR-amplified and subtracted cDNA pools were purified and labeled using the digoxigenin method. Labeled cDNAs were hybridized to a human apoptosis cDNA microarray membrane and identified by chemiluminescence. The results suggest that the strategy of combining all three methods will allow for a more efficient, nonradioactive way of identifying differentially expressed genes in target cells.
Dermal-epidermal separation methods: research implications

Dermal–epidermal separation is an important basic investigation technique for pharmacology, toxicology and biology. To choose the optimal method for a given research need, we reviewed studies on epidermal separation. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were utilized. Different separation systems have been compared, including chemical, enzyme, heat and mechanical separation; each has advantages and disadvantages. Heat is simple but causes thermal damage. Chemical reagents are effective but disturb cellular electrolyte equilibrium. Enzymes provide complete separation, but destroy important components. Mechanical division does not alter physical and/or chemical integrity, but necessitates a relatively large sample and may cause cross-contamination of layers. Thus, the appropriate method should be chosen for a given research question, and no single method appears superior for all purposes.
Longitudinal Observational Study of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Impact of Surgical Intervention With Adjunctive Biologic Therapy

Background Hidradenitis supppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the apocrine sweat glands affecting 1–4% of the population. While surgical excision is a mainstay of therapy, lesions often recur. Biologic therapies, including tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-12/23 inhibitors, are effective for mild to moderate HS. However, longitudinal studies investigating biologic therapy in conjunction with surgery are limited. The purpose of this analysis was to investigate impact of surgery and biologic therapy on HS disease activity. Methods Data from 68 HS patients were analyzed. Outcome measures included hidradenitis suppurativa Sartorius Score (HSS), active nodule (AN) count, Hurley stage, and probability of achieving 75% reduction in active nodule count (AN75). Results Mean age was 40 ± 14 years; 66% were female and 72% were African American. Mean disease duration was 10 years, and Hurley stage III disease was seen in 63% of patients. Patients who received biologics had a larger drop in HSS and AN count than those who never received biologics (P = 0.002). Biologic treatment was associated with average reduction in 22 (15–29) HSS points (P < 0.0001). The effect of biologics was greater in patients who also underwent surgery (P = 0.013). Timing of biologics relative to surgery did not impact efficacy. Patients who received HS surgery with biologic therapy were most likely to achieve the AN75 (P = 0.017). Conclusions In this diverse cohort of patients with severe HS, biologic therapy was associated with a more rapid decline in disease activity, with the greatest effect in patients who also underwent HS surgery.
A Brief Exposure-Based Treatment vs Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Noninferiority Clinical Trial.

Importance Written exposure therapy (WET), a 5-session intervention, has been shown to efficaciously treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, this treatment has not yet been directly compared with a first-line PTSD treatment such as cognitive processing therapy (CPT). Objective To determine if WET is noninferior to CPT in patients with PTSD. Design, Setting, and Participants In this randomized clinical trial conducted at a Veterans Affairs medical facility between February 28, 2013, and November 6, 2016, 126 veteran and nonveteran adults were randomized to either WET or CPT. Inclusion criteria were a primary diagnosis of PTSD and stable medication therapy. Exclusion criteria included current psychotherapy for PTSD, high risk of suicide, diagnosis of psychosis, and unstable bipolar illness. Analysis was performed on an intent-to-treat basis. Interventions Participants assigned to CPT (n = 63) received 12 sessions and participants assigned to WET (n = 63) received 5 sessions. The CPT protocol that includes written accounts was delivered individually in 60-minute weekly sessions. The first WET session requires 60 minutes while the remaining 4 sessions require 40 minutes. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the total score on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 ; noninferiority was defined by a score of 10 points. Blinded evaluations were conducted at baseline and 6, 12, 24, and 36 weeks after the first treatment session. Treatment dropout was also examined. Results For the 126 participants (66 men and 60 women; mean [SD] age, 43.9 [14.6] years), improvements in PTSD symptoms in the WET condition were noninferior to improvements in the CPT condition at each of the assessment periods. The largest difference between treatments was observed at the 24-week assessment (mean difference, 4.31 points; 95% CI, –1.37 to 9.99). There were significantly fewer dropouts in the WET vs CPT condition (4 [6.4%] vs 25 [39.7%]; χ 2 1 = 12.84, Cramer V = 0.40). Conclusions and Relevance Although WET involves fewer sessions, it was noninferior to CPT in reducing symptoms of PTSD. The findings suggest that WET is an efficacious and efficient PTSD treatment that may reduce attrition and transcend previously observed barriers to PTSD treatment for both patients and providers. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT01800773
Digitization of Text Documents Using PDF/A

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate a practical use case of PDF/A file format for digitization of textual documents, following recommendation of using PDF/A as a preferred digitization file format. The authors showed how to convert and combine all the TIFFs with associated metadata into a single PDF/A-2b file for a document. Using open source software with real-life examples, the authors show readers how to convert TIFF images, extract associated metadata and ICC profiles, and validate against the newly released PDF/A validator. The generated PDF/A file is a self-contained and self-described container which accommodates all the data from digitization of textual materials, including page-level metadata and/or ICC profiles. With theoretical analysis and empirical examples, PDF/A file format has many advantages over traditional preferred file format TIFF / JPEG2000 for digitization of textual documents.
Smart, adaptive communications

This paper describes a demonstration of a “carefree” user-friendly, software definable, “cognitive” radio that can automatically sense and adapt to its environment and demand for service. This is the first in a series of demonstrations which will incrementally assure the end users of the realizability of fielded “software programmable radios” (i.e. Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS)). A cognitive radio monitoring a transmission must recognize the type of waveform received, including frequencies, modulation, data type (voice, data, sensor data) and have the ability to automatically reconfigure itself to communicate. A cognitive radio must also be able to sense the electromagnetic environment and make changes to maximize bandwidth, Quality of Service (QoS) and maintain security. Cognitive radio will enable more efficient communications by allowing the radio to choose the correct waveform, the correct data rate, the correct compression algorithm, the correct RF power, and the correct path. Decisions have to be made based on many criteria including: data/voice priorities, low probability of intercept vs. anti jam, atmospheric conditions and hardware resource availability. This effort was demonstrated on the SOftware Radio Development System (SoRDS). SoRDS is a fully programmable and reconfigurable software radio, developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory at Rome, New York (AFRL Rome) and is capable of transmitting and receiving voice, data, video, or network traffic. SoRDS is a portable platform that enables rapid development and demonstration of wireless communication applications. The SoRDS concept was to create a software reprogrammable and hardware upgradeable testbed to support evaluation of wireless voice, multimedia and network radio communication applications. SoRDS consists of a general purpose processing system, an adaptive computing system and an IF/RF system. Using SoRDS, wireless applications can be developed from algorithm to implementation and baseband to RF. SoRDS is JTRS capable so the research done can be directly transitioned to JTRS.
Development and Validation of the Questionnaire of Vaping Craving

Introduction Craving may represent core motivational processes in tobacco dependence, but there is no psychometrically evaluated measure of craving for e-cigarettes (vaping craving). This research developed and validated a brief measure of vaping craving. Methods The measure was evaluated in two studies. In Study 1, a 42-item questionnaire assessing a wide range of vaping craving content was administered to 209 current e-cigarette users. In Study 2, a 10-item questionnaire derived from Study 1 results was administered to 224 current e-cigarette users. Participants were recruited from Amazon's Mechanical Turk, an online labor market. Results Principal factor analysis identified the strongest loading items (.815-.867) on the first extracted factor (77% of the factor variance) for inclusion in a 10-item Questionnaire of Vaping Craving (QVC). This item set, with an internal consistency (α) of .97, focused on desire and intent to vape, and anticipation of positive outcomes related to e-cigarette use. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed the items had strong factor loadings that were significantly predicted by the latent vaping craving construct (ps < .001). Higher vaping craving was significantly associated with the level of e-cigarette use, greater negative mood, and lower confidence in ability to quit vaping (ps < .01). Among participants who also smoked tobacco (87%), vaping craving was more strongly associated with e-cigarette dependence than tobacco dependence. Conclusions The findings support the reliability and validity of the QVC and suggest it could be used in laboratory and clinical settings as a psychometrically sound measure of vaping craving. Implications This study is the first reporting the development and validation of a brief, practical, multi-item measure to assess vaping craving. This psychometrically sound assessment for vaping craving could improve understanding of the nature of vaping craving, advance current tobacco cessation strategies, and increase users' ability to cope with craving.
Accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound staging for T2N0 esophageal cancer: a National Cancer Database analysis

To determine accuracy of clinical staging of T2N0 esophageal cancer from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). The NCDB was accessed to identify patients with T2N0M0 esophageal cancer (adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma) treated between 2004–2013 that underwent esophagectomy. Pathologic staging was compared to clinical stage. Univariate (UVA) and multivariate analysis (MVA) was performed to identify factors related to pathologic upstaging using Cox proportional hazard ratio. We identified 1,840 patients with T2N0 esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy as first line therapy. The median age was 67 years. The vast majority of patients were male and had distal adenocarcinomas. Clinical staging in was accurate pathologically in 30.7% of patients. While there was a trend for worse accuracy with increasing year of diagnosis, there rate of pT0–2N0 was stable. Tumor length >3 cm was significantly associated with tumor upstaging, while poor differentiation was significantly associated with nodal upstaging. UVA and MVA identified younger age, tumor length >3 cm, and poor differentiation were significantly associated with overall upstaging. Gender, tumor location, and tumor histology were not prognostic. Clinical staging for T2N0M0 esophageal cancer continues to remain highly inaccurate, however, rates of pT0–2N0 have steadily remained over 50%. Tumor length >3 cm and poor differentiation are strongly associated with pathologic upstaging.
Blood-flow-informed photodynamic therapy (PDT) improves therapeutic efficacy

We demonstrate a noninvasive system for real-time monitoring of tumor blood flow and automatic adjustment of treatment light fluence-rate to conserve tumor perfusion during PDT. Improved efficacy was observed using blood-flow informed light delivery.
Copyright, Fair Use and the For-Profit Sector

For libraries, understanding and applying copyright law can be perplexing. James Heller elaborates on the fair use provision and the library exemption, as well as how the Copyright Act applies to the for-profit sector.
RELIABILITY OF 3-D-PRINTED MANDIBLES CONSTRUCTED FROM CONE BEAM CT VOLUMES OF DIFFERENT VOXEL SIZES

Background 3-D printing, also known as additive manufacturing or rapid prototyping, is a manufacturing process in which layers are sequentially added to create an object. 3-D printing is used in a wide variety of fields, ranging from dentistry and medicine to food manufacturing, toy manufacturing, house manufacturing, and automobile manufacturing and in the fashion industry. 3-D printed models can have a wide variety of uses in dentistry, ranging from anatomic models to surgical implants. Objective(s) The aim of the present study was to establish the reliability of linear cephalometric measurements made on mandibles and their respective 3-D printed models created from different voxel sizes in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Study Design Ten dry mandibles were used for this study. All mandibles were scanned using the i-CAT FLX cone beam CT unit (Imaging Sciences International, LLC, Hatfield, PA) using voxel sizes of 0.30 mm, 0.25 mm, and 0.20 mm at 16 × 8 cm field of view and 360° rotation arc. The 3-D models were reconstructed and saved as STL files using 3-D Slicer software and sent to a 3-D printer for printing. Two observers measured the 10 mandibles and 30 3-D printed models. The measurements were repeated on 50% of the samples after at least 1 week. Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient were calculated to measure reliability. Results Good to excellent interobserver and intraobserver reliability were achieved across most of the measurements. There was no difference in reliability across models made from different voxel sizes. Discussion/Conclusions The present study successfully showed that the reliability of measurements made on 3-D printed models of dry skull mandibles created using the fused deposition modeling technique with images of different voxel sizes from an iCAT FLX CBCT machine are valid, reproducible, and reliable and can be used for diagnostic and clinical purposes.