cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytoplasmic Prostaglandin E2 Synthase Is Dominantly Expressed in Cultured KAT-50 Thyrocytes, Cells That Express Constitutive Prostaglandin-endoperoxide H Synthase-2: BASIS FOR LOW PROSTAGLANDIN E2PRODUCTION

The recent identification and cloning of two glutathione-dependent prostaglandin E(2) synthase (PGES) genes has yielded important insights into the terminal step of PGE(2) synthesis. These enzymes form efficient functional pairs with specific members of the prostaglandin-endoperoxide H synthase (PGHS) family. Microsomal PGES (mPGES) is inducible and works more efficiently with PGHS-2, the inflammatory cyclooxygenase, while the cytoplasmic isoform (cPGES) pairs functionally with PGHS-1, the cyclooxygenase that ordinarily exhibits constitutive expression. KAT-50, a well differentiated thyroid epithelial cell line, expresses high levels of PGHS-2 but surprisingly low levels of PGE(2) when compared with human orbital fibroblasts. Moreover, PGHS-1 protein cannot be detected in KAT-50. We report here that KAT-50 cells express high basal levels of cPGES but mPGES mRNA and protein are undetectable. Thus, KAT-50 cells express the inefficient PGHS-2/cPGES pair, and this results in modest PGE(2) production. The high levels of cPGES and the absence of mPGES expression result from dramatic differences in the activities of their respective gene promoters. When mPGES is expressed in KAT-50 by transiently transfecting the cells, PGE(2) production is up-regulated substantially. These observations indicate that naturally occurring cells can express a suboptimal profile of PGHS and PGES isoforms, resulting in diminished levels of PGE(2) generation.
High glucose-induced altered basement membrane composition and structure increases trans-endothelial permeability: implications for diabetic retinopathy.

Purpose: The following study was designed to investigate early biosynthetic and ultrastructural changes that alter functional properties of the basement membrane (BM) and affect vascular permeability in diabetic retinopathy.Materials and Methods: To determine whether altered matrix synthesis affects cell monolayer permeability, rat retinal endothelial cells (RRECs) were grown for 4 days to confluency in normal (N, 5 mM) or high glucose (HG, 30 mM) medium on transwell inserts and subjected to an in vitro cell monolayer permeability assay. Inserts were cut out and viewed under a transmission electron microscope to assess extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and cell morphology. In parallel cell cultures, fibronectin and collagen IV protein expression were determined using Western Blot analysis.Results: Electron microscopic analysis of cells exposed to short-term HG showed no difference in inter-endothelial cell tight junctions (TJs) or in the number of vesicles or coated pits compared to those of normal ...
Research Note: A Dynamic Programming Approach to Customer Relationship Pricing

The practice of offering discounts to prospective customers represents a rudimentary form of using transaction history measures to customize the marketing mix. Furthermore, the proliferation of powerful customer relationship management (CRM) systems is providing the data and the communications channels necessary to extend this type of pricing strategy into true dynamic marketing policies that adjust pricing as customer relationships evolve. In this paper, we describe a dynamic programming--based approach to creating optimal relationship pricing policies. The methodology has two main components. The first component is a latent class logit model that is used to model customer buying behavior. The second component is a dynamic optimization procedure that computes profit-maximizing price paths. The methodology is illustrated using subscriber data provided by a large metropolitan newspaper.The empirical results provide support for the common managerial practice of offering discounts to new customers. However, in contrast to current practice, the results suggest the use of a series of decreasing discounts based on the length of customer tenure rather than a single steep discount for first-time purchasers. The dynamic programming (DP) methodology also represents an important approach to calculating customer value (CV). Specifically, the DP framework allows the calculation of CV to be an explicit function of marketing policies and customer status. As such, this method for calculating CV accounts for the value of managerial flexibility and improves upon existing methods that do not model revenue and attrition rates as functions of marketing variables.
Inpatient Readmissions and Emergency Department Visits within 30 Days of a Hospital Admission

Author(s): Brennan, Jesse J.; Chan, Theodore C.; Killeen, James P.; Castillo, Edward M. | Abstract: Introduction: Inpatient hospital readmissions have become a focus for healthcare reform and cost-containment efforts. Initiatives targeting unanticipated readmissions have included care coordination for specific high readmission diseases and patients and health coaching during the post-discharge transition period. However, little research has focused on emergency department (ED) visits following an inpatient admission. The objective of this study was to assess 30-day ED utilization and all-cause readmissions following a hospital admission.Methods: This was a retrospective study using inpatient and ED utilization data from two hospitals with a shared patient population in 2011. We assessed the 30-day ED visit rate and 30-day readmission rate and compared patient characteristics among individuals with 30-day inpatient readmissions, 30-day ED discharges, and no 30-day visits.Results: There were 13,449 patients who met the criteria of an index visit. Overall, 2,453 (18.2%) patients had an ED visit within 30 days of an inpatient stay. However, only 55.6% (n=1,363) of these patients were admitted at one of these 30-day visits, resulting in a 30-day all-cause readmission rate of 10.1%.Conclusion: Approximately one in five patients presented to the ED within 30 days of an inpatient hospitalization and over half of these patients were readmitted. Readmission measures that incorporate ED visits following an inpatient stay might better inform interventions to reduce avoidable readmissions.
Intracellular trafficking and the parasitophorous vacuole of Leishmania mexicana-infected macrophages.

The continued success of Leishmania as an intramacrophage parasite is dependent on its ability to survive within an acidic intracellular compartment, resist degradation by lysosomal hydrolases, exploit the host cell as a source of nutrients, and avoid the macrophage9s antigen-presenting capabilities. All these requirements are dependent on the properties of the parasitophorous vacuole in which Leishmania resides. This study shows that the vacuole possesses membrane proteins characteristic of a lysosome, and has MHC class II molecules. The trafficking of a variety of endocytic markers supports this finding. However, a temporal study up to 14 days post-infection indicates that, as it matures, the vacuole gains mannose 6-phosphate receptor, and becomes more accessible to endocytosed ligand, suggesting that the vacuole has functionally translocated from a lysosomal to late endosomal compartment. Endocytosed material was detected in the flagellar pocket and inside the amastigote, demonstrating parasite uptake of intra-vacuolar material. Careful analysis of amastigotes suggests that they avoid antigen presentation by their host cell by limiting the release of potential antigens. These findings significantly extend our understanding of the mechanisms employed by Leishmania to ensure its survival in the macrophage.
The Non-Consistency and Non-Uniqueness of the Consistent Value

As is well known, Shapley’s value [7] can be obtained in terms of marginal payoffs to players in randomly formed coalitions. Moreover, Hart and MasColell [2] have shown that the value satisfies a consistency property in terms of reduced games (see also Peleg [6]).
Improving Literacy Skills of Students From Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds

Changes to legal language related to identification of students with learning disabilities underscore issues relevant to students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and minority students overrepresented in special education. In this article, the authors focus on research and research-based reading interventions, highlighted by changes in identification practices, which might help to increase reading opportunities and achievement gains of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Interventions related to improving the following basic literacy skills are included: phonological awareness, or the ability to hear and manipulate sound structure of language; alphabetic understanding, or the mapping of print to speech and the phonological decoding of letter strings into corresponding sounds while blending sounds into words; accuracy and fluency with connected text, or the facile and seemingly effortless recognition of words in connected text; and reading comprehension, o...
NO modulates the apicolateral cytoskeleton of isolated hepatocytes by a PKC-dependent, cGMP-independent mechanism

Nitric oxide (NO) induces smooth muscle relaxation. We examined whether NO or its mediator of this action, guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), similarly induces relaxation of the apicolate...
An Analysis of the Body Temperatures of Birds

Recently there has been much work done on the energetics of homoiotherms. One parameter of energetics, body temperature, is relatively easy to measure and, thus, has been often studied. An analysis of the body temperatures of mammals was proposed by McNab (1966), but none has been made of bird temperatures. The purpose of this report is to analyze the factors responsible for the level of body temperatures of birds.
Mass Comparator for In-Situ Calibration of Large Mass Standards

This paper describes a high precision electronic mass comparator with a range from 250 kg to 5,000 kg. It is suggested that it would be useful to transport the comparator to the test weights rather than to transport the weights to the comparator, the usual method, thus economizing time and monies.
The Frailest Thing in the World; On Faith, Suffering and Cinema in Our Time

This review explores the spiritual and religious meaning of Eric Rohmer's "Ma nuit chez Maud" in the light of the thought of the French Christian Philosopher Blaise Pascal.
Hand-Held Reader for Colorimetric Sensor Arrays.

An inexpensive hand-held device for analysis of colorimetric sensor arrays (CSAs) has been developed. The device makes use of a contact image sensor (CIS), technology commonly used in business card scanners, to rapidly collect low-noise colorimetric data for chemical sensing. The lack of moving parts and insensitivity to vibration allow for lower noise and improved scan rates compared to other digital imaging techniques (e.g., digital cameras, flatbed scanners); signal-to-noise ratios are a factor of 3–10 higher than currently used methods, and scan rates are up to 250 times faster without compromising sensitivity. The device is capable of real-time chemical analysis at scan rates up to 48 Hz.
Psychodynamic Approaches: Object Relations and Self Theory

Does personality develop from the inevitable conflict of primitive instincts and societal prohibitions? Or from the quality of early caregiving as Richter implies in the above quotation? Which has greater influence: the earliest years of childhood or later years, ending with Freud’s Oedipal period? Are people passively influenced by forces beyond their control, or do they actively influence their destiny? Is it possible for analysts to remain neutral or do analysts and clients inevitably influence one another? These dialectic tensions mark the evolution of psychoanalysis from Freud through the ego analysts to object relations theory. Still further dialectic tensions are covered in later chapters: e.g., internalized representations vs. the ongoing co-construction of problematic relationships in interpersonal (Chaps. 10 and 11) and intersubjective psychodynamic approaches (Chap. 14).
Maternal Infection and Risk of Epilepsy in Childhood

The association between prenatal exposure to maternal specific infections during pregnancy and the subsequent risk of epilepsy in childhood was estimated in a prospective population-based birth cohort in Denmark followed for 8 years at University of Aarhus, Denmark.
Evaluation of chlorine dioxide based product as a hatchery sanitizer

Abstract Formaldehyde is commonly used to overcome contaminants introduced by hatching eggs or water supply in the hatcher cabinets. However, health risks associated with its use make economical alternatives important. This project evaluated a chlorine dioxide based product (CDBP) (0.3% concentrate) as a hatchery sanitizer in decontaminating microbial populations on the shell surface of hatching eggs (>18 d old), as well as its impact on hatchability and chick performance. Hatchers (0.20 m2) designed to hold approximately 50 eggs and equipped with circulation fans, heaters, and thermostats were used for the evaluation. For each of the 2 trials conducted, 450 hatching eggs were obtained and incubated in a common setter. Eggs used in trial 1 were floor eggs whereas in trial 2 nest eggs were used. On d 18 of incubation, eggs were removed from the setter, and viable eggs were randomly allocated to 9 hatchers. Pre-treatment egg rinse samples (10 eggs per hatcher) were collected for initial microbial analysis. Three hatchers were treated with CDBP and 3 hatchers with a formaldehyde based product (FBP). Three untreated hatchers served as control (C). Prior to hatch, 10 eggs/incubator, not previously rinsed, were used for post treatment microbial counts. The hatched chicks were reared until d 21 in floor pens with a common starter diet. For the CDBP treated eggs, hatchability and chick performance (weight gains, mortality, and FCR on d 7 and d 21) were similar to the other treatments. The application rate of CDBP evaluated in this study was not an effective antimicrobial alternative to formaldehyde for sanitizing hatching eggs in hatcher cabinets prior to hatch.
Coevolution between Bats and Plants

More than 250 species of bats eat some fruit, nectar, or pollen. In doing so, bats often provide dispersal and pollination services to at least 130 plant genera (Howell and Hodgkin, 1976). These interactions have profoundly influenced the evolution of some bats and plants. For example, the leaf-nosed bat, Leptonycteris sanborni, has morphological and physiological traits that allow it to subsist entirely on flowers and fruits, whereas the same traits apparently preclude the extensive use of insects (Howell and Hodgkin, 1976). On the other side of the interaction, plants such as Crescentia alata (the calabash tree) are so efficiently pollinated by bats that they are unable to reproduce without bat assistance. The structure of its flowers and the timing of nectar presentation preclude pollination by other animals.
Multiple Hepatic Clearance Receptors Facilitate Elimination of Secretory Mucins that Can Enter the Bloodstream in Pathological States and Generate Platelet-Rich Microthrombi.

Abstract Epithelial cells that line hollow organs typically secrete mucins and their proteolytic fragments vectorially, into the lumen of the organ. Fragments of these large, heterogeneously O-glycosylated molecules can enter the blood stream during injury, inflammation or malignancy involving such organs. We have previously shown that intravenous injection of human carcinoma mucin fragments into mice triggered a “Trousseau”-like syndrome consisting of extensive formation of platelet- and leukocyte-rich microthrombi that were thrombin-independent, but L-and P-selectin-dependent and heparin-sensitive (Wahrenbrock et al., 2003, J Clin Invest, 112, 853–62). Thus, we hypothesized that mechanisms should exist to clear such mucin fragments when they enter the bloodstream in various pathological states. Indeed, intravenously injected radiolabeled mucin fragments had a circulating half-life of ~1 minute in mice, due to rapid and specific clearance by liver reticuloendothelial cells. Competition of uptake by inhibitors of known glycan-recognizing hepatic clearance receptors showed that several overlapping and non-overlapping systems work in concert to remove mucin fragments from the circulation. The systems involved include the hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor, the macrophage Gal/GalNAc and Mannose receptors, and the endothelial S4GGnM and hyaluronan receptors. Studies of genetically deficient mice, and competition studies amongst various differently glycosylated mucins confirm this result. Thus, multiple hepatic clearance receptors collaborate to varying degrees to ensure elimination of the many polydisperse and differentially glycosylated forms of secretory mucins that might enter the blood circulation from various hollow organs, thus limiting their ability to cause pathology involving disseminated platelet and leukocyte aggregation. This process could also potentially modulate circulating levels of mucin epitopes that are sometimes used as diagnostic criteria in cancer (e.g., CA125, CA19-9 etc.). Furthermore, it can explain why mucin-type clustered O-glycosylation is very uncommon on circulating plasma proteins.
A Hybrid Method for Manufacturing Text Mining Based on Document Clustering and Topic Modeling Techniques

As the volume of online manufacturing information grows steadily, the need for developing dedicated computational tools for information organization and mining becomes more pronounced. This paper proposes a novel approach for facilitating search and organization of textual documents and also extraction of thematic patterns in manufacturing corpora using document clustering and topic modeling techniques. The proposed method adopts K-means and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) algorithms for document clustering and topic modeling, respectively. Through experimental validation, it is shown that topic modeling, in conjunction with document clustering, facilitates automated annotation and classification of manufacturing webpages as well as extraction of useful patterns, thus improving the intelligence of supplier discovery and knowledge acquisition tools.
Closing the Remaining Evidence Gap: Randomized Controlled Trial Data to Support Statin Therapy for Low-Density Lipoprotein ≥190 mg/dL.

Article, see p 1878 Abundant observational evidence has shown the association between elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and adverse cardiovascular outcomes and premature cardiovascular death.1,2 Extensive and highly consistent clinical trial evidence has also shown the benefits of lowering LDL-C with statin therapy in reducing cardiovascular risk.3–8 For these reasons, the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association cholesterol guidelines recommended statin therapy in these 4 statin benefit groups8: 1. Clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) 2. LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL, ≥21 years of age 3. Primary prevention—diabetes mellitus: 40–75 years of age, LDL-C 70–189 mg/dL 4. Primary prevention—no diabetes mellitus (7.5%), 10-year ASCVD risk, 40–75 years of age, LDL-C 70–189 mg/dL Although overwhelming clinical trial evidence supports statin benefit groups 1,3–5 3,7,8 and 4,6,8 until now there has not been direct randomized clinical trial evidence for improved outcomes in statin benefit group 2. The 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association cholesterol guidelines writing committee recognized that individuals ≥21 years of age with primary, severe elevations of LDL-C (≥190 mg/dL) have a high lifetime risk for ASCVD events. Therefore, the committee recommended statin treatment irrespective of calculated 10-year ASCVD risk in this high-risk cohort. Despite the evidence …
The Ramallah Friends Meeting: Examining One Hundred Years of Peace and Justice Work

This article uses interviews conducted around the 2010 Centennial celebrations of the Ramallah Friends (Quaker) Meeting House to explore domestic and expatriate Quaker peace and justice efforts ove...
Hairy and enhancer of split 1 (HES1) protects cells from endoplasmic reticulum stress–induced apoptosis through repression of GADD34

Disruption in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function, termed ER stress, occurs in many diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and cancer. Cells respond to ER stress with the unfolded protein response (UPR), which triggers a broad transcriptional program to restore and enhance ER function. Here, we found that ER stress up-regulates the mRNA encoding the developmentally regulated transcriptional repressor hairy and enhancer of split 1 (HES1), in a variety cell types. Depletion of HES1 increased cell death in response to ER stress in mouse and human cells, in a manner that depended on the pro-apoptotic gene growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein GADD34 (also known as Protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 15A, or MyD116). Furthermore, HES1 bound to the GADD34 promoter, and its depletion led to an up-regulation of GADD34 expression during ER stress. Our results identify HES1 as a repressor of GADD34 expression, and reveal that HES1 contributes to cell fate determination in response to ER stress.
Evaluation of trace elements in U.S. coals using the USGS COALQUAL database version 3.0. Part II: Non-REY critical elements

Abstract Coal is a potential source of some valuable elements. In this work, concentrations of 25 critical elements in U.S. coals were evaluated using the COALQUAL Database Version 3.0 aiming to identify best coal sources for potential recovery of critical element. A method was proposed to calculate the mean concentrations of critical elements in U.S. coals, including Li (11.5 ppm), Be (1.9 ppm), Ti (721 ppm), V (21.6 ppm), Mn (50.8 ppm), Co (4.5 ppm), Ga (5.1 ppm), Ge (7.2p pm), Se (2.4 ppm), Zr (30.4 ppm), Nb (3.3 ppm), Sn (1.8 ppm), Sb (1.0 ppm), Ba (266 ppm), Hf (0.77 ppm), and Ta (0.19 ppm).Based on the calculated mean concentrations, a rough estimate indicates that U.S. coals contain a large amount of critical elements that are enough to meet U.S. demands for many years to come, if these elements can be commercially extracted. By comparing with the suggested cut-off grades, we found that 5.8% of the coal samples have Ga concentrations higher than the suggested cut-off grade. The percentages of promising coal samples (higher than cut-off grades) of other elements are below 3%. Results further indicate that despite some variations among elements, bituminous coals from the Appalachian region are likely to have high concentrations of Li, Ga, Be, Se, and Sb which make them a potential source of these critical elements. Bituminous coals from the Interior Coal Province, both Eastern and Western, were found to have relatively high probabilities of having high Ge concentrations. Very limited coal samples were found from mixed regions to have V and Zr concentrations higher than the corresponding suggested cut-off grades.
Tomographic changes in eyes with hyperopic shift after triple Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty.

Purpose To describe the tomographic changes in eyes with a hyperopic shift after triple Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Setting Private cornea practice, Blue Ash, Ohio, USA. Design Retrospective case series. Methods Patients who had previous triple DMEK with preoperative and postoperative Scheimpflug corneal tomography (Pentacam) measurements and corresponding manifest refraction measurements were reviewed. Eyes with and without a hyperopic postoperative shift were compared at either the 1-month or 3- to 6-month follow-ups. Assessed parameters included demographics, cataract testing, visual acuity, manifest refraction, and Scheimpflug tomography data. Results Sixty-two eyes of 47 patients (21 men, 26 women) with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy were included. Preoperative posterior flat keratometry (K), posterior steep K, posterior average K, central pachymetry, and asphericity (Q value) of the posterior cornea were significantly different when comparing the hyperopic and non-hyperopic group. At the postoperative 1-month and 3- to 6-month follow-ups, there was a significant between-group difference in change in postoperative anterior K (average), posterior K (average), central pachymetry, and posterior Q values compared with preoperative values. The combined preoperative criteria of posterior flat K (≥−5.25), central pachymetry (≥670 μm), and posterior Q value (≥0.5) had a sensitivity of 58% (11/19 correctly identified hyperopic shifts) and specificity of 81% (8/43 incorrectly identified). Conclusions Eyes with a hyperopic surprise after triple DMEK demonstrated a significant change in posterior and anterior corneal curvature compared with eyes without a hyperopic surprise. This might be secondary to corneal edema because these eyes also demonstrated greater preoperative corneal pachymetry.
In situ observations of phase changes in shock compressed forsterite

Shockwave data on mineral‐forming compounds such as Mg2SiO4 are essential for understanding the interiors of Earth and other planets, but correct interpretation of these data depend on knowing the phase assemblage being probed at high pressure. Hence direct observations of the phase or phases making up the measured states along the forsterite Hugoniot are essential to assess whether kinetic factors inhibit the achievement of the expected equilibrium, phase‐separated assemblage. Previous shock recovery experiments on forsterite, which has orthorhombic space group Pbnm, show discrepant results as to whether forsterite undergoes segregation into its equilibrium phase assemblage of compositionally distinct structures upon shock compression. Here, we present the results of plate impact experiments on polycrystalline forsterite conducted at the Dynamic Compression Sector of the Advanced Photon Source. In situ x‐ray diffraction measurements were used to probe the crystal structure(s) in the shock state and to investigate potential decomposition into periclase and bridgmanite. In contrast to previous interpretations of the forsterite shock Hugoniot, we find that forsterite does not decompose, but instead reaches the forsterite III structure, which is a metastable structure of Mg_2SiO_4 with orthorhombic space group Cmc2_1.
Biodiversity Loss and Infectious Diseases

When conservation biologists think about infectious diseases, their thoughts are mostly negative. Infectious diseases have been associated with the extinction and endangerment of some species, though this is rare, and other factors like habitat loss and poorly regulated harvest still are the overwhelming drivers of endangerment. Parasites are pervasive and play important roles as natural enemies on par with top predators, from regulating population abundances to maintaining species diversity. Sometimes, parasites themselves can be endangered. However, it seems unlikely that humans will miss extinct parasites. Parasites are often sensitive to habitat loss and degradation, making them positive indicators of ecosystem “health”. Conservation biologists need to carefully consider infectious diseases when planning conservation actions. This can include minimizing the movement of domestic and invasive species, vaccination, and culling.
Face Processing in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD is one of the most common and impairing psychiatric conditions affecting children today. Thus far, much of the phenomenological and neurobiological research has emphasized the core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity which are thought to be mediated by frontostriatal alterations. However, increasing evidence suggests that ADHD involves emotional problems in addition to cognitive impairments. Here, we review the neurobiology of face processing and suggest that face-processing alterations offer a window into the emotional dysfunction often accompanying ADHD.
Effect of international rehabilitation visiting student program on students’ professional development

Introduction/Background One of the important and enduring strategies that developing countries take in advancing education and training of rehabilitation students and professionals is fostering international partnerships, improving the quality of international education provision, and encouraging partnerships with foreign education institutions. The purpose of this presentation is to describe and examine the effect of an international visiting student program in a university of USA on students’ professional development. A total of seventy students in rehabilitation from China participated in the three-month summer visiting student program that included a combination of didactic coursework, clinical observation, and cultural immersion in the past three summers. Material and method The outcomes of the program were evaluated annually through a mixed methods approach incorporating a single group pre/posttest analysis and focus group discussions. The quantitative portion of the study incorporated the use of two instruments: the Team Skills Scale (TSS) (Hepburn, Tsukuda, & Fasser, 2002), and one subscale of the Cultural Competence Health Practitioner Assessment (CCHPA) (National Center for Cultural Competency, 2014). Qualitative data collection included videotaped interviews with participants at the end of the CRISP prior to the participants returning to China. The participants were asked open-ended reflection questions by a CRISP staff moderator. Results The results of quantitative data analyses revealed significant differences between pre and post tests suggesting the summer program had significant impact on students’ team work skills and cultural competence. The results of qualitative data analysis echoed the findings of the quantitative data. Conclusion Findings of the program evaluation revealed that international immersion programs is one of the effective stepping stones to help prepare and develop rehabilitation professionals for countries in which rehabilitation is less developed. The willingness of educational institutions to commit to working with partners in another country is vital to initiate the collaboration.
Contextual Combinatorial Multi-armed Bandits with Volatile Arms and Submodular Reward

In this paper, we study the stochastic contextual combinatorial multi-armed bandit (CC-MAB) framework that is tailored for volatile arms and submodular reward functions. CC-MAB inherits properties from both contextual bandit and combinatorial bandit: it aims to select a set of arms in each round based on the side information (a.k.a. context) associated with the arms. By ``volatile arms'', we mean that the available arms to select from in each round may change; and by ``submodular rewards'', we mean that the total reward achieved by selected arms is not a simple sum of individual rewards but demonstrates a feature of diminishing returns determined by the relations between selected arms (e.g. relevance and redundancy). Volatile arms and submodular rewards are often seen in many real-world applications, e.g. recommender systems and crowdsourcing, in which multi-armed bandit (MAB) based strategies are extensively applied. Although there exist works that investigate these issues separately based on standard MAB, jointly considering all these issues in a single MAB problem requires very different algorithm design and regret analysis. Our algorithm CC-MAB provides an online decision-making policy in a contextual and combinatorial bandit setting and effectively addresses the issues raised by volatile arms and submodular reward functions. The proposed algorithm is proved to achieve $O(cT^{\frac{2\alpha+D}{3\alpha + D}}\log(T))$ regret after a span of $T$ rounds. The performance of CC-MAB is evaluated by experiments conducted on a real-world crowdsourcing dataset, and the result shows that our algorithm outperforms the prior art.
Putting Theories into Action: A Case of Study of How Early Educators Made Sense of Teaching Lessons That Reflected Their Students' Sociocultural Worlds.

While many within early childhood and early childhood teacher education continue to call for early educators to engage in activities that attend to children’s sociocultural worlds, practicing and p...
The necessity, validity, and clinical utility of a new diagnostic entity: Acute suicidal affective disturbance.

OBJECTIVE Here we argue for the necessity, validity, and clinical utility of a new diagnostic entity, acute suicidal affective disturbance (ASAD). METHOD We expand on the conceptual, clinical, and practical rationale for ASAD, propose its defining features, describe research results to date, and suggest avenues for future research. RESULTS There is accruing evidence for the existence of a previously unclassified, rapid-onset mood disturbance that geometrically escalates and regularly results in life-threatening behavior. CONCLUSIONS ASAD research may not only improve the field's understanding of suicidal behavior but also enhance clinical effectiveness and save lives.
Developing the Geriatric Injury Documentation Tool (Geri-IDT) to Improve Documentation of Physical Findings in Injured Older Adults

Standardization in tools and documentation of child abuse and intimate partner violence have proven helpful in completely documenting injuries and suspected abuse among these populations. Similar tools do not yet exist for older adults and elder abuse. To (1) use insights from experts to develop a tool to assist clinicians in appropriately and completely documenting physical findings in injured older adults for potential future forensic investigation of abuse or neglect and (2) to assess the feasibility of incorporating this tool into clinical practice. Two-phase, exploratory qualitative study. Phase 1: individual interviews with elder abuse experts from various specialties in medicine and criminal justice. Phase 2: focus groups with anticipated end users of the tool. Phase 1 telephone-based key informant interviews were conducted with 11 elder abuse experts (2 detectives, 3 prosecutors, 1 forensic pathologist, 2 geriatricians, and 3 emergency medicine physicians). Phase 2 focus groups were conducted among emergency medicine (n = 10) and primary care (n = 8) providers. Key informant interviews were conducted telephonically while the two focus groups were held in-person at an emergency medicine site in New York, NY, and a primary care site in Los Angeles, CA. Experts agreed that medical providers’ documentation of geriatric injuries is usually inadequate for investigating alleged elder abuse/neglect. They highlighted elements needed for forensic investigation: initial appearance before treatment is initiated, complete head-to-toe evaluation, documentation of all injuries (even minor ones), and documentation of pertinent negatives. Several noted the value of photographs to supplement written documentation. End users identified practical challenges to utilizing a tool, including the burden of additional or parallel documentation in a busy clinical setting, and how to integrate it into existing electronic medical records. A practical tool to improve medical documentation of geriatric injuries for potential forensic use would be valuable. Practical challenges to utilization must be overcome.
Muscle strength, size, and neuromuscular function before and during adolescence

To compare measurements of muscle strength, size, and neuromuscular function among pre-adolescent and adolescent boys and girls with distinctly different strength capabilities. Fifteen boys (mean age ± confidence interval: 13.0 ± 1.0 years) and 13 girls (12.9 ± 1.1 years) were categorized as low strength (LS, n = 14) or high strength (HS, n = 14) based on isometric maximal voluntary contraction strength of the leg extensors. Height (HT), seated height, and weight (WT) determined maturity offset, while percent body fat and fat-free mass (FFM) were estimated from skinfold measurements. Quadriceps femoris muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) was assessed from ultrasound images. Isometric ramp contractions of the leg extensors were performed while surface electromyographic amplitude (EMGRMS) and mechanomyographic amplitude (MMGRMS) were recorded for the vastus lateralis (VL). Neuromuscular efficiency from the EMG and MMG signals (NMEEMG and NMEMMG, respectively) and log-transformed EMG and MMG vs. torque relationships were also used to examine neuromuscular responses. HS was 99–117% stronger, 2.3–2.8 years older, 14.0–15.7 cm taller, 20.9–22.3 kg heavier, 2.3–2.4 years more biologically mature, and exhibited 39–43% greater CSA than LS (p ≤ 0.001). HS exhibited 74–81% higher NMEEMG than LS (p ≤ 0.022), while HS girls exhibited the highest NMEMMG (p ≤ 0.045). Even after scaling for HT, WT, CSA, and FFM, strength was still 36–90% greater for HS than LS (p ≤ 0.031). The MMGRMS patterns in the LS group displayed more type I motor unit characteristics. Neuromuscular adaptations likely influence strength increases from pre-adolescence to adolescence, particularly when examining large, force-producing muscles and large strength differences explained by biological maturity, rather than simply age.
Iron-Catalyzed Atom Transfer Radical Polymerizationof Semifluorinated Methacrylates

Fluorinated polymers are an important class of functional materials that exhibit unique properties such as high chemical resistance, thermal stability, and low surface energy. Atom transfer radical...
Review of Richard Longstreth, The American Department Store Transformed , 1920-1960

Richard Longstreth. The American Department Store Transformed, 1920–1960 . New Haven, Yale University Press, 2010, 352 pp., 15 color and 243 b/w illus. $60, ISBN 9780300149388. With his previous books and articles, Richard Longstreth has already established himself as an authority on the subjects that lie at the intersection of architecture, urbanism, and consumer culture. His latest work, The American Department Store Transformed, 1920–1960, will only cement this reputation. The book has a magisterial sweep that owes as much to the density of the information and the richness of the illustration as it does to the broad purview of the argument. The nine chapters take the reader on a tour of the twentieth century retail landscape, beginning after World War I with the postwar expansion of the great downtown stores and store chains. The chapters continue with “the embrace of modernism in design and display” (34), the addition of remote service buildings and parking garages, the development of branch stores and shopping centers, the emergence of regional malls, and the largely failed attempt to use the mall idea to reinvigorate the urban core. Looming over this history are the challenges presented by suburbanization and automobilization and the threats posed by “competing distribution systems”—specialty stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and chain stores like the J. C. Penney Co., Sears Roebuck & Co., and F. W. Woolworth & Co. (9). It is a big, comprehensive story that …
Nonlinear fracture of two-dimensional transition metal carbides (MXenes)

Abstract As a newly discovered two-dimensional (2D) material group, MXene has exceptional thermal- electronic properties. However, its mechanical behavior, especially fracture, remains unexplored. In-situ SEM tensile experiments show that the fracture of MXene is quite nonlinear with a much-prolonged softening stage in comparison with other 2D materials, which is suspected to be caused by the anisotropy and relatively thick monolayer of MXenes. In this work, molecular dynamic (MD) modeling is conducted to investigate the anisotropic fracture behavior of two types of MXenes (Ti2C and Ti3C2) with different monolayer thickness. Both pristine and defected MXenes are investigated. Results show that: (1) MXene tends to fracture along zigzag direction, (2) atomic vacancies at the crack tip have limited effects on the overall fracture behavior, (3) a thicker monolayer can produce a larger cohesive zone due to the ‘thinning’ process, (4) complex fracture paths are to be expected for mixed-mode fractures.
SoxS represses flagellar gene expression through RflP in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

ABSTRACT Flagellar gene expression is subject to regulation by many global transcription factors in response to environmental and nutritional signals. One of the primary ways this occurs in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and its close relatives, is through controlling levels of FlhD4C2 (the flagellar master regulator) via transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational mechanisms. Recently, we found the homologous transcription factors MarA, Rob, and SoxS repress flhDC expression by distinct mechanisms. MarA and Rob, regulators involved in inducible multidrug resistance, repressed flhDC transcription by interacting directly with the flhDC promoter. Alternatively, SoxS, the oxidative stress response regulator, altered FlhD4C2 levels independent of flhDC transcription by post-transcriptional or post-translational mechanism. Here, using a forward genetic screen, we discovered that SoxS-dependent repression of flagellar gene expression occurs through RflP, an anti-FlhD4C2 factor that targets FlhD4C2 for proteolytic degradation. Elevated soxS expression resulted in concomitant increases in rflP expression, indicating SoxS may work through RflP at the level of rflP transcription. Mapping of the rflP promoter and a bioinformatic search yielded a putative SoxS binding site proximal to the rflP transcription start site. Comparison of the rflP promoter region in S. Typhimurium and Escherichia coli indicate substantial differences, providing a possible mechanism for differential expression of rflP between these species. IMPORTANCE Salmonella enterica is a major cause of foodborne illness. Understanding environmental and intracellular signals used by Salmonella to control expression of virulence-associated traits is critical to advancing treatment and prevention of Salmonella-related disease. Reduced expression of flagella at key points during Salmonella infection aids in evasion of the host innate immune system. Within macrophages Salmonella is non-flagellated and exposed to oxidative stress. SoxS-dependent repression of flagellar genes may provide a potential link between oxidative stress and reductions in flagellar expression.
The Differential Diagnosis of Orofacial Pains

Summary Orofacial pain is a complex problem that presents as many different disorders. In order for the clinician to manage effectively the patient's specific orofacial pain problem, he or she first must be able to diagnose the condition. It is only through proper diagnosis that effective therapy can be applied. This article emphasizes the concept that different orofacial structures present pain with different unique clinical characteristics. If the clinician is able to identify these clinical characteristics, he or she more likely will correctly diagnose the problem. This article presents a clinical road map that helps the clinician better categorize pain condition (see Fig. 1). This article only emphasizes the differential diagnosis of the major orofacial pain conditions. A more complete understanding of each condition and its appropriate therapy can be found either in other articles in this issue or in other texts that specifically address each disorder.2, 4, 14, 18, 22
The role of uptake and degradation in the regulation of peripheral serotonin dynamics in Gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta.

Abstract The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hyroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is involved in a variety of peripheral processes. Arguably most notable is its role as a circulating vasoconstrictor in the plasma of vertebrates. Plasma 5-HT is maintained at constant levels under normal conditions through the processes of cellular uptake, degradation, and excretion, known collectively as clearance. However, the degree to which each individual component of clearance contributes to this whole animal response remains poorly understood. The goal of this experiment was to determine the extent to which transporter-mediated uptake and intracellular degradation contribute to 5-HT clearance in the model teleost Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta). Fish that were treated with the 5-HT transport inhibitors fluoxetine, buproprion, and decynium-22 had 1.47-fold higher plasma 5-HT concentrations and a 40% decrease in clearance rate compared to control fish. In contrast, fish treated with the MAO inhibitor clorgyline had a 1.54-fold increase in plasma 5-HT with no change in clearance rate. The results show that transporter-mediated 5-HT uptake plays an important role in controlling circulating 5-HT and whole body 5-HT homeostasis.
Effect of heteroaromatics on the photochromic properties of Bindone-Aryl SpiroCyclohexadienes

Abstract In the last decade, photochromes activated by visible light have garnered increased interest due to their ability to modulate the properties of materials via the most benign stimulus available, light. This interest has focused on the development of new photochromic classes and thorough study of how to selectively tune their properties. Currently, the dominant class arising from these efforts are Donor-Acceptor Stenhouse Adducts, which display negative T-type behavior. The recently discovered Bindone-Aryl SpiroCyclohexadienes, which display positive T-type behavior, are poised to serve as a complementary class to DASAs. Herein, we show that the spectral and kinetic characteristics of the emergent Bindone-Aryl SpiroCyclohexadiene class can be modulated via the introduction of heteroaromatic donor groups.
Police Fatal Force and Crime Reporting: A Test of Community Responses to Fatal Police-Civilian Encounters.

Public perceptions of police legitimacy and effectiveness have been challenged by recent high-profile use of fatal force incidents by the police. Prior scholarship suggests that that controversial ...
Pilot Performance and Workload Using Simulated GPS Track Angle Error Displays

Abstract The effect on simulated GPS instrument approach performance and workload resulting from the addition of Track Angle Error (TAE) information to cockpit RNAV receiver displays in explicit analog form was studied experimentally (5 display formats, 6 pilots, 20 approaches each) in a Frasca 242 light twin aircraft simulator. Inter subject differences in ability to use the displays were found, but sliding and tilting pointer TAE formats significantly improved intercept and tracking performance measures. Detennination of wind correction angle was simplified. Workload scores were not significantly influenced by display format, but depended on approach geometry and phase.
Intimate Encounters; Staging Intimacy and Sensuality

INTIMATE ENCOUNTERS; STAGING INTIMACY AND SENSUALITY By Tonia Sina Campanella, MFA A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Pedagogy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Pedagogy Major Director: David S. Leong Chair, Theatre Department This text is a partial record of the conception and development of Reflections of Red in a Mirror of Desire that opened on February 2oth 2006 for a three day run ending on February 22"" The majority of the text is focused on the events and research that provided the concept for the show. Some of the research includes influential choreographers and companies such as Pina Bausch, Graziela Daniele, Moses Pendleton, Pilobolus, Momix, Julie Tayrnor, and Merce Cunningham. Included in the analysis of this event are the experiences and lessons that came about during the process of directing Reflections of Red in a Mirror of desire. The result of this evaluation is the creation of an approach to choreographing and directing sexual or intimate scenes for vii the stage. Further reflections on directing, choreographing, collaboration, creative process, and aesthetics serve as the culmination of lessons inherent in both the creation of the production and the author's three years of study at the Virginia Commonwealth University Theatre Pedagogy Program with an emphasis in Movement and