cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of repellency on the efficacy of blatticides. I. Learned modification of behavior of the German cockroach.

Devices were developed for determining the behavior of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), when it is given the ‘choice’ of entering or avoiding areas that would normally be attractive, such as dark voids, but which have been contaminated by residues of liquid insecticides or by deposits of insecticide dusts, dust diluents, or other powders. Using such devices, repellency was found to be the most important factor affecting the insecticidal efficiency of blatticides. When using ‘choice boxes’ or other similar devices, it is important that observations be made only when the cockroaches are not in a condition of stress, otherwise the ratings given to potential blatticides may not be in accord with what is found to be their comparative value under conditions of normal behavior. The German cockroach was able to learn to avoid the repellent types of insecticide deposits applied in dark areas, thereby resisting its strong impulse to enter such areas. The period required to learn and the effectiveness of the learning process were indicated by the time-mortality curves, which were characteristically hyperbolic rather than sigmoid. The effectiveness and duration of the modified behavior pattern were increased by the ease with which the insects could habituate themselves to a light (and insecticide-free) environment. The complete insecticide-avoidance behavior pattern involved associative learning augmented and extended by a more elementary type of learning known as ‘habituation.’ Boric acid powder possessed so little repellency that German cockroaches repeatedly entered dusted areas until they succumbed to its relatively feeble contact toxic action. In both the ‘choice boxes’ and ‘wall-void devices,’ a given number of cockroaches were exterminated more rapidly with boric acid powder than with deposits of various currently used toxicants or dust desiccants, which were far more insecticidal than it, when the insects were confined continuously upon the deposits. The addition of flour or powdered sugar to boric acid, as possible attractants, was of no value; both were more repellent than boric acid to German cockroaches. In addition, sugar decreases ‘pick-up’ by the cockroaches. It becomes increasingly detrimental with passing time. An important characteristic of a boric acid deposit is that it is readily picked up by insects after it has become damp and subsequently dry. (This characteristic is not possessed by borax and many other powders.) In addition, the deposit left by an aqueous solution of boric acid is insecticidal.
Living On the Edge: Access to Liquid Assets as a Determinant of Unmarried Urban Mothers' Life Satisfaction

According to recent estimates, more than 70% of female-headed households lack access to liquid assets such as emergency cash or credit in times of need. Liquid assets support a household's ability to manage unpredictable changes in income and expenses. Aside from the economic benefits, however, to what extent does having access to resources affect subjective well-being? This study explored the effects of access to liquid assets on unmarried mothers' life satisfaction using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. Controlling for socioeconomic status, health, and financial situation, unmarried mothers with even limited access to liquid assets (compared to no access) had 61% higher odds of being satisfied with life; mothers with greater access had 182% higher odds. This study provides evidence for safety net programs that aim to improve access to liquid assets in this group.
Alexander's Garrisons: A Clue to his Administrative Plans?

Quintus Curtius' bold statement is more than tantalizing to the historian interested in Alexander's plans for the administration of his empire. If Curtius is correct in maintaining that Alexander established garrisons and founded cities throughout the territory he had conquered, then an examination of the location of his settlements as well as the composition of troops and colonists detailed to remain should suggest the nature of Alexander's policy. Furthermore, since garrisons were established from Asia Minor to India, changes in that policy should be revealed if ever his disposition of guards altered markedly.
Space Laser Altimetry

The relatively new technique of laser altimetry, the measurement of Earth surface elevation by timing the propagation interval and digitizing the echo of short laser pulses, is in transition from an airborne remote sensing activity to space-based measurements of global topography. Space-based laser altimeters not only measure distance to the Earth's surface along the nadir track of a host spacecraft, but conduct a surface lidar investigation to reveal the complex shapes of land surface and its vegetation cover. Multi-beam concepts extend the coverage and accuracy of space applications of laser altimetry.
Localizing users and items from paired comparisons

Suppose that we wish to determine an embedding of points given only paired comparisons of the form “user x prefers item q i to item q j .” Such observations arise in a variety of contexts, including applications such as recommendation systems, targeted advertisement, and psychological studies. In this paper we first present an optimization-based framework for localizing new users and items when an existing embedding is known. We demonstrate that user localization can be formulated as a simple constrained quadratic program, and that although item localization produces a set of non-convex constraints, we can make the problem convex by strategically combining comparisons to produce a set of convex linear constraints. Finally, we show that by iteratively applying this method to every user and item, we can recover an accurate embedding, allowing us to iteratively improve a given embedding or even generate an embedding from scratch.
The Development of Expertise in Scientific Research

Scientific research is a fundamental mechanism for both advancing human knowledge about the natural world and facilitating technological innovations that fuel economic development. As such, understanding and optimizing the pathways to expertise and professional success in this endeavor is vital to ensure sustained intellectual and financial benefits of scientific research. This essay summarizes the research on the development of expertise in the sciences from the psychology of science and research on graduate education. Examining new research trends that present an emerging picture of a specific trajectory for the development of research skills and frame the development of scientific research skills as direct outcomes of specific training practices, new directions for research that bridge the cognitive and socialization lenses are identified. Keywords: research training; graduate education; STEM ; expertise; scientific reasoning; psychology of science; mentorship; skill trajectories
733. Somatically Repairing Compound Heterozygous Recessive Mutations by Chromosomal Cut-and-Paste for In Vivo Gene Therapy

Patients affected by monogenic recessive genetic disorders often carry two different mutated alleles of the same gene, which is known as compound heterozygous. Theoretically, exchanging the genetic material between the two mutated alleles will reconstitute a mutation-free allele that can be therapeutic (FigureFigure). We hypothesized that generating DNA double-stranded breaks at the same location on both mutant alleles can induce allele exchange, reconstitute a mutation-free allele, and therefore yield therapeutic benefit. We first tested this hypothesis in a targeted knock-in mouse model that carries GFPN-term-intron-tdTomatoC-term and tdTomatoN-term-intron-GFPC-term expression cassettes, respectively, at the same genomic location on each copy of Chr 11. Therefore, allele exchange at the intronic region will reconstitute the full-length GFP and tdTomato, serving as a reporter system. We injected recombinant AAV (rAAV) vectors expressing SpCas9 and sgRNA targeting the intron into adult mice by tail vein injection. Five weeks later, we observed GFP and tdTomato fluorescence in cryosections of peripheral tissues including liver and heart, whereas there was no such fluorescence observed in the tissue samples from untreated mice, demonstrating that allele exchange occurred, and that the reconstituted alleles yielded protein expression. Furthermore, we generated mice that carry two different mutations of the Aspa gene as a compound heterozygous mouse model of Canavan disease. We treated these mice with rAAV vectors expressing SpCas9 and sgRNA targeting an intron between the two mutation sites. Three weeks after treatment, we detected reconstituted, mutation-free Aspa DNA sequence by allele-specific PCR and single-molecule, high-throughput DNA sequencing in the liver. The reconstituted Aspa allele carried insertion at the predicted SpCas9 cleavage site, indicating that the DNA allele exchange was mediated by the non-homologous end joining DNA repair pathway. We also observed allele exchange in mouse liver using the SaCas9 system. Evaluation of the therapeutic benefit following Cas9/sgRNA-mediated allele exchange in various compound heterozygous mouse models and patient cell lines is underway. The gene repairing strategy described here is a novel approach to tackling a broad range of autosomal recessive genetic disorders.View Large Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Cyclic sprinkler irrigation and pre-irrigation substrate water content affect water and N leaching from containers

Abstract A series of sprinkler irrigation experiments were conducted to determine the influences of water application rate (WAR), pre-irrigation substrate water content (PSWC), and cyclic irrigation on water and N leaching from container-grown plants. Prior to experiments, Marigold (Tagetes erecta L. ‘Apollo’), were glass house-grown in pine bark-filled 3.8 liter (1 gal) containers. Prior to treatment, substrate was dried via evapotranspiration (ET) to targeted PSWCs. A simulated overhead irrigation system applied the daily water allotment in a single continuous application or cyclically (multiple applications); in most cases the respective ET volumes were applied to the substrate. Water application efficiency (WAE; water vol retained in substrate + water vol applied to substrate) was determined, and in some experiments, leachates were analyzed for EC, NO3-N and NH4-N. A negative linear relationship existed between WAR and WAE. Leachate NO3-N and NH4-N concentrations were unaffected by WAR, however, total...
Measuring and accounting for the Hawthorne effect during a direct overt observational study of intensive care unit nurses.

Background Because suspecting nurses could alter hand hygiene (HH) behavior when observed, the goal of this article was to describe how the Hawthorne effect (HE) was measured and accounted for in a direct observational prospective study. Methods Observations were made 8 h/d for 3-5 days in 5 intensive care units (ICUs) (4 hospitals) on a convenience sample of 64 ICU nurses in Texas. The HE was measured so if hand hygiene adherence rates of the first 2 hours were 20% higher than the last 6 hours, the first 2 hours would be dropped and an additional 2 hours would be added at the end of the observation period. Hourly rates were recorded during the observation period, using room entry and room exit. Results The difference between aggregated rates of the first 2 hours and last 6 hours was 0.56% (range, 0.02%-15.74%) and not significant . On 12 observation days, higher rates were observed during the first 2 hours. On 6 days, higher rates were observed in the last 6 hours, with difference in rates of 1.43% (day 1), 2.97% (day 2), and 1.42% (day 3). Conclusions The attempt at measuring and accounting for the HE showed little difference in HH rates throughout the observation period. Based on these results, necessity of the observer moving locations during HH surveillance after 10-20 minutes, because of a feared HE, might not be necessary.
Orphan Spin Polarization: A Catalyst for High-Throughput Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy of Proteins

Magic angle spinning solid-state NMR (MAS ssNMR) spectroscopy is a powerful method for structure determination of biomacromolecules that are recalcitrant to crystallization (membrane proteins and fibrils). Conventional multidimensional ssNMR methods acquire one experiment at a time. This approach is time consuming and discards orphan (unused) spin operators. Relatively low sensitivity and poor resolution of protein samples require long acquisition times for multidimensional ssNMR experiments. Here, we describe our recent progress in the development of multiple acquisition solid-state NMR methods for protein structure determination. A family of experiments called Polarization Optimized Experiments (POE) were designed, in which we utilized the orphan spin operators that are discarded in classical multidimensional NMR experiments, recovering them to allow simultaneous acquisition of multiple 2D and 3D experiments, all while using conventional probes with spectrometers equipped with one receiver. Three strategies namely, DUMAS, MEIOSIS, and MAeSTOSO were used for the concatenation of various 2D and 3D experiments. These methods open up new avenues for reducing the acquisition times of multidimensional experiments for biomolecular ssNMR spectroscopy.
Cleaning up the “Fetid Swamp”: Examining how journalists construct policies and practices for moderating comments

Online commenting has become a popular form of audience–journalist interaction. However, journalists have become frustrated with commenters who use forums to attack and make assertions. As journalists look for ways to reign in commenters, it becomes important to consider how journalists make decisions about moderation policies and practices. This study used gatekeeping theory to consider how one organization approached moderation and related issues of content management. The researcher conducted a one-month ethnography of a large news organization and their online forums and discovered that journalists set high expectations of commenters, but willingly accept low-quality content. Journalists appear to struggle with how to institute policies that promote high-quality discourse without engaging in intense battles with the audience and having to devote more resources to moderation. Journalists focus on establishing balance between allowing the audience to have a conversation without allowing that conversatio...
Klotho regulates postnatal neurogenesis and protects against age-related spatial memory loss

Although the absence of the age-regulating klotho protein causes klotho-deficient mice to rapidly develop cognitive impairment and increasing klotho enhances hippocampal-dependent memory, the cellular effects of klotho that mediate hippocampal-dependent memory function are unknown. Here, we show premature aging of the klotho-deficient hippocampal neurogenic niche as evidenced by reduced numbers of neural stem cells, decreased proliferation, and impaired maturation of immature neurons. Klotho-deficient neurospheres show reduced proliferation and size that is rescued by supplementation with shed klotho protein. Conversely, 6-month-old klotho-overexpressing mice exhibit increased numbers of neural stem cells, increased proliferation, and more immature neurons with enhanced dendritic arborization. Protection from normal age-related loss of object location memory with klotho overexpression and loss of spatial memory when klotho is reduced by even half suggests direct, local effects of the protein. Together, these data show that klotho is a novel regulator of postnatal neurogenesis affecting neural stem cell proliferation and maturation sufficient to impact hippocampal-dependent spatial memory function.
Perceptions of alcohol-impaired driving and the blood alcohol concentration standard in the United States.

Abstract Introduction Although the number of alcohol-impaired driving (AID) fatalities has declined over the past several years, AID continues to be a serious public health problem. The purpose of this effort was to gain a better understanding of the U.S. driving population's perceptions and thoughts about the impacts of lowering the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) driving standard below.08% on AID, health, and other outcomes. Methods A questionnaire was administered to a nationally representative sample of licensed drivers in the U.S. (n = 1011) who were of age 21 or older on driving habits, alcohol consumption habits, drinking and driving habits, attitudes about drinking and driving, experiences with and opinions of drinking and driving laws, opinions about strategies to reduce drinking and driving, general concerns about traffic safety issues, and demographics. Results One-third of participants supported lowering the legal BAC standard, and participants rated a BAC standard of .05% to be moderately acceptable on average. 63.9% indicated that lowering 30 the BAC to .05% would have no effect on their decisions to drink and drive. Nearly 60% of respondents lacked accurate knowledge of their state's BAC standard. Conclusions Public support for lowering the BAC standard was moderate and was partially tied to beliefs about the impacts of a change in the BAC standard. The results suggest that an opportunity for better educating the driving population about existing AID policy and the implications for lowering the BAC level on traffic injury prevention. Practical applications The study results are useful for state traffic safety professionals and policy makers to have a better understanding of the public's perceptions of and thoughts about BAC standards. There is a clear need for more research into the effects of lowering the BAC standard on crashes, arrests, AID behavior, and alcohol-related behaviors.
Systemic Antibiotics for the Treatment of Skin and Soft Tissue Abscesses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Study objective The addition of antibiotics to standard incision and drainage is controversial, with earlier studies demonstrating no significant benefit. However, 2 large, multicenter trials have recently been published that have challenged the previous literature. The goal of this review was to determine whether systemic antibiotics for abscesses after incision and drainage improve cure rates. Methods PubMed, the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and bibliographies of selected articles were assessed for all randomized controlled trials comparing adjuvant antibiotics with placebo in the treatment of drained abscesses, with an outcome of treatment failure assessed within 21 days. Data were dual extracted into a predefined worksheet and quality analysis was performed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results Four studies (n=2,406 participants) were identified. There were 89 treatment failures (7.7%) in the antibiotic group and 150 (16.1%) in the placebo group. The calculated risk difference was 7.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.8% to 12.1%), with an odds ratio for clinical cure of 2.32 (95% CI 1.75 to 3.08) in favor of the antibiotic group. There was also a decreased incidence of new lesions in the antibiotic group (risk difference –10.0%, 95% CI –12.8% to –7.2%; odds ratio 0.32, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.44), with a minimally increased risk of minor adverse events (risk difference 4.4%, 95% CI 1.0% to 7.8%; odds ratio 1.29, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.58). Conclusion The use of systemic antibiotics for skin and soft tissue abscesses after incision and drainage resulted in an increased rate of clinical cure. Providers should consider the use of antibiotics while balancing the risk of adverse events.
Modeling “Textured” Bones in Virtual Human Phantoms

The purpose of this paper was to develop detailed and realistic models of the cortical and trabecular bones in the spine, ribs, and sternum and incorporate them into the library of virtual human phantoms [extended cardiac-torso (XCAT)]. Cortical bone was modeled by 3-D morphological erosion of XCAT homogenously defined bones with an average thickness measured from the computed tomography (CT) dataset upon which each individual XCAT phantom was based. The trabecular texture was modeled using a power law synthesis algorithm, where the parameters were tuned using high-resolution anatomical images of the Human Visible Female. The synthesized bone textures were added into the XCAT phantoms. To qualitatively evaluate the improved realism of the bone modeling, CT simulations of the XCAT phantoms were acquired with and without the textured bone modeling. The 3-D power spectrum of the anatomical images exhibited a power law behavior ( $\text{R}^{2} = {0.84}$ ), as expected in fractal and porous textures. The proposed texture synthesis algorithm was able to synthesize textures emulating real anatomical images, where the simulated CT images with the prototyped bones were more realistic than those simulated with the original XCAT models. Incorporating intraorgan structures, the “textured” phantoms are envisioned to be used to conduct virtual clinical trials in the context of medical imaging in cases, where the actual trials are infeasible due to the lack of ground truth, cost, or potential risks to the patients.
Medicolegal Issues of Battered Baby Syndrome

Battered baby (child) syndrome has been recognized for nearly half a century and is defined as repeated non-accidental trauma of various ages. In medicolegal death investigations, it is often avoided, due to its alleged controversy, or more accurately, due to the challenges it presents in court. In this chapter, we discuss some of the medicolegal issues of a battered baby syndrome diagnosis for the cause of death and the legal issues surrounding the prosecution and defense in these types of cases. A case example involving a 5-month-old infant is presented. Additionally, the importance and challenges in timing fractures and using skeletal trauma as evidence of abuse are discussed. Finally, this case is contextualized among infant and child homicides and recommendations for best practices are outlined.
Environmental Protection Agency Enforcement Patterns: A Case of Political Pork Barrel?

This study examined the possible link between congressional membership on one of two powerful committees with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversight power and the incidence of EPA citations being levied against those firms headquartered within the committee members’ home districts. Using a sample of 109 Fortune 500 firms for the 1992–1993 time period, the results suggest a significant and negative link between committee membership on either the House Appropriations Committee or the House Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Committee, and the number of EPA citations levied against firms headquartered in the districts of the congresspersons serving on these committees. The results suggest that politicians may exercise power in order to protect their constituents, rather than to protect the national interest.
Empiric Treatment of Chronic Diarrhea

Diarrhea occurring for 4 or more weeks is deemed chronic. In an ideal world, it would be easy to identify and direct therapy to the underlying pathophysiology that is leading to chronic diarrhea, however, this is not always possible. Oral rehydration solutions play an important role in treating dehydration, which is one of the first aspects of chronic diarrhea that must be dealt with. Various medications can be used to help ameliorate the symptoms of chronic diarrhea or to treat the underlying mechanism involved. Some of these agents include silicates, bulk-forming agents, opiates, enkephalinase inhibitors, anticholinergics, somatostatin analogues, calcium channel blockers, and alpha 2- adrenergic agonists. Lastly, probiotics can be used in treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea, travelers’ diarrhea, diarrhea-predominant IBS, ulcerative colitis, and in the prevention of pouchitis. For a more detailed discussion of the various treatment options available please refer to the corresponding chapters.
Numerical Studies of Metastability in Ising Systems: Short-Range Versus Long-Range Interactions

We apply field-theoretical and transfer-matrix methods to study homogeneous nucleation in Ising ferromagnets both with short-range and with long-range interactions. A “constrained” free-energy density computed directly from the transfer matrix is compared with the analytically continued free-energy density from field-theoretical treatments and with Monte-Carlo data.
Differences in Beliefs and Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics: An International Study of Future Teachers

Mathematical content knowledge and beliefs about teaching and learning interact in complex ways that, in turn, influence the quality of mathematics instruction and, therefore, are important teacher-preparation program outcomes. We used the Teacher Education Development Study in Mathematics (TEDS-M) database to study the relationship between future primary teachers’ beliefs about the nature of mathematics, beliefs about learning mathematics, and mathematical content knowledge (MCK) within and between teacher preparation programs across 15 countries. A series of multilevel models were fit to four program groups (lower primary, primary, primary/secondary, and primary mathematics specialists) with future teachers nested within institutions. Confirming our hypotheses, procedural beliefs were associated with lower MCK scores, and inquiry beliefs were associated with higher MCK scores. We hypothesized that endorsing fixed-ability beliefs would be associated with lower MCK scores, but this was only confirmed in some countries and program-types. The chapter concludes with possible explanations for programmatic differences between and within countries, grounded in a discussion of program features such as entry requirements, program-types, and credentials, as well as curriculum organization and content.
High spectral resolution second harmonic generation microspectroscopy at thin layer interfaces with broadband continuum pulses

Abstract We demonstrate an effective microspectroscopy technique by tracing the dispersion of second order nonlinear optical susceptibility χ(2) in single atomic layer materials. The experimental method relies on the detection of single-shot second harmonic (SH) spectra from the materials and the subsequent data normalization. The key point in our study is that we used a broadband (˜350 nm) near-infrared femtosecond continuum pulses generated at high repetition rates in a photonic crystal fiber with superior spatial quality and stable spectral power density. This is opposite to the point-by-point laser tuning method in SH generation spectroscopy that was applied extensively in the past and has shown limited precision in obtaining χ(2) dispersion. The continuum pulse technique produces spectral resolution better than 2 meV ( • Tailored continuum pulses are used to generate second harmonic signal in non-centrosymmetric semiconductors. • SHG spectrum carries fingerprints of the bandstructure around the direct gap states. • The technique produces fine spectral resolution and much better signal-to-noise ratio compared to point-by-point wavelength tuning methods.
Local Loop Shaping for Rejecting Band-Limited Disturbances in Nonminimum-Phase Systems With Application to Laser Beam Steering for Additive Manufacturing

Closed-loop disturbance rejection without sacrificing overall system performance is a fundamental issue in a wide range of applications from precision motion control, active noise cancellation, to advanced manufacturing. The core of rejecting band-limited disturbances is the shaping of feedback loops to actively and flexibly respond to different disturbance spectra. However, such strong and flexible local loop shaping (LLS) has remained underdeveloped for systems with nonminimum-phase zeros due to challenges to invert the system dynamics. This article proposes an LLS with prescribed performance requirements in systems with nonminimum-phase zeros. Pioneering an integration of the interpolation theory with a model-based parameterization of the closed loop, the proposed solution provides a filter design to match the inverse plant dynamics locally and, as a result, creates a highly effective framework for controlling both narrowband and wideband vibrations. From there, we discuss methods to control the fundamental waterbed limitation, verify the algorithm on a laser beam steering platform in selective laser sintering additive manufacturing, and compare the benefits and tradeoffs over the conventional direct inverse-based loop-shaping method. The results are supported by both simulation and experimentation.
miniGEMS 2018 Summer Camp Evaluation: Empowering Middle School Girls in STEAM

miniGEMS, a free two-week summer STEAM camp has been launched at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), San Antonio, Texas since 2015. The goal of miniGEMS is to introduce more females into the fields of STEM. During the summer 2018, a total of 108 middle school girls was recruited from Title I schools and school districts in San Antonio, Texas. The camp focused on attracting underrepresented populations and provided various hands-on STEAM-related activities in an informal learning setting. This study applied experiential learning theory and evaluated the effectiveness of miniGEMS STEAM (Science, technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) camp. Through analyzing surveys, interviews, and students’ posters, the results indicated that: (1) students had minimal STEM backgrounds; their most favorite subject was Science (40%), while 45% of students identified math as their least favorite STEM subjects; (2) with the facilitation of camp counselors and teachers, students expressed that learning in miniGEMS camp was fun and engaging; and (3) students’ learning involves the acquisition of abstract concepts from hands-on activities that can be applied in advanced STEM studies and future careers.
Dynamic modulation of the lipid translocation groove generates a conductive ion channel in Ca 2+-bound nhTMEM16

Both lipid and ion translocation by Ca2+-regulated TMEM16 transmembrane proteins utilizes a membrane-exposed hydrophilic groove. Several conformations of the groove are observed in TMEM16 protein structures, but how these conformations form, and what functions they support, remains unknown. From analyses of atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of Ca2+-bound nhTMEM16 we find that the mechanism of a conformational transition of the groove from membrane-exposed to occluded from the membrane involves the repositioning of transmembrane helix 4 (TM4) following its disengagement from a TM3/TM4 interaction interface. Residue L302 is a key element in the hydrophobic TM3/TM4 interaction patch that braces the open-groove conformation, which should be changed by an L302A mutation. The structure of the L302A mutant determined by cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) reveals a partially closed groove that could translocate ions, but not lipids. This is corroborated with functional assays showing severely impaired lipid scrambling, but robust channel activity by L302A.
Predictions of hypertrophy and its regression in response to pressure overload.

Mechanics-based cardiac growth models can now predict changes in mass, chamber size, and wall thickness in response to perturbations such as pressure overload (PO), volume overload, and myocardial infarction with a single set of growth parameters. As these models move toward clinical applications, many of the most interesting applications involve predictions of whether or how a patient’s heart will reverse its growth after an intervention. In the case of PO, significant regression in wall thickness is observed both experimentally and clinically following relief of overload, for example following replacement of a stenotic aortic valve. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the ability of a published cardiac growth model that captures forward growth in multiple situations to predict growth reversal following relief of PO. Using a finite element model of a beating canine heart coupled to a circuit model of the circulation, we quantitatively matched hemodynamic data from a canine study of aortic banding followed by unbanding. Surprisingly, although the growth model correctly predicted the time course of PO-induced hypertrophy, it predicted only limited growth reversal given the measured unbanding hemodynamics, contradicting experimental and clinical observations. We were able to resolve this discrepancy only by incorporating an evolving homeostatic setpoint for the governing growth equations. Furthermore, our analysis suggests that many strain- and stress-based growth laws using the traditional volumetric growth framework will have similar difficulties capturing regression following the relief of PO unless growth setpoints are allowed to evolve.
Glycoproteins of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) Virus: Molecular Structure and Function in Virus Pathogenicity and Host Immunity

The VEE virus particle contains a ssRNA genome enclosed in an icosahedral capsid and an envelope containing two glycoproteins, E2 (56k daltons, gpF6) and El (50k daltons, gp50). The amino terminal sequences of the envelope proteins have been determined and compared with data for other alphaviruses. The alphavirus glycoproteins share regions of homology, particularly in the conservation of proline and cysteine residues, implying that the three dimensional conformation is conserved. Deletions and amino acid replacements can occur at most locations with the alphavirus glycoproteins indicating that variation within the proteins can be accommodated without destroying biological function. Tryptic map analysis of the two virus glycoproteins shows differing degrees of diversity within the VEE complex, the larger protein being the more variable. Viral neutralization (N) and hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) determinants have been placed on the gp56 VEE/TC-83 protein using monoclonal antibody to purified proteins. Antigenic analysis indicates the presence of at least three antigenic epitopes on gp56 and four on gp50. Biological functions of N and HAI are primarily associated with gp56°, the critical N site. In vivo protection from virus infection is provided by passive immunization with antisera to gp56 and gp50 as well as highly avid monoclonal antibodies to gp56c, gp50b, gp50c, and gp50d. Small amounts c of gp56c antibodies were needed to provide protection, whereas less avid antibodies to other determinants on gp56 and gp50 were less protective. Protection from VEE virus infection appears to be determined by the specificity of antibody to the virion glycoprotein epitope, avidity of the antibody and the ability of the antibody to react with antigenic epitopes proximal to the critical N site.
Review of Rural Education in America: What Works for Our Students, Teachers, and Communities

Scholars and pundits have increasingly made attempts to understand rural places and people over the past half decade. In the world of education, examinations of poverty and challenges in schooling ...
Dissipativity Theory for Discrete-Time Nonlinear Stochastic Dynamical Systems, Part I: Input-Output and State Properties

In this paper, we develop stochastic dissipativity theory for discrete-time nonlinear dynamical systems expressed by Ito-type difference equations using basic input-output and state properties. Specifically, a stochastic version of dissipativity and losslessness using both an input-output as well as a state dissipation inequality in expectation for controlled Markov chains is presented. In particular, using generalized notions of average system energy storage and average external energy supply, we present a systematic treatment of stochastic dissipativity theory as a generalization of classical deterministic dissipativity theory. These results are then used in the second part of this paper to develop feedback interconnection stability in probability results as well as extensions of the small gain and positivity theorems for discrete-time stochastic systems.
Structures of full-length VanR from Streptomyces coelicolor in both the inactive and activated states

Vancomycin has historically been used as a last-resort treatment for serious bacterial infections. However, vancomycin resistance has become widespread in certain pathogens, presenting a serious threat to public health. Resistance to vancomycin is conferred by a suite of resistance genes, the expression of which is controlled by the VanR–VanS two-component system. VanR is the response regulator in this system; in the presence of vancomycin, VanR accepts a phosphoryl group from VanS, thereby activating VanR as a transcription factor and inducing expression of the resistance genes. This paper presents the X-ray crystal structures of full-length VanR from Streptomyces coelicolor in both the inactive and activated states at resolutions of 2.3 and 2.0 A, respectively. Comparison of the two structures illustrates that phosphorylation of VanR is accompanied by a disorder-to-order transition of helix 4, which lies within the receiver domain of the protein. This transition generates an interface that promotes dimerization of the receiver domain; dimerization in solution was verified using analytical ultracentrifugation. The inactive conformation of the protein does not appear intrinsically unable to bind DNA; rather, it is proposed that in the activated form DNA binding is enhanced by an avidity effect contributed by the receiver-domain dimerization.
Extended Abstract: Joint Parity-Time and Anti-Parity-Time-symmetric Qubits

We construct new types of two-level qubit systems through incorporating non-Hermiticity with joint Parity-Time and anti-Parity-Time symmetries and present a framework to analytically find the dynamics for such systems. As a result, observe improved properties of decoherence, von Neumann entanglement entropy and quantum Fisher information. This suggests that non-Hermitian PT and APT-symmetric qubits may be better suited for quantum computing and quantum information processing than conventional Hermitian qubits.
Patient-specific implants with custom cutting blocks better approximate natural knee kinematics than standard TKA without custom cutting blocks.

Abstract Background Nearly 14% to 39% TKA patients report dissatisfaction causing incomplete return of function. We proposed that the kinematics of knees implanted with patient-specific prostheses using patient-specific cutting guides would be closer to normal. Methods Eighteen matched cadaver lower limbs were randomly assigned to two groups: group A was implanted with patient-specific implants using patient-specific cutting guides; group B, the contralateral knee, was implanted with a standard design using intramedullary alignment cutting guides. Knee kinematics were measured on a dynamic closed-kinetic-chain Oxford knee rig, simulating a deep knee bend and in a passive rig testing varus–valgus laxity. Results The difference from normal kinematics was lower for group A compared to group B for active femoral rollback, active tibiofemoral adduction, and for passive varus–valgus laxity. Conclusions Our results support the hypothesis that knees with patient-specific implants generate kinematics more closely resembling normal knee kinematics than standard knee designs. Clinical Relevance Restoring normal kinematics may improve function and patient satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty.
Abstract B16: Contributions of Ras and EZH2 in acinar to ductal metaplasia and ductal carcinoma in transgenic mouse pancreas

Activating mutations of the ras protooncogene is the most frequent and an early genetic alteration associated with pancreatic cancer. To examine the link between mutant ras oncogenes and exocrine pancreatic cancer, and to develop mouse models of PanINs and also of lesions that progress to malignancy, we generated transgenic mice expressing either Kras or Hras in pancreas. The tetracycline transactivator system expression was targeted to the pancreatic acinar cells via the elastase promoter element. The transactivation target ras genes were placed under the control of the tetracycline-response element. Most double transgenic founder mice displayed perinatal pancreatic acinar cell hyperplasia and dysplasia. However, only adult mice expressing Hras displayed preinvasive pancreatic neoplastic lesions with ductal morphology. Therefore, these Kras and Hras models each represent useful models in which either the lesion histotype and agressiveness (Hras) or the initiating genetic alteration overlap with the human disease (Kras). More recently, we have developed and are characterizing the contributions of expressing enhancer of zeste 2 homolog (EZH2), a histone methyl transferase and key regulator of cell differentiation and tissue regeneration, in modifying aggressiveness of mutated ras genes in vivo. Our findings suggest that ras mutations are associated with development of early stage duct-like lesions in pancreas, which vary in severity depending on the mutated ras gene expressed and the stage of development and growth of pancreas tissue. Citation Format: Jayne Ellis, Eric P. Sandgren, Paul J. Grippo, Marxa L. Figueiredo. Contributions of Ras and EZH2 in acinar to ductal metaplasia and ductal carcinoma in transgenic mouse pancreas. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Innovations in Research and Treatment; May 18-21, 2014; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(13 Suppl):Abstract nr B16.
Ensuring software safety in robot control

Hazard prevention and/or risk minimization are especially pertinent in industrial robot installations. Software for controlling robots must be analyzed as a contributor in risk situations. The use of 'failure mode and effects analyses' and 'fault tree analyses' on such software offers a measure of risk minimization. This paper contains an example application of FMEA and FTA to software, and offers guidelines for similar uses in other situational investigations. Another benefit of applying FMEA and FTA to software is the encouragement of communication and cooperation between software developers and industrial personnel. Suggestions regarding cooperative communication protocol are in the paper's concluding remarks.
A Normal Approximation for the Multivariate Likelihood Ratio Statistics

For many multivariate hypotheses, under the normality assumptions, the likelihood ratio tests are optimal in the sense of having maximal exact slopes. The exact distributions needed for implementing these tests are complex and their tabulation is limited in scope and accessibility. In this paper, a method of constructing normal approximations to these distributions is described, and illustrated using the problems of testing sphericity and independence between two sets of variates. The normal approximations are compared with well-known competing approximations and are seen to fare well.
AMTEC recirculating test cell component testing and operation

Alkali metal thermoelectric converter operation in a recirculating test cell (RTC), which requires a small electromagnetic pump (EM) and a high-temperature beta " alumina-solid-electrolyte (BASE) 1-to-metal seal, is discussed. The design of a pump and an active metal braze seal and the initial operation of a cell using these components are described. The pump delivered 0.25 cm/sup 3//min against a 28-psia head. A braze seal system was selected after shear strength tests of Ta or Nb brazed to BASE by a variety of fillers including TiCuNi, TiNi, and TiNiCr. The TiCuNi filler was chosen for environment cell testing and showed no failure or observable degradation after short-term tests up to 1055 K. The pump and the Nb/TiCuNi/BASE seal were used in a test that demonstrated all the operational functions of the RTC for the first time. An increase in the radiation reduction factor at constant input power was observed, indicating that the condenser was being wet by sodium resulting in an increased reflectivity. >
Portrait of Promise: Moses and the Journey to Consciousness

Recent literature in psychology suggests that the narcissistic personality has become the most prominent personality type in the Western world. The North American over-valuation of individualism and stress on the development of the isolated self are threatening the human maturation needed to successfully engage the challenges of living in the twenty-first century. This article explores the ways in which a psycho-spiritual analysis of the prophetic figure of the biblical Moses presents an antidote to the epidemic of narcissism defeating our potential toward more mutually satisfying and personally integrated living. When asked if civilization would survive, C.G. Jung replied that it would if only enough people would take responsibility for their own consciousness.
Object-oriented simulation to support operator decision making in semiconductor manufacturing

The authors describe research on the development of a high-fidelity simulator using the object-oriented programming paradigm. The simulator models the complex interactions in reentrant flow manufacturing facilities. In addition to potentially providing better estimates on throughput, work-in-progress levels, and bottleneck resources in the modeled system, the simulator serves as a platform to investigate issues of operator cross-training, decision aiding, and the effect of operator decisions in such manufacturing facilities. The authors describe the class hierarchy of objects required for modeling and analysis of semiconductor and thin films fabrication, and discuss their approach to modeling complex supervisory control decisions in reentrant flow lines. >
Behavior of Elk (Cervus canadensis) during the Rut

Zusammenfassjng Wahrend zweier Monate (1965) wurden im Banff National Park (Kanada) qualitative und quantitative Daten uber das Brunftverhalten des amerikanischen Wapiti (Cervus canadensis) gesammelt. Einige Verhaltensweisen sind erstmals genauer beschneben. Die ♀♀-Gruppen sowie die Zahl der mit ihnen lebenden Spieser und 21/2- und 31/2 jahngen ♂♂ wurden zu Beginn der Brunft kleiner, an ihrem Ende wieder groser. Das Zahlenverhaltnis von ♀♀ und Kalbern blieb dabei gleich. Spieser blieben langer als altere ♂♂ in den ♀♀-Gruppen und schlossen sich ihnen fruher wieder an. Bei Brunftbeginn traten die uber 31/2Jahrigen ♂♂ zu den ♀♀-Gruppen, spalteten sie und vertrieben jungere ♂♂. Sonogramme erlautern genauere Angaben uber das Rohren und den Alarmruf, der bei ♂♂ hoher ist als bei ♀♀. Durch Rohren, Geweihschlagen am Gestrauch, Graben und Suhlen scheinen andere ♂♂ aufmerksam und angelockt zu werden. Das fuhrt zu Zweikampfen und fordert die geschlechtliche Auslese. ♂♂ ab 31/2 Jahren konnen ejakulieren beim Rohren, Geweihschlagen, Graben, Stehen in der Suhle, nach dem Zusammentreiben von ♀♀ und beim Alarmrufen. Heftige Kampfe waren selten, nur einmal kam es zu Schlagen auf den Korper. Kampfwunden scheinen unwesentlich als Todesursache. ♂♂ kampfen bevorzugt mit Altersgenossen, altere kampfen mehr als junge, alle zu bestimmten Tages- und Jahreszeiten mehr als sonst. Reviere scheint es nicht zu geben. Harem-♂♂ treiben zu bestimmten Tages- und Jahreszeiten besonders haufig ♂♀ mit Kalbern zusammen. Mehr als 31/2 Jahre alte ♂♂ bestritten 94 % der heterosexuellen Kontakte, die ebenfalls tages- und jahreszeitlich verschieden haufig waren. Harem-♂♂ vertrieben am haufigsten uber 31/2jahrige ♂♂, selten Spieser, am seltensten 21/2jahrige ♂♂. Wenn es beim Drohen blieb, war immer der Angreifer gleich alt oder alter als sein Gegner; die Haufigkeit solcher nicht zur Beruhrung fuhrenden aggressiven Begegnungen anderte sich mit der Tageszeit. ♀♀-Gruppen werden offenbar von adulten ♀♀, nicht von jungen ♂♂ „gefuhrt”. Uber 31/2jahrige ♂♂ verbrauchen wohl in der Brunft Energiereserven, denn sie fressen weniger lange und sind mehr mit Laufen und anderen Bewegungen beschaftigt als jungere ♂♂.
High temperature electronics for geothermal energy

Instrumentation for geothermal borehole measurements is being expanded beyond today's limited capabilities. Prototype logging tools have been successfully field-tested to 275°C; a high-resolution quartz pressure transducer and a gallium phosphide diode have been successfully tested. Near-term goals of current programs are to develop instrumentation for use at 275° in pressures up to 48.3 MPa (7000 psi).