cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Summarization of Videos by Tree-Structured Vector Quantization

Accurate grouping of video shots could lead to semantic indexing of video segments for content analysis and retrieval. This paper introduces a novel cluster analysis which, depending both on the video genre and the specific user needs, produces a hierarchical representation of the video only on a reduced number of significant summaries. An outlook on a possible implementation strategy is then suggested. Specifically, vector-quantization codebooks are used to represent the visual content and to cluster the shots with a similar chromatic consistency. The evaluation of the codebook distortion introduced in each cluster is used to stop the procedure on few levels, exploiting the dependency relationships between clusters. Finally, the user can navigate through summaries at each hierarchical level and then decide which level to adopt for eventual post-processing. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through a series of experiments on real visual-data excerpted from different kinds of programmes.
IBM second-generation RISC machine organization

A highly concurrent second-generation RISC (reduced-instruction-set computer) that combines a powerful RISC architecture with sophisticated hardware design techniques to achieve a short cycle time and a low cycles-per-instruction (CPI) ratio is described. Like earlier RISC processors, this design uses a register-oriented instruction set, the CPU is hardwired rather than microcoded, and it features a pipelined implementation. Unlike earlier RISC processors, however, several advanced architectural and implementation features are used, including separate instruction and data caches, zero-cycle branches, multiple-instruction dispatch, and simultaneous execution of fixed- and floating-point instructions. The CPU has a four-word data bus to main memory, a four-word instruction-fetch bus from the I-cache arrays, and a two-word data bus between the D-cache and floating-point unit. The CPU has a full 64-b floating-point engine, and thirty-two 64-b floating point registers in addition to thirty-two 32-b fixed-point registers. In a single cycle, four instructions can be executed simultaneously. >
Carnitine acetyltransferases are required for growth on non-fermentable carbon sources but not for pathogenesis in Candida albicans.

Carbon starvation is a significant stress encountered by the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans, and mutations in several pathways required to assimilate non-fermentable carbon sources attenuate virulence. These pathways – β-oxidation, the glyoxylate cycle and gluconeogenesis – are compartmentalized in the fungal cell between the peroxisome, mitochondria and cytosol; thus, the cell must transport key intermediates between these organelles. Transport of acetyl-CoA, a particularly important intermediate of carbon metabolism, is catalysed by membrane-associated carnitine acetyltransferases (CATs). We report here the characterization of the three predicted CAT genes in C. albicans, CTN1, CTN2 and CTN3. Strains lacking CTN1 or CTN2 were unable to grow on ethanol or acetate as sole carbon source; additionally, citrate was utilized poorly (Δctn2) or not at all (Δctn1) and the Δctn2 mutant failed to grow on fatty acids as well. In contrast, deletion of CTN3 had no observable phenotype. All three genes were upregulated in the presence of non-fermentable carbon sources and after macrophage phagocytosis. CTN1 and CTN3 were able to complement the corresponding Saccharomyces cerevisiae Δyat1 and Δyat2 mutants. However, these mutants had no obvious attenuation in virulence in a mouse model of disseminated candidiasis, in contrast to other carbon metabolism mutants. These findings extend our understanding of nutrient stress in vivo and in vitro and the contribution of metabolic pathways to virulence in C. albicans.
Toward Protein Structure Analysis with Self-Organizing Maps

Establishing structure-function relationships on the proteomic scale is a unique challenge faced by bioinformatics and molecular biosciences. Large protein families represent natural libraries of analogues of a given catalytic or protein function, thus making them ideal targets for the investigation of structure-function relationships in proteins. To this end, we have developed a new technique for analyzing large amounts of detailed molecular structure information focusing on the functional centers of homologous proteins. Our approach uses unsupervised machine learning, in particular, self-organizing maps. The information captured by a self-organizing map and stored in its reference models highlights the essential structure of the proteins under investigation and can be effectively used to study detailed structural differences and similarities among homologous proteins. Our preliminary results obtained with a prototype based on these techniques demonstrate that we can classify proteins and identify common and unique structures within a family and, more importantly, identify common and unique structural features of different conformations of the same protein. The approach developed here outperforms many of today’s structure analysis tools. These tools are usually either limited by the number of proteins they can process at the same time or they are limited by the structural resolution they can accommodate, that is, many of the structural analysis tools that can handle multiple proteins at the same time limit themselves to secondary structure analysis and therefore miss fine structural nuances within proteins.
Interface Effects on the Mechanical Properties of Nanocrystalline Nanolaminates

Nanocrystalline nanolaminate (ncnl) structures are widely used in the study of physical properties in order to engineer materials for a variety of industrial applications. Often, novel and interesting mechanical behaviours that are found in nanolaminate materials can be linked with two characteristic features of structure. These are the layer pair spacing and the grain size. For the case of nanolaminates synthesized by physical vapor deposition processes, the layer spacing corresponds with the repeating sequence of layer pairs and can be referred to as composition wavelength. The grain size is the average width of the tapered columnar structure along the growth direction. Since the mechanical properties of strength and hardness are known to functionally vary with the separation between dislocations in crystalline materials, both structural features can potentially contribute to the total interfacial area and the characteristic separation of interfaces that mitigate dislocation motion. In this investigation, the individual contribution of layer pair spacing and grain size to the total interfacial structure are each quantified in an assessment of strength and hardness. A model is proposed for the total interfacial area of the material volume under plastic deformation that can quantify the interfacial area contribution from the layer pairs and the grain size. It is anticipated that each structural feature can potentially dominate the plastic deformation of the nanolaminate as dependent upon the specific layer pair spacing, the grain size, and the extent of plastic deformation.
DISSOLVED IRON(II) IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN: MEASUREMENTS FROM THE PO2 AND P16N CLIVAR/CO2 REPEAT HYDROGRAPHY EXPEDITIONS

Abstract The redox speciation of dissolved iron in seawater was evaluated at 121 locations in the Pacific Ocean at depths of 15-1000 m, using the method of luminol chemiluminescence. The results indicate that reduced iron, Fe(II), is ubiquitous in surface seawater with a relatively consistent pattern of occurrence. Surface maxima were present in most profiles, with median concentrations of 25-30 pM representing 12-14% of the total dissolved iron. Concentrations decreased monotonically with depth to
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in a Patient with Essential Thrombocythemia: A Case Based Update

Vascular thrombosis is a common clinical feature of both essential thrombocythemia (ET) and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). The development of HIT in a patient with ET is rare and underrecognized. We report the case of a 77-year-old woman with preexisting ET, who was admitted with acute coronary syndrome, and IV heparin was started. She was exposed to unfractionated heparin (UFH) 5 days prior to this admission. Decrease in platelet count was noted, and HIT panel was sent. Heparin was discontinued. Patient developed atrial fibrillation, and Dabigatran was started. On day three, patient also developed multiple tiny cerebral infarctions and acute right popliteal DVT. On day ten of admission, HIT panel was positive, and Dabigatran was changed to Lepirudin. Two days later, Lepirudin was also discontinued because patient developed pseudoaneurysm on the right common femoral artery at the site of cardiac catheterization access. A progressive increase in the platelet count was noted after discontinuing heparin. Physicians should be aware of the coexistence of HIT and ET, accompanied challenges of the prompt diagnosis, and initiation of appropriate treatment.
Anxiety and physical health problems increase the odds of women having more severe symptoms of depression

Severely depressed women incur substantial disability and suicide risk, necessitating an understanding of factors that may contribute to severe depression. The purpose of this research was to determine the degree to which age, physical morbidity, anxiety, and hormonal status predict the likelihood of severe depression among women with mood disorders (n = 298). Data arose from a standardized battery of measures in a multi-center clinical registry of patients with mood disorders. The women were being treated at 17 participating sites of the National Network of Depression Centers. Results of logistic regression analyses indicate that a woman's level of anxiety was the strongest predictor of her likelihood of having severe depression (Exp(B) = 1.33, p = .000), including thoughts of death or suicide. The number of physical health problems that a woman reported was also a significant predictor (Exp(B) = 1.09, p = .04). Neither age nor hormonal status was significant in the final model, although a trend was observed for women with surgically induced menopause to have more severe depression. Findings support the need to work closely with medical practitioners to address physical health problems as part of the treatment plan for depression and to give comorbid anxiety and depression equal priority in symptom management.
Pulmonary Toxicity Associated with Gemcitabine

No abstrat available. Image: Yale School of Medicine Historical Library, Yale University. New Haven, CT, USA.
I’m Still Left Here With the Pain Exploring the Health Consequences of Homicide on Families and Friends

Limited research has focused on the aftermath of the homicide, namely, the families and friends of homicide victims left in the wake of the tragedy. The present study is a multisite study involving...
Modelling and Simulation for Iced Bundle Conductor Galloping

Considering torsional stiffness of bundle conductors,an improved model is proposed to comprehensively incarnate and predict iced bundle transmission line galloping.A bundle line is modeled as an equivalent single conductor for taking advantages of single conductor in the previous research.A dynamic model,which accommodates interactions of the vertical,horizontal and torsional movements,is set up with Hamilton variational principle and by assumed mode method.According to the difference of torsional stiffness between bundle and single conductors,a new algorithm for calculating the torsional stiffness of bundle transmission lines is presented,and then the natural frequency of bundle conductors is analyzed.Taking the torsional stiffness and natural frequency of bundle conductors into account,the model enables to describe galloping of bundle conductors.Numerical simulation is performed with Runge-Kutta method for the bundle conductors with large span in Zhongshankou and shows a coincident result with the real observation.
Circulatory dynamics of pregnancy: II. Interstitial fluid pressure changes

The interstitial fluid pressure was measured in pregnant and nonpregnant animals. The interstitial fluid pressure increased progressively during pregnancy. A mathematical model of the system predicted that the increase in total body water during pregnancy was one of the factors responsible for the increased interstitial fluid pressure.
Regulation of immune-aggregate-stimulated hepatic glycogenolysis and vasoconstriction by vicinal dithiols.

Evidence suggesting that vicinal dithiols regulate immune-aggregate-induced vasoconstriction and glycogenolysis in the perfused rat liver was obtained. Phenylarsine oxide (PhAsO) and other tervalent organic arsenicals inhibited in a dose-dependent manner hepatic glycogenolysis, vasoconstriction, Ca2+ mobilization and the stimulated O2 consumption caused by immune-aggregate infusion. Polar tervalent and quinquivalent arsenicals were less effective than hydrophobic arsenicals. Prior infusion of Fc- but not Fab-fragments of IgG prevented partially immune-aggregate-stimulated hepatic metabolism, suggesting that immune aggregates elicit hepatic metabolic responses through Fc gamma receptors. The inhibitory action of PhAsO on immune-aggregate-stimulated hepatic glycogenolysis was unique; inhibition of glycogenolysis was not observed when phenylephrine, isoprenaline or glucagon was used as a stimulant. Although PhAsO might be expected to sequester cellular thiols, no significant change in the oxidation-reduction state of the major cellular thiol, glutathione, was found during PhAsO infusion. In addition, PhAsO exerted its effects without producing changes in hepatic adenine nucleotides and cyclic AMP. Evidence suggesting the involvement of vicinal dithiols was obtained through thiol-competition experiments using mono- and di-thiols. PhAsO inhibition of IgG-aggregate-stimulated hepatic vasoconstriction and glycogenolysis was reversed significantly by infusion of 2,3-dimercaptopropan-1-ol at 3-fold molar excess, whereas 2-mercaptoethanol at 40-fold molar excess was ineffective. The results of the present study provide evidence documenting the participation of vicinal dithiols during the coupling of hepatic immune-aggregate clearance by Kupffer cells with vasoconstriction of the hepatic vasculature (e.g. endothelial cells) and glycogenolysis (e.g. parenchymal cells).
Animal Models for Studying Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer

Abstract Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies, and despite extensive molecular and cellular research, the mortality rate remains high. Preclinical testing of new strategies to prevent the emergence of invasive disease and to effectively treat existing disease is dependent on appropriate in vivo models. The challenges with modeling breast cancer in animals include species differences in mammary gland development and sensitivity to carcinogens as well as the molecular heterogeneity of human breast cancer. This chapter focuses on the plethora of animal models that have been developed in rodents, including chemically induced protocols, transplantable and graft models, and transgenic and knockout approaches. Although no single model is suitable for all research purposes, genomic profiling has enabled the identification of rodent tumors that display molecular similarity to specific subtypes of human breast cancer. Practical aspects and key issues involved in choosing an animal model are discussed, along with the advantages and limitations of the most commonly utilized rodent models of breast cancer.
Frequency modulation spectroscopy with infrared lasers

Frequency modulation spectroscopy (FMS) in the IR spectral region using a carbon dioxide laser source has been recently reported.1 Here we report on the results of subsequent experiments aimed at increasing the sensitivity and versatility of the IR FMS technique for the ultrasensitive detection of trace molecular species. FM spectroscopy can be implemented using either fixed frequency or continuously tunable laser sources. For cases in which the laser carrier frequency must remain fixed, as with a carbon dioxide laser, a molecular absorption feature may be probed with a single isolated sideband by either Stark shifting the absorption feature into coincidence with the sideband or by continuously tuning the sideband through the absorption feature. For sources in which the laser carrier can be continuously tuned in frequency, such as a lead-salt diode laser, the most convenient method is clearly to fix the sideband frequency and tune the laser carrier. We have investigated experimentally all three approaches using a carbon dioxide laser and a semiconductor lead-salt diode laser.
Relationship Between Students’ Grades and School Year and Their Intention for Entrepreneurship: Some Pioneering Findings

This is the first study of its kind to explore the relationship between studentsʼ year of education and their intention to start a business once they have completed their undergraduate studies. The article also examines studentsʼ cumulative grade point average and their intention to start a business once they have completed their undergraduate studies.These pioneering findings are based on an extensive title review (including their summaries) of hundreds of articles related to these factors listed in EBSCO.
A Relational Network Vulnerability Assessment of the North Carolina Hog Industry

Vulnerability and biosecurity scholars argue for the need to analyze vulnerability to hazards as a relational process. We propose a network vulnerability assessment that fills this gap by drawing o...
Unintended Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Contraception Use and Counseling in Women With Cancer.

Background Women with past or current cancer diagnoses can benefit from planning pregnancies to optimize maternal health and birth outcomes. . Objectives The purpose of this systematic review is to identify unmet needs for family planning services among women with cancer by describing the prevalence of contraception counseling, contraception use, unintended pregnancy, and abortion. . Methods Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, 16 studies were included. . Findings Women with cancer experience unintended pregnancy and abortion throughout their care. Not all women reported receiving contraception counseling, and many reported inconsistencies between contraception counseling desired and received. A prominent theme was uncertainty about fertility status. Use of highly effective contraceptive methods was low to moderate in eight patient populations.
Episode-centered guidelines for teacher belief change toward technology integration

Teachers’ episodic memories influence their beliefs. The investigation of episodic memories can help identify the teacher beliefs that limit technology-integration. We propose the Episode-Centered Belief Change (ECBC) model that utilizes teachers’ episodic memories for changing beliefs impeding effective technology integration. We also propose guidelines for using ECBC model in professional development to promote teacher belief change for effective technology integration. A preliminary study was conducted to apply the ECBC model in a teacher education course. The findings suggest that the ECBC model was effective in changing teacher beliefs regarding technology integration. Finally, the implications of the ECBC model and guidelines for research and practice are discussed.
Self-regulatory correlates of spitefulness

Abstract Spitefulness is an under-studied individual difference that describes a dispositional tendency to seek harm against others at the expense of one's own objectives. Given that spiteful behavior involves a voluntary setback of one's own goals, it is noteworthy that no research to date has examined the self-regulatory and motivational correlates of spitefulness. In this research, we show that spitefulness is positively related to prevention regulatory focus and trait impulsiveness, and negatively related to approach temperament, suggesting that spitefulness is generally motivated by spontaneous concerns about threat avoidance. In contrast, spitefulness was not predicted by promotion regulatory focus, avoidance temperament, dispositional locomotion, or dispositional assessment in our regression model.
Visualizing the battle: Mapping intelligence in the gulf war

The lack of good maps was an increasing worry. The Defense Mapping Agency could provide all US forces with maps of almost anywhere on the planet, however, what they could not do was ensure that each and every map, especially of areas obscure, remote or visited infrequently by US forces, was up-to-date and accurate.
Evidence that Castanea Dentata Persists on Xeric, Mid-Elevation Sites in the Southern Appalachians

Abstract: Castanea dentata (American chestnut) persists today in the southern Appalachian forests of North Carolina as sparsely occurring sprouting root systems. The introduction of two exotic fungal diseases into North America, root rot (Phytophthora cinnamomi) in the early 1800s and chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) in the early 1900s, eliminated C. dentata as a dominant canopy species. Identifying and understanding the characteristics of sites where C. dentata persists could offer insights for management and restoration. Using a regional forest inventory and analysis (FIA) database, I studied the ecology of C. dentata on 831 forested sample plots in 21 mountainous counties of western North Carolina. The purpose of my study was to determine if the presence of C. dentata was associated with common topographic variables and the co-occurrence of other tree species that could be used in a regression model for evaluation of sites for potential management activities. I found that C. dentata occurred...
Using Correlative Properties of Neighboring Pixels to Enhance Contrast-to-Noise Ratio of Abnormal Hippocampus in Patients With Intractable Epilepsy and Mesial Temporal Sclerosis.

Rationale and Objectives To test whether an image-processing algorithm can aid in visualization of mesial temporal sclerosis on magnetic resonance imaging by selectively increasing contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between abnormal hippocampus and normal brain. Materials and Methods In this Institutional Review Board-approved and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant study, baseline coronal fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images of 18 adults (10 females, eight males; mean age 41.2 years) with proven mesial temporal sclerosis were processed using a custom algorithm to produce corresponding enhanced images. Average (Hmean) and maximum (Hmax) CNR for abnormal hippocampus were calculated relative to normal ipsilateral white matter. CNR values for normal gray matter (GM) were similarly calculated using ipsilateral cingulate gyrus as the internal control. To evaluate effect of image processing on visual conspicuity of hippocampal signal alteration, a neuroradiologist masked to the side of hippocampal abnormality rated signal intensity (SI) of hippocampi on baseline and enhanced images using a five-point scale (definitely abnormal to definitely normal). Differences in Hmean, Hmax, GM, and SI ratings for abnormal hippocampi on baseline and enhanced images were assessed for statistical significance. Results Both Hmean and Hmax were significantly higher in enhanced images as compared to baseline images (p Conclusion Image-processing resulted in increased CNR of abnormal hippocampus without affecting the CNR of normal gray matter. This selective increase in conspicuity of abnormal hippocampus was associated with more confident identification of hippocampal signal alteration.
Behavioral Assessment and Treatment of Alcoholism

This comprehensive review of behavioral efforts to assess and treat alcoholism begins by considering very briefly the present status of behavioral theories of the etiology of alcoholism. What follows then is a detailed review of recent efforts to assess levels and kinds of alcohol consumption with behavioral techniques. Finally, the remainder and bulk of the chapter highlights the manifold behavioral methods and programs that have been developed in the effort to modify alcoholic drinking.
Integrating Environmental Education Field Trip Pedagogy into Science Teacher Preparation

Field trips are commonly used methods for teaching about the environment and their potential educational benefits are well documented. However, teachers receive minimal preservice training for how to make use of field trips to enhance environmental education (EE) and improve pedagogy in general. A review of the research on field trips reveals that many learning opportunities are missed. However, this same line of research also leads to a wealth of recommended strategies for optimizing learning on field trips. A summary of these recommendations is provided along with suggestions for how they might be integrated into a science methods course targeting preservice teachers. We make the case that inclusion of field trip pedagogy in the existing science methods courses may be accomplished without restructuring the course objectives and without displacing other important material to be covered. In fact, we assert that introducing field trip strategies in science methods courses will serve many existing course and program goals while simultaneously leading to improved EE instruction at both the secondary and university levels.
The XPC-ATM-JNK-γH2AX pathway mediates UV-induced apoptosis in response to DNA replication arrest.

1868 After UV irradiation, H2AX phosphorylation (γH2AX) by JNK is associated with induction of apoptosis. Here, we show that the XPC-ATM-JNK-γH2AX pathway mediates UV-induced apoptosis in response to DNA replication arrest. We found that inhibition of JNK prevents UV-induced apoptosis. After UV irradiation, that does not directly induce DSB, phosphorylation of H2AX serine 139 is required for cell survival. UV light generates a range of γH2AX intensities in all phases of the cell cycle. During DNA replication arrest, UV irradiation induces in a sub-population of cells a super intense homogenous nuclear-wide γH2AX signal that does not co-localize with markers of DSB, 53BP1. This S phase super-intense γH2AX is mediated by JNK, ATM and XPC. Super-intense γH2AX represents an early apoptotic signal that might correspond to genome-wide chromatin modifications preceding caspase-induced DNA fragmentation and other markers of apoptosis. We propose that during UV-induced DNA replication arrest, the DNA Damage Response (DDR) involves at least 2 competing pathways that determine cell fate: a NER-ATM-JNK pathway that leads to a super-intense γH2AX and eventually apoptosis, and an RPA/ATRIP/ATR pathway that leads to lower γH2AX levels, repair and survival.
Adult Primary Capillary Hemangioma of the Sclera: A Previously Undescribed Entity With a Review of Epibulbar Vascular Lesions

Purpose The objective of this article is to document a unique case of a primary hemangioma and review epibulbar vascular tumors of the conjunctiva and episclera. Methods A case report with detailed histopathologic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical studies coupled with a comprehensive review of the relevant literature with a tabulation of previously reported epibulbar vascular lesions was performed. Results A vascular tumor developed in a 46-year-old woman over 2-3 months that histopathologically was located in the superficial third of the normally avascular sclera and was composed of capillary caliber vessels. CD31 and CD34 positivity established the vascular nature of the lesion. Despite its adult onset, the tumor was also glut-1 positive, a vascular characteristic of childhood capillary hemangiomas that will ultimately involute. Smooth muscle actin was positive in the endothelial cells and associated pericytes. An ectatic muscular vessel identified in the midst of the lesion was interpreted as an anomalous intrascleral branch of an epibulbar anterior ciliary artery, where it perforated the sclera in the vicinity of the insertion of an extraocular rectus muscle. It was deduced to be the source of the capillary proliferation. A literature review failed to identify any previously reported epibulbar vascular tumor that originated primarily in the sclera or secondarily infiltrated this ocular tunic. Conclusion An adult primary capillary intrascleral neoplasm is described as the rarest of all epibulbar vascular tumors and in keeping with the exceptional status of the ocular endothelium was glut-1 positive. This lesion must be distinguished from an array of other common and esoteric epibulbar vascular conditions.
Achieving consensus using a modified Delphi Technique embedded in Lewin's change management model designed to improve faculty satisfaction in a pharmacy school.

Abstract Background Faculty job satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) is reported in the literature, and many surveys designed to measure satisfaction exist in higher education fields. However, measuring satisfaction does not inherently change satisfaction. Change must be agreed upon by faculty and administration if it is to be successful. Objectives The aim of this study is to describe a qualitative, iterative approach to drive consensus, promote change, and address pharmacy faculty job satisfaction using a modified Delphi Technique embedded in Lewin's Change Management Model, and to identify the top three faculty priorities to improve their job satisfaction as an exemplar of the approach. Methods Using the modified Delphi Technique embedded in Lewin's Change Management Model, faculty in a private pharmacy school were anonymously asked to respond to questions about priorities that would most improve their job satisfaction. Answers were divided into themes, and themes and responses were sent back to faculty to anonymously rank in order of importance. Two priorities for the College were established. However, a tie breaker necessitated a third round (modified from traditional Delphi) where faculty discussed and voted on the third priority. Results Survey response rates were 78% and 82.9% for Round One and Round Two. Round One responses (91) were divided into 13 themes for faculty to rank for Round Two. Round Three established the third faculty priority. Priorities for job satisfaction included workload evaluation, recruitment, and faculty development. Conclusion The Delphi Technique embedded into Lewin's Model of Change Management successfully guided administration toward new priorities at the College level directed at improving faculty job satisfaction.
Examination of the Social Emotional Assets and Resilience Scales (SEARS) Youth Report: Factor Structure, Measurement Invariance, and Validity:

The Social and Emotional Assets and Resilience Scale (SEARS) is a promising instrument for prediction of resilience in youth; however, there is limited data to support its use. The purpose of the c...
Numerical Investigation of Rectangular Pipe Free Overfall for Various Upstream Conditions

AbstractThis paper examines the relationship between the flow rate and outflow depth for flow in a rectangular pipe with the outflow running partially full of a free nappe through a series of compu...
Mining QTLs for elevated protein and other major seed composition traits from diverse soybean germplasm

Soybean is the world’s largest source of protein for animal feed and the second largest source of vegetable oil. Improving the seed protein of soybean without negatively affecting yield and oil content is an important goal for soybean breeders. A population consisting of 132 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was developed by crossing an elite breeding line, G00-3213 with a plant introduction, PI 594458A, with elevated protein content. In 2016 and 2017, each of the RILs was grown as a single row in Watkinsville, GA, while in 2018, the population was grown at two locations. The seed composition of RILs was analyzed with near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. The RIL population was genotyped using the SoySNP6k BeadChip for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. Significant genotype × environment interaction was observed. QTL analyses in and across four environments identified 16, 10, 10, 16, and 5 QTLs for protein, oil, sucrose, and normalized cysteine and methionine contents, respectively. QTLs for protein content identified on chromosomes (Chrs) 3, 6, 13, and 20 were detected in multiple environments. Eight genomic regions on Chrs 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 17, and 20 were detected that influenced two to four traits, indicating that pleiotropic or linkage effects of these loci may influence multiple seed composition traits. The results of this research provide additional genomic resources for genetic improvement of seed composition and help breeders to better understand the environmental impacts on these QTLs.
Engineering functional skin constructs: A quantitative comparison of three-dimensional bioprinting with traditional methods.

Tissue engineering has been successful in reproducing human skin equivalents while incorporating new approaches such as three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting. The latter method offers a plethora of advantages including increased production scale, ability to incorporate multiple cell types and printing on demand. However, the quality of printed skin equivalents compared to those developed manually has never been assessed. To leverage the benefits of this method, it is imperative that 3D-printed skin should be structurally and functionally similar to real human skin. Here, we developed four bilayered human skin epidermal-dermal equivalents: non-printed dermis and epidermis (NN), printed dermis and epidermis (PP), printed epidermis and non-printed dermis (PN), and non-printed epidermis and printed dermis (NP). The effects of printing induced shear stress [0.025 kPa (epidermis); 0.049 kPa (dermis)] were characterized both at the cellular and at the tissue level. At cellular level, no statistically significant differences in keratinocyte colony-forming efficiency (CFE) (p = 0.1641) were observed. In the case of fibroblasts, no significant differences in the cell alignment index (p < 0.1717) and their ability to contract collagen gel (p = 0.851) were detected. At the tissue levels, all the four skin equivalents were characterized using histological and immunohistochemical analysis with no significant differences found in either epidermal basal cell count, thickness of viable epidermis, and relative intensity of filaggrin and claudin-1. Our results demonstrated that 3D printing can achieve the same high-quality skin constructs as have been developed traditionally, thus opening new avenues for numerous high-throughput industrial and clinical applications.
Pediatric hemodialysis access

Abstract Pediatric hemodialysis access is a demanding field. Procedures are infrequent, technically challenging, and associated with high complication and failure rates. Each procedure affects subsequent access and transplants sites. The choice is made easier and outcomes improved when access decisions are made by a multidisciplinary, pediatric, hemodialysis access team. This manuscript reviews the current literature and offers technical suggestions to improve outcomes.
Exploring Composition Studies: Sites, Issues, Perspectives

Kelly Ritter and Paul Kei Matsuda have created an essential introduction to the field of composition studies for graduate students and instructors new to the study of writing. The book offers a careful exploration of this diverse field, focusing specifically on scholarship of writing and composing. Within this territory, the authors draw the boundaries broadly, to include allied sites of research such as professional and technical writing, writing across the curriculum programs, writing centers, and writing program administration. Importantly, they represent composition as a dynamic, eclectic field, influenced by factors both within the academy and without. The editors and their sixteen seasoned contributors have created a comprehensive and thoughtful exploration of composition studies as it stands in the early twenty-first century. Given the rapid growth of this field and the evolution of it research and pedagogical agendas over even the last ten years, this multi-vocal introduction is long overdue.
Macrophage spreading in vitro. I. Inducers of spreading.

Abstract Normal mouse peritoneal macrophages attached to glass were induced to spread by one of the following procedures: treatment with proteolytic enzymes or with dithiothreitol; incubation in media of low ionic strength or at pH around 6.0; or layering of the phagocytes on glass bound antigen-antibody complexes [21–23]. With the exception of spreading induced by proteolytic enzymes, macrophage spreading required the presence of Mg2+ while Ca2+ was clearly less effective. In all cases spreading was found to be temperature dependent, to be favored by an acid pH of the medium and to be decreased by cytochalasin B or by serum. Three primary mechanisms may underlie induced macrophage spreading: (a) a structural or functional alteration of the macrophage membrane; (b) an effect on the substrate; (c) an intracellular effect. These perturbations could result in increased membrane adhesiveness and/or cell deformability.
Morphotype-specific predation in the trimorphic rotifer Asplanchna silvestrii

Several species of the predatory rotifer Asplanchna exhibit dramatic diet-induced trimorphism. The three morphotypes differ greatly in body shape and size, attributes that should affect predation ability. It has been hypothesized that these morphotypes evolved to exploit different prey assemblages in different environments. Here I compare the predatory behavior of the campanulate morphotype (the largest) to that of the cruciform morphotype (the intermediate) using crustacean and conspecific prey. These prey are known to induce production of the greatest proportion of campanulates. I hypothesize that the campanulate is better able to exploit these relatively large prey than are cruciforms. The campanulates did have higher ingestion rates with conspecific prey, but the ingestion rates of the morphotypes were not different with the crustacean prey, due to the campanulate's relatively low probability of attacking the crustacean prey. The campanulate attack probability is higher with both conspecific and crustacean prey than has been previously reported for campanulate A. silvestrii with smaller rotifer prey. While the campanulate handles both relatively large prey with comparative ease, and is more likely to attack these prey than smaller rotifer prey, the campanulate morphotype seems most effective at cannibalism due to its high preference for congeneric prey.
Employer, physical therapist, and employee outcomes in the management of work-related upper extremity disorders.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among employer, provider, and patient outcome measures and how they are related to clinical factors and other occupation-related factors. Data were obtained from a New England workplace physical therapy (PT) clinic. Successful outcomes were defined as remaining-on/returning-to preinjury job (employer); achieving PT goals (provider); and increases in the SF-36 scale scores (patient). Variation in outcomes was explored across injury regions (shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand), work categories, number of visits, and length of PT care. Employer and provider outcomes are moderately correlated (phi coefficient = 0.51). Subjects demonstrated significant improvements in the SF-36 physical functioning and bodily pain scores after physical therapy intervention. Patients with elbow disorders needed more PT care and did not improve in the SF-36 role physical domain compared to shoulder and wristgroups (p < 0.05). Our results describe the relationship between outcome measures from different perspectives and the influence from other contributing factors. The impact of workplace injury management and the selection of outcome measures warrant continued study.
Rationality in Economics: Neuroeconomics: The Internal Order of the Mind

Psychology will be based on a new foundation, that of the necessary acquirement of each mental power and capacity by gradation. Darwin (1859; 1979, p. 458) Introduction Neuroeconomics is concerned with the study of the connections between how the mind/brain works – the internal order of the mind – and behavior in (1) individual decision making, (2) social exchange, and (3) institutions such as markets – in short, the neurocorrelates of decision. The way I would define the working hypothesis of neuroeconomics is that the brain has evolved interdependent, adaptive mechanisms for each of these tasks involving experience, memory, perception, and personal tacit knowledge. This theme has been prominent for many years in evolutionary psychology, but new tools are now available. The tools include brain-imaging technologies, the existence of patients with localized brain lesions associated with specific loss of certain mental functions, and inherited variations in how brains work. For example, in the spectrum of autism “disorders,” the emergent ability of children around age four to infer what others are thinking from their words and actions is compromised (Baron-Cohen, 1995). The interpretation is that there is a development failure in the child's natural awareness of mental phenomena in other people that severely limits the normal development of their capacity for social exchange. The do's and don'ts in personal exchange behavior have to be learned the way you learn to read a language – by explicit instruction. Otherwise, high-functioning autistics may be unusually accomplished.
Using State Assessments for Predicting Student Success in Dual‐Enrollment College Classes

Scores on state standards-based assessments are readily available and may be an appropriate alternative to traditional placement tests for assigning or accepting students into particular courses. Many community colleges do not require test scores for admissions purposes but do require some kind of placement scores for first-year English and math courses. In this study, we examine the efficacy of using the reading and math portions of the Kansas State Assessment (KSA) for predicting the success of high school students taking College Algebra and College English I at a Kansas community college. Results showed that in this sample KSA scores predicted as well or better than more traditional placement tests and with no extra cost to the institution.
Mining scientific data

Abstract The past two decades have seen rapid advances in high-performance computing and tools for data acquisition in a variety of scientific domains. Coupled with the availability of massive storage systems and fast networking technology to manage and assimilate data, these have given a significant impetus to data mining in the scientific domain. Data mining is now recognized as a key computational technology, supporting traditional analysis, visualization, and design tasks. Diverse applications in domains such as mineral prospecting, computer-aided design, bioinformatics, and computational steering are now being viewed in the data mining framework. This has led to a very effective cross-fertilization of computational techniques from both continuous and discrete perspectives. In this chapter, we characterize the nature of scientific data mining activities and identify dominant recurring themes. We discuss algorithms, techniques, and methodologies for their effective application and present application studies that summarize the state-of-the-art in this emerging field. We conclude by identifying opportunities for future research in emerging domains.
The effect of nasal breathing on the exercise induced bronchospasm in children with allergic asthma and rhinitis

Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is very common in children and it affects 10–40% of children world-wide. Asthma and AR commonly coexist and we can find up to 30% of asthma in patients with AR and up to 90% of AR in patients with asthma. Moreover, these two disorders seem to influence each other’s activity and intensity. Physical activity is commonly prescribed as a rehabilitation treatment for asthma in children although there is a high percentage of asthmatics with exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) at that age and recent studies show beneficial effects of aerobic training on allergic inflammation. EIB can be one of the reasons for low adherence to physical training. The aim of this study was to test if a nose clip during a 6 minute free running test changes the magnitude of EIB according to the severity of AR. Methods The study was conducted in 55 children (24 girls, mean age 12.6 yrs) with moderate persistent asthma and AR in an Asthma Camp, at island Losinj. Their asthma was controlled under their regular treatment and they were daily participating in an aerobic fitness program. They were divided in two subgroups according to the median of intensity of their nasal symptoms (less nasal symptoms – LNS; more nasal symptoms – MNS). Spirometry was performed before, 3’ and 20’ after 2 exercises (6 minutes free running with and without a nose clip) done a day apart. Results
Effect of iron and ascorbate on uroporphyria in ascorbate-requiring mice as a model for porphyria cutanea tarda.

Excess hepatic iron is known to enhance both porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) and experimental uroporphyria. Since previous studies have suggested a role for ascorbate (AA) in suppressing uroporphyria in AA-requiring rats (in the absence of excess iron), the present study investigated whether AA could suppress uroporphyria produced by excess hepatic iron. Hepatic URO accumulation was produced in AA-requiring Gulo(−/−) mice by treatment with 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorbiphenyl, an inducer of CYP1A2, and 5-aminolevulinic acid. Mice were administered either sufficient AA (1000 ppm) in the drinking water to maintain near normal hepatic AA levels or a lower intake (75 ppm) that resulted in 70 % lower hepatic AA levels. The higher AA intake suppressed hepatic URO accumulation in the absence of administered iron, but not when iron dextran (300–500 mg Fe/kg) was administered. This effect of iron was not due to hepatic AA depletion since hepatic AA content was not decreased. The effect of iron to prevent AA suppression of hepatic URO accumulation was not observed until a high hepatic iron threshold was exceeded. At both low and high AA intakes, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), an indicator of oxidative stress, was increased three-fold by high doses of iron dextran. MDA was considerably increased even at low iron dextran doses, but without any increase in URO accumulation. The level of hepatic CYP1A2 was unaffected by either AA intake. Conclusion: In this mouse model of PCT, AA suppresses hepatic URO accumulation at low, but not high hepatic iron levels. These results may have implications for the management of PCT. (HEPATOLOGY 2007;45:187–194.)