cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CDROM: Classification of Duplicate gene RetentiOn Mechanisms.

Gene duplication is a major source of new genes that is thought to play an important role in phenotypic innovation. Though several mechanisms have been hypothesized to drive the functional evolution and long-term retention of duplicate genes, there are currently no software tools for assessing their genome-wide contributions. Thus, the evolutionary mechanisms by which duplicate genes acquire novel functions remain unclear in a number of taxa. In a recent study, researchers developed a phylogenetic approach that uses gene expression data from two species to classify the mechanisms underlying the retention of duplicate genes (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 110:1740917414, 2013). We have implemented their classification method, as well as a more generalized method, in the R package CDROM, enabling users to apply these methods to their data and gain insights into the origin of novel biological functions after gene duplication. The CDROM R package, source code, and user manual for the R package are available for download from CRAN at https://cran.rstudio.com/web/packages/CDROM/ . Additionally, the CDROM R source code, user manual for running CDROM from the source code, and sample dataset used in this manuscript can be accessed at www.personal.psu.edu/rua15/software.html . CDROM is the first software package that enables genome-wide classification of the mechanisms driving the long-term retention of duplicate genes. It is user-friendly and flexible, providing researchers with a tool for studying the functional evolution of duplicate genes in a variety of taxa.
Guidance of cell adhesion and migration by graphitic nanopetals on carbon fibers

Abstract Carbon-based nanomaterials have emerged in a wide variety of applications because of their tunable mechanical, electrical, chemical and optical properties. However, poor cellular adhesion makes their use significantly limited in tissue engineering and regenerative medicines. In order to address this challenge, we studied interactions of fibroblast and epithelial cells with graphitic nanopetal structures grown on carbon fibers. We found that all the cell types studied attached to and migrated along the nanopetal coated carbon fibers, but not to the non-coated fibers. The petals’ nanoscale irregular geometry is thought to enhance cellular adhesion and migration. Further understanding of the mechanisms of this interaction and improvising this method may be useful to design novel tissue engineering strategies using carbon-based nanomaterials.
National Science Foundation programs that support engineering education research

The goal of this session is to increase the participants' knowledge of current funding opportunities at the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support projects with potential significant impacts on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. In particular, the discussion will focus on new and current funding opportunities in the Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) in the Directorate of Education and Human Resources (EHR) and the Division of Engineering Education & Centers (EEC) in the Directorate of Engineering. During the session, we will provide examples of project activities that support STEM education research opportunities. The session will use a highly interactive format (i.e., team-based activities and discussion) to engage the participants, to clarify misconceptions, and to potentially initiate and share new ideas pertinent to engineering education research and innovations in classroom implementations. This session facilitates idea sharing and interaction amongst peers.
Algebraic Actions: Entropy and the Fuglede–Kadison Determinant

Along with Bernoulli actions, finitely presented algebraic actions can be viewed as the basic prototypes for dynamical entropy.
A Normative Assessment of 2016 Political Convention Speech Exposure: Perceived Political Threats and Anticipated General Election Legitimacy

Political party conventions, rivaled only by general election debates, are media events that can affect democratic processes through their ability to reach a wide audience. Conventions hold a unique place in the American electoral system by serving as a pivot point between the nation’s primary and general election phases. From a normative perspective, the current study focuses on the degree to which consuming major political party convention speeches mitigates negative perceptions generated from the primaries on what citizens are anticipating for the general election. A national pre–post conventions panel survey of U.S. adults (N = 562) is utilized to address five hypotheses. The consumption of more convention speeches reduces the negative impact of perceived primary election threat on the anticipated legitimacy of the general election (i.e., positive normative effect), but also increases threat ambivalence associated with the conventions (i.e., negative normative effect). In addition, convention speech exposure generates a strong, positive direct effect on perceived general election legitimacy (i.e., positive normative effect). When judged from the standpoint of republicanism as a type of democratic theory, the positive influences of convention speech exposure outweigh this activity’s negative effects.
Radiocarbon Chronometry of Site QJ-280, Quebrada Jaguay, a Terminal Pleistocene to Early Holocene Fishing Site in Southern Peru

ABSTRACTExcavations in 1970, 1996, and 1999 at Site QJ-280, Quebrada Jaguay, in southern Peru, yielded enough dateable terrestrial plant material to establish an extensive radiocarbon chronology for the site. QJ-280 is one of oldest well-dated fishing sites in the Americas: it was occupied from the terminal Pleistocene to the mid-Holocene (about 13,000–8,300 calibrated years BP) based on 42 terrestrial radiocarbon dates, encompassing the Jaguay and Machas Phases of the local archaeological sequence. In addition to the terrestrial dates, radiocarbon measurements on valves of two marine surf clam (Mesodesma donacium) individuals from a single, well-dated mid-Holocene Manos Phase archaeological context have provided insight into marine upwelling conditions during the occupation of Quebrada Jaguay. The marine reservoir age varied between 130 and 730 14C years during the brief lives of the two clams (up to 5 years each), and varied by up to 530 14C years within an individual valve, suggesting strong and variab...
Dual TORCs driven and B56 orchestrated signaling network guides eukaryotic cell migration

Different types of eukaryotic cells may adopt seemingly distinct modes of directional cell migration. However, several core aspects are regarded common whether the movement is either ameoboidal or mesenchymal. The region of cells facing the attractive signal is often termed leading edge where lamellipodial structures dominates and the other end of the cell called rear end is often mediating cytoskeletal F-actin contraction involving Myosin-II. Dynamic remodeling of cell-to-matrix adhesion involving integrin is also evident in many types of migrating cells. All these three aspects of cell migration are significantly affected by signaling networks of TorC2, TorC1, and PP2A/B56. Here we review the current views of the mechanistic understanding of these regulatory signaling networks and how these networks affect eukaryotic cell migration. [BMB Reports 2017; 50(9): 437-444].
Predicting frontline worker administrative burden: The role of administrative intensity

Current research suggests that within organizations too much bureaucracy is inefficient and too little results in poor coordination. This paper extends this research by testing how the relative siz...
Coronary artery calcification predicts cardiovascular complications after sepsis.

Abstract Purpose Sepsis is a highly prevalent and fatal condition, with reported cardiovascular event rates as high as 25–30% at 1 year. Risk stratification in septic patients has been extremely limited. Material and methods 267 septic patients with detectable troponin levels, APACHE II scores, and CT scans of the chest or abdomen were assessed. Patients with a recent cardiac intervention were excluded. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) was identified as present or absent on body CT scans. Cardiovascular death, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or PCI at 1 year was assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Patients with CAC were older, predominantly male with more risk factors for coronary disease, but similar peak troponin levels and APACHE II scores. In a multivariate analysis, CAC was predictive of the primary outcome (OR 6.827; 95% CI 1.336–54.686; p = 0.037). Patients with no CAC, history of CHF or CKD were at low risk ( Conclusion CAC risk stratifies septic patients for cardiovascular complications better than traditional risk factors and can be identified on body CT scans. This novel, risk stratifying framework built on CAC can help guide individualized management of septic patients.
Ethics Within Engineering: An Introduction

Engineering ethics textbooks in the past three decades have developed some clear patterns. To some extent, engineering ethics is both applied ethics and professional ethics. It is applied ethics, a...
1022-lbp: Identification of new alleles and their impact on hematopoietic stem cell transplantat donor selection

Aim Polymorphism of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) is the major barrier to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). Advancement in DNA typing methods has significantly impacted donor selection for HCT recipients. The ImMunoGeneTics (IMGT)/HLA database, 7/25/2013, lists 9719 HLA and related alleles and continues to grow. We describe 3 patients with hematological malignancies who were evaluated for HCT work up. DNA from recipients A and B, carried single non-synonymous mutations that resulted in new alleles in DQB1 and A loci, respectively. In DNA from recipient C, a rare HLA-A allele was identified. Methods DNA was isolated from peripheral blood cells and buccal swabs by automated and manual methods. The HLA-A and -DQB1 genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers specific for each loci and sequenced by Atria sequencing kits (Abbot Molecular, Des Plaines, IL) exons 2 through 4 for HLA-A and exons 2 and 3 for HLA-DQB1. Data was analyzed by Assign 3.6 SBT software (Abbot Molecular). Results DNA from buccal swabs confirmed each suspected mutation suggesting that mutations were carried by recipient’s genomic DNA and were not limited to malignant cells. Recipient A had a related sibling, which carried the same mutation and was 10/10 matched. Recipient B did not have related donors suitable for testing. The National Marrow Donor Registry (NMDP) search was unsuccessful in finding matched unrelated donors (MUD). For recipient C, 4 related donors were evaluated, 2 siblings, did not carry the mutation however, 2 sons, carried the rare allele. A search for MUD was initiated and 3 international donors were identified. Conclusions Identification of novel alleles are a common finding that can affect HCT donor searches. It is important to confirm the discovery by re-typing the loci from an alternative DNA source, especially in cases of patients with hematological malignancies. It is important that the laboratory works with the HCT program to identify best donors for these patients.
Divergent Performance Outcomes Following Resistance Training Using Repetition Maximums or Relative Intensity.

Purpose: To compare repetition maximum (RM) to relative intensity using sets and repetitions (RISR) resistance training on measures of training load, vertical jump, and force production in well-tra...
Eine Genealogie des Liberalismus. Michel Foucaults Vorlesungen zur Geschichte der Gouvernementalität

Zwischen 1977 und 1979 halt Michel Foucault am College de France zwei Vorlesungen, in denen er seine Genealogie des Liberalismus vorstellt.
Statistical Concepts in Einstein’s Physics

It is particularly appropriate that we are gathered together not so much to analyze the work of Albert Einstein, but to undertake a critical appreciation.
Reliability of nitride LEDs

Abstract: In this chapter, we introduce the relevant standards for commonly used LED reliability tests, LED failure analysis techniques and a failure analysis flow chart for LEDs. Finally, we discuss the underlying physical mechanisms behind LED failure based on failure analysis results.
Kant on Geometry and Experience

Towards the end of the eighteenth century, at the height of the German Enlightenment, Immanuel Kant developed a revolutionary theory of space and geometry that aimed to explain the distinctive relation of the mathematical science of geometry to our experience of the world around us—both our ordinary perceptual experience of the world in space and the more refined empirical knowledge of this same world afforded by the new mathematical science of nature. From the perspective of our contemporary conception of space and geometry, as it was first developed in the late nineteenth century by such thinkers as Helmholtz , Mach , and Poincare , Kant ’s earlier conception thereby involves a conflation of what we now distinguish as mathematical, perceptual, and physical space. According to this contemporary conception, mathematical space is the object of pure geometry, perceptual space is that within which empirical objects are first given to our senses, and physical space results from applying the propositions of pure geometry to the objects of the (empirical) science of physics—which, first and foremost, studies the motions of such objects in (physical) space. Yet it is essential to Kant ’s conception that the three types of space (mathematical, perceptual, and physical) among which we now sharply distinguish are necessarily identical with one another, for it is in precisely this way, for Kant , that a priori knowledge of the empirical world around us is possible.
Treating Acute Bronchiolitis Associated with RSV

Treatment for infants with bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) includes supplemental oxygen, nasal suctioning, fluids to prevent dehydration, and other supportive therapies. High-risk children who should be hospitalized include those younger than three months and those with a preterm birth, cardiopulmonary disease, immunodeficiency, respiratory distress, or inadequate oxygenation. Inhaled beta2-agonist bronchodilators, the anticholinergic agent ipratropium bromide, and nebulized epinephrine have not been shown to be effective for treating RSV bronchiolitis. However, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality states that nebulized epinephrine and nebulized ipratropium bromide are possibly effective. The appropriate use of corticosteroids remains controversial. They may provide some benefit but meta-analyses of clinical trial results are inconsistent. Prophylaxis with RSV intravenous immune globulin or palivizumab, a human monoclonal antibody, can reduce hospitalization rates in high-risk patients, although difficulties with administering the medications and high costs may preclude their widespread use. The use of common infection-control measures can reduce nosocomial transmission of RSV infections.
Functional status of neuroendocrine tumors among elderly patients: A large population-based study using SEER-Medicare data.

4097Background: Functional neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) secrete bioactive amines and cause carcinoid syndrome, with its incumbent symptom burden of flushing and diarrhea. However, the frequency of ...
Abstract WP100: Vitamin D Deficiency Induced Alteration in Blood Brain Barrier Following Stroke in Rats

Background: Growing evidence suggests that Vitamin D hormone deficiency (VDHdef) is a risk factor for ischemic stroke and its severity. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment is a marker of secondary...
The effects of tunnel channel formation on the Green Bay Lobe, Wisconsin, USA

Abstract Subglacial water drainage plays a significant role in glacier flow dynamics. Various forms of subglacial drainage have been observed beneath modern ice sheets, and the same forms of drainage likely occurred beneath paleo-ice sheets, such as the Laurentide Ice Sheet. Records of paleo drainage are occasionally preserved in the geomorphic record and can serve as a widespread and easily accessible means to investigate aspects of subglacial drainage that are difficult to directly study on modern-day glaciers. Linear surface depressions that extend tens of kilometers inward from the margin of Laurentide lobes are found throughout the Midwest of North America and are hypothesized to form from incision by channelized subglacial water flow. Here we estimate the subglacial hydropotential and its gradient along the western margin of the Marine Isotope Stage 2 Laurentide Ice Sheet's Green Bay Lobe to identify potential locations for subglacial water pooling. We find that linear surface depressions correlate well with areas where subglacial water likely pooled. We use a combination of active and passive seismic analyses to estimate the actual size of an incised subglacial channel in Waushara County, Wisconsin, that was subsequently infilled with sediment after the formation. We find that the channel incised ca. 65 m into the surrounding unlithified material, which is 6 times greater than the modern surface expression, and has a width of 450 m, which is nearly equal to the width of the surface expression. We estimate the channel would have taken ca. 60 days of water flow to form and that the flow of pore water from the surrounding till into the low-pressure channel could have increased the strength of the till by as much as 140 kPa following a single drainage by as much as 175 kPa in a smaller region following a series of 15-day-long drainage events. Till strengthening could have been a factor of 7 to 25× greater than predrainage strength values.
A Prospective Study Evaluating the Effects of SSRI Exposure on Cardiac Size and Function in Newborns.

Background Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants prescribed in 10% of pregnancies in the USA. We have previously shown in preclinical studies that sertraline exposure impacts cardiomyocyte development, leading to reductions in left ventricular size and cardiac function. Objectives We hypothesized that in utero SSRI exposure will lead to reduced left ventricular dimensions and cardiac function on echocardiography immediately after birth. Methods Twenty term infants with and 21 term infants without in utero exposure to SSRIs underwent echocardiograms to assess cardiac size and function. The exclusion criteria for infants were prematurity, small or large for gestational age, any respiratory or cardiovascular support needed after birth, and any major congenital malformation. Results Infants exposed to in utero SSRIs had significantly reduced right ventricular dimensions in the diastole (controls 1.0 cm [0.86, 1.20], SSRI 0.89 cm [0.730, 1.05], p = 0.03), and left ventricular lengths in the diastole and systole (diastole: controls 3.4 cm [3.25, 3.65], SSRI 3.25 cm [3.10, 3.45], p = 0.03; systole: controls 2.9 cm [2.65, 3.05], SSRI 2.6 cm [2.50, 2.85], p = 0.01). No differences were observed in cardiac function. Importantly, there were no differences in maternal conditions or infant birth weight, body surface area, or gestational age. Conclusions Our findings suggest an association between in utero exposure to SSRIs and ventricular size in infants. Given the increasing use of SSRIs during pregnancy and the importance of early life programming on future cardiovascular health, larger studies need to be completed to determine if in utero SSRI exposure impacts ventricular size.
Quadriceps and Hamstrings Strength in Athletes

Quadriceps and hamstrings strength is usually quantified by the peak torque during maximal voluntary isokinetic contractions. Ratios of peak torque are used to assess limb asymmetry and compare hamstrings strength relative to quadriceps strength. Peak torque is affected by the mode and speed of testing, and it is important to consider whether or not to normalize peak torque (e.g., to body mass). Positive, but moderate correlations were observed between knee strength and triple hop distance and between knee strength and hip strength in a population of collegiate freshmen football players. No significant correlations were observed between knee strength and Functional Movement Screen™ performance, or between limb symmetry indices based on different strength and functional tests. Deficiencies in quadriceps and hamstrings strength may increase the risk of lower extremity injuries, but large prospective studies are needed to determine which measures of strength are the best predictors for specific injuries and to optimize injury prevention strategies.
To Not Talk Past Each Other: An Immodest Proposal for Cross-Conceptual Research in Urban Morphology

The field of urban morphology has seen welcome conceptual expansion in recent years, particularly in the spheres of mathematical modeling and topological analysis. This has posed a challenge to conceptually integrate such inherently quantitative and frequently abstract thinking with that of fundamentally historical approaches to the field in which time and place are essential culturally dependent explanatory factors. The issue is not one of the conflicts between quantitative and qualitative explanations, but of reconciling highly variable sources of evidence and definitions of relevant context. Cross-conceptual studies in urban morphology aimed at bridging perceived gaps in communication have been on the rise, yet a carefully calibrated test of all the multiple analytical approaches that have emerged applied to the urban morphology of a common geographical case remains untried. Issues of spatial scale in structuring an investigation, the relevancy of different measures of urban form to be examined, and the appropriate depth of societal context to be factored in could then be adequately addressed in direct juxtaposition. It is presumed a significant enhancement of both conceptual cross-fertilization and enriched understanding of the urban morphology of the particular case involved could result. This essay concludes with a call for such a collaborative test.
The politics of information management

INTRODUCTION Developing, sharing, and working with information in today’s environment is not an easy task. With today’s technological advancements, the management of information appears to be deceivingly easier. However, building and maintaining an infrastructure for information management involves complex issues, such as group consensus, access and privileges, well-defined duties, and power redistribution. Furthermore, higher education institutions are continuously faced with the need to balance the politics of information sharing across departments, whether the administration operates in a centralized or decentralized manner. The need to develop, share, and manage information in a more effective and efficient manner has been proven to require a challenging shift in the norms and behavior of higher education institutions as well. This shift does not have as much to do with the actual use of technology as it does with the cultural environment of the institution. Davenport (1997) notes:
Exploring the 2D and 3D structural properties of topologically associating domains

Topologically associating domains (TADs) are genomic regions with varying lengths. The interactions within TADs are more frequent than those between different TADs. TADs or sub-TADs are considered the structural and functional units of the mammalian genomes. Although TADs are important for understanding how genomes function, we have limited knowledge about their 3D structural properties. In this study, we designed and benchmarked three metrics for capturing the three-dimensional and two-dimensional structural signatures of TADs, which can help better understand TADs’ structural properties and the relationships between structural properties and genetic and epigenetic features. The first metric for capturing 3D structural properties is radius of gyration, which in this study is used to measure the spatial compactness of TADs. The mass value of each DNA bead in a 3D structure is novelly defined as one or more genetic or epigenetic feature(s). The second metric is folding degree. The last metric is exponent parameter, which is used to capture the 2D structural properties based on TADs’ Hi-C contact matrices. In general, we observed significant correlations between the three metrics and the genetic and epigenetic features. We made the same observations when using H3K4me3, transcription start sites, and RNA polymerase II to represent the mass value in the modified radius-of-gyration metric. Moreover, we have found that the TADs in the clusters of depleted chromatin states apparently correspond to smaller exponent parameters and larger radius of gyrations. In addition, a new objective function of multidimensional scaling for modelling chromatin or TADs 3D structures was designed and benchmarked, which can handle the DNA bead-pairs with zero Hi-C contact values. The web server for reconstructing chromatin 3D structures using multiple different objective functions and the related source code are publicly available at http://dna.cs.miami.edu/3DChrom/.
The impact of metastasis location on overall survival among patients with renal cell carcinoma.

621Background: Current staging guidelines define all patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) as a singular group. We sought to compare the impact of metastatic disease location on overa...
Medical optimization of modifiable risk factors before thoracolumbar three-column osteotomies: an analysis of 195 patients

To determine the rate of preoperative modifiable laboratory abnormalities (both major and minor) and the association with early postoperative medical and surgical complications. All patients undergoing thoracolumbar three-column osteotomy between 2013 and 2016 with preoperative laboratory data were identified. Potential preoperative modifiable laboratory abnormalities (major and minor) were assessed including hyponatremia (sodium < 130 and < 135 mEq/L), anemia (hematocrit < 25% and < 30%), renal insufficiency (creatinine ≥ 1.8 and ≥ 1.2 mg/dL), coagulopathy (INR ≥ 1.8 and ≥ 1.2), and hypoalbuminemia (albumin < 2.5 and < 3.5 g/dL). Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine associations with 30-day complications after controlling for possible confounding factors. A total of 195 patients were identified. The rates of major and minor preoperative laboratory abnormalities were 7.7% and 31.3%, respectively. The rates of serious medical, minor medical, and surgical complications over 30-days were 6.7%, 21.5%, and 10.3%, respectively. In multivariate analysis the presence of major preoperative laboratory abnormalities had a significant association with serious medical complications (odds ratio [OR] 77.8, P < 0.001), and minor medical complications (OR 13.3, P < 0.001), but not surgical complications (P = 0.243). The presence of minor preoperative laboratory abnormalities had a significant association with serious medical complications (OR 10.4, P = 0.041) and minor medical complications (OR 2.4, P = 0.045), but not surgical complications (P = 0.490). While major laboratory abnormalities had a strong association with complications, even minor modifiable laboratory abnormalities had a significant association with both serious and minor medical complications.
Sequence iterative method-based steady-state analysis of integrated electricity, gas and heating networks

Abstract The increasing linkages and interdependencies between multiple energy systems and the demand for higher overall energy efficiency of these systems put into force their combined management as multi-energy systems (MESs). This study comprised the development of a method for the steady-state analysis of the multi-energy flows of electricity, gas and heating systems, which is a fundamental tool for real operation and operational planning. A sequence iterative method was introduced for sequentially determining the energy flows of each system. This method is a relaxation of an existing uniform Newton’s formulation for handling the negative effect on convergence due to the hybrid quadratic and exponential 1/2 gas equations. Industry-based software for electricity simulation and pipeline programs enabling gas and heating analysis were incorporated into the method. Moreover, the mechanism of a distributed regulating unit scheme was developed for data-exchange between sub-networks under analysis. The applicability of the proposed method was demonstrated by analysis of representative small-scale and large-scale systems.
Coping With Stress Through Texting: An Experimental Study.

Abstract Purpose Texting is used by many adolescents and has the potential to improve well-being, as youth can reach out for support immediately after experiencing a stressful situation. Many studies have examined whether texting is associated with well-being, but few have used experimental designs, preventing causal claims. Methods In this experimental study, 130 adolescents (Mage = 12.41) participated with a same-gender friend whom they texted regularly. Both adolescents completed a task that elicited stress and then engaged in one of the following randomly assigned activities: texting their friend, watching a video on a cellphone (passive-phone condition), or sitting quietly (no activity condition). Participants reported their mood and stress levels after the stress task and again after the activity. Heart rate variability was measured throughout. Results Participants who texted their friend reported higher moods (b = −.80, standard error [SE] = .24, p Conclusions Both boys and girls may benefit from texting a friend after experiencing a stressful event.
Ericoid mycorrhizal diversity increases with soil age and progressive phosphorus limitation across a 4.1 million-year chronosequence

Abstract Ericaceous plants rely on ericoid mycorrhizal fungi for nutrient acquisition. However, the factors that affect the composition and structure of these fungal communities remain largely unknown. Here, we use a 4.1-myr soil chronosequence in Hawaii to test the hypothesis that changes in nutrient availability with soil age determine the diversity and species composition of fungi associated with ericoid roots. We sampled roots of a native Hawaiian plant, Vaccinium calycinum, and used DNA metabarcoding to quantify changes in fungal diversity and species composition. We also used a fertilization experiment at the youngest and oldest sites to assess the importance of nutrient limitation. We found an increase in diversity and a clear pattern of species turnover across the chronosequence, driven largely by putative ericoid mycorrhizal fungi. Fertilization with nitrogen at the youngest site and phosphorus at the oldest site reduced total fungal diversity, suggesting a direct role of nutrient limitation. Our results also reveal the presence of novel fungal species associated with Hawaiian Ericaceae and suggest a greater importance of phosphorus availability for communities of ericoid mycorrhizal fungi than is generally assumed.
Advanced Communication and Examination Skills in Telemedicine: A Structured Simulation-Based Course for Medical Students

Introduction Telemedicine has become part of mainstream medical practice. High quality virtual care is a skill that will be required of many physicians. Skills required for effective evaluation and...
Intersectional Occupational Crowding: Labor Market Stratification Amongst Women Workers in New Orleans

This descriptive paper examines racial and gender patterns of employment in New Orleans Louisiana using the 2018 American Communities Survey microdata in the context of the post-Katrina economy, wi...
Host phenology can select for multiple stable parasite virulence strategies

Host phenology is an important driver of parasite transmission and evolution. In a seasonal environment, monocyclic, obligate-killer parasites evolve optimal virulence strategies such that all parasite progeny are released near the end of the host season to limit parasite progeny death in the environment. It is unclear whether host seasonality imposes different constraints on polycyclic parasites such that both polycyclic and monocyclic parasites are maintained. We develop a mathematical model of a disease system with seasonal host activity to study the evolutionary consequences of host phenology on polycyclic, obligate-killer parasite virulence strategies. Seasonal host activity patterns create both monocyclic and polycyclic parasite evolutionarily stable strategies (ESS) separated by less-fit strategies (evolutionary repellors). The ESS that evolves in each system is a function of the virulence strategy of the parasite introduced into the system. The trait value for both monocyclic and polycyclic strategies is determined by two aspects of host phenology: the duration of the host activity period and the distribution in the time at which hosts first become active within each season. Longer host activity periods and more synchronous host emergence drive both the monocyclic and polycyclic strategies towards lower virulence. The results demonstrate that host phenology can, in theory, maintain diverse parasite strategies among isolated geographic locations.
Gene Action Changes in Gametogenesis

Probably nowhere else are gene action changes so rampant as they are during those earliest stages in the developmental histories of organisms represented by the preparation of the gametes. In the formation of the egg and sperm, generalized cells become converted to types highly specialized for their respective functions. While the specializations of the spermatozoon are obvious features, those of the ovum, although not evident on the surface, are no less marked internally, as becomes even more apparent in the next two chapters. For only during and following fertilization into early development does the remarkable internal organization that exists in the egg cell become revealed. Then, too, the best indicators of gene expression changes, alterations in protein profiles, are manifested. Here then in the present discussion, one must largely be content with changes in the fine structural characteristics and similar topics that merely imply, rather than clearly demonstrate, the activation of new genes and the abandonment of former ones.
TU-EF-BRD-01: Topics in Quality and Safety Research and Level of Evidence

Research related to quality and safety has been a staple of medical physics academic activities for a long time. From very early on, medical physicists have developed new radiation measurement equipment and analysis techniques, created ever increasingly accurate dose calculation models, and have vastly improved imaging, planning, and delivery techniques. These and other areas of interest have improved the quality and safety of radiotherapy for our patients. With the advent of TG-100, quality and safety is an area that will garner even more research interest in the future. As medical physicists pursue quality and safety research in greater numbers, it is worthwhile to consider what actually constitutes research on quality and safety. For example, should the development of algorithms for real-time EPID-based in-vivo dosimetry be defined as “quality and safety” research? How about the clinical implementation of such as system? Surely the application of failure modes and effects analysis to a clinical process would be considered quality and safety research, but is this type of research that should be included in the medical physics peer-reviewed literature? The answers to such questions are of critical importance to set researchers in a direction that will provide the greatest benefit to our field and the patients we serve. The purpose of this symposium is to consider what constitutes research in the arena of quality and safety and differentiate it from other research directions. The key distinction here is developing the tool itself (e.g. algorithms for EPID dosimetry) vs. studying the impact of the tool with some quantitative metric. Only the latter would I call quality and safety research. Issues of ‘basic’ versus ‘applied’ quality and safety research will be covered as well as how the research results should be structured to provide increasing levels of support that a quality and safety intervention is effective and sustainable. Examples from existing peer-reviewed research will be used to highlight the main points. Historical, medical physicists have leveraged many areas of applied physics, engineering and biology to improve radiotherapy. Research on quality and safety is another area where physicists can have an impact. The key to further progress is to clearly define what constitutes quality and safety research for those interested in doing such research and the reviewers of that research. Learning Objectives: 1.List several tools of quality and safety with references to peer-reviewed literature. 2.Describe effects of mental workload on performance. 3.Outline research in quality and safety indicators and technique analysis. 4.Understand what quality and safety research needs to be going forward. 5.Understand the links between cooperative group trials and quality and safety research.
Statistically based splicing detection reveals neural enrichment and tissue-specific induction of circular RNA during human fetal development

Background: The pervasive expression of circular RNA is a recently discovered feature of gene expression in highly diverged eukaryotes, but the functions of most circular RNAs are still unknown. Computational methods to discover and quantify circular RNA are essential. Moreover, discovering biological contexts where circular RNAs are regulated will shed light on potential functional roles they may play. Results: We present a new algorithm that increases the sensitivity and specificity of circular RNA detection by discovering and quantifying circular and linear RNA splicing events at both annotated and un-annotated exon boundaries, including intergenic regions of the genome, with high statistical confidence. Unlike approaches that rely on read count and exon homology to determine confidence in prediction of circular RNA expression, our algorithm uses a statistical approach. Using our algorithm, we unveiled striking induction of general and tissue-specific circular RNAs, including in the heart and lung, during human fetal development. We discover regions of the human fetal brain, such as the frontal cortex, with marked enrichment for genes where circular RNA isoforms are dominant. Conclusions: The vast majority of circular RNA production occurs at major spliceosome splice sites; however, we find the first examples of developmentally induced circular RNAs processed by the minor spliceosome, and an enriched propensity of minor spliceosome donors to splice into circular RNA at un-annotated, rather than annotated, exons. Together, these results suggest a potentially significant role for circular RNA in human development.
A sensing coverage analysis of a route control method for vehicular crowd sensing

General vehicles have much potential to contribute to city surveillance in a context of Smart City. Vehicular crowd sensing is essential for reasonable and sustainable city surveillance. We propose route control method to enhance sensing coverage of crowd sensing system. The method is composed of sensing demand-aware cost assignment and a cooperative path reservation. We performed a traffic simulation to evaluate the route control method. The result shows sensing coverage of vehicular crowd sensing can be significantly enhanced without much additional travel of sensing vehicle. Therefore total sensing ability can be increased without enhancing sensor ability or enhancing the number of sensing vehicles.
Christianity, Feminism, and the Paradox of Female Happiness

In many places around the globe women enter professions of choice and enjoy nearly equal rights as men, yet many women are not happy. This seeming contradiction is becoming quite apparent. A 2009 report, for example, by two economists entitled 'The Paradox of Declining Female Happiness' documented some surprising facts. Since 1970 women’s self-reported happiness has fallen, relative to that of men, according to the study. This seems paradoxical, given the tremendous strides made by the women’s movement. In November 2009, the cover story for Time Magazine described “The State of the American Woman: A new poll shows why they are more powerful – but less happy.” Furthermore, a piece in the New York Times also discussed this unhappiness phenomenon in that “women are getting gloomier and men are getting happier,” and asked the salient question “Did the feminist revolution end up benefiting men more than women?” Has feminism resulted in unhappiness among women? And what may account for this seeming contradiction? Can Christian scholarship offer any insight? This article discusses the influences that both feminism and the Christian religion have had on gender equality and considers the failure of each on behalf of women and men. It will also address the genuine need for transformation toward gender equality, both in culture and religion, and proscribe the ultimate solution for women’s unhappiness. Convinced this honest struggle is an essential part of recapturing the intellectual life of Christianity, we believe that the transformative power of Jesus Christ alone will bring about authentic gender equality. Further, we argue that feminists and women leaders ought to seriously consider the Christian foundations of any claim to gender equality and the resulting implications of personal faith upon genuine happiness and personal fulfillment. Section I critically assesses the successes and failures of religious Christianity in promoting gender equality. Section II considers the successes and failures of feminist philosophy in gender equality. Section III then examines the success and failures in contemporary women’s leadership. Challenging both religion and feminism as the basis for women’s genuine happiness and equality. Section IV then argues for a personal, rather than religious, Christ-centered approach to gender equality as the ultimate means to achieving women’s happiness. This article proffers that neither religion nor feminism has brought about gender equality. We argue simultaneously that gender equality must have a strong Biblical foundation to a genuine Christ-centered approach. Such an approach must be implemented universally, involving an unadulterated application of the transformative power of Jesus Christ. We argue that true Christianity is the missing element without which feminism fails, while simultaneously emphasizing that Christians must tender authentic gender equality.
Synthesis and assembly of adenovirus polypeptides. III. Reversible inhibition of hexon assembly in adenovirus type 5 temperature-sensitive mutants.

Abstract In cells infected with adenovirus type 5 temperature-sensitive mutants ts 17 and ts 20, hexon polypeptides (monomers) synthesized at 38.5° do not assemble into capsomeres (trimers) at that temperature. Although hexon polypeptides newly synthesized at the nonpermissive temperature assemble on temperature stepdown, holding the polypeptides at 38.5° for 2 hr before stepdown to 32.5° decreases assembly by 65–75%. Structural studies of wt and ts mutants have shown that the hexon polypeptides are identical in molecular weight, as well as tryptic and chymotryptic peptide patterns. These observations suggest that genes other than those coding for the primary structure of the hexon polypeptide are important for in vivo assembly of hexon.
Quality of Parent-Adolescent Conversations About Sex and Adolescent Sexual Behavior: An Observational Study.

Abstract Purpose Studies suggest that the quality of parent–adolescent communication about sex uniquely predicts adolescent sexual behavior. Previous studies have relied predominantly on self-report data. Observational methods, which are not susceptible to self-report biases, may be useful in examining the associations between the quality of parent–adolescent communication about sex and adolescent sexual behavior more objectively. Methods With a sample of adolescents (N = 55, 58% male, 44% white, M age = 15.8) and their parents, we used hierarchical logistic regression analyses to examine the associations between the observed quality of parent–adolescent communication about dating and sex and the likelihood of adolescents' sexual intercourse. Results The quality of parent–adolescent communication about dating and sex predicted sexual behavior. Specifically, lecturing was associated with a higher likelihood of adolescents having had sexual intercourse. Conclusions The quality of parent–adolescent communication about sex is a unique correlate of adolescent sexual behavior and warrants further investigation. Thus, it serves as a potential target of preventive interventions that aim to foster adolescent sexual health behaviors.
Modelagem de valor agregado e o poder do pensamento mágico

This article explains the impetus in the United States behind the drive to extend test-based accountability to teachers and the growing interest in employing value-added models to generate the indicators to be used in teacher evaluation. The empirical literature finds that teaching quality is the most important school-related determinant of student. Yet, in the main, teacher evaluations are done poorly – if at all – and compensation has been largely determined by seniority and credentials. Policy makers see strengthening teacher accountability as a priority. In particular, they are looking to increase the role of outputs in comparison to inputs. However, given the technical problems associated with status-based indicators of teacher and school effectiveness, the focus has turned to indicators based on some measure of the progress students have made during the academic year. Value-added analysis relies on sophisticated statistical models to generate estimates of the relative effectiveness of teachers, based on a measure related to student progress. This article provides a brief introduction to value-added models and summarizes key research findings. Although value-added estimates have some desirable properties, they do not represent a simple, neat solution to a complex evaluation problem. In this spirit, the article concludes by describing some of the many concerns regarding the use of value-added scores for high-stakes decisions and suggests some ways to enhance the likelihood that teacher accountability will contribute constructively to the improvement of teaching.
Equivalence of Several Two-Stage Methods for Linear Discriminant Analysis.

Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) has been used for decades to extract features that preserve class separability. It is classically defined as an optimization problem involving covariance matrices that represent the scatter within and between clusters. The requirement that one of these matrices be nonsingular restricts its application to data sets in which the dimension of the data does not exceed the sample size. Recently, the applicability of LDA has been extended by using the generalized singular value decomposition (GSVD) to circumvent the nonsingularity requirement. Alternatively, many studies have taken a two-stage approach in which the first stage reduces the dimension of the data enough so that it can be followed by classical LDA. In this paper, we justify the two-stage approach by establishing its equivalence to the single-stage LDA/GSVD method, provided either principal component analysis or latent semantic indexing is used in the first stage over a certain range of intermediate dimensions. We also present a computationally simpler choice for the first stage, and conclude with a discussion of the relative merits of each approach. ∗This work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation grants CCR-0204109 and ACI-0305543. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation (NSF).