cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Troglitazone-induced changes in adiponectin do not affect endothelial function in diabetes.

Objective: Adiponectin has been proposed to be related to endothelial function. We have examined the relationship between the increase in adiponectin levels that is associated with troglitazone treatment and endothelium-dependent vasodilation in type 2 diabetic patients. Research Methods and Procedures: Seventy-two patients participated in this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study. High-resolution ultrasound images were used to measure the flow-mediated dilation (endothelium-dependent) and nitroglycerin-induced dilation (endothelium-independent) of the brachial artery. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging was employed to measure the vascular reactivity in the forearm skin. Results: Troglitazone treatment resulted in an average 75% increase in the adiponectin levels, but no changes were observed in the endothelium-dependent vasodilation, any other measurement of vascular reactivity, or any other markers of endothelial activation. Also, no changes were observed in the expression of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products in skin biopsies taken from the forearm. Significant correlations were observed during troglitazone treatment between the changes in the adiponectin levels and the changes in fasting plasma glucose (r = −0.29, p < 0.05), hemoglobin A1c (r = −0.30, p < 0.05), total cholesterol (r = 0.25, p < 0.05), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (r = 0.34, p < 0.01). Discussion: The increase in adiponectin levels after troglitazone treatment is not associated with an improvement in the endothelium-dependent vasodilation, indicating that adiponectin is not a major determinant of endothelial function. In addition, receptor for advanced glycation end-products expression in the skin microcirculation is not affected by troglitazone treatment.
Impressions over time: Community progressive murals in an outpatient HIV/AIDS clinic

Abstract This paper describes the process and impact of community progressive mural-making in an HIV/AIDS outpatient clinic. The words and drawings in these murals were the spontaneous expressions of the patients, their families, and the staff at the clinic. Six murals were created over a period of seven months and were housed in the lobby of the clinic. The project revealed unique insights into the inner experiences of the individual patients, and into the culture of the HIV/AIDS clinic community. This paper highlights the parallels between group dynamics, the group art therapy process, and the development of a community culture through the creation a symbolic therapeutic group in a progressive mural.
Sensitivity Analysis on Flexray Dynamic Segment Design Parameters

The Flexray protocol is rapidly emerging as the next generation in-vehicle communication protocol that will accommodate safety critical, high bandwidth and real time requirements coming from the burgeoning increase of automotive electronic content. The Flexray protocol provides a globally synchronized time base and has provisions for a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) based transmit model (static segment) and a priority based transmit model (dynamic segment). The challenging aspect about Flexray is leveraging its degree of flexibility. Just configuring the dynamic segment alone involves ten protocol level parameters, each of which has significant affect on various key performance metrics such as the message transmission latency, number of message overwrites and bus utilization. This paper presents results from sensitivity analysis for these key parameters relative to the various performance metrics. The results seem to indicate that the assumed notion of message priority as being the main driver that affects transmission latency is far from accurate. Also, the results clearly indicate that one of the in-built protocol constraints has a major detrimental effect on the performance metrics. This paper proposes the removal of this constraint and indicates the degree of performance improvement that can be achieved without the constraint. Finally, a brief discussion on the conclusions of this study and future work will be provided.
A Model of Rater Behavior in Essay Grading Based on Signal Detection Theory

An approach to essay grading based on signal detection theory (SDT) is presented. SDT offers a basis for understanding rater behavior with respect to the scoring of construct responses, in that it provides a theory of psychological processes underlying the raters’ behavior. The approach also provides measures of the precision of the raters and the accuracy of classifications. An application of latent class SDT to essay grading is detailed, and similarities to and differences from item response theory (IRT) are noted. The validity and utility of classifications obtained from the SDT model and scores obtained from IRT models are compared. Validity coefficients were found to be about equal in magnitude across SDT and IRT models. Results from a simulation study of a 5-class SDT model with eight raters are also presented.
A hybrid PZT-silicon microvalve

A low-voltage, low-power microvalve for compact battery-powered portable microfluidic platforms is designed, fabricated and experimentally characterized. The microvalve employs laser-machined piezoelectric unimorphs mechanically linked to surface micromachined nickel structures anchored on corrugated Si/sub x/N/sub y/-Parylene composite membrane tethers. The Parylene layer also serves as a compliant sealing layer on the valve seat for reducing the leakage in the off state. A mechanical linking process to connect the bulk piezoelectric unimorphs to micromachined diaphragms in a self-aligned manner has been developed. The design enables large strokes (2.45 /spl mu/m) at low-actuation voltages (10 V) consuming a comparatively low switching energy (678 nJ). The dependence of the measured flow rates on the modulated clearance over the orifice was found to be in good agreement with the theory of laminar flow in the low (1-100) Reynolds number regime. The microvalve was experimentally characterized for both gas and liquid flows. For example, at 10 V unimorph actuation, a gas flow rate of 420 /spl mu/L/min at a differential pressure of 9.66 kPa was measured. The off-state leakage rate for 0 V actuation is estimated to be 10-20 /spl mu/L/min. Typical flow rates with pulse width modulated (PWM) actuation with 50% duty cycle at 20 V/sub pp/ (1 kHz) were measured to be 770 /spl mu/L/min at 6.9 kPa for gases and 2.77 /spl mu/L/min at 4.71 kPa for liquids.
Deoxyribonucleic acid replication in simian virus 40-infected cells. II. Detection and characterization of simian virus 40 pseudovirions.

Purified simian virus 40 (SV40) virions, grown in primary African green monkey kidney cells labeled prior to infection with 3 H-thymidine, contain a variable quantity of 3 H-labeled deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). This DNA is resistant to deoxyribonuclease, sediments at 250 S , and is enclosed in a particle that can be precipitated with SV40-specific antiserum. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments demonstrate that this 3 H-labeled component in purified SV40 virions is cellular DNA. When this 3 H-labeled DNA is released from purified virus with sodium dodecyl sulfate, it has an average sedimentation constant of 14 S . Sedimentation through neutral and alkaline sucrose gradients shows that this 14 S DNA is composed of a collection of different sizes of DNA molecules that sediment between 11 and 15 S . As a result of this size heterogeneity, SV40 virions containing cellular DNA (pseudovirions) have a variable DNA to capsid protein ratio and exhibit a spectrum of buoyant densities in a CsCl equilibrium gradient. Pseudovirions are enriched, relative to true virions, on the lighter density side of infectious SV40 virus banded to equilibrium in a CsCl gradient. Little or no cellular DNA was found in purified SV40 virus preparations grown in BSC-1 or CV-1 cells.
Radical and Incremental Creativity: Antecedents and Processes

This study extends creativity theory and research by differentiating between 2 distinct forms of creative performance: radical and incremental. It also examines the differential effects of certain antecedents on these two forms of creativity. Results demonstrate that intrinsic motivation, problem-driven, and abstract theory-related creative ideas are associated mostly with radical creativity, whereas extrinsic motivation and ideas that are solution-driven and developed on the basis of concrete practices are linked more closely to incremental creativity. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Effects of Competition and Life History Stage on the Expression of Local Adaptation in Two Native Bunchgrasses

Concerns about the use of genetically appropriate material in restoration often focus on questions of local adaptation. Many reciprocal transplant studies have demonstrated local adaptation in native plant species, but very few have examined how interspecific competition affects the expression of adaptive variation. Our study examined regional scales of adaptation between foothill and coastal populations of two California native bunchgrasses (Elymus glaucus and Nassella pulchra). By combining competitive manipulations with reciprocal transplants, we examined the importance of the vegetation at a site as a selective factor in the process of local adaptation. By monitoring survival and reproduction of reciprocally transplanted populations over the course of 3 years, we also studied the effect of life history stage on the expression of local adaptation. For most of the fitness components we measured, local adaptation was detected and interspecific competition consistently amplified its expression. Expression of local adaptation was especially apparent in the more inbreeding species E. glaucus and suggests that with weaker gene flow, selection may be more effective in creating ecotypes within this species. Local adaptation was detected at all life history stages but was most strongly expressed in traits associated with adult reproduction and the viability of seeds produced by the transplants. Taken together, our results indicate that the importance of local adaptation will become more apparent in the later stages of a restoration project as the plants at a site begin to reproduce and as they experience greater interspecific competition from the maturing vegetation at the site.
Negotiating Nicely: Interactional Justice, Counterfactuals, and Negotiator Outcome Satisfaction

Folger and Kass (2000) proposed that perceptions of fair treatment can affect outcome satisfaction through their effects on counterfactual generation. This paper applies their model to explore relationships between interactional justice perceptions, counterfactual generation, and outcome satisfaction in the negotiation context. In Study 1, negotiators recalled an instance of either fair or unfair treatment during a negotiation. Interactional fairness perceptions were strongly related with both counterfactual satisfaction and counterfactual outcomes they imagined would have obtained if only they had been treated differently. The relationship between counterfactual satisfaction and fair treatment perceptions was mediated by counterfactual outcomes. In Study 2, among freely negotiating dyads, perceptions of fair treatment were associated with both outcome satisfaction and counterfactual outcomes. The relationship between negotiator perceptions of interactional fairness and outcome satisfaction was mediated by self-generated counterfactuals.
The environmental balance of the Alta Val d'Agri: a contribution to the evaluation of the industrial risk and strategic sustainable development

Abstract. This study presents the preliminary environmental balance of the Alta Val d'Agri (Basilicata Region, Southern Italy), an area of great naturalistic interest characterized by the presence of huge oil and gas fields. The Driving Forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Responses (DPSIR) methodology was used to outline the background in terms of environmental impacts mainly caused by oil extraction activities, as well as potential existing responses. The study aims at providing stakeholders with an exhaustive framework to identify the existing data, the main sources of pollution, their potential impacts, the associated industrial risks and the existing policy strategies. Moreover, the DPSIR approach allows the identification of the vulnerable areas and the definition of targeted actions for a sustainable development of the area.
Observations on synaptic patterns in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat the c laminae and the perikaryal synapses

The laminae near the optic tract which have previously been described as C, C1 and C2, have been studied electron microscopically and compared ] to the A laminae. In the A laminae most of the presumed retinogeniculate axons end in encapsulated synaptic zones that contain multiple interconnected synaptic profiles. Only a few of these axons form simple axodendritic synapses upon proximal dendritic segments of the largest cells. In the C laminae the situation is reversed. Most of the retinogeniculate axons end as simple synapses upon medium or small dendrites and few end in encapsulated synaptic zones. Further, these zones are simpler in the C laminae than in the A laminae. The neuronal profiles are smallest and the synaptic interconnections appear to be least complex in lamina C2, where there are only a few, small, presumed retinogeniculate terminals. Of the three C laminae, lamina C, furthest from the optic tract, shows the largest profiles and the most complex interconnections. Bundles of very fine axons occur in all the laminae, but they dominate the regions closest to the optic tract (lamina C2) where they tend to run parallel to the lamina. Some of the largest cells in laminae A, A1 and C are contacted by very fine perisomatic axons which contain round vesicles. These axons have not been described before and are likely to represent an input too fine to have been demonstrable by light microscopical methods.
Efficiently linking text documents with relevant structured information

Faced with growing knowledge management needs, enterprises are increasingly realizing the importance of interlinking critical business information distributed across structured and unstructured data sources. We present a novel system, called EROCS, for linking a given text document with relevant structured data. EROCS views the structured data as a predefined set of "entities" and identifies the entities that best match the given document. EROCS also embeds the identified entities in the document, effectively creating links between the structured data and segments within the document. Unlike prior approaches, EROCS identifies such links even when the relevant entity is not explicitly mentioned in the document. EROCS uses an efficient algorithm that performs this task keeping the amount of information retrieved from the database at a minimum. Our evaluation shows that EROCS achieves high accuracy with reasonable overheads.
The influence of Sir Robert Jones on the founding and development of orthopaedic surgery at the Mayo Clinic

William and Charles Mayo were keenly interested in learning new ideas. With their father’s origins from near Manchester, England, it was understandable that they would travel to England to learn of the English surgical philosophy. They visited many practices and documented their impressions. In
Nutritional and Metabolic Endpoints

None of the metabolic indicators which have been used to date provides a single or necessarily ideal endpoint for interventional management in wasting disorders. Some of these indicators may provide better endpoints for the acute rather than the chronic wasting conditions. In addition, it is imperative that more than one endpoint be selected to be assured that there is concordance in the findings. However, prior to the selection of any endpoint measure, the investigators involved must be fully cognizant of the potential pitfalls and errors that can occur in every one of the selected methodologies. In anticipating these potential problems, developing strategies for the interpretation of the data is critical at the outset of any interventional management strategy. The manufacturers, the regulators and the investigators involved in the interventional management of chronic and acute wasting disorders must agree on the endpoints to be used and these endpoints must provide the most appropriate and valid information. Selection of nutritional and metabolic endpoints must be in part dependent on the disease process involved, the potential magnitude of the interventional effect and must be utilized in the context of a carefully designed experimental protocol with a well focused question(s).
Team collaboration in multinational R&D projects

The nature and process of R&D has changed considerably with the globalization of our business environment, often requiring the integration of large sets of activities and sub-systems across geographically dispersed areas and countries. Collaboration among the various work teams, support groups and stakeholders has become a critical success factor, especially for complex multinational developments where project leaders have to work across organizational lines with limited managerial power in terms of conventional authority, command and control. This is a difficult task which requires a level of leadership beyond regular project management skill to unify, focus and synchronize the R&D effort. Yet, some R&D project leaders seem to be able to achieve higher levels of collaboration than others. This paper reports the results of a field study examining barriers to collaboration and leadership challenges in complex and technology-intensive product R&D efforts. The paper discusses the leadership challenges, managerial actions, organizational conditions and work processes that foster collaboration in complex and culturally diverse R&D team environments.
Group Care: Friend or Foe?

■ This paper reports on a study of five different types of group eare settings for children in Austria/ Israel, Poland, and Yugoslavia, in which assumptions about intellectual, personality, and value development of group-reared children were tested. In general, the group-reared children appear to show no intellectual or psychosocial deficiencies when compared with children reared at home. The group setting also seems to have the potential to change values. The author concludes that the conditions necessary for an environment conducive to change, as shown by these settings, may not be wholly acceptable to the American professional, but that he must surmount the conflict he feels. ■
Innovation and Technology Dissemination and Transfer in Low-Carbon Technology Markets: The Role of Intellectual Property Rights, Trade, and Other Enabling Factors

Innovation is an inherently risky and uncertain process. Many of the broader challenges to innovation in general are both mirrored and exaggerated in environmental innovation. The four primary issues are externalities, uncertainty, asymmetric information, market power. Green technology is characterized by two market failures: the public goods nature of knowledge and environmental externalities. In addition, uncertainty regarding the qualities of the innovation, as well as future prices of inputs and substitutes will complicate the development and adoption processes. Ultimately, uncertainty and changing regulations may both encourage and inhibit environmental innovation, providing policymakers with a critical and challenging role in the process. This study centers on the three aspects of environmental innovation: development, dissemination and financing. As such, it also aims to offer some guidance as to the types of enabling factors that can play a role in positive national or (sub)regional systems of innovation, in the developed and developing world. The discussion focuses on recent work on the role of uncertainty, the participation of emerging and developing nations, and the variety of market actors and strategies in place. The paper also considers the policy instruments that are available, the cost, benefits and consequences of their use. As scholars continue to analyze when, where, why and how eco-innovations are developed and adopted, it is essential that government policymakers aim to reduce uncertainty and risk and foster transparency in the market. This continues to be a field of increasing future importance, and a rich area for continued academic study and analysis. Consumers, government policymakers and innovators would all benefit from a greater understanding of the process of technological change that contributes to the development, diffusion and financing of environmental technologies.
Golden: A Novel Coat Color Mutant in the Wild Mouse Mus caroli

We identified a spontaneous pigmentation mutant in the wild mouse species Mus caroli. Mutant mice exhibit a golden coat color on the agouti background, easily distinguishable from the darker wild type. The golden phenotype segregates as an autosomal recessive, showing no linkage to the sex-linked enzyme marker glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Obligate heterozygotes are phenotypically indistinguishable from the wild type. At birth, homozygotes have poorly pigmented eyes, which darken with age to become indistinguishable from the wild type. Pigmentation of the ears, tail, and footpads is reduced in intensity. Preliminary studies indicate that the phenotype may be due to an alteration in the shape and pigmentation of the eumelanosomes. The viability and fertility of both heterozygotes and homozygotes, as measured by litter size, sex ratio, or frequency of survival to weaning, appear to be normal for M. caroli. Spectrophotometric analysis of hair samples from the mouse variant at the putative golden locus (gdn) suggests that this mutant is not homologous to at least six independent pigment mutants previously identified in M. musculus.
Relationship of Circulating Antigen-Antibody Complexes, Antigen Elimination, and Complement Fixation in Serum Sickness.∗†:

SummaryNeither the level of antigenantibody complexes in the serum nor amount of complement utilized during the responses of rabbits to large injections of BSA could be correlated consistently with either the development or severity of the lesions of serum sickness. Almost all rabbits responded to large injections of BSA by making antibodies capable of forming complexes with circulating antigen yet only 2/3 of them developed significant lesions. On the whole those animals making the earliest responses and eliminating the complexes most rapidly had the most severe lesions; but some animals in which complexes were not eliminated rapidly from the blood also developed lesions. Likewise complement did not appear to be utilized in some rabbits which developed lesions and in some rabbits showing a fall in complement no lesions were found. Thus, it would appear that either there are other factors in addition to complexes and complement which are essential in the pathogenesis of serum sickness or that the complexe...
EFFECT OF FRETTING CONTACT STRESSES ON CRACK NUCLEATION IN RIVETED LAPJOINTS

Fretting is a contact damage mechanism arising from microslip associated with small-scale oscillatory motion of nominally clamped structural members. The need to keep aging fleets of aircraft flying has made crack nucleation and propagation in aging aircraft the focus of current research. A 2dimensional finite element model is used to highlight the fretting crack nucleation mechanism at a typical skin/rivet interface. An approximate solution based on this analysis is used to formulate a method to quickly estimate crack nucleation life for any rivet configuration. Experiments show that fretting cracks occur at both the rivet/skin interface and in the faying surface. Predictions for the low interference case agree very well with the experimental fatigue lives. The high interference cases need accurate modeling of the rivet installation process to characterize the stress field properly for the application of a predictive method.
“Every Tone Was a Testimony”: Black Music, Literature, and Law

The music that chronicles the African American experience is marked in profound but subtle and contradictory ways by the law, perhaps the most pervasive presence in black life since enslaved Africans arrived in the New World. From the mournful but veiled complaints of the sorrow songs to Jay Z’s boastful narration of a pretextual traffic stop, at the heart of so much of the music of black culture lies a wary appraisal, and often an outright rejection, of the “justice” of American law. This Commentary reviews the fraught relationship between the law and the tradition of African American music.
Interactive effects of precipitation manipulation and nitrogen addition on soil properties in California grassland and shrubland

Abstract Soil microbial communities and pools of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) play an important role in ecosystem responses to precipitation variability and N deposition. In southern California, ecosystem vulnerability to these environmental change drivers may differ for grassland versus shrubland vegetation types. We hypothesized that (1) these vegetation types would differ in their responses to precipitation and N manipulation; (2) reduced precipitation (“drought treatment”) would have a negative effect on soil microbial abundance and alter microbial community composition, (3) these changes would be associated with reductions in soil C and N pools, (4) N addition would increase microbial abundance as well as soil C and N pools, and (5) combined drought and N deposition would have offsetting effects on soil properties. We tested these hypotheses at the Loma Ridge Global Change Experiment in southern California. Across vegetation types, we found that microbial biomass based on phospholipid fatty acids declined with drought and N addition. Microbial composition differed more strongly by vegetation type than with environmental change treatments. Added precipitation had little effect on microbial biomass but reduced labile C and N pools; these reductions were mitigated by N addition. Drought reduced labile forms of soil C and N, whereas N addition increased labile soil C pools and all soil N pools. Negative effects of drought and N addition were additive for microbial biomass, which could inhibit soil C cycling if both of these environmental changes occur together. Drought interacted with N addition to significantly increase the most labile N pool under the drought + N treatment, which suggests a build-up of available N under these conditions. These results imply that multiple environmental changes may combine non-additively to affect below-ground microorganisms and soil C and N pools, which may have important consequences for ecosystem services such as productivity, biodiversity, and soil quality in Mediterranean climate regimes of North America.
Pediatric Airway in Health and Disease

The goal of this article is to assist pediatricians in sharing their knowledge of the airway with the anesthesiologist and to develop an understanding of some of the concerns of the anesthesiologist. Not only are classic thoughts and ideas reviewed but also new concerns and approaches are discussed.
Nonlinear Responses of Coupled Vibrators through Frequency Resolved and Heterodyned Femtosecond Infrared Echoes

The coherent signals that yield two-dimensional infrared spectra of peptides at 6μ are obtained. Spectrally resolved heterodyned echoes or transforms of frequency integrated echoes show resolved spectra and level specific dynamics of dipeptides and tripeptides.
Future Soviet Policy towards Western Europe

Any attempt to analyse Soviet policy towards Western Europe during the next decade must begin by looking at some of the fundamental factors which lie behind the Soviet Union’s attitudes and outlook towards Europe. Certain assumptions must be made about Europe and about the Soviet Union, its government, and broad attitudes to international affairs during this period. Only when this has been done is it possible to draw some conclusions about Soviet policy towards Western Europe.
Adiabatic Population Inversion in Multilevel Systems

In this work we solve the problem of N-level coherent adiabatic excitation. The system under investigation is an N-level system with arbitrary spacing, having N-1 allowed transitions connected chain-wise by N-1 lasers (Figure 1). The system’s parameters in the Rotating Wave Approximation (RWA) are the detunings ∆ij and the Rabi frequencies Ωi.
Species differences in adrenal lipid peroxidation: role of alpha-tocopherol.

Abstract Previous reports have noted high levels of lipid peroxidation (LP) in vitro in a variety of adrenocortical preparations. However, we have observed that susceptibility to adrenal LP seems to vary considerably from species to species. The current study was done to confirm these apparent species differences in adrenal LP in vitro and to determine if they were attributable to differences in α-tocopherol content. Incubation of mitochondrial or microsomal preparations from guinea pig or rabbit adrenal glands with ferrous ion (Fe2+) caused a time-dependent increase in the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) accompanied by depletion of α-tocopherol. By contrast, incubation of adrenal mitochondria or microsomes from rats or monkeys with Fe2+ had little or no detectable effect on TBARS and basal adrenal α-tocopherol levels were five to ten-fold greater than those in guinea pigs or rabbits. In addition, there was little change in α-tocopherol concentrations during incubation of rat or monkey adrenal tissue. Dietary α-tocopherol deficiency in rats reduced adrenal α-tocopherol to concentrations approximating those in guinea pigs. Incubation with Fe2+ induced high levels of TBARS in adrenal mitochondria and microsomes from the α-tocopherol deficient rats. Conversely, dietary α-tocopherol supplementation in rabbits increased adrenal α-tocopherol levels and prevented Fe2+ induced TBARS formation in mitochondria and microsomes. The results indicate that there are large species differences in adrenal susceptibility to LP in vitro and that these differences are at least partly attributable to species differences in adrenal α-tocopherol concentrations.
Oscillation of a Zirconium Droplet—Experiment and Simulations

Surface tension is an important property for processing of molten metals. Therefore, it is important to measure the surface tension accurately. Conventional contact methods for surface tension measurements compromise on accuracy due to impurities and oxidation at the molten metal and atmosphere interface. A contactless technique is being utilized for a more accurate measurement of surface tension of high temperature molten metals. A molten zirconium sample is electrostatically levitated using an electrostatic levitator at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and oscillated at its natural frequency. The surface tension of the sample is related to the frequency of oscillation by Rayleigh’s formula. The oscillation of a molten metal droplet was simulated using a CFD package Fluent. Simulated oscillation was analyzed using Matlab code and fast Fourier transform was performed to extract oscillation frequency. Results from the simulations were in good agreement with the experimental data.
Teaching students to think spatially through embodied actions: Design principles for learning environments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

Spatial thinking is a vital component of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum. However, to date, broad development of learning environments that target domain-specific spatial thinking is incomplete. The present article visits the problem of improving spatial thinking by first reviewing the evidence that the human mind is embodied: that cognition, memory, and knowledge representation maintain traces of sensorimotor impressions from acting and perceiving in a physical environment. In particular, we review the evidence that spatial cognition and the ways that humans perceive and conceive of space are embodied. We then propose a set of design principles to aid researchers, designers, and practitioners in creating and evaluating learning environments that align principled embodied actions to targets of spatial thinking in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
A powerful microbiome-based association test and a microbial taxa discovery framework for comprehensive association mapping

The role of the microbiota in human health and disease has been increasingly studied, gathering momentum through the use of high-throughput technologies. Further identification of the roles of specific microbes is necessary to better understand the mechanisms involved in diseases related to microbiome perturbations. Here, we introduce a new microbiome-based group association testing method, optimal microbiome-based association test (OMiAT). OMiAT is a data-driven testing method which takes an optimal test throughout different tests from the sum of powered score tests (SPU) and microbiome regression-based kernel association test (MiRKAT). We illustrate that OMiAT efficiently discovers significant association signals arising from varying microbial abundances and different relative contributions from microbial abundance and phylogenetic information. We also propose a way to apply it to fine-mapping of diverse upper-level taxa at different taxonomic ranks (e.g., phylum, class, order, family, and genus), as well as the entire microbial community, within a newly introduced microbial taxa discovery framework, microbiome comprehensive association mapping (MiCAM). Our extensive simulations demonstrate that OMiAT is highly robust and powerful compared with other existing methods, while correctly controlling type I error rates. Our real data analyses also confirm that MiCAM is especially efficient for the assessment of upper-level taxa by integrating OMiAT as a group analytic method. OMiAT is attractive in practice due to the high complexity of microbiome data and the unknown true nature of the state. MiCAM also provides a hierarchical association map for numerous microbial taxa and can also be used as a guideline for further investigation on the roles of discovered taxa in human health and disease.
Síndroma antifosfolipídica: a propósito de um caso clínico

Introduction: Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that increases the risk of thrombosis. It has multiple clinical manifestations, making the diagnosis a challenge. Case report: A 25 year-old Caucasian woman presented with right frontal headache, radiating to the eyes, with loss of sensation on the right side of the face and flattening of the right naso-labial fold. Computerized tomography of the head did not reveal acute alterations. Loss of sensation on the right side of the body appeared after 48 hours. Computerized tomography revealed thrombosis of the anterior and medial third of superior longitudinal sinus. Further investigation revealed the presence of lupus anticoagulant, antinuclear antibodies (titers of 1/320), and anti-β2-glycoprotein antibodies confirming the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome. Comment: Stroke is the first manifestation of the antiphospholipid syndrome in 13.5% to 15% of cases, preferentially affecting the middle cerebral artery. Sinus thrombosis is a rare presentation associated with non-specific symptoms. Early diagnosis of stroke in young people remains difficult. Health providers need to be aware of this syndrome with the increase in risk factors such as obesity among the young.
Is purpose in life associated with less sleep disturbance in older adults

Previous work has shown that purpose in life can be protective against numerous negative health outcomes including sleep disturbances. Given that sleep disturbances are common among older adults and African Americans, the aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between purpose in life, overall sleep quality, and the presence of sleep disorders in a community-based bi-racial sample of older adults. Participants were 825 non-demented older African Americans (n = 428) and Whites (n = 397) from two cohort studies, the Minority Aging Research Study (MARS) and the Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP). Participants completed a 32-item questionnaire assessing sleep quality and symptoms of Sleep Apnea, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and REM Behavior Disorder (RBD). Purpose in life was assessed with a 10-item measure modified from Ryff & Keyes’s scales of Psychological Well Being. In a series of hierarchical multiple linear regressions controlling for the demographic covariates of age, sex, race, and education, higher levels of purpose in life were associated with better sleep quality at baseline. Using longitudinal follow-up data, higher levels of purpose in life was associated with lower risk of sleep apnea at baseline, 1-year follow-up, and 2-year follow-up, as well as reduced symptoms of RLS at 1-year and 2-year follow-up. These findings provide support for the hypothesis that a higher level of meaning and purpose in life among older adults is related to better sleep quality and appears to be protective against symptoms of sleep apnea and RLS.
Analysis of Broke Handling and White Water Management in a TCMP-newsprint Mill using a Dynamic Modular Simulation

Abstract A steady state flowsheet simulator was adapted at the Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada to analyse mill-wide dynamic behaviour. The modular structure of the program allows the modelling of different systems configurations, by using a library of process modules representing the basic operations of pulp and paper processes. The software has been tested at an integrated TCMP - specialty grades mill to analyse broke and white water management strategies.
Heterodimeric capping protein is required for stereocilia length and width regulation.

Control of the dimensions of actin-rich processes like filopodia, lamellipodia, microvilli, and stereocilia requires the coordinated activity of many proteins. Each of these actin structures relies on heterodimeric capping protein (CAPZ), which blocks actin polymerization at barbed ends. Because dimension control of the inner ear’s stereocilia is particularly precise, we studied the CAPZB subunit in hair cells. CAPZB, present at ∼100 copies per stereocilium, concentrated at stereocilia tips as hair cell development progressed, similar to the CAPZB-interacting protein TWF2. We deleted Capzb specifically in hair cells using Atoh1-Cre, which eliminated auditory and vestibular function. Capzb-null stereocilia initially developed normally but later shortened and disappeared; surprisingly, stereocilia width decreased concomitantly with length. CAPZB2 expressed by in utero electroporation prevented normal elongation of vestibular stereocilia and irregularly widened them. Together, these results suggest that capping protein participates in stereocilia widening by preventing newly elongating actin filaments from depolymerizing.
In Praise of The American Political Tradition

No book is more exemplary in identifying the continuity of democratic statesmanship in the United States than Richard Hofstadter's second book. Its scope is long—from the Framers through the New Deal. The author's insights are brilliant, expressed with literary brio. No other book manages to convey the basic homogeneity of American politics with such persuasiveness, in blending that tradition with the defense of enterprise and property (and in sprinkling the portraits with such acerbic wit). The unifying thread nevertheless needs to be modified in the light of greater sensitivity to the ordeal of race, and in evaluating how the heritage of the New Deal has tempered the commitment to an unbridled capitalism.
Neutrons improve weld integrity of underwater wind turbine foundations

Massive offshore structures like oil rigs and wind turbines are designed to withstand the myriad punishments oceans tend to mete out. However, over time, just the saltwater itself can significantly...
Corrosion Fatigue and Stress-Corrosion Cracking of High-Hardness Laminar Composite Steel

In this study both corrosion fatigue and stress-corrosion cracking behavior of a high-hardness laminar composite steel are examined in the presence of a 3.5 percent sodium chloride (NaCl) environment and compared to the behavior in air. It is shown that the susceptibility is not limited to specimens with a crack or notch. Smooth specimens with a machine ground surface tested under static as well as cyclic loading are affected adversely by the 3.5 percent NaCl environment. Using center notched panels to study crack growth behavior, it is shown that the influence of the 3.5 percent environment becomes more apparent as the maximum cyclic stress decreases. Ballistically damaged panels were also examined in a corrosive environment under the same cyclic stress conditions. Compared to the center notched panels a longer life is observed. It is suggested that this is due to the orientation of the ballistically induced cracks with respect to the loading axis. Environmental effects are also seen in the static loading of ballistically damaged panels. K I s c c estimates were obtained from these panels and compared to the results of conventional specimens. Both sets of results indicate significant susceptibility of the laminar composite steel to stress corrosion.
PA 11-2-2375 Using social media to disseminate injury prevention content: is a picture worth a thousand words?

Background Use of social media is one way that messages can reach more audiences and have a greater impact. However, relatively little is known about the influence of social media for injury prevention—as the accuracy of content, depictions of behaviors, and information shared through popular platforms have not been investigated. There is a critical need to understand what channels are being used, and by whom, what information is being provided, and how social media posts impact or change parental safety behaviors. Of particular interest is the effect on behaviors when there is discordance with the image presented and the recommended safety practices. Objective The objectives were to 1) describe the social media and injury prevention landscape for parents of young children in the U.S. and how information seeking varies by eHealth literacy; and 2) document and summarize the content and nature of injury prevention posts from four types of key disseminators: children’s hospitals, government agencies, pediatric health nonprofits, and child injury non-profits. Methods Participants were recruited from a survey panel representative of the U.S. adult population. Adults were screened on social media usage, eligible individuals signed online consent forms and completed a brief online survey and received a credit for their participation. A quantitative content analysis was conducted to analyze text and images in injury prevention posts from key disseminators on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Findings Results from the online survey and content analysis will be presented. Identified gaps and opportunities for using social media to disseminate safety recommendations will be highlighted. Conclusion We expect to be able to identify gaps and opportunities for using social media platforms to disseminate evidence-based safety recommendations and provide recommendations about social media content that is likely to reach broad audiences and increase uptake of safety behaviors.
Association between metformin (M) use and survival among non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (pts).

7568 Background: The antidiabetic drug M may improve cancer-specific survival; however, little is known about the association between M use and survival among NSCLC pts. Methods: We retrospectively...
Characterising variation in composition and activation criteria of rapid response and cardiac arrest teams: a survey of Medicare participating hospitals in five American states

Objectives To characterise the variation in composition, leadership, and activation criteria of rapid response and cardiac arrest teams in five north-eastern states of the USA. Design Cross-sectional study consisting of a voluntary 46-question survey of acute care hospitals in north-eastern USA. Setting Acute care hospitals in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Pennsylvania. Participants Surveys were completed by any member of the rapid response team (RRT) with a working knowledge of team composition and function. Participants were all Medicare-participating acute care hospitals, including teaching and community hospitals as well as hospitals from rural, urban and suburban areas. Results Out of 378 hospitals, contacts were identified for 303, and 107 surveys were completed. All but two hospitals had an RRT, 70% of which changed members daily. The most common activation criteria were clinical concern (95%), single vital sign abnormalities (77%) and early warning score (59%). Eighty one per cent of hospitals had a dedicated cardiac arrest team. RRT composition varied widely, with respiratory therapists, critical care nurses, physicians and nurse managers being the most likely to attend (89%, 78%, 64% and 51%, respectively). Consistent presence of critical care physicians was uncommon and both cardiac arrest teams and teams were frequently led by trainee physicians, often without senior supervision. Conclusions As the largest study to date in the USA, we have demonstrated wide heterogeneity, rapid team turnover and a lack of senior supervision of RRT and cardiac arrest teams. These factors likely contribute to the mixed results seen in studies of RRTs.
Computer Use, Workstation Design Training and Cumulative Trauma Disorders in College Students

Currently, very little is known about computer use in college students, associated Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) and musculoskeletal discomfort, or the impact and availability of proper workstation design education and training in this population. Given the expanding use of technology in university settings, it is important to determine how computer use may be causing pain and discomfort for college students, whether workstation education and training is being provided to this population, and whether such education, if provided, is effective. Five-hundred twelve college students completed a survey on health and computer usage. The most frequently reported disorders related to health were eyestrain affecting nearly 85% and, upper back and neck pain affecting 70% of computer users. Only 26.6% of the sample indicated receiving training on workstation design. Identifying college students at risk for CTDs and other musculoskeletal discomforts provides a prime opportunity for health education professionals to intervene at an early stage.