cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid Phosphoproteomic Effects of Abscisic Acid (ABA) on Wild-Type and ABA Receptor-Deficient A. thaliana Mutants

Abscisic acid (ABA)1 [1]The abbreviations used are:ABAabscisic acidAKSABA-responsive kinase substratebHLHbasic helix loop helixbZIPbasic leucine zipperHSFBheat shock factor BiTRAQisobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitationKAT1K (potassium) channel in Arabidopsis thaliana 1PP2Cprotein phosphatase 2CPYR/PYL/RCARpyrabactin resistance/pyrabactin resistance-like/regulatory component of ABA receptorQR mutantsquadruple ABA receptor mutantsSLAC1slow anion channel 1SnRKSnf1-related serine/threonine protein kinaseSRMselected reaction monitoring. is a plant hormone that controls many aspects of plant growth, including seed germination, stomatal aperture size, and cellular drought response. ABA interacts with a unique family of 14 receptor proteins. This interaction leads to the activation of a family of protein kinases, SnRK2s, which in turn phosphorylate substrates involved in many cellular processes. The family of receptors appears functionally redundant. To observe a measurable phenotype, four of the fourteen receptors have to be mutated to create a multilocus loss-of-function quadruple receptor (QR) mutant, which is much less sensitive to ABA than wild-type (WT) plants. Given these phenotypes, we asked whether or not a difference in ABA response between the WT and QR backgrounds would manifest on a phosphorylation level as well. We tested WT and QR mutant ABA response using isotope-assisted quantitative phosphoproteomics to determine what ABA-induced phosphorylation changes occur in WT plants within 5 min of ABA treatment and how that phosphorylation pattern is altered in the QR mutant. We found multiple ABA-induced phosphorylation changes that occur within 5 min of treatment, including three SnRK2 autophosphorylation events and phosphorylation on SnRK2 substrates. The majority of robust ABA-dependent phosphorylation changes observed were partially diminished in the QR mutant, whereas many smaller ABA-dependent phosphorylation changes observed in the WT were not responsive to ABA in the mutant. A single phosphorylation event was increased in response to ABA treatment in both the WT and QR mutant. A portion of the discovery data was validated using selected reaction monitoring-based targeted measurements on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. These data suggest that different subsets of phosphorylation events depend upon different subsets of the ABA receptor family to occur. Altogether, these data expand our understanding of the model by which the family of ABA receptors directs rapid phosphoproteomic changes.
Intensive Ceramic Production and Classic-Period Political Economy in the Sierra de los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico

Matacapan, a Classic-period center in the Sierra de los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico, is known for its strong stylistic affinities with Teotihuacan. The Comoapan complex is a ceramic-production area situated along the southern edge of Matacapan. Data from Comoapan indicate that pottery manufacture was large scale and intensive, with final products distributed outside of Matacapan and possibly beyond the Tuxtlas. These data suggest that models of Tuxtlas political economy emphasizing long-term Teotihuacan administration should be reconsidered. More reasonable is a perspective that views the Tuxtlas as a source of high-quality prestige goods whose distribution is administered by local elite.
A time-interleaved multi-mode ΔΣ RF-DAC for direct digital-to-RF synthesis

A multi-mode delta-sigma (ΔΣ) RF digital-to-analog converter (RF-DAC) is proposed for direct digital-to-RF synthesis. Unlike embedded-mixer ΔΣ RF-DACs which require analog I/Q combining and precise alignment of the local oscillator (LO) and data clock, the proposed circuit is fully digital with only one clock frequency (f S ). This architecture eliminates the need for a widely-tuned LO by reconfiguring the ΔΣ modulator (DSM) for a variety of output frequencies, thus making it suitable for software-defined radio. Both a band-pass (BP) and high-pass (HP) DSM are used to synthesize signals at f S /4, f S /2, or 3f S /4. Interleaving is used to reject the first DAC image, doubling the usable bandwidth of the HP DSM while reducing reconstruction filter requirements. The proposed RF-DAC is implemented in 130 nm SiGe BiCMOS. With an f S of 2 GHz, the 0.18 mm2 RF-DAC core consumes 55 mW with output powers of −4.5 dBm, −7.5 dBm, and −13.8 dBm at 0.5 GHz, 1 GHz, and 1.5 GHz, respectively. For the HP DSM, a signal-to-image rejection ratio (SIRR) of 72 dB, an SNR of 54.5 dB over a 50 MHz bandwidth, and an in-band SFDR of 58.5 dB are demonstrated.
Covering Bariatric Surgery Has Minimal Effect on Insurance Premium Costs Within The Affordable Care Act

Abstract Background Currently, of the 51 state health exchanges operating under the Affordable Care Act, only 23 include benchmark plans that cover bariatric surgery coverage. Bariatric surgery coverage is not considered an essential health benefit in 28 state exchanges, and this lack of coverage has a discriminatory and detrimental impact on millions of Americans participating in state exchanges that do not provide bariatric surgery coverage. Objectives We examined 3 state exchanges in which a portion of their plans provided coverage for bariatric surgery to determine if bariatric surgery coverage is correlated with premium costs. Setting State health exchanges; United States. Methods Data from the 2015 state exchange plans were analyzed using information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Individual Market Landscape file and Benefits and Cost Sharing public use files. Results Only 3 states (Oklahoma, Oregon, and Virginia) in the analysis have 1 or more rating regions in which a portion of the plans cover bariatric surgery. In Oklahoma and Oregon, the average monthly premiums for all bronze, silver, and gold coverage levels are higher for plans covering bariatric surgery. Only 1 of these states included platinum plans that cover bariatric surgery. The average difference in premiums was between $1 to $45 higher in Oklahoma, and $18 to $32 higher in Oregon. Conversely, in Virginia, the average monthly premiums are between $2 and $21 lower for each level for plans covering bariatric surgery. Monthly premiums for plans covering versus not covering bariatric surgery ranged from 6% lower to 15% higher in the same geographic rating region. Conclusions Across all 3 states in the sample, the average monthly premiums do not differ consistently on the basis of whether the state exchange plans cover bariatric surgery.
Constrained logistic regression for discriminative pattern mining

Analyzing differences in multivariate datasets is a challenging problem. This topic was earlier studied by finding changes in the distribution differences either in the form of patterns representing conjunction of attribute value pairs or univariate statistical analysis for each attribute in order to highlight the differences. All such methods focus only on change in attributes in some form and do not implicitly consider the class labels associated with the data. In this paper, we pose the difference in distribution in a supervised scenario where the change in the data distribution is measured in terms of the change in the corresponding classification boundary. We propose a new constrained logistic regression model to measure such a difference between multivariate data distributions based on the predictive models induced on them. Using our constrained models, we measure the difference in the data distributions using the changes in the classification boundary of these models. We demonstrate the advantages of the proposed work over other methods available in the literature using both synthetic and real-world datasets.
LOSS OF IPSIDIRECTIONAL QUICK PHASES OF TORSIONAL NYSTAGMUS WITH A UNILATERAL MIDBRAIN LESION

We report a patient with a long-standing, unilateral lesion of the midbrain who showed ipsidirectional loss of torsional quick phases, impairment of all vertical eye movements and normal horizontal eye movements. The findings are consistent with recent reports of the effects of experimental lesions, in monkeys, of the rostral interstitial nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus and the interstitial nucleus of Cajal.
Just Another Autoantibody

A 21-year-old male is referred to the hospital’s emergency department by his primary care physician because of severe anemia (Hct 9 %). The patient (a university student) has no significant past medical history and no history of transfusion. Four units of RBC’s are requested for transfusion.
Mechanism Design without Games

The concept of an economic mechanism has many origins. My own thinking was greatly influenced by welfare economics, activity analysis (especially Koopmans’ formulation), the Hayek-Mises-Lange debate, the team theory of Jacob Marschak and Roy Radner, and, very importantly, the collaborations with Kenneth Arrow, Thomas Marschak, and Stanley Reiter. And just as there are many origins there are also different approaches to the study of economic mechanisms. Those using a game-theoretic framework are at present particularly popular, but others focus on informational issues without using the tools of game theory. Some integrate the two approaches. Hence the title of this note.
Asymptotically efficient estimators for multidimensional harmonic retrieval based on the geometry of the Stiefel manifold

A variety of signal processing applications require multidimensional harmonic retrieval on regular arrays and R-dimensional subspace-based methods (e.g; R-D Unitary ESPRIT ) are often used for this task. The conventional subspace estimation step via an SVD is the MLE for the unconstrained assumption but is suboptimal here since the harmonic signal structure or constraint is not exploited. Subspace estimation methods such as F/B averaging, HO-SVD, and SLS, which make use of the structure to varying degrees, yield improved performance but remain suboptimal in the sense that they do not satisfy a maximum likelihood criterion. Using a modified complex Stiefel manifold for the domain of the likelihood function we derive a quadratic ML criterion with a geometric constraint for the R- dimensional problem. This constraint is expressed in terms of the tangent space of an appropriate submanifold. For the special case when the submanifold satisfies a shift-invariance condition, we present a stand-alone estimation algorithm that computes the submanifold tangent space as the null space of a matrix that represents the linearized form of a geometric constraint. The estimator's performance is compared to existing approaches and to the intrinsic subspace CRB for highly stressful scenarios of closely spaced and highly correlated sources.
Hazard Risks and Social Vulnerability in Urban India

In 2001, approximately 28 % of India’s population was living in urban areas, and this figure is expected to increase to 41 % by the year 2030. The ongoing migration of people from rural to urban areas has produced excessive pressure on the cities to accommodate incoming migrants with basic living standards and a safe environment. The necessities of continuing economic growth and consequent increase in population have altered the local environment and expanded the physical boundaries of urban areas to hazardous areas that are at higher risks from environmental hazards and losses. These risks are even more pronounced under the impetus of the changes in the climate. Although economic development and spatial growth of urban areas have changed the local environment and made these places more susceptible to collapse under uncertain environment conditions, trends in growing risks observed in Indian cities show that the problem is equally aggravated by the increase in social vulnerability among the marginal population in urban areas. This chapter proposes a framework to understand the “socioenvironmental” aspect of risks that exist in urban India and their effect on the production and distribution of risks for the marginal population in these cities.
Graphing implicit functions f(x,y) =0

Abstract A simple algorithm for producing rough sketches of implicit equations of the form f(x,y)=0 in two variables in a given region is suggested. The region is represented as a square window of pixel points centered on a screen. The method is based on the criterion that the function f(x,y) undergoes a change in sign as the graph of the equation is crossed in course of scanning the window in the horizontal or in the vertical direction. A color dot is marked at each point of the region where such a change in sign is encountered, thus exhibiting the graph in the region. This procedure does not involve the implicit function theorem and computation of the partial derivatives of f(x,y) and therefore is useful in generating shapes and structures of graphs of varieties of complex implicit functions in two variables. A corresponding program in Vax C in combination with a Digital VT340 terminal for graphic emulation is given.
High-resolution electron spectroscopy and rotational conformers of group 6 metal (Cr, Mo, and W) bis(mesitylene) sandwich complexes.

Group 6 metal–bis(mesitylene) sandwich complexes are produced by interactions between the laser-vaporized metal atoms and mesitylene vapor in a pulsed molecular beam source, identified by photoionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and studied by pulsed-field ionization zero-electron kinetic energy spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. Although transition metal–bis(arene) sandwich complexes may adopt eclipsed and staggered conformations, the group 6 metal–bis(mesitylene) complexes are determined to be in the eclipsed form. In this form, rotational conformers with methyl group dihedral angles of 0 and 60° are identified for the Cr complex, whereas the 0° rotamer is observed for the Mo and W species. The 0° rotamer is in a C2v symmetry with the neutral ground state of 1A1 and the singly positive charged ion state of 2A1. The 60° rotamer is in a Ci symmetry with the neutral ground state of 1Ag and the ion state of 2Ag. Partial conversion of the 60 to 0° rotamer is observed from He to...
Discrimination between Free-Radical and Concerted Pyrolysis Mechanisms

Derived from quantitative kinetics analysis, an experimental technique that tracks the fate of an isotopic label during pyrolysis of fully protonated reactant in the presence of a fully deuterated solvent allows for discrimination between free-radical and concerted mechanisms. Monitoring the deuterium incorporation (DI) into the product of the reactant or the protium incorporation (PI) into the solvent as a function of the solvent to feed concentration ratio, R, provides the contribution of each mechanism to the overall reaction. At infinite dilution (1/R → 0), DI approaching zero indicates dominance by a concerted mechanism, whereas DI approaching unity suggests dominance by the free-radical mechanism. This work elaborates on the kinetics basis for such a measurement. We also show that tracking PI enables the experimental technique to be applicable even for cases where the deuterated product is not stable and meaningful measurement of DI is thus compromised.
System impact research - increasing public health and health care system performance.

AbstractBackground Interventions directed to system features of public health and health care should increase health and welfare of patients and population.Aims To build a new framework for studies aiming to assess the impact of public health or health care system, and to consider the role of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and of Benchmarking Controlled Trials (BCTs).Methods The new concept is partly based on the author's previous paper on the Benchmarking Controlled Trial. The validity and generalizability considerations were based on previous methodological studies on RCTs and BCTs.Results The new concept System Impact Research (SIR) covers all the studies which aim to assess the impact of the public health system or of the health care system on patients or on population. There are two kinds of studies in System Impact Research: Benchmarking Controlled Trials (observational) and Randomized Controlled Trials (experimental). The term impact covers in particular accessibility, quality, effectiveness, ...
High Resolution and Low Speed Data Acquisition System Based on Delphi7.0

It usually needs to sample some data for high resolution and low speed in the industry process.This article introduces a data acquisition system based on Delphi 7.0.This system uses a data acquisition card which is made by itself,realizes high resolution and low sampling speed.What′s more,it realizes that PC has received sampling data form data acquisition card through serial port by SPcomm serial port component and it draws a real-time picture by TChart component for sampling data after data process.
Sol–gel synthesis and characterization of Al2O3–TiO2 nanocrystalline powder

Al2O3–TiO2 nanocrystalline powders were synthesized by sol–gel process. Aluminum sec-butoxide and titanium isopropoxide chemicals were used as precursors and ethyl acetoacetate was used as chelating agent. Thermal and crystallization behaviors of the precursor powders were investigated by thermal gravimetric-differential thermal analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectrum and X-ray diffraction. The average crystalline size of heat treated Al2O3–TiO2 powders at 1,100 °C is ~100 nm.
A Historian Who Has Changed Our Thinking: A Roundtable on the Work of Richard White Introduction

Four panelists from a special session at the 2001 conference of the Organization of American Historians in Los Angeles, California, reprise their assessments of Richard White's work. White's response to their statements also is included along with a selected list of his publications.
Global Soil Moisture Estimation by Assimilating AMSR-E Brightness Temperatures in a Coupled CLM4-RTM-DART System

AbstractVery few frameworks exist that estimate global-scale soil moisture through microwave land data assimilation (DA). Toward this goal, such a framework has been developed by linking the Community Land Model, version 4 (CLM4), and a microwave radiative transfer model (RTM) with the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART). The deterministic ensemble adjustment Kalman filter (EAKF) within DART is utilized to estimate global multilayer soil moisture by assimilating brightness temperature observations from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System (AMSR-E). A 40-member ensemble of Community Atmosphere Model, version 4.0 (CAM4.0), reanalysis is adopted to drive CLM4 simulations. Space-specific, time-invariant microwave parameters are precalibrated to minimize uncertainties in RTM. Besides, various methods are designed to upscale AMSR-E observations for computational efficiency and time shift CAM4.0 forcing to facilitate global daily assimilations. A series of experiments are c...
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Part II.

This article is the second section of a three-part clinical guideline on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Mechanical Characterization of Mesoscale Interfaces Using Indentation Techniques

Mesoscale interfaces and interphases play a central role in controlling the many macroscale mechanical properties and performance characteristics of structural materials. Modern instrumented indenters present an unprecedented opportunity to measure, reliably and consistently, the local mechanical responses at a multitude of length scales ranging from tens of nanometers to hundreds of microns. When these high-fidelity measurements are combined with rigorous data analyses protocols, it is possible to systematically study the mechanical role of individual mesoscale interfaces and quantify their contributions to the overall mechanical response of the material system . The advantages of these new measurement and analyses protocols as well as the potential for development and implementation of novel high-throughput assays is discussed.
Study on the ratio of pore-pressure/stress changes during fluid injection and its implications for CO2 geologic storage

Abstract The success of fluid injection into geological formations, which is the main operation during both carbon dioxide (CO2) geologic storage and wastewater injection, is contingent on the geomechanical integrity of the site. A key task that allows us to evaluate the risk of geomechanical failure is the precise prediction of pore-pressure buildup and subsequent change in the state of stresses during and after the fluid injection. Contrary to traditional approaches, where total stresses are assumed to remain constant, recent studies have ascertained that total stresses in fact change in every direction as fluid extraction/injection disturbs the pore-pressure field and causes deformations. In this study, we conduct an in-depth investigation of the ratio of change in total stress to that in pore-pressure, ∆σ/∆P, which has been denoted in the literature as the pore-pressure/stress coupling. We employ a numerical simulation method that couples single-phase fluid flow in porous media with poroelasticity to explore the spatiotemporal evolution of the ∆σ/∆P ratio for various conditions. These numerical experiments allow us to examine how different material properties and structural geometries would influence the evolution of ∆σ/∆P in both vertical and horizontal directions. These ratios of pore-pressure/stress changes exhibit different spatiotemporal evolutions depending on key factors that include the hydraulic boundary condition, Biot's coefficient, Poisson's ratio, and the hydraulic diffusivity of both the injection zone and caprock. On the basis of observations, we suggest firsthand guidelines for analytically determining the ratio of pore-pressure/stress changes, ∆σ/∆P. Finally, we use examples and case studies to illustrate how the ∆σ/∆P ratio can be incorporated into an analytic calculation for determining a maximum sustainable pressure limit.
So It Is, So It Shall Be: Group Regularities License Children's Prescriptive Judgments

When do descriptive regularities (what characteristics individuals have) become prescriptive norms (what characteristics individuals should have)? We examined children's (4-13 years) and adults' use of group regularities to make prescriptive judgments, employing novel groups (Hibbles and Glerks) that engaged in morally neutral behaviors (e.g., eating different kinds of berries). Participants were introduced to conforming or non-conforming individuals (e.g., a Hibble who ate berries more typical of a Glerk). Children negatively evaluated non-conformity, with negative evaluations declining with age (Study 1). These effects were replicable across competitive and cooperative intergroup contexts (Study 2) and stemmed from reasoning about group regularities rather than reasoning about individual regularities (Study 3). These data provide new insights into children's group concepts and have important implications for understanding the development of stereotyping and norm enforcement.
Credit Derivatives and Firm Investment

We examine the effect of credit default swap (CDS) trading on firm investment, finding a post-CDS introduction decrease in debt issuance and acquisitions, which remains robust to propensity score matching, instrumenting CDS introduction, and controlling for past investment and financing activities. Further analysis reveals a CDS introduction-year increase in debt financing and acquisitions, for which we could not eliminate reverse causality as a potential explanation. Overall, the ex post increase in bankruptcy risk and debt overhang likely plays a dominant role in the investment effect of CDS, while the expansion in credit supply due to a reduction of strategic default or regulatory capital requirement appears less important.
Rough Surface and Volume Scattering of Soil Surfaces, Ocean Surfaces, Snow, and Vegetation Based on Numerical Maxwell Model of 3-D Simulations

In this paper, we give an overview and an update on the recent progress of our research group in numerical model of Maxwell equations in three dimensions (NMM3D) on random rough surfaces and discrete random media and their applications in active and passive microwave remote sensing. The random rough surface models were applied to soil surfaces and ocean surfaces. The discrete random media models were applied to snow and vegetation. For rough surface scattering, we use the surface integral equations of Poggio–Miller–Chang–Harrington–Wu–Tsai that are solved by the method of moments using the Rao–Wilton–Glisson basis functions. The sparse matrix canonical grid method is used to accelerate the matrix column multiplications. In modeling the rough surfaces, we use the exponential correlation functions for soil surfaces and the Durden–Vesecky ocean spectrum for ocean surfaces. In scattering by terrestrial snow and snow on sea ice, we use the volume integral equations formulated with the dyadic half-space Green's function. The microstructure of snow is modeled by the bicontinuous media. In scattering by vegetation, we use the discrete scatterers of cylinder. The NMM3D formulation is based on the Foldy–Lax multiple scattering equations in conjunction with the body of revolution for a single scatterer. For rough surface scattering, simulations results are compared with advanced integral equation model, small slope approximation, small perturbation method, and two scale model. For volume scattering by snow, results are compared with the bicontinuous dense media radiative transfer. For scattering by vegetation, results are compared with distorted Born approximation and radiative transfer equation. Comparisons are also made with experiments.
Elevated Pulse Pressure, Intraoperative Hemodynamic Perturbations, and Acute Kidney Injury After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery

Objective To explore whether baseline pulse pressure (PP) confers an increased risk for acute kidney injury (AKI) independent of intraoperative hypotension or hypertension in patients who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Design Retrospective study. Setting Single academic center. Participants 5,808 patients who underwent CABG surgery. Measurements and Main Results Baseline arterial blood pressure was defined as the mean of the first 5 measurements recorded by the automated record keeping system before anesthesia was induced. Weighted duration of intraoperative hypotension and hypertension were defined as the area (min × mmHg) below a mean arterial pressure of 55 mmHg and above a mean arterial pressure of 100 mmHg. Multivariable logistic and proportional odds regression analyses were performed to determine whether baseline PP and weighted duration of intraoperative hypotension and hypertension were independently associated with postoperative AKI. Of the 5,808 patients, PP was 80 mmHg in 3,255 (56%) patients. The incidence of AKI was 57.7%, which included 7.4% (249 patients) and 2.8% (93 patients) who experienced stages 2 and 3 AKI, respectively. In the risk-adjusted analyses, baseline PP was associated with higher odds for postoperative AKI (odds ratio for every 20 mmHg increase in PP, 1.15; 95% confidence interval 1.10-1.21; p Conclusions Baseline PP was significantly associated with postoperative AKI after CABG surgery, independent of weighted duration of intraoperative hypotension or hypertension.
Integrative Systems Biology

Abstract Systems or network biology focuses on the investigation of complex interactions in biological systems. Much of the promise of systems biology in biomedicine revolves around its potential to explain disease as a perturbation of a normal system. This chapter highlights many of the reasons that a systems biology–based approach is needed for understanding complex disorders. At its most basic, systems biology comprises three challenges: (1) how to generate a sufficient quantity of data to analyze variability in networks, (2) how to properly integrate data from multiple disparate sources into a usable corpus of knowledge, and (3) how to use that corpus of knowledge to model a component system and optimize it. Model construction allows predictions of the behavior of a system and, ultimately, an understanding of how to change that behavior in predictable ways. Once the key components are organized into a logical series, then formal modeling of the disease process can be applied, tested, additional experimental data added, the system calibrated, and retested. The optimal model or models are yet to be determined experimentally for any system, but with the continued rapid increase in high-throughput data generation and the continued increase in computational power, large-scale integrations and models can be achieved. The challenge will be to accurately anticipate the information necessary to be included in the model, as accurate assessment of the context is essential to the appropriate understanding of the effect of individual variation and the integration of that understanding into clinical practice.
The utilization and impact of oncology supportive care clinics on patients with metastatic lung cancer.

123Background: The American Society of Clinical Oncology has endorsed early integration of oncology with palliative care. In 2012, Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) introduced Oncology Supportive Care Clinics (OSCCs). OSCCs are outpatient palliative care clinics designed to incorporate palliative care into standard oncology practice at the time of a patient's cancer diagnosis. This study examines the utilization and impact of OSCCs on patients with metastatic lung cancer. Methods: We identified adult patients with incidental stage IV lung cancer using the KPNC cancer registry from 2012-2015 and followed them for 12 months. We ascertained OSCC utilization using KPNC’s electronic health record. We examined the patterns of OSCC referral/utilization and compared survival, in-hospital death, and treatment received in patients who used and did not use OSCC services. Results: A total of 607 patients were included and 245 (40.4%) were referred to OSCC. The median time from diagnosis to referral was 48 ...
Improve Feedback Mechanism in Programming Assessment Systems with Progress Indicators and Reward to Foster Students' Growth Mindset: (Abstract Only)

When students learn programming, the assignment feedback information from current automatic programming assessment systems, such as Web-CAT [1] is often negative, objective, and unfriendly. These feedback information can easily frustrate students to lose interest in programming related activities. The negative feedback information can have possible serious consequences to students. We work to improve current feedback mechanism in mindset perspective: encourage students by positive feedback with a group of fifteen progress indicators and possible reward. The fifteen progress indicators were designed and implemented based on students' sequential programming submissions. These fifteen indicators include seven general purpose indicators about various aspects when students construct solutions for assignments; eight other software testing indicators concentrate on students' progress when students self-checking their code [3]. We did statistical analysis for these fifteen indicators' suitability to a collection of programming assignments data set including 257 students. In order to validate fifteen progress indicators' effectiveness, we also apply a student performance model: Recent-Performance Finite Analysis model (R-PFA) [4] to the same programming assignment data set we used before. We calculate R-PFA model's prediction accuracy and apply learning curves analysis. In learning curve analysis, eight software test indicators demonstrate students gradually learn positively when they work on their assignment submissions. Based on progress indicators information, we plan to give students possible reward when they make progress. We will research on reward mechanism, reward format, and timing, etc. In this way, moves students to growth mindset [2] - belief that hard work and practices can improve their skills and capabilities.
Response to Letter to the Editor on "Anti-Psoriatic Drug Monomethylfumarate Increases Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 Levels and Induces Aquaporin-3 mRNA and Protein Expression".

We thank Lai and colleagues for their interest in our work and appreciate the opportunity to respond to their concerns. We agree with them that the mechanism by which monomethylfumarate acts is as yet unclear, which led us to investigate its effects on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (
A capacitive multi-wavelength sensor for moisture content gradient sensing in wood

Technical advancements in the field of capacitive sensing and the availability of multi-channel capacitance-to-digital converters have led the way for improved sensing capabilities in the field of wood moisture content. A four-channel, planar capacitance sensor was developed and calibrated on maple veneers. The calibration material was conditioned to equilibrium at three different relative humidity levels. Optimal penetration depths were determined statistically and analytically. A rule of mixture approach and a volumetric model were applied to derive the moisture content at distinct layers. Different levels of discrepancy of the fit were observed among and within the different electrodes and calibration datasets. The sensor was able to determine changes in moisture content and positive moisture content gradients, rather than averages, with the limitation of detecting negative moisture gradients.
Cardioversion-Responsive Ventriculoatrial Shunt Malfunction Precipitated by Atrial Fibrillation

Background Ventriculoatrial shunts are common alternatives for patients who cannot tolerate ventriculoperitoneal shunts. The majority of ventriculoatrial shunt malfunctions are related to mechanical problems. We report an interesting case of ventriculoatrial shunt malfunction due to elevated central venous pressure from new-onset atrial fibrillation. Methods After the patient was confirmed to have ventriculomegaly, he was taken to the operating room for exploration of his ventriculoatrial shunt; there were no obstructions. Subsequently, the patient was cardioverted to normal sinus rhythm for his new onset atrial fibrillation. Results The clinical syndrome and ventriculomegaly both resolved after the patient's atrial fibrillation was corrected with chemical cardioversion. Conclusions The cause of this patient's VA shunt malfunction was likely associated with his new onset atrial fibrillation.
Effect of laser fluence, nanoparticle concentration and total energy input per cell on photoporation of cells.

Abstract Intracellular delivery of molecules can be increased by laser-exposure of carbon black nanoparticles to cause photoporation of the cells. Here we sought to determine effects of multiple laser exposure parameters on intracellular uptake and cell viability with the goal of determining a single unifying parameter that predicts cellular bioeffects. DU145 human prostate cancer cells in suspension with nanoparticles were exposed to near-infrared nanosecond laser pulses over a range of experimental conditions. Increased bioeffects (i.e., uptake and viability loss determined by flow cytometry) were seen when increasing laser fluence, number of pulses and nanoparticle concentration, and decreasing cell concentration. Bioeffects caused by different combinations of these four parameters were generally predicted by their cumulative energy input per cell, which served as a unifying parameter. This indicates that photoporation depends on what appears to be the cumulative effect of multiple cell–nanoparticle interactions from neighboring nanoparticles during a series of laser pulses.
EphA2 Transmembrane Domain Is Uniquely Required for Keratinocyte Migration by Regulating Ephrin-A1 Levels.

EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase is activated by ephrin-A1 ligand, which harbors a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor that enhances lipid raft localization. Although EphA2 and ephrin-A1 modulate keratinocyte migration and differentiation, the ability of this cell-cell communication complex to localize to different membrane regions in keratinocytes remains unknown. Using a combination of biochemical and imaging approaches, we provide evidence that ephrin-A1 and a ligand-activated form of EphA2 partition outside of lipid raft domains in response to calcium-mediated cell-cell contact stabilization in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. EphA2 transmembrane domain swapping with a shorter and molecularly distinct transmembrane domain of EphA1 resulted in decreased localization of this receptor tyrosine kinase at cell-cell junctions and increased expression of ephrin-A1, which is a negative regulator of keratinocyte migration. Accordingly, altered EphA2 membrane distribution at cell-cell contacts limited the ability of keratinocytes to seal linear scratch wounds in vitro in an ephrin-A1–dependent manner. Collectively, these studies highlight a key role for the EphA2 transmembrane domain in receptor-ligand membrane distribution at cell-cell contacts that modulates ephrin-A1 levels to allow for efficient keratinocyte migration with relevance for cutaneous wound healing.
Childhood malnutrition and maltreatment are linked with personality disorder symptoms in adulthood: Results from a Barbados lifespan cohort.

Abstract Both childhood malnutrition and maltreatment are associated with mental health problems that can persist into adulthood. Previously we reported that in Barbados, those with a history of infant malnutrition were more likely to report having experienced childhood maltreatment. Few studies, however, address the long-term outcomes of those who have been exposed to both. We assessed the unique and combined associations of a history of early malnutrition and childhood maltreatment with personality pathology in mid-adulthood in participants of the 47-year longitudinal Barbados Nutrition Study. We used the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis II Personality Disorders Personality Questionnaire (SCID-II-PQ) and NEO Personality Inventory-Revised derived Five-Factor Model (NEO PI-R FFM) personality disorder (PD) scores to assess personality pathology, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF) to assess childhood maltreatment, and clinical documentation of malnutrition in infancy. We tested the associations of malnutrition and maltreatment with PD scores using linear regression models, unadjusted and adjusted for other childhood adversities. We found increased scores for paranoid, schizoid, avoidant, and dependent PDs among those who had been malnourished and increased scores for paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal, and avoidant PDs among those with higher childhood maltreatment scores. Overall, those exposed to both adversities had even greater PD scores.
Keep Them in the Ground: Ending the Fossil Fuel Era

Coal, oil, and gas—fossil fuels: we can’t do without them. They are the life-blood of modern industrial civilization. These highly concentrated, widely available stores of energy have unleashed modern civilization’s astonishing productivity, liberating billions of people from drudgery and insecurity. Finding more fossil fuels and getting them to markets around the world is the challenge of our times.
An Information Extraction Customizer

When an information extraction system is applied to a new task or domain, we must specify the classes of entities and relations to be extracted. This is best done by a subject matter expert, who may have little training in NLP. To meet this need, we have developed a toolset which is able to analyze a corpus and aid the user in building the specifications of the entity and relation types.
A Bilateral Metachronous Mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis.

Abstract This is a unique case of bilateral metachronous testicular mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis. Testicular mesothelioma is a rare entity found in patients with or without asbestos occupational exposure. The tumor most commonly presents as a unilateral testicular mass. More rare presentations include bilateral synchronous or metachronous tumors. Treatment is with surgical resection and prognosis is not generally favorable. The benefits of adjuvant therapy with radiation or chemotherapy remain unknown and further studies are needed.
Fraud Brainstorming Group Composition: The Persuasive Power of a Skeptical Minority

We experimentally examine the effects of trait professional skepticism on fraud brainstorming performance. We find that groups with a minority, but not a majority, of high trait skeptics assess fraud risk higher than control groups with no high trait skeptics. These effects persist to group members’ individual, post-brainstorming fraud risk assessments, indicating conversion to the minority (skeptical) viewpoint. Mediation analyses indicate that groups with a minority of high trait skeptics assess higher fraud risk in part because they consider more fraud ideas. Groups with a minority of high trait skeptics tend to view the minority high trait skeptic as the best member of the group because of that member’s unique insights. Our study contributes to the brainstorming literature by demonstrating that the mix of trait professional skeptics in the group impacts brainstorming outcomes. It casts doubt on prevailing wisdom that superior audit outcomes require a majority of high trait skeptics.
Engineering Design for Environmental Health: A New Course Preparing Students to Address Interdisciplinary Challenges

Abstract Environmental engineers and environmental public health professionals need to integrate engineering fundamentals with impact on society and human health to improve the environment. Often, ...
DNA Damage Does Not Cause BrdU Labeling of Mouse or Human β-Cells

Pancreatic β-cell regeneration, the therapeutic expansion of β-cell number to reverse diabetes, is an important goal. Replication of differentiated insulin-producing cells is the major source of new β-cells in adult mice and juvenile humans. Nucleoside analogs such as BrdU, which are incorporated into DNA during S-phase, have been widely used to quantify β-cell proliferation. However, reports of β-cell nuclei labeling with both BrdU and γ-phosphorylated H2A histone family member X (γH2AX), a DNA damage marker, have raised questions about the fidelity of BrdU to label S-phase, especially during conditions when DNA damage is present. We performed experiments to clarify the causes of BrdU-γH2AX double labeling in mouse and human β-cells. BrdU-γH2AX colabeling is neither an age-related phenomenon nor limited to human β-cells. DNA damage suppressed BrdU labeling and BrdU-γH2AX colabeling. In dispersed islet cells, but not in intact islets or in vivo, pro-proliferative conditions promoted both BrdU and γH2AX labeling, which could indicate DNA damage, DNA replication stress, or cell cycle-related intrinsic H2AX phosphorylation. Strategies to increase β-cell number must not only tackle the difficult challenge of enticing a quiescent cell to enter the cell cycle, but also achieve safe completion of the cell division process.
Use of complement monoclonal antibody eculizumab in Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli associated hemolytic uremic syndrome: A review of current evidence.

Complement activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Eculizumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks complement activity and has been approved for use in the treatment of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Less well appreciated is the role of complement in Shiga toxin-induced HUS (Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli [STEC]-HUS). To a limited extent, eculizumab has been used off label in patients with severe STEC-HUS with neurological involvement. Through a systematic search of available databases, we identified 16 reports describing the use of eculizumab in STEC-HUS (eight case reports/series, seven retrospective studies, and one prospective cohort study). All studies described its use in severe STEC-HUS with neurological or multiorgan dysfunction; none were randomized or blinded. Four studies used the control groups. Although the overall quality of evidence is low, some published studies showed positive clinical improvement after treatment with eculizumab in severe STEC-HUS with progressive neurological involvement.
Propagation of Low-Frequency Broadband Electromagnetic Field Waveforms in the Atmosphere

We present a physical model that enables a detailed quantitative analysis of propagation of broadband low-frequency electromagnetic field waveforms through the atmosphere. Our analysis reveals broadband atmospheric transparency regions within which the group-velocity of atmospheric air is unusually weak, enabling distortion-free long-distance transmission of broadband low-frequency electromagnetic pulses.
Progressive Elbow Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities in Little League Baseball Players Are Common: A 3-Year Longitudinal Evaluation:

Background:Prior studies have revealed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of elbow pathology in single-season evaluation of competitive youth baseball players. The natural history of these f...
Remembering where we are: Positional information in salamander limb regeneration.

Fifty years ago, Lewis Wolpert defined an important question in developmental biology: how are cell fates determined by the positions of cells within a system? He proposed that cells retain positional values as if they lie within a coordinate system and that the interpretation of these values produces patterns in development. He referred to this concept as positional information. Though initially controversial, this concept of positional information has proven to be profoundly influential in developmental biology. One area in which the influence of Wolpert's theoretical work can be clearly demonstrated is the study of limb regeneration in salamanders. Here, we review the work in limb regeneration leading up to Wolpert defining the concept of positional information and how his theory has guided regeneration research over the subsequent 50 years.
Residual-matching: An efficient alternative to random sampling in human subjects research recruitment

Given the time- and resource-intense nature of human subjects research, we have developed a more intelligent approach to participant recruitment above and beyond random sampling that leverages pilot or preliminary results to reduce the overall number of participants needed for recruitment from an existing electronic cohort or database. Using open-access data from the General Social Survey (GSS) of the National Opinion Research Center, we generated pilot and validation datasets through a simulation to establish moderate and weak relationships based on linear regression. We then compared the performance of our residual-matching method against random sampling in their probabilities of achieving a given level of statistical power as well as their prediction accuracies. Results showed that the residual-matching method was superior to random sampling, yielding smaller sample sizes with equivalent mean square error. We therefore advocate the use of residual matching when scaling up pilot studies to conserve time and resources in larger follow-up studies.