cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cider: native execution of iOS apps on android

We present Cider, an operating system compatibility architecture that can run applications built for different mobile ecosystems, iOS or Android, together on the same smartphone or tablet. Cider enhances the domestic operating system, Android, of a device with kernel-managed, per-thread personas to mimic the application binary interface of a foreign operating system, iOS, enabling it to run unmodified foreign binaries. This is accomplished using a novel combination of binary compatibility techniques including two new mechanisms: compile-time code adaptation, and diplomatic functions. Compile-time code adaptation enables existing unmodified foreign source code to be reused in the domestic kernel, reducing implementation effort required to support multiple binary interfaces for executing domestic and foreign applications. Diplomatic functions leverage per-thread personas, and allow foreign applications to use domestic libraries to access proprietary software and hardware interfaces. We have built a Cider prototype, and demonstrate that it imposes modest performance overhead and runs unmodified iOS and Android applications together on a Google Nexus tablet running the latest version of Android.
Infanticide and geronticide

This essay considers recent ethical literatures on the question of the direct killing of newborns and of the severely demented elderly. At various points, the arguments in these literatures are brought together for comparison and contrast. Finally, a constructive argument against infanticide and geronticide is developed.
The fine structure of the ductuli efferentes of the opossum

The fine structure of the straight portions of the ductuli efferentes of the opossum were studied by light and electron microscopy. Two cell types, a ciliated and non-ciliated cell, characterize the simple columnar epithelium that lines the ductuli. The non-ciliated cell possesses an extraneous coating of the luminal plasma-lemma, aggregations of apical canaliculi, and vacuoles of varying density distributed in the supranuclear cytoplasm. Such morphological criteria have been regarded as suggestive evidence for absorptive function. The epithelium rests upon a thick basement membrane beneath which are variable amounts of smooth muscle and connective tissue elements. Observations of the structure of the simple squamous epithelium lining the processus vaginalis are reported. Myelinated and unmyelinated nerves are found in the adnexa of the ductuli. These are enclosed in a thin, cellular investment, the innermost layer of which is usually incomplete. This cellular wrapper is considered a “perineural epithelium” but its characteristics are at variance with those found in the recent literature.
Frequency of apoptotic bodies positively correlates with Gleason grade in prostate cancer

Tissue samples from patients with carcinoma of the prostate of various Gleason grades were examined for the frequency of apoptotic bodies. Apoptotic bodies were scored by morphometric methods using hematoxylin-eosin (HE)-stained sections from surgical specimens of prostate cancer. Non-neoplastic prostate tissue adjacent to foci of cancer showed a very low frequency of apoptotic bodies. Significantly larger numbers of apoptotic bodies were observed in the areas of carcinoma than in the non-neoplastic control tissues, regardless of Gleason grade. Interestingly, a positive correlation was noted between apoptotic bodies and increasing Gleason grade. The positive correlation suggests that increased programmed cell death is a feature of the increasing malignant potential that is associated with higher Gleason grade in prostate cancer.
Regurgitated Mistletoe Seeds in the Nest of the Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet (Tyrannulus elatus)

I describe a Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet (Tyrannulus elatus) nest built largely of mistletoe seeds, which differs from the cup of plant matter typically constructed by this species. Mistletoe seeds have been observed in the nests of at least two other bird species, but this observation is the first where the nest appeared to be purposely constructed from seeds, possibly to take advantage of their adhesive properties.
Development, characterization, and preliminary evaluation of a temperature-sensitive mutant of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale for potential use as a live vaccine in turkeys.

SUMMARY. A temperature-sensitive (Ts) mutant strain of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) was developed after exposure of the wild-type organism to N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. The Ts mutant strain grew at 31 C but had its growth inhibited at 41 C unlike wild-type parent strain. The Ts mutant and parent strains were characterized. Morphologic and biochemical properties of wild-type and mutant strains did not show any differences. The strains were also characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based fingerprinting methods. Results showed similar patterns in repetitive sequences by repetitive PCR (enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus, highly conserved repeated DNA elements present in Streptococcus pneumoniae (BOX), repetitive extragenic palindromic, and Salmonella enteritidis repetitive element primers); however, random amplified polymorphic DNA fingerprinting was able to differentiate mutant and parent strains showing a unique pattern for each of the ORT strains. The rationale...
Big Business: The Other Engine of Economic Growth

Politicians of both parties hail small business as the engine of job creation and economic growth. President Barack Obama recently voiced his support for small businesses, calling them "the heart of the American economy." In the same speech, he claimed, "they're responsible for half of all private sector jobs and they create roughly 70 percent of all new jobs in the past decade. So small businesses are not only job generators, they're also at the heart of the American dream." Christina Romer, chairman of the President's Council of Economic Advisers, has given similar praise to small firms, describing them as "the engine of growth in the economy."
Woman, Exploited: Reframing Contemporary Exploitation Theory

Exploitation theory illustrates asymmetrical relationships between two parties in both a labor and economic sense. It extends the classical Marxist theory of class conflict by theorizing that profit is the result of an exploitative transaction between two parties. In a sociological sense, there has been no real position on exploitation theory outside of labor and class conflict except for the sexual exploitation of women. As such, I seek here to propose a case for a contemporary exploitation theory that transcends the boundaries of numerical analyses of wages and profits and instead focuses on framing intersexual relationships in such a way as to define each social transaction as exploitative in nature.
Therapeutic Death: A Look at Oregon's Law Legalizing Physician-Assisted Suicide

Oregon voters approved the first American statute authorizing physician-assisted suicide in 1994. Since then, the state has released two annual reports, revealing that a total of 43 patients have died after ingesting lethal medications pursuant to the Oregon Death Dignity Act since its implementation. This article examines the positive and negative psychological effects of the Act on patients. In general, it appears that, based on psychological theory and the available data, laws such as Oregon's benefit patients psychologically. Undoubtedly, however, there exist important possible anti-therapeutic effects on patients. It is hoped that discussion of therapeutic and anti-therapeutic consequences of laws authorizing physician-assisted suicide will stimulate future research by social scientists in this area.
Coherent Optical Technologies for Free-Space Optical Communication and Sensing

Coherent optical detection enabled by digital signal processing (DSP) can be applied to free-space optical communication and sensing. Applications including electronic wavefront correction for communication and diffraction-limited laser energy delivery through turbulent atmosphere will be discussed. Article not available.
Simulated hydrologic response to projected changes in precipitation and temperature in the Congo River basin.

Abstract. Despite their global significance, the impacts of climate change on water resources and associated ecosystem services in the Congo River basin (CRB) have been understudied. Of particular need for decision makers is the availability of spatial and temporal variability of runoff projections. Here, with the aid of a spatially explicit hydrological model forced with precipitation and temperature projections from 25 global climate models (GCMs) under two greenhouse gas emission scenarios, we explore the variability in modeled runoff in the near future (2016–2035) and mid-century (2046–2065). We find that total runoff from the CRB is projected to increase by 5 % [−9 %; 20 %] (mean – min and max – across model ensembles) over the next two decades and by 7 % [−12 %; 24 %] by mid-century. Projected changes in runoff from subwatersheds distributed within the CRB vary in magnitude and sign. Over the equatorial region and in parts of northern and southwestern CRB, most models project an overall increase in precipitation and, subsequently, runoff. A simulated decrease in precipitation leads to a decline in runoff from headwater regions located in the northeastern and southeastern CRB. Climate model selection plays an important role in future projections for both magnitude and direction of change. The multimodel ensemble approach reveals that precipitation and runoff changes under business-as-usual and avoided greenhouse gas emission scenarios (RCP8.5 vs. RCP4.5) are relatively similar in the near term but deviate in the midterm, which underscores the need for rapid action on climate change adaptation. Our assessment demonstrates the need to include uncertainties in climate model and emission scenario selection during decision-making processes related to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Field Observations on the Flight Activity of Calosoma sycophanta (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

The importance of Calosoma sycophanta L., as a predator of caterpillars has been recognized for many years. The extensive outbreaks of gypsy moth, Porthetria dispar (L.), and browntail moth, Nygmia phaeorrhoea (Donovan) in New England during the early 1900's initiated concerted efforts to establish C. sycophanta in that area. Between 1905 and 1910, 2364 beetles, imported primarily from Europe, were liberated and successful colonization resulted (Burgess 1911). After colonization, detailed studies were made on annual dispersion of the beetles (Burgess and Collins 1915). By scribing the path taken by young larvae of C. sycophanta on a moveable paper surface, it was established that the larvae could travel up to 1.7 miles without food or favorable moisture conditions (Burgess 1911). It is generally understood that the adults of C. sycophanta are very active and agile afoot and by implication from the available literature (Burgess 1911; Burgess and Collins 1915, 1917) dispersion of the species is by a combination of larval and adult movement on the surface. As far as we are aware, ours is the 1st report that adults of C. sycophanta are strong and agile fliers.
Predicting illness behavior: health anxiety mediated by locus of control.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of 3 dimensions of Health Locus of Control (HLOC) on the relationship between health anxiety and illness behavior. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey study of 202 college women. Path analysis and bootstrapping techniques were used to test the significance of mediated models. RESULTS: The indirect effect of Powerful Others HLOC was significant (β = .06, p < .001), and together health anxiety and Powerful Others HLOC explained 27% of the variance in illness behavior. CONCLUSION: Health anxiety and illness behavior are common problems in college women, and that Powerful Others HLOC is a key mechanism underlying the relationship between health anxiety and illness behavior.
Avoiding Obsolescence: Overspecialization can be the kiss of death for sysadmins.

Dear KV, What is the biggest threat to systems administrators? Not the technical threat (security, outages, etc.), but the biggest threat to systems administrators as a profession?
Hepatocellular carcinoma: The search for innovative adjuvant therapies

This review summarizes the current data on efficacy and rationale of adjuvant treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The authors review prognostic factors for disease recurrence and adjuvant therapy after OLT, including systemic chemotherapy, intra-arterial chemoembolization, immunosuppressant effects, and sorafenib (Nexavar). Several interesting questions are raised in the article, including: (1) When is the best time to apply systemic chemotherapy?
Empirical Study on Effect of Organizational Learning on Strategic Change of MNC

The organizational learning is thought to be the most important factor to affect strategic change of MNCs(multinational corporations).Based on related literatures,a research model of the relationship between organizational learning and strategic change is constructed,in which organizational learning is measured by explorative learning and exploitative learning,and strategic change is measured by positioning difference and concept difference.Then hypothesis are provided and tested with empirical methods.The results show that organizational learning affects strategic change significantly.The research can be used to explain the effect of organizational learning on strategic change in MNCs theoretically and practically.
Anteroinferior 2.7-mm versus 3.5-mm plating of the clavicle: A biomechanical study.

Abstract Introduction Lower patient satisfaction and high rates of plate prominence has led to the use of lower profile, smaller plates in the treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures. Specifically regarding the use of 2.7 mm reconstruction plates, there lacks biomechanical comparison to its more robust 3.5 mm counterpart. This study was designed to compare the mechanical properties of anteroinferior plate fixation on a clavicle fracture model using either 2.7 mm or 3.5 mm reconstruction plates. Methods Forty-eight synthetic left clavicles were divided into two groups based on the type of fixation: 3.5 mm or 2.7 mm pelvic reconstruction plate fixed in the anteroinferior position. Fixation was tested on AO/OTA 15B1.3 transverse midshaft fractures. Each specimen underwent the following three mechanical tests: axial compression, torsion, and four-point bending. Results Significant differences were observed in axial (p = 0.016) and torsional (p = 0.00097) stiffness between the two groups. The average bending rigidity (EI) was found to be significantly lower for the 2.7-mm plates as compared to the 3.5-mm plates (p = 0.03). The loading scenarios performed in the mechanical tests did not lead to failure of any implants. Conclusion While our results show clear mechanical superiority of 3.5-mm reconstruction plates over 2.7-mm plates, superior results in the clinical setting may not necessarily translate. With exceptional mechanical strength also noted for the 2.7 mm plate, well above the biomechanical properties of an intact clavicle, these results may obviate the need for robust plates in general.
Seizures in Pregnancy

Seizures in pregnancy may risk the health of both mother and fetus. Epileptic women should ideally plan pregnancies after counseling by their primary care givers. New-onset seizures and any increase in seizure frequency or severity should be promptly evaluated. Eclampsia and status epilepticus represent life-threatening conditions that demand urgent multidisciplinary management.
48 Assessment of bilateral limb differences in unipedal functional performance tests

Background Functional performance tests are often used in determining return to play criteria following an injury. However little research has been conducted to determine how limb dominance affects performance on many physical function tests. Objective To determine differences between the dominant and non-dominant limbs during unipedal hopping tests. Design Descriptive laboratory study. Setting Research laboratory. Participants Twenty-six physically active adults (16 females and 10 males) between 18 and 30 years of age with no history of ankle sprains or instability. Interventions Six unipedal hopping tests were investigated: Side hop, triple crossover hop, 6-metre crossover hop, lateral hop for distance, medial hop for distance, and figure-8 hop. For each test, three trials were completed on each limb. Main outcome measurements For side hop, 6-metre crossover hop, and figure-8 hop the fastest trial (sec) was used for statistical analysis. For the triple crossover hop, lateral hop for distance, and medial hop for distance the greatest distance (cm) was used for statistical analysis. Differences between the dominant and non-dominant limbs were compared for each test using a paired-samples t-test. Results No dominant versus non-dominant limb difference was identified for the side hop (p = 0.63), 6-metre crossover hop (p = 0.70), lateral hop for distance (p = 0.18), medial hop for distance (p = 0.83), and figure-8 hop (p = 0.37) tests. There was a significant difference in scores for the triple crossover hop test (p = 0.01). Performance on the dominant limb (418.35 ± 100.40 cm) was significantly better than the non-dominant limb (405.12 ± 106.57 cm). Conclusions Five of the six tests yielded no differences in performance between the dominant and non-dominant limbs. Therefore, from a rehabilitation perspective, healthcare providers can use these unipedal hopping tests to evaluate physical function following an injury without concern to whether the injury is sustained in the dominant or non-dominant side. The triple crossover hop test should be avoided since the dominant limb performed significantly better on this test.
Preferences and Utility

We suppose that there is a set of states, or alternatives, or bundles of goods, or “things” in the world. At various times we’ll use various symbols to denote those things, but for now, we use the letters x, y, z, . . . . Later on we will be more explicit about the nature of our set of things.
Distinct Activities of the α-Catenin Family, α-Catulin and α-Catenin, on β-Catenin-Mediated Signaling

α-Catenin, an integral part of cadherin-catenin adhesion complexes, is a major binding partner of β-catenin, a key component of the Wnt pathway, which activates T-cell factor (TCF)/lymphoid enhancer factor (LEF) transcription and is often upregulated in cancers. Recently, we identified an α-catenin-related protein, α-catulin, whose function is poorly understood, as part of a Rho GTPase signaling complex. Here, based on evidence suggesting that α-catulin may associate with a β-catenin fraction, we investigated the role of α-catenin family members in β-catenin-mediated signals. Expression of the full length or a 103-residue region of α-catenin strongly inhibits the induction of the TCF/LEF-responsive TOPFLASH reporter in HEK293T cells expressing activated β-catenin or in cancer cells with constitutively upregulated Wnt signaling, whereas α-catulin expression had no effect. Interestingly, α-catulin expression attenuates the activation of the cyclin D1 promoter, a target of Wnt pathway signals. α-Catulin appears to inhibit Ras-mediated signals to the cyclin D1 promoter, rather than β-catenin signals, and the synergy between Ras and β-catenin required to fully activate this promoter. Data suggesting the involvement of Rho in this response are presented and discussed. These results suggest a novel function for α-catulin and imply that α-catenin and α-catulin have distinct activities that downregulate, respectively, β-catenin and Ras signals converging on the cyclin D1 promoter.
Process Flow Mapping for Systems Improvement: Lessons Learned

This article fills a gap in the evaluation literature by detailing how to conduct process flow mapping: a continuous quality improvement (CQI) method. The importance of process flow mapping and the steps required to complete the method are illustrated in the context of evaluating a cardiac care system. The article discusses several challenges and solutions in conducting process flow mapping, including (a) selecting appropriate subject matter experts, (b) mapping simultaneous processes, (c) terminating mapping, (d) integrating multiple process flow maps, and (e) validating process flow maps. The article concludes by reinforcing the importance for systematically documenting new evaluation methods for dissemination and utility purposes. L’article comble une lacune dans la litterature d’evaluation en decrivant la schematisation des processus operationnels : une methode d’amelioration continue de la qualite (ACQ). L’importance de la schematisation des processus operationnels et les etapes de mise en application de la methode sont illustrees dans le contexte d’un systeme de soins cardiaques. L’article discute de plusieurs defis et solutions en matiere de schematisation des processus operationnels, y compris a) le choix des bons experts, b) la schematisation de processus simultanes, c) la conclusion de la schematisation, d) l’integration des schemas de processus operationnels et e) la validation des schemas de processus operationnels. L’article se termine en soulignant l’importance de documenter systematiquement les nouvelles methodes d’evaluation a des fins de diffusion et d’utilisation.
Dorsal Distraction Plating and Lunate Decortication for Stage III Kienböck Disease: A Novel Technique.

Kienbock disease (KD) is a progressive condition and difficult to manage. A number of treatment algorithms exist but there is no clear consensus as to which method produces the best outcome, particularly for Lichtman stage III disease. The majority of the current treatment options for KD emphasize lunate unloading and restoration of biology with bone graft. However, less attention has been given to the protection of the lunate during revascularization process. We report a novel technique of lunate decompression and bone grafting, combined with wrist distraction with or without radial shortening osteotomy via dorsal wrist bridge plating for the treatment of stage II-IIIa/b KD. This technique provides the advantages of distraction of the carpus unloading the lunate after bone grafting and during revascularization without the issues inherent to external fixation. In addition, this technique allows compression through a radial osteotomy site when performed. Our approach to the treatment of KD has incorporated this technique for patients with stage II or IIIa/b disease.
Massive Idiopathic Oropharyngeal and Laryngeal Granulomatosis on FDG PET/CT.

AbstractIdiopathic granulomatosis is a rare entity and has varied manifestations and imaging findings. A 44-year-old woman with sore throat and worsening dyspnea had multiple oropharyngeal and supraglottic masses on laryngoscopic examination. FDG PET/CT demonstrated diffuse tumor-like mucosal/submuc
La Niña–like Mean-State Response to Global Warming and Potential Oceanic Roles

AbstractThe majority of the models that participated in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project global warming experiments warm faster in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean than in the west. GFDL-ESM2M is an exception among the state-of-the-art global climate models in that the equatorial Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) in the west warms faster than in the east, and the Walker circulation strengthens in response to warming. This study shows that this “La Nina–like” trend simulated by GFDL-ESM2M could be a physically consistent response to warming, and that the forced response could have been detectable since the late twentieth century. Two additional models are examined: GFDL-ESM2G, which differs from GFDL-ESM2M only in the oceanic components, warms without a clear zonal SST gradient; and HadGEM2-CC exhibits a warming pattern that resembles the multimodel mean. A fundamental observed constraint between the amplitude of El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the mean-state zonal SST g...
Benefits of Case-Based Versus Traditional Lecture-Based Instruction in a Preclinical Removable Prosthodontics Course

This study compared the acceptability and relative effectiveness of case-based learning (CBL) versus traditional lecture-based (LB) instruction in a preclinical removable prosthodontics course in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry DDS curriculum. The entire second-year class (N=82) comprised this crossover study's sample. Assessments of baseline comprehension and confidence in removable partial denture (RPD) treatment planning were conducted at the beginning of the course. Near the end of the course, half of the class received CBL and LB instruction in an RPD module in alternating sequence, with students serving as their own control group. Assessments of perceived RPD treatment planning efficacy, comprehension, and instruction method preference were administered directly after students completed the RPD module and six months later. Analyses of variance accounting for period, carryover, and sequence effects were used to determine the relative effects of each approach using a p<0.05 statistical significance threshold. The results showed that the students preferred CBL (81%) over LB instruction (9%), a pattern that remained unchanged after a six-month period. Despite notable period and carryover effects, CBL was also associated with higher gains in RPD treatment planning comprehension (p=0.04) and perceived efficacy (p=0.01) compared to LB instruction. These gains diminished six months after the course-a finding based on a 49% follow-up response rate. Overall, the students overwhelmingly preferred CBL to LB instruction, and the findings suggest small albeit measurable educational benefits associated with CBL. This study's findings support the introduction and further testing of CBL in the preclinical dental curriculum, in anticipation of possible future benefits evident during clinical training.
Regulation of Cardiac Hypertrophy by T-Type Ca2+ Channel

Congestive heart failure is a terminal condition whose progression is determined by both cardiomyocyte and ventricular remodeling. Among the pathways contributing to remodeling are the calcium-dependent calcineurin–NFAT and CREB hypertrophic pathways. While the T-type Ca2+ channel and the transient receptor potential anion channel superfamily assume central roles in initiation of cardiac hypertrophy involving the calcineurin–NFAT pathway, the T-type Ca2+ channel appears to regulate the calcineurin–NFAT hypertrophic pathway. The T-type Ca2+ channel also modulates the development of pathological hypertrophy via the CREB hypertrophic pathway.
Inhibition of Mitochondrial p53 Accumulation by PFT-μ Prevents Cisplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a debilitating major side effect of cancer treatment, is characterized by pain and sensory loss in hand and feet. Platinum-based chemotherapeutics like cisplatin frequently induce CIPN. The molecular mechanism underlying these neurotoxic symptoms is incompletely understood and there are no preventive or curative interventions. We hypothesized that cisplatin acts as a cellular stressor that triggers p53 accumulation at mitochondria, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and CIPN. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effect of the small molecule pifithrin-µ (PFT-µ), an inhibitor of p53 mitochondrial association on CIPN and the associated mitochondrial dysfunction. We show here for the first time that in vivo cisplatin rapidly increases mitochondrial accumulation of p53 in dorsal root ganglia (DRG), spinal cord and peripheral nerve without evidence for apoptosis. Cisplatin-treatment also reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and lead to abnormal mitochondrial morphology and impaired mitochondrial function in DRG neurons. Pre-treatment with PFT-µ prevented the early cisplatin-induced increase in mitochondrial p53 and the reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential. Inhibition of the early mitochondrial p53 accumulation by PFT-µ also prevented the abnormalities in mitochondrial morphology and mitochondrial bioenergetics (reduced oxygen consumption rate, maximum respiratory capacity, and adenosine triphosphate synthesis) that develop in DRG and peripheral nerve after cisplatin-treatment. Functionally, inhibition of mitochondrial p53 accumulation prevented the hallmarks of CIPN including mechanical allodynia, peripheral sensory loss (numbness) as quantified by an adhesive-removal task, and loss of intra-epidermal nerve fibers. In conclusion, PFT-μ is a potential neuroprotective agent that prevents cisplatin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in DRG and peripheral nerves thereby protecting against CIPN through blockade of the early cisplatin-induced increase in mitochondrial p53. Notably, there is accumulating evidence that PFT-µ has anti-tumor activities and could therefore be an attractive candidate to prevent CIPN while promoting tumor cell death.
Traumatic rupture of an ovarian teratoma – Case report and review of the literature

Abstract Traumatic rupture of a cystic ovarian teratoma is extremely rare and has not been reported in a child. The free fluid can lead to diagnostic confusion for a ruptured viscus.
Climate change, collections and the classroom: using big data to tackle big problems

Preparing students to explore, understand, and resolve societal challenges such as global climate change is an important task for evolutionary and ecological biologists that will require novel and innovative pedagogical approaches. Recent calls to reform undergraduate science education emphasize the importance of engaging students in inquiry-driven, active, and authentic learning experiences. We believe that the vast digital resources (i.e., “big data”) associated with natural history collections provide invaluable but underutilized opportunities to create such experiences for undergraduates in biology. Here, we describe an online, open-access educational module that we have developed that harnesses the power of collections-based information to introduce students to multiple conceptual and analytical elements of climate change, evolutionary, and ecological biology research. The module builds upon natural history specimens and data collected over the span of nearly a century in Yosemite National Park, California, to guide students through a series of exercises aimed at testing hypotheses regarding observed differences in response to climate change by two closely related and partially co-occurring species of chipmunks. The content of the module can readily be modified to meet the pedagogical goals and instructional levels of different courses while the analytical strategies outlined can be adapted to address a wide array of questions in evolutionary and ecological biology. In sum, we believe that specimen-based natural history data represent a powerful platform for reforming undergraduate instruction in biology. Because these efforts will result in citizens who are better prepared to understand complex biological relationships, the benefits of this approach to undergraduate education will have widespread benefits to society.
Production and regulation of interleukin-2 in human lymphoblastic leukemias studied with T-cell monoclonal antibodies

Human leukemias are illnesses of hemopoietic stem cells that go through processes of self-replication and partial differentiation under the control of as yet largely unknown growth and differentiation factors. IL-2 is a powerful factor controlling proliferation of normal T cells. We report that acute lymphoblastic leukemias of T and non-B, non-T phenotypes produce a growth factor after mitogen stimulation. This factor is able to support the proliferation of human and murine IL-2-dependent cytotoxic cells, has a mol wt of 26,000 daltons by gel filtration, an isoelectric point of 6.6, and its biologic activity is inhibited by an anti IL-2 monoclonal antibody. This factor is, therefore, by all parameters studied very similar to IL-2 produced by normal lymphocytes. A recently developed monoclonal antibody, Pan T2, binds to normal T cells, renders T cells responsive to IL-2, and induces the release of IL-2, which in turn provides the second signal for T-cell proliferation. Mononuclear cells from acute lymphoblastic leukemia do not respond to the addition of this monoclonal antibody unless cocultured with irradiated Daudi cells. Since normal T cells do not require Daudi to produce IL-2 and since Daudi cells do not produce IL-2 under any conditions, we conclude that the cell responsible for IL-2 production in acute lymphatic leukemia is a leukemic T cell with an altered mechanism of IL-2 production at the level of the Pan T2 binding site.
A Novel Online and Non-Parametric Approach for Drift Detection in Big Data

A sizable amount of current literature on online drift detection tools thrive on unrealistic parametric strictures such as normality or on non-parametric methods whose power performance is questionable. Using minimal realistic assumptions such as unimodality, we have strived to proffer an alternative, through a novel application of Bernstein’s inequality. Simulations from such parametric densities as Beta and Logit-normal as well as real-data analyses demonstrate this new method’s superiority over similar techniques relying on bounds, such as Hoeffding’s. Improvements are apparent in terms of higher power, efficient sample sizes, and sensitivity to parameter values.
Social Ecological Correlates of Family-Level Interpersonal and Environmental Microaggressions Toward Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents

Microaggressions are associated with mental and behavioral health problems and are common experiences for sexual and gender minority adolescents (SGMA). Little is known about the social ecological correlates of family-level interpersonal and environmental microaggressions for SGMA. Utilizing a national sample of SGMA (N = 1,177), this study (a) identified the frequencies of family-level interpersonal and environmental microaggressions by participant demographics and (b) examined individual-, family-, and structural-level factors associated with interpersonal and environmental microaggressions. Outness to parents, a transgender or genderqueer identity, and higher levels of gender role non-conformity were associated with higher frequencies of interpersonal microaggressions. Higher levels of family-level child maltreatment and religiosity were associated with higher frequencies of interpersonal and environmental microaggressions. State-level non-discrimination protections were associated with lower frequencies of environmental microaggressions. Suggestions for increased individual-level support for gender non-binary adolescents as well as family targeted preventive strategies are discussed. Areas for future research are highlighted.
The detection of emphatic words using acoustic and lexical features.

In this study, we describe an automatic detector for prosodically salient or emphasized words in speech. Knowledge of whether a word is emphatic or not could improve Text-to-Speech synthesis as well as spoken language summarization. Previous work on emphasis detection has focused on the automatic recognition of pitch accents. Our model extends earlier research by automatically identifying emphatic pitch accents, a subset of pitch accents that mark special discourse functions with extreme degrees of salience. The overall best performance achieved by our system was 87.8% correct, 8.0% above baseline performance. The results of a feature selection algorithm show that the top-performing features in our models are primarily acoustic measures. Our work identifies important cues for emphasis in speech and shows that it is possible for an automated system to distinguish between two levels of perceived prominence in pitch accents with a high degree of accuracy.
Decision Criterion and Value of Information Analysis: Optimal Aspirin Dosage for Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events:

Background. In value of information (VOI) calculations, such as the expected value of perfect information (EVPI), partial perfect information (EVPPI), sample information (EVSI) or implementation (E...
Tinnitus and temporary hearing loss result in differential noise-induced spatial reorganization of brain activity

Loud noise frequently results in hyperacusis or hearing loss (i.e., increased or decreased sensitivity to sound). These conditions are often accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and changes in spontaneous neuronal activity (SNA). The ability to differentiate the contributions of hyperacusis and hearing loss to neural correlates of tinnitus has yet to be achieved. Towards this purpose, we used a combination of behavior, electrophysiology, and imaging tools to investigate two models of noise-induced tinnitus (either with temporary hearing loss or with permanent hearing loss). Manganese (Mn2+) uptake was used as a measure of calcium channel function and as an index of SNA. Manganese uptake was examined in vivo with manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) in key auditory brain regions implicated in tinnitus. Following acoustic trauma, MEMRI, the SNA index, showed evidence of spatially dependent rearrangement of Mn2+ uptake within specific brain nuclei (i.e., reorganization). Reorganization of Mn2+ uptake in the superior olivary complex and cochlear nucleus was dependent upon tinnitus status. However, reorganization of Mn2+ uptake in the inferior colliculus was dependent upon hearing sensitivity. Furthermore, following permanent hearing loss, reduced Mn2+ uptake was observed. Overall, by combining testing for hearing sensitivity, tinnitus, and SNA, our data move forward the possibility of discriminating the contributions of hyperacusis and hearing loss to tinnitus.
Structured Growth of Metal-Organic Framework MIL-53(Al) from Solid Aluminum Carbide Precursor

The conventional synthesis of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) through soluble metal-salt precursors provides little control over the growth of MOF crystals. The use of alternative metal precursors would provide a more flexible and cost-effective strategy for direction- and shape-controlled MOF synthesis. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the use of insoluble metal–carbon matrices to foster directed growth of MOFs. Aluminum carbide was implemented as both the metal precursor and growth-directing agent for the generation of MIL-53(Al). A unique needle-like morphology of the MOF was grown parallel to the bulk surface in a layer-by-layer manner. Importantly, the synthesis scheme was found to be transferrable to the production of different linker analogues of the MOF and other topologies. Given the variety of metal carbides available, these findings can be used as a blueprint for controlled, efficient, and economical MOF syntheses and set a new milestone toward the industrial use of MOFs at large-scale.
Toward enabling users to visually evaluate the effectiveness of different search methods

This paper explores how information visualization can provide insights into the effectiveness of different query formulations or the same query submitted to multiple search engines. Different queries or search methods are deemed more effective if the fusion of their results leads to a new result set that contains an increased number of relevant documents. The MetaCrystal toolset can be used to visualize the degree of overlap and similarity between the results returned by different queries or engines. The work presented is guided by two working hypotheses: 1) documents found by multiple methods are more likely to be relevant; 2) high degrees of overlap and/or systematic relationships between the ranked lists being compared will not lead to fusion results that contain more relevant documents. MetaCrystal visually identifies documents found by multiple queries or engines. The number and distribution patterns of documents found by multiple methods can be used as a visual measure of the fusion effectiveness. Examples, using Internet and TREC data, are presented that support both in a qualitative and quantitative way the working hypotheses.
Elasto-plastic hardening and shakedown of masonry arch joints

The behavior of joints made of sand–lime mortar, such as used in a wide variety of structures from ancient times through the early twentieth century, can be clearly distinguished from the behavior of joints made with hydraulic cement mortar. Experiments on confined mortar specimens have confirmed that the weaker and more ductile sand–lime mortar can be accurately modeled as a Drucker–Prager material with a compression cap and exponential hardening on the cap portion of the yield surface. Joints of sand–lime mortar subject to axial thrust and moment are found experimentally to yield under very small loads, and to follow a linear hardening rule beyond the yield point. This behavior can be replicated analytically using a Drucker–Prager constitutive law with exponential hardening. The yield surface and hardening function for an entire mortar joint are representable by Maier's theory of piecewise linear yield function and interacting yield planes. As a consequence, an arch jointed with sand–lime mortar is found to shake down under moving loads above the yield limit and below the collapse load. The shakedown behavior of a sand–lime mortar jointed masonry arch is confirmed experimentally.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Forgiveness in Therapy

Psychological and clinical research on forgiveness has grown exponentially over the last two decades. Recognizing that counselors might be able to help clients not only reduce the negative in their lives but also promote the positive, researchers and clinicians have addressed ways that forgiveness might be promoted after interpersonal hurts and injustices. In this Introduction to the Special Issue on Forgiveness in Therapy, the four articles following are placed in the larger context of forgiveness and clinical research.
Selling and Sales Management in Action: The Sales Force's Role in International Marketing Research and Marketing Information Systems

Many companies resist global markets because of seemingly insurmountable problems with these markets. Salespeople are often used successfully to gather market information. There is a wealth of market data that can be collected by a company's international sales force and distributors' sales force which can prove to be valuable in surmounting cultural and marketing barriers associated with global markets. The current paper discusses how and with what success U.S. multinational companies are using their international sales forces in gathering international marketing research data.
GOETZ, Christopher: Illinois/USA

Christopher G. Goetz is Professor of Neurological Sciences and Pharmacology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and serves as Director of the Movement Disorders program and Director of the Rush Parkinson’s Foundation Research Center. He is the current President of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. He has published over 450 peer-reviewed articles, over 200 book chapters, and fourteen books. He has been co-editor-in-chief of the Movement Disorders journal, and editor-in-chief of Clinical Neuropharmacology.
Structure of the Xylan O-Acetyltransferase AtXOAT1 Reveals Molecular Insight into Polysaccharide Acetylation in Plants

Abstract Acetylation of biomolecules is gaining increased attention due to both the abundance and importance of this modification across all kingdoms of life. Xylans are a major component of plant cell walls and are the third most abundant biopolymer in Nature. O-Acetyl moieties are the dominant backbone substituents of glucuronoxylan in dicots and play a major role in the polymer-polymer interactions that are crucial for proper wall architecture and normal plant development. Here, we describe the biochemical, structural, and mechanistic characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana xylan O-acetyltransferase 1 (AtXOAT1), a member of the plant-specific Trichome Birefrigence Like (TBL) family that catalyzes the 2-O-acetylation of xylan. A multipronged approach involving X-ray crystallography, biochemical analyses, mutagenesis, and molecular simulations show that XOAT1 catalyzes xylan acetylation through formation of an acyl-enzyme intermediate by a double displacement bi-bi mechanism involving a Ser-His-Asp catalytic triad and unconventionally employs an arginine residue in formation of an oxyanion hole.
Virtual Inertia Emulator-Based Model Predictive Control for Grid Frequency Regulation Considering High Penetration of Inverter-Based Energy Storage System

As awareness of human footprint grows, solutions are investigated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). To reduce the carbon intensity of electricity production, a massive deployment of renewable energy sources (RESs) has become a mandatory goal. A significant challenge behind the deployment of RESs is the frequency regulation of such systems due to the high penetration of inverters based on energy storage systems (ESS). To overcome this issue, this manuscript proposes, as the main contribution, to use a virtual inertia emulator-based model predictive control. MPC is an optimization-based control strategy that aims at finding the optimal control actions of a system by predicting its future behaviors. This control solution is compared to a proportional (P) and a proportional integrator (PI) controller. The results of this study show that the MPC controller reduce the minimum ESS capacity by 55% and 2%, and the ESS energy throughput by 86% and 36% compared to a P and PI controller. Those results suggest that the MPC controller can help to diminish the CAPEX and ESS aging compared to a P or PI controller.
Opportunities for ionic liquid/ionogel gating of emerging transistor architectures

Ionic liquid/ionogel gate dielectrics can provide significant advantages for transistor architectures that utilize high surface area semiconductors and/or nonplanar substrates because of their cleanroom-free, liquid-based processability and their inherently large electrostatic double layer capacitance. These attributes of ionogels have already enabled the facile fabrication of several up-and-coming transistor devices geometries for which a highly conformal interface between the electrolyte gate dielectric and the semiconductor is readily achievable, and remote gating with a nonaligned gate electrode is possible. Further, ionogel gating can improve device performance to maximize current densities at low operating voltages. This Perspective highlights three classes of emerging transistor architectures, namely, vertical transistors, surround gate transistors, and thread/fiber-based transistors, and provides several key examples of instances where ionogel gating has either already enabled or still stands to improve device fabrication and performance.
The use of atropine for treatment of amblyopia using the OptumLabs Data Warehouse.

Atropine and patching are standard treatments for amblyopia, but the prevalence of atropine therapy in the United States is unknown. This study used the OptumLabs Data Warehouse to evaluate pharmacy claims for topical atropine to evaluate the frequency of its treatment for amblyopia and to compare demographic factors in cohorts of amblyopic children who were and were not prescribed atropine. Overall, 55.2% of amblyopic children were prescribed atropine more than once. The children who were prescribed atropine had a higher likelihood of living in geographic regions in the South or Midwest.