cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Population structure of the oldest known macroscopic communities from Mistaken Point, Newfoundland

The presumed affinities of the Terminal Neoproterozoic Ediacara biota have been much debated. However, even in the absence of concrete evidence for phylogenetic affinity, numerical paleoecological approaches can be effectively used to make inferences about organismal biology, the nature of biotic interactions, and life history. Here, we examine the population structure of three Ediacaran rangeomorph taxa (Fractofusus, Beothukis, and Pectinifrons), and one non-rangeomorph taxon (Thectardis) across five fossil surfaces around the Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland, through analysis of size-frequency distributions using Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). Best-supported models resolve communities of all studied Ediacaran taxa at Mistaken Point as single cohorts with wide variance. This result is best explained in terms of a “continuous reproduction” model, whereby Ediacaran organisms reproduce aseasonally, so that multiple size modes are absent from preserved communities. Modern benthic invertebrates (both as a whole and within specific taxonomic groups) in deeper-water settings reproduce both seasonally and aseasonally; distinguishing between biological (i.e., continuous reproductive strategies) and environmental (lack of a seasonal trigger) causes for this pattern is therefore difficult. However, we hypothesize that the observed population structure could reflect the lack of a trigger for reproduction in deepwater settings (i.e., seasonal flux of organic matter), until the explosive appearance of mesozooplankton near the base of the Cambrian.
Mixed alkyl exchange and exploitable surface interactions in InGaN by NH3-based metal organic molecular beam epitaxy

A1. Surface processes A3. Chemical beam epitaxy A3. Metalorganic molecular beam epitaxy B1. Nitrides B2. Semiconducting indium compounds B2. Semiconducting ternary compounds abstract InGaN films with up to 19% indium composition are demonstrated for the first time by NH3-based MOMBE. Significant variations in alloy composition, growth rate, and III-alkyl desorption with substrate temperature, V/III, and Ga/In are reported. Desorbing III-alkyl species in the presence of TMIn are identified as predominantly III-methyl species resulting from mixed alkyl interactions at the growth interface. The results indicate that while reduced temperature growth is possible with NH3, growth is N-limited and control of active N, In/In-methyl surface coverage, and III-alkyl desorption set an upper limit to indium incorporation. Moreover, these three interdependent variables provide sensitive, exploitable mechanisms for intentional and controllable lateral composition inhomogeneity enabling novel three-dimensional device structures.
Transactions on Data Hiding and Multimedia Security II

Theoretical Framework for a Practical Evaluation and Comparison of Audio Watermarking Schemes in the Triangle of Robustness, Transparency and Capacity.- Watermarking Security: A Survey.- Efficient Implementation of Zero-Knowledge Proofs for Watermark Detection in Multimedia Data.- Identity-Based DRM: Personal Entertainment Domain.- Improving Steganalysis by Fusion Techniques: A Case Study with Image Steganography.
Bone remodeling and the osteoclast

Bone remodeling is a process initiated by the osteoclast, and thus, its understanding is prerequisite to regulation of bone turnover. The last decade has witnessed major advances in our understanding of osteoclast biology, specifically as relates to the ontogeny of the cell and the mechanisms by which it degrades bone. It is now possible to isolate and generate osteoclasts and maintain them in relative purity. Using these models, a number of laboratories have shown that ion transport by the osteoclast plays a major role in its ability to resorb bone. Furthermore, osteoclast-bone matrix attachment, mediated at least in part by integrins, is pivotal to the resorptive process. These discoveries are likely to lead to insight into control of the remodeling process.
Metal coatings on semiconductor particles in glass

Glasses containing semiconductor particles coated with metal were synthesized and studied. Glasses containing CdS and silver were heated to grow the CdS particles first, followed by the growth of metal on them. The solubility of silver in the CdS glass was increased by changing the base glass composition. Optical absorption and transmission electron microscopy results showed that silver coated the CdS particles in these glasses. The CdS particles had to be a critical size before silver grew on them. This critical size was calculated from nucleation theory and was found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. Glasses containing CuCl particles were partially reduced in hydrogen to obtain copper-coated CuCl particles. Absorption spectroscopy and TEM indicated a copper coating on the particles.
Focal hand dystonia: Individualized intervention with repeated application of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation

Abstract Objectives To examine for individual factors that may predict response to inhibitory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in focal hand dystonia (FHD); to present the method for determining optimal stimulation to increase inhibition in a given patient; and to examine individual responses to prolonged intervention. Design Single-subject design to determine optimal parameters to increase inhibition for a given subject and to use the selected parameters once per week for 6 weeks, with 1-week follow-up, to determine response. Setting Clinical research laboratory. Participants A volunteer sample of subjects with FHD (N=2). One participant had transcranial magnetic stimulation responses indicating impaired inhibition, and the other had responses within normative limits. Interventions There were 1200 pulses of 1-Hz rTMS delivered using 4 different stimulation sites/intensity combinations: primary motor cortex at 90% or 110% of resting motor threshold (RMT) and dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) at 90% or 110% of RMT. The parameters producing the greatest within-session increase in cortical silent period (CSP) duration were then used as the intervention. Main Outcome Measures Response variables included handwriting pressure and velocity, subjective symptom rating, CSP, and short latency intracortical inhibition and facilitation. Results The individual with baseline transcranial magnetic stimulation responses indicating impaired inhibition responded favorably to the repeated intervention, with reduced handwriting force, an increase in the CSP, and subjective report of moderate symptom improvement at 1-week follow-up. The individual with normative baseline responses failed to respond to the intervention. In both subjects, 90% of RMT to the PMd produced the greatest lengthening of the CSP and was used as the intervention. Conclusions An individualized understanding of neurophysiological measures can be an indicator of responsiveness to inhibitory rTMS in focal dystonia, with further work needed to determine likely responders versus nonresponders.
A compact dual-polarized 8.51-GHz rectenna for high-voltage (50 V) actuator applications

This paper describes a dual-polarized rectenna capable of producing a 50-V output voltage that can be used for driving mechanical actuators. This study demonstrates a circuit topology that allows the output of multiple rectenna elements to be combined in order to step up the output voltage. In this paper, an independent rectifying circuit is used for each of two orthogonal polarizations. By proper combination, the output voltage is doubled over that of the single polarization case. Such panels are being explored for use on the next-generation space telescope to eliminate wiring between actuators and provide for true mechanical isolation.
Shaping nanostructures for applications in energy conversion and storage.

The conversion and storage of energy based on abundant natural resources such as water play an important role in the development of sustainable technologies. Such processes often depend on the use of catalysts that allow chemical and electrochemical reactions to occur effectively. The design of shape-controlled nanomaterials helps in the manufacture of structures required for improved performance in catalysis. This thematic issue is a collection of papers emphasizing the various effects of the shape and morphology of nanostructures made of metal, metal alloy, and other selected materials on catalytic and electronic properties. Not surprisingly, a sizable portion of the work presented in this issue deals with metal and metal alloy nanoparticles that are catalytically or electrocatalytically active. In this context, this body of work can be classified into three categories: metal and metal alloys, oxygencontaining compounds, and others (graphene, nitride, and II– VI semiconducting materials).
Bed-Load Transport Equation for Sheet Flow

When open-channel flows become sufficiently powerful, the mode of bed-load transport changes from saltation to sheet flow. Where there is no suspended sediment, sheet flow consists of a layer of colliding grains whose basal concentration approaches that of the stationary bed. These collisions give rise to a dispersive stress that acts normal to the bed and supports the bed load. An equation for predicting the rate of bed-load transport in sheet flow is developed from an analysis of 55 flume and closed conduit experiments. The equation is i b5v where i b5immersed bed-load transport rate; and v5flow power. That i b5v implies that e b5tan a5ub /u, where e b 5Bagnold's bed-load transport efficiency; ub5mean grain velocity in the sheet-flow layer; and tan a5dynamic internal friction coeffi- cient. Given that tan a'0.6 for natural sand, ub'0.6u, and e b'0.6. This finding is confirmed by an independent analysis of the experimental data. The value of 0.60 for e b is much larger than the value of 0.12 calculated by Bagnold, indicating that sheet flow is a much more efficient mode of bed-load transport than previously thought.
Biologically Inspired Surfaces : Broadening the Scope of Roughness

Superhydrophobicity can be used for many applications that require non-adhesive and water-repellent surfaces. A successful design of superhydrophobic surfaces requires a correct assessment of the surface roughness effect on wetting. Roughness is an important property in surface mechanics, physics, chemistry, and biology, and it is critical for many tribological applications. Roughness can be defined in different ways, and the definition should be adequate to the problem under investigation. Our recent studies of biological and biomimetic superhydrophobic surfaces show that traditional roughness parameters, such as the root-mean-square, correlation length, or fractal dimension, are not always appropriate for the analysis of wetting. This is, in particular, due to the hierarchical nature of wetting mechanisms and interfaces. We discuss the effect of roughness on wetting mechanisms and relevant roughness parameters and ways to broaden the concept and scope of surface roughness.
Interpreting Data: The Hybrid Mind

The central goal of this study was to characterize major patterns of reasoning exhibited by college chemistry students when analyzing and interpreting chemical data. Using a case study approach, we investigated how a representative student used chemical models to explain patterns in the data based on structure–property relationships. Our results elicited various reasoning challenges: undifferentiation of concepts, overreliance on surface explicit features, oversensitivity to contextual features, unconstrained application of ideas, hybridization of chemical and intuitive knowledge, and overreliance on nonmechanistic explanatory schemas. Our findings also revealed several affordances in student thinking: cognitive flexibility, responsiveness to probing and scaffolding, rich knowledge base, and pragmatism in the search for explanations. Our investigation provides insights into curriculum design and teaching and assessment strategies that can better leverage students’ cognitive resources to scaffold learning.
Immunologic and chemotherapeutic effects on human melanoma heterotransplant.

SummaryHuman malignant melanoma grew significantly larger than usual in hamsters treated with antilymphocyte sera. Footpad injections of frozen tumor with adjuvant resulted in increased melanoma transplant rejections. Methotrexate chemotherapy of donor melanoma reduced the subsequent growth in untreated hosts.
Abstract CN07-01: Understanding the role of stem-like tumor cells in proneural glioma

The ID (Inhibitor of DNA-binding) gene family regulates self-renewal in adult neural stem cells. Cells expressing high levels of Id1 in the neurogenic niches of the adult brain define the B1 stem cell populations and Id proteins are essential for self-renewal and the maintenance of multipotency. A decline in Id1 levels is associated with the progression to a progenitor-like cell type in which the bHLH marker Olig2 becomes highly expressed. Since the discovery of stem-like and progenitor-like cell populations within high-grade gliomas, there has been a great deal of interest in elucidating their contributions to tumorigenesis. However, analyses are complicated by the lack of reliable marker sets to definitively isolate and characterize these distinct cell lineages. Using a genetically relevant mouse model of high-grade proneural glioma, we show that high Id1 expression (Id1 high ) identifies self-renewing, multipotent tumor cells, while low Id1 expression (Id1 low ) identifies progenitor-like cells characterized by Olig2 expression and limited self-renewal capacity, thus recapitulating what is observed in the normal neurogenic niche. Id1 high cells generate tumors upon orthotopic transplantation, but surprisingly, Id1 low cells do so with shorter latency and higher penetrance, despite their limited self-renewal capacity. Both Id1 high and Id1 low cells generate tumors with high-grade features and histopathology similar to the parental tumors. Purified Id1 high cells give rise to Id1 low cells during tumor formation thereby possibly fueling the generation of the more tumorigenic progenitor-like population. Targeting the more progenitor-like cells via knockdown of Olig2 results in a dramatic survival benefit. These data highlight an important distinction between self-renewal capacity and tumor initiation potential, underscoring the importance of non-stem cell lineages in brain tumor disease progression. Citation Format: Lindy Elise Barrett, Hyung-song Nam, Robert Benezra. Understanding the role of stem-like tumor cells in proneural glioma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2012 Oct 16-19; Anaheim, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Prev Res 2012;5(11 Suppl):Abstract nr CN07-01.
Cassava Starch Pearls as a Desiccant for Drying Ethanol

The fuel ethanol industry uses corn grits packed in fixed bed adsorption towers to dry hydrous ethanol vapors in an energy efficient manner. Spherical micropearl cassava starch exhibit a higher adsorption capacity than corn grits of the same size and may be a viable replacement for ground corn. Adsorption equilibrium curves, BET surface area measurements, and SEM images provide an explanation for the enhanced performance of cassava micropearls based on particle architecture and the surface area available to water molecules. The SEM images show that the micropearls form a core–shell structure with pregel starch acting as the scaffold that holds starch granules in an outer layer. This layer determines the BET surface area and the measured equilibrium adsorption capacity. The core–shell microstructure results in a shortened diffusion path-length and enhanced adsorption rates. These microstructural and operational characteristics provide a template for microfabrication of enhanced capacity starch based spheri...
Altering hemodynamics leads to congenital heart defects (Conference Presentation)

The role of hemodynamics in early heart development is poorly understood. In order to successfully assess the impact of hemodynamics on development, we need to monitor and perturb blood flow, and quantify the resultant effects on morphology. Here, we have utilized cardiac optical pacing to create regurgitant flow in embryonic hearts and OCT to quantify regurgitation percentage and resultant morphology. Embryonic quail in a shell-less culture were optically paced at 3 Hz (well above the intrinsic rate or 1.33-1.67 Hz) on day 2 of development (3-4 weeks human) for 5 minutes. The pacing fatigued the heart and led to a prolonged period (> 1 hour) of increased regurgitant flow. Embryos were kept alive until day 3 (cardiac looping - 4-5 weeks human) or day 8 (4 chambered heart - 8 weeks human) to quantify resultant morphologic changes with OCT. All paced embryos imaged at day 3 displayed cardiac defects. The extent of regurgitant flow immediately after pacing was correlated with cardiac cushion size 24-hours post pacing (p-value < 0.01) with higher regurgitation leading to smaller cushions. Almost all embryos (16/18) surviving to day 8 exhibited congenital heart defects (CHDs) including 11/18 with valve defects, 5/18 with ventricular septal defects and 5/18 with hypoplastic right ventricles. Our data suggests that regurgitant flow leads to smaller cushions, which develop into abnormal valves and septa. Our model produces similar phenotypes as found in our fetal alcohol syndrome and velo-cardio-facial/DiGeorge syndrome models suggesting that hemodynamics plays a role in these syndromes as well. Utilizing OCT and optical pacing to understand hemodynamics in development is an important step towards determining CHD mechanisms and ultimately developing earlier treatments.
Comparison of Turbulent Models for Supersonic Compression Corner Flow

A decent turbulence model in the numerical simulation of supersonic inlet can precisely capture the shock wave and predict the flow field,which is very important to the design and control of aircraft engine.However,no reference deals with the selection of turbulence model under this condition,so a comparison of turbulent models is performed on the supersonic compression corner which is a similar and simple configuration of inlet channel.The four turbulent models are standard k-epsilon model,RNG model,Realizable model and ASM model.They depend on the same SIMPLE algorithm,analytical wall function and MINMOD scheme of convection.The paper concludes that the RNG turbulent model is more precise than the standard k-epsilon model and the Realizable k-epsilon model,and needs less time than ASM model.In the end,the it is concluded that the RNG model is the most economic and practical one.
Housing and Non-Housing CPI Components: The National Case versus a Local Example

In this paper, we develop separate measures for the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) for just the housing component and the headline rate without the housing component to reveal how housing impacted aggregate inflation over the 2002– 2011 time period. The same analysis is conducted employing the Local Economic Indicator Project (LEIP) CPI for Jacksonville, Florida, for comparison. The results indicate that beyond what most would realize, the housing sector drove inflation higher in the middle of the last decade; however, non-housing inflation was substantially higher in both indicators subsequent to the beginning of the Great Recession. Structural break analysis is used to mitigate the non-stationarity in the time series and to identify the implications with and without the events that led to the breaks.
A Preliminary Investigation Into the Added Value of Multiple Gates and Informants in Universal Screening for Behavioral and Emotional Risk

ABSTRACTMental health screening in schools is a progressive practice to identify students for prevention and intervention services. Multiple gating procedures, in which students are provided more intensive assessments following initial identification of risk, are aligned with prevention science and poised to enhance multitiered systems of support. Yet, empirical evidence supporting this practice is limited. Using data obtained from an urban high school (N = 761), the authors investigated a multiple gating and informant approach and its ability to predict social-emotional well-being and academic performance. Screening results were predictive of well-being and grade point averages at an initial gate, with little to no added value at subsequent gates or with multiple informants. Implications for practice and future directions are discussed.
Interaction of nitric oxide and cGMP with signal transduction in activated platelets.

Although nitric oxide (NO), one of the endothelium-derived relaxing factors, prevents formation of platelet aggregates, the mechanism by which this occurs is not fully understood. Accordingly, the ...
The oestrogen paradox: a hypothesis.

Epidemiological and observational studies suggest that oestrogens, when used as hormonal therapy in post-menopausal women, can increase the risk of breast cancer if used long term. However, more recent data suggest that short-term use in sub-groups of post-menopausal women significantly decreases the risk of breast cancer. This beneficial effect is also observed when high-dose oestrogen is administered to post-menopausal women with breast cancer to cause tumour regression, a phenomenon which commonly occurs. We consider these divergent responses to oestrogen to represent a "paradox". Data from our own and other investigative groups suggest a hypothesis to explain this paradox. Deprivation of oestradiol in model systems causes cells to adapt and to undergo apoptosis in response to oestrogen. This occurs through the Fas/Fas ligand death receptor pathway and through alterations in apoptotic mechanisms mediated by mitochondria. This process of programmed cell death may explain the regression of established breast cancer with oestrogen administration and the diminution in the rate of new breast cancer diagnoses recently reported. Our hypothesis is based upon pathological data indicating the presence of a "reservoir" of undiagnosed breast cancer in the population of women who would be starting on oestrogens as menopausal hormonal therapy. The long-term increased risk of breast cancer may then reflect different mechanisms. Oestrogens can cause mutations through enhancement of the rate of cell division and concomitantly the error rate in DNA replication. In addition, oestrogens can be metabolised to directly genotoxic compounds. These carcinogenic processes take much longer, since a number of mutations must accumulate before resulting in breast cancer. These hypotheses regarding oestrogen-induced apoptosis in the short term and carcinogenesis in the long term now require rigorous verification but would serve to explain the "oestrogen paradox". (Pol J Endocrinol 2007; 58 (3): 222-227)
Proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases in CSF of patients with VZV vasculopathy.

Objective: To determine the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the CSF of patients with virologically verified varicella zoster virus (VZV) vasculopathy. Methods: CSF from 30 patients with virologically verified VZV vasculopathy was analyzed for levels of proinflammatory cytokines and MMPs using the Meso Scale Discovery multiplex ELISA platform. Positive CNS inflammatory disease controls were provided by CSF from 30 patients with multiple sclerosis. Negative controls were provided by CSF from 20 healthy controls. Results: Compared to multiple sclerosis CSF and CSF from healthy controls, levels of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, and MMP-2 were significantly elevated in VZV vasculopathy CSF. Conclusions: CSF of patients with VZV vasculopathy revealed a unique profile of elevated proinflammatory cytokines, IL-8 and IL-6, along with elevated MMP-2. The relevance of these cytokines to the pathogenesis of VZV vasculopathy requires further study.
Tyrosine-Coordinated P-Cluster in G. diazotrophicus Nitrogenase: Evidence for the Importance of O-Based Ligands in Conformationally Gated Electron Transfer

The P-cluster is a unique iron–sulfur center that likely functions as a dynamic electron (e–) relay site between the Fe-protein and the catalytic FeMo-cofactor in nitrogenase. The P-cluster has been shown to undergo large conformational changes upon 2-e– oxidation which entail the coordination of two of the Fe centers to a Ser side chain and a backbone amide N, respectively. Yet, how and if this 2-e– oxidized state (POX) is involved in catalysis by nitrogenase is not well established. Here, we present the crystal structures of reduced and oxidized MoFe-protein (MoFeP) from Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus (Gd), which natively possesses an Ala residue in the position of the Ser ligand to the P-cluster. While reduced Gd-MoFeP is structurally identical to previously characterized counterparts around the FeMo-cofactor, oxidized Gd-MoFeP features an unusual Tyr coordination to its P-cluster along with ligation by a backbone amide nitrogen. EPR analysis of the oxidized Gd-MoFeP P-cluster confirmed that it is a ...
The Poetics of (P)ostmode(r)n(e) Parody in Austen’s Northanger Abbey

What is considered Austen’s ‘juvenilia’ period, dating from 1787to 1793 and which contains ‘principaly burlesque narratives thatparody the fictional modes of her time’ (Lauber, p. 11) is clearly thesame period in which her significant ‘experimental’ modes arebeing written. The foundation for Northanger Abbey lay in the textSusan written in 1798–99 (her pre-postmodern-post-juvenilia phase)a time which also post-dates drafts she was writing of Pride andPrejudice in 1796. The novel, with the same title, was sold to Crosbie& Company in 1803 for £10, but was never published. Austenwrites on 5 April 1809: ‘Gentlemen, In the spring of the year 1803a MS. Novel in 2 vol. entitled Susan was sold to you by a Gentlemanof the name of Seymour, & the purchase money £10, reed at thesame time. Six years have passed, & this work of which I am myselfthe Authoress, has never to the best of my knowledge, appeared inprint, tho’ an early publication was stipulated for at the time of sale.I can only account for such an extraordinary circumstance by supposingthe MS. by some carelessness to have been lost; & if that wasthe case, am willing to supply you with another copy if you aredisposedto avail yourselves of it [my italics], & will engage for no farther delaywhen it comes into your hands. It will not be in my power fromparticular circumstances to command this copy before the Month ofAugust, but then, if you accept my proposal, you may depend onreceiving it. Be so good as to send me a line in answer as soon aspossible, as my stay in this place will not exceed a few days. Shouldno notice be taken of this address, I shall feel myself at liberty tosecure the publication of my work, by applying elsewhere [my italics],I am Gentlemen &c. &c.’ (Chapman, p. 263). This letter wasanswered by Richard Crosby on 8 April 1809 in which he answersby saying that they paid for the manuscript titled Susan the sum of£10 ‘for which we have his stamped receipt as a full consideration.
Characterization of the relationship between ceramic pot filter water production and turbidity in source water.

Ceramic pot filters represent a common and effective household water treatment technology in developing countries, but factors impacting water production rate are not well-known. Turbidity of source water may be principal indicator in characterizing the filter's lifetime in terms of water production capacity. A flow rate study was conducted by creating four controlled scenarios with different turbidities, and influent and effluent water samples were tested for total suspended solids and particle size distribution. A relationship between average flow rate and turbidity was identified with a negative linear trend of 50 mLh-1/NTU. Also, a positive linear relationship was found between the initial flow rate of the filters and average flow rate calculated over the 23 day life of the experiment. Therefore, it was possible to establish a method to estimate the average flow rate given the initial flow rate and the turbidity in the influent water source, and to back calculate the maximum average turbidity that would need to be maintained in order to achieve a specific average flow rate. However, long-term investigations should be conducted to assess how these relationships change over the expected CPF lifetime. CPFs rejected fine suspended particles (below 75 μm), especially particles with diameters between 0.375 μm and 10 μm. The results confirmed that ceramic pot filters are able to effectively reduce turbidity, but pretreatment of influent water should be performed to avoid premature failure.
Eating the Dead to Keep Atherosclerosis at Bay.

Atherosclerosis is the primary cause of coronary heart disease (CHD), ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. Despite effective lipid-lowering therapies and prevention programs, atherosclerosis is still the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Moreover, the prevalence of CHD in developing countries worldwide is rapidly increasing at a rate expected to overtake those of cancer and diabetes. Prominent risk factors include the hardening of arteries and high levels of cholesterol, which lead to the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. However, cell death and efferocytosis are critical components of both atherosclerotic plaque progression and regression yet, few currently available therapies focus on these processes. Thus, understanding the causes of cell death within the atherosclerotic plaque, the consequences of cell death, and the mechanisms of apoptotic cell clearance may enable the development of new therapies to treat cardiovascular disease. Here, we review how ER stress and cholesterol metabolism lead to cell death and inflammation, how dying cells affect plaque progression, and how autophagy and the clearance of dead cells ameliorates the inflammatory environment of the plaque. In addition, we review current research aimed at alleviating these processes and specifically targeting therapeutics to the site of the plaque.
Mommy-Nanny as Principal-Agent in The Nanny Diaries

Considerable research applies principal-agent theory to administration. Though previous analysts have not applied it to child rearing, we argue that the changing character of the family and accordingly increased use of paid caregivers for children illustrate some of the issues catalogued in principal-agent theory. We will outline the basic assumptions of principal-agent theory and apply these to childcare as presented in the darkly comic bestseller The Nanny Diaries , based in part on actual events. In particular, our discussion suggests the difficulties of monitoring child-care workers due to information asymmetries and the likelihood of what Brehm and Gates (1997) refer to as “shirking and sabotage.” As with the bureaucrats discussed by Brehm and Gates, in The Nanny Diaries , the most dedicated child-care workers, those least likely to shirk, are also least likely to obey the principals’ (parents’) orders, since they have deeply held values and significant knowledge regarding child care. We suggest The Nanny Diaries for classroom use in illustrating principal-agent concepts.
PASSIVE WI-FI: Bringing Low Power to Wi-Fi Transmissions

Wi-Fi has traditionally been considered a power-consuming communication system and has not been widely adopted in the sensor network and Internet of Things (IoT) space. We introduce Passive Wi-Fi that demonstrates that one can generate 802.11b transmissions using backscatter communication, while consuming 3-4 orders of magnitude lower power than existing Wi-Fi chipsets. Passive Wi-Fi transmissions can be decoded on any Wi-Fi device including routers, mobile phones and tablets. Our experimental evaluation shows that passive Wi-Fi transmissions can be decoded on off-the-shelf smartphones and Wi-Fi chipsets over distances of up to 100 feet. We also design a passive Wi-Fi IC that shows that 1 and 11 Mbps transmissions consume 14.5 and 59.2 ?W respectively. This translates to 10000x lower power than existing Wi-Fi chipsets and 1000x lower power than Bluetooth LE and ZigBee.
Supplying protection: The United Nations and public support for humanitarian intervention:

This paper examines the role of the constellation of interveners, along with the approval of international institutions like the United Nations, on public support for military interventions to prot...
Strategies for coping with individual PTSD symptoms: Experiences of African American victims of intimate partner violence.

Objective Understanding how populations at particular risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its deleterious outcomes cope with individual PTSD symptoms is critical to developing interventions that promote resilience, support recovery, and ultimately empower traumatized populations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify specific strategies women use to cope with individual PTSD symptoms among a population at particular risk for experiencing trauma and its negative sequelae-African American victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) who use substances. Method This 30-day study included 107 African American women who reported experiencing current IPV and using a substance. During their follow-up interviews, women participated in a structured interview to retrospectively report on the strategies they typically used to cope with various PTSD symptoms during the 30-day period. Results Results of content analysis revealed that women used 19 different strategies to cope with symptoms (e.g., social support, substance use, electronic media, religious or spiritual coping), which varied as a function of the PTSD symptom experienced. Aggregating symptoms to the cluster level obscured the variability in strategies used to cope with individual symptoms. Conclusions Findings are discussed in the context of the larger literature on coping and PTSD, specifically regarding (a) coping strategies that may be adaptive or maladaptive and (b) directions for future research that attend to experiences of individual PTSD symptoms. (PsycINFO Database Record
Examining the mechanisms by which women's status and empowerment affect skilled birth attendant use in Senegal: a structural equation modeling approach.

Despite the reduction in maternal deaths globally, maternal mortality rates remain unacceptably high, particularly in some regions of the world. In sub-Saharan Africa, maternal mortality rates have even increased recently, with 201,000 deaths in 2015 as compared to 179,000 in 2013. Use of a skilled birth attendant (SBA) at delivery has remained low, despite evidence of the effectiveness of SBAs in reducing maternal deaths. Women’s empowerment is increasingly recognized as a key determinant of maternal health care-seeking and outcomes, yet empirical examinations of the linkages between women’s empowerment and delivery care use are particularly limited, especially from sub-Saharan Africa. Using data from the 2010 Senegal Demographic and Health Survey (n = 7451), in this study we employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate the complex and multidimensional pathways by which three women’s empowerment domains (household decision-making, attitudes towards violence, and sex negotiation) directly and indirectly affect SBA use. Although variations were observed across measures, many of the women’s status and empowerment measures were positively related to SBA use. Notably, women’s education demonstrated a substantial indirect effect: higher education was related to older age at first marriage, which was associated with higher levels of empowerment and SBA use. In addition to age at first marriage, gender-role attitudes (e.g., progressive attitudes towards violence and sex negotiation) were significant mediators in the relationship between education and SBA use. However, household decision-making was not significantly associated with SBA use. Findings indicate significant effects of women’s education, early marriage, and some dimensions of women’s empowerment on SBA use. SEM was particularly useful in examining the complex and multidimensional constructs of women’s empowerments and their effects. This study informs policy recommendations and programmatic efforts to reduce maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa by strengthening support for women’s access to higher education, delaying marriage and childbearing among girls and young women, and supporting more equitable gender norms.
Teaching ranging and localization using Bluetooth on Android devices

This paper describes the use of Bluetooth hardware for localization and signal processing education on Android smart-phones and tablets. The localization algorithm uses the Received Signal Strength Indcation (RSSI) value of transmitting devices in order to triangulate their position. The concepts that are featured in the use of this technology have classroom relevant content such as multilateration (a matrix problem in linear algebra), wave properties and interactions (physics), statistics relating to laboratory data, and engineering application concepts (such as software development and coding). These concepts can be taught through classroom demonstrations and interaction. Preliminary data from in-class activities demonstrate the effectiveness of the app for teaching concepts in localization and ranging. Further in-class activities and workshops are planned.
The Mountains of the South-Temperate, Austral and Antarctic Regions

The principal elevated areas, of entomological interest, in the south-temperate and antarctic regions arc the mountains of Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, the Chilean Andes, the Patagonian Steppes, the Andes of Tierra del Fuego and the mountains of Antarctica. Although parts of the high regions of northern Australia are really within the torrid zone, a number of considerations justify discussion of all the Australian mountains as part of the south temperate region. The Andes south of Bolivia, in other words the Chilean Andes, the Argentinian Andes, the Patagonian Andes and the Patagonian Steppes and the southernmost parts of the Andes in Tierra del Fuego constitute perhaps the most remarkable high altitude regions of the southtemperatre and sub-antarctic areas. As mentioned elsewhere, the main trendline of the Andes in Tierra del Fuego is almost east-west. It has recently been shown that Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia are geographically closely related. Besides the Andes, we must also consider the area of the Mesetas to the east of the Andes. As the predominant winds are westerly, the rainfall and dense forests are concentrated on the Andes; the Mesetas and the plains are typically steppes and semi-deserts. The area closest to the Andes was covered by ice during the late Pleistocene. Old glacial moraines, east of the limits of the youngest glaciation, are correlated with the penultimate glaciation that corresponds probably with the Wurm Glaciation in the northern hemisphere. Among the more important high mountain peaks, situated within the south temperate region, are Llullaillaco (25° SL and 6720 metres above mean sea-level), Ojos del Salado (27° SL and 6870 metres), Mercedario (32° SL and 6765 metres) in Argentina-Chile; and Aconcagua in Argentina (32° 30′ SL and 7034 metres).
WETLANDS' VALUES–CONTRIBUTIONS TO ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY OR TO NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT?

The ability of decisionmakers to evaluate impacts of actions on estuarine areas is impaired by the absence of procedures to compare these impacts to the benefits and costs of the action. Many of the goods and services provided by marine wetland areas are done so outside the market system and therefore do not have monetary values attached. For some of the goods and services, techniques are not available for establishing an acceptable proxy value. Although absolute quantification and, ultimately, monetization of impacts on estuarine areas may be desirable, current technology does not allow us to be that definitive. There are, however, methods which allow for the relative quantification of impacts. An interim technique developed by the U.S. Army Institute for Water Resources (IWR) provides for the establishment of relative indices of value based on a case by case analysis of the biological, physical and human use characteristics of wetlands. The recently developed Wetland Evaluation System is somewhat more analytical than the methods in the IWR manual and utilizes a weighting-scaling system to incorporate value and technical judgments. Additional methods include computer tools such as policy capturing which may also be used to incorporate key factors systematically into and allow the relative quantification of the evaluation of impacts on estuarine areas.
The primary care shortage, nurse practitioners, and the patient-centered medical home.

The patient-centered medical home can help address the primary care physician shortage with help from nurse practitioners. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Tracing the De Novo Origin of Protein-Coding Genes in Yeast

ABSTRACT De novo genes are very important for evolutionary innovation. However, how these genes originate and spread remains largely unknown. To better understand this, we rigorously searched for de novo genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288C and examined their spread and fixation in the population. Here, we identified 84 de novo genes in S. cerevisiae S288C since the divergence with their sister groups. Transcriptome and ribosome profiling data revealed at least 8 (10%) and 28 (33%) de novo genes being expressed and translated only under specific conditions, respectively. DNA microarray data, based on 2-fold change, showed that 87% of the de novo genes are regulated during various biological processes, such as nutrient utilization and sporulation. Our comparative and evolutionary analyses further revealed that some factors, including single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)/indel mutation, high GC content, and DNA shuffling, contribute to the birth of de novo genes, while domestication and natural selection drive the spread and fixation of these genes. Finally, we also provide evidence suggesting the possible parallel origin of a de novo gene between S. cerevisiae and Saccharomyces paradoxus. Together, our study provides several new insights into the origin and spread of de novo genes. IMPORTANCE Emergence of de novo genes has occurred in many lineages during evolution, but the birth, spread, and function of these genes remain unresolved. Here we have searched for de novo genes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288C using rigorous methods, which reduced the effects of bad annotation and genomic gaps on the identification of de novo genes. Through this analysis, we have found 84 new genes originating de novo from previously noncoding regions, 87% of which are very likely involved in various biological processes. We noticed that 10% and 33% of de novo genes were only expressed and translated under specific conditions, therefore, verification of de novo genes through transcriptome and ribosome profiling, especially from limited expression data, may underestimate the number of bona fide new genes. We further show that SNP/indel mutation, high GC content, and DNA shuffling could be involved in the birth of de novo genes, while domestication and natural selection drive the spread and fixation of these genes. Finally, we provide evidence suggesting the possible parallel origin of a new gene.
Identification of a BET Bromodomain Inhibitor That Enables Treg Function: A Combinatorial Strategy to Inhibit GVHD

Targeting bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins has recently provided a useful approach for limiting production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These epigenetic readers regulate transcription of genes involved in inflammation and cancer. Development of BET inhibitors (BETi) has generated significant interest for their therapeutic potential. Because inflammatory signals and donor T cells promote graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), regulating both pathways could be beneficial for abrogating this disorder. The objective of the present study was to identify a BETi which did not interfere with expansion / function of CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) in vivo to enable their combined application following aHSCT to ameliorate GVHD. We have reported that Tregs can be markedly expanded with increased functional capacity by targeting TNFRSF25 and CD25 with TL1A-Ig and low dose IL-2, respectively (Wolf, et al 2017; Copsel et al. 2018). Here, mice were concomitantly treated over 7 days with TL1A-Ig+IL-2 together with BETi. We found that the BETi EP11313 did not decrease frequency/numbers or phenotype of expanded Tregs (Figure 1) as well as effector molecules (IL-10 and TGF-β). However, BETi JQ1 interfered with Treg proliferation and altered their phenotype. Notably, in Treg expanded mice, EP11313 diminished tnfa and ifng but not il-2 RNA levels. Phospho-STAT5 expression in Tregs was not affected by EP11313 supporting the notion that Treg IL-2 signaling remained intact. MHC-mismatched aHSCT (B6→BALB/c) was performed using in vivo expanded donor Tregs in the presence or absence of EP11313 short-term treatment in the recipient. Early post-transplant, improvement in the splenic and LN CD4/CD8 ratio along with fewer effector cells and high Treg levels in aHSCT recipients treated with expanded Tregs+EP11313 was detected. Interestingly, this group exhibited a significant diminution of GVHD clinical score early post-transplant with less skin involvement. Moreover, following transplant of low numbers of highly purified expanded Tregs, improved clinical GVHD scores were observed in EP11313 treated recipients (Figure 2). In total, we conclude that use of this novel combinatorial strategy can suppress pre-clinical GVHD. We propose that because BETi have demonstrated the ability to kill tumor cells, these compounds may provide additional anti-tumor activity together with GVL following allogeneic HSCT.
The New Materialisms and Indigenous Theories of Non-Human Agency: Making the Case for Respectful Anti-Colonial Engagement:

Both new materialist philosophy of science and Indigenous studies scholarship have developed theories about the agency of non-human things. There has, however, been relatively little articulation b...
Fifteen-year gap between oral health of blacks and whites in the USA.

Aim The purpose of the present study was to consider racial differences across three survey questions related to adult oral health in the National Oral Health Surveillance System (NOHSS) between 1999 and 2014. Methods The NOHSS tracks population-level progress made toward improved oral health in the USA. NOHSS adult indicators of oral health data were extracted for 1999-2014, and trends were studied by race. Results Among adults ≥18 years in 1999, 70.7% of whites and 60.3% of blacks had visited a dentist in the past year. By 2014, 68.4% of whites and 56.5% of blacks had visited a dentist in the past year. Among adults aged ≥65 years in 1999, 24.5% of whites and 33.2% of blacks had lost all natural teeth due to dental caries or gingival/periodontal disease. By 2014, 14.3% of whites and 22.1% of blacks had lost all natural teeth. Conclusions There have been overall gains in key indicators of oral health in the USA; however, blacks remain far behind whites in the NOHSS adult oral health indicators.
Using Graphic Novels to Engage Students with Learning Disabilities during Fluency Instruction.

Strong oral reading fluency skills are an important indication of good reading. In addition, reading engagement is often correlated with reading success. Unfortunately, students with learning disab...
Response to Open Peer Commentaries on “Misrepresenting ‘Usual Care’ in Research: An Ethical and Scientific Error”

We are grateful to the authors of the Open Peer Commentaries who responded to our article that identified flaws in three studies purported to be usual-care research. With two exceptions, these comm...