cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamical interrogation of the hydration cage of bromine in single crystal clathrate hydrates versus water.

We report transient grating measurements carried out on single crystals of bromine clathrate hydrates and on bromine dissolved in water. In all cases, excitation into the B-state of Br2 leads to prompt predissociation, followed by cage-induced recombination on the A/A′ electronic surfaces. In liquid water, the vibrationally incoherent recombinant population peaks at t = 1 ps and decays with a time constant of 1.8 ps. In the hydrate crystals, the recombination is sufficiently impulsive to manifest coherent oscillations of the reformed bond. In tetragonal TS-I crystals, with the smaller cages, the recombination is fast, t = 360 fs, and the bond oscillation period is 240 fs. In cubic CS-II crystals, the recombination is slower, t = 490 fs, and the visibility of the vibrational coherence, which shows a period of 290 fs, is significantly reduced due to the larger cages and the looser fit around bromine. The mechanical cage effect is quantified in terms of the recombination time-distribution, the first three moments of which are associated with size, structural rigidity, and anelasticity of the cage. In the crystalline cages, the distribution is symmetric about the mean: mean time tm = 300 fs, 400 fs and standard deviation σ = 70 fs, 100 fs, in TS-I and CS-II, respectively. The finding is consistent with the assignment of occupied cages: principally 51262 polyhedra in TS-I and 51264 polyhedra in CS-II. In liquid water, with diffuse cages, the distribution characterized by tm = 555 fs and σ = 400 fs, is strongly skewed (γ1 = 1.88) toward delayed recombination—the effective liquid phase hydration shell is larger than that in a hydrate phase, structurally disordered, and anelastic. Information about dipolar disorder, comparable in all three media, is extracted from electronic predissociation rates of the B-state, which is sensitive to the symmetry in the guest–host interaction.
Canoe binds RanGTP to promote Pins TPR /Mud-mediated spindle orientation

Regulated spindle orientation maintains epithelial tissue integrity and stem cell asymmetric cell division. In Drosophila melanogaster neural stem cells (neuroblasts), the scaffolding protein Canoe (Afadin/Af-6 in mammals) regulates spindle orientation, but its protein interaction partners and mechanism of action are unknown. In this paper, we use our recently developed induced cell polarity system to dissect the molecular mechanism of Canoe-mediated spindle orientation. We show that a previously uncharacterized portion of Canoe directly binds the Partner of Inscuteable (Pins) tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain. The Canoe–PinsTPR interaction recruits Canoe to the cell cortex and is required for activation of the PinsTPR-Mud (nuclear mitotic apparatus in mammals) spindle orientation pathway. We show that the Canoe Ras-association (RA) domains directly bind RanGTP and that both the CanoeRA domains and RanGTP are required to recruit Mud to the cortex and activate the Pins/Mud/dynein spindle orientation pathway.
New classification algorithm for electromyography-based computer cursor control system

At present, a three-input electromyography (EMG) system has been created to provide real-time, hands-free cursor control. The system uses the real-time spectral analysis of three EMG signals to produce the following five cursor actions: i) LEFT, ii) RIGHT, iii) UP, iv) DOWN, v) LEFT-CLICK. The three EMG signals are obtained from two surface electrodes placed on the left and right temples of the head and one electrode placed in the forehead region. The present system for translating EMG activity into cursor actions does not always discriminate between up and down EMG activity efficiently. To resolve this problem it was proposed that the three-electrode system be converted into a four-electrode system, using two electrodes in the forehead of the user, instead of one. This paper compares the effectiveness of the four-electrode system to that of the three-electrode system in classifying EMG activity into cursor actions through the use of Matlab simulations. It will be shown that the new four-electrode system produces significant improvements in classification performance.
ELA Teacher Preparation 2.0: Critical Media Literacy, Action Research, and Mashups.

Engaging preservice English language arts interns in the analysis of mashups accomplishes two objectives: (a) it brings interns to a deeper understanding of action research and (b) provides a critical media literacy (CML) foundation on which they might build with their own students. In this paper CML is defined and recent literature is synthesized, including a specific focus on mashups and DJ Earworm. The author describes his pedagogical context and procedures for examining research paradigms, exploring qualitative methods, and generating findings while developing a foundation for CML. The paper closes with responses to these procedures and implications for English language arts teacher educators and teachers. My first use of DJ Earworm was merely a hook to grab the attention of preservice English language arts (ELA) interns. My increasing use of his oeuvre led me to see how the analysis of mashups (Knobel & Lankshear, 2008) was just one piece of a larger research project asking how to prepare preservice ELA teachers to see the classroom as a site for social justice. Over the last several years, an ongoing qualitative study has produced an engaging series of lessons and activities building on two foundations: action research (AR) and critical media literacy (CML). In short, the evolution of this study provides a theoretical foundation and practical toolkit that prepare preservice ELA teachers to use the classroom to engage media critically and work to make their schools and communities better places for everyone.
Endothelial regulation of wall shear stress and blood flow in skeletal muscle microcirculation

In the presence of intact endothelium, in control conditions, calculated wall shear rate (WSR) (means +/- SE: 2,658 +/- 123 s-1; n = 21) was independent of arteriolar diameter (16.2-27.2 microns; correlation coefficient: r = 0.12, P greater than 0.05) in cremaster muscle of pentobarbital-anesthetized rats. An increase in blood flow velocity (due to parallel arteriolar occlusion) elicited a significant increase in WSR (to 4,981 +/- 253 s-1) followed by a delayed (6-15 s) increase in diameter (from: 22.5 +/- 0.6 to 29.5 +/- 0.8 microns), which consequently resulted in a significant decrease in WSR (to 3,879 +/- 203 s-1). As a result of the increased flow velocity and dilation, calculated arteriolar blood flow increased by 230%. After impairment of the endothelium of arterioles by a light-dye technique, basal WSR became significantly higher (3,604 +/- 341 s-1), and despite a greater increase in WSR (10,360 +/- 1,471 s-1) the dilation was absent. Now an inverse linear correlation was found between arteriolar diameter and WSR both before (r = 0.58, P less than 0.05) and during increased flow velocity conditions (r = 0.85, P less than 0.05). Also, arteriolar blood flow that was already less after impairment of endothelium increased by only 66% during the period of increased flow velocity due to the absence of dilation. Results suggest that an increase in wall shear stress is the stimulus for the endothelium-dependent mechanism that elicits "flow dependent" arteriolar dilation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Isolation of canine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by a novel method

Aim To isolate canine mesenchymal stem cells (cMSCs) from bone marrow using a novel method in which the medium is changed frequently during the initial phase of culturing and the duration of trypsinisation is diminished over time. Methods Bone marrow was collected from femurs and tibias of 6 adult mongrel canines of both sexes under anaesthesia. Then, we demonstrated that freshly isolated cMSCs could be induced to differentiate into osteoblastic, adipocytic and chondrocytic lineages in appropriate medium and had good proliferation potential. Results Immunophenotypes of cMSCs were analysed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and immunofluorescence staining, and results revealed that cMSCs were positive for CD29 and CD44 but negative for CD34 and CD45. cMSCs were easily transduced with a lentiviral vector encoding an enhanced green fluorescence protein gene, and they stably expressed the transgene over the long term. Conclusion This method for cMSC isolation is simple and straightforward and could be easily followed by a researcher without previous experience
Forward and Inverse Analysis of Concrete Fracture Using the Disk-Shaped Compact Tension Test

A new concrete fracture geometry is presented, which can quantify multiple fracture properties from a single specimen test. The disk-shaped compact tension (DCT) geometry allows specimens to be fabricated from laboratory cylinders or field cores. The DCT fracture test characterizes the concrete's critical stress intensity factor, KIC, critical crack-tip opening displacement, CTODc, and initial fracture energy, Gf, as well as the specimen-dependent total fracture energy, GF. The DCT-based fracture properties have the same experimental variation as the single-edge notched beam test. The experimentally derived fracture parameters were implemented into a cohesive zone model, which enabled estimation of concrete tensile strength from field-extracted cores.
Strategic adaptation during institutional transition

The article discusses strategic adaptations made by companies to changes in business environments characterized by rapid institutional transition, focusing on the possibilities of exiting the marke...
The Art of Professing in Bourbon Mexico. Crowned Nun Portraits and Reform in the Convent

Images of crowned nuns (‘monjas coronadas’) have garnered increased attention from art historians in recent years. An idiosyncratic art form of late viceregal New Spain, these were pre-profession, ...
Prospects of the ICESat-2 laser altimetry mission for savanna ecosystem structural studies based on airborne simulation data

The next planned spaceborne lidar mission is the Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite 2 (ICESat-2), which will use the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) sensor, a photon counting technique. To pre-validate the capability of this mission for studying three dimensional vegetation structure in savannas, we assessed the potential of the measurement approach to estimate canopy height in an oak savanna landscape. We used data from the Multiple Altimeter Beam Experimental Lidar (MABEL), an airborne photon counting lidar sensor developed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. ATLAS-like data was generated using the MATLAS simulator, which adjusts MABEL data's detected number of signal and noise photons to that expected from the ATLAS instrument. Transects flown over the Tejon ranch conservancy in Kern County, California, USA were used for this work. For each transect we chose to use data from the near infrared channel that had the highest number of photons. We segmented each transect into 50 m, 25 m and 14 m long blocks and aggregated the photons in each block into a histogram based on their elevation values. We then used an automated algorithm to identify cut off points where the cumulative density of photons from the highest elevation indicates the presence of the canopy top and likewise where such cumulative density from the lowest elevation indicates the mean terrain elevation. MABEL derived height metrics were moderately correlated to discrete return lidar (DRL) derived height metrics r(sub 2) and RMSE values ranging from 0.60 to 0.73 and 2.9 m to 4.4 m respectively) but MATLAS simulation resulted in more modest correlations with DRL indices r(sub 2) ranging from 0.5 to 0.64 and RMSE from 3.6 m to 4.6 m). Simulations also indicated that the expected number of signal photons from ATLAS will be substantially lower, a situation that reduces canopy height estimation precision especially in areas of low density vegetation cover. On the basis of the simulated data, there is reason to believe that the ability of ICESat-2 to estimate height in savannas will be comparable to the original ICESat mission although the respective sensors have different measurement principles.
Severe dysphagia requiring gastrostomy following cervical spine fracture fixation

Background The incidence of severe dysphagia requiring gastrostomy tube (GT) placement following operative fixation of traumatic cervical spine fractures is unknown. Risk factors for severe dysphagia are not well identified and GT placement is often delayed due to the belief that it will resolve quickly. We hypothesized that patient and clinical factors could be used to predict severe dysphagia requiring GT placement in this population. Methods A retrospective multicenter review of all adult patients requiring operative fixation of cervical spine fractures was performed. Data on demographics, injury severity score, presence of spinal cord injury, operative approach, presence of severe traumatic brain injury, and the need and timing of tracheostomy and GT were collected. The timing, number and results of formal speech, and language pathology examinations were also recorded. Results 243 patients underwent cervical spine fixation for traumatic fractures, of which 72 (30%) required GT placement. Patients requiring gastrostomy were significantly older, 54 versus 45 years (p=0.002), and had higher injury severity scores at 24 versus 18 (p Conclusions Severe dysphagia requiring GT placement occurs commonly (30%) in patients who undergo operative fixation of cervical spine fractures. Gastrostomy placement was delayed in 50%. Tracheostomy was strongly associated with the need for GT placement. Earlier GT placement, especially in patients requiring tracheostomy, would improve patient care and disposition.
K13-Propeller Mutations and Malaria Resistance

Resistance has emerged to artemisinin, the backbone of combination therapy for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This week in the Journal, Menard et al. present a global map of artemisinin genotypic resistance to inform strategies for the control and treatment of malaria.1 Artemisinin filled a critical gap created by chloroquine resistance and was designated more than a decade ago by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the drug of choice to be used in combination for malaria treatment.2 Artemisinin is the most effective drug for severe malaria.3 Furthermore, in addition to clearing the disease-causing asexual blood stages, artemisinin also . . .
Exporting Diabetes Mellitus to Asia The Impact of Western-Style Fast Food

One of the most profound results of globalization has been the rapid rise in the number of Western-style fast food outlets around the world, particularly in Asian countries. The world's largest fast food restaurant company, Yum! Brands Inc., operates nearly 38 000 restaurants (including KFC and Pizza Hut) around the world in more than 110 countries and territories, with >4650 fast food outlets in China.1 Globally, there are >33 000 McDonald's outlets in 119 countries and territories, serving ≈68 million customers daily.2 In China alone, the number of McDonald's outlets grew from 1 in 1990 to 1000 in 2006, and the company has plans to double this figure by 2013.3 Meanwhile, daily per capita sales of carbonated soft drinks in China increased 145% and 127% for Coca Cola and PepsiCo, respectively, between 2000 and 2010.4 In India, the average annual growth rate of all soft drink sales was 12.6% between 1997 and 2007.5 Article see p 182 In parallel with the increasing consumption of fast food and soft drinks around the world, obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus have truly become global problems, afflicting countries wealthy and poor. Worldwide, an estimated 1.5 billion adults are overweight or obese.6 The most recent data from the International Diabetes Federation indicate that in 2011, 366 million people had diabetes mellitus, with 80% of those individuals living in low- and middle-income countries; Asia was home to 60% of the worldwide total.7 The number of people with diabetes mellitus is projected to rise to 552 million by 2030, with the greatest increases occurring in China (from 90 million to 130 million) and India (from 61 million to 101 million).7 Currently, cardiovascular disease remains the number 1 cause of death worldwide, accounting for an estimated 17.3 million (or …
BOREAS TE-6 1994 Soil and Air Temperatures in the NSA

The BOREAS TE-6 team collected several data sets to examine the influence of vegetation, climate, and their interactions on the major carbon fluxes for boreal forest species. This data set contains measurements of the air temperature at a single height and soil temperature at several depths in the NSA from 25-May to 08-Oct- 1994. Chromel-Constantan thermocouple wires run by a miniprogrammable data logger (Model 21X, Campbell Scientific, Inc., Logan, UT) provided direct measurements of temperature. The data are stored in tabular ASCII files. The data files are available on a CD-ROM (see document number 20010000884), or from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Distrobuted Activity Archive Center (DAAC).
Bayesian Filtering on the Stiefel Manifold

The Stiefel manifold comprises sets of orthonormal vectors in Euclidean space, and as such arises in a variety of contemporary statistical signal processing contexts. Here we consider the problem of estimating the state of a hidden Markov process evolving on this manifold, given noisy observations in the embedding Euclidean space. We describe an approach using sequential Monte Carlo methods, and provide simulation examples for several cases of interest. We also compare our framework to a recently proposed deterministic algorithm for mode tracking in a related context, and demonstrate superior tracking performance over a range of synthetic examples, albeit at a potentially higher computational cost.
Deformation and failure mechanisms of 18650 battery cells under axial compression

Abstract An important deformation mode during ground impacts of battery packs made of cylindrical battery cells is axial compression. This type of loading subjects the cell to a complex deformation pattern and failure mechanism. The design of endcaps plays an important role in such deformations. To explore the sequence of deformation and the underlying failure mechanisms, a combined experimental/numerical study was carried out. Tests were conducted on 18650 cells, and the deformation of each component was carefully investigated and documented. There are four different stages in the force-displacement curve, corresponding with deformation of various components in the endcap assembly. A short circuit happens at a displacement of 4 mm. To clarify these observations, a detailed Finite Element model was set up, covering the geometry and the mechanical property of almost all the components of the cell. Using the simulation results, the sequence of the axial compression was revealed, which was subsequently validated by Micro CT scans as well as analytical solutions. Based on the precise analysis of the mechanical behavior, the cause of the short circuit during axial loading was clarified. Two failure mechanisms in the separator at the top section of the cell explain the possible causes of short circuit.
Focus on numbers

This paper contributes to the debate over the so-called “easy argument for numbers”, an argument that uses evidence from natural language to support the metaphysically significant claim that numbers exist. It presents novel data showing that critical examples in the literature are ambiguous between two readings, contrary to previous assumptions. It then accounts for these data using independently motivated linguistic theory. The account developed rescues the easy argument from the primary challenges leveled against it in the literature and sets the agenda for future work to determine whether or not the argument is valid.
Unsupervised Network Discovery for Brain Imaging Data

A common problem with spatiotemporal data is how to simplify the data to discover an underlying network that consists of cohesive spatial regions (nodes) and relationships between those regions (edges). This network discovery problem naturally exists in a multitude of domains including climate data (dipoles), astronomical data (gravitational lensing) and the focus of this paper, fMRI scans of human subjects. Whereas previous work requires strong supervision, we propose an unsupervised matrix tri-factorization formulation with complex constraints and spatial regularization. We show that this formulation works well in controlled experiments with synthetic networks and is able to recover the underlying ground-truth network. We then show that for real fMRI data our approach can reproduce well known results in neurology regarding the default mode network in resting-state healthy and Alzheimer affected individuals.
Infant brachial neuritis following a viral prodrome: a case in a 6-month old child and review of the literature

Brachial neuritis, commonly known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome, affects two to three people per 100,000 and presents with pain and weakness of the arm and shoulder. Brachial neuritis is uncommon in infants. Here, we present the case of a 6-month old female, who presented with right upper extremity weakness and paresis following a viral prodrome. We also present a summary of all reported cases of brachial neuritis in infants. This is the youngest case of brachial neuritis diagnosed at our institution. The child was treated with prednisolone and physical therapy. The patient is now 16 months old and her symptoms have significantly improved. Brachial neuritis should be considered in the differential when an infant presents with sudden onset of upper limb weakness, following a viral prodrome. Finally, a genetic workup is suggested for patients with recurring episodes.
Processing and Reporting of Breast Specimens in the Neoadjuvant Setting.

Abstract Standardization of quantification of residual disease in the breast and lymph nodes with routine pathologic macroscopic and microscopic evaluation leads to accurate and reproducible measures of response to neoadjuvant treatment. Multidisciplinary collaboration and correlation of clinical, imaging, gross and microscopic findings is essential. The processing approach to post-neoadjuvant breast cancer surgical specimens and the elements needed in the pathology report are the same regardless of breast cancer subtype or type of neoadjuvant treatment. The residual cancer burden incorporates response in the breast and in the lymph nodes into a score that can be combined with other emerging prognostic factors.
Convolution neural networks for real-time needle detection and localization in 2D ultrasound

We propose a framework for automatic and accurate detection of steeply inserted needles in 2D ultrasound data using convolution neural networks. We demonstrate its application in needle trajectory estimation and tip localization. Our approach consists of a unified network, comprising a fully convolutional network (FCN) and a fast region-based convolutional neural network (R-CNN). The FCN proposes candidate regions, which are then fed to a fast R-CNN for finer needle detection. We leverage a transfer learning paradigm, where the network weights are initialized by training with non-medical images, and fine-tuned with ex vivo ultrasound scans collected during insertion of a 17G epidural needle into freshly excised porcine and bovine tissue at depth settings up to 9 cm and $$40^{\circ }$$ – $$75^{\circ }$$ insertion angles. Needle detection results are used to accurately estimate needle trajectory from intensity invariant needle features and perform needle tip localization from an intensity search along the needle trajectory. Our needle detection model was trained and validated on 2500 ex vivo ultrasound scans. The detection system has a frame rate of 25 fps on a GPU and achieves 99.6% precision, 99.78% recall rate and an $${F}_{1}$$ score of 0.99. Validation for needle localization was performed on 400 scans collected using a different imaging platform, over a bovine/porcine lumbosacral spine phantom. Shaft localization error of $$0.82^{\circ }\pm 0.4^{\circ }$$ , tip localization error of $$0.23\pm 0.05$$ mm, and a total processing time of 0.58 s were achieved. The proposed method is fully automatic and provides robust needle localization results in challenging scanning conditions. The accurate and robust results coupled with real-time detection and sub-second total processing make the proposed method promising in applications for needle detection and localization during challenging minimally invasive ultrasound-guided procedures.
Archaeal DNA Polymerases: Enzymatic Abilities, Coordination, and Unique Properties

DNA polymerases from archaea coordinate both replication and repair activities under extreme conditions. Traditional DNA polymerase families B and Y are represented, but an entire phylum of archaea contains members from the unique D-family. These model archaeal polymerases from each family have be exploited for a variety of biotechnology applications but have also provided great insight into kinetic mechanisms, structural properties, conformational changes, and protein interactions with DNA polymerases from other domains. Interestingly, individual polymerase members have revealed some unique features including template uracil recognition, more open active sites, novel motifs, and direct polymerase interactions that modulate replication and repair in these simpler organisms. How multiple polymerases coordinate synthesis on the leading and lagging strands and replication or repair duties is an ongoing fundamental question in archaea. Nevertheless, their intrinsic enzymatic properties are fascinating and continue to shape and influence research avenues for all DNA polymerases. The ability to regulate robust and accurate DNA synthesis through specific and loosely associate oligomeric states and protein interactions maintains a high degree of genomic stability in spite of harsh environmental conditions.
Structural Energetics of β-$${\bf{{Si}_3{N}_4(10\overline{1}0)}}$$ Surfaces

This chapter summarizes results on and analyses of first-principles calculations for the structural energetics of two terminations of surface, the open-ring and the closed-ring, in the presence of O, Ce, and Lu. I start with a discussion of these terminations and their reconstructions. Next, the results from an extensive set of calculations for the preferred bonding sites and configurations of O on both surface terminations are presented as a function of coverage and surface stoichiometry. This is followed by the discussion of Ce adsorption on bare surfaces of Lastly, I present the computational models for Ce and Lu adsorption sites on the oxygenated surfaces and compare them to the experimental results.
Surgical Treatment of Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is responsible for 10–15% of strokes, with a 1-year mortality rate of more than 40%. Functional independent outcome is estimated at 16.7–24.6% at 1 year following ICH. With the exception of strict blood pressure control, no medical intervention has been shown to improve outcomes for patients with spontaneous ICH. There is a lack of consensus on appropriate treatment despite the theoretical benefits of early hematoma evacuation and prevention of secondary insults following spontaneous ICH. The STITCH trials suggested that while surgery may improve outcomes in some patients with superficial lobar hemorrhages, attempts at targeting deeper lesions may disrupt viable tissue and overcome any benefits yielded by hematoma evacuation. A minimally invasive approach to the evacuation of intracranial hematomas has been a topic of interest for some time. While such approaches to hematoma evacuation have been described for several decades, advances in neuronavigation and neuroimaging have allowed for more precise placement and access of deep-seated lesions, thus minimizing the trauma to viable brain parenchyma and improving success rates. Completion of three ongoing trials (MISTIE-III, INVEST, NICO) will likely change the management of spontaneous ICH in favor of MIS evacuation.
Multiple psychological factors predict abdominal pain severity in children with irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression are implicated as contributors to abdominal pain in pediatric irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but is unclear if this pain is associated with other psychological factors. The study objective was to test if the impact of anxiety or depression on IBS symptom severity is mediated by somatization and/or pain catastrophizing. METHODS We utilized baseline data from local pediatric IBS clinical studies. Through mediation analysis, we assessed whether somatization or pain catastrophizing mediated (either independently or combined) the separate relationships of anxiety or depression with IBS abdominal pain severity. KEY RESULTS We analyzed 261 participants. All psychological factors were positively correlated with one another and IBS abdominal pain severity. The association of anxiety with IBS abdominal pain was mediated by both somatization and pain catastrophizing in individual analyses (each mediated standardized coefficient [β] 0.11, CI 0.05-0.18) and in multiple analysis (mediated standardized β 0.18, CI 0.09-0.27). The association of depression with IBS abdominal pain was also mediated by somatization (mediated standardized β 0.08, CI0.02-0.14) and pain catastrophizing (mediated standardized β 0.06, CI 0.01-0.11) in individual analyses and in multiple analysis (mediated standardized β 0.19, CI 0.04-0.19). CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES Somatization and pain catastrophizing mediate the relationships between anxiety/depression and IBS abdominal pain severity. These findings suggest that somatization and pain catastrophizing may be better treatment targets than anxiety and depression. Clinicians should assess these psychological factors in pediatric IBS patients and refer for intervention to improve outcomes.
Knowledge Production and Power in an Online Critical Multicultural Teacher Education Course

This reflexive inquiry explores a teacher educator’s efforts to design opportunities for students to use their knowledge of social media and the Internet to contribute content to their online criti...
TCT-426 TAVR Versus SAVR for Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) demonstrates similar clinical outcomes in patients with tricuspid and bicuspid aortic valves. To date, patients undergoing TAVR for bicuspid aortic stenosis have not been compared with patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). This
Building Nation, Becoming Object: The Bio-Politics of the Samuel G. Morton Crania Collection

Here I use a biohistorical approach to examine the connection between 19th-century nation building in the United States and physicians’ collection of crania, notably “specimens” amassed by Dr. Samuel Morton. Globally disparate places are represented in the Morton Collection, though roughly 25% are Native Americans. Morton acquired these decedents as a result of colonial expansion and military conflicts that revised the national borders of the U.S. Events precipitating removal of natives from the Southeast, paying special attention to Florida, are demonstrative. During this process, “White” Americans’ retellings of interactions with “Indians” solidified into official history, while Morton’s craniometric studies reified racialized categories. This two-pronged “bio-political strategy” produced hegemonic notions of American citizenship that privileged Whiteness. In returning to the Morton Collection, however, I also identify traces—archival and skeletal—of past events and peoples that counterpoise official histories and, in so doing, point to the fragility of this nationalist project and racialization processes.
Partitioning of Bee Diversity at a Small Spatial Scale in an Urban Arboretum

Global pollinator declines have stimulated efforts to better understand local pollinator diversity. Urban greenspaces, such as parks and gardens, have the potential to serve as refuges for pollinators within urban landscapes. In this study, we surveyed bees within the University of Alabama (UA) Arboretum, a mixed-use park of roughly 24 ha, and the contiguous UA Harry Pritchett Running Park, a former golf course of roughly 57 ha, within the city of Tuscaloosa, AL. To investigate how heterogeneity within this small greenspace influences bee community structure, we distributed sample sites across 3 habitats, each with unique total area, land-use characteristics, vegetation, and management intensity. We combined morphological identification with molecular approaches for specimen identification using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences to create a specimen + DNA barcode reference collection. Overall, we collected 386 bees and 42 species. Diversity was partitioned across habitats, suggesting that the community was structured by variation in landscape characteristics. Our results suggest ways in which urban pollinator refuges may be managed to enhance species diversity, such as by retention of unmowed areas and planting permanent gardens supporting diverse floral resources. Importantly, this survey sets a baseline for developing broader monitoring programs within the largely unstudied region of central Alabama.
Drosophila Exhibit Divergent Sex-Based Responses in Transcription and Motor Function After Traumatic Brain Injury.

Every year, millions of people in the US suffer brain damage from mild to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that result from a sudden impact to the head. Despite being a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, sex differences that contribute to varied outcomes post-injury are not extensively studied and therefore, poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to explore biological sex as a variable influencing response to TBI using Drosophila melanogaster as a model, since flies have been shown to exhibit symptoms commonly seen in other mammalian models of TBI. After inflicting TBI using the high-impact trauma device, we isolated w1118 fly brains and assessed gene transcription changes in male and female flies at control and 1, 2 and 4 hours after TBI. Our results suggest that overall, Drosophila females show more gene transcriptional changes related to immune response and mitochondrial activity than males with some genes exhibiting a phasic change in transcription. We also looked at the impact of injury on mitochondrial health and motor function in both sexes before and after injury. Although, both sexes report similar levels of mitochondrial oxidation, males fare worse than females on behavioral outcome measures. We observed faster recovery in locomotor and climbing ability in females whereas males exhibit bimodal recovery. These data suggest that sex-differences not only influence the response to TBI but also contribute to varied outcomes post-injury.
Characteristics of Participation in Patient-Reported Outcomes and Electronic Data Capture Components of NRG Oncology Clinical Trials

Purpose To assess the reasons why patients do not consent to patient-reported outcome (PRO) and electronic PRO data capture components of clinical trials and potential selection bias by having a separate consent. Methods and Materials Selected NRG Oncology trials were included based on disease site and inclusion of PROs and electronic PRO data capture via VisionTree Optimal Care as separate consent questions. Reasons for not participating were assessed. Pretreatment characteristics between patients who did and did not consent were tested using χ2 and t tests for univariate comparisons and logistic regression for multivariable analyses. Results Ten trials were selected in head and neck, prostate, gynecologic, breast, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers, with 4 of these trials having electronic PRO data capture. Most patients consented to the PRO component (75.3%) but not electronic PRO data capture (37.8%). More white patients consented to PROs than nonwhite patients across all trials (odds ratio [OR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.63; P Conclusions These results suggest that a patient’s race, age, and education can affect whether a patient chooses to consent or is offered to participate in PRO or electronic PRO data capture components. More investigation is needed, but this analysis provides support for making PROs integrated in the trial.
Patient-Reported Outcomes of Femoral Head Fractures with a Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up.

Objective To evaluate the clinical and patient-reported outcomes of patients with femoral head fractures treated at a single level I trauma center with a minimum 10-year follow-up. Design Retrospective review SETTING:: Academic Level-1 Trauma Center PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS:: One hundred and one consecutive femoral head fractures were identified for this study. The final study group consisted of 28 patients with a minimum of 10-years of clinical follow-up. Intervention All patients were treated with one or in combination with the following treatments: nonoperative management, open reduction and internal fixation, fragment excision, or total hip arthroplasty. Main outcome measures Oxford Hip Score at final follow-up along with clinical and radiological complications; infection, avascular necrosis, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, heterotopic ossification, and conversion to total hip arthroplasty. Results Twenty-eight patients with greater than 10 years of follow-up were included in this evaluation. The average follow-up was 14 years and the average age was 39.2 years. Surgical management occurred in 86% of patients, and the mean time to definitive treatment was 3.7 days. Overall, 21 patients (75%) experienced a complication. Seven patients (30%) were later converted to a total hip arthroplasty (THA) at an average of 6.4 years from initial injury. Three of the seven late THA conversions (43%) required later revision. Oxford hip scores (OHS) were obtained in all 28 patients at final follow-up. The average OHS was 36.6. The mean OHS of the native hips was 37 at an average follow-up of 13.6 years. The mean OHS of primary THA was 41 and the mean OHS of secondary THA at final follow-up was 31.4, but this was not statistically significant (p = .134). Conclusions Patients should be counseled that the long-term results of open reduction and internal fixation may be satisfactory but unfortunately are not predictable. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Development and Initial Testing of a Health-Related Independence Measure for Autistic Young Adults as Reported by Caregivers

Background: Becoming an adult comes with education, work, living, and health-related transitions. Health care transition (HCT) services help adolescents prepare for a smooth transition to adult car...
Skin Color and System Support in Latin America

Is darker skin pigmentation associated with less favorable social and political outcomes in Latin America? We leverage data from 18 Latin American countries across multiple survey waves to demonstrate the robust and potent negative relationship between the darkness of skin tone and socio-economic status. Then we examine the relationship between skin color and attitudes toward the political system. In spite of our substantial sample size, we find little support for the expectation that respondents with darker skin are less favorably disposed toward the political system—indeed, on balance, our findings run counter to this expectation. Our findings suggest that the socio-economic “pigmentocracy” that pervades the region does not necessarily translate into pronounced differences in attitudes about the political system. This finding casts some doubt on the expectation that social inequalities are likely to destabilize governments or undermine their legitimacy.
Economic issues in resistance management

This dissertation analyzes economic issues related to the use of agricultural pesticides and antibiotics. The efficacy of both these chemical compounds depends on the existence of susceptible targets. However, through natural selection, their utilization increases the frequency of the genes resistant to the pesticide or drug in the target population, and it decreases the available biological capital of genetic susceptibility, increasing resistance;The aim of this dissertation is to analyze the characteristics of optimal resistance management strategies. An empirical analysis is offered in case of bioengineered Bt corn, which underlines the importance of pest mobility, and the externalities it causes, in the development of resistance;Chapter II consists of a general theoretical model on resistance development that incorporates a spatial dimension. This allows the analysis of the impact of pest mobility on the effectiveness of refuges, areas in which the pesticides are not used to preserve the existence of susceptible pests. A discussion of eradication policies and of the role of cross-resistance is included;Chapter III presents an empirical analysis of the role of pest mobility in the development of resistance in the case of Bt corn. The model includes the existence of mandatory (structured) refuges for farmers planting Bt crops and analyzes the impact of incomplete market penetration on resistance development and profits. If part of the crop production area is seeded with non-bioengineered seed, these fields act as an unstructured refuge. The current policy is effectively based on a 100% market penetration. This is not necessarily a realistic assumption. We explicitly evaluate the role of market penetration on resistance;Chapter IV concentrates on the optimal use of existing antibiotics and on the optimal time path of investment in the development of new technologies. The intertemporal allocation of susceptibility and the development of alternative technologies are important social issues, particularly in the case of antibiotics, because health can be considered a necessary good. The analysis focuses on the role of endogenous technological and the investment of resources in alternative technologies;Lastly, some general conclusions on the importance of externalities and technological change in the mining of susceptibility are presented.
Pulmonary training may alter exertional dyspnea and fatigue via an exercise-like training effect of a lowered heart rate.

Recent small studies utilizing respiratory muscle training have incorporated a voluntary hyperventilation maneuver via an open chamber gas mixing system (to maintain isocapnic conditions). These studies suggest that the time to exercise exhaustion may be increased at exercise levels near but above the so-called anaerobic threshold after several weeks of intense pulmonary training (1,2).
Atopic endotypes as a modulating factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection: mechanisms and implications.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Asthma patients are typically at increased risk for severe outcomes from viral respiratory infections. However, asthma and atopy do not appear to be overrepresented comorbidities in COVID-19 patients, and hypotheses attempt to explain this observation. As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, it is imperative to understand how disease outcomes may be influenced in this population to guide patient care. RECENT FINDINGS: Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the principal host cell receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry and Transmembrane Protease Serine 2 (TMRSS2) is the main priming protease. Models have linked atopic endotypes to reductions in ACE2 and increases in TMRSS2 on respiratory epithelia. Epidemiologic and experimental findings imply alterations in ACE2 expression correlate with clinical COVID-19 disease, but limitations restrict the ability to draw direct conclusions. SUMMARY: There is reasonable evidence to assert atopic endotypes modulate COVID-19 susceptibility, but it remains premature to classify this association as protective or deleterious. Asthma is a heterogeneous disease and epidemiologic studies should focus on investigating COVID-19 outcomes by underlying endotype. Direct experimental and clinical evidence is needed to draw definitive conclusions on how the complex interplay of ACE2 and TMRSS2 affect viral entry. VIDEO ABSTRACT: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9sfwqhz2h78sio3/AAB0JYd4MFzM5JjDFcYwz4CXa?dl=0.
High-throughput image segmentation and machine learning approaches in the plant sciences across multiple scales

Agriculture has benefited greatly from the rise of big data and high-performance computing. The acquisition and analysis of data across biological scales have resulted in strategies modeling inter- actions between plant genotype and environment, models of root architecture that provide insight into resource utilization, and the elucidation of cell-to-cell communication mechanisms that are instrumental in plant development. Image segmentation and machine learning approaches for interpreting plant image data are among many of the computational methodologies that have evolved to address challenging agricultural and biological problems. These approaches have led to contributions such as the accelerated identification of gene that modulate stress responses in plants and automated high-throughput phenotyping for early detection of plant diseases. The continued acquisition of high throughput imaging across multiple biological scales provides opportunities to further push the boundaries of our understandings quicker than ever before. In this review, we explore the current state of the art methodologies in plant image segmentation and machine learning at the agricultural, organ, and cellular scales in plants. We show how the methodologies for segmentation and classification differ due to the diversity of physical characteristics found at these different scales. We also discuss the hardware technologies most commonly used at these different scales, the types of quantitative metrics that can be extracted from these images, and how the biological mechanisms by which plants respond to abiotic/biotic stresses or genotypic modifications can be extracted from these approaches.
Validated spectral stability via conjugate points

Classical results from Sturm-Liouville theory state that the number of unstable eigenvalues of a scalar, second-order linear operator is equal to the number of associated conjugate points. Recent work has extended these results to a much more general setting, thus allowing for spectral stability of nonlinear waves in a variety of contexts to be determined by counting conjugate points. However, in practice, it is not yet clear whether it is easier to compute conjugate points than to just directly count unstable eigenvalues. We address this issue by developing a framework for the computation of conjugate points using validated numerics. Moreover, we apply our method to a parameter-dependent system of bistable equations and show that there exist both stable and unstable standing fronts. This application can be seen as complimentary to the classical result via Sturm-Louiville theory that in scalar reaction-diffusion equations pulses are unstable whereas fronts are stable, and to the more recent result of "Instability of pulses in gradient reaction-diffusion systems: a symplectic approach," by Beck et. al., that symmetric pulses in reaction-diffusion systems with gradient nonlinearity are also necessarily unstable.
Deep learning neural network tools for proteomics

Summary Mass-spectrometry-based proteomics enables quantitative analysis of thousands of human proteins. However, experimental and computational challenges restrict progress in the field. This review summarizes the recent flurry of machine-learning strategies using artificial deep neural networks (or “deep learning”) that have started to break barriers and accelerate progress in the field of shotgun proteomics. Deep learning now accurately predicts physicochemical properties of peptides from their sequence, including tandem mass spectra and retention time. Furthermore, deep learning methods exist for nearly every aspect of the modern proteomics workflow, enabling improved feature selection, peptide identification, and protein inference.