cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learner-Centered Teaching: Putting the Research on Learning into Practice

Publishers Description: This book presents the research-based case that Learner Centered Teaching (LCT) offers the best means to optimize student learning in college, and offers examples and ideas for putting it into practice, as well the underlying rationale. It also starts from the premise that many faculty are much closer to being learner centered teachers than they think, but don’t have the full conceptual understanding of the process to achieve its full impact. There is sometimes a gap between what we would like to achieve in our teaching and the knowledge and strategies needed to make it happen. LCT keeps all of the good features of a teacher-centered approach and applies them in ways that are in better harmony with how our brains learn. It, for instance, embraces the teacher as expert as well as the appropriate use of lecture, while also offering new, effective ways to replace practices that don’t optimizing student learning. Neuroscience, biology and cognitive science research have made it clear that it is the one who does the work who does the learning. Many faculty do too much of the work for their students, which results in diminished student learning. To enable faculty to navigate this shift, Terry Doyle presents an LCTbased approach to course design that draws on current brain research on cognition and learning; on addressing the affective concerns of students; on proven approaches to improve student’s comprehension and recall; on transitioning from “teller of knowledge” to a “facilitator of learning”; on the design of authentic assessment strategies – such as engaging students in learning experiences that model the real world work they will be asked to do when they graduate; and on successful communication techniques. The presentation is informed by the questions and concerns raised by faculty from over sixty colleges with whom Terry Doyle has worked; and on the response from an equal number of regional, national and international conferences at which he has presented on topics related to LCT.
Identification and inversion of gas transport processes in buildings

An approach for estimating the strength of a gas source in an enclosure is described. The approach is based on a lumped-parameter model of the component gas transport dynamics and a priori information regarding the process parameters and input. Parametric uncertainty is handled by estimating the unknown process parameters along with the source strength. Simulations and experimental results of a scalar process are included to demonstrate the efficacy of the approach. Potential applications include lighting, ventilation, and temperature control in building.
Sleep deprivation increases rat hypothalamic growth hormone-releasing hormone mRNA

Much evidence indicates that growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is involved in sleep regulation. We hypothesized that GHRH mRNA would increase and somatostatin (SRIH) mRNA would decrease during sleep deprivation. With the use of RT-PCR and truncated internal standards, rat hypothalamic GHRH mRNA and SRIH mRNA levels were evaluated after sleep deprivation. After 8 or 12 h of sleep deprivation there was a significant increase in rat hypothalamic GHRH mRNA expression compared with time-matched control samples. Hypothalamic GHRH mRNA levels were not significantly different from control values after 1 or 2 h of recovery after 8 h of sleep deprivation or after 2 h of recovery after 12 h of sleep deprivation. In control animals, variations in hypothalamic GHRH mRNA levels were observed. GHRH mRNA expression was significantly higher in the afternoon than at dark onset or during the dark period. SRIH mRNA levels were significantly suppressed at the termination of an 8-h sleep deprivation period and were significantly higher after dark onset than in the morning. The alterations in GHRH and SRIH mRNA expressions after sleep deprivation and recovery support the notion that GHRH plays an important role in sleep homeostasis and suggest that these neuropeptides may interact reciprocally in modulating sleep as they do in the control of growth hormone secretion.
Physical Chemistry of Collagen: The Molecular Basis of Magic Angle Contrast

This article reviews the macromolecular structure and hydration of collagen to provide a conceptual foundation for interpreting “Magic Angle” (MA) contrast caused by the angularly dependent extreme shortening of T2/T2* observed in highly ordered collagen-rich tissues. A molecular foundation supports efforts to use this exceptional contrast to visualize short T2 tissues using routine clinical scanners. The primary model tissue for MA studies is tendon, where the macromolecular composition approaches 100% Type 1 collagen. Such high concentration of collagen in tendon isolates orientational molecular properties of collagen from interfering influences caused by competing randomly oriented macromolecular components typical of most soft tissues. Measurements on macroscopic tendon samples provide amplification factors of 106–108 to allow direct measures of collagen molecular properties at the atomic scale necessary to understand MA contrast phenomena. Knowledge of the molecular basis of MA contrast directly enhances radiologists' ability to correlate changes in MRI contrast to specific musculoskeletal disease processes not only in tendon but also in ligaments, cartilage, arteries, peripheral nerves, and other collagen-rich tissues of the human body. Nearly one-third of mammalian protein mass comes from members of the collagen family of which nearly 95% is Type 1. Thus the collagen family vastly outnumbers any other of the hundreds of thousands of proteins evolved to perform a wide range of specific tasks. The structural role of collagen is crucial in mammalian biology and an understanding of how it works and sometimes fails in disease is of fundamental importance. Keywords: collagen; tendon; protein hydration; magic angle effect; water bridge
A fracture mechanics approach to the residual strength behavior of ballistically damaged high hardness laminar composite steel

Abstract Welded and unwelded specimens of an air-melted laminar composite steel armor were tested for degradation of strength from ballistic impact. Specimens were impacted with cal. 0.30 AP and ball projectiles at various velocities and 0-degree obliquity. During impact, specimens were tensile loaded from 0 psi to the preload that would result in specimen failure at impact. Specimens that did not fail upon impact were pulled to failure to determine residual strength. Damage due to cal. 0.30 impact maximized at approx. 2.25 in. laterally for ball and 1 in. for AP at a velocity near the ballistic limit. Preload increased the damage slightly. Impacts near the weld produced no detectable degradation of the weld. Damage near the maximum resulted in residual strengths near 20% of the original σ M . Fracture mechanics analysis showed that residual strengths could reasonably be predicted by assuming that all damage could be modeled as a center notch through the hard face.
Polymeric ionic liquid (PIL)-supported recyclable catalysts for biomass conversion into HMF.

Abstract This contribution reports the first study of recyclable PIL-supported metal (Cr, Al) catalysts for effective biomass (glucose and cellulose) conversion into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a key biorefining building block and biomass platform chemical. Of the five different PILs investigated, poly(3-butyl-1-vinylimidazolium chloride), P[BVIM]Cl, has been found to be most effective; when combined with CrCl2 in situ or used as the preformed PIL-metalate P[BVIM]+[CrCl3]− in DMF, this PIL-supported catalyst converts glucose to HMF in 65.8% yield at 120 °C for 3 h. This yield is higher than those achieved by the catalysts based on the PIL monomer, [BVIM]Cl–CrCl2, as well as by the most commonly used molecular IL based catalyst, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIM]Cl)–CrCl2, under otherwise identical conditions. The P[BVIM]Cl–CrCl2 catalyst system also works well for the cellulose-to-HMF conversion via a two-step process. The analogous PIL–Al catalyst, P[BVIM]Cl–Et2AlCl, is less effective than the PIL–CrCl2 system, but recyclability tests indicate the PIL–Al system is more recyclable thus achieving a nearly constant HMF yield upon 6 cycles.
Sensory alterations and aggressive behavior in the rat.

Abstract Four groups of rats—controls, blinded, devibrissaed, and bulbectomized—were tested pre- and post-operatively on shock-induced fighting and spontaneous mouse-killing. Jump-flinch thresholds were determined for all animals. Shock-induced fighting decreased significantly for the devibrissaed rats, but did not change for any other group. Bulbectomized animals showed a postoperative increase in mouse-killing. Jump thresholds were lowered for rats with total bulbectomies, but remained stable for all other groups.
Differential expression of substance P receptors in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Abstract Background & Aims: Although clinical and pathological differences exist between Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), distinguishing features are often absent, making diagnosis and treatment problematic. This study evaluated the differences in the expression of substance P (SP) receptors in patients with CD or UC. Methods: Tissue samples from patients with inflammatory bowel disease or control patients were obtained at surgery, processed for 125 I-SP binding, and analyzed by quantitative autoradiography. Results: Patients with CD showed a massive increase in SP receptors in lymphoid aggregates, small blood vessels, and enteric neurons of the small and large bowel relative to controls. Six of 16 CD specimens had no pathological evidence of CD yet continued to express high concentrations of SP receptors. Pathologically positive patients with UC showed high concentrations of SP receptors on colonic lymphoid aggregates and small blood vessels but not enteric neurons. No increased SP binding was evident in clinically and pathologically quiescent UC colons and normal UC ileostomy samples. Conclusions: The increased expression of SP receptors on the enteric neurons of patients with CD distinguishes CD from UC. The persistent increased SP binding in pathologically normal CD tissue may indicate a subclinical disease state. SP receptor expression may have important diagnostic, etiologic, and therapeutic usefulness in inflammatory bowel disease.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in the Mutant Weaver Mouse

The weaver (wv) mutant mouse manifests severe locomotor defects, a deficiency in granule cells of the cerebellum, and cellular deficits in the midbrain dopaminergic system. The wv phenotype is associated with a missense mutation in the pore region of the G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channel, GIRK2. The homozygous male wv mouse is essentially infertile due to an inadequate level of sperm production. Females are fertile although they also manifest the neurological phenotype. Homozygotes of both sexes have reduced body weight. We have evaluated the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in heterozygote and homozygote male and female wv mutants in comparison with wild-type controls. Testicular weight was significantly reduced in the homozygous males, due to degenerative changes of seminiferous epithelium. Serum and pituitary content of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin were normal in all groups, and the normal sex differences were noted (FSH and LH higher in males, prolactin higher in females). Pituitary growth hormone (GH) concentration was normal, with control and mutant males showing higher GH than females. Serum testosterone levels were normal in the mutants, as was testicular testosterone. Testicular alpha-inhibin content was mildly reduced, but high in proportion to testicular weight. The defect in spermatogenesis appeared predominantly in the postmeiotic stages. In situ hybridization was consistent with expression of some GIRK2 mRNA isoforms in seminiferous epithelium. There were no significant differences between genotypes in the levels of dopamine, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the mediobasal and preoptic hypothalamic regions. Homovanillic acid levels in these two areas were, however, reduced in wv homozygotes compared to wild-type animals. In the light of normal pituitary hormone levels, normal hypothalamic monoamine concentrations and normal sex differences in gonadotropins, we conclude that the infertility in the male homozygote wv mouse lies within the tubule and is probably a primary defect in the germ cells. The hormonal data suggest that Leydig cell function, and at least some aspects of Sertoli cell function, are normal in the mutant mice.
An analytical framework for urban upgrading: property rights, property values and physical attributes

Abstract In the mid-1980s, the state government of Maharashtra, India, introduced a slum redevelopment strategy in its capital city, Mumbai (Bombay). In contrast to traditional housing improvement strategies that focus primarily on legalizing the land tenure of residents, slum redevelopment is a more complex strategy. It involves the demolition of existing slums and the redevelopment of new, higher density, medium-rise apartment blocks, including, entirely cross-subsidized housing for the original slum dwellers. Mumbai's experience, documented through a single case study in this paper, illustrates that contrary to the conventional focus only on private property rights, upgrading policy must be based on a differentiated view of property rights. Furthermore, policy must also consider the property values, the physical attributes of the real property (underlying asset), and the interplay among property rights, property values and physical attributes. Second, the paper demonstrates that under certain conditions, there is a constituency among slum dwellers for complex initiatives, like redevelopment. This suggests that planners should be skeptical about popular, simplistic myths regarding low-income housing preferences. However, slum redevelopment's slow pace also implies that planners need to be cautious in their enthusiasm for redevelopment.
Sequestosome 1/p62: a multi-domain protein with multi-faceted functions

The Sequestosome 1/p62 protein has been implicated in the regulation of a multitude of cellular processes such as NF-κB signaling, NRF2-driven oxidative stress response, protein turnover through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and the autophagosome/lysosome pathway, apoptosis and cellular metabolism. The domain structure of p62 also reflects this functional complexity since the protein appears to be a mosaic of protein interaction domains and motifs. Deregulation of the level and function of p62 and/or p62 mutations have been linked to a number of human diseases including Paget’s disease of the bone, obesity, liver diseases, tumorigenesis and neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. In this article, we review the current understanding of the involvement of p62 in cellular processes under physiologic and pathological conditions.
Neutron Diffraction Characterization of Permanent Magnet Phases

Neutron diffraction has been invaluable in the characterization of intermetallic magnetic phases due to the unique properties of the neutron and the availability of high performance powder diffractometers that allow large numbers of samples to be investigated. The structural data derived from these studies serves as fundamental input for theory, and constraints on analyses of data from other methods, such as Mossbauer spectroscopy. The empirical structure-property relations derived from these studies serves to guide synthesis of new compounds and may help to define the next generation of high performance permanent magnets.
Stipends in Volunteer Civic Service: Inclusion, Retention, and Volunteer Benefits

What is the role of stipends as an institutional facilitator in volunteer civic service? By examining the relationship of stipend receipt to volunteer diversity, time commitment, and perceived benefits from a longitudinal study of older adults serving in Experience Corps, this article assesses stipend status relative to volunteer sociodemographic characteristics, motivations, intensity and duration of time served, and volunteers’ self-reported benefits. The findings underscore how stipends may promote participant diversity. In particular, stipended older adult volunteers serve for longer periods of time, but their motivations for serving do not differ. Stipended volunteers report higher perceived benefits than nonstipended volunteers. The results suggest that stipends may leverage wider inclusion, increase retention, and contribute to other benefits, but additional research is needed using more controlled and comparative designs.
Abstract 3255: MLN0128, an investigational selective TORC1/2 kinase inhibitor, demonstrates potent antitumor activity in preclinical models of soft tissue sarcoma.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Sarcomas, cancers of mesodermal origin, represent a heterogenous group of malignancies with limited treatment options currently available. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine-threonine protein kinase, consists of two distinct multi-protein complexes, TORC1 and TORC2, which regulate protein synthesis, cell proliferation, and metabolism. Rapamycin, a TORC1 inhibitor, and its analogs (rapalogs) have been disappointing in sarcoma clinical studies but inhibitors of TORC1/2 kinase have the potential of resulting in better outcomes. MLN0128, an investigational potent small molecule TORC1/2 inhibitor, has shown promising results in preclinical studies of breast and other cancer types. We tested the in vitro anti-proliferative activity of MLN0128 in a panel of sarcoma cell lines including malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, synovial, Ewing's and osteosarcoma. Our results indicate that when compared to rapamycin, MLN0128 is highly efficient in blocking proliferative activity of all the sarcoma cell lines tested at nanomolar concentrations irrespective of the tumor subtype. We also carried out western blot analysis to test the efficacy of MLN0128 in blocking TORC1/2 signaling pathway. Inhibition of TORC1 pathway by rapamycin in sarcomas has been shown to release negative feedback inhibition of receptor tyrosine kinases like IGF1-R and activate AKT (p-AKT). Our data suggest that MLN0128, unlike rapamycin, effectively blocks both the phosphorylation of S6 and 4EBP1, the downstream substrates of TORC1, and specifically inhibits AKT phosphorylation at Ser473, the downstream substrate of TORC2. This superior in vitro activity of MLN0128 may be attributed to its apparent improved TORC1 inhibition. Taken together, our data supports further clinical research of MLN0128 in sarcoma. Targeting TORC1/2 pathways using MLN0128 either alone or in combination with inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinases could provide a new therapeutic approach in this disease. Citation Format: Parag Patwardhan, Shyamprasad Vasudeva Deraje, William D. Tap, Elisa De Stanchina, Gary K. Schwartz. MLN0128, an investigational selective TORC1/2 kinase inhibitor, demonstrates potent antitumor activity in preclinical models of soft tissue sarcoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3255. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3255
Mean field theory of electron spin resonance g-factors in β-YbAlB4.

We present a mean-field theory of the conduction electron spin resonance g-factors in β-YbAlB4. The temperature-dependent shift in the g-factors is attributed to an isotropic exchange interaction between the spin of the conduction electrons and the spin of the Yb3+ ion. In the mean field approximation, the difference between the parallel and perpendicular g-factors is proportional to the difference between the parallel and perpendicular susceptibilities. Using experimental values for the susceptibilities, and fitting the data at 4.2 K, we predict the temperature dependence of the g-shifts at higher temperatures.
Calcium/creatinine ratio and microalbuminuria in the prediction of preeclampsia

Eighty-eight normotensive gravid women between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation underwent urine evaluation for the presence of microalbuminuria and urinary calcium excretion (calcium/creatinine ratio). Preeclampsia subsequently developed in 83% of patients with a high level of microalbuminuria (greater than or equal to 11 micrograms/ml) and a low calcium/creatinine ratio (less than or equal to 0.04). Conversely, 94% of women who did not demonstrate high microalbuminuria and a low calcium/creatinine ratio remained normotensive at the time of delivery. These results suggest that changes in renal function are present in gravid women who are otherwise free of symptoms in whom preeclampsia will eventually develop. Testing for microalbuminuria and a calcium/creatinine ratio may be a useful screening tool in predicting the subsequent development of preeclampsia.
5HTTLPR predicts left fusiform gyrus activation to positive emotional stimuli.

This study was designed to replicate and extend past research examining the impact of the serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5HTTLPR) on neural activation during emotional processing. Six women with at least one short allele were compared to six age-matched women with long/long alleles of the 5HTTLPR. Participants were shown 36 positive and 36 negative slides from the International Affective Picture Set, while functional images were acquired using a 4-T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Although we were unable to replicate past research demonstrating relatively increased amygdala activation among individuals with an “s” allele to negative stimuli, women with an s allele evidenced decreased left fusiform gyrus activation to positive emotional stimuli (as expected). We suggest that women with a short allele may be either less attentive or less “expert” with regard to positive emotional stimuli, and ideas for future research are presented.
An Essay on the History of Inequalities

Abstract We look at the rise of a discipline of “inequalities,” trying to answer several questions. When did it become respectable to write a paper whose intent was the proof of an inequality? When were inequalities first given names? Who is responsible for the growth in the inequality literatures? What are the events that shaped the discipline? We give first answers to these questions.
Positive Emotion Regulation and Psychopathology: A Transdiagnostic Cultural Neuroscience Approach

There is burgeoning interest in the study of positive emotion regulation and psychopathology. Given the significant public health costs and the tremendous variance in national prevalence rates associated with many disorders of positive emotion, it is critical to reach an understanding of how cultural factors, along with biological factors, mutually influence positive emotion regulation. Progress in this domain has been relatively unexplored, however, underscoring the need for an integrative review and empirical roadmap for investigating the cultural neuroscientific contributions to positive emotion disturbance for both affective and clinical science domains. The present paper thus provides a multidisciplinary, cultural neuroscience approach to better understand positive emotion regulation and psychopathology. We conclude with a future roadmap for researchers aimed at harnessing positive emotion and alleviating the burden of mental illness cross-culturally.
Methylmercury and nutrition: Adult effects of fetal exposure in experimental models

Human exposure to the life-span developmental neurotoxicant, methylmercury (MeHg), is primarily via the consumption of fish or marine mammals. Fish are also excellent sources of important nutrients, including selenium and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Laboratory models of developmental MeHg exposure can be employed to assess the roles of nutrients and MeHg and to identify potential mechanisms of action if the appropriate exposure measures are used. When maternal exposure is protracted, relationships between daily intake and brain mercury are consistent and orderly across species, even when large differences in blood:brain ratios exist. It is well established that low-level developmental MeHg produces sensory deficits. Recent studies also show that perseveration in reversal-learning tasks occurs after gestational exposures that produce low micromolar concentrations in the brain. A no-effect level has not been identified for this effect. These exposures do not affect the acquisition or performance of discrimination learning, set shifting (extradimensional shift), or memory. Reversal-learning deficits may be related to enhanced impact of reinforcers as measured using progressive ratio reinforcement schedules, an effect that could result in perseveration. Also reported is enhanced sensitivity to dopamine reuptake inhibitors and diminished sensitivity to pentobarbital, a GABA(A) agonist. Diets rich in PUFAs or selenium do not protect against MeHg's effects on reversal learning but, by themselves, may diminish variability in performance, enhance attention or psychomotor function and may confer some protection against age-related deficits in these areas. It is hypothesized that altered reward processing, dopamine and GABAergic neurotransmitter systems, and cortical regions associated with choice and perseveration are especially sensitive to developmental MeHg at low exposure levels. Human testing for MeHg's neurotoxicity should emphasize these behavioral domains.
Twinning in monoclinic beta-phase plutonium

Twinning has been investigated in body-centered monoclinic beta-phase plutonium by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). A triode sputtering System was used to produce single-phase thick films of room temperature stabilized beta-phase metal. General examination of the microstructure revealed a very fine grain size (~100 nm) and the presence of twins. As expected in a fine grained metal, the dislocation density was low. Morphologically the twins appeared much like annealing twins observed in many melais and alloys, however, the formation of twins may have been due to deformation, growth or transformation processes. The definitive mode of formation has not been established, although classical deformation twinning theory was used to interpret the crystallography of the observed twins. Close inspection of the twins using microdiffraction revealed the individual parent/twin orientations. Crystallographic analysis of the electron diffraction patterns showed that Type II twinning appears to predominate, with a common orientation relationship between parent and twins described as a two-fold rotation axis about the [110] shear direction (η1). Further work is in progress to theoretically predict the complete twinning Systems for beta-phase plutonium.
Surface segregation in bimetallic clusters: Statistical-mechanical modeling using cluster site energies

Abstract A five-state statistical-mechanical model is employed in the present study of surface segregation in 201-atom bimetallic clusters having truncated cubo-octahedral shape. The model uses ideal entropy of mixing and assumes zero heat of mixing. Surface segregation is studied via direct minimization of the free energy without performing Monte Carlo simulations. The effects of size mismatch between atoms of different type are included via a new empirical formula, based upon dimensional scaling arguments, leading to an increase in the surface fraction of larger atoms. We used the corrected effective medium potentials to generate the site energies (interaction energy per atom) used in the model. A complete list of site energies for nine fcc metals is presented for 201-, 586-, 1289-atom clusters and semi-infinite surfaces. In particular, the corner and edge site energies are found to be independent of cluster size. The model reproduced qualitatively the surface and edge-comer segregation results for 11 50%-50% bimetallic clusters generated by atomistic simulations at 600 K that we reported earlier. The remaining difference in results between the model and the simulations is attributed to the effect of nonzero heats of mixing. For systems with very large (> 12%) lattice-size mismatch such as Ni-Ag and Cu-Ag, the distortion from the perfect lattice structure is significant according to the simulations; thus, simple modeling involving a few well-defined states is problematic.
Women in higher education in the United States: I. has there been progress?

Discusses the changing organization of higher education in the USA as the universities cope with mass education for all and provides statistics for the female population and their areas of preference. Covers Title X and affirmative action programmes before looking at recent anti‐affirmative campaigns. Concludes that substantial progress has been made but there is still disparity in salary, rank and promotion which can not be explained by any other argument.
Synthesis of Hydrodipyrrins Tailored for Reactivity at the 1- and 9-Positions.

A collection of 33 hydrodipyrrins (9 targets, 21 intermediates, and 3 byproducts) has been prepared. The hydrodipyrrins (dihydrodipyrrins, tetrahydrodipyrrins, and hexahydrodipyrrins) contain a pyrrole ring and a geminal-dimethyl substituted 1-pyrroline (or pyrrolidine) ring. The α-substituents on the pyrrole ring (H, Br, CHO) and pyrroline ring (H, CH3, CH(OR)2, OMe, SMe) provide different reactivity combinations (Nu−, E+) and 0, 1, or 2 carbon atoms (which can give rise to the bridging meso-carbons in hydroporphyrins). Straightforward access to various hydrodipyrrins should facilitate development of syntheses of diverse hydroporphyrins.
From Compassion Fatigue to Resilience: Children's Hospital Colorado

Background: Healthcare is a stressful profession. The executives at Children's Hospital Colorado are well aware of the affects that caring for sick children and the pressure associated with it have on our entire staff. Understanding what compassion fatigue looks like as well as the importance of stress management and its role in overall wellness for each of our employees led to the interest and support of HeartMath/Caritas workshops. Methods: HeartMath/Caritas training transformed into a program to help staff connect with why they got into this profession and provides the tools to help staff members function in the immense stress they are faced with every day. Six-hour workshops are offered to every employee of Children's Hospital Colorado, supported and paid for by the wellness program in the human resource department. These trainings intentionally brought Caritas and HeartMath together with an understanding that the two programs match passion with science, trust with hope, and conviction with confidence...
Lacoea with sporangia and Calamospora spores from Rock Island, Illinois

A specimen of Lacoea from Illinois containing Calamospora supports placement of this genus within the Noeggerathiales. Other recently collected specimens of Lacoea confirm earlier reconstructions and agree with possible evolutionary interpretations.
Constraints on task switching in multielement tracking and visual search

Pylyshyn, Z., & Storm, R. W. (1988). Tracking multiple independent targets:evidence for a parallel tracking mechanism. Spatial Vision, 3, 179-197. Sperling, G., & Dosher, B. A. (1986). Strategy and optimization in human information processing. In K. Boff & L. Kaufman & J. Thomas (Eds.), Handbook of Perception and Performance. New York: Wiley. Sperling, G., & Melchner, M. J. (1978). The attention operating characteristic: examples from visual search. Science, 202(4365), 315-318. Wolfe, J. M. (1998). What do 1,000,000 trials tell us about visual search? Psychological Science, 9(1), 33-39. H Y P O T H E S E S BLACK TRACKING TASK: keep track of five of ten black disks
Desmoplastic Malignant Melanoma of the Oral Mucosa An Underrecognized Diagnostic Pitfall

BACKGROUND. Although cutaneous desmoplastic malignant melanoma (DMM) has been well characterized, those arising from the oral mucosa have been less well defined. METHODS. We evaluated the clinical and pathologic features of three patients with biopsy-proven DMM examined at the North Carolina Baptist Hospital. Routine hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides were reviewed in all three cases. Sections from all cases were examined immunohistochemically using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase (ABC) technique and employing commercially available antibodies to the following antigens : S-100 protein, HMB-45, NKIC3, and cytokeratin (AE1/AE3). Appropriate positive and negative controls were utilized throughout these procedures. Clinical data were obtained from the patients' medical records. RESULTS. Age at diagnosis for the three male patients were 42, 64, and 75 years. Anatomically, these neoplasms arose from the left maxillary oral mucosa (two patients) and the vermilion border of the lower lip (one patient). Initial incisional biopsies of all three patients were misinterpreted as desmoid tumor (one patient) and squamous cell carcinoma (two patients), respectively. Histologically, all tumors were poorly circumscribed and composed of fascicles and bundles of spindle-shaped cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and associated with extensive stromal collagenization. Perineural invasion was noted in two tumors. An overlying, atypical, intraepidermal melanocytic proliferation was observed in two tumors. Immunohistochemically, all three tumors showed positive immunoreactivity with S-100 protein and vimentin. One tumor also expressed HMB-45. Wide surgical incision was the primary mode of therapy in all patients. One patient also received multiple courses of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. One patient died of widespread metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS. DMM of the oral mucosa is a rare, often unrecognized, form of malignant melanoma associated with a fibrosarcoma-like morphologic appearance and abundant collagenization. Meticulous attention to histomorphology and judicious use of immunohistochemical stains will help prevent misdiagnosis.
Base change for Hilbert eigenvarieties of unitary groups

The construction of eigenvarieties due to Chenevier is extended to the Hilbert case, that is, to unitary groups over a totally real field F that are anisotropic at each archimedean place. This permits us to ask about the relationship of the eigenvarieties that we construct for two totally real fields, one being a cyclic extension of the other. Bibliography: 23 titles.
APPLICATION OF THE FERGUSON PRINCIPLE TO THE ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF QUATERNARY AMMONIUM SALTS.

The activity of three quaternary ammonium salts, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride, dodecyldimethylethylammonium chloride and dodecylpyridinium chloride, against M. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans has been determined and correlated with the surface properties of these compounds. The Ferguson principle has been applied by using surface concentration to estimate thermodynamic activity. Results obtained for the three quaternary ammonium salts and a particular micro-organism species were found to be in good agreement with each other when microbiological and surface studies were conducted under identical conditions.
Prisoners’ Perceptions of Father-Child Relationships and Social Support

Incarcerated fathers (N = 185) in a maximum security prison were interviewed about their relationship with their children and their perceptions of social support. The OLS regression on social support included the inmates’ perception of the father-child relationship and other factors (demographic, sentence, child-related, and program participation). Results indicate the fathers’ perception of the relationship with their children made a positive contribution to their appraisal of social support from all sources. “Other” program participation and being African American were related to the fathers’ perception of social support from others. Recommendations include using social support strategies in pre-release and post-release programs.
The effect of particle size reduction of fibrous materials on TCLP results

The TCLP (toxicity characteristic leaching procedure) test is used to determine the mobility of toxic contaminants present in waste materials and to define hazardous wastes under RCRA. The test requires particle size reduction for solids > 9.5 mm. Filamentous wastes do not need particle size reduction if they have a surface area greater than 3.1 cm2/g. However, guidance in this area is open to interpretation, and specific recommendations regarding the testing of carpeting are not available. This paper describes the effect on TCLP test results of three particle size reduction techniques for three types of carpets that were contaminated with lead in a laboratory experiment. Lead levels applied to the carpets ranged from 1–4 g/kg with lead loadings from 53.8–516.7 mg/m2. The carpets were vacuumed for 18.5 min/m2 prior to testing. The particle size reduction techniques tested include grinding, cutting into strips, and no reduction. The results indicated no significant difference between the particle size reduction methods, but significant differences were seen between the carpet types. No result was greater than the 5 mg/L TCLP limit for lead. However, some were close, indicating that the carpet type and predisposal remediation method may be important factors when disposal of contaminated carpeting is required. Examples are during lead-based paint abatement or home interior cleanups where lead dust is present.
Enhanced Susceptibility of Melanocytes to Different Immunologic Effector Mechanisms In Vitro: Potential Mechanisms for Postinflammatory Hypopigmentation and Vitiligo

In postinflammatory hypopigmentation and in vitiligo, one observes histologic evidence of melanocyte damage, disappearance of melanocytes, and clinical loss of pigmentation. In the case of vitiligo, this loss of pigment is complete. There is considerable evidence that melanocytes are highly susceptible to autocytotoxic damage and perhaps to specific immunologic damage. We directly compared the susceptibility of cultures of melanocytes (M), keratinocytes (K), endothelial cells (EC), and fibroblasts (F) to hydrogen peroxide damage across a Wide range of concentrations (10-7-10-2 M) and analyzed the differences by computerized Probit analysis. Cytotoxicity was measured by three dye techniques: acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB), fluorescein diacetate (FD), and nigrosin (N). All three assays produced similar results. The order of susceptibility to H202 was M < EC < K < F. The LD50 of melanocyte targets was two orders of magnitude lower than that of fibroblasts. The AO/EB assay was used to study immunologic cytotoxicity of melanocytes in the presence of sera from vitiligo patients plus either complement or cellular effectors of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Eleven vitiligo sera and 11 control sera were contrasted in 4- and 16-hr cytotoxicity assays. Vitiligo patients' sera containing antimelanocyte antibodies induced both complement lysis and ADCC of melanocytes. Thus the melanocyte is highly susceptible to peroxide-induced damage, complement lysis, and ADCC. In addition, antibodies in vitiligo sera appear to be an important trigger of melanocyte damage by complement and ADCC effectors and are likely to be involved in the melanocyte damage observed in vitiligo.
Physical mapping of yeast artificial chromosomes containing sequences from the human β-globin gene region

The recently developed technique for cloning genomic DNA fragments of several hundred kilobases or more into yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) makes it possible to isolate gene families while preserving their structural integrity. We have analyzed five independent yeast clones identified by PCR screening using oligonucleotides derived from the adult human beta-globin gene. Analysis of the five clones containing YACs by conventional and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed that all of the clones include a YAC with sequences from the adult beta-globin gene as expected. One of the clones contains multiple, unstable YACs. Two other clones carry single YACs in which there are at least two unrelated human genomic inserts. The remaining two clones contain single YACs, 150 and 220 kb in size, that contain the entire beta-globin gene family and flanking regions in a single, structurally intact genomic fragment. These should prove useful in future studies of the regulation of expression of genes in the beta-globin gene cluster.
Insights into REM sleep behavior disorder pathophysiology in brainstem-predominant Lewy body disease.

Abstract Background and purpose: Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia reflecting changes in the brain, but which specific neuronal networks are involved in human RBD pathogenesis has not yet been determined. To date, only one case of idiopathic RBD has undergone autopsy, in which “incidental Lewy body disease” was found. Due to the severe neuronal loss and gliosis in the substantia nigra (SN) and locus ceruleus (LC) in this case, degeneration of brainstem monoaminergic neurons was postulated as the underlying substrate for RBD. Additional cases of idiopathic RBD with neuropathologic examination may help clarify which key brainstem structures are involved. Patient and methods: Case report with neuropathologic analysis. Results: A man with polysomnographically proven RBD (onset age 57 years), but no other neurologic signs or symptoms, underwent neuropathologic examination upon his death at age 72. Histopathologic analysis showed Lewy body disease, but no significant neuronal loss or gliosis was present in the SN or LC. Conclusions: This case represents another example of Lewy body disease associated with RBD. The minimal degenerative changes in the SN and LC call into question the role of these nuclei in RBD, at least in our case. We suggest additional cases of idiopathic RBD undergo neuropathologic analyses to better delineate the neurologic substrate of this intriguing parasomnia.
Viral haemagglutination inhibitory potency of human placental alkaline phosphatase

Abstract Purified preparations of human placental alkaline phosphatase exhibit the ability to inhibit haemagglutination of red blood cells by Toolan's 21–29 H-1 virus. The peaks for enzyme activity and haemagglutination inhibitory potency of different column fractions coincide with each other in TEAE-cellulose anion exchange chromatograms. Purified placental enzyme loses virus inhibitory capacity on lyophilization, contamination with bacteria and also on cleavage of terminal sialic acid residues by treatment with influenza virus neuraminidase.
Acquisition of delayed matching in the pigeon.

Pigeons were exposed to three successive matching-to-sample procedures. On a given trial, the sample (red, green or blue light) appeared on a center key; observing responses to this key produced the comparison stimuli on two side keys. Seven different experimental conditions could govern the temporal relations between the sample and comparison stimuli. In the “simultaneous” condition, the center key response was followed immediately by illumination of the side key comparison stimuli, with the center key remaining on. In “zero delay” the center key response simultaneously turned the side keys on and the center key off, while in the “variable delay” conditions, intervals of 1, 2, 4, 10, and 24 sec were interposed between the offset of the sample and the appearance of the comparison stimuli on the side keys. In all conditions, a response to the side key of matching hue produced reinforcement, while a response to the non-matching side key was followed by a blackout. In procedure I all seven experimental conditions were presented in randomly permutated order. After nine sessions of exposure (at 191 trials per session, for a total of 1719 trials) the birds gave no evidence of acquisition in any of the conditions. They were therefore transferred to Procedure II, which required them to match only in the “simultaneous” condition, with both the sample and comparison stimuli present at the same time. With the exception of one bird, all subjects acquired this performance to near 100% levels. Next, in Procedure III, they were once more exposed to presentation of all seven experimental conditions in random order. In contrast to Procedure I, they now acquired the delay performance, and were able to match effectively at delays of about 4 sec.
Higher Landing Accuracy in Expert Pilots is Associated with Lower Activity in the Caudate Nucleus

The most common lethal accidents in General Aviation are caused by improperly executed landing approaches in which a pilot descends below the minimum safe altitude without proper visual references. To understand how expertise might reduce such erroneous decision-making, we examined relevant neural processes in pilots performing a simulated landing approach inside a functional MRI scanner. Pilots (aged 20-66) were asked to "fly" a series of simulated "cockpit view" instrument landing scenarios in an MRI scanner. The scenarios were either high risk (heavy fog-legally unsafe to land) or low risk (medium fog-legally safe to land). Pilots with one of two levels of expertise participated: Moderate Expertise (Instrument Flight Rules pilots, n = 8) or High Expertise (Certified Instrument Flight Instructors or Air-Transport Pilots, n = 12). High Expertise pilots were more accurate than Moderate Expertise pilots in making a "land" versus "do not land" decision (CFII: d' = 3.62 ± 2.52; IFR: d' = 0.98 ± 1.04; p<.01). Brain activity in bilateral caudate nucleus was examined for main effects of expertise during a "land" versus "do not land" decision with the no-decision control condition modeled as baseline. In making landing decisions, High Expertise pilots showed lower activation in the bilateral caudate nucleus (0.97 ± 0.80) compared to Moderate Expertise pilots (1.91 ± 1.16) (p<.05). These findings provide evidence for increased "neural efficiency" in High Expertise pilots relative to Moderate Expertise pilots. During an instrument approach the pilot is engaged in detailed examination of flight instruments while monitoring certain visual references for making landing decisions. The caudate nucleus regulates saccade eye control of gaze, the brain area where the "expertise" effect was observed. These data provide evidence that performing "real world" aviation tasks in an fMRI provide objective data regarding the relative expertise of pilots and brain regions involved in it.