cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Natural killer lytic-associated molecule plays a role in controlling tumor dissemination and metastasis

Natural killer lytic-associated molecule (NKLAM) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that plays a major role in the cytolytic activity of NK cells. NKLAM is rapidly synthesized and then targeted to the granule membranes of NK cells upon NK activation. Previous studies have shown an essential role for NKLAM in NK killing activity in vitro. These findings were extended to an in vivo model of NK-mediated tumor killing in which NKLAM-deficient knockout (KO) mice injected with B16 melanoma cells were found to have significantly higher numbers of pulmonary tumor nodules than wild type (WT) mice. To further investigate the role of NKLAM and NK function in tumor immunity in vivo, we utilized additional tumor models to compare tumor development and progression in NKLAM KO and WT mice. Primary tumor growth, dissemination, and metastasis of RMA-S lymphoma cells and E0771 breast cancer cells were evaluated. Both tumor cell lines were stably transfected with constructs that allow expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP), which serves as a tumor-specific marker. Intravenous injection of NK-sensitive RMA-S lymphoma cells resulted in greater dissemination of lymphoma cells in NKLAM KO mice than in WT mice. Lymphoma cells were found in the lymph nodes and bone marrow of NKLAM KO mice two weeks after injection; few detectable tumor cells remained in WT mice. E0771 syngeneic breast cancer cells were injected into the mammary pads of NKLAM KO and WT mice. Primary tumor growth was greater in NKLAM KO than in WT mice. More significantly, there were four to five fold more tumor cells in the blood and lungs of NKLAM KO than in WT mice two weeks after injection of tumor cells into the mammary pad. These results indicate that NKLAM plays a role in tumor development in vivo, especially in controlling tumor dissemination and metastasis to distant sites.
Future Challenges for Modeling in Agricultural Economics

Agricultural economists have occupied an important role in the development and application of economic modeling technologies. To a major extent early modeling activities were driven by an applied policy focus. They were limited by available data systems, computational feasibility and, of course, the theory. More recently, however, data systems have become more timely and comprehensive, computation has imposed fewer restrictions, and the theory to support applied modeling has been enhanced. What future challenges do these technical developments and, as important, do the changing circumstances of agriculture imply for modeling in agricultural economics?
Effect of Methodology on Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen (TVB‐N) Determination as an Index of Quality of Fresh Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua)

Six different published methods of determining TVB-N were evaluated for accuracy, precision, suitability as an index of quality, and both cost and speed of determination, using gutted Atlantic cod stored in ice for up to 18 days. Although the method of determination affected the actual values obtained, it did not affect the overall relationship between TVB-N and sensory assessment of raw or cooked fish. The method of determination also affected precision and both cost and speed of determination. If high operational costs could be tolerated, MgSO4 ext/steam distillation would be the preferred method but if variability of results could be tolerated, TCA extraction/steam distillation would be the method of choice.
Persistence of small fragments of newly synthesized DNA in bacteria following thymidine starvation.

Abstract Thymine starvation of Escherichia coli results in the accumulation of Okazaki fragments. This is interpreted to mean that DNA ligase is inhibited in a thyminestarved cell. However phage λ covalent circles still form in such a starved cell. It is suggested that this is because only a very low level of ligase activity is necessary for this conversion.
Perceived competence and intrinsic motivation in learning disability children

Abstract Harter's (1978) developmental model of effectance motivation provided a conceptual framework for this study. Self‐ratings of perceived competence and motivational orientation were obtained from learning disability and normal children in the fourth through sixth grades. Teacher ratings were also obtained. Broadening the view of learning disorders to include these non‐ability factors, it was hypothesized that learning disability children would have a comparatively more external motivational orientation. Similarly, learning disability children were expected to perceive themselves as comparatively less competent in cognitive skills, though not necessarily social and physical areas of competence or general self‐esteem. Results indicated group differences in self‐perceptions of cognitive competence, as well as specific components of motivational orientation. It was suggested that children who encounter learning difficulties may be reinforced less for independent mastery attempts. Inhibition of effort w...
An algorithm for testing stability of two-dimensional digital recursive filters

The Principle of the Argument is applied to test the stability of a 2-D recursive filter with denominator B(Z 1 ,Z 2 ). This approach to stability testing leads to an efficient numerical implementation requiring only the computation of a 2-D DFT, followed by phase unwrapping and a search for zeros of B(e^{j\omega_{1}},e^{j\omega_{2}}) . In the absence of zeros of B(e^{j\omega_{1}},e^{j\omega_{2}}) , stability is assured if B(Z 1 ,1) and B(1,z 2 ) are both minimum phase.
Environmental Risk Problems and the Language of Ethics

In this paper we present six criteria for assessing proposed solutions to environmental risk problems. To assess the final criterionâ€”the criterion of ethical responsibilityâ€”we suggest another series of criteria. However, before these criteria can be used to address ethical problems, business persons must be willing to discuss the problem in ethical terms. Yet many decision makers are unwilling to do so. Drawing on research by James Waters and Frederick Bird, we discuss this â€œmoral mutenessâ€ â€”the inability or unwillingness to use moral language to solve moral problemsâ€”and suggest some underlying causes of moral muteness.
Clinical Science Adherence of Streptococcus sanguis to Salivary Mucin Bound to Glass

This study demonstrated that human submandibular-sublingual saliva (HSMSL) provided a better substrate than did whole saliva or parotid saliva for the binding of Streptococcus sanguis in a glass adherence assay. Additional evidence indicated that the lower molecular weight salivary mucin in HSMSL was involved in these interactions. Mucin's sialic acid residues were found to play a major role in mediating the binding of certain strains of Streptococcus sanguis.
Process-based approach reveals directional effects of environmental factors on movement between habitats

Summary 1. Understanding the effects of environmental factors on animal distributions is a central issue in ecology. However, movement rules inferred from distribution patterns do not reveal the processes through which animal distribution is realized. 2. We investigated individual movement rules using a process-based approach. In experiments, coastal fish larvae (red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus) were matched with an intraspecific competitor of different sizes, and time series of habitat transition of individuals were fitted with a continuoustime Markov chain model to evaluate the effects of the presence of a competitor, behavioural interactions and habitat quality on the likelihoods of habitat transition. 3. The process-based approach revealed that these factors did not simply act as a ‘slope’ between habitats that makes it easier to go in one direction and more difficult to return. Rather, these factors modify the movement rules differently depending on the directions of the movement. 4. Individuals were less likely to enter a better habitat in the presence of a larger conspecific, more likely to shift to a poorer habitat when they received aggressive behaviour and more likely to stay in a better habitat in the presence of food. However, no effect was found on the transition intensity for moving in the opposite direction. 5. The process-based approach to evaluating movement rules of animals allowed us to see the contrasting directional effects of different factors on the underlying movement rules used by animals, as opposed to pattern-based fitting of observed distributions. Consideration of these rules would improve the existing habitat-choice models.
Selective BRAFV600E Inhibition Enhances T-Cell Recognition of Melanoma without Affecting Lymphocyte Function

Targeted therapy against the BRAF/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is a promising new therapeutic approach for the treatment of melanoma. Treatment with selective BRAF inhibitors results in a high initial response rate but limited duration of response. To counter this, investigators propose combining this therapy with other targeted agents, addressing the issue of redundancy and signaling through different oncogenic pathways. An alternative approach is combining BRAF/MAPK-targeted agents with immunotherapy. Preliminary evidence suggests that oncogenic BRAF (BRAF(V600E)) contributes to immune escape and that blocking its activity via MAPK pathway inhibition leads to increased expression of melanocyte differentiation antigens (MDA). Recognition of MDAs is a critical component of the immunologic response to melanoma, and several forms of immunotherapy capitalize on this recognition. Among the various approaches to inhibiting BRAF/MAPK, broad MAPK pathway inhibition may have deleterious effects on T lymphocyte function. Here, we corroborate the role of oncogenic BRAF in immune evasion by melanoma cells through suppression of MDAs. We show that inhibition of the MAPK pathway with MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors or a specific inhibitor of BRAF(V600E) in melanoma cell lines and tumor digests results in increased levels of MDAs, which is associated with improved recognition by antigen-specific T lymphocytes. However, treatment with MEK inhibitors impairs T lymphocyte function, whereas T-cell function is preserved after treatment with a specific inhibitor of BRAF(V600E). These findings suggest that immune evasion of melanomas mediated by oncogenic BRAF may be reversed by targeted BRAF inhibition without compromising T-cell function. These findings have important implications for combined kinase-targeted therapy plus immunotherapy for melanoma.
Inverse treatment planning based on MRI for HDR prostate brachytherapy.

Purpose: To develop and optimize a technique for inverse treatment planning based solely on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during high-dose-rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer. Methods and Materials: Phantom studies were performed to verify the spatial integrity of treatment planning based on MRI. Data were evaluated from 10 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who had undergone two high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy boosts under MRI guidance before and after pelvic radiotherapy. Treatment planning MRI scans were systematically evaluated to derive a class solution for inverse planning constraints that would reproducibly result in acceptable target and normal tissue dosimetry. Results: We verified the spatial integrity of MRI for treatment planning. MRI anatomic evaluation revealed no significant displacement of the prostate in the left lateral decubitus position, a mean distance of 14.47 mm from the prostatic apex to the penile bulb, and clear demarcation of the neurovascular bundles on postcontrast imaging. Derivation of a class solution for inverse planning constraints resulted in a mean target volume receiving 100% of the prescribed dose of 95.69%, while maintaining a rectal volume receiving 75% of the prescribed dose of <5% (mean 1.36%) and urethral volume receiving 125% of the prescribed dose of <2% (mean 0.54%). Conclusion: Systematic evaluation of image spatial integrity, delineation uncertainty, and inverse planning constraints in our procedure reduced uncertainty in planning and treatment. © 2005 Elsevier Inc.
Stimulant Medication Use in Children: A 12-Year Perspective

Objective:The authors examined the utilization of stimulant medications for the treatment of ADHD in U.S. children during the period 1996–2008 to determine trends by age, sex, race/ethnicity, family income, and geographic region. Method:The 1996–2008 database of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, a nationally representative annual survey of U.S. households, was analyzed for therapeutic stimulant use in children age 18 and younger. The data for 1987 were also recalculated for reference. Results:An estimated 3.5% (95% confidence interval=3.0–4.1) of U.S. children received stimulant medication in 2008, up from 2.4% in 1996. Over the period 1996–2008, stimulant use increased consistently at an overall annual growth rate of 3.4%. Use increased in adolescents (annual growth, 6.5%), but it did not significantly change in 6- to 12-year-olds, and it decreased in preschoolers. Use remained higher in boys than in girls, and it remained consistently lower in the West than in other U.S. regions. While differences b...
Persistent Rat Virus Infection in Smooth Muscle of Euthymic and Athymic Rats

Rat virus (RV) infection can cause disease or disrupt responses that rely on cell proliferation. Therefore, persistent infection has the potential to amplify RV interference with research. As a step toward determining underlying mechanisms of persistence, we compared acute and persistent RV infections in infant euthymic and athymic rats inoculated oronasally with the University of Massachusetts strain of RV. Rats were assessed by virus isolation, in situ hybridization, and serology. Selected tissues also were analyzed by Southern blotting or immunohistochemistry. Virus was widely disseminated during acute infection in rats of both phenotypes, whereas vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) were the primary targets during persistent infection. The prevalence of virus-positive cells remained moderate to high in athymic rats through 8 weeks but decreased in euthymic rats by 2 weeks, coincident with seroconversion and perivascular infiltration of mononuclear cells. Virus-positive pneumocytes and renal tubular epithelial cells also were detected through 8 weeks, implying that kidney and lung excrete virus during persistent infection. Viral mRNA was detected in SMC of both phenotypes through 8 weeks, indicating that persistent infection includes virus replication. However, only half of the SMC containing viral mRNA at 4 weeks stained for proliferating cell nuclear antigen, a protein expressed in cycling cells. The results demonstrate that vasculotropism is a significant feature of persistent infection, that virus replication continues during persistent infection, and that host immunity reduces, but does not eliminate, infection.
Gene expression induced by drugs of abuse

The transition from infrequent drug use to addiction (i.e. the loss of control over consumption of a drug) probably involves changes in gene expression that restructure neural circuits in the brain. The number of genes that have been demonstrated to change expression in response to drugs has increased rapidly in recent years owing to microarray technology, which allows measurement of thousands of genes at one time. It is now important to identify which of these changes are causally related to the compulsive behavior associated with drug addiction, and which are non-specific changes related to general features of arousal or other physiological responses (e.g. stress, altered body temperature or energy metabolism).
Suppressors of Transforming Growth Factor-β Pathway Mutants in the Caenorhabditis elegans Dauer Formation Pathway

The dauer is a developmentally arrested alternative third larval stage of Caenorhabditis elegans. Entry into this state is regulated by environmental cues, including temperature, food, and the concentration of constitutively secreted dauer pheromone. Genetically, three parallel pathways have been found that regulate this process. Of these, the group 2 pathway, which includes the genes daf-1, daf-3, daf-4, daf-5, daf-7, daf-8, and daf-14, mediates the transduction of environmental signals through the ASI chemosensory neuron and encodes a TGF-beta-related signaling pathway. To identify additional genes that function in this pathway, we carried out a screen for suppressors of mutations in daf-1, daf-8, and daf-14. From the total of 36 mutations, seven complementation groups were identified. Three complementation groups correspond to the previously described genes daf-3, daf-5, and daf-12. Three correspond to novel genes scd-1, scd-2, and scd-3. Genetic analysis of these scd genes is presented here. A fourth complementation group was represented by a single mutation sa315, which affects the daf-2/age-1 insulin-related signaling pathway.
Effects of dietary K on cell-surface expression of renal ion channels and transporters.

Changes in apical surface expression of ion channels and transporters in the superficial rat renal cortex were assessed using biotinylation and immunoblotting during alterations in dietary K intake. A high-K diet increased, and a low-K diet decreased, both the overall and surface abundance of the β- and γ-subunits of the epithelial Na channel (ENaC). In the case of γ-ENaC, the effect was specific for the 65-kDa cleaved form of the protein. The overall amount of α-ENAC was also increased with increasing K intake. The total expression of the secretory K+ channels (ROMK) increased with a high-K diet and decreased with a low-K diet. The surface expression of ROMK increased with high K intake but was not significantly altered by a low-K diet. In contrast, the amounts of total and surface protein representing the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter (NCC) decreased with increasing K intake. We conclude that modulation of K+ secretion in response to changes in dietary K intake involves changes in apical K+ permeability through regulation of K+ channels and in driving force subsequent to alterations in both Na delivery to the distal nephron and Na+ uptake across the apical membrane of the K+ secretory cells.
Theoretical Considerations and Models of Red and White Cell Pentose Cycles

The contribution of pentose cycle activity to glucose metabolism is usually estimated by cumbersome, time-consuming techniques such as isolating and degrading products of specifically labeled radioactive precursors, to localize the radioactivity in individual carbon atoms. Equations for the calculation of pentose cycle activity are based on models that assume either no recycling or complete recycling of pentose cycle intermediates, as well as incomplete metabolism of glucose by the cycle. A simpler and more reliable way to determine pentose cycle activity is needed. The present investigation is the development of an improved model for the evaluation of the relative extent of glucose metabolism via the pentose cycle.
Intraoperative Periprosthetic Fractures in Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthroplasty

Purpose To examine the frequency, risk factors, and postoperative outcomes associated with intraoperative periprosthetic fractures during proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthroplasty. Methods We examined 382 consecutive PIP joint arthroplasties in 205 patients. Procedures were performed from 1998 to 2012. The patients were identified and outcomes were collected through a single institution's total joints registry, collecting additional information not contained in the prospectively collected registry through medical record examination. Multiple outcomes were analyzed relating to the fractures, the hard surgical outcomes, finger function, and radiographic findings. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing Kaplan-Meier survival models, log-rank tests, univariate analysis, Student t test and Fisher exact test. Results Intraoperative periprosthetic fracture occurred in 5% (n = 20) of 383 PIP joint arthroplasties. All of the patients who had an intraoperative fracture were women. Lower body mass index and a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis were associated with a significantly higher risk of intraoperative fracture. The use of pyrocarbon implants also significantly increased fracture risk. At a median follow-up of 5.3 years, there were no refractures in the patients who sustained an intraoperative fracture. Six patients underwent revision surgery, with a 2- and 5-year survival rate free of revision surgery of 76% and 64%, respectively. These rates were not significantly different from those without intraoperative fractures. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between patients with or without an intraoperative fracture. Conclusions Intraoperative fractures occur in about 5% of PIP joint arthroplasties. These periprosthetic fractures do not appear to influence outcomes, including revision surgery, refracture rate, or other early complications. Female sex, lower body mass index, rheumatoid arthritis, and the use of pyrocarbon implants were associated with increased risk for intraoperative fractures. Clinical relevance This information may help decrease fracture risk and help surgeons identify and treat the fractures when they do occur. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic II.
MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA

Message from the President and lists of MSA council members, MSA appointed officers, MSA sustaining members, and MSA awards and award winners.
On the facial structure of independence system polyhedra

A polyhedron P whose extreme points are the incidence vectors of the sets of an independence system I is called an independence system polyhedron. In this paper, we consider the problem of describing the facial structure of independence system polyhedra. Using the fact that this structure is known when the independence system is a matroid, we study the polyhedron P by decomposing the independence system I as a union of matroidal families. We provide a system of valid inequalities for P that contains all its facets. A consequence of this result is the following: the maximum number of distinct coefficients of a facet is bounded by the minimum number of matroidal families whose union gives I. When the independence system I is the union of two matroids, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for an inequality of the above system to define a facet of P.
NOTCH2 expression is decreased in epithelial ovarian cancer and is related to the tumor histological subtype

Background: Notch family members function as both oncogenes and tumor suppressors. NOTCH2 is down-regulated in colon cancer, and reduced expression is associated with a less differentiated, more aggressive phenotype, and reduced overall survival. NOTCH2 has also been shown to have pro-apoptotic and growth suppressive effects in thyroid carcinoma, and carcinoid tumors. The expression pattern of NOTCH2 in ovarian cancer is unknown. Methods: An immunohistochemical analysis using a polyclonal antibody to the NOTCH2 intracellular domain was performed on a total of 119 ovarian carcinomas, and 7 serous borderline tumors, arranged onto tissue arrays. Normal ovarian and fallopian tube epithelium were used as controls. Specimens were scored as low or high NOTCH2 expression. The score distributions for the subtypes were analyzed with the chi square test. Results: Fifty two of 61 (85.2%) papillary serous, eight of 13 (61.5%) clear cell, and 23 of 30 (76.7%) endometrioid, demonstrated negative or lower NOTCH2 expression than normal fallopian tubal epithelium or ovarian surface epithelium. In contrast, 10 of 15 (66.7%) mucinous carcinomas had a high level of NOTCH2 expression and consistently demonstrated intense polarized staining (P<.001). The apical expression of NOTCH2 protein present in the normal fallopian tube epithelium and many borderline tumors was absent in the high grade carcinomas, most notably in papillary serous. Conclusion: Decreased NOTCH2 expression is associated with the poorly differentiated serous epithelial ovarian carcinoma histology. Further studies are needed to assess the functional role of NOTCH2 in ovarian cancer and its effect on prognosis.
Variation in Antiarrhythmic Management of Infants Hospitalized with Supraventricular Tachycardia: A Multi-Institutional Analysis.

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the most frequent form of symptomatic tachyarrhythmia in infants. The purposes of this study were to describe practice patterns of the management of infants hospitalized with SVT and factors associated with 30-day hospital readmission. This was a multi-institutional, retrospective review of the pediatric health information system database of SVT hospitalizations from 2003 to 2013. High-volume centers (HVC) were defined as those at the upper quartile of admissions. Infants with an ICD-9 code of paroxysmal SVT were included. Antiarrhythmics investigated included amiodarone, atenolol, digoxin, esmolol, flecainide, procainamide, propafenone, propranolol, and sotalol. Frequency of antiarrhythmic use based on center volume was the primary end point. Rate of 30-day SVT readmission was the secondary end point. Analysis of factors associated with readmission was assessed by Chi-square analysis and expressed as odds ratio and 95 % confidence interval. A total of 851 patients (60 % male, 44 % neonates) were hospitalized at 43 hospitals. Propranolol, digoxin, and amiodarone were the most frequently utilized antiarrhythmics. HVCs represented 12 hospitals comprising 494 (58 %) patients. Although HVCs were more likely to utilize propranolol (OR 2.5, CI 1.5–4.1), there was no significant difference in the 30-day readmission rate between patients treated at HVCs versus non-HVCs (p = 0.9). The majority of infants with SVT are treated with a small number of antiarrhythmic medications during index hospitalization. Although hospital-to-hospital variation in antiarrhythmic choice exists, there appears to be no difference in readmission. The remaining practice variation may be related to intrinsic patient characteristics.
Prevalence and origin of birefringence in 48 garnets from the pyrope-almandine-grossularite-spessartine quaternary

Forty garnets are anisotropic among 48 in a suite spanning the quaternary system Mg 3 Al 2 Si 3 O 12 - Fe 3 Al 2 Si 3 O 12 - Ca 3 Al 2 Si 3 O 12 -Mn 3 Al 2 Si 3 O 12 (Py-Al-Gr-Sp). The eight isotropic specimens are too thin (>0.4 mm) for detection of weak anisotropy. Birefringence (delta ) in the remaining 40 garnets is low (delta = 0.0001 to 0.0006) and undulatory in appearance, suggesting that most optical anomalies in quaternary garnets, including the pyrope-almandine-spessartine ternary, originate through residual strain. Multiple or alternate origins are not precluded for the few samples with nearly uniform retardation or unusual sector twinning. An inverse correlation exists between degree of birefringence and stresses encountered during tectonic deformation. That is, mantle garnets from kimberlites (e.g., Py 37 Al 36 Gr 27 ) have the highest delta values. As geologic setting is difficult to separate from composition, the inverse trend suggests that birefringence arises partially from internal factors. We propose that the mismatch in size between Ca (super 2+) and Mg (super 2+) exacerbates retention of residual strain. Short-range ordering is not entirely ruled out, but clustering has only been inferred for synthetics in the middle of the Py-Gr binary, a composition range unknown for natural samples, and domains are precluded in the natural samples by the recent X-ray studies of samples from similar localities.
Incidental Findings on Cone Beam Computed Tomography Studies outside of the Maxillofacial Skeleton

Objective. To define the presence and prevalence of incidental findings in and around the base of skull from large field-of-view CBCT of the maxillofacial region and to determine their clinical importance. Methods. Four hundred consecutive large fields of view CBCT scans viewed from January 1, 2007, to January 1, 2014, were retrospectively evaluated for incidental findings of the cervical vertebrae and surrounding structures. Findings were categorized into cervical vertebrae, intracranial, soft tissue, airway, carotid artery, lymph node, and skull base findings. Results. A total of 653 incidental findings were identified in 309 of the 400 CBCT scans. The most prevalent incidental findings were soft tissue calcifications (29.71%), followed by intracranial calcifications (27.11%), cervical vertebrae (20.06%), airway (11.49%), external carotid artery calcification (10.41%), lymph node calcification (0.77%), subcutaneous tissue calcification and calcified tendonitis of the longus colli muscle (0.3%), and skull base finding (0.15%). A significant portion of the incidental findings (31.24%) required referral, 17.76% required monitoring, and 51% did not require either. Conclusion. A comprehensive review of the CBCT images beyond the region of interest, especially incidental findings in the base of skull, cervical vertebrae, pharyngeal airway, and soft tissue, is necessary to avoid overlooking clinically significant lesions.
The Bus Decision: A Case Study Employing Capital Budgeting And Creative Thinking

This paper presents a case whose setting is a regional university situated approximately twenty-five miles away from a community. The community is home to a significant number of the university’s faculty, staff, and students. The university is asked to provide a commuter bus to transport people to and from the community. The university, in turn, approaches the community municipal bus service asking if it (the municipal bus service) could provide the requested route. The case incorporates cash flow management decision making including: (1) identifying necessary information for the analysis, (2) identifying appropriate analytical tools for the analysis, and (3) performing the analysis. This case is appropriate for first year graduate students, as well as upper level undergraduate business students. The case is designed to be taught in one class hour and is expected to require two hours of outside preparation by the students.
Exclusively visual analysis of classroom group interactions

Author(s): Tucker, L; Scherr, RE; Zickler, T; Mazur, E | Abstract: Large-scale audiovisual data that measure group learning are time consuming to collect and analyze. As an initial step towards scaling qualitative classroom observation, we qualitatively coded classroom video using an established coding scheme with and without its audio cues. We find that interrater reliability is as high when using visual data only - without audio - as when using both visual and audio data to code. Also, interrater reliability is high when comparing use of visual and audio data to visual-only data. We see a small bias to code interactions as group discussion when visual and audio data are used compared with video-only data. This work establishes that meaningful educational observation can be made through visual information alone. Further, it suggests that after initial work to create a coding scheme and validate it in each environment, computer-automated visual coding could drastically increase the breadth of qualitative studies and allow for meaningful educational analysis on a far greater scale.
Fifty years of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Anesthesiology: a history of our specialty.

Summary The American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2015. The Section was one of the first and only subspecialty organizations in anesthesiology at the time. This special article will focus on the contributions of the Section to the practice of pediatric anesthesiology in the areas of advocacy, education and member contributions. In 1986, the Section created the Robert M. Smith Award to honor those members who had made significant advances in the practice of pediatric anesthesiology. It is named after one of the Section founders, an influential educator, inventor, and researcher in our field. We will focus the latter part of the article on the Robert M. Smith award winners to illustrate the contributions of the Section and its members to the development of the field of pediatric anesthesiology.
Revisiting the Issue of Democratic Deterioration in Venezuela, 1974–1998

This article examines the issue of democratic deterioration by revisiting the Venezuelan case (1974–1998). Using sequence elaboration and alternative case-focused theories, it tests and confirms the hypothesis that presidential partyarchy was the main contextual explanatory factor behind the crisis that led to Venezuela’s democratic deterioration. Building on elite conflict theory, it also aims to integrate previous studies’ insights and better explain the timing of factors to illustrate how economic presidentialism (the highly autonomous executive control of a state-controlled economy) was the main mechanism leading to democratic deterioration.
The Impact of the Professional Qualifications of the Prenatal Care Provider on Breastfeeding Duration.

Abstract Background: A prenatal commitment to breastfeed is a strong predictor for breastfeeding success. Prenatal care providers have the opportunity to educate and promote breastfeeding. However, differences in education and training between healthcare providers such as physicians and midwives may result in differing breastfeeding outcomes. This study explores whether breastfeeding initiation and duration differ by prenatal care provider. Materials and Methods: Longitudinal data from the Infant Feeding Practices Survey II were analyzed (N = 2,832 women). Prenatal care providers were categorized as obstetrician, family/other physician, and midwife/nurse-midwife. Breastfeeding initiation was dichotomized (yes; no). Breastfeeding duration and exclusive breastfeeding duration were reported in weeks. Logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between prenatal care provider and breastfeeding initiation. Cox proportional hazard models provided crude and adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confiden...
Monarch Oviposition and Larval Survivalon Nine Native Milkweed Species

The Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium was established in March 2015. Adding milkweeds to agricultural landscapes is one of many Consortium goals. In order to further monarch butterfly conservation efforts, scientists need more information about milkweed phenology and persistence on the landscape, and how monarchs are using these plants because milkweeds are now absent from most agricultural fields.
Big data for cyber physical systems in industry 4.0: a survey

With the technology development in cyber physical systems and big data, there are huge potential to apply them to achieve personalization and improve resource efficiency in Industry 4.0. As Industr...
Heterosis in compositional, physical, and wet- milling characteristics of hybrids from exotic introgressed by adapted inbred lines in corn

Corn (Zea Mays L.) is the main crop in the United States and starch is the most important product derived from corn kernels. Use of corn by the processing industry has steadily increased and hybrids with high grain yield and higher starch, protein, or oil content are available to growers. However, utilization of exotic germplasm in maize breeding programs does not represent more than 3% of the genetic base currently in use to produce corn hybrids grown in the United States. In addition to yield trial evaluations to determine the agronomic performance of new corn cultivars, it is necessary to determine the physical, compositional, and milling characteristics that could provide added value for processing and increase the usefulness of new inbred lines and hybrids. The present study was conducted to determine whether Corn Belt lines introgressed with exotic materials from Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Cuba, and Florida have appropriate wet-milling characteristics. Ten lines from the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize project with different starch content yields, three commercial inbred lines, and two public inbred lines (B73 and Mo17) were analyzed using both Near-Infrared Transmitance (NIT) and a 100-g wet-milling procedure. Statistical differences (P<0.05) were found for yield of the wet-milled fractions (starch, fiber, gluten, and germ). AR227 and CU562, two lines of exotic origin, had similar or better starch yield and starch recovery than B73 and the other adapted inbred lines, which indicates that these lines can potentially be used to improve the proportion of extractable starch present in the kernels of their hybrids. Residual protein levels in the starch and gluten fractions were in the range of 0.26-0.32% and 3845%, respectively. The starch yield of exotic corn lines from wet milling correlated positively with starch content and was negatively correlated with protein content of the corn kernels. Oil content in the germ varied from 50 to 60%. Our results indicate that the use of exotic germplasm to improve the wet-milling characteristics in a corn breeding program may enhance genetic diversity available for breeding.
Indispensability and the problem of compatible explanations

Alan Baker’s enhanced indispensability argument (EIA) supports mathematical platonism through the explanatory role of mathematics in science. Busch and Morrison defend nominalism by denying that scientific realists use inference to the best explanation (IBE) to directly establish ontological claims. In response to Busch and Morrison, I argue that nominalists can rebut the EIA while still accepting Baker’s form of IBE. Nominalists can plausibly require that defenders of the EIA establish the indispensability of a particular mathematical entity. Next, I argue that IBE cannot establish that any particular mathematical entity is indispensable. Mathematical entities do not compete with each other in the way physical unobservables do. This lack of competition enables alternative formulations of scientific explanations that use different, but compatible, mathematical entities. The compatibility of these explanations prevents IBE from establishing platonism.
The Reptilian Cochlear Duct

Before the 1950s only two major studies of the reptilian cochlea had been reported. They were the now classical works of Retzius (1884) and de Burlet (1934). In these studies some important gross and some microscopic features of a few representative species were described and figured.
Secondary Data Analysis in the Field of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

This chapter discusses secondary data analysis and identifies several of the most prominent data sets used in education policy and leadership research. Existing, generalizable data allow researchers to address pressing national and systemic issues in educational leadership and policy. These common data sets provide an opportunity for comparison and replication of findings across studies. These data sets also provide more options for advanced statistical analysis. Indeed, once researchers learn how to analyze one of these main data sets, this knowledge can be applied across additional years of the same data set, extended to other available national/international surveys, and can provide an example of how future original data collections may be shared with other researchers.
Life Meaning and Sign Meaning

Philosophers once dismissed questions about meaning in life as conceptually confused. Only language and related phenomena, it was thought, can have meaning; thus, to ask about the meaning of life i...
Immigrant Populations and Sanctuary Schools

In the summer months of 2018, the world watched as thousands of young children were separated from their families and detained by immigration officials at the border between the United States and M...
Ethical Considerations for Unblinding a Participant's Assignment to Interpret a Resolved Adverse Event.

A participant’s request to be unblinded during an ongoing clinical trial places two important ethical benchmarks in clinical research in conflict: the scientific validity of the study and respect f...
Mycoplasma genitalium Infections in Women Attending a Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic in New Orleans

BACKGROUND Mycoplasma genitalium has been significantly and nonsignificantly associated with cervicitis, urethritis, or vaginal discharge. This study examined the associations of M. genitalium with selected sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and demographic, behavioral, and clinical factors among women attending a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic in New Orleans. METHODS Women aged ≥18 years who presented to the New Orleans STD clinic provided sociodemographic data and sexual behavior; STI, obstetric, and gynecologic history; and urine, vaginal, endocervical, and rectal specimens. Specimens were tested for M. genitalium, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma species, and yeast. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) was diagnosed by Nugent score, and cervicitis was defined as ≥30 polymorphonuclear leukocytes per high-power microscopic field on a cervical Gram stain or yellow mucopus on an endocervical swab. RESULTS Among 400 women studied, M. genitalium was independently significantly associated with age <25 years (P < .03) and with ≥2 sexual partners in the last 12 months (P < .003). Neisseria gonorrhoeae (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.75; P = .103), C. trachomatis (AOR, 1.43; P = .247), and T. vaginalis (AOR, 1.60; P = .120) independently increased the odds of infection with M. genitalium. Controlling for other STIs and BV, there was a positive trend for M. genitalium to predict cervicitis (AOR, 3.18 [95% confidence interval, .99-10.2]; P = .05). CONCLUSIONS Mycoplasma genitalium in our study displayed the clinical features of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae, the 2 organisms that drive research agendas in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of bacterial STIs.
The Effect of Format and Device on the Performance and Usability of Web-Based Questionnaires.

This article explores the comparability of assessment tools under different format conditions. Prior studies have not considered the interaction of format and device on time to complete an assessme...
Designing Digital Badges to Improve Learning in Virtual Worlds

Digital badges are digital indicators of achievement that are issued in response to a user action within a virtual environment. While badges have been successful in multiple domains, they do not always achieve their purpose. Past research indicates that this is likely a function of specific badging design and how well the badging system integrates with the system’s needs and goals. The present article examines how careful badge design can be used to facilitate pedagogy and learning in virtual worlds. It integrates educational and psychological theory to discuss several key uses and best practices of designing digital badges for virtual worlds, including assessing peer skill in multiuser worlds, fostering curiosity to drive exploration of the world, setting appropriate goals to structure learning about the world, and teaching users about the world through feedback. Both entertainment and educational applications are discussed alongside examples to better communicate how to integrate badges in virtual worlds.
Early detection of lower GI tract tumors by dedicated assessment of the colon on routine computed tomography (CT) imaging: An observational study.

510Background: We have previously reported that up to 48% of the early features of colorectal cancer (subtle wall thickening, pericolonic stranding, and small lymph nodes in the draining nodal stat...
Neonatal Functional and Structural Connectivity Are Associated with Cerebral Palsy at Two Years of Age.

Objective The accuracy of structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict later cerebral palsy (CP) in newborns with perinatal brain injury is variable. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and task-based functional MRI (fMRI) show promise as predictive tools. We hypothesized that infants who later developed CP would have reduced structural and functional connectivity as compared with those without CP. Study Design We performed DTI and fMRI using a passive motor task at 40 to 48 weeks' postmenstrual age in 12 infants with perinatal brain injury. CP was diagnosed at age 2 using a standardized examination. Results Five infants had CP at 2 years of age, and seven did not have CP. Tract-based spatial statistics showed a widespread reduction of fractional anisotropy (FA) in almost all white matter tracts in the CP group. Using the median FA value in the corticospinal tracts as a cutoff, FA was 100% sensitive and 86% specific to predict CP compared with a sensitivity of 60 to 80% and a specificity of 71% for structural MRI. During fMRI, the CP group had reduced functional connectivity from the right supplemental motor area as compared with the non-CP group. Conclusion DTI and fMRI obtained soon after birth are potential biomarkers to predict CP in newborns with perinatal brain injury.
Validation of magneto-inertial measuring units for measuring hip joint angles.

Abstract Camera-based motion capture systems are the current gold standard for motion analysis. However, the use of wireless inertial sensor-based systems is increasing in popularity, largely due to convenient portability. The purpose of this study was to validate the use of wireless inertial sensors for measuring hip joint motion with a functional calibration requiring only one motion (walking) and neutral standing. Data were concurrently collected using a 10-camera motion capture system and a wireless inertial sensor-based system. Hip joint angles were measured for 10 participants during walking, jumping jack, and bilateral squat tasks and for a subset (n = 5) a jump turn task. Camera-based system hip joint angles were calculated from retro-reflective marker positions and sensor-based system angles were calculated in MATLAB using the sensor output quaternions. Most hip joint angles measured with the sensor-based system were within 6° of angles measured with the camera motion capture system. Accurate measurement of motion outside of a laboratory setting has broad implications for diagnosing movement abnormalities, monitoring sports performance, and assessing rehabilitation progress.
Stereoselectivity in aldol reactions of chiral N-acyl selones

Aldol reactions have played a central role in many stereoselective constructions of carbon-carbon bonds. During the past several years the selenocarbonyl group has been used both as a chiral interrogation tool (using {sup 77} SeNMR spectroscopy) and as a platform for the development of new chemical methods associated with selone based chiral derivatizing agents. During the course of these studies the authors have uncovered a new type of aldol reaction using chiral selone reagents in which the selenocarbonyl plays a pivotal role in determining the stereoselectivity of these reactions. This report describes the results of the studies involving the use of titanium(IV) enolates of N-acyl-oxaxolidin-2-selones with a variety of aldehydes.