cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phenology and dispersal in Pseudacteon flies (Diptera : Phoridae), parasitoids of Solenopsis fire ants (Hymenoptera : Formicidae)

The phenology and dispersal abilities of Pseudacteon phorid flies, parasitoids of Solenopsis fire ants, were measured at multiple sites over several years. Four Pseudacteon species [ P. browni Disney, P. spatulatus (Malloch), P. crawfordi Coquillett, and an undescribed species, P. sp. A. ] were found in the vicinity of 5 S. geminata (F.) populations over a 3-yr period. P. browni was the most common at all sites and in all years, with a single exception. Pseudacteon species were observed hovering over disturbed S. geminata mounds from April through December of most years, although flight activity was not observed on days when the air temperature fell below 20°C. Relative abundance patterns varied both temporally and spatially, although a rough positive correlation with rainfall was evident at some sites. Overall sex ratios were always highly male-biased at all sites and in all years, with 1 exception. Pseudacteon phorids were found at distances of up to 650 m from the nearest S. geminata colony, and appeared to disperse away from host colonies into areas without appropriate hosts in random directions. Although populations of host S. geminata in central Texas are fragmented, distances over which Pseudacteon dispersal frequently occurs may be relatively large compared with the interpatch distances separating host ant populations.
Paleoclassical Electron Heat Transport

It has been hypothesized that radial electron heat transport in low collisionality, current-carrying magnetically-confined toroidal plasmas results from paleoclassical Coulomb collision processes (parallel electron heat conduction and magnetic field diffusion). In such plasmas the electron temperature equilibrates along magnetic field lines a long length L, which is the minimum of the electron collision length and a maximum effective half length of helical field lines. Diffusing field lines carry this equilibrated electron temperature with them and thus induce a radial electron heat diffusivity M L/(πR0q) ~ 10 1 times the resistivity-induced magnetic field diffusivity η/μ0 νe (c/ωp)2. Interpretations of many features of 'anomalous' electron heat transport provided by the paleoclassical model are discussed: magnitude and radial profile of electron heat diffusivity (in tokamaks, spherical tokamaks and reversed field pinches), Alcator scaling in high density plasmas, electron heat transport barriers around low order rational surfaces and near a separatrix and a natural heat pinch (or minimum temperature gradient) electron heat flux form. Also, the context (relative to other transport models), regime of applicability and suggestions for experimental tests of the paleoclassical model are discussed.
Epileptic-like convulsions associated with LIS-1 in the cytoskeletal control of neurotransmitter signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans

Cortical malformations are a collection of disorders affecting brain development. Mutations in the LIS1 gene lead to a disorganized and smooth cerebral cortex caused by failure in neuronal migration. Among the clinical consequences of lissencephaly are mental retardation and intractable epilepsy. It remains unclear whether the seizures result from aberrant neuronal placement, disruption of intrinsic properties of neurons, or both. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans offers an opportunity to study such convulsions in a simple animal with a defined nervous system. Here we show that convulsions mimicking epilepsy can be induced by a mutation in a C. elegans lis-1 allele (pnm-1), in combination with a chemical antagonist of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter signaling. Identical convulsions were obtained using C. elegans mutants defective in GABA transmission, whereas none of these mutants or the antagonist alone caused convulsions, indicating a threshold was exceeded in response to this combination. Crosses between pnm-1 and fluorescent marker strains designed to exclusively illuminate either the processes of GABAergic neurons or synaptic vesicles surprisingly showed no deviations in neuronal architecture. Instead, presynaptic defects in GABAergic vesicle distribution were clearly evident and could be phenocopied by RNAi directed against cytoplasmic dynein, a known LIS1 interactor. Furthermore, mutations in UNC-104, a neuronal-specific kinesin, and SNB-1, a synaptic vesicle-associated protein termed synaptobrevin, exhibit similar convulsion phenotypes following chemical induction. Taken together, these studies establish C. elegans as a system to investigate subtle cytoskeletal mechanisms regulating intrinsic neuronal activity and suggest that it may be possible to dissociate the epileptic consequences of lissencephaly from the more phenotypically overt cortical defects associated with neuronal migration.
Inertial Fusion with Low Energy Heavy Ions

High energy heavy ions have been under study for inertial fusion applications for some time. This paper explores the possibility of using heavy ions with energies less than 1 MeV as compared to the usual heavy ion fusion approach of using multi-GeV beams. The author's proposed approach is to produce such a lowenergy heavy ion beam in a spherically focused array using time-of-flight bunching and to achieve high power density at the target by accelerating a sufficiently bright beam to the required energies. The MEQALAC (Multipole Electrostatic Array Linear Accelerator) concept is mentioned as a suitable facility for these acceleration requirements. Various beam parameters and conditions are discussed, such as transverse temperature, current density, convergence density, profile, momentum transfer, ion source requirements, brightness and compression, which are necessary to the achievement of inertial fusion using a low-energy ion beam. Zeolites, thallium halides, xenon and hydrogen are mentioned as candidate ion source materials. A feature of low energy heavy ion beams as compared with conventional heavy ion fusion is that the ion velocity is slow compared with either background plasma electron velocities or orbital electron velocities. The usefulness of these distinctions is stated and the need is stressed for more computerizedmore » simulation in order to uncover more completely the detail work required in low-energy heavy ion fusion.« less
FireCrystal: Understanding interactive behaviors in dynamic web pages

For developers debugging their own code, augmenting the code of others, or trying to learn the implementation details of interactive behaviors, understanding how web pages work is a fundamental problem. FireCrystal is a new Firefox extension that allows developers to indicate interactive behaviors of interest, and shows the specific code (Javascript, CSS, and HTML) that is responsible for those behaviors. FireCrystal provides an execution timeline that users can scrub back and forth, and the ability to select items of interest in the actual web page UI to see the associated code. FireCrystal may be especially useful for developers who are trying to learn the implementation details of interactive behaviors, so they can reuse these behaviors in their own web site.
Detecting adaptive trait introgression between Iris fulva and I. brevicaulis in highly selective field conditions

The idea that natural hybridization has served as an important force in evolutionary and adaptive diversification has gained considerable momentum in recent years. By combining genome analyses with a highly selective field experiment, we provide evidence for adaptive trait introgression between two naturally hybridizing Louisiana Iris species, flood-tolerant Iris fulva and dry-adapted I. brevicaulis. We planted reciprocal backcross (BC1) hybrids along with pure-species plants into natural settings that, due to a flooding event, favored I. fulva. As expected, I. fulva plants survived at much higher rates than I. brevicaulis plants. Backcross hybrids toward I. fulva (BCIF) also survived at significantly higher rates than the reciprocal backcross toward I. brevicaulis (BCIB). Survivorship of BCIB hybrids was strongly influenced by the presence of a number of introgressed I. fulva alleles located throughout the genome, while survivorship in the reciprocal BCIF hybrids was heavily influenced by two epistatically acting QTL of opposite effects. These results demonstrate the potential for adaptive trait introgression between these two species and may help to explain patterns of genetic variation observed in naturally occurring hybrid zones.
Embedded UAS Autopilot and Sensor Systems

The objective of this chapter is to give an overview of autopilot software design for small and miniature unmanned air systems. An architecture that is typical of commercially available autopilots is described. A detailed explanation of the inner-loop control structure is described, including the lateral directional feedback loops and the longitudinal directional feedback loops. We give a brief description of the sensor package that is usually on small UAS, and describe simple filtering schemes for extracting estimates of the states needed by the autopilot. Finally, we briefly describe GPS navigation for following straight lines and orbits. Keywords: autopilot design; small unmanned air vehicles; sensors on small UAVs; Kalman filtering; GPS guidance
Observations on Infection of the Urinary Tract and Childhood Nephrosis

"We would suspect a bacterial pyelonephritis in any nephrotic child who required an unusually large dose of steroids for improvement."
Hadronization of b ---> c anti-c s

Abstract The b → c c s transition is usually believed to hadronize predominantly in B → X c D s (∗)− with the D s (∗)− originating from the virtual W . We demonstrate in a variety of independent ways that other hadronization processes cannot be neglected. The invariant mass of c s has sizable phase-space beyond m d + m k . The rate for B → D D K X could be significant and should not be ignored as was done in previous experimental analyses. We estimate the number of charmed hadrons per B -decay, n c , to be ≈ 1.3 to higher accuracy than obtained in previous investigations. Even though n c is currently measured to be about 1.1, observing a significant B → D D K X would support n c ≈ 1.3. Many testable consequences result, some of which we discuss.
Phytochemical traits underlie genotypic variation in susceptibility of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) to browsing by a keystone forest ungulate.

Summary 1.Overbrowsing by ungulates is a major cause of poor aspen stand regeneration across North America and Eurasia. In general, factors driving ungulate browser preferences include concentrations of plant secondary compounds and the nutritional composition (non-structural carbohydrates, protein, and minerals) of foliage. While each of these phytochemical factors has been shown to independently influence ungulate preference, the relative impact of each factor is unknown, as no study to date has examined them simultaneously. 2.Plant fitness depends not only on the capacity of plants to resist browsing, but also on their capacity to tolerate browsing once it has occurred. Little is known of aspen tolerance to browsing, which inflicts a different form of damage than insect herbivory. 3.We employed multiple aspen genotypes, replicate trees of which were subjected to different soil nutrient treatments, to investigate: 1) the effects of aspen genotype, nutrient treatment, and genotype x nutrient interactions on susceptibility to browsing by white-tailed deer, 2) the phytochemical basis for the patterns observed in (1), and 3) the effects of genotype, soil nutrients, and their interaction on short-term tolerance to deer browsing. 4.Aspen genotypes varied markedly in their vernal susceptibility to deer browsing. Genetic variation in early season levels of non-structural carbohydrates (sugars), protein, and multiple macro- and trace minerals had the strongest influence on tree susceptibility to browsing. In contrast, levels of phytochemical defenses had minimal effects, although the range of levels expressed in this study was small. Soil nutrient availability did not significantly influence deer preference. 5.The extent of browsing affected post-browse tolerance across genotypes. Soil nutrient treatment had little differential effect on tolerance, and, for the most part, genotypes did not display differential tolerance to browsing, regardless of which soil nutrient treatment they experienced. 6.Synthesis: Genetic variation for susceptibility to browsing indicates that ungulate browsers have the potential to be agents of selection in aspen populations. In contrast with previous studies in aspen highlighting the importance of phytochemical defenses in shaping preferences of browsing mammals, our results indicate that the nutritional composition of foliage (sugars, protein, and mineral concentrations) can have sizable effects on preference. The observed lack of influence of soil nutrient availability on tree browsing tolerance contrasts with predictions of the limiting resource model, the prevailing model for plant tolerance. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Electron excitation of thallium 7 S 1 2 2 and 6 D 3 2 , 5 2 2 levels

We have measured the relative optical excitation functions of the 3776-\AA{} ($7^{2}S_{\frac{1}{2}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}6^{2}P_{\frac{1}{2}}$), 2768-\AA{} ($6^{2}D_{\frac{3}{2}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}6^{2}P_{\frac{1}{2}}$), 3529-\AA{} ($6^{2}D_{\frac{3}{2}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}6^{2}P_{\frac{3}{2}}$), and 3519-\AA{} ($6^{2}D_{\frac{5}{2}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}6^{2}P_{\frac{3}{2}}$) lines, and the polarization function of the 2768-\AA{} line, using crossed beams of electrons and thallium atoms, for electron energies from thresholds to 1500 eV. The electron energy resolution was \ensuremath{\sim}0.3 eV for energies below 13 eV, and the atom beam was optically thin. By normalizing the resonance-line excitation functions to Born theory in the high-energy limit the $7^{2}S_{\frac{1}{2}}$, $6^{2}D_{\frac{3}{2}}$, and $6^{2}D_{\frac{5}{2}}$ level-excitation cross sections are obtained. The $7^{2}S_{\frac{1}{2}}$-level excitation function rises very rapidly immediately above threshold, while the $6^{2}D_{\frac{3}{2}}$ level rises much more slowly. The 2768-\AA{} polarization function shows strong resonance at a few electron volts above the threshold. The $6^{2}D_{\frac{5}{2}}$ level excitation function peaks at lower energy as expected for a dipole-forbidden transition, but shows a small ${E}^{\ensuremath{-}1}{log}_{10}E$ behavior at the high-energy limit.
Childhood Memory: An Update from the Cognitive Neuroscience Perspective

Children are not simply miniature adults. As such, the memory of a child is significantly different from the memory of an adult. Furthermore, the ability to form memories is not innate and instead develops over the first nearly two decades of life. Consequently, memory researchers working in the developmental domain must carefully design studies to probe memory function using age-appropriate paradigms. This is especially true given the growing range of experimental approaches that can be leveraged to understand the neural underpinnings of memory and its development. Techniques such as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and high-density electroencephalography (HD-EEG) join workhorse behavioral and neuropsychological methodologies to monitor many aspects of brain function and behavior during memory formation and retrieval.
Abstract 212: Are there cell cycle-dependent variations in cadherin-mediated cell adhesion.

Cell adhesion makes possible the development of tissues and organs. It has thus been an important topic in biomedical research, cancer research in particular. One method used to quantify cell adhesion, the dual pipette assay, has shown persistent variability in the force required to separate adherent cells despite efforts to minimize variability through strict protocols and assay automation. We are using FUCCI (fluorescence ubiquitination cell cycle indicator) to determine if cell-cycle dependent changes might account for the observed variability in separation force. The FUCCI technique involves antiphase oscillating proteins that mark the cell-cycle transitions with corresponding fluorescent probes. Initial comparison of fluorescence distributions in aggregated and unaggregated FUCCI E cad cells showed no preferential accumulation in aggregates of cells in a particular stage of the cell cycle. Work continues to improve the resolution and reproducibility of the tests. Citation Format: Maria Cimpean, Yangjinqi Yu, Brenna Laperle, Edie Corey, William A. Thomas. Are there cell cycle-dependent variations in cadherin-mediated cell adhesion. [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 212. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-212 Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2013 because the presenter was unable to attend.
Representing Problems (and Plans) Using Imagery

In many spatial problems, it can be difficult to create a state representation that is abstract enough so that irrelevant details are ignored, but also accurate enough so that important states of the problem can be differentiated. This is especially difficult for agents that address a variety of problems. A potential way to resolve this difficulty is by using two representations of the spatial state of the problem: one abstract and one concrete, along with internal (imagery) operations that modify the concrete representation based on the contents of the abstract representation. In this paper, we argue that such a system can allow plans and policies to be expressed that can better solve a wider class of problems than would otherwise be possible. An example of such a plan is described. The theoretical aspects of what imagery is, how it differs from other techniques, and why it provides a benefit are explored.
Distinct higher-order nonlinear optical response for spin-dependent and spin-independent contributions to four-wave mixing

At low temperatures the nonlinear optical response below the GaAs band edge is dominated by excitons, subject of exchange, screening, phase-space filling1 and dynamical exciton-exciton scattering.2
Trauma-Informed HIV Prevention and Treatment.

The high prevalence of trauma and its negative impact on health and health-promoting behaviors underscore the need for multi-level interventions to address trauma and its associated sequelae to improve physical and mental well-being in both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected populations. Growing global awareness of the intersection of trauma and HIV has resulted in development and testing of interventions to address trauma in the context of HIV treatment and HIV prevention in the USA and globally. Despite increasing recognition of the widespread nature of trauma and the importance of trauma to HIV transmission around the globe, several gaps remain. Through a survey of the literature, we identified eight studies (published in the past 5 years) describing interventions to address the effects of trauma on HIV-related outcomes. In particular, this study focused on the levels of intervention, populations the interventions were designed to benefit, and types of trauma addressed in the interventions in the context of both HIV prevention and treatment. Remarkably absent from the HIV prevention, interventions reviewed were interventions designed to address violence experienced by men or transgender individuals, in the USA or globally. Given the pervasive nature of trauma experienced generally, but especially among individuals at heightened risk for HIV, future HIV prevention interventions universally should consider becoming trauma-informed. Widespread acknowledgement of the pervasive impact of gender-based violence on HIV outcomes among women has led to multiple calls for trauma-informed care (TIC) approaches to improve the effectiveness of HIV services for HIV-infected women. TIC approaches may be relevant for and should also be tested among men and all groups with high co-occurring epidemics of HIV and trauma (e.g., men who have sex with men (MSM), transgendered populations, injection drug users, sex workers), regardless of type of trauma experience.
Dietary carotenoids, smoking, and prostate cancer risk.

B170 Objectives: Carotenoids play an important role in maintaining the cellular antioxidant-prooxidant balance, and have been proposed as a potential key compound in explaining the cancer protective effect of fruits and vegetables. With the exception of lycopene, the data regarding carotenoid intake and prostate cancer risk has been inconsistent. We propose that the oxidative environment may be important to consider when evaluating the association between carotenoid intake and prostate cancer risk. In these analyses we use smoking status as a marker of global oxidative stress and determine the association between carotenoid intake and prostate cancer among current smokers, previous smokers and never smokers. Methods: These analyses are based on data collected in a case-control study of diet and prostate cancer risk among veterans. Prostate cancer cases were recruited upon referral for prostate biopsy and frequency age-matched; PSA normal controls were identified from the VA primary care clinic. Information on carotenoid intake was obtained prior to cancer diagnosis using an adapted version of the National Cancer Institute Diet History Questionnaire. Smoking status, demographics and other health characteristics were determined using a Risk Factor questionnaire. Dietary intake of lutein/zeaxanthin, lycopene and beta-carotene were categorized based upon the distribution of intake among controls. Other demographic variables were considered for inclusion as covariates and were maintained if they changed the odds ratio of the main predictor variable by greater than 10%. Unconditional logistic regression models were adjusted for age. Intake of each carotenoid was modeled as an independent predictor in the entire population and in models stratified by smoking status. Tests for trend were conducted by entering quartiles of each carotenoid into the logistic model as different values of a single ordinal variable. Results: Data was analyzed for 137 incident prostate cancer cases, and 238 PSA normal clinic controls. In unstratified analyses, lycopene was associated with a significant reduction in risk of prostate cancer (Odds Ratio (OR) for trend 0.80, 95% Confidence Interval (CI)= (0.65-0.97)). When stratified by smoking status, the association between lycopene and prostate cancer risk remained significant only among previous and current smokers, and among current smokers beta-carotene was associated with a significant reduction in risk (OR for trend 0.55, 95% CI (0.35-0.86). Conclusions: The findings from these analyses support or hypothesis that the protective effect of carotenoids may be greatest among individuals with higher levels of oxidative stress (smokers). However, our finding of a protective effect of beta-carotene specifically among smokers is contrary to what has been reported from clinical trials of beta-carotene and lung cancer. Thus, these results should be viewed as suggestive and support further investigation in this area.
Syndemics and the biosocial conception of health

Summary The syndemics model of health focuses on the biosocial complex, which consists of interacting, co-present, or sequential diseases and the social and environmental factors that promote and enhance the negative effects of disease interaction. This emergent approach to health conception and clinical practice reconfigures conventional historical understanding of diseases as distinct entities in nature, separate from other diseases and independent of the social contexts in which they are found. Rather, all of these factors tend to interact synergistically in various and consequential ways, having a substantial impact on the health of individuals and whole populations. Specifically, a syndemics approach examines why certain diseases cluster (ie, multiple diseases affecting individuals and groups); the pathways through which they interact biologically in individuals and within populations, and thereby multiply their overall disease burden, and the ways in which social environments, especially conditions of social inequality and injustice, contribute to disease clustering and interaction as well as to vulnerability. In this Series, the contributions of the syndemics approach for understanding both interacting chronic diseases in social context, and the implications of a syndemics orientation to the issue of health rights, are examined.
Marriage, Procreation, and Incarceration: A Defense of Common Sense, Federalism, and the Constitution

The purpose of this essay is to examine the neglected legal history underlying the purported existence of this particular unenumerated fundamental constitutional right, with a focus on the underlying jurisprudence of the cases leading up to the contemporary cases of Goodwin and Gerber - a rich history that is surprisingly ignored and recklessly cited by virtually all of the contemporary scholarship criticizing the outcomes of both Goodwin and Gerber. Part II of the essay examines the initial forays of the United States Supreme Court into the controversial area of unenumerated fundamental rights in general, focusing on the history and underlying rationales of two key cases, Skinner v. Oklahoma and Loving v. Virginia. Part III examines two more cases in the Supreme Court's development of unenumerated fundamental rights, Zablocki v. Redhail and Turner v. Safley, and focuses on the difficulties of the Justices to conceptualize the unenumerated "fundamental right to marry." Part IV closely analyzes the rationales of two United States Courts of Appeals in their respective struggle with the concept of unenumerated fundamental rights, focusing on both sides of the argument. Finally, Part V applies both principles of federalism and good common sense to the unenumerated fundamental right to procreate and, accordingly, defends the outcomes of both Goodwin and Gerber.
Abstract 5014: Drug discovery for NF1-associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors using the zebrafish model

Children and young adults with type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF1) are at risk to develop plexiform neurofibromas, which can undergo malignant transformation to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). MPNSTs are among the most frequently occurring sarcomas in children and young adults and are especially problematic in NF1 patients. Currently, complete surgical excision is the only curative therapy for NF1-associated MPNST, but these tumors are often not completely resectable. Therefore, it is very important to identify promising drugs that can be rapidly moved into clinical trials to improve the therapy of patients with MPNSTs. We have developed a faithful zebrafish model of NF1-associated MPNST by using genome engineering to develop zebrafish lines harboring loss-of-function mutations of the duplicated nf1a and nf1b genes and p53. Our nf1 and p53 deficient zebrafish models develop MPNSTs that are very similar to human NF1-associated MPNST, and thus are ideal for experiments to test the efficacy of FDA-approved small molecule drugs in vivo. To test the FDA-approved drugs for activity against MPNST tumor cells, about 100 Sox10:mCherry expressed MPNST primary tumor cells were transplanted into dechorionized 2 day-post-fertilization (dpf) larval fish using a micro-injector. MPNST-implanted embryos were exposed to individual test compounds added to the fish water at a range of concentrations and to the vehicle control. After 4-days of treatment, quantitative assessment of the remaining mCherry-labeled tumor cell numbers were measured using the ImageJ software for each treated embryo. Currently, trametinib and sunitinib caused marked antitumor effects indicated by reduced numbers of mCherry-labeled nf1-deficient MPNST cells compared to the DMSO control in this study. We are now applying this embryonic implantation assay to identify combinations of FDA-approved drugs that have a high degree of efficacy against MPNST and can be rapidly “repurposed” to improve the treatment of this disease. Citation Format: Dong Hyuk Ki, Shuning He, A. Thomas Look. Drug discovery for NF1-associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors using the zebrafish model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5014. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5014
Alcohol consumption across the life course and mammographic density in premenopausal women

Consumption of alcoholic beverages during adolescence and early adulthood has been consistently associated with higher breast cancer risk. The influence of alcohol consumption early in life on mammographic breast density, a marker of breast cancer risk, is inconclusive. This study examined associations of alcohol consumption across the life course with premenopausal mammographic density. The study population included 1211 premenopausal women in the Nurses’ Health Study II without cancer, who recalled their alcohol consumption at age 15 through enrollment in 1989 (baseline), and had mammograms available. Recent alcohol consumption was updated over follow-up. Percent and absolute measures of mammographic density were quantified on digitized film mammograms. Generalized linear regression was used to assess associations. There were no notable differences in any of the three density measures for alcohol consumption at any age (15–17, 18–22, 23–30, and 31-mammogram). Neither alcohol consumption before first pregnancy nor after first pregnancy was significantly associated with any of the three density measures. Moderate alcohol consumption during different age intervals during adolescence and early adulthood was not associated with mammographic density in premenopausal women.
A house of mirrors: administration and reality

This essay explores a possible anti-essentialist strategy for public administration. The argument presented is twofold. First, the concepts of objective, socially constructed, and experienced reality are explored, concluding that experienced reality is the most practical for public administration. Second, the use of cognitive dissonance to create discourse is proposed as a strategic approach. The essay also suggests that experienced reality and cognitive dissonance offer a way to finesse the control/domination problematic. The work of Michel Foucault provides the central organization of the essay, and the theories of Taylor and Follett are used as historical examples. The essay concludes with a proposed application of the strategic use of cognitive dissonance
Adenovirus Infection of Human Enteroids Reveals Interferon Sensitivity and Preferential Infection of Goblet Cells

Human adenoviruses (HAdV) are significant human pathogens. Although only a subset of HAdV serotypes commonly cause gastroenteritis in humans, most HAdV species replicate in the gastrointestinal tract. Knowledge of the complex interaction between HAdVs and the human intestinal epithelium has been limited by the lack of a suitable cell culture system containing relevant cell types. Recently, this need has been met by the stable and prolonged cultivation of primary intestinal epithelial cells as enteroids. Human enteroids have been used to reveal novel and interesting aspects of rotavirus, norovirus, and enterovirus replication, prompting us to explore their suitability for HAdV culture. We found that both prototype strains and clinical isolates of enteric and nonenteric HAdVs productively replicate in human enteroids. HAdV-5p, a respiratory pathogen, and HAdV-41p, an enteric pathogen, are both sensitive to type I and III interferons in human enteroid monolayers but not A549 cells. Interestingly, HAdV-5p, but not HAdV-41p, preferentially infected goblet cells. And, HAdV-5p but not HAdV-41p was potently neutralized by the enteric human alpha-defensin HD5. These studies highlight new facets of HAdV biology that are uniquely revealed by primary intestinal epithelial cell culture.IMPORTANCE Enteric adenoviruses are a significant cause of childhood gastroenteritis worldwide, yet our understanding of their unique biology is limited. Here we report robust replication of both prototype and clinical isolates of enteric and respiratory human adenoviruses in enteroids, a primary intestinal cell culture system. Recent studies have shown that other fastidious enteric viruses replicate in human enteroids. Therefore, human enteroids may provide a unified platform for culturing enteric viruses, potentially enabling isolation of a greater diversity of viruses from patients. Moreover, both the ability of interferon to restrict respiratory and enteric adenoviruses and a surprising preference of a respiratory serotype for goblet cells demonstrate the power of this culture system to uncover aspects of adenovirus biology that were previously unattainable with standard cell lines.
Common Mitochondrial Haplogroups and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk.

Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common cancer in America, and its incidence is substantially higher in men than women, but the reasons for the difference are unknown. We explored whether common mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups, which have been associated with cancer risk, and in particular squamous cell carcinoma risk arising in other organs, could explain this biological sex difference in cSCC susceptibility. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using data from the Genetic Epidemiology Research in Adult Health and Aging cohort comprised of 67,868 non-Hispanic white subjects (7,701 cSCC cases and 60,167 controls). Genotype information on > 665,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was generated using Affymetrix Axiom arrays designed to maximize genome-wide coverage, and 102 high quality mtDNA SNPs were used to determine mtDNA haplogroups. Associations between each mtDNA haplogroup and cSCC risk were evaluated by logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, and population stratification using ancestry principal components. Results: cSCC was more common in men (15.4% vs. 8.4% for women). Nine common mtDNA haplogroups (frequency ≥1%) were identified in addition to the most common haplogroup, H, used as the reference group. No association with cSCC risk was detected for any of the mtDNA haplogroups or overall or sex-stratified analyses. Conclusion: Common mitochondrial variation is not associated with cSCC risk. Impact: This well-powered study refutes the hypothesis that common mitochondrial hapolgroups play a role in the differential sex predilection of cSCCs.
Fuzzy Set Approaches to Model Uncertainty in Spatial Data and Geographic Information Systems

Issues of modeling uncertainty in spatial data is particularly suitable for the use of fuzzy set approaches. We survey the broader existing concerns on accuracy and uncertainty in the GIS community in the development of geographical information systems. In particular we note the current emphasis on the area by very significant government agencies and consortiums. Then we consider the issues involved in developing the modeling of uncertain spatial in the natural framework of object-oriented databases. Finally we give a specific approach for spatial directional relationships using an extension of Allen’s temporal relationships with fuzzy modeling to provide a natural linguistic querying of a spatial database or geographic information system.
Case Study of Ghana

This chapter continues the discussion of health technology in the context of the West African nation in Ghana. It begins with an overview of the health system and the technology currently in use. An example is provided of a procedure that can be used to calculate the Medical Technology Score (MTS) for a single health facility or category of facilities in a single country. Ghana’s agricultural sector is a major producer of maize, and soybean is produced on a small scale in the northern part of the country. Ghana may have access to enough corn and soy to support a medical biomaterials industry when intra-regional trade is considered.
Ca2+-Induced Transition in Mitochondria: A Cellular Catastrophe?

The material presented here has in the past encountered difficulties in publication and reviewer reception. It is gratifying that evidence now exists for a role of the Ca-induced transition in some of the phenomena described below. We have not modified our original manuscript (Sections 2-6) in light of progress since 1979, though today we might choose our words differently. Research in apoptosis has implicated the Ca-induced transition as a possible critical step in the cell death program (Zamzami et al., 1996) as well as in necrosis (Lemasters et al., 1998). Evidence has grown that the permeability transition pore may well incorporate interactions with outer membrane proteins (Beutner et al., 1996) and that the megachannel identified as the permeability transition pore (Szabo and Zoratti 1992) is modulated by targeting protein-transport-regulating peptides (Lohret and Kinnally 1995). There is some evidence for a significant rate of spontaneous transitions under normal conditions, as measured by the ability of cyclosporin to increase retention of Ca by isolated myocytes (Altschuld et al., 1992). Such measurements are fraught with difficulty, however, because of the potential for nonhomogeneous uptake of by abnormal round cells in the preparation, which can be visualized by autoradiography (Haworth et al.,
Bayesian analysis of complex mutations in HBV, HCV, and HIV studies

In this article, we aim to provide a thorough review of the Bayesian-inference-based methods applied to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) studies with a focus on the detection of the viral mutations and various problems which are correlated to these mutations. It is particularly difficult to detect and interpret these interacting mutation patterns, but by using Bayesian statistical modeling, it provides a groundbreaking opportunity to solve these problems. Here we summarize Bayesian-based statistical approaches, including the Bayesian Variable Partition (BVP) model, Bayesian Network (BN), and the Recursive Model Selection (RMS) procedure, which are designed to detect the mutations and to make further inferences to the comprehensive dependence structure among the interactions. BVP, BN, and RMS in which Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods are used have been widely applied in HBV, HCV, and HIV studies in the recent years. We also provide a summary of the Bayesian methods' applications toward these viruses' studies, where several important and useful results have been discovered. We envisage the applications of more modified Bayesian methods to other infectious diseases and cancer cells that will be following with critical medical results before long.
Real-world management and long-term outcomes of diabetic macular oedema with good visual acuity.

To evaluate the management and long-term outcomes of patients with diabetic macular oedema (DMO) and good initial visual acuity in real-world settings. We reviewed 122 eyes of 100 patients with treatment-naive DMO and initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/25 or better. We assessed clinical characteristics, logMAR BCVA, central subfield thickness (CST), cumulative intravitreal injections and laser treatments at yearly intervals, and characteristics at time of initial treatment. Linear mixed effects models were used to identify predictors of visual outcomes. At presentation, mean BCVA was 0.057 ± 0.048 logMAR (Snellen 20/23) and mean CST was 288 ± 57 μm. After a median follow-up of 3 years, 51% of eyes underwent treatment. More eyes underwent intravitreal injection as initial treatment (54%), but lasers were initiated at an earlier time and at better BCVA. Final BCVA was associated with better BCVA (P < 0.001) and earlier timing (P = 0.017) at initial treatment, but not CST at first treatment (P = 0.634) or cumulative number of injections or lasers (P = 0.441–0.606). DMO with good initial visual acuity should be monitored closely, as delay in treatment initiation is associated with worse visual outcomes. BCVA at time of initial treatment is the strongest determinant of final visual acuity.
Endoscopic Management of a Complex Gastrojejunal and Pancreatic Leak Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Background Pancreaticoduodenectomy remains the mainstay of surgical treatment of malignant periampullary disorders. Postoperative morbidity rates are driven by postoperative pancreatic fistula. Although most can be managed conservatively or with percutaneous techniques, complex fistulas including gastroenteric leakage frequently require operative reexploration. Endoscopic therapies in this setting offer an opportunity to avoid invasive reoperation. Case report We present the case of a 67-year-old male individual who developed a complex intra-abdominal abscess after pancreaticoduodenectomy with confirmed pancreaticojejunal disruption, gastric staple line dehiscence, and enterocutaneous fistula. Five endoscopic sessions utilizing advanced techniques over a period of 60 days led to complete healing of the patient's external fistula, resolution of complex abdominal abscess, creation of functional communication between the gastric staple line disruption and the afferent jejunum, and return of normal gastrointestinal function. Baseline functional and dietary status was restored without gastrointestinal symptoms or necessity for supplemental tube feedings.
Physical Education Cooperating Teachers’ Perceptions of Preparedness for the Student Teaching Experience

The culmination of teacher education programs is the student teaching experience, an extended field experience under the guidance of a cooperating teacher (CT), as well as a university supervisor. Student teachers consider CTs to be one of the most important providers to their preparation program. The role of a CT is influential; however, there is little done to prepare these individuals for this undertaking and minimal support from the teacher preparation program. The purpose of this study was to determine physical education CTs’ (PECTs) awareness of and preparedness for responsibilities during the student teaching experience and their beliefs regarding training to become a PECT. This mixed methods study involved the collection of survey data from 26 PECTs, and interviews from four PECTs related to experiences and preparedness for the role as a PECT. Survey results revealed inconsistent perceptions of their roles as PECTs, even though 85% of PECTs reported feeling cognizant and prepared for their responsibilities at the start of their PECT experience. Of the 15% of PECTs who did not feel prepared, 75% were first-time PECTs. The qualitative data revealed four major themes surrounding preparedness for their role: (a) importance of communication, (b) knowledge of student teacher preparation program, (c) student teachers’ preparedness for the student teaching experience, (d) and professional development opportunities. Findings suggest that despite feeling prepared overall, PECTs could benefit from formal training that clarifies their roles and responsibilities within the student teaching triad.Subscribe to TPE
The Effectiveness of iPad Apps to Improve Handwriting Legibility in First and Second Grade Students: A Pilot Study.

Occupational therapists use a variety of approaches during intervention to address handwriting legibility, including therapeutic practice, sensorimotor approaches, and practice using iPad apps. The...
Effect of Grade and Surface Type on Peak Tibial Acceleration in Trained Distance Runners

Runners experience repeated impact forces during training, and the culmination of these forces can contribute to overuse injuries. The purpose of this study was to compare peak vertical tibial acceleration (TA) in trained distance runners on 3 surface types (grass, asphalt, and concrete) and 3 grades (incline, decline, and level). During visit 1, subjects completed a 1-mile time trial to determine their pace for all running trials: 80% (5%) of the average time trial velocity. During visit 2, subjects were outfitted with a skin-mounted accelerometer and performed 18 separate running trials during which peak TA was assessed during the stance phase. Each subject ran 2 trials for each condition with 2 minutes of rest between trials. Peak TA was different between decline (8.04 [0.12] g) and incline running (7.31 [0.35] g; P = .020). On the level grade, peak TA was greater during grass (8.22 [1.22] g) compared with concrete (7.47 [1.65] g; P = .017). On the incline grade, grass (7.68 [1.44] g) resulted in higher peak TA than asphalt (6.99 [1.69] g; P = .030). These results suggest that under certain grade conditions grass may result in higher TA compared with either concrete or asphalt.
Chapter 26 Agent-Based Models of Organizations

Abstract The agent-based approach views an organization as a collection of agents, interacting with one another in their pursuit of assigned tasks. The performance of an organization in this framework is determined by the formal and informal structures of interactions among agents, which define the lines of communication, allocation of information processing tasks, distribution of decision-making authorities, and the provision of incentives. This chapter provides a synthesis of various agent-based models of organizations and surveys some of the new insights that are being delivered. The ultimate goal is to introduce the agent-based approach to economists in a methodological manner and provide a broader and less idiosyncratic perspective to those who are already engaging in this line of work. The chapter is organized around the set of research questions that are common to this literature: (1) What are the determinants of organizational behavior and performance? (2) How does organizational structure influence performance? (3) How do the skills and traits of agents matter and how do they interact with structure? (4) How do the characteristics of the environment—including its stability, complexity, and competitiveness—influence the appropriate allocation of authority and information? (5) How is the behavior and performance influenced when an organization is coevolving with other organizations from which it can learn? (6) Can an organization evolve its way to a better structure?
Salt marsh sediments act as sinks for microplastics and reveal effects of current and historical land use changes

Abstract Microplastic particles are widespread in marine sediments and the abundance of the different types of particles vary widely. In this paper we demonstrate that salt marshes effectively capture microplastics in their sediments, and that microplastic accumulations increase with the level of urbanization of the land surrounding estuarine areas. We extracted microplastics from sediment cores in salt marshes of SE New England estuaries at different degrees of urbanization and land use intensity. Microplastics were present everywhere, but their abundances increased markedly with the degree of urbanization of the land. Microplastic fragment counts were linked to nearby urbanization and their abundances seemed to be linked to more local, within-watershed inputs. The number of fibers was similar across all sites suggesting that fiber accumulation in these sediments is likely influenced by effective long-distance transport from large-scale areas. The sedimentary record confirmed that microplastics have been accumulating in these estuaries since the early 1950s, and their abundances have increased greatly in more recent years in response to the progressive urbanization of the watersheds and intensification of land uses. Our results highlight the role of salt marsh sediments as sinks for microplastics in the marine environment.