cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary radiation of Asteromyia carbonifera (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) gall morphotypes on the goldenrod Solidago altissima (Asteraceae)

Population divergence of phytophagous insects is often coupled to host-plant shifts and is frequently attributed to the divergent selective environments associated with alternative host-plants. In some cases, however, divergence is associated with the use of alternative host-plant organs of a single host species. The basis of within-host radiations such as these remains poorly understood. In the present stusy, we analysed the radiation of Asteromyia gall midges occurring both within one host plant species and within a single organ on that host. In this system, four morphologically distinct Asteromyia gall forms (morphs) coexist on the leaves of goldenrod Solidago altissima. Our analyses of amplified fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequence data confirm the genetic differentiation among midges from three gall morphs and reveal evidence of a genetically distinct fourth gall morph. The absence of clear gall morph related clades in the mitochondrial DNA derived phylogenies is indicative of incomplete lineage sorting or recent gene flow, suggesting that population divergence among gall forms is recent. We assess the likely history of this radiation and use the results of phylogenetic analyses along with ecological data on phenology and parasitism rates to evaluate potential hypotheses for the mode of differentiation. These preliminary analyses suggest that diversification of the Asteromyia gall morphs is likely shaped by interactions between the midge, a symbiotic fungus, and parasitoid enemies. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 95, 840–858.
TECHNICAL NOTE---Optimal Product Pricing and Component Production Quantities for an Assembly System Under Supply Uncertainty

We consider an assemble-to-order system where one of the components faces uncertainty in the supply process in which the actual available quantity is equal to some random fraction of the production quantity. Demand is assumed to be price-dependent. We analyze how the supply uncertainty of one component affects the product pricing and production quantities of all the components under the assembly structure. We show that it is profitable for the firm to assemble the product only if the product price exceeds a certain threshold. This price threshold increases as the unit cost of each component or the degree of variability of the supply reliability distribution increases, but it is independent of the underlying demand function and demand distribution. Also, the optimal product price decreases as supply uncertainty decreases. We further show that under deterministic demand, the components can be managed independently such that the production quantity or unit cost of the component with supply uncertainty does not affect the optimal production quantity of the other components, as long as it is profitable to assemble the product. However, when demand is stochastic, the optimal production quantity of each component depends on the supply reliability distribution as well as the unit costs of the other components. For a fixed product price, the optimal production quantities of the components are smaller when the unit product price is low, and they are higher when the unit product price is high as compared to the case with no supply uncertainty.
Amplifying Designers’ Creativity with Domain-Oriented Design Environments

Design (Simon, 1981) is one of the most promising areas in which to study creativity, because of the following features of design problems:
Violence and Legalized Brothel Prostitution in Nevada Examining Safety, Risk, and Prostitution Policy

This article examines violence in legalized brothels in Nevada. Debates over prostitution policies in the United States have long focused on questions of safety and risk. These discourses inevitably invoke the coupling of violence and prostitution, though systematic examinations of the relationship between the two are sparse. This article explores the issue of violence in the Nevada brothel industry. By drawing on interviews with prostitutes, managers, and policy makers, this article examines both prostitutes’ perceptions of safety and risk and brothel managers’ practices designed to mitigate violence. Discourses relate to three types of violence: interpersonal violence against prostitutes, violence against community order, and sexually transmitted diseases as violence. The authors conclude by arguing that the legalization of prostitution brings a level of public scrutiny, official regulation, and bureaucratization to brothels that decreases the risk of these 3 types of systematic violence.
Phylogenetic and Metagenomic Analyses of Substrate-Dependent Bacterial Temporal Dynamics in Microbial Fuel Cells

Understanding the microbial community structure and genetic potential of anode biofilms is key to improve extracellular electron transfers in microbial fuel cells. We investigated effect of substrate and temporal dynamics of anodic biofilm communities using phylogenetic and metagenomic approaches in parallel with electrochemical characterizations. The startup non-steady state anodic bacterial structures were compared for a simple substrate, acetate, and for a complex substrate, landfill leachate, using a single-chamber air-cathode microbial fuel cell. Principal coordinate analysis showed that distinct community structures were formed with each substrate type. The bacterial diversity measured as Shannon index decreased with time in acetate cycles, and was restored with the introduction of leachate. The change of diversity was accompanied by an opposite trend in the relative abundance of Geobacter-affiliated phylotypes, which were acclimated to over 40% of total Bacteria at the end of acetate-fed conditions then declined in the leachate cycles. The transition from acetate to leachate caused a decrease in output power density from 243±13 mW/m2 to 140±11 mW/m2, accompanied by a decrease in Coulombic electron recovery from 18±3% to 9±3%. The leachate cycles selected protein-degrading phylotypes within phylum Synergistetes. Metagenomic shotgun sequencing showed that leachate-fed communities had higher cell motility genes including bacterial chemotaxis and flagellar assembly, and increased gene abundance related to metal resistance, antibiotic resistance, and quorum sensing. These differentially represented genes suggested an altered anodic biofilm community in response to additional substrates and stress from the complex landfill leachate.
Projected tetrahedra revisited: a barycentric formulation applied to digital radiograph reconstruction using higher-order attenuation functions

This paper presents a novel method for volume rendering of unstructured grids. Previously, we introduced an algorithm for perspective-correct interpolation of barycentric coordinates and computing polynomial attenuation integrals for a projected tetrahedron using graphics hardware. In this paper, we enhance the algorithm by providing a simple and efficient method to compute the projected shape (silhouette) and tessellation of a tetrahedron, in perspective and orthographic projection models. Our tessellation algorithm is published for the first time. Compared with works of other groups on rendering unstructured grids, the main contributions of this work are: 1) A new algorithm for finding the silhouette of a projected tetrahedron. 2) A method for interpolating barycentric coordinates and thickness on the faces of the tetrahedron. 3) Visualizing higher-order attenuation functions using GPU without preintegration. 4) Capability of applying shape deformations to a rendered tetrahedral mesh without significant performance loss. Our visualization model is independent of depth-sorting of the cells. We present imaging and timing results of our implementation, and an application in time-critical "2D-3D" deformable registration of anatomical models. We discuss the impact of using higher-order functions on quality and performance.
On the ERN and the significance of errors.

The error-related negativity (ERN) is an event-related brain potential observed when subjects commit errors. To examine whether the ERN is sensitive to the value of errors, the motivational significance of errors was manipulated in two experiments. In Experiment 1, low and high monetary value errors were compared to evaluate the effect of trial value on the ERN. In Experiment 2, subjects performed a flanker task both while their performance was being evaluated and during a control condition. Consistent with the notion that the error-detection system is sensitive to the significance of errors, the ERN was significantly larger on high-value trials in Experiment 1 and during evaluation in Experiment 2. There were no corresponding effects on the correct response negativity, and no behavioral differences between conditions were evident in either experiment. These results are discussed in terms of the functional role of the ERN in response monitoring. Descriptors: Motivation, Event-related potentials (ERPs), Error-related negativity (ERN), Ne, Value, Affect
Instructional insight into interprofessional education (IPE).

ABSTRACTWorking with other health science professionals in order to promote positive client outcomes is common practice in many rehabilitation delivery areas. The evolution of health care delivery seems to expect more efficient and cost effective client care, therefore the introduction of blended professional teams is moving to the forefront of professional education. As such, providing opportunities to health science students to experience the roles and practice of other professions during the academic portion of their education, Interprofessional Education (IPE), has become and expectation of accrediting bodies.The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) has included standards related to IPE (ACOTE, 2012). The most recent ACOTE standards, effective July 2013, require occupational therapy educators to provide interprofessional collaborative situations to increase student awareness of and participation in interprofessional learning (ACOTE, 2012). This article describes some of the...
Disruption of tonic-clonic seizures using periodic stimulation of model neurons

Epileptic seizures change over time, arguably starting during the pre-ictal period progressing to the onset of the seizure, and then in most cases to some form of auto-termination. We show how periodic forcing, a model of deep brain stimulation (DBS), is able to change or suspend asynchronous dynamical states, effectively disrupting seizure activity [5]. In grandmal seizures, there is a “tonic” phase, where the patient will tense the muscles accompanied by high frequency low amplitude EEG, followed by a “clonic” phase, where the person has convulsive contraction of the muscles accompanied by low frequency large amplitude EEG. The underlying neuronal behaviors during these phase transitions are not completely understood. In pairwise recordings of neurons in brain slice models of seizures, it has been observed that synchrony, as measured by the precise timing of the synaptic inputs of two cells in close proximity to each other, decreases during the tonic phase of the seizure and then increases towards the end [4]. Thus, the transition from tonic to clonic phases may be caused by a change in synchrony in the neuronal network. Early disruption of the seizure is the goal of many clinical efforts using DBS. We use a modified Morris-Lecar (ML) conductance based neuronal model [3] to demonstrate how the shift in seizure behavior from tonic phase to clonic phase can arise by modification of cell dynamics. During the tonic phase, we measure the response of perturbation in the ML oscillator cell at several phases to construct an input-output function called the phase resetting curve (PRC) [1]. Using the PRC we are able to conduct large scale network simulations of PRC model cells [2]. We then periodically drive the cells with a pulse to simulate DBS with various strengths and ratios of stimulus frequency to natural frequency of oscillation. A measure of entropy of the dispersion of cell phases provides information about the level of network synchrony. Dynamical changes in network synchrony resulting from periodic forcing indicate that DBS may be useful by changing cell population behavior. By examining a range of stimulation parameters we are able to predict which combinations of strength and frequency promote or prevent transition into seizures or between the tonic-clonic phases. These combinations are then used to stimulate the population of more biologically relevant conductance based model cells. By selecting proper combinations of strength and frequency of stimulation, we are able to control asynchronous states, which can lead to a suspension of the tonic phase until seizure termination. This work may be very useful to understand the underlying mechanisms of DBS already used in clinical applications and inform clinicians how to more effectively use DBS therapy on epileptic patients.
MR Imaging of Neurocysticercosis

Twenty-six patients with neurocysticercosis were studied with MR imaging to correlate their clinical presentation with the location and appearance of their neurocysticercosis lesions. Intraventricular cysts were present in 14 patients (54%), parenchymal cysts were present in 18 (69%), and intraventricular together with parenchymal cysts were present in six (23%). Intraventricular cysts were detected by mass effect, ventricular obstruction, detection of a cyst rim, and/or CSF flow void adjacent to the cyst. The intensity of most intraventricular and parenchymal cysts presumed to be viable was similar to that of CSF on both T1- and T2-weighted sequences. Cysts presumed to be degenerated had increased signal intensity on T1-weighted images, probably resulting from increased protein content. Pericystic high signal intensity surrounding lesions of various ages was seen on both proton-density- and T2-weighted images and represents gliosis, edema, and inflammation. Patients with parenchymal cysts had symptoms of seizures, while those with intraventricular cysts generally had symptoms related to obstructive hydrocephalus. Aqueductal stenosis, seen in 10 patients (38%), was possibly due to ependymal inflammation or adhesions caused by prior ventricular infection by neurocysticercosis. One patient with the racemose form of neurocysticercosis demonstrated abundant cyst wall proliferation resulting in obstructive hydrocephalus. In six patients scanned 1-6 months after oral praziquantel therapy, there was no change in the MR appearance of intraventricular cysts, while some parenchymal cysts showed evidence of degeneration. We found MR to be useful in detecting the cysts of neurocysticercosis and the accompanying signs of cyst degeneration and pericystic inflammation. MR was inferior to CT in the detection of parenchymal calcifications.
Community coverage and HIV prevention: assessing metrics for estimating HIV incidence through syringe exchange.

Abstract Background Evaluations of syringe-exchange programme effectiveness that attempt to measure "coverage" by determining the percentage of the at-risk population reached by a programme are insufficient since programmes must provide syringes on a continual basis. Determining the relationship between the extent of programme coverage and its impact (i.e., reductions in disease risk or incidence) is complicated by the lack of controlled trials with cohorts of drug users and instead has to be estimated by imputation, mathematical modelling, or ecological data analysis. This report offers an approach to determine community-wide impact and discusses the limitations of that approach. Methods Easily created programme tracking data were maintained by exchanges in New Haven, CT, USA and Chicago, IL, USA. Data compiled by month quantified the number of unique participants visiting syringe-exchange programmes and the number of syringes distributed. "Coverage", defined either as the percentage of individuals reached or percentage of community syringe need met, was estimated by incorporating measures of the size of the injector population or injection frequency. These measures of coverage are placed in the context of changing programme operations to estimate the effect of these changes on coverage. Finally, data on AIDS cases from New Haven and Chicago were used to estimate the community-wide impact of syringe exchange. Results Two mobile syringe-exchange programmes operated with very different exchange policies. Programme data revealed that coverage of individuals rarely exceeded 10% and was higher in New Haven than in Chicago. On the other hand, coverage measured as the percentage of syringe need met was higher at the Chicago exchange that employed the less restrictive policy. The impact of syringe exchange in the two cities was measured by comparing subsequent AIDS cases. The relative reduction in injection-related AIDS cases as a function of all new AIDS diagnoses was 21.7% in New Haven and 41.4% in Chicago. Conclusions A modest investment in the collection of programme data can yield reliable and interpretable information on the extent of programme reach and retention. Limitations to the approach result from the ecological nature of the data and from the need to use data from outside the programme that may be less reliable. For the cases presented here, coverage rates will vary as a function of the programme policies; however, even modest coverage rates – well below those recommended by UNAIDS – can have significant impacts on HIV epidemics. Restrictive policies appeared to increase the coverage if measured only by the proportion of monthly participants and not by the proportion of syringe need met by a programme. More generally, programmes can collect programmatic data and some rapid assessment data (estimates of IDU population and injection frequency) to estimate of the impact of their programmes.
Adaptive recommendation and open‐ended semiosis

A recommendation system for an extended process of information retrieval in distributed information systems is proposed. This system is both a model of dynamic cognitive categorization processes and powerful real application useful for knowledge management. It utilizes an extension of fuzzy sets named evidence sets as the mathematical mechanisms to implement the categorization processes. It is a development of some aspects of Pask’s conversation theory. It is also an instance of the notion of linguistic‐based selected self‐organization here described, and as such it instantiates an open‐ended semiosis between distributed information systems and the communities of users they interact with. This means that the knowledge stored in distributed information resources adapts to the evolving semantic expectations of their users as these select the information they desire in conversation with the information resources. This way, this recommendation system establishes a mechanism for user‐driven knowledge self‐organization.
Record values and the geometric distribution

Suppose {Xn, n≥1} is a sequence of independent and identically distributed discrete random variables having the common distribution function F(x). The exact distribution of the n-th record value is given under the assumption that F(x) has the geometric distribution. Various properties of the record values and some new characterizations of the geometric distribution are presented.
Exact theory of retardation plates.

The conventional solutions to the problem of normally incident light transmission through homogeneous, birefringent, nonoptically active, nonabsorbing, crystalline plate are not exact. When it is treated as a boundary value problem in electromagnetic field theory, exact expressions are obtained for the retardation or phase difference and the electric field amplitude ratio. The two solutions differ in some interesting ways that become of substantial importance in the examination of laser light. The nature of the exact solutions is examined in detail and numerical comparisons with the conventional solutions are given for the cases of calcite and quartz, neglecting the optical activity of crystalline quartz. For quartz it is shown that one can obtain a quarter-wave plate by using any one of a number of different crystal thicknesses. The application of wave plates in the investigation of elliptically polarized light is briefly discussed. For small angles of incidence, the effects to be expected for light which is obliquely incident on the plate surface are investigated.
Application of rough set and decision tree for characterization of premonitory factors of low seismic activity

This paper presents a machine learning approach to characterizing premonitory factors of earthquake. The characteristic asymmetric distribution of seismic events and sampling limitations make it difficult to apply the conventional statistical predictive techniques. The paper shows that inductive machine learning techniques such as rough set theory and decision tree (C4.5 algorithm) allows developing knowledge representation structure of seismic activity in term of meaningful decision rules involving premonitory descriptors such as space-time distribution of radon concentration and environmental variables. The both techniques identify significant premonitory variables and rank attributes using information theoretic measures, e.g., entropy and frequency of occurrence in reducts. The cross-validation based on ''leave-one-out'' method shows that although the overall predictive and discriminatory performance of decision tree is to some extent better than rough set, the difference is not statistically significant.
Genetically evolved receptor models (GERM)as a 3D QSAR tool

The GERM method shows considerable promise as a procedure for 3D QSAR and for making useful models of receptor sites, particularly for problems where a crystallo-graphic or homology-modelled receptor structure is not available. Further applications of the models have yet to be explored, such as screening 3D structure databases to find novel leads, or using the models in conjunction with de novo ligand-design programs.
Differential effects of pressure or volume overload on myocardial MMP levels and inhibitory control.

Left ventricular (LV) pressure (PO) or volume (VO) overload is accompanied by myocardial remodeling, but mechanisms that contribute to this progressive remodeling process remain unclear. The matrix...
Robotic intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder during radical cystectomy in 132 patients

Purpose: We present a 2-institution experience with completely intracorporeal robotic orthotopic ileal neobladder after radical cystectomy in 132 patients.Materials and Methods: Established open surgical techniques were duplicated robotically with all neobladders suture constructed intracorporeally in a globular configuration. Nerve sparing was performed in 56% of males. Lymphadenectomy was extended (up to aortic bifurcation in 51, 44%) and superextended (up to the inferior mesenteric artery in 20, 17%). Ureteroileal anastomoses were Wallace-type (86, 65%) or Bricker-type (46, 35%). The learning curve at each institution was assessed using chronological subgroups and by trends across the entire cohort. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively queried.Results: Mean operating time was 7.6 hours (range 4.4 to 13), blood loss was 430 cc (range 50 to 2,200) and hospital stay was 11 days (median 8, range 3 to 78). Clavien grade I, II, III, IV and V complications within 30 days were 7%, 25%, 13%, 2%...
Prediction of chest wall toxicity from lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

Purpose To determine patient, tumor, and treatment factors related to the development of late chest wall toxicity after lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Methods and Materials We reviewed a registry of 134 patients treated with lung SBRT to 60 Gy in 3 fractions who had greater than 1 year of clinical follow-up and no history of multiple treatments to the same lobe ( n = 48). Patients were treated as per Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Protocol 0236 without specific chest wall avoidance criteria. The chest wall was retrospectively contoured. Thirty-two lesions measured less than 3 cm, and sixteen measured 3 to 5 cm. The median planning target volume was 29 cm 3 . Results With a median follow-up of 18.8 months, 10 patients had late symptomatic chest wall toxicity (4 Grade 1 and 6 Grade 2) at a median of 8.8 months after SBRT. No patient characteristics (age, diabetes, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, or body mass index) were predictive for toxicity, whereas there was a trend for continued smoking ( p = 0.066; odds ratio [OR], 4.4). Greatest single tumor dimension ( p = 0.047; OR, 2.63) and planning target volume ( p = 0.040; OR, 1.04) were correlated with toxicity, whereas distance from tumor edge to chest wall and gross tumor volume did not reach statistical significance. Volumes of chest wall receiving 30 Gy (V30) through 70 Gy (V70) were all highly significant, although this correlation weakened for V65 and V70 and maximum chest wall point dose only trended to significance ( p = 0.06). On multivariate analysis, tumor volume was no longer correlated with toxicity and only V30 through V60 remained statistically significant. Conclusions Tumor size and chest wall dosimetry are correlated to late chest wall toxicity. Only chest wall V30 through V60 remained significant on multivariate analysis. Restricting V30 to 30 cm 3 or less and V60 to 3 cm 3 or less should result in a 10% to 15% risk of late chest wall toxicity or lower.
New risk or old risk, high risk or no risk? How scientists' standpoints shape their nanotechnology risk frames

Abstract This exploratory case study compares risk frames of scientists who are developing new nanotechnologies (upstream scientists) with those of scientists who might later study the health effects of these technologies (downstream scientists). It is based on a series of in-depth interviews with scientists at a major research university in the United States. Interviews reveal some substantial differences in risk frames among upstream and downstream scientists – many of which center on whether or not nanotechnologies and nanomaterials are perceived as ‘new’. Most upstream scientists said they do not think nanotechnologies pose new or substantial risks, while most downstream scientists said they are worried that they may pose new, unforeseen, and possibly substantial risks. Upstream scientists are less likely than downstream scientists to think that concerns about potential nanotechnology risks are based on valid science and tend to consider a narrower range of uncertainties. Interviews suggest that these...
Increased risk of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation episodes associated with acute increases in ambient air pollution.

Objectives: We reported previously that 24-hr moving average ambient air pollution concentrations were positively associated with ventricular arrhythmias detected by implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). ICDs also detect paroxysmal atrial fibrillation episodes (PAF) that result in rapid ventricular rates. In this same cohort of ICD patients, we assessed the association between ambient air pollution and episodes of PAF. Design: We performed a case–crossover study. Participants: Patients who lived in the Boston, Massachusetts, metropolitan area and who had ICDs implanted between June 1995 and December 1999 (n = 203) were followed until July 2002. Evaluations/Measurements: We used conditional logistic regression to explore the association between community air pollution and 91 electrophysiologist-confirmed episodes of PAF among 29 subjects. Results: We found a statistically significant positive association between episodes of PAF and increased ozone concentration (22 ppb) in the hour before the arrhythmia (odds ratio = 2.08; 95% confidence interval = 1.22, 3.54; p = 0.001). The risk estimate for a longer (24-hr) moving average was smaller, thus suggesting an immediate effect. Positive but not statistically significant risks were associated with fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and black carbon. Conclusions: Increased ambient O3 pollution was associated with increased risk of episodes of rapid ventricular response due to PAF, thereby suggesting that community air pollution may be a precipitant of these events.
Analysis of Connections Between Pseudocodewords

The role of pseudocodewords in causing non-codeword outputs in linear programming decoding, graph cover decoding, and iterative message-passing decoding is investigated. The three main types of pseudocodewords in the literature-linear programming pseudocodewords, graph cover pseudocodewords, and computation tree pseudocodewords-are reviewed and connections between them are explored. Some discrepancies in the literature on minimal and irreducible pseudocodewords are highlighted and clarified, and the minimal degree cover necessary to realize a pseudocodeword is found. Additionally, some conditions for the existence of connected realizations of graph cover pseudocodewords are given. This allows for further analysis of when graph cover pseudocodewords induce computation tree pseudocodewords. Finally, an example is offered that shows that existing theories on the distinction between graph cover pseudocodewords and computation tree pseudocodewords are incomplete.
The influence of landscape, patch, and within-patch factors on species presence and abundance: a review of focal patch studies

Understanding the influence of large and small-scale heterogeneity on species distribution and abundance is one of the major foci of landscape ecology research in fragmented environments. Although a large number of studies have addressed this issue individually, little effort has been made to synthesize the vast amount of literature published in the last decade. We reviewed 122 focal patch studies on 954 species published between 1998 and 2009 to determine the probability of species responding significantly to landscape, patch, and within-patch variables. We assessed the influence of taxonomic, life history, and methodological variables on probability of response to these 3 levels. Species in diverse taxa responded at high rates to factors at all three levels, suggesting that a multi-level approach is often necessary for understanding species response in patchy systems. Mammals responded at particularly high rates to landscape variables and therefore may benefit more than other taxa from landscape-level conservation efforts in fragmented environments. The probability of detecting a species response to landscape context, patch, and within-patch factors was influenced by a variety of methodological aspects of the studies such as type of landscape metric used, type of response variable, and sample size. Study design issues rarely are discussed by authors as reasons why a particular study did not find an effect of a variable, but should be given more consideration in future studies.
Anti-EGFR mAb cetuximab therapy increases T cell receptor (TCR) diversity in the peripheral blood and focuses TCR richness in the tumor microenvironment

T cell receptor (TCR) recognition of tumor antigen is essential for effective antitumor immunity. The immune system`s ability to respond to a broad spectrum of antigens requires a sophisticated selection of various TCR. So far, little is known about the role of TCR richness and clonality in the immune response to the EGFR-specific mAb, cetuximab. Therefore, we investigated differences in TCR sequences between HPV+ and HPV- patients, as well as differences in sequence characteristics between T cells of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). Additionally, we were able to investigate the TCR richness and clonality in samples pre- and post-treatment in a clinical single agent cetuximab trial.
A Review of: “Student Success in College: Creating Conditions that Matter”

And the companion self-study companion workbook Assessing Conditions to Enhance Educational Effectiveness: The Inventory for Student Engagement and Success By Kuh, George D., Kinzie, Jillian, Schuh...
SLAT-IP3R interaction: implications and functional relevance in T cell activation and calcium signaling (P1172)

SWAP-70-like adaptor of T cells (SLAT) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rho GTPases that regulates the activation and differentiation of CD4+ T cells by controlling the Ca2+-NFAT signaling pathway. In response to T cell receptor (TCR)/CD28 costimulation, SLAT promotes calcium signaling by regulating calcium release from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stores. Hence, SLAT-deficient T cells display a severe defect in Ca2+ release from the ER, despite normal activation of PLCg1 and intact production of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). Here we report a direct and TCR-induced association between SLAT and the (IP3) receptor type 1 (IP3R1), an ER-resident calcium channel, which mediates calcium release from intracellular stores. Using biochemical approaches, we found that both a N-terminal domain, containing an EF-hand motif, and the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of SLAT bind directly a defined ~20 amino acid region in the regulatory domain of IP3R1. Subcellular fractionation analysis showed that SLAT is present in the ER compartment. Altogether, these data prompt us to hypothesize that SLAT is required for proper IP3R function in T cells, reflecting its direct interaction with the IP3R. Current studies, including strategies aimed at blocking and disrupting the SLAT-IP3R1 interaction, are aimed at determining the biological significance of this novel interaction and its importance for the overall TCR/CD28-induced Ca2+ signaling pathway in T lymphocytes.
Newborn With Bleeding Left Hand Mass

A newborn presents with a large, bleeding mass on her left hand (Figure 1). Figure 1. ### Prenatal and Birth History: The infant was born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid and was initially nonvigorous. The trachea was suctioned, and heart rate remained less than 100 beats per minute. Positive-pressure ventilation with a bag and mask was initiated, and heart rate increased within 15 seconds. A large friable mass was noted arising from the ventral surface of the left hand. All digits were present and well formed but displaced by the mass. ### Vital Signs: ### Physical Examination:
THEORIES AND FACTS: THE EARLY GOTHIC MIGRATIONS

forward accounts of trusted ancient authors. Even if we follow Odysseus' lead, and with our ears carefully plugged with scientific beeswax, rivet our eyes to the narrow channels of fact, the old theories still beckon; after all, Roman history is in part a series of thrusts and counterthrusts along the northern peripheries of the Greco-Roman world, in need of explanation then as now. The origins of the migrants and invaders of the Roman frontiers was a question appropriate to Tacitus in the late first century A.D. and to countless others across the centuries. All too often the questioners were far removed from the contact zones and looked down upon a simple battlefield of "we and they." Such self-proclaimed Valkyries chose sides for their own reasons, usually preconditioned and often totally unrelated to the struggles below. This essay traces the evolution of the theoretical and factual elements of the early Gothic migrations and concludes with a personal sketch drawn in light of recent studies of the Roman frontier and insights from other areas, especially comparative anthropology. The historiography of the early Gothic migrations is a classic example of the impact of contemporary attitudes, problems, and methodologies on the study of the past. So meager is the evidence that is likens to a broken kaleidoscope in which the few remaining pieces can be jostled easily from place to place. Despite, or perhaps because of, these dilemmas, the migrations have attracted some of the ablest minds in scientific history. Scholars have continued to drop anchors in the troubled waters of migration studies from the dawn of modern historical inquiry in the nineteenth century to the present. Some deliberately chose to examine the migrations from the eyes of the Goths; most succumbed to the lure of Latin culture and accepted the view of the ancient authors, all but one of whom was a product of Greco-Roman education.
Tracking Photoionization and Photodetachment Processes in Liquid Water

Deposition of several eVs of energy into aqueous solutions leads to electron ionization processes from the solute or water. Experiments tracking these processes from their precursor molecular states will be described.
The Right and The Expedient: A Warring States Dialectic

One theme in the political thinking of the Warring States era was whether political action and human action generally were and should be governed by considerations of abstract morality or by expediency. This study explores how this dialectic played itself out in the Confucian, Mohist, Taoist, and Legalist traditions. The study examines the original texts, as they have come down to us, of the major Warring States traditions, critically comparing them and the ideas they articulate against each other, against later Chinese thinking, and against certain trends of contemporary political thinking. The Confucian tradition, reacting against what was perceived as the social and political deterioration of contemporary society, attempted to restore order on the basis of a universal set of objectively valid moral principles that included the satisfaction of human needs and interests, but was in itself independent of particular interests or desires. The circumstances of the times, however, undermined the credibility of such universal moral claims, and rival interpretations, when they did attempt to ground morality, fell back upon loosely utilitarian principles. But this morality void of objective grounding also failed to provide a convincing principle of order. With the Legalist school order came to be based on moral principles, but on individual will and the ability to impose that will on others.
Can Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Be Correlated with ABO Blood Type?

To determine if the presence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDD) was correlated with a particular ABO blood type, results from a predeployment screening for G6PDD were categorized according to ABO blood type. The prevalence of G6PDD in blacks, Asians, and Mediterraneans (11.6%) mirrored that of other researchers. The most common blood type associated with G6PDD was O positive. Unlike those of other authors, this study did not disclose a statistically significant correlation (chi 2 = 11.354, df = 3, p < 0.01) between any one blood type and the presence of G6PDD.
Language Variation Suite: A theoretical and methodological contribution for linguistic data analysis

In recent years there has been growing interest in quantitative methods for analyzing linguistic data. Advanced multifactorial statistical analyses, such as inferential trees and mixed-effects logistic regression models, have become more accessible for linguistic research as a result of the availability of an open source programming environment provided by the statistical software R. In the present paper, we introduce a novel toolkit, Language Variation Suite, a software program that offers a friendly environment for conducting quantitative analyses. We demonstrate how theory built on traditional monofactorial analysis can be extended to macro and micro multifactorial approaches allowing for a deeper understanding of language variation. The focus of the analysis is based on intervocalic /d/ deletion in Spanish from the Diachronic Study of the Speech of Caracas 1987 and 2004-2010. In contrast to traditional methodological approaches we have treated intervocalic /d/ as a continuous dependent variable according to the intensity ratio measurements obtained. Furthermore, we have integrated various syntactic, phonetic and sociolinguistic factors. Non-parametric and fixed-effects regression models revealed that overall age (younger speakers), sex (male speakers), phonetic context (low vowels), token frequency and morphosyntactic category (past participles) have a significant effect on the lenition of intervocalic /d/. In contrast, the mixed-effects model selected only phonetic context, frequency and category, showing that individual speaker variation is higher than group variation.
Surgical Excision of Heterotopic Ossification Leads to Re-Emergence of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Populations Responsible for Recurrence

Trauma-induced heterotopic ossification (HO) occurs after severe musculoskeletal injuries and burns, and presents a significant barrier to patient rehabilitation. Interestingly, the incidence of HO significantly increases with repeated operations and after resection of previous HO. Treatment of established heterotopic ossification is challenging because surgical excision is often incomplete, with evidence of persistent heterotopic bone. As a result, patients may continue to report the signs or symptoms of HO, including chronic pain, nonhealing wounds, and joint restriction. In this study, we designed a model of recurrent HO that occurs after surgical excision of mature HO in a mouse model of hind-limb Achilles' tendon transection with dorsal burn injury. We first demonstrated that key signaling mediators of HO, including bone morphogenetic protein signaling, are diminished in mature bone. However, upon surgical excision, we have noted upregulation of downstream mediators of osteogenic differentiation, including pSMAD 1/5. Additionally, surgical excision resulted in re-emergence of a mesenchymal cell population marked by expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα) and present in the initial developing HO lesion but absent in mature HO. In the recurrent lesion, these PDGFRα+ mesenchymal cells are also highly proliferative, similar to the initial developing HO lesion. These findings indicate that surgical excision of HO results in recurrence through similar mesenchymal cell populations and signaling mechanisms that are present in the initial developing HO lesion. These results are consistent with findings in patients that new foci of ectopic bone can develop in excision sites and are likely related to de novo formation rather than extension of unresected bone. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:799-806.
Intelligent Alarm System applied to Continuous Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Abstract One of the important challenges in effective real time process management is the implementation of intelligent systems that can assist human operators in making supervisory control decisions, instead of simply sounding an alarm when process variables go out of range. Operator failures to exercise the appropriate mitigation actions often have an adverse effect on product quality, process safety, occupational health and environment. The challenges and opportunities for improvements are even greater in the pharmaceutical manufacturing domain because of the characteristic features of solid processing. An Intelligent Alarm System (IAS) is developed for monitoring of a continuous dry granulation line. The application of the framework is demonstrated through a case study on a roller compactor. The framework provides information to the operator regarding the detection and diagnosis of exceptional events along with relevant mitigation strategies, with the goal of avoiding the progression of the process to emergency shutdown.
Dental Students’ Knowledge of Resources for LGBT Persons: Findings from Three Dental Schools

Recently, there has been increased attention to including cultural diversity in the education of health professionals, including concern for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) inclusion and visibility. Studies regarding cultural exposure and acceptance of LGBT populations have been concentrated in medicine, with findings showing that medical providers often graduate having missed the preparation required to care for LGBT persons. A visible, comprehensive, culturally competent environment in dental schools would help ensure that all oral health professionals and students are aware of services available to address the particular needs of LGBT students. The aims of this survey-based study conducted in 2015-16 were to determine dental students' perceptions regarding LGBT students' needs and to assess dental students' knowledge of resources for LGBT persons at three U.S. dental schools, one each in the Midwest, West, and South. Of the 849 students invited to participate, 364 completed the survey (338 dental, 26 dental hygiene), for an overall response rate of 43%. The response rate at individual schools ranged from 30% to 55%. The results showed perceptions of insufficient LGBT information, resources, and support at these institutions, especially at the Western school. There were significant differences among the three schools, with students at the Western school more than the other two schools perceiving that their institution was less aware of whether it met the academic, social support, and spiritual needs of LGBT students. There were no significant differences between LGBT and non-LGBT students' perceptions. The authors urge dental school administrators to explore the degree to which their programs teach respectful and caring behavior towards LGBT students and, by extension, LGBT patient populations.
Garage carbon monoxide levels from sources commonly used in intentional poisoning.

Background The incidence of intentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is believed to have declined due to strict federal CO emissions standards for motor vehicles and the uniform application of catalytic converters (CC). We sought to compare ambient CO levels produced by automobiles with and without catalytic converters in a residential garage, as well as from other CO sources commonly used for intentional poisoning. Methods CO levels were measured inside a freestanding 73 m3 one-car garage. CO sources included a 1971 automobile without CC, 2003 automobile with CC, charcoal grill, electrical generator, lawn mower and leaf blower. Results After 20 minutes of operation, the CO level in the garage was 253 PPM for the car without a catalytic converter and 30 PPM for the car equipped withone. CO levels after operating or burning the other sources were: charcoal 200 PPM; generator >999 PPM; lawn mower 198 PPM; and leaf blower 580 PPM. Conclusions While emissions controls on automobiles have reduced intentional CO poisonings, alternate sources may produce CO at levels of the same magnitude as vehicles manufactured prior to the use of catalytic converters. Those involved in the care of potentially suicidal individuals should be aware of this.
Human-Centered Value Analysis: Building-Value Aggregation Based on Human Values and Building-System Integration

AbstractUnderstanding and assessing the value of infrastructure systems based on human values (e.g., safety, energy conservation) has become critical. However, there is a lack of understanding and ...
Pressure-driven water flow through hydrophilic alumina nanomembranes

We present an experimental study that focuses on pressure-driven flow of distilled water through γ alumina membranes with 5, 10 and 20 nm pore radii. The nanopore geometry, pore size and porosity are characterized using scanning electron microscopy images taken pre- and post-flow experiments. Comparisons of these images have shown reduction in the pore size, which is attributed to precipitation of hydroxyl groups on alumina surfaces. Measured flowrates compared with the Hagen–Poiseuille flow relations consistently predict 2.2 nm reductions in the pore size for three different membranes. This behavior can be explained by the formation of a thick stick layer of water molecules over hydroxylated alumina surfaces, evidenced by water droplet contact angle measurements that exhibit increased hydrophilicity of alumina surfaces. Other possible effects of the mismatch between theory and experiments such as unaccounted pressure losses in the system or the streaming potential effects were also considered, but shown to be negligible for current experimental conditions.