cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gnotobiotics and immunopathology: the use of the gnotobiotic environment to study acquired and inherited immunodeficiency diseases.

Abstract Gnotobiotic animals are highly valued for the study of infectious diseases wherein the clinical signs and lesions of disease can be directly related to host–pathogen interactions and not to the additive effects of environmental influences and other confounding factors. Gnotobiotic dogs have been used to study the pathogenesis of acquired immunodeficiencies associated with canine distemper virus (CDV). In recent years, the laboratory at OSU, in conjunction with University of Pennsylvania personnel have begun a series of long-term studies of dogs affected with the canine X chromosome-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID) syndrome. This fatal inherited defect is caused by mutation in the common gamma chain (IL2RG) gene and renders affected animals profoundly immunodeficient. XSCIDs dogs, raised within a gnotobiotic environment for up to 3 years remain clinically healthy and are, in every respect normal except for the persistent T-cell defect and the failure to develop lymph nodes. Bone marrow transplantation (unfractionated or enriched for CD34+ stem cells) is the treatment of choice for both the XSCID dogs and male human infants affected with this syndrome. In preliminary studies, we have shown that human CD34+ stem cells colonized XSCIDs-affected gnotobiotic dogs, migrated to the thymus and demonstrated post-thymic activation (CD45RA+ phenotype) in peripheral blood. While many issues are unresolved, these data suggest that, through the use of the gnotobiotic environment, xenotransplantation (human-to-dog) may yield a stable and immunologically functional human–dog chimera.
The Peptide Bond Quenches Indole Fluorescence

The effect of the peptide bond on protein fluorescence is an important unresolved question in tryptophan photophysics. Definitive evidence for the peptide group as a weak quencher of indole fluorescence was obtained from solute quenching studies with a series of model compounds. Two amides are required for detectable quenching of 3-methylindole fluorescence and the quenching rate depends on the distance between amides. The bimolecular rate constants kq of malonamide, N-acetylasparagine, N-acetylglycinamide, and N-acetylglutamine are 33 × 107, 8.8 × 107, 6.6 × 107, and 2.2 × 107 M-1 s-1, respectively. Transient absorption and temperature dependence of the fluorescence lifetime measured in the absence and presence of quencher gave strong circumstantial evidence for electron transfer as the quenching mechanism. Triplet yields were measured for five indole derivatives using transient absorption. Intersystem crossing rates were calculated from triplet yield and fluorescence lifetime data. The intersystem cross...
Parcellation of left parietal tool representations by functional connectivity

Manipulating a tool according to its function requires the integration of visual, conceptual, and motor information, a process subserved in part by left parietal cortex. How these different types of information are integrated and how their integration is reflected in neural responses in the parietal lobule remains an open question. Here, participants viewed images of tools and animals during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). k-Means clustering over time series data was used to parcellate left parietal cortex into subregions based on functional connectivity to a whole brain network of regions involved in tool processing. One cluster, in the inferior parietal cortex, expressed privileged functional connectivity to the left ventral premotor cortex. A second cluster, in the vicinity of the anterior intraparietal sulcus, expressed privileged functional connectivity with the left medial fusiform gyrus. A third cluster in the superior parietal lobe expressed privileged functional connectivity with dorsal occipital cortex. Control analyses using Monte Carlo style permutation tests demonstrated that the clustering solutions were outside the range of what would be observed based on chance ‘lumpiness’ in random data, or mere anatomical proximity. Finally, hierarchical clustering analyses were used to formally relate the resulting parcellation scheme of left parietal tool representations to previous work that has parcellated the left parietal lobule on purely anatomical grounds. These findings demonstrate significant heterogeneity in the functional organization of manipulable object representations in left parietal cortex, and outline a framework that generates novel predictions about the causes of some forms of upper limb apraxia.
Role of continuous monitoring for optimizing management strategies in patients with early arrhythmia recurrences after atrial fibrillation ablation.

Arrhythmia recurrences early after the procedure are not uncommon in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation.1,2 These typically manifest as AF and/or organized atrial tachyarrhythmias (OATs) and can be encountered in as many as 45% of subjects for up to 3 months after the procedure.3 The mechanism underlying early recurrence of atrial arrhythmias (ERA) remain poorly understood but have been attributed to stimulatory effect of radiofrequency energy, imbalance in the autonomic supply of the heart, a generalized inflammatory state, and so forth, all of which are considered transient.3–5 Consistent with this hypothesis, up to 60% of patients manifesting ERA eventually become arrhythmia free without needing another ablation.1,2 Thus, at the present time it is common practice to treat ERA conservatively. This approach is also supported by the HRS/EHRA/ECAS consensus statement, which recommends against immediate reablation for such early arrhythmia occurrences.3 However, as our experience with AF ablation has grown, there is evidence supporting a strong and independent association between ERA and long-term recurrence of AF.1,2,7 These findings cast ERA in a new light and suggest that their occurrence may in fact reflect reestablishment of the original AF substrate. If this is true, then it would support a role for early repeat ablation in patients manifesting ERA. However, such an approach has not been widely adopted. This is probably because of reluctance on the part of physicians to perform early reablation because only half the patients manifesting ERA will have long-term AF recurrence. Thus, what is lacking currently is a better understanding of the corelationship between ERA events and future AF occurrences. This gap in our knowledge is largely due to our inability to continuously monitor patients after the AF ablation procedure. The monitoring modalities …
Regulation of DNA replication by serum and the transforming function in cultured rat fibroblasts transformed by Rous sarcoma virus.

The onset and rate of semiconservative DNA replication were measured in stimulated cultured rat fibroblasts and their Rous sarcoma virus-transformed derivatives after a period of serum deprivation. Rat-1 (tsLA24/RSV) cells initiated DNA synthesis following a shift to the permissive temperature or addition of serum at the non-permissive temperature. Their rate of DNA replication was unaffected by the presence of serum at the permissive temperature, however, there was a serum requirement at the non-permissive temperature. The transition probability was less at the permissive temperature, independent of serum, than at the non-permissive temperature in the presence of serum. The amount of DNA induced to replicate by addition of serum at the non-permissive temperature or by a shift to the permissive temperature was similar. Using the untransformed Rat-1 cells and these cells transformed by wild-type RSV (Rat-1 (wt/RSV)), it was confirmed that the rate of entry into S phase (transition probability) was always lower in the transformed cell line at both 39° and 35°. In both cell lines the rate of DNA replication was independent of temperature, but the onset was delayed at the lower temperature. These results indicate that in the cell lines examined, (1) serum was able to commit the cells to replicate DNA (alter the transition probability) in both transformed and untransformed cells, but the transforming function was able to supplant a serum-dependent process during G1 necessary for the initiation of DNA replication, and (2) the effects of the transforming function and serum factor(s) on the alteration of the transition probability are not additive, suggesting that the transforming function initiates a process which acts at the level of the commitment to DNA replication which may render the normal serum-related control mechanisms ineffective in the regulation of growth.
Metabolic Regulation by Lysine Malonylation, Succinylation, and Glutarylation

Protein acetylation is a well-studied regulatory mechanism for several cellular processes, ranging from gene expression to metabolism. Recent discoveries of new post-translational modifications, including malonylation, succinylation, and glutarylation, have expanded our understanding of the types of modifications found on proteins. These three acidic lysine modifications are structurally similar but have the potential to regulate different proteins in different pathways. The deacylase sirtuin 5 (SIRT5) catalyzes the removal of these modifications from a wide range of proteins in different subcellular compartments. Here, we review these new modifications, their regulation by SIRT5, and their emerging role in cellular regulation and diseases.
Escort: securing Scout paths

Scout is a communication oriented operating system that can be specialized for different information appliances. It uses paths as an explicit first class object to describe the flow of information through the system. Escort is the security architecture for Scout. It uses the explicit knowledge provided by a path abstraction to secure information flow in a flexible manner.
Loss of types XV and XIX collagen precedes basement membrane invasion in ductal carcinoma of the female breast

Ductal and lobular carcinomas comprise most malignancies of the female breast and the morbidity and mortality associated with breast cancer. During the progression from in situ to invasive stages, tumour cells penetrate the epithelial and vascular basement membranes (BM) to realize full metastatic potential. While the definition of these structures has primarily resulted from analysis of laminin and type IV collagen, characterization of newly discovered BM/BM zone (BMZ) proteins will further elucidate the interactions between tumour cells and the host stroma. We have studied the expression of two non-fibrillar BMZ collagens, the type XV proteoglycan and collagen XIX, in breast cancer where a linear, well-formed BM becomes fragmented and even lost in the progression of epithelial malignancy. In the normal breast, types XV and XIX were found in all BMZ: epithelial, muscle, neural, endothelial, and fat. In in situ lesions, these two collagens, and particularly type XV, were often absent from the BM/BMZ displaying a continuous or just focally disrupted type IV/laminin staining pattern. In contrast, infiltrating ductal carcinomas showed only rare traces of laminin and collagen IV reactivity adjacent to the glands and tumour nests, and similarly there was little if any evidence of types XV and XIX collagen. All four molecules were, however, detected in the interstitium associated with some of the invasive carcinomas. The data suggest that types XV and XIX collagen are lost early in the development of invasive tumours, prior to penetration and eventual dissolution of the epithelial BM. Disappearance of these proteins from the BM/BMZ may signal remodelling of the extracellular matrix to promote tumour cell infiltration.
Convergence of three mangrove species towards freeze-tolerant phenotypes at an expanding range edge

Summary Climate change is dramatically altering the distribution and abundance of many species. An examination of traits may elucidate why some species respond more strongly to climate change than others, particularly when ecophysiological thresholds set range limits. Mangrove forests are expanding polewards. Although multiple environmental factors influence mangrove distributions, freeze tolerance is hypothesized to determine their poleward extent. To investigate how trait variation influences mangroves’ responses to a warming climate, we examined how freeze tolerance and associated traits varied along a latitudinal cline for three co-occurring mangrove species. We sampled individuals along >200 km of Florida, USA's eastern coast, from the mangroves’ most northern populations, where freeze events were historically common, to southern populations where freeze events continue to be rare. We measured a suite of traits in field-collected adults and their garden-reared offspring, and assessed their responses to an experimentally imposed freeze event. We asked whether freeze tolerance and other traits varied predictably among species, with latitude, and between life stages. Species and populations varied dramatically in freeze tolerance, with the highest freeze tolerance in the northernmost species and populations, and the lowest freeze tolerance in the southernmost species and populations. Additionally, leaves of all three species were drier, tougher, thicker and more freeze-tolerant at the range edge. Tolerance to freezing appears to set the range limits for these mangrove species. All three species converged on a similar phenotype at the range edge, but species-level variation in freezing resistance was conserved. Thus, these species are likely to continue migrating at different rates in response to climate warming, potentially leading to the dissolution of typically co-occurring species and creating ‘no analogue’ coastal mangrove–marsh communities.
Evaluating Oxide Liner and Copper Barrier Integrity of Through-Silicon-Via by Electrical Characterization and Microanalysis

3D integration enabled by through-silicon-via (TSV) allows continued performance enhancement and power reduction for semiconductor devices, even without further scaling. For TSV wafers with all Applied Materials unit processes, we evaluate the integrity of oxide liner and copper barrier by capacitance-voltage (C-V) and current-voltage (I-V) measurements, from which oxide capacitance, minimum TSV capacitance, and leakage current are extracted. The capacitance values match well with model predictions. The leakage data also demonstrate good wafer-scale uniformity. The liner and barrier quality are further verified with microanalysis techniques.
Myocarditis in mixed connective tissue disease

A young black woman with clinical and serologic features of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) developed myocarditis with congestive heart failure and ventricular ectopic activity. Despite treatment with steroids and cyclophosphamide, progressive myocarditis resulted in death 20 months after cardiomegaly first developed. Necropsy findings in the myocardium included multiple areas of extensive lymphocytic infiltration and patches of fibrosis. Myocarditis has not previously been described in the adult with MCTD but may be an important complication in patients with a high titer of antibody to nuclear ribonucleoprotein.
Efficiency in Social Service Organizations

This article addresses two unresolved issues in studying organizational efficiency: first, the problem of evaluating organizations; second, the problems involved in investigating the interrelationships of efficiency, structure and organizational environments. We argue that answering these questions requires careful consideration of the divergent interests of various organizational constituencies. Also, an analysis of the second question requires the use of dynamic models that have just recently appeared in the literature.
Hooded Warbler Nesting Success Adjacent to Group-selection and Clearcut Edges in a Southeastern Bottomland Forest

Abstract During the 1996, 1997, and 1998 breeding seasons, we located and monitored Hooded Warbler (Wilsonia citrina) nests in a bottomland forest and examined the effects of edge proximity, edge type, and nest-site vegetation on nesting success. Successful Hooded Warbler nests were more concealed from below and were located in nest patches with a greater abundance of >0.5-m-tall switchcane (Arundinaria gigantea) stems than unsuccessful nests. Daily nest survival rates, clutch size, and number of fledglings per successful nest did not differ between nests near edges of selection-harvest openings within the bottomland and nests near edges of clearcuts adjacent to the bottomland. Daily survival rate, clutch size, and number of fledglings per successful nest did not differ among nests 0–50 m, 51–100 m, and >100 m from the nearest edge, and probability of nest survival was not related to proximity to either edge type. However, probability of parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) was higher near...
Ion Beam Mixing Of Marker Atoms in Mo and Ru and Heat of Mixing

The effect of the heat of mixing, ∆Hm, on the ion beam mixing of marker systems was studied. The matrices for tne experiment were Mo and Ru, and marker atoms were Ti, Cr, Mn, Ni, Hf, Ta, Pt, and Au. These markers and matrices have heat of mixing ranging from +65 to −227 kJ/mol. Irradiations were done with 300 keV Kr at 77 and 300 K, with room temperature backscattering spectrometry analysis. There was no correlation between the mixing results and heat of mixing, which is consistent with the idea of ion beam mixing of dilute marker system.
Revisiting Satya's Vision and Challenges

IEEE Pervasive Computing magazine owes its existence in part to Mark Weiser, but also in part to M. Satyanarayanan's seminal paper, "Pervasive Computing: Vision and Challenges," which outlines a vision for pervasive computing in the modern world and the challenges that vision entails. Here, Maria Ebling looks back at our progress on a few of the challenges he described. Web extra: Maria Ebling thanks those who made IEEE Pervasive Computing's volume 14 possible.
Evaluation of Diabetes Mellitus as a Risk Factor for Major Complications in Patients Undergoing Aesthetic Surgery

Background Diabetes mellitus has been linked with a variety of perioperative adverse events across surgical disciplines. There is a paucity of studies systematically examining risk factors, including diabetes, and complications of aesthetic surgical procedures. Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare incidence and type of complications between diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing various aesthetic surgical procedures, to identify specific procedures where diabetes significantly increases risk of complications, and to study diabetes as an independent risk factor for major complications following aesthetic surgery. Methods A prospective cohort of 129,007 patients who enrolled into the CosmetAssure insurance program and underwent cosmetic surgical procedures between May 2008 and May 2013 were reviewed. Diabetes was evaluated as risk factor for major complications, requiring hospital admission, emergency room visit, or a reoperation within 30 days after surgery. Multivariate regression analysis was performed controlling for the effects of age, smoking, obesity, gender, type of procedures, and surgical facility. Results Overall, 2506 patients (1.9%) had a major complication. Diabetics had significantly more complications compared to non-diabetics (3.1% vs 1.9%, P < 0.01). In univariate analysis, infectious (1.1% vs 0.5%, P < 0.01) and pulmonary (0.3% vs 0.1%, P < 0.01) complications were significantly higher among diabetics. Notably, diabetics had higher risks of complication in body cases (4.3% vs 2.6%, P < 0.01) and specifically abdominoplasty (6.1% vs 3.0%, P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, diabetes was found to be an independent risk factor of any complication (relative risk 1.31, P = 0.03) and infection (relative risk 1.70, P < 0.01). Conclusions Diabetes is an independent risk factor of major complications, particularly infection, after aesthetic surgical procedures. Level of Evidence: 2 ![Graphic][1] Risk [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Production of hypertonic urine in humans in the probable absence of antidiuretic hormone.

SummaryThe effect of profound reduction of glomerular filtration rate on urinary osmolality of 2 subjects with diabetes insipidus was investigated. In both, reduction in filtration rate was associated with production of a significantly hypertonic urine. These observations support the animal experiments which suggest that ADH is not essential for the production of a hypertonic urine.
New thermobarometers for martian igneous rocks, and some implications for secular cooling on Mars

Tests show that terrestrial mineral+liquid geothermobarometers are not well equipped for use on martian rocks, which tend to have much higher FeO and lower Al2O3. Here, we present new calibrations of thermometers and barometers using experimental data on martian samples from the literature. These new models recover P - T conditions with a greater accuracy compared to models calibrated using terrestrial compositions. We applied these new calibrations to primitive martian mantle-derived melts Yamato 980459 (Y98) and Northwest Africa (NWA) 6234 and several surface basalts (Gusev). Our new models yield similar P-T conditions for NWA and Y98 compositions of 1.4–1.7 GPa and 1500–1550 °C, which are close to estimates by most prior studies. Our models yield somewhat lower P estimates compared to Lee et al. (2009), apparently because our Si-activity model (from Beattie 1993) includes an Al2O3-correction (where lower Al2O3, as in martian samples, leads to lower P estimates). For Gusev basalt compositions, our new models yield P-T estimates of 1.0–1.3 GPa and 1340–1390 °C; furthermore, we also obtain P = 1.03 GPa and T = 1340 °C, for a Gusev composition from Monders et al. (2007), which comes very close to the Monders et al. (2007) estimate for multiple saturation, of 1.0 GPa and 1325 °C, derived from phase saturation relationships. Given the different ages of these meteorites, with Gusev at 3.65 Ga (Greeley et al. 2005) and Y98 at 4.3 Ga (Bouvier et al. 2005, 2008, 2009; Werner et al. 2014), their thermal contrasts may represent secular cooling of Mars. We estimate a mantle potential temperature difference of ~200 °C, with mantle potential temperatures of 1450 ±50 °C for Gusev and 1650 ±50 °C for Y98; this implies a cooling rate of 300 °C/Ga. This would appear to be a much more rapid rate of cooling compared to Earth, as may be expected by Mars’ higher surface/volume ratio.
Multi-objective localization method based on K-means clustering in binary sensor networks

A multi-objective localization algorithm based on-means clustering is proposed in binary wireless sensor networks with false alarm.The-means clustering-improved subtract on negative add on positive(KMC-ISNAP) algorithm is applied to localize the multiple objectives where the distance between nodes and objectives is unknown,and influencing factors are used to reduce the influence of fuzzy nodes on localization errors.The simulation results show that the-means clustering method is able to divide the alarmed sensors into parts accurately when multiple objectives are randomly distributed,and the proposed KMC-ISNAP has higher estimation accuracy and better fault tolerance than centroid estimator(CE) algorithm and subtract on negative add on positive(SANP) algorithm.
Three-dimensional elastic behavior of undulating laminas in fiber composites

Analytical models have been developed in recent years for predicting the elastic properties of fiber reinforced composite laminates with undulated laminas, such as woven and filament wound composit...
Generation of Human Liver Chimeric Mice for the Study of Human Hepatotropic Pathogens

Human liver chimeric mice have become valuable tools for the study of human hepatotropic pathogens and for the investigation of metabolism and pharmacokinetics of novel drugs. The evolution of the underlying mouse models has been rapid in the past years. The diverse fields of applications of those model systems and their technical challenges will be discussed in this chapter.
Latin American Pathways to Achieve Universal Health Coverage

The reforms carried out over the last decade and a half by Latin American countries concerning their health systems have contributed to greater coverage rates and equity in access. Strengthening the solidarity pillar of social protection systems has been key to providing health care coverage to populations without access to contributory social protection.
Advances on Sensitive Electron-Injection Based Cameras for Low-Flux, Short-Wave Infrared Applications

Short-wave infrared (SWIR) photon detection has become an essential technology in the modern world. Sensitive SWIR detector arrays with high pixel density, low noise levels and high signal-to-noise-ratios are highly desirable for a variety of applications including biophotonics, light detection and ranging, optical tomography, and astronomical imaging. As such many efforts in infrared detector research are directed towards improving the performance of the photon detectors operating in this wavelength range. We review the history, principle of operation, present status and possible future developments of a sensitive SWIR detector technology, which has demonstrated to be one of the most promising paths to high pixel density focal plane arrays for low flux applications. The so-called electron-injection (EI) detector was demonstrated for the first time (in 2007). It offers an overall system-level sensitivity enhancement compared to the p-i-n diode due to a stable internal avalanche-free gain. The amplification method is inherently low noise, and devices exhibit an excess noise of unity. The detector operates in linear-mode and requires only bias voltage of a few volts. The stable detector characteristics, makes formation of high yield large-format, and high pixel density focal plane arrays less challenging compared to other detector technologies such as avalanche photodetectors. Detector is based on the mature InP material system (InP/InAlAs/GaAsSb/InGaAs), and has a cutoff wavelength of 1700 nm. It takes advantage of a unique three-dimensional geometry and combines the efficiency of a large absorbing volume with the sensitivity of a low-dimensional switch (injector) to sense and amplify signals. Current devices provide high-speed response ~ 5 ns rise time, and low jitter ~ 12 ps at room temperature. The internal dark current density is ~ 1 μA/cm2 at room temperature decreasing to 0.1 nA/cm2 at 160 K. EI detectors have been designed, fabricated, and tested during two generations of development and optimization cycles. We review our imager results using the first-generation detectors. In the second-generation devices, the dark current is reduced by two orders of magnitude, and bandwidth is improved by 4 orders of magnitude. The dark current density of the EI detector is shown to outperform the state-of-the-art technology, the
The Effect of Verbal Advance Organizers in Complementing Animated Instruction

AbstractThis investigation explored the instructional effect of verbal advance organizers used as enhancement strategies to complement animated instruction. Eighty-nine college students were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: (1) control group, (2) verbal descriptive advance organizer group and(3) verbal question advance organizer group. Four independent criterion tests were used to measure students’ achievement of the different educational objectives. Results indicated insignificant differences in achievement among the three treatment groups on each of the criterion measures indicating that the use of verbal advance organizer treatments used to complement the visually-animated instruction did not instigate deeper levels of information processing than did the animated instruction alone.
THE IMPACT OF A MULTIDISCIPLINARY AND MULTIMODAL APPROACH ON SEPSIS OUTCOMES IN A LARGE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SYSTEM

Background Sepsis is an important contributor to hospital morbidity and mortality, with annual costs estimated $20 billion. Early identification and treatment is key to improving sepsis outcomes. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommended sepsis bundles to improve quality with sepsis management. Objectives Increase recognition of sepsis Provide clinical tools to facilitate sepsis bundle use Decrease sepsis mortality Methods We upgraded clinical tools based upon new sepsis guidelines, and developed a comprehensive sepsis initiative across an eight hospital system. A multidisciplinary team of key stakeholders across the care continuum at each hospital led multimodal efforts at the corporate, hospital and unit level, addressing opportunities to improve sepsis care across all populations. All clinical caregivers were required to complete sepsis education offered in multiple formats. We held a “kickoff” for eight hospital teams through an interactive and simulation-based Sepsis Superbowl program in 2015. Our informatics team developed novel sepsis care adjuncts: SIRS surveillance with automatic prompts for sepsis assessment, upgraded EMR sepsis screens, compliance reports, revised EMR order set, and interactive physician progress note which fulfills documentation requirements for sepsis core measures. The ED developed a sepsis risk tool for triage and ED and inpatient sepsis alert processes to facilitate timely treatment. Results Hospital sepsis teams meet regularly, report outcomes data, address barriers, and make clinical sepsis rounds. Compared to 2013, we9ve had 37% reduction in all sepsis mortality and 32% reduction from severe sepsis/septic shock. Conclusions Improving sepsis care across a large healthcare system was possible using multidisciplinary and multimodal strategies and resulted in reduced sepsis mortality.
Converting Lawn to Restored Forest on a Midwest College Campus: A Seven Year Assessment of Herbaceous Plant Establishment

Human development has resulted in significant loss of forested areas and associated biodiversity. Preserving and restoring woodland habitats is critical for recovering this biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides. While forest restoration projects typically focus on improving degraded woodlands, fewer studies have investigated the conversion of suburban, lawn-dominated landscapes back into healthy forest ecosystems. In this study, we evaluated different strategies for establishing a forest ecosystem on land that for over 20 years had been maintained as turf grass. Five native, herbaceous woodland plants (Arisaema triphyllum, Carex pensylvanica, Diarrhena americana, Geranium maculatum , and Podophyllum peltatum ) were planted around five nurse trees (Acer rubrum, Amelanchier arborea, Cercis canadensis, Tsuga canadensis , and Viburnum opulus var. americanum ) in four soil treatments: bare soil; 5 cm of leaf mulch; rototilling and 5 cm of leaf mulch; and 10 cm of leaf mulch. We assessed the prevalence of weeds in each soil treatment two years after planting. We also analyzed survivorship and performance data seven years after planting to evaluate how nurse tree species and soil treatment affect herbaceous species. We found that mulching decreased the prevalence of weedy species and did not affect survivorship or performance of herbaceous transplants. Overall survivorship varied significantly, with P. peltatum having the highest survivorship and C. pensylvanica the lowest. Survivorship was influenced by nurse tree species, and was lowest around T. canadensis . Similar restoration projects should consider using species that were successful in this project, avoid planting near T. canadensis , and consider leaf mulch for weed control.
Why There Are No Conservative Professors and Why Do Conservatives Care: Implications for Christian Scholarship

ABSTRACTThe dearth of conservative professors in many disciplinary fields in higher education has been the concern, oddly enough, of liberal scholars. Perhaps one of the most prolific apologists of the liberal professorate has been professor of sociology Neil Gross at the University of British Columbia. Gross attributes the abundance of liberal professors in certain fields to political typing, a process of self-selection based on preconceived and self-perpetuating biases regarding the epistemological assumptions of disciplinary domains. This study offers a more pedestrian account of the liberal bias on the university campus and proposes implications for Christian scholarship.
Rescue echocardiographically guided pericardiocentesis for cardiac perforation complicating catheter-based procedures: The Mayo Clinic experience

Abstract Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of rescue echocardiographically guided pericardiocentesis as a primary strategy for the management of acute cardiac perforation and tamponade complicating catheter-based procedures. Background. In this era of interventional catheterization, acute tamponade from cardiac perforation as a complication is encountered more frequently. The safety and efficacy of echocardiographically guided pericardiocentesis in this life-threatening situation and outcomes of patients managed by this technique are unknown. Methods. Of the 960 consecutive echocardiographically guided pericardiocenteses performed at the Mayo Clinic (1979 to 1997), 92 (9.6%) were undertaken in 88 patients with acute tamponade that developed in association with a diagnostic or interventional catheter-based procedure. Most of the patients were hemodynamically unstable at the time of pericardiocentesis, with clinically overt tamponade in 40% and frank hemodynamic collapse (systolic blood pressure Results. Rescue pericardiocentesis was successful in relieving tamponade in 91 cases (99%) and was the only and definitive therapy in 82% of the cases. Major complications (3%) included pneumothorax (n = 1), right ventricular laceration (n = 1) and intercostal vessel injury with right ventricular laceration (n = 1); all were treated successfully. Minor complications (2%) included a small pneumothorax and an instance of transient nonsustained ventricular tachycardia; all were resolved spontaneously. Further surgical intervention was performed in 16 patients (18%). No deaths resulted from the rescue pericardiocentesis procedure itself. Early death ( Conclusions. Echocardiographically guided pericardiocentesis was safe and effective for rescuing patients from tamponade and reversing hemodynamic instability complicating invasive cardiac catheter-based procedures. For most patients, this was the definitive and only therapy necessary.
Social Influence Spectrum at Scale: Near-Optimal Solutions for Multiple Budgets at Once

Given a social network, the Influence Maximization (InfMax) problem seeks a seed set of k people that maximizes the expected influence for a viral marketing campaign. However, a solution for a particular seed size k is often not enough to make an informed choice regarding budget and cost-effectiveness. In this article, we propose the computation of Influence Spectrum (InfSpec), the maximum influence at each possible seed set size k within a given range [klower,kupper], thus providing optimal decision making for any availability of budget or influence requirements. As none of the existing methods for InfMax are efficient enough for the task in large networks, we propose LISA (sub-Linear Influence Spectrum Approximation), an efficient approximation algorithm for InfSpec (and also InfMax) with the best-known worst-case guarantees for billion-scale networks. LISA returns an (1-1/e -e)-approximate influence spectrum with high probability (1-Δ), where e, Δ are precision parameters provided by users. Using statistical decision theory, LISA has an asymptotic optimal running time (in addition to optimal approximation guarantee). In practice, LISA surpasses the state-of-the-art InfMax methods, taking less than 15 minutes to process a network of 41.7 million nodes and 1.5 billions edges.
Understanding the Self in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): A Review of Literature.

When the system of self is explored in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), it is important to measure it via both their own perceptions of the self and their understanding of others’ perceptions on themselves at a multidimensional level. This paper reviews existing research in this area using a three-dimension approach. Researchers have found that impairments in the self-system are usually correlated with these individuals’ social and cognitive functioning levels: high functioning individuals with ASD who have higher IQ are found to have better awareness of their limitations in social and communication domains than those with lower IQ. Many researchers believe that there are impairments in the psychological (but not physical) self in individuals with ASD, such as theory of mind deficits due to social and communicative impairments. On the other hand, some researchers argue that individuals with ASD have selective rather than global impairments in the self. In other words, the impairment usually lies in a specific aspect of functioning in individuals with ASD. Insights from the review of existing literature on this topic may be able to shed some lights on the development of effective intervention programs to improve social communication deficits in this population.
Next-Generation Sequencing: A Novel Approach to Distinguish Multifocal Primary Lung Adenocarcinomas from Intrapulmonary Metastases

Distinguishing between multiple lung primary tumors and intrapulmonary metastases is imperative for accurate staging. The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) criteria are routinely used for this purpose but can yield equivocal conclusions. This study evaluated whether next-generation sequencing (NGS) using the 50-gene AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel version 2 can help facilitate this distinction. NGS was performed on known primary-metastatic pairs (8 patients) and multiple lung adenocarcinomas (11 patients). Primary-metastatic pairs had high mutational concordance. Seven pairs shared mutations, and 1 was concordant for having no mutations. Driver mutations in KRAS (n = 4), EGFR (n = 2), and BRAF (n = 1) were always concordant. Multiple lung tumors from 3 patients were completely concordant and predicted by NGS to be intrapulmonary metastases, whereas 8 had completely discordant mutations and were predicted to be independent primary tumors. The NGS prediction correlated with the AJCC (eighth edition) prediction in all patients for whom the latter was unequivocal (8 of 11). Furthermore, it separated patients by overall survival. Patients with predicted multiple independent primary tumors by NGS had better survival than those with distant metastases (P = 0.016, log-rank test), whereas those with predicted intrapulmonary metastases had no difference (P = 0.527). With further validation, the 50-gene panel has the potential to serve as an adjunct to the AJCC criteria.
ENVIRONMENTAL TRACE ANALYSES WITH THE STABILIZED TEMPERATURE PLATFORM FURNACE AND ZEEMAN BACKGROUND CORRECTION

ABSTRACT The graphite furnace is probably the most sensitive and convenient technique for the determination of trace metals in environmental samples. It is easy to use and the interference problems mentioned in the literature have been reduced greatly by a series of important improvements to the graphite furnace. The use of the L'vov Platform has converted the graphite furnace into a furnace at a stabilized temperature. In addition, new pyrolytically coated tubes greatly reduce certain analytical problems previously experienced for the more refractory analyte metals. Zeeman background correction permits the analysis of samples with much higher backgrounds, permitting lower detection limits of the analyte metals in more complex materials and simplifies methods development. For all of these advantages to be used successfully, the spectrophotometer must handle very fast signals and provide accurate integrated absorbances. In addition, the furnace must be capable of rapidly reaching the desired final temperature. Analytical improvements were found for a variety of environmental analytes and matrices.
Social integration and age-related decline in lung function.

OBJECTIVES We tested the hypothesis that social integration, measured as number of social roles, is associated with less age-related loss of lung function, an important marker of health and longevity. We also investigated possible psychological factors through which social integration might influence lung health. METHODS Data were analyzed from the Health and Retirement Study (ages 52-94, n = 4,224). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Each additional social role reported at baseline was associated with less of a decline in lung function between baseline and the follow-up assessment four years later. The association withstood controls for demographics, weight, and height and was mediated by more positive and less negative affect and lower rates of cigarette smoking and more physical activity. Roles were mostly substitutable, with both high (spouse, parent, friends, relatives) and low (employee, religious service attendee, volunteer, members of other groups) intimacy roles independently contributing to less age-related decline in lung function. (PsycINFO Database Record
Aggregate planning with Flexibility Requirements Profile

Abstract Demand uncertainty can cause frequent changes in production plans, which create nervousness in manufacturing companies. Traditional methods used for stabilizing production plans do not provide the adequate flexibility in production plans to handle the random demand. Flexibility Requirements Profile (FRP) is an alternative stabilizing approach, where flexible bounds are enforced on production plans in order to maintain a desired degree of flexibility. In this study, we incorporate FRP into conventional aggregate planning, which is formulated as a mixed-integer linear program with additional constraints to reflect the FRP requirements. To ascertain the effectiveness of the proposed method, several structural results are presented along with a comprehensive numerical study using a design of experiments framework with examples from automotive and textile industries. Based on production costs and production plan stability, the effectiveness of FRP-based aggregate planning is compared to traditional aggregate planning without FRP as well as to FRP planning without optimization. The results show that aggregate planning with FRP can consistently identify more stable production plans without significantly sacrificing the cost objective.
Molecular Requirements for Synthetic RNA to Act in Interferon Stimulation

Three varieties of polyanions have been associated with interferon production; that is, plastics, polysaccharides, and polynucleotides (reviewed by De Clercq and Merigan, 1970). Only with the latter do we have any knowledge of three-dimensional structure, due to the work of Watson and Crick (1953), Wilkins et al. (1953), and others as reviewed by Davies (1967). Knowledge of the genetic role of nucleic acids in the last 2 decades has led to an immense amount of chemical information on their structure and synthesis. However, proteins are the biologically important macromolecules about which most is known as to mechanisms on the organic chemical level which underly their activities. Here, it is quite clear that in contrast to the limited knowledge provided by information on primary sequence, major insights were afforded only by precise descriptions of the three-dimensional structure of proteins (Barnard, 1969). Therefore, we have been attracted to study the structural requirements and fate of nucleotides acting as interferon inducers in the cell, because of the potential for meaningful molecular level understanding of this phenomenon. As this represents a new function for nucleic acids, it is possible that the structural basis of this activity may even have implications for nucleic acid structure and genetic function.
GENERIC RIGIDITY OF NETWORK GLASSES

In this paper, we have tried to collect together some of the more important results regarding floppy modes and constraint counting in glasses that have emerged in the past decade. This work has provided a useful conceptual framework within which to discuss some of the physical properties of glasses. Some of the arguments in this area are subtle and still controversial.
Grandparents and Stepgrandparents

Are intergenerational bonds important in stepfamilies? Changes in longevity, fertility, and marital stability have important implications for stepfamilies. The effects of custody and gender on grandparent–grandchild relationships in stepfamilies are presented in this chapter, as is information about stepgrandparents (39 % of American families have stepgrandparents). There are several pathways to becoming a stepgrandparent (i.e., long-term, later-life, skip-generation, and inherited), and these pathways are critical to the development of stepgrandparent–stepgrandchild relationships. The small body of research on former stepgrandparents, and how and why these relationships are maintained or not is also reviewed. Grandparents and stepgrandparents can have significant roles in families, and the rapid increase in multigenerational stepfamilies has made this a fertile area for future research.
Index colonoscopy-related risk factors for postcolonoscopy colorectal cancers.

Background and Aims Postcolonoscopy colorectal cancers (PCCRCs) are defined as those detected ≤10 years after an index colonoscopy negative for cancer, but modifiable risk factors are not well established in large, community-based populations. Methods We evaluated risk factors from the index colonoscopy for PCCRCs diagnosed 1 to 10 years after an index colonoscopy using a case-control design. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were adjusted for potential confounders. Results A proximal polyp ≥10 mm (OR, 8.18; 95% CI, 4.59-14.60), distal polyp ≥10 mm (OR, 3.30; 95% CI, 1.65-6.58), adenoma with (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.83-5.68) and without advanced histology (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.37-2.55), and an incomplete colonoscopy (OR, 5.52; 95% CI, 2.98-10.21) were associated with PCCRC. Risk factors for early versus late cancers (12-36 months vs >36 months to 10 years after examination) included incomplete polyp excision in the colonic segment of the subsequent cancer (OR, 4.76; 95% CI, 2.35-9.65); failure to examine the segment (OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.27-4.60); and a polyp ≥10 mm in the segment (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.53-3.70). A total of 559 of 1206 patients with PCCRC (46.4%) had 1 or more risk factors that were significant for PCCRC (incomplete examination, large polyp, or any adenoma). Conclusions In a large community-based study with comprehensive capture of PCCRCs, almost half of PCCRCs had potentially modifiable factors related to polyp surveillance or removal and examination completeness. These represent potential high-yield targets to further increase the effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening.
Using Technology to Assess in the Music Classroom

Because music teachers serve so many students, it is necessary to have some way of collecting and tracking data quickly. This article discusses several data collection tools for the music classroom.
English semantic feature production norms: An extended database of 4436 concepts

A limiting factor in understanding memory and language is often the availability of large numbers of stimuli to use and explore in experimental studies. In this study, we expand on three previous databases of concepts to over 4000 words including nouns, verbs, adjectives, and other parts of speech. Participants in the study were asked to provide lists of features for each concept presented (a semantic feature production task), which were combined with previous research in this area. These feature lists for each concept were then coded into their root word form and affixes (i.e., cat and s for cats) to explore the impact of word form on semantic similarity measures, which are often calculated by comparing concept feature lists (feature overlap). All concept features, coding, and calculated similarity information is provided in a searchable database for easy access and utilization for future researchers when designing experiments that use word stimuli. The final database of word pairs was combined with the Semantic Priming Project to examine the relation of semantic similarity statistics on semantic priming in tandem with other psycholinguistic variables.